wnd--2020-04-17--Facebook 'fact checker' worked at Wuhan lab!

A contributor to a Facebook fact-checking organization that censored articles suggesting the coronavirus pandemic originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology collaborated with a scientist at the Chinese lab .
Danielle Anderson of Duke University 's NUS Medical School lab in Singapore published nine times with Dr. Peng Zhou , who is known for his research on bats , ZeroHedge reported Anderson contributes to Science Feedback , which Facebook has been using to put `` False Information '' labels on articles about the virus .
WND reported Thursday Facebook is using the World Health Organization as its authoritative source in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform regarding the virus .
TRENDING : After weeks of accusing Trump of inaction , 'Morning Joe ' now calls him authoritarian Facebook , in an annoucement , said its new policy will seek to eliminate `` harmful misinformation '' regarding the outbreak from the platform .
Investigative reporter Sharyl Attkisson pointed out Anderson 's relationship with the Wuhan lab in a Twitter message .
She noted Anderson has said it 's impossible that the virus would have leaked from the lab because it adheres to the highest standards of safety .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at various times for the past 2 years .
I can personally attest to the strict control and containment measures implemented while working there , '' Anderson wrote in a `` debunking '' of a New York Post article .
Anderson co-wrote an article in the medical journal The Lancet promoting the theory that the virus originated in a Chinese wet market .
However , the U.S. and British intelligence communities are investigating the possibility the virus accidentally leaked from the Wuhan lab .
Further , the U.S. Embassy in Beijing , after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 , issued two official reports to the State Department warning of inadequate safety , the Washington Post reported .
China 's top expert on bat-borne viruses , Shi Zhengli , told the Scientific American in March she wondered in late December if the coronavirus could have come from her Wuhan lab .
But she now vehemently denies that it did .

A contributor to a Facebook fact-checking organization that censored articles suggesting the coronavirus pandemic originated at the Wuhan Institute of Virology collaborated with a scientist at the Chinese lab.
Danielle Anderson of Duke University's NUS Medical School lab in Singapore published nine times with Dr. Peng Zhou, who is known for his research on bats, ZeroHedge reported
Anderson contributes to Science Feedback, which Facebook has been using to put "False Information" labels on articles about the virus.
WND reported Thursday Facebook is using the World Health Organization as its authoritative source in an effort to censor discussion on its platform regarding the virus.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Facebook, in an annoucement, said its new policy will seek to eliminate "harmful misinformation" regarding the outbreak from the platform.
Investigative reporter Sharyl Attkisson pointed out Anderson's relationship with the Wuhan lab in a Twitter message. She noted Anderson has said it's impossible that the virus would have leaked from the lab because it adheres to the highest standards of safety.
"I have worked in this exact laboratory at various times for the past 2 years. I can personally attest to the strict control and containment measures implemented while working there," Anderson wrote in a "debunking" of a New York Post article.
Anderson co-wrote an article in the medical journal The Lancet promoting the theory that the virus originated in a Chinese wet market.
However, the U.S. and British intelligence communities are investigating the possibility the virus accidentally leaked from the Wuhan lab.
Further, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, after visiting the the Wuhan Institute of Virology in 2018, issued two official reports to the State Department warning of inadequate safety, the Washington Post reported.
China's top expert on bat-borne viruses, Shi Zhengli, told the Scientific American in March she wondered in late December if the coronavirus could have come from her Wuhan lab. But she now vehemently denies that it did.


