wnd--2020-10-02--Why Trump is gaining minority voters

Why Trump is gaining minority voters

One of my biggest pet peeves about modern liberalism is its position toward blacks , Latinos , Asians and other non-white Americans .
Attitudes range from contempt to patronizing to condescending , all while mouthing platitudes of tolerance and diversity .
Modern progressive attitudes are the direct opposite of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hoped – a society where people are judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin .
Today , people are judged by the color of their skin , and the content of their character is dismissed as unimportant .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' has become hate speech .
The left wants minority voters to believe they are helpless and can only passively wait for assistance by progressive government programs , which do little but perpetuate the cycle of poverty without ever doing anything to break it .
Then Trump came along , and he worked to shove government out of the way and to allow people of all racial backgrounds to become independent and self-sufficient .
Grateful citizens seized these opportunities in droves .
The horror !
Black and Latino unemployment plummeted during Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , the president 's polling numbers among minority voters is inexorably climbing .
Black civil rights attorney ( and lifelong Democrat ) Leo Terrell admits Trump has done more for blacks in three years than Obama did in eight ( he 'll be voting for Trump in November ) .
Consider what these Haitian immigrants said protesting outside the Democratic National Convention ( after slamming the Clintons as crooks for stealing earthquake relief money ) : `` The media is portraying Donald Trump as a racist against immigrants .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the criminal who 's coming in here , committing crimes .
He 's not against Muslims , he 's against terrorists .
The Clintons and the Democrats – all they 're doing is entertaining those criminals .
… All the Clintons are doing is more jail , more projects , more welfare .
We need opportunities , just like anybody else .
They pretend to like us .
They 've been deceiving us .
It 's time for us to wake up .
… When you compare the Clintons with Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Night and day .
Donald Trump is a businessman .
He 's going to bring opportunities for everybody .
He 's going to be the president for all Americans . ''
This is just one of thousands of testimonials from grateful people of every color , creed , and background , praising Trump for supporting and upholding what America is meant to be : a land of opportunity for anyone and everyone who works hard and obeys its laws .
This is driving the left nuts .
Historically , the Democratic Party has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orange Man came along and shook things up .
How dare these people try to move off the plantation !
Compounding this growing surge of support from minority voters is the unbelievable gaffes the Biden campaign and its supporters are making .
The most infamous is Biden 's `` you ai n't black '' comment on a nationally syndicated radio show : `` If you have a problem figuring out whether you 're for me or Trump , then you ai n't black . ''
( In a brilliant marketing move , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within hours of the interview . )
Or how about this doozy in which a far-left group entitled `` Get Your Booty to the Poll '' released a raunchy PSA video to encourage blacks to vote for Joe Biden ?
It featured strippers and pole dancers bumping and grinding , with one woman 's `` booty '' decorated with the words `` vote-vote . ''
`` This , '' observed Gateway Pundit , `` is cuz liberals think blacks only want stripper ads .
… This is a new low for the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , repulsive leftists accusing a transracial adoptive mom of being a racist misogynist ?
Or the cringe-worthy time Biden played the song `` Despacito '' at an event in Florida to rally Latino support ?
The song 's lyrics ( translated ) include the phrase `` I want to breathe on your neck slowly .
… Let me whisper in your ear . ''
Considering the sexual accusations against Creepy Joe over the years , this was a devastatingly poor choice of music .
`` [ T ] he worst thing Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' for a Hispanic audience , '' noted Andrea Widburg in American Thinker .
`` It was … a pander so blatant and crude that one hopes the audience was offended .
And finally , because it is such an over-the-top example of pandering , it creates a spectacular contrast with Donald Trump . ''
My personal favorite is when Kamala Harris , seeking to shore up the Democratic Party ticket 's eroding Hispanic support in Florida , made an unannounced stop at a Venezuelan restaurant near Miami to grab a bite to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a teensy weensy little problem : The people she was trying to impress were all Venezuelan immigrants who had fled the socialist hellhole their native country had become .
`` Residents from the nation currently withering under socialist rule probably take a very dim view of any candidate that could be promoting policies which sound close to socialism , '' observed one blogger .
Meanwhile , article after article confirms Trump 's support of minority voters : • Black and Minority Voter Approval for President Trump At Record Highs • Trump Surging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States • Black Pastors Team Up To Slam Kamala Harris For Praising The 'Brilliance ' Of Black Lives Matter Founders • Biden Vows to Defund Charter Schools , Despite Their Benefit for Minorities Then , in a bid for the ridiculous , a Washington Post columnist said President Trump is to blame for Joe Biden 's weakening support from Hispanics .
Really ?
Even the LGBT community is tipping toward Trump , as admitted by the decidedly liberal Newsweek .
`` How ironic , '' observes black columnist Larry Elder , `` if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' three-plus years of maligning Trump as a xenophobic racist , Hispanic and black voters help keep Trump in the White House for four more years . ''
Minorities are turning to Trump because they 're doing something the left never gives them credit for : They 're thinking for themselves .
The left pushes the falsehood that Trump is racist , but minorities are n't falling for the lie .
In short , while the Biden/Harris campaign seeks to pander to minorities through stupid stunts , Trump delivers real-world prosperity : home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities .
That 's the choice Americans of all stripes are facing this November .
Patrice Lewis is pleased to announce the availability of the complete collection of 52 Country Living Series ebooklets , representing over 17 years of homesteading experience .
Subjects include preparedness , frugality , rural skills , food preservation , and more .
Click this link for details .

One of my biggest pet peeves about modern liberalism is its position toward blacks, Latinos, Asians and other non-white Americans. Attitudes range from contempt to patronizing to condescending, all while mouthing platitudes of tolerance and diversity.
Modern progressive attitudes are the direct opposite of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hoped – a society where people are judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. Today, people are judged by the color of their skin, and the content of their character is dismissed as unimportant. That's why "All Lives Matter" has become hate speech.
The left wants minority voters to believe they are helpless and can only passively wait for assistance by progressive government programs, which do little but perpetuate the cycle of poverty without ever doing anything to break it.
Then Trump came along, and he worked to shove government out of the way and to allow people of all racial backgrounds to become independent and self-sufficient. Grateful citizens seized these opportunities in droves. The horror!
Black and Latino unemployment plummeted during Trump's first term. Home ownership rose. As a result, the president's polling numbers among minority voters is inexorably climbing. Black civil rights attorney (and lifelong Democrat) Leo Terrell admits Trump has done more for blacks in three years than Obama did in eight (he'll be voting for Trump in November).
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Consider what these Haitian immigrants said protesting outside the Democratic National Convention (after slamming the Clintons as crooks for stealing earthquake relief money): "The media is portraying Donald Trump as a racist against immigrants. He's not against immigrants. He's against the criminal who's coming in here, committing crimes. He's not against Muslims, he's against terrorists. The Clintons and the Democrats – all they're doing is entertaining those criminals. … All the Clintons are doing is more jail, more projects, more welfare. We need opportunities, just like anybody else. They pretend to like us. They've been deceiving us. It's time for us to wake up. … When you compare the Clintons with Donald Trump, it's night and day. Night and day. Donald Trump is a businessman. He's going to bring opportunities for everybody. He's going to be the president for all Americans."
This is just one of thousands of testimonials from grateful people of every color, creed, and background, praising Trump for supporting and upholding what America is meant to be: a land of opportunity for anyone and everyone who works hard and obeys its laws.
This is driving the left nuts. Historically, the Democratic Party has taken minority voters for granted until the Orange Man came along and shook things up. How dare these people try to move off the plantation!
Compounding this growing surge of support from minority voters is the unbelievable gaffes the Biden campaign and its supporters are making.
Will President Trump increase his percentage of the black vote this time around? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to WND news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 99% (86 Votes) 1% (1 Votes)
The most infamous is Biden's "you ain't black" comment on a nationally syndicated radio show: "If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black." (In a brilliant marketing move, the Trump campaign started selling #YouAin'tBlack T-shirts within hours of the interview.)
Or how about this doozy in which a far-left group entitled "Get Your Booty to the Poll" released a raunchy PSA video to encourage blacks to vote for Joe Biden? It featured strippers and pole dancers bumping and grinding, with one woman's "booty" decorated with the words "vote-vote." "This," observed Gateway Pundit, "is cuz liberals think blacks only want stripper ads. … This is a new low for the American left."
Or how about backward, repulsive leftists accusing a transracial adoptive mom of being a racist misogynist?
Or the cringe-worthy time Biden played the song "Despacito" at an event in Florida to rally Latino support? The song's lyrics (translated) include the phrase "I want to breathe on your neck slowly. … Let me whisper in your ear." Considering the sexual accusations against Creepy Joe over the years, this was a devastatingly poor choice of music. "[T]he worst thing Biden's ever done has to be playing 'Despacito' for a Hispanic audience," noted Andrea Widburg in American Thinker. "It was … a pander so blatant and crude that one hopes the audience was offended. And finally, because it is such an over-the-top example of pandering, it creates a spectacular contrast with Donald Trump."
My personal favorite is when Kamala Harris, seeking to shore up the Democratic Party ticket's eroding Hispanic support in Florida, made an unannounced stop at a Venezuelan restaurant near Miami to grab a bite to eat and glad-hand customers. There was just a teensy weensy little problem: The people she was trying to impress were all Venezuelan immigrants who had fled the socialist hellhole their native country had become. "Residents from the nation currently withering under socialist rule probably take a very dim view of any candidate that could be promoting policies which sound close to socialism," observed one blogger.
Meanwhile, article after article confirms Trump's support of minority voters:
Then, in a bid for the ridiculous, a Washington Post columnist said President Trump is to blame for Joe Biden's weakening support from Hispanics. Really? Even the LGBT community is tipping toward Trump, as admitted by the decidedly liberal Newsweek.
"How ironic," observes black columnist Larry Elder, "if, after the media and Democratic leaders' three-plus years of maligning Trump as a xenophobic racist, Hispanic and black voters help keep Trump in the White House for four more years."
Minorities are turning to Trump because they're doing something the left never gives them credit for: They're thinking for themselves. The left pushes the falsehood that Trump is racist, but minorities aren't falling for the lie.
In short, while the Biden/Harris campaign seeks to pander to minorities through stupid stunts, Trump delivers real-world prosperity: home ownership, better schools and improved economic opportunities. That's the choice Americans of all stripes are facing this November.
Patrice Lewis is pleased to announce the availability of the complete collection of 52 Country Living Series ebooklets, representing over 17 years of homesteading experience. Subjects include preparedness, frugality, rural skills, food preservation, and more. Click this link for details.


wnd--2020-10-02--Michigan supremes: Whitmer exceeded powers during coronavirus pandemic

( WJRT ) The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer exceeded her powers during coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ ruling , the majority opinion of justices says Whitmer lost the authority to continue a @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic after April 30 , when the Michigan Legislature declined to extend it .
@ @ @ @ @ her orders will remain in place for 21 more days until the Supreme Court ruling @ @ @ @ @ , she said many of the orders will remain in place under “ alternative sources @ @ @ @ @ at issue in today ’ s ruling .
”

(WJRT) The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer exceeded her powers during coronavirus pandemic.
In a split 4-3 ruling, the majority opinion of justices says Whitmer lost the authority to continue a State of Emergency for the coronavirus pandemic after April 30, when the Michigan Legislature declined to extend it.
However, Whitmer pointed out her orders will remain in place for 21 more days until the Supreme Court ruling takes effect. After that, she said many of the orders will remain in place under “alternative sources of authority that were not at issue in today’s ruling.”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-02--America's nuclear doomsday planes launch controversy as Trump tests positive for COVID

( FORBES ) U.S. president Donald Trump tested positive for the novel-coronavirus on Friday morning .
Shortly before the news @ @ @ @ @ ’ s doomsday planes launched on both American coasts .
Some observers asserted that the @ @ @ @ @ But military spokespeople and some experts explained it was coincidence .
“ I can confirm @ @ @ @ @ , '' Karen Singer , a U.S. Strategic Command spokesperson , told CNN ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Mercury is one of the Pentagon ’ s airborne nuclear command posts .
The four-engine @ @ @ @ @ airliner—carry special communication systems and crews for commanding the Navy ’ s Ohio-class nuclear ballistic-missile @ @

(FORBES) U.S. president Donald Trump tested positive for the novel-coronavirus on Friday morning. Shortly before the news broke, the U.S. Navy’s doomsday planes launched on both American coasts.
Some observers asserted that the two things were related. But military spokespeople and some experts explained it was coincidence.
“I can confirm these flights were pre-planned missions," Karen Singer, a U.S. Strategic Command spokesperson, told CNN’s Jim Sciutto.
The E-6B Mercury is one of the Pentagon’s airborne nuclear command posts. The four-engine planes—derivatives of the Boeing 707 airliner—carry special communication systems and crews for commanding the Navy’s Ohio-class nuclear ballistic-missile submarines.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-03--Rochester's Democrat mayor indicted on 2 felony charges

The Democratic mayor of Rochester , New York , who proposed partially defunding her city 's police department last month , has been indicted by a grand jury for alleged campaign violations .
WROC-TV reported that following a multi-year investigation into Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren , the district attorney has charged the Democrat with two felonies stemming from her 2017 re-election campaign .
Warren will face one felony charge of scheme to defraud in the first degree and a second felony charge over an alleged violation of New York election law 14-126 ( 6 ) , which involves campaign filings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the charges against Warren were offered , officials said they are in relation to hundreds of thousands of dollars raised during the mayor 's first term between November 2013 and November 2017 .
Both alleged crimes are classified as class E felonies , and each could carry a punishment of up to four years behind bars .
Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley , who announced the charges Friday , also said punishments could be less severe , and could include probation , restitution or split sentencing should Warren be convicted .
WROC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Warren ’ s political action committee , Warren for a Stronger Rochester PAC , $ 30,000 was transferred from the PAC to her committee , Friends of Lovely Warren.
” The station added , “ New York State has strict rules forbidding PACs and committees from coordinating .
Warren ’ s campaign claims the money was earmarked for Friends of Lovely Warren , but was accidentally placed in the PAC account through a 'PayPal error , ' or a clerical mistake.
” Doorley said she did not feel the alleged campaign violations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want our elections to be run fair and these are laws on the books to allow and ensure that people who are entering political office follow the rules so that there is equal access to everyone , ” Doorley said .
“ There are certain rules about coordinating campaign funds .
These are important .
We all want fair campaigns .
This is allegedly a scheme to defraud.
” Warren had not yet been arrested at of Friday afternoon , but arrangements were being made to process her .
Two other individuals are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albert Jones Jr. and Rochester Finance Director Rosiland Brooks-Harris both face identical charges to those of Warren .
“ This is an indictment , not a conviction -- these are simply allegations of violations of the law , '' Doorley said .
`` I don ’ t think this will be anything resolved quickly . ''
`` I was presented the facts , we handled it as we would any other case , and I am simply doing my job . ''
The DA continued , “ This is not political .
... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Monroe County .
I was presented the facts , we handled it as we would any other case , and I am simply doing my job.
” Warren became the subject of national media attention following the death of Daniel Prude , who was asphyxiated as police tried to take him into protective custody following a mental health call , according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle .
Prude was reportedly walking around naked with PCP in his system when officers found him , at which point he allegedly started spitting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spit bag was placed over his head , and the medical examiner ruled he died of “ complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint , ” according to WROC-TV reporter Kayla Green .
The details of the case were released last month , causing protesters to take to the streets : Warren responded by calling for police reform and a partial defunding of the police department , The Sun reported .
“ We are doubling the availability of mental health professionals .
We will take our family crisis intervention team out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its funding to the department of youth and recreation services , '' Warren said on Sept. 7 , NPR reported .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

The Democratic mayor of Rochester, New York, who proposed partially defunding her city's police department last month, has been indicted by a grand jury for alleged campaign violations.
WROC-TV reported that following a multi-year investigation into Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, the district attorney has charged the Democrat with two felonies stemming from her 2017 re-election campaign.
Warren will face one felony charge of scheme to defraud in the first degree and a second felony charge over an alleged violation of New York election law 14-126(6), which involves campaign filings and finance.
While few specifics of the charges against Warren were offered, officials said they are in relation to hundreds of thousands of dollars raised during the mayor's first term between November 2013 and November 2017.
Both alleged crimes are classified as class E felonies, and each could carry a punishment of up to four years behind bars.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley, who announced the charges Friday, also said punishments could be less severe, and could include probation, restitution or split sentencing should Warren be convicted.
WROC reported, “According to 2017 expenditures of Warren’s political action committee, Warren for a Stronger Rochester PAC, $30,000 was transferred from the PAC to her committee, Friends of Lovely Warren.”
The station added, “New York State has strict rules forbidding PACs and committees from coordinating. Warren’s campaign claims the money was earmarked for Friends of Lovely Warren, but was accidentally placed in the PAC account through a 'PayPal error,' or a clerical mistake.”
Doorley said she did not feel the alleged campaign violations were a mistake.
“We all want our elections to be run fair and these are laws on the books to allow and ensure that people who are entering political office follow the rules so that there is equal access to everyone,” Doorley said. “There are certain rules about coordinating campaign funds. These are important. We all want fair campaigns. This is allegedly a scheme to defraud.”
Warren had not yet been arrested at of Friday afternoon, but arrangements were being made to process her.
Two other individuals are also being charged in the case: Albert Jones Jr. and Rochester Finance Director Rosiland Brooks-Harris both face identical charges to those of Warren.
“This is an indictment, not a conviction -- these are simply allegations of violations of the law," Doorley said. "I don’t think this will be anything resolved quickly."
"I was presented the facts, we handled it as we would any other case, and I am simply doing my job."
The DA continued, “This is not political. ... I am the chief law enforcement official in Monroe County. I was presented the facts, we handled it as we would any other case, and I am simply doing my job.”
Warren became the subject of national media attention following the death of Daniel Prude, who was asphyxiated as police tried to take him into protective custody following a mental health call, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
Prude was reportedly walking around naked with PCP in his system when officers found him, at which point he allegedly started spitting and claiming he had the coronavirus.
A spit bag was placed over his head, and the medical examiner ruled he died of “complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint,” according to WROC-TV reporter Kayla Green.
The medical examiner’s report says cause of death was due to “complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint” & PCP. The lawyers only mentioned PCP, I asked about asphyxia they say they‘re looking into the medical evidence and don’t know why that’s listed @News_8 — Kayla Green (@KaylaGreen04) October 1, 2020
The details of the case were released last month, causing protesters to take to the streets:
NEW YORK: learning from Portland, Rochester Antifa bring homemade riot shields and create defensive lines as they bang on barriers to agitate police and draw them out pic.twitter.com/yOVvDdYMBs — ELIJAH RIOT (@ElijahSchaffer) September 12, 2020
Police in riot gear await the protesters as the march comes to a halt at this intersection #RochesterProtests #Rochester pic.twitter.com/xdgxjV3Psi — Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) September 13, 2020
Warren responded by calling for police reform and a partial defunding of the police department, The Sun reported.
Rochester's police chief eventually resigned.
“We are doubling the availability of mental health professionals. We will take our family crisis intervention team out of the police department and move it and its funding to the department of youth and recreation services," Warren said on Sept. 7, NPR reported.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-10-03--Sen. Cruz says he would support constitutional amendment to freeze SCOTUS seats at 9

