wnd--2020-05-25--How a church in India provided 3 million meals during pandemic

The story is remarkable , to the glory of God .
It is a story that needs to be told .
But first , some background .
I first met Satish Kumar in Hyderabad , India , in 1995 .
He was a young man , fairly new to the ministry and at the very beginning of his journey .
When we next met , in 2015 , he was pastoring the world 's fastest-growing church , having exploded from 25 to 130,000 members in just 10 years .
( I was there to witness the miracle firsthand . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have eight church satellites with a total membership of 330,000 .
This alone is a story to tell .
But that is not why Pastor Kumar contacted me on May 22 .
Instead , it was to share a video with me that told an amazing story of compassion and provision .
( Please take three minutes to watch it here .
You wo n't be disappointed . )
TRENDING : CDC estimates put COVID fatality rate at 0.26 % , over 13 times lower than initial WHO claim Pastor Kumar explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he heard the Lord say to him , `` Store food . ''
He was concerned about the well-being of his congregants during the pandemic , and he thought of how God used Joseph in Egypt to store food in preparation for a coming famine .
And with the lockdown getting more severe and many of the poorer congregants not even having access to a grocery store , this could be a matter of life or death .
Pastor Kumar thought to himself that , perhaps , they could store up about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he shared this with his leadership team .
But then he sensed he was thinking too small .
Ultimately , he felt that the church was to gather and store 700 tons of food – in other words , 1,400,000 pounds of food .
Where on earth could they obtain so much food ?
He got word out to everyone he could , and his people gave sacrificially .
He also organized the pickup of food from every vendor who would donate .
Then , his teams began to package the food in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day for four people for one month .
And , using his large media and social media network , he posted a toll-free number to call .
Whoever needed help could receive help .
This meant Hindus and Muslims as well as Christians .
As Pastor Kumar said to me , `` The coronavirus has no caste , creed , region and religion .
Likewise even the Love of Christ has no region and religion .
That 's why we have decided to give these kits to those who called us online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Muslim imams , all of whom got the kits . ''
Yet there was no proselytizing involved , no Bible or tracts within the cartons .
To do so would have incurred the ire of the Hindu authorities who govern the nation .
Yet , to their surprise , when government officials examined the cartons , they found no such thing .
Just the picture of Pastor Kumar and the church on the outside of the carton as the ones supplying the food .
That was it .
As of May 22 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storing 700 tons of food , now reaching 800 tons .
And to date , 37,000 families have received full provision for one month , all from a single church .
This amounts to more than 3 million meals total .
Workers delivering the carton to one family were met with a surprise .
The mother and her children were destitute , starving to death , so she decided to end her life .
She hung a rope in her small home and was about to kill herself but there was a knock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just arrived with the carton of food , and the mother , stunned and grateful beyond words , showed them the rope .
What a demonstration of the love of God !
Pastor Kumar also told me that he was deeply burdened for the spiritual well-being of his flock .
So , for the last 64 nights , without a break , he has broadcast from the church building , Calvary Temple , for roughly three hours , preaching for 60-90 minutes .
And now , non-believing spouses who would not attend services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being exalted , and the pandemic is being redeemed .
Whole families are worshiping God in their homes .
Not only so , but since these families were all shut in together , with much time on their hands , Pastor Kumar challenged them to read through the entire Bible in one month .
Those who did so would have their names put in a lottery with the winner receiving a free trip to Israel .
Now , he tells me , `` Thousands of families are busy reading the Bible together .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bible in 6 days . ''
( That is an accomplishment . )
Knowing that I have a great love for India , having been there 27 times since 1993 , and knowing that I have access to a wide audience , Pastor Kumar reached out to me to share this remarkable story .
It is my great joy to share it with you , to the glory of God .
Again , you can watch the video below .

The story is remarkable, to the glory of God. It is a story that needs to be told. But first, some background.
I first met Satish Kumar in Hyderabad, India, in 1995. He was a young man, fairly new to the ministry and at the very beginning of his journey.
When we next met, in 2015, he was pastoring the world's fastest-growing church, having exploded from 25 to 130,000 members in just 10 years. (I was there to witness the miracle firsthand.)
Now, Pastor Kumar informs me, they have eight church satellites with a total membership of 330,000. This alone is a story to tell.
But that is not why Pastor Kumar contacted me on May 22. Instead, it was to share a video with me that told an amazing story of compassion and provision. (Please take three minutes to watch it here. You won't be disappointed.)
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Pastor Kumar explained to me that about two months ago, he heard the Lord say to him, "Store food."
He was concerned about the well-being of his congregants during the pandemic, and he thought of how God used Joseph in Egypt to store food in preparation for a coming famine. And with the lockdown getting more severe and many of the poorer congregants not even having access to a grocery store, this could be a matter of life or death.
Pastor Kumar thought to himself that, perhaps, they could store up about $100,000 worth of food, and he shared this with his leadership team.
But then he sensed he was thinking too small. Ultimately, he felt that the church was to gather and store 700 tons of food – in other words, 1,400,000 pounds of food. Where on earth could they obtain so much food?
He got word out to everyone he could, and his people gave sacrificially. He also organized the pickup of food from every vendor who would donate.
Then, his teams began to package the food in cartons, enough to supply three meals a day for four people for one month. And, using his large media and social media network, he posted a toll-free number to call. Whoever needed help could receive help.
This meant Hindus and Muslims as well as Christians. As Pastor Kumar said to me, "The coronavirus has no caste, creed, region and religion. Likewise even the Love of Christ has no region and religion. That's why we have decided to give these kits to those who called us online, including Hindu priests, pastors and Muslim imams, all of whom got the kits."
Yet there was no proselytizing involved, no Bible or tracts within the cartons. To do so would have incurred the ire of the Hindu authorities who govern the nation. Yet, to their surprise, when government officials examined the cartons, they found no such thing. Just the picture of Pastor Kumar and the church on the outside of the carton as the ones supplying the food. That was it.
As of May 22, the church went beyond its goal of storing 700 tons of food, now reaching 800 tons. And to date, 37,000 families have received full provision for one month, all from a single church. This amounts to more than 3 million meals total.
Workers delivering the carton to one family were met with a surprise. The mother and her children were destitute, starving to death, so she decided to end her life. She hung a rope in her small home and was about to kill herself but there was a knock at the door.
The workers had just arrived with the carton of food, and the mother, stunned and grateful beyond words, showed them the rope.
What a demonstration of the love of God!
Pastor Kumar also told me that he was deeply burdened for the spiritual well-being of his flock. So, for the last 64 nights, without a break, he has broadcast from the church building, Calvary Temple, for roughly three hours, preaching for 60-90 minutes. And now, non-believing spouses who would not attend services are hearing the gospel. Jesus is being exalted, and the pandemic is being redeemed. Whole families are worshiping God in their homes.
Not only so, but since these families were all shut in together, with much time on their hands, Pastor Kumar challenged them to read through the entire Bible in one month. Those who did so would have their names put in a lottery with the winner receiving a free trip to Israel.
Now, he tells me, "Thousands of families are busy reading the Bible together. One girl, 11-years-old, finished reading the Bible in 6 days." (That is an accomplishment.)
Knowing that I have a great love for India, having been there 27 times since 1993, and knowing that I have access to a wide audience, Pastor Kumar reached out to me to share this remarkable story.
It is my great joy to share it with you, to the glory of God. Again, you can watch the video below.


