wnd--2020-10-11--China's damage to U.S. industrial base called 'horrific'

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy . ]
China ’ s entrance into the World Trade Organization nearly two decades ago was supposed to transform China .
Instead , it has transformed the U.S. – for the worse .
If the belief was that China would come to liberalize as it integrated into the global economy , that aspirational thinking has now been proven a dangerous illusion .
China has indeed changed , emerging as an industrial goliath and strategic rival , but as clearly committed to totalitarianism and to playing outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s central planners have exploited America ’ s laissez faire attitude and employed the full power of the state to dominate key industries , trading profit again and again for market share .
China has become the world ’ s workshop and has aspirations for much , much more – in its own conception , global economic dominance .
Instead of checking China ’ s strategic industrial march , U.S. policy has often actually encouraged Chinese economic might as a necessary dimension of globalization and economic efficiency .
The accompanying damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the middle-class jobs it supports has been horrific .
The parallel supply chain vulnerabilities that have emerged are equally troubling .
Despite the manifest tragedies of the pandemic , the consequent supply chain shock has served as a much-needed wakeup call : American overreliance on China and Chinese-controlled supply chains has become a five-alarm fire .
Remarkably , in our current extremely partisan climate , bipartisan support is coalescing around checking China ’ s predatory practices and ensuring additional American industries aren ’ t allowed to slip away .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the critical industries of tomorrow and reshoring critical supply chains is going to take forceful , committed policy .
Whether or not the U.S. is up for it remains to be seen .
China ’ s dominance of mineral supply chains , essential to nearly every facet of the digital economy , our national defense and the clean energy revolution , underscores the severity and scale of the problem .
While the U.S. was launching the shale revolution , China made itself the dominant producer of the world ’ s solar panels and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stunning lead in controlling the lithium-ion battery industry , the key to electric vehicles ( EVs ) , and its material supply chain .
Of the 115 battery mega factories in the global pipeline , 88 will call China home .
Likewise , U.S. leadership of the semiconductors industry , so important for clean energy , is threatened by Chinese advances in the semiconductor market .
China is rapidly creating a new geopolitical order around the battery and the plug and using mining and mineral processing to do it .
With an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s strategic play has proven a masterstroke .
China ’ s control of critical minerals is now such a glaring vulnerability that Admiral Mike Mullen , a former chairman of America ’ s Joint Chiefs of Staff , recently told The Economist , “ It ’ s a very significant strategic issue for the U.S. and the West .
I almost liken it to Huawei .
We wake up and they ’ re in control of the world.
” While China has relentlessly absorbed the world ’ s mineral supply chains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic mineral reserves – has steadily eroded .
America ’ s adversarial approach to mining has meant that U.S. mineral import reliance has doubled in little more than two decades .
The U.S. now finds itself import reliant on nearly 50 key minerals and metals with the production and processing of a stunning number controlled by China .
Reinvigorating American mining and rebuilding the material supply chains that are the irreplaceable foundation for the industries of the future is a litmus test for the seriousness of American policymakers to confront China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mining to safely and efficiently produce critical minerals .
The alternative – leaving critical minerals that we have in abundance in the ground – cedes dominance of the global minerals market to our most vigorous and implacable rival , China .
The challenges facing America ’ s economic security require strategic thinking beyond the whims and limitations of the market .
Now is the moment to embrace a return to carefully considered industrial policy that encourages a reshoring of industry and levels the playing field against China .
This is an industrial arms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workforce can ’ t afford to lose .
John Adams , U.S. Army Brigadier General ( Retired ) , is President of Guardian Six Consulting and a former Deputy U.S. Military Representative to NATO ’ s Military Committee .
He is a national security advisor and writer on national security and defense issues , and was the lead author for the 2013 study on the U.S. defense industrial base , Remaking American Security .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy.]
By John Adams
Real Clear Energy
China’s entrance into the World Trade Organization nearly two decades ago was supposed to transform China. Instead, it has transformed the U.S. – for the worse.
If the belief was that China would come to liberalize as it integrated into the global economy, that aspirational thinking has now been proven a dangerous illusion. China has indeed changed, emerging as an industrial goliath and strategic rival, but as clearly committed to totalitarianism and to playing outside the economic rules as ever before.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
China’s central planners have exploited America’s laissez faire attitude and employed the full power of the state to dominate key industries, trading profit again and again for market share. China has become the world’s workshop and has aspirations for much, much more – in its own conception, global economic dominance.
Instead of checking China’s strategic industrial march, U.S. policy has often actually encouraged Chinese economic might as a necessary dimension of globalization and economic efficiency. The accompanying damage to America’s industrial base and the middle-class jobs it supports has been horrific. The parallel supply chain vulnerabilities that have emerged are equally troubling. Despite the manifest tragedies of the pandemic, the consequent supply chain shock has served as a much-needed wakeup call: American overreliance on China and Chinese-controlled supply chains has become a five-alarm fire.
Remarkably, in our current extremely partisan climate, bipartisan support is coalescing around checking China’s predatory practices and ensuring additional American industries aren’t allowed to slip away. It’s a promising start but winning the race for the critical industries of tomorrow and reshoring critical supply chains is going to take forceful, committed policy. Whether or not the U.S. is up for it remains to be seen.
China’s dominance of mineral supply chains, essential to nearly every facet of the digital economy, our national defense and the clean energy revolution, underscores the severity and scale of the problem.
While the U.S. was launching the shale revolution, China made itself the dominant producer of the world’s solar panels and wind turbines and has now built up a stunning lead in controlling the lithium-ion battery industry, the key to electric vehicles (EVs), and its material supply chain. Of the 115 battery mega factories in the global pipeline, 88 will call China home. Likewise, U.S. leadership of the semiconductors industry, so important for clean energy, is threatened by Chinese advances in the semiconductor market.
China is rapidly creating a new geopolitical order around the battery and the plug and using mining and mineral processing to do it. With an EV future now almost a given, China’s strategic play has proven a masterstroke.
China’s control of critical minerals is now such a glaring vulnerability that Admiral Mike Mullen, a former chairman of America’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently told The Economist, “It’s a very significant strategic issue for the U.S. and the West. I almost liken it to Huawei. We wake up and they’re in control of the world.”
While China has relentlessly absorbed the world’s mineral supply chains, U.S. mineral production – despite vast domestic mineral reserves – has steadily eroded. America’s adversarial approach to mining has meant that U.S. mineral import reliance has doubled in little more than two decades. The U.S. now finds itself import reliant on nearly 50 key minerals and metals with the production and processing of a stunning number controlled by China.
Reinvigorating American mining and rebuilding the material supply chains that are the irreplaceable foundation for the industries of the future is a litmus test for the seriousness of American policymakers to confront China’s industrial ambitions. We need robust American mining to safely and efficiently produce critical minerals. The alternative – leaving critical minerals that we have in abundance in the ground – cedes dominance of the global minerals market to our most vigorous and implacable rival, China.
The challenges facing America’s economic security require strategic thinking beyond the whims and limitations of the market. Now is the moment to embrace a return to carefully considered industrial policy that encourages a reshoring of industry and levels the playing field against China. This is an industrial arms race America’s economy and her workforce can’t afford to lose.
John Adams, U.S. Army Brigadier General (Retired), is President of Guardian Six Consulting and a former Deputy U.S. Military Representative to NATO’s Military Committee. He is a national security advisor and writer on national security and defense issues, and was the lead author for the 2013 study on the U.S. defense industrial base, Remaking American Security.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy.]


wnd--2020-10-11--Energy, global-warming solution that's 'right in front of us'

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy . ]
Regardless of which Administration is in charge next year , or what party controls the Congress , these leaders will be tasked with addressing our energy challenges and rebuilding our economy .
Moving the needle on both of these challenges , will require a balance of bold action , innovative technologies , and pragmatic solutions .
When it comes to energy solutions to invigorate our economy and slow the pace of climate change , some have asserted that electrification alone , is the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false proposition .
It would be a mistake to romanticize a “ one-size fits all ” approach that proposes that electrification is the only viable route to a successful energy transition .
If we are serious about lowering greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions and getting our economy back on track , renewable natural gas ( RNG ) must be a part of the solution .
RNG should be common ground between environmentalists and businesses alike .
It takes food waste , animal manure , wastewater sludge and garbage – all of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they decompose in an unmanaged setting – and turns those emissions into clean energy that fuel our vehicles and power and heat American homes and businesses .
This is especially important as solid waste is expected to grow nearly 70 % by 2050 .
While electrification is an important tool in fighting climate change , it does not negate the waste that often pollutes our air and waterways .
Unmanaged biogas from solid waste is responsible for 28 % of U.S. fugitive methane emissions – almost as much as the entire oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides another revenue stream for U.S. farmers and local governments , many of whom have taken a hit during the recent economic downturn due to COVID-19 pandemic .
Every community in America produces waste .
With RNG they can redeem the energy value of waste that has no other viable use .
What has historically been a burden , has now become a long-term financial asset .
Moreover , RNG is a true drop-in fuel .
Companies that use natural gas for heating , manufacturing , feedstock , or to fuel their vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace some or all of their consumption with RNG to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve the goals of their environmental , sustainability and governance programs that investors are increasingly focusing on .
RNG facilities support clean energy jobs and have seen an unprecedented 30 % annual growth-rate in recent years with 130 RNG facilities operating today , and another 110 projects in various stages of development across North America .
In California alone , the world ’ s six largest economy , RNG has the potential to create up to 130,000 new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic impact – imagine what additional growth in the industry could bring to other U.S. local economies who fully embrace RNG .
RNG is also not a pie in the sky proposition – the technology and energy are already here .
RNG is currently being deployed to heat our homes and businesses , to generate renewable electricity , and to fuel the trucks and buses that make our economy run .
In 2019 , ninety-seven percent ( 97 % ) of all cellulosic advanced biofuel measured by EPA under the renewable fuel standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a viable and competitive fuel .
It is storable , and because of its compatibility with our current natural gas infrastructure , it does not require expensive upgrades to our cooktops , furnaces , or appliances .
Unfortunately , even with all of the recent growth , we are currently only tapping into a small percentage of the RNG currently available in the United States .
RNG has been a success story of EPA ’ s RFS , but uncertainty and instability in the program have limited its positive impact .
Moreover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s interstate natural gas pipeline system can be expensive and challenging as balkanized interconnection standards vary with each pipeline company throughout the country – and many do not have a standard process for accepting RNG .
The next administration and Congress should support an RFS that demonstrates predictable and consistent growth for advanced biofuels beyond 2022 and strengthen EPA ’ s Landfill Methane Outreach and AgStar programs and DOE ’ s Clean Cities program .
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should promulgate regulations that promote reasonable RNG gas system interconnections and reduce barriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the solution to all of our climate woes , but it is a valuable piece of the puzzle that is being undervalued and underutilized .
While bold climate goals are necessary , we must also strongly commit to a diverse portfolio of viable renewable energy options that will provide a pathway to a cleaner , more reliable , low carbon future .
Let us not allow partisanship , perfection , and a “ one-size-fits all ” approach get in the way of a solution that is right in front of us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Renewable Natural Gas , and Thomas N. Russo is President , Russo on Energy LLC and a former FERC regulator .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy.]
By David Cox & Tom Russo
Real Clear Energy
Regardless of which Administration is in charge next year, or what party controls the Congress, these leaders will be tasked with addressing our energy challenges and rebuilding our economy. Moving the needle on both of these challenges, will require a balance of bold action, innovative technologies, and pragmatic solutions.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
When it comes to energy solutions to invigorate our economy and slow the pace of climate change, some have asserted that electrification alone, is the most viable solution. But this is a false proposition. It would be a mistake to romanticize a “one-size fits all” approach that proposes that electrification is the only viable route to a successful energy transition. If we are serious about lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and getting our economy back on track, renewable natural gas (RNG) must be a part of the solution.
RNG should be common ground between environmentalists and businesses alike. It takes food waste, animal manure, wastewater sludge and garbage – all of which emit harmful methane gases into the atmosphere when they decompose in an unmanaged setting – and turns those emissions into clean energy that fuel our vehicles and power and heat American homes and businesses.
This is especially important as solid waste is expected to grow nearly 70% by 2050. While electrification is an important tool in fighting climate change, it does not negate the waste that often pollutes our air and waterways.
Unmanaged biogas from solid waste is responsible for 28% of U.S. fugitive methane emissions – almost as much as the entire oil and gas industry.
Additionally, RNG provides another revenue stream for U.S. farmers and local governments, many of whom have taken a hit during the recent economic downturn due to COVID-19 pandemic. Every community in America produces waste. With RNG they can redeem the energy value of waste that has no other viable use. What has historically been a burden, has now become a long-term financial asset.
Moreover, RNG is a true drop-in fuel. Companies that use natural gas for heating, manufacturing, feedstock, or to fuel their vehicles (CNG or LNG) can seamlessly replace some or all of their consumption with RNG to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve the goals of their environmental, sustainability and governance programs that investors are increasingly focusing on.
RNG facilities support clean energy jobs and have seen an unprecedented 30% annual growth-rate in recent years with 130 RNG facilities operating today, and another 110 projects in various stages of development across North America. In California alone, the world’s six largest economy, RNG has the potential to create up to 130,000 new jobs and $14.3 billion in positive economic impact – imagine what additional growth in the industry could bring to other U.S. local economies who fully embrace RNG.
RNG is also not a pie in the sky proposition – the technology and energy are already here. RNG is currently being deployed to heat our homes and businesses, to generate renewable electricity, and to fuel the trucks and buses that make our economy run. In 2019, ninety-seven percent (97%) of all cellulosic advanced biofuel measured by EPA under the renewable fuel standard (RFS) was RNG.
RNG is a viable and competitive fuel. It is storable, and because of its compatibility with our current natural gas infrastructure, it does not require expensive upgrades to our cooktops, furnaces, or appliances.
Unfortunately, even with all of the recent growth, we are currently only tapping into a small percentage of the RNG currently available in the United States. RNG has been a success story of EPA’s RFS, but uncertainty and instability in the program have limited its positive impact. Moreover, injecting RNG into the nation’s interstate natural gas pipeline system can be expensive and challenging as balkanized interconnection standards vary with each pipeline company throughout the country – and many do not have a standard process for accepting RNG.
The next administration and Congress should support an RFS that demonstrates predictable and consistent growth for advanced biofuels beyond 2022 and strengthen EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach and AgStar programs and DOE’s Clean Cities program. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission should promulgate regulations that promote reasonable RNG gas system interconnections and reduce barriers to RNG project development.
RNG is not the solution to all of our climate woes, but it is a valuable piece of the puzzle that is being undervalued and underutilized. While bold climate goals are necessary, we must also strongly commit to a diverse portfolio of viable renewable energy options that will provide a pathway to a cleaner, more reliable, low carbon future. Let us not allow partisanship, perfection, and a “one-size-fits all” approach get in the way of a solution that is right in front of us.
David Cox is Co-Founder of The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas, and Thomas N. Russo is President, Russo on Energy LLC and a former FERC regulator.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy.]


wnd--2020-10-11--'Great environmentalist' Trump's actions preferred to Left's 'unworkable' policies

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy . ]
President Trump has never been shy about communicating his sweeping vision for clean air , crystal clean water , and conservation .
While the Left may have dismissed the idea that he could be the “ great environmentalist , ” those words ring true for many Americans .
For far too long , the Left has pursued ineffective and unworkable policies that unnecessarily put jobs and economic growth at risk , rather than achieving practical results .
This all changed with the Trump Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there is no higher priority than fighting for American families and workers .
From the beginning , President Trump has supported conservation and environmental stewardship .
In 2018 , he signed the John D. Dingell , Jr. Conservation , Management and Recreation Act , expanding recreational access to public lands and supporting land and water conservation .
This past August , he also signed the Great American Outdoors Act , which is the most significant conservation funding legislation in American history .
This legislation will protect and improve our national parks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and give more American families opportunities to explore the great outdoors .
No President has advocated more strongly for active forest management , and President Trump has directed agencies to prioritize reducing wildfire risk on millions of acres of Federal lands .
President Trump has also affirmed America ’ s commitment to promoting international conservation efforts by announcing that the United States would join the One Trillion Trees Initiative to plant , conserve , and restore trees on American soil and around the world .
The President has directed more efficient implementation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s air is cleaner today than we have seen in recorded history .
Emissions of common air pollutants declined by 7 % since 2017 , and will continue to decline in the coming years .
In 2019 , the U.S. had the largest absolute decline of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions of any country in the world .
To ensure safe , reliable water supplies for all Americans , the Trump Administration has facilitated investments of over $ 38 billion in clean water infrastructure and has delivered upgrades for numerous projects , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agencies are completing environmental reviews to modernize water systems in the Western United States , and improving water forecasting and technologies to improve reliability .
Water quality will continue to improve , thanks in part to the Administration ’ s first major regulatory update to reduce lead in drinking water in nearly 30 years .
President Trump also signed the Save Our Seas Act to reduce marine debris , and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement includes the first-ever provisions in a trade agreement that take on the challenge of land and sea-based pollution and waste @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convened a White House ocean summit , bringing together Federal and non-federal partners for the first time ever to develop next-generation ocean science and technology for the conservation , management , and balanced use of our oceans .
The Trump Administration designated the first national marine sanctuary in nearly 20 years at Mallows Bay in Maryland .
The Administration is also working to expand sustainable American aquaculture , and the number of U.S. fish stocks at sustainable levels is near a record high .
The Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to cleaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last year , the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) deleted all or part of 27 Superfund sites from the National Priorities List , the largest number in a single year since 2001 .
At the same time , EPA advanced Superfund work nationwide , including the Hudson River cleanup , one of the largest river cleanups in history .
The Trump Administration is also investing in scientific research to enhance our predictions and preparedness and better understand our environment .
President Trump signed into law the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drought Information System Reauthorization Act of 2018 , which both improve Federal systems for weather forecasting , monitoring , and communicating about extreme weather events .
President Trump is restoring the preeminence of the United States ’ operational forecasting skills , equipping Americans with better information and protecting both lives and property .
President Trump ’ s leadership has resulted in a record of bold environmental accomplishments and promises kept for the American people .
His actions demonstrate that we can address real-world environmental challenges without overburdening working families or destroying businesses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roosevelt warned : “ This country will not permanently be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a reasonably good place for all of us to live in.
” By following Teddy Roosevelt ’ s legacy of conservationism , President Trump is making this country not only reasonably good , but great for all Americans .
Mary Neumayr is Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy.]
By Mary Neumayr
Real Clear Energy
President Trump has never been shy about communicating his sweeping vision for clean air, crystal clean water, and conservation. While the Left may have dismissed the idea that he could be the “great environmentalist,” those words ring true for many Americans. For far too long, the Left has pursued ineffective and unworkable policies that unnecessarily put jobs and economic growth at risk, rather than achieving practical results. This all changed with the Trump Administration, where actions speak louder than words and there is no higher priority than fighting for American families and workers.
From the beginning, President Trump has supported conservation and environmental stewardship. In 2018, he signed the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act, expanding recreational access to public lands and supporting land and water conservation. This past August, he also signed the Great American Outdoors Act, which is the most significant conservation funding legislation in American history. This legislation will protect and improve our national parks and public lands, preserve our national treasures, and give more American families opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
No President has advocated more strongly for active forest management, and President Trump has directed agencies to prioritize reducing wildfire risk on millions of acres of Federal lands. President Trump has also affirmed America’s commitment to promoting international conservation efforts by announcing that the United States would join the One Trillion Trees Initiative to plant, conserve, and restore trees on American soil and around the world.
The President has directed more efficient implementation of air quality standards, and America’s air is cleaner today than we have seen in recorded history. Emissions of common air pollutants declined by 7% since 2017, and will continue to decline in the coming years. In 2019, the U.S. had the largest absolute decline of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions of any country in the world.
To ensure safe, reliable water supplies for all Americans, the Trump Administration has facilitated investments of over $38 billion in clean water infrastructure and has delivered upgrades for numerous projects, including Everglades and Great Lakes restoration projects. Agencies are completing environmental reviews to modernize water systems in the Western United States, and improving water forecasting and technologies to improve reliability. Water quality will continue to improve, thanks in part to the Administration’s first major regulatory update to reduce lead in drinking water in nearly 30 years.
President Trump also signed the Save Our Seas Act to reduce marine debris, and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement includes the first-ever provisions in a trade agreement that take on the challenge of land and sea-based pollution and waste management. Last fall, the Administration convened a White House ocean summit, bringing together Federal and non-federal partners for the first time ever to develop next-generation ocean science and technology for the conservation, management, and balanced use of our oceans. The Trump Administration designated the first national marine sanctuary in nearly 20 years at Mallows Bay in Maryland. The Administration is also working to expand sustainable American aquaculture, and the number of U.S. fish stocks at sustainable levels is near a record high.
The Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to cleaning up contamination in our most vulnerable communities. Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deleted all or part of 27 Superfund sites from the National Priorities List, the largest number in a single year since 2001. At the same time, EPA advanced Superfund work nationwide, including the Hudson River cleanup, one of the largest river cleanups in history.
The Trump Administration is also investing in scientific research to enhance our predictions and preparedness and better understand our environment. President Trump signed into law the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 and the National Integrated Drought Information System Reauthorization Act of 2018, which both improve Federal systems for weather forecasting, monitoring, and communicating about extreme weather events. President Trump is restoring the preeminence of the United States’ operational forecasting skills, equipping Americans with better information and protecting both lives and property.
President Trump’s leadership has resulted in a record of bold environmental accomplishments and promises kept for the American people. His actions demonstrate that we can address real-world environmental challenges without overburdening working families or destroying businesses. Over 100 years ago, President Theodore Roosevelt warned: “This country will not permanently be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a reasonably good place for all of us to live in.” By following Teddy Roosevelt’s legacy of conservationism, President Trump is making this country not only reasonably good, but great for all Americans.
Mary Neumayr is Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Energy.]


wnd--2020-10-11--Muskoxen, little-known Alaskan behemoths, battle it out in middle of road

If you ever find yourself walking through the Alaskan bush , there 's a small chance you could come across one of the state 's little-known animals .
The behemoths , Ice Age relics who can weigh up to 800 pounds , look like monsters from Inuit mythology .
These animals are not magical creature , but muskoxen .
The hairy beasts are one of the few Ice Age megafauna in the Americas to survive changing weather and human hunters , but the millennia have not been kind on the humble muskox .
According to the Alaska Department of Fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North America , Asia and Europe .
By the 1920s , the beasts could only be found in Greenland and remote reaches of Canada .
In 1930 , an attempt was made to reintroduce the muskox back to Alaska .
A total of 34 of the creatures were captured and relocated to Nunivak Island .
The population quickly bloomed , with the herd growing to over 700 animals within four decades .
In recent years , Alaskan herds have remained stable enough for hunters to harvest hundreds of the animals .
Meat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ valued for their numerous positive qualities .
The animals have become so numerous that some males of the species are venturing out from their herds ' ranges and into human-populated areas .
According to Alaska Public Media , the animals numbered more than 5,000 across the state as of 2011 .
While the animals seem benign , they can put up a fierce fight when cornered .
This makes the creatures a problem when human curiosity overlaps with their natural behavior .
One shocking attribute is the muskox does n't cower in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an all-out offensive .
`` Probably a self-defense mechanism that goes back to the Ice Age , '' ADFG wildlife biologist Pat Jones told APM .
`` They will kill dogs if they get the chance .
If there 's a musk ox around and you have a dog on a chain you 'll want to bring it inside for a day or two till the musk ox passes .
`` Every year , musk ox kill dogs that are chained up outside . ''
Video taken in 2018 shows the raw power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive : Thankfully , it seems that a little awareness and common sense is all it takes to avoid a dangerous confrontation with these beasts .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

If you ever find yourself walking through the Alaskan bush, there's a small chance you could come across one of the state's little-known animals.
The behemoths, Ice Age relics who can weigh up to 800 pounds, look like monsters from Inuit mythology.
These animals are not magical creature, but muskoxen.
The hairy beasts are one of the few Ice Age megafauna in the Americas to survive changing weather and human hunters, but the millennia have not been kind on the humble muskox.
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the animals once roamed the North America, Asia and Europe. By the 1920s, the beasts could only be found in Greenland and remote reaches of Canada.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
In 1930, an attempt was made to reintroduce the muskox back to Alaska.
A total of 34 of the creatures were captured and relocated to Nunivak Island.
The population quickly bloomed, with the herd growing to over 700 animals within four decades.
In recent years, Alaskan herds have remained stable enough for hunters to harvest hundreds of the animals.
Meat and fur from the muskox are highly valued for their numerous positive qualities.
The animals have become so numerous that some males of the species are venturing out from their herds' ranges and into human-populated areas.
According to Alaska Public Media, the animals numbered more than 5,000 across the state as of 2011.
While the animals seem benign, they can put up a fierce fight when cornered. This makes the creatures a problem when human curiosity overlaps with their natural behavior.
One shocking attribute is the muskox doesn't cower in a fight against dogs, but put on an all-out offensive.
"Probably a self-defense mechanism that goes back to the Ice Age," ADFG wildlife biologist Pat Jones told APM.
"They will kill dogs if they get the chance. If there's a musk ox around and you have a dog on a chain you'll want to bring it inside for a day or two till the musk ox passes.
"Every year, musk ox kill dogs that are chained up outside."
Video taken in 2018 shows the raw power these Alaskan giants can unleash.
WARNING: The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive:
Thankfully, it seems that a little awareness and common sense is all it takes to avoid a dangerous confrontation with these beasts.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-10-12--Graham warns Dems against Kavanaugh repeat

( WASHINGTON EXAMINER ) -- Sen. Lindsey Graham opened the historic confirmation hearing of Judge Amy Coney Barrett praising her @ @ @ @ @ for integrity and warning Democrats against repeating the process that dragged out the confirmation of @ @ @ @ @ , chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee , on Monday outlined the Senate schedule to @ @ @ @ @ process and advance her to the Supreme Court , likely before the Nov. 3 election @ @ @ @ @ Carolina Republican called Barrett as “ in a category of excellence , ” that should @ @ @ @ @ but warned the confirmation will take place in an election year .

(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) -- Sen. Lindsey Graham opened the historic confirmation hearing of Judge Amy Coney Barrett praising her as academically gifted and admired for integrity and warning Democrats against repeating the process that dragged out the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Graham, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Monday outlined the Senate schedule to usher Barrett through the confirmation process and advance her to the Supreme Court, likely before the Nov. 3 election.
Graham, a South Carolina Republican called Barrett as “in a category of excellence,” that should make the nation proud, but warned the confirmation will take place in an election year.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-12--Biden: GOP not 'constitutional' in Barrett nomination

( FOX NEWS ) -- Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is facing pushback to his claim that Republican efforts to @ @ @ @ @ the Supreme Court are not “ constitutional.
” Speaking to reporters on Saturday , Biden @ @ @ @ @ he supports packing the court like some in his party and tried to turn the @ @ @ @ @ “ The only court packing going on right now is going on with Republicans… It @ @ @ @ @ ’ re doing , ” Biden told reporters , arguing the vacancy caused by the @ @ @ @ @ should not be filled until after November 's presidential election .

(FOX NEWS) -- Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is facing pushback to his claim that Republican efforts to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court are not “constitutional.”
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Biden again declined to say whether he supports packing the court like some in his party and tried to turn the issue back on Republicans.
“The only court packing going on right now is going on with Republicans… It's not constitutional what they’re doing,” Biden told reporters, arguing the vacancy caused by the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg should not be filled until after November's presidential election.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-12--Numbers say residents fleeing San Francisco in droves

( WASHINGTON EXAMINER ) -- Sales tax revenue and other economic indicators suggest residents are fleeing San Francisco over the @ @ @ @ @ to the negative effects of coronavirus restrictions .
The California city has experienced a drop @ @ @ @ @ weak online sales tax collection , a 20 % drop in rent pricing , and @ @ @ @ @ the past six months , which suggests a significant drop in population , according to @ @ @ @ @ “ San Francisco ’ s bleak economic vital signs over the past six months strongly @ @ @ @ @ record job losses , the entrenchment of remote work , and a coronavirus pandemic that @ @ @ @ @ , ” the paper reports .

(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) -- Sales tax revenue and other economic indicators suggest residents are fleeing San Francisco over the past six months largely due to the negative effects of coronavirus restrictions.
The California city has experienced a drop in public transportation ridership, weak online sales tax collection, a 20% drop in rent pricing, and an office vacancy spike over the past six months, which suggests a significant drop in population, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
“San Francisco’s bleak economic vital signs over the past six months strongly suggest residents are leaving amid record job losses, the entrenchment of remote work, and a coronavirus pandemic that shows no signs of ending,” the paper reports.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-10-13--Mayoral candidate charged with over 100 counts of voter fraud

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by the Daily Signal . ]
When police arrested Zul Mirza Mohamed on suspicion of voter fraud Wednesday night , prosecutors say , the candidate for mayor in Carrollton , Texas , was stuffing envelopes with mail-in ballot applications to send to Dallas County .
However , Texas state and local law enforcement officials allege that Mohamed ’ s illicit activities ran far deeper than what he was caught in the act doing .
Prosecutors charged Mohamed , 39 , with 84 counts of mail ballot application fraud and 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail ballot , the Texas Attorney General ’ s Office said .
If convicted , he faces up to 20 years in prison .
Carrollton , with a population of about 127,279 , spans the counties of Denton , Dallas , and Collin .
Texas officials allege that Mohamed obtained a virtual mailbox using a false identity .
Then , prosecutors say , he forged at least 84 voter registration applications for unwitting residents of Denton County .
The absentee voter applications asked for ballots to be sent to a fraudulent location .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked on the investigation with the Denton County Sheriff ’ s Office , the Lewisville Police Department , the Texas Department of Public Safety , and Denton ’ s elections and district attorney ’ s offices .
Paxton said law enforcement is committed to “ ensuring a free and fair presidential election in the face of unprecedented voter fraud.
” “ Mail ballots are inherently insecure and vulnerable to fraud , and I am committed to safeguarding the integrity of our elections , ” Paxton said in a written statement .
“ My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county in combating this form of fraud.
” In late September , a grand jury indicted Gregg County Commissioner Shannon Brown and associates , alleging a scheme that involved falsely claiming that voters were disabled in order to obtain absentee ballots .
Brown had won a five-vote victory in a Democratic primary in March .
In 2019 , prosecutors indicted Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina and 18 others on charges they violated Texas law against ballot harvesting .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by the Daily Signal . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by the Daily Signal.]
By Fred Lucas
The Daily Signal
When police arrested Zul Mirza Mohamed on suspicion of voter fraud Wednesday night, prosecutors say, the candidate for mayor in Carrollton, Texas, was stuffing envelopes with mail-in ballot applications to send to Dallas County.
However, Texas state and local law enforcement officials allege that Mohamed’s illicit activities ran far deeper than what he was caught in the act doing.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Prosecutors charged Mohamed, 39, with 84 counts of mail ballot application fraud and 25 counts of unlawful possession of an official mail ballot, the Texas Attorney General’s Office said.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Carrollton, with a population of about 127,279, spans the counties of Denton, Dallas, and Collin.
Texas officials allege that Mohamed obtained a virtual mailbox using a false identity. Then, prosecutors say, he forged at least 84 voter registration applications for unwitting residents of Denton County. The absentee voter applications asked for ballots to be sent to a fraudulent location.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he worked on the investigation with the Denton County Sheriff’s Office, the Lewisville Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Denton’s elections and district attorney’s offices.
Paxton said law enforcement is committed to “ensuring a free and fair presidential election in the face of unprecedented voter fraud.”
“Mail ballots are inherently insecure and vulnerable to fraud, and I am committed to safeguarding the integrity of our elections,” Paxton said in a written statement. “My office is prepared to assist any Texas county in combating this form of fraud.”
Texas recently saw other voter fraud cases.
In late September, a grand jury indicted Gregg County Commissioner Shannon Brown and associates, alleging a scheme that involved falsely claiming that voters were disabled in order to obtain absentee ballots. Brown had won a five-vote victory in a Democratic primary in March.
In 2019, prosecutors indicted Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina and 18 others on charges they violated Texas law against ballot harvesting.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by the Daily Signal.]


wnd--2020-10-13--See the Supreme Court nominees who stated abortion position during hearings

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
Judge Amy Coney Barrett gave repeated assurances during her 2017 confirmation to the Seventh Circuit Court that she `` would never impose my own personal convictions upon the law . ''
And yet now that she has been nominated to the Supreme Court , critics on the left argue her abortion views should somehow disqualify her from the post .
Three high court nominees before her – Ruth Bader Ginsburg , Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan -- took very public stances on abortion before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has become an issue only this year , and only for Barrett , has only one explanation : the left ’ s obvious double standard .
This week , attacks on Barrett again spread like wildfire .
On October 1 , abortion advocate Brian Fallon tweeted about a 2006 advertisement in the South Bend Tribune .
It was a letter outlining the consequences of Roe v. Wade and called for “ put [ ting ] an end to the barbaric legacy ” of the abortion decision , with Barrett one of many signatories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Demand Justice , an organization that has plastered its opposition to Barrett all over its homepage , Twitter , and with a seven-figure ad buy .
In 2013 , Notre Dame Magazine reported that Barrett gave a presentation on campus that “ spoke both to her own conviction that life begins at conception ” as well as the “ high price of pregnancy and burdens of parenthood that especially confront women ” before asking if the abortion debate would be better resolved at the ballot box -- a concept that Students for Life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has found the majority of millennials desire .
The issue of Roe comes up with every Supreme Court vacancy , as court watchers speculate whether a future justice will see Roe through the lens of stare decisis and abide by earlier rulings , or decide to examine problems in the case .
The fragile foundation of legalized abortion created in Roe in 1973 has never settled completely into the law or culture , which is why speculating about how judges see the 50-year-old precedent occupies so much conversation during Supreme Court vacancies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirming judicial nominees was not so contentious .
In fact , Justice Ginsburg , nominated by President Bill Clinton , was confirmed in August 1993 by a 96-3 vote .
President Barack Obama nominated Justices Sotomayor and Kagan , confirmed in August 2009 by a 68-31 vote and in August 2010 by a 63-37 vote , respectively .
What do those three justices have in common ?
They made no secret of their views on abortion before their nominations and confirmations .
Justice Ginsburg established the Women ’ s Rights Project of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also served on its board of directors and as general counsel .
The organization boasts that it was “ the first national organization to argue for abortion rights before the Supreme Court .
.
.
” There ’ s no question where the organization today stands on abortion .
Time magazine highlighted Ginsburg ’ s confirmation process as noteworthy for her decision to take “ the unprecedented step of strongly endorsing abortion rights ” in a Supreme Court confirmation hearing .
Any questions about Ginsburg ’ s stance on abortion were settled during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to woman ’ s equality with man that she be the decisionmaker , that her choice be controlling .
.
.
If you impose restraints that impede her choice , you are disadvantaging her because of her sex , ” Ginsburg said .
While clarifying a talk she gave that year , Ginsburg explained : “ Abortion prohibition by the state , however , controls women and denies them full autonomy and full equality with men .
That was the idea I tried to express in the lecture to which you referred.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how Ginsburg would have preferred Roe v. Wade be about equal protection rather than privacy .
She “ first thought long and hard ” about abortion , she explained , during her involvement with Struck v. Secretary of Defense .
A Planned Parenthood press release praising Sotomayor ’ s nomination mentions the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund .
From 1980 to 1992 , Sotomayor was a “ top policy maker ” on its board when the fund filed briefs in at least six court cases strongly supporting abortion .
With the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund wrote that it “ opposes any efforts to overturn or in any way restrict the rights recognized in Roe v. Wade.
” Then , a 2009 U.S. News & World Report post proclaimed “ Source : Amicus Brief Proves Sotomayor is Pro-Choice , ” with regards to a brief for 1989 ’ s Webster v. Reproductive Health Services .
During Justice Kagan ’ s 2010 confirmation , Americans United for Life provided extensive information on her views .
Throughout her legal career , Kagan was associated with various leaders and organizations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 1995 law review article from the University of Chicago , Kagan wrote that “ a [ Supreme Court ] nominee .
.
.
usually can comment on judicial methodology , on prior caselaw , on hypothetical cases , on general issues like affirmative action or abortion.
” William Saunders , then with Americans United for Life , explained how “ Kagan ’ s financial contributions , work history and writings offer clear insights into her views on whether unfettered abortion rights are constitutionally required.
” Then there ’ s Kagan and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaked 1997 letter on legislation banning the procedure .
The ban was passed by Congress and sent to President Clinton , who vetoed it in 1996 .
It ultimately did not become law until 2003 , under President George W. Bush .
At the time of the memo , Kagan worked for the Clinton administration .
Although she urged President Clinton to pass a form of the partial-birth abortion ban , it was one which contained “ health ” exceptions ; the bill sent to Clinton , now law , contains only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The basic story is pretty clear : Kagan , with ACOG ’ s [ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ] consent , edited the statement .
.
.
” The edit , in Kagan ’ s handwriting , read , “ An intact D & X [ dilation of the uterus and extraction of the fetus ] , however , may be the best or most appropriate procedure in a particular circumstance to save the life or preserve the health of a woman , and only the doctor , in consultation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman ’ s particular circumstances , can make this decision.
” Even those who are pro-choice can recognize the weak , unfair , and even unclear reporting on the standard originalist judges are held to , particularly Amy Coney Barrett .
Fortunately , the Republican-controlled Senate has the votes to confirm Barrett to the Supreme Court , where she belongs .

