wnd--2020-02-19--Is Mike Bloomberg 'cheating' with his money?

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been rising drastically in the national polling for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination .
Frightened by that rise , Democratic candidates from center-left to communist have risen as one , declaring that Bloomberg has done the process dirty : By dropping hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising , he has thwarted the process and , thus , the will of the people .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, proclaimed : `` It 's a shame Mike Bloomberg can buy his way into the debate .
But at least now primary voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Donald Trump can get a live demonstration of how we each take on an egomaniac billionaire . ''
And former Vice President Joe Biden stated , `` Sixty billion dollars can buy you a lot of advertising , but it ca n't erase your record . ''
All of which raises a serious question : Is Bloomberg doing something deeply wrong – is he `` cheating '' – by spending oodles of his own money on political advertising ?
The answer , of course , is no .
Tom Steyer , another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 million on political advertising , with little response – he won 0.3 % of votes in Iowa and 3.6 % of votes in New Hampshire .
Bloomberg is resonating because he is vying for the moderate lane in the Democratic primaries just as Biden , the wire-to-wire front-runner until the primaries actually began , flamed out completely .
Money , obviously , is n't everything .
But , say the critics , dollars can buy you an entry ticket into the political race .
That 's undoubtedly true .
Dollars plus a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus a political case .
But it 's also true that dollars become increasingly important in a political system in which candidates can gain outsized attention and vote share by spending money that does n't belong to them .
Bloomberg , to his credit , is spending his own money .
Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , and Warren are pledging to spend everyone else 's .
`` Stop trying to buy elections ! ''
rings hollow from a cast of characters who have promised Americans `` free '' health care , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' child care and `` free '' housing , among other giveaways .
It also rings hollow from people who have received hundreds of millions of dollars ' worth of attention from their like-minded allies in the media .
Sanders has earned hundreds of millions of dollars in media attention ; so , too , has Warren .
Our media act as attention-providing political gatekeepers .
For Bloomberg to end-around them is hardly illegitimate .
In truth , the problem for Democrats is n't Bloomberg 's spending .
The problem is that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an indicator of immorality .
This week , Sanders tweeted , `` Together , we are going to end the greed of the billionaire class . ''
Never mind that creating tens of billions of dollars in value via voluntary exchange , employing tens of thousands of people , and providing goods and services to millions is far less indicative of greed than living as a taxpayer-funded , parasitical , self-styled revolutionary for six decades .
The size of Bloomberg 's bank account makes him morally suspect in the world of the modern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg keeps telling debate crowds that he 's the poorest candidate running , as though lack of financial success is a tremendous indicator of governing ability .
As Trevor Noah recently joked , being called a wealthy person is , for `` progressive white people … like being called the N-word . ''
This perspective represents the reversal of the American dream : We should all aspire to government dependency , patting our own backs for our altruism while drawing on the public dime .
After all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wealthy while living off of them is sainthood .
That 's the Democratic line going into 2020 .
We 'll see soon enough whether Americans are willing to give up the true American dream in favor of yelling at billionaires .

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been rising drastically in the national polling for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Frightened by that rise, Democratic candidates from center-left to communist have risen as one, declaring that Bloomberg has done the process dirty: By dropping hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising, he has thwarted the process and, thus, the will of the people. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., proclaimed: "It's a shame Mike Bloomberg can buy his way into the debate. But at least now primary voters curious about how each candidate will take on Donald Trump can get a live demonstration of how we each take on an egomaniac billionaire." And former Vice President Joe Biden stated, "Sixty billion dollars can buy you a lot of advertising, but it can't erase your record."
All of which raises a serious question: Is Bloomberg doing something deeply wrong – is he "cheating" – by spending oodles of his own money on political advertising?
The answer, of course, is no. Tom Steyer, another Democratic billionaire, has spent over $200 million on political advertising, with little response – he won 0.3% of votes in Iowa and 3.6% of votes in New Hampshire. Bloomberg is resonating because he is vying for the moderate lane in the Democratic primaries just as Biden, the wire-to-wire front-runner until the primaries actually began, flamed out completely. Money, obviously, isn't everything.
But, say the critics, dollars can buy you an entry ticket into the political race. That's undoubtedly true. Dollars plus a political case is better than no dollars plus a political case. But it's also true that dollars become increasingly important in a political system in which candidates can gain outsized attention and vote share by spending money that doesn't belong to them. Bloomberg, to his credit, is spending his own money. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Warren are pledging to spend everyone else's. "Stop trying to buy elections!" rings hollow from a cast of characters who have promised Americans "free" health care, "free" college tuition, "free" child care and "free" housing, among other giveaways.
It also rings hollow from people who have received hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of attention from their like-minded allies in the media. Sanders has earned hundreds of millions of dollars in media attention; so, too, has Warren. Our media act as attention-providing political gatekeepers. For Bloomberg to end-around them is hardly illegitimate.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
In truth, the problem for Democrats isn't Bloomberg's spending. The problem is that the Democratic Party now treats wealth itself as an indicator of immorality. This week, Sanders tweeted, "Together, we are going to end the greed of the billionaire class." Never mind that creating tens of billions of dollars in value via voluntary exchange, employing tens of thousands of people, and providing goods and services to millions is far less indicative of greed than living as a taxpayer-funded, parasitical, self-styled revolutionary for six decades. The size of Bloomberg's bank account makes him morally suspect in the world of the modern Democratic Party. There's a reason former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg keeps telling debate crowds that he's the poorest candidate running, as though lack of financial success is a tremendous indicator of governing ability. As Trevor Noah recently joked, being called a wealthy person is, for "progressive white people … like being called the N-word."
This perspective represents the reversal of the American dream: We should all aspire to government dependency, patting our own backs for our altruism while drawing on the public dime. After all, if wealth is sin, then chiding the wealthy while living off of them is sainthood. That's the Democratic line going into 2020. We'll see soon enough whether Americans are willing to give up the true American dream in favor of yelling at billionaires.


wnd--2020-02-19--'Lane ends in 200 feet' – meaning the Dems' 'moderate lane'

What follows may amount to nothing .
Or , it may amount to something .
Or , it may even amount to an unimaginable big deal .
Let me lay it out .
Our blighted journalistic profession gives us very little to brag about these days .
One palpitating , enthralling exception is the work of writer and columnist Peter Barry Chowka , who has earned the title `` Peter the Great '' many times over .
His most recent distinction is in noting , uncovering and laying wide open a situation regarding some highly unusual personnel on the left-hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seemingly out of nowhere , Peter discovered that presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg ( the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , whom many fondly call `` Mayor Pete '' ) was connected to Bernie Sanders in a most unusual way .
What do we make of it ?
I 'll give you the facts , and you make of it what you will .
In the year 2000 , while still in high school , a young Peter Buttigieg submitted a written essay in the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including a $ 3,000 cash award and all kinds of prestigious recognition .
Caroline Kennedy and Sen. Ted Kennedy were among the contest judges .
Our normal instinct is to hug , kiss and shake hands with everybody and say , `` Wow , is n't this a thrilling coincidence , an early indication of political acumen and an impressive claim to fame ? ''
There are good reasons however , to wipe that smile off your face , namely , the subject of the winning essay and the compliments and praise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom young Pete felt best exemplified a `` profile in courage . ''
That man was Bernie Sanders .
Buttigieg was not only lavish in his admiration of Sanders , but was absolute in his conviction that his encomium celebrating Sanders was entirely deserved and justified .
Is this problematic ?
Well , it 's certainly no more problematic than , say , the revelations ( I call them revelations even though they , too , were hardly trumpeted by the media for all to see ) that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even say disciples ) of Saul Alinsky !
But wait – there 's more !
Chowka also revealed that Buttigieg 's father was a big fan of Marxism in general , and of Italian Communist Party founder Antonio Gramsci in particular .
In other words , those moderate Democrats across the land who have been reassured , based on Pete Buttigieg 's more recent rhetoric , that moderation is alive and well inside the Democratic Party may now suddenly find that reassurance is null and void .
Before `` Peter the Great 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be enough moderate lanes available to make sure no Democrats would have any trouble finding their way on Election Day .
Now , all of a sudden , thanks to Chowka 's detective work , moderate Democrats have been made to feel like refugees .
There 's another radical-left movement we knew nothing about .
In the light of these revelations , real solid , good old moderation is reduced to a happy memory .
Yesterday we thought everything was in order .
Today , thanks to Peter Chowka , we know better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find out for sure is to elect Mayor Pete president and analyze his early decisions .
Meanwhile , enjoy your `` moderate Democrat '' lane as long as you dare .
It may close any time now , without warning .