wnd--2020-05-25--COVID-19: Poverty, prosperity and contentment

The apostle Paul demonstrated character and contentment in challenging circumstances .
`` I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to have abundance .
Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret , both to be full and to be hungry , both to abound and to suffer need .
I can do all things because of Christ who strengthens me '' ( Philippians 4:12-13 ) .
Whatever our current financial situation during this global pandemic , do n't we want to say the same thing ?
The good news is that the `` secret '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( `` learned '' ) , and it 's not found in people , positions or possessions but in a personal relationship with Jesus .
Living this way enables us to shine as lights in a culture currently darkened by COVID-19 .
We have the opportunity to be thankful for all God 's provisions , not taking anything for granted and not complaining as we go through a season with things in short supply ( and I 'm not just talking about toilet paper ! )
.
During the lockdown in Italy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus and needed a ventilator to sustain his life .
After he improved and was discharged he started crying .
The medical personnel asked why he was crying and reassured him the bill would be taken care of in his time of need .
Holding back the tears and sniffling he told them why he was crying .
TRENDING : CDC estimates put COVID fatality rate at 0.26 % , over 13 times lower than initial WHO claim '' Thank you .
Thank you .
Thank you .
I 'm not crying about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
I 'm crying because I realize I 've been breathing God 's air for over 80 years and never had to pay for it ! ''
How easy it is to take things for granted .
Since losing the sight in my left eye years ago I have cherished my vision every day !
We can also get accustomed to life 's comforts and complain if they diminish , disappear or do n't compare with others who have more .
While we cultivate contentment during today 's COVID-19-induced adversity , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us as His people .
We 're not exempt from the economic repercussions of the pandemic , but we must shun fear of lack and walk by faith believing for abundance and prosperity from a biblically informed perspective .
This is not some phony `` prosperity gospel '' but God 's normative will for His obedient children .
I 'm not talking about ever-expanding paychecks , palatial homes , luxury cars , lavish vacations or `` lifestyles of the rich and famous . ''
Biblical prosperity and abundance center primarily on giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` God is able to make all grace abound toward you , so that you , always having enough of everything , may abound to every good work … So you will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness which makes us give thanks to God '' ( 2 Corinthians 9:8,11 ) .
Simply put , prosperity is `` enough for our needs with enough left over for others . ''
Likewise , abundance speaks of `` ample quantity or plenty . ''
If my wife , Doris , needs $ 200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has $ 100 , she is shopping out of insufficiency .
If she goes to the store with $ 200 , she 's shopping out of sufficiency .
If she goes with $ 300 , she 's shopping out of abundance .
In other words , she has all she needs and more !
Keep in mind one caution … `` But godliness with contentment is great gain … those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts , which drown men in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of money is the root of all evil .
While coveting after money some have strayed from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows '' ( 1 Timothy 6:6 , 9-10 ) .
Those experiencing or fearing poverty in this pandemic need to let God give us guidance .
Obedient Christians can be assured that His expressed will is to `` supply your every need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus '' ( Philippians 4:19 ) .
God promises to meet our needs , not necessarily our wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that poverty is not a virtue but a curse .
Those choosing to disobey God 's commands often experience this state ( Deuteronomy 28:48 ) , and those who are obedient usually enjoy blessings that include among other things , `` abundant prosperity '' ( Deuteronom .
28:11 ) .
Of course , some inspiring people voluntarily take a vow of poverty to live a simplified lifestyle to serve humanity .
Others , unfortunately ignorant of God 's Word , abandoned by parents or trapped under tyrannical governments , live lives of destitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply humanitarian aid plus reach them with the gospel and transformative truth .
During this COVID-19 crisis , we should be repentant if it revealed misplaced priorities or unpreparedness .
( 66 million Americans have zero savings for any emergency ! )
Perhaps it revealed undisciplined spending habits making us `` slaves to lenders '' ( Proverbs 22:7 ) and susceptible to dependency on socialistic , big-government deception .
Judgment awaits if we allow ... • With 40 million Americans out of work , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants to again include abortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed ) and now even a guaranteed minimum income for illegal aliens in the stimulus package .
• California 's Democratic politicians spend money providing 20,000 hotel rooms to homeless , mainly substance abusers , as San Francisco supplies free drugs , alcohol and housing in hotels for derelicts enabling their idle lifestyle and addictions .
• Democratic governors in numerous states going bankrupt due to corruption , decades-long financial mismanagement , unfunded pensions ( given to secure votes ) and obscene entitlement programs , now attempt to secure `` bailout '' money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ object to the Republican provision that no COVID-19 relief money be given without the prohibition of future lawsuits .
The lawyer lobby donated $ 151 million ( 2016 ) and $ 137 million ( 2018 ) to the Democratic Party and salivates at opportunities to sue schools , universities , malls and businesses for COVID-19 related cases [ OpenSecrets.org ] .
Watch for the ads by desperate attorneys out of work and ready to extort the big bucks .
If we 're perceptive , we 're finding questionable political agendas intent on defeating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folks ' integrity and work ethic ( or lack thereof ) are being exposed .
• Kitchen workers making $ 750 weekly can pull in $ 1,200 through government assistance and stimulus funds , so many choose to sit idle and take the money .
• A lady lamented to me yesterday that her employer had her return to work while she could have stayed home for a third month and still gotten paid .
• A young man said he could n't find work spending an hour daily scanning the internet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ days you shall work '' ( Exodus 20:8 ) ?
In other words , if you do n't have a job , why are n't you spending six days diligently trying to find one !
To make America great again it 's imperative we reset our thinking to a biblical work ethic , shunning any laziness and responsibly , carefully return to work and restart our economy .
Proceeding in faith with Spirit-led wisdom , may we be discerning and reject idleness or `` gaming the system . ''
The apostle Paul , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contentment at the outset , directs us from divine revelation to `` withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in idleness .
… For we were not idle among you , neither did we eat anyone 's bread without paying for it .
… We commanded you that if anyone will not work , neither shall he eat .
For we hear that there are some among you who live in idleness , mere busybodies , not working at all .
Now concerning those who are such , we commanded and exhort by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and eat their own bread '' ( 2 Thessalonians 3:6 , 7-8 , 10-12 ) .
Here 's the Deal : The time has arrived for Americans to begin a new chapter .
At the National Day of Prayer our president affirmed , `` Never forget that all things are possible with God . ''
Let 's embrace our opportunity like Isaac who `` sowed in that land ( of famine ) and reaped in the same year 100 fold '' ( Genesis 26:12 ) .

The apostle Paul demonstrated character and contentment in challenging circumstances. "I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things because of Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:12-13).
Whatever our current financial situation during this global pandemic, don't we want to say the same thing? The good news is that the "secret" is not something doled out but developed ("learned"), and it's not found in people, positions or possessions but in a personal relationship with Jesus.
Living this way enables us to shine as lights in a culture currently darkened by COVID-19. We have the opportunity to be thankful for all God's provisions, not taking anything for granted and not complaining as we go through a season with things in short supply (and I'm not just talking about toilet paper!).
During the lockdown in Italy, an elderly man was hospitalized for the coronavirus and needed a ventilator to sustain his life. After he improved and was discharged he started crying. The medical personnel asked why he was crying and reassured him the bill would be taken care of in his time of need.
Holding back the tears and sniffling he told them why he was crying.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm not crying about the money; I'll help with that. I'm crying because I realize I've been breathing God's air for over 80 years and never had to pay for it!"
How easy it is to take things for granted. Since losing the sight in my left eye years ago I have cherished my vision every day!
We can also get accustomed to life's comforts and complain if they diminish, disappear or don't compare with others who have more.
Abundance and Prosperity
While we cultivate contentment during today's COVID-19-induced adversity, it's important we remember God's plan for us as His people. We're not exempt from the economic repercussions of the pandemic, but we must shun fear of lack and walk by faith believing for abundance and prosperity from a biblically informed perspective. This is not some phony "prosperity gospel" but God's normative will for His obedient children.
I'm not talking about ever-expanding paychecks, palatial homes, luxury cars, lavish vacations or "lifestyles of the rich and famous." Biblical prosperity and abundance center primarily on giving, not getting, and staying thankful.
"God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you, always having enough of everything, may abound to every good work … So you will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness which makes us give thanks to God" (2 Corinthians 9:8,11).
Simply put, prosperity is "enough for our needs with enough left over for others." Likewise, abundance speaks of "ample quantity or plenty."
If my wife, Doris, needs $200 for groceries at Costco, yet only has $100, she is shopping out of insufficiency. If she goes to the store with $200, she's shopping out of sufficiency. If she goes with $300, she's shopping out of abundance. In other words, she has all she needs and more!
Keep in mind one caution … "But godliness with contentment is great gain … those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts, which drown men in ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evil. While coveting after money some have strayed from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Timothy 6:6, 9-10).
Poverty or Prosperity?
Those experiencing or fearing poverty in this pandemic need to let God give us guidance. Obedient Christians can be assured that His expressed will is to "supply your every need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). God promises to meet our needs, not necessarily our wants!
We must be convinced from Scripture that poverty is not a virtue but a curse. Those choosing to disobey God's commands often experience this state (Deuteronomy 28:48), and those who are obedient usually enjoy blessings that include among other things, "abundant prosperity" (Deuteronom. 28:11).
Of course, some inspiring people voluntarily take a vow of poverty to live a simplified lifestyle to serve humanity. Others, unfortunately ignorant of God's Word, abandoned by parents or trapped under tyrannical governments, live lives of destitution and suffering. We are privileged to supply humanitarian aid plus reach them with the gospel and transformative truth.
During this COVID-19 crisis, we should be repentant if it revealed misplaced priorities or unpreparedness. (66 million Americans have zero savings for any emergency!) Perhaps it revealed undisciplined spending habits making us "slaves to lenders" (Proverbs 22:7) and susceptible to dependency on socialistic, big-government deception.
Judgment awaits if we allow ...
With 40 million Americans out of work, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants to again include abortion funding (62 million unborn babies already killed) and now even a guaranteed minimum income for illegal aliens in the stimulus package.
California's Democratic politicians spend money providing 20,000 hotel rooms to homeless, mainly substance abusers, as San Francisco supplies free drugs, alcohol and housing in hotels for derelicts enabling their idle lifestyle and addictions.
Democratic governors in numerous states going bankrupt due to corruption, decades-long financial mismanagement, unfunded pensions (given to secure votes) and obscene entitlement programs, now attempt to secure "bailout" money intended for COVID-19 relief.
Democrats object to the Republican provision that no COVID-19 relief money be given without the prohibition of future lawsuits. The lawyer lobby donated $151 million (2016) and $137 million (2018) to the Democratic Party and salivates at opportunities to sue schools, universities, malls and businesses for COVID-19 related cases [OpenSecrets.org]. Watch for the ads by desperate attorneys out of work and ready to extort the big bucks.
Leaving Lockdown/Opening Up
If we're perceptive, we're finding questionable political agendas intent on defeating Trump in November as well as some folks' integrity and work ethic (or lack thereof) are being exposed.
Kitchen workers making $750 weekly can pull in $1,200 through government assistance and stimulus funds, so many choose to sit idle and take the money.
A lady lamented to me yesterday that her employer had her return to work while she could have stayed home for a third month and still gotten paid.
A young man said he couldn't find work spending an hour daily scanning the internet. Doesn't God say, "Six days you shall work" (Exodus 20:8)? In other words, if you don't have a job, why aren't you spending six days diligently trying to find one!
To make America great again it's imperative we reset our thinking to a biblical work ethic, shunning any laziness and responsibly, carefully return to work and restart our economy. Proceeding in faith with Spirit-led wisdom, may we be discerning and reject idleness or "gaming the system."
The apostle Paul, whom we cited for his character and contentment at the outset, directs us from divine revelation to "withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in idleness. … For we were not idle among you, neither did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it. … We commanded you that if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some among you who live in idleness, mere busybodies, not working at all. Now concerning those who are such, we commanded and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that they quietly work and eat their own bread" (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 7-8, 10-12).
Here's the Deal: The time has arrived for Americans to begin a new chapter. At the National Day of Prayer our president affirmed, "Never forget that all things are possible with God." Let's embrace our opportunity like Isaac who "sowed in that land (of famine) and reaped in the same year 100 fold" (Genesis 26:12).


wnd--2020-05-26--Getting free of dependence on foreign nations

Many Americans have finally awakened to the fact that we are over-dependent on China and other countries for both critical and desirable products and supplies .
It was never supposed to be this way .
We have a Declaration of Independence , not a declaration of inter-dependence .
President Abraham Lincoln once said , `` I ... would continue ( trade ) where it is necessary , and discontinue it , where it is not .
As instance : I would continue commerce so far as it is employed in bringing us coffee , and I would discontinue it so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us cotton goods . ''
According to a survey conducted May 12-14 by Washington-based FTI Consulting , a business advisory firm : • 40 % of Americans said they would n't buy products from China • 55 % do n't think China can be trusted to follow through on its trade-deal commitments signed in January to buy more U.S. products • 78 % percent said they 'd be willing to pay more for products if the company that made them moved manufacturing out of China • 66 % said they favor raising import @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a better way to boost the U.S. economy • 86 % of respondents say the U.S. relies too heavily on foreign supply chains .
TRENDING : CDC estimates put COVID fatality rate at 0.26 % , over 13 times lower than initial WHO claim As we attempt to lessen our dependence on China for essential drugs , India hopes to fill the void .
However , generic drugs account for more than 90 % of all prescriptions in the U.S .
Even though most generics ( antibiotics included ) that are imported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the active ingredients for its drugs from China .
Fortunately , we have some leverage to avoid any retaliation from de-coupling from China , since it is very dependent on the U.S. for cancer drugs .
Of the 54 cancer drugs launched between 2013 and 2017 , only three were available within two years in China .
If you are a fan of 'Buy American ' issues like these , you may want to join my `` How Americans Can Buy American '' Facebook page at https : //www.facebook.com/groups/howtobuyamerican/ .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of like-minded Americans .
I started the `` How Americans Can Buy American '' Facebook group over 10 years ago .
Last month , there were 7,500 members .
It has more than doubled to over 17,000 since then .
As you might guess , there is a lot of discussion about how to find and buy American-made products with an emphasis on American-owned companies .
The `` How Americans Can Buy American '' group is one of the biggest Buy American groups on Facebook .
It is not the absolute biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joining the group .
These rules include no profanity , no name-calling , or bullying .
The group is entirely non-partisan , which means no grandstanding for or against conservatives , liberals , Democrats , Republicans , or any particular candidate ( unless the post is related to promoting `` Buy American '' legislation ) .
There are plenty of groups and pages on Facebook to argue about politics .
My group is not one of them .
Also , please check out my new book ( pub .
date January 2020 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rejected FREE TRADE And So Should We at www.rejectfreetrade.com .
It is incredibly crucial that we stop allowing China to continue to import its cheap products and the U.S. unemployment that goes along with it .
We can not allow China to become the world 's number one economic superpower .
My new book details how we can stop that from happening .
Roger Simmermaker has written five books on buying American and trade policy since 1996 , and has been a frequent guest on Fox News , Fox Business Network , CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

Many Americans have finally awakened to the fact that we are over-dependent on China and other countries for both critical and desirable products and supplies.
It was never supposed to be this way. We have a Declaration of Independence, not a declaration of inter-dependence. President Abraham Lincoln once said, "I... would continue (trade) where it is necessary, and discontinue it, where it is not. As instance: I would continue commerce so far as it is employed in bringing us coffee, and I would discontinue it so far as it is employed in bringing us cotton goods."
According to a survey conducted May 12-14 by Washington-based FTI Consulting, a business advisory firm:
40% of Americans said they wouldn't buy products from China
55% don't think China can be trusted to follow through on its trade-deal commitments signed in January to buy more U.S. products
78% percent said they'd be willing to pay more for products if the company that made them moved manufacturing out of China
66% said they favor raising import restrictions over the pursuit of free-trade deals as a better way to boost the U.S. economy
86% of respondents say the U.S. relies too heavily on foreign supply chains.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
As we attempt to lessen our dependence on China for essential drugs, India hopes to fill the void. However, generic drugs account for more than 90% of all prescriptions in the U.S. Even though most generics (antibiotics included) that are imported from India – India imports nearly 70% of the active ingredients for its drugs from China.
Fortunately, we have some leverage to avoid any retaliation from de-coupling from China, since it is very dependent on the U.S. for cancer drugs.
Of the 54 cancer drugs launched between 2013 and 2017, only three were available within two years in China.
If you are a fan of 'Buy American' issues like these, you may want to join my "How Americans Can Buy American" Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtobuyamerican/. When you do, you'll be joining thousands of like-minded Americans.
I started the "How Americans Can Buy American" Facebook group over 10 years ago. Last month, there were 7,500 members. It has more than doubled to over 17,000 since then. As you might guess, there is a lot of discussion about how to find and buy American-made products with an emphasis on American-owned companies.
The "How Americans Can Buy American" group is one of the biggest Buy American groups on Facebook. It is not the absolute biggest only because there are certain rules for joining the group. These rules include no profanity, no name-calling, or bullying. The group is entirely non-partisan, which means no grandstanding for or against conservatives, liberals, Democrats, Republicans, or any particular candidate (unless the post is related to promoting "Buy American" legislation). There are plenty of groups and pages on Facebook to argue about politics. My group is not one of them.
Also, please check out my new book (pub. date January 2020) titled "UNCONSTITUTIONAL: Our Founding Fathers Rejected FREE TRADE And So Should We at www.rejectfreetrade.com. It is incredibly crucial that we stop allowing China to continue to import its cheap products and the U.S. unemployment that goes along with it. We cannot allow China to become the world's number one economic superpower. My new book details how we can stop that from happening.
About Roger Simmermaker
Roger Simmermaker has written five 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--2020-05-26--Whitewater prosecutor: Expect charges from Durham's investigation

( WASHINGTON EXAMINER ) -- Former Whitewater prosecutor Robert Ray expects prosecutions in U.S. Attorney John Durham 's inquiry into @ @ @ @ @ It is a criminal investigation with grand jury authority , and I do n't think @ @ @ @ @ is going to be just left to the side of history without actual prosecutions being @ @ @ @ @ accountable , '' he said during the Sunday premiere of Fox News legal analyst Greg @ @ @ @ @ Hunt : The Flynn Vindication .
`` Even if no felony prosecution is ever brought @ @ @ @ @ , this is a political scandal of the highest order , and the American people @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .

(WASHINGTON EXAMINER) -- Former Whitewater prosecutor Robert Ray expects prosecutions in U.S. Attorney John Durham's inquiry into the Russia investigation.
"It is a criminal investigation with grand jury authority, and I don't think the attorney general expects this is going to be just left to the side of history without actual prosecutions being brought to hold those responsible accountable," he said during the Sunday premiere of Fox News legal analyst Greg Jarrett's special, Witch Hunt: The Flynn Vindication.
"Even if no felony prosecution is ever brought as a result of this, this is a political scandal of the highest order, and the American people should be paying attention," he added.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-05-26--Whitmer in controversy over husband's reported boating plans

( FOX NEWS ) -- Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer faced backlash from Republican lawmakers after a reported request from @ @ @ @ @ family 's boat out on the water before Memorial Day weekend -- far from their @ @ @ @ @ , a Democrat , famously has imposed one of the strictest lockdowns in the country @ @ @ @ @ What 's more , she 's told people not living in Northern Michigan to stay @ @ @ @ @ during the holiday weekend .
In Facebook posts no longer visible to the public , @ @ @ @ @ owner , Tad Dowker , focused on what Dowker said was a request last week @ @ @ @ @ Marc Mallory .
The posts caught the attention of Republican state lawmakers , who said @ @ @ @ @ not have wanted to follow the guidance she 's issued for the rest of the @ @

(FOX NEWS) -- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faced backlash from Republican lawmakers after a reported request from her husband to get the family's boat out on the water before Memorial Day weekend -- far from their home in Lansing.
Whitmer, a Democrat, famously has imposed one of the strictest lockdowns in the country, sparking frequent protests. What's more, she's told people not living in Northern Michigan to stay away from vacation spots there during the holiday weekend.
In Facebook posts no longer visible to the public, NorthShore Dock LLC and its owner, Tad Dowker, focused on what Dowker said was a request last week by Whitmer's husband, Marc Mallory. The posts caught the attention of Republican state lawmakers, who said the governor's family may not have wanted to follow the guidance she's issued for the rest of the state.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-05-26--More taking drugs for anxiety and insomnia, and doctors are worried