wnd--2020-04-17--Progressives' shutdown orders 'equal' to all? Not even close

It is the progressives ' utopian dream to have total and absolute equality among all people : No rich , no poor .
With the coronavirus , progressive governors and mayors across the country have implemented blanket rules that apply to all : Everyone , regardless of wealth , stature , health , age , or risk factors , or whether you live in a dense urban area or remote mountain village , must stay at home unless deemed to have an `` essential '' job .
For these politicians , having it apply to all feels right .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the shutdown orders by mayors and governors are highly inequitable policies .
As Nancy Pelosi so succinctly demonstrated in her now-infamous designer ice cream demonstration in front of her `` twin Sub Z 's , ' '' quarantine for the wealthy looks nothing like quarantine for the poor .
For the wealthy , quarantine means you are restricted to your home , backyard , large-screen TV , pool , etc .
For the poor , it means you are restricted to your two-bedroom apartment with no balcony , which you live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two grandparents .
Equal access to public spaces is what allows the poor to enjoy life in a way at least modestly equivalent to the wealthy .
But in California , as well as other states , residents are not only confined to their homes , restricted from leaving except for an essential activity , but public spaces , like beaches , trails and parks , are all closed .
Some cities , like Santa Monica , have closed bike and walking paths .
These closures have a far greater adverse impact on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas to enjoy the outdoors , exercise , breathe fresh air and be in the sun .
Of note , the politicians implementing these orders most often fall into the category of the wealthy , not the poor .
They tend to live in homes with backyards and twin Sub Z 's .
Oh , and by the way , government work is deemed essential , so the politicians have not lost their jobs , are receiving full pay and are free to leave their homes to go to work .
Implementing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not really affect you is a lot easier .
Perhaps these progressive politicians should demonstrate their true commitment to equality by staying in an overcrowded small apartment during the period of the shutdown they have ordered .
They can issue any new orders using Zoom .
I have a feeling if they did this , updated orders would be coming a lot sooner than currently projected .
TRENDING : After weeks of accusing Trump of inaction , 'Morning Joe ' now calls him authoritarian

It is the progressives' utopian dream to have total and absolute equality among all people: No rich, no poor. With the coronavirus, progressive governors and mayors across the country have implemented blanket rules that apply to all: Everyone, regardless of wealth, stature, health, age, or risk factors, or whether you live in a dense urban area or remote mountain village, must stay at home unless deemed to have an "essential" job. For these politicians, having it apply to all feels right. But is this real equality? In fact, the shutdown orders by mayors and governors are highly inequitable policies.
As Nancy Pelosi so succinctly demonstrated in her now-infamous designer ice cream demonstration in front of her "twin Sub Z's,'" quarantine for the wealthy looks nothing like quarantine for the poor. For the wealthy, quarantine means you are restricted to your home, backyard, large-screen TV, pool, etc. For the poor, it means you are restricted to your two-bedroom apartment with no balcony, which you live in with your spouse, three children and two grandparents.
Equal access to public spaces is what allows the poor to enjoy life in a way at least modestly equivalent to the wealthy. But in California, as well as other states, residents are not only confined to their homes, restricted from leaving except for an essential activity, but public spaces, like beaches, trails and parks, are all closed. Some cities, like Santa Monica, have closed bike and walking paths. These closures have a far greater adverse impact on the poor. They rely upon these areas to enjoy the outdoors, exercise, breathe fresh air and be in the sun.
Of note, the politicians implementing these orders most often fall into the category of the wealthy, not the poor. They tend to live in homes with backyards and twin Sub Z's. Oh, and by the way, government work is deemed essential, so the politicians have not lost their jobs, are receiving full pay and are free to leave their homes to go to work.
Implementing a city or statewide shutdown when it does not really affect you is a lot easier. Perhaps these progressive politicians should demonstrate their true commitment to equality by staying in an overcrowded small apartment during the period of the shutdown they have ordered. They can issue any new orders using Zoom. I have a feeling if they did this, updated orders would be coming a lot sooner than currently projected.