What follows may amount to nothing. Or, it may amount to something. Or, it may even amount to an unimaginable big deal. Let me lay it out.
Our blighted journalistic profession gives us very little to brag about these days. One palpitating, enthralling exception is the work of writer and columnist Peter Barry Chowka, who has earned the title "Peter the Great" many times over. His most recent distinction is in noting, uncovering and laying wide open a situation regarding some highly unusual personnel on the left-hand side of the Democratic presidential derby.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Peter discovered that presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg (the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, whom many fondly call "Mayor Pete") was connected to Bernie Sanders in a most unusual way. What do we make of it? I'll give you the facts, and you make of it what you will.
In the year 2000, while still in high school, a young Peter Buttigieg submitted a written essay in the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest, and won the whole thing, including a $3,000 cash award and all kinds of prestigious recognition. Caroline Kennedy and Sen. Ted Kennedy were among the contest judges.
Our normal instinct is to hug, kiss and shake hands with everybody and say, "Wow, isn't this a thrilling coincidence, an early indication of political acumen and an impressive claim to fame?" There are good reasons however, to wipe that smile off your face, namely, the subject of the winning essay and the compliments and praise Buttigieg showered upon him, a man whom young Pete felt best exemplified a "profile in courage." That man was Bernie Sanders. Buttigieg was not only lavish in his admiration of Sanders, but was absolute in his conviction that his encomium celebrating Sanders was entirely deserved and justified.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Is this problematic? Well, it's certainly no more problematic than, say, the revelations (I call them revelations even though they, too, were hardly trumpeted by the media for all to see) that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were both big fans (some might even say disciples) of Saul Alinsky!
But wait – there's more! Chowka also revealed that Buttigieg's father was a big fan of Marxism in general, and of Italian Communist Party founder Antonio Gramsci in particular.
In other words, those moderate Democrats across the land who have been reassured, based on Pete Buttigieg's more recent rhetoric, that moderation is alive and well inside the Democratic Party may now suddenly find that reassurance is null and void.
Before "Peter the Great's" discovery, there indeed appeared to be enough moderate lanes available to make sure no Democrats would have any trouble finding their way on Election Day. Now, all of a sudden, thanks to Chowka's detective work, moderate Democrats have been made to feel like refugees. There's another radical-left movement we knew nothing about. In the light of these revelations, real solid, good old moderation is reduced to a happy memory. Yesterday we thought everything was in order. Today, thanks to Peter Chowka, we know better!
Maybe the only way we can find out for sure is to elect Mayor Pete president and analyze his early decisions. Meanwhile, enjoy your "moderate Democrat" lane as long as you dare. It may close any time now, without warning.


wnd--2020-02-19--Trump pardons former NFL owner, Jerry Rice says 'I take my hat off to Donald Trump'

Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice praised President Donald Trump for pardoning former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. on Tuesday .
During DeBartolo 's tenure as owner of the 49ers from 1977 to 2000 , the team won five Super Bowls .
He pleaded guilty in 1998 to failure to report a felony after former Louisiana Gov .
Edwin Edwards allegedly extorted $ 400,000 from him to win a casino license in the Bayou State , The Hill reported .
DeBartolo was suspended as owner following the '98 season and was subsequently forced to relinquish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pay $ 1 million in fines but did not serve jail time .
Rice played for the 49ers during three of the team 's NFL championship wins : 1988 , '89 and '94 .
He was named the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XXIII in 1989 .
`` Thirty years ago , I got the opportunity to play the greatest game ever , NFL football , '' Rice said at the White House .
`` It was because of Eddie DeBartolo and also Bill Walsh and that organization .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they stood for , and that 's the reason why , I think , we won so many championships and so many ball games , '' he said .
`` So Eddie was like that 12th man that was on that football field , and you know that this guy , he wanted us to win .
And I think he 's the main reason why we won so many Super Bowls , '' the former NFL star added .
`` So today 's a great day for him .
I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of that , and it 's just something I 'll never forget .
This man , he has done so much in the community , has done so much in NFL football , and today is a great day for him . ''
Rice added , `` I take my hat off to Donald Trump for what he did . ''
Other former NFL players on hand who spoke to Trump in support of DeBartolo included 49ers greats Charles Haley and Ronnie Lott and Cleveland Browns legend Jim Brown .
The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to DeBartolo , since taking office , according to the Justice Department .
Some of the more high-profile individuals granted clemency were former Maricopa County , Arizona , Sheriff Joe Arpaio , former George W. Bush administration official I. Lewis `` Scooter '' Libby , U.S. Navy sailor Kristian Saucier and conservative commentator and filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza .
During the Super Bowl , the Trump campaign ran an ad featuring the story of Alice Marie Johnson , whose drug conviction sentence the president commuted in 2018 after reality television star Kim Kardashian West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behalf .
`` I 'm free to hug my family .
I 'm free to start over , '' Johnson says in the ad .
`` This is the greatest day of my life .
My heart is just bursting with gratitude .
I want to thank President Donald John Trump . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice praised President Donald Trump for pardoning former San Francisco 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. on Tuesday.
During DeBartolo's tenure as owner of the 49ers from 1977 to 2000, the team won five Super Bowls.
He pleaded guilty in 1998 to failure to report a felony after former Louisiana Gov. Edwin Edwards allegedly extorted $400,000 from him to win a casino license in the Bayou State, The Hill reported.
DeBartolo was suspended as owner following the '98 season and was subsequently forced to relinquish ownership of the team.
He agreed to pay $1 million in fines but did not serve jail time.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Rice played for the 49ers during three of the team's NFL championship wins: 1988, '89 and '94.
He was named the Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl XXIII in 1989.
"Thirty years ago, I got the opportunity to play the greatest game ever, NFL football," Rice said at the White House.
"It was because of Eddie DeBartolo and also Bill Walsh and that organization. It was all about family. That's really what they stood for, and that's the reason why, I think, we won so many championships and so many ball games," he said.
"So Eddie was like that 12th man that was on that football field, and you know that this guy, he wanted us to win. And I think he's the main reason why we won so many Super Bowls," the former NFL star added.
"So today's a great day for him. I'm glad to be here and be a part of that, and it's just something I'll never forget. This man, he has done so much in the community, has done so much in NFL football, and today is a great day for him."
Rice added, "I take my hat off to Donald Trump for what he did."
"I take my hat off to Donald Trump to what he did," Jerry Rice said Tuesday after President Trump pardoned former #49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr. https://t.co/s97DRnDq9D pic.twitter.com/wGmkJ8ugjC — KRON4 News (@kron4news) February 18, 2020
Other former NFL players on hand who spoke to Trump in support of DeBartolo included 49ers greats Charles Haley and Ronnie Lott and Cleveland Browns legend Jim Brown.
Former football star Jim Brown was at the WH with others to offer support for the presidential pardon for DeBartolo. Called him "a great man" and was "100% behind his humanity." pic.twitter.com/XcpXdD6IEZ — Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 18, 2020
The president has granted 18 pardons, in addition to DeBartolo, since taking office, according to the Justice Department.
Some of the more high-profile individuals granted clemency were former Maricopa County, Arizona, Sheriff Joe Arpaio, former George W. Bush administration official I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, U.S. Navy sailor Kristian Saucier and conservative commentator and filmmaker Dinesh D'Souza.
During the Super Bowl, the Trump campaign ran an ad featuring the story of Alice Marie Johnson, whose drug conviction sentence the president commuted in 2018 after reality television star Kim Kardashian West advocated at the White House on her behalf.
I promised to restore hope in America. That includes the least among us. Together, let’s KEEP AMERICA GREAT! Text TRUMP to 88022 if you liked our Super Bowl ad! pic.twitter.com/Lgjt53B7QX — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2020
"I'm free to hug my family. I'm free to start over," Johnson says in the ad. "This is the greatest day of my life. My heart is just bursting with gratitude. I want to thank President Donald John Trump."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-02-20--Chick-fil-A worker finds, returns envelope full of hundreds in cash at restaurant

A Chick-fil-A employee and his manager have been applauded for turning in nearly $ 1,000 to a customer who inadvertently left the money inside a Georgia restaurant .
Chase Withers told WAGA-TV in Atlanta he was sweeping underneath tables in the lobby of the McDonough , Georgia , Chick-fil-A when he almost swept up an envelope .
Withers noticed the envelope was stuffed full of $ 50 bills , amounting to $ 900 in cash .
Without hesitation , Withers brought the envelope to his manager , Jalen Cornell .
As the pair looked through the envelope 's contents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an order receipt that identified the customer by name , thanks to the Chick-fil-A One App she had used to pay .
Cornell stashed the money in a safe location and was trying to contact the rightful owner when , about an hour later , the distraught woman returned to the store in search of her money .
He could see the relief on the woman 's face as he handed her the envelope .
`` I gave her the money , '' Cornell told WAGA .
`` She was extremely , extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her eyes .
I mean , it was a good moment to be able to give that back to her . ''
Chick-fil-A shared the story online Friday , proud of its employee 's unwavering honesty and commitment to do the right thing .
`` We are so proud to tell this story , '' the Facebook post began , recounting the story .
“ Thank you , Chase , for being a prime example of our store ’ s mission , ‘ Caring people , caring for people.
’ We are proud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Chick-fil-A Lake Dow , '' the message read .
Of the numerous comments and accolades left on the Facebook post , one came from Gabby Welborn , who said she is the woman 's daughter .
`` We are so thankful and blessed the money was found as my mom is a single mom and without that , bills would not be paid .
All I can say is my faith in humanity has been restored ! ''
Welborn wrote .
Withers , a senior at Union Grove High School , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing the right thing .
`` I just try to stick to my hard Christian values and know what 's right and know what 's right and what 's wrong , '' he told WAGA .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

