wnd--2020-12-04--Conspiracies are for nut jobs?

Conspiracies are for nut jobs?

Conspiracies , as we all know , are for nut jobs .
The reason we know is because too-big-media tells us so .
I mean , they have huge newsrooms , filled with experienced reporters and anchors .
Surely they use these resources to verify everything they report , do n't they ?
I mean , just imagine what would happen to them if they reported news every day that just was n't true !
Well , if conspiracy theories are for nut jobs and losers , what about well-managed frauds ?
Is it possible that such frauds exist ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was never uncovered actually be a successful crime ?
Maybe even an ongoing , long-term crime ?
For instance , if your computer or phone is stolen , you know a crime has been committed , because something you had is suddenly gone .
But what if malware is loaded onto your computer or phone , perhaps while you are sipping away through a bootlegged plastic straw stuck through your face mask while you are sitting in the corner coffee shop ?
Your identity is stolen .
Your bank logins are stolen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ much later .
One person wrote the malware .
Another person stole your identity .
And a third person emptied out your bank account .
Was that well-organized fraud ?
A well-organized fraud can take a long time to organize .
Let 's imagine that years ago the Chinese Communist Party began investing in college cultural centers and gave American universities lots of money for that privilege .
What if further down the line -- when those students were embedded in corporate and governmental roles -- the CCP made overtures about working more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , campaign donations , sexual graft and trips to Epstein Island ?
I wonder if over time China would became more important and America less important to the people on this CCP gravy train ?
Time marches on , and as it does we slowly find that these same people now control too-big-tech , too-big-media , too-big-entertainment and top levels of both major American political parties and major global corporations .
We also find that some of the second tier graspers and grifters have become state governors , secretaries of state , representatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
TRENDING : Republican senators find body bags and anti-Trump messages on their doorsteps Over those years , the same people decided that they liked the way the CCP rolled in controlling the Chinese nation and its people .
They liked the way Christians and other religious minorities were controlled .
They liked the black market for human organ transplants .
They liked the reality of a government that told its population how things were going to be , and that was the end of the discussion .
Maybe they decided that America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open debate should be censored here , just as it is there .
Maybe they decided that tyranny was the world 's future .
Perhaps they saw that electronic voting machines were the perfect way to rid themselves of those pesky elections , where anything could happen ( such as a President Donald Trump in 2016 ) .
They might even have decided that just a few states could control an entire national election with undetectable fraud .
And maybe now they have been caught .
Was their effort a conspiracy ?
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treason ?
It is the just decree of Heaven that a traitor never sees his danger till his ruin is at hand .
-- Pietro Metastasio Do you appreciate WND 's unfiltered hard-hitting news and commentary ?
Read us AD-FREE by becoming a WND Insider !
Find out more .

Conspiracies, as we all know, are for nut jobs. The reason we know is because too-big-media tells us so. I mean, they have huge newsrooms, filled with experienced reporters and anchors. Surely they use these resources to verify everything they report, don't they? I mean, just imagine what would happen to them if they reported news every day that just wasn't true!
Well, if conspiracy theories are for nut jobs and losers, what about well-managed frauds? Is it possible that such frauds exist? Wouldn't a really well-organized fraud that was never uncovered actually be a successful crime? Maybe even an ongoing, long-term crime?
For instance, if your computer or phone is stolen, you know a crime has been committed, because something you had is suddenly gone. But what if malware is loaded onto your computer or phone, perhaps while you are sipping away through a bootlegged plastic straw stuck through your face mask while you are sitting in the corner coffee shop? Your identity is stolen. Your bank logins are stolen. Maybe your bank account is emptied out much later. One person wrote the malware. Another person stole your identity. And a third person emptied out your bank account. Was that well-organized fraud?
A well-organized fraud can take a long time to organize. Let's imagine that years ago the Chinese Communist Party began investing in college cultural centers and gave American universities lots of money for that privilege. What if further down the line -- when those students were embedded in corporate and governmental roles -- the CCP made overtures about working more closely together and followed up with cash, campaign donations, sexual graft and trips to Epstein Island? I wonder if over time China would became more important and America less important to the people on this CCP gravy train?
Time marches on, and as it does we slowly find that these same people now control too-big-tech, too-big-media, too-big-entertainment and top levels of both major American political parties and major global corporations. We also find that some of the second tier graspers and grifters have become state governors, secretaries of state, representatives and senators and even mid-level election officials.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Over those years, the same people decided that they liked the way the CCP rolled in controlling the Chinese nation and its people. They liked the way Christians and other religious minorities were controlled. They liked the black market for human organ transplants. They liked the reality of a government that told its population how things were going to be, and that was the end of the discussion. Maybe they decided that America should be more like China and that open debate should be censored here, just as it is there. Maybe they decided that tyranny was the world's future.
Perhaps they saw that electronic voting machines were the perfect way to rid themselves of those pesky elections, where anything could happen (such as a President Donald Trump in 2016).
They might even have decided that just a few states could control an entire national election with undetectable fraud.
And maybe now they have been caught. Was their effort a conspiracy? A well-organized fraud? Or is it simply treason?
It is the just decree of Heaven that a traitor never sees his danger till his ruin is at hand. -- Pietro Metastasio
Do you appreciate WND's unfiltered hard-hitting news and commentary? Read us AD-FREE by becoming a WND Insider! Find out more.


wnd--2020-12-04--Schumer supporting Biden plan to create open showers in public schools

Barack Obama issued an executive order just before leaving office forcing schools receiving federal funding to let boys who `` identify '' as girls use girls ' bathrooms and showers .
President Trump immediately reversed the order .
But , now , Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says he supports Biden 's vow to restore Obama 's order on his first day in office .
Schumer was asked by a reporter Tuesday : `` Joe Biden said that on his first day of office , he will give transgender students access to sports , bathrooms and locker rooms in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funded schools .
Do you think he has the ability to do this and do you agree with his decision ? ''
Schumer responded , `` I agree with the decision and I know he 'll check things out thoroughly , legally . ''
TRENDING : Republican senators find body bags and anti-Trump messages on their doorsteps Jordan Davidson at The Federalist noted that Biden also has promised to `` immediately reverse '' Trump administration policies that he believes are discriminatory and implement an agenda to `` advance global LGBTQ+ rights and development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding `` sexual orientation '' and `` gender identity '' that could infringe on religious liberty .
During a townhall in October , he promised a mother he would `` flat-out just change the law '' to accommodate young children who want to `` change their gender . ''
`` The idea that an 8-year-old child or a 10-year-old child decides , you know , ‘ I decided I want to be transgender .
That ’ s what I think I ’ d like to be .
It would make my life a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discrimination , '' he said .
Obama 's order prompted numerous lawsuits , including some that are ongoing .
In one , a school district told students to use an different locker room if they refused to share facilities with those of the opposite sex .
One teacher was fired for calling a girl a girl , and a transgender student shot at other students who allegedly were mocking the student .
Even the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg rejected the claim that single-sex spaces are discriminatory .

Barack Obama issued an executive order just before leaving office forcing schools receiving federal funding to let boys who "identify" as girls use girls' bathrooms and showers.
President Trump immediately reversed the order. But, now, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says he supports Biden's vow to restore Obama's order on his first day in office.
Schumer was asked by a reporter Tuesday: "Joe Biden said that on his first day of office, he will give transgender students access to sports, bathrooms and locker rooms in accordance with their gender identity in federally funded schools. Do you think he has the ability to do this and do you agree with his decision?"
Schumer responded, "I agree with the decision and I know he'll check things out thoroughly, legally."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Jordan Davidson at The Federalist noted that Biden also has promised to "immediately reverse" Trump administration policies that he believes are discriminatory and implement an agenda to "advance global LGBTQ+ rights and development."
.@SenSchumer: “I agree” with @JoeBiden’s plan to mandate transgendered people can choose the bathroom, lockerroom of their choice in schools pic.twitter.com/2vNIlQmT3j — Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) December 1, 2020
Biden also could support legislation regarding "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" that could infringe on religious liberty.
Should boys be allowed to shower with girls? 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. 1% (5 Votes) 99% (399 Votes)
During a townhall in October, he promised a mother he would "flat-out just change the law" to accommodate young children who want to "change their gender."
"The idea that an 8-year-old child or a 10-year-old child decides, you know, ‘I decided I want to be transgender. That’s what I think I’d like to be. It would make my life a lot easier.’ There should be zero discrimination," he said.
Obama's order prompted numerous lawsuits, including some that are ongoing. In one, a school district told students to use an different locker room if they refused to share facilities with those of the opposite sex.
One teacher was fired for calling a girl a girl, and a transgender student shot at other students who allegedly were mocking the student.
Even the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Ginsburg rejected the claim that single-sex spaces are discriminatory.


wnd--2020-12-04--Ohio health board member calls for school sports closures while attending school sporting event

( WTOL ) – The Toledo-Lucas County ( Ohio ) Health Department doubled down on orders to temporarily suspend sports @ @ @ @ @ until Jan. 11 .
But there is one moment that had members of the community @ @ @ @ @ a board of health meeting the day before the mandate goes into effect .
Dr. @ @ @ @ @ member and did not have his video turned on during the meeting .
But when @ @ @ @ @ background audio was from a pickleball game in Sylvania .
This caused speculation from parents @ @ @ @ @ was personally playing sports , while calling for high school sports to be shut down @

(WTOL) – The Toledo-Lucas County (Ohio) Health Department doubled down on orders to temporarily suspend sports being played inside Lucas County until Jan. 11.
But there is one moment that had members of the community talking on social media after a board of health meeting the day before the mandate goes into effect.
Dr. Richard Munk is a board member and did not have his video turned on during the meeting. But when he was speaking, the background audio was from a pickleball game in Sylvania. This caused speculation from parents of student-athletes that Dr. Munk was personally playing sports, while calling for high school sports to be shut down.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-12-04--France: Teachers now fear showing Muhammad cartoons in class

( NEW AMERICAN ) – `` Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun , '' said mass-murdering @ @ @ @ @ Again proving him at least partially correct is that teachers in Norway are now afraid @ @ @ @ @ `` free-speech '' classes — especially after the Muslim jihadist beheading of French teacher Samuel @ @ @ @ @ such images .
As Sputnik reports , `` A recent survey has indicated that Norwegian @ @ @ @ @ subjects deemed controversial , such as the notorious Muhammad cartoons and free speech . ''
@ @ @ @ @ the surveyed teachers in Norway found it [ highly ] demanding to teach students about @ @ @ @ @ , '' the site continues .
`` Among others , one in three is afraid @ @ @ @ @ Prophet Muhammad during classes , admittedly for fear of the consequences . ''

(NEW AMERICAN) – "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun," said mass-murdering Chinese leader Mao Tse-tung. Again proving him at least partially correct is that teachers in Norway are now afraid to show Muhammad cartoons in "free-speech" classes — especially after the Muslim jihadist beheading of French teacher Samuel Paty, who had displayed such images.
As Sputnik reports, "A recent survey has indicated that Norwegian teachers are increasingly wary of subjects deemed controversial, such as the notorious Muhammad cartoons and free speech."
"Almost half of all the surveyed teachers in Norway found it [highly] demanding to teach students about topics that may be offensive," the site continues. "Among others, one in three is afraid to show caricatures of Islamic Prophet Muhammad during classes, admittedly for fear of the consequences."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-12-06--Analysis reveals worth of PPP, and need to 'top up' program

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
COVID-19 vaccinations set to begin later this month are nothing short of a Christmas miracle .
They are a product of American ingenuity and capitalism , with a boost from the Trump administration 's Operation Warp Speed .
Yet small businesses , the heart of American capitalism , are currently on life support .
As COVID cases skyrocket and state and local officials enact new restrictions to try to slow the infection rate , small-business employers face a dramatic reduction in revenues .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all over again . ''
TRENDING : Will a Biden administration send our nation into a 3rd depression ?
The finish line in this hellish pandemic marathon is finally in sight .
If businesses can brave the choppy waters of the next few months until the population is vaccinated , then they should be in for relatively smooth sailing as American consumers look to satisfy their pent-up demand .
To offer these businesses a bridge to this bright future , Congress must immediately pass another round of the Paycheck Protection Program , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they maintain their payroll .
With experts projecting vaccination-induced herd immunity by May , we can call such a temporary PPP relief effort `` Operation Mayday . ''
With both houses of Congress in session this week , and a Dec. 11 government funding deadline looming , now is the time to get this relief passed .
The PPP has already proven its worth .
So far this year , the program distributed roughly 5 million forgivable loans worth over $ 500 billion , saving more than 50 million jobs .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 84 % of the nation 's small business workforce .
This bipartisan relief program is one of the most successful in American history .
Now reality necessitates another PPP round .
While big businesses have fared okay during the pandemic , small businesses , especially those in customer-facing sectors , have suffered greatly .
Nearly 100,000 establishments have gone out of business permanently .
Transaction activity suggests that one in five companies that were open in January have closed .
Restaurants , which provide a foothold on the career ladder for countless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially hard hit .
According to Yelp , three-quarters of the nearly 22,000 U.S. restaurants that went out of business between March 1 and Sept. 10 were businesses with fewer than five locations .
Nearly 90 % of restaurants and bars in New York said they could not pay their full rent in August .
Given that every 100 restaurant jobs support an estimated 50 more downstream-supplier positions , this industry 's pain reverberates through the economy .
What 's especially galling to many small business owners is that the politicians and bureaucrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not share the economic consequences .
`` I guarantee the people making these decisions make the same salary regardless of whether there is a shutdown or not , '' said Michael Simhai , a Los Angeles restaurant owner .
`` None of the people who make the decisions to shut down businesses and impact people 's livelihoods ever have their own livelihood impacted , '' echoed Waffle House CEO Walt Ehmer .
Senate Republicans have attempted to pass common-sense legislation , a $ 500 billion proposal that includes $ 310 billion to top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats in the House of Representatives refuse to pass it , holding PPP funds hostage in return for a multi-trillion-dollar blue state bailout that would amount to a debt jubilee for badly governed states and localities .
House Democrats should heed President-elect Joe Biden 's call for unity and come together in a bipartisan fashion to immediately pass these necessary funds for small businesses .
They should also clarify that any past or future PPP funds are entirely tax-free .
Small businesses are not asking for a bailout .
They are doing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep their communities safe while providing much-needed job opportunities .
The least the government can do is help them along for a few more months .
Such support now will pay fiscal and economic dividends later as small businesses -- and a vaccinated nation -- come roaring back in 2021 .

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By Alfredo Ortiz
Real Clear Politics
COVID-19 vaccinations set to begin later this month are nothing short of a Christmas miracle. They are a product of American ingenuity and capitalism, with a boost from the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed.
Yet small businesses, the heart of American capitalism, are currently on life support. As COVID cases skyrocket and state and local officials enact new restrictions to try to slow the infection rate, small-business employers face a dramatic reduction in revenues. For many firms, it's "March all over again."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The finish line in this hellish pandemic marathon is finally in sight. If businesses can brave the choppy waters of the next few months until the population is vaccinated, then they should be in for relatively smooth sailing as American consumers look to satisfy their pent-up demand.
To offer these businesses a bridge to this bright future, Congress must immediately pass another round of the Paycheck Protection Program, which offers them forgivable loans on the condition that they maintain their payroll. With experts projecting vaccination-induced herd immunity by May, we can call such a temporary PPP relief effort "Operation Mayday."
With both houses of Congress in session this week, and a Dec. 11 government funding deadline looming, now is the time to get this relief passed.
The PPP has already proven its worth. So far this year, the program distributed roughly 5 million forgivable loans worth over $500 billion, saving more than 50 million jobs. The PPP protected the jobs of as much as 84% of the nation's small business workforce. This bipartisan relief program is one of the most successful in American history.
Does the Paycheck Protection Program work? 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. 47% (8 Votes) 53% (9 Votes)
Now reality necessitates another PPP round. While big businesses have fared okay during the pandemic, small businesses, especially those in customer-facing sectors, have suffered greatly. Nearly 100,000 establishments have gone out of business permanently. Transaction activity suggests that one in five companies that were open in January have closed.
Restaurants, which provide a foothold on the career ladder for countless young and less-skilled Americans, have been especially hard hit. According to Yelp, three-quarters of the nearly 22,000 U.S. restaurants that went out of business between March 1 and Sept. 10 were businesses with fewer than five locations. Nearly 90% of restaurants and bars in New York said they could not pay their full rent in August. Given that every 100 restaurant jobs support an estimated 50 more downstream-supplier positions, this industry's pain reverberates through the economy.
What's especially galling to many small business owners is that the politicians and bureaucrats implementing new restrictions across the country will not share the economic consequences. "I guarantee the people making these decisions make the same salary regardless of whether there is a shutdown or not," said Michael Simhai, a Los Angeles restaurant owner. "None of the people who make the decisions to shut down businesses and impact people's livelihoods ever have their own livelihood impacted," echoed Waffle House CEO Walt Ehmer.
Senate Republicans have attempted to pass common-sense legislation, a $500 billion proposal that includes $310 billion to top up the PPP. However, obstructionist Democrats in the House of Representatives refuse to pass it, holding PPP funds hostage in return for a multi-trillion-dollar blue state bailout that would amount to a debt jubilee for badly governed states and localities. House Democrats should heed President-elect Joe Biden's call for unity and come together in a bipartisan fashion to immediately pass these necessary funds for small businesses. They should also clarify that any past or future PPP funds are entirely tax-free.
Small businesses are not asking for a bailout. They are doing their civic duty by reducing consumer traffic to keep their communities safe while providing much-needed job opportunities. The least the government can do is help them along for a few more months. Such support now will pay fiscal and economic dividends later as small businesses -- and a vaccinated nation -- come roaring back in 2021.


wnd--2020-12-06--Next administration needs to reach 'comprehensive partnership' with Central America

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear World . ]
Central America was already struggling mightily under the weight of the pandemic .
Back-to-back natural disasters may bring the region to the breaking point .
Hurricane Iota made landfall in late November just two weeks after Hurricane Eta caused widespread damage and displacement .
First responders warned that the humanitarian toll would not quickly be understood .
The region needs help now , but the incoming Biden administration will have to go even further once in office .
Central American nations are ill-prepared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Persistent lack of economic opportunity , weak institutions , insecurity and corruption inhibit sustainable development –– even without the pandemic and a hurricane season exacerbated by climate change .
To confront this crisis , the United States must bring back a comprehensive approach to addressing Central America ’ s longstanding barriers to prosperity .
TRENDING : Will a Biden administration send our nation into a 3rd depression ?
Migration to the United States from Central America is on the rise again , with the leaders of Honduras and Guatemala warning that combined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increases .
Migration becomes a necessity as a result of policy failures both on the U.S. side and in the region itself .
President-elect Joe Biden ’ s proposed strategy would address the push factors behind migration , taking on corruption , galvanizing private investment , and tackling security and economic development .
A comprehensive partnership with Central America will pay dividends for years to come .
Without significant international investment led by the United States , the region will descend further into chaos , squandering the chance to bring supply chains back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ’ s young workforce .
The Biden administration will have to support structural reforms as part of a post-pandemic recovery– , especially with a rapidly closing demographic window .
Before the pandemic , Central American nations faced entrenched social , political , and economic problems .
Inequality , institutional vulnerabilities , and endemic corruption have long hindered inclusive growth , and the deterioration of the rule of law has compounded the region ’ s economic woes .
The pandemic has devastated Central America ’ s already vulnerable economies .
Though national recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with varying success , they have largely failed to reach the informal sector , which covers around 70 % of Central America ’ s workforce .
Fiscal resources to respond to the pandemic are running out , and some countries , like Costa Rica , are at historic deficit levels .
Short-term concerns are urgent , but prospects for regional recovery also require a strategy rooted in opportunities .
The pandemic has underscored the need to bring supply chains closer to home , both to increase certainty and resilience and to contend with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As North American nations implement the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement , existing trade relations with the United States and Europe can make Central America an attractive option for companies seeking to move their supply chains to the Western Hemisphere .
Central America also has a strong demographic advantage .
The working-age population will continue to grow more quickly than the very old and very young for at least the next decade .
We must seize this opportunity .
U.S. support for Central America is more critical than ever .
Over the past four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limiting migration and drug trafficking , and using private sector investment to drive near-shoring .
However , achieving these goals demands a more holistic approach to development in the region .
Substantial obstacles stand in the way of Central America ’ s rich potential .
First , the countries must do more to foster a business-friendly environment .
That means improving governance , increasing transparency and public accountability , and taking serious steps to reduce corruption .
U.S. technical assistance will be essential to build capacity among judges and prosecutors and to generate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States must partner with Central American governments to advance human capital in the region .
Education and skills will not just benefit Central American economies –– developing the region ’ s workforce also benefits U.S. security interests .
When young people can participate in the economy , they are less likely to leave or turn to illicit activities .
Even after decades of instability , conflict , natural disasters , and economic upheaval , the pandemic has presented Central America with an unprecedented crisis .
Let ’ s use this crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center of the Atlantic Council .
He is on Twitter at @ jmarczak .
María Fernanda Bozmoski is Associate Director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center of the Atlantic Council and an author of the recent Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center report “ Central America Economic Reactivation in a COVID-19 World : Finding Sustainable Opportunities in Uncertain Times.
” She is on Twitter at @ MariaBozmoski .
The views expressed are the authors ’ own .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear World.]
By Jason Marczak & Maria Fernanda Bozmoski
Real Clear World
Central America was already struggling mightily under the weight of the pandemic. Back-to-back natural disasters may bring the region to the breaking point.
Hurricane Iota made landfall in late November just two weeks after Hurricane Eta caused widespread damage and displacement. First responders warned that the humanitarian toll would not quickly be understood. The region needs help now, but the incoming Biden administration will have to go even further once in office.
Central American nations are ill-prepared to contend with the challenges facing the region. Persistent lack of economic opportunity, weak institutions, insecurity and corruption inhibit sustainable development –– even without the pandemic and a hurricane season exacerbated by climate change. To confront this crisis, the United States must bring back a comprehensive approach to addressing Central America’s longstanding barriers to prosperity.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Migration to the United States from Central America is on the rise again, with the leaders of Honduras and Guatemala warning that combined climate and economic crises could drive further increases. Migration becomes a necessity as a result of policy failures both on the U.S. side and in the region itself. President-elect Joe Biden’s proposed strategy would address the push factors behind migration, taking on corruption, galvanizing private investment, and tackling security and economic development.
A comprehensive partnership with Central America will pay dividends for years to come. Without significant international investment led by the United States, the region will descend further into chaos, squandering the chance to bring supply chains back to the hemisphere and invest in Central America’s young workforce. The Biden administration will have to support structural reforms as part of a post-pandemic recovery–, especially with a rapidly closing demographic window.
Before the pandemic, Central American nations faced entrenched social, political, and economic problems. Inequality, institutional vulnerabilities, and endemic corruption have long hindered inclusive growth, and the deterioration of the rule of law has compounded the region’s economic woes.
The pandemic has devastated Central America’s already vulnerable economies. Though national recovery plans have deployed a range of measures with varying success, they have largely failed to reach the informal sector, which covers around 70% of Central America’s workforce. Fiscal resources to respond to the pandemic are running out, and some countries, like Costa Rica, are at historic deficit levels.
Should America reach for a 'comprehensive partnership' with Central America? 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. 35% (33 Votes) 65% (60 Votes)
Short-term concerns are urgent, but prospects for regional recovery also require a strategy rooted in opportunities.
The pandemic has underscored the need to bring supply chains closer to home, both to increase certainty and resilience and to contend with the consequences of the U.S.-China trade war. As North American nations implement the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, existing trade relations with the United States and Europe can make Central America an attractive option for companies seeking to move their supply chains to the Western Hemisphere.
Central America also has a strong demographic advantage. The working-age population will continue to grow more quickly than the very old and very young for at least the next decade. We must seize this opportunity.
U.S. support for Central America is more critical than ever. Over the past four years, U.S. policy has focused on limiting migration and drug trafficking, and using private sector investment to drive near-shoring. However, achieving these goals demands a more holistic approach to development in the region.
Substantial obstacles stand in the way of Central America’s rich potential. First, the countries must do more to foster a business-friendly environment. That means improving governance, increasing transparency and public accountability, and taking serious steps to reduce corruption. U.S. technical assistance will be essential to build capacity among judges and prosecutors and to generate buy-in from international investors.
Next, the United States must partner with Central American governments to advance human capital in the region. Education and skills will not just benefit Central American economies –– developing the region’s workforce also benefits U.S. security interests. When young people can participate in the economy, they are less likely to leave or turn to illicit activities.
Even after decades of instability, conflict, natural disasters, and economic upheaval, the pandemic has presented Central America with an unprecedented crisis. Let’s use this crisis for transformative change.
Jason Marczak is the Director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center of the Atlantic Council. He is on Twitter at @jmarczak. María Fernanda Bozmoski is Associate Director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center of the Atlantic Council and an author of the recent Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center report “Central America Economic Reactivation in a COVID-19 World: Finding Sustainable Opportunities in Uncertain Times.” She is on Twitter at @MariaBozmoski. The views expressed are the authors’ own.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear World.]


wnd--2020-12-06--WATCH: Trump arrives at Georgia 'Victory Rally'

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wnd--2020-12-05--Oil industry marching 'forward' despite 'roughest year ever'

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy . ]
The progressive goal to “ transition ” away from oil might not be as easy as some proclaim .
In the U.S. , oil has been our main source of energy since 1950 , when it surpassed coal .
Along with its sister energy source , natural gas , oil dominates the immense U.S. energy complex .
In the U.S. , more than 265 million cars run on oil-based products such as gasoline and diesel fuel ; less than 2 million run on electricity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it packs a much bigger punch than alternatives .
For example , the energy density of gasoline is approximately 47.5 megajoules per kilogram , or some 100 times more than that of an electric car ’ s lithium-ion battery ( about 0.4 MJ/kg ) .
Most Americans probably don ’ t realize that back in 1900 , 40 % of U.S. cars were electric , though they were soon overtaken by Ford ’ s more powerful Model T and its gasoline-powered internal combustion engine ( ICE ) .
Oil ’ s indispensability is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more so in aviation : there is no battery-powered 737 , and there never will be .
TRENDING : Will a Biden administration send our nation into a 3rd depression ?
While wind and solar are undoubtedly growing in importance , they are merely sources of electricity , so they do little to displace our need for oil in transportation .
U.S. politicians looking to restrict choice by forcing on us more expensive , less convenient options such as electric cars should be careful .
Such overreach in energy policy could easily face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and , as the 2018 Paris Yellow Vest protests showed , such reactions can even manifest themselves in the streets .
Each day in 2019 , Americans consumed 410 million gallons of gasoline , 170 million gallons of diesel fuel , and 75 million gallons of jet fuel – an entrenched energy system that will be extraordinarily difficult to overturn .
It routinely gets ignored , for instance , that ICEs are constantly evolving just like electric cars – always getting smaller , better , faster , and cleaner .
Ultimately , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ globally , which is why the U.S. oil industry sees exports as its biggest new opportunity .
Representing 33 % of all energy use , oil underpins globalization and has no material substitute .
Nearly 85 % of the world ’ s population today lives in still-developing countries ( i.e.
, non-OECD ) , where human development understandably takes priority over reducing CO2 emissions .
And these nations can ’ t help but notice that the most developed countries consume the most oil .
The average American uses 2.6 gallons of oil per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese and less than 0.2 for Indians .
If electric cars were so commercially viable , companies would have been relentlessly pursuing their development long ago , and rich nations would not have to force their adoption on citizens .
In addition , a switch to electric cars raises other complications .
It would demand a mining ( for the critical materials needed to produce them ) and electricity generation boom that many environmentalists themselves oppose .
An electric car , for instance , can surge a home ’ s power needs by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for China and India , they would be more aptly described as “ coal cars.
” If oil usage ever did drop in any structural way , it would just lower the cost of its derivatives , making gasoline and diesel even more enticing for the world ’ s poor .
Beyond transport , the International Energy Agency for years has touted petrochemicals as the safest bet for “ more oil , ” now representing 12-15 % of all demand .
A lack of substitutes means that growth in this sector could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in transportation in the already-developed world .
The quiet reality is that , leaving transportation aside , there are over 6,000 everyday products made from oil .
In 2020 , its roughest year ever , the oil industry continues to march forward .
A greater focus on reducing fugitive methane leaks and flaring , deploying cleaner and more efficient technologies , and leveraging net-zero goals is essential to enhance the industry ’ s environmental , social , and corporate governance ( ESG ) positioning .
But the November rise in oil prices , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some E & P firms on positive vaccine news , suggests that the industry ’ s 2020 problems are more temporal than structural .
For now , oil supply far outstrips demand , but that won ’ t last – and an inevitable rebound in demand might just also make an oil price spike inevitable .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy.]
By Jude Clement
Real Clear Energy
The progressive goal to “transition” away from oil might not be as easy as some proclaim. In the U.S., oil has been our main source of energy since 1950, when it surpassed coal. Along with its sister energy source, natural gas, oil dominates the immense U.S. energy complex. In the U.S., more than 265 million cars run on oil-based products such as gasoline and diesel fuel; less than 2 million run on electricity.
Oil won the transport race because it packs a much bigger punch than alternatives. For example, the energy density of gasoline is approximately 47.5 megajoules per kilogram, or some 100 times more than that of an electric car’s lithium-ion battery (about 0.4 MJ/kg). Most Americans probably don’t realize that back in 1900, 40% of U.S. cars were electric, though they were soon overtaken by Ford’s more powerful Model T and its gasoline-powered internal combustion engine (ICE). Oil’s indispensability is clear for heavy trucking, and even more so in aviation: there is no battery-powered 737, and there never will be.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
While wind and solar are undoubtedly growing in importance, they are merely sources of electricity, so they do little to displace our need for oil in transportation. U.S. politicians looking to restrict choice by forcing on us more expensive, less convenient options such as electric cars should be careful. Such overreach in energy policy could easily face a public backlash at the polls – and, as the 2018 Paris Yellow Vest protests showed, such reactions can even manifest themselves in the streets.
Each day in 2019, Americans consumed 410 million gallons of gasoline, 170 million gallons of diesel fuel, and 75 million gallons of jet fuel – an entrenched energy system that will be extraordinarily difficult to overturn. It routinely gets ignored, for instance, that ICEs are constantly evolving just like electric cars – always getting smaller, better, faster, and cleaner.
Ultimately, though, the real gains for oil exist globally, which is why the U.S. oil industry sees exports as its biggest new opportunity. Representing 33% of all energy use, oil underpins globalization and has no material substitute. Nearly 85% of the world’s population today lives in still-developing countries (i.e., non-OECD), where human development understandably takes priority over reducing CO2 emissions. And these nations can’t help but notice that the most developed countries consume the most oil. The average American uses 2.6 gallons of oil per day, compared to 0.45 for the Chinese and less than 0.2 for Indians.
If electric cars were so commercially viable, companies would have been relentlessly pursuing their development long ago, and rich nations would not have to force their adoption on citizens. In addition, a switch to electric cars raises other complications. It would demand a mining (for the critical materials needed to produce them) and electricity generation boom that many environmentalists themselves oppose. An electric car, for instance, can surge a home’s power needs by 50% or more – explaining why, for China and India, they would be more aptly described as “coal cars.”
Will the oil industry recover from the 'roughest year ever'? 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% (11 Votes) 0% (0 Votes)
If oil usage ever did drop in any structural way, it would just lower the cost of its derivatives, making gasoline and diesel even more enticing for the world’s poor. Beyond transport, the International Energy Agency for years has touted petrochemicals as the safest bet for “more oil,” now representing 12-15% of all demand. A lack of substitutes means that growth in this sector could even compensate for any lost oil demand in transportation in the already-developed world. The quiet reality is that, leaving transportation aside, there are over 6,000 everyday products made from oil.
In 2020, its roughest year ever, the oil industry continues to march forward. A greater focus on reducing fugitive methane leaks and flaring, deploying cleaner and more efficient technologies, and leveraging net-zero goals is essential to enhance the industry’s environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) positioning. But the November rise in oil prices, along with a stock market rally for some E&P firms on positive vaccine news, suggests that the industry’s 2020 problems are more temporal than structural. For now, oil supply far outstrips demand, but that won’t last – and an inevitable rebound in demand might just also make an oil price spike inevitable.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy.]


wnd--2020-12-05--Court ruling protects children from transgender drugs

The United Kingdom 's High Court ruled children 16 and under will be protected from life-altering transgender drugs because they generally lack the understanding to make a competent decision .
The ruling came in 23-year-old Keira Bell 's lawsuit against the National Health Service 's Gender Identity Development Service after she was given hormone blockers and cross-sex hormones as a teen , noted the U.K. 's Christian Institute .
She now is `` detransitioning '' back to her birth gender .
The judges found it `` highly unlikely '' that children 13 and under ever could genuinely consent to hormone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health caretakers facilitating children in transgender agendas .
TRENDING : Will a Biden administration send our nation into a 3rd depression ?
It would be `` very doubtful '' children 14 and 15 could as well .
And older teens may lack competency .
But the NHS in recent years has prescribed the drugs for dozens of children .
The ruling said : `` A child under 16 may only consent to the use of medication intended to suppress puberty where he or she is competent to understand the nature of the treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediate and long-term consequences of the treatment , the limited evidence available as to its efficacy or purpose , the fact that the vast majority of patients proceed to the use of cross-sex hormones , and its potential life changing consequences for a child .
`` There will be enormous difficulties in a child under 16 understanding and weighing up this information and deciding whether to consent to the use of puberty blocking medication .
It is highly unlikely that a child aged 13 or under would be competent to give consent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is doubtful that a child aged 14 or 15 could understand and weigh the long-term risks and consequences of the administration of puberty blockers .
`` In respect of young persons aged 16 and over , the legal position is that there is a presumption that they have the ability to consent to medical treatment .
Given the long-term consequences of the clinical interventions at issue in this case , and given that the treatment is as yet innovative and experimental , we recognize that clinicians may well regard these as cases where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought prior to commencing the clinical treatment . ''
Lawyers acting for Bell had argued that young people have too little life experience to understand `` the potentially devastating and lifelong consequences of taking the experimental ‘ sex-swap ’ drugs . ''
Children , the three judges found , need to understand `` the immediate and long-term consequences of the treatment , the limited evidence available as to its efficacy or purpose , the fact that the vast majority of patients proceed to the use of cross-sex hormones , and its potential life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They found children have `` enormous difficulties '' understanding and weighing the consequences .
Bell , according to the institute , said she was delighted with the decision .
Her solicitor , Paul Conrathe , called the ruling `` an historic judgment that protects children who suffer from gender dysphoria . ''
Bell said she wants to protect others from experiencing the life-altering effects of the drugs .
She wants gender dysphoria to be treated through mental health support instead of drugs and surgery , saying `` psychological conditions need psychological treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the clinical interventions involve significant , long-term and , in part , potentially irreversible long-term physical , and psychological consequences for young persons .
The treatment involved is truly life changing , going as it does to the very heart of an individual ’ s identity .
Secondly , at present , it is right to call the treatment experimental or innovative in the sense that there are currently limited studies/evidence of the efficacy or long-term effects of the treatment . ''
They said the clinics ' claim that the patient should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apart perhaps from life-saving treatment , there will be no more profound medical decisions for children than whether to start on this treatment pathway .
In those circumstances we consider that it is appropriate that the court should determine whether it is in the child ’ s best interests to take [ puberty blockers ] , '' the judges said .
Shortly after the ruling was released , the NHS confirmed the Tavistock and Portman Trust has `` immediately suspended new referrals for puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for the under-16s . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed when a court specifically authorizes it .

The United Kingdom's High Court ruled children 16 and under will be protected from life-altering transgender drugs because they generally lack the understanding to make a competent decision.
The ruling came in 23-year-old Keira Bell's lawsuit against the National Health Service's Gender Identity Development Service after she was given hormone blockers and cross-sex hormones as a teen, noted the U.K.'s Christian Institute.
She now is "detransitioning" back to her birth gender.
The judges found it "highly unlikely" that children 13 and under ever could genuinely consent to hormone blockers, which are prescribed routinely by health caretakers facilitating children in transgender agendas.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
It would be "very doubtful" children 14 and 15 could as well. And older teens may lack competency.
But the NHS in recent years has prescribed the drugs for dozens of children.
The ruling said: "A child under 16 may only consent to the use of medication intended to suppress puberty where he or she is competent to understand the nature of the treatment. That includes an understanding of the immediate and long-term consequences of the treatment, the limited evidence available as to its efficacy or purpose, the fact that the vast majority of patients proceed to the use of cross-sex hormones, and its potential life changing consequences for a child.
"There will be enormous difficulties in a child under 16 understanding and weighing up this information and deciding whether to consent to the use of puberty blocking medication. It is highly unlikely that a child aged 13 or under would be competent to give consent to the administration of puberty blockers. It is doubtful that a child aged 14 or 15 could understand and weigh the long-term risks and consequences of the administration of puberty blockers.
Are the courts right to protect children from transgender drugs? 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% (45 Votes) 0% (0 Votes)
"In respect of young persons aged 16 and over, the legal position is that there is a presumption that they have the ability to consent to medical treatment. Given the long-term consequences of the clinical interventions at issue in this case, and given that the treatment is as yet innovative and experimental, we recognize that clinicians may well regard these as cases where the authorization of the court should be sought prior to commencing the clinical treatment."
Lawyers acting for Bell had argued that young people have too little life experience to understand "the potentially devastating and lifelong consequences of taking the experimental ‘sex-swap’ drugs."
Children, the three judges found, need to understand "the immediate and long-term consequences of the treatment, the limited evidence available as to its efficacy or purpose, the fact that the vast majority of patients proceed to the use of cross-sex hormones, and its potential life changing consequences for a child."
They found children have "enormous difficulties" understanding and weighing the consequences.
Bell, according to the institute, said she was delighted with the decision.
Her solicitor, Paul Conrathe, called the ruling "an historic judgment that protects children who suffer from gender dysphoria."
Bell said she wants to protect others from experiencing the life-altering effects of the drugs.
She wants gender dysphoria to be treated through mental health support instead of drugs and surgery, saying "psychological conditions need psychological treatment."
The judges said: "First, the clinical interventions involve significant, long-term and, in part, potentially irreversible long-term physical, and psychological consequences for young persons. The treatment involved is truly life changing, going as it does to the very heart of an individual’s identity. Secondly, at present, it is right to call the treatment experimental or innovative in the sense that there are currently limited studies/evidence of the efficacy or long-term effects of the treatment."
They said the clinics' claim that the patient should make the decision is wrong.
"Apart perhaps from life-saving treatment, there will be no more profound medical decisions for children than whether to start on this treatment pathway. In those circumstances we consider that it is appropriate that the court should determine whether it is in the child’s best interests to take [puberty blockers]," the judges said.
Shortly after the ruling was released, the NHS confirmed the Tavistock and Portman Trust has "immediately suspended new referrals for puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for the under-16s."
A spokesman said new cases would only be allowed when a court specifically authorizes it.


wnd--2020-12-05--World 'nearing a turning point' as COVID-19 vaccines tested

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Policy . ]
The news that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are 95 percent effective at preventing COVID-19 disease , and the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine might be 90 percent effective ( with the right dosage ) , has given the world a much-needed glimmer of hope .
These observed efficacy rates of the vaccines from their Phase 3 clinical trials puts them in the range of the most valuable vaccines in use today and imply that the pandemic would be tamed rapidly when sufficient numbers of people received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was expected by the trial sponsors and public health officials .
While this is certainly welcome news , it requires context , based on the statistical methods used to evaluate efficacy in clinical trials .
In the case of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine , for example , the estimated efficacy is based on 170 observed cases of COVID-19 among trial participants , 162 of whom received the placebo .
Thus , only 8 trial volunteers who received the vaccine developed COVID-19 , which translates into an observed efficacy rate of about 95 percent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our nation into a 3rd depression ?
A reasonable question for those trying to understand the implications of the trial , however , is whether this impressive result could have occurred by chance , given that the sample size of 170 cases is relatively small .
One way to gauge the robustness of the finding is to calculate the range of likely true efficacy rates — i.e.
, the efficacy rate of the vaccine when given to millions or billions of people — based on the results of the Phase 3 trial .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Statistical modeling of vaccine efficacy in phase 3 trials reveals that , based on the Pfizer-BioNTech test , there is around a 99 in 100 chance that the true vaccine efficacy rate for this vaccine is above 90 percent .
In short , in addition to having a high reported efficacy rate from the trial , the results should make us confident that the vaccine will be very effective when widely distributed .
The Phase 3 trial for the Moderna vaccine also reports approximately 95 percent efficacy .
In the trial , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of the disease among trial participants received the placebo .
These results imply that the vaccine has a 99 in 100 chance of being at least 89 percent effective .
Many observers have noted that we should not be surprised that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have similar efficacy rates because they are built on the same mRNA technologies .
The downside of the mRNA vaccines is that they must be stored at very low temperatures , which complicate widespread distribution efforts .
Further , relative to traditional vaccines , the price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines — $ 39 for Pfizer-BioNTech and $ 74 for Moderna for the first round of U.S. purchases — are many times higher than for traditional vaccines .
For this reason , reports of the efficacy of the AstraZeneca-Oxford Phase 3 trial brings more good news , but also more uncertainty .
Unlike the other two vaccines , the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is based on a vaccine technology that only requires refrigeration storage and is priced at around $ 5- $ 10 for two doses .
However , the results from the trial are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efficacy based on 131 cases of the disease was 70 percent , implying a 99 in 100 likelihood of true efficacy exceeding 53 percent .
The results of the AstraZeneca-Oxford trial indicate it may be less effective than the mRNA vaccines .
And there is also more uncertainty in the estimate of its true efficacy .
Still , 70 percent efficacy exceeds the regulatory criteria for approval and compares favorably to pre-trial expectations .
The trial also suggests that the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine could be most effective when administered as a half dose followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month apart — instead of as two full doses at least one month apart ; the observed efficacy for volunteers receiving the half-dose/full dose combination was 90 percent .
However , this result is based on a much smaller sample of participants and thus should be interpreted with some caution .
Fewer than one in four of the participants in the trial who received the vaccine had this dosing regimen .
More data from the trial is required before it can be known whether the true efficacy rate under this regimen is indeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The results of vaccine trials reported in the past few weeks indicate the world is nearing a turning point in the long-term fight against the pandemic .
However , there are still many open questions .
Early indications are that vaccines are equally effective at preventing the disease among high-risk populations as among lower-risk groups .
But , these conclusions are drawn from limited subsamples of the trials .
More data is necessary to determine average efficacy for the elderly and individuals with comorbidities and to see whether efficacy differs across the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question the recent news is promising .
If the successes from the early trials persist as more data is collected , then the world should soon see an easing of the heavy health and economic burdens that the pandemic has imposed .
James C. Capretta is a resident fellow and holds the Milton Friedman chair at the American Enterprise Institute .
Scott Ganz is a research fellow in economic policy studies at AEI and an assistant professor at Georgia Tech ’ s School of Public Policy .
They are the authors of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 Vaccines , ” published in October by AEI .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Policy . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Policy.]
By James C. Capretta & Scott Ganz
Real Clear Policy
The news that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are 95 percent effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, and the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine might be 90 percent effective (with the right dosage), has given the world a much-needed glimmer of hope. These observed efficacy rates of the vaccines from their Phase 3 clinical trials puts them in the range of the most valuable vaccines in use today and imply that the pandemic would be tamed rapidly when sufficient numbers of people received them. They also substantially exceed what was expected by the trial sponsors and public health officials.
While this is certainly welcome news, it requires context, based on the statistical methods used to evaluate efficacy in clinical trials. In the case of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, for example, the estimated efficacy is based on 170 observed cases of COVID-19 among trial participants, 162 of whom received the placebo. Thus, only 8 trial volunteers who received the vaccine developed COVID-19, which translates into an observed efficacy rate of about 95 percent.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
A reasonable question for those trying to understand the implications of the trial, however, is whether this impressive result could have occurred by chance, given that the sample size of 170 cases is relatively small. One way to gauge the robustness of the finding is to calculate the range of likely true efficacy rates — i.e., the efficacy rate of the vaccine when given to millions or billions of people — based on the results of the Phase 3 trial.
Here, there is more good news. Statistical modeling of vaccine efficacy in phase 3 trials reveals that, based on the Pfizer-BioNTech test, there is around a 99 in 100 chance that the true vaccine efficacy rate for this vaccine is above 90 percent. In short, in addition to having a high reported efficacy rate from the trial, the results should make us confident that the vaccine will be very effective when widely distributed.
The Phase 3 trial for the Moderna vaccine also reports approximately 95 percent efficacy. In the trial, 185 out of the 196 total observed cases of the disease among trial participants received the placebo. These results imply that the vaccine has a 99 in 100 chance of being at least 89 percent effective.
Many observers have noted that we should not be surprised that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have similar efficacy rates because they are built on the same mRNA technologies. The downside of the mRNA vaccines is that they must be stored at very low temperatures, which complicate widespread distribution efforts. Further, relative to traditional vaccines, the price tag for two doses of the mRNA vaccines — $39 for Pfizer-BioNTech and $74 for Moderna for the first round of U.S. purchases — are many times higher than for traditional vaccines.
Is the world 'nearing a turning point' with the COVID vaccine? 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. 50% (2 Votes) 50% (2 Votes)
For this reason, reports of the efficacy of the AstraZeneca-Oxford Phase 3 trial brings more good news, but also more uncertainty. Unlike the other two vaccines, the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is based on a vaccine technology that only requires refrigeration storage and is priced at around $5-$10 for two doses. However, the results from the trial are less straightforward to interpret.
The average efficacy based on 131 cases of the disease was 70 percent, implying a 99 in 100 likelihood of true efficacy exceeding 53 percent. The results of the AstraZeneca-Oxford trial indicate it may be less effective than the mRNA vaccines. And there is also more uncertainty in the estimate of its true efficacy. Still, 70 percent efficacy exceeds the regulatory criteria for approval and compares favorably to pre-trial expectations.
The trial also suggests that the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine could be most effective when administered as a half dose followed by a full dose at least one month apart — instead of as two full doses at least one month apart; the observed efficacy for volunteers receiving the half-dose/full dose combination was 90 percent.
However, this result is based on a much smaller sample of participants and thus should be interpreted with some caution. Fewer than one in four of the participants in the trial who received the vaccine had this dosing regimen. More data from the trial is required before it can be known whether the true efficacy rate under this regimen is indeed in line with the mRNA vaccines.
The results of vaccine trials reported in the past few weeks indicate the world is nearing a turning point in the long-term fight against the pandemic. However, there are still many open questions. Early indications are that vaccines are equally effective at preventing the disease among high-risk populations as among lower-risk groups. But, these conclusions are drawn from limited subsamples of the trials. More data is necessary to determine average efficacy for the elderly and individuals with comorbidities and to see whether efficacy differs across the vaccine technologies.
Still, there is no question the recent news is promising. If the successes from the early trials persist as more data is collected, then the world should soon see an easing of the heavy health and economic burdens that the pandemic has imposed.
James C. Capretta is a resident fellow and holds the Milton Friedman chair at the American Enterprise Institute. Scott Ganz is a research fellow in economic policy studies at AEI and an assistant professor at Georgia Tech’s School of Public Policy. They are the authors of “Awaiting the Signal: Assessing the Efficacy of COVID-19 Vaccines,” published in October by AEI.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Policy.]


wnd--2020-12-05--Biden fulfills only campaign promise: 'He's not Donald Trump'

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
Kudos to Joe Biden for already fulfilling his one and only campaign promise : He ’ s not Donald Trump .
Problem is , a four-year term awaits with no mandate for change .
That ’ s the price for conducting one of the most negative campaigns in American history .
It ’ s not that Biden was nasty – though calling the president a “ racist ” and a “ clown ” at the first debate was downright Trumpian .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not .
He was not Trump .
He was not a radical leftist .
He was not against fracking , not against the police , not a supporter of antifa – except when he was , which took us into the realm of the double negative campaign .
TRENDING : Will a Biden administration send our nation into a 3rd depression ?
He pursued that strategy while not really running for office , hunkering down in his Delaware basement .
This helps explain a recent Morning Consult poll that found that 44 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting against Trump .
It also illuminates Biden ’ s surprising lack of coattails , as Democrats lost House seats and Republicans held their own in legislative races as an expected blue wave turned a reddish purple .
Campaigning as the Candidate of Not will make it hard to govern a third term of Yes We Can !
The question that has dogged Biden throughout his 47-year career – what , if anything , does the guy stand for ?
– remains .
Of course , Biden will claim a mandate as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , greater regulation , and a lead-from-behind foreign policy .
But this effort will be complicated by the fact that while more than half the nation found Trump ’ s personality repulsive , his policies were relatively popular .
Domestic initiatives that spurred the economy and an aggressive posture abroad that confronted our enemies while demanding more from our allies are the main reasons Trump was favored to win a second term before COVID-19 emerged .
Biden ’ s early Cabinet picks , which are heavy on Obama administration alums , suggest a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that what the American people want ?
Outside of death and taxes , the future is unpredictable .
But the past shows that Trump ’ s surprise victory in 2016 was not only a rejection of Hillary Clinton but a repudiation of Obama-Biden administration policies that turned the Democrats from a majority to minority party during its eight years .
To state the obvious-but-oft-forgotten point : If the country had believed the liberal line that Barack Obama was a modern Pericles , it wouldn ’ t have taken a flyer on a brash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had never held elective office .
Now that the transition is underway , Biden and his allies are trying to erase that history by pretending that he is already president and that Trump ’ s lingering presence is an existential threat to democracy if he exercises the authority of his office in a way that might conflict with Biden ’ s wishes .
This is the spin we ’ ve been hearing since Iran ’ s top nuclear scientist was assassinated last week – allegedly by the Israelis with U.S. support .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impede Biden ’ s goal of reviving Obama ’ s signature foreign policy initiative , the Iran nuclear deal , which Trump abrogated .
But Trump is merely following existing presidential norms by doing what he can to make it harder for his successor to undo his policies .
Obama did just that , with a vengeance .
In 2016 , Trump ran on improving relations with Russia .
While Obama said little about alleged Russian interference in the election when he thought Hillary Clinton would prevail , he imposed new sanctions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only complicated the president-elect ’ s plans , but led to specious claims that the incoming national security adviser , Gen. Michael Flynn , might have violated the 1799 Logan Act by discussing the sanctions with Russia ’ s ambassador before Trump ’ s inauguration .
This , we now know , was part of a larger Obama administration effort to delegitimize Trump ’ s victory – and his ability to undo the achievements of a president who ruled by fiat rather than legislation – culminating in the bogus Trump/Russia scandal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ still the president .
The message now : The president-elect is in charge .
Biden ’ s claims of a mandate will also be complicated by the resistance Trump faced regarding his signature campaign issue : the wall .
It ’ s hard to think of another candidate who leaned so heavily on such a relatively small , albeit symbolically rich , issue .
If ever a president had a mandate , Trump did -- to build the thing .
Although the price tag for structures that could be easily removed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the multi-trillion-dollar budget , Democrats repeatedly refused to give it to Trump without conditions he opposed .
What ’ s worse , Republicans provided less than enthusiastic support for Trump ’ s promise to construct his “ big , beautiful wall.
” The will of the people be damned .
And so the Candidate of Not can add one more notch to his belt of negativity : He does not have a mandate .

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By J. Peder Zane
Real Clear Politics
Kudos to Joe Biden for already fulfilling his one and only campaign promise: He’s not Donald Trump. Problem is, a four-year term awaits with no mandate for change.
That’s the price for conducting one of the most negative campaigns in American history. It’s not that Biden was nasty – though calling the president a “racist” and a “clown” at the first debate was downright Trumpian. It’s that he ran as the Candidate of Not. He was not Trump. He was not a radical leftist. He was not against fracking, not against the police, not a supporter of antifa – except when he was, which took us into the realm of the double negative campaign.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
He pursued that strategy while not really running for office, hunkering down in his Delaware basement. This helps explain a recent Morning Consult poll that found that 44% of his supporters said they were chiefly voting against Trump.
It also illuminates Biden’s surprising lack of coattails, as Democrats lost House seats and Republicans held their own in legislative races as an expected blue wave turned a reddish purple.
Campaigning as the Candidate of Not will make it hard to govern a third term of Yes We Can! The question that has dogged Biden throughout his 47-year career – what, if anything, does the guy stand for? – remains.
Of course, Biden will claim a mandate as he pushes Democratic Party plans for higher taxes, greater regulation, and a lead-from-behind foreign policy. But this effort will be complicated by the fact that while more than half the nation found Trump’s personality repulsive, his policies were relatively popular. Domestic initiatives that spurred the economy and an aggressive posture abroad that confronted our enemies while demanding more from our allies are the main reasons Trump was favored to win a second term before COVID-19 emerged.
Is Biden the 'Candidate of Not'? 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. 90% (449 Votes) 10% (49 Votes)
Biden’s early Cabinet picks, which are heavy on Obama administration alums, suggest a restoration of the previous regime. Is that what the American people want?
Outside of death and taxes, the future is unpredictable. But the past shows that Trump’s surprise victory in 2016 was not only a rejection of Hillary Clinton but a repudiation of Obama-Biden administration policies that turned the Democrats from a majority to minority party during its eight years.
To state the obvious-but-oft-forgotten point: If the country had believed the liberal line that Barack Obama was a modern Pericles, it wouldn’t have taken a flyer on a brash real estate developer and television star who had never held elective office.
Now that the transition is underway, Biden and his allies are trying to erase that history by pretending that he is already president and that Trump’s lingering presence is an existential threat to democracy if he exercises the authority of his office in a way that might conflict with Biden’s wishes.
This is the spin we’ve been hearing since Iran’s top nuclear scientist was assassinated last week – allegedly by the Israelis with U.S. support. That action is being condemned because it may impede Biden’s goal of reviving Obama’s signature foreign policy initiative, the Iran nuclear deal, which Trump abrogated.
But Trump is merely following existing presidential norms by doing what he can to make it harder for his successor to undo his policies. Obama did just that, with a vengeance. In 2016, Trump ran on improving relations with Russia. While Obama said little about alleged Russian interference in the election when he thought Hillary Clinton would prevail, he imposed new sanctions on the country after she lost. This not only complicated the president-elect’s plans, but led to specious claims that the incoming national security adviser, Gen. Michael Flynn, might have violated the 1799 Logan Act by discussing the sanctions with Russia’s ambassador before Trump’s inauguration.
This, we now know, was part of a larger Obama administration effort to delegitimize Trump’s victory – and his ability to undo the achievements of a president who ruled by fiat rather than legislation – culminating in the bogus Trump/Russia scandal.
The message then: The president is still the president. The message now: The president-elect is in charge. Biden’s claims of a mandate will also be complicated by the resistance Trump faced regarding his signature campaign issue: the wall.
It’s hard to think of another candidate who leaned so heavily on such a relatively small, albeit symbolically rich, issue. If ever a president had a mandate, Trump did -- to build the thing.
Although the price tag for structures that could be easily removed by the next administration was barely a blip in the multi-trillion-dollar budget, Democrats repeatedly refused to give it to Trump without conditions he opposed. What’s worse, Republicans provided less than enthusiastic support for Trump’s promise to construct his “big, beautiful wall.”
The will of the people be damned. And so the Candidate of Not can add one more notch to his belt of negativity: He does not have a mandate.


wnd--2020-12-05--Chinese scientists test 'revolutionary' hypersonic engine

( ZEROHEDGE ) – Chinese scientists have built what they claim is a `` revolutionary '' hypersonic engine that could @ @ @ @ @ as fast as Mach 16 , or about 12,300 mph , according to the South @ @ @ @ @ ) , citing a new paper published in the Chinese Journal of Aeronautics .
The @ @ @ @ @ engine was conducted in a wind tunnel in Beijing suggested unprecedented thrust , fuel efficiency @ @ @ @ @ Scientists believe the engine could operate at Mach 16 , propelling an airframe across the @ @ @ @ @ .
The Chinese paper , titled `` The criteria for airbreathing hypersonic propulsion and its @ @ @ @ @ the sodramjet ( short for `` standing oblique detonation ramjet engine '' ) is an @ @ @ @ @ `` for future aerospace flight . ''
It has no moving parts and uses the @ @ @ @ @ air into the engine , then blended with hydrogen fuel and detonated , discharging out @ @ @ @ @ engine as thrust .

(ZEROHEDGE) – Chinese scientists have built what they claim is a "revolutionary" hypersonic engine that could one day propel an airframe as fast as Mach 16, or about 12,300 mph, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), citing a new paper published in the Chinese Journal of Aeronautics.
The flight test of the hypersonic engine was conducted in a wind tunnel in Beijing suggested unprecedented thrust, fuel efficiency, and operational stability. Scientists believe the engine could operate at Mach 16, propelling an airframe across the world in just two hours.
The Chinese paper, titled "The criteria for airbreathing hypersonic propulsion and its experimental verification," says the sodramjet (short for "standing oblique detonation ramjet engine") is an "airbreathing propulsion" system "for future aerospace flight." It has no moving parts and uses the plane's speed to ram air into the engine, then blended with hydrogen fuel and detonated, discharging out of the back of the engine as thrust.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-12-05--Erdogan says 'Macron must go'

Erdogan says 'Macron must go'

( ZEROHEDGE ) – Recall that in October Turkey 's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his French counterpart `` needs @ @ @ @ @ controversial remarks on the spate of `` Islamist terrorist attacks '' that rocked France .
@ @ @ @ @ it again , making statements to Turkish press following an Islamic prayer service essentially saying @ @ @ @ @ `` Macron is a burden on France .
Macron and France are going through a @ @ @ @ @ My hope is that France gets rid of the Macron trouble as soon as possible @ @ @ @ @ in Istanbul .

(ZEROHEDGE) – Recall that in October Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his French counterpart "needs mental help" over politically controversial remarks on the spate of "Islamist terrorist attacks" that rocked France.
On Friday Erdogan is at it again, making statements to Turkish press following an Islamic prayer service essentially saying 'Macron must go.'
"Macron is a burden on France. Macron and France are going through a very dangerous period actually. My hope is that France gets rid of the Macron trouble as soon as possible," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-12-05--Is China using its clash with Australia as a warning to the world?

( SCMP.COM ) – Until recently , Australia was a poster child for the mutual benefits of trade between China @ @ @ @ @ the two countries ' myriad differences .
These days , it stands out as a @ @ @ @ @ price of getting on the wrong side of Beijing .
The downward spiral of Sino-Australian @ @ @ @ @ to China 's willingness to use trade as a political weapon , galvanizing calls for @ @ @ @ @ and prompting questions in Australia and beyond about how to best handle relations with the @ @ @ @ @ slapped restrictions on billions of dollars of exports in more than a dozen key Australian @ @ @ @ @ beef , coal , copper , timber , and wine – since Canberra in April @ @ @ @ @ into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic .

(SCMP.COM) – Until recently, Australia was a poster child for the mutual benefits of trade between China and liberal democracies, despite the two countries' myriad differences. These days, it stands out as a cautionary tale of the high price of getting on the wrong side of Beijing.
The downward spiral of Sino-Australian relations has drawn global attention to China's willingness to use trade as a political weapon, galvanizing calls for international cooperation to counter Beijing and prompting questions in Australia and beyond about how to best handle relations with the rising superpower.
Beijing has slapped restrictions on billions of dollars of exports in more than a dozen key Australian industries – including barley, beef, coal, copper, timber, and wine – since Canberra in April proposed an independent international inquiry into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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wnd--2020-12-07--Nearly 2/3 of Americans living paycheck to paycheck during pandemic

( CNBC ) -- CHICAGO , Ill. — Money is not something anyone wants to worry about during the holidays .
In a year still ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout however , it appears many will be struggling through the most festive part of 2020 .
A survey finds over 60 percent of Americans say they ’ re now living paycheck-to-paycheck as the year draws to a close .
The poll of over 2,000 Americans , commissioned by Highland Solutions , wanted to see how spending habits and personal finances in the U.S. are holding up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 63 percent of respondents have cut back on their spending due to COVID .
Six in 10 say they ’ re doing it to be more cautious , but 49 percent add it ’ s because of losing income at work .
Between making more frugal choices and statewide shutdowns across America , a majority of respondents say the normal “ night out ” is taking the biggest hit .
Sixty-four percent are cutting down on dining out or ordering takeout .
Another 61 percent add they ’ re seeing fewer movies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 52 percent are traveling less .

(CNBC) -- CHICAGO, Ill. — Money is not something anyone wants to worry about during the holidays. In a year still ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout however, it appears many will be struggling through the most festive part of 2020. A survey finds over 60 percent of Americans say they’re now living paycheck-to-paycheck as the year draws to a close.
The poll of over 2,000 Americans, commissioned by Highland Solutions, wanted to see how spending habits and personal finances in the U.S. are holding up during the pandemic. Their results find 63 percent of respondents have cut back on their spending due to COVID. Six in 10 say they’re doing it to be more cautious, but 49 percent add it’s because of losing income at work.
Between making more frugal choices and statewide shutdowns across America, a majority of respondents say the normal “night out” is taking the biggest hit. Sixty-four percent are cutting down on dining out or ordering takeout. Another 61 percent add they’re seeing fewer movies, 55 percent are buying less clothing, and 52 percent are traveling less.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-12-07--Army vet who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day with 900 under his command dies at 100

( FOX NEWS ) -- An Army veteran from Texas who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day with 900 men @ @ @ @ @ at the age of 100 .
Blatnik was 93 when he returned in 2013 to @ @ @ @ @ exact spot where he landed on June 6 , 1944 , the station reported .

(FOX NEWS) -- An Army veteran from Texas who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day with 900 men under his command has died at the age of 100.
Sgt. Maj. Robert Blatnik died Saturday, according to CBS 11 Dallas.
Blatnik was 93 when he returned in 2013 to Omaha Beach stopping at the exact spot where he landed on June 6, 1944, the station reported.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-12-07--Mom allegedly made toddler smoke from THC vape, let him drink alcohol

Debates about the legalization of marijuana can become heated , but few people would argue that a toddler should be allowed to consume such a drug .
And yet deputies in Brevard County , Florida , say 22-year-old Kiarra Clarisse forced her 2-year-old son to smoke tetrahydrocannabinol , the main active chemical in marijuana , from a vape pen to help his sleeping and eating habits , according to WKMG-TV in Orlando .
The young mother from Merritt Island was arrested Nov. 17 on a child neglect charge .
She was released after posting a $ 5,000 bond , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THC can lead to a litany of issues in adults , let alone children .
The obvious difference is that most adults are aware of the risks they 're taking when they consume it .
Clarisse 's young son clearly was not capable of consenting to use the drug .
TRENDING : The 'Christmas Star ' will be visible in the night sky for the first time in 800 years According to deputies , an ex-girlfriend said Clarisse only wanted to `` party , drink and work in the club '' and did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WKMG reported .
While Clarisse claimed she had never smoked marijuana in her home around her son , the ex-girlfriend disputed that story .
According to WPEC , the woman told deputies that she had reached out to the boy 's father to tell him that on `` several occasions '' she had witnessed Clarisse forcing her son to smoke THC with a vape pen .
The report said the father had already noticed something was amiss when the 2-year-old seemed strangely tired and `` slow '' during his visit with the boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were likely confirmed after he took the boy to the Parish Medical Center in Titusville for a drug test .
The results of the test confirmed the boy had THC in his system , which prompted the child 's father to contact the Brevard Sheriff 's Office , WPEC reported .
It only gets worse , as the deputies said they discovered Clarisse had purposefully caused the boy to fall behind on his immunizations and miss two doctor appointments over the summer .
What reason could she possibly have for doing this ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clarisse had confessed to her that she was afraid a doctor would find THC in her son 's system .
In another shocking accusation , the woman also informed the authorities that Clarisse had permitted other people to give her son alcohol .
Again , an adult enjoying the occasional drink after dinner is unlikely to inflict any serious harm .
However , a child whose brain is still developing is a different story .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , underage drinking can lead to `` [ c @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have life-long effects . ''
For this reason , the image of a toddler drinking alcohol is hardly any better than the image of a child consuming THC .
In fact , it 's an incredibly sad picture .
No matter where anyone stands in terms of adults being able to consume potentially mind-altering substances , there should be universal agreement when it comes to keeping children as far away as possible from THC and alcohol .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Debates about the legalization of marijuana can become heated, but few people would argue that a toddler should be allowed to consume such a drug.
And yet deputies in Brevard County, Florida, say 22-year-old Kiarra Clarisse forced her 2-year-old son to smoke tetrahydrocannabinol, the main active chemical in marijuana, from a vape pen to help his sleeping and eating habits, according to WKMG-TV in Orlando.
The young mother from Merritt Island was arrested Nov. 17 on a child neglect charge. She was released after posting a $5,000 bond, according to WPEC-TV.
According to KidsHealth, THC can lead to a litany of issues in adults, let alone children.
The obvious difference is that most adults are aware of the risks they're taking when they consume it. Clarisse's young son clearly was not capable of consenting to use the drug.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
According to deputies, an ex-girlfriend said Clarisse only wanted to "party, drink and work in the club" and didn't properly care for her son, WKMG reported.
While Clarisse claimed she had never smoked marijuana in her home around her son, the ex-girlfriend disputed that story.
According to WPEC, the woman told deputies that she had reached out to the boy's father to tell him that on "several occasions" she had witnessed Clarisse forcing her son to smoke THC with a vape pen.
The report said the father had already noticed something was amiss when the 2-year-old seemed strangely tired and "slow" during his visit with the boy on Nov. 6.
His worst fears were likely confirmed after he took the boy to the Parish Medical Center in Titusville for a drug test.
The results of the test confirmed the boy had THC in his system, which prompted the child's father to contact the Brevard Sheriff's Office, WPEC reported.
It only gets worse, as the deputies said they discovered Clarisse had purposefully caused the boy to fall behind on his immunizations and miss two doctor appointments over the summer.
What reason could she possibly have for doing this?
According to deputies, the ex-girlfriend said Clarisse had confessed to her that she was afraid a doctor would find THC in her son's system.
In another shocking accusation, the woman also informed the authorities that Clarisse had permitted other people to give her son alcohol.
Again, an adult enjoying the occasional drink after dinner is unlikely to inflict any serious harm.
However, a child whose brain is still developing is a different story.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, underage drinking can lead to "[c]hanges in brain development that may have life-long effects."
For this reason, the image of a toddler drinking alcohol is hardly any better than the image of a child consuming THC.
In fact, it's an incredibly sad picture.
No matter where anyone stands in terms of adults being able to consume potentially mind-altering substances, there should be universal agreement when it comes to keeping children as far away as possible from THC and alcohol.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.