wnd--2020-04-17--Play with 'FIRE,' get burned: Finances during a pandemic

Of the many casualties endemic with the current society shutdown due to COVID-19 , one of the most unexpected and counterintuitive fallouts is the injury to the FIRE movement .
FIRE , for those unfamiliar , is an acronym for Financial Independence , Retire Early .
According to Investopedia , the movement is defined as `` a program of extreme savings and investment that allows proponents to retire far earlier than traditional budgets and retirement plans would allow .
By dedicating up to 70 percent of income to savings , followers of the FIRE movement may eventually be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small withdrawals from their portfolios . ''
For many , playing with FIRE allowed them to take control of their lives – paying off debt , buying a house , traveling the world , whatever .
I thought it was a wonderful concept and could n't understand how anyone could find fault with such a plan .
But in fact there is a fair bit of criticism out there from financial gurus .
Some say those practicing FIRE are n't taking advantage of the wealth-building opportunities of compound interest ; others say pursuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future medical expenses .
Yet others point out the faulty math used to calculate expenses decades into the future .
Now , it appears , one more piece of criticism can be lobbed at FIRE adherents : The movement does n't factor in the possibility of an economic collapse .
Suddenly people who thought their entire financial futures were mapped out and secure are finding themselves in financial hot water – with no contingency plans .
TRENDING : After weeks of accusing Trump of inaction , 'Morning Joe ' now calls him authoritarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's looking like it could go a long way toward extinguishing the FIRE movement that had been spreading like wildfire through the Millennial community during the long bull market run , '' notes Brian Anderson on the website 401 ( k ) Specialist .
One FIRE participant , Sam Dogen of Financial Samurai , said the `` economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic will send many early retirees back to work , and many people who have not yet reached FIRE will probably have to extend their working careers by three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their equity losses . ''
It seems a flaw in the FIRE movement was its dependence on the stock market to provide interest from investments in lieu of income from work .
`` The FIRE movement was born during the stock market 's historic 11-year-long wealth-creating run , '' notes this New York Times article .
`` Professionals in their 30s and 40s were saving up million-dollar nest eggs and quitting their jobs in the prime of life to live off investments .
It was unheard-of in modern times , at least for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Compounding the problems , many FIRE adherents operate as `` digital nomads '' – traveling the world light on their feet , using the internet as an umbilical cord to manage their businesses and investments .
Many held no tangible assets , such as homes or property .
As a result , a lot of young retirees have been abruptly yanked off the beaches of Bali and into their parents ' basement apartment , watching in horror as their investments drop in value by six figures .
`` In 2018 , many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the financial resources to enjoy retirements as long as six decades , '' the New York Times article continues .
`` If they whittled their living expenses to nothing and withdrew no more than 4 percent each year from their portfolio ( known as the 4 percent rule ) , all would be fine . ''
Many FIRE adherents are learning their financial independence was built on a house of cards , and it underscores the importance of diversifying one 's personal economic foundation .
`` A lot of FIRE folks are putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dogen .
`` But I can assure you that behind the scenes , there is a lot of devastation . ''
Oh boo-hoo , you say .
Join the club .
Those who have lost jobs or businesses are n't inclined to have much sympathy with the FIRE aficionados , and I fully understand the sentiment .
There 's plenty of financial desolation to go around at the moment .
But I 'm not mocking the misery of FIRE participants .
Quite the opposite , in fact .
A potential economic collapse is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for .
The reason I 'm not scoffing at the FIRE fallout is because all FIRE participants did one thing right , and this one thing might help them recover from the pause in the economy quicker than most .
They are experienced in the art of extreme frugality .
Slashing one 's living expenses to the bone is something most people are being forced into , whether they like it or not .
At least FIRE folks already know how to do this , and without complaining about it .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to supplement their income .
I greatly doubt FIRE participants will be able to resume their financially independent lifestyle anytime soon .
They 'll have to join the rank of the rest of us , scrambling for a living and hoping Starbucks is hiring .
But , as driven and dedicated as they were to achieve financial independence in the first place , their innate frugality may help them tread water .
Most are also young , and have the bulk of their productive years ahead of them to rebuild their finances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt .
In a recent article on tips parents should teach their children about money , Australian millionaire Michael Yardney notes , `` Today 's debt equals tomorrow 's misery . ''
I know most of us do n't want to hear a millionaire 's financial advice at the moment , but he 's spot-on with this one .
Too many people have overstretched their personal economic lives with too large a mortgage , too much student loan debt and too much other unsecured debt .
Today 's debt is now becoming tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people today are making dramatic lifestyle changes that align somewhat with FIRE principles , such as taking extreme measures to minimize expenses ( especially when it comes to discretionary spending ) , looking for side-hustles to increase income , and becoming more socially isolated , '' notes Anderson .
As the worldwide economic misery deepens , take a page from FIRE : Pare your living expenses to the bone and ( if possible ) avoid incurring more debt .
As our ancestors learned during the Great Depression , it 's the only way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to announce the availability of the complete collection of 52 Country Living Series ebooklets , representing over 17 years of homesteading experience .
Subjects include preparedness , frugality , rural skills , food preservation , and more .
Click this link for details .

