wnd--2020-09-17--Dems demand investigation of Durham investigation investigating Russia investigation

Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee , including Sen. Kamala Harris , are calling on the Justice Department ’ s watchdog to investigate whether a probe led by U.S. Attorney John Durham violates Justice Department policy .
Durham is investigating the origins of the Trump-Russia probe and other intelligence-gathering activities related to Donald Trump and his associates .
TRENDING : Black leaders : BLM about overthrow of U.S. , not race “ We write to request that you investigate whether U.S. Attorney John Durham ’ s investigation complies with Department of Justice policies , including policies that protect criminal investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 10 Democratic senators wrote to Inspector General Michael Horowitz on Thursday .
The Democrats say that statements from Attorney General William Barr and White House officials show that the Durham probe is “ being misused for partisan political purposes and undermines the legitimacy of any investigative steps ” the prosecutor has taken .
Barr tapped Durham in March 2019 to conduct a broad inquiry into the FBI , CIA and other agencies ’ activities related to the Trump campaign .
Much of Durham ’ s work has followed up on a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Crossfire Hurricane investigation on Dec. 9 .
That report blasted the FBI for 17 “ significant ” errors and omissions in applications for surveillance warrants on Trump aide Carter Page .
On Aug. 19 , former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith pleaded guilty in the Durham probe to altering an email from the CIA regarding Page .
Barr has provided some insight into areas that Durham is investigating .
He has said that Durham is investigating whether the Russian government fed disinformation into the Steele dossier , as well as whether the FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formally opening Crossfire Hurricane .
Barr has said in interviews that he is “ troubled ” by what Durham has uncovered so far .
He also said last month that there were likely to be “ significant ” developments in the probe prior to the election .
Barr has dismissed Democrats ’ complaints that the investigation is being driven by politics .
He has said that Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and President Obama are not targets of the investigation .
Committee Democrats also expressed concern about the release of any report from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear what rules and authority permit the public release of a ‘ report ’ by U.S. Attorney Durham , raising additional concerns about the legitimacy of his appointment and work , ” they wrote in the letter to Horowitz .
Barr has suggested that Durham may release a report of the investigation , but he has said that a report is not the goal of the probe .
“ We therefore request that your office investigate whether the Durham investigation has operated consistent with Department rules governing the appointment of U.S .
Attorneys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public statements concerning pending investigations , taking action that may impact an upcoming election , and White House-Department communications concerning pending criminal investigations.
” Biden and Harris , the vice presidential candidate , have not said whether they will allow Durham to continue his investigation if they win in November .
This story originally was published by the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ]

By Chuck Ross
Daily Caller News Foundation
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Sen. Kamala Harris, are calling on the Justice Department’s watchdog to investigate whether a probe led by U.S. Attorney John Durham violates Justice Department policy.
Durham is investigating the origins of the Trump-Russia probe and other intelligence-gathering activities related to Donald Trump and his associates.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
“We write to request that you investigate whether U.S. Attorney John Durham’s investigation complies with Department of Justice policies, including policies that protect criminal investigations from political influence,” a group of 10 Democratic senators wrote to Inspector General Michael Horowitz on Thursday.
The Democrats say that statements from Attorney General William Barr and White House officials show that the Durham probe is “being misused for partisan political purposes and undermines the legitimacy of any investigative steps” the prosecutor has taken.
Barr tapped Durham in March 2019 to conduct a broad inquiry into the FBI, CIA and other agencies’ activities related to the Trump campaign. Much of Durham’s work has followed up on a report that Horowitz issued on the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation on Dec. 9.
That report blasted the FBI for 17 “significant” errors and omissions in applications for surveillance warrants on Trump aide Carter Page.
On Aug. 19, former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith pleaded guilty in the Durham probe to altering an email from the CIA regarding Page.
Barr has provided some insight into areas that Durham is investigating. He has said that Durham is investigating whether the Russian government fed disinformation into the Steele dossier, as well as whether the FBI has been forthcoming about its activities before formally opening Crossfire Hurricane.
Barr has said in interviews that he is “troubled” by what Durham has uncovered so far. He also said last month that there were likely to be “significant” developments in the probe prior to the election.
Barr has dismissed Democrats’ complaints that the investigation is being driven by politics. He has said that Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and President Obama are not targets of the investigation.
Committee Democrats also expressed concern about the release of any report from the Durham inquiry.
“It remains unclear what rules and authority permit the public release of a ‘report’ by U.S. Attorney Durham, raising additional concerns about the legitimacy of his appointment and work,” they wrote in the letter to Horowitz.
Barr has suggested that Durham may release a report of the investigation, but he has said that a report is not the goal of the probe.
“We therefore request that your office investigate whether the Durham investigation has operated consistent with Department rules governing the appointment of U.S. Attorneys and the Department’s rules on public statements concerning pending investigations, taking action that may impact an upcoming election, and White House-Department communications concerning pending criminal investigations.”
Biden and Harris, the vice presidential candidate, have not said whether they will allow Durham to continue his investigation if they win in November.
This story originally was published by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


wnd--2020-09-17--Harvard prof defends Dr. Scott Atlas against Stanford faculty

A Harvard Medical School professor has come to the defense of Dr. Scott Atlas against 98 Stanford colleagues who accused the White House coronavirus adviser of making false statements about the COVID-19 pandemic .
Harvard 's Martin Kulldorff , in a letter Wednesday to the editor of the Stanford Daily , was responding to an open letter by the Stanford faculty members claiming that `` many of [ Atlas ' ] opinions and statements run counter to established science . ''
But Kulldorff pointed out `` the alleged falsehoods are not mentioned '' in the open letter , `` making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other things , the letter advocates handwashing , which Atlas obviously agrees with .
So , what are the disagreements ? ''
he wrote .
TRENDING : Black leaders : BLM about overthrow of U.S. , not race Kulldorff said Atlas wants to use an `` age-targeted strategy '' that focuses on protecting high-risk individuals -- people older than 70 with multiple co-morbidities -- while `` letting children and young adults live more normal lives . ''
`` This contrasts with general age-wide lockdowns that protect low-risk students and young professionals working from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generate the inevitable herd immunity , '' the Harvard scholar said .
Kulldorff contended that while `` anyone can get infected , there is a thousand-fold difference in mortality risk between the old and young , and the risk to children is less than from annual influenza . ''
The Harvard professor presented the argument in a paper in April in which he cited data showing that among COVID-19 exposed individuals , `` people in their 70s have roughly twice the mortality of those in their 60s , 10 times the mortality of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that of those in their 40s , 100 times that of those in their 30s , 300 times that of those in their 20s , and a mortality that is more than 3000 times higher than for children . ''
`` Since COVID-19 operates in a highly age-specific manner , mandated counter measures must also be age specific , '' Kulldorff wrote at the time .
`` If not , lives will be unnecessarily lost . ''
Atlas , a senior fellow at Stanford 's Hoover Institution , was a professor and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center .
Significantly , said Kulldorff , the Stanford faculty members open letter ignores collateral damage caused by lockdowns .
`` Being a public health policy expert , it is natural and reassuring that Atlas also consider plummeting childhood vaccinations , postponed cancer screenings , worsening cardiovascular disease outcomes , deteriorating mental health and more house evictions , just to name a few , '' he wrote .
He said he would be `` delighted '' to debate the age-targeted strategy with any of the 98 signatories .
Kulldorff said advocates of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University , describing her as `` the world 's preeminent infectious disease epidemiologist . ''
`` Assuming no bias against women scientists of color , I urge Stanford faculty and students to read her thoughts , he wrote .
Kulldorff provided a link to an interview with Gupta .
WND reported this week YouTube has censored a video of an interview by the Hoover Institution with Atlas .
The Google-owned video platform said the content `` contradicts the World Health Organization or local health authorities ' medical information about COVID-19 . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hoover Institution website along with a transcript .

A Harvard Medical School professor has come to the defense of Dr. Scott Atlas against 98 Stanford colleagues who accused the White House coronavirus adviser of making false statements about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harvard's Martin Kulldorff, in a letter Wednesday to the editor of the Stanford Daily, was responding to an open letter by the Stanford faculty members claiming that "many of [Atlas'] opinions and statements run counter to established science."
But Kulldorff pointed out "the alleged falsehoods are not mentioned" in the open letter, "making scientific discourse difficult."
"Among other things, the letter advocates handwashing, which Atlas obviously agrees with. So, what are the disagreements?" he wrote.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Kulldorff said Atlas wants to use an "age-targeted strategy" that focuses on protecting high-risk individuals -- people older than 70 with multiple co-morbidities -- while "letting children and young adults live more normal lives."
"This contrasts with general age-wide lockdowns that protect low-risk students and young professionals working from home, while older higher-risk working-class people generate the inevitable herd immunity," the Harvard scholar said.
Kulldorff contended that while "anyone can get infected, there is a thousand-fold difference in mortality risk between the old and young, and the risk to children is less than from annual influenza."
The Harvard professor presented the argument in a paper in April in which he cited data showing that among COVID-19 exposed individuals, "people in their 70s have roughly twice the mortality of those in their 60s, 10 times the mortality of those in their 50s, 40 times that of those in their 40s, 100 times that of those in their 30s, 300 times that of those in their 20s, and a mortality that is more than 3000 times higher than for children."
"Since COVID-19 operates in a highly age-specific manner, mandated counter measures must also be age specific," Kulldorff wrote at the time. "If not, lives will be unnecessarily lost."
Atlas, a senior fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, was a professor and the chief of neuroradiology at Stanford University Medical Center.
Significantly, said Kulldorff, the Stanford faculty members open letter ignores collateral damage caused by lockdowns.
"Being a public health policy expert, it is natural and reassuring that Atlas also consider plummeting childhood vaccinations, postponed cancer screenings, worsening cardiovascular disease outcomes, deteriorating mental health and more house evictions, just to name a few," he wrote.
He said he would be "delighted" to debate the age-targeted strategy with any of the 98 signatories.
Kulldorff said advocates of the strategy include professor Sunetra Gupta at Oxford University, describing her as "the world's preeminent infectious disease epidemiologist."
"Assuming no bias against women scientists of color, I urge Stanford faculty and students to read her thoughts, he wrote.
Kulldorff provided a link to an interview with Gupta.
WND reported this week YouTube has censored a video of an interview by the Hoover Institution with Atlas. The Google-owned video platform said the content "contradicts the World Health Organization or local health authorities' medical information about COVID-19."
The interview can still be viewed on the Hoover Institution website along with a transcript.


wnd--2020-09-18--Biden spreading 'false claims' about Trump

Biden criticized President Trump 's activity throughout the summer amid unrest following several deaths in police custody .
However , @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's photograph in front of St. John ’ s Church in Washington , D.C. @ @ @ @ @ president went inside the White House bunker .
`` He gets the military to go @ @ @ @ @ , move people — physically move them out of the way , so he can @ @ @ @ @ church and hold a Bible upside down , '' Biden began .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ opened it , upside down .
And then , go back to a bunker in @ @ @ @ @ are we talking about here ? ''

(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) -- Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden disseminated multiple falsehoods while answering questions during a CNN town hall.
Biden criticized President Trump's activity throughout the summer amid unrest following several deaths in police custody. However, he shared false information about Trump's photograph in front of St. John’s Church in Washington, D.C., and reports that the president went inside the White House bunker.
"He gets the military to go in, put tear gas, move people — physically move them out of the way, so he can walk across to a Protestant church and hold a Bible upside down," Biden began. "I don't know if he ever opened it, upside down. And then, go back to a bunker in the White House. What are we talking about here?"
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-18--CNN panned for 'softball' questions to Biden

( FOX NEWS ) -- The reviews are in for the CNN town hall featuring Joe Biden ... and they @ @ @ @ @ Biden 's performance has received praise for his ability to display empathy toward Pennsylvania voters @ @ @ @ @ what has been described as the `` softball '' treatment of the former vice president @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday night , especially following the grilling President Trump faced at the ABC News @ @ @ @ @ before .
`` In the first moments , the contrast between what Trump was asked @ @ @ @ @ asked is striking , '' Politico columnist Jeff Greenfield tweeted , later writing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ , yes .
But this is not exactly getting him ready to face tough questions @ @ @ @ @ Jake Tapper ( should he decide to do so ) . ''

(FOX NEWS) -- The reviews are in for the CNN town hall featuring Joe Biden... and they aren't great.
While Biden's performance has received praise for his ability to display empathy toward Pennsylvania voters selected to ask questions, what has been described as the "softball" treatment of the former vice president by CNN was widely panned on Thursday night, especially following the grilling President Trump faced at the ABC News town hall just two days before.
"In the first moments, the contrast between what Trump was asked and what Biden is being asked is striking," Politico columnist Jeff Greenfield tweeted, later writing. "Biden is doing very well, yes. But this is not exactly getting him ready to face tough questions from a Chris Wallace or Jake Tapper (should he decide to do so)."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-18--BLM agitators try blocking police car from entering highway, harass restaurant patrons in Philly

It 's definitely 2020 when protesters harassing restaurant patrons and shutting down Philadelphia streets evokes little more than a few tweets and some weary shrugs because , well , at least it was n't a riot this time .
Although the city was spared arson , vandalism and looting , Black Lives Matter protesters still turned out to demonstrate in the area around the National Constitution Center where President Donald Trump appeared at a town hall hosted by ABC News on Tuesday , according to The Philadelphia Enquirer .
The protests were mostly peaceful ( for real this time ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best to make part of the city impassible and unpleasant anyway .
They did n't do much for their cause , however , as they largely succeeded in making themselves look ridiculous while offering just a little bit from their greatest hits of blocking streets , harassing police officers and yelling at restaurant patrons .
TRENDING : Black leaders : BLM about overthrow of U.S. , not race WARNING : The following videos contain graphic language and disturbing images that some viewers will find offensive .
Some made spectacles of themselves , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profaned an American flag .
`` A woman in a Trump mask stands in front of some pro-Trump protesters and runs the American flag through the inside of her underwear , '' is how Shelby Talcott from the Daily Caller described the horrific scene that could very well be the only justification burning the flag ( being put out of its misery rather than in protest , of course ) .
Another protester , whom BlazeTV reporter Elijah Schaffer said had earlier `` called all Trump supporters devil worshippers , '' rode a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge Muppet-like prop fashioned as a likeness of the president with devil horns .
They tried to block traffic , including a police car , but failed even as one entitled demonstrator walking down a highway on-ramp admonished a police officer to `` slow down . ''
Protestors also shut down the intersection of Market Street and 13th Street and chanted `` Black Lives Matter . ''
They stood atop a bus stop to hold their signs .
And one protester harassed restaurant patrons who were guilty of being white and enjoying dinner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tired of hearing the truth ?
Are you tired of hearing the truth ? ''
the man shouted at the diners .
`` Yes , you are .
Enjoy your privilege , man , '' he said .
Thankfully , it appeared police officers were ready for them at each pass , which kept the situation under control while undermining the BLM narrative that police are dangerous and aggressive .
While it was refreshing to see a nonviolent demonstration , this latest protest did little to advance whatever legitimate cause the BLM movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tactics are absurd and still sometimes confrontational even when they do n't turn violent .
Many Americans who support equality and justice for people of every color will look upon these demonstrations with amusement or contempt , but it 's hard to imagine that what they 're doing will garner any widespread support .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

It's definitely 2020 when protesters harassing restaurant patrons and shutting down Philadelphia streets evokes little more than a few tweets and some weary shrugs because, well, at least it wasn't a riot this time.
Although the city was spared arson, vandalism and looting, Black Lives Matter protesters still turned out to demonstrate in the area around the National Constitution Center where President Donald Trump appeared at a town hall hosted by ABC News on Tuesday, according to The Philadelphia Enquirer.
The protests were mostly peaceful (for real this time), but the BLM activists did their best to make part of the city impassible and unpleasant anyway.
They didn't do much for their cause, however, as they largely succeeded in making themselves look ridiculous while offering just a little bit from their greatest hits of blocking streets, harassing police officers and yelling at restaurant patrons.
They surrounded Trump supporters and chanted "F--- Donald Trump."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
WARNING: The following videos contain graphic language and disturbing images that some viewers will find offensive.
Anti and pro-Trump protests are beginning here in Philly. The protests are not allowed into the park, one officer said. Tons of police surveying the scene pic.twitter.com/Huprnw9N06 — Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) September 15, 2020
Some made spectacles of themselves, like the woman in a Trump mask who profaned an American flag.
"A woman in a Trump mask stands in front of some pro-Trump protesters and runs the American flag through the inside of her underwear," is how Shelby Talcott from the Daily Caller described the horrific scene that could very well be the only justification burning the flag (being put out of its misery rather than in protest, of course).
A woman in a Trump mask stands in front of some pro-Trump protesters and runs the American flag through the inside of her underwear: pic.twitter.com/cpZo5d6uT0 — Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) September 15, 2020
Another protester, whom BlazeTV reporter Elijah Schaffer said had earlier "called all Trump supporters devil worshippers," rode a bike through the streets followed by a huge Muppet-like prop fashioned as a likeness of the president with devil horns.
PHILADELPHIA: A transgender BLM activist in black booty shorts rides a bike and leads the protesters while screaming expletives through a micro megaphone with a crack in it Earlier in the night this person called all Trump supporters devil worshippers pic.twitter.com/bvjs9GYDtg — ELIJAH RIOT (@ElijahSchaffer) September 16, 2020
They tried to block traffic, including a police car, but failed even as one entitled demonstrator walking down a highway on-ramp admonished a police officer to "slow down."
Some people try to stop a police car from going down the ramp. They let him pass after he says over a speaker that he’s trying to get down to the highway to stop traffic so no one gets run over pic.twitter.com/x9LafCmGA3 — Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) September 16, 2020
Protestors also shut down the intersection of Market Street and 13th Street and chanted "Black Lives Matter."
PHILADELPHIA: BLM protesters have taken a knee to shut down an intersection and chant pic.twitter.com/Xt6fjF2vKH — Drew Hernandez (@livesmattershow) September 16, 2020
They stood atop a bus stop to hold their signs.
PHILADELPHIA: Protesters have climbed bus stops to protest pic.twitter.com/B4KGnhFLH5 — Drew Hernandez (@livesmattershow) September 16, 2020
And one protester harassed restaurant patrons who were guilty of being white and enjoying dinner at a city restaurant.
"You tired of hearing the truth? Are you tired of hearing the truth?" the man shouted at the diners.
"Yes, you are. Enjoy your privilege, man," he said.
PHILADELPHIA: BLM supporters have begun harassing white people eating dinner pic.twitter.com/rdPO4IPqno — Drew Hernandez (@livesmattershow) September 16, 2020
Thankfully, it appeared police officers were ready for them at each pass, which kept the situation under control while undermining the BLM narrative that police are dangerous and aggressive.
While it was refreshing to see a nonviolent demonstration, this latest protest did little to advance whatever legitimate cause the BLM movement is supposed to be fighting for when the tactics are absurd and still sometimes confrontational even when they don't turn violent.
Many Americans who support equality and justice for people of every color will look upon these demonstrations with amusement or contempt, but it's hard to imagine that what they're doing will garner any widespread support.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-18--Netflix star Jerry Harris arrested on production of child pornography charge

A person featured on a series offered by the embattled streaming giant Netflix has been arrested on a complaint he produced child pornography .
Jeremiah `` Jerry '' Harris , who is featured as a student in the popular Netflix documentary series “ Cheer , ” was arrested after he was initially accused of sexually exploiting 14-year-old twin brothers , CNN reported Thursday .
One brother told USA Today in an interview that Harris asked one of the twins to have sex with him last year at a cheerleading competition for the company Varsity Brands , which is influential in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brothers `` described a pattern of harassment , both online and at cheer competitions , that started when they were 13 and Harris was 19 .
They said it continued for more than a year . ''
The company reported the allegations against Harris to police in Florida and Texas .
TRENDING : Black leaders : BLM about overthrow of U.S. , not race A federal prosecutor in Illinois told CNN on Thursday that the 21-year-old Harris has been arrested on a charge of production of child pornography .
U.S. Attorney Joseph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Chicago .
The adult cheerleader has denied any wrongdoing through a representative .
`` We categorically dispute the claims made against Jerry Harris , which are alleged to have occurred when he was a teenager .
We are confident that when the investigation is completed the true facts will be revealed , ” the representative said .
Harris recently appeared on video with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in a social media spot to encourage young black voter turnout in the 2020 election .
That social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Cheer ” was well-received by Hollywood critics .
It was named Best Unstructured Series at the Critics Choice Real TV Awards in June , and Harris was named Male Star of the Year .
Netflix had not commented on Harris ' arrest early Thursday afternoon .
The high-profile arrest comes as the streamer is embroiled in controversy over its decision to add the film “ Cuties ” to its platform .
Netflix hyped the film before its release , writing in a summary , “ Amy , 11 , becomes fascinated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to join them , she starts to explore her femininity , defying her family ’ s traditions.
” The scandal has created a movement online to cancel Netflix subscriptions and has led a number of lawmakers to call for a Justice Department investigation into the company , or otherwise disavow its decision to offer content which sexualizes children .
A petition to boycott the streamer had over 650,000 signatures as of Thursday .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

A person featured on a series offered by the embattled streaming giant Netflix has been arrested on a complaint he produced child pornography.
Jeremiah "Jerry" Harris, who is featured as a student in the popular Netflix documentary series “Cheer,” was arrested after he was initially accused of sexually exploiting 14-year-old twin brothers, CNN reported Thursday.
One brother told USA Today in an interview that Harris asked one of the twins to have sex with him last year at a cheerleading competition for the company Varsity Brands, which is influential in the cheerleading industry.
The report said the brothers "described a pattern of harassment, both online and at cheer competitions, that started when they were 13 and Harris was 19. They said it continued for more than a year."
The company reported the allegations against Harris to police in Florida and Texas.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
A federal prosecutor in Illinois told CNN on Thursday that the 21-year-old Harris has been arrested on a charge of production of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Fitzpatrick said Harris had a federal court appearance scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Chicago.
The adult cheerleader has denied any wrongdoing through a representative.
"We categorically dispute the claims made against Jerry Harris, which are alleged to have occurred when he was a teenager. We are confident that when the investigation is completed the true facts will be revealed,” the representative said.
Harris recently appeared on video with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in a social media spot to encourage young black voter turnout in the 2020 election.
That social media post appears to have been taken down.
“Cheer” was well-received by Hollywood critics. It was named Best Unstructured Series at the Critics Choice Real TV Awards in June, and Harris was named Male Star of the Year.
Netflix had not commented on Harris' arrest early Thursday afternoon.
The high-profile arrest comes as the streamer is embroiled in controversy over its decision to add the film “Cuties” to its platform.
"Cuties" features preteen girls in sexualized clothing and dancing positions.
Netflix hyped the film before its release, writing in a summary, “Amy, 11, becomes fascinated with a twerking dance crew. Hoping to join them, she starts to explore her femininity, defying her family’s traditions.”
The scandal has created a movement online to cancel Netflix subscriptions and has led a number of lawmakers to call for a Justice Department investigation into the company, or otherwise disavow its decision to offer content which sexualizes children.
Following @netflix’s disturbing promotion of “Cuties,” I sent a letter calling on @TheJusticeDept to investigate whether Netflix, its executives, or the filmmakers violated any federal laws against the production and distribution of child pornography. pic.twitter.com/P7wLXixU6X — Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) September 12, 2020
A petition to boycott the streamer had over 650,000 signatures as of Thursday.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-18--Police haul man out of library for not wearing mask during meeting about wearing masks

A man was physically removed from a school board meeting in Mitchell , South Dakota , on Monday night because he refused to wear a protective face covering .
Reed Bender had attended meetings in the past and spoken against mask mandates , according to the Mitchell Republic .
At Monday 's meeting to discuss public opposition to the district 's mask mandate , Bender refused to put on a mask even when one was offered to him .
Although many residents oppose the mandate , some school board members have said a `` survey would n't change '' their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The medical professionals have recommended [ masks ] , and my wife cares for and has treated several patients who have had COVID-19 , '' board member Kevin Kenkel said .
TRENDING : Black leaders : BLM about overthrow of U.S. , not race '' She has seen the long-term effects on people , '' he said .
`` Even if 75 percent said we do n't want masks , I would still vote in favor of masks . ''
Superintendent Joe Graves called the police to help with Bender .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and everyone in the school building must wear a mask , '' Graves told the Republic .
`` We gave the gentleman fair warning of that and offered him a mask .
He refused , so the board had to enforce the mandate . ''
Police officers arrived 20 minutes later and tried to get Bender to wear a mask , but he refused .
`` You 're going to have to drag me out , '' he said .
The officer then physically removed him from the library where the meeting was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive .
Bender resisted the officers as other people urged him to stop , video of the altercation showed .
One officer pulled out his taser but was hesitant to use it .
`` You 're going to have to tase me in front of all these people , '' Bender said .
`` I want these people to video it while their cops of minority descent have to do this to everybody , '' he said .
One woman off-screen said that Bender just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' After a little more struggle , the officers were able to remove Bender from the room .
`` Never in my entire career as a superintendent have I had that happen before , '' Graves told the Republic .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

A man was physically removed from a school board meeting in Mitchell, South Dakota, on Monday night because he refused to wear a protective face covering.
Reed Bender had attended meetings in the past and spoken against mask mandates, according to the Mitchell Republic.
At Monday's meeting to discuss public opposition to the district's mask mandate, Bender refused to put on a mask even when one was offered to him.
Although many residents oppose the mandate, some school board members have said a "survey wouldn't change" their minds, the Republic reported.
"The medical professionals have recommended [masks], and my wife cares for and has treated several patients who have had COVID-19," board member Kevin Kenkel said.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"She has seen the long-term effects on people," he said. "Even if 75 percent said we don't want masks, I would still vote in favor of masks."
Superintendent Joe Graves called the police to help with Bender.
"The board said there is a masking mandate and everyone in the school building must wear a mask," Graves told the Republic.
"We gave the gentleman fair warning of that and offered him a mask. He refused, so the board had to enforce the mandate."
Police officers arrived 20 minutes later and tried to get Bender to wear a mask, but he refused.
"You're going to have to drag me out," he said.
The officer then physically removed him from the library where the meeting was held.
WARNING: The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive.
Bender resisted the officers as other people urged him to stop, video of the altercation showed.
One officer pulled out his taser but was hesitant to use it.
"You're going to have to tase me in front of all these people," Bender said.
"I want these people to video it while their cops of minority descent have to do this to everybody," he said.
One woman off-screen said that Bender just "wants to have a say."
After a little more struggle, the officers were able to remove Bender from the room.
"Never in my entire career as a superintendent have I had that happen before," Graves told the Republic.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-19--Breaking: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dead at 87

Following years of health concerns , Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday at the age of 87 , the court said .
“ Our nation has lost a jurist of historic stature , ” Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement , according to The New York Times .
“ We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague .
Today we mourn , but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her -- a tireless and resolute champion of justice.
” Ginsburg died of “ complications of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Ginsburg 's death could very well set up a bitter battle over her successor in the weeks leading up to the November election .
Senate Republicans have signaled that they would attempt to fill a vacancy on the court even in the final months of President Donald Trump 's first term .
According to NPR , Ginsburg told her granddaughter days before she died : `` My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed . ''
TRENDING : Franklin Graham to lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our country is God' Born March 15 , 1933 in Brooklyn , New York , Ginsburg defied the odds as a mid-20th century college graduate and housewife , eventually attending Harvard before graduating Columbia Law School at the top of her class in 1959 .
Ginsburg would go on to enjoy a lengthy and diverse legal career , according to her Supreme Court biography , serving as a district court clerk in New York , a professor of law at her alma mater and the general counsel to the American Civil Liberties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the organization 's Women 's Rights Project .
The jurist was nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit during the Carter administration , before finally coming to rest as the second woman in history to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court -- the result of a 1993 elevation at the hands of Democratic President Bill Clinton .
The oldest member of the court at the time of her death , Ginsburg had been plagued with health problems for the final two years of her career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the hospital .
In November 2018 , a workplace fall resulting in three fractured ribs would lead doctors to discover two cancerous nodules in Ginsburg 's lungs .
The jurist 's ensuing surgery and recovery would be the first time she was not present at the court during a period of oral arguments .
Less than six months after returning to the bench , Ginsburg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2019 .
She would later undergo three weeks of radiation therapy before returning to work , still unwilling to retire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would once again find herself hospitalized in May and July of this year , struggling first with a `` benign gallbladder condition '' and then with a possible infection .
It was revealed shortly after Ginsburg 's July release from the hospital , however , that the jurist 's cancer had re-emerged and was being successfully treated with chemotherapy .
In roughly four decades on the federal bench , Ginsburg remained an immutable member of the court 's activist bloc , siding often in favor of a more elastic view of the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government in the federal system .
A victim of gender discrimination in her early legal career , the jurist was also known as a progressive stalwart in cases framed as female civil rights battles .
The justice had a spotless voting record with regard to the deregulation of abortion and was known for her majority opinion and dissent , respectively , in the female civil rights cases of United States v. Virginia and Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company .
This ideology did not , however , result in bitter partisanship from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being respectful and friendly with her conservative colleagues both publicly and behind the scenes .
Ginsburg , for instance , crossed hardline ideological boundaries in 2019 to commend newly confirmed conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh as `` very decent , very smart individuals . ''
Following a grueling confirmations process in which Kavanaugh was tarred by partisans and political media personalities over unsubstantiated sexual assault allegations , Ginsburg even went so far as to praise the justice for elevating the voices and careers of women in the legal profession .
Following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to clerk for him at the nation 's highest court .
`` Justice Kavanaugh made history by bringing on board an all-female law clerk crew , '' Ginsburg said .
`` Thanks to his selections , the court has this term , for the first time ever , more women than men serving as law clerks . ''
More notable even than these remarks -- and a number of Ginsburg 's controversial legal opinions -- was an unexpectedly deep and public friendship the progressive jurist fostered with the late conservative Justice Antonin Scalia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as the D.C .
Circuit Court of Appeals .
Scalia died in February 2016 .
Despite overwhelming ideological differences , the two were `` best buddies '' by Ginsburg 's own account , spending many hours together in travel and debate .
They often bonded over their shared humor and love of music , as well as an equal , if opposing , passion for the nation and its founding documents .
ABC News reported that Scalia often spoke fondly of Ginsburg , referring to her as `` an intelligent woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman -- all the qualities that you like in a person . ''
`` What 's not to like ? ''
Scalia once quipped at the event hosted by the Smithsonian Associates , according to CNN .
`` Except her views on the law , of course . ''
Ginsburg is survived by her 65-year-old daughter Jane , her 65-year-old son James and four grandchildren .
Her husband preceded her in death , passing away in 2010 .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Following years of health concerns, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday at the age of 87, the court said.
“Our nation has lost a jurist of historic stature,” Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement, according to The New York Times. “We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her -- a tireless and resolute champion of justice.”
Ginsburg died of “complications of metastatic pancreas cancer," the court said.
Ginsburg's death could very well set up a bitter battle over her successor in the weeks leading up to the November election. Senate Republicans have signaled that they would attempt to fill a vacancy on the court even in the final months of President Donald Trump's first term.
According to NPR, Ginsburg told her granddaughter days before she died: "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Born March 15, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, Ginsburg defied the odds as a mid-20th century college graduate and housewife, eventually attending Harvard before graduating Columbia Law School at the top of her class in 1959.
Ginsburg would go on to enjoy a lengthy and diverse legal career, according to her Supreme Court biography, serving as a district court clerk in New York, a professor of law at her alma mater and the general counsel to the American Civil Liberties Union, as well as a founding member of the organization's Women's Rights Project.
The jurist was nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit during the Carter administration, before finally coming to rest as the second woman in history to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court -- the result of a 1993 elevation at the hands of Democratic President Bill Clinton.
The oldest member of the court at the time of her death, Ginsburg had been plagued with health problems for the final two years of her career, frequently being moved in and out of the hospital.
In November 2018, a workplace fall resulting in three fractured ribs would lead doctors to discover two cancerous nodules in Ginsburg's lungs. The jurist's ensuing surgery and recovery would be the first time she was not present at the court during a period of oral arguments.
Less than six months after returning to the bench, Ginsburg was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2019. She would later undergo three weeks of radiation therapy before returning to work, still unwilling to retire under a conservative administration.
The jurist would once again find herself hospitalized in May and July of this year, struggling first with a "benign gallbladder condition" and then with a possible infection.
It was revealed shortly after Ginsburg's July release from the hospital, however, that the jurist's cancer had re-emerged and was being successfully treated with chemotherapy.
In roughly four decades on the federal bench, Ginsburg remained an immutable member of the court's activist bloc, siding often in favor of a more elastic view of the U.S. Constitution and a more expansive scope of government in the federal system.
A victim of gender discrimination in her early legal career, the jurist was also known as a progressive stalwart in cases framed as female civil rights battles. The justice had a spotless voting record with regard to the deregulation of abortion and was known for her majority opinion and dissent, respectively, in the female civil rights cases of United States v. Virginia and Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
This ideology did not, however, result in bitter partisanship from Ginsburg, who was often described as being respectful and friendly with her conservative colleagues both publicly and behind the scenes.
Ginsburg, for instance, crossed hardline ideological boundaries in 2019 to commend newly confirmed conservative Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh as "very decent, very smart individuals."
Following a grueling confirmations process in which Kavanaugh was tarred by partisans and political media personalities over unsubstantiated sexual assault allegations, Ginsburg even went so far as to praise the justice for elevating the voices and careers of women in the legal profession. Following his confirmation, Kavanaugh hired only women to clerk for him at the nation's highest court.
"Justice Kavanaugh made history by bringing on board an all-female law clerk crew," Ginsburg said. "Thanks to his selections, the court has this term, for the first time ever, more women than men serving as law clerks."
More notable even than these remarks -- and a number of Ginsburg's controversial legal opinions -- was an unexpectedly deep and public friendship the progressive jurist fostered with the late conservative Justice Antonin Scalia over years together on the Supreme Court as well as the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Scalia died in February 2016.
Despite overwhelming ideological differences, the two were "best buddies" by Ginsburg's own account, spending many hours together in travel and debate. They often bonded over their shared humor and love of music, as well as an equal, if opposing, passion for the nation and its founding documents.
ABC News reported that Scalia often spoke fondly of Ginsburg, referring to her as "an intelligent woman and a nice woman and a considerate woman -- all the qualities that you like in a person."
"What's not to like?" Scalia once quipped at the event hosted by the Smithsonian Associates, according to CNN. "Except her views on the law, of course."
Ginsburg is survived by her 65-year-old daughter Jane, her 55-year-old son James and four grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death, passing away in 2010.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-18--Alan Dershowitz sues CNN to halt 'malicious' attacks on innocent people

Famed liberal lawyer Alan Dershowitz has filed a $ 300 million defamation lawsuit against CNN over the way it portrayed his testimony during the Democrats impeachment trial against President Trump .
It 's not because he wants the money , he says in a column for the Gatestone Institute , where he is a senior fellow .
He wants `` innocent people '' to be spared the `` malicious '' attacks from media .
`` I intend to donate funds I receive from CNN to worthy charities , including those that defend the First Amendment .
Every American will benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media accountable for turning truth on its head and for placing partisanship above the public interest , '' he wrote .
TRENDING : Franklin Graham to lead prayer march in D.C. : 'Only hope for our country is God' '' Freedom of speech is designed to promote the marketplace of ideas .
It is not a license for giant media companies to deliberately and maliciously defame citizens , even public figures .
So when CNN made a decision to doctor a recording so as to deceive its viewers into believing that I said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , that action was not protected by the First Amendment , '' he said .
He contends that what CNN did is not protected by the First Amendment : I was asked to present the Constitutional argument against President Trump 's impeachment and removal to the United States Senate this past January .
For an hour and seven minutes , I argued that if a president does anything illegal , unlawful , or criminal-like -- if he commits treason , bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors -- he satisfies the criteria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if a president engages in entirely lawful conduct motivated in part by the desire to be reelected , which he believes is in the public interest , that would not constitute grounds for impeachment .
Everybody seemed to understand the distinction I was drawing .
Some agreed , others disagreed .
But the distinction was clear between illegal conduct on the one hand , and lawful conduct on the other hand .
Two days later I returned to the Senate to answer questions put to the lawyers by the senators .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cruz .
He asked whether a quid pro quo constituted an impeachable offense .
My response was consistent with my argument two days earlier : I said that what `` would make a quid pro quo unlawful is if the quo were in some way illegal . ''
If it was , it could constitute an impeachable offense .
But if it was n't illegal or unlawful , the president 's political motives could not turn it into an impeachable offense .
That was quite clear .
Indeed , the next question from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Manager who was asked to respond to my answer .
Congressman Adam Schiff , disagreed with my answer , but understood the distinction between lawful and unlawful .
So did CNN .
When they first showed my answer , they showed it in full , including my statement that a quid pro quo would not be impeachable so long as it was not `` in some way illegal . ''
I then went on to say that if a president was motivated in part by his desire to be reelected , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that motive would not turn a lawful act into an impeachable offense .
Later , however , he said , CNN `` made a decision to doctor and edit my recorded remarks so as to eliminate all references to 'unlawful ' or 'illegal ' conduct . ''
`` They wanted their viewers to believe that I had told the Senate that a president could do anything -- even commit such crimes as 'bribery ' and 'extortion ' – as long as he was motivated by a desire to be reelected .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposite of what I said .
And that is precisely the reason by CNN edited and doctored the tape the way they did : namely to deliberately create the false impression that I had said the president could commit any crimes in order to be reelected , without fear of impeachment . ''
CNN paid contributor Joe Lockhart then amplified the attack , he said , stating : `` This is what you hear from Stalin .
This is what you hear from Mussolini , what you hear from authoritarians , from Hitler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rationalize , in some cases genocide , based what was in the public interest . ''
Dershowitz said CNN is responsible for its editing of the video and for its commentators .
`` I will insist that giant media not abuse their First Amendment rights in the way that CNN did . ''
Another prominent legal commentator , Jonathan Turley , said Dershowitz has a higher standard to meet in his defamation suit because he is a public figure .
`` I have long been a critic of the open bias shown by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his attacks on Trump were part of a ratings move .
In the age of echo-journalism , CNN has sought to attract viewers who only want to hear that Trump is committing clear crimes , will eventually ( if not imminently ) be jailed and that Trump supporters are knuckl [ e ] -dragging , gun-toting zombies marching to his tune of white supremacy and authoritarianism , '' he wrote .
`` However , to prevail against a media company , a public figure must meet a higher standard for defamation .
… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In any case , he said , Dershowitz was `` widely misrepresented . ''

Famed liberal lawyer Alan Dershowitz has filed a $300 million defamation lawsuit against CNN over the way it portrayed his testimony during the Democrats impeachment trial against President Trump.
It's not because he wants the money, he says in a column for the Gatestone Institute, where he is a senior fellow.
He wants "innocent people" to be spared the "malicious" attacks from media.
"I intend to donate funds I receive from CNN to worthy charities, including those that defend the First Amendment. Every American will benefit from a judicial decision that holds giant media accountable for turning truth on its head and for placing partisanship above the public interest," he wrote.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"Freedom of speech is designed to promote the marketplace of ideas. It is not a license for giant media companies to deliberately and maliciously defame citizens, even public figures. So when CNN made a decision to doctor a recording so as to deceive its viewers into believing that I said exactly the opposite of what I actually said, that action was not protected by the First Amendment," he said.
He contends that what CNN did is not protected by the First Amendment:
I was asked to present the Constitutional argument against President Trump's impeachment and removal to the United States Senate this past January. For an hour and seven minutes, I argued that if a president does anything illegal, unlawful, or criminal-like -- if he commits treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors -- he satisfies the criteria for impeachment under the Constitution. But if a president engages in entirely lawful conduct motivated in part by the desire to be reelected, which he believes is in the public interest, that would not constitute grounds for impeachment. Everybody seemed to understand the distinction I was drawing. Some agreed, others disagreed. But the distinction was clear between illegal conduct on the one hand, and lawful conduct on the other hand. Two days later I returned to the Senate to answer questions put to the lawyers by the senators. The first question to me came from Senator Ted Cruz. He asked whether a quid pro quo constituted an impeachable offense. My response was consistent with my argument two days earlier: I said that what "would make a quid pro quo unlawful is if the quo were in some way illegal." If it was, it could constitute an impeachable offense. But if it wasn't illegal or unlawful, the president's political motives could not turn it into an impeachable offense. That was quite clear. Indeed, the next question from the senators was directed to the Democratic House Manager who was asked to respond to my answer. Congressman Adam Schiff, disagreed with my answer, but understood the distinction between lawful and unlawful. So did CNN. When they first showed my answer, they showed it in full, including my statement that a quid pro quo would not be impeachable so long as it was not "in some way illegal." I then went on to say that if a president was motivated in part by his desire to be reelected, which he believes was in the public interest, that motive would not turn a lawful act into an impeachable offense.
Later, however, he said, CNN "made a decision to doctor and edit my recorded remarks so as to eliminate all references to 'unlawful' or 'illegal' conduct."
"They wanted their viewers to believe that I had told the Senate that a president could do anything -- even commit such crimes as 'bribery' and 'extortion' – as long as he was motivated by a desire to be reelected. That, of course, was precisely the opposite of what I said. And that is precisely the reason by CNN edited and doctored the tape the way they did: namely to deliberately create the false impression that I had said the president could commit any crimes in order to be reelected, without fear of impeachment."
CNN paid contributor Joe Lockhart then amplified the attack, he said, stating: "This is what you hear from Stalin. This is what you hear from Mussolini, what you hear from authoritarians, from Hitler, from all the authoritarian people who rationalize, in some cases genocide, based what was in the public interest."
Dershowitz said CNN is responsible for its editing of the video and for its commentators.
"I will insist that giant media not abuse their First Amendment rights in the way that CNN did."
Another prominent legal commentator, Jonathan Turley, said Dershowitz has a higher standard to meet in his defamation suit because he is a public figure.
"I have long been a critic of the open bias shown by CNN under Jeff Zucker who admitted that his attacks on Trump were part of a ratings move. In the age of echo-journalism, CNN has sought to attract viewers who only want to hear that Trump is committing clear crimes, will eventually (if not imminently) be jailed and that Trump supporters are knuckl[e]-dragging, gun-toting zombies marching to his tune of white supremacy and authoritarianism," he wrote.
"However, to prevail against a media company, a public figure must meet a higher standard for defamation. … Dershowitz is clearly a full public figure."
In any case, he said, Dershowitz was "widely misrepresented."


wnd--2020-09-18--Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dead at 87

( LONDON DAILY MAIL ) Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died aged 87 after a battle with metastatic pancreas cancer @ @ @ @ @ announced .
The judge passed away surrounded by her family at her home in Washington @ @ @ @ @ her illness .
Ginsburg , the second woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice @ @ @ @ @ years on the highest court of the land , battled several bouts of cancer after @ @ @ @ @ .
Her death paves the way for Donald Trump to expand his conservative majority on @ @ @ @ @ November 's election .

(LONDON DAILY MAIL) Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died aged 87 after a battle with metastatic pancreas cancer, the Supreme Court has announced.
The judge passed away surrounded by her family at her home in Washington D.C. after suffering complications with her illness.
Ginsburg, the second woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice who served for almost 27 years on the highest court of the land, battled several bouts of cancer after being first diagnosed in 2009.
Her death paves the way for Donald Trump to expand his conservative majority on the Supreme Court ahead of November's election.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-18--VA state lawmaker FOIAs Northam over concerns hydroxychloroquine ban is politically motivated

Virginia House Delegate David LaRock is calling on the commonwealth 's health commissioner to lift restrictions on the use of antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients and suggesting they may be political in nature .
The Republican , in a letter to State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver last week , also made a Freedom of Information Act request for all documents held by the Department of Health and Democratic Gov .
Ralph Northam pertaining to hydroxychloroquine .
In March , Oliver issued guidance regarding the treatment of coronavirus cases , which read in part , `` Prescriptions for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be restricted in the outpatient setting and should require a diagnosis 'consistent with the evidence for its use . '
'' Several doctors have gone on record stating that they have experienced success treating COVID-19 patients with a combination of hydroxychloroquine , the antibiotic azithromycin and zinc .
Some observational studies have supported the efficacy of the treatment regimen , but most randomized trials have not .
TRENDING : Franklin Graham to lead prayer march in D.C. : 'Only hope for our country is God' LaRock argued that given the widespread use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. , doctors and patients should be allowed to use it in Virginia without interference from the government .
`` In this case , we have an inexpensive treatment , an early treatment that in other countries that is proving to be helpful by virtue of its affordability is one of the most available treatments , '' the delegate told The Western Journal .
In his letter to Oliver , LaRock pointed to India and Costa Rica as examples of other countries that have found success using the drug .
Costa Rica 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India 's 2.82 are much lower than Virginia 's 26 deaths per 100,000 .
LaRock is concerned that the Northam administration 's resistance to hydroxychloroquine may be political , hence his decision to file a FOIA request .
`` Our governor , governors of a few other states have been very aggressive with their shutdowns : California , New York , Michigan to name a few , '' LaRock said .
`` There ’ s a possibility that they have communicated and if they are partly or completely motivated politically then we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a FOIA , '' he added .
LaRock noted that Northam has been in a vulnerable place politically since controversial pictures of the governor surfaced in February 2019 from his medical school days , showing him either in blackface or potentially a Ku Klux Klan custom .
The legislator contended that the governor has been in a rebuilding phase since then and one way to curry favor with Democrats is to help deliver Virginia in November , through both the aggressive shutdown to hurt the state economically and denial of life-saving treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in delivering Virginia , the Democrats in some way , that might be one of the few opportunities he ’ d have , '' LaRock said .
He noted Northam has already taken an extreme position regarding late-term abortions , saying mothers and their doctors should be able to decide whether babies who survive the procedure should be able to live .
`` Taking an action that shows an apparent disregard for human life '' is something the governor has shown a willingness to do , LaRock said .
`` He is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So to make that decision you have to be pretty cold . ''
LaRock concluded his letter to Oliver writing , `` I have encountered a number of Virginians who have concluded with a sense of outrage that [ hydroxychloroquine ] is being restricted in Virginia not for medical reasons , but for political reasons . ''
`` Every day this directive is left standing , the likelihood increases that more Virginians will die unnecessarily from COVID-19 for lack of proper early treatment . ''
The Western Journal reached out to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oliver for comment but did not immediately receive responses .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Virginia House Delegate David LaRock is calling on the commonwealth's health commissioner to lift restrictions on the use of antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients and suggesting they may be political in nature.
The Republican, in a letter to State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver last week, also made a Freedom of Information Act request for all documents held by the Department of Health and Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam pertaining to hydroxychloroquine.
In March, Oliver issued guidance regarding the treatment of coronavirus cases, which read in part, "Prescriptions for chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, mefloquine and azithromycin should be restricted in the outpatient setting and should require a diagnosis 'consistent with the evidence for its use.'"
Several doctors have gone on record stating that they have experienced success treating COVID-19 patients with a combination of hydroxychloroquine, the antibiotic azithromycin and zinc.
Some observational studies have supported the efficacy of the treatment regimen, but most randomized trials have not.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
LaRock argued that given the widespread use of the drug, particularly outside the U.S., doctors and patients should be allowed to use it in Virginia without interference from the government.
"In this case, we have an inexpensive treatment, an early treatment that in other countries that is proving to be helpful by virtue of its affordability is one of the most available treatments," the delegate told The Western Journal.
Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. M. Norman Oliver stresses “health equity” but is denying Virginians, including those with very limited resources, the ability to obtain affordable, safe, and successful COVID-19 treatments readily available elsewhere. More:https://t.co/TIU3Ym5bJw pic.twitter.com/fOiY7VISmt — Delegate Dave LaRock (@LaRock4Delegate) August 1, 2020
In his letter to Oliver, LaRock pointed to India and Costa Rica as examples of other countries that have found success using the drug.
Costa Rica's 3.24 deaths per 100,000 COVID-19 patients and India's 2.82 are much lower than Virginia's 26 deaths per 100,000.
LaRock is concerned that the Northam administration's resistance to hydroxychloroquine may be political, hence his decision to file a FOIA request.
"Our governor, governors of a few other states have been very aggressive with their shutdowns: California, New York, Michigan to name a few," LaRock said.
"There’s a possibility that they have communicated and if they are partly or completely motivated politically then we’re hoping that would come forward from a FOIA," he added.
LaRock noted that Northam has been in a vulnerable place politically since controversial pictures of the governor surfaced in February 2019 from his medical school days, showing him either in blackface or potentially a Ku Klux Klan custom.
The legislator contended that the governor has been in a rebuilding phase since then and one way to curry favor with Democrats is to help deliver Virginia in November, through both the aggressive shutdown to hurt the state economically and denial of life-saving treatment.
"If he were to be influential in delivering Virginia, the Democrats in some way, that might be one of the few opportunities he’d have," LaRock said.
He noted Northam has already taken an extreme position regarding late-term abortions, saying mothers and their doctors should be able to decide whether babies who survive the procedure should be able to live.
"Taking an action that shows an apparent disregard for human life" is something the governor has shown a willingness to do, LaRock said.
"He is a medical doctor, so he understands that. So to make that decision you have to be pretty cold."
LaRock concluded his letter to Oliver writing, "I have encountered a number of Virginians who have concluded with a sense of outrage that [hydroxychloroquine] is being restricted in Virginia not for medical reasons, but for political reasons."
"Every day this directive is left standing, the likelihood increases that more Virginians will die unnecessarily from COVID-19 for lack of proper early treatment."
The Western Journal reached out to the offices of Gov. Northam and Commissioner Oliver for comment but did not immediately receive responses.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-18--Cloward and Piven will begin on election night

Election night – it almost seems surreal to imagine that we may not have a victor that evening , or even days , weeks or months after .
I 'm convinced more than ever that the left has known for months that Biden wo n't defeat Trump – certainly not in a straight-up , fair election .
So for months they 've been setting up the apparatus of chaos to be prepared to act when a winner can not be determined on Nov. 3 .
Check that .
If Trump does n't win decisively on election night – if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe that the left 's minions in the mainstream media will , in lock step , not just state that it 's too close to call , but that Trump lost .
One could ask – how is this possible ?
Why on earth would the press risk their reputations this way ?
To understand this , one merely has to recall rule No .
1 of leftism .
If one is a leftist , one thinks and acts as an unhinged leftist first and foremost , no matter what else one is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever .
It 's a mental disorder , like Tourette 's .
They just wo n't be able to help themselves .
TRENDING : Franklin Graham to lead prayer march in D.C. : 'Only hope for our country is God' Now combine hyper-leftism with Trump Derangement Syndrome , and you get insanity .
We 've witnessed TDS for long enough to know that if there is the slightest opportunity to declare Trump the loser , the left wo n't hesitate to shout it out , giving no thought to what damage it may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be that any mess they make can be swept back under the rug once Trump is gone .
And of course , they 're doing it for the good of the country .
And the second this occurs , many conservatives ( me included ) believe that leftist Big Tech , also in lockstep , will suspend all Trump 's social media accounts , thereby preventing him from communicating directly to his base .
Network , cable and social media will effectively cut him off from his allies .
All this sounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that happens in movies and Third World countries , not the United States .
However , as Michael Anton , a lecturer and research fellow at Hillsdale College 's Washington , D.C. , campus , a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute and a former national security official in the Trump administration , recently wrote , all these `` scenarios , '' these potential outcomes , have already been `` war-gamed '' by the anti-Trump left and deep-state right .
`` 100 Democratic grandees , anti-Trump former Republicans , and other ruling class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' dime ) to 'game out ' various outcomes of the 2020 election . ''
However , I think the the key to leftist success at removing Trump will look more like the old Cloward and Piven strategy of overwhelming the system .
On election night , or shortly thereafter , all leftists from mainstream media , to the aforementioned Big Tech , to prominent social media influencers , politicians on both sides , past and present , leftist military commanders , past and present , academics , Hollywood , deep-state operatives , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with one voice , declare that Trump lost the election and must be removed from office .
The cacophony of voices must be loud and constant enough that the lemming American electorate , who , because of coronavirus , has been coincidentally conditioned to do what they 're told , becomes convinced of it and accepts that the only `` fair '' thing to do , for the good of the nation , for our safety and security , is for Trump to step down .
And if he does n't … well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I say this only half kidding .
Listen to an audio version of this column :

Election night – it almost seems surreal to imagine that we may not have a victor that evening, or even days, weeks or months after.
I'm convinced more than ever that the left has known for months that Biden won't defeat Trump – certainly not in a straight-up, fair election. So for months they've been setting up the apparatus of chaos to be prepared to act when a winner cannot be determined on Nov. 3.
Check that. If Trump doesn't win decisively on election night – if it's at all close, I now believe that the left's minions in the mainstream media will, in lock step, not just state that it's too close to call, but that Trump lost.
One could ask – how is this possible? Why on earth would the press risk their reputations this way?
To understand this, one merely has to recall rule No. 1 of leftism. If one is a leftist, one thinks and acts as an unhinged leftist first and foremost, no matter what else one is – doctor, lawyer, journalist – whatever. It's a mental disorder, like Tourette's. They just won't be able to help themselves.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Now combine hyper-leftism with Trump Derangement Syndrome, and you get insanity.
We've witnessed TDS for long enough to know that if there is the slightest opportunity to declare Trump the loser, the left won't hesitate to shout it out, giving no thought to what damage it may cause them. Their justification to themselves will be that any mess they make can be swept back under the rug once Trump is gone. And of course, they're doing it for the good of the country.
And the second this occurs, many conservatives (me included) believe that leftist Big Tech, also in lockstep, will suspend all Trump's social media accounts, thereby preventing him from communicating directly to his base. Network, cable and social media will effectively cut him off from his allies.
All this sounds, well, insane – like something that happens in movies and Third World countries, not the United States.
However, as Michael Anton, a lecturer and research fellow at Hillsdale College's Washington, D.C., campus, a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute and a former national security official in the Trump administration, recently wrote, all these "scenarios," these potential outcomes, have already been "war-gamed" by the anti-Trump left and deep-state right. "100 Democratic grandees, anti-Trump former Republicans, and other ruling class apparatchiks got together (on George Soros' dime) to 'game out' various outcomes of the 2020 election."
However, I think the the key to leftist success at removing Trump will look more like the old Cloward and Piven strategy of overwhelming the system.
On election night, or shortly thereafter, all leftists from mainstream media, to the aforementioned Big Tech, to prominent social media influencers, politicians on both sides, past and present, leftist military commanders, past and present, academics, Hollywood, deep-state operatives, social science and medical professionals will, with one voice, declare that Trump lost the election and must be removed from office.
The cacophony of voices must be loud and constant enough that the lemming American electorate, who, because of coronavirus, has been coincidentally conditioned to do what they're told, becomes convinced of it and accepts that the only "fair" thing to do, for the good of the nation, for our safety and security, is for Trump to step down.
And if he doesn't … well, there is always civil war. And I say this only half kidding.
Listen to an audio version of this column:


wnd--2020-09-18--The Chicoms' economic and information war against America

The Chinese Communist Party 's information war against the U.S. continues .
Federal prosecutors charged five Chinese citizens linked to Chinese intelligence with hacking more than 100 companies in the U.S. and overseas , including social-media firms , universities and telecommunications providers .
A database , called the Overseas Key Information Database , retrieved by an Australian cybersecurity company , reveals that the CCP has been collecting information on more than 2 million people , including at least 50,000 Americans and tens of thousands of people who hold prominent public positions including foreign political , military and business figures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' infrastructure , military deployments and public opinion analysis .
The CCP uses this information to build a profile of an industry that is likely to have access to intellectual property or decision makers , and where to find them .
It enables the party to run influence operations , for example by offering a businessman a sweetheart deal making him favorably disposed to China , or entrapping him in a compromising situation for threat of extortion .
The CCP 's economic war continues as well .
TRENDING : Franklin Graham to lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our country is God' And on that front it 's getting help from some of the biggest names on Wall Street .
The Chinese Communist Party is preparing to launch a major campaign that could fleece American investors of billions of dollars to fund its drive for global hegemony .
Ant Technology Group ( Ant Group ) , formerly known as Ant Financial Services Group , is a subsidiary of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding , the e-commerce giant that made Jack Ma one of the world 's richest men .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ products and services .
It 's expected to soon issue an Initial Public Offering in Hong Kong and Shanghai to raise $ 30 billion – the largest IPO in history .
It 's important to remember even so-called `` private '' Chinese companies are beholden to the Chinese government according to its National Intelligence Law and security laws and regulations .
Even though the Ant Technology Group IPO will not be listed on U.S. exchanges , international stock index funds could pour billions from American investors into the Ant hill .
That would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime , it would put Americans at risk financially .
When President Trump barred the pension funds of civilian and military employees of the federal government from investing in index funds that include Chinese companies , National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow and National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien explained the risk : '' [ S ] candals involving Chinese companies in recent years have cost investors billions of dollars .
… The Chinese Government currently prevents companies with Chinese operations listed on U.S. exchanges from complying with applicable U.S. securities law , leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Obama-Biden administration struck the deal that exempts Chinese companies from U.S. securities laws .
Kudlow and O'Brien noted , `` In addition to the uncertainties surrounding the financial reporting of these companies , some of the Chinese companies themselves present significant national security and humanitarian concerns for the United States , which increases the risk that they could be subject to sanctions , public protests , trade restrictions , boycotts , and other punitive measures that jeopardize their business and profitability . ''
An analysis by RWR Advisory Group identifies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ant IPO prospectus fails to disclose .
Cybersecurity : The fintech sector faces heightened cybersecurity risk with personal and financial user data subject to theft or breaches of privacy .
Ant was forced to abandon its attempted acquisition of Dallas-based digital payment and money transfer platform MoneyGram International in 2018 after it became clear it would be nixed on national security grounds .
The takeover would have granted Ant Financial access to MoneyGram 's mobile users ' accounts – including large numbers of U.S. military personnel .
Earlier this month India banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps due to data collection and privacy concerns .
Human Rights : Ant and its parent Alibaba use facial recognition technology in their payment systems .
The companies are both investors in Megvii Technology , an artificial intelligence ( AI ) startup that specializes in facial recognition technology .
Megvii was sanctioned by the U.S. government in October 2019 for `` human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of China 's campaign of repression , mass arbitrary detention , and high-technology surveillance '' of the Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang .
National security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. government as a leading participant in the CCP 's integration of military and civilian technology , particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence ( AI ) and big data .
One of Ant Group 's subsidiaries , Zhima Credit Management ( Sesame Credit ) , is using large-scale data collection and analysis for the development of the CCP 's coercive `` social credit '' system .
This scores citizens based on their social track records , assigning rewards or punishments depending on how they have scored throughout their daily lives – in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toed the party line .
Ant 's investments pose a material risk to investors because Washington could impose sanctions on any of these companies for their human rights abuses .
In addition , the escalation of tensions between the United States and Communist China puts Ant Financial at risk of financial repercussions .
The flip side of that coin is American investors in Ant Financial could be recruited to lobby Washington to go easy on the CCP lest their portfolio suffer financial repercussions .
Call it the LeBron James effect .
Or call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money center bankers are famously loath to let niggling details such as national security , human rights and freedom of thought get in the way of making money with Marxists .
For example , China Shipbuilding Industry Corp. – the conglomerate that has refurbished and built all three of China 's aircraft carriers – is currently held in the investment portfolios of our country 's largest public pension funds , including California , New York and Texas , and by university endowments as well .
Wall Street has long lobbied for maintaining close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest names on the Street – Citigroup , JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley – are involved in the Ant deal , eager to split up to $ 300 million in fees .
Goldman Sachs is also reportedly in on the action .
But these banks also have a fiduciary responsibility to investors even if they do n't care about human rights or the nation 's security .
Involvement with Ant exposes their shareholders as well as other investors down the line to the undisclosed risks identified above .
For these reasons , the Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Wall Street banks to disassociate themselves from the Ant Technology Group 's initial public offering .
Meanwhile , where are the watchdogs ?
The SEC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have a statutory responsibility to protect investors and consumers .
Why are n't they barking ?
These agencies should follow the example of Customs and Border Protection .
CBP ordered a stop to the importation of textiles and computer parts made by Uighur Muslims imprisoned in the CCP 's Xinjiang concentration camps .
It is more than clear to anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an economic , information , ideological and spiritual war with the CCP .
Corporate leaders need to behave accordingly .
The future of our nation is more important than a quarterly earnings report .

The Chinese Communist Party's information war against the U.S. continues.
Federal prosecutors charged five Chinese citizens linked to Chinese intelligence with hacking more than 100 companies in the U.S. and overseas, including social-media firms, universities and telecommunications providers.
A database, called the Overseas Key Information Database, retrieved by an Australian cybersecurity company, reveals that the CCP has been collecting information on more than 2 million people, including at least 50,000 Americans and tens of thousands of people who hold prominent public positions including foreign political, military and business figures. The database also contains information on countries' infrastructure, military deployments and public opinion analysis.
The CCP uses this information to build a profile of an industry that is likely to have access to intellectual property or decision makers, and where to find them. It enables the party to run influence operations, for example by offering a businessman a sweetheart deal making him favorably disposed to China, or entrapping him in a compromising situation for threat of extortion.
The CCP's economic war continues as well.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
And on that front it's getting help from some of the biggest names on Wall Street.
The Chinese Communist Party is preparing to launch a major campaign that could fleece American investors of billions of dollars to fund its drive for global hegemony.
Ant Technology Group (Ant Group), formerly known as Ant Financial Services Group, is a subsidiary of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding, the e-commerce giant that made Jack Ma one of the world's richest men.
Ant provides financial technology (fintech) products and services. It's expected to soon issue an Initial Public Offering in Hong Kong and Shanghai to raise $30 billion – the largest IPO in history.
It's important to remember even so-called "private" Chinese companies are beholden to the Chinese government according to its National Intelligence Law and security laws and regulations.
Even though the Ant Technology Group IPO will not be listed on U.S. exchanges, international stock index funds could pour billions from American investors into the Ant hill. That would not only prop up the brutal Marxist-Leninist regime, it would put Americans at risk financially.
When President Trump barred the pension funds of civilian and military employees of the federal government from investing in index funds that include Chinese companies, National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow and National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien explained the risk:
"[S]candals involving Chinese companies in recent years have cost investors billions of dollars. … The Chinese Government currently prevents companies with Chinese operations listed on U.S. exchanges from complying with applicable U.S. securities law, leaving investors without the benefit of important protections."
The Obama-Biden administration struck the deal that exempts Chinese companies from U.S. securities laws.
Kudlow and O'Brien noted, "In addition to the uncertainties surrounding the financial reporting of these companies, some of the Chinese companies themselves present significant national security and humanitarian concerns for the United States, which increases the risk that they could be subject to sanctions, public protests, trade restrictions, boycotts, and other punitive measures that jeopardize their business and profitability."
An analysis by RWR Advisory Group identifies several areas of serious material risk that the Ant IPO prospectus fails to disclose.
Cybersecurity:The fintech sector faces heightened cybersecurity risk with personal and financial user data subject to theft or breaches of privacy. Ant was forced to abandon its attempted acquisition of Dallas-based digital payment and money transfer platform MoneyGram International in 2018 after it became clear it would be nixed on national security grounds. The takeover would have granted Ant Financial access to MoneyGram's mobile users' accounts – including large numbers of U.S. military personnel. Earlier this month India banned Ant affiliate Alipay and 117 other Chinese-owned apps due to data collection and privacy concerns.
Human Rights: Ant and its parent Alibaba use facial recognition technology in their payment systems. The companies are both investors in Megvii Technology, an artificial intelligence (AI) startup that specializes in facial recognition technology. Megvii was sanctioned by the U.S. government in October 2019 for "human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of China's campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, and high-technology surveillance" of the Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.
National security: Alibaba has been identified by the U.S. government as a leading participant in the CCP's integration of military and civilian technology, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data.
One of Ant Group's subsidiaries, Zhima Credit Management (Sesame Credit), is using large-scale data collection and analysis for the development of the CCP's coercive "social credit" system. This scores citizens based on their social track records, assigning rewards or punishments depending on how they have scored throughout their daily lives – in other words, how well they have toed the party line.
Ant's investments pose a material risk to investors because Washington could impose sanctions on any of these companies for their human rights abuses.
In addition, the escalation of tensions between the United States and Communist China puts Ant Financial at risk of financial repercussions.
The flip side of that coin is American investors in Ant Financial could be recruited to lobby Washington to go easy on the CCP lest their portfolio suffer financial repercussions. Call it the LeBron James effect.
Or call it the Wall Street effect.
Large money center bankers are famously loath to let niggling details such as national security, human rights and freedom of thought get in the way of making money with Marxists.
For example, China Shipbuilding Industry Corp. – the conglomerate that has refurbished and built all three of China's aircraft carriers – is currently held in the investment portfolios of our country's largest public pension funds, including California, New York and Texas, and by university endowments as well. Wall Street has long lobbied for maintaining close ties with Beijing.
Some of the biggest names on the Street – Citigroup, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley – are involved in the Ant deal, eager to split up to $300 million in fees. Goldman Sachs is also reportedly in on the action.
But these banks also have a fiduciary responsibility to investors even if they don't care about human rights or the nation's security. Involvement with Ant exposes their shareholders as well as other investors down the line to the undisclosed risks identified above.
For these reasons, the Committee on the Present Danger China is calling on the Wall Street banks to disassociate themselves from the Ant Technology Group's initial public offering.
Meanwhile, where are the watchdogs? The SEC and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have a statutory responsibility to protect investors and consumers. Why aren't they barking?
These agencies should follow the example of Customs and Border Protection. CBP ordered a stop to the importation of textiles and computer parts made by Uighur Muslims imprisoned in the CCP's Xinjiang concentration camps.
It is more than clear to anyone with eyes that we are engaged in an economic, information, ideological and spiritual war with the CCP.
Corporate leaders need to behave accordingly. The future of our nation is more important than a quarterly earnings report.