A Chick-fil-A employee and his manager have been applauded for turning in nearly $1,000 to a customer who inadvertently left the money inside a Georgia restaurant.
Chase Withers told WAGA-TV in Atlanta he was sweeping underneath tables in the lobby of the McDonough, Georgia, Chick-fil-A when he almost swept up an envelope.
Withers noticed the envelope was stuffed full of $50 bills, amounting to $900 in cash.
Without hesitation, Withers brought the envelope to his manager, Jalen Cornell.
As the pair looked through the envelope's contents, they found exactly what they needed: an order receipt that identified the customer by name, thanks to the Chick-fil-A One App she had used to pay.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Cornell stashed the money in a safe location and was trying to contact the rightful owner when, about an hour later, the distraught woman returned to the store in search of her money.
He could see the relief on the woman's face as he handed her the envelope.
"I gave her the money," Cornell told WAGA. "She was extremely, extremely grateful for it. Almost tears in her eyes. I mean, it was a good moment to be able to give that back to her."
Chick-fil-A shared the story online Friday, proud of its employee's unwavering honesty and commitment to do the right thing.
"We are so proud to tell this story," the Facebook post began, recounting the story.
“Thank you, Chase, for being a prime example of our store’s mission, ‘Caring people, caring for people.’ We are proud you are a part of our team at Chick-fil-A Lake Dow," the message read.
Of the numerous comments and accolades left on the Facebook post, one came from Gabby Welborn, who said she is the woman's daughter.
"We are so thankful and blessed the money was found as my mom is a single mom and without that, bills would not be paid. All I can say is my faith in humanity has been restored!" Welborn wrote.
Withers, a senior at Union Grove High School, according to WSB-TV, said he was simply doing the right thing.
"I just try to stick to my hard Christian values and know what's right and know what's right and what's wrong," he told WAGA.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-02-20--Dems can't say candidate with 'most delegates' should be nominee

( FOX NEWS ) -- The presidential hopefuls at the 2020 Democratic debate sent shockwaves after all but Sen. Bernie @ @ @ @ @ the notion that the candidate with the `` most delegates '' should become the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ battle has been heating up between several of the candidates , and concerns from the @ @ @ @ @ that the contest would result in a brokered convention this summer , where delegates at @ @ @ @ @ determine who the nominee is if none of the candidates clinch the required number of @ @ @ @ @ outright .
Toward the end of the debate on Wednesday night , MSNBC moderator Chuck @ @ @ @ @ of the six candidates on the record as to how the Democratic nominee should be @

(FOX NEWS) -- The presidential hopefuls at the 2020 Democratic debate sent shockwaves after all but Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., rejected the notion that the candidate with the "most delegates" should become the Democratic nominee.
An intense primary battle has been heating up between several of the candidates, and concerns from the Democrat Party have been growing that the contest would result in a brokered convention this summer, where delegates at the Democratic National Convention would determine who the nominee is if none of the candidates clinch the required number of delegates to become the nominee outright.
Toward the end of the debate on Wednesday night, MSNBC moderator Chuck Todd sought to get each of the six candidates on the record as to how the Democratic nominee should be determined
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-02-20--Buttigieg's brother-in-law: All Pete's pushing is 'anti-God'

( FOX NEWS ) -- Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg 's brother-in-law , Pastor Rhyan Glezman , slammed the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ night , when the candidate claimed he does n't see `` any compatibility '' between @ @ @ @ @ teachings in Scripture after declaring that God `` does not belong to a political party @ @ @ @ @ in the height of intellectual dishonesty for Pete to make claims that there 's no @ @ @ @ @ and voting for Trump , [ when ] Pete , in fact , is the @ @ @ @ @ and rhetoric that is against , clearly against Scripture , '' Glezman said on `` @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
`` Just everything that Pete is pushing is , it 's anti-God .
@ @ @ @ @ be honest with you , '' Glezman said .
`` Nothing lines up with Scripture @ @ @ @ @ like to say that you can not be a Christian and vote for Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ is openly contradicting God 's word over and over . ''

(FOX NEWS) -- Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg's brother-in-law, Pastor Rhyan Glezman, slammed the Democratic hopeful for his comments Tuesday night, when the candidate claimed he doesn't see "any compatibility" between supporting President Trump and the teachings in Scripture after declaring that God "does not belong to a political party."
"Yeah, in the height of intellectual dishonesty for Pete to make claims that there's no compatibility with being a Christian and voting for Trump, [when] Pete, in fact, is the one who is pushing agendas and rhetoric that is against, clearly against Scripture," Glezman said on "Tucker Carlson Tonight" on Wednesday.
"Just everything that Pete is pushing is, it's anti-God. I'm just gonna be honest with you," Glezman said. "Nothing lines up with Scripture for him to make cases like to say that you cannot be a Christian and vote for Trump. He's the one that is openly contradicting God's word over and over."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-02-20--Outbreak: Region with no COVID-19 cases confirms multiple deaths from virus

The severity of the COVID-19 virus has been underscored by a pair of coronavirus-caused deaths that have rocked Iran , a country that has previously reported zero cases of the deadly illness .
The BBC 's Persian-language site reported the two deaths on Wednesday .
The two men tested positive for the virus before dying in the Iranian city of Qom , a holy city that is a favorite destination for religious pilgrims .
These are the first deaths from the novel coronavirus from the Middle East to be reported .
Before this , only three deaths from the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been suspected cases in Iran , but a Wednesday World Health Organization update listed the Islamic republic as free from the virus .
After the two deaths , fear of the virus is now gripping the country .
According to the BBC , three more people are now being held in a hospital over concerns they may have contracted COVID-19 .
This comes as Iran 's deputy minister of health issued a statement identifying six confirmed cases in the holy city .
The deaths come less than two weeks after massive rallies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Islamic Revolution .
With a lengthy incubation period that is projected to be as long as two weeks , it 's entirely possible the virus is already making its way across the ill-prepared country .
Even in China , a country geared to respond to viral epidemics , serious measures like city-wide quarantines have been shown to be less effective than hoped .
A closed environment , like that seen on the cruise ship Diamond Princess , has some worried that traditional quarantines are not effective at all .
Iran 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Qom to note any flu-like symptoms , as they may be caused by the COVID-19 virus .
Respiratory illnesses are already moving like wildfire across the city , which means the perfect conditions likely exist for coronavirus ' spread as well .
“ We have witnessed the spread of respiratory diseases in Qom over the past 7 days , '' head of Qom University of Medical Sciences Mohammad Reza Ghadir told the BBC .
It 's unclear how Iran plans to combat the virus in the event of a city-wide pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resources to mount a defense at all .
If the virus has a foothold in the country , there 's no telling how bad it may get before Iranian officials finally have the situation under control .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

The severity of the COVID-19 virus has been underscored by a pair of coronavirus-caused deaths that have rocked Iran, a country that has previously reported zero cases of the deadly illness.
The BBC's Persian-language site reported the two deaths on Wednesday.
The two men tested positive for the virus before dying in the Iranian city of Qom, a holy city that is a favorite destination for religious pilgrims.
These are the first deaths from the novel coronavirus from the Middle East to be reported. Before this, only three deaths from the virus were confirmed outside of China.
There have been suspected cases in Iran, but a Wednesday World Health Organization update listed the Islamic republic as free from the virus.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
After the two deaths, fear of the virus is now gripping the country.
According to the BBC, three more people are now being held in a hospital over concerns they may have contracted COVID-19. This comes as Iran's deputy minister of health issued a statement identifying six confirmed cases in the holy city.
The deaths come less than two weeks after massive rallies held all across Iran celebrating the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
Aerial #video
Massive crowd of people in Qom flock to streets for nationwide rallies marking 41st anniversary of Islamic Revolution#Iran #Bahman22 #۲۲بهمن pic.twitter.com/o7txtlMX8r — Iran (@Iran) February 11, 2020
With a lengthy incubation period that is projected to be as long as two weeks, it's entirely possible the virus is already making its way across the ill-prepared country.
Even in China, a country geared to respond to viral epidemics, serious measures like city-wide quarantines have been shown to be less effective than hoped.
A closed environment, like that seen on the cruise ship Diamond Princess, has some worried that traditional quarantines are not effective at all.
Iran's Ministry of Health is now urging residents of Qom to note any flu-like symptoms, as they may be caused by the COVID-19 virus.
Respiratory illnesses are already moving like wildfire across the city, which means the perfect conditions likely exist for coronavirus' spread as well.
“We have witnessed the spread of respiratory diseases in Qom over the past 7 days," head of Qom University of Medical Sciences Mohammad Reza Ghadir told the BBC.
It's unclear how Iran plans to combat the virus in the event of a city-wide pandemic, or if the Islamic Republic even has the resources to mount a defense at all.
If the virus has a foothold in the country, there's no telling how bad it may get before Iranian officials finally have the situation under control.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-02-20--Warren proposes giving taxpayer money to minorities to close 'entrepreneurship gap'

In the middle of a discussion on the economy at the Democratic presidential primary debate in Las Vegas on Thursday , Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren proposed a policy that could be described as outright racist .
The progressive senator has prided herself on `` having a plan for that '' during her presidential run , but her latest idea could be among her worst yet .
Warren began her remarks by speaking of a perceived `` entrepreneurship '' gap between white people and minorities .
`` We have an entrepreneur gap in America , and that is a gap between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the principal reason for this is they do n't have the money for equity to get the business started , '' she said .
`` It 's about a $ 7 billion gap .
We want to have real entrepreneurship and a level playing field , '' Warren continued .
`` I have a plan to put the $ 7 billion in , to have the fund managed by the people who are routinely cut out .
It ca n't just be about taxes , we need to make an investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There 's that word `` plan '' again .
But the one word missing ?
`` Racist . ''
The equation behind Warren 's idea may seem simple enough , but the reasoning behind it is tied up in affirmative-action knots .
Warren starts with a number -- the supposed $ 7 billion in capital between white entrepreneurs and black and Latino ones .
And the plan ends with a racially motivated , authoritarian conclusion : somehow redistributing $ 7 billion to those minority groups .
Is it the government 's responsibility to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of taxpayer money ?
Is it the government 's responsibility to bankroll potential entrepreneurs , but only those of specific races and ethnicities ?
Elizabeth Warren 's candidacy has been preaching bad news for freedom-loving Americans for months now , but her latest `` plan '' may just take the cake .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

In the middle of a discussion on the economy at the Democratic presidential primary debate in Las Vegas on Thursday, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren proposed a policy that could be described as outright racist.
The progressive senator has prided herself on "having a plan for that" during her presidential run, but her latest idea could be among her worst yet.
Warren began her remarks by speaking of a perceived "entrepreneurship" gap between white people and minorities.
"We have an entrepreneur gap in America, and that is a gap between white entrepreneurs and black and Latino entrepreneurs. And the principal reason for this is they don't have the money for equity to get the business started," she said.
"It's about a $7 billion gap. We want to have real entrepreneurship and a level playing field," Warren continued.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"I have a plan to put the $7 billion in, to have the fund managed by the people who are routinely cut out. It can't just be about taxes, we need to make an investment to level the playing field."
There’s a startup gap between white entrepreneurs and Latino entrepreneurs. The principal reason is that Latino entrepreneurs don’t have the equity to get businesses started. I have a plan to put $7 billion in a fund to help people who are routinely cut out. #DemDebate — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) February 20, 2020
There's that word "plan" again. But the one word missing? "Racist."
The equation behind Warren's idea may seem simple enough, but the reasoning behind it is tied up in affirmative-action knots.
Warren starts with a number -- the supposed $7 billion in capital between white entrepreneurs and black and Latino ones.
And the plan ends with a racially motivated, authoritarian conclusion: somehow redistributing $7 billion to those minority groups.
Is it the government's responsibility to bankroll potential entrepreneurs with billions of dollars of taxpayer money?
No.
Is it the government's responsibility to bankroll potential entrepreneurs, but only those of specific races and ethnicities?
Definitely no.
Elizabeth Warren's candidacy has been preaching bad news for freedom-loving Americans for months now, but her latest "plan" may just take the cake.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-02-20--Oops! Flustered Bloomberg suggests he should have been fired for sexual harassment

During Wednesday night 's Democratic presidential primary debate , former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg became visibly flustered as he attempted to answer a question about sexual harassment allegations against him .
It was the billionaire 's first time on the debate stage since announcing his campaign for president in November .
NBC News ' Hallie Jackson asked the candidate a pointed question about his history as the CEO of Bloomberg L.P. , the media company he co-founded .
`` Several former employees have claimed that your company was a hostile workplace for women , '' Jackson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you admitted making sexually suggestive remarks , saying 'That 's the way I grew up . '
'' The news anchor went on to cite a specific example of one of Bloomberg 's vulgar remarks to a female employee .
`` Should Democrats expect better from their nominee ? ''
Jackson asked .
`` Anybody that does anything wrong in our company , we investigate it , and if it 's appropriate , they 're gone that day . ''
That answer raises a question : What is Bloomberg 's definition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual harassment suit against the billionaire filed in 1997 , a female employee named Sekiko Sekai Garrison alleged that Bloomberg and other executives at the company had harassed female employees with a series of insensitive and objectionable comments .
Among the most repulsive of those alleged remarks was a comment that Garrison said Bloomberg made to her at the company ’ s “ snack area ” in 1995 .
When Garrison revealed that she was pregnant , Bloomberg allegedly responded , “ Kill it !
” Garrison also alleged that Bloomberg made `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her and other female employees .
The case was settled in 2000 , with Bloomberg paying out an undisclosed sum of money .
Do those comments fall under the category of `` anything wrong '' ?
Should Bloomberg have been `` gone that day '' for making them ?
Maybe Bloomberg should have thought a little longer before speaking .
After the billionaire answered Jackson 's question during the debate , Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren pressed the former mayor on a series of non-disclosure agreements that several women signed as part the suit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dig him into a deeper hole .
`` We have a very few non-disclosure agreements .
None of them accuse me of anything other than maybe they did n't like a joke I told , '' he said .
The comments drew a prolonged reaction from the audience , and rightly so : Bloomberg 's history of inappropriate and insensitive comments are worthy of condemnation .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

During Wednesday night's Democratic presidential primary debate, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg became visibly flustered as he attempted to answer a question about sexual harassment allegations against him.
It was the billionaire's first time on the debate stage since announcing his campaign for president in November.
NBC News' Hallie Jackson asked the candidate a pointed question about his history as the CEO of Bloomberg L.P., the media company he co-founded.
And Bloomberg's response wasn't pretty.
"Several former employees have claimed that your company was a hostile workplace for women," Jackson said. "When you were confronted about it, you admitted making sexually suggestive remarks, saying 'That's the way I grew up.'"
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The news anchor went on to cite a specific example of one of Bloomberg's vulgar remarks to a female employee.
"Should Democrats expect better from their nominee?" Jackson asked.
"Anybody that does anything wrong in our company, we investigate it, and if it's appropriate, they're gone that day."
That answer raises a question: What is Bloomberg's definition of "appropriate"?
According to one sexual harassment suit against the billionaire filed in 1997, a female employee named Sekiko Sekai Garrison alleged that Bloomberg and other executives at the company had harassed female employees with a series of insensitive and objectionable comments.
Among the most repulsive of those alleged remarks was a comment that Garrison said Bloomberg made to her at the company’s “snack area” in 1995.
When Garrison revealed that she was pregnant, Bloomberg allegedly responded, “Kill it!”
Garrison also alleged that Bloomberg made "repeated and unwelcome" sexual comments to her and other female employees.
The case was settled in 2000, with Bloomberg paying out an undisclosed sum of money.
Do those comments fall under the category of "anything wrong"? Should Bloomberg have been "gone that day" for making them?
Maybe Bloomberg should have thought a little longer before speaking.
After the billionaire answered Jackson's question during the debate, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren pressed the former mayor on a series of non-disclosure agreements that several women signed as part the suit settlements.
His response only helped to dig him into a deeper hole.
"We have a very few non-disclosure agreements. None of them accuse me of anything other than maybe they didn't like a joke I told," he said.
The comments drew a prolonged reaction from the audience, and rightly so: Bloomberg's history of inappropriate and insensitive comments are worthy of condemnation.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-02-20--'Billionaire who calls people fat broads and horse-faced lesbians'

( AP ) -- LAS VEGAS -- From the opening bell , Democrats unleashed an aggressive verbal assault on New @ @ @ @ @ raised new questions about Bernie Sanders ’ take-no-prisoners politics in a contentious debate Wednesday night @ @ @ @ @ .
The former New York City mayor was forced to defend his divisive record on @ @ @ @ @ Street in his debate-stage debut , while Sanders , appearing in his ninth of the @ @ @ @ @ to beat back pointed questions about his health and his ability to defeat President Donald @ @ @ @ @ was a raucous affair just three days before Nevada voters decide the third contest of @ @ @ @ @ turbulent 2020 primary season .
Bloomberg won ’ t be on the ballot Saturday , @ @ @ @ @ on national television for the first time , having faced relatively little in his surprisingly @ @ @ @ @ to top-tier contender .

(AP) -- LAS VEGAS -- From the opening bell, Democrats unleashed an aggressive verbal assault on New York billionaire Mike Bloomberg and raised new questions about Bernie Sanders’ take-no-prisoners politics in a contentious debate Wednesday night on the Las Vegas Strip.
The former New York City mayor was forced to defend his divisive record on race, gender and Wall Street in his debate-stage debut, while Sanders, appearing in his ninth of the 2020 primary season, tried to beat back pointed questions about his health and his ability to defeat President Donald Trump this fall.
It was a raucous affair just three days before Nevada voters decide the third contest of the Democratic Party’s turbulent 2020 primary season. Bloomberg won’t be on the ballot Saturday, yet he faced intense scrutiny on national television for the first time, having faced relatively little in his surprisingly swift rise from nonpartisan megadonor to top-tier contender.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-02-20--Ben Affleck says divorce from Jennifer Garner is 'biggest regret of my life'

Actor Ben Affleck is starring in a new film titled `` The Way Back , '' playing a character who has undeniable similarities to Affleck 's personal life .
The movie follows the life of a high school basketball coach battling alcoholism while coming to terms with his failed marriage .
Affleck is intimate with the pain and suffering of both , openly discussing his alcohol addiction as well as his public divorce from actress Jennifer Garner .
Affleck and Garner , both 47 , began dating in 2004 and were married the following year .
The pair have three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Seraphina , 11 , and son Samuel , 7 .
The pair announced their separation in June 2015 and finalized their divorce in October 2018 .
In an interview with The New York Times , Affleck spoke at length about taking on a lead role that mirrored much of the personal devastation he and his family has suffered over the last several years .
Affleck spoke about the `` vicious cycle '' of addiction and how difficult it is to break .
“ I drank relatively normally for a long time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times .
“ What happened was that I started drinking more and more when my marriage was falling apart .
This was 2015 , 2016 .
My drinking , of course , created more marital problems.
” Affleck said that while he still grapples with guilt over his failed marriage , he has learned to let go of the shame .
“ The biggest regret of my life is this divorce , '' he said .
“ Shame is really toxic , ” Affleck continued .
“ There is no positive byproduct of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a toxic , hideous feeling of low self-worth and self-loathing.
” But Affleck is determined to move forward , refusing to nurse and rehearse the pains of his past .
“ It ’ s not particularly healthy for me to obsess over the failures -- the relapses -- and beat myself up , ” Affleck told The Times .
“ I have certainly made mistakes .
I have certainly done things that I regret .
But you ’ ve got to pick yourself up , learn from it , learn some more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actor said playing a starring role in a film about redemption after devastation has been healthy for him .
“ I ’ ve never been very risk-averse -- for better or worse , obviously , ” Affleck said .
“ Regarding ‘ The Way Back , ’ the benefits , to me , far outweighed the risks .
`` I found it very therapeutic , '' he added .
Film director Gavin O ’ Connor agreed with the actor , saying participating in the film helped Affleck find additional healing .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , in a deeply human way , wanted to confront his own issues through this character and heal , ” O'Connor told The Times .
`` The Way Back , '' one of four films the actor has coming out this year , debuts March 6 .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Actor Ben Affleck is starring in a new film titled "The Way Back," playing a character who has undeniable similarities to Affleck's personal life.
The movie follows the life of a high school basketball coach battling alcoholism while coming to terms with his failed marriage.
Affleck is intimate with the pain and suffering of both, openly discussing his alcohol addiction as well as his public divorce from actress Jennifer Garner.
Ben Affleck opens up about his divorce, that back tattoo, and alcoholism: "It took me a long time to fundamentally, deeply, without a hint of doubt, admit to myself that I am an alcoholic. The next drink will not be different.”https://t.co/a8aWv33XDF — The New York Times (@nytimes) February 18, 2020
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Affleck and Garner, both 47, began dating in 2004 and were married the following year. The pair have three children together -- daughters Violet, 14, and Seraphina, 11, and son Samuel, 7.
The pair announced their separation in June 2015 and finalized their divorce in October 2018.
In an interview with The New York Times, Affleck spoke at length about taking on a lead role that mirrored much of the personal devastation he and his family has suffered over the last several years.
Affleck spoke about the "vicious cycle" of addiction and how difficult it is to break.
“I drank relatively normally for a long time,” the Oscar-winning writer told The Times. “What happened was that I started drinking more and more when my marriage was falling apart. This was 2015, 2016. My drinking, of course, created more marital problems.”
Affleck said that while he still grapples with guilt over his failed marriage, he has learned to let go of the shame.
“The biggest regret of my life is this divorce," he said.
“Shame is really toxic,” Affleck continued. “There is no positive byproduct of shame. It’s just stewing in a toxic, hideous feeling of low self-worth and self-loathing.”
But Affleck is determined to move forward, refusing to nurse and rehearse the pains of his past.
“It’s not particularly healthy for me to obsess over the failures -- the relapses -- and beat myself up,” Affleck told The Times. “I have certainly made mistakes. I have certainly done things that I regret. But you’ve got to pick yourself up, learn from it, learn some more, try to move forward.”
The actor said playing a starring role in a film about redemption after devastation has been healthy for him.
“I’ve never been very risk-averse -- for better or worse, obviously,” Affleck said. “Regarding ‘The Way Back,’ the benefits, to me, far outweighed the risks.
"I found it very therapeutic," he added.
Film director Gavin O’Connor agreed with the actor, saying participating in the film helped Affleck find additional healing.
“I think that Ben, in an artistic way, in a deeply human way, wanted to confront his own issues through this character and heal,” O'Connor told The Times.
"The Way Back," one of four films the actor has coming out this year, debuts March 6.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-02-20--Appellate court hands big defeat to Shariah activists

The advance of Shariah , that Islamic religious law that also addresses politics , finance and more , has sustained a huge blow at the hands of the Court of Appeal , the second-highest court in England and Wales .
That judicial body ruled that the Islamic marriage contract , known as nikah in Arabic , is not valid under English law .
The report comes from Soeren Kern , a senior fellow at the the Gatestone Institute .
The implications are `` far-reaching , '' Kern reported , because it 's a `` blow '' against the enshrinement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it also leaves possibly `` thousands '' of Muslim women in Britain without recourse if their relationship with their spouse fails .
The problem came up because Nasreen Akhter and Mohammed Shabaz Khan began a fight .
Both of Pakistani heritage , they `` married '' under Islam back in 1998 .
But when Khan allegedly wanted a second wife , Akhter objected .
She filed for divorce and he responded with a lawsuit alleging that they never were married .
The Family Division of the High Court eventually ruled that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other options were `` married '' and `` non-marriage . ''
But on appeal , the Court of Appeal in London said Islamic marriages are `` non-marriages '' within the scope of English law , Kern reported .
The decision found : `` The court of appeal finds that the December 1998 nikah ceremony did not create a void marriage because it was a non-qualifying ceremony .
The parties were not marrying 'under the provisions ' of English law ( Part II of the Marriage Act 1949 ) .
The ceremony was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no notice had been given to the superintendent registrar , no certificates had been issued , and no registrar or authorized person was present at the ceremony .
Further , the parties knew that the ceremony had no legal effect and that they would need to undertake another ceremony that did comply with the relevant requirements in order to be validly married .
The determination of whether a marriage is void or not can not , in the court 's view , be dependent on future events , such as the intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are children . ''
The opinion pointed out that `` it is not difficult for parties who want to be legally married to achieve that status . ''
Kern reported that the decision presumably will be appealed to the Supreme Court , but in the meantime , advocates for Muslim women warn it is literally taking away any opportunity they have for fairness in the breakup of a marriage .
And he cited a documentary that revealed more than 60 % of Muslim woman had not had a civil ceremony to make them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already has been a recommendation that Muslim couples be required to have the civil ceremony , but it had not yet been adopted as a regulation .
The Council of Europe also has raised its concerns about the same issue .
The Home Office was terse in its comments about the dispute : `` Shariah law does not form any part of the law in England and Wales .
Regardless of religious belief , we are all equal before the law .
Where Shariah councils exist , they must abide by the law @ @

The advance of Shariah, that Islamic religious law that also addresses politics, finance and more, has sustained a huge blow at the hands of the Court of Appeal, the second-highest court in England and Wales.
That judicial body ruled that the Islamic marriage contract, known as nikah in Arabic, is not valid under English law.
The report comes from Soeren Kern, a senior fellow at the the Gatestone Institute.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The implications are "far-reaching," Kern reported, because it's a "blow" against the enshrinement of Shariah into the British legal system. But it also leaves possibly "thousands" of Muslim women in Britain without recourse if their relationship with their spouse fails.
The problem came up because Nasreen Akhter and Mohammed Shabaz Khan began a fight.
Both of Pakistani heritage, they "married" under Islam back in 1998. But when Khan allegedly wanted a second wife, Akhter objected.
She filed for divorce and he responded with a lawsuit alleging that they never were married.
The Family Division of the High Court eventually ruled that the marriage was "void."
The other options were "married" and "non-marriage."
But on appeal, the Court of Appeal in London said Islamic marriages are "non-marriages" within the scope of English law, Kern reported.
The decision found: "The court of appeal finds that the December 1998 nikah ceremony did not create a void marriage because it was a non-qualifying ceremony. The parties were not marrying 'under the provisions' of English law (Part II of the Marriage Act 1949). The ceremony was not performed in a registered building. Moreover, no notice had been given to the superintendent registrar, no certificates had been issued, and no registrar or authorized person was present at the ceremony. Further, the parties knew that the ceremony had no legal effect and that they would need to undertake another ceremony that did comply with the relevant requirements in order to be validly married. The determination of whether a marriage is void or not cannot, in the court's view, be dependent on future events, such as the intention to undertake another ceremony or whether there are children."
The opinion pointed out that "it is not difficult for parties who want to be legally married to achieve that status."
Kern reported that the decision presumably will be appealed to the Supreme Court, but in the meantime, advocates for Muslim women warn it is literally taking away any opportunity they have for fairness in the breakup of a marriage.
And he cited a documentary that revealed more than 60% of Muslim woman had not had a civil ceremony to make them legally married under British law.
There already has been a recommendation that Muslim couples be required to have the civil ceremony, but it had not yet been adopted as a regulation.
The Council of Europe also has raised its concerns about the same issue.
The Home Office was terse in its comments about the dispute: "Shariah law does not form any part of the law in England and Wales. Regardless of religious belief, we are all equal before the law. Where Shariah councils exist, they must abide by the law."


wnd--2020-02-20--Big name Republicans challenge Nadler: Fix FISA now!

The FISA situation in Washington is n't at all good these days .
That 's the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act law that includes a special secret court to give permission to American agents to spy on Americans in some cases .
People now know that it was that procedure , that court system , through which the Obama administration submitted false information to obtain permission to spy on the 2016 Trump campaign .
From those fake cases came the Russian collusion claim , the Mueller investigation , even the following failed coup attacks on President Trump .
And not all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there continue to be several investigations going on into the possibly criminal activity in which Obama administration officials engaged .
Now the FISA law is up for renewal , and there are those who are hoping it will be fixed .
But they 're not getting much help yet from the chief of the House Judiciary Committee , through which such legislation undoubtedly will move .
So two members of the GOP are calling House Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler , D-N.Y. , insisting that he get to work .
Their goal is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence community and law enforcement are deterred `` from every again wielding their significant powers for political purposes . ''
Collins , the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee and Nunes , the ranking member of the House Intel Committee , said they 're encouraged Nadler does n't seem interested in ending the FISA program , which is intended to be used in counter-terrorism actions .
But , they wrote , `` We are at a loss in understanding the apparent lack of any recognition of the FISA abuse which occurred over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itemized by Inspector General Horowitz : unlawful spying on a U.S. presidential campaign .
Given that we expect to consider reform legislation shortly after we return from recess , it is critical we do not miss this opportunity to amend the law so no future president or presidential campaign must endure similar misuse of surveillance powers . ''
They warned Nadler , `` Any legislation devoid of necessary reforms to address the abuses of the intelligence community against a presidential campaign and even our sitting president , including lies and fraud engaged in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mark .
Reforms to FISA must ensure that the intelligence community and law enforcement are deterred from ever again wielding their significant powers against a president or presidential campaign based largely on a garbage 'dossier ' and false 'evidence , ' '' they said .
`` It is critical we do not ignore the real reason necessitating FISA reform at this moment in history .
A U.S. citizen connected to then-candidate Trump became the target of the most intrusive surveillance our government conducts .
The predication for this surveillance against Carter Page was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with outright lies .
Moreover , and potentially even worse for the integrity of our country ’ s intelligence apparatus , these lies may have been propagated as Russian disinformation intended to disrupt our presidential election , as described by Russia expert Dr. Fiona Hill in November 2019 .
People inside the top echelons of our nation 's premier law enforcement agency appear to have allowed their disdain for a presidential candidate to cloud their judgment , eventually submitting to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court surveillance applications predicated on political opposition research that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s malign influence operations , '' they charged .
The solution , they wrote , is for Nadler to work on the problem .
`` We ask that you continue working in a bipartisan fashion to address FISA reforms , and do not ignore historic abuses directed against the campaign of a president you don ’ t support .
This exercise can not be partisan , as both parties and all Americans , regardless of political affiliation , should be confident in their own government ’ s impartiality under the law , @ @ @ @ @ @

The FISA situation in Washington isn't at all good these days. That's the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act law that includes a special secret court to give permission to American agents to spy on Americans in some cases.
People now know that it was that procedure, that court system, through which the Obama administration submitted false information to obtain permission to spy on the 2016 Trump campaign. From those fake cases came the Russian collusion claim, the Mueller investigation, even the following failed coup attacks on President Trump.
And not all of those details are known yet – there continue to be several investigations going on into the possibly criminal activity in which Obama administration officials engaged.
Now the FISA law is up for renewal, and there are those who are hoping it will be fixed.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
But they're not getting much help yet from the chief of the House Judiciary Committee, through which such legislation undoubtedly will move.
So two members of the GOP are calling House Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., insisting that he get to work.
Their goal is to make changes that would ensure that the intelligence community and law enforcement are deterred "from every again wielding their significant powers for political purposes."
Reps. Doug Collins, R-Ga., and Devin Nunes, R-Calif., wrote the letter.
Collins, the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee and Nunes, the ranking member of the House Intel Committee, said they're encouraged Nadler doesn't seem interested in ending the FISA program, which is intended to be used in counter-terrorism actions.
But, they wrote, "We are at a loss in understanding the apparent lack of any recognition of the FISA abuse which occurred over the last three years, as recently itemized by Inspector General Horowitz: unlawful spying on a U.S. presidential campaign. Given that we expect to consider reform legislation shortly after we return from recess, it is critical we do not miss this opportunity to amend the law so no future president or presidential campaign must endure similar misuse of surveillance powers."
They warned Nadler, "Any legislation devoid of necessary reforms to address the abuses of the intelligence community against a presidential campaign and even our sitting president, including lies and fraud engaged in by top-level FBI officials, misses that mark. Reforms to FISA must ensure that the intelligence community and law enforcement are deterred from ever again wielding their significant powers against a president or presidential campaign based largely on a garbage 'dossier' and false 'evidence,'" they said.
"It is critical we do not ignore the real reason necessitating FISA reform at this moment in history. A U.S. citizen connected to then-candidate Trump became the target of the most intrusive surveillance our government conducts. The predication for this surveillance against Carter Page was a salacious and unverified 'dossier' filled with outright lies. Moreover, and potentially even worse for the integrity of our country’s intelligence apparatus, these lies may have been propagated as Russian disinformation intended to disrupt our presidential election, as described by Russia expert Dr. Fiona Hill in November 2019. People inside the top echelons of our nation's premier law enforcement agency appear to have allowed their disdain for a presidential candidate to cloud their judgment, eventually submitting to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court surveillance applications predicated on political opposition research that was potentially part of a foreign nation’s malign influence operations," they charged.
The solution, they wrote, is for Nadler to work on the problem.
"We ask that you continue working in a bipartisan fashion to address FISA reforms, and do not ignore historic abuses directed against the campaign of a president you don’t support. This exercise cannot be partisan, as both parties and all Americans, regardless of political affiliation, should be confident in their own government’s impartiality under the law," the GOP members said.


wnd--2020-02-21--A Jane Austen novel plays out in Vegas

A Jane Austen novel plays out in Vegas

`` I ca n't think of a way to make it easier for Donald Trump to get reelected than listening to this conversation , '' said billionaire Michael Bloomberg , three-time mayor of New York City , during his first Democratic debate on Feb. 19 .
Like a Jane Austen novel , the debate was a soap opera that revealed the embarrassing smallness of each of the participating candidates who deem themselves worthy of replacing President Trump this November .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, for example , lately has lost much of her popular support and finances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ failing candidacy and did so with do-or-die desperate attacks on the newcomer .
Warren said she opposes a `` billionaire who calls women fat broads and horse-faced lesbians , and no , I 'm not talking about Donald Trump .
I 'm talking about Mayor Bloomberg . ''
When Bloomberg defended himself against charges of sexist behavior ( by one estimate , by 17 women , including one who says Bloomberg told her to `` kill '' her unborn baby ) , Warren noted that several women signed agreements that prevented them from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRENDING : Rasmussen : Voters ready 'to jail ' those who illegally targeted Trump '' We have very few non-disclosure agreements , '' replied Bloomberg .
`` None of them accused me of doing anything , other than , maybe they did n't like a joke I told .
These would be agreements between two parties that wanted to keep it quiet , and that 's up to them .
They signed those agreements , and we 'll live with it . ''
`` They signed the agreements , and that 's what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Bloomberg repeated .
He did not say how many such agreements exist , or what they detail , or who the women were who might have been paid to keep their mouths shut .
`` We 're not going to end these agreements , because they were made consensually , and they have every right to expect they will stay private . ''
The audience booed Bloomberg 's arrogant words .
Bloomberg had been encouraged to enter the race for president as a `` white knight '' who could slay the socialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose extremism threatens to taint Democrats with unelectability .
`` What a wonderful country we have , '' said Bloomberg .
`` The best-known socialist in the country happens to be a millionaire with three houses . ''
One of those is a beachfront home , and Sanders has also acquired a very fat portfolio of Big Oil and Big Pharma stocks and millions of dollars by channeling more than $ 83 million of his 2016 campaign funds through a secretive advertising company from which friends and family could pocket at least 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that both millionaires and billionaires should be outlawed – until he became a multimillionaire in the `` top 1 % '' of the rich .
But Bloomberg is the eighth-richest American and 14th-richest person on Earth , and the owner of at least 15 lavish homes .
Democrats offer two rival champions , Sanders and Bloomberg – both septuagenarian white men , each with two stents from past cardiovascular problems , both wealthy .
Alternative candidates still include Elizabeth Warren , but no longer as a presidential candidate .
Presidents are supposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate she turned combative , the traditional role of a vice president .
Warren is now apparently out to become Sanders 's female running mate .
A former Republican and corporate lawyer , Warren called herself a `` capitalist '' in the debate , but everyone now understands that she favors not free enterprise laissez faire capitalism but French dirigiste government-directed capitalism , `` democratic fascism . ''
This is why Warren created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) , a powerful government bureaucracy funded not by congressional purse strings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncontrolled by voters .
Bloomberg now advocates strengthening it , because he also is authoritarian nanny-statist dirigiste , believing that enough ( taxpayer ) money can create heaven on Earth .
Also in the running is corrupt and weakening former Vice President Joe Biden .
And the red diaper son of a Marxist , Pete Buttigieg , 38 , a former Midwest town mayor whom Andrea Widburg describes as `` just a bundle of smug .
He 's the smart-ass teacher 's pet no one likes . ''
But this gay pliant puppet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the debate , Buttigieg skewered Sen. Amy Klobuchar , D-Minn. , by pointing out that days earlier she could not answer who the president of Mexico is , even though she sits on a Senate committee overseeing U.S.-Mexican relations .
Klobuchar 's response was to go to pieces in a nervous near-breakdown over this , showing how unfit she would be as America 's president in a crisis .
The Democrats now offer America `` the best government money can buy . ''
Lowell Ponte is a former Reader 's Digest Roving Editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wall Street Journal , the New York Times and other major publications .
His latest paper co-authored with Craig R. Smith , `` China 's Top Secret War , '' shows how to rethink several areas of investment to protect and grow your savings against the little-known economic threats the People 's Republic of China poses .
For a free , postpaid copy , call toll-free 800-630-1492 .