( WALL STREET JOURNAL ) -- Prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids have risen during the pandemic , prompting @ @ @ @ @ possibility of long-term addiction and abuse of the drugs .
“ Many physicians have a @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s very problematic , ” says Bruce J. Schwartz , deputy chair @ @ @ @ @ behavioral sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York .
“ Many people do develop @ @ @ @ @ ” Prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications , such as Klonopin and Ativan , rose 10.2 % @ @ @ @ @ million in March 2020 from 8.8 million in March 2019 , according to the latest @ @ @ @ @ .
Prescriptions for antidepressants , including Prozac and Lexapro , rose 9.2 % to 29.7 @ @ @ @ @ the same period .
The information doesn ’ t include data on whether dosages have @ @ @ @ @

(WALL STREET JOURNAL) -- Prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids have risen during the pandemic, prompting doctors to warn about the possibility of long-term addiction and abuse of the drugs.
“Many physicians have a low threshold for prescribing them. It’s very problematic,” says Bruce J. Schwartz, deputy chair and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. “Many people do develop a dependency on these medications.”
Prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications, such as Klonopin and Ativan, rose 10.2% in the U.S. to 9.7 million in March 2020 from 8.8 million in March 2019, according to the latest data from health-research firm IQVIA. Prescriptions for antidepressants, including Prozac and Lexapro, rose 9.2% to 29.7 million from 27.2 million in the same period. The information doesn’t include data on whether dosages have increased along with prescriptions.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-05-27--Miscalculating risk: Confusing scary with dangerous

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
The coronavirus kills , everyone knows it .
But this isn ’ t the first deadly virus the world has seen , so what happened ?
Why did we react the way we did ?
One answer is that this is the first social media pandemic .
News and narratives travel in real-time right into our hands .
This spreads fear in a way we have never experienced .
Drastic and historically unprecedented lockdowns of the economy happened and seemed to be accepted with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' I have a chance to break the Deep State' We think the world is confusing “ scary ” with “ dangerous.
” They are not the same thing .
It seems many have accepted as fact that coronavirus is one of the scariest things the human race has ever dealt with .
But is it the most dangerous ?
Or even close ?
There are four ways to categorize any given reality .
It can be scary but not dangerous , scary and dangerous , dangerous but not scary , or not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 ranks high on the scary scale .
A Google news search on the virus brings up over 1.5 billion news results .
To date , the virus has tragically killed nearly 100,000 people in the United States , and more lives will be lost .
But on a scale of harmless to extremely dangerous , it would still fall into the category of slightly to mildly dangerous for most people , excluding the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions .
In comparison , many have no idea that heart disease is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , killing around 650,000 people every year , 54,000 per month , or approximately 200,000 people between February and mid-May of this year .
This qualifies as extremely dangerous .
But most people are not very frightened of it .
A Google news search for heart disease brings up around 100 million results , under one-fifteenth the results of the COVID-19 search .
It ’ s critical to be able to distinguish between fear and danger .
Fear is an emotion , it ’ s the risk that we perceive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ blind to the facts .
For example , the chances of dying from a shark attack are minuscule , but the thought still crosses most people ’ s minds when they play in the ocean .
Danger is measurable , and in the case of sharks , the danger is low , even if fear is sometimes high .
Imagine if an insurance actuary was so scared of something that she graded it 1,000 times riskier than the data showed .
This might be a career-ending mistake .
This is exactly what people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on fear and not data .
According to CDC data , 81 % of deaths from COVID-19 in the United States are people over 65 years old , most with preexisting conditions .
If you add in 55-64-year-olds that number jumps to 93 % .
For those below age 55 , preexisting conditions play a significant role , but the death rate is currently around 0.0022 % , or one death per 45,000 people in this age range .
Below 25 years old the fatality rate of COVID-19 is 0.00008 % , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet we have shut down all schools and day-care centers , some never to open again !
This makes it harder for mothers and fathers to remain employed .
All life is precious .
No death should be ignored , but we have allowed our fear to move resources away from areas that are more dangerous , but less scary , to areas that are scary , but less dangerous .
And herein lies the biggest problem .
Hospitals and doctors ’ offices have had to be much more selective in the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 patients and cutting out elective surgeries .
According to Komodo , in the weeks following the first shelter-in-place orders , cervical cancer screenings were down 68 % , cholesterol panels were down 67 % , and the blood sugar tests to detect diabetes were off 65 % nationally .
It doesn ’ t stop there .
The U.N. estimates that infant mortality rates could rise by hundreds of thousands in 2020 because of the global recession and diverted health care resources .
Add in opioid addiction , alcoholism , domestic violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and despair .
It ’ s tragic .
The benefits gained through this fear-based shutdown ( if there really are any ) have massively increased dangers in the both the short term and the long term .
Every day that businesses are shuttered , and people remain unemployed or underemployed , the economic wounds grow more deadly .
The loss of wealth is immense , and this will undermine the ability of nations around the world to deal with true dangers for decades to come , maybe forever .
We have altered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the private sector ( which is where all wealth is created ) is truly dangerous even though many of our leaders suggest we shouldn ’ t be scared of it .
Another round of stimulus is not what we need .
Like a Band-Aid on a massive laceration , it may stop a tiny bit of the bleeding , but the wound continues to worsen , feeding greater and more elaborate intervention .
Moreover , we are putting huge financial burdens on future generations because we are scared about something that the data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other things in life .
A shutdown may slow the spread of a virus , but it can ’ t stop it .
A vaccine may cure us .
But in the meantime , we have entered a new era , one in which fear trumps danger and near-term risk creates long-term problems .
It appears many people have come to this realization as the data builds .
Hopefully , this will go down in history as a mistake that we will never repeat .
Brian Wesbury is chief economist at First Trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economist at First Trust Advisors LP .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By Brian S. Wesbury & Strider Elass
Real Clear Politics
The coronavirus kills, everyone knows it. But this isn’t the first deadly virus the world has seen, so what happened? Why did we react the way we did? One answer is that this is the first social media pandemic. News and narratives travel in real-time right into our hands.
This spreads fear in a way we have never experienced. Drastic and historically unprecedented lockdowns of the economy happened and seemed to be accepted with little question.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
We think the world is confusing “scary” with “dangerous.” They are not the same thing. It seems many have accepted as fact that coronavirus is one of the scariest things the human race has ever dealt with. But is it the most dangerous? Or even close?
There are four ways to categorize any given reality. It can be scary but not dangerous, scary and dangerous, dangerous but not scary, or not dangerous and not scary.
Clearly, COVID-19 ranks high on the scary scale. A Google news search on the virus brings up over 1.5 billion news results. To date, the virus has tragically killed nearly 100,000 people in the United States, and more lives will be lost. But on a scale of harmless to extremely dangerous, it would still fall into the category of slightly to mildly dangerous for most people, excluding the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions.
In comparison, many have no idea that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing around 650,000 people every year, 54,000 per month, or approximately 200,000 people between February and mid-May of this year. This qualifies as extremely dangerous. But most people are not very frightened of it. A Google news search for heart disease brings up around 100 million results, under one-fifteenth the results of the COVID-19 search.
It’s critical to be able to distinguish between fear and danger. Fear is an emotion, it’s the risk that we perceive. As an emotion, it is often blind to the facts. For example, the chances of dying from a shark attack are minuscule, but the thought still crosses most people’s minds when they play in the ocean. Danger is measurable, and in the case of sharks, the danger is low, even if fear is sometimes high.
Imagine if an insurance actuary was so scared of something that she graded it 1,000 times riskier than the data showed. This might be a career-ending mistake. This is exactly what people have done regarding COVID-19: making decisions on fear and not data.
According to CDC data, 81% of deaths from COVID-19 in the United States are people over 65 years old, most with preexisting conditions. If you add in 55-64-year-olds that number jumps to 93%. For those below age 55, preexisting conditions play a significant role, but the death rate is currently around 0.0022%, or one death per 45,000 people in this age range. Below 25 years old the fatality rate of COVID-19 is 0.00008%, or roughly one in 1.25 million, and yet we have shut down all schools and day-care centers, some never to open again! This makes it harder for mothers and fathers to remain employed.
All life is precious. No death should be ignored, but we have allowed our fear to move resources away from areas that are more dangerous, but less scary, to areas that are scary, but less dangerous. And herein lies the biggest problem.
Hospitals and doctors’ offices have had to be much more selective in the people they are seeing, leaving beds open for COVID-19 patients and cutting out elective surgeries. According to Komodo, in the weeks following the first shelter-in-place orders, cervical cancer screenings were down 68%, cholesterol panels were down 67%, and the blood sugar tests to detect diabetes were off 65% nationally.
It doesn’t stop there. The U.N. estimates that infant mortality rates could rise by hundreds of thousands in 2020 because of the global recession and diverted health care resources. Add in opioid addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence and other detrimental reactions from job loss and despair. It’s tragic.
The benefits gained through this fear-based shutdown (if there really are any) have massively increased dangers in the both the short term and the long term. Every day that businesses are shuttered, and people remain unemployed or underemployed, the economic wounds grow more deadly. The loss of wealth is immense, and this will undermine the ability of nations around the world to deal with true dangers for decades to come, maybe forever. We have altered the course of economic growth.
Shutting down the private sector (which is where all wealth is created) is truly dangerous even though many of our leaders suggest we shouldn’t be scared of it. Another round of stimulus is not what we need. Like a Band-Aid on a massive laceration, it may stop a tiny bit of the bleeding, but the wound continues to worsen, feeding greater and more elaborate intervention. Moreover, we are putting huge financial burdens on future generations because we are scared about something that the data reveal as far less dangerous than many other things in life.
A shutdown may slow the spread of a virus, but it can’t stop it. A vaccine may cure us. But in the meantime, we have entered a new era, one in which fear trumps danger and near-term risk creates long-term problems. It appears many people have come to this realization as the data builds. Hopefully, this will go down in history as a mistake that we will never repeat.
Brian Wesbury is chief economist at First Trust Advisors LP.
Strider Elass is senior economist at First Trust Advisors LP.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]


wnd--2020-05-27--Paying illegal immigrants puts American last

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
“ Put your own mask on before assisting others.
” Flight attendants repeat this wise instruction before every airline flight because , in an emergency situation , an incapacitated passenger can not help anyone else and , in fact , becomes another person in need .
In the current economic and health emergency , Democrats ignore this mandate and instead seek to exploit the crisis as an opportunity to fulfill long-held leftist policy aims like diminishing citizenship and destroying the efficacy of borders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many Americans , these demagogues prove that they put America last .
Two recent actions best showcase this agenda .
First , in the mammoth $ 3 trillion boondoggle that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats passed last week , taxpayer handouts of up to $ 1,200 would flow to illegal migrants .
Thankfully , her 1,815-page legislative monstrosity will never become law , but Pelosi ’ s home state took more immediate action , dispensing tens of millions of California taxpayer dollars to illegal immigrants , with direct cash payments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ' I have a chance to break the Deep State' The appalling disconnect between these leftist politicians and the current angst among America ’ s citizenry underscores the distorted reality of an entitled political class operating in a sort of parallel universe , undeterred by the on-the-ground predicament of millions of Americans .
Consider that 36 million people are newly jobless .
Even among the still-employed , job anxiety is pervasive : A recent Associated Press poll showed that 55 % of working Americans report a cut in either hours or pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats like Pelosi and Gov .
Gavin Newsom to these worried Americans is clear : “ Get in line , because we have other priorities , including catering to the needs of criminals who willfully violated our laws to enter the United States without permission.
” Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden clearly agrees with this policy arc , as he publicly affirmed during his party ’ s primaries that he supports providing taxpayer-funded health care to illegal aliens .
Make no mistake about the left ’ s ultimate aims here .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , eyeing the dubious long-term objective of mass amnesties that confer status and citizenship .
Given the precedent of President Obama and his clearly illegal use of an executive order to regularize DACA adults ( a policy goal I happen to support— but through the legislative process ) , it seems perfectly logical to predict a similar move from any future Democratic president , given the party ’ s increasing radicalism on immigration issues .
In addition , Democrats wrongly believe that these extreme policies devaluing citizenship will somehow curry favor among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , recent surveys reveal exactly the opposite .
For example , a Washington Post/University of Maryland poll found that fully 69 % of Hispanic citizens support a temporary ban on all immigration during this crisis , including legal immigration .
Contrary to the biased hopes of the Democratic National Committee and constant narratives pushed by corporate media , Hispanic Americans are not at all soft on border issues .
There is a larger truth here as well .
We Hispanics tend to be conservative people – culturally , religiously , and politically .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on abortion found that Hispanics are far more pro-life than white Americans , by a 17-percentage-point margin .
As the Democratic Party grows ever more radical , on core issues like immigration , the Second Amendment , and the right to life , the party all but orphans previously loyal Latino voters .
But regardless of race or ethnicity , the primary -- even obsessive -- focus of policymakers must be on reigniting the economic engine of America .
I have offered my own policy proposal catalysts , and have no doubt that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this vital rebuild .
Our entrepreneur president created the conditions for the best job market in decades .
He facilitated the first explosion in wages and opportunities , and he can lead the encore , the Trump Boom 2.0 .
In contrast , Democrats ’ pandering to woke leftist constituencies only distracts us from this critical task .
Even worse , providing scarce resources to foreigners who entered our land illegally represents a total betrayal of our own citizens in need .
An America First approach requires that we get the economic “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we consider how to help others .
Steve Cortes is a contributor to RealClearPolitics , national spokesman for the America First PAC , and host of his own Salem Radio Show on AM560 Chicago .
His Twitter handle is @ CortesSteve .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By Steve Cortes
Real Clear Politics
“Put your own mask on before assisting others.” Flight attendants repeat this wise instruction before every airline flight because, in an emergency situation, an incapacitated passenger cannot help anyone else and, in fact, becomes another person in need. In the current economic and health emergency, Democrats ignore this mandate and instead seek to exploit the crisis as an opportunity to fulfill long-held leftist policy aims like diminishing citizenship and destroying the efficacy of borders. By leveraging a time of pain for so many Americans, these demagogues prove that they put America last.
Two recent actions best showcase this agenda. First, in the mammoth $3 trillion boondoggle that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats passed last week, taxpayer handouts of up to $1,200 would flow to illegal migrants. Thankfully, her 1,815-page legislative monstrosity will never become law, but Pelosi’s home state took more immediate action, dispensing tens of millions of California taxpayer dollars to illegal immigrants, with direct cash payments to over 100,000 trespassers.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The appalling disconnect between these leftist politicians and the current angst among America’s citizenry underscores the distorted reality of an entitled political class operating in a sort of parallel universe, undeterred by the on-the-ground predicament of millions of Americans. Consider that 36 million people are newly jobless. Even among the still-employed, job anxiety is pervasive: A recent Associated Press poll showed that 55% of working Americans report a cut in either hours or pay during this pandemic.
The message of Democrats like Pelosi and Gov. Gavin Newsom to these worried Americans is clear: “Get in line, because we have other priorities, including catering to the needs of criminals who willfully violated our laws to enter the United States without permission.” Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden clearly agrees with this policy arc, as he publicly affirmed during his party’s primaries that he supports providing taxpayer-funded health care to illegal aliens.
Make no mistake about the left’s ultimate aims here. They promote porous borders and incentivize illegal migration, eyeing the dubious long-term objective of mass amnesties that confer status and citizenship. Given the precedent of President Obama and his clearly illegal use of an executive order to regularize DACA adults (a policy goal I happen to support— but through the legislative process), it seems perfectly logical to predict a similar move from any future Democratic president, given the party’s increasing radicalism on immigration issues.
In addition, Democrats wrongly believe that these extreme policies devaluing citizenship will somehow curry favor among the Hispanic citizens of America. In reality, recent surveys reveal exactly the opposite. For example, a Washington Post/University of Maryland poll found that fully 69% of Hispanic citizens support a temporary ban on all immigration during this crisis, including legal immigration. Contrary to the biased hopes of the Democratic National Committee and constant narratives pushed by corporate media, Hispanic Americans are not at all soft on border issues.
There is a larger truth here as well. We Hispanics tend to be conservative people – culturally, religiously, and politically. For example, a Pew Research survey on abortion found that Hispanics are far more pro-life than white Americans, by a 17-percentage-point margin. As the Democratic Party grows ever more radical, on core issues like immigration, the Second Amendment, and the right to life, the party all but orphans previously loyal Latino voters.
But regardless of race or ethnicity, the primary -- even obsessive -- focus of policymakers must be on reigniting the economic engine of America. I have offered my own policy proposal catalysts, and have no doubt that we have the right commander-in-chief to lead this vital rebuild. Our entrepreneur president created the conditions for the best job market in decades. He facilitated the first explosion in wages and opportunities, and he can lead the encore, the Trump Boom 2.0.
In contrast, Democrats’ pandering to woke leftist constituencies only distracts us from this critical task. Even worse, providing scarce resources to foreigners who entered our land illegally represents a total betrayal of our own citizens in need. An America First approach requires that we get the economic “oxygen” flowing to U.S. citizens before we consider how to help others.
Steve Cortes is a contributor to RealClearPolitics, national spokesman for the America First PAC, and host of his own Salem Radio Show on AM560 Chicago. His Twitter handle is @CortesSteve.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]


wnd--2020-05-27--Joe Biden and government corruption: What he should say

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
Last week , Joe Biden , took aim at the federal government ’ s handling of various pandemic lockdown disaster relief programs .
“ Let me issue a warning right now to anyone who participates in the corrupt giveaways of President Trump and his administration to review every stimulus loan given to any big company or political insider , ” Biden vowed .
“ Every single one . ''
TRENDING : Trump : ' I have a chance to break the Deep State' The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now a fighter of government corruption is simultaneously laudable and laughable .
Polling done earlier this year by John Della Volpe for RealClear Opinion Research as part of the ongoing “ We Need Smith ” project found that government corruption was the number one issue in the minds of registered voters in this country .
It beat out 24 other issues , including the cost and availability of health insurance , jobs and unemployment , gun violence and mass shootings , income inequality , and climate change .
This finding is consistent with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , government corruption and ethics ( or lack thereof ) has consistently ranked among the top three issues that Americans care about .
While the current coronavirus crisis has no doubt reordered our priorities , Biden ’ s attempt to grab the corruption-fighter mantle is durably good politics .
Voters hate what they accurately perceive to be a system that is built for the benefit of insiders -- big business , incumbent politicians , lobbyists , special interests , corporate media , mega donors , and other entrenched parties with disproportionate clout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s position laughable is that it ’ s coming from the consummate D.C. insider -- a perpetual wader in the fetid swamp of government corruption who knows every reptile and buried stump by name .
In the coming debate with Donald Trump over who is more corrupt , Joe Biden ’ s past makes it likely that this issue will be fought to a draw among the American electorate .
If Biden wants to change that perspective , he needs to stand for something , in both word and deed , that demonstrates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corruption in Washington in an effort to deliver better results for the American people .
The next time he decides to take to video , he might want to try something like this : I understand that so many of you feel that you have been left behind .
You rightfully believe that our political system has been rigged against you , in favor of the economic elite and special interests who are able to buy access to power .
As someone who has a been a part of that system for decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right and I am sorry for whatever role I ’ ve played in allowing that system to continue .
But there ’ s a benefit to electing someone with my experience .
I know how the game is played , and am 100 % percent dedicated to fixing it – not with slogans or promises , but with real policies that will end the corruption and give the American people a fighting chance .
Every other policy change that we are fighting for from climate change to reducing prescription drug prices to making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on us getting this right.
> My party has consistently stood for the belief that we desperately need to take the corrupting influence of special interest money and conflicts of interest out of our politics .
But the prescriptions we have advocated for in the past have focused solely on parties outside of Capitol Hill .
They are half-measures that will only go so far to change the culture of Washington and the behavior of your elected representatives .
Today , I am going to go further than anyone has gone in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our nation ’ s capital .
It is estimated that more than 70 % of members of Congress and even a larger percentage of their staff move directly from Capitol Hill to lobbying positions when they leave office – up from 17 % at the beginning of the 1980s .
Ask yourself a simple question : Do you think that those members are thinking about how to enhance their future lobbying careers when they consider legislation that affects the very interests from whom they will be looking to for to for a lobbying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to answer it !
I propose a simple solution : a lifetime ban on lobbying for members of Congress and senior administration officials .
Government service should be exactly that – service to a cause larger than ourselves – not a steppingstone to a seven-figure job lobbying your former colleagues to get money out of the public treasury .
I also believe we need to break the transactional nature of political fundraising .
Those who are paid to lobby the administration or Congress should be prohibited from contributing , bundling contributions , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PACs .
I have no problem with interest groups and industries exercising their First Amendment rights .
I have a huge problem with them buying votes and access with campaign dollars .
Today , I am standing firm that our government is not for sale !
Speaking of fundraising , I also believe members of Congress should be prohibited from raising money for their campaigns while Congress is in session .
When they are in the nation ’ s capital being paid by the American people , they shouldn ’ t be spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooms and cocktail parties serving themselves instead of their constituents .
Congress is paid to work for the American people .
It ’ s time we live up to that obligation .
We also need to end leadership PACs once and for all .
These entities have no restrictions on how their funds are used .
Want a no-show job for your kid ?
Pay it out of the leadership PAC .
Want to travel on a private plane to a fundraising event ?
Pay for it out of your leadership PAC .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from members of your caucus ?
You guessed it , use your leadership PAC .
These political slush funds are financed almost exclusively by special interests , have no place in our politics , and should be banned .
These are just the first steps that I plan to take as part of a sustained assault on the corruption in our nation ’ s capital .
It is a down payment on my commitment to make our government more responsive to the needs of Americans and to reduce the sway of those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of us .
While this wouldn ’ t win Biden any friends among the party leaders or K Street lobbyists who are celebrating his nomination , Americans want it .
Polling also shows that : Over 82 % of Americans , including solid majorities among both Democrats and Republicans , support the first three reforms outlined above .
In 2016 , Donald Trump won , in part , because he painted Bill and Hillary Clinton as “ corrupt.
” He told the American people he knew this because he had basically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of both parties -- – for years with campaign contributions .
In truth , Trump was a paltry political donor by modern standards , but he identified the problem correctly .
As president , he hasn ’ t done a thing about it .
Biden could do Trump one better : I know the system is corrupt because I participated in it all my adult life , he could say .
And I know how to fix it , he could add – and if you elect me president in 2020 , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greg Orman is a Kansas entrepreneur , author of “ A Declaration of Independents ” and a former independent candidate for governor and senator of his state .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By Greg Orman
Real Clear Politics
Last week, Joe Biden, took aim at the federal government’s handling of various pandemic lockdown disaster relief programs. “Let me issue a warning right now to anyone who participates in the corrupt giveaways of President Trump and his administration to review every stimulus loan given to any big company or political insider,” Biden vowed. “Every single one."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The idea that Joseph R. Biden Jr. is now a fighter of government corruption is simultaneously laudable and laughable. Polling done earlier this year by John Della Volpe for RealClear Opinion Research as part of the ongoing “We Need Smith” project found that government corruption was the number one issue in the minds of registered voters in this country. It beat out 24 other issues, including the cost and availability of health insurance, jobs and unemployment, gun violence and mass shootings, income inequality, and climate change. This finding is consistent with other surveys. For the past seven years, government corruption and ethics (or lack thereof) has consistently ranked among the top three issues that Americans care about.
While the current coronavirus crisis has no doubt reordered our priorities, Biden’s attempt to grab the corruption-fighter mantle is durably good politics. Voters hate what they accurately perceive to be a system that is built for the benefit of insiders -- big business, incumbent politicians, lobbyists, special interests, corporate media, mega donors, and other entrenched parties with disproportionate clout in Washington.
What makes Biden’s position laughable is that it’s coming from the consummate D.C. insider -- a perpetual wader in the fetid swamp of government corruption who knows every reptile and buried stump by name. In the coming debate with Donald Trump over who is more corrupt, Joe Biden’s past makes it likely that this issue will be fought to a draw among the American electorate.
If Biden wants to change that perspective, he needs to stand for something, in both word and deed, that demonstrates he truly understands and will fight the corruption in Washington in an effort to deliver better results for the American people. The next time he decides to take to video, he might want to try something like this:
I understand that so many of you feel that you have been left behind. You rightfully believe that our political system has been rigged against you, in favor of the economic elite and special interests who are able to buy access to power. As someone who has a been a part of that system for decades, I can say, you are right and I am sorry for whatever role I’ve played in allowing that system to continue. But there’s a benefit to electing someone with my experience. I know how the game is played, and am 100% percent dedicated to fixing it – not with slogans or promises, but with real policies that will end the corruption and give the American people a fighting chance. Every other policy change that we are fighting for from climate change to reducing prescription drug prices to making our tax code more equitable is dependent on us getting this right.> My party has consistently stood for the belief that we desperately need to take the corrupting influence of special interest money and conflicts of interest out of our politics. But the prescriptions we have advocated for in the past have focused solely on parties outside of Capitol Hill. They are half-measures that will only go so far to change the culture of Washington and the behavior of your elected representatives. Today, I am going to go further than anyone has gone in the past in advocating for real change in our nation’s capital. It is estimated that more than 70% of members of Congress and even a larger percentage of their staff move directly from Capitol Hill to lobbying positions when they leave office – up from 17% at the beginning of the 1980s. Ask yourself a simple question: Do you think that those members are thinking about how to enhance their future lobbying careers when they consider legislation that affects the very interests from whom they will be looking to for to for a lobbying job? To ask the question is to answer it! I propose a simple solution: a lifetime ban on lobbying for members of Congress and senior administration officials. Government service should be exactly that – service to a cause larger than ourselves – not a steppingstone to a seven-figure job lobbying your former colleagues to get money out of the public treasury. I also believe we need to break the transactional nature of political fundraising. Those who are paid to lobby the administration or Congress should be prohibited from contributing, bundling contributions, or holding fundraisers for federal candidates or federal PACs. I have no problem with interest groups and industries exercising their First Amendment rights. I have a huge problem with them buying votes and access with campaign dollars. Today, I am standing firm that our government is not for sale! Speaking of fundraising, I also believe members of Congress should be prohibited from raising money for their campaigns while Congress is in session. When they are in the nation’s capital being paid by the American people, they shouldn’t be spending the majority of their time in call rooms and cocktail parties serving themselves instead of their constituents. Congress is paid to work for the American people. It’s time we live up to that obligation. We also need to end leadership PACs once and for all. These entities have no restrictions on how their funds are used. Want a no-show job for your kid? Pay it out of the leadership PAC. Want to travel on a private plane to a fundraising event? Pay for it out of your leadership PAC. Want to buy blind loyalty and obedience from members of your caucus? You guessed it, use your leadership PAC. These political slush funds are financed almost exclusively by special interests, have no place in our politics, and should be banned. These are just the first steps that I plan to take as part of a sustained assault on the corruption in our nation’s capital. It is a down payment on my commitment to make our government more responsive to the needs of Americans and to reduce the sway of those who would buy influence at the expense of the rest of us.
While this wouldn’t win Biden any friends among the party leaders or K Street lobbyists who are celebrating his nomination, Americans want it. Polling also shows that: Over 82% of Americans, including solid majorities among both Democrats and Republicans, support the first three reforms outlined above.
In 2016, Donald Trump won, in part, because he painted Bill and Hillary Clinton as “corrupt.” He told the American people he knew this because he had basically bribed them – and other political elites of both parties --– for years with campaign contributions. In truth, Trump was a paltry political donor by modern standards, but he identified the problem correctly. As president, he hasn’t done a thing about it. Biden could do Trump one better: I know the system is corrupt because I participated in it all my adult life, he could say. And I know how to fix it, he could add – and if you elect me president in 2020, by God I’ll do it.
Greg Orman is a Kansas entrepreneur, author of “A Declaration of Independents” and a former independent candidate for governor and senator of his state.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]


wnd--2020-05-27--Green-agenda fail: Restaurants not seeing demand for 'Bug Macs'

Insects are sold in food markets in some parts of Asia , but there does n't seem to be a big demand for `` Bug Macs '' in restaurants in the West .
Nevertheless , a European Union draft policy calls for promoting `` insect-based proteins '' as a replacement for animal products , reports Summit News .
All to save the environment .
The European Union 's Farm to Fork Strategy is touted as a `` fair , healthy and environmentally friendly '' plan to increase `` the availability and source of alternative proteins such as plant , microbial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meat substitutes . ''
TRENDING : Trump : ' I have a chance to break the Deep State' '' Moving to a more plant-based diet with less red and processed meat and with more fruits and vegetables will reduce not only risks of life-threatening diseases , but also the environmental impact of the food system , '' the EU states .
Constantin Muraru of the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed praised the policy .
`` Currently , the EU is heavily reliant on the importation of feedstuffs , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus outbreak has made it increasingly apparent that we must look to make our agriculture more self-sustainable , '' he said , according to EURACTIV , an independent European media network specialized in EU policies .
He said insects for food can be grown locally in high quantities and small areas .
The EU 's Food Safety Authority already has approved selling bugs as a `` novel food , '' which is a precursor to establishing mass production for human consumption .
Christophe Derrien , also of the IPIFF , told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy will be approved .
Summit News noted eating bugs `` has been heavily promoted by cultural institutions and the media in recent years because people are being readied to accept drastically lower standards of living under disastrous global ‘ Green New Deal ’ programs . ''
Various `` global publications '' have promoted the idea for some time already .
However , restaurants `` are not seeing a big uptake for worm burgers , otherwise known as ‘ bug macs , ’ or cricket-based cuisine . ''

Insects are sold in food markets in some parts of Asia, but there doesn't seem to be a big demand for "Bug Macs" in restaurants in the West.
Nevertheless, a European Union draft policy calls for promoting "insect-based proteins" as a replacement for animal products, reports Summit News.
All to save the environment.
The European Union's Farm to Fork Strategy is touted as a "fair, healthy and environmentally friendly" plan to increase "the availability and source of alternative proteins such as plant, microbial, marine, and insect-based proteins and meat substitutes."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"Moving to a more plant-based diet with less red and processed meat and with more fruits and vegetables will reduce not only risks of life-threatening diseases, but also the environmental impact of the food system," the EU states.
Constantin Muraru of the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed praised the policy.
"Currently, the EU is heavily reliant on the importation of feedstuffs, but the disruption in the past few months with the coronavirus outbreak has made it increasingly apparent that we must look to make our agriculture more self-sustainable," he said, according to EURACTIV, an independent European media network specialized in EU policies.
He said insects for food can be grown locally in high quantities and small areas.
Would you ever eat bugs? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to WND news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 21% (5 Votes) 79% (19 Votes)
The EU's Food Safety Authority already has approved selling bugs as a "novel food," which is a precursor to establishing mass production for human consumption.
Would you switch to an insect-based diet? Although insects are viewed as a highly promising solution to the challenges facing the food industry, many Europeans still see them as novelty food at best.@EURACTIVBerlin reports.https://t.co/15bRNTc0oO — EURACTIV (@EURACTIV) March 7, 2020
Christophe Derrien, also of the IPIFF, told the Guardian there's a good chance the policy will be approved.
Summit News noted eating bugs "has been heavily promoted by cultural institutions and the media in recent years because people are being readied to accept drastically lower standards of living under disastrous global ‘Green New Deal’ programs."
Various "global publications" have promoted the idea for some time already.
However, restaurants "are not seeing a big uptake for worm burgers, otherwise known as ‘bug macs,’ or cricket-based cuisine."


wnd--2020-05-27--Special counsel to investigate Obamagate?

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
The unraveling of the Obama administration ’ s Russia Hoax sped up exponentially in the last two weeks , as the case against Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn collapsed and the acting director of national intelligence declassified Obama-era documents that revealed a concerted effort to undermine the incoming Trump administration .
But despite substantial evidence of malfeasance by not just President Obama , but also by then-FBI Director James Comey and Susan Rice ( Flynn ’ s predecessor as national security adviser ) , among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing will ever happen to bring to justice the conspirators in what President Trump calls Obamagate .
TRENDING : Trump : ' I have a chance to break the Deep State' That concern was highlighted last week by Attorney General William Barr ’ s pronouncement that both Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden were off-limits .
`` As to President Obama and Vice President Biden , whatever their level of involvement , based on the information I have today , I do n't expect Mr. Durham 's work will lead to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barr said regarding U.S. Attorney John Durham ’ s investigation into the origins of the Russia probe .
`` Our concern over potential criminality is focused on others . ''
So just hold on a minute .
Obama and Biden could get off scot-free “ whatever their level of involvement ” ?
Why is that ?
And if the attorney general is afraid to look at wrongdoing at the highest level , how can he be expected to put the Constitution first ?
Barr used the excuse that he is protecting our electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of criminal investigations .
`` The legal tactic has been to gin up allegations of criminality by one 's political opponents based on the flimsiest of legal theories , '' Barr said .
`` This is not good for political life , and it 's not good for the criminal justice system .
And as long as I 'm attorney general , the criminal justice system will not be used for partisan political ends . ''
That ’ s sure convenient for Biden , coming at the end of three years when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collusion investigation against President Trump , followed by a separate political hit job in the form of the Ukraine-phone-call impeachment hoax .
But seeking the truth should be neither partisan , nor political .
It should be the essential ingredient of criminal justice , as well as public life .
Barr , however , apparently thinks that the American people do not deserve to have the truth before they choose between Biden and Trump in November .
`` We live in a very divided country right now , and I think it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American people are allowed to make the choice between President Trump or Biden based on robust debate of policy issues , '' he said .
`` Ca n't allow this to be hijacked by efforts to drum up criminal investigations of either candidate . ''
That rhetoric is totally irresponsible .
Debate on policy issues is not the only factor in an election , and if Barr is deferring investigations or declining prosecutions because of political concerns , then that is eerily reminiscent of how the Obama Justice Department ( in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave a pass to Hillary Clinton in 2016 because she was running for president .
Whether Biden is guilty or innocent of participation in a plot against Trump , we deserve to have the investigation carried out now , so that we can make fully informed decisions as voters .
After Barr ’ s comments on Monday , Trump supporter Lou Dobbs unloaded on the attorney general during the opening segment of his Fox Business program .
“ It is this Department of Justice ... that seemingly continues to play cover for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comey for leaking memos with classified information , refusing to charge former FBI Deputy Director and then Acting Director Andy McCabe for lying to investigators , and it was Barr who praised former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein despite Rosenstein helping to launch the Mueller Witch Hunt , which was fraudulent from the very beginning.
” Dobbs was joined by Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton , who said that the latest pronouncement by Barr had proven that “ the Justice Department ain ’ t gon na do justice , ” so it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special counsel outside the Justice Department to figure out if any prosecutions need to be pursued.
” When Dobbs challenged Fitton to name anyone who could be trusted to act as special counsel who “ isn ’ t already sold out to the establishment , is n't already sold out to the Deep State , ” Fitton came up with only one candidate — Sidney Powell , the attorney who has body-slammed the corrupt Justice Department in the course of a few short months and got prosecutors to cry uncle when she proved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trumped-up charges .
Whether it ’ s Powell or someone else ( law professor Jonathan Turley , former Attorney General Michael Mukasey , former U.S. Attorney Andrew McCarthy come to mind ) it is now becoming apparent that a special counsel is the only hope for justice .
Attorney General Barr admitting that he is making investigative decisions based on perceived impacts on the November election is direct evidence that he can ’ t be in charge of this matter .
Politics should be irrelevant .
More importantly , in the event that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incoming Democratic president would almost certainly shut down any ongoing investigations by the Justice Department into Obama , Biden , Comey , former CIA Director John Brennan or former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper .
The only chance to make sure that politics plays no role in the investigation is to appoint a special counsel , who would proceed without regard to the outcome of the upcoming election .
This is really the only hope for getting to the truth .
If you think that Sen. Lindsey Graham and the Senate Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plot against President Trump , you had better think twice -- which is certainly appropriate for anything involving the two-faced Graham .
After dragging his feet for 17 months since becoming the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee , Graham announced last week that he will ask his committee to subpoena documents and testimony from more than 50 witnesses who have direct knowledge of Crossfire Hurricane , the FBI ’ s bogus investigation of Trump ’ s supposed Russian collusion .
That ’ s great , but anyone who thinks that Graham will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their attorneys before his committee in the scant 163 days prior to the election ( during a summer session in Congress in an election year yet ! )
, is oblivious to the D.C. dance step known as the RINO crawl .
Lots of caterwauling , virtually no forward progress , and then two more years to avoid responsibility before the next election panic .
As in almost every aspect of his successful presidency , Trump must act alone if he wants results .
Executive orders by this president have been far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America great again .
It is absolutely vital that President Trump once again seize the day and utilize his constitutional authority to appoint a special counsel to investigate the origins of the Russia collusion hoax and bring charges against those who violated the law in their zeal to “ protect ” the nation from its duly elected president .
But that can ’ t be the end of it .
In order to assure moral justice , President Trump must also appoint a separate special counsel to investigate Biden for his self-confessed role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 .
You remember the story .
After all , President Trump was impeached over it because he dared to ask for information about what Biden did to assure the firing of the prosecutor general who was looking into the role of Biden ’ s son Hunter as a board member of the corrupt Ukrainian energy company Burisma .
That ’ s how things roll in Washington .
Think about it .
Trump was impeached for asking for evidence of criminal wrongdoing while the person who admitted the wrongdoing is about to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president !
Last week , audio recordings were released that confirmed Biden had used the threat of withholding $ 1 billion in aid to force Ukraine ’ s then-President Petro Poroshenko to fire prosecutor Viktor Shokin .
Most damning is that although Poroshenko bowed to the threat , he proclaimed that he had no evidence of wrongdoing by Shokin .
Now , current Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the contents of the leaked conversations “ might be perceived , qualified as high treason.
” He is launching his own investigation into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea when that will be completed .
So where does that leave us ?
According to recent polls , Biden stands a strong chance of defeating President Trump on Nov. 3 .
If he does , then wouldn ’ t it be entirely fitting that the first two years of his presidency should be tainted by a special counsel probe , followed by an impeachment trial over interference in Ukraine ’ s internal affairs ?
If that doesn ’ t guarantee moral justice , it sure would be poetic justice .
Frank Miele @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inter Lake in Kalispell Mont.
, is a columnist for RealClearPolitics .
His books — including “ The Media Matrix : What If Everything You Know Is Fake ?
” — are available from his Amazon author page .
Visit him at HeartlandDiaryUSA.com to read his daily commentary or follow him on Facebook @ HeartlandDiaryUSA or on Twitter @ HeartlandDiary .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By Frank Miele
Real Clear Politics
The unraveling of the Obama administration’s Russia Hoax sped up exponentially in the last two weeks, as the case against Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn collapsed and the acting director of national intelligence declassified Obama-era documents that revealed a concerted effort to undermine the incoming Trump administration.
But despite substantial evidence of malfeasance by not just President Obama, but also by then-FBI Director James Comey and Susan Rice (Flynn’s predecessor as national security adviser), among others, there is growing concern that nothing will ever happen to bring to justice the conspirators in what President Trump calls Obamagate.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
That concern was highlighted last week by Attorney General William Barr’s pronouncement that both Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden were off-limits.
"As to President Obama and Vice President Biden, whatever their level of involvement, based on the information I have today, I don't expect Mr. Durham's work will lead to a criminal investigation of either man," Barr said regarding U.S. Attorney John Durham’s investigation into the origins of the Russia probe. "Our concern over potential criminality is focused on others."
So just hold on a minute. Obama and Biden could get off scot-free “whatever their level of involvement”? Why is that? And if the attorney general is afraid to look at wrongdoing at the highest level, how can he be expected to put the Constitution first?
Barr used the excuse that he is protecting our electoral integrity by making sure that politics stays out of criminal investigations.
Should a special counsel investigate Barack Obama? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to WND news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 100% (136 Votes) 0% (0 Votes)
"The legal tactic has been to gin up allegations of criminality by one's political opponents based on the flimsiest of legal theories," Barr said. "This is not good for political life, and it's not good for the criminal justice system. And as long as I'm attorney general, the criminal justice system will not be used for partisan political ends."
That’s sure convenient for Biden, coming at the end of three years when partisan politics led to the phony Russia collusion investigation against President Trump, followed by a separate political hit job in the form of the Ukraine-phone-call impeachment hoax. But seeking the truth should be neither partisan, nor political. It should be the essential ingredient of criminal justice, as well as public life.
Barr, however, apparently thinks that the American people do not deserve to have the truth before they choose between Biden and Trump in November.
"We live in a very divided country right now, and I think it's critical that we have an election where the American people are allowed to make the choice between President Trump or Biden based on robust debate of policy issues," he said. "Can't allow this to be hijacked by efforts to drum up criminal investigations of either candidate."
That rhetoric is totally irresponsible. Debate on policy issues is not the only factor in an election, and if Barr is deferring investigations or declining prosecutions because of political concerns, then that is eerily reminiscent of how the Obama Justice Department (in the form of Comey’s fiat) gave a pass to Hillary Clinton in 2016 because she was running for president. Whether Biden is guilty or innocent of participation in a plot against Trump, we deserve to have the investigation carried out now, so that we can make fully informed decisions as voters.
After Barr’s comments on Monday, Trump supporter Lou Dobbs unloaded on the attorney general during the opening segment of his Fox Business program.
“It is this Department of Justice ... that seemingly continues to play cover for the Deep State, refusing to prosecute … Comey for leaking memos with classified information, refusing to charge former FBI Deputy Director and then Acting Director Andy McCabe for lying to investigators, and it was Barr who praised former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein despite Rosenstein helping to launch the Mueller Witch Hunt, which was fraudulent from the very beginning.”
Dobbs was joined by Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton, who said that the latest pronouncement by Barr had proven that “the Justice Department ain’t gonna do justice,” so it is up to Trump “to appoint a special counsel outside the Justice Department to figure out if any prosecutions need to be pursued.”
When Dobbs challenged Fitton to name anyone who could be trusted to act as special counsel who “isn’t already sold out to the establishment, isn't already sold out to the Deep State,” Fitton came up with only one candidate — Sidney Powell, the attorney who has body-slammed the corrupt Justice Department in the course of a few short months and got prosecutors to cry uncle when she proved that Gen. Flynn had been railroaded on trumped-up charges.
Whether it’s Powell or someone else (law professor Jonathan Turley, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, former U.S. Attorney Andrew McCarthy come to mind) it is now becoming apparent that a special counsel is the only hope for justice. Attorney General Barr admitting that he is making investigative decisions based on perceived impacts on the November election is direct evidence that he can’t be in charge of this matter. Politics should be irrelevant.
More importantly, in the event that Trump were defeated in November, the incoming Democratic president would almost certainly shut down any ongoing investigations by the Justice Department into Obama, Biden, Comey, former CIA Director John Brennan or former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. The only chance to make sure that politics plays no role in the investigation is to appoint a special counsel, who would proceed without regard to the outcome of the upcoming election.
This is really the only hope for getting to the truth.
If you think that Sen. Lindsey Graham and the Senate Republicans will get to the bottom of the plot against President Trump, you had better think twice -- which is certainly appropriate for anything involving the two-faced Graham. After dragging his feet for 17 months since becoming the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Graham announced last week that he will ask his committee to subpoena documents and testimony from more than 50 witnesses who have direct knowledge of Crossfire Hurricane, the FBI’s bogus investigation of Trump’s supposed Russian collusion.
That’s great, but anyone who thinks that Graham will be able to wrangle 50-plus hostile witnesses and their attorneys before his committee in the scant 163 days prior to the election (during a summer session in Congress in an election year yet!), is oblivious to the D.C. dance step known as the RINO crawl. Lots of caterwauling, virtually no forward progress, and then two more years to avoid responsibility before the next election panic.
As in almost every aspect of his successful presidency, Trump must act alone if he wants results. Executive orders by this president have been far more effective than congressional action in making America great again. It is absolutely vital that President Trump once again seize the day and utilize his constitutional authority to appoint a special counsel to investigate the origins of the Russia collusion hoax and bring charges against those who violated the law in their zeal to “protect” the nation from its duly elected president.
But that can’t be the end of it. In order to assure moral justice, President Trump must also appoint a separate special counsel to investigate Biden for his self-confessed role in bribing the president of Ukraine back in 2016.
You remember the story. After all, President Trump was impeached over it because he dared to ask for information about what Biden did to assure the firing of the prosecutor general who was looking into the role of Biden’s son Hunter as a board member of the corrupt Ukrainian energy company Burisma. That’s how things roll in Washington. Think about it. Trump was impeached for asking for evidence of criminal wrongdoing while the person who admitted the wrongdoing is about to be nominated as the Democratic candidate for president!
Last week, audio recordings were released that confirmed Biden had used the threat of withholding $1 billion in aid to force Ukraine’s then-President Petro Poroshenko to fire prosecutor Viktor Shokin. Most damning is that although Poroshenko bowed to the threat, he proclaimed that he had no evidence of wrongdoing by Shokin. Now, current Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the contents of the leaked conversations “might be perceived, qualified as high treason.” He is launching his own investigation into the Biden affair, but we have no idea when that will be completed.
So where does that leave us?
According to recent polls, Biden stands a strong chance of defeating President Trump on Nov. 3. If he does, then wouldn’t it be entirely fitting that the first two years of his presidency should be tainted by a special counsel probe, followed by an impeachment trial over interference in Ukraine’s internal affairs?
If that doesn’t guarantee moral justice, it sure would be poetic justice.
Frank Miele, the retired editor of the Daily Inter Lake in Kalispell Mont., is a columnist for RealClearPolitics. His books — including “The Media Matrix: What If Everything You Know Is Fake?” — are available from his Amazon author page. Visit him at HeartlandDiaryUSA.com to read his daily commentary or follow him on Facebook @HeartlandDiaryUSA or on Twitter @HeartlandDiary.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]