Of the many casualties endemic with the current society shutdown due to COVID-19, one of the most unexpected and counterintuitive fallouts is the injury to the FIRE movement.
FIRE, for those unfamiliar, is an acronym for Financial Independence, Retire Early. According to Investopedia, the movement is defined as "a program of extreme savings and investment that allows proponents to retire far earlier than traditional budgets and retirement plans would allow. By dedicating up to 70 percent of income to savings, followers of the FIRE movement may eventually be able to quit their jobs and live solely off small withdrawals from their portfolios."
For many, playing with FIRE allowed them to take control of their lives – paying off debt, buying a house, traveling the world, whatever. I thought it was a wonderful concept and couldn't understand how anyone could find fault with such a plan.
But in fact there is a fair bit of criticism out there from financial gurus. Some say those practicing FIRE aren't taking advantage of the wealth-building opportunities of compound interest; others say pursuing financial independence doesn't properly budget for future medical expenses. Yet others point out the faulty math used to calculate expenses decades into the future.
Now, it appears, one more piece of criticism can be lobbed at FIRE adherents: The movement doesn't factor in the possibility of an economic collapse. Suddenly people who thought their entire financial futures were mapped out and secure are finding themselves in financial hot water – with no contingency plans.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, it's looking like it could go a long way toward extinguishing the FIRE movement that had been spreading like wildfire through the Millennial community during the long bull market run," notes Brian Anderson on the website 401(k) Specialist.
One FIRE participant, Sam Dogen of Financial Samurai, said the "economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic will send many early retirees back to work, and many people who have not yet reached FIRE will probably have to extend their working careers by three to five years to make up for their equity losses."
It seems a flaw in the FIRE movement was its dependence on the stock market to provide interest from investments in lieu of income from work. "The FIRE movement was born during the stock market's historic 11-year-long wealth-creating run," notes this New York Times article. "Professionals in their 30s and 40s were saving up million-dollar nest eggs and quitting their jobs in the prime of life to live off investments. It was unheard-of in modern times, at least for anyone without a trust fund."
Compounding the problems, many FIRE adherents operate as "digital nomads" – traveling the world light on their feet, using the internet as an umbilical cord to manage their businesses and investments. Many held no tangible assets, such as homes or property. As a result, a lot of young retirees have been abruptly yanked off the beaches of Bali and into their parents' basement apartment, watching in horror as their investments drop in value by six figures.
"In 2018, many people in the FIRE movement believed they had the financial resources to enjoy retirements as long as six decades," the New York Times article continues. "If they whittled their living expenses to nothing and withdrew no more than 4 percent each year from their portfolio (known as the 4 percent rule), all would be fine."
Many FIRE adherents are learning their financial independence was built on a house of cards, and it underscores the importance of diversifying one's personal economic foundation. "A lot of FIRE folks are putting on a strong face," says Dogen. "But I can assure you that behind the scenes, there is a lot of devastation."
Oh boo-hoo, you say. Join the club. Those who have lost jobs or businesses aren't inclined to have much sympathy with the FIRE aficionados, and I fully understand the sentiment. There's plenty of financial desolation to go around at the moment.
But I'm not mocking the misery of FIRE participants. Quite the opposite, in fact. A potential economic collapse is something most people didn't anticipate or plan for. The reason I'm not scoffing at the FIRE fallout is because all FIRE participants did one thing right, and this one thing might help them recover from the pause in the economy quicker than most.
They are experienced in the art of extreme frugality.
Slashing one's living expenses to the bone is something most people are being forced into, whether they like it or not. At least FIRE folks already know how to do this, and without complaining about it. They also are experts in generating side hustles to supplement their income.
I greatly doubt FIRE participants will be able to resume their financially independent lifestyle anytime soon. They'll have to join the rank of the rest of us, scrambling for a living and hoping Starbucks is hiring.
But, as driven and dedicated as they were to achieve financial independence in the first place, their innate frugality may help them tread water. Most are also young, and have the bulk of their productive years ahead of them to rebuild their finances.
FIRE folks also know the dangers of debt. In a recent article on tips parents should teach their children about money, Australian millionaire Michael Yardney notes, "Today's debt equals tomorrow's misery."
I know most of us don't want to hear a millionaire's financial advice at the moment, but he's spot-on with this one. Too many people have overstretched their personal economic lives with too large a mortgage, too much student loan debt and too much other unsecured debt. Today's debt is now becoming tomorrow's misery.
"Ironically, many people today are making dramatic lifestyle changes that align somewhat with FIRE principles, such as taking extreme measures to minimize expenses (especially when it comes to discretionary spending), looking for side-hustles to increase income, and becoming more socially isolated," notes Anderson.
As the worldwide economic misery deepens, take a page from FIRE: Pare your living expenses to the bone and (if possible) avoid incurring more debt. As our ancestors learned during the Great Depression, it's the only way to survive.
Patrice Lewis is pleased to announce the availability of the complete collection of 52 Country Living Series ebooklets, representing over 17 years of homesteading experience. Subjects include preparedness, frugality, rural skills, food preservation, and more. Click this link for details.