"I can't think of a way to make it easier for Donald Trump to get reelected than listening to this conversation," said billionaire Michael Bloomberg, three-time mayor of New York City, during his first Democratic debate on Feb. 19.
Like a Jane Austen novel, the debate was a soap opera that revealed the embarrassing smallness of each of the participating candidates who deem themselves worthy of replacing President Trump this November.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., for example, lately has lost much of her popular support and finances. Wednesday night she had to reignite her failing candidacy and did so with do-or-die desperate attacks on the newcomer.
Warren said she opposes a "billionaire who calls women fat broads and horse-faced lesbians, and no, I'm not talking about Donald Trump. I'm talking about Mayor Bloomberg."
When Bloomberg defended himself against charges of sexist behavior (by one estimate, by 17 women, including one who says Bloomberg told her to "kill" her unborn baby), Warren noted that several women signed agreements that prevented them from sharing details of his alleged behavior.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"We have very few non-disclosure agreements," replied Bloomberg. "None of them accused me of doing anything, other than, maybe they didn't like a joke I told. These would be agreements between two parties that wanted to keep it quiet, and that's up to them. They signed those agreements, and we'll live with it."
"You're releasing them on television tonight?" asked Warren.
"They signed the agreements, and that's what we're gonna live with," Bloomberg repeated. He did not say how many such agreements exist, or what they detail, or who the women were who might have been paid to keep their mouths shut. "We're not going to end these agreements, because they were made consensually, and they have every right to expect they will stay private." The audience booed Bloomberg's arrogant words.
Bloomberg had been encouraged to enter the race for president as a "white knight" who could slay the socialist dragon Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., whose extremism threatens to taint Democrats with unelectability.
"What a wonderful country we have," said Bloomberg. "The best-known socialist in the country happens to be a millionaire with three houses." One of those is a beachfront home, and Sanders has also acquired a very fat portfolio of Big Oil and Big Pharma stocks and millions of dollars by channeling more than $83 million of his 2016 campaign funds through a secretive advertising company from which friends and family could pocket at least 15 percent in fees.
Sanders used to say that both millionaires and billionaires should be outlawed – until he became a multimillionaire in the "top 1%" of the rich. But Bloomberg is the eighth-richest American and 14th-richest person on Earth, and the owner of at least 15 lavish homes.
Democrats offer two rival champions, Sanders and Bloomberg – both septuagenarian white men, each with two stents from past cardiovascular problems, both wealthy.
Alternative candidates still include Elizabeth Warren, but no longer as a presidential candidate. Presidents are supposed to be statesmanlike. In this latest debate she turned combative, the traditional role of a vice president. Warren is now apparently out to become Sanders's female running mate.
A former Republican and corporate lawyer, Warren called herself a "capitalist" in the debate, but everyone now understands that she favors not free enterprise laissez faire capitalism but French dirigiste government-directed capitalism, "democratic fascism."
This is why Warren created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a powerful government bureaucracy funded not by congressional purse strings, but by the Federal Reserve and hence uncontrolled by voters. Bloomberg now advocates strengthening it, because he also is authoritarian nanny-statist dirigiste, believing that enough (taxpayer) money can create heaven on Earth.
Also in the running is corrupt and weakening former Vice President Joe Biden. And the red diaper son of a Marxist, Pete Buttigieg, 38, a former Midwest town mayor whom Andrea Widburg describes as "just a bundle of smug. He's the smart-ass teacher's pet no one likes." But this gay pliant puppet reportedly has 46 billionaire backers.
In the debate, Buttigieg skewered Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., by pointing out that days earlier she could not answer who the president of Mexico is, even though she sits on a Senate committee overseeing U.S.-Mexican relations. Klobuchar's response was to go to pieces in a nervous near-breakdown over this, showing how unfit she would be as America's president in a crisis.
The Democrats now offer America "the best government money can buy."
Lowell Ponte is a former Reader's Digest Roving Editor. His articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other major publications. His latest paper co-authored with Craig R. Smith, "China's Top Secret War," shows how to rethink several areas of investment to protect and grow your savings against the little-known economic threats the People's Republic of China poses. For a free, postpaid copy, call toll-free 800-630-1492.


wnd--2020-02-21--Ellison's claim 'Bernie Bros' not violent takes direct hit

Keith Ellison , who is the attorney general in Minnesota now after a short career as a congressman from the Midwestern state , is claiming that `` Bernie Bros , '' as supporters of the socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders are known , are not violent .
Not at all , he claims .
`` I have never seen @ BernieSanders supporters being unusually mean or rude , '' Ellison posted on social media .
`` Can someone send me an example of a 'Bernie Bro ' being bad .
Also , are we holding all candidates responsible for the behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear . ''
TRENDING : Rasmussen : Voters ready 'to jail ' those who illegally targeted Trump He did n't have to wait long .
According to a report in the Federalist , House Minority Whip Steve Scalise gave it some thought , and came up with an instance .
Citing his own personal experience of being shot by a `` Bernie Bro '' said , `` I can think of an example .
His prime example of the `` Bernie Bro '' campaign of violence was that 2017 attack in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a practice for a congressional charity game .
James T. Hodgkinson , who died in the shootout with police , was a `` staunch Bernie Sanders supporter , '' according to reports .
`` The Twitter exchange between Ellison and Scalise comes after 2020 contender Michael Bloomberg tweeted a campaign video this week condemning the 'energy ' of the Bernie Bros , '' the Federalist reported .
`` We need to unite to defeat Trump in November .
This type of ‘ energy ’ is not going to get us there , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while the accompanying video flashed Bernie Bro tweets with threats including , `` Vote Bernie or bad things will happen , ” and “ We know where you live , where you work , where you eat .
… You made a bad choice .
Prepare for hell .
Calls won ’ t stop . ''
The report said , `` Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , who was at the Virginia baseball field during the terrorist attack , later mentioned that the Democrat terrorist was screaming , 'this is for health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers .
`` I was there at the ball field when Steven Scalise almost died from a very , very angry violent man who was incited really by rhetoric on the left , '' Paul said .
`` And this hasn ’ t been reported enough , when he came on the field with a semi-automatic weapon firing probably close to 200 shots at us , shooting five people and almost killing Steve Scalise , he was yelling ‘ this is for healthcare !
’ He also had a list of conservative legislators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was willing to kill . ''
John Hinderaker at the Powerline Blog cited multiple videos obtained by James O'Keefe 's Project Veritas of Sanders supporters .
One of them `` expressed admiration for the Soviet Gulags , said billionaires should be sentenced to breaking rocks , and suggested that anyone who opposes Sanders ’ revolutionary policies would be shot , '' the blog posting said .
Then there was the South Carolina field organizer .
He , another Sanders supporter , said , on video , `` I 'll straight up get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ; 'Guillotine the rich ' ; 'send Republicans to re-education camps . '
'' Hinderaker wrote , `` How many pro-violence Bernie Bros are out there ?
I don ’ t know , but I have a feeling we are going to hear from a few more . ''

Keith Ellison, who is the attorney general in Minnesota now after a short career as a congressman from the Midwestern state, is claiming that "Bernie Bros," as supporters of the socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders are known, are not violent.
Not at all, he claims.
"I have never seen @BernieSanders supporters being unusually mean or rude," Ellison posted on social media.
"Can someone send me an example of a 'Bernie Bro' being bad. Also, are we holding all candidates responsible for the behavior of some of their supporters. Waiting to hear."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
I have never seen @BernieSanders supporters being unusually mean or rude. Can someone send me an example of a “Bernie Bro” being bad. Also, are we holding all candidates responsible for the behavior of some of their supporters? Waiting to hear. — Keith Ellison (@keithellison) February 20, 2020
He didn't have to wait long.
According to a report in the Federalist, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise gave it some thought, and came up with an instance.
Citing his own personal experience of being shot by a "Bernie Bro" said, "I can think of an example.
His prime example of the "Bernie Bro" campaign of violence was that 2017 attack in which Scalise and three others were shot during a practice for a congressional charity game.
James T. Hodgkinson, who died in the shootout with police, was a "staunch Bernie Sanders supporter," according to reports.
"The Twitter exchange between Ellison and Scalise comes after 2020 contender Michael Bloomberg tweeted a campaign video this week condemning the 'energy' of the Bernie Bros," the Federalist reported.
"We need to unite to defeat Trump in November. This type of ‘energy’ is not going to get us there," Bloomberg said, according to the report, while the accompanying video flashed Bernie Bro tweets with threats including, "Vote Bernie or bad things will happen,” and “We know where you live, where you work, where you eat. … You made a bad choice. Prepare for hell. Calls won’t stop."
I can think of an example. https://t.co/KwuvyYgyGw — Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) February 20, 2020
The Daily Wire noted Ellison is a "Bernie" supporter.
The report said, "Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who was at the Virginia baseball field during the terrorist attack, later mentioned that the Democrat terrorist was screaming, 'this is for health care!' as he shot at lawmakers.
"I was there at the ball field when Steven Scalise almost died from a very, very angry violent man who was incited really by rhetoric on the left," Paul said. "And this hasn’t been reported enough, when he came on the field with a semi-automatic weapon firing probably close to 200 shots at us, shooting five people and almost killing Steve Scalise, he was yelling ‘this is for healthcare!’ He also had a list of conservative legislators, Republicans, in his pocket that he was willing to kill."
John Hinderaker at the Powerline Blog cited multiple videos obtained by James O'Keefe's Project Veritas of Sanders supporters.
One of them "expressed admiration for the Soviet Gulags, said billionaires should be sentenced to breaking rocks, and suggested that anyone who opposes Sanders’ revolutionary policies would be shot," the blog posting said.
Then there was the South Carolina field organizer.
He, another Sanders supporter, said, on video, "I'll straight up get armed…I'm ready for the f**king revolution'; 'Guillotine the rich'; 'send Republicans to re-education camps.'"
Hinderaker wrote, "How many pro-violence Bernie Bros are out there? I don’t know, but I have a feeling we are going to hear from a few more."


wnd--2020-02-21--Deep state goes silent on records mentioning Ciaramella

Two major federal agencies have refused to answer questions from a government watchdog about what records they have , or do n't have , about CIA employee Eric Ciaramella .
He 's been reported through multiple sources as the `` whistleblower '' who complained to Democrats in Congress that he did n't like what others told him about President Trump 's telephone call to Ukraine 's president last summer .
And that complaint triggered the Democrats ' recently failed effort to impeach and remove the president , who easily was acquitted of all charges by the Senate .
Officials with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CIA and Department of Justice stated they will `` neither confirm nor deny the existence of emails and other communications related to CIA official Eric Ciaramella , who reportedly worked on Ukraine issues while on detail to both the Obama and Trump White Houses . ''
TRENDING : Rasmussen : Voters ready 'to jail ' those who illegally targeted Trump Judicial Watch earlier had filed Freedom of Information Act cases after the CIA and DOJ failed to respond to November 2019 requests for communications between Ciaramella and former FBI agent Peter Strzok @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe , and/or the special counsel ’ s office .
The CIA said , `` In accordance with section 3.6 ( a ) of Executive Order 13526 , the CIA can neither confirm nor deny the existence or nonexistence of records responsive to the requests .
The fact of the existence or nonexistence of such records is itself exempt from FOIA under exemption ( b ) ( 3 ) and Section 6 of the CIA Act of I 949 , 50 U.S.C .
§ 3507 , and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to CIA intelligence sources and methods information , the fact of the existence or nonexistence of such records is exempt from FOIA under exemption ( b ) ( I ) and exemption ( b ) ( 3 ) in conjunction with Section 102A ( i ) ( l ) of the National Security Act of 1947 , 50 U.S.C § 3024 ( i ) ( I ) . ''
`` Ciaramella ’ s name appears in a footnote in Special Counsel Robert Mueller ’ s report on the 2016 presidential election .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the Oval Office , '' Judicial Watch said .
Some details later were `` leaked '' to the New York Times , Judicial Watch said .
`` The CIA and Justice Department are covering up information about the alleged whistleblower behind the abusive impeachment of President Trump , '' said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton .
`` CIA operative Ciaramella is documented to be involved in the Russia collusion investigation and was a key CIA operative on Ukraine in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The incredible secrecy about his activities shows that the DOJ and CIA are trying to cover-up rather than expose any agency abuses that led to unprecedented attacks on President Trump . ''
Judicial Watch also recently filed legal action that could `` confirm that President Trump had every right to be concerned about Ukraine and the Biden corruption . ''
The organization said it sued the State Department for records of communications from the U.S. Embassy in Kiev related to Burisma , the Ukrainian company that paid Hunter Biden some $ 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man for Ukraine policy .
In a second case , Judicial Watch is seeking the records of a Jan. 19 , 2016 , meeting at the White House that included Ukrainian prosecutors , embassy officials and Ciaramella .
`` These lawsuits could confirm that President Trump had every right to be concerned about Ukraine and Biden corruption – and that the impeachment against him was an shameful attempt to cover up these scandals , '' said Fitton .
Those cases were filed after the State Department did not respond to separate FOIA requests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or addressed to any official , employee , or representative of the Department of State stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv containing the term 'Burisma , ' all records regarding the January 19 , 2016 , meeting at the White House that included State Department Ukrainian Resident Legal Advisor Jeff Cole and U.S. Embassy Kyiv employee Svitlana Pardus , [ and ] all records of communication between State Department Resident Legal Advisor Jeff Cole and National Security Council staffer Eric Ciaramella . ''
Also included in the request were records of communication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ciaramella and emails sent by or addressed to State Department Resident Legal Advisor Jeff Cole and/or U.S. Embassy Kiev employee Svitlana Pardus between Jan. 10 , 2016 , and January 30 , 2016 .
Hunter Biden joined the board of Burisma Holdings in April 2014 .
`` He served on the board until early 2019 .
Burisma , which was under investigation by the Ukrainian government stated at the time of his hiring that Biden would , be 'in charge of the Holdings ' legal unit and will provide support for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judicial Watch said .
Hunter Biden had no previous experience in the industry .
`` In November 2019 , through analysis of Obama-era White House visitor logs , Judicial Watch broke the story of Ciaramella 's White House meetings .
Ciaramella was detailed to the Obama White House in 2015 and returned to the CIA during the Trump administration in 2017 .
The list of persons Ciaramella met with includes , but is not limited to , Daria Kaleniuk , co-founder and executive director of the Soros-funded Anticorruption Action Center ( AntAC ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Eurasia program coordinator at Soros funded Open Society Foundations ; and former Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland , who had extensive involvement with Clinton-funded dossier .
The logs also reveal that Alexandra Chalupa , a contractor hired by the DNC during the 2016 election who coordinated with Ukrainians to investigate President Trump and his former campaign manager Paul Manafort , visited the White House 27 times , '' Judicial Watch said .
Then it was reported New York Times journalist Ken Vogel was investigating the Jan. 19 , 2016 , meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacted the State Department via email for comment , specifically mentioning concerns about Hunter Biden 's position with Burisma .
That communication said : `` We are going to report that [ State Department official ] Elizabeth Zentos attended a meeting at the White House on 1/19/2016 with Ukrainian prosecutors and embassy officials as well as … [ redacted ] from the NSC … The subjects discussed included efforts within the United State government to support prosecutions , in Ukraine and the United Kingdom , of Burisma Holdings … and concerns that Hunter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could complicate such efforts . ''

Two major federal agencies have refused to answer questions from a government watchdog about any records they have concerning CIA employee Eric Ciaramella.
He's been reported to be the "whistleblower" whose complaint triggered the impeachment investivigation of President Trump.
The watchdog Judicial Watch said Thursday the CIA and Department of Justice stated they will "neither confirm nor deny the existence of emails and other communications related to CIA official Eric Ciaramella, who reportedly worked on Ukraine issues while on detail to both the Obama and Trump White Houses."
Judicial Watch filed Freedom of Information Act cases after the CIA and DOJ failed to respond to November 2019 requests for communications between Ciaramella and former FBI agent Peter Strzok, former FBI Attorney Lisa Page, former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and/or the special counsel’s office.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The CIA said: "In accordance with section 3.6(a) of Executive Order 13526, the CIA can neither confirm nor deny the existence or nonexistence of records responsive to the requests. The fact of the existence or nonexistence of such records is itself exempt from FOIA under exemption (b )(3) and Section 6 of the CIA Act of I 949, 50 U.S.C. § 3507, and, to the extent your request could relate to CIA intelligence sources and methods information, the fact of the existence or nonexistence of such records is exempt from FOIA under exemption (b)( I) and exemption (b)(3) in conjunction with Section 102A(i)(l) of the National Security Act of 1947, 50 U.S.C § 3024(i)( I)."
The DOJ was equally helpful, Judicial Watch reported.
"Ciaramella’s name appears in a footnote in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report on the 2016 presidential election. It concerns a May 2017 meeting between President Trump and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the Oval Office," Judicial Watch said.
Some details later were "leaked" to the New York Times, Judicial Watch said.
"The CIA and Justice Department are covering up information about the alleged whistleblower behind the abusive impeachment of President Trump," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "CIA operative Ciaramella is documented to be involved in the Russia collusion investigation and was a key CIA operative on Ukraine in the both the Obama and Trump White Houses. The incredible secrecy about his activities shows that the DOJ and CIA are trying to cover-up rather than expose any agency abuses that led to unprecedented attacks on President Trump."
Judicial Watch also recently filed legal action that could "confirm that President Trump had every right to be concerned about Ukraine and the Biden corruption."
The organization said it sued the State Department for records of communications from the U.S. Embassy in Kiev related to Burisma, the Ukrainian company that paid Hunter Biden some $3 million while his father was the point man for Ukraine policy. In a second case, Judicial Watch is seeking the records of a Jan. 19, 2016, meeting at the White House that included Ukrainian prosecutors, embassy officials and Ciaramella.
"These lawsuits could confirm that President Trump had every right to be concerned about Ukraine and Biden corruption – and that the impeachment against him was an shameful attempt to cover up these scandals," said Fitton.
The cases were filed after the State Department did not respond to separate FOIA requests for "all cables/teletypes or e-mails sent or addressed to any official, employee, or representative of the Department of State stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv containing the term 'Burisma,' all records regarding the January 19, 2016, meeting at the White House that included State Department Ukrainian Resident Legal Advisor Jeff Cole and U.S. Embassy Kyiv employee Svitlana Pardus, [and] all records of communication between State Department Resident Legal Advisor Jeff Cole and National Security Council staffer Eric Ciaramella."
Also included in the request were records of communication between U.S. Embassy Kiev employee Svitlana Pardus and Ciaramella and emails sent by or addressed to State Department Resident Legal Advisor Jeff Cole and/or U.S. Embassy Kiev employee Svitlana Pardus between Jan. 10, 2016, and January 30, 2016.
Hunter Biden joined the board of Burisma Holdings in April 2014.
"He served on the board until early 2019. Burisma, which was under investigation by the Ukrainian government stated at the time of his hiring that Biden would, be 'in charge of the Holdings' legal unit and will provide support for the Company among international organizations,'" Judicial Watch said.
Hunter Biden had no previous experience in the industry.
"In November 2019, through analysis of Obama-era White House visitor logs, Judicial Watch broke the story of Ciaramella's White House meetings. Ciaramella was detailed to the Obama White House in 2015 and returned to the CIA during the Trump administration in 2017. The list of persons Ciaramella met with includes, but is not limited to, Daria Kaleniuk, co-founder and executive director of the Soros-funded Anticorruption Action Center (AntAC) in Ukraine; Gina Lentine, formerly the Eurasia program coordinator at Soros funded Open Society Foundations; and former Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, who had extensive involvement with Clinton-funded dossier. The logs also reveal that Alexandra Chalupa, a contractor hired by the DNC during the 2016 election who coordinated with Ukrainians to investigate President Trump and his former campaign manager Paul Manafort, visited the White House 27 times," Judicial Watch said.
Then it was reported New York Times journalist Ken Vogel was investigating the Jan. 19, 2016, meeting at the White House. Vogel had contacted the State Department via email for comment, specifically mentioning concerns about Hunter Biden's position with Burisma.
That communication said: "We are going to report that [State Department official] Elizabeth Zentos attended a meeting at the White House on 1/19/2016 with Ukrainian prosecutors and embassy officials as well as … [redacted] from the NSC … The subjects discussed included efforts within the United State government to support prosecutions, in Ukraine and the United Kingdom, of Burisma Holdings … and concerns that Hunter Biden’s position with the company could complicate such efforts."