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By Kristan Hawkins
Real Clear Politics
Judge Amy Coney Barrett gave repeated assurances during her 2017 confirmation to the Seventh Circuit Court that she "would never impose my own personal convictions upon the law."
And yet now that she has been nominated to the Supreme Court, critics on the left argue her abortion views should somehow disqualify her from the post.
Since when?
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Three high court nominees before her – Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan -- took very public stances on abortion before their nominations and confirmations. That it has become an issue only this year, and only for Barrett, has only one explanation: the left’s obvious double standard.
This week, attacks on Barrett again spread like wildfire. On October 1, abortion advocate Brian Fallon tweeted about a 2006 advertisement in the South Bend Tribune. It was a letter outlining the consequences of Roe v. Wade and called for “put[ting] an end to the barbaric legacy” of the abortion decision, with Barrett one of many signatories. Fallon is the executive director of Demand Justice, an organization that has plastered its opposition to Barrett all over its homepage, Twitter, and with a seven-figure ad buy.
In 2013, Notre Dame Magazine reported that Barrett gave a presentation on campus that “spoke both to her own conviction that life begins at conception” as well as the “high price of pregnancy and burdens of parenthood that especially confront women” before asking if the abortion debate would be better resolved at the ballot box -- a concept that Students for Life’s Institute for Pro-Life Advancement polling has found the majority of millennials desire.
The issue of Roe comes up with every Supreme Court vacancy, as court watchers speculate whether a future justice will see Roe through the lens of stare decisis and abide by earlier rulings, or decide to examine problems in the case. The fragile foundation of legalized abortion created in Roe in 1973 has never settled completely into the law or culture, which is why speculating about how judges see the 50-year-old precedent occupies so much conversation during Supreme Court vacancies.
For the majority of my lifetime, confirming judicial nominees was not so contentious. In fact, Justice Ginsburg, nominated by President Bill Clinton, was confirmed in August 1993 by a 96-3 vote.
President Barack Obama nominated Justices Sotomayor and Kagan, confirmed in August 2009 by a 68-31 vote and in August 2010 by a 63-37 vote, respectively.
What do those three justices have in common? They made no secret of their views on abortion before their nominations and confirmations.
Justice Ginsburg established the Women’s Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union in 1971 and also served on its board of directors and as general counsel. The organization boasts that it was “the first national organization to argue for abortion rights before the Supreme Court . . .” There’s no question where the organization today stands on abortion.
Time magazine highlighted Ginsburg’s confirmation process as noteworthy for her decision to take “the unprecedented step of strongly endorsing abortion rights” in a Supreme Court confirmation hearing.
Any questions about Ginsburg’s stance on abortion were settled during her hearing. “It is essential to woman’s equality with man that she be the decisionmaker, that her choice be controlling . . . If you impose restraints that impede her choice, you are disadvantaging her because of her sex,” Ginsburg said.
While clarifying a talk she gave that year, Ginsburg explained: “Abortion prohibition by the state, however, controls women and denies them full autonomy and full equality with men. That was the idea I tried to express in the lecture to which you referred.”
Any “criticizing” came down to how Ginsburg would have preferred Roe v. Wade be about equal protection rather than privacy. She “first thought long and hard” about abortion, she explained, during her involvement with Struck v. Secretary of Defense.
A Planned Parenthood press release praising Sotomayor’s nomination mentions the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund. From 1980 to 1992, Sotomayor was a “top policy maker” on its board when the fund filed briefs in at least six court cases strongly supporting abortion. With the 1980 Akron v. Ohio case, the fund wrote that it “opposes any efforts to overturn or in any way restrict the rights recognized in Roe v. Wade.” Then, a 2009 U.S. News & World Report post proclaimed “Source: Amicus Brief Proves Sotomayor is Pro-Choice,” with regards to a brief for 1989’s Webster v. Reproductive Health Services.
During Justice Kagan’s 2010 confirmation, Americans United for Life provided extensive information on her views. Throughout her legal career, Kagan was associated with various leaders and organizations in support of Roe v. Wade.
In a 1995 law review article from the University of Chicago, Kagan wrote that “a [Supreme Court] nominee . . . usually can comment on judicial methodology, on prior caselaw, on hypothetical cases, on general issues like affirmative action or abortion.” William Saunders, then with Americans United for Life, explained how “Kagan’s financial contributions, work history and writings offer clear insights into her views on whether unfettered abortion rights are constitutionally required.”
Then there’s Kagan and the “Partial-Birth Abortion” memo, a leaked 1997 letter on legislation banning the procedure. The ban was passed by Congress and sent to President Clinton, who vetoed it in 1996. It ultimately did not become law until 2003, under President George W. Bush. At the time of the memo, Kagan worked for the Clinton administration. Although she urged President Clinton to pass a form of the partial-birth abortion ban, it was one which contained “health” exceptions; the bill sent to Clinton, now law, contains only a life exception.
As Slate explains, “The basic story is pretty clear: Kagan, with ACOG’s [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists] consent, edited the statement. . .” The edit, in Kagan’s handwriting, read, “An intact D&X [dilation of the uterus and extraction of the fetus], however, may be the best or most appropriate procedure in a particular circumstance to save the life or preserve the health of a woman, and only the doctor, in consultation with the patient, based upon the woman’s particular circumstances, can make this decision.”
Even those who are pro-choice can recognize the weak, unfair, and even unclear reporting on the standard originalist judges are held to, particularly Amy Coney Barrett. Fortunately, the Republican-controlled Senate has the votes to confirm Barrett to the Supreme Court, where she belongs.


wnd--2020-10-13--American media turn ghoulish in 'Week of the Vampires'

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
The mainstream media have always skewed left in the modern era , but that didn ’ t mean they were parasitic vampires who fed on the misfortune of others .
When Ronald Reagan — the most conservative modern president elected prior to Donald Trump — was wounded by a would-be assassin ’ s bullet in 1981 , the media reported the event as a matter of national and historic significance .
There was no glee and no speculation about President Reagan ’ s karmic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a young liberal myself then , I experienced the horror of seeing our president shot on camera and the joy of seeing our president and his wife , Nancy , wave from the window of his hospital room several days later .
The shooting was a moment of unifying grief , and the rapid recovery was a moment of triumph , not just for President Reagan , but for our people as a whole .
Politics be damned .
Fast-forward four decades .
Welcome to “ Twilight of the Media : The Week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revealed that he had tested positive for coronavirus , the media spoke with almost one voice : Trump got what he deserved .
That was the beginning of a week that represents what one can only hope is the low point in media distortion and Fake News , but may also justifiably be described as “ situation normal.
” It certainly made clear to me and many others what is at stake on Nov. 3 .
Pundits often claim that the 2020 election will be a referendum on Donald Trump , but that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now be apparent — if it wasn ’ t already — that the upcoming election is a referendum on the media , and their dangerous role as self-appointed arbiters of the truth .
And if the media wins , Katie bar the door .
Like the shadows on the wall of Plato ’ s Cave , the spectral emanations of the Fake News Media tell us a version of the truth , but it is a truth that has been refracted through a distorting lens that makes everything normal look ugly and everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is hard for anyone who is not chained to a rock to fathom how millions of people can accept the anti-Trump narrative that is projected 24/7 from the studios of CNN , MSNBC , CBS , NBC and the rest .
Don ’ t these millions of people — these “ likely voters , ” according to multiple polls — have any perspective ?
Well , no , they don ’ t .
The problem is that so many people — smart people !
— are captive audiences of the incredibly biased and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN .
By not exercising their God-given right to turn the channel , they are kept blissfully unaware that they are being deprived of vital information that doesn ’ t feed the Never Trump narrative .
Take the recent release of till-now-hidden documents revealing that the CIA , the FBI and President Obama all knew in 2016 that Hillary Clinton had a plan ( as far back as July 28 of that year ) “ to vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by the Russian security service ” — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while furthering the Trump collusion narrative .
Among other things , that news discredits the two-year long special counsel probe , justifies the firing of FBI Director James Comey , and means Donald Trump was right all along when he called the Russia Hoax the greatest political scandal in U.S. history .
Except the majority of the American public probably never even heard about these newly declassified documents .
The three major traditional nightly news shows on CBS , ABC and NBC knew that the story vindicated President Trump and would hurt Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run it .
And when CNN or MSNBC referenced the documents , they magically turned them into weapons against Trump .
For instance , when Jake Tapper interviewed former CIA chief John Brennan , whose handwritten notes were the smoking gun that confirmed Clinton had manufactured the plot to destroy Trump , Brennan had the audacity to claim that it was Trump who was playing politics .
If the media can keep a story of this much significance buried , then clearly they are — just as President Trump claimed — acting as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But let ’ s get back to the president ’ s diagnosis with COVID , and his speedy recovery from it .
It is a case study in media manipulation .
The New York Times was typical when it declared that “ If [ Trump ] becomes sick , it could raise questions about whether he should remain on the ballot at all.
” MSNBC ’ s Joy Reid raised the possibility that Trump might be faking COVID to get out of future debates with Joe Biden !
Tapper condemned the president for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” When it was apparent that the president did not intend to cooperate with the “ divine retribution ” narrative , when it was increasingly evident that he might even recover quickly from the Chinese virus , the radicals in newsrooms upped the ante .
Trump was a “ super-spreader.
” Not only that , he was a ghoul who had engineered the deaths of more than 200,000 Americans and must somehow be held accountable .
There was talk yet again of impeachment .
There was talk of invoking the 25th Amendment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of the most despicable moments in media malevolence came when President Trump reached out to the American people to thank them for their love and concern as he received treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center .
Hundreds of decent , caring people had gathered outside the hospital for days with signs of support for their president and just to gather in prayer for him .
Again , millions of Americans probably never saw the scene or only heard slanted reports that these must be racist right-wing wackos who hadn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a menace to society .
But on Sunday , Oct. 4 , the vigil suddenly became big news .
Not because it represented an outpouring of love for our president , but because — according to the Fake News Media — Trump had used the crowd and the Secret Service for a self-aggrandizing “ photo op ” when he briefly left the hospital and drove past the well-wishers to thank them for their support .
Photo op is an interesting expression .
You might well wonder what the difference is between a photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure of note has his photograph taken as a cherished record of the event .
The answer is that if it involves Trump , it ’ s a photo op .
When I first heard about this impromptu gathering at Walter Reed , I sought out coverage of the event on the Internet .
Thank God for Right Side Broadcasting , a little outfit based in Auburn , Ala. , that has traveled the countryside since 2015 to cover President Trump ’ s rallies and appearances when major networks couldn ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviewed those in attendance about why they were there and why Donald Trump meant so much to them .
These were the people whom the president wanted to thank — not a bunch of white supremacists at all .
There were Filipinos for Trump , Somalians for Trump , Latinos for Trump , Vietnamese for Trump , Blacks for Trump .
It was the American melting pot , and no network had any interest in showing them .
It was CNN and MSNBC that turned them into props , not the president .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the street , they could be characterized as hateful racists , plus our nation ’ s elite reporters would not have to get up close to all those “ smelly , ” maskless Trump voters who were no doubt carriers of COVID or some other disease .
One day later , the president was found by his doctors to be healthy enough to return home to the White House .
This was the final straw , and the fourth estate broke under its weight .
Worst of all was the moment when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ashes of his pundit-celebrated “ date with destiny.
” God was supposed to punish him with a slow and miserable death for not wearing a mask , but instead the president flew away in a helicopter and returned to the White House with a message for everyone who had been living in fear of COVID for the past nine months : Don ’ t be afraid .
“ Don ’ t let coronavirus dominate you.
” How dare he !
If people had died from coronavirus , then certainly we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voices told us .
How dare he ride Marine One back to the White House ?
“ A photo op and a power trip .
A literal power trip , ” said CNN ’ s Brian Stelter about the helicopter ride , and then he compared the moment to “ what strongmen do in autocratic regimes ” — as if the White House press corps had not seen the president ride Marine One hundreds of times before .
That set the tone for the critiques that would follow .
When President Trump waved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House and saluted Marine One as it departed , his one-time aide Anthony Scaramucci called it an American Mussolini moment .
“ We ’ ve never had a president stand on that balcony and do what he just did , ” Scaramucci said inexplicably .
Say what ?
Is waving now considered a symbol of fascism ?
It was Steve Bannon who first classified the mainstream media as “ the opposition party.
” He was right , and if the media bloodsuckers have their way , then Trump will be defeated decisively on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it doesn ’ t tell us anything about Trump .
What it really means is that the American public is no longer in charge .
How can they be when they are entirely dependent on the shadowy half-truths and outright lies of the mainstream media to make decisions ?
I wrote a book called “ The Media Matrix ” to describe the veil of deception that controls our social and political conversation these days , but at the time I still thought the American public could fight back and reclaim control .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was Marshall McLuhan who said many years ago that the medium is the message , and in the case of the 24/7 news coverage on TV and Internet , the message is power — raw , unfiltered , corrupting .
President Trump exposed it , but in the end he may not be able to defeat it .

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By Frank Miele
Real Clear Politics
The mainstream media have always skewed left in the modern era, but that didn’t mean they were parasitic vampires who fed on the misfortune of others. When Ronald Reagan — the most conservative modern president elected prior to Donald Trump — was wounded by a would-be assassin’s bullet in 1981, the media reported the event as a matter of national and historic significance. There was no glee and no speculation about President Reagan’s karmic responsibility for his near-death experience.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
As a young liberal myself then, I experienced the horror of seeing our president shot on camera and the joy of seeing our president and his wife, Nancy, wave from the window of his hospital room several days later. The shooting was a moment of unifying grief, and the rapid recovery was a moment of triumph, not just for President Reagan, but for our people as a whole. Politics be damned.
Fast-forward four decades. Welcome to “Twilight of the Media: The Week of the Vampires.” When Donald Trump revealed that he had tested positive for coronavirus, the media spoke with almost one voice: Trump got what he deserved. That was the beginning of a week that represents what one can only hope is the low point in media distortion and Fake News, but may also justifiably be described as “situation normal.” It certainly made clear to me and many others what is at stake on Nov. 3.
Pundits often claim that the 2020 election will be a referendum on Donald Trump, but that is not the case. It should now be apparent — if it wasn’t already — that the upcoming election is a referendum on the media, and their dangerous role as self-appointed arbiters of the truth. And if the media wins, Katie bar the door.
Like the shadows on the wall of Plato’s Cave, the spectral emanations of the Fake News Media tell us a version of the truth, but it is a truth that has been refracted through a distorting lens that makes everything normal look ugly and everything “Trump” look evil.
It is hard for anyone who is not chained to a rock to fathom how millions of people can accept the anti-Trump narrative that is projected 24/7 from the studios of CNN, MSNBC, CBS, NBC and the rest. Don’t these millions of people — these “likely voters,” according to multiple polls — have any perspective?
Well, no, they don’t. The problem is that so many people — smart people! — are captive audiences of the incredibly biased and hate-filled “news” coverage typified by CNN. By not exercising their God-given right to turn the channel, they are kept blissfully unaware that they are being deprived of vital information that doesn’t feed the Never Trump narrative.
Take the recent release of till-now-hidden documents revealing that the CIA, the FBI and President Obama all knew in 2016 that Hillary Clinton had a plan (as far back as July 28 of that year) “to vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by the Russian security service” — and those sworn government officials said nothing while furthering the Trump collusion narrative.
Among other things, that news discredits the two-year long special counsel probe, justifies the firing of FBI Director James Comey, and means Donald Trump was right all along when he called the Russia Hoax the greatest political scandal in U.S. history.
Except the majority of the American public probably never even heard about these newly declassified documents. The three major traditional nightly news shows on CBS, ABC and NBC knew that the story vindicated President Trump and would hurt Joe Biden, yet they didn’t run it. And when CNN or MSNBC referenced the documents, they magically turned them into weapons against Trump. For instance, when Jake Tapper interviewed former CIA chief John Brennan, whose handwritten notes were the smoking gun that confirmed Clinton had manufactured the plot to destroy Trump, Brennan had the audacity to claim that it was Trump who was playing politics.
If the media can keep a story of this much significance buried, then clearly they are — just as President Trump claimed — acting as “the enemy of the people.”
But let’s get back to the president’s diagnosis with COVID, and his speedy recovery from it. It is a case study in media manipulation.
The New York Times was typical when it declared that “If [Trump] becomes sick, it could raise questions about whether he should remain on the ballot at all.” MSNBC’s Joy Reid raised the possibility that Trump might be faking COVID to get out of future debates with Joe Biden! Tapper condemned the president for his “wanton disregard for human life.”
When it was apparent that the president did not intend to cooperate with the “divine retribution” narrative, when it was increasingly evident that he might even recover quickly from the Chinese virus, the radicals in newsrooms upped the ante. Trump was a “super-spreader.” Not only that, he was a ghoul who had engineered the deaths of more than 200,000 Americans and must somehow be held accountable. There was talk yet again of impeachment. There was talk of invoking the 25th Amendment. Anything to make Trump look bad.
One of the most despicable moments in media malevolence came when President Trump reached out to the American people to thank them for their love and concern as he received treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Hundreds of decent, caring people had gathered outside the hospital for days with signs of support for their president and just to gather in prayer for him. Again, millions of Americans probably never saw the scene or only heard slanted reports that these must be racist right-wing wackos who hadn’t got the memo about Trump being a menace to society.
But on Sunday, Oct. 4, the vigil suddenly became big news. Not because it represented an outpouring of love for our president, but because — according to the Fake News Media — Trump had used the crowd and the Secret Service for a self-aggrandizing “photo op” when he briefly left the hospital and drove past the well-wishers to thank them for their support.
Photo op is an interesting expression. You might well wonder what the difference is between a photo op and a historic moment when a figure of note has his photograph taken as a cherished record of the event. The answer is that if it involves Trump, it’s a photo op.
When I first heard about this impromptu gathering at Walter Reed, I sought out coverage of the event on the Internet. Thank God for Right Side Broadcasting, a little outfit based in Auburn, Ala., that has traveled the countryside since 2015 to cover President Trump’s rallies and appearances when major networks couldn’t be bothered. I watched as RSBN hosts interviewed those in attendance about why they were there and why Donald Trump meant so much to them.
These were the people whom the president wanted to thank — not a bunch of white supremacists at all. There were Filipinos for Trump, Somalians for Trump, Latinos for Trump, Vietnamese for Trump, Blacks for Trump. It was the American melting pot, and no network had any interest in showing them. It was CNN and MSNBC that turned them into props, not the president. As long as they were filmed from across the street, they could be characterized as hateful racists, plus our nation’s elite reporters would not have to get up close to all those “smelly,” maskless Trump voters who were no doubt carriers of COVID or some other disease.
One day later, the president was found by his doctors to be healthy enough to return home to the White House. This was the final straw, and the fourth estate broke under its weight. Worst of all was the moment when President Trump rose, phoenix-like, out of the ashes of his pundit-celebrated “date with destiny.” God was supposed to punish him with a slow and miserable death for not wearing a mask, but instead the president flew away in a helicopter and returned to the White House with a message for everyone who had been living in fear of COVID for the past nine months: Don’t be afraid. “Don’t let coronavirus dominate you.”
How dare he! If people had died from coronavirus, then certainly we must be afraid of it, the media voices told us. How dare he ride Marine One back to the White House? “A photo op and a power trip. A literal power trip,” said CNN’s Brian Stelter about the helicopter ride, and then he compared the moment to “what strongmen do in autocratic regimes” — as if the White House press corps had not seen the president ride Marine One hundreds of times before. That set the tone for the critiques that would follow. When President Trump waved from atop the steps of the White House and saluted Marine One as it departed, his one-time aide Anthony Scaramucci called it an American Mussolini moment. “We’ve never had a president stand on that balcony and do what he just did,” Scaramucci said inexplicably. Say what? Is waving now considered a symbol of fascism?
It was Steve Bannon who first classified the mainstream media as “the opposition party.” He was right, and if the media bloodsuckers have their way, then Trump will be defeated decisively on Nov. 3. But if that happens, it doesn’t tell us anything about Trump. What it really means is that the American public is no longer in charge. How can they be when they are entirely dependent on the shadowy half-truths and outright lies of the mainstream media to make decisions?
I wrote a book called “The Media Matrix” to describe the veil of deception that controls our social and political conversation these days, but at the time I still thought the American public could fight back and reclaim control. Now I’m not so sure. It was Marshall McLuhan who said many years ago that the medium is the message, and in the case of the 24/7 news coverage on TV and Internet, the message is power — raw, unfiltered, corrupting. President Trump exposed it, but in the end he may not be able to defeat it.


wnd--2020-10-13--'Action' needed to help 'our farmers and ranchers'

In 2015 , Congress voted to end the requirement that meat labels must tell us whether our meat is imported or domestic .
Today , Americans can no longer choose American beef unless a Congress passes a law restoring Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling ( M-COOL ) .
America is losing its ranchers and farmers at an alarming rate as they can no longer compete with hundreds of millions of pounds of undifferentiated imported beef .
As the number of U.S. farms decline , rural communities are hollowing out .
That ’ s not good .
The United States economy suffers a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest sector of American agriculture : the U.S. cattle industry .
Because of this injustice , I am inviting every American to join a national grassroots campaign to raise awareness for immediate legislative or executive action to reinstate M-COOL for beef to support America ’ s hardworking cattle farmers and ranchers .
Here is the call to action : Visit this website to sign the petition to Immediately Pass Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for Beef , Pork , and Dairy Products .
Why immediately ?
Because the time is now !
Through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the White House has already received approximately 10,000 calls and emails on this issue , placing it at the forefront .
Now is not the time to let up - it ’ s time to flood our legislators with this common-sense , patriotic petition !
In addition to signing the petition , you can reach your legislator in Washington , D.C. , at 202-224-3121 and ask for your congressional representative by name .
Please make sure you tell them that every American has the right to know where their food comes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law of the land for beef , pork , fruits , vegetables , fish , chicken , and lamb .
But in 2015 , COOL was repealed for beef and pork .
On May 23 , 2019 , Bloomberg published an article titled Most Grass-Fed Beef Labeled ‘ Product of USA ’ Is Imported , which detailed the following : If you ’ ve eaten grass-fed beef in America over the past few years , chances are the cows weren ’ t raised in the U.S. , even if the package has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
So it ’ s clear this issue has been brewing for a while .
In 2015 , the U.S. government repealed existing rules that mandated `` country of origin '' labeling .
The rules required non-processed beef and pork sold via retail to say where it was born , raised , and slaughtered .
Since the repeal , however , meat products can come from other countries and—after being `` processed '' ( which could mean cutting large pieces into smaller ones inside a plant inspected by the U.S. Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Product of USA . ''
It is this kind of misleading labeling in America ’ s supermarkets that has Americans already skeptical when they read `` Made in USA '' claims on food packaging .
The typical mental picture when one envisions `` Made in USA '' beef is a magnificent American steer grazing in America ’ s heartland , or perhaps in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains .
But the reality is that isn ’ t the case .
It ’ s more likely that your beef or pork came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with frozen carcasses slaughtered on the other side of the earth .
The pandemic hasn ’ t helped the plight of our American ranchers and farmers .
According to a July 23 , 2020 , Wall Street Journal article , U.S. cattle ranchers have seen livestock prices plummet as Covid-19 has spread across the country .
At the same time , wholesale beef prices surged as consumers stocked up at grocery stores .
This disconnect has driven the difference between livestock prices and wholesale beef prices to a record level , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should sign the petition to immediately pass Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for beef , pork , and dairy products .
It will take less than a minute and just might make a world of difference .
Our American farmers and ranchers deserve better .
They deserve justice and a level playing field to compete in the marketplace .
That ’ s not too much to ask .
After all , they are the ones who have been paying taxes to America for their entire lives , unlike foreign producers who pay no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ written multiple books on buying American and trade policy since 1996 , and has been a frequent guest on Fox News , Fox Business Network , CNN , and MSNBC .
Roger has also been quoted or featured in The Wall Street Journal , USA Today , BusinessWeek , and The New York Times , among many other publications .
His new book `` UNCONSTITUTIONAL : Our Founding Fathers Rejected FREE TRADE And So Should We , '' was printed in January 2020 .

In 2015, Congress voted to end the requirement that meat labels must tell us whether our meat is imported or domestic. Today, Americans can no longer choose American beef unless a Congress passes a law restoring Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (M-COOL). America is losing its ranchers and farmers at an alarming rate as they can no longer compete with hundreds of millions of pounds of undifferentiated imported beef. As the number of U.S. farms decline, rural communities are hollowing out. That’s not good.
The United States economy suffers a $13.6 billion annual loss to its largest sector of American agriculture: the U.S. cattle industry. Because of this injustice, I am inviting every American to join a national grassroots campaign to raise awareness for immediate legislative or executive action to reinstate M-COOL for beef to support America’s hardworking cattle farmers and ranchers.
Here is the call to action: Visit this website to sign the petition to Immediately Pass Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for Beef, Pork, and Dairy Products.
Why immediately? Because the time is now! Through the efforts of concerned Americans like you, the White House has already received approximately 10,000 calls and emails on this issue, placing it at the forefront. Now is not the time to let up - it’s time to flood our legislators with this common-sense, patriotic petition!
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
In addition to signing the petition, you can reach your legislator in Washington, D.C., at 202-224-3121 and ask for your congressional representative by name. Please make sure you tell them that every American has the right to know where their food comes from.
Passed in 2002, COOL was the law of the land for beef, pork, fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, and lamb. But in 2015, COOL was repealed for beef and pork.
On May 23, 2019, Bloomberg published an article titled Most Grass-Fed Beef Labeled ‘Product of USA’ Is Imported, which detailed the following: If you’ve eaten grass-fed beef in America over the past few years, chances are the cows weren’t raised in the U.S., even if the package has "Product of USA" printed on it.
So it’s clear this issue has been brewing for a while.
In 2015, the U.S. government repealed existing rules that mandated "country of origin" labeling. The rules required non-processed beef and pork sold via retail to say where it was born, raised, and slaughtered. Since the repeal, however, meat products can come from other countries and—after being "processed" (which could mean cutting large pieces into smaller ones inside a plant inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture)—receive a stamp that says "Product of USA."
It is this kind of misleading labeling in America’s supermarkets that has Americans already skeptical when they read "Made in USA" claims on food packaging. The typical mental picture when one envisions "Made in USA" beef is a magnificent American steer grazing in America’s heartland, or perhaps in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. But the reality is that isn’t the case. It’s more likely that your beef or pork came to America in an imported container jam-packed with frozen carcasses slaughtered on the other side of the earth.
The pandemic hasn’t helped the plight of our American ranchers and farmers. According to a July 23, 2020, Wall Street Journal article, U.S. cattle ranchers have seen livestock prices plummet as Covid-19 has spread across the country. At the same time, wholesale beef prices surged as consumers stocked up at grocery stores. This disconnect has driven the difference between livestock prices and wholesale beef prices to a record level, according to a USDA report.
All concerned Americans should sign the petition to immediately pass Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling for beef, pork, and dairy products. It will take less than a minute and just might make a world of difference. Our American farmers and ranchers deserve better. They deserve justice and a level playing field to compete in the marketplace. That’s not too much to ask. After all, they are the ones who have been paying taxes to America for their entire lives, unlike foreign producers who pay no taxes to America.
About Roger Simmermaker
Roger Simmermaker has written multiple books on buying American and trade policy since 1996, and has been a frequent guest on Fox News, Fox Business Network, CNN, and MSNBC. Roger has also been quoted or featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, BusinessWeek, and The New York Times, among many other publications. His new book " UNCONSTITUTIONAL: Our Founding Fathers Rejected FREE TRADE And So Should We," was printed in January 2020.


wnd--2020-10-12--Report: Epidemic of Muslims kidnapping, raping Christian girls

The Christian parents of a 6-year-old girl in Pakistan who was beaten and raped by a Muslim have been threatend by local imams with the rape of their other daughters and with financial ruin if they proceed with a legal case , according to the advocacy group British Pakistani Christians , It 's one of many such cases cited in a report highlighted by Raymond Ibrahim , a senior fellow at the Gatestone Institute , the David Horowitz Freedom Center and the Middle East Forum .
He points out that studies from as recently as 2019 show `` around 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious minorities are forcibly converted to Islam every year .
The numbers might [ even ] be higher as many cases are not even reported . ''
The typical pattern is a Muslim kidnaps a young Christian girl , assaults and rape her .
Then when confronted , the perpetrator produces a coerced or forged statement from the girl declaring she `` converted '' to Islam and `` married '' her attacker .
Sometimes the girls are killed .
One human rights activist cited in the British Pakistani Christians report said that in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be arrested , convicted for murder and sentenced for a long term . ''
`` Violence against Christians is rarely investigated and highly unlikely to be met with justice , '' the activist said.
`` ... Women have a low status in Pakistan , but none more so than Christian women who find themselves under the grip or terror ... and the world does nothing . ''
Ibrahim said everyone , including `` local police , court officials , and Islamic clerics – seem bent on facilitating this human rights tragedy . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6-year-old , whose name was Tabitha , is continuing to pursue justice .
In another case in 2020 , a 14-year-old Christian girl , Maira , was kidnapped and assaulted by a group of armed Muslim men .
Authorities declined to intervene because one of the suspects `` had produced a certificate proving '' the girl `` willingly converted to Islam . ''
She later escaped and sought police protection , telling officers she was being `` forced into prostitution , '' and her entire family now is in hiding .
In another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke into a Christian home to kidnap a 13-year-old girl who they planned to rape and forcefully convert to Islam .
The girl 's mother said that when the family resisted , the attackers `` beat my entire family who got multiple injuries . ''
The police , she said , `` have not registered the case . ''
On April 11 , a Muslim man kidnapped and sexually assaulted a Christian girl , aged 7 .
When Nadia 's father discovered she was missing on arriving home from work , he and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found her in a field , `` beaten and sexually assaulted , '' Ibrahim said .
In another case , a 9-year-old girl was targeted : `` The assault took place while Ishrat was walking in the street in Qutiba .
There , a group of Muslim men approached her and asked her to convert to Islam and marry Asim , one of the men in the group .
When Ishrat refused , the men beat Ishrat , made derogatory remarks against Ishrat and Christianity , and attempted to kidnap Ishrat .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local villagers intervened .
According to Ishrat , another man in the group named Ijaz had been harassing her before the assault .
Ishrat claims that Ijaz followed her for a long time in an attempt to develop a physical relationship .
Ishrat and her family reported the assault to local police .
However , after reporting the incident , a group of armed Muslims attacked Ishrat 's family home .
According to Ishrat 's family , the group threatened the family with severe consequences for 'creating hurdles to their mission . '
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the complaints of a family that a daughter , 13 , was held captive for five days .
The case received publicity on the internet , resulting in a court ordering the girl returned to her family .
One mother said in the report : `` Our daughters are insecure and abused in this country .
They are not safe anywhere .
We leave them at schools or home but they are kidnapped , raped , humiliated , and forced to convert to Islam . ''

The Christian parents of a 6-year-old girl in Pakistan who was beaten and raped by a Muslim have been threatend by local imams with the rape of their other daughters and with financial ruin if they proceed with a legal case, according to the advocacy group British Pakistani Christians,
It's one of many such cases cited in a report highlighted by Raymond Ibrahim, a senior fellow at the Gatestone Institute, the David Horowitz Freedom Center and the Middle East Forum.
He points out that studies from as recently as 2019 show "around 1,000 girls from (Christian and other) religious minorities are forcibly converted to Islam every year. The numbers might [even] be higher as many cases are not even reported."
The typical pattern is a Muslim kidnaps a young Christian girl, assaults and rape her. Then when confronted, the perpetrator produces a coerced or forged statement from the girl declaring she "converted" to Islam and "married" her attacker. Sometimes the girls are killed.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
One human rights activist cited in the British Pakistani Christians report said that in "any other nation the perpetrators would be arrested, convicted for murder and sentenced for a long term."
"Violence against Christians is rarely investigated and highly unlikely to be met with justice," the activist said. " ... Women have a low status in Pakistan, but none more so than Christian women who find themselves under the grip or terror ... and the world does nothing."
Ibrahim said everyone, including "local police, court officials, and Islamic clerics – seem bent on facilitating this human rights tragedy."
The family in the case of the 6-year-old, whose name was Tabitha, is continuing to pursue justice.
In another case in 2020, a 14-year-old Christian girl, Maira, was kidnapped and assaulted by a group of armed Muslim men. Authorities declined to intervene because one of the suspects "had produced a certificate proving" the girl "willingly converted to Islam."
She later escaped and sought police protection, telling officers she was being "forced into prostitution," and her entire family now is in hiding.
In another, a group of 12 Muslim men broke into a Christian home to kidnap a 13-year-old girl who they planned to rape and forcefully convert to Islam.
The girl's mother said that when the family resisted, the attackers "beat my entire family who got multiple injuries."
The police, she said, "have not registered the case."
On April 11, a Muslim man kidnapped and sexually assaulted a Christian girl, aged 7. When Nadia's father discovered she was missing on arriving home from work, he and others began a frantic search and eventually found her in a field, "beaten and sexually assaulted," Ibrahim said.
In another case, a 9-year-old girl was targeted: "The assault took place while Ishrat was walking in the street in Qutiba. There, a group of Muslim men approached her and asked her to convert to Islam and marry Asim, one of the men in the group. When Ishrat refused, the men beat Ishrat, made derogatory remarks against Ishrat and Christianity, and attempted to kidnap Ishrat. The kidnapping, however, was averted as local villagers intervened. According to Ishrat, another man in the group named Ijaz had been harassing her before the assault. Ishrat claims that Ijaz followed her for a long time in an attempt to develop a physical relationship. Ishrat and her family reported the assault to local police. However, after reporting the incident, a group of armed Muslims attacked Ishrat's family home. According to Ishrat's family, the group threatened the family with severe consequences for 'creating hurdles to their mission.'"
In another case, police ignored the complaints of a family that a daughter, 13, was held captive for five days.
The case received publicity on the internet, resulting in a court ordering the girl returned to her family.
One mother said in the report: "Our daughters are insecure and abused in this country. They are not safe anywhere. We leave them at schools or home but they are kidnapped, raped, humiliated, and forced to convert to Islam."