wnd--2020-01-11--U.S. firefighters receive heroes' welcome, cheered upon arrival in Australia

If you 've spent any time online or listening to news in the past months , you 've no doubt heard about the bushfires burning through Australia or seen the charts depicting just how much of the continent has been burned .
The disastrous fires have been going on for months now , and nearly half of them are still not contained .
According to an update from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service , 137 fires were still burning as of Thursday evening .
In an attempt to combat the damage and save lives , more than 3,300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the blazes -- including the largest group of American firefighters to fight fires abroad .
TRENDING : Video catches Ilhan Omar giggling as U.S. Iraq War deaths are discussed According to Fox News , the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise , Idaho , said a total of 259 American firefighters are on Australian turf , with 100 arriving Thursday .
The most recent group of firefighters got a very warm welcome from the people at the Sydney International Airport when they came through the doors , and Shane Fitzsimmons , commissioner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video .
`` US fire fighters arrived at Sydney Int Airport this week , on their way to assist with fire fighting in Victoria , '' he wrote .
`` Coming through , all gathered gave a spontaneous & lengthy round of applause , reflecting the gratitude & admiration we all have for their generosity . ''
Autumn Snyder , the wife of assistant fire management officer Sean Snyder , told CNN it would be hard for the family to give up Sean for the month of service he 's signed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of him .
`` We are a public service family and believe in doing all the good we can , '' she said .
`` We are super proud of the work he is doing over there . ''
`` It 's so refreshing and gratifying to see them be welcomed and appreciated . ''
Rob Rogers , deputy commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service , told Fox News , `` They 've been enormously welcome and they 've fitted in really well with our teams here .
They 've been very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to need all the help it can get .
With the conditions as fire-conducive as they are , the fight is far from over -- especially near the township of Burragate , where winds were predicted to reach up to 60 miles per hour .
`` We ’ re preparing for the inevitable risk that those towns may come under threat and if they do , we ’ ll be there to help defend them through the night , '' Nathan Barnden , a divisional commander with the Rural Fire Service , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ve been warned that we could be up there ‘ til the morning .
… There is a risk that we ’ ll be cut off and we ’ ll have to stay there throughout the time . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

If you've spent any time online or listening to news in the past months, you've no doubt heard about the bushfires burning through Australia or seen the charts depicting just how much of the continent has been burned.
The disastrous fires have been going on for months now, and nearly half of them are still not contained. According to an update from the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, 137 fires were still burning as of Thursday evening.
At 6pm there are 137 fires burning, 66 are not contained. In the field are more than 3,300 firefighters. Conditions continue to be difficult this evening. An forecast gusty southerly change could cause erratic fire behaviour over many firegrounds. #nswfires #nswrfs pic.twitter.com/ziDuzB0EKe — NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 10, 2020
In an attempt to combat the damage and save lives, more than 3,300 firefighters are out on the job fighting the blazes -- including the largest group of American firefighters to fight fires abroad.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
According to Fox News, the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, said a total of 259 American firefighters are on Australian turf, with 100 arriving Thursday.
The most recent group of firefighters got a very warm welcome from the people at the Sydney International Airport when they came through the doors, and Shane Fitzsimmons, commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service, tweeted the video.
"US fire fighters arrived at Sydney Int Airport this week, on their way to assist with fire fighting in Victoria," he wrote.
"Coming through, all gathered gave a spontaneous & lengthy round of applause, reflecting the gratitude & admiration we all have for their generosity."
US fire fighters arrived at Sydney Int Airport this week, on their way to assist with fire fighting in Victoria.
Coming through, all gathered gave a spontaneous & lengthy round of applause, reflecting the gratitude & admiration we all have for their generosity. #NSWRFS @NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/5epg5y4qxX — Shane Fitzsimmons (@RFSCommissioner) January 9, 2020
Autumn Snyder, the wife of assistant fire management officer Sean Snyder, told CNN it would be hard for the family to give up Sean for the month of service he's signed on for, but that they are proud of him.
"We are a public service family and believe in doing all the good we can," she said. "We are super proud of the work he is doing over there."
"It's so refreshing and gratifying to see them be welcomed and appreciated."
Rob Rogers, deputy commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service, told Fox News, "They've been enormously welcome and they've fitted in really well with our teams here. They've been very popular."
#USwithAUS Update – Fire resources are starting to work hand in hand to suppress #bushfires in #Australia. Additionally, fallers are working along roadways to reduce the amount of hazard trees to provide a safer area for #firefighters to work. #NSWfires #Australiafires pic.twitter.com/sH4pjMYhui — National Interagency Fire Center (@NIFCfire) January 10, 2020
And Australia will continue to need all the help it can get. With the conditions as fire-conducive as they are, the fight is far from over -- especially near the township of Burragate, where winds were predicted to reach up to 60 miles per hour.
"We’re preparing for the inevitable risk that those towns may come under threat and if they do, we’ll be there to help defend them through the night," Nathan Barnden, a divisional commander with the Rural Fire Service, said, according to Fox News.
"We’ve been warned that we could be up there ‘til the morning. … There is a risk that we’ll be cut off and we’ll have to stay there throughout the time."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-11--Former naval chief: We need to know where 'Tic Tac' UFO came from

Adm. Gary Roughead , a retired chief of naval operations , says the country needs to know where Tic Tac came from .
That 's the name given to an unidentified flying object spotted in various military videos that is shaped like the popular breath mints .
`` Without knowing what they may be – are they phenomena or are they vehicles that someone was able to get into place ?
– I think one of the great challenges that more people looked at is , where would these have come from ?
And quite frankly , I have n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue , '' Roughead said .
His comments came in a report by Sarasota Herald-Tribune reporter Billy Cox on his blog page .
TRENDING : Video catches Ilhan Omar giggling as U.S. Iraq War deaths are discussed The flying objects have appeared in several sets of gun-camera videos .
One was from an F-18 attached to the USS Nimitz off Southern California in 2004 .
Others were from Super Hornets based with the USS Roosevelt off Jacksonville , Florida , in 2015 .
The footage was authenticated by the Defense Department last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left aeronautical experts astonished .
`` The target of the 2004 footage , dubbed the 'Tic Tac ' for its oblong shape , reportedly plunged from 80,000 feet to 20,000 feet in less than a second , a speed that would have easily destroyed a conventional aircraft , '' the report explained .
`` Roughead commanded both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets before serving as CNO from 2007 through 2011 . ''
Such reports were rare , he said , but they emphasized the hope of developing `` unmanned autonomous aircraft . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to see new technology in the form of unmanned systems that will begin to interfere with military capability .
And we 're not alone .
There 's no question that China and Russia want to plan , '' he said .
In the report , retired Navy Cmdr .
David Fravor explained UFOs are not the only mystery .
He was the one who chased the Tic Tac UFO and recently recounted for the New York Times more information about one craft that not only flew but submerged under water .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and it may have been after I retired , that seemed to go under water , '' he said .
`` If in fact it was a real vehicle , how did it launch and recover ?
Because as you know , it 's not an easy thing to get something that can perform extraordinarily well in the air and dive into the water and become something else .
What that phenomenon was , I ca n't help you out there , '' he said .
Roughhead pointed out that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The aerodynamics and the hydrodynamics and the strength that ’ s required to be able to fly and operate at depths , and the power you need to move at high speeds in the air , then how do you convert that power to something under the water – those are huge technological challenges .
There 's no question in my mind that in the future of warfare , probably long after I ’ m gone , we ’ ll see that type of thing beginning to occur , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reporting Center , which tracks calls and messages from people around the U.S. and Canada about strange sightings in the sky , said it heard of 5,971 sightings in 2019 .
That 's up from fewer than 3,400 the year before .
The report said , `` California led the country last year with the most number of UFO observations to the site : 485 in total , an increase of 182 sightings from 2018 .
Florida came in second with 385 sightings in 2019 , which was 156 more reports than in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data . ''

Adm. Gary Roughead, a retired chief of naval operations, says the country needs to know where Tic Tac came from.
That's the name given to an unidentified flying object spotted in various military videos that is shaped like the popular breath mints.
"Without knowing what they may be – are they phenomena or are they vehicles that someone was able to get into place? – I think one of the great challenges that more people looked at is, where would these have come from? And quite frankly, I haven't spent a lot of time on that issue," Roughead said.
His comments came in a report by Sarasota Herald-Tribune reporter Billy Cox on his blog page.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The flying objects have appeared in several sets of gun-camera videos. One was from an F-18 attached to the USS Nimitz off Southern California in 2004. Others were from Super Hornets based with the USS Roosevelt off Jacksonville, Florida, in 2015.
The footage was authenticated by the Defense Department last year.
A few of the facts have left aeronautical experts astonished.
"The target of the 2004 footage, dubbed the 'Tic Tac' for its oblong shape, reportedly plunged from 80,000 feet to 20,000 feet in less than a second, a speed that would have easily destroyed a conventional aircraft," the report explained.
"Roughead commanded both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets before serving as CNO from 2007 through 2011."
Such reports were rare, he said, but they emphasized the hope of developing "unmanned autonomous aircraft."
"I think we're going to continue to see new technology in the form of unmanned systems that will begin to interfere with military capability. And we're not alone. There's no question that China and Russia want to plan," he said.
In the report, retired Navy Cmdr. David Fravor explained UFOs are not the only mystery.
He was the one who chased the Tic Tac UFO and recently recounted for the New York Times more information about one craft that not only flew but submerged under water.
"I remember there was one (UFO), and it may have been after I retired, that seemed to go under water," he said. "If in fact it was a real vehicle, how did it launch and recover? Because as you know, it's not an easy thing to get something that can perform extraordinarily well in the air and dive into the water and become something else. What that phenomenon was, I can't help you out there," he said.
Roughhead pointed out that's an entirely new field of questions.
"The aerodynamics and the hydrodynamics and the strength that’s required to be able to fly and operate at depths, and the power you need to move at high speeds in the air, then how do you convert that power to something under the water – those are huge technological challenges. There's no question in my mind that in the future of warfare, probably long after I’m gone, we’ll see that type of thing beginning to occur," he said.
ABC News reported the National UFO Reporting Center, which tracks calls and messages from people around the U.S. and Canada about strange sightings in the sky, said it heard of 5,971 sightings in 2019.
That's up from fewer than 3,400 the year before.
The report said, "California led the country last year with the most number of UFO observations to the site: 485 in total, an increase of 182 sightings from 2018. Florida came in second with 385 sightings in 2019, which was 156 more reports than in 2018, according to UFO Reporting Center data."


wnd--2020-01-11--Civil partnerships FINALLY extended to opposite-sex couples

The Civil Partnership Act of 2004 extended to same-sex duos in the United Kingdom the rights and privileges of being married .
Now , some 15 years later , male-female couples are being granted the same .
The British Parliament allowed civil partnerships to be formalized beginning Dec. 31 , 2019 .
`` One such couple is Julie and Keith from West Yorkshire , the couple met more than 30 years ago on New Year 's Eve and will now be able to enjoy the security and legal certainty that others enjoy through marriage , '' the government said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as U.S. Iraq War deaths are discussed They told the Government Equality Office : `` We are so thrilled to be able to finally have a civil partnership .
After more than three decades together , we can ’ t think of a better way to solidify our union .
`` Now , we can celebrate our love with the same legal and financial security as other couples , in a new , modern and inclusive way , making our anniversary extra special . ''
Couples in civil partnerships enjoy tax relief , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibilities .
The government explained , `` Civil partnerships are not intended to compete with marriage but rather to provide an alternative option for those couples who do not wish to marry but want legal certainty and stability for their families . ''
The Christian Institute said the change was made because the courts ruled that restrictions banning opposite-sex couples from civil partnerships were unfair .
The report estimated about 84,000 male-female couples will become civil partners this year .
`` Heterosexual civil partnerships have been described as 'marriage-lite , ' '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heterosexual civil partnerships is that it 's very much a low-commitment alternative to marriage , '' said Simon Calvert , the deputy director of the Christian Institute .
`` You do n't have to pledge to stay together for the rest of your life , and it ’ s easier to get out of . ''

The Civil Partnership Act of 2004 extended to same-sex duos in the United Kingdom the rights and privileges of being married.
Now, some 15 years later, male-female couples are being granted the same.
The British Parliament allowed civil partnerships to be formalized beginning Dec. 31, 2019.
"One such couple is Julie and Keith from West Yorkshire, the couple met more than 30 years ago on New Year's Eve and will now be able to enjoy the security and legal certainty that others enjoy through marriage," the government said.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
They told the Government Equality Office: "We are so thrilled to be able to finally have a civil partnership. After more than three decades together, we can’t think of a better way to solidify our union.
"Now, we can celebrate our love with the same legal and financial security as other couples, in a new, modern and inclusive way, making our anniversary extra special."
Couples in civil partnerships enjoy tax relief, exemption from inheritance tax and joint parental responsibilities.
The government explained, "Civil partnerships are not intended to compete with marriage but rather to provide an alternative option for those couples who do not wish to marry but want legal certainty and stability for their families."
The Christian Institute said the change was made because the courts ruled that restrictions banning opposite-sex couples from civil partnerships were unfair.
The report estimated about 84,000 male-female couples will become civil partners this year.
"Heterosexual civil partnerships have been described as 'marriage-lite,'" the report said.
"The problem with heterosexual civil partnerships is that it's very much a low-commitment alternative to marriage," said Simon Calvert, the deputy director of the Christian Institute. "You don't have to pledge to stay together for the rest of your life, and it’s easier to get out of."


wnd--2020-01-11--Jury to determine if university discriminated against pro-life nurse

A federal judge says a jury will have to sort out a lawsuit by a nursing instructor against a university that declined to hire her after grilling her about her pro-life views .
Cynthia Isabell 's complaint against Indiana University South Bend is being handled by the American Center for Law and Justice .
Isabell was denied a job `` for which she was eminently well-qualified '' after an assistant dean launched an inquisition into her pro-life views , ACLJ said .
`` This happened shortly after Cindy had published an internet blog article about her pro-life views , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IUSB in federal court in South Bend alleging that IUSB ’ s agents retaliated against Cindy for expressing her viewpoint in violation of her First Amendment right to free speech . ''
TRENDING : Widow of fallen officer 'flabbergasted ' when she finds out mortgage has been paid off The university wanted the case thrown out , but Judge Damon R. Leichty said a jury must review unresolved issues .
`` The court noted the abundance of testimony in the record from IUSB 's own employees , faculty members who participated in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process was grossly unfair to Cindy Isabell , '' ACLJ said .
`` Several IUSB faculty members reported that Assistant Dean Dobrzykowski directly questioned Cindy 'about being pro-life ' with one professor going so far as to file an Affirmative Action complaint about it . ''
Leichty said `` the question about being ‘ pro-life ’ was apparently a shot heard around campus as faculty outside the process learned about it and became 'appalled ' ; and even more , the subject was discussed within the search and screen committee . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find that Dr. Dobrzykowski was tying together 'being pro-life ' with the 'inability to teach ' at Indiana University – an animus deserving no place in hiring decisions at a prestigious state university , '' ACLJ said .
`` Equating 'being pro-life ' with an 'inability to teach ' at a state university or any other institution for that matter is indeed an unlawful animus .
Actions taken by public officials in furtherance of such animus – whether denying a job or discriminating in the terms or conditions of employment – are against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` more than enough evidence from which a reasonable jury could conclude that IUSB 's assistant dean harbored an animus against Cindy because of the pro-life views she expressed in her article and that this undermined the legitimacy of the whole process . ''
Isabell has a doctorate in nursing and education and has worked as a staff nurse , mostly in obstetrics , for nearly 40 years .
She 's also taught classes for more than 20 years .
The judge noted Dobrzykowski asked Isabell questions about abortion but not the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate be hired in a memo that essentially ignored Isabell .
The judge also pointed out that Dobrzykowski 's apparent targeting of Isabell bothered other members of an evaluation committee .
One filed a complaint with the university about the bias .
ACLJ said a trial is scheduled in a few months .

A federal judge says a jury will have to sort out a lawsuit by a nursing instructor against a university that declined to hire her after grilling her about her pro-life views.
Cynthia Isabell's complaint against Indiana University South Bend is being handled by the American Center for Law and Justice.
Isabell was denied a job "for which she was eminently well-qualified" after an assistant dean launched an inquisition into her pro-life views, ACLJ said.
"This happened shortly after Cindy had published an internet blog article about her pro-life views," ACLJ said. "We're suing IUSB in federal court in South Bend alleging that IUSB’s agents retaliated against Cindy for expressing her viewpoint in violation of her First Amendment right to free speech."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The university wanted the case thrown out, but Judge Damon R. Leichty said a jury must review unresolved issues.
"The court noted the abundance of testimony in the record from IUSB's own employees, faculty members who participated in the hiring process and others, that the process was grossly unfair to Cindy Isabell," ACLJ said. "Several IUSB faculty members reported that Assistant Dean Dobrzykowski directly questioned Cindy 'about being pro-life' with one professor going so far as to file an Affirmative Action complaint about it."
Leichty said "the question about being ‘pro-life’ was apparently a shot heard around campus as faculty outside the process learned about it and became 'appalled'; and even more, the subject was discussed within the search and screen committee."
The judge said a reasonable jury "could find that Dr. Dobrzykowski was tying together 'being pro-life' with the 'inability to teach' at Indiana University – an animus deserving no place in hiring decisions at a prestigious state university," ACLJ said.
"Equating 'being pro-life' with an 'inability to teach' at a state university or any other institution for that matter is indeed an unlawful animus. Actions taken by public officials in furtherance of such animus – whether denying a job or discriminating in the terms or conditions of employment – are against the law."
The court found "more than enough evidence from which a reasonable jury could conclude that IUSB's assistant dean harbored an animus against Cindy because of the pro-life views she expressed in her article and that this undermined the legitimacy of the whole process."
Isabell has a doctorate in nursing and education and has worked as a staff nurse, mostly in obstetrics, for nearly 40 years. She's also taught classes for more than 20 years.
The judge noted Dobrzykowski asked Isabell questions about abortion but not the second candidate. And Dobrzykowski recommended the second candidate be hired in a memo that essentially ignored Isabell.
The judge also pointed out that Dobrzykowski's apparent targeting of Isabell bothered other members of an evaluation committee. One filed a complaint with the university about the bias.
ACLJ said a trial is scheduled in a few months.


wnd--2020-01-11--UC Berkeley OKs monument to Palestinian terrorists but discriminated against conservatives

The University of California , Berkeley is under fire for showcasing a shrine glorifying Palestinian women involved in terrorist attacks on Israel , according to The Algemeiner .
The controversy follows a string of free-speech-related issues involving conservatives speaking on campus in recent years .
The jihadist exhibit was put together by a student group called Bears for Palestine in a location at the student union sponsored by UC Berkeley 's student government .
It was brought to the media 's attention when senior Milton Zerman blasted the shrine on social media .
In a Facebook post Dec. 13 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a shrine in their ASUC-sponsored Eshleman Hall cubicle glorifying the actions of violent Palestinian terrorists who killed innocent Jewish people ( in one case two Jewish college students ) . ''
TRENDING : Widow of fallen officer 'flabbergasted ' when she finds out mortgage has been paid off The post includes a photo of Leila Khaled holding an AK-47 .
She was involved in the 1969 and 1970 hijackings of two European flights , TWA 840 and El Al 219 .
While the university has no issue displaying jihadist affiliates and terrorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue with allowing conservatives to come and talk to students .
As The Washington Post noted in 2017 , several conservative speakers , including Ann Coulter and Ben Shapiro , ran into roadblocks when attempting to speak on campus .
Events were canceled , security fees were curiously raised and venues were constantly booked despite plenty of advanced notice .
`` Using ridiculous pretexts to keep conservatives from speaking is unsurprising but disappointing .
We 'll find a way to get this event done , and UC Berkeley has a moral and legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Shapiro said in a statement , per The Post .
The chain-yanking by Berkeley was enough for the president of the United States to chime in .
Following the various controversies , the Berkeley College Republicans and the Young America 's Foundation filed a free-speech lawsuit that ended up costing the university $ 70,000 in legal fees and resulted in UC Berkeley changing its discriminatory procedures surrounding conservatives .
While having a conservative speaker appears to be a major concern for Berkeley , celebrating women such as convicted terrorist Rasmea Odeh does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Judicial Watch , Odeh and other women showcased in the campus display were members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine , recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government .
Odeh was convicted and imprisoned after being found guilty of a 1969 terrorist attack in a Jerusalem supermarket that killed two college students , Leon Kanner and Eddie Joffe .
In 2017 , she was deported from the U.S. to Jordan for lying on her immigration papers .
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have killed over 100 people including women and children .
The terrorist group was responsible for the 2014 synagogue massacre that killed five civilians and one police officer in Jerusalem .
Zerman took a stand against the glorification of these terrorists by leaving signs on the exhibit .
`` Your display glorifying Jew-killers makes you complicit , '' read one .
Another said , `` From New Jersey to Jerusalem , we demand justice for our Jewish brothers + sisters '' -- a reference to the recent anti-Semitic shooting at a Jersey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as a police officer , according to The Algemeiner .
Zerman , an Associated Students of the University of California senator , also sponsored a resolution asking the ASUC to denounce and step away from the Bears for Palestine exhibit and to acknowledge that the student union space should not be used to support or magnify terrorism .
This resolution , which will be considered at an upcoming ASUC Senate hearing , is expected to face strong opposition , according to The Daily Californian .
The student newspaper reported that Sarah Abdeshahian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said in an email that Zerman 's resolution is “ absolutely unfair ” and Bears for Palestine should be allowed to `` celebrate Palestinian activists . ''
Shelby Weiss , an ASUC senator , also cited concerns about violating students ’ First Amendment right to free speech , The Daily Californian reported .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

The University of California, Berkeley is under fire for showcasing a shrine glorifying Palestinian women involved in terrorist attacks on Israel, according to The Algemeiner.
The controversy follows a string of free-speech-related issues involving conservatives speaking on campus in recent years.
The jihadist exhibit was put together by a student group called Bears for Palestine in a location at the student union sponsored by UC Berkeley's student government.
It was brought to the media's attention when senior Milton Zerman blasted the shrine on social media.
In a Facebook post Dec. 13, Zerman wrote that the group "put up a shrine in their ASUC-sponsored Eshleman Hall cubicle glorifying the actions of violent Palestinian terrorists who killed innocent Jewish people (in one case two Jewish college students)."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The post includes a photo of Leila Khaled holding an AK-47. She was involved in the 1969 and 1970 hijackings of two European flights, TWA 840 and El Al 219.
Bears For Palestine has put up a shrine in their ASUC-sponsored Eshleman Hall cubicle glorifying the actions of violent... Posted by ASUC Senator Milton Zerman on Friday, December 13, 2019
While the university has no issue displaying jihadist affiliates and terrorism, the school apparently has had an issue with allowing conservatives to come and talk to students.
As The Washington Post noted in 2017, several conservative speakers, including Ann Coulter and Ben Shapiro, ran into roadblocks when attempting to speak on campus.
Events were canceled, security fees were curiously raised and venues were constantly booked despite plenty of advanced notice.
"Using ridiculous pretexts to keep conservatives from speaking is unsurprising but disappointing. We'll find a way to get this event done, and UC Berkeley has a moral and legal obligation to ensure we do so," Shapiro said in a statement, per The Post.
The chain-yanking by Berkeley was enough for the president of the United States to chime in.
If U.C. Berkeley does not allow free speech and practices violence on innocent people with a different point of view - NO FEDERAL FUNDS? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 2, 2017
Following the various controversies, the Berkeley College Republicans and the Young America's Foundation filed a free-speech lawsuit that ended up costing the university $70,000 in legal fees and resulted in UC Berkeley changing its discriminatory procedures surrounding conservatives.
While having a conservative speaker appears to be a major concern for Berkeley, celebrating women such as convicted terrorist Rasmea Odeh doesn't seem to be a problem.
According to Judicial Watch, Odeh and other women showcased in the campus display were members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
Odeh was convicted and imprisoned after being found guilty of a 1969 terrorist attack in a Jerusalem supermarket that killed two college students, Leon Kanner and Eddie Joffe. In 2017, she was deported from the U.S. to Jordan for lying on her immigration papers.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine carried out several suicide bombings over the years that have killed over 100 people including women and children. The terrorist group was responsible for the 2014 synagogue massacre that killed five civilians and one police officer in Jerusalem.
Zerman took a stand against the glorification of these terrorists by leaving signs on the exhibit.
"Your display glorifying Jew-killers makes you complicit," read one.
Another said, "From New Jersey to Jerusalem, we demand justice for our Jewish brothers + sisters" -- a reference to the recent anti-Semitic shooting at a Jersey City supermarket that killed three people as well as a police officer, according to The Algemeiner.
Zerman, an Associated Students of the University of California senator, also sponsored a resolution asking the ASUC to denounce and step away from the Bears for Palestine exhibit and to acknowledge that the student union space should not be used to support or magnify terrorism.
This resolution, which will be considered at an upcoming ASUC Senate hearing, is expected to face strong opposition, according to The Daily Californian.
The student newspaper reported that Sarah Abdeshahian, president of the Cal Berkeley Democrats, said in an email that Zerman's resolution is “absolutely unfair” and Bears for Palestine should be allowed to "celebrate Palestinian activists."
Shelby Weiss, an ASUC senator, also cited concerns about violating students’ First Amendment right to free speech, The Daily Californian reported.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-11--Brooks: Defense officials withheld info from Congress because some members can't be trusted

Rep. Mo Brooks said that in the classified briefing about the airstrike that took out Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , it seemed defense officials withheld important details on the attack because some representatives ca n't be trusted .
`` USA kills Sulaimani .
Kudos !
After 40 years , about time USA fights back against Iran terrorists , '' the Alabama Republican tweeted Thursday .
`` In classified briefing , it appeared defense & intelligence reps held back info out of concern too many Congressmen ca n't be trusted to keep classified info from USA enemies .
Sad ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' when she finds out mortgage has been paid off Brooks ' assertion came on the same day the House of Representatives approved a war powers resolution meant to limit President Donald Trump 's ability to engage in military operations against Iran by forcing him to obtain congressional approval before doing so , Fox News reported .
After the airstrike at Baghdad ’ s international airport that killed Soleimani , the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ' elite Quds Force , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats have complained that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack .
But Brooks and members of the Trump administration have since said that there was a concern about representatives leaking classified information to the news media , thus allowing vital intelligence to fall into the hands of the country 's enemies .
Brooks described the meeting in which he said officials withheld information in an exclusive interview with The Daily Wire .
`` There were questions asked for specific information and the people on the dais simply did everything they could to get around providing the specific information , which allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sharing that classified information with Congress in that kind of setting , '' he said .
`` Which in turn leads to the inference that they had a reasonable amount of distrust as to whether shared classified information would in turn be shared by members of Congress with the news media or our enemies . ''
Vice President Mike Pence appeared Thursday on `` Fox & Friends '' to respond to criticism of the briefing , saying that the airstrike prevented `` an imminent attack '' by Iran and that congressional leadership has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources and methods , we 're simply not able to share with every member of the House and Senate the intelligence that supported the president 's decision to take out Qassem Soleimani , '' Pence said .
`` I can assure your viewers that there was a threat of an imminent attack . ''
Brooks told The Daily Wire that Pence 's response to congressional criticism of the attack and the briefing is `` very consistent with the concern that Congress can not be trusted to keep classified information classified . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that concern is what you just got done seeing with Adam Schiff 's Intelligence Committee during the impeachment proceedings wherein that information that was collected in a SCIF was invariably leaked to the news media , '' he said .
`` So if you just had that experience where members of Congress are quite clearly leaking information that was collected in a SCIF environment , how can you trust them not to leak classified information regarding Iran that could lead to the deaths of our intelligence sources , or empower terrorist organizations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have done ? ''
Trump said during a Thursday rally that he did n't inform Congress of the attack before it happened because Democratic represenatives would leak it to the mainstream media .
Brooks concluded , `` Quite clearly , there are some more visible members of Congress that caused greater concerns that others , but I 'll leave to you and the general public to figure out which ones those are . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Rep. Mo Brooks said that in the classified briefing about the airstrike that took out Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, it seemed defense officials withheld important details on the attack because some representatives can't be trusted.
"USA kills Sulaimani. Kudos! After 40 years, about time USA fights back against Iran terrorists," the Alabama Republican tweeted Thursday.
"In classified briefing, it appeared defense & intelligence reps held back info out of concern too many Congressmen can't be trusted to keep classified info from USA enemies. Sad!"
USA kills Sulaimani. Kudos! After 40 years, about time USA fights back against Iran terrorists. In classified briefing, it appeared defense & intelligence reps held back info out of concern too many Congressmen can't be trusted to keep classified info from USA enemies. Sad! Mo pic.twitter.com/NONrDmpEa6 — Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) January 9, 2020
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Brooks' assertion came on the same day the House of Representatives approved a war powers resolution meant to limit President Donald Trump's ability to engage in military operations against Iran by forcing him to obtain congressional approval before doing so, Fox News reported.
After the airstrike at Baghdad’s international airport that killed Soleimani, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' elite Quds Force, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats have complained that Trump failed to consult them before launching the attack.
But Brooks and members of the Trump administration have since said that there was a concern about representatives leaking classified information to the news media, thus allowing vital intelligence to fall into the hands of the country's enemies.
Brooks described the meeting in which he said officials withheld information in an exclusive interview with The Daily Wire.
"There were questions asked for specific information and the people on the dais simply did everything they could to get around providing the specific information, which allowed the inference that they had reservations about sharing that classified information with Congress in that kind of setting," he said.
"Which in turn leads to the inference that they had a reasonable amount of distrust as to whether shared classified information would in turn be shared by members of Congress with the news media or our enemies."
Vice President Mike Pence appeared Thursday on "Fox & Friends" to respond to criticism of the briefing, saying that the airstrike prevented "an imminent attack" by Iran and that congressional leadership has seen the intelligence.
"To protect sources and methods, we're simply not able to share with every member of the House and Senate the intelligence that supported the president's decision to take out Qassem Soleimani," Pence said. "I can assure your viewers that there was a threat of an imminent attack."
Brooks told The Daily Wire that Pence's response to congressional criticism of the attack and the briefing is "very consistent with the concern that Congress cannot be trusted to keep classified information classified."
"[It's] also consistent with that concern is what you just got done seeing with Adam Schiff's Intelligence Committee during the impeachment proceedings wherein that information that was collected in a SCIF was invariably leaked to the news media," he said.
"So if you just had that experience where members of Congress are quite clearly leaking information that was collected in a SCIF environment, how can you trust them not to leak classified information regarding Iran that could lead to the deaths of our intelligence sources, or empower terrorist organizations to avoid American retribution for the killing that they have done?"
Trump said during a Thursday rally that he didn't inform Congress of the attack before it happened because Democratic represenatives would leak it to the mainstream media.
Brooks concluded, "Quite clearly, there are some more visible members of Congress that caused greater concerns that others, but I'll leave to you and the general public to figure out which ones those are."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-11--Dem senators in 2020 race face lengthy down time for impeachment

Senate Democrats running for their party 's nomination for president are facing a lengthy down time from their campaigns .
Others , including Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg , will be on the trail shaking hands every day .
It 's because House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , after three weeks of trying to extract favorable terms , said she will take steps next week to send impeachment articles to the Senate .
The trial is expected to result in an acquittal for the president since the GOP holds the majority and impeachment requires a supermajority vote of two-thirds .
TRENDING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she finds out mortgage has been paid off An analysis by The Hill said the submission of the articles `` almost certainly guarantees that the five Democratic senators still running for their party ’ s presidential nomination will remain in Washington in the weeks leading up to the Iowa caucuses on Feb. 3 , depriving them of critical facetime with voters . ''
`` Palpable effects '' are expected for Sens .
Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren , the report said .
`` By taking Sanders and Warren off the campaign trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impeachment trial could lend an advantage to their top rivals , former Vice President Joe Biden and former South Bend , Ind.
, Mayor Pete Buttigieg , who are polling at or near the top of the pack in Iowa , '' the report said .
Three other senators , Cory Booker , Michael Bennet and Amy Klobuchar , need strong performances in Iowa , and the Senate trial will be viewed as `` an unwelcome obstacle . ''
Klobuchar already has said she will need help from `` everyone on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absence .
A trial could start as early as Wednesday .
`` It 's unclear just how long the impeachment trial will last .
But there 's little doubt that it will mean spending critical time off the campaign trail , especially in the leadup to the Iowa caucuses , the first nominating contest of 2020 and one of the most crucial in the primary calendar .
No Democrat since former President Bill Clinton has won their party 's nomination without taking the top spot in the Iowa caucuses , '' the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The impeachment proceedings began with accusations that Trump had sought to pressure Ukrainian officials to launch an investigation into Biden and his son Hunter .
And Republicans have repeatedly accused the former vice president of working to oust a Ukrainian prosecutor who had investigated an energy company that employed his son . ''

Senate Democrats running for their party's nomination for president are facing a lengthy down time from their campaigns.
Others, including Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg, will be on the trail shaking hands every day.
It's because House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after three weeks of trying to extract favorable terms, said she will take steps next week to send impeachment articles to the Senate.
The trial is expected to result in an acquittal for the president since the GOP holds the majority and impeachment requires a supermajority vote of two-thirds.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
An analysis by The Hill said the submission of the articles "almost certainly guarantees that the five Democratic senators still running for their party’s presidential nomination will remain in Washington in the weeks leading up to the Iowa caucuses on Feb. 3, depriving them of critical facetime with voters."
"Palpable effects" are expected for Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, the report said.
"By taking Sanders and Warren off the campaign trail for what will likely be weeks, the impeachment trial could lend an advantage to their top rivals, former Vice President Joe Biden and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who are polling at or near the top of the pack in Iowa," the report said.
Three other senators, Cory Booker, Michael Bennet and Amy Klobuchar, need strong performances in Iowa, and the Senate trial will be viewed as "an unwelcome obstacle."
Klobuchar already has said she will need help from "everyone on the ground in Iowa" to mitigate her absence.
A trial could start as early as Wednesday.
"It's unclear just how long the impeachment trial will last. But there's little doubt that it will mean spending critical time off the campaign trail, especially in the leadup to the Iowa caucuses, the first nominating contest of 2020 and one of the most crucial in the primary calendar. No Democrat since former President Bill Clinton has won their party's nomination without taking the top spot in the Iowa caucuses," the report said.
The Hill said: "The impeachment proceedings began with accusations that Trump had sought to pressure Ukrainian officials to launch an investigation into Biden and his son Hunter. And Republicans have repeatedly accused the former vice president of working to oust a Ukrainian prosecutor who had investigated an energy company that employed his son."


wnd--2020-01-11--Paleolithic diet may not have been that 'paleo,' scientists say

( LONDON GUARDIAN ) In a blow to gym vloggers who pretend to be scientists everywhere , the paleo diet @ @ @ @ @ paleo .
According to a new study , humans were eating carbs up to 170,000 @ @ @ @ @ diet is based on the assumption that modern farming and agricultural practices don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ human body was made to digest .
It therefore cuts out many carbohydrates : legumes @ @ @ @ @ even white potatoes , depending on what kind of paleo you are .
Paleo enthusiasts @ @ @ @ @ the eating patterns of our ancestors in the Paleolithic period ( spanning from about 2.5m @ @ @ @ @ of the last Ice Age , around 9,600 BCE ) , which usually means eating @ @ @ @ @ nuts and vegetables .

(LONDON GUARDIAN) In a blow to gym vloggers who pretend to be scientists everywhere, the paleo diet may not be all that paleo. According to a new study, humans were eating carbs up to 170,000 years ago.
The paleo diet is based on the assumption that modern farming and agricultural practices don’t match up to what the human body was made to digest. It therefore cuts out many carbohydrates: legumes, pulses, grains and even white potatoes, depending on what kind of paleo you are.
Paleo enthusiasts suggest we should return to the eating patterns of our ancestors in the Paleolithic period (spanning from about 2.5m years ago to the end of the last Ice Age, around 9,600 BCE), which usually means eating mostly meat, fish, nuts and vegetables.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-11--Taiwan: Tsai Ing-wen wins 2nd presidential term, beating Beijing-friendly rival

( HONG KONG FREE PRESS ) Taiwan 's incumbent leader Tsai Ing-wen has won Saturday ’ s presidential election , @ @ @ @ @ Kuo-yu by a wide margin .
“ Taiwan is showing the world how much we @ @ @ @ @ way of life , ” Tsai told supporters at 9pm as she confirmed her victory @ @ @ @ @ supporters outside the Democratic Progressive Party ( DPP ) headquarters in Taipei burst into cheers @ @ @ @ @ to address reporters .

(HONG KONG FREE PRESS) Taiwan's incumbent leader Tsai Ing-wen has won Saturday’s presidential election, defeating her Beijing-friendly rival Han Kuo-yu by a wide margin.
“Taiwan is showing the world how much we cherish our free and democratic way of life,” Tsai told supporters at 9pm as she confirmed her victory.
A jubilant crowd of supporters outside the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) headquarters in Taipei burst into cheers as Tsai appeared on stage to address reporters.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-11--Brit teen having seizure saved by online gamer - 5,000 miles away in Texas

( BBC NEWS ) The parents of a teenager who suffered a seizure while chatting online have thanked his friend @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 miles away .
Aidan Jackson , 17 , was talking to an American gamer @ @ @ @ @ on 2 January when he had a fit .
His friend , 20-year-old Dia Lathora @ @ @ @ @ police in the UK .
The first Aidan 's parents knew of the emergency was @ @ @ @ @ appeared at their front door , the Liverpool Echo reported .

(BBC NEWS) The parents of a teenager who suffered a seizure while chatting online have thanked his friend who called emergency services from 5,000 miles away.
Aidan Jackson, 17, was talking to an American gamer from his bedroom in Widnes on 2 January when he had a fit.
His friend, 20-year-old Dia Lathora, from Texas, alerted police in the UK.
The first Aidan's parents knew of the emergency was when police and an ambulance appeared at their front door, the Liverpool Echo reported.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-11--Mike Lee signs on to Sanders' bill to prevent funding for military intervention in Iran

( CNN ) Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah has agreed to co-sponsor Sen. Bernie Sanders ' legislation that would @ @ @ @ @ action in Iran without express approval from Congress .
Sanders , a Vermont independent who @ @ @ @ @ presidential nomination , introduced the bill shortly after the Trump administration held a classified briefing @ @ @ @ @ case for their military strike last week that killed Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani .
Sanders @ @ @ @ @ briefing , saying afterward that the administration 's briefers gave no proof of any imminent @ @ @ @ @ targets .

(CNN) Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah has agreed to co-sponsor Sen. Bernie Sanders' legislation that would freeze funding for any military action in Iran without express approval from Congress.
Sanders, a Vermont independent who's running for the Democratic presidential nomination, introduced the bill shortly after the Trump administration held a classified briefing in which advisers outlined the case for their military strike last week that killed Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
Sanders was sharply critical of the briefing, saying afterward that the administration's briefers gave no proof of any imminent attack by Iran against US targets.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-11--Tire-slasher had hate motive against Christians: Police

( CHICAGO SUN-TIMES ) Charges have been upgraded against a man who allegedly slashed tires of multiple vehicles at churches @ @ @ @ @ because he didn ’ t like Christians .
Osama E. El Hannouny , 25 , @ @ @ @ @ , 2019 , and charged with 14 counts of criminal damage to property , according @ @ @ @ @ The charges against him were upgraded Thursday to 14 counts of hate crime , police @ @ @ @ @ to slashing tires of 19 vehicles at two churches because he didn ’ t like @ @

(CHICAGO SUN-TIMES) Charges have been upgraded against a man who allegedly slashed tires of multiple vehicles at churches in Palos Hills last year because he didn’t like Christians.
Osama E. El Hannouny, 25, was initially arrested Nov. 17, 2019, and charged with 14 counts of criminal damage to property, according to Palos Hills police.
The charges against him were upgraded Thursday to 14 counts of hate crime, police said. He allegedly admitted to slashing tires of 19 vehicles at two churches because he didn’t like Christians.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-11--NYT columnist blasts other anti-Trumpers for outrageous attacks on Iran strategy

I was surprised to see the headline for David Brooks ' latest opinion piece at The New York Times , which I agreed with wholeheartedly : `` Trump Has Made Us All Stupid . ''
Yes , President Donald Trump has made plenty of people stupid -- Brooks among them .
Anyone who read his head-slappingly preposterous `` Flyover Man vs. Urban Guy '' piece -- in which an imagined Trump supporter and an imagined liberal , respectively , had a stilted Socratic dialogue about their feelings on the president , a dialogue that was every bit as intellectually impoverished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be hard-pressed to disagree .
My favorite Twitter comment on that dumpster conflagration : `` [ T ] he only person more staunch in their refusal to read David Brooks than I am is his editor . ''
At least this time , Brooks is candid -- if not particularly nuanced -- about the shortcomings of the left in the Trump era .
TRENDING : Widow of fallen officer 'flabbergasted ' when she finds out mortgage has been paid off Brooks -- a nominal conservative , although that means virtually nothing around The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president `` is impulse-driven , ignorant , narcissistic and intellectually dishonest . ''
He just does n't think those opposing him are all that much better .
The death of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and the reaction to Iran 's moves , Brooks wrote in the Thursday article , has `` shown that the anti-Trump echo chamber is becoming a mirror image of Trump himself -- overwrought , uncalibrated and incapable of having an intelligent conversation about any complex policy problem .
`` For example , there ’ s a complex policy problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Iran episode .
Iran is not powerful because it has a strong economy or military .
It is powerful because it sponsors militias across the Middle East , destabilizing regimes and spreading genocide and sectarian cleansing .
Over the past few years those militias , orchestrated by Qassim Suleimani , have felt free to operate more in the open with greater destructive effect , '' Brooks wrote .
`` We ’ re not going to go in and destroy the militias .
So how can we keep them in check so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s the hard problem -- one that stymied past administrations . ''
That 's why Brooks said a strike like the one against Soleimani was part of the balancing act .
Brooks called it using `` violence as a form of communication '' -- again , not a paragon of nuance , but roughly what you 'd expect from Brooks .
`` These sorts of operations have risks and rewards .
A risk is that it won ’ t cease the escalation , just accelerate it .
The radicals on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the streets .
Their leaders will have to appease that rage , '' Brooks continued .
`` A reward is that maybe you do halt the escalation .
The other side implicitly says : 'Message received .
We ’ ll do some face-saving things to appease the streets , but we don ’ t want this to get out of hand , either . '
Another reward is that you ’ ve managed to eliminate an effective terrorist like Suleimani .
Talent doesn ’ t grow on trees . ''
While Brooks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were talking about this balance -- he named retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal and former National Security Advisor Susan Rice as two people he thought were doing so -- members of the `` anti-Trump echo chamber '' were n't .
`` Led by Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren , they avoided the hard , complex problem of how to set boundaries around militias .
Instead , they pontificated on the easy question not actually on the table : Should we have a massive invasion of Iran ? ''
Brooks wrote .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chamber .
We ’ re on the brink of war !
Trump is leading us to more endless wars in the Middle East !
We ’ re on the precipice of total chaos ! ''
he continued .
`` This was not the calibrated language of risk and reward .
It was fear-stoking apocalyptic language .
By being so overwrought and exaggerated , the echo chamber drowned out any practical conversation about how to stabilize the Middle East so we could have another righteous chorus of 'Donald Trump is a monster ! '
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's fault -- his `` ultimate victory , '' as Brooks calls it .
But whether or not Trump is actually the cause of the derangement syndrome , Brooks did accurately diagnose it .
`` Hating Trump together has become the ultimate bonding , attention-grabbing and profit-maximization mechanism for those of us in anti-Trump world .
So you get a series of exaggerated fervors -- the Mueller report !
Impeachment !
The Steele dossier !
-- that lead ultimately nowhere , '' he wrote .
`` Most of this week ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t really about the Middle East .
It was all narcissistically about ourselves !
Democrats defend terrorists !
Republicans are warmongers !
Actual Iranians are just bit players in our imperialistic soap opera , the passive recipients of our greatness or perfidy . ''
Trump , he wrote , has actually used the military less than most presidents -- and this is a bad thing , Brooks said , because `` populist Republicans and Democrats are gravitating toward the same foreign policy '' of isolationism .
The rest of the piece is your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite cohere ; he seems to invoke Samuel Huntington by saying both sides think they 're `` in the middle of a clash of civilizations '' but have come to the very un-Huntingtonian conclusion that isolationism is the answer .
There 's an argument against populism and another attempt to pin all of this reflexive talk about Iran on Trump ( `` Maybe once the Inflammatory One is finally gone from the scene we can have an intelligent conversation about '' isolationism , he concludes ) , and we 're done with what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more insightful columns .
That 's not saying much , but at least he realized the outrage over the death of Soleimani for what it was -- ill-considered bluster that had nothing to do with the man who was killed and everything to do with the man who ordered the strike .
Brooks was n't the only one , mind you .
Take NeverTrump commentator Tom Nichols , who posted a Twitter thread attacking those who would blame the Trump administration for the ( now-confirmed ) Iranian shoot-down of a Ukrainian airliner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ language that some readers may find offensive .
Reader discretion is advised .
Well , at least it 's only fringe voices saying stuff like that : Brooks and Nichols are right in one crucial area , as much as you might disagree with them in others .
The Democratic line is that Trump is , inflammatory , narcissistic , vulgar , thoughtless and myopic .
In opposing him , they 've chosen to embody every single one of those attributes .
It 's impossible to take the left seriously when it seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat from the Oval Office than from Iran 's state-sponsored terrorist apparatus .
When David Brooks is making more sense than presidential candidates , it 's dire times indeed .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

I was surprised to see the headline for David Brooks' latest opinion piece at The New York Times, which I agreed with wholeheartedly: "Trump Has Made Us All Stupid."
Yes, President Donald Trump has made plenty of people stupid -- Brooks among them.
Anyone who read his head-slappingly preposterous "Flyover Man vs. Urban Guy" piece -- in which an imagined Trump supporter and an imagined liberal, respectively, had a stilted Socratic dialogue about their feelings on the president, a dialogue that was every bit as intellectually impoverished as the title might suggest -- would be hard-pressed to disagree.
My favorite Twitter comment on that dumpster conflagration: "[T]he only person more staunch in their refusal to read David Brooks than I am is his editor."
At least this time, Brooks is candid -- if not particularly nuanced -- about the shortcomings of the left in the Trump era.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Brooks -- a nominal conservative, although that means virtually nothing around The Times' newsroom -- still thinks the president "is impulse-driven, ignorant, narcissistic and intellectually dishonest."
He just doesn't think those opposing him are all that much better.
The death of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and the reaction to Iran's moves, Brooks wrote in the Thursday article, has "shown that the anti-Trump echo chamber is becoming a mirror image of Trump himself -- overwrought, uncalibrated and incapable of having an intelligent conversation about any complex policy problem.
"For example, there’s a complex policy problem at the heart of this week’s Iran episode. Iran is not powerful because it has a strong economy or military. It is powerful because it sponsors militias across the Middle East, destabilizing regimes and spreading genocide and sectarian cleansing. Over the past few years those militias, orchestrated by Qassim Suleimani, have felt free to operate more in the open with greater destructive effect," Brooks wrote.
"We’re not going to go in and destroy the militias. So how can we keep them in check so they don’t destabilize the region? That’s the hard problem -- one that stymied past administrations."
That's why Brooks said a strike like the one against Soleimani was part of the balancing act. Brooks called it using "violence as a form of communication" -- again, not a paragon of nuance, but roughly what you'd expect from Brooks.
"These sorts of operations have risks and rewards. A risk is that it won’t cease the escalation, just accelerate it. The radicals on the other side will get enraged and take to the streets. Their leaders will have to appease that rage," Brooks continued.
"A reward is that maybe you do halt the escalation. The other side implicitly says: 'Message received. We’ll do some face-saving things to appease the streets, but we don’t want this to get out of hand, either.' Another reward is that you’ve managed to eliminate an effective terrorist like Suleimani. Talent doesn’t grow on trees."
While Brooks said some people in the public sphere were talking about this balance -- he named retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal and former National Security Advisor Susan Rice as two people he thought were doing so -- members of the "anti-Trump echo chamber" weren't.
"Led by Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, they avoided the hard, complex problem of how to set boundaries around militias. Instead, they pontificated on the easy question not actually on the table: Should we have a massive invasion of Iran?" Brooks wrote.
"A great cry went up from the echo chamber. We’re on the brink of war! Trump is leading us to more endless wars in the Middle East! We’re on the precipice of total chaos!" he continued.
"This was not the calibrated language of risk and reward. It was fear-stoking apocalyptic language. By being so overwrought and exaggerated, the echo chamber drowned out any practical conversation about how to stabilize the Middle East so we could have another righteous chorus of 'Donald Trump is a monster!'”
This is, of course, Trump's fault -- his "ultimate victory," as Brooks calls it. But whether or not Trump is actually the cause of the derangement syndrome, Brooks did accurately diagnose it.
"Hating Trump together has become the ultimate bonding, attention-grabbing and profit-maximization mechanism for those of us in anti-Trump world. So you get a series of exaggerated fervors -- the Mueller report! Impeachment! The Steele dossier! -- that lead ultimately nowhere," he wrote.
"Most of this week’s argument about the Middle East wasn’t really about the Middle East. It was all narcissistically about ourselves! Democrats defend terrorists! Republicans are warmongers! Actual Iranians are just bit players in our imperialistic soap opera, the passive recipients of our greatness or perfidy."
Trump, he wrote, has actually used the military less than most presidents -- and this is a bad thing, Brooks said, because "populist Republicans and Democrats are gravitating toward the same foreign policy" of isolationism.
The rest of the piece is your usual Brooksian miasma of ideas which never quite cohere; he seems to invoke Samuel Huntington by saying both sides think they're "in the middle of a clash of civilizations" but have come to the very un-Huntingtonian conclusion that isolationism is the answer.
There's an argument against populism and another attempt to pin all of this reflexive talk about Iran on Trump ("Maybe once the Inflammatory One is finally gone from the scene we can have an intelligent conversation about" isolationism, he concludes), and we're done with what's actually one of David Brooks' more insightful columns.
That's not saying much, but at least he realized the outrage over the death of Soleimani for what it was -- ill-considered bluster that had nothing to do with the man who was killed and everything to do with the man who ordered the strike.
Brooks wasn't the only one, mind you. Take NeverTrump commentator Tom Nichols, who posted a Twitter thread attacking those who would blame the Trump administration for the (now-confirmed) Iranian shoot-down of a Ukrainian airliner.
One of the following tweets contains profane language that some readers may find offensive. Reader discretion is advised.
I do not yet know how Iran shot down that plane. Occam's Razor says: Incompetence, failure to spread the word, some dumbass who wasn't trained enough, poor discipline among air defense guys. It wasn't a U.S. hit on an airliner. It was a screwup during operations. /2 — Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) January 10, 2020
Eventually someone was going to ace Soleimani. Was Trump right to do it? Me, I wouldn't trust Trump's guys to order a Happy Meal and get it right. But worrying Iran is "jumpy" is like worrying if John Gotti was extra-murdery because the FBI wasn't letting him get enough sleep. /4 — Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) January 10, 2020
If there had been waves of U.S. planes bombing the hell out of Tehran, and some guy misidentified a plane, sure. We'd have some responsibility. But an attack that was theirs to plan, time, and execute means it's *their* job not to target a plane at their own airport. /6 — Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) January 10, 2020
I want Trump impeached and removed. I want him gone in 2020 if that fails. But "Trump made the Iranians do bad stuff" is juvenile and stupid. That's not how military operations work, nor how chains of command operate in any country.
Seriously, people, get your shit together. /8x — Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) January 10, 2020
PS: Stop using "the fog of war." You're all using it incorrectly. An operation planned at the discretion of the regime, on their own time, with no hostilities underway, is not the "fog of war." Enough already. — Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) January 10, 2020
Well, at least it's only fringe voices saying stuff like that:
Innocent civilians are now dead because they were caught in the middle of an unnecessary and unwanted military tit for tat. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all 176 souls lost aboard this flight. https://t.co/zWaVgWxfdL — Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) January 9, 2020
Brooks and Nichols are right in one crucial area, as much as you might disagree with them in others.
The Democratic line is that Trump is, inflammatory, narcissistic, vulgar, thoughtless and myopic. In opposing him, they've chosen to embody every single one of those attributes.
It's impossible to take the left seriously when it seems as if they see more of a threat from the Oval Office than from Iran's state-sponsored terrorist apparatus.
When David Brooks is making more sense than presidential candidates, it's dire times indeed.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-12--Steve McQueen's legendary 'Bullitt' Mustang fetches $3.4 million

( SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE ) Someone has paid $ 3.74 million for the star of the most celebrated car chase @ @ @ @ @ 1968 `` Bullitt '' Mustang GT driven by Steve McQueen over the streets of San @ @ @ @ @ largest price ever paid for a muscle car .
The iconic Ford crossed the auction @ @ @ @ @ in Kissimmee , Fla. , during the world 's largest collector car auction .
The @ @ @ @ @ million , but auction fees ramped the total up to $ 3.74 million .
The @ @ @ @ @ disclosed

(SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE) Someone has paid $3.74 million for the star of the most celebrated car chase in film history — the 1968 "Bullitt" Mustang GT driven by Steve McQueen over the streets of San Francisco.
It's the largest price ever paid for a muscle car.
The iconic Ford crossed the auction block Friday at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Fla., during the world's largest collector car auction. The winning bid was $3.4 million, but auction fees ramped the total up to $3.74 million. The buyer's name was not disclosed
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-12--Yale psychiatrist issues long-distance diagnosis of Dershowitz

( BREITBART ) Yale professor of forensic psychiatry Dr. Bandy Lee has issued a long-distance diagnosis of “ psychosis ” @ @ @ @ @ Alan Dershowitz for defending the Constitutional rights of President Donald Trump .
“ Dr .
@ @ @ @ @ me , never examined me , never seen my medical records , and never spoken @ @ @ @ @ , ” writes Dershowitz for the Gatestone Institute Saturday .
“ Yet she is prepared @ @ @ @ @ ‘ psychosis ’ which she attributes to my being one of President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ voted for Hillary Clinton and am a liberal Democrat . )
” Last week Dr. @ @ @ @ @ “ the severity and spread of ‘ shared psychosis ’ among just about all of @ @ @ @ @ , ” among whom she included Prof. Dershowitz .
Lee was referring to assertions by @ @ @ @ @ had even more legal authority to eliminate Qasem Soleimani than former President Barack Obama had @ @ @ @ @ Laden in 2011 .

(BREITBART) Yale professor of forensic psychiatry Dr. Bandy Lee has issued a long-distance diagnosis of “psychosis” for emeritus Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz for defending the Constitutional rights of President Donald Trump.
“Dr. Bandy Lee has never met me, never examined me, never seen my medical records, and never spoken to anyone close to me,” writes Dershowitz for the Gatestone Institute Saturday. “Yet she is prepared to offer a diagnosis of ‘psychosis’ which she attributes to my being one of President Trump’s ‘followers.’ (I voted for Hillary Clinton and am a liberal Democrat.)”
Last week Dr. Lee warned on Twitter of “the severity and spread of ‘shared psychosis’ among just about all of Donald Trump’s followers,” among whom she included Prof. Dershowitz.
Lee was referring to assertions by Dershowitz that President Donald Trump had even more legal authority to eliminate Qasem Soleimani than former President Barack Obama had to take out Osama bin Laden in 2011.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-12--Online order of diapers arrives at Jersey City home ... already soiled

( STAR-LEDGER ) After a 12-hour day at work Wednesday , Nassly Sales got back to her Pearsall Avenue home @ @ @ @ @ boxes of diapers delivered by Amazon on Sunday to change her 19-month-old daughter before bed @ @ @ @ @ picked up the box and found it to be heavier than usual .
But when @ @ @ @ @ Sid Mukherjee , opened it they were met with a foul-scented surprise .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ kind of take a closer look ( and ) that ’ s when the stench @ @ @ @ @ said , noting the pack of diapers smelled like urine before they realized they had @ @ @ @ @ !
This is not right ... one actually has poop in it .
”

(STAR-LEDGER) After a 12-hour day at work Wednesday, Nassly Sales got back to her Pearsall Avenue home and grabbed one of two boxes of diapers delivered by Amazon on Sunday to change her 19-month-old daughter before bed.
Sales, 42, picked up the box and found it to be heavier than usual. But when she and her husband, Sid Mukherjee, opened it they were met with a foul-scented surprise.
“I picked up the pack to kind of take a closer look (and) that’s when the stench hit me,” Mukherjee said, noting the pack of diapers smelled like urine before they realized they had been used. “Oh! This is not right ... one actually has poop in it.”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-12--Proposed bill would ban cellphone use for anyone under 21

( CBS NEWS ) A bill introduced in the Vermont Senate would make it illegal for anyone under the age @ @ @ @ @ possess a cellphone in the state .
The bill , S.212 , would make possession @ @ @ @ @ a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of a year behind bars or a $ 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ legislation links cellphone use by people under the age of 21 to a rise in @ @ @ @ @ mass shootings and terrorism .

(CBS NEWS) A bill introduced in the Vermont Senate would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to use or possess a cellphone in the state.
The bill, S.212, would make possession or use of a cellphone a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of a year behind bars or a $1,000 fine or both.
The legislation links cellphone use by people under the age of 21 to a rise in driving fatalities, suicides, mass shootings and terrorism.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-12--World's super-rich hoarding physical gold in secret bunkers

( RUSSIA TODAY ) The strategic case for owning gold remains strong , according to analysts at Goldman Sachs .
@ @ @ @ @ as political uncertainty , recession fears and other worries among the global elite .
Data @ @ @ @ @ owning the physical metal seems to be the global elite ’ s preferred way to @ @ @ @ @ Physical buying of gold has increased at a rapid pace in the past three years @ @ @ @ @ Since the end of 2016 the implied build in non-transparent gold investment has been much @ @ @ @ @ visible gold ETFs ( Exchange-traded funds ) , '' Goldman said in a note sent @ @ @ @ @ Yahoo Finance .

(RUSSIA TODAY) The strategic case for owning gold remains strong, according to analysts at Goldman Sachs. They point to such factors as political uncertainty, recession fears and other worries among the global elite.
Data from Goldman research showed that owning the physical metal seems to be the global elite’s preferred way to hedge against tail events. Physical buying of gold has increased at a rapid pace in the past three years, statistics showed.
"Since the end of 2016 the implied build in non-transparent gold investment has been much larger than the build in visible gold ETFs (Exchange-traded funds)," Goldman said in a note sent to clients and seen by Yahoo Finance.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-12--Kerry on $1.7B payment to Iran: 'We gave them a little bit of money'

( WASHINGTON FREE BEACON ) Former secretary of state John Kerry , who along with his wife Teresa Heinz is @ @ @ @ @ 1 billion , on Friday referred to the $ 1.7 billion payment the United States @ @ @ @ @ as a `` little bit of money . ''
Discussing President Donald Trump 's claims @ @ @ @ @ fund the Iranian regime 's terror initiatives , Kerry told CNN that the Obama administration @ @ @ @ @ interest by settling old debt when it did .
`` We gave them a little @ @ @ @ @ released in that period of time , not as part of the nuclear arrangement , @ @ @ @ @ But the fact is the [ Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ] had all the money @ @ @ @ @ was n't starving at that point in time , and in fact , Iran owed @ @ @ @ @ .
Most of that money went to pay off their debts and to facilitate their @ @ @ @

(WASHINGTON FREE BEACON) Former secretary of state John Kerry, who along with his wife Teresa Heinz is estimated to be worth $1 billion, on Friday referred to the $1.7 billion payment the United States made to Iran in 2016 as a "little bit of money."
Discussing President Donald Trump's claims that the Obama administration helped fund the Iranian regime's terror initiatives, Kerry told CNN that the Obama administration saved American taxpayers from accruing interest by settling old debt when it did.
"We gave them a little bit of money that was released in that period of time, not as part of the nuclear arrangement," Kerry said. "But the fact is the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] had all the money it wanted. The IRGC wasn't starving at that point in time, and in fact, Iran owed billions upon billions of dollars. Most of that money went to pay off their debts and to facilitate their economic initiatives."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-12--Sex-offender identifies as 8-year-old girl

( BREITBART ) A convicted sex offender from Michigan who claims to identify as an eight-year-old girl and who was @ @ @ @ @ computer is now arguing it is protected by free speech .
Joseph Gobrick , of @ @ @ @ @ was arrested after officers discovered illegal child pornography — including scenes of child rape — @ @ @ @ @ 24-year-old convict attempted to argue that his porn was protected under the First Amendment .

(BREITBART) A convicted sex offender from Michigan who claims to identify as an eight-year-old girl and who was caught with porn on his computer is now arguing it is protected by free speech.
Joseph Gobrick, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was arrested after officers discovered illegal child pornography — including scenes of child rape — on his devices.
The 24-year-old convict attempted to argue that his porn was protected under the First Amendment.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-12--Radical feminist group takes credit for string of church attacks in Germany

( NATIONAL CATHOLIC REGISTER ) A radical feminist group has taken credit for an ongoing series of attacks on pro-life @ @ @ @ @ the vandalism of two churches and the burning of a pro-life journalist 's car .
@ @ @ @ @ evangelical church in the town of Tübingen was spray-painted and a minibus was set on @ @ @ @ @ church .
Authorities estimated that the vandals caused 40,000 euro in damages .
Shortly after @ @ @ @ @ letter was posted online on the website indymedia , where the church was accused of @ @ @ @ @ letter was singed by a group calling themselves the “ Feminist Autonomous Cell .
”

(NATIONAL CATHOLIC REGISTER) A radical feminist group has taken credit for an ongoing series of attacks on pro-life advocates in Germany, including the vandalism of two churches and the burning of a pro-life journalist's car.
On December 27, an evangelical church in the town of Tübingen was spray-painted and a minibus was set on fire in front of the church. Authorities estimated that the vandals caused 40,000 euro in damages.
Shortly after the vandalism, a confession letter was posted online on the website indymedia, where the church was accused of “anti-feminist attitudes.” The letter was singed by a group calling themselves the “Feminist Autonomous Cell.”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-12--Omar, Tlaib rage over potential Trump travel-ban expansion: 'Straight up racism'

Word that the Trump administration could expand its current travel ban brought cries of racism from anti-Trump progressive Democrats before anyone even announced which countries might be affected .
The White House is considering an expanded travel ban , according to The Associated Press .
The AP report said most of the nations added would likely be majority-Muslim countries , but did not name all of them .
According to CBS News , which described its anonymous source as a senior administration official , the ban could be expanded by seven countries , most of them majority-Muslim nations .
CBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox News reported that a document outlining the plan has been making the rounds in the White House , but with the affected nations ' names blacked out .
TRENDING : Video catches Ilhan Omar giggling as U.S. Iraq War deaths are discussed The current ban covers Iran , Libya , Somalia , Syria and Yemen as well as Venezuela and North Korea .
Under the policy , immigrant and non-immigrant visas are suspended for applicants from the affected countries , but there are exceptions for students and individuals with “ significant contacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban could be expanded brought yelps of outrage from Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota , Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Pramila Jayapal of Washington .
Tlaib referred to the ban as “ Straight up racism !
” According to Jayapal , any expansion of the ban would be `` xenophobic . ''
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts promised that if she 's elected , she 'll undo Trump 's travel ban .
Others pushed back , with one commentator noting that racism has nothing to do with faith .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would neither confirm or deny that the list of nations on the travel ban was being expanded .
“ The Travel Ban has been very successful in protecting our Country and raising the security baseline around the world , '' Gidley said in a statement .
`` While there are no new announcements at this time , common-sense and national security both dictate that if a country wants to fully participate in U.S. immigration programs , they should also comply with all security and counter-terrorism measures -- because we do not want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat into the United States . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Word that the Trump administration could expand its current travel ban brought cries of racism from anti-Trump progressive Democrats before anyone even announced which countries might be affected.
The White House is considering an expanded travel ban, according to The Associated Press.
The AP report said most of the nations added would likely be majority-Muslim countries, but did not name all of them.
According to CBS News, which described its anonymous source as a senior administration official, the ban could be expanded by seven countries, most of them majority-Muslim nations. CBS also did not name the countries.
Fox News reported that a document outlining the plan has been making the rounds in the White House, but with the affected nations' names blacked out.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The current ban covers Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen as well as Venezuela and North Korea.
Under the policy, immigrant and non-immigrant visas are suspended for applicants from the affected countries, but there are exceptions for students and individuals with “significant contacts” in the U.S.
News that the ban could be expanded brought yelps of outrage from Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Pramila Jayapal of Washington.
Omar called the ban "madness" on Twitter.
What do 5 out of 7 of these countries have in common? They are Muslim-majority countries the President already tried to ban. We need to pass the #NoBanAct immediately to stop this madness. https://t.co/UxdV7SsnCU — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 10, 2020
Tlaib referred to the ban as “Straight up racism!”
No more waiting. Too many Muslims have been intentionally targeted, discriminated against, separated from their families and denied opportunities solely based on their faith. Straight up racism! Pass #NoBanAct #RepealtheBan @MuslimAdvocates https://t.co/M47QECbGmD — Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) January 10, 2020
According to Jayapal, any expansion of the ban would be "xenophobic."
Different Muslim Ban—same xenophobic Administration. An expanded Muslim Ban will worsen our relationships with countries around the world. It won't do anything to make our country safer. It will harm refugees, alienate our allies & give extremists propaganda for recruitment. https://t.co/qMaWQxt6oS — Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) January 10, 2020
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts promised that if she's elected, she'll undo Trump's travel ban.
Donald Trump is seemingly doubling down on his bigotry and xenophobia. Let’s be clear: I’ll reverse the Muslim Ban on my first day in office, and I won’t stop fighting against policies that scapegoat and hurt Muslim communities and families. https://t.co/3zKanMq6C1 — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) January 10, 2020
Others pushed back, with one commentator noting that racism has nothing to do with faith.
Jihad-Reps Omar, Tlaib OUTRAGED over report White House plans to expand travel ban : ‘Straight up racism!: Actually, betches, it's "Straight up national security!" And long overdue. #BacktheBan Oh, and Islam is not a race. https://t.co/qh57ig5tm5 pic.twitter.com/REh4eAyncx — Pamela Geller (@PamelaGeller) January 11, 2020
White House deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley would neither confirm or deny that the list of nations on the travel ban was being expanded.
“The Travel Ban has been very successful in protecting our Country and raising the security baseline around the world," Gidley said in a statement.
"While there are no new announcements at this time, common-sense and national security both dictate that if a country wants to fully participate in U.S. immigration programs, they should also comply with all security and counter-terrorism measures -- because we do not want to import terrorism or any other national security threat into the United States."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-12--Iran's Christians brace for 'tsunami of disaster and opportunity'

In the wake of the killing of terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani , Iran 's estimated 1 million Christians are bracing for a possible crisis that could lead to `` a tsunami of disaster and a tsunami of opportunity , '' according to a Christian who emigrated from the country .
Lazarus Yeghnazar , who now heads 222 Ministries International , a church-planting and training network that includes satellite TV broadcasts and more than 50 underground churches in Iran , spoke to Virginia-based pastor and author Dane Skelton in an interview published by Christianity Today .
He said `` there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the aftermath of the U.S. drone strike that killed Soleimani on Jan. 3 .
Iran is believed by some analysts to have the world 's fastest growing church .
Under the Islamic regime , said Yeghnazar , Christians have been suffering for the last four decades .
TRENDING : Video catches Ilhan Omar giggling as U.S. Iraq War deaths are discussed '' Almost all rights and citizens ' privileges have been taken away from them , '' he said .
`` Freedom of worship , freedom of meeting together , are nonexistent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovered to be Christians have lost properties , jobs and pensions .
But Iran now `` is imploding due to things happening inside , said Yeghnazar , who emigrated from Iran to the U.K. shortly after the Iran-Iraq war .
`` Iran is like a bus going down a hairpin-turned mountain road with no brakes .
Anybody watching can see that they are going to die .
Everybody wonders , 'When will the driver jump out ? '
So , the question is : When will the Ayatollahs jump ? ''
Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , where they are accepted by `` their friend , '' Russian president Vladimir Putin .
`` But they do not have many other places to go .
No Sunni country , like Saudi Arabia , will accept them .
Iraq ?
Maybe , but probably not .
Malaysia maybe ? ''
He believes the regime will provoke the West to attack .
`` Who knows how long that will take ?
But when it comes , it will create a tsunami of disaster and a tsunami of opportunities .
@

In the wake of the killing of terrorist leader Qassem Soleimani, Iran's estimated 1 million Christians are bracing for a possible crisis that could lead to "a tsunami of disaster and a tsunami of opportunity," according to a Christian who emigrated from the country.
Lazarus Yeghnazar, who now heads 222 Ministries International, a church-planting and training network that includes satellite TV broadcasts and more than 50 underground churches in Iran, spoke to Virginia-based pastor and author Dane Skelton in an interview published by Christianity Today.
He said "there is complete uncertainty and anxiety" in Iran in the aftermath of the U.S. drone strike that killed Soleimani on Jan. 3.
Iran is believed by some analysts to have the world's fastest growing church. Under the Islamic regime, said Yeghnazar, Christians have been suffering for the last four decades.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"Almost all rights and citizens' privileges have been taken away from them," he said. "Freedom of worship, freedom of meeting together, are nonexistent."
He said people who are discovered to be Christians have lost properties, jobs and pensions.
But Iran now "is imploding due to things happening inside, said Yeghnazar, who emigrated from Iran to the U.K. shortly after the Iran-Iraq war.
"Iran is like a bus going down a hairpin-turned mountain road with no brakes. Anybody watching can see that they are going to die. Everybody wonders, 'When will the driver jump out?' So, the question is: When will the Ayatollahs jump?"
Some of the mullah leaders have gone to Russia, he said, where they are accepted by "their friend," Russian president Vladimir Putin.
"But they do not have many other places to go. No Sunni country, like Saudi Arabia, will accept them. Iraq? Maybe, but probably not. Malaysia maybe?"
He believes the regime will provoke the West to attack.
"Who knows how long that will take? But when it comes, it will create a tsunami of disaster and a tsunami of opportunities."


wnd--2020-01-13--EPA employees getting millions of dollars in extra time off

The Environmental Protection Agency is circumventing rules meant to provide oversight of performance bonuses by adding vacation days to cash awards , according to an audit .
The news site Government Executive reports the rules require that bonuses of more than $ 5,000 a year be approved by senior officials .
So those mid-level managers simply handed out $ 5,000 bonuses and then added vacation days .
The Government Executive report said the EPA `` awarded more than 355,000 hours off to employees in 2015 through 2017 , the equivalent of 170 full-time positions and nearly $ 20 million .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the report , `` the agency was regularly giving cash awards up to that limit and adding time off on top of it . ''
`` EPA officials made no effort to calculate the value of the time off and therefore did not send those combined awards up the chain for further approval . ''
The agency 's inspector general found : `` The number of time-off hours awarded each year results in lost productivity because top performers may not be at work , which can adversely impact the agency ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this way , the report said , `` A supervisor could propose a $ 5,001 bonus for an employee ... and it would go to a senior official for approval .
The same supervisor could propose a $ 5,000 and 40 hours off , meanwhile , and it would receive no further review . ''
A review of a random 50 awards that went to 23 workers found the value was more than $ 5,000 for 13 of the employees .
The extra perks varied by location and rank , with headquarters workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above getting a high share of the benefits .
The report said the agency also refused to follow the IG 's recommendation to determine the value of time off and incorporate that into the records .

The Environmental Protection Agency is circumventing rules meant to provide oversight of performance bonuses by adding vacation days to cash awards, according to an audit.
The news site Government Executive reports the rules require that bonuses of more than $5,000 a year be approved by senior officials.
So those mid-level managers simply handed out $5,000 bonuses and then added vacation days.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The Government Executive report said the EPA "awarded more than 355,000 hours off to employees in 2015 through 2017, the equivalent of 170 full-time positions and nearly $20 million."
The EPA inspector general found, according to the report, "the agency was regularly giving cash awards up to that limit and adding time off on top of it."
"EPA officials made no effort to calculate the value of the time off and therefore did not send those combined awards up the chain for further approval."
The agency's inspector general found: "The number of time-off hours awarded each year results in lost productivity because top performers may not be at work, which can adversely impact the agency’s mission."
The system worked this way, the report said, "A supervisor could propose a $5,001 bonus for an employee ... and it would go to a senior official for approval. The same supervisor could propose a $5,000 and 40 hours off, meanwhile, and it would receive no further review."
A review of a random 50 awards that went to 23 workers found the value was more than $5,000 for 13 of the employees.
The extra perks varied by location and rank, with headquarters workers and those at a GS-14 rank and above getting a high share of the benefits.
The report said the agency also refused to follow the IG's recommendation to determine the value of time off and incorporate that into the records.