Democrats are furious that President Trump may get a third nominee confirmed to the Supreme Court during his first term as president .
In response to the very real threat that Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's replacement could be a pro-life conservative , many on the left are talking about packing the Supreme Court with additional justices if Joe Biden wins next month 's election .
Not Biden or his running mate Kamala Harris , mind you -- both of them have refused to answer whether they support court-packing .
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas , on the other hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court and freeze the number of justices at nine : a constitutional amendment .
`` I think that 's a good idea .
The number of justices is not set in the Constitution .
It 's set by Congress , '' Cruz told the Washington Examiner .
`` We 've had the number nine for 150 years .
It is a number that works well , that provides stability and helps insulate the court from being overly politicized . ''
Cruz also said he would support a legislative effort to freeze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is n't a bad idea .
The judiciary is supposed to provide a check on the other two branches .
In Federalist Paper No .
78 , Alexander Hamilton wrote that the judiciary should be the weakest branch , merely providing judgment and relying on the executive and legislative branches to uphold its judgments .
In recent decades , however , the Supreme Court ( as well as lower courts across the country ) has become an activist court , where judges often inject their own ideologies to legislate from the bench @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as long as those legislations are their own ideologies .
If Amy Coney Barrett , Trump 's nominee to replace Ginsburg , is confirmed to the Supreme Court , six of the nine sitting justices will have been nominated by Republican presidents .
The left finds that unacceptable , so they are advocating for expanding the Supreme Court in order to put enough left-leaning justices on it to ram their preferred policies through .
The number of Supreme Court justices is set by Congress , not the Constitution , and there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , there have been nine justices on the highest court .
In 1937 , President Franklin Roosevelt tried to pass legislation to increase the number of Supreme Court justices to 15 by allowing the president to appoint an additional justice ( up to six ) for every justice over the age of 70 years and 6 months .
Congress did not approve of Roosevelt 's plan .
Now , the left has revived the idea of packing the court .
Cruz noted that the odds are high Democrats will vote to pack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency .
This could create a slippery slope : If the left wins and decides to pack the court simply so that they can enjoy an ideological majority on the Supreme Court , what would stop the right from further packing the court next time they are in power ?
Fixing the number of justices on the high court , either through legislation or a constitutional amendment , could help to depoliticize the court .
Of course , it takes a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by three-quarters of the states to enact a constitutional amendment .
That ’ s a high bar , especially when the two major political parties are so ideologically divided .
If the left is so willing to grab power by any means possible , it is incumbent on the right -- indeed , on any well-intentioned politician -- to establish further safeguards to protect our institutions .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Democrats are furious that President Trump may get a third nominee confirmed to the Supreme Court during his first term as president.
In response to the very real threat that Ruth Bader Ginsburg's replacement could be a pro-life conservative, many on the left are talking about packing the Supreme Court with additional justices if Joe Biden wins next month's election.
Not Biden or his running mate Kamala Harris, mind you -- both of them have refused to answer whether they support court-packing.
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, on the other hand, supports a plan that would protect the Supreme Court and freeze the number of justices at nine: a constitutional amendment.
"I think that's a good idea. The number of justices is not set in the Constitution. It's set by Congress," Cruz told the Washington Examiner.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"We've had the number nine for 150 years. It is a number that works well, that provides stability and helps insulate the court from being overly politicized."
Cruz also said he would support a legislative effort to freeze the number of Supreme Court justices.
This isn't a bad idea. The judiciary is supposed to provide a check on the other two branches. In Federalist Paper No. 78, Alexander Hamilton wrote that the judiciary should be the weakest branch, merely providing judgment and relying on the executive and legislative branches to uphold its judgments.
In recent decades, however, the Supreme Court (as well as lower courts across the country) has become an activist court, where judges often inject their own ideologies to legislate from the bench.
The left is OK with that, as long as those legislations are their own ideologies.
If Amy Coney Barrett, Trump's nominee to replace Ginsburg, is confirmed to the Supreme Court, six of the nine sitting justices will have been nominated by Republican presidents.
The left finds that unacceptable, so they are advocating for expanding the Supreme Court in order to put enough left-leaning justices on it to ram their preferred policies through.
The number of Supreme Court justices is set by Congress, not the Constitution, and there were originally six justices.
Since 1869, however, there have been nine justices on the highest court.
In 1937, President Franklin Roosevelt tried to pass legislation to increase the number of Supreme Court justices to 15 by allowing the president to appoint an additional justice (up to six) for every justice over the age of 70 years and 6 months. Congress did not approve of Roosevelt's plan.
Now, the left has revived the idea of packing the court. Cruz noted that the odds are high Democrats will vote to pack the Supreme Court if Biden wins the presidency.
This could create a slippery slope: If the left wins and decides to pack the court simply so that they can enjoy an ideological majority on the Supreme Court, what would stop the right from further packing the court next time they are in power?
Fixing the number of justices on the high court, either through legislation or a constitutional amendment, could help to depoliticize the court.
Of course, it takes a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives (or a constitutional convention) and ratification by three-quarters of the states to enact a constitutional amendment.
That’s a high bar, especially when the two major political parties are so ideologically divided.
If the left is so willing to grab power by any means possible, it is incumbent on the right -- indeed, on any well-intentioned politician -- to establish further safeguards to protect our institutions.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-10-04--Pompeo warns China is ordering Christians to 'replace pictures of Jesus with Chairman Mao'

( CBN ) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is urging the Roman Catholic Church to take a greater stand against @ @ @ @ @ in China .
Pompeo spoke out Wednesday , saying today the church has the responsibility @ @ @ @ @ rights , like religious freedom .
He pointed specifically to the cases of abuse against @ @ @ @ @ Catholic churches and shrines have been desecrated and destroyed .
Catholic bishops like Augustine Cui @ @ @ @ @ '' Pompeo said .
`` Catholic lay leaders in the human rights movement , not @ @ @ @ @ have been arrested .
Authorities order residents to replace pictures of Jesus with those of @ @ @ @ @ General Secretary Xi Jinping , '' he continued .

(CBN) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is urging the Roman Catholic Church to take a greater stand against the religious persecution being seen in China.
Pompeo spoke out Wednesday, saying today the church has the responsibility to fight for basic human rights, like religious freedom. He pointed specifically to the cases of abuse against Catholics in China.
"Catholic churches and shrines have been desecrated and destroyed. Catholic bishops like Augustine Cui Tai have been imprisoned," Pompeo said.
"Catholic lay leaders in the human rights movement, not least in Hong Kong, have been arrested. Authorities order residents to replace pictures of Jesus with those of Chairman Mao and those of General Secretary Xi Jinping," he continued.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-04--Sick: Profs cheer Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis

( CAMPUS REFORM ) After President Donald Trump announced early Friday morning that he and First Lady Melania Trump tested @ @ @ @ @ from around the country took to social media to celebrate .
On Thursday , counselor @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for the coronavirus .
Shortly afterward , Trump announced that he and Melania @ @ @ @ @ test result .
Upon hearing this news , University of Michigan economics professor Susan Dynarski @ @ @ @ @ been an atheist for nearly 40 years , but perhaps there is a God .
@

(CAMPUS REFORM) After President Donald Trump announced early Friday morning that he and First Lady Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19, professors from around the country took to social media to celebrate.
On Thursday, counselor to the president Hope Hicks tested positive for the coronavirus. Shortly afterward, Trump announced that he and Melania had also received a positive test result.
Upon hearing this news, University of Michigan economics professor Susan Dynarski stated that she had “been an atheist for nearly 40 years, but perhaps there is a God.”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-04--Babylon Bee CEO barred from speaking at his Christian alma mater

( CAMPUS REFORM ) Palm Beach Atlantic University disinvited alumnus Seth Dillon — the CEO of Christian satire outlet The @ @ @ @ @ in a speaking event and interview at its chapel , instead changing the location to @ @ @ @ @ .
The university had scheduled Dillon to participate in an interview at its chapel on @ @ @ @ @ .
However , PBA community members reached out to the university with concerns about Dillon @ @ @ @ @ that it represents a “ sacred space.
” Quoting his assertion that Black Lives Matter @ @ @ @ @ a PBA student said that “ this should be enough to not welcome @ SethDillon @ @ @ @ @ to mention that every LGBTQ student has been disrespected and degraded by his content .
@

(CAMPUS REFORM) Palm Beach Atlantic University disinvited alumnus Seth Dillon — the CEO of Christian satire outlet The Babylon Bee — from participating in a speaking event and interview at its chapel, instead changing the location to the school’s library.
The university had scheduled Dillon to participate in an interview at its chapel on the morning of September 30. However, PBA community members reached out to the university with concerns about Dillon speaking in chapel, explaining that it represents a “sacred space.”
Quoting his assertion that Black Lives Matter is a terrorist organization, a PBA student said that “this should be enough to not welcome @SethDillon to our campus. Not to mention that every LGBTQ student has been disrespected and degraded by his content.”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-03--Biden campaign begins promoting candidate's religious faith

Christian leaders criticized 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden for “ deceptive ads ” highlighting the former vice president ’ s faith to Catholic and Evangelical voters .
Biden ’ s campaign is launching a seven-figure ad buy in October targeting religious Americans , Religion News Service reported Thursday , featuring three new ads and two 30-second television spots running on Evangelical and Catholic programs .
TRENDING : As tension grips Capitol Hill , report that Amy Coney Barrett already had COVID emerges “ We are running these ads to highlight to faith-motivated voters that Joe Biden is the clear moral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dickson , the Biden campaign ’ s faith engagement director , told Religion News Service in a statement .
“ Religious voters matter to this campaign and are a key part of our broad , diverse , and robust coalition.
” The first ad targets Catholic voters and is called “ Principles , ” according to Religion News , showing Biden discussing Catholicism with the editor-in-chief of the liberal America Magazine .
The second ad , “ Morning , ” targets Evangelical Christians and discusses how Biden ’ s faith has helped him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , daughter , and son .
In the third ad , “ A Man Guided by Faith ” a member of Biden ’ s parish describing why she believes Biden is a man of faith .
Christian leaders criticized these portrayals of Biden .
“ We agree with Joe Biden that there ’ s a battle for the soul of America , ” Concerned Women for America President Penny Nance , an evangelical , said in a statement provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation , “ but unfortunately he ’ s on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across America aren ’ t fooled by Joe Biden ’ s deceptive ads featuring his Catholic faith , ” said CatholicVote President Brian Burch in a statement provided to the DCNF .
“ Joe Biden has pledged to gut religious schools , strip away fundamental religious freedoms , and for the first time in American history , force taxpayers to directly pay for abortion.
” Burch reminded voters that Biden has promised to to renew legal action against the Little Sisters of the Poor if he should win the election .
“ Look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Little Sisters of the Poor that Joe Biden has pledged to restart if elected , ” he said .
“ CatholicVote ’ s Biden Report for Catholic Voters documents his decades long anti-life and anti-faith record and policy agenda .
Both Biden and Harris have made clear they will prioritize the agenda of Bernie Sanders and AOC , and will destroy everything Catholics and all people of faith hold dear.
” The ad buy comes as both Biden and Trump battle for the Catholic and Christian vote in the upcoming election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work he has done to protect religious liberty and to defend unborn babies throughout his presidency , issues that many religious voters prioritize .
Critics of the president have attacked Donald Trump ’ s personal faith , particularly after the president walked through Lafayette Square on June 2 and held a bible aloft in his hand as he posed for a photo in front of St. John ’ s Church .
The church was covered in graffiti and charred from fires after nights of violent rioting in the nation ’ s capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists and others argued that police used tear gas to clear the president ’ s path to St. John ’ s .
The city ’ s curfew was not set to go into effect for another hour , and Daily Caller reporters said the protests in D.C. that night were largely peaceful .
The Biden campaign frequently highlights Biden ’ s Catholic faith , but the former vice president has drawn criticism for supporting and advocating for policies which the Catholic Church explicitly opposes , such as abortion and same-sex marriage .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that Catholics in politics “ have an obligation in conscience to work toward correcting morally defective laws , lest they be guilty of cooperating in evil and in sinning against the common good.
” Earlier in his career , Biden frequently referenced his faith as a reason for his pro-life votes in the Senate .
Biden has since changed his abortion stances and today champions almost unlimited abortion access as a presidential candidate , prompting a priest to deny Holy Communion to Biden during mass at a Catholic church in South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promised that as president , he will reinstate Obama-era policies requiring the Little Sisters of the Poor to give employees access to birth control — though this violates the Catholic religious beliefs of the sisters , and despite the fact that the Supreme Court ruled July 8 that the Catholic nuns are exempt from Obama ’ s contraceptive mandate .
The former vice president also advocates for same-sex marriage , though the Catholic Church teaches that marriage should be between a man and a woman .
This story originally was published by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact [ email protected ]

By Mary Margaret Olohan
Daily Caller News Foundation
Christian leaders criticized 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden for “deceptive ads” highlighting the former vice president’s faith to Catholic and Evangelical voters.
Biden’s campaign is launching a seven-figure ad buy in October targeting religious Americans, Religion News Service reported Thursday, featuring three new ads and two 30-second television spots running on Evangelical and Catholic programs.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
“We are running these ads to highlight to faith-motivated voters that Joe Biden is the clear moral choice in this election,” Josh Dickson, the Biden campaign’s faith engagement director, told Religion News Service in a statement. “Religious voters matter to this campaign and are a key part of our broad, diverse, and robust coalition.”
The first ad targets Catholic voters and is called “Principles,” according to Religion News, showing Biden discussing Catholicism with the editor-in-chief of the liberal America Magazine. The second ad, “Morning,” targets Evangelical Christians and discusses how Biden’s faith has helped him deal with the deaths of his wife, daughter, and son. In the third ad, “A Man Guided by Faith” a member of Biden’s parish describing why she believes Biden is a man of faith.
WATCH:
Christian leaders criticized these portrayals of Biden.
“We agree with Joe Biden that there’s a battle for the soul of America,” Concerned Women for America President Penny Nance, an evangelical, said in a statement provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation, “but unfortunately he’s on the wrong team.”
“Religious voters across America aren’t fooled by Joe Biden’s deceptive ads featuring his Catholic faith,” said CatholicVote President Brian Burch in a statement provided to the DCNF. “Joe Biden has pledged to gut religious schools, strip away fundamental religious freedoms, and for the first time in American history, force taxpayers to directly pay for abortion.”
Burch reminded voters that Biden has promised to to renew legal action against the Little Sisters of the Poor if he should win the election.
“Look no further than the unprecedented assault on the Little Sisters of the Poor that Joe Biden has pledged to restart if elected,” he said. “CatholicVote’s Biden Report for Catholic Voters documents his decades long anti-life and anti-faith record and policy agenda. Both Biden and Harris have made clear they will prioritize the agenda of Bernie Sanders and AOC, and will destroy everything Catholics and all people of faith hold dear.”
The ad buy comes as both Biden and Trump battle for the Catholic and Christian vote in the upcoming election.
President Donald Trump’s campaign emphasizes the work he has done to protect religious liberty and to defend unborn babies throughout his presidency, issues that many religious voters prioritize.
CATHOLICS, President Trump has something to say to you! pic.twitter.com/PY2AMcaBMA — CatholicVote.org (@CatholicVote) October 2, 2020
Critics of the president have attacked Donald Trump’s personal faith, particularly after the president walked through Lafayette Square on June 2 and held a bible aloft in his hand as he posed for a photo in front of St. John’s Church. The church was covered in graffiti and charred from fires after nights of violent rioting in the nation’s capitol.
The scene sparked a backlash when journalists and others argued that police used tear gas to clear the president’s path to St. John’s. The city’s curfew was not set to go into effect for another hour, and Daily Caller reporters said the protests in D.C. that night were largely peaceful.
The Biden campaign frequently highlights Biden’s Catholic faith, but the former vice president has drawn criticism for supporting and advocating for policies which the Catholic Church explicitly opposes, such as abortion and same-sex marriage.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has warned that Catholics in politics “have an obligation in conscience to work toward correcting morally defective laws, lest they be guilty of cooperating in evil and in sinning against the common good.”
Earlier in his career, Biden frequently referenced his faith as a reason for his pro-life votes in the Senate. Biden has since changed his abortion stances and today champions almost unlimited abortion access as a presidential candidate, prompting a priest to deny Holy Communion to Biden during mass at a Catholic church in South Carolina in October 2019.
Biden has also promised that as president, he will reinstate Obama-era policies requiring the Little Sisters of the Poor to give employees access to birth control — though this violates the Catholic religious beliefs of the sisters, and despite the fact that the Supreme Court ruled July 8 that the Catholic nuns are exempt from Obama’s contraceptive mandate.
The former vice president also advocates for same-sex marriage, though the Catholic Church teaches that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
This story originally was published by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


wnd--2020-10-03--'Biological weapons attack' conspiracies surface over 'suspicious' timing of Trump, GOP senators, su

'Biological weapons attack' conspiracies surface over 'suspicious' timing of Trump, GOP senators, suddenly getting virus

( BIZPAC REVIEW ) Scores of Americans are developing conspiracy theories about what they see as suspicious timing after President @ @ @ @ @ and first lady Melania Trump — and other Republicans — have suddenly contracted the disease @ @ @ @ @ there are the optics of the president getting sick : Conspirators note the irony that @ @ @ @ @ with an illness he has , in the past , downplayed as not so serious @ @ @ @ @ , given that the earliest models predicting millions of deaths in the United States alone @ @ @ @

(BIZPAC REVIEW) Scores of Americans are developing conspiracy theories about what they see as suspicious timing after President Donald Trump announced Friday he and first lady Melania Trump — and other Republicans — have suddenly contracted the disease.
First and foremost, there are the optics of the president getting sick: Conspirators note the irony that Trump has now come down with an illness he has, in the past, downplayed as not so serious — which is technically true, given that the earliest models predicting millions of deaths in the United States alone were grossly inaccurate.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-03--Netflix distances itself from writer backing Chinese detention camps, but keeps him on as producer

( JUST THE NEWS ) Netflix continues to credit Chinese writer Liu Cixin as a producer on an adaptation of @ @ @ @ @ even as the streaming giant took the recent step of publicly denouncing Liu 's remarks @ @ @ @ @ detention of China 's Uyghur minorities .
Netflix is currently adapting one of Liu 's @ @ @ @ @ Problem , '' into a series for its streaming service .
The story involves a @ @ @ @ @ extraterrestrials from a nearby star system .
The adaptation of the novel recently garnered criticism @ @ @ @ @ to Liu 's public defense of China 's mass imprisonment of Muslim Uyghurs .
By @ @ @ @ @ as three million Uyghurs have been sent to state-run reeducation camps in that country .

(JUST THE NEWS) Netflix continues to credit Chinese writer Liu Cixin as a producer on an adaptation of one of his books, even as the streaming giant took the recent step of publicly denouncing Liu's remarks in favor of the mass detention of China's Uyghur minorities.
Netflix is currently adapting one of Liu's novels, "The Three-Body Problem," into a series for its streaming service. The story involves a looming invasion of Earth by extraterrestrials from a nearby star system.
The adaptation of the novel recently garnered criticism from multiple U.S. senators due to Liu's public defense of China's mass imprisonment of Muslim Uyghurs. By some estimates, as many as three million Uyghurs have been sent to state-run reeducation camps in that country.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-03--Salon owner who defied COVID-19 lockdown advances to runoff election

( FOX NEWS ) A Dallas salon owner who was sent to jail for defying coronavirus lockdown orders has advanced @ @ @ @ @ a state Senate seat .
Republican Shelley Luther finished in a virtual tie with four-term @ @ @ @ @ as both advanced .
Luther had 31.7 % of the vote Tuesday night to 31.83 @ @ @ @ @ special election to fill a vacated seat in a heavily Republican North Texas district .

(FOX NEWS) A Dallas salon owner who was sent to jail for defying coronavirus lockdown orders has advanced to a runoff election for a state Senate seat.
Republican Shelley Luther finished in a virtual tie with four-term Republican state Rep. Drew Springer as both advanced.
Luther had 31.7% of the vote Tuesday night to 31.83% for Springer in a special election to fill a vacated seat in a heavily Republican North Texas district.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-03--Migrant caravan of 2,000 Hondurans heading to U.S. despite COVID-19 threat

( FOX NEWS ) A migrant caravan of about 2,000 Hondurans is now passing though Guatemala in hopes of reaching @ @ @ @ @ the risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic and threats from the country ’ s president @ @ @ @ @ who entered illegally.
” The group comprises mostly young men , although there are a @ @ @ @ @ in strollers , the Associated Press reported .
`` The order has been given to @ @ @ @ @ illegally , and return them to the border of their country , '' Guatemalan President @ @ @ @ @ broadcast address to the nation on Thursday .
“ We will not allow any foreigner @ @ @ @ @ to enter the country , to think that they have the right to come and @ @ @ @ @ at serious risk .
”

(FOX NEWS) A migrant caravan of about 2,000 Hondurans is now passing though Guatemala in hopes of reaching the U.S.-Mexico border, despite the risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic and threats from the country’s president to “detain all those who entered illegally.”
The group comprises mostly young men, although there are a few small children being pushed in strollers, the Associated Press reported.
"The order has been given to detain all those who entered illegally, and return them to the border of their country," Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei said in a broadcast address to the nation on Thursday. “We will not allow any foreigner who has used illegal means to enter the country, to think that they have the right to come and infect us and put us at serious risk.”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-03--Forced denunciations and 'sensitivity training' mimic communist brainwashing tactics

( THE FEDERALIST ) Agitators for critical race theory have fanned out of academia into mind-hacking workaday Americans , trying @ @ @ @ @ is unredeemably evil .
They doggedly attempted to do this to federal employees as well @ @ @ @ @ Christopher Rufo , a research fellow with the Discovery Institute , has described how trainers @ @ @ @ @ CRT ) in the federal government are defying President Trump ’ s executive order to @ @ @ @ @ In the State Department , for example , they are pushing a “ ’ 21-Day @ @ @ @ @ , ’ in which staff are asked to recite a racial equity ‘ pledge , @ @ @ @ @ minority group daily , ’ and engage in a ’ 10-15 minute challenge ’ in @ @ @ @ @ ’ ” Indeed , as Rufo has noted , the goal is to indoctrinate employees @ @ @ @ @ America as a “ white supremacist ” nation .
Critical race theory and communist tactics @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s really all about brainwashing .

(THE FEDERALIST) Agitators for critical race theory have fanned out of academia into mind-hacking workaday Americans, trying to convince them the nation is unredeemably evil. They doggedly attempted to do this to federal employees as well as all big corporations.
Christopher Rufo, a research fellow with the Discovery Institute, has described how trainers for critical race theory (CRT) in the federal government are defying President Trump’s executive order to cancel their race-baiting training. In the State Department, for example, they are pushing a “’21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge,’ in which staff are asked to recite a racial equity ‘pledge,’ ‘select a different minority group daily,’ and engage in a ’10-15 minute challenge’ in ‘pursuit of racial equity.’”
Indeed, as Rufo has noted, the goal is to indoctrinate employees with neo-Marxist rhetoric that portrays America as a “white supremacist” nation. Critical race theory and communist tactics are pretty much interchangeable. It’s really all about brainwashing.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-03--Trump declares national emergency, U.S. to take back control of resource industry

If you do n't know what rare-earth minerals are , you 're not alone .
The problem is that if we ca n't figure out how to source them from home , the implications for the United States could be dire .
It 's not exactly the sexiest campaign issue , I can understand -- and it certainly slipped under the radar when the president signed an executive order Wednesday `` to reduce the Nation ’ s vulnerability to disruptions in the supply of critical minerals . ''
The rare-earth minerals are , officially , a group of 17 rare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the minerals may be rare , their uses are n't .
As Defense News reported , the minerals are crucial in the `` defense industry ’ s manufacturing of missiles and munitions , hypersonic weapons , and radiation-hardened electronics -- as well as consumer electronics like cellphones .
The Trump administration previously identified 35 minerals as both essential and whose supplies are vulnerable to disruption . ''
TRENDING : As tension grips Capitol Hill , report that Amy Coney Barrett already had COVID emerges The issue is n't just that the minerals need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's that they need to be sourced from a specific ( and problematic ) country : China .
`` The U.S. imports 80 percent of these elements directly from China , with portions of the remainder indirectly sourced from China through other countries , '' Defense News reported Friday .
Last year , as Washington and Beijing sparred over trade , China indicated that rare earth minerals would be a bargaining chip .
The Global Times , one of Beijing 's most-outspoken ( and least-grammatical ) mouthpieces , made it clear the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minerals hostage if the United States did n't agree to stop cracking down on controversial Chinese tech giant Huawei .
`` Scaling down rare-earth exports to the US is ' a smart hit ' against the US crackdown on Huawei and the US-China trade war , Wu Chenhui , an independent rare-earth analyst , told the Global Times on Tuesday , '' the May 28 , 2019 , article read .
`` The latest move is also seen as China 's retaliation for the US export control of its high technologies to China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the export of China 's rare earths has to be adjusted now , analysts said . ''
The Xinhua News Agency , usually one of the Beijing 's more restrained propaganda organs , also made it clear in vigorous language the CCP was willing to choke off America 's supply of the minerals .
`` Waging a trade war against China , the United States risks losing the supply of materials that are vital to sustaining its technological strength , '' a piece published by Xinhua a day later read .
`` China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rare earths , chemical elements that have magnetic and luminescent properties and are used in a range of consumer products and electronics . ''
With Wednesday 's executive order , the Trump administration aims to change that .
The order states `` that our Nation ’ s undue reliance on critical minerals , in processed or unprocessed form , from foreign adversaries constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat , which has its source in substantial part outside the United States , to the national security , foreign policy , and economy of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national emergency to deal with that threat .
`` In addition , I find that the United States must broadly enhance its mining and processing capacity , including for minerals not identified as critical minerals and not included within the national emergency declared in this order .
`` By expanding and strengthening domestic mining and processing capacity today , we guard against the possibility of supply chain disruptions and future attempts by our adversaries or strategic competitors to harm our economy and military readiness . ''
The national emergency seeks to create `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not depend on resources or processing from foreign adversaries '' and ensure `` the United States develops globally competitive , substantial , and resilient domestic commercial supply chain capabilities for critical minerals mining and processing . ''
The good news is that this is n't a matter of China controlling most of the world 's reserves , but rather the CCP manipulating the global market over the long term to eliminate competition .
`` In the 1980s , the United States produced more of these elements than any other country in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strategically flood the global market for rare earth elements and displace its competitors .
Since gaining this advantage , China has exploited its position in the rare earth elements market by coercing industries that rely on these elements to locate their facilities , intellectual property , and technology in China , '' the executive order reads .
`` For instance , multiple companies were forced to add factory capacity in China after it suspended exports of processed rare earth elements to Japan in 2010 , threatening that country ’ s industrial and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices worldwide . ''
To encourage production within the United States , the order authorizes government grants to subsidize production equipment and suggests tariffs and quotas could be implemented on rare-earth imports from China and other problematic countries .
Unfortunately , tools outside of the regular free market apparatus will likely have to be used .
As Foreign Policy pointed out in a May article , `` Given China ’ s state-mandated dominance of the niche rare-earth industry , it basically controls pricing and ensures that normal economic rules don ’ t apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to China ’ s current dominance by turning to market-based solutions , like urging mining companies to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into big upfront investments that could be rendered uneconomical with a single decision in Beijing . ''
Ordinarily , this would be troublesome .
Given the importance of rare-earth minerals in consumer tech and defense -- as well as Beijing 's willingness to use their dominance in the market as blackmail -- this is something a bit more serious .
`` Each F-35 fighter , for instance , needs 920 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuclear submarine requires 9,200 pounds , '' Foreign Policy reported .
`` Tomahawk missiles , guidance systems , and jet engines all need different combinations of alloys and specialized products using some of the 17 different rare-earth elements . ''
Establishing these supply chains through incentives has n't worked thus far .
A national emergency , however , is a different matter .
Will it spur America 's rare-earth mineral mining capacity from its slumber ?
That remains to be seen .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

If you don't know what rare-earth minerals are, you're not alone.
The problem is that if we can't figure out how to source them from home, the implications for the United States could be dire.
It's not exactly the sexiest campaign issue, I can understand -- and it certainly slipped under the radar when the president signed an executive order Wednesday "to reduce the Nation’s vulnerability to disruptions in the supply of critical minerals."
The rare-earth minerals are, officially, a group of 17 rare elements critical to U.S. security. While the minerals may be rare, their uses aren't.
As Defense News reported, the minerals are crucial in the "defense industry’s manufacturing of missiles and munitions, hypersonic weapons, and radiation-hardened electronics -- as well as consumer electronics like cellphones. The Trump administration previously identified 35 minerals as both essential and whose supplies are vulnerable to disruption."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The issue isn't just that the minerals need to be sourced from abroad. It's that they need to be sourced from a specific (and problematic) country: China.
"The U.S. imports 80 percent of these elements directly from China, with portions of the remainder indirectly sourced from China through other countries," Defense News reported Friday.
Last year, as Washington and Beijing sparred over trade, China indicated that rare earth minerals would be a bargaining chip.
The Global Times, one of Beijing's most-outspoken (and least-grammatical) mouthpieces, made it clear the Chinese Communist Party was willing to hold the minerals hostage if the United States didn't agree to stop cracking down on controversial Chinese tech giant Huawei.
"Scaling down rare-earth exports to the US is 'a smart hit' against the US crackdown on Huawei and the US-China trade war, Wu Chenhui, an independent rare-earth analyst, told the Global Times on Tuesday," the May 28, 2019, article read. "The latest move is also seen as China's retaliation for the US export control of its high technologies to China, and as a strategic material, the export of China's rare earths has to be adjusted now, analysts said."
The Xinhua News Agency, usually one of the Beijing's more restrained propaganda organs, also made it clear in vigorous language the CCP was willing to choke off America's supply of the minerals.
"Waging a trade war against China, the United States risks losing the supply of materials that are vital to sustaining its technological strength," a piece published by Xinhua a day later read.
"China produces a majority of the world's rare earths, chemical elements that have magnetic and luminescent properties and are used in a range of consumer products and electronics."
With Wednesday's executive order, the Trump administration aims to change that.
The order states "that our Nation’s undue reliance on critical minerals, in processed or unprocessed form, from foreign adversaries constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. I hereby declare a national emergency to deal with that threat.
"In addition, I find that the United States must broadly enhance its mining and processing capacity, including for minerals not identified as critical minerals and not included within the national emergency declared in this order.
"By expanding and strengthening domestic mining and processing capacity today, we guard against the possibility of supply chain disruptions and future attempts by our adversaries or strategic competitors to harm our economy and military readiness."
The national emergency seeks to create "secure critical minerals supply chains that do not depend on resources or processing from foreign adversaries" and ensure "the United States develops globally competitive, substantial, and resilient domestic commercial supply chain capabilities for critical minerals mining and processing."
The good news is that this isn't a matter of China controlling most of the world's reserves, but rather the CCP manipulating the global market over the long term to eliminate competition.
"In the 1980s, the United States produced more of these elements than any other country in the world, but China used aggressive economic practices to strategically flood the global market for rare earth elements and displace its competitors. Since gaining this advantage, China has exploited its position in the rare earth elements market by coercing industries that rely on these elements to locate their facilities, intellectual property, and technology in China," the executive order reads.
"For instance, multiple companies were forced to add factory capacity in China after it suspended exports of processed rare earth elements to Japan in 2010, threatening that country’s industrial and defense sectors and disrupting rare earth elements prices worldwide."
To encourage production within the United States, the order authorizes government grants to subsidize production equipment and suggests tariffs and quotas could be implemented on rare-earth imports from China and other problematic countries.
Unfortunately, tools outside of the regular free market apparatus will likely have to be used.
As Foreign Policy pointed out in a May article, "Given China’s state-mandated dominance of the niche rare-earth industry, it basically controls pricing and ensures that normal economic rules don’t apply. That makes it hard to respond to China’s current dominance by turning to market-based solutions, like urging mining companies to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into big upfront investments that could be rendered uneconomical with a single decision in Beijing."
Ordinarily, this would be troublesome. Given the importance of rare-earth minerals in consumer tech and defense -- as well as Beijing's willingness to use their dominance in the market as blackmail -- this is something a bit more serious.
"Each F-35 fighter, for instance, needs 920 pounds of rare earths; each Virginia-class nuclear submarine requires 9,200 pounds," Foreign Policy reported. "Tomahawk missiles, guidance systems, and jet engines all need different combinations of alloys and specialized products using some of the 17 different rare-earth elements."
Establishing these supply chains through incentives hasn't worked thus far.
A national emergency, however, is a different matter.
Will it spur America's rare-earth mineral mining capacity from its slumber? That remains to be seen.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-10-04--All the people in the White House orbit who have tested positive for COVID-19

( BREITBART ) The coronavirus has hit a growing number of figures in President Donald Trump ’ s White House orbit , with potential links to recent campaign events , the first presidential debate , and the Rose Garden nomination ceremony of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court .
In addition to President Trump and First lady Melania , other people to test positive for COVID-19 include White House adviser Hope Hicks , campaign manager Bill Stepien , and RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel .
Most of them have reported mild to no symptoms .
The origins of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
But as the New York Times has noted , many of the names attended the same events with the president as he criss-crossed several states in recent days .
The first potential site of transmission may have been a September 25 fundraiser at Trump International Hotel in Washington attended by the president and McDaniel .
Other potential spreader events include a September 26 White House meeting with Amy Coney Barrett , attended by several people including Sens .
Thom Tillis ( R-NC ) , Mike Lee ( R-UT ) , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — all three of whom have since tested positive for COVID-19 .

(BREITBART) The coronavirus has hit a growing number of figures in President Donald Trump’s White House orbit, with potential links to recent campaign events, the first presidential debate, and the Rose Garden nomination ceremony of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In addition to President Trump and First lady Melania, other people to test positive for COVID-19 include White House adviser Hope Hicks, campaign manager Bill Stepien, and RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. Most of them have reported mild to no symptoms.
The origins of the infections are murky and could remain that way. But as the New York Times has noted, many of the names attended the same events with the president as he criss-crossed several states in recent days. The first potential site of transmission may have been a September 25 fundraiser at Trump International Hotel in Washington attended by the president and McDaniel.
Other potential spreader events include a September 26 White House meeting with Amy Coney Barrett, attended by several people including Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Lee (R-UT), and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie — all three of whom have since tested positive for COVID-19.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-04--President Trump releases update, says he's feeling 'much better' after hospitalization

( FOX NEWS ) President Trump released a video from Walter Reed Medical Center Saturday evening , informing Americans that he felt `` much better '' after entering the facility and was committed to defeating the coronavirus .
`` I came here , was n't feeling so well .
I feel much better now .
We 're working hard to get me all the way back .
I have to be back , because we still have to make America great again .
We 've done an awfully good job of that , but we still have steps to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that job , '' he said in a tweeted video .
He added that he thought he would `` be back soon .
And I look forward to finishing up the campaign , the way it was started and the way we 've been doing , the kind of numbers that we 've been doing , we 've been so proud of it .
But this was something that happened , and it 's happened to millions of people all over the world , and I 'm fighting for them , not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them all over the world .
We 're going to beat this coronavirus or whatever you want to call it , and we 're going to beat it soundly . ''

(FOX NEWS) President Trump released a video from Walter Reed Medical Center Saturday evening, informing Americans that he felt "much better" after entering the facility and was committed to defeating the coronavirus.
"I came here, wasn't feeling so well. I feel much better now. We're working hard to get me all the way back. I have to be back, because we still have to make America great again. We've done an awfully good job of that, but we still have steps to go and we have to have to finish that job," he said in a tweeted video.
He added that he thought he would "be back soon. And I look forward to finishing up the campaign, the way it was started and the way we've been doing, the kind of numbers that we've been doing, we've been so proud of it. But this was something that happened, and it's happened to millions of people all over the world, and I'm fighting for them, not just in the US, I'm fighting for them all over the world. We're going to beat this coronavirus or whatever you want to call it, and we're going to beat it soundly."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-05--Video shows President Trump leaving Walter Reed to greet MAGA fans with epic drive-by

In a gesture that combined a Trump-sized `` thank you '' to his loyal supporters and a defiant gesture to his carping critics , President Donald Trump on Sunday waved to his fans outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center from the back of an SUV as he slowly cruised past the throngs praying for him .
Trump wore a mask .
Those with him in the vehicle also wore masks , video showed .
TRENDING : MAGA crowd outside Walter Reed surprised with shipment of pizza from mystery buyer White House spokesman Judd Deere said Trump returned to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ride to wave to his supporters , '' according to USA Today .
Trump had earlier tweeted his thanks to the many supporters to have been rallying and praying since Trump 's arrival at Walter Reed on Friday , the same day he and first lady Melania Trump were diagnosed with the coronavirus .
`` I really appreciate all of the fans and supporters outside of the hospital .
The fact is , they really love our Country and are seeing how we are MAKING IT GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE ! ''
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Conley said Trump could return to the White House as early as Monday .
On Sunday evening , Trump released a short video on Twitter in which he hinted he was about to make a `` little surprise visit '' to his supporters outside .
`` It 's been a very interesting journey , I learned a lot about COVID , '' Trump said in the video .
`` I learned it by really going to school .
This is the real school .
This is n't the let's-read-the-book school .
And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Although Trump 's fans were thrilled at his venture outside the hospital , critics howled .
Jonathan Reiner , professor of Medicine and Surgery at George Washington University , said Secret Service members were put at risk .
`` By taking a joy ride outside Walter Reed the president is placing his Secret Service detail at grave risk , '' he said , according to USA Today .
`` In the hospital when we go into close contact with a COVID patient we dress in full PPE : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection , hat .
`` This is the height of irresponsibility . ''
On Sunday morning , CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta also had criticisms to share , focusing on Conley 's comments concerning Trump being on oxygen and the overall upbeat nature of Conley 's remarks .
He told CNN 's Jake Tapper that Conley was being `` purposefully misleading '' and later added , `` Well you know I ’ d have to say that they are hiding things , Jake .
I mean , I hate to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Western Journal .

In a gesture that combined a Trump-sized "thank you" to his loyal supporters and a defiant gesture to his carping critics, President Donald Trump on Sunday waved to his fans outside Walter Reed National Military Medical Center from the back of an SUV as he slowly cruised past the throngs praying for him.
Trump wore a mask. Those with him in the vehicle also wore masks, video showed.
That’s Trump driving by his supporters outside Walter Reed military hospital. pic.twitter.com/eqA0RGkr6A — Philip Crowther (@PhilipinDC) October 4, 2020
Trump drives by the press and supporters outside Walter Reed hospital. pic.twitter.com/3phtKthqTH — Philip Crowther (@PhilipinDC) October 4, 2020
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
White House spokesman Judd Deere said Trump returned to the hospital after his "short, last-minute ride to wave to his supporters," according to USA Today.
Trump had earlier tweeted his thanks to the many supporters to have been rallying and praying since Trump's arrival at Walter Reed on Friday, the same day he and first lady Melania Trump were diagnosed with the coronavirus.
I really appreciate all of the fans and supporters outside of the hospital. The fact is, they really love our Country and are seeing how we are MAKING IT GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2020
"I really appreciate all of the fans and supporters outside of the hospital. The fact is, they really love our Country and are seeing how we are MAKING IT GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!" Trump tweeted.
Earlier Sunday, Dr. Sean Conley said Trump could return to the White House as early as Monday.
On Sunday evening, Trump released a short video on Twitter in which he hinted he was about to make a "little surprise visit" to his supporters outside.
"It's been a very interesting journey, I learned a lot about COVID," Trump said in the video.
"I learned it by really going to school. This is the real school. This isn't the let's-read-the-book school. And I get it, and I understand it," he said.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Trump supporters close 5th Ave. in NYC support to sick president https://t.co/Z6vSLP1MWy — Eric Trump (@EricTrump) October 4, 2020
BREAKING: Trump debunks mainstream media narrative by visiting supporters outside of hospital https://t.co/KjSFHjQ9aJ — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) October 4, 2020
Although Trump's fans were thrilled at his venture outside the hospital, critics howled.
Jonathan Reiner, professor of Medicine and Surgery at George Washington University, said Secret Service members were put at risk.
"By taking a joy ride outside Walter Reed the president is placing his Secret Service detail at grave risk," he said, according to USA Today.
"In the hospital when we go into close contact with a COVID patient we dress in full PPE: Gown, gloves, N95, eye protection, hat.
"This is the height of irresponsibility."
On Sunday morning, CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta also had criticisms to share, focusing on Conley's comments concerning Trump being on oxygen and the overall upbeat nature of Conley's remarks.
He told CNN's Jake Tapper that Conley was being "purposefully misleading" and later added, "Well you know I’d have to say that they are hiding things, Jake. I mean, I hate to say it.”
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-10-05--University of South Carolina coach under fire for calling BLM 'shameful,' saying 'I support the blue

University of South Carolina coach under fire for calling BLM 'shameful,' saying 'I support the blue'

( CAMPUS REFORM ) The University of South Carolina-Aiken will take “ appropriate personnel action ” after head baseball coach @ @ @ @ @ Matter .
According to the Post and Courier , Thomas commented on a picture of @ @ @ @ @ on a Clemson University football helmet : “ It is 100 % shameful , I @ @ @ @ @ anything like this on my field .
I support the Blue and not ashamed to @ @ @ @

(CAMPUS REFORM) The University of South Carolina-Aiken will take “appropriate personnel action” after head baseball coach Kenny Thomas criticized Black Lives Matter.
According to the Post and Courier, Thomas commented on a picture of a Black Lives Matter sticker on a Clemson University football helmet: “It is 100% shameful, I promise you will never see anything like this on my field. I support the Blue and not ashamed to say it!”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-05--Mathematics association declares math is racist

( POST MILLENNIAL ) The Mathematical Association of America released a statement Friday claiming both that mathematicians should engage in @ @ @ @ @ race , and that policies of the Trump administration , like the lack of a @ @ @ @ @ States , are somehow an affront to mathematics .
The group concludes with a call @ @ @ @ @ justice ” within math .
“ Thanks to science and mathematics , we understand now @ @ @ @ @ , frequent , rapid , mass testing , and contact tracing are all fundamental to @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic , ” the association wrote .
`` Yet policies at the federal @ @ @ @ @ these facts ; for example , choosing not to incorporate a mask-mandate in the US @ @ @ @ @ ”

(POST MILLENNIAL) The Mathematical Association of America released a statement Friday claiming both that mathematicians should engage in “uncomfortable conversations” about race, and that policies of the Trump administration, like the lack of a mask mandate in the United States, are somehow an affront to mathematics. The group concludes with a call for a “pursuit of justice” within math.
“Thanks to science and mathematics, we understand now that masks, social distancing, frequent, rapid, mass testing, and contact tracing are all fundamental to keep our communities safer during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the association wrote.
"Yet policies at the federal level have not consistently reflected these facts; for example, choosing not to incorporate a mask-mandate in the US has had serious consequences.”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-05--Anti-Trump group behind Putin deepfake released day of debate

An anti-Trump group is under attack after releasing a so-called `` deepfake '' video featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un telling viewers to `` save the election . ''
The video , which was supposed to air in the nation 's capital , shows the two leaders discussing how important voting and democracy are -- ironic , given neither of the two presides over a democracy .
“ America , you blame me for interfering with your democracy , but I don ’ t have to , ” the deepfake Putin is shown saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to yourselves .
Polling stations are closing .
You don ’ t know who to trust .
You are divided . ''
`` Deepfakes '' are computer-created videos that are meant to mimic actual clips .
TRENDING : MAGA crowd outside Walter Reed surprised with shipment of pizza from mystery buyer While the video was supposed to air in the Washington area , networks decided against airing the ad , created by `` nonpartisan '' ( ho ho ) group RepresentUs at the last minute .
`` We are a fiercely non-partisan movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump ’ s public statements have made it clear he ’ s laying the groundwork for an electoral coup .
This is beyond partisanship , '' RepresentUs ' website states .
That 's not `` non-partisan . ''
That 's rabidly anti-Trump .
`` Misinformation about vote by mail is eroding trust in our democracy .
It ’ s up to us to make sure our friends and family know the facts about voting absentee by mail .
Download our Social Media Toolkit to fight misinformation to get started . ''
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everal TV networks apparently decided that even labeled deepfakes weren ’ t a good idea .
RepresentUs says the videos were set to run as ads on Fox News , CNN , and MSNBC ( in Washington , D.C. ) just after the presidential debate Tuesday night , but that those networks refused to run the ads without giving a reason . ''
`` Deepfakes are created with AI technology that uses various images of a subject to renders videos that appear as if someone is doing or saying something they never did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MIT Technology Review 's Karen Hao notes , the awareness campaign is a stark departure from the way deepfakes are typically framed in the political space as having the potential to 'confuse voters and disrupt elections . '
'' It 's not perfect , but a casual observer could easily be fooled .
And here 's the Putin video , posted to YouTube on the day of the debate between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger , former Vice President Joe Biden .
At the end of each video , RepresentUs states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the threat is . ''
According to The Hill , RepresentUs co-founder and president said that Joshua Graham Lynn `` by featuring two leaders who have a vested interest in the collapse of our democratic system , we are putting the American people face-to-face with just how fragile our democracy really is .
We hope it inspires Americans to come together to fight for this one issue that unites us all . ''
No , it does n't .
What it does is demonstrate the issues with our electoral process in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I suppose .
Deepfakes are going to become an increasing part of our electoral process .
That 's a given .
The problem is when they 're deployed in such a disgusting way , like the technology was here .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

An anti-Trump group is under attack after releasing a so-called "deepfake" video featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un telling viewers to "save the election."
The video, which was supposed to air in the nation's capital, shows the two leaders discussing how important voting and democracy are -- ironic, given neither of the two presides over a democracy.
“America, you blame me for interfering with your democracy, but I don’t have to,” the deepfake Putin is shown saying.
“You’re doing it to yourselves. Polling stations are closing. You don’t know who to trust. You are divided."
"Deepfakes" are computer-created videos that are meant to mimic actual clips.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
While the video was supposed to air in the Washington area, networks decided against airing the ad, created by "nonpartisan" (ho ho) group RepresentUs at the last minute.
"We are a fiercely non-partisan movement with one mission: Protect democracy. President Trump’s public statements have made it clear he’s laying the groundwork for an electoral coup. This is beyond partisanship," RepresentUs' website states.
That's not "non-partisan." That's rabidly anti-Trump.
"Misinformation about vote by mail is eroding trust in our democracy. It’s up to us to make sure our friends and family know the facts about voting absentee by mail. Download our Social Media Toolkit to fight misinformation to get started."
According to FastCompany, "[s]everal TV networks apparently decided that even labeled deepfakes weren’t a good idea. RepresentUs says the videos were set to run as ads on Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC (in Washington, D.C.) just after the presidential debate Tuesday night, but that those networks refused to run the ads without giving a reason."
"Deepfakes are created with AI technology that uses various images of a subject to renders videos that appear as if someone is doing or saying something they never did," Insider reported.
"As MIT Technology Review's Karen Hao notes, the awareness campaign is a stark departure from the way deepfakes are typically framed in the political space as having the potential to 'confuse voters and disrupt elections.'"
Here's the Kim Jong Un version.
Political advocacy group @representus released two deepfake videos featuring Kim Jong Un & Vladimir Putin that urge viewers to “save the election.” The ads were intended to air in D.C. but networks reportedly backed out at the last minute. pic.twitter.com/F18rE3Ob63 — Mikael Thalen (@MikaelThalen) October 1, 2020
It's not perfect, but a casual observer could easily be fooled.
And here's the Putin video, posted to YouTube on the day of the debate between President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden.
At the end of each video, RepresentUs states, "This footage is not real, but the threat is."
Really, now?
According to The Hill, RepresentUs co-founder and president said that Joshua Graham Lynn "by featuring two leaders who have a vested interest in the collapse of our democratic system, we are putting the American people face-to-face with just how fragile our democracy really is. We hope it inspires Americans to come together to fight for this one issue that unites us all."
No, it doesn't. What it does is demonstrate the issues with our electoral process in a profoundly disgusting way. Good work, I suppose.
Deepfakes are going to become an increasing part of our electoral process. That's a given.
The problem is when they're deployed in such a disgusting way, like the technology was here.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-10-04--NRA awarded roughly $150,000 after judge strikes down Los Angeles ordinance