wnd--2020-04-17--Trump defunded WHO – next up should be the U.N.

It is magnificent to see President Trump call for a complete and total shutdown of U.S. funding of the World Health Organization until we can figure out what the hell is going on .
Now he must do the same for the whole United Nations behemoth .
The `` Chinese Health Organization , '' as Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso calls WHO , has a long track record of being political and corruptible .
In 2017 , WHO 's director general , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus , made murderous Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe a goodwill ambassador before rescinding the appointment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then , that Tedros reacted with fearmongering to Trump 's Tuesday announcement that he would halt funding of the United Nations agency .
TRENDING : After weeks of accusing Trump of inaction , 'Morning Joe ' now calls him authoritarian '' If you do n't want many more body bags , then you refrain from politicizing it , '' Tedros said .
The arrogance is almost too much to stomach .
The American taxpayer is responsible for 22 % of the WHO 2020-21 fiscal year budget , an astounding $ 236.9 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half of that , just $ 129 million .
According to Forbes , $ 3.5 billion in U.S. taxes have gone to the WHO in the last decade alone .
The U.S. also funds about 22 % of the U.N. 's budget .
Before Trump 's defunding decision , the whole world witnessed undeniable evidence of the politicization of the World Health Organization .
The shocking moment took place when WHO 's COVID-19 response leader , Canadian epidemiologist Bruce Aylward , appeared to disconnect his Skype connection with Hong Kong reporter Yvonne Tong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tong persists in asking whether WHO might consider granting Taiwan membership status .
It does n't take a body-language expert to notice Aylward 's discomfort at the question , one the Chinese prefer to go unaddressed .
Aylward goes silent for nearly 10 seconds before Tong asks , `` Hello ? ''
`` I 'm sorry , I ca n't hear you .
I could n't hear your question , Yvonne , '' Aylward stutters before interrupting Tong to say , `` No , that 's OK , let 's move to another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone in his criticism of the WHO ; he 's just the only one willing to actually do something about it .
In 2017 , the London School of Economics and Political Science noted many `` structural concerns that need to be addressed if the WHO is to continue in the role the global health community expects it to play . ''
Now , all patriots should ask Trump not to treat the U.N. with kid gloves any longer .
It is , after all , the creator of the WHO and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some Trump supporters may not want too much more to be asked of the president at this time of economic calamity and , oh yeah , a presidential election .
However , Trump only needs to finish what his administration started its first week in power .
In January 2017 , two executive orders were drafted for `` at least a 40 percent overall '' cut in U.N. funding , the New York Times reported .
They were never finalized or signed .
In April 2017 , Trump spoke at a luncheon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I have long felt the United Nations is an underperformer but has tremendous potential .
There are those people that think it 's an underperformer and will never perform , '' he said .
If any potential remains , it is declining as long as the status quo is secured .
The anxiety surrounding the U.N. and other international bodies prior to Trump 's election and inauguration has subsided .
Remember that the U.S. pays 22 % of the U.N. 's budget .
But that 's just its regular budget , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organization .
The IAEA receives $ 200 million annually from the U.S. , about 25 percent of its budget .
China , the next largest provider , gives less than half that .
The FAO takes in some $ 290 million yearly from the United States , over 29 % of its annual budget .
It produces silly hashtag activism articles like this : `` 6 ways indigenous peoples are helping the world achieve # Zero Hunger . ''
Additionally , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.N. 's `` peacekeeping '' missions .
How 'd that work out in Rwanda , Sri Lanka and Sudan ?
In his unprecedented 2016 campaign , Trump keenly observed exactly what Americans have long known , that the United Nations is a boondoggle .
It forces this country into a position diametrically opposed to putting America first .
Necessary action has yet to be taken to secure America 's independence from these globalist bureaucracies .
What better time than now , amid a crisis of foreign origin , for Trump to knock his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truly push back against China and the World Health Organization , Trump should aim at the U.N .
If he lets this moment pass by , another one may never come again .
Gavin Wax is president of the New York Young Republican Club , chair of the Association of Young Republican Clubs , an associate fellow at the London Center for Policy Research , a frequent guest on Fox News and publisher of The Schpiel .
You can follow him on Twitter at @ GavinWax .

By Gavin Wax
It is magnificent to see President Trump call for a complete and total shutdown of U.S. funding of the World Health Organization until we can figure out what the hell is going on. Now he must do the same for the whole United Nations behemoth.
The "Chinese Health Organization," as Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso calls WHO, has a long track record of being political and corruptible.
In 2017, WHO's director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made murderous Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe a goodwill ambassador before rescinding the appointment under backlash.
It's no surprise, then, that Tedros reacted with fearmongering to Trump's Tuesday announcement that he would halt funding of the United Nations agency.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"If you don't want many more body bags, then you refrain from politicizing it," Tedros said.
The arrogance is almost too much to stomach.
The American taxpayer is responsible for 22% of the WHO 2020-21 fiscal year budget, an astounding $236.9 million. For comparison, China volunteered about half of that, just $129 million. According to Forbes, $3.5 billion in U.S. taxes have gone to the WHO in the last decade alone. The U.S. also funds about 22% of the U.N.'s budget.
Before Trump's defunding decision, the whole world witnessed undeniable evidence of the politicization of the World Health Organization. The shocking moment took place when WHO's COVID-19 response leader, Canadian epidemiologist Bruce Aylward, appeared to disconnect his Skype connection with Hong Kong reporter Yvonne Tong.
In the viral news clip, Tong persists in asking whether WHO might consider granting Taiwan membership status. It doesn't take a body-language expert to notice Aylward's discomfort at the question, one the Chinese prefer to go unaddressed.
Aylward goes silent for nearly 10 seconds before Tong asks, "Hello?"
"I'm sorry, I can't hear you. I couldn't hear your question, Yvonne," Aylward stutters before interrupting Tong to say, "No, that's OK, let's move to another one then."
Trump is not alone in his criticism of the WHO; he's just the only one willing to actually do something about it. In 2017, the London School of Economics and Political Science noted many "structural concerns that need to be addressed if the WHO is to continue in the role the global health community expects it to play."
Now, all patriots should ask Trump not to treat the U.N. with kid gloves any longer. It is, after all, the creator of the WHO and is abdicating its authority in properly regulating it.
Some Trump supporters may not want too much more to be asked of the president at this time of economic calamity and, oh yeah, a presidential election.
However, Trump only needs to finish what his administration started its first week in power. In January 2017, two executive orders were drafted for "at least a 40 percent overall" cut in U.N. funding, the New York Times reported. They were never finalized or signed.
In April 2017, Trump spoke at a luncheon of the U.N. Security Council ambassadors.
"I have long felt the United Nations is an underperformer but has tremendous potential. There are those people that think it's an underperformer and will never perform," he said.
If any potential remains, it is declining as long as the status quo is secured. The anxiety surrounding the U.N. and other international bodies prior to Trump's election and inauguration has subsided.
Remember that the U.S. pays 22% of the U.N.'s budget. But that's just its regular budget, not including other agencies the US supports, including the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The IAEA receives $200 million annually from the U.S., about 25 percent of its budget. China, the next largest provider, gives less than half that.
The FAO takes in some $290 million yearly from the United States, over 29% of its annual budget. It produces silly hashtag activism articles like this: "6 ways indigenous peoples are helping the world achieve #Zero Hunger."
Additionally, the U.S. covers some 30% of the U.N.'s "peacekeeping" missions. How'd that work out in Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Sudan?
In his unprecedented 2016 campaign, Trump keenly observed exactly what Americans have long known, that the United Nations is a boondoggle. It forces this country into a position diametrically opposed to putting America first.
Necessary action has yet to be taken to secure America's independence from these globalist bureaucracies. What better time than now, amid a crisis of foreign origin, for Trump to knock his naysayers back on their heels?
To truly push back against China and the World Health Organization, Trump should aim at the U.N. If he lets this moment pass by, another one may never come again.
Gavin Wax is president of the New York Young Republican Club, chair of the Association of Young Republican Clubs, an associate fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, a frequent guest on Fox News and publisher of The Schpiel. You can follow him on Twitter at @GavinWax.


wnd--2020-04-17--Rep. Massie should be applauded, not denounced

A couple weeks ago Rep. Thomas Massie , R-Ky. , caused quite a stir in political circles when he had the unmitigated gall to suggest that maybe representatives should stay put and conduct House business from home , by doing it virtually .
It was , of course , in response to the growing coronavirus threat .
But the original flap came over his insistence that members first return to Washington to conduct a physical `` recorded '' vote on the gazillion-dollar coronavirus relief package .
Speaker Pelosi wanted to pass the $ 2 trillion package by unanimous consent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've heard in quite some time .
TRENDING : After weeks of accusing Trump of inaction , 'Morning Joe ' now calls him authoritarian First , unanimous consent does not require that all members even be present , and second , it 's basically just a silent agreement , where no member actually casts a vote .
In other words , the House wanted to spend half our annual budget without even casting a single vote .
And as far as I can see , the silent agreement is made with whomever happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaker calls for consent .
There appears to be no minimum required .
But Massie had the nerve to insist that House members return to Washington and cast a recorded vote .
What nerve this guy had to insist on a vote for a sum of money that would have been unfathomable just a couple of decades ago .
Massie was excoriated for even suggesting such thing , as it would have slowed down the aid package 's passage `` by hours . ''
The president said Massie should be kicked out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr. President ?
I 'm a Trump supporter , but I ca n't get behind that remark .
And it would be slowed by hours ?
In the grand scheme of things , we could n't wait for a few more hours to conduct the nation 's business properly and constitutionally ?
Please !
These slugs drag their collective feet for months to avoid passing an annual budget and they 're complaining about hours ?
And second , unanimous consent is supposed to be reserved for routine and minor matters .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't done being the outcast .
He then suggested that current technology could handle such things as virtual public hearings and remote voting .
Simply put , stay in your district – there 's no need to come to Washington .
Well Shazam !
Why did n't anyone else think of that ?
The suggestion , however , was quickly `` swatted down . ''
`` Let 's not waste too much time on something that 's not going to happen , '' Pelosi said when asked about remote voting on a conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you why very few would ever consider such a thing .
There a several reasons , and none of them is good .
First , Washington hacks are big on precedent .
It goes back to the old leftist progressive framework argument .
After the framework or foundation is set , it 's much easier to just build on it than it is to start anew .
The last thing the deep state needs is a precedent that proves that politicians no longer need to reside and work in Washington , D.C. Second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ K-Street lobbying payoffs , purchase of carve-outs and influence peddling .
And what a shame that would be .
Third , how could the Democrats pack a bunch of leftist/communist activists into a `` virtual '' gallery to disrupt proceedings when a conservative begins speaking ?
What would the social justice warriors do ?
Fourth , Nancy , Chuck and other leftists would lose the ability to grandstand to the cameras .
I think Schumer might lose his will to live without it .
Fifth , how on Earth would `` leadership '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make secret back-room deals the voters are completely unaware of ?
And sixth , in Massie 's own words : `` 1 ) too hard to twist arms through the phone .
2 ) would n't be able to justify unrecorded votes . ''
Party leaders came up with lