wnd--2020-04-22--The COVID-19 scandal: Billionaire Bill Gates and WHO

The coronavirus scandal , with billionaire oligarch `` pandemic expert '' Bill Gates pushing horror scenarios into the media , has contributed to politicians ' reaction of fear .
This , combined with mass media hysteria , has , in turn , caused a once-in-a-century financial depression .
The economic depression may not be due to the virus itself , but rather the panic reaction that was created with the corresponding government shutdowns , as advised by Gates .
At The Herland Report we suggested early that the crisis should be seen in relation to the current U.S.-China trade war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization chief Dr. Tedros ' possible politization the day before President Trump addressed it .
Two days later it was headlines across the world .
The close relationship between Dr. Tedros and Bill Gates is illustrated by Tedros calling Gates `` my brother '' when opening speeches .
Everyone else , such as the WHO-favored Norwegian prime minister , Erna Solberg , are addressed as dignitaries .
Through its CEPI work , the current Norwegian government is allied with Gates , Norway funding billions into vaccine programs .
A strong defender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership , now under scrutiny for its mismanagement in reporting during the COVID-19 scandal , Solberg has taken a remarkable strong stance while other European leaders question the WHO .
Her over 20 minute long interview with CNN as well as a WHO speech illustrate the Norwegian willingness to defend the status quo .
Non-elected Western billionaire oligarchs attempt to rule us now , Bill Gates forefront as the `` pandemic expert . ''
Through the Davos system , private capital merges with lucrative government funds , causing the rise of oligarchs replacing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private capital has an unprecedented access to taxpayer money .
Gates owns everything from charity to world vaccines , pays the WHO by the billions , funds NGOs and controls politicians who treat him like a king from the Middle Ages .
He owns medical facilities , controls distribution channels and medical staff , owns the research , the vaccines , the health institutes , and was recently criticized by Robert Kennedy for his `` messianic complex . ''
Just talk to Elon Musk .
It is a massive problem that non-democratically elected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ philanthropist '' billions .
Gates pushed the idea of the pandemic of the century .
He even suggested in a recent interview , that the opening up should not come until there is a digital immunity proof documenting who is vaccinated or not .
The vaccine would be Gates-owned , we assume .
So , our nations should be shut down for months , destroying Western economies completely ?
As it turns out , Gates has been wrong so far .
Globally , up to 650 000 people die yearly of a regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gates friendly WHO .
On April 12 , 112,447 individuals globally , according to Worldometer , have died with coronavirus .
In 2018 alone , over 80,000 were killed by the seasonal influenza in the U.S. , reported CNN .
Yet there was no media attention back then .
This year 's U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers estimate that , as of mid-March , between 29,000 and 59,000 have died due to regular influenza illnesses .
Nobody compares these numbers to COVID-19 's 21,000 deaths .
Note that the correct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. now allows suspicion of coronavirus to be enough for medical personnel to state it as the cause of death .
So many have spoken of the danger in not allowing the establishment of herd immunity .
The need to protect the old and the medically frail is key , without destroying the economy .
Dr. Knut Wittkowski , Rockefeller University New York , said in an interview earlier this month that the isolation policies could result in more deaths in the long term , writes Daily Wire .
Lockdown prolongs efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An alarming interview with Germany 's forefront virus expert in microbiology and a world authority on the subject , Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi , sends a chillingly apocalyptic message : that the Western government shutdown is a completely wrong and extremely dangerous response to COVID-19 .
He says that self-isolating the whole population is `` grotesque , absurd and very dangerous .
All these measures are leading to self-destruction and collective suicide caused by fear . ''
Nobody listens to Dr. Bhakdi or Dr. Wittkowski , as we have world leader and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every news channel .
For the first time in history , lack of supply or demand did not shut down the economy and create a depression .
State leaders forced the shutdown on their own nations , local businesses , industries , corporations and employers .
The situation is unprecedented in history .

The coronavirus scandal, with billionaire oligarch "pandemic expert" Bill Gates pushing horror scenarios into the media, has contributed to politicians' reaction of fear.
This, combined with mass media hysteria, has, in turn, caused a once-in-a-century financial depression. The economic depression may not be due to the virus itself, but rather the panic reaction that was created with the corresponding government shutdowns, as advised by Gates.
At The Herland Report we suggested early that the crisis should be seen in relation to the current U.S.-China trade war. We wrote about the topic of World Health Organization chief Dr. Tedros' possible politization the day before President Trump addressed it. Two days later it was headlines across the world.
The close relationship between Dr. Tedros and Bill Gates is illustrated by Tedros calling Gates "my brother" when opening speeches. Everyone else, such as the WHO-favored Norwegian prime minister, Erna Solberg, are addressed as dignitaries. Through its CEPI work, the current Norwegian government is allied with Gates, Norway funding billions into vaccine programs.
A strong defender of the current strategies of the WHO leadership, now under scrutiny for its mismanagement in reporting during the COVID-19 scandal, Solberg has taken a remarkable strong stance while other European leaders question the WHO.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Her over 20 minute long interview with CNN as well as a WHO speech illustrate the Norwegian willingness to defend the status quo.
Non-elected Western billionaire oligarchs attempt to rule us now, Bill Gates forefront as the "pandemic expert." Through the Davos system, private capital merges with lucrative government funds, causing the rise of oligarchs replacing democratic rule of nation states. Global private capital has an unprecedented access to taxpayer money.
Gates owns everything from charity to world vaccines, pays the WHO by the billions, funds NGOs and controls politicians who treat him like a king from the Middle Ages. He owns medical facilities, controls distribution channels and medical staff, owns the research, the vaccines, the health institutes, and was recently criticized by Robert Kennedy for his "messianic complex." Just talk to Elon Musk.
It is a massive problem that non-democratically elected Bill Gates shapes our democracies with "philanthropist" billions. Gates pushed the idea of the pandemic of the century. He even suggested in a recent interview, that the opening up should not come until there is a digital immunity proof documenting who is vaccinated or not. The vaccine would be Gates-owned, we assume.
Is Bill Gates too powerful on the world stage? 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. 96% (805 Votes) 4% (33 Votes)
So, our nations should be shut down for months, destroying Western economies completely?
As it turns out, Gates has been wrong so far. Globally, up to 650 000 people die yearly of a regular influenza, according to the China and Gates friendly WHO. On April 12, 112,447 individuals globally, according to Worldometer, have died with coronavirus.
In 2018 alone, over 80,000 were killed by the seasonal influenza in the U.S., reported CNN. Yet there was no media attention back then.
This year's U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers estimate that, as of mid-March, between 29,000 and 59,000 have died due to regular influenza illnesses. Nobody compares these numbers to COVID-19's 21,000 deaths.
Note that the correct numbers are hard to estimate, as the U.S. now allows suspicion of coronavirus to be enough for medical personnel to state it as the cause of death.
So many have spoken of the danger in not allowing the establishment of herd immunity. The need to protect the old and the medically frail is key, without destroying the economy. Dr. Knut Wittkowski, Rockefeller University New York, said in an interview earlier this month that the isolation policies could result in more deaths in the long term, writes Daily Wire. Lockdown prolongs efforts in developing herd immunity among the population.
An alarming interview with Germany's forefront virus expert in microbiology and a world authority on the subject, Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi, sends a chillingly apocalyptic message: that the Western government shutdown is a completely wrong and extremely dangerous response to COVID-19.
He says that self-isolating the whole population is "grotesque, absurd and very dangerous. All these measures are leading to self-destruction and collective suicide caused by fear."
Nobody listens to Dr. Bhakdi or Dr. Wittkowski, as we have world leader and "pandemic expert" Bill Gates all over every news channel. For the first time in history, lack of supply or demand did not shut down the economy and create a depression. State leaders forced the shutdown on their own nations, local businesses, industries, corporations and employers. The situation is unprecedented in history.


wnd--2020-04-22--Who really victimized our economy – the virus or Dr. Fauci?

A bipartisan panel appointed by President Donald Trump to assess restoring economic normalcy issued a 17-page report on how to mount an `` expeditious '' return to work .
While it also flags an important political issue critical to recovery , medical experts still object to a restart , absent meeting certain benchmarks .
However , those benchmarks demand we return to the issue of why shutting down the economy became necessary in the first place .
Factors to which medical experts give weight in re-opening the economy include a rapid COVID-19 testing capability to identify , isolate and get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drop in infection rates and finding a safe vaccine .
This sounds logical , but what if we have based our actions to date on incorrect data and , therefore , faulty underlying assumptions ?
There are two that immediately demand review .
The first assumption is the veracity of the projection model Dr. Anthony Fauci relied upon to estimate COVID-19 deaths in the U.S .
While several models were designed , Fauci opted to rely upon one created by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ( IHME ) – a model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the model was partially funded by billionaire Bill Gates , it became Fauci 's model of choice .
Trump , presented with a highly projected death toll and at Fauci 's urging , decided America had to be quarantined and the economy locked down .
Supposedly , basing decisions on data input provides us with clearer focus in our decision-making , filtering out emotions , such as panic , and media bias .
But the IMHE projected death toll created the panic Trump sought to curtail .
His error – for which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's reliance upon a faulty model for which he , as Trump 's medical science guru advising him on an extreme course of action , proved irresponsible .
As later determined , the IHME model 's flaw incorrectly projected deaths in all states based upon data obtained for two very highly infected states – New York and New Jersey .
This resulted in Fauci repeatedly having to reduce the projections .
Our economy suffered because Trump did what he should have by listening to medical experts ' advice to minimize a death toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The death numbers were also skewed due to the belief many people had the virus and never knew it .
Meanwhile , an irresponsible media reported excessively `` on the high death rate to the point that it is fictitious . ''
Fauci , effectively , is a wartime commander in the battle against COVID-19 .
In wartime , the commander in chief must know he can rely upon the advice of combat experts .
Had a military commander in wartime given out the faulty intelligence Fauci did , he would have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the calls we now see for Fauci 's dismissal are justified .
Firing Fauci would put Trump 's knee-jerk critics in an awkward situation .
These critics rushed to attack Trump whenever it was perceived he was not listening to the all-knowing Fauci .
Thus , they would have to hold their criticism , lest they be reminded of their error in supporting Fauci earlier .
This brings us to a second false assumption upon which our economy was placed on lockdown , although it only came to light after COVID-19 had declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are two approaches on how to defend against COVID-19 .
The first is the one Trump took , isolating the population and shutting down the economy .
The second is the `` herd immunity '' approach .
This leaves the economy functioning with no quarantine imposed but while taking precautions to protect society 's most vulnerable .
While people would obviously get infected , it promotes development of a herd immunity , minimizing fallout from an anticipated later return of the virus .
Of the two approaches , most countries chose quarantine , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Israeli researcher made an interesting discovery .
Plotting infection rates for nine countries using both approaches , he found a fixed pattern emerged : It mattered not if a country chose quarantine , shutting down its economy , as infection rates were exactly the same .
Analyzing both approaches , infections peaked in the sixth week and subsided in the eighth .
Thus , we must recognize our economy has been not been victimized by a killer virus but by decision-making built on false premises that were given Trump .
With April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming , with the next six weeks critical to whether we pull out of it , with Trump providing guidelines for a three-phase economic reopening , and with other countries preparing to restart their economies , we need to act fast lest we lose the opportunity to effectively bounce back .
While state governors flex their Napoleonesque muscles with lockdowns infringing on constitutional rights , ultimately , continuing such lockdowns will endanger many more lives than those an unnecessary one may have saved .
The bipartisan report on restarting the economy addresses a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , demonstrating unity in fighting the war against COVID-19 to restore the public trust .
That has been missing for Americans caught in a continuous cross-fire between Trump and his critics .
The public recognizes , no matter what Trump does , whether COVID-19 related or not , Democratic field commander Nancy Pelosi will continue taking pot shots at him .
These shots go to outrageous extremes , evidenced by claims such as Trump failed to act quickly enough on the quarantine while , at the same time , Pelosi encouraged crowds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , further dividing a never-really-united front is an antsy American public holding national protests to end the lockdown .
Fauci chose a faulty compass in advising Trump to `` cross the Rubicon '' and shut down the economy .
The president erroneously believed he had to do so to save millions of lives .
But based on what we now know , time is of the essence in reversing course to get our economy going again .
In so doing , it is imperative Democrats holster their anti-Trump guns , adopting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one for all '' approach , if we are to defeat a most formidable enemy – one threatening to derail our economy for generations to come .

A bipartisan panel appointed by President Donald Trump to assess restoring economic normalcy issued a 17-page report on how to mount an "expeditious" return to work. While it also flags an important political issue critical to recovery, medical experts still object to a restart, absent meeting certain benchmarks. However, those benchmarks demand we return to the issue of why shutting down the economy became necessary in the first place.
Factors to which medical experts give weight in re-opening the economy include a rapid COVID-19 testing capability to identify, isolate and get those infected out of circulation, a drop in infection rates and finding a safe vaccine. This sounds logical, but what if we have based our actions to date on incorrect data and, therefore, faulty underlying assumptions?
There are two that immediately demand review.
The first assumption is the veracity of the projection model Dr. Anthony Fauci relied upon to estimate COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. While several models were designed, Fauci opted to rely upon one created by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) – a model estimating 2.2. million deaths. Perhaps because the model was partially funded by billionaire Bill Gates, it became Fauci's model of choice. Trump, presented with a highly projected death toll and at Fauci's urging, decided America had to be quarantined and the economy locked down.
Supposedly, basing decisions on data input provides us with clearer focus in our decision-making, filtering out emotions, such as panic, and media bias. But the IMHE projected death toll created the panic Trump sought to curtail. His error – for which he cannot be blamed – is Fauci's reliance upon a faulty model for which he, as Trump's medical science guru advising him on an extreme course of action, proved irresponsible.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
As later determined, the IHME model's flaw incorrectly projected deaths in all states based upon data obtained for two very highly infected states – New York and New Jersey. This resulted in Fauci repeatedly having to reduce the projections. Our economy suffered because Trump did what he should have by listening to medical experts' advice to minimize a death toll that, ultimately, proved faulty.
The death numbers were also skewed due to the belief many people had the virus and never knew it. Meanwhile, an irresponsible media reported excessively "on the high death rate to the point that it is fictitious."
Fauci, effectively, is a wartime commander in the battle against COVID-19. In wartime, the commander in chief must know he can rely upon the advice of combat experts. Had a military commander in wartime given out the faulty intelligence Fauci did, he would have been relieved on the spot. Therefore, the calls we now see for Fauci's dismissal are justified.
Firing Fauci would put Trump's knee-jerk critics in an awkward situation. These critics rushed to attack Trump whenever it was perceived he was not listening to the all-knowing Fauci. Thus, they would have to hold their criticism, lest they be reminded of their error in supporting Fauci earlier.
This brings us to a second false assumption upon which our economy was placed on lockdown, although it only came to light after COVID-19 had declared its world war.
Basically, there are two approaches on how to defend against COVID-19. The first is the one Trump took, isolating the population and shutting down the economy. The second is the "herd immunity" approach. This leaves the economy functioning with no quarantine imposed but while taking precautions to protect society's most vulnerable. While people would obviously get infected, it promotes development of a herd immunity, minimizing fallout from an anticipated later return of the virus.
Of the two approaches, most countries chose quarantine, including Israel. But, recently, an Israeli researcher made an interesting discovery. Plotting infection rates for nine countries using both approaches, he found a fixed pattern emerged: It mattered not if a country chose quarantine, shutting down its economy, as infection rates were exactly the same. Analyzing both approaches, infections peaked in the sixth week and subsided in the eighth.
Thus, we must recognize our economy has been not been victimized by a killer virus but by decision-making built on false premises that were given Trump.
With April's economic numbers suggesting a recession is coming, with the next six weeks critical to whether we pull out of it, with Trump providing guidelines for a three-phase economic reopening, and with other countries preparing to restart their economies, we need to act fast lest we lose the opportunity to effectively bounce back. While state governors flex their Napoleonesque muscles with lockdowns infringing on constitutional rights, ultimately, continuing such lockdowns will endanger many more lives than those an unnecessary one may have saved.
The bipartisan report on restarting the economy addresses a critical political issue as well – i.e., demonstrating unity in fighting the war against COVID-19 to restore the public trust. That has been missing for Americans caught in a continuous cross-fire between Trump and his critics. The public recognizes, no matter what Trump does, whether COVID-19 related or not, Democratic field commander Nancy Pelosi will continue taking pot shots at him. These shots go to outrageous extremes, evidenced by claims such as Trump failed to act quickly enough on the quarantine while, at the same time, Pelosi encouraged crowds to attend Chinese New Year celebrations. And now, further dividing a never-really-united front is an antsy American public holding national protests to end the lockdown.
Fauci chose a faulty compass in advising Trump to "cross the Rubicon" and shut down the economy. The president erroneously believed he had to do so to save millions of lives. But based on what we now know, time is of the essence in reversing course to get our economy going again. In so doing, it is imperative Democrats holster their anti-Trump guns, adopting a Three Musketeers "all for one and one for all" approach, if we are to defeat a most formidable enemy – one threatening to derail our economy for generations to come.


wnd--2020-04-22--There is a virus – and there's a virus agenda

Despite what you hear from `` Constitution experts '' on TV , no president or governor or health department official has the authority to suspend the Constitution by ordering people not to congregate , or by closing businesses , or by falsely imprisoning people in their homes .
The TV legal experts usually speak of `` balancing '' individual rights against government interests with words like `` compelling state interest '' and `` least restrictive means . ''
But this is a false pretense .
The Constitution does n't contemplate any `` balancing . ''
Unless a jury of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your constitutional rights are absolute .
And it 's the governors ' sworn duty to protect these rights , not to violate them .
Is this what James Madison was referring to when he declared in Federalist 47 : '' The accumulation of all powers , legislative , executive , and judiciary , in the same hands , whether of one , a few , or many , and whether hereditary , self-appointed , or elective , may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny . ''
I have regrettably observed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Constitution , or about American history , or about the Source and nature of law .
It seems the culprits responsible for this shameful situation include at least the public schools , the `` managed media , '' career politicians , cowardly pastors and a lazy citizenry .
There is a virus .
And there is a virus agenda .
They are not the same thing .
My field of expertise is the U.S. Constitution .
And I have already offered you my opinion that many actions of state governors are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plea of necessity excuses a governor 's violation of his or her state constitution .
Of course , I am not a medical doctor , but many health professionals believe and the CDC has admitted that the original estimates of the virility and the lethality of COVID-19 were grossly overestimated and that , despite the admitted inflating of COVID-19-related deaths by the CDC , this so-called `` pandemic '' is turning out to be less deadly than a normal flu season .
So , there 's good news about the virus , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda .
The question I have is : Despite the flattening of the curve , lower hospital admissions and a falling fatality rate , why are many governors are ramping up their edicts and mandates when it seems they should be relaxing or rescinding them ?
The lockdown continues in `` lockstep . ''
And on the national stage , Drs .
Fauci and Birx seem committed to structuring a `` new normal '' for all of us when there seems to be no reason why we ca n't return to the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's because the belief that the virus was both deadly and novel was the pretext for governments to justify policies that , despite their draconian nature , most Americans were willing to suffer and endure because they perceived this to be for the benefit of their families and communities .
But as each day passes , citizens are feeling betrayed by the news that the overreaction to COVID-19 by the WHO and the CDC may have been intentional and calculated .
This breeds further resentment regarding the increasingly despotic actions of governors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` I own I am not a friend to a very energetic government .
It is always oppressive . ''
Make no mistake – there is a virus and there is an agenda .
While the threat from one seems to be ending , the threat of the other seems to be just getting started .
Recall Founding Father John Adams who declared , `` Liberty must at all hazards be supported .
We have a right to it , derived from our Maker . ''
Therefore , let us support liberty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God-given rights .
Jake MacAulay is the CEO of the Institute on the Constitution .

By Jake MacAulay
Despite what you hear from "Constitution experts" on TV, no president or governor or health department official has the authority to suspend the Constitution by ordering people not to congregate, or by closing businesses, or by falsely imprisoning people in their homes.
The TV legal experts usually speak of "balancing" individual rights against government interests with words like "compelling state interest" and "least restrictive means." But this is a false pretense. The Constitution doesn't contemplate any "balancing."
Unless a jury of your peers convicts you of a crime, your constitutional rights are absolute. And it's the governors' sworn duty to protect these rights, not to violate them.
Is this what James Madison was referring to when he declared in Federalist 47:
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny."
I have regrettably observed that many modern Americans know almost nothing about the Constitution, or about American history, or about the Source and nature of law.
It seems the culprits responsible for this shameful situation include at least the public schools, the "managed media," career politicians, cowardly pastors and a lazy citizenry.
There is a virus. And there is a virus agenda. They are not the same thing.
My field of expertise is the U.S. Constitution. And I have already offered you my opinion that many actions of state governors are not lawful, and that no emergency or plea of necessity excuses a governor's violation of his or her state constitution.
Of course, I am not a medical doctor, but many health professionals believe and the CDC has admitted that the original estimates of the virility and the lethality of COVID-19 were grossly overestimated and that, despite the admitted inflating of COVID-19-related deaths by the CDC, this so-called "pandemic" is turning out to be less deadly than a normal flu season.
So, there's good news about the virus, but there's not-so-good news about the virus agenda.
The question I have is: Despite the flattening of the curve, lower hospital admissions and a falling fatality rate, why are many governors are ramping up their edicts and mandates when it seems they should be relaxing or rescinding them? The lockdown continues in "lockstep." And on the national stage, Drs. Fauci and Birx seem committed to structuring a "new normal" for all of us when there seems to be no reason why we can't return to the "old normal."
Now, that's because the belief that the virus was both deadly and novel was the pretext for governments to justify policies that, despite their draconian nature, most Americans were willing to suffer and endure because they perceived this to be for the benefit of their families and communities. But as each day passes, citizens are feeling betrayed by the news that the overreaction to COVID-19 by the WHO and the CDC may have been intentional and calculated. This breeds further resentment regarding the increasingly despotic actions of governors.
I agree with Thomas Jefferson who stated, "I own I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive."
Make no mistake – there is a virus and there is an agenda. While the threat from one seems to be ending, the threat of the other seems to be just getting started.
Recall Founding Father John Adams who declared, "Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker."
Therefore, let us support liberty and deny this tyrannical threat to our God-given rights.
Jake MacAulay is the CEO of the Institute on the Constitution.


wnd--2020-04-22--Obama administration funded Wuhan lab

Obama administration funded Wuhan lab

Some of the research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology , which is considered the possible source of the coronavirus outbreak , was funded by a grant from the U.S. government while Barack Obama was president .
The lab received grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health totaling $ 7.1 million , according to public documents compiled by the White Coat Waste Project and shared with London 's The Mail on Sunday .
A grant for research on bat coronaviruses received $ 3.7 million and another that injected viruses into mice 's brains received $ 3.4 million .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a wet market in Wuhan that sold bats .
However , the U.S. and British intelligence communities are investigating the possibility the virus accidentally leaked from the Wuhan lab .
Further , the U.S. Embassy in Beijing , after visiting the Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2018 , issued two official reports to the State Department warning of inadequate safety , the Washington Post reported .
China 's top expert on bat-borne viruses , Shi Zhengli , told the Scientific American in March she wondered in late December if the coronavirus could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But she now vehemently denies that it did .
The Mail said the National Institutes of Health continues to license the Wuhan laboratory to receive American money for experiments .
During a White House coronavirus task force news conference last week , a reporter asked President Trump , `` Why would the U.S. give a grant like that to China ? ''
The president replied : `` The Obama administration gave them a grant of $ 3.7 million ?
I 've been hearing about that . ''
Trump said he would ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lab .
`` We 've instructed that if any grants are going to that area — we 're looking at it , literally , about an hour ago , and also early in the morning .
We will end that grant very quickly . ''

Some of the research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which is considered the possible source of the coronavirus outbreak, was funded by a grant from the U.S. government while Barack Obama was president.
The lab received grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health totaling $7.1 million, according to public documents compiled by the White Coat Waste Project and shared with London's The Mail on Sunday.
A grant for research on bat coronaviruses received $3.7 million and another that injected viruses into mice's brains received $3.4 million.
The virus originally was believed to have come from a wet market in Wuhan that sold bats.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
However, the U.S. and British intelligence communities are investigating the possibility the virus accidentally leaked from the Wuhan lab.
Further, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, after visiting the Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2018, issued two official reports to the State Department warning of inadequate safety, the Washington Post reported.
China's top expert on bat-borne viruses, Shi Zhengli, told the Scientific American in March she wondered in late December if the coronavirus could have come from her Wuhan lab. But she now vehemently denies that it did.
The Mail said the National Institutes of Health continues to license the Wuhan laboratory to receive American money for experiments.
Is the Obama administration responsible in any way for the coronavirus pandemic? 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. 89% (873 Votes) 11% (108 Votes)
During a White House coronavirus task force news conference last week, a reporter asked President Trump, "Why would the U.S. give a grant like that to China?"
The president replied: "The Obama administration gave them a grant of $3.7 million? I've been hearing about that."
Trump said he would ensure that no more U.S. taxpayer money goes to the lab.
"We've instructed that if any grants are going to that area — we're looking at it, literally, about an hour ago, and also early in the morning. We will end that grant very quickly."


wnd--2020-04-22--The left's message to Samaritan's Purse: Christians need not apply

It would be one thing if Samaritan 's Purse refused to treat a gay man .
Or mocked a trans-identified individual .
Or discriminated against a lesbian needing medical care .
But none of that has ever happened .
Instead , this massive , Christian humanitarian organization that serves each person alike is getting blasted by the left for one reason only : Samaritan 's Purse is a Christian organization that employs Christian workers and that believes in the historic teachings of the Bible .
That alone is their crime .
That alone is their fault .
And for that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for the crime of being Christian , they are getting protested by the left .
It was bad enough that Franklin Graham 's evangelistic ministry in the U.K. was opposed because of his pro-Bible comments regarding sexuality and marriage .
These days , that is the price for taking a stand for biblical truth and for opposing radical LGBTQ revisionism .
But it 's far worse when Graham 's humanitarian arm , Samaritan 's Purse , which selflessly serves the sick and hurting worldwide , is opposed because its statement of faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened to our society ?
As John Hirschauer noted in National Review , `` the volunteers for Samaritan 's Purse put themselves in harm 's way , acting as backstops for a municipal hospital system at risk of being overrun with coronavirus patients .
The group 's Evangelical Christian volunteers expose themselves to infection and disease at no charge to patients , treating the sick without regard to race , religion , sexual orientation , or any of the other identity groups under putative 'siege ' in the United States . ''
Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News reported , `` A group of LGBTQ activists stood several yards away from the Samaritan 's Purse field hospital on the [ Central Park ] East Meadow lawn and blasted city and state officials and Mount Sinai Hospital for partnering with the evangelical humanitarian relief organization treating overflow patients suffering from the coronavirus . ''
As expressed by Jay W. Walker , an activist with the Reclaim Pride Coalition , `` How was this group ever considered to bring their hatred and their vitriol into our city at a time of crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
It is true , as NBC News noted , that , `` the hospital is staffed with Christian doctors and nurses experienced in treating infectious diseases . ''
And these Christians donate their services to help strangers , putting their own lives at risk in a living demonstration of `` love your neighbor as yourself . ''
`` But , '' the report continues , `` Samaritan Purse 's policies require most contractors and some full-time volunteers to sign a statement of faith that includes a declaration that 'we believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genetic male and one genetic female . '
'' Oh , the horror !
Oh , the hatred !
How dare this Christian organization , led by the son of Rev .
Billy Graham , uphold biblical values .
How dare they affirm marriage as it has been affirmed by church and synagogue for two millennia .
How dare they refuse to bow the knee at the altar of political correctness .
Oh , the shame !
Writing in the New York Post on April 3 , Bob McManus pointed out that Samaritan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loud and clear : `` 'Why did you come ? '
asks its website .
'The answer is always the same : `` We have come to help you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ . ''
' '' And yet that is where the problem lies : They are Christians coming to serve in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ .
They have crossed a dangerous line – at least , in the eyes of men like Mayor de Blasio .
As McManus wrote ( in classic , New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's chief executive this week might have accepted with some grace an offer of assistance from a crisis-tested , and devoutly Christian , emergency-relief organization – but he gave it the fisheye instead .
`` It seems that in Blasville , evangelical Christians armed with tons of the sophisticated medical equipment so sorely lacking in the city right now , plus the expertise to use it , are presumptively suspect .
And are perhaps to be expelled .
`` Thus it was with Samaritan 's Purse , the unapologetically fundamentalist rolling rescue squad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it established in West and Central Africa over the past decade . ''
Somehow , though , Mayor de Blasio was surprised to hear that Franklin Graham 's organization was actually – oh no !
– Christian .
And so he commented , `` I said immediately to my team that we had to find out exactly what was happening .
Was there going to be an approach that was truly consistent with the values [ of ] New York City ? ''
Ah yes , the values of New York City , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ babies than it sees born every year .
By far .
And the city that says : If you hold to Christian beliefs and values , you can not serve our citizens .
Not at your own expense .
Not at the risk of your own lives .
Not if you do it as Christians .
Better to let the COVID-19 victims pass away in their misery .
We will not have true Christianity in our midst .
That is how far we have fallen , and we dare not ignore the handwriting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if a Christian humanitarian organization can be protested during a pandemic for affirming biblical values , what will happen to churches and ministries during times of health and prosperity ?
Fifteen years ago , I was mocked for saying that those who came out of the closet wanted to us put – Bible-believing Christians – in the closet .
That now seems like a lifetime ago .
For those who are still slumbering , it is well past time to wake up .

It would be one thing if Samaritan's Purse refused to treat a gay man. Or mocked a trans-identified individual. Or discriminated against a lesbian needing medical care. But none of that has ever happened. Instead, this massive, Christian humanitarian organization that serves each person alike is getting blasted by the left for one reason only: Samaritan's Purse is a Christian organization that employs Christian workers and that believes in the historic teachings of the Bible.
That alone is their crime. That alone is their fault. And for that unthinkable transgression, for that monstrous evil, for the crime of being Christian, they are getting protested by the left.
It was bad enough that Franklin Graham's evangelistic ministry in the U.K. was opposed because of his pro-Bible comments regarding sexuality and marriage. These days, that is the price for taking a stand for biblical truth and for opposing radical LGBTQ revisionism.
But it's far worse when Graham's humanitarian arm, Samaritan's Purse, which selflessly serves the sick and hurting worldwide, is opposed because its statement of faith is Christian. What on earth has happened to our society?
As John Hirschauer noted in National Review, "the volunteers for Samaritan's Purse put themselves in harm's way, acting as backstops for a municipal hospital system at risk of being overrun with coronavirus patients. The group's Evangelical Christian volunteers expose themselves to infection and disease at no charge to patients, treating the sick without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, or any of the other identity groups under putative 'siege' in the United States."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Yet last Tuesday, April 15, NBC News reported, "A group of LGBTQ activists stood several yards away from the Samaritan's Purse field hospital on the [Central Park] East Meadow lawn and blasted city and state officials and Mount Sinai Hospital for partnering with the evangelical humanitarian relief organization treating overflow patients suffering from the coronavirus."
As expressed by Jay W. Walker, an activist with the Reclaim Pride Coalition, "How was this group ever considered to bring their hatred and their vitriol into our city at a time of crisis when our people are fighting a pandemic?"
It is true, as NBC News noted, that, "the hospital is staffed with Christian doctors and nurses experienced in treating infectious diseases."
And these Christians donate their services to help strangers, putting their own lives at risk in a living demonstration of "love your neighbor as yourself."
"But," the report continues, "Samaritan Purse's policies require most contractors and some full-time volunteers to sign a statement of faith that includes a declaration that 'we believe that marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female.'"
Oh, the horror! Oh, the hatred! How dare this Christian organization, led by the son of Rev. Billy Graham, uphold biblical values. How dare they affirm marriage as it has been affirmed by church and synagogue for two millennia. How dare they refuse to bow the knee at the altar of political correctness. Oh, the shame!
Writing in the New York Post on April 3, Bob McManus pointed out that Samaritan's Purse makes it mission and message loud and clear: "'Why did you come?' asks its website. 'The answer is always the same:
"We have come to help you in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ."'"
And yet that is where the problem lies: They are Christians coming to serve in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. They have crossed a dangerous line – at least, in the eyes of men like Mayor de Blasio.
As McManus wrote (in classic, New York Post style), "Gotham's chief executive this week might have accepted with some grace an offer of assistance from a crisis-tested, and devoutly Christian, emergency-relief organization – but he gave it the fisheye instead.
"It seems that in Blasville, evangelical Christians armed with tons of the sophisticated medical equipment so sorely lacking in the city right now, plus the expertise to use it, are presumptively suspect. And are perhaps to be expelled.
"Thus it was with Samaritan's Purse, the unapologetically fundamentalist rolling rescue squad perhaps best known for the Ebola clinics it established in West and Central Africa over the past decade."
Somehow, though, Mayor de Blasio was surprised to hear that Franklin Graham's organization was actually – oh no! – Christian. And so he commented, "I said immediately to my team that we had to find out exactly what was happening. Was there going to be an approach that was truly consistent with the values [of] New York City?"
Ah yes, the values of New York City, the city that aborts more African American babies than it sees born every year. By far.
And the city that says: If you hold to Christian beliefs and values, you cannot serve our citizens. Not at your own expense. Not at the risk of your own lives. Not if you do it as Christians.
Better to let the COVID-19 victims pass away in their misery. We will not have true Christianity in our midst.
That is how far we have fallen, and we dare not ignore the handwriting on the wall. After all, if a Christian humanitarian organization can be protested during a pandemic for affirming biblical values, what will happen to churches and ministries during times of health and prosperity?
Fifteen years ago, I was mocked for saying that those who came out of the closet wanted to us put – Bible-believing Christians – in the closet.
That now seems like a lifetime ago. For those who are still slumbering, it is well past time to wake up.


wnd--2020-04-23--Christians share Word of God on coronavirus masks

( BREITBART ) -- Cuban Christians are using the need to wear sanitary masks in public to spread their faith @ @ @ @ @ the front of them , the Christian aid group World Help revealed this week .
@ @ @ @ @ dedicated to news of interest to the Cuban global community , highlighted the development , @ @ @ @ @ these messages despite the severe repression that Christians face in the communist country .
Officially @ @ @ @ @ has allowed some Catholic activity after the Vatican began seeking closer relations to the Castro @ @ @ @ @ dissident Catholics , and other Christian groups face regular threats and arrests on the part @ @ @ @ @ Help noted on its website that the group has been sending food and other necessary @ @ @ @ @ island struggling to attain basic goods for years due to decades of communist economic collapse @ @ @ @ @ suggestion of printing biblical verses on face masks to “ share the Gospel to those @ @ @ @ @ spiritually ... without even saying a word .
”

(BREITBART) -- Cuban Christians are using the need to wear sanitary masks in public to spread their faith, printing Bible verses on the front of them, the Christian aid group World Help revealed this week.
Babalú Blog, a website dedicated to news of interest to the Cuban global community, highlighted the development, noting that pastors were printing these messages despite the severe repression that Christians face in the communist country. Officially an atheist state, Cuba has allowed some Catholic activity after the Vatican began seeking closer relations to the Castro regime, but Protestants, dissident Catholics, and other Christian groups face regular threats and arrests on the part of state security.
World Help noted on its website that the group has been sending food and other necessary aid to Cubans on the island struggling to attain basic goods for years due to decades of communist economic collapse. It also received the suggestion of printing biblical verses on face masks to “share the Gospel to those who are looking for help spiritually ... without even saying a word.”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-23--Freedom dying in Idaho: Woman faces possible prison term for holding yard sale

A woman in Rathdrum , Idaho , is facing the possibility of a $ 1,000 fine and up to six months in jail for having a yard sale .
The Rathdrum Police Department said Christa Thompson violated the state 's coronavirus shutdown order .
`` A garage sale/yard sale is not an essential business and should not be open for business , '' the department said in a Facebook post Friday .
TRENDING : The COVID-19 scandal : Billionaire Bill Gates and WHO '' The family had a significant financial incentive to deal with the belongings of Peter ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the family had taken over his storage-unit payments , which were about $ 1,000 a month , '' the foundation said in a post on its website Saturday .
`` That sum is , according to Peter , a significant burden for a one-income family with six kids . ''
`` Rathdrum PD should be ashamed , '' April Lawson said .
`` Let people have a choice .
If I choose to stop in at a yard sale that ’ s on me . ''
`` I hope this family can find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Department for their disregard to our constitution of the state of ldaho and the constitution of the United States , '' Calvin Nolan wrote .
`` Thank you for keeping our streets safer and ridding us of this dangerous criminal enterprise , '' Justin Cottrell said .
`` I hope you 'll go after those rogue lemonade stands and kids peddling their school fundraisers next .
We must keep our streets clean of anything resembling a happy , thriving productive society .
You guys earned a gold star today . ''
Unfortunately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to light , this time involving a mother who was with her daughter at a playground when she was arrested .
Is the COVID-19 pandemic setting a dangerous precedent where those in authority infringe on our liberty under the guise of the `` greater good '' ?
It sure looks that way .
Gun rights might be another victim of such a mentality .
I have a confession : I used to doubt my fellow conservatives when they said Democratic politicians were coming for our guns .
I thought those concerns resembled nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda has taken a sharp lefthand turn .
Some politicians now push gun bans with grandfathered firearms ownership .
The Democrats consistently attempt to ban certain firearms based on puzzling criteria , seemingly thinking we can reduce gun violence with legislation that focuses on magazine capacity and cosmetic features .
Just imagine former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke 's gun philosophy coupled with a renewed call for government overreach .
We live in a time where someone could go to jail for things she did while staying at home during , oddly enough , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act as a cautionary tale : You do n't `` care less '' about human suffering if you become concerned about individual freedom .
Live and let live .
That philosophy seemed simple , wonderful and libertarian all at once .
We see growing signs that some people are willing to sacrifice some liberty in the name of safety .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

A woman in Rathdrum, Idaho, is facing the possibility of a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail for having a yard sale.
The Rathdrum Police Department said Christa Thompson violated the state's coronavirus shutdown order.
"A garage sale/yard sale is not an essential business and should not be open for business," the department said in a Facebook post Friday.
Peter Thompson, Christa's husband, provided context to the Idaho Freedom Foundation.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"The family had a significant financial incentive to deal with the belongings of Peter’s late father: After the death, the family had taken over his storage-unit payments, which were about $1,000 a month," the foundation said in a post on its website Saturday. "That sum is, according to Peter, a significant burden for a one-income family with six kids."
The police department's Facebook post drew plenty of criticism.
"Rathdrum PD should be ashamed," April Lawson said. "Let people have a choice. If I choose to stop in at a yard sale that’s on me."
"I hope this family can find a good constitutional lawyer and sue the Police Department for their disregard to our constitution of the state of ldaho and the constitution of the United States," Calvin Nolan wrote.
"Thank you for keeping our streets safer and ridding us of this dangerous criminal enterprise," Justin Cottrell said. "I hope you'll go after those rogue lemonade stands and kids peddling their school fundraisers next. We must keep our streets clean of anything resembling a happy, thriving productive society. You guys earned a gold star today."
Unfortunately, a second Idaho incident has come to light, this time involving a mother who was with her daughter at a playground when she was arrested.
Is the COVID-19 pandemic setting a dangerous precedent where those in authority infringe on our liberty under the guise of the "greater good"? It sure looks that way.
Gun rights might be another victim of such a mentality.
I have a confession: I used to doubt my fellow conservatives when they said Democratic politicians were coming for our guns. I thought those concerns resembled nothing more than hyperbole.
Not anymore.
The Democrats' agenda has taken a sharp lefthand turn. Some politicians now push gun bans with grandfathered firearms ownership.
The Democrats consistently attempt to ban certain firearms based on puzzling criteria, seemingly thinking we can reduce gun violence with legislation that focuses on magazine capacity and cosmetic features.
Just imagine former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke's gun philosophy coupled with a renewed call for government overreach.
We live in a time where someone could go to jail for things she did while staying at home during, oddly enough, a stay-at-home order.
This pandemic can act as a cautionary tale: You don't "care less" about human suffering if you become concerned about individual freedom.
Live and let live. That philosophy seemed simple, wonderful and libertarian all at once.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
We see growing signs that some people are willing to sacrifice some liberty in the name of safety.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-04-24--Former CIA operative: China uses Dems as 'useful idiots' to spread propaganda

( FOX NEWS ) Former CIA operative Bryan Dean Wright reacted Thursday to a new report that China helped to @ @ @ @ @ calling out Democrats - including former Vice President Joe Biden - for placing too much @ @ @ @ @ .
During the early stages of the outbreak in the United States , Chinese agents @ @ @ @ @ Americans warning the government would soon impose a nationwide lockdown with little notice to prepare @ @ @ @ @ reported , citing six U.S. intelligence officials from six separate agencies .
In an interview @ @ @ @ @ , '' Wright - a Democrat who supports President Trump - said the president should @ @ @ @ @ the chance to `` do the right thing '' -- acknowledge a degree of culpability @ @ @ @ @ solution to all who have been devastated by the virus .

(FOX NEWS) Former CIA operative Bryan Dean Wright reacted Thursday to a new report that China helped to spread misinformation about coronavirus, calling out Democrats - including former Vice President Joe Biden - for placing too much trust in Beijing's narratives.
During the early stages of the outbreak in the United States, Chinese agents reportedly sent text messages to Americans warning the government would soon impose a nationwide lockdown with little notice to prepare, The New York Times reported, citing six U.S. intelligence officials from six separate agencies.
In an interview on "Fox & Friends," Wright - a Democrat who supports President Trump - said the president should initially give President Xi Jinping the chance to "do the right thing" -- acknowledge a degree of culpability, and offer up a solution to all who have been devastated by the virus.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-24--VP hopeful Stacey Abrams claims Trump is 'illegitimate and should not hold office'

Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said President Donald Trump is `` illegitimate and should not hold office '' because he opposes vote-by-mail in the 2020 election .
`` The challenge that he sees is that it will increase the likelihood of those who are confined to home actually using that time to participate in the election , '' Abrams told CNN 's David Axelrod on his Thursday episode of `` The Axe Files '' podcast .
`` And any time a leader is afraid of people speaking their minds and making their selections , he is illegitimate and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been largely discussed as people look for safe ways to hold the 2020 presidential election .
Whereas absentee ballots can be requested by voters -- in some states without an excuse -- a ballot is automatically mailed to every eligible voter in a vote-by-mail system , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures .
That would make it easier for people who otherwise might not vote to take part in elections .
Currently , there are five states that conduct all elections by mail : Colorado , Hawaii , Oregon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to the coronavirus pandemic , voting by mail will make sure that everyone stays home and stays safe .
“ We are pushing for in the vote by mail compulsion that we are trying to push up , that we are hearing that we need in the next CARES package is this : vote by mail is one way to ensure that we have safe , accessible voting and it is coupled with voting in person , '' Abrams said .
`` There is no legitimate reason to remove both unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing this for so long you have solved the issues of mass in-person voting . ''
Abrams also touted herself as a strong candidate for former Vice President Joe Biden 's running mate during the podcast .
The presumptive Democratic nominee has committed to choosing a woman as his running mate .
`` I have the deepest respect for every woman who is being talked about and who should be considered for this post , '' Abrams said .
`` But I know that for communities of color , particularly for the black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recognition that their needs are met .
And we have to have candidates who are able to not only speak to them , but turn them out . ''
She pointed to the importance of ensuring general election voter turnout , saying that they do not pay as much attention to politics as primary election voters do .
`` There has to be an intentionality to turning them out .
A lot of folks can do that .
I 'm one of those people , '' Abrams added .
`` And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of color in an election than anyone in 2018 did .
Not by race , but by raw number . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said President Donald Trump is "illegitimate and should not hold office" because he opposes vote-by-mail in the 2020 election.
"The challenge that he sees is that it will increase the likelihood of those who are confined to home actually using that time to participate in the election," Abrams told CNN's David Axelrod on his Thursday episode of "The Axe Files" podcast.
"And any time a leader is afraid of people speaking their minds and making their selections, he is illegitimate and should not hold office."
Mail-in voting has been largely discussed as people look for safe ways to hold the 2020 presidential election.
Whereas absentee ballots can be requested by voters -- in some states without an excuse -- a ballot is automatically mailed to every eligible voter in a vote-by-mail system, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
That would make it easier for people who otherwise might not vote to take part in elections.
Currently, there are five states that conduct all elections by mail: Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
Abrams said that in response to the coronavirus pandemic, voting by mail will make sure that everyone stays home and stays safe.
“We are pushing for in the vote by mail compulsion that we are trying to push up, that we are hearing that we need in the next CARES package is this: vote by mail is one way to ensure that we have safe, accessible voting and it is coupled with voting in person," Abrams said.
"There is no legitimate reason to remove both unless you are a state that has been doing this for so long you have solved the issues of mass in-person voting."
Abrams also touted herself as a strong candidate for former Vice President Joe Biden's running mate during the podcast.
The presumptive Democratic nominee has committed to choosing a woman as his running mate.
"I have the deepest respect for every woman who is being talked about and who should be considered for this post," Abrams said.
"But I know that for communities of color, particularly for the black community, there has got to be a recognition that their needs are met. And we have to have candidates who are able to not only speak to them, but turn them out."
She pointed to the importance of ensuring general election voter turnout, saying that they do not pay as much attention to politics as primary election voters do.
"There has to be an intentionality to turning them out. A lot of folks can do that. I'm one of those people," Abrams added.
"And I have proven it by turning out more people of color in an election than anyone in 2018 did. Not by race, but by raw number."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-04-24--Trump announces Air Force and Navy flyovers of major cities to honor health-care workers

President Donald Trump has announced the military will be thanking front-line health care workers for their tireless efforts combating the coronavirus by saluting them with dazzling air displays in cities throughout the country .
In a mission that has been dubbed `` Operation America Strong , '' the Department of Defense will send the Navy ’ s Blue Angels and the Air Force ’ s Thunderbirds to conduct flyovers throughout numerous cities in the coming weeks .
`` I ’ m excited to announce that , in the coming weeks , the Air Force Thunderbirds -- they ’ re incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equally incredible -- will be performing air shows over America ’ s major cities and some of the cities that aren ’ t major cities , '' Trump said at Wednesday ’ s White House coronavirus task force media briefing .
“ What we ’ re doing is we ’ re paying tribute to our front-line health care workers confronting COVID .
And it ’ s really a signal to all Americans to remain vigilant during the outbreak.
, ” Trump added .
“ This is a tribute to them , to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those incredible pilots and all of the fighters that we have for the more traditional fights that we win , '' the president concluded .
An anonymous Pentagon source told The Washington Post the flyovers are a way for the military to thank health care workers .
“ This is just a sincere thank-you , ” the unnamed senior military official said .
“ It ’ s one way to acknowledge those who are pitching in.
” A memo obtained by The Post said pilots from the Navy and Air Force will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Austin , Baltimore , Dallas , Houston , Newark , New York , Philadelphia , Trenton and Washington , D.C. Trump indicated military planes will also fly over the National Mall in Washington this summer to celebrate Independence Day , just as they did last year .
`` And on July 4 , we ’ ll be doing what we had at the Mall [ last year ] , as you know , '' Trump said .
`` That was a great success as you remember , even though it was pouring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was raining at -- that was about as hard as I ’ ve seen in a while , but it was an amazing success .
Didn ’ t bother the pilots .
It didn ’ t bother the military .
It didn ’ t bother the crews that we had there .
So we ’ re going to be doing that again on July 4 . ''
On Saturday , the Thunderbirds flew across the state of Colorado to thank health care workers .
Their flight path saw them fly over Fort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , all the way down through Denver , Colorado Springs and Pueblo .
The Thunderbirds shared their flight path on Twitter before the flyover , and wrote a special message of thanks on Sunday : '' We salute Colorado ’ s healthcare workers and first responders who are at the forefront of our nation ’ s fight against COVID-19 .
They are an inspiration for the entire country during these challenging times and it was an honor to fly for them yesterday , '' the squadron tweeted .
Videos of the flyovers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Thunderbirds were in Colorado to take part in the Air Force Academy ’ s graduation ceremony , which had occurred earlier on Saturday .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

President Donald Trump has announced the military will be thanking front-line health care workers for their tireless efforts combating the coronavirus by saluting them with dazzling air displays in cities throughout the country.
In a mission that has been dubbed "Operation America Strong," the Department of Defense will send the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds to conduct flyovers throughout numerous cities in the coming weeks.
"I’m excited to announce that, in the coming weeks, the Air Force Thunderbirds -- they’re incredible -- and the Navy Blue Angels -- equally incredible -- will be performing air shows over America’s major cities and some of the cities that aren’t major cities," Trump said at Wednesday’s White House coronavirus task force media briefing.
“What we’re doing is we’re paying tribute to our front-line health care workers confronting COVID. And it’s really a signal to all Americans to remain vigilant during the outbreak.,” Trump added.
“This is a tribute to them, to our warriors. Because they are equal warriors to those incredible pilots and all of the fighters that we have for the more traditional fights that we win," the president concluded.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
An anonymous Pentagon source told The Washington Post the flyovers are a way for the military to thank health care workers.
“This is just a sincere thank-you,” the unnamed senior military official said. “It’s one way to acknowledge those who are pitching in.”
A memo obtained by The Post said pilots from the Navy and Air Force will fly together over the cities of Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Trenton and Washington, D.C.
Trump indicated military planes will also fly over the National Mall in Washington this summer to celebrate Independence Day, just as they did last year.
"And on July 4, we’ll be doing what we had at the Mall [last year], as you know," Trump said. "That was a great success as you remember, even though it was pouring. It was raining so hard. It was raining at -- that was about as hard as I’ve seen in a while, but it was an amazing success. Didn’t bother the pilots. It didn’t bother the military. It didn’t bother the crews that we had there. So we’re going to be doing that again on July 4."
On Saturday, the Thunderbirds flew across the state of Colorado to thank health care workers. Their flight path saw them fly over Fort Collins in the northern part of the state, all the way down through Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
The Thunderbirds shared their flight path on Twitter before the flyover, and wrote a special message of thanks on Sunday:
Tomorrow’s Colorado Flight Path Note: the flyover serves as a salute to the healthcare workers, first responders and other essential personnel on the front line against #COVID in the Centennial State 🏔#AirForceSalutes pic.twitter.com/JfZMTfEBA1 — Thunderbirds (@AFThunderbirds) April 18, 2020
"We salute Colorado’s healthcare workers and first responders who are at the forefront of our nation’s fight against COVID-19. They are an inspiration for the entire country during these challenging times and it was an honor to fly for them yesterday," the squadron tweeted.
We salute Colorado’s healthcare workers and first responders who are at the forefront of our nation’s fight against COVID-19. They are an inspiration for the entire country during these challenging times and it was an honor to fly for them yesterday. #AirForceSalutes pic.twitter.com/VpBRpl6fMu — Thunderbirds (@AFThunderbirds) April 19, 2020
Videos of the flyovers went viral online:
“@NWSBoulder: The clouds and showers didn’t impede our view from the office of the USAF Thunderbirds this afternoon. We appreciated seeing them during their flyover of multiple Colorado cities! #cowx” pic.twitter.com/Y9ab2KP34w pic.twitter.com/KkYLetH7Ve — Visit Colorado (@Colorado) April 19, 2020
WATCH LIVE: Thunderbirds flyover Colorado for COVID-19 responders https://t.co/n6sCN3tJRH — 9NEWS Denver (@9NEWS) April 18, 2020
Thunderbird flyover today. Hit all the major cities in Colorado and flew over major hospitals. Great view from my roof pic.twitter.com/draITnVTGP — Isaac Barton (@IsaacBarton10) April 18, 2020
The Coloradoan reported the Thunderbirds were in Colorado to take part in the Air Force Academy’s graduation ceremony, which had occurred earlier on Saturday.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-04-24--Saudis turn on America, send flotilla to sink U.S. shale and oil

If you 're lucky enough to be able to leave your home while many are under lockdown , you may have noticed that gasoline is getting absurdly cheap -- in at least one area it was sold for under $ 1 per gallon .
Of course , there 's a lot more that goes into that number than the whims of the man who spends a 12-hour shift between the Slim Jims and the lottery tickets .
World demand for gas and oil has plummeted since the start of the current pandemic thanks to a combination of factors , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sea traffic .
Supply and demand affects everything , after all , including our own oil markets .
For American energy companies , especially those that deal in shale oil , the downturn in demand for oil is a danger to revenue and the livelihoods of the 150,000 who work in the industry .
Having successful domestic energy companies is a boon to average Americans , who would benefit from having access to cheap fuel regardless of the designs of other nations .
For countries like Saudi Arabia , a powerful player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Countries oil cartel , American energy independence is a direct threat to its status quo .
Until now , there was little the Middle Eastern country could do to combat the success of United States energy .
With the downturn in oil prices and tough times ahead for U.S. oil , the Saudis have taken the opportunity to turn on America in an attempt to bring us to heel .
Saudi Arabia is n't dispatching troops for this attack but is sending a flotilla of supertankers carrying roughly seven times the normal amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The Wall Street Journal , the tankers are set to arrive throughout April and May .
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz , seeing the incoming bloodbath for the U.S. energy sector , sent the Saudis a single message : `` TURN THE TANKERS THE HELL AROUND . ''
The glut of oil entering the United States would undercut domestic energy companies , potentially undoing years of progress made under President Donald Trump .
It 's unclear when demand for oil will increase again , putting a giant question mark on the employment status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The move follows several others by Saudi Arabia that seem to reinforce the cultural and political differences between the kingdom and the United States .
The gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi , human rights abuses and other problems under the Saudi regime hint that a decoupling from America is not only likely , but unavoidable .
Just like with our increasingly rocky relationship with China , it seems America 's past attitude of seeing every nation as a potential friend is not going to fly in the 21st century .
If we ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to undermine critical U.S. infrastructure , or even to tell us the truth about a viral outbreak , is it really worth maintaining these relationships ?
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

If you're lucky enough to be able to leave your home while many are under lockdown, you may have noticed that gasoline is getting absurdly cheap -- in at least one area it was sold for under $1 per gallon.
Of course, there's a lot more that goes into that number than the whims of the man who spends a 12-hour shift between the Slim Jims and the lottery tickets.
World demand for gas and oil has plummeted since the start of the current pandemic thanks to a combination of factors, including a sharp decrease in land, air and sea traffic.
Supply and demand affects everything, after all, including our own oil markets.
For American energy companies, especially those that deal in shale oil, the downturn in demand for oil is a danger to revenue and the livelihoods of the 150,000 who work in the industry.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Having successful domestic energy companies is a boon to average Americans, who would benefit from having access to cheap fuel regardless of the designs of other nations.
For countries like Saudi Arabia, a powerful player in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries oil cartel, American energy independence is a direct threat to its status quo.
Until now, there was little the Middle Eastern country could do to combat the success of United States energy. With the downturn in oil prices and tough times ahead for U.S. oil, the Saudis have taken the opportunity to turn on America in an attempt to bring us to heel.
Saudi Arabia isn't dispatching troops for this attack but is sending a flotilla of supertankers carrying roughly seven times the normal amount consumed in a pre-pandemic month. According to The Wall Street Journal, the tankers are set to arrive throughout April and May.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, seeing the incoming bloodbath for the U.S. energy sector, sent the Saudis a single message: "TURN THE TANKERS THE HELL AROUND."
20 tankers—filled w/ 40mm barrels of Saudi oil—are headed to the US. This is SEVEN TIMES the typical monthly flow. At the same time, oil futures are plummeting & millions of US jobs in jeopardy. My message to the Saudis: TURN THE TANKERS THE HELL AROUND. https://t.co/gYoQzvHAEQ — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) April 21, 2020
The glut of oil entering the United States would undercut domestic energy companies, potentially undoing years of progress made under President Donald Trump.
It's unclear when demand for oil will increase again, putting a giant question mark on the employment status of hundreds of thousands of Americans.
The move follows several others by Saudi Arabia that seem to reinforce the cultural and political differences between the kingdom and the United States.
The gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi, human rights abuses and other problems under the Saudi regime hint that a decoupling from America is not only likely, but unavoidable.
Just like with our increasingly rocky relationship with China, it seems America's past attitude of seeing every nation as a potential friend is not going to fly in the 21st century.
If we can't trust our own business partners not to undermine critical U.S. infrastructure, or even to tell us the truth about a viral outbreak, is it really worth maintaining these relationships?
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-04-23--Dems to censure Michigan lawmaker who said Trump's boosting of hydroxychloroquine 'saved my life'

( FOX NEWS ) Democrats in Michigan will vote on Saturday to censure one of their colleagues who praised President @ @ @ @ @ of an anti-malarial drug that she claimed cured her of COVID-19 .
The 13th Congressional @ @ @ @ @ that state Rep. Karen Whitsett , D-Detroit , broke protocol by meeting with Trump and @ @ @ @ @ an April 14 meeting of coronavirus survivors and for crediting hydroxychloroquine with saving her life @ @ @ @ @ claim that hydroxychloroquine – a commonly prescribed anti-malarial drug – saved her life during an @ @ @ @ @ “ The Ingraham Angle ” earlier this month .
She said that if it were @ @ @ @ @ drug through the Food and Drug Administration 's approval process for off-label use and touting @ @ @ @ @ press briefings , she may not have survived the disease .

(FOX NEWS) Democrats in Michigan will vote on Saturday to censure one of their colleagues who praised President Trump for advocating the use of an anti-malarial drug that she claimed cured her of COVID-19.
The 13th Congressional District Democratic Party Organization argues that state Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit, broke protocol by meeting with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence during an April 14 meeting of coronavirus survivors and for crediting hydroxychloroquine with saving her life.
Whitsett first made the claim that hydroxychloroquine – a commonly prescribed anti-malarial drug – saved her life during an appearance on Fox News' “The Ingraham Angle” earlier this month. She said that if it weren't for Trump pushing the drug through the Food and Drug Administration's approval process for off-label use and touting it repeatedly during his daily press briefings, she may not have survived the disease.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-23--Pro-Trump black lawmaker won't resign after outpouring of support

A black Georgia Democratic state lawmaker who announced his resignation Wednesday because of his support for Republican President Trump in the 2020 election has changed his mind .
State Rep. Vernon Jones explained Thursday on Twitter `` the outpouring of support I received was too great for me to ignore . ''
`` I will not allow the Democrats to bully me into submission .
I will not let them win , '' Jones wrote .
`` I will NOT resign . ''
In a video , Jones said he received a `` barrage of attacks and name-calling by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to his endorsement of Trump .
In a statement announcing his resignation Wednesday , he said , `` Turn the lights off , I have left the plantation . ''
He said he would not switch parties but would work for Trump 's re-election .
`` I do n't plan to leave the Democratic Party because somebody ’ s got to be in there to hold them accountable — hold them accountable to how they are treating black people ( and ) root out the bigotry , '' Jones said on `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WAOK radio in Atlanta shortly after announcing his resignation , the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported .
But since announcing his resignation Wednesday , he received `` an overwhelming amount of support , an outcry from the people I represent in House District 91 in Dekalb and Rockdale Counties , my fellow Georgians , and Americans from across this country and every walk of life , every age , every color , every party , that was emotional . ''
`` That was motivational .
You know what , America ?
I thought about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I talked to my supporters .
I am going to remain on the battlefield .
I am going to complete my term .
I am going to continue to put my country before my party , '' he said .
Jones said Trump `` is the man for the job . ''
Prior to releasing the video , Jones told Breitbart News he was `` saying what a lot of people were thinking . ''
`` I decided to stay in the game and play all four quarters and continue the support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` It 's amazing how I was exercising my constitutional right to freedom of speech , but only certain people can say certain things , '' he said .
When he announced his support for Trump 's re-election April 14 , the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Democrats accused Jones of betrayal at a time when party leaders were rallying around former Vice President Joe Biden .
The paper said top state House Democrats responded by endorsing Jones ' primary challenger .
Jones told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he views Trump as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African-American voters , military veterans and farmers .
`` It 's very simple to me .
President Trump ’ s handling of the economy , his support for historically black colleges and his criminal justice initiatives drew me to endorse his campaign , '' said Jones .
`` There are a lot of African Americans who clearly see and appreciate he 's doing something that 's never been done before , '' Jones said .
`` When you look at the unemployment rates among black Americans before the pandemic , they were at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact . ''
State Sen. Nikema Williams , the chairwoman of the state party , called Jones an `` embarrassment '' who does n't reflect Georgia values , the Journal-Constitution reported .
`` Never has that been clearer than this moment , when he chose to stand with the racist president who has made an all-out assault on black Americans , who has tried to rip away American health care and who has failed our country in its greatest time of need , '' she said .

A black Georgia Democratic state lawmaker who announced his resignation Wednesday because of his support for Republican President Trump in the 2020 election has changed his mind.
State Rep. Vernon Jones explained Thursday on Twitter "the outpouring of support I received was too great for me to ignore."
"I will not allow the Democrats to bully me into submission. I will not let them win," Jones wrote. "I will NOT resign."
In a video, Jones said he received a "barrage of attacks and name-calling by the far-left and the Democratic Party" in response to his endorsement of Trump.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
In a statement announcing his resignation Wednesday, he said, "Turn the lights off, I have left the plantation."
He said he would not switch parties but would work for Trump's re-election.
"I don't plan to leave the Democratic Party because somebody’s got to be in there to hold them accountable — hold them accountable to how they are treating black people (and) root out the bigotry," Jones said on "The Rashad Richey Morning Show" on WAOK radio in Atlanta shortly after announcing his resignation, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
But since announcing his resignation Wednesday, he received "an overwhelming amount of support, an outcry from the people I represent in House District 91 in Dekalb and Rockdale Counties, my fellow Georgians, and Americans from across this country and every walk of life, every age, every color, every party, that was emotional."
"That was motivational. You know what, America? I thought about it and I talked to my family and I talked to my supporters. I am going to remain on the battlefield. I am going to complete my term. I am going to continue to put my country before my party," he said.
Jones said Trump "is the man for the job."
Prior to releasing the video, Jones told Breitbart News he was "saying what a lot of people were thinking."
"I decided to stay in the game and play all four quarters and continue the support for the re-election of Donald J. Trump," he said.
Jones found the harassment "disturbing."
"It's amazing how I was exercising my constitutional right to freedom of speech, but only certain people can say certain things," he said.
Transformative president
When he announced his support for Trump's re-election April 14, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Democrats accused Jones of betrayal at a time when party leaders were rallying around former Vice President Joe Biden.
The paper said top state House Democrats responded by endorsing Jones' primary challenger.
Jones told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he views Trump as a transformative president whose policies have helped African-American voters, military veterans and farmers.
"It's very simple to me. President Trump’s handling of the economy, his support for historically black colleges and his criminal justice initiatives drew me to endorse his campaign," said Jones.
"There are a lot of African Americans who clearly see and appreciate he's doing something that's never been done before," Jones said. "When you look at the unemployment rates among black Americans before the pandemic, they were at historic lows. That's just a fact."
State Sen. Nikema Williams, the chairwoman of the state party, called Jones an "embarrassment" who doesn't reflect Georgia values, the Journal-Constitution reported.
"Never has that been clearer than this moment, when he chose to stand with the racist president who has made an all-out assault on black Americans, who has tried to rip away American health care and who has failed our country in its greatest time of need," she said.
See Jones' video:


wnd--2020-04-23--Sy Rogers, who left homosexuality and created worldwide ministry, dies at 63

Sy Rogers , known for leaving a homsexual and transexual lifestyle and becoming a gifted Christian teacher and leader , died Monday at age 63 in Orlando , Florida , after battling kidney cancer for eight months .
It was his second bout with cancer .
He had been in remission for five years .
Rogers ' ministry spanned more than three decades and reached six continents .
He was a popular conference speaker in evangelical circles at leadership events , Bible colleges , youth festivals , counselor training , and conferences for men and women .
He also was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1996 , Rogers was selected by Christianity Today as one of `` 50 Up and Coming Evangelical Leaders Under 40 . ''
He promoted sexual integrity and healthy relationships at events such as Hillsong 's Colour Conference , which drew more than 15,000 , and Promise Keepers .
He preached in a wide variety of influential pulpits , from Southern Baptist to Presbyterian to Pentecostal , ranging from the Free Chapel in Georgia to London ’ s Kensington Temple to Australia ’ s Riverview Church .
For six years , beginning in 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Life Church , the largest church in New Zealand , while maintaining his international speaking ministry .
He had been married to Karen since 1982 .
Rogers and his family lived on three continents .
During the 1980s , he was a pioneer in the fledgling ex-gay movement and directed the now defunct parachurch ministry in Orlando called Eleutheros , a Greek word for freedom from bondage .
Rogers ' ministry offered pastoral care and support groups for clients who struggled with sexual confusion , abuse and gender identity issues .
For two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International , a coalition of support groups for people with unwanted same-sex attractions .
In 1991 , he and his family moved to Singapore , where he was one of 25 pastors on staff with an Anglican church , Church of our Savior .
While there he founded a recovery ministry that is still in operation , called Choices .
In 1998 , he moved his family to New Zealand where his itinerant preaching and teaching ministry was launched .
He also was part of No Longer Music , performing as the lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Primordial .
The Christian rock operetta played in major secular night clubs , portraying the character of God on trial in a world of suffering .
In 2001 , he and his family moved back to Orlando .
A decade later , they returned to New Zealand .
His own story , from which he drew insights , included childhood sexual abuse and homosexuality .
He presented his testimony in a video , `` One of the Boys , '' as well as many media interviews and articles .
Upon hearing of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pastor of Free Chapel in Gainesville , Georgia , said , `` Sy 's contribution made us a more compassionate ministry and he had an enormous impact on our church . ''
Hillsong founders Brian and Bobbie Houston wrote : `` Sy was truly one of the kindest people you could ever meet .
He exemplified grace and freedom and a passion to always bless others . ''
Rogers is survived by his wife , Karen , daughter Grace , son-in-law Steve , and his grandchildren , ages 8 and 4 .

Sy Rogers, known for leaving a homsexual and transexual lifestyle and becoming a gifted Christian teacher and leader, died Sunday, April 19, at age 63 in Orlando, Florida, after battling kidney cancer for eight months.
It was his second bout with cancer. He had been in remission for five years.
Rogers' ministry spanned more than three decades and reached six continents. He was a popular conference speaker in evangelical circles at leadership events, Bible colleges, youth festivals, counselor training, and conferences for men and women.
He also was an award-winning talk show host. In 1996, Rogers was selected by Christianity Today as one of "50 Up and Coming Evangelical Leaders Under 40."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
He promoted sexual integrity and healthy relationships at events such as Hillsong's Colour Conference, which drew more than 15,000, and Promise Keepers.
He preached in a wide variety of influential pulpits, from Southern Baptist to Presbyterian to Pentecostal, ranging from the Free Chapel in Georgia to London’s Kensington Temple to Australia’s Riverview Church.
For six years, beginning in 2012, he was a teaching pastor at Life Church, the largest church in New Zealand, while maintaining his international speaking ministry.
He had been married to Karen since 1982.
Rogers and his family lived on three continents. During the 1980s, he was a pioneer in the fledgling ex-gay movement and directed the now defunct parachurch ministry in Orlando called Eleutheros, a Greek word for freedom from bondage. Rogers' ministry offered pastoral care and support groups for clients who struggled with sexual confusion, abuse and gender identity issues. For two years he served as president of Exodus International, a coalition of support groups for people with unwanted same-sex attractions.
In 1991, he and his family moved to Singapore, where he was one of 25 pastors on staff with an Anglican church, Church of our Savior. While there he founded a recovery ministry that is still in operation, called Choices.
In 1998, he moved his family to New Zealand where his itinerant preaching and teaching ministry was launched.
He also was part of No Longer Music, performing as the lead vocalist in a four-continent world tour called Primordial. The Christian rock operetta played in major secular night clubs, portraying the character of God on trial in a world of suffering.
In 2001, he and his family moved back to Orlando. A decade later, they returned to New Zealand.
His own story, from which he drew insights, included childhood sexual abuse and homosexuality. He presented his testimony in a video, "One of the Boys," as well as many media interviews and articles.
Upon hearing of his death, Jentezen Franklin, the senior pastor of Free Chapel in Gainesville, Georgia, said, "Sy's contribution made us a more compassionate ministry and he had an enormous impact on our church."
Hillsong founders Brian and Bobbie Houston wrote: "Sy was truly one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He exemplified grace and freedom and a passion to always bless others."
Rogers is survived by his wife, Karen, daughter Grace, son-in-law Steve, and his grandchildren, ages 8 and 4.