wnd--2020-01-22--25 rules for conservatives

25 rules for conservatives

1 .
Calling yourself a conservative does n't make you one .
Your conservatism should be grounded in knowledge , not clichés – Read classics like `` The Conservative Mind '' and `` Modern Times , '' to better understand the basics of conservatism .
2 .
There is no social conservatism or economic conservatism – no neo-cons or paleo-cons – just conservatism , which encompasses Judeo-Christian morality , free market economics and a rational defense/foreign policy .
3 .
The free market is both moral and practical .
It 's moral because there is a right to property earned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it 's the only economic system that 's worked – produced prosperity throughout the course of history .
Socialism is alien to America and unfit for free men and women .
4 .
Culture is crucial .
The conservative cause also encompasses language , borders and national identity ( patriotism ) .
All three are besieged .
If you 're not willing to defend them , you 're not a conservative , but someone who holds some conservative views .
5 .
An authentic conservative opposes sexual anarchy .
Conservatives reject the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the natural order ( no pun intended ) and an individual 's sex at birth is only a starting point – that a man can become a woman and vice versa through clothes , cosmetics , drugs and surgery .
The left , which revels in overthrowing norms , is pushing legislation to punish those who use the `` wrong '' pronoun – who refuse to pretend that desire can change reality .
6 .
Conservatism is n't libertarianism , though they have certain similarities .
Conservatives reject utopianism .
Libertarians are utopians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ libertarians are dogmatic .
If a tenet of their creed is contradicted by reality , they discard reality .
A Marxist believes in total government ( totalitarianism ) .
A libertarian believes in no government ( anarchy ) , although he usually wo n't admit it .
A conservative believes in limited , constitutional government .
7 .
A conservative foreign policy is based on America 's just national interests .
It 's neither interventionist nor isolationist .
These are dogmatic positions which rule out objective decision-making .
Isolationism versus interventionism is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign conflict is necessary , even essential , and sometimes it 's futile and self-defeating .
8 .
From a conservative perspective , the goal of government is self-defense .
There should be police and courts to protect us at home , and a military and defense policy to defend us and deter aggression abroad .
Today , government itself consists primarily of aggression – aggression against taxpayers , entrepreneurs and those who refuse to subscribe to the left 's latest social lunacy .
9 .
The chief enemies of society are militant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even though they disagree on certain issues , increasingly , these toxic creeds are allied against America .
10 .
Conservatism requires sacrifice .
Saying you 're a conservative is all well and good , but what are you willing to do about it ?
If you 're an armchair conservative , if your conservatism is merely intellectual/rhetorical , you 're not doing the world much good .
11 .
There are no victimless crimes .
Every law is based on certain moral precepts – someone 's judgment of right and wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed to legislating morality means he 's opposed to legislating your morality , not his own .
12 .
A conservative fights for basic human rights .
These are , to paraphrase the Declaration of Independence : Life , Liberty and the Possession of Property .
13 .
A conservative believes in objective truth .
As they used to say on the `` X Files , '' `` The truth is out there . ''
Truth is based on objective reality – not what you want to believe , but what is .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are no women 's rights , minority rights , sexual rights etc.
, only human rights .
A right is either applicable to everyone or it 's applicable to no one .
15 .
Our adversaries are using illegal immigration to abolish America or to radically transform it .
They are using an open-borders policy to efface national identity and keep their party in power indefinitely .
That 's why they not only refuse to guard our borders but are doing whatever they can to encourage illegal immigration , including sanctuary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enclaves they control ) , welfare for illegals , and drivers ' licenses for non-citizens .
When they say we need more diversity , they mean the kind of diversity that strengthens them politically .
If Hispanics voted overwhelmingly conservative , they 'd descend on the border with tanks and drones to defend our sovereignty .
16 .
Keep your eye on the prize .
Many issues matter .
But nationally , the courts matter most .
Tragically , in many cases , the Constitution has come to mean what they say it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at legislating from the bench – getting the judiciary to , in effect , give them laws they could never get though the normal legislative process .
A president will be in office 4 to 8 years .
A federal judge , who serves for life , can sit for 20 years to 30 years or more – never subject to reelection or reconfirmation .
This power must be in the hands of judges who believe in original intent – that the Constitution actually means what it says it means ( fancy that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evolving '' into the blueprint for a Marxist utopia .
17 .
Do n't let them intimidate you .
Leftists are masters of intimidation .
Because their ideology wo n't stand up to scrutiny , they 'll do anything to avoid a debate on the merits .
Their favorite tactic is to accuse conservatives of racism , sexism , xenophobia and the like .
Ignore the allegations and proceed to make your case .
18 .
The letter `` R '' next to a name signifies absolutely nothing .
Republicans are n't automatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not .
Conservatives are in it for the values .
Politicians are in it for the power .
19 .
Do n't fall into the left 's trap by adopting its terminology .
The liberal lexicon comes with a built-in agenda .
For instance , some conservatives follow the media 's lead and use the word `` progressive '' for leftists .
The term implies that they 're for progress and we 're against it .
In fact , the opposite is true .
There is nothing `` progressive '' about socialism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 .
A conservative supports the right to life .
If you do n't ; you 're not .
This is fundamental .
Without life , no other rights are possible .
21 .
Conservative values also include the right to self-defense ( which often necessitates gun ownership ) , freedom of speech ( regardless of how much it offends certain parties ) and freedom of worship .
All are specifically protected by the Bill of Rights , but all predate the Constitution .
The Constitution did n't create rights .
It acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 .
A conservative understands that the family is the foundation of civilization .
The family is God 's unique creation .
It does not change with the seasons or political fashions .
A family is a man and a woman united in marriage and committed to raising the next generation with love and discipline – not two or more persons united by their passions seeking societal sanction for their relationship .
23 .
Do n't look to big business for support .
More often than not , it 's the enemy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but have no moral compass .
Many businesses get rich through political pull .
That makes them natural allies of those in power .
They 're more than willing to sacrifice the national interest for personal gain .
In their advertising and donations , they often support the left 's values .
24 .
When seeking allies look to natural conservative constituencies .
These include active duty military personnel , veterans , law enforcement ( active or retired ) , independent businessmen , regular churchgoers , retirees and the parents of small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future ) .
25 .
You have a noble heritage ; be proud of it .
Conservative values have been affirmed throughout the course of history .
The Founding Fathers were conservatives and , in consequence , gave us a conservative government ( one that severely circumscribed the power of the state and protected individual rights ) .
America grew to greatness by following their values .
Our greatest leaders have all been conservative – to one degree or another – including Washington , John Adams , Lincoln , Calvin Coolidge and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to live up to their example .
Note : This column first appeared at GrasstopsUSA.com .

1. Calling yourself a conservative doesn't make you one. Your conservatism should be grounded in knowledge, not clichés – Read classics like "The Conservative Mind" and "Modern Times," to better understand the basics of conservatism.
2. There is no social conservatism or economic conservatism – no neo-cons or paleo-cons – just conservatism, which encompasses Judeo-Christian morality, free market economics and a rational defense/foreign policy.
3. The free market is both moral and practical. It's moral because there is a right to property earned by honest labor. It's practical because it's the only economic system that's worked – produced prosperity throughout the course of history. Socialism is alien to America and unfit for free men and women.
4. Culture is crucial. The conservative cause also encompasses language, borders and national identity (patriotism). All three are besieged. If you're not willing to defend them, you're not a conservative, but someone who holds some conservative views.
5. An authentic conservative opposes sexual anarchy. Conservatives reject the notion that same-sex relations are part of the natural order (no pun intended) and an individual's sex at birth is only a starting point – that a man can become a woman and vice versa through clothes, cosmetics, drugs and surgery. The left, which revels in overthrowing norms, is pushing legislation to punish those who use the "wrong" pronoun – who refuse to pretend that desire can change reality.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
6. Conservatism isn't libertarianism, though they have certain similarities. Conservatives reject utopianism. Libertarians are utopians of the right. Like Marxists, libertarians are dogmatic. If a tenet of their creed is contradicted by reality, they discard reality. A Marxist believes in total government (totalitarianism). A libertarian believes in no government (anarchy), although he usually won't admit it. A conservative believes in limited, constitutional government.
7. A conservative foreign policy is based on America's just national interests. It's neither interventionist nor isolationist. These are dogmatic positions which rule out objective decision-making. Isolationism versus interventionism is a false dichotomy. Sometimes intervening in a foreign conflict is necessary, even essential, and sometimes it's futile and self-defeating.
8. From a conservative perspective, the goal of government is self-defense. There should be police and courts to protect us at home, and a military and defense policy to defend us and deter aggression abroad. Today, government itself consists primarily of aggression – aggression against taxpayers, entrepreneurs and those who refuse to subscribe to the left's latest social lunacy.
9. The chief enemies of society are militant secularism at home and Islamic extremism abroad. Even though they disagree on certain issues, increasingly, these toxic creeds are allied against America.
10. Conservatism requires sacrifice. Saying you're a conservative is all well and good, but what are you willing to do about it? If you're an armchair conservative, if your conservatism is merely intellectual/rhetorical, you're not doing the world much good.
11. There are no victimless crimes. Every law is based on certain moral precepts – someone's judgment of right and wrong. The person who says he's opposed to legislating morality means he's opposed to legislating your morality, not his own.
12. A conservative fights for basic human rights. These are, to paraphrase the Declaration of Independence: Life, Liberty and the Possession of Property.
13. A conservative believes in objective truth. As they used to say on the "X Files," "The truth is out there." Truth is based on objective reality – not what you want to believe, but what is.
14. There are no special rights. There are no women's rights, minority rights, sexual rights etc., only human rights. A right is either applicable to everyone or it's applicable to no one.
15. Our adversaries are using illegal immigration to abolish America or to radically transform it. They are using an open-borders policy to efface national identity and keep their party in power indefinitely. That's why they not only refuse to guard our borders but are doing whatever they can to encourage illegal immigration, including sanctuary cities (suspension of law enforcement in enclaves they control), welfare for illegals, and drivers' licenses for non-citizens. When they say we need more diversity, they mean the kind of diversity that strengthens them politically. If Hispanics voted overwhelmingly conservative, they'd descend on the border with tanks and drones to defend our sovereignty.
16. Keep your eye on the prize. Many issues matter. But nationally, the courts matter most. Tragically, in many cases, the Constitution has come to mean what they say it means. The left has been successful at legislating from the bench – getting the judiciary to, in effect, give them laws they could never get though the normal legislative process. A president will be in office 4 to 8 years. A federal judge, who serves for life, can sit for 20 years to 30 years or more – never subject to reelection or reconfirmation. This power must be in the hands of judges who believe in original intent – that the Constitution actually means what it says it means (fancy that) and that it isn't "evolving" into the blueprint for a Marxist utopia.
17. Don't let them intimidate you. Leftists are masters of intimidation. Because their ideology won't stand up to scrutiny, they'll do anything to avoid a debate on the merits. Their favorite tactic is to accuse conservatives of racism, sexism, xenophobia and the like. Ignore the allegations and proceed to make your case.
18. The letter "R" next to a name signifies absolutely nothing. Republicans aren't automatically conservative. In most cases, they're not. Conservatives are in it for the values. Politicians are in it for the power.
19. Don't fall into the left's trap by adopting its terminology. The liberal lexicon comes with a built-in agenda. For instance, some conservatives follow the media's lead and use the word "progressive" for leftists. The term implies that they're for progress and we're against it. In fact, the opposite is true. There is nothing "progressive" about socialism or reversion to a pagan culture.
20. A conservative supports the right to life. If you don't; you're not. This is fundamental. Without life, no other rights are possible.
21. Conservative values also include the right to self-defense (which often necessitates gun ownership), freedom of speech (regardless of how much it offends certain parties) and freedom of worship. All are specifically protected by the Bill of Rights, but all predate the Constitution. The Constitution didn't create rights. It acknowledged them. Human rights are God-given.
22. A conservative understands that the family is the foundation of civilization. The family is God's unique creation. It does not change with the seasons or political fashions. A family is a man and a woman united in marriage and committed to raising the next generation with love and discipline – not two or more persons united by their passions seeking societal sanction for their relationship.
23. Don't look to big business for support. More often than not, it's the enemy. Corporations may be great at making money, but have no moral compass. Many businesses get rich through political pull. That makes them natural allies of those in power. They're more than willing to sacrifice the national interest for personal gain. In their advertising and donations, they often support the left's values.
24. When seeking allies look to natural conservative constituencies. These include active duty military personnel, veterans, law enforcement (active or retired), independent businessmen, regular churchgoers, retirees and the parents of small children (who are rightly concerned about the future).
25. You have a noble heritage; be proud of it. Conservative values have been affirmed throughout the course of history. The Founding Fathers were conservatives and, in consequence, gave us a conservative government (one that severely circumscribed the power of the state and protected individual rights). America grew to greatness by following their values. Our greatest leaders have all been conservative – to one degree or another – including Washington, John Adams, Lincoln, Calvin Coolidge and Ronald Reagan. It's up to us to live up to their example.
Note: This column first appeared at GrasstopsUSA.com.


wnd--2020-01-21--Defiant Trump issues 3-word message as impeachment trial begins

President Donald Trump was defiant on Tuesday as the Senate impeachment trial began with opening arguments by his attorneys and the Democratic House impeachment managers .
`` READ THE TRANSCRIPTS ! ''
Trump tweeted from the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland .
Talking to the media earlier in the day , the president described the impeachment proceedings as a `` hoax . ''
`` That whole thing is a hoax , '' he said .
`` It goes nowhere because nothing happened .
The only thing we ’ ve done is a great job . ''
White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his opening argument before the Senate , directing some of his harshest criticism at House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff , who is the House 's lead impeachment manager .
`` Let 's remember how we all got here , '' Cipollone said .
`` They made false allegations about a telephone call .
The president of the United States declassified that telephone call and released it to the public . ''
Turning toward Schiff and his fellow Democratic impeachment managers , Cipollone asked , `` How 's that for transparency ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the release of the transcript of Trump 's July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ( which showed Democratic allegations about a quid pro quo demand to be false ) , Schiff then turned around and made false claims about an earlier call Trump had had with Zelensky .
`` So the president of the United States declassified and released that telephone call .
Still nothing , '' Cipollone said .
`` I 'm unfamiliar with any president of the United States releasing a classified telephone call with a foreign leader .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew both of his claims were false , the congressman `` manufactured a fraudulent version that call '' during a House Intelligence Committee hearing in late September .
`` He read it to the American people , '' Cipollone said .
`` And he did n't tell them it was a complete fake . ''
In his opening argument on Tuesday , Schiff called for the testimony of former National Security Advisor John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney .
`` Let 's get this trial started , shall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our case .
We are ready to call our witnesses .
The question is , will you let us ? ''
Schiff said .
Cipollone responded to the Democrats ' demand for more witnesses after they claimed to have `` overwhelming evidence '' of Trump 's wrongdoing by charging that Schiff and his team are `` afraid to make their case . ''
He argued if he showed up in any court saying his case is overwhelming and then told the judge he needed more evidence to try to make it , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's exactly what should happen here , '' Cipollone said .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

President Donald Trump was defiant on Tuesday as the Senate impeachment trial began with opening arguments by his attorneys and the Democratic House impeachment managers.
"READ THE TRANSCRIPTS!" Trump tweeted from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
READ THE TRANSCRIPTS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2020
Talking to the media earlier in the day, the president described the impeachment proceedings as a "hoax."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"That whole thing is a hoax," he said. "It goes nowhere because nothing happened. The only thing we’ve done is a great job."
White House counsel Pat Cipollone strongly defended Trump during his opening argument before the Senate, directing some of his harshest criticism at House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, who is the House's lead impeachment manager.
“[Schiff] went to the House and he manufactured a fraudulent version of that call… He read it to the American people and he didn’t tell them it was a complete fake.” -Pat Cipollonepic.twitter.com/rjp2dFc2PF — GOP (@GOP) January 21, 2020
"Let's remember how we all got here," Cipollone said. "They made false allegations about a telephone call. The president of the United States declassified that telephone call and released it to the public."
Turning toward Schiff and his fellow Democratic impeachment managers, Cipollone asked, "How's that for transparency?"
The White House attorney argued that after the release of the transcript of Trump's July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (which showed Democratic allegations about a quid pro quo demand to be false), Schiff then turned around and made false claims about an earlier call Trump had had with Zelensky.
"So the president of the United States declassified and released that telephone call. Still nothing," Cipollone said.
"I'm unfamiliar with any president of the United States releasing a classified telephone call with a foreign leader."
Cipollone then said that when Schiff knew both of his claims were false, the congressman "manufactured a fraudulent version that call" during a House Intelligence Committee hearing in late September.
"He read it to the American people," Cipollone said. "And he didn't tell them it was a complete fake."
In his opening argument on Tuesday, Schiff called for the testimony of former National Security Advisor John Bolton and acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney.
"Let's get this trial started, shall we? We are ready to present our case. We are ready to call our witnesses. The question is, will you let us?" Schiff said.
"We are ready...The House calls John Bolton. The House calls Mick Mulvaney. Let's get this trial started, shall we? We are ready to present our case. We are ready to call our witnesses. The question is, will you let us?" - @RepAdamSchiff pic.twitter.com/dcvaQVdgMZ — Karine Jean-Pierre (@K_JeanPierre) January 21, 2020
Cipollone responded to the Democrats' demand for more witnesses after they claimed to have "overwhelming evidence" of Trump's wrongdoing by charging that Schiff and his team are "afraid to make their case."
He argued if he showed up in any court saying his case is overwhelming and then told the judge he needed more evidence to try to make it, he would get thrown out.
"That's exactly what should happen here," Cipollone said.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-22--Biden for Bolton witness swap at Trump impeachment trial?

( WASHINGTON POST ) -- Several Senate Democrats are privately discussing the possibility of calling Republicans ’ bluff on witnesses @ @ @ @ @ in President Trump ’ s impeachment trial : the testimony of Hunter Biden for the @ @ @ @ @ official .
Publicly , most Democrats have scoffed at the growing GOP clamor to hear @ @ @ @ @ ’ s son testify , dismissing him as irrelevant to the charges against Trump and @ @ @ @ @ distract from the allegations against the president .
But behind closed doors , a small @ @ @ @ @ aides has begun to question that logic , sounding out colleagues on whether to back @ @ @ @ @ lead to testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton or other administration officials with @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine controversy , according to multiple Democratic officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity @ @ @ @ @ .

(WASHINGTON POST) -- Several Senate Democrats are privately discussing the possibility of calling Republicans’ bluff on witnesses, weighing an unusual trade in President Trump’s impeachment trial: the testimony of Hunter Biden for the testimony of a key administration official.
Publicly, most Democrats have scoffed at the growing GOP clamor to hear former vice president Joe Biden’s son testify, dismissing him as irrelevant to the charges against Trump and accusing Republicans of trying to distract from the allegations against the president.
But behind closed doors, a small group of Democratic senators and aides has begun to question that logic, sounding out colleagues on whether to back a witness deal that could lead to testimony from former national security adviser John Bolton or other administration officials with possible firsthand knowledge of the Ukraine controversy, according to multiple Democratic officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the private discussions.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-22--White House's secret weapon: Cipollone, Sekulow and Philbin

In the Senate impeachment trial Tuesday , the president 's attorneys used a minimum of words in making their cogent arguments – and some good old-fashioned hardball – as the made a mockery of the House managers .
The White House attorneys used less than a quarter of the time permitted to House managers to respond to pleas for getting the Senate to allow them some additional firepower .
The answer was clear – not a chance .
`` Senator ( Chuck ) Schumer said earlier today that the eyes of the founders are on these proceedings , '' White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Indeed , that 's true , but it is the heart of the Constitution that governs these proceedings .
What we just heard , from Manager ( Adam ) Schiff – courts have no role , privileges do n't apply , what happened in the past , we should just ignore . ''
I quickly found a way to enjoy the hearings : Watch them selectively .
Stay tuned only to all the president 's men .
TRENDING : Fisherman pulls orange box from seafloor , U.S. Navy calls shortly after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Manager Schiff just said , 'try to summarize my colleague 's defense of the president . '
He said it not in those words , of course , which is not the first time Mr. Schiff has put words into transcripts that did not exist .
Mr. Schiff also talked about a trifecta .
I 'll give you a trifecta .
During the proceedings that took place before the [ House ] Judiciary Committee .
The president was denied the right to cross-examine witnesses .
The president was denied the right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied the right to have counsel present at hearings .
That 's a trifecta – a trifecta that violates the Constitution of the United States , '' Sekulow said .
He also took off on the report of Robert Mueller .
`` One manager said that it is you that are on trial – the Senate , '' the president 's attorney said .
`` He also said that – and others did – that you 're not capable of abiding by your oath , and then we had the invocation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know something about that report .
It came up empty on the issue of collusion with Russia .
There was no obstruction .
In fact , the Mueller report , contrary to what these managers say today , came to the exact opposite conclusions of what they say .
Let me quote from the House impeachment report , at page 16 , 'Although President Trump has at times invoked the notion of due process , an impeachment trial , an impeachment inquiry is not a criminal trial and should not be confused with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Believe me , what has taken place in these proceedings is not to be confused with due process , because due process demands , and the Constitution requires that fundamental fairness and due process – we 're hearing a lot about due process – due process is designed to protect the person accused . ''
Choosing their words carefully , Pat Cipollone and Patrick Philbin were there to provide a helping hand to Sekulow .
`` Let 's remember how we all got here , '' Cipollone said .
`` They made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president of the United States declassified that telephone call and released it to the public .
How 's that for transparency ? ''
The bottom line for the Democrats in 2020 is keeping the Trump presidency off the ballot .
`` It 's buried in the small print of their ridiculous articles of impeachment . ''
said Cipollone .
`` They want to remove President Trump from the ballot .
They wo n't tell you that .
They do n't have the guts to say it directly , but that 's exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

In the Senate impeachment trial Tuesday, the president's attorneys used a minimum of words in making their cogent arguments – and some good old-fashioned hardball – as they made a mockery of the House managers.
The White House attorneys used less than a quarter of the time permitted to House managers to respond to pleas for getting the Senate to allow them some additional firepower.
The answer was clear: Not a chance.
"Senator (Chuck) Schumer said earlier today that the eyes of the founders are on these proceedings," White House attorney Jay Sekulow told the senators. "Indeed, that's true, but it is the heart of the Constitution that governs these proceedings. What we just heard, from Manager (Adam) Schiff – courts have no role, privileges don't apply, what happened in the past, we should just ignore."
I quickly found a way to enjoy the hearings: Watch them selectively. Stay tuned only to all the president's men.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"In fact, Manager Schiff just said, 'try to summarize my colleague's defense of the president.' He said it not in those words, of course, which is not the first time Mr. Schiff has put words into transcripts that did not exist. Mr. Schiff also talked about a trifecta. I'll give you a trifecta. During the proceedings that took place before the [House] Judiciary Committee, the president was denied the right to cross-examine witnesses, the president was denied the right to access evidence, and the president was denied the right to have counsel present at hearings. That's a trifecta – a trifecta that violates the Constitution of the United States," Sekulow said.
He also took off on the report of Robert Mueller.
"One manager said that it is you that are on trial – the Senate," the president's attorney said. "He also said that – and others did – that you're not capable of abiding by your oath, and then we had the invocation of the ghost of the Mueller report. I know something about that report. It came up empty on the issue of collusion with Russia. There was no obstruction. In fact, the Mueller report, contrary to what these managers say today, came to the exact opposite conclusions of what they say. Let me quote from the House impeachment report, at page 16, 'Although President Trump has at times invoked the notion of due process, an impeachment trial, an impeachment inquiry is not a criminal trial and should not be confused with it,'" Sekulow said.
"Believe me, what has taken place in these proceedings is not to be confused with due process, because due process demands, and the Constitution requires that fundamental fairness and due process – we're hearing a lot about due process – due process is designed to protect the person accused."
Choosing their words carefully, Pat Cipollone and Patrick Philbin were there to provide a helping hand to Sekulow.
"Let's remember how we all got here," Cipollone said. "They made false allegations about a telephone call. The president of the United States declassified that telephone call and released it to the public. How's that for transparency?"
The bottom line for the Democrats in 2020 is keeping the Trump presidency off the ballot.
"It's buried in the small print of their ridiculous articles of impeachment." said Cipollone. "They want to remove President Trump from the ballot. They won't tell you that. They don't have the guts to say it directly, but that's exactly what they're here to do."


wnd--2020-01-22--Jim Acosta intercepts Ivanka, watch him get blown off and left in the dust

Well-known CNN personality Jim Acosta tried to intercept Ivanka Trump this week , but was expertly boxed out as her security detail left the reporter in the dust .
The network 's chief White House correspondent confronted the first daughter Tuesday in Davos , Switzerland .
Ivanka Trump and her father , President Donald Trump , were in the European nation for the World Economic Forum .
But instead of asking about the state of the world 's finances , it seems Acosta had a different agenda .
The CNN reporter hounded the first daughter and senior White House adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , asking her about her father 's impeachment troubles .
TRENDING : Fisherman pulls orange box from seafloor , U.S. Navy calls shortly after he posts a pic In what was likely a devastating blow to Acosta 's ego , it did n't appear as though he was even acknowledged .
As she continued through the venue , Acosta kept trying .
While he was attempting in vain to get an answer out of Trump , a member of her security detail expertly positioned himself between the two .
Eventually , Acosta appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue his antics .
Watch the video of Acosta being expertly brushed aside below : It seems Ivanka Trump was n't in Switzerland to answer CNN 's impeachment questions .
`` Headed to Davos to call on the world ’ s largest employers to sign our [ Pledge to America 's Workers ] , '' she tweeted Monday , `` and join us in unleashing the potential of our people and accelerating the historic wave of opportunity , wage growth and job creation in the United States . ''
`` Ivanka Trump declines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her father ’ s impeachment trial as it gets underway , '' Acosta wrote on his own Twitter account after the humbling encounter .
Acosta , of course , has clashed with President Trump on numerous occasions .
Aocsta 's behavior in these displays has sparked accusations of showboating on the part of the CNN reporter .
This sort of rude and interrupting behavior even cost Acosta his White House media pass in 2018 .
After CNN filed suit , the White House reinstated his pass with a set of hard rules the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Acosta , he was n't even able to get Ivanka Trump to acknowledge him .
With at least another year likely remaining in President Trump 's term , this wo n't be the last chance for Acosta to hound the presidential family .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Well-known CNN personality Jim Acosta tried to intercept Ivanka Trump this week, but was expertly boxed out as her security detail left the reporter in the dust.
The network's chief White House correspondent confronted the first daughter Tuesday in Davos, Switzerland.
Ivanka Trump and her father, President Donald Trump, were in the European nation for the World Economic Forum.
But instead of asking about the state of the world's finances, it seems Acosta had a different agenda.
The CNN reporter hounded the first daughter and senior White House adviser as she descended a set of stairs, asking her about her father's impeachment troubles.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
In what was likely a devastating blow to Acosta's ego, it didn't appear as though he was even acknowledged.
As she continued through the venue, Acosta kept trying.
While he was attempting in vain to get an answer out of Trump, a member of her security detail expertly positioned himself between the two.
Eventually, Acosta appeared to be too far behind Trump to continue his antics.
Watch the video of Acosta being expertly brushed aside below:
It seems Ivanka Trump wasn't in Switzerland to answer CNN's impeachment questions.
"Headed to Davos to call on the world’s largest employers to sign our [Pledge to America's Workers]," she tweeted Monday, "and join us in unleashing the potential of our people and accelerating the historic wave of opportunity, wage growth and job creation in the United States."
Headed to Davos to call on the world’s largest employers to sign our #PledgetoAmericasWorkers and join us in unleashing the potential of our people and accelerating the historic wave of opportunity, wage growth and job creation in the United States. — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) January 20, 2020
"Ivanka Trump declines to comment to [CNN] on her father’s impeachment trial as it gets underway," Acosta wrote on his own Twitter account after the humbling encounter.
Acosta, of course, has clashed with President Trump on numerous occasions.
Aocsta's behavior in these displays has sparked accusations of showboating on the part of the CNN reporter.
This sort of rude and interrupting behavior even cost Acosta his White House media pass in 2018.
After CNN filed suit, the White House reinstated his pass with a set of hard rules the reporter was to follow.
Unfortunately for Acosta, he wasn't even able to get Ivanka Trump to acknowledge him.
With at least another year likely remaining in President Trump's term, this won't be the last chance for Acosta to hound the presidential family.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-22--Even Dem senator who vowed to convict Trump says House Dems didn't do their job

Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono has been at the head of the President Donald Trump impeachment train for as far back as we can remember .
Her temper tantrum over the results of the 2016 presidential election has rivaled only those of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , California Rep. Adam Schiff and New York Rep. Jerry Nadler .
In fact , Hirono pledged to convict the president a month ago , before she had all the evidence .
Which is why it comes as something of a surprise that she has blasted her Democratic colleagues in the House for their failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Appearing on CNN with Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper on Monday , the ornery senator was as irritable as ever .
TRENDING : Fisherman pulls orange box from seafloor , U.S. Navy calls shortly after he posts a pic Blitzer began the interview by noting that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell likely had enough votes to pass his rules for the impeachment trial .
“ Senator Schumer says Democrats will fight it .
Realistically , what options does your party have at least now ?
” Blitzer asked the senator .
Hirono fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` is to continue to offer an amendment to the McConnell process , and also during the trial , the house managers will be able to propose motions . ''
“ So there will be votes .
Any time that either side calls for witnesses , there will be votes .
So that ’ s what we ’ re going to do , ” she said .
“ We can be the loyal opposition to the end .
But the good thing , Wolf , is that this is a trial without witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard of such a thing ?
And this is why the American people — they are on our side , and wanting to have a fair trial . ''
The American people are on their side ?
Which ones ?
The ones in the bubble they live in where the only voices they hear are those of the people who agree with them ?
Blitzer went on to ask Hirono about Senate Republicans ' plans for the trial .
“ One of the departures from the Clinton trial some 21 years ago is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not be automatically admitted .
It will now require a vote , ” the CNN host said .
“ Are you concerned by not subpoenaing witnesses or documents , the house , the House of Representatives may not have the strongest case here , that some of this evidence actually will be dismissed ?
” he asked the senator .
“ Every time I hear Mitch McConnell say that they ’ re following the Clinton playbook , I just want to say ‘ give me a break , ’ ” Hirono responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive departure , because of course during the Clinton impeachment there had already been a lot of witnesses , a lot of depositions taken , lots of evidence produced -- none of which occurred in this instance , with President Trump stonewalling every request .
“ So I ’ m shocked .
But , you know , nothing that Mitch McConnell does to speed up this trial and make it harder for the process to be fair surprises me anymore , ” she said .
Hirono took some time to mock the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the question that had her tear into her own party .
“ During the Senate trial 21 years ago for Bill Clinton ’ s impeachment , the testimonies were done behind closed doors , videotaped and then the video excerpts were shown to the members of the Senate .
That would be following the Clinton precedent .
Would that be acceptable to you ?
” he asked .
“ If we ’ re following the Clinton precedent , there would have been all of the discovery done at the House level and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all , ” the Hawaii senator replied before catching herself and turning her attention back to Republicans .
“ They want to trickle out and limit as much as possible anything that any witness that we want can testify to , so that is their whole modus operandus , to limit the information that is produced for our consideration as well as to the American public .
It is all par for the course with those guys , ” she said .
But lack of evidence or not , she has still vowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really mattered to her if there was evidence for impeachment .
The crime the president committed in her eyes is having the audacity to win the 2016 presidential election .
And for that he is guilty as charged .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono has been at the head of the President Donald Trump impeachment train for as far back as we can remember.
Her temper tantrum over the results of the 2016 presidential election has rivaled only those of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Rep. Adam Schiff and New York Rep. Jerry Nadler.
In fact, Hirono pledged to convict the president a month ago, before she had all the evidence. Which is why it comes as something of a surprise that she has blasted her Democratic colleagues in the House for their failure to do their job on impeachment.
The fact is @realDonaldTrump shook down the Ukrainian President for his personal, political gain with a taxpayer-funded bribe. He has yet to present a defense, which leaves us with the overwhelming evidence that he committed impeachable offenses. pic.twitter.com/chBiJlLunZ — Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) December 19, 2019
Appearing on CNN with Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper on Monday, the ornery senator was as irritable as ever.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Blitzer began the interview by noting that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell likely had enough votes to pass his rules for the impeachment trial.
“Senator Schumer says Democrats will fight it. Realistically, what options does your party have at least now?” Blitzer asked the senator.
Hirono fired back saying that the Democrats' option "is to continue to offer an amendment to the McConnell process, and also during the trial, the house managers will be able to propose motions."
“So there will be votes. Any time that either side calls for witnesses, there will be votes. So that’s what we’re going to do,” she said.
“We can be the loyal opposition to the end. But the good thing, Wolf, is that this is a trial without witnesses or without the appropriate documents. Whoever heard of such a thing? And this is why the American people — they are on our side, and wanting to have a fair trial."
The American people are on their side? Which ones? The ones in the bubble they live in where the only voices they hear are those of the people who agree with them?
Blitzer went on to ask Hirono about Senate Republicans' plans for the trial.
“One of the departures from the Clinton trial some 21 years ago is that the evidence from the house investigation will not be automatically admitted. It will now require a vote,” the CNN host said.
“Are you concerned by not subpoenaing witnesses or documents, the house, the House of Representatives may not have the strongest case here, that some of this evidence actually will be dismissed?” he asked the senator.
WATCH: Sen. Hirono, who has already said she will "vote to convict him," tells CNN that House Dems didn't do their job: "If we were following the Clinton precedent, there would have been all of this discovery done at the House level, and that's not what's happening at all." pic.twitter.com/oOY30SUTRn — Mark Bednar (@MarkBednar) January 21, 2020
“Every time I hear Mitch McConnell say that they’re following the Clinton playbook, I just want to say ‘give me a break,’” Hirono responded.
“This is another departure, massive departure, because of course during the Clinton impeachment there had already been a lot of witnesses, a lot of depositions taken, lots of evidence produced -- none of which occurred in this instance, with President Trump stonewalling every request.
“So I’m shocked. But, you know, nothing that Mitch McConnell does to speed up this trial and make it harder for the process to be fair surprises me anymore,” she said.
Hirono took some time to mock the president and his supporters before Tapper asked her the question that had her tear into her own party.
“During the Senate trial 21 years ago for Bill Clinton’s impeachment, the testimonies were done behind closed doors, videotaped and then the video excerpts were shown to the members of the Senate. That would be following the Clinton precedent. Would that be acceptable to you?” he asked.
“If we’re following the Clinton precedent, there would have been all of the discovery done at the House level and that’s not what's happening at all,” the Hawaii senator replied before catching herself and turning her attention back to Republicans.
“They want to trickle out and limit as much as possible anything that any witness that we want can testify to, so that is their whole modus operandus, to limit the information that is produced for our consideration as well as to the American public. It is all par for the course with those guys,” she said.
But lack of evidence or not, she has still vowed to convict the president because it never really mattered to her if there was evidence for impeachment.
The crime the president committed in her eyes is having the audacity to win the 2016 presidential election.
And for that he is guilty as charged.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-23--Trump returns to World Economic Forum, announces fulfillment of promise made 2 years earlier

President Trump returned to the World Economic Forum in Davos , Switzerland , this week for the first time in two years .
At the 2018 forum , Trump had promised that the `` great American comeback '' had officially been launched , and this year he chose to let the world know that he had kept his promise .
In a speech on Tuesday , Trump went on to tout the American economy despite the impeachment trial taking place back home .
According to the New York Times , this was the first international stage appearance the president has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ articles of impeachment to the Senate .
Since Trump 's bold promise at the 2018 World Economic Forum , Americans have seen a large surge in the economy .
The unemployment rate of 3.9 percent is the lowest it 's been in 50 years .
TRENDING : Jim Acosta intercepts Ivanka , watch him get blown off and left in the dust The housing market is up 16.9 percent just from November and is the highest it 's been since 2016 , according to CNBC .
During the forum , President Trump touted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before , '' the president said .
He declared that `` the American dream is back bigger , better and stronger than ever before . ''
According to Fox News , Trump also used the first day of his two-day trip to vow to never let `` radical socialists '' get in the way of the booming economy .
The president also discussed his United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations made have strengthened the relationships between the countries involved .
Fox News reported that Trump said that his relationship with China 's president Xi Jinping `` has never been better . ''
`` He is for China , I 'm for the U.S. , but other than that , we love each other , '' Trump said at the forum .
The president not only addressed the economic success of the U.S. , but he also brought up his environmental policies .
While Trump is a vocal skeptic of `` prophets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greta Thunberg , he did announce that his administration was committed to joining an initiative aiming to plant 1 trillion trees around the world to absorb carbon emissions from industrialization .
`` We 're committed to conserving the majesty of God ’ s creation and the natural beauty of our world , '' Trump said , according to the Washington Examiner .
Prior to Trump 's trip , there had been `` speculation '' he might cancel it because of the impeachment trial , according to Fox , but he chose to highlight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the forum , and the fulfillment of a promise .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

President Trump returned to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week for the first time in two years.
At the 2018 forum, Trump had promised that the "great American comeback" had officially been launched, and this year he chose to let the world know that he had kept his promise. In a speech on Tuesday, Trump went on to tout the American economy despite the impeachment trial taking place back home.
According to the New York Times, this was the first international stage appearance the president has made since House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent articles of impeachment to the Senate.
Since Trump's bold promise at the 2018 World Economic Forum, Americans have seen a large surge in the economy.
The unemployment rate of 3.9 percent is the lowest it's been in 50 years.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Look at Obama's numbers. He was a wet blanket on the US economy.https://t.co/Zh3FZcIa3n — David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) January 17, 2020
The housing market is up 16.9 percent just from November and is the highest it's been since 2016, according to CNBC.
During the forum, President Trump touted the booming American economy.
"Today I'm proud to declare the United States is in the midst of an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen before," the president said.
He declared that "the American dream is back bigger, better and stronger than ever before."
Tax cuts, paid family leave, a doubled child tax credit and expanded childcare access and affordability nationwide — just some of the ways @realDonaldTrump is winning big for America’s hard working families! 🇺🇸 #wef20 #davos pic.twitter.com/pv8jHG8Ta9 — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) January 22, 2020
According to Fox News, Trump also used the first day of his two-day trip to vow to never let "radical socialists" get in the way of the booming economy.
The president also discussed his United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and China trade deals, saying that the negotiations made have strengthened the relationships between the countries involved.
Fox News reported that Trump said that his relationship with China's president Xi Jinping "has never been better."
"He is for China, I'm for the U.S., but other than that, we love each other," Trump said at the forum.
The president not only addressed the economic success of the U.S., but he also brought up his environmental policies.
While Trump is a vocal skeptic of "prophets of doom" climate activists like Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, he did announce that his administration was committed to joining an initiative aiming to plant 1 trillion trees around the world to absorb carbon emissions from industrialization.
"We're committed to conserving the majesty of God’s creation and the natural beauty of our world," Trump said, according to the Washington Examiner.
Prior to Trump's trip, there had been "speculation" he might cancel it because of the impeachment trial, according to Fox, but he chose to highlight the state of the American economy at the forum, and the fulfillment of a promise.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-23--Sen.  Hawley: Nadler accused senators of treason

( FOX NEWS ) -- Sen. Josh Hawley , R-Mo.
, told `` Tucker Carlson Tonight '' Wednesday that he @ @ @ @ @ Justice John Roberts admonish litigators the way had admonished House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler @ @ @ @ @ President Trump 's legal team near the end of the first day of the Senate @ @ @ @ @ 's really extraordinary .
I can say as somebody who has actually worked for John @ @ @ @ @ , who used to clerk for the Chief Justice .
`` I have never seen @ @ @ @ @ any bench that I have ever seen him sit on . ''
Roberts pounded the @ @ @ @ @ responded to Nadler 's accusations before telling those assembled it was `` appropriate at this @ @ @ @ @ both the House managers and the president 's counsel in equal terms . ''

(FOX NEWS) -- Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., told "Tucker Carlson Tonight" Wednesday that he had never seen U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts admonish litigators the way had admonished House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y. and members of President Trump's legal team near the end of the first day of the Senate impeachment trial.
"It's really extraordinary. I can say as somebody who has actually worked for John Roberts," said Hawley, who used to clerk for the Chief Justice. "I have never seen him do that before from any bench that I have ever seen him sit on."
Roberts pounded the gavel as Trump attorneys pointedly responded to Nadler's accusations before telling those assembled it was "appropriate at this point for me to admonish both the House managers and the president's counsel in equal terms."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-23--Nunes: Schiff doing 'nefarious things' with Lev Parnas

( WASHINGTON EXAMINER ) -- Rep. Devin Nunes accused Democrats of doing `` nefarious things '' with Lev Parnas , @ @ @ @ @ Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani who provided documents to House investigators as part of their investigation @ @ @ @ @ dealings with Ukraine .
With the impeachment case entering the trial phase , House Democrats @ @ @ @ @ that showed Nunes 's aide , Derek Harvey , talking with Parnas about the effort @ @ @ @ @ Vice President Joe Biden from Ukrainian prosecutors .
Nunes also had a phone call with @ @ @ @ @ Parnas , who , along with another Giuliani associate , Igor Fruman , was charged @ @ @ @ @ funnel foreign money to Republican politicians , is a tricky business , Nunes argued during @ @ @ @ @ Fox News host Sean Hannity .
He pointed to a CNN report he has disputed @ @ @ @ @ , Joseph Bondy , claimed his client was willing to tell Congress that the congressman @ @ @ @ @ prosecutor in Vienna in 2018 .

(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) -- Rep. Devin Nunes accused Democrats of doing "nefarious things" with Lev Parnas, an indicted former associate of Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani who provided documents to House investigators as part of their investigation into President Trump's alleged dealings with Ukraine.
With the impeachment case entering the trial phase, House Democrats released a document this week that showed Nunes's aide, Derek Harvey, talking with Parnas about the effort to obtain dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden from Ukrainian prosecutors. Nunes also had a phone call with Parnas.
But dealing with Parnas, who, along with another Giuliani associate, Igor Fruman, was charged over an alleged scheme to funnel foreign money to Republican politicians, is a tricky business, Nunes argued during an interview Tuesday evening with Fox News host Sean Hannity. He pointed to a CNN report he has disputed in which Parnas's lawyer, Joseph Bondy, claimed his client was willing to tell Congress that the congressman met with a top Ukrainian prosecutor in Vienna in 2018.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-23--Trump to be 1st president to speak at March for Life

( WASHINGTON EXAMINER ) -- President Trump will deliver an in-person speech on Friday at the March for Life , @ @ @ @ @ Washington protesting the legalization of abortion .
Trump will be the first president in history @ @ @ @ @ , one of the highest-profile events of the anti-abortion movement .
March for Life is @ @ @ @ @ having taken place every year since the passage of Roe v. Wade , the Supreme @ @ @ @ @ nationwide .
Last year , Vice President Mike Pence made a surprise appearance at the @ @ @ @ @ .
The president also gave a message of support for the cause to attendees through @ @ @ @

(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) -- President Trump will deliver an in-person speech on Friday at the March for Life, an annual rally held in Washington protesting the legalization of abortion.
Trump will be the first president in history to appear at the march, one of the highest-profile events of the anti-abortion movement. March for Life is in its 47th year, having taken place every year since the passage of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
Last year, Vice President Mike Pence made a surprise appearance at the march before roughly 100,000 attendees. The president also gave a message of support for the cause to attendees through a live video.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-01-23--21 attorneys general send letter to Senate blasting 'ruinous' impeachment

In a scathing letter , 21 state attorneys general lashed out at the impeachment of President Donald Trump , calling it “ ruinous ” to the country .
The attorney generals , who are all Republicans , sent the letter Wednesday as they asked the Senate to reject the Democrats ' arguments .
“ As Attorneys General of 21 States whose citizens and Electoral College delegates voted in the 2016 presidential election , we have a special duty to defend the integrity of the votes cast by those citizens and electors during that election , ” they said in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go well beyond that particular election .
This impeachment proceeding threatens all future elections and establishes a dangerous historical precedent , ” the attorneys general said .
“ That new precedent will erode the separation of powers shared by the executive and legislative branches by subjugating future Presidents to the whims of the majority opposition party in the House of Representatives , '' they said .
`` Thus , our duty to current and future generations commands us to urge the Senate to not only reject the two articles of impeachment … as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis , but also as being fundamentally flawed as a matter of constitutional law .
TRENDING : Jim Acosta intercepts Ivanka , watch him get blown off and left in the dust '' If not expressly repudiated by the Senate , the theories animating both Articles will set a precedent that is entirely contrary to the Framers ' design and ruinous to the most important governmental structure protections contained in our Constitution : the separation of powers . ''
The attorneys general accused the Democrats of impeaching the president because they are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election and want to undo it .
“ Impeachment should never be a partisan response to one party losing a presidential election , '' they wrote .
`` If successful , an impeachment proceeding nullifies the votes of millions of citizens .
“ The Democrat-controlled House passing of these constitutionally-deficient articles of impeachment amounts , at bottom , to a partisan political effort that undermines the democratic process itself .
“ Even an unsuccessful effort to impeach the President undermines the integrity of the 2020 presidential election because it weaponizes a process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rare circumstances and should never be used for partisan purposes .
“ Impeachment may cast a pall over the office of the presidency , undermines the President ’ s constitutional authority , and taints his -- and America ’ s -- standing with foreign leaders and ultimately irreparably damages the United States ’ interests .
“ This body should never permit impeachment proceedings to proceed where they are permeated with the clearly partisan objective of energizing a political party ’ s base to , ultimately , influence a presidential election . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Alabama , Alaska , Arkansas , Florida , Georgia , Indiana , Kansas , Kentucky , Louisiana , Mississippi , Missouri , Montana , Nebraska , Ohio , Oklahoma , South Carolina , South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas , Utah and West Virginia .
State AGs Letter on Impeachment by The Western Journal on Scribd The attorneys general called it “ a raw political and unconstitutional use of the impeachment power ” as they urged the Senate to reject the impeachment articles `` to protect both the institution of the Presidency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ correct .
The House Democrats ' impeachment inquiry was a partisan sham , and after watching one and a half days of the Senate hearing , it has become increasingly apparent that they have no case .
But it has never been about having a real case against Trump or about protecting the United States .
It has always , since the start of the ridiculous Russian collusion allegations , been about undoing the 2016 presidential election -- and it is time to stop it .
This article appeared originally on The Western @ @

In a scathing letter, 21 state attorneys general lashed out at the impeachment of President Donald Trump, calling it “ruinous” to the country.
The attorney generals, who are all Republicans, sent the letter Wednesday as they asked the Senate to reject the Democrats' arguments.
“As Attorneys General of 21 States whose citizens and Electoral College delegates voted in the 2016 presidential election, we have a special duty to defend the integrity of the votes cast by those citizens and electors during that election,” they said in the letter.
“However, our interests go well beyond that particular election. This impeachment proceeding threatens all future elections and establishes a dangerous historical precedent,” the attorneys general said.
“That new precedent will erode the separation of powers shared by the executive and legislative branches by subjugating future Presidents to the whims of the majority opposition party in the House of Representatives," they said. "Thus, our duty to current and future generations commands us to urge the Senate to not only reject the two articles of impeachment … as lacking in any plausible or reasonable evidentiary basis, but also as being fundamentally flawed as a matter of constitutional law.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"If not expressly repudiated by the Senate, the theories animating both Articles will set a precedent that is entirely contrary to the Framers' design and ruinous to the most important governmental structure protections contained in our Constitution: the separation of powers."
The attorneys general accused the Democrats of impeaching the president because they are still furious at the results of the 2016 presidential election and want to undo it.
“Impeachment should never be a partisan response to one party losing a presidential election," they wrote. "If successful, an impeachment proceeding nullifies the votes of millions of citizens.
“The Democrat-controlled House passing of these constitutionally-deficient articles of impeachment amounts, at bottom, to a partisan political effort that undermines the democratic process itself.
“Even an unsuccessful effort to impeach the President undermines the integrity of the 2020 presidential election because it weaponizes a process that should only be initiated in exceedingly rare circumstances and should never be used for partisan purposes.
“Impeachment may cast a pall over the office of the presidency, undermines the President’s constitutional authority, and taints his -- and America’s -- standing with foreign leaders and ultimately irreparably damages the United States’ interests.
“This body should never permit impeachment proceedings to proceed where they are permeated with the clearly partisan objective of energizing a political party’s base to, ultimately, influence a presidential election."
The letter was signed by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.
State AGs Letter on Impeachment by The Western Journal on Scribd
The attorneys general called it “a raw political and unconstitutional use of the impeachment power” as they urged the Senate to reject the impeachment articles "to protect both the institution of the Presidency and the Constitution."
They are correct. The House Democrats' impeachment inquiry was a partisan sham, and after watching one and a half days of the Senate hearing, it has become increasingly apparent that they have no case.
But it has never been about having a real case against Trump or about protecting the United States.
It has always, since the start of the ridiculous Russian collusion allegations, been about undoing the 2016 presidential election -- and it is time to stop it.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-23--Bernie Sanders surges into the lead in new post-debate poll

Support for Democratic presidential primary candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders seems to be surging in the aftermath of the Jan. 14 debate , the last before voting gets underway at the Iowa caucuses later this month .
National polling results released Wednesday by CNN reveal the radical progressive Vermont senator has shifted into the lead , with the support of 27 percent of the 500 registered Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents surveyed .
This is the first time that former Vice President Joe Biden , who garnered 24 percent support in the Jan. 16-19 telephone survey , has seen his shaky , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any of CNN 's 2020 national primary polling .
The outlet was , however , reluctant to declare Sanders the clear leader , with the poll 's overall margin of error resting at +/- 3.4 percent and the margin for error among Democrats and left-leaning voters expanding to +/- 5.3 percent .
TRENDING : Jim Acosta intercepts Ivanka , watch him get blown off and left in the dust Still , with the Iowa caucuses and a key primary in Sanders ' neighboring state of New Hampshire fast approaching , the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something of a two-man race .
Biden and Sanders have also pulled away in the national averages in recent days , as the RealClearPolitics polling aggregate now projects the two as strong pack leaders -- with 28 and 21.9 percent support , respectively -- and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren falling somewhere in the low-to-mid teens .
Other candidates , like former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg failed to breach the threshold of double-digit support nationwide , according to the same aggregate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll , securing 14 percent support nationally and dropping 2 percentage points from CNN 's December survey .
Sanders , on the other hand , has made significant gains in the past month , with his support among left-leaning voters rising by 7 percentage points .
Among staunch progressives -- a voting base Sanders and Warren share -- the Vermont senator is in excellent shape , besting Warren by a 14 percentage point margin this month in CNN 's survey .
Those gains came directly on the heels of what seemed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as CNN reported Jan. 13 that the radical progressive had told Warren during a private conversation in 2018 that a woman could not win the presidency in 2020 .
Sparking no shortage of controversy , the report , which Sanders denied , came the day before before the key Iowa debate hosted by the outlet .
The allegation , believed by many to have been a staged public relations stunt and campaign maneuver on Warren 's part , was not left at the door for the Jan. 14 debate .
Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Sanders ' alleged remarks , and audio from a post-debate standoff between the two would later be published by CNN , drawing mass social media attention .
The debacle seems not to have effected Sanders national polling , however , judging from the outlet 's latest poll .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Support for Democratic presidential primary candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders seems to be surging in the aftermath of the Jan. 14 debate, the last before voting gets underway at the Iowa caucuses later this month.
National polling results released Wednesday by CNN reveal the radical progressive Vermont senator has shifted into the lead, with the support of 27 percent of the 500 registered Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents surveyed.
This is the first time that former Vice President Joe Biden, who garnered 24 percent support in the Jan. 16-19 telephone survey, has seen his shaky, but lasting front-runner status called into question in any of CNN's 2020 national primary polling.
The outlet was, however, reluctant to declare Sanders the clear leader, with the poll's overall margin of error resting at +/- 3.4 percent and the margin for error among Democrats and left-leaning voters expanding to +/- 5.3 percent.
New national @CNN poll just out: Sanders 27%
Biden 24%
Warren 14%
Buttigieg 11%
Bloomberg 5%
Klobuchar 4%
Yang 4%
Steyer 2%
Everyone else <1% — Ryan Struyk (@ryanstruyk) January 22, 2020
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Still, with the Iowa caucuses and a key primary in Sanders' neighboring state of New Hampshire fast approaching, the 2020 Democratic primary seems to be developing into something of a two-man race.
Biden and Sanders have also pulled away in the national averages in recent days, as the RealClearPolitics polling aggregate now projects the two as strong pack leaders -- with 28 and 21.9 percent support, respectively -- and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren falling somewhere in the low-to-mid teens.
Other candidates, like former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg failed to breach the threshold of double-digit support nationwide, according to the same aggregate.
Warren fared no better in the CNN poll, securing 14 percent support nationally and dropping 2 percentage points from CNN's December survey.
Sanders, on the other hand, has made significant gains in the past month, with his support among left-leaning voters rising by 7 percentage points.
Among staunch progressives -- a voting base Sanders and Warren share -- the Vermont senator is in excellent shape, besting Warren by a 14 percentage point margin this month in CNN's survey.
CNN and Elizabeth Warren did Bernie dirty here pic.twitter.com/6WUobJbnJj — The Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) January 15, 2020
CNN releases the audio from the post debate interaction between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren Warren: “I think you called me a liar on national TV” Sanders: “What?” Warren: “I think you called me a liar on national TV” Sanders: “No, let's not do it right now ...” pic.twitter.com/nhendvv5Jb — Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) January 16, 2020
Those gains came directly on the heels of what seemed to be a trying week for the Sanders campaign, as CNN reported Jan. 13 that the radical progressive had told Warren during a private conversation in 2018 that a woman could not win the presidency in 2020.
Sparking no shortage of controversy, the report, which Sanders denied, came the day before before the key Iowa debate hosted by the outlet.
The allegation, believed by many to have been a staged public relations stunt and campaign maneuver on Warren's part, was not left at the door for the Jan. 14 debate.
Instead, both candidates were asked on national TV about Sanders' alleged remarks, and audio from a post-debate standoff between the two would later be published by CNN, drawing mass social media attention.
The debacle seems not to have effected Sanders national polling, however, judging from the outlet's latest poll.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-23--Trump on Virginia gun grab: 'It will never happen as long as I'm here'

Democrats in Virginia won control of the state Assembly and Senate in the 2019 elections and , in conjunction with the Democrats who control the state 's executive offices , immediately made it abundantly clear that they intended to legislatively impose an assortment of strict gun control measures upon lawful gun-owners in the state .
It did n't take long before those Virginia Democrats began to make good on their vows to infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Virginians .
On Monday , tens of thousands of gun owners and Second Amendment supporters converged on the capital of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gun-control proposals .
President Donald Trump spoke briefly about the attempted gun-grab during a wide-ranging interview with Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo while in Davos , Switzerland , for the World Economic Forum , and he made it clear that he was standing alongside gun owners in support of the Second Amendment .
Trump 's remarks about Virginia came after a question about efforts by Democrats in New York to release a substantial number of convicted criminals from prison in addition to a controversial bail reform measure .
Trump simply dismissed what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` crazy '' before shifting his focus to Virginia .
TRENDING : Jim Acosta intercepts Ivanka , watch him get blown off and left in the dust '' I think it ’ s crazy , and I think Virginia is crazy , '' the president said .
`` They want to take away the guns in Virginia .
You have a governor that ’ s -- I just can ’ t believe it -- but Virginia ’ s very much in play .
I think we ’ re going to win the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take everyone ’ s gun away in Virginia .
You can ’ t do it .
You can ’ t do it , '' he said .
`` People need that for safety .
They need it for hunting and other -- but many people need it for safety .
They need it for security . ''
`` They ’ re playing with our Second Amendment , '' Trump continued .
`` Frankly , they ’ d get rid of it .
I watched [ Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam ] on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Second Amendment if it was up to him , and you have many Democrats saying the same thing . ''
`` They ’ re saying it quietly , but if they win these elections , they ’ re going to try and get rid of the Second Amendment .
It will never happen as long as I ’ m here , '' he added .
This actually was n't the first time that Trump had addressed the situation in Virginia and the growing threat posed by anti-gun Democrats to the sacred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
On Monday , tens of thousands of gun owners rallied peacefully in Richmond in spite of overblown fear-mongering from the media about the potential for violent conflict .
Northam had enacted a ban on firearms on the Capitol Square in the days leading up to the rally .
As the rally was taking place , Trump criticized Virginia Democrats on Twitter .
`` The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights .
This is just the beginning .
Don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 ! ''
he tweeted .
A few hours later , following the conclusion of the rally ( which featured no violence of any kind ) , the president also tweeted , `` I will NEVER allow our great Second Amendment to go unprotected , not even a little bit ! ''
Trump understands that the Second Amendment is sacrosanct .
He has made it crystal clear yet again that he wo n't stand idly by while a fundamental right of the people is trampled on and infringed by authoritarian tyrants in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally on The Western Journal .

Democrats in Virginia won control of the state Assembly and Senate in the 2019 elections and, in conjunction with the Democrats who control the state's executive offices, immediately made it abundantly clear that they intended to legislatively impose an assortment of strict gun control measures upon lawful gun-owners in the state.
It didn't take long before those Virginia Democrats began to make good on their vows to infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Virginians.
On Monday, tens of thousands of gun owners and Second Amendment supporters converged on the capital of Richmond to register their staunch opposition to the gun-control proposals.
President Donald Trump spoke briefly about the attempted gun-grab during a wide-ranging interview with Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo while in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum, and he made it clear that he was standing alongside gun owners in support of the Second Amendment.
Trump's remarks about Virginia came after a question about efforts by Democrats in New York to release a substantial number of convicted criminals from prison in addition to a controversial bail reform measure. Trump simply dismissed what the New York Democrats were doing as "crazy" before shifting his focus to Virginia.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"I think it’s crazy, and I think Virginia is crazy," the president said. "They want to take away the guns in Virginia. You have a governor that’s -- I just can’t believe it -- but Virginia’s very much in play. I think we’re going to win the state of Virginia."
"They want to take everyone’s gun away in Virginia. You can’t do it. You can’t do it," he said. "People need that for safety. They need it for hunting and other -- but many people need it for safety. They need it for security."
"They’re playing with our Second Amendment," Trump continued. "Frankly, they’d get rid of it. I watched [Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam] on an interview. He would get rid of the Second Amendment if it was up to him, and you have many Democrats saying the same thing."
"They’re saying it quietly, but if they win these elections, they’re going to try and get rid of the Second Amendment. It will never happen as long as I’m here," he added.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
This actually wasn't the first time that Trump had addressed the situation in Virginia and the growing threat posed by anti-gun Democrats to the sacred constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens in the state.
On Monday, tens of thousands of gun owners rallied peacefully in Richmond in spite of overblown fear-mongering from the media about the potential for violent conflict.
Northam had enacted a ban on firearms on the Capitol Square in the days leading up to the rally.
As the rally was taking place, Trump criticized Virginia Democrats on Twitter.
"The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights. This is just the beginning. Don’t let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020!" he tweeted.
The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights. This is just the beginning. Don’t let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2020
A few hours later, following the conclusion of the rally (which featured no violence of any kind), the president also tweeted, "I will NEVER allow our great Second Amendment to go unprotected, not even a little bit!"
I will NEVER allow our great Second Amendment to go unprotected, not even a little bit! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2020
Trump understands that the Second Amendment is sacrosanct. He has made it crystal clear yet again that he won't stand idly by while a fundamental right of the people is trampled on and infringed by authoritarian tyrants in the Democratic Party.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-23--Man issues warning after he says ice from another car shattered windshield, striking him in face

Snow and ice present their own sets of problems for people who have to deal with them during this time of year .
They 're a major inconvenience when you 're trying to get somewhere , but they can quickly turn an annoying situation into a dangerous one if precautions are n't taken .
Black ice is one major problem that has caused injury and death .
Another ice-related issue that has n't gotten as much press is chunks of ice that have n't been removed from vehicles flying off and hitting other passing vehicles .
After reportedly experiencing such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Canada , has been sharing his story to raise awareness and urge people to completely clear their vehicles before driving .
On Thursday , Burger said he was driving with his 16-year-old son at around 6:40 p.m. when a chunk of ice dislodged from an oncoming vehicle and headed right for his windshield .
Burger remembers realizing that it would hit his car , but he was shocked when it tore through his windshield and hit him in the face .
TRENDING : Jim Acosta intercepts Ivanka , watch him get blown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I saw the ice spinning towards our windshield , I heard the impact and saw the windshield shatter , what I did not expect was the ice came through the windshield and struck me in the face , '' he posted on Facebook .
`` Something came over me and I was able to remain calm and pull my vehicle safely off the road .
My son called 911 and I was transferred to the Renfrew hospital . ''
Burger told the Ottowa Citizen that he could feel the blood `` falling down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital trip and 12 stitches later , Burger was left with a damaged eye and a variety of gashes on his face , but is expected to make a full recovery .
`` I am so grateful my son was not driving , as a parent you never want harm to your child , '' he wrote .
`` Very fortunate he was not injured , not even a mark . ''
`` I will heal and am grateful I was able to go home , as things could have turned out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not to see how many likes I can get or get well wishes , I merely want everyone to be conscious of completely clearing their vehicle off before heading on the road .
This will help prevent another misfortune from occurring to some one you may know . ''
Later on that very same day , a bus driver experienced a similar emergency and suffered some minor injuries , according to the Ottowa Citizen .
`` I am creating this post to heighten awareness for everyone to clean their entire vehicle off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burger wrote .
`` With the recent weather conditions causing ice build up on vehicles causes dangerous conditions for ice flying off your vehicle . ''
Ottowa Police last week reported 30 calls of damage to vehicles due to flying ice , and have also warned that drivers who fail to clean their cars completely before hitting the road could be charged with `` having an unsafe vehicle . ''
It was too dark for Burger to get any identifying details on the vehicle that caused his problems , but for now he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his son was n't hurt and mentioned that the heart-shaped hole smashed through his windshield suggested `` someone was watching over us . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Snow and ice present their own sets of problems for people who have to deal with them during this time of year. They're a major inconvenience when you're trying to get somewhere, but they can quickly turn an annoying situation into a dangerous one if precautions aren't taken.
Black ice is one major problem that has caused injury and death. Another ice-related issue that hasn't gotten as much press is chunks of ice that haven't been removed from vehicles flying off and hitting other passing vehicles.
After reportedly experiencing such an event, Martin Burger from Ontario, Canada, has been sharing his story to raise awareness and urge people to completely clear their vehicles before driving.
On Thursday, Burger said he was driving with his 16-year-old son at around 6:40 p.m. when a chunk of ice dislodged from an oncoming vehicle and headed right for his windshield.
Burger remembers realizing that it would hit his car, but he was shocked when it tore through his windshield and hit him in the face.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"I saw the ice spinning towards our windshield, I heard the impact and saw the windshield shatter, what I did not expect was the ice came through the windshield and struck me in the face," he posted on Facebook.
"Something came over me and I was able to remain calm and pull my vehicle safely off the road. My son called 911 and I was transferred to the Renfrew hospital."
Burger told the Ottowa Citizen that he could feel the blood "falling down [his] face." A hospital trip and 12 stitches later, Burger was left with a damaged eye and a variety of gashes on his face, but is expected to make a full recovery.
"I am so grateful my son was not driving, as a parent you never want harm to your child," he wrote. "Very fortunate he was not injured, not even a mark."
"I will heal and am grateful I was able to go home, as things could have turned out a lot worse."
"This post is not to see how many likes I can get or get well wishes, I merely want everyone to be conscious of completely clearing their vehicle off before heading on the road. This will help prevent another misfortune from occurring to some one you may know."
Later on that very same day, a bus driver experienced a similar emergency and suffered some minor injuries, according to the Ottowa Citizen.
"I am creating this post to heighten awareness for everyone to clean their entire vehicle off of snow/ice prior to driving," Burger wrote. "With the recent weather conditions causing ice build up on vehicles causes dangerous conditions for ice flying off your vehicle."
Ottowa Police last week reported 30 calls of damage to vehicles due to flying ice, and have also warned that drivers who fail to clean their cars completely before hitting the road could be charged with "having an unsafe vehicle."
It was too dark for Burger to get any identifying details on the vehicle that caused his problems, but for now he's thankful to be alive, thankful his son wasn't hurt and mentioned that the heart-shaped hole smashed through his windshield suggested "someone was watching over us."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-01-23--Government 'hostility' to faith before Supremes

The issue of government `` hostility '' to faith was before the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday as justices heard arguments over whether Montana can exclude church schools from a scholarship program for low-income families .
Justice Brett Kavanaugh , in comments during oral arguments , put the issue in focus .
`` Suppose the state said we 're going to allow the scholarship funds to be used for secular schools or Protestant schools but not for Jewish schools or Catholic schools .
Unconstitutional ? ''
Kavanaugh asked .
Adam Unikowsky , a lawyer for the state , admitted it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ivanka , watch him get blown off and left in the dust '' So what 's different when you say the scholarship funds can be used for secular schools but not for Protestant , Jewish , Catholic or other religious schools because of the religious status ? ''
Kavanaugh wondered .
The Institute for Justice is representing the Espinoza family , who wanted to use the state program to help their children attend a Christian school .
Montana lawmakers in 2015 provided a modest tax credit , up to $ 150 , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , the Montana Department of Revenue soon after barred the use of the scholarships for religious schools .
The rule was based on the `` Blaine Amendment '' in the Montana Constitution , dating back to the 1800s , which excludes religious options .
Several states still have such provisions , but they are now considered to be a pointed attack on Catholics who were moving into the U.S. at the time .
`` Although the U.S. Supreme Court held that including religious options in educational choice programs is perfectly permissible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts have disagreed for decades about whether states may nevertheless exclude religious options in these programs , '' said Institute for Justice lawyer Erica Smith earlier .
`` We hope the court will clarify that just as the government can not force families participating in these programs to choose a religious school , the government also can not ban these families from choosing a religious school .
The First Amendment requires government neutrality , not hostility , toward religion . ''
The case , Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue , could impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are able to access similar scholarships nationwide .
IJ said that nearly 30 states and the District of Columbia currently give parents a full range of educational choice – including religious options – through various school choice programs .
Michael Bindas , also a lawyer with IJ , said Montana 's Blaine Amendment dates back to 1889 and `` was designed to discriminate against Catholic schools and students at a time of widespread hostility toward Catholics , both in Montana and throughout the country . ''
`` By applying it to bar religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Montana Supreme Court has transformed this relic of nineteenth-century , anti-Catholic bigotry into an engine of animus against anyone who might choose to attend a religious school , '' he explained .
The lead plaintiff , Kendra Espinoza , enrolled her daughters in a Christian school when the public school proved not to be a healthy environment .
She counted on the scholarships to help pay the costs .
Fox News reported the justices on Wednesday appeared to be `` closely split . ''
`` If the justices were to reverse Montana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door to more scholarship and voucher programs across the U.S. , following the high court 's recent trend of expanding religious liberty , '' the report said .

The issue of government "hostility" to faith was before the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday as justices heard arguments over whether Montana can exclude church schools from a scholarship program for low-income families.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in comments during oral arguments, put the issue in focus.
"Suppose the state said we're going to allow the scholarship funds to be used for secular schools or Protestant schools but not for Jewish schools or Catholic schools. Unconstitutional?" Kavanaugh asked.
Adam Unikowsky, a lawyer for the state, admitted it would be.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"So what's different when you say the scholarship funds can be used for secular schools but not for Protestant, Jewish, Catholic or other religious schools because of the religious status?" Kavanaugh wondered.
The Institute for Justice is representing the Espinoza family, who wanted to use the state program to help their children attend a Christian school.
Montana lawmakers in 2015 provided a modest tax credit, up to $150, for those who donated to private scholarship organizations. However, the Montana Department of Revenue soon after barred the use of the scholarships for religious schools.
The rule was based on the "Blaine Amendment" in the Montana Constitution, dating back to the 1800s, which excludes religious options. Several states still have such provisions, but they are now considered to be a pointed attack on Catholics who were moving into the U.S. at the time.
"Although the U.S. Supreme Court held that including religious options in educational choice programs is perfectly permissible under the federal Constitution, the lower courts have disagreed for decades about whether states may nevertheless exclude religious options in these programs," said Institute for Justice lawyer Erica Smith earlier.
"We hope the court will clarify that just as the government cannot force families participating in these programs to choose a religious school, the government also cannot ban these families from choosing a religious school. The First Amendment requires government neutrality, not hostility, toward religion."
The case, Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, could impact thousands of low- and moderate-income families who are able to access similar scholarships nationwide.
IJ said that nearly 30 states and the District of Columbia currently give parents a full range of educational choice – including religious options – through various school choice programs.
Michael Bindas, also a lawyer with IJ, said Montana's Blaine Amendment dates back to 1889 and "was designed to discriminate against Catholic schools and students at a time of widespread hostility toward Catholics, both in Montana and throughout the country."
"By applying it to bar religious options from modern school choice programs, the Montana Supreme Court has transformed this relic of nineteenth-century, anti-Catholic bigotry into an engine of animus against anyone who might choose to attend a religious school," he explained.
The lead plaintiff, Kendra Espinoza, enrolled her daughters in a Christian school when the public school proved not to be a healthy environment.
She counted on the scholarships to help pay the costs.
Fox News reported the justices on Wednesday appeared to be "closely split."
"If the justices were to reverse Montana’s decision, it could open the door to more scholarship and voucher programs across the U.S., following the high court's recent trend of expanding religious liberty," the report said.