wnd--2020-09-24--Hunter Biden got $3.5 million from Russian oligarch on 'Putin list'

Hunter Biden received a $ 3.5 million wire transfer from Russia 's richest woman , whose name turned up on a U.S. Treasury list of figures tied to the Kremlin who were under consideration for sanctions .
The revelation came in an 87-page report released Wednesday by two Republican-led Senate committees .
Elena Baturina is the widow of Yury Luzhkov , the former mayor of Moscow .
The report said Baturina became Russia 's only female billionaire `` when her plastics company , Inteko , received a series of Moscow municipal contracts while her husband was mayor . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between May and December 2015 to a bank account belonging to BAK USA , a tech startup that filed for bankruptcy in March 2019 .
Nine of the 11 wire transfers went to Rosemont Seneca Thornton , the investment firm founded by Hunter Biden and Chris Heinz , stepson of former Secretary of State John Kerry .
The report cited records showing `` potential criminal activity relating to transactions among and between Hunter Biden , his family , and his associates with Ukrainian , Russian , Kazakh and Chinese nationals . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked to what `` appears to be an Eastern European prostitution or human trafficking ring . ''
Hunter Biden 's firm received $ 3.1 million for his service on the board of a corrupt Ukrainian natural gas firm while his father Joe Biden oversaw U.S. policy in Ukraine .
The elder Biden is on video boasting that he pressured Ukraine 's president to fire the country 's top prosecutor , who was investigating the firm , Burisma , at the time .
The report states that the Obama White House knew Hunter Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the efficient execution of policy with respect to Ukraine . ''
The investigation also found Burisma 's owner , Mykola Zlochevsky , paid a $ 7 million bribe to prosecutors after Hunter Biden took his seat on the board .
The investigation was conducted by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , chaired by Sen. Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , and the Senate Finance Committee , chaired by Sen. Chuck Grassley , R-Iowa .
A spokesman for Joe Biden , Andrew Bates , slammed the Republican-led investigation in a statement to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was politically motivated .
`` As the coronavirus death toll climbs and Wisconsinites struggle with joblessness , Ron Johnson has wasted months diverting the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee away from any oversight of the catastrophically botched federal response to the pandemic , a threat Sen. Johnson has dismissed by saying that 'death is an unavoidable part of life . '
Why ? ''
Bates asked .
`` To subsidize a foreign attack against the sovereignty of our elections with taxpayer dollars — an attack founded on a long-disproven , hardcore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson himself being corrupt and that the Senator has now explicitly stated he is attempting to exploit to bail out Donald Trump ’ s re-election campaign , '' he said .

Hunter Biden received a $3.5 million wire transfer from Russia's richest woman, whose name turned up on a U.S. Treasury list of figures tied to the Kremlin who were under consideration for sanctions.
The revelation came in an 87-page report released Wednesday by two Republican-led Senate committees.
Elena Baturina is the widow of Yury Luzhkov, the former mayor of Moscow. The report said Baturina became Russia's only female billionaire "when her plastics company, Inteko, received a series of Moscow municipal contracts while her husband was mayor."
The investigation found Baturina sent 11 wires transfers between May and December 2015 to a bank account belonging to BAK USA, a tech startup that filed for bankruptcy in March 2019. Nine of the 11 wire transfers went to Rosemont Seneca Thornton, the investment firm founded by Hunter Biden and Chris Heinz, stepson of former Secretary of State John Kerry.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The report cited records showing "potential criminal activity relating to transactions among and between Hunter Biden, his family, and his associates with Ukrainian, Russian, Kazakh and Chinese nationals."
The records show some of the transactions are linked to what "appears to be an Eastern European prostitution or human trafficking ring."
Hunter Biden's firm received $3.1 million for his service on the board of a corrupt Ukrainian natural gas firm while his father Joe Biden oversaw U.S. policy in Ukraine. The elder Biden is on video boasting that he pressured Ukraine's president to fire the country's top prosecutor, who was investigating the firm, Burisma, at the time.
The report states that the Obama White House knew Hunter Biden's position on the board prevented "the efficient execution of policy with respect to Ukraine."
The investigation also found Burisma's owner, Mykola Zlochevsky, paid a $7 million bribe to prosecutors after Hunter Biden took his seat on the board.
The investigation was conducted by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and the Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.
A spokesman for Joe Biden, Andrew Bates, slammed the Republican-led investigation in a statement to the New York Post, charging it was politically motivated.
"As the coronavirus death toll climbs and Wisconsinites struggle with joblessness, Ron Johnson has wasted months diverting the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee away from any oversight of the catastrophically botched federal response to the pandemic, a threat Sen. Johnson has dismissed by saying that 'death is an unavoidable part of life.' Why?" Bates asked.
"To subsidize a foreign attack against the sovereignty of our elections with taxpayer dollars — an attack founded on a long-disproven, hardcore rightwing conspiracy theory that hinges on Sen. Johnson himself being corrupt and that the Senator has now explicitly stated he is attempting to exploit to bail out Donald Trump’s re-election campaign," he said.


wnd--2020-09-24--School fires worker who alerted friends to LGBT agenda in classrooms

A trial is underway in the United Kingdom in a case brought by a school employee who was fired after she shared her concerns about the district 's LGBT agenda with her Facebook friends .
School officials insist they had to fire Kristie Higgs , 44 , because her comments could reduce `` confidence '' in their work .
She contends she was fired for speaking out about her Christian belief that God determines who is male and who is female .
Matthew Evans is the headmaster of Farmor 's School in Fairford , England , where Higgs worked until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the school 's plan to teach `` LGBT relationships to young children . ''
Defended by the Christian Legal Center , she is arguing in court that her dismissal violated her freedoms of speech and religion .
School officials took action against her after one of the friends on her Facebook contact list complained to the school , where she was employed as a pastoral assistant .
During the trial , expected to last the entire week , Evans claimed he had to uphold `` confidence '' in the schools , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video prepared by Higgs ahead of the trial : The Christian Legal Center said Higgs had held her job `` with an exemplary record '' for six years .
Higgs has said : `` I have been punished for sharing concerns about Relationships and Sex Education .
I hold these views because of my Christian beliefs , beliefs and views which are shared by hundreds of thousands of parents across the U.K. My number one concern has always been the effect that learning about sex and gender in school will have on children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am determined to fight this case and to stand for Christians and all parents across the country who are being silenced for sharing and holding these views . ''
Higgs two posts on her private Facebook page made no mention of her employer .
The first `` encouraged friends and family to sign a petition challenging the government ’ s plans to introduce Relationships and Sex Education to children in primary schools . ''
The post pointed out a government consultation on making RSE mandatory for children as young as 4 was coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sign a nationwide petition calling on the government to uphold the rights of parents to have children educated in line with their religious beliefs , the Christian Legal Center explained .
A second post linked to an article on the rise of transgender ideology in children 's books in American schools .
Evans , who has refused to identify who made the complaint , then confronted Higgs over what was described to him as `` homophobic and prejudiced '' posts .
Evans asked the complainant to find more `` offensive posts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` pro-Nazi '' views .
She was told , explaining her view was based on her faith , to `` keep your religion out of it . ''
The school decided to dismiss her , based on `` online comments that could bring the school into disrepute and damage the reputation of the school , '' despite the fact the school admitted there is `` no direct evidence that as a matter of fact that the reputation of the school has been damaged . ''
Andrea Williams , chief executive of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This case is about the freedom to hold Christian views about what it means to be human .
Many Christians have faced pressure for expressing these views in the workplace before , but in this case , Kristie has been dismissed for sharing her views among friends on Facebook .
`` What Kristie shared on Facebook simply reflects the genuine and justified concerns of a parent about the sexual ideology currently being imposed on her own children and thousands of children across the U.K . ''

A trial is underway in the United Kingdom in a case brought by a school employee who was fired after she shared her concerns about the district's LGBT agenda with her Facebook friends.
School officials insist they had to fire Kristie Higgs, 44, because her comments could reduce "confidence" in their work.
She contends she was fired for speaking out about her Christian belief that God determines who is male and who is female.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Matthew Evans is the headmaster of Farmor's School in Fairford, England, where Higgs worked until 2018, when she shared her concerns about the school's plan to teach "LGBT relationships to young children."
Defended by the Christian Legal Center, she is arguing in court that her dismissal violated her freedoms of speech and religion.
School officials took action against her after one of the friends on her Facebook contact list complained to the school, where she was employed as a pastoral assistant.
During the trial, expected to last the entire week, Evans claimed he had to uphold "confidence" in the schools, so he fired Higgs.
Here's a video prepared by Higgs ahead of the trial:
The Christian Legal Center said Higgs had held her job "with an exemplary record" for six years.
Higgs has said: "I have been punished for sharing concerns about Relationships and Sex Education. I hold these views because of my Christian beliefs, beliefs and views which are shared by hundreds of thousands of parents across the U.K. My number one concern has always been the effect that learning about sex and gender in school will have on children at such a young age. I am determined to fight this case and to stand for Christians and all parents across the country who are being silenced for sharing and holding these views."
Higgs two posts on her private Facebook page made no mention of her employer.
The first "encouraged friends and family to sign a petition challenging the government’s plans to introduce Relationships and Sex Education to children in primary schools."
The post pointed out a government consultation on making RSE mandatory for children as young as 4 was coming to a close. She asked readers to sign a nationwide petition calling on the government to uphold the rights of parents to have children educated in line with their religious beliefs, the Christian Legal Center explained.
A second post linked to an article on the rise of transgender ideology in children's books in American schools.
Evans, who has refused to identify who made the complaint, then confronted Higgs over what was described to him as "homophobic and prejudiced" posts. Evans asked the complainant to find more "offensive posts."
School staff members then accused her of "pro-Nazi" views.
She was told, explaining her view was based on her faith, to "keep your religion out of it."
The school decided to dismiss her, based on "online comments that could bring the school into disrepute and damage the reputation of the school," despite the fact the school admitted there is "no direct evidence that as a matter of fact that the reputation of the school has been damaged."
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said: "This case is about the freedom to hold Christian views about what it means to be human. Many Christians have faced pressure for expressing these views in the workplace before, but in this case, Kristie has been dismissed for sharing her views among friends on Facebook.
"What Kristie shared on Facebook simply reflects the genuine and justified concerns of a parent about the sexual ideology currently being imposed on her own children and thousands of children across the U.K."


wnd--2020-09-23--Separate mass gatherings led by Franklin Graham, Jonathan Cahn converge

Two separate mass gatherings calling for prayer for the nation will take place Saturday on the National Mall in Washington .
The `` Washington Prayer March 2020 , '' will be led by evangelist Franklin Graham , and `` The Return — National and Global Day of Prayer and Repentance , '' by Jonathan Cahn , the Messianic rabbi known for his New York Times bestsellers , including `` The Harbinger . ''
Graham and Cahn both say God led them separately to call for the mass assemblies , CBN News reported .
`` God is converging everything .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Cahn told CBN .
`` The Return '' will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time between the Washington Monument and the Capitol building .
At noon Eastern , the prayer march will begin at the Lincoln Memorial , stopping for focused prayer at sites on the National Mall .
Watch `` The Return here Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m .
In addition , as WND reported , Focus on the Family is holding a virtual pro-life event called `` See Life 2020 '' at 8 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be viewed here .
In an interview last week with WND , Cahn pointed to another crucial time in America , during the Civil War , when Abraham Lincoln declared a solemn assembly `` and it changed the course of history . ''
`` We are at a more dangerous point than ever .
We have an election that can change the course of the nation at such a time when so many signs are pointing to danger of judgment , '' he told WND .
`` I believe that if we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , embodied by the return , we may pass the point of no return .
That 's why I 'm calling on any believer who has any kind of burden for America to join , whether they come to Washington or wherever they are .
`` But we need to do this as never before . ''
In a promotion for the march , Graham said the country `` is in trouble '' and the `` only hope for America is God . ''
`` We 're coming to pray .
And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` Let 's fill this city with people who are willing to pray for this country , to pray for the president , to pray for all of our leaders , Democrat and Republican . ''

Two separate mass gatherings calling for prayer for the nation will take place Saturday on the National Mall in Washington.
The "Washington Prayer March 2020," will be led by evangelist Franklin Graham, and "The Return — National and Global Day of Prayer and Repentance," by Jonathan Cahn, the Messianic rabbi known for his New York Times bestsellers, including "The Harbinger."
Graham and Cahn both say God led them separately to call for the mass assemblies, CBN News reported.
"God is converging everything. That's how important this day is," Cahn told CBN.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"The Return" will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time between the Washington Monument and the Capitol building. At noon Eastern, the prayer march will begin at the Lincoln Memorial, stopping for focused prayer at sites on the National Mall.
Watch "Washington Prayer March 2020" here at noon Saturday.
Watch "The Return here Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In addition, as WND reported, Focus on the Family is holding a virtual pro-life event called "See Life 2020" at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday night that can be viewed here.
Does America need God's intervention to save it from itself? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to WND news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 100% (513 Votes) 0% (0 Votes)
In an interview last week with WND, Cahn pointed to another crucial time in America, during the Civil War, when Abraham Lincoln declared a solemn assembly "and it changed the course of history."
"We are at a more dangerous point than ever. We have an election that can change the course of the nation at such a time when so many signs are pointing to danger of judgment," he told WND.
"I believe that if we do not rise to this now, here, embodied by the return, we may pass the point of no return. That's why I'm calling on any believer who has any kind of burden for America to join, whether they come to Washington or wherever they are.
"But we need to do this as never before."
In a promotion for the march, Graham said the country "is in trouble" and the "only hope for America is God."
"We're coming to pray. And I'm just asking people to join me," he said.
"Let's fill this city with people who are willing to pray for this country, to pray for the president, to pray for all of our leaders, Democrat and Republican."


wnd--2020-09-24--Pelosi bashes Catholics who support Trump

( WASHINGTON EXAMINER ) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday bashed Catholic supporters of President Trump ahead of his @ @ @ @ @ Prayer Breakfast .
Speaking at an event hosted by the liberal nun activist Sister Simone @ @ @ @ @ dismay '' that the NCPB invited Trump to deliver the keynote address at its annual @ @ @ @ @ Christ do ?
We always say that , '' Pelosi said .
`` Well , @ @ @ @ @ between what Christ would do and what they 're honoring this morning . ''

(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday bashed Catholic supporters of President Trump ahead of his appearance at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast.
Speaking at an event hosted by the liberal nun activist Sister Simone Campbell, Pelosi expressed "dismay" that the NCPB invited Trump to deliver the keynote address at its annual event.
"What would Christ do? We always say that," Pelosi said. "Well, there's a big difference between what Christ would do and what they're honoring this morning."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-24--Senator sending committee report on Bidens to DOJ

( WASHINGTON EXAMINER ) -- Sen. Rand Paul said he will send the report on the GOP-led investigation into Joe @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department on Thursday .
`` I think the only way to determine the actual @ @ @ @ @ have it referred to the Department of Justice , so I 'm going to send @ @ @ @ @ Paul told Fox News host Martha MacCallum on Wednesday .
`` I do n't know @ @ @ @ @ vote for it , but I 'm sending the report tomorrow to the Department of @ @ @ @ @ asking for a criminal referral . ''
The Kentucky Republican 's announcement came after the @ @ @ @ @ a monthslong investigation into the business dealings of Hunter Biden , who was employed on @ @ @ @ @ firm Burisma Holdings at the same time his father was serving as the U.S. vice @ @

(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) -- Sen. Rand Paul said he will send the report on the GOP-led investigation into Joe and Hunter Biden to the Justice Department on Thursday.
"I think the only way to determine the actual legality of this is to have it referred to the Department of Justice, so I'm going to send the report over," Paul told Fox News host Martha MacCallum on Wednesday. "I don't know if the whole committee will vote for it, but I'm sending the report tomorrow to the Department of Justice, and we're asking for a criminal referral."
The Kentucky Republican's announcement came after the release of a report regarding a monthslong investigation into the business dealings of Hunter Biden, who was employed on the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma Holdings at the same time his father was serving as the U.S. vice president.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-24--2 Louisville police officers shot as 'protesters' rally over Breonna Taylor case

( FOX NEWS ) -- Two police officers were shot in Louisville , Ky. , on Wednesday night as protesters @ @ @ @ @ rally against the death of Breonna Taylor , authorities said .
Shortly after a police @ @ @ @ @ on social media that a third police officer may have been injured .
The two @ @ @ @ @ were being treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries , Interim Louisville Metro Police Department @ @ @ @ @ a short news conference around 10 p.m .
ET .

(FOX NEWS) -- Two police officers were shot in Louisville, Ky., on Wednesday night as protesters flocked to the streets to rally against the death of Breonna Taylor, authorities said.
Shortly after a police news conference, reports emerged on social media that a third police officer may have been injured.
The two police victims confirmed by authorities were being treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, Interim Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Robert Schroeder said in a short news conference around 10 p.m. ET.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-24--McCarthy threatens to move to oust Pelosi from speakership

( FOX NEWS ) -- House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , threatened on Wednesday to introduce a motion @ @ @ @ @ , D-Calif. , if she attempts to bring forth a second round of impeachment charges @ @ @ @ @ the Senate from confirming President Trump ’ s Supreme Court nominee .
Pelosi has declined @ @ @ @ @ an option to stop Trump ’ s court pick from being confirmed to the bench @ @ @ @ @ “ use every arrow in our quiver ” to block the eventual nominee .
“ @ @ @ @ @ one promise , listening to the speaker on television this weekend , if she tries @ @ @ @ @ based upon the president following the Constitution , I think there will be a move @ @ @ @ @ longer have the question of her being Speaker .
She may think she has a @ @ @ @ @ , ” McCarthy told reporters Wednesday .

(FOX NEWS) -- House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., threatened on Wednesday to introduce a motion to oust Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., if she attempts to bring forth a second round of impeachment charges as a way to prevent the Senate from confirming President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee.
Pelosi has declined to rule out impeachment as an option to stop Trump’s court pick from being confirmed to the bench, arguing that Democrats will “use every arrow in our quiver” to block the eventual nominee.
“I will make you this one promise, listening to the speaker on television this weekend, if she tries to move for an impeachment based upon the president following the Constitution, I think there will be a move on the floor to no longer have the question of her being Speaker. She may think she has a quiver — we do too,” McCarthy told reporters Wednesday.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-25--Florida governor hosts expert panel that condemns lockdowns

Amid panic over a rise in coronavirus cases that corresponds with an increase in testing , Florida Republican Gov .
Ron DeSantis held a virtual roundtable discussion Thursday with a professor from Harvard and two from Stanford who contend lockdowns only make the pandemic worse .
Dr. Martin Kulldorff , a medical professor at Harvard University , condemned the lockdown of the healthy , arguing for an `` age-targeted strategy . ''
He insisted universities can hold in-person classes `` almost normally '' with very little risk , and there 's no need for testing on campus .
DeSantis asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a whole '' actually could increase risk to the elderly population , noting the CDC indicates a survival rate of 99.997 % for ages 0-19 , 99.98 % for 20-49 , 99 ; 95 % for 50-69 and 94.6 % for over 70 .
Kulldorf said yes , contending that a total lockdown extends the time it takes to reach herd immunity .
`` What helps the elderly is if the young take this very minimal risk and live normal life until there is herd immunity , and then when we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also live more normal lives , '' he said .
The effectiveness of mask and social distancing mandates , testing and the role of herd immunity in stopping the spread also was discussed by two Stanford professors , medical professor Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya and structural biology professor Michael Levitt .
Kulldorff has argued that schools could reopen without enforcing mask-wearing , pointing out that in Sweden they remained open during the pandemic without masks .
Bhattacharya , who took part in an antibody study that concluded the number of COVID-19 infections is significantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown in Florida `` would be disastrous . ''
`` At this point , we know that the benefits of a lockdown are small , '' he said .
`` All they do is push cases off into the future ; it does n't actually prevent the disease from happening .
And the costs are absolutely catastrophic , enormous , '' Bhattacharya said .
In fact , the White House and state and local governments back in March and April emphasized a strategy of `` flattening the curve '' or `` slowing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean spreading out the cases over time -- not reducing them -- so that the health care system would not be overwhelmed .
Bhattacharya emphasized the sharp difference in mortality rate for younger people , pointing out it 's lower than the seasonal flu .
DeSantis asked the professors whether they think COVID-19 `` represents a significant threat in terms of overwhelming hospitals in the United States . ''
All three said no .
`` We 're in the minority worldwide .
People are still locking down and engaging in behavior which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run , '' said Levitt , a recipient of the 2013 Nobel Prize in chemistry .
The rountable was strongly condemned by two state Democratic lawmakers , Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson and state Sen. Lori Berman .
They insisted it was a public relations roundtable , not a discussion of public health .
`` No one is advocating for a full-scale lockdown in Florida , '' Gibson said in a statement .
`` But we have been and continue to ask for common sense prevention measures such as face masks which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , the virus remains a threat , the elderly will remain in isolation , and those who do contract the disease will live with the ongoing uncertainty of possible long-term health damages scientists are only now beginning to document . ''

Amid panic over a rise in coronavirus cases that corresponds with an increase in testing, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis held a virtual roundtable discussion Thursday with a professor from Harvard and two from Stanford who contend lockdowns only make the pandemic worse.
Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a medical professor at Harvard University, condemned the lockdown of the healthy, arguing for an "age-targeted strategy."
He insisted universities can hold in-person classes "almost normally" with very little risk, and there's no need for testing on campus.
DeSantis asked the professor if locking down "society as a whole" actually could increase risk to the elderly population, noting the CDC indicates a survival rate of 99.997% for ages 0-19, 99.98% for 20-49, 99;95% for 50-69 and 94.6% for over 70.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Kulldorf said yes, contending that a total lockdown extends the time it takes to reach herd immunity.
"What helps the elderly is if the young take this very minimal risk and live normal life until there is herd immunity, and then when we have herd immunity, the older people can also live more normal lives," he said.
The effectiveness of mask and social distancing mandates, testing and the role of herd immunity in stopping the spread also was discussed by two Stanford professors, medical professor Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya and structural biology professor Michael Levitt.
Kulldorff has argued that schools could reopen without enforcing mask-wearing, pointing out that in Sweden they remained open during the pandemic without masks.
Bhattacharya, who took part in an antibody study that concluded the number of COVID-19 infections is significantly higher than the estimates, said another lockdown in Florida "would be disastrous."
"At this point, we know that the benefits of a lockdown are small," he said.
"All they do is push cases off into the future; it doesn't actually prevent the disease from happening. And the costs are absolutely catastrophic, enormous," Bhattacharya said.
In fact, the White House and state and local governments back in March and April emphasized a strategy of "flattening the curve" or "slowing the spread." That was assumed to mean spreading out the cases over time -- not reducing them -- so that the health care system would not be overwhelmed.
Bhattacharya emphasized the sharp difference in mortality rate for younger people, pointing out it's lower than the seasonal flu.
DeSantis asked the professors whether they think COVID-19 "represents a significant threat in terms of overwhelming hospitals in the United States."
All three said no.
"We're in the minority worldwide. People are still locking down and engaging in behavior which is likely to be detrimental in the long run," said Levitt, a recipient of the 2013 Nobel Prize in chemistry.
See the roundtable:
The rountable was strongly condemned by two state Democratic lawmakers, Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson and state Sen. Lori Berman.
They insisted it was a public relations roundtable, not a discussion of public health.
"No one is advocating for a full-scale lockdown in Florida," Gibson said in a statement. "But we have been and continue to ask for common sense prevention measures such as face masks which are essential to preventing further spread. Without that, the virus remains a threat, the elderly will remain in isolation, and those who do contract the disease will live with the ongoing uncertainty of possible long-term health damages scientists are only now beginning to document."


wnd--2020-09-24--Schools should have better lesson plans than 'Death to America'

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
“ When college students graduate , they ’ ll be hit with reality.
” For years , we ’ ve been hearing that radicalism is unsustainable in the real world .
Yet , as evidenced by recent student-led protests sweeping the nation , it seems as though reality is merely bending to their whim .
These students , some of whom defend rioting , looting , and even parade the streets chanting “ Death to America , ” did not radicalize overnight .
Campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contingent of students who bully those they deem guilty of nonconformance , fringe ideologies thrust upon students by their professors , and university administrations enabling – even encouraging – these ideas .
Two cases currently making headlines embody all of the above , and reignite the longstanding question : “ What exactly are they teaching at these schools ?
” In late August 2020 , Harvard University announced that Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat will serve as a fellow at The Future of Diplomacy Project at the Kennedy School ’ s Belfer Center for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world characterized by increasing diplomatic cooperation between countries of all different stripes , Harvard could have found someone better .
Since partaking in every peace negotiation with Israel since the Madrid Conference of 1991 , Erekat has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adversely affect the Palestinian cause and has contributed to the Palestinians ’ increasing isolation from much of the Arab world .
That alone should not disqualify him .
Rather , it ’ s that he consistently deceives , inverts history , and most significantly , justifies terrorism .
Erekat has long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perpetrated a massacre in Jenin in 2002 , and he refuses to label Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine ( PFLP ) as terrorist organizations .
In 2015 , in the midst of a brutal wave of Palestinian stabbing attacks that led to dozens of Israeli deaths , Erekat dismissed the killings , stating that “ the Palestinian people will continue to defend themselves.
” A diplomat like Erekat who conflates terrorism with self-defense is the antithesis of what diplomacy should be .
Unless , of course , Harvard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The university ’ s decision to grant Erekat this position came after the Palestinian Authority donated $ 2 million to Harvard between 2017 and 2019 .
It would be easy to characterize a terror-apologist as a radical , in the same way that one could characterize a white-supremacy apologist as a radical .
Yet for some reason , Erekat has now been mainstreamed by what is arguably the most renowned academic institution on the planet .
The second case is that of Leila Khaled – a member of the PFLP – who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an upcoming online event sponsored by the Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diaspora Studies Department at San Francisco State University ( SFSU ) .
The PFLP is a U.S.-designated terror group that repeatedly attacked Israel during the 1960s and 1970s , claiming the lives of numerous innocent people , including Americans .
In 1972 , members of the Japanese Red Army recruited by the PFLP murdered 26 people at the Lod Airport in Israel , 17 of whom were Christian pilgrims from Puerto Rico .
Although less prominent than in the past , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In 2019 , a PFLP cell detonated a roadside bomb , killing 17-year-old Rina Shnerb .
Khaled herself gained notoriety for her participation in two hijackings of civilian flights , becoming the first female airplane hijacker .
Nowadays , she is recognized by students who often see her likeness adorned on t-shirts and other memorabilia sold at events organized by antisemitic groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine .
On the upcoming San Francisco conference ’ s Facebook page , Khaled is described as a “ feminist , militant , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euphemism for terrorist , and one incredibly insulting to feminists everywhere .
But such language is unsurprising coming from the same department helmed by professor Rabab Abdulhadi , who has stated that welcoming pro-Israel students on campus is “ a declaration of war against Arabs , Muslims , Palestinians and all those who are committed to an indivisible sense of justice on and off campus.
” Despite Harvard hiring a terror apologist , and in the case of SFSU – hosting an actual terrorist – nary a peep of protest was uttered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups on campus , including the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis ( CAMERA ) .
This is extremely troubling .
But it seems to be the rule and not the exception .
Over the past year alone : Batya Ungar-Sargon of The Forward faced harsh protest at Bard College simply for being Jewish ; Yoni Michanie , a CAMERA campus adviser , was protested at the University of Florida on the basis of his previous service in the Israel Defense Forces ; Israeli LGBTQ activist Hen Mazzig was protested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlighting Israel ’ s record on LGBTQ rights .
Make no mistake – everybody has the right to peacefully protest .
But it speaks volumes when speakers like these are protested , yet many students seem unconcerned when a convicted terrorist graces their campus .
Likewise , it says a lot about the current ideological climate when professor Miriam Elman is harassed by students at Syracuse University for identifying with Zionism – the movement for Jewish self-determination – yet Erekat ’ s sympathetic view of Palestinian terrorism has generated little pushback from Harvard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly are they teaching students at American universities ?
If Harvard and SFSU are any indication , the answer is bigotry , historical amnesia , a pathological aversion to facts , and an embrace of violence .
When figures like Erekat and Khaled are invited to campus , the administrations send a message to students everywhere that not even terrorism is out of bounds -- that these ideas are legitimate .
The radicals have taken root on our campuses , but it ’ s not too late for us to tear those roots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start by demanding that Harvard and SFSU rescind their shameful invitations .

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By Eitan Fischberger
Real Clear Politics
“When college students graduate, they’ll be hit with reality.” For years, we’ve been hearing that radicalism is unsustainable in the real world. Yet, as evidenced by recent student-led protests sweeping the nation, it seems as though reality is merely bending to their whim. These students, some of whom defend rioting, looting, and even parade the streets chanting “Death to America,” did not radicalize overnight.
Campus radicalism is often attributed to a small contingent of students who bully those they deem guilty of nonconformance, fringe ideologies thrust upon students by their professors, and university administrations enabling – even encouraging – these ideas.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Two cases currently making headlines embody all of the above, and reignite the longstanding question: “What exactly are they teaching at these schools?”
In late August 2020, Harvard University announced that Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat will serve as a fellow at The Future of Diplomacy Project at the Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. In a world characterized by increasing diplomatic cooperation between countries of all different stripes, Harvard could have found someone better.
Since partaking in every peace negotiation with Israel since the Madrid Conference of 1991, Erekat has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adversely affect the Palestinian cause and has contributed to the Palestinians’ increasing isolation from much of the Arab world.
That alone should not disqualify him. Rather, it’s that he consistently deceives, inverts history, and most significantly, justifies terrorism. Erekat has long peddled the lie that the Israeli military perpetrated a massacre in Jenin in 2002, and he refuses to label Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) as terrorist organizations. In 2015, in the midst of a brutal wave of Palestinian stabbing attacks that led to dozens of Israeli deaths, Erekat dismissed the killings, stating that “the Palestinian people will continue to defend themselves.” A diplomat like Erekat who conflates terrorism with self-defense is the antithesis of what diplomacy should be. Unless, of course, Harvard thinks differently -- or has other motivations. The university’s decision to grant Erekat this position came after the Palestinian Authority donated $2 million to Harvard between 2017 and 2019.
It would be easy to characterize a terror-apologist as a radical, in the same way that one could characterize a white-supremacy apologist as a radical. Yet for some reason, Erekat has now been mainstreamed by what is arguably the most renowned academic institution on the planet.
The second case is that of Leila Khaled – a member of the PFLP – who will be featured as the centerpiece of an upcoming online event sponsored by the Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diaspora Studies Department at San Francisco State University (SFSU).
The PFLP is a U.S.-designated terror group that repeatedly attacked Israel during the 1960s and 1970s, claiming the lives of numerous innocent people, including Americans. In 1972, members of the Japanese Red Army recruited by the PFLP murdered 26 people at the Lod Airport in Israel, 17 of whom were Christian pilgrims from Puerto Rico. Although less prominent than in the past, the group continues to engage in terrorism. In 2019, a PFLP cell detonated a roadside bomb, killing 17-year-old Rina Shnerb.
Khaled herself gained notoriety for her participation in two hijackings of civilian flights, becoming the first female airplane hijacker. Nowadays, she is recognized by students who often see her likeness adorned on t-shirts and other memorabilia sold at events organized by antisemitic groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine. On the upcoming San Francisco conference’s Facebook page, Khaled is described as a “feminist, militant, and leader.” That’s an interesting euphemism for terrorist, and one incredibly insulting to feminists everywhere. But such language is unsurprising coming from the same department helmed by professor Rabab Abdulhadi, who has stated that welcoming pro-Israel students on campus is “a declaration of war against Arabs, Muslims, Palestinians and all those who are committed to an indivisible sense of justice on and off campus.”
Despite Harvard hiring a terror apologist, and in the case of SFSU – hosting an actual terrorist – nary a peep of protest was uttered by students, aside from Jewish and Zionist groups on campus, including the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA). This is extremely troubling. But it seems to be the rule and not the exception.
Over the past year alone: Batya Ungar-Sargon of The Forward faced harsh protest at Bard College simply for being Jewish; Yoni Michanie, a CAMERA campus adviser, was protested at the University of Florida on the basis of his previous service in the Israel Defense Forces; Israeli LGBTQ activist Hen Mazzig was protested at Vassar College for the sin of highlighting Israel’s record on LGBTQ rights. Make no mistake – everybody has the right to peacefully protest. But it speaks volumes when speakers like these are protested, yet many students seem unconcerned when a convicted terrorist graces their campus.
Likewise, it says a lot about the current ideological climate when professor Miriam Elman is harassed by students at Syracuse University for identifying with Zionism – the movement for Jewish self-determination – yet Erekat’s sympathetic view of Palestinian terrorism has generated little pushback from Harvard faculty and students.
So, what exactly are they teaching students at American universities? If Harvard and SFSU are any indication, the answer is bigotry, historical amnesia, a pathological aversion to facts, and an embrace of violence. When figures like Erekat and Khaled are invited to campus, the administrations send a message to students everywhere that not even terrorism is out of bounds -- that these ideas are legitimate.
The radicals have taken root on our campuses, but it’s not too late for us to tear those roots from the ground. Let’s start by demanding that Harvard and SFSU rescind their shameful invitations.


wnd--2020-09-24--Report: Durham sought details of investigation into Clinton Foundation corruption

U.S. Attorney John Durham , as part of his review of the Barack Obama administration 's use of U.S. intelligence agencies to spy on the 2016 Trump campaign , has been asked to review the DOJ 's investigation of the Clinton Foundation .
The New York Times reports Durham `` has sought documents and interviews about how federal law enforcement officials handled an investigation around the same time into allegations of political corruption at the Clinton Foundation . ''
The report cites people familiar with the matter .
`` Mr. Durham ’ s team members have suggested to others that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as examining whether investigators in the Russia inquiry flouted laws or policies , '' the report said .
`` It was not clear whether Mr. Durham ’ s investigators were similarly looking for violations in the Clinton Foundation investigation , nor whether the comparison would be included or play a major role in the outcome of Mr. Durham ’ s inquiry . ''
The paper said the information suggests `` the scope of his review is broader than previously known . ''
`` The suspected crimes themselves are not comparable — one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign and a foreign adversary to interfere in an election , and the other involves potential bribery and corruption , '' the Times said .
The primary evidence presented to support the Russian collusion claims , however , was largely by special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation .
The corruption investigation into the Clinton Foundation was launched after 64 House Republicans wrote to the IRS , FBI and Federal Trade Commission alleging that the foundation is `` lawless '' and needed to be investigation for `` public corruption . ''
It is well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donations to the foundation controlled by the Clintons when Hillary Clinton was secretary of state for Barack Obama .
The Times report said : `` Critics have suggested that she was part of a quid pro quo in which the foundation received large donations in exchange for supporting the sale of Uranium One , a Canadian company with ties to mining stakes in the United States , to a Russian nuclear agency .
The deal was approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States when Mrs. Clinton was secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a voting seat on the panel . ''
The Clinton Foundation case initially was referred to the IRS tax-exempt operations office for review , but the federal review did not result in any charges .
It then was moved to prosecutors in Arkansas , who secured a subpoena , but to date no charges have come from that review either .
The Times reported : `` Some former law enforcement officials declined to talk to Mr. Durham ’ s team about the foundation investigation because they felt the nature of his inquiry was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the investigation .
Mr. Durham ’ s staff members sought information about the debate over the subpoenas that the FBI tried to obtain in 2016 and have also approached current agents about the matter , but it is not clear what they told investigators . ''
The foundation , in a statement , said it routinely is the target of `` baseless , politically motivated allegations . ''
The Times report said , `` Mr. Durham 's focus on the Clinton Foundation inquiry comes as concerns deepen among Democrats and some former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being weaponized politically to help Mr .
Trump . ''
Barr told a congressional committee the evidence shows the Obama administration spied on the Trump campaign .
He also has called the Russia collusion claims `` one of the greatest travesties in American history . ''
So far , in Durham 's investigation , former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith has pleaded guilty to altering evidence .
The Clinton Foundation investigation ended up involving Andrew McCabe , then the deputy FBI director , who was accused of leaking information to a reporter and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general .
He later was fired .
Democrats in recent days have demanded the DOJ investigate Durham 's investigation of the Russian collusion investigation .
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee , including Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , have suggested Durham 's investigation violates policy .
“ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ William Barr and White House officials have made statements showing the Durham probe is “ being misused for partisan political purposes and undermines the legitimacy of any investigative steps ” the prosecutor has taken .
Barr asked Durham in March 2019 to review 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 “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for surveillance warrants on Trump aide Carter 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 the Russia-collusion probe , Crossfire Hurricane .
Barr has rejected Democrat claims that Durham 's work is partisan .
And he has confirmed that more charges are possible from Durham 's work .

U.S. Attorney John Durham, as part of his review of the Barack Obama administration's use of U.S. intelligence agencies to spy on the 2016 Trump campaign, has been asked to review the DOJ's investigation of the Clinton Foundation.
The New York Times reports Durham "has sought documents and interviews about how federal law enforcement officials handled an investigation around the same time into allegations of political corruption at the Clinton Foundation."
The report cites people familiar with the matter.
"Mr. Durham’s team members have suggested to others that they are comparing the two investigations as well as examining whether investigators in the Russia inquiry flouted laws or policies," the report said. "It was not clear whether Mr. Durham’s investigators were similarly looking for violations in the Clinton Foundation investigation, nor whether the comparison would be included or play a major role in the outcome of Mr. Durham’s inquiry."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The paper said the information suggests "the scope of his review is broader than previously known."
"The suspected crimes themselves are not comparable — one involves a possible conspiracy between a presidential campaign and a foreign adversary to interfere in an election, and the other involves potential bribery and corruption," the Times said.
The primary evidence presented to support the Russian collusion claims, however, was largely by special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation.
The corruption investigation into the Clinton Foundation was launched after 64 House Republicans wrote to the IRS, FBI and Federal Trade Commission alleging that the foundation is "lawless" and needed to be investigation for "public corruption."
It is well known that many foreign interests made large donations to the foundation controlled by the Clintons when Hillary Clinton was secretary of state for Barack Obama.
The Times report said: "Critics have suggested that she was part of a quid pro quo in which the foundation received large donations in exchange for supporting the sale of Uranium One, a Canadian company with ties to mining stakes in the United States, to a Russian nuclear agency. The deal was approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States when Mrs. Clinton was secretary of state under President Barack Obama and had a voting seat on the panel."
The Clinton Foundation case initially was referred to the IRS tax-exempt operations office for review, but the federal review did not result in any charges.
It then was moved to prosecutors in Arkansas, who secured a subpoena, but to date no charges have come from that review either.
The Times reported: "Some former law enforcement officials declined to talk to Mr. Durham’s team about the foundation investigation because they felt the nature of his inquiry was highly unusual, according to people familiar with the investigation. Mr. Durham’s staff members sought information about the debate over the subpoenas that the FBI tried to obtain in 2016 and have also approached current agents about the matter, but it is not clear what they told investigators."
The foundation, in a statement, said it routinely is the target of "baseless, politically motivated allegations."
The Times report said, "Mr. Durham's focus on the Clinton Foundation inquiry comes as concerns deepen among Democrats and some former Justice Department officials that his investigation is being weaponized politically to help Mr. Trump."
Barr told a congressional committee the evidence shows the Obama administration spied on the Trump campaign. He also has called the Russia collusion claims "one of the greatest travesties in American history."
So far, in Durham's investigation, former FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith has pleaded guilty to altering evidence.
The Clinton Foundation investigation ended up involving Andrew McCabe, then the deputy FBI director, who was accused of leaking information to a reporter and then lying about it to the DOJ inspector general.
He later was fired.
Democrats in recent days have demanded the DOJ investigate Durham's investigation of the Russian collusion investigation.
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., have suggested Durham's investigation violates policy.
“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.
The Democrats' claim Attorney General William Barr and White House officials have made statements showing the Durham probe is “being misused for partisan political purposes and undermines the legitimacy of any investigative steps” the prosecutor has taken.
Barr asked Durham in March 2019 to review 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.
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 the Russia-collusion probe, Crossfire Hurricane.
Barr has rejected Democrat claims that Durham's work is partisan. And he has confirmed that more charges are possible from Durham's work.


wnd--2020-09-24--Trump haters gaslighting Trump supporters: It's getting uglier

It 's getting scary out there , people .
Everywhere you turn , Trump haters are venting their wrath against Trump supporters , as if supporting President Trump is an unforgivable sin .
They 're projecting and gaslighting – blaming Trump and his supporters for everything they 're doing .
It 's madness , but at long last , they might have awakened the sleeping giant they 're trying to hunt down and destroy .
MSNBC 's Joy Reid tweeted , `` Genuine question : what will be the relationship between the majority of Americans , and Trumpists after this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will eventually end – do people anticipate simply letting bygones ( be ) bygones with people who joined the Trump personality cult ? ''
What bygones ?
Who 's doing what to whom ?
What are we Trump supporters doing to you Trump haters , Joy ?
We are trying to mind our own business and stay safe .
Are you and yours ?
MSNBC 's Donny Deutsch likened a Trump rally to a Hitler rally from the early '30s : `` Well , basically you had a destruction of the belief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a blurring between the executive branch and the Justice Department .
You have creating an other , whether it 's Muslims , whether it 's Mexicans , whether it 's congressmen who were n't born in this country .
And then you have the destruction of free elections .
And we 're here . ''
This is screaming insanity .
Trump supporters are n't censoring people on social media .
They are n't threatening their opponents ' civil liberties .
They are n't violating the separation of powers , which leftists routinely do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawless executive orders ( under former President Barack Obama ) .
They 're not demonizing other races , as you maliciously accuse .
Quit belching that vicious slander .
And they are not the ones threatening the integrity of the electoral process .
The left , on the other hand , has promised to stack the Supreme Court ; add territories to the union to increase its electoral prospects ; circumvent the Electoral College ; obliterate the integrity of the voting process through rampant unverifiable mail-in ballots and the elimination of voter ID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 16 .
Republicans are n't the ones threatening to lawlessly invoke impeachment to block Trump 's lawful Supreme Court nominee .
Increasingly deranged , intolerant , hateful and unhinged actor-turned-artist Jim Carrey said , `` Too many Americans support Trump because he appeals to their basest and most primitive urges . ''
This is a direct indictment of millions of Trump supporters – many of whom have been your fans .
Tell me , Jim : What base and primitive urges do you mean ?
Our commitment to the Constitution , law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law for everyone , liberty , prosperity and a strong national defense ?
Protecting the borders to ensure orderly and legal immigration ?
Are these commitments racist and sexist to you , Jim ?
If you really believe that , you are obviously blinded into irrationality by your hatred and need of therapy and prayer .
Please get the tree trunk out of your own eye .
In the meantime , sketch a picture of your own dark heart .
And how about the now-famous Leo Guinan , who publicly bragged that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children would visit them because they had placed Trump signs in their yard .
After receiving blowback for this self-indulgent and heartless act , he publicly apologized .
We have obnoxious leftist `` protesters '' in St. Petersburg , Florida , taking over peaceful diners ' tables from restaurant to restaurant , ratcheting up the despicable practice they began a few years ago to harass Trump supporters .
And , once again , we have violent leftists rioting in the streets of Louisville , where two policemen were shot trying to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surreal ?
I 'll say it again : The left is projecting its own darkness onto Trump and his supporters .
Countless leftists accuse Trump of inciting violence and hate while displaying their own intolerance and hatred and committing violence .
Trump is trying to stop the violence , while Democratic governors and mayors are fanning the flames .
Fair-minded Democrats , please do n't fool yourself into rationalizing that these things are happening equally on both sides of the aisle .
It simply is not true .
And do n't fall into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which now possesses large swaths of Americans because of the left 's concerted effort to smear Trump and his supporters as racists for political gain .
How many Trump supporters are burning down cities , murdering cops , threatening mayhem if Joe Biden is elected , bullying Biden supporters out of restaurants , accosting people with Biden caps or yard signs , threatening to withhold their children from their Biden-supporting parents and stirring up racial disharmony throughout the nation ?
When have Republican lawmakers ever tried to destroy the character of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes , Republicans say they 're ready to defend themselves , but I know of none who are threatening to commit violence and mayhem if Trump loses .
I do n't know how people can be so warped as to condemn Trump for allegedly inspiring violence simply because they do n't like him , when they themselves are actually committing violence or enabling those who are .
I do n't know how they can rage against Trump as a dictator when he is doing nothing but exercising his lawful authority in office and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and rule of law , and when they are openly promising to thwart the Constitution in countless ways if they regain power .
Notwithstanding the planted trick question , Trump will not resist the peaceable transition of power , but he might legally contest a stolen election .
Meanwhile , prominent Democrats are promising not to accept a Trump victory – just like they never accepted his 2016 victory .
No , Joy Reid , we Trump supporters are not part of a cult , no matter how much Trump haters have convinced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him as the last best hope to restore America 's greatness – and that includes liberty , peace and security for all , not just for those who agree with us , unlike many on your side believe .
We are relying on him to lawfully prevent the left 's destruction of the nation , its violence and lawlessness , and its abolition of liberty .

It's getting scary out there, people. Everywhere you turn, Trump haters are venting their wrath against Trump supporters, as if supporting President Trump is an unforgivable sin.
They're projecting and gaslighting – blaming Trump and his supporters for everything they're doing. It's madness, but at long last, they might have awakened the sleeping giant they're trying to hunt down and destroy.
MSNBC's Joy Reid tweeted, "Genuine question: what will be the relationship between the majority of Americans, and Trumpists after this long, national nightmare ends – and it will eventually end – do people anticipate simply letting bygones (be) bygones with people who joined the Trump personality cult?"
What bygones? Who's doing what to whom? What are we Trump supporters doing to you Trump haters, Joy? We are trying to mind our own business and stay safe. Are you and yours?
MSNBC's Donny Deutsch likened a Trump rally to a Hitler rally from the early '30s: "Well, basically you had a destruction of the belief in the free press. You had a blurring between the executive branch and the Justice Department. You have creating an other, whether it's Muslims, whether it's Mexicans, whether it's congressmen who weren't born in this country. And then you have the destruction of free elections. And we're here."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
This is screaming insanity. Trump supporters aren't censoring people on social media. They aren't threatening their opponents' civil liberties. They aren't violating the separation of powers, which leftists routinely do, including through their activist courts and lawless executive orders (under former President Barack Obama). They're not demonizing other races, as you maliciously accuse. Quit belching that vicious slander. And they are not the ones threatening the integrity of the electoral process. The left, on the other hand, has promised to stack the Supreme Court; add territories to the union to increase its electoral prospects; circumvent the Electoral College; obliterate the integrity of the voting process through rampant unverifiable mail-in ballots and the elimination of voter ID rules; and lower the voting age to 16. Republicans aren't the ones threatening to lawlessly invoke impeachment to block Trump's lawful Supreme Court nominee.
Increasingly deranged, intolerant, hateful and unhinged actor-turned-artist Jim Carrey said, "Too many Americans support Trump because he appeals to their basest and most primitive urges." This is a direct indictment of millions of Trump supporters – many of whom have been your fans. Tell me, Jim: What base and primitive urges do you mean? Our commitment to the Constitution, law and order, equal protection under the law for everyone, liberty, prosperity and a strong national defense? Protecting the borders to ensure orderly and legal immigration? Are these commitments racist and sexist to you, Jim? If you really believe that, you are obviously blinded into irrationality by your hatred and need of therapy and prayer. Please get the tree trunk out of your own eye. In the meantime, sketch a picture of your own dark heart.
And how about the now-famous Leo Guinan, who publicly bragged that he told his parents neither he nor his children would visit them because they had placed Trump signs in their yard. After receiving blowback for this self-indulgent and heartless act, he publicly apologized.
We have obnoxious leftist "protesters" in St. Petersburg, Florida, taking over peaceful diners' tables from restaurant to restaurant, ratcheting up the despicable practice they began a few years ago to harass Trump supporters.
And, once again, we have violent leftists rioting in the streets of Louisville, where two policemen were shot trying to keep the peace.
How can things be more surreal? I'll say it again: The left is projecting its own darkness onto Trump and his supporters. Countless leftists accuse Trump of inciting violence and hate while displaying their own intolerance and hatred and committing violence. Trump is trying to stop the violence, while Democratic governors and mayors are fanning the flames.
Fair-minded Democrats, please don't fool yourself into rationalizing that these things are happening equally on both sides of the aisle. It simply is not true. And don't fall into the insidious trap of Trump Derangement Syndrome, which now possesses large swaths of Americans because of the left's concerted effort to smear Trump and his supporters as racists for political gain.
How many Trump supporters are burning down cities, murdering cops, threatening mayhem if Joe Biden is elected, bullying Biden supporters out of restaurants, accosting people with Biden caps or yard signs, threatening to withhold their children from their Biden-supporting parents and stirring up racial disharmony throughout the nation? When have Republican lawmakers ever tried to destroy the character of a Democratic president's Supreme Court nominee?
Yes, Republicans say they're ready to defend themselves, but I know of none who are threatening to commit violence and mayhem if Trump loses.
I don't know how people can be so warped as to condemn Trump for allegedly inspiring violence simply because they don't like him, when they themselves are actually committing violence or enabling those who are. I don't know how they can rage against Trump as a dictator when he is doing nothing but exercising his lawful authority in office and appointing justices who will uphold the Constitution and rule of law, and when they are openly promising to thwart the Constitution in countless ways if they regain power. Notwithstanding the planted trick question, Trump will not resist the peaceable transition of power, but he might legally contest a stolen election. Meanwhile, prominent Democrats are promising not to accept a Trump victory – just like they never accepted his 2016 victory.
No, Joy Reid, we Trump supporters are not part of a cult, no matter how much Trump haters have convinced themselves otherwise. But we do see him as the last best hope to restore America's greatness – and that includes liberty, peace and security for all, not just for those who agree with us, unlike many on your side believe. We are relying on him to lawfully prevent the left's destruction of the nation, its violence and lawlessness, and its abolition of liberty.
God save the republic.


wnd--2020-09-24--Cop wrestles with lady to cuff her for not wearing mask

A woman sitting in bleachers among socially distanced attendees at her son 's middle school football game in Ohio was put in cuffs by a police officer and hauled away for not wearing a mask .
A smartphone video capturing the incident showed the officer wrestling for several minutes with the mother , Alecia Kitts , as she resisted , insisting she could not be arrested for not wearing a mask .
Jack Windsor , an investigative reporter at local WMFD-TV , wrote on his site The Ohio Star that Kitts was arrested by an officer from the Logan Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask .
Tiffany Kennedy , who videoed the incident , told Windsor that Kitts had not been warned for not wearing a mask prior to the officer approaching her .
Kennedy said Kitts was not wearing a mask because she has athsma .
A female officer seen running toward the Logan officer and Kitts at the end of the video was not wearing a mask , Kennedy pointed out .
The officer pulled one out of her pocket as she was in pursuit .
“ Alecia 's mom said that when the officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bleachers and zapped the kid sitting there too , '' Kennedy said .
Kitts appears to be socially distanced from others in the crowd and sitting with her family , Windsor observed .
`` There were only 25 or 30 fans from our town on our side , '' said Kennedy .
Windsor reported that , according to sources , Kitts was charged with criminal trespass and released on her own recognizance .
The Marietta Times reported it was an eighth-grade football game between Marietta City Schools and Logan in Logan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the Logan Police Department .
Witness Skylar Steward said the police officer attempted to detain her , she resisted … she was n't hurting anybody . ''
The witness identified Kitts as the mother of his son .
The cop was identified only as Officer Smith .
The athletic director , Venderlic , said Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine and the state health department `` have made it very clear that masks are required indoor and outdoor at sports facilities . ''
`` They 're just part of the expectation , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the requirements of the OHSAA brought down and said that if we 're going to be able to have fall sports we 're going to have to social distance and we 're going to have to wear masks . ''
MCS board member Doug Mallett said : `` It escalated pretty fast into an ugly situation , he tased her pretty fast .
I did n't see where she was putting anybody at risk , I guess that 's a Logan rule . ''
The Ohio Patriot News Network tweeted that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` This young lady was taxed & arrested at a high school sporting event in Logan , Ohio for refusing to wear a mask .
Governor , this is why you and Lt. Gov @ JonHusted were booed at the Trump rally in Vandalia .
We want you GONE ! ''

A woman sitting in bleachers among socially distanced attendees at her son's middle school football game in Ohio was put in cuffs by a police officer and hauled away for not wearing a mask.
A smartphone video capturing the incident showed the officer wrestling for several minutes with the mother, Alecia Kitts, as she resisted, insisting she could not be arrested for not wearing a mask.
See the video:
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Jack Windsor, an investigative reporter at local WMFD-TV, wrote on his site The Ohio Star that Kitts was arrested by an officer from the Logan Police Department because she was not wearing a mask.
Tiffany Kennedy, who videoed the incident, told Windsor that Kitts had not been warned for not wearing a mask prior to the officer approaching her.
Kennedy said Kitts was not wearing a mask because she has athsma.
A female officer seen running toward the Logan officer and Kitts at the end of the video was not wearing a mask, Kennedy pointed out. The officer pulled one out of her pocket as she was in pursuit.
“Alecia's mom said that when the officer tased her, the current went through the bleachers and zapped the kid sitting there too," Kennedy said.
Kitts appears to be socially distanced from others in the crowd and sitting with her family, Windsor observed.
"There were only 25 or 30 fans from our town on our side," said Kennedy.
Windsor reported that, according to sources, Kitts was charged with criminal trespass and released on her own recognizance.
The Marietta Times reported it was an eighth-grade football game between Marietta City Schools and Logan in Logan, Ohio.
Marietta City Schools Athletic Director Cody Venderlic and Logan Athletic Director Theresa Schultheiss confirmed the incident.
Another attendee launched a complaint against the Logan Police Department.
Witness Skylar Steward said the police officer attempted to detain her, she resisted … she wasn't hurting anybody."
The witness identified Kitts as the mother of his son.
The cop was identified only as Officer Smith.
The athletic director, Venderlic, said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and the state health department "have made it very clear that masks are required indoor and outdoor at sports facilities."
"They're just part of the expectation," he said. "They're one of the requirements of the OHSAA brought down and said that if we're going to be able to have fall sports we're going to have to social distance and we're going to have to wear masks."
MCS board member Doug Mallett said: "It escalated pretty fast into an ugly situation, he tased her pretty fast. I didn't see where she was putting anybody at risk, I guess that's a Logan rule."
The Ohio Patriot News Network tweeted that the incident was DeWine's "new normal."
"This young lady was taxed & arrested at a high school sporting event in Logan, Ohio for refusing to wear a mask. Governor, this is why you and Lt. Gov @JonHusted were booed at the Trump rally in Vandalia. We want you GONE!"


wnd--2020-09-24--3 ways Red China is helping elect Joe Biden

Seven years ago , during a meeting with new Communist Chinese dictator Xi Jinping , then-Vice President Joe Biden asked Xi to help him become America 's president .
China now appears to be doing so .
Biden helped the Marxist dictatorship gain permanent most-favored-nation status in the World Trade Organization ( WTO ) , gain exemption-from-audit for its companies on American stock exchanges and gain 3.5 million once-American industrial jobs , creating China 's wealth and power .
China gave Biden 's son Hunter $ 1.5 billion – the largest cash bribe in world history to one politician 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a blackmail-susceptible China puppet .
If Xi Jinping helps make Biden president of the United States , it would end America as the leader of the Free World .
We would be ruled and ruined by the Chinese Communist Party and by Marxists who have hijacked our Democratic Party .
China would rule the world by 2048 .
So how is China waging war on President Donald Trump and helping elect Biden ?
1 .
CHEMICAL WARFARE .
China 's `` Opium War '' has flooded the U.S. with the opioid fentanyl , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than died during the entire Vietnam War .
This highly addictive substance devastates American lives and economic productivity .
George Floyd walked around for minutes , saying `` I ca n't breathe , '' before a Minneapolis policeman put a knee to his neck .
Floyd 's autopsy showed that he took three times the lethal dose of illicit fentanyl , which slows and stops breathing .
But nobody on the left blames China for Floyd 's tragic death .
A coalition of Marxist-founded Black Lives Matter , Marxist guerrilla group Antifa and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization ( FRSO ) used this incident , as Tucker Carlson says , to wage violent class war , disguised as race war , against cops and American capitalism .
This unholy trinity of evil did the same to Kenosha , Wisconsin .
2 .
BIOLOGICAL WARFARE .
Humans have always caught common colds from coronaviruses , but the coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 ( COVID-19 ) is reportedly far deadlier and can in some people do lifelong damage to the heart or brain .
It mutates rapidly , roughly every two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the former head of Great Britain 's intelligence service MI-6 to suspect that this is not a natural virus , but a weaponized product of Chinese biological warfare .
Comic Bill Maher said that President Trump could be defeated only by destroying his record-setting prosperity .
Leftist mayors and governors colluded with China 's COVID-19-induced economic warfare by coercively shutting down businesses and schools .
Los Angeles County 's health director let slip that the lockdown will continue until `` after we are done with the [ November ] election . ''
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day , '' because the virus pandemic has unleashed Democratic voting by mail vulnerable to massive voter fraud and election theft .
China has helped Biden and his leftist handlers steal future elections and our democracy , starting this November .
3 .
STEALING AMERICA BY TERRORISM AND CRIME .
Black Lives Matter , linked to 91 percent of recent riots , has diverted its website fundraising to the Democratic site ActBlue , which has given hundreds of millions to the Biden campaign .
But ActBlue admits that it can not tell whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so a large share of its Biden funding may come from foreign nations such as Communist China .
( The url Antifa.com switches viewers directly to a Biden fundraising site . )
The violence of these groups terrifies millions of people out of displaying a Trump sign or bumper sticker , thereby choking off our freedom of speech .
Billionaire Michael Bloomberg is spending $ 100 million in Florida to elect Biden , and $ 20- $ 50 million to pay the fines of 31,000 Florida felons ( who vote up to 88-95 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your wealth by coercion ) so that they can vote for Biden .
But buying votes is a felony .
If Bloomberg spent just one day in jail for each of his 31,000 planned felonies , he would spend more than 84 years in prison .
Bloomberg makes a hefty chunk of his fortune in China .
China is undermining our culture , writes Jason Whitlock of Outkick.com , and this `` culture war has moved to our arenas and stadiums , '' controlling `` the National Basketball Association and its de facto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way it rules Hollywood .
… Both Nike and the NBA kowtow to China , which explains their silence on the horrific human rights abuses inside China . ''
Some Nike products are made by Chinese Muslim slave labor .
LeBron James and many other China profiteers attack President Trump and America , and back China Joe Biden .
Lowell Ponte is a former Reader 's Digest Roving Editor .
His articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal , the New York Times and other major publications .
His latest paper co-authored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secret War , '' shows how to rethink several areas of investment to protect and grow your savings against little-known economic threats .
For a free , postpaid copy , call toll-free 800-630-1492 .

Seven years ago, during a meeting with new Communist Chinese dictator Xi Jinping, then-Vice President Joe Biden asked Xi to help him become America's president. China now appears to be doing so.
Biden helped the Marxist dictatorship gain permanent most-favored-nation status in the World Trade Organization (WTO), gain exemption-from-audit for its companies on American stock exchanges and gain 3.5 million once-American industrial jobs, creating China's wealth and power.
China gave Biden's son Hunter $1.5 billion – the largest cash bribe in world history to one politician's family. This bribe makes Joe Biden a blackmail-susceptible China puppet.
If Xi Jinping helps make Biden president of the United States, it would end America as the leader of the Free World. We would be ruled and ruined by the Chinese Communist Party and by Marxists who have hijacked our Democratic Party. China would rule the world by 2048.
So how is China waging war on President Donald Trump and helping elect Biden?
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
1. CHEMICAL WARFARE. China's "Opium War" has flooded the U.S. with the opioid fentanyl, killing 65,000 Americans each year – more than died during the entire Vietnam War.
This highly addictive substance devastates American lives and economic productivity. George Floyd walked around for minutes, saying "I can't breathe," before a Minneapolis policeman put a knee to his neck. Floyd's autopsy showed that he took three times the lethal dose of illicit fentanyl, which slows and stops breathing. But nobody on the left blames China for Floyd's tragic death.
A coalition of Marxist-founded Black Lives Matter, Marxist guerrilla group Antifa and the pro-Chinese Maoist group Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) used this incident, as Tucker Carlson says, to wage violent class war, disguised as race war, against cops and American capitalism. This unholy trinity of evil did the same to Kenosha, Wisconsin.
2. BIOLOGICAL WARFARE. Humans have always caught common colds from coronaviruses, but the coronavirus disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is reportedly far deadlier and can in some people do lifelong damage to the heart or brain. It mutates rapidly, roughly every two weeks. This has led some scientists and the former head of Great Britain's intelligence service MI-6 to suspect that this is not a natural virus, but a weaponized product of Chinese biological warfare.
Comic Bill Maher said that President Trump could be defeated only by destroying his record-setting prosperity. Leftist mayors and governors colluded with China's COVID-19-induced economic warfare by coercively shutting down businesses and schools. Los Angeles County's health director let slip that the lockdown will continue until "after we are done with the [November] election."
But we no longer have an "Election Day," because the virus pandemic has unleashed Democratic voting by mail vulnerable to massive voter fraud and election theft. China has helped Biden and his leftist handlers steal future elections and our democracy, starting this November.
3. STEALING AMERICA BY TERRORISM AND CRIME. Black Lives Matter, linked to 91 percent of recent riots, has diverted its website fundraising to the Democratic site ActBlue, which has given hundreds of millions to the Biden campaign. But ActBlue admits that it cannot tell whether a donor is American or foreign – so a large share of its Biden funding may come from foreign nations such as Communist China. (The url Antifa.com switches viewers directly to a Biden fundraising site.)
The violence of these groups terrifies millions of people out of displaying a Trump sign or bumper sticker, thereby choking off our freedom of speech.
Billionaire Michael Bloomberg is spending $100 million in Florida to elect Biden, and $20-$50 million to pay the fines of 31,000 Florida felons (who vote up to 88-95 percent Democrat, likewise believing in redistributing your wealth by coercion) so that they can vote for Biden.
But buying votes is a felony. If Bloomberg spent just one day in jail for each of his 31,000 planned felonies, he would spend more than 84 years in prison. Bloomberg makes a hefty chunk of his fortune in China.
China is undermining our culture, writes Jason Whitlock of Outkick.com, and this "culture war has moved to our arenas and stadiums," controlling "the National Basketball Association and its de facto parent company, Nike, the same way it rules Hollywood. … Both Nike and the NBA kowtow to China, which explains their silence on the horrific human rights abuses inside China." Some Nike products are made by Chinese Muslim slave labor.
LeBron James and many other China profiteers attack President Trump and America, and back China Joe Biden.
Lowell Ponte is a former Reader's Digest Roving Editor. His articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other major publications. His latest paper co-authored with Craig R. Smith, "The Secret War," shows how to rethink several areas of investment to protect and grow your savings against little-known economic threats. For a free, postpaid copy, call toll-free 800-630-1492.


wnd--2020-09-24--All the chips are on the table now

All the chips are on the table now

`` As everyone knows , I made it clear that my first choice for the Supreme Court will make history as the first African American woman justice . ''
So Joe Biden promised .
Since the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , however , Biden has refused to produce a list of black female judges and scholars whom he would consider for the now-vacant seat .
What is his problem ?
Donald Trump had no such reluctance .
In 2016 , he listed a slew of candidates from among whom he promised to pick his justices .
True to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court judges Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh .
Since the Kavanaugh confirmation , Judge Amy Coney Barrett has been openly discussed as a potential Trump choice to succeed liberal icon Ginsburg .
Why is Biden so reluctant to reveal some highly qualified black female judges ?
His refusal suggests that the kind of high court judges that America wants is not the liberals ' issue .
It is Trump 's issue .
The president will announce his choice Saturday , after the mourning period for Ginsburg is over .
Mitch McConnell 's Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in late October .
With the court 's ideological balance at stake , the battle from now to Nov. 3 is thus for all the marbles : control of the House , the Senate , the presidency and the U.S. Supreme Court .
Rarely has there been an election in which the stakes were so high , the ideological gulf so great and the outcome in such doubt .
The polls show Biden ahead , but Democrats are visibly nervous .
Of greatest concern – the possibility that , Tuesday night , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his verbal and mental lapses occurring frequently now , could kick it all away in front of millions of voters .
On the court issue , Democrats are exhibiting something akin to panic .
They are warning that if a conservative jurist like Barrett is confirmed , Democrats may retaliate by `` packing '' the Supreme Court – increasing the number of justices from nine to 11 and installing two new liberals – if they win the presidency and Senate .
If a Scalia constitutionalist is nominated and confirmed this year , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the table next year . ''
Other Democrats are threatening to pack the Senate by granting statehood to D.C. and Puerto Rico .
This would add four new Democratic senators and formally convert the United States into a bilingual nation .
Nancy Pelosi has threatened a new impeachment of the president if he appoints a new justice to fill Ginsburg 's seat .
Yet , this is what Article II of the Constitution directs Trump to do .
Activists are talking about `` burning down '' the system , and given what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Minneapolis and Louisville , the BLM crowd and its media camp followers should be taken seriously .
Should Democrats win the Senate and White House , they will face one obstacle to imposing the Biden-Bernie-Socialist-AOC agenda on the nation .
Only the filibuster , the ability of a Senate minority , through extended debate , to delay , and occasionally frustrate , the will of the majority , would stand in the way of their turning their radical agenda into law , as LBJ did with his massive majorities in 1965 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barack Obama is calling for abolition of the filibuster , stripping a Republican Senate minority of its last weapon of resistance in the world 's greatest deliberative body .
Another danger facing the GOP is its demographic demise if it fails to control immigration .
Currently , white folks , who produce the vast majority of GOP votes , are 60 % of the nation .
The black population is 12-13 % , Hispanics 18 % , Asian Americans 7 % .
The GOP demographic crisis : The white population is steadily diminishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hispanics and Asians , who vote 2-1 Democratic in presidential elections , are the fastest-growing minorities and are being fed by the largest streams of migration .
A few years hence , the GOP will face the fate it failed to avert in California .
Once the Golden State was Nixon and Reagan country , as those two Republicans carried California on all seven presidential tickets on which they ran from 1952 to 1984 .
Moreover , former red states such as Florida , Georgia , North Carolina and Arizona are now swing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
At the party 's apex are Speaker Pelosi and Majority Whip Steny Hoyer , both octogenarian white folks .
Senate Minority leader Schumer and Minority Whip Dick Durbin are white septuagenarians .
Presidential nominee Joe Biden is a 77-year-old white man who would be older than our oldest president , Ronald Reagan , was the day he left office .
The last white man appointed to the Supreme Court by a Democratic president was Stephen Breyer back in 1994 .
At 82 , he is now the oldest justice serving .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising party of America 's people of color may be over this decade .

"As everyone knows, I made it clear that my first choice for the Supreme Court will make history as the first African American woman justice."
So Joe Biden promised. Since the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, however, Biden has refused to produce a list of black female judges and scholars whom he would consider for the now-vacant seat.
What is his problem?
Donald Trump had no such reluctance. In 2016, he listed a slew of candidates from among whom he promised to pick his justices. True to his word, Trump elevated federal appellate court judges Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.
Since the Kavanaugh confirmation, Judge Amy Coney Barrett has been openly discussed as a potential Trump choice to succeed liberal icon Ginsburg. Why is Biden so reluctant to reveal some highly qualified black female judges? His refusal suggests that the kind of high court judges that America wants is not the liberals' issue. It is Trump's issue.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The president will announce his choice Saturday, after the mourning period for Ginsburg is over. Mitch McConnell's Senate is expected to confirm the new justice in late October.
With the court's ideological balance at stake, the battle from now to Nov. 3 is thus for all the marbles: control of the House, the Senate, the presidency and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Rarely has there been an election in which the stakes were so high, the ideological gulf so great and the outcome in such doubt.
The polls show Biden ahead, but Democrats are visibly nervous. Of greatest concern – the possibility that, Tuesday night, Biden, in the first debate, with his verbal and mental lapses occurring frequently now, could kick it all away in front of millions of voters.
On the court issue, Democrats are exhibiting something akin to panic. They are warning that if a conservative jurist like Barrett is confirmed, Democrats may retaliate by "packing" the Supreme Court – increasing the number of justices from nine to 11 and installing two new liberals – if they win the presidency and Senate.
If a Scalia constitutionalist is nominated and confirmed this year, says Sen. Chuck Schumer, "nothing is off the table next year."
Other Democrats are threatening to pack the Senate by granting statehood to D.C. and Puerto Rico. This would add four new Democratic senators and formally convert the United States into a bilingual nation.
Nancy Pelosi has threatened a new impeachment of the president if he appoints a new justice to fill Ginsburg's seat. Yet, this is what Article II of the Constitution directs Trump to do.
Activists are talking about "burning down" the system, and given what we have witnessed in Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis and Louisville, the BLM crowd and its media camp followers should be taken seriously.
Should Democrats win the Senate and White House, they will face one obstacle to imposing the Biden-Bernie-Socialist-AOC agenda on the nation. Only the filibuster, the ability of a Senate minority, through extended debate, to delay, and occasionally frustrate, the will of the majority, would stand in the way of their turning their radical agenda into law, as LBJ did with his massive majorities in 1965.
This is no idle threat. Even Barack Obama is calling for abolition of the filibuster, stripping a Republican Senate minority of its last weapon of resistance in the world's greatest deliberative body.
Another danger facing the GOP is its demographic demise if it fails to control immigration.
Currently, white folks, who produce the vast majority of GOP votes, are 60% of the nation. The black population is 12-13%, Hispanics 18%, Asian Americans 7%.
The GOP demographic crisis: The white population is steadily diminishing as a share of the electorate. Hispanics and Asians, who vote 2-1 Democratic in presidential elections, are the fastest-growing minorities and are being fed by the largest streams of migration.
A few years hence, the GOP will face the fate it failed to avert in California. Once the Golden State was Nixon and Reagan country, as those two Republicans carried California on all seven presidential tickets on which they ran from 1952 to 1984.
Moreover, former red states such as Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona are now swing states, and Texas is trending that way.
Democrats, too, have a white folks problem.
At the party's apex are Speaker Pelosi and Majority Whip Steny Hoyer, both octogenarian white folks. Senate Minority leader Schumer and Minority Whip Dick Durbin are white septuagenarians.
Presidential nominee Joe Biden is a 77-year-old white man who would be older than our oldest president, Ronald Reagan, was the day he left office.
The last white man appointed to the Supreme Court by a Democratic president was Stephen Breyer back in 1994. At 82, he is now the oldest justice serving.
The days of white liberals dominating the rising party of America's people of color may be over this decade.