An effort by the city of Los Angeles to punish the National Rifle Association blew up in the city 's face Tuesday when it was forced to pay $ 144,234.29 over an anti-NRA law that was struck down .
In 2019 , Los Angeles passed an ordinance that required anyone seeking to do business with the city to disclose potential ties they might have to the NRA .
The law had noted that `` the city ’ s residents deserve to know if the City ’ s public funds are spent on contractors that have contractual or sponsorship ties with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such contractors undermines the City ’ s efforts to legislate and promote gun safety . ''
The ordinance was struck down in December by federal district court Judge Stephen Wilson after the NRA sued , arguing a violation of the group 's First Amendment rights .
`` In this case , the text of the Ordinance , the Ordinance 's legislative history , and the concurrent public statements made by the Ordinance ’ s primary legislative sponsor evince a strong intent to suppress the speech of the NRA , '' Wilson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprised with shipment of pizza from mystery buyer '' Even though the Ordinance only forces disclosure of activity that may not be expressive , the clear purpose of the disclosure is to undermine the NRA ’ s explicitly political speech . ''
On Tuesday , Wilson followed up his ruling by ordering Los Angeles to pay a portion of the NRA 's legal fees , or $ 144,234.29 .
The NRA had originally sought to have the city pay for $ 472,760.50 in legal fees .
Amy Hunter , a spokeswoman for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punishment prove Los Angles was biased in its effort to go after the NRA through businesses .
`` Violations of any constitutional rights by government officials should carry consequences , '' she told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` The courts have rightfully imposed those consequences upon Los Angeles .
The NRA will continue our fight and , as always , work to hold politicians accountable . ''
Although city officials said there was no effort to muzzle the NRA , the judge disagreed .
`` The City adopted the Ordinance ‘ because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NRA and with the explicit intent to suppress that message -- the Ordinance should therefore be considered a content-based regulation of speech , '' he ruled .
In January , the city repealed the ordinance in question .
“ The same city officials who vowed to defend this ordinance are on the run , ” Jason Ouimet , executive director of the NRA ’ s Institute for Legislative Action , said in a news release at the time .
“ In addition to the NRA members they wronged , city officials must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their failed experiment , and explain why they recklessly subjected the city to legal and financial exposure .
“ Facing a trial where they ’ ll have to account for the unconstitutional ordinance , city officials are trying to mitigate the consequences of their illegal misbehavior , ” added Chuck Michel , California counsel to the NRA .
“ This is another decisive victory for the NRA , which stood and fought for its members ’ rights.
” William A .
Brewer III , outside counsel to the NRA , said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrated its resolve to hold government actors accountable for their attempts to transgress against the rights of NRA members .
The NRA will never stop defending its members and the freedoms they hold so dear.
” This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

An effort by the city of Los Angeles to punish the National Rifle Association blew up in the city's face Tuesday when it was forced to pay $144,234.29 over an anti-NRA law that was struck down.
In 2019, Los Angeles passed an ordinance that required anyone seeking to do business with the city to disclose potential ties they might have to the NRA.
The law had noted that "the city’s residents deserve to know if the City’s public funds are spent on contractors that have contractual or sponsorship ties with the NRA. Public funds provided to such contractors undermines the City’s efforts to legislate and promote gun safety."
The ordinance was struck down in December by federal district court Judge Stephen Wilson after the NRA sued, arguing a violation of the group's First Amendment rights.
"In this case, the text of the Ordinance, the Ordinance's legislative history, and the concurrent public statements made by the Ordinance’s primary legislative sponsor evince a strong intent to suppress the speech of the NRA," Wilson said.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"Even though the Ordinance only forces disclosure of activity that may not be expressive, the clear purpose of the disclosure is to undermine the NRA’s explicitly political speech."
On Tuesday, Wilson followed up his ruling by ordering Los Angeles to pay a portion of the NRA's legal fees, or $144,234.29.
The NRA had originally sought to have the city pay for $472,760.50 in legal fees.
Amy Hunter, a spokeswoman for the NRA, said the ruling and subsequent punishment prove Los Angles was biased in its effort to go after the NRA through businesses.
"Violations of any constitutional rights by government officials should carry consequences," she told the Washington Free Beacon. "The courts have rightfully imposed those consequences upon Los Angeles. The NRA will continue our fight and, as always, work to hold politicians accountable."
Although city officials said there was no effort to muzzle the NRA, the judge disagreed.
"The City adopted the Ordinance ‘because of disagreement with the message' of the NRA and with the explicit intent to suppress that message -- the Ordinance should therefore be considered a content-based regulation of speech," he ruled.
In January, the city repealed the ordinance in question.
“The same city officials who vowed to defend this ordinance are on the run,” Jason Ouimet, executive director of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, said in a news release at the time.
“In addition to the NRA members they wronged, city officials must now answer to voters and taxpayers for their failed experiment, and explain why they recklessly subjected the city to legal and financial exposure.
“Facing a trial where they’ll have to account for the unconstitutional ordinance, city officials are trying to mitigate the consequences of their illegal misbehavior,” added Chuck Michel, California counsel to the NRA. “This is another decisive victory for the NRA, which stood and fought for its members’ rights.”
William A. Brewer III, outside counsel to the NRA, said: “Coast to coast, the Association has demonstrated its resolve to hold government actors accountable for their attempts to transgress against the rights of NRA members. The NRA will never stop defending its members and the freedoms they hold so dear.”
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-10-04--BLM ties to Marxist groups spotlighted in new video

A new video by researcher Trevor Loudon presents evidence that Black Lives Matter is tied to foreign communist and terrorist organizations through its three co-founders .
Patrisse Cullors has boasted in an interview of being a `` trained Marxist , '' along with Alicia Garza .
The third co-founder , Opel Tometi , is a known supporter of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro .
Tometi and Garza are involved with a German revolutionary organization called Rosa Luxembourg Stiftung , which was established by former East German communist leaders to build a new wave of international socialist revolutions .
All three co-founders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an initiative called Choose Freedom , are part of a socialist organization called Liberation Road .
TRENDING : MAGA crowd outside Walter Reed surprised with shipment of pizza from mystery buyer Loudon 's video notes that a group with direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party , the Chinese Progressive Association , is the main funder of Garza 's Black Futures Lab , a voter turnout group .
Choose Freedom describes itself as `` an initiative aimed at clarifying the stark differences between the tyranny that is the inevitable result of Marxist revolutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States ’ constitutional Republic . ''
`` Given a choice , we believe informed Americans will choose freedom , rather than willingly opt to live under oppressive regimes that rule according to the totalitarian agenda of socialists/communists , '' says Choose Freedom 's website .
Loudon found that Cullors was mentored for many years by Eric Mann , a Maoist communist member of the Weather Underground domestic terrorist organization .
There 's more in the five-minute video .
`` Anyone who takes a knee to Black Lives Matter , '' the narrator says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and terrorism . ''

A new video by researcher Trevor Loudon presents evidence that Black Lives Matter is tied to foreign communist and terrorist organizations through its three co-founders.
Patrisse Cullors has boasted in an interview of being a "trained Marxist," along with Alicia Garza. The third co-founder, Opel Tometi, is a known supporter of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.
Tometi and Garza are involved with a German revolutionary organization called Rosa Luxembourg Stiftung, which was established by former East German communist leaders to build a new wave of international socialist revolutions.
All three co-founders, points out the video presentation by an initiative called Choose Freedom, are part of a socialist organization called Liberation Road.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Loudon's video notes that a group with direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party, the Chinese Progressive Association, is the main funder of Garza's Black Futures Lab, a voter turnout group.
Choose Freedom describes itself as "an initiative aimed at clarifying the stark differences between the tyranny that is the inevitable result of Marxist revolutions and the liberties guaranteed in the United States’ constitutional Republic."
"Given a choice, we believe informed Americans will choose freedom, rather than willingly opt to live under oppressive regimes that rule according to the totalitarian agenda of socialists/communists," says Choose Freedom's website.
Loudon found that Cullors was mentored for many years by Eric Mann, a Maoist communist member of the Weather Underground domestic terrorist organization.
Do you boycott any stores, teams, television programs, etc. that support BLM? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to WND news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 97% (521 Votes) 3% (14 Votes)
There's more in the five-minute video.
"Anyone who takes a knee to Black Lives Matter," the narrator says, "is bowing to Chinese communism and terrorism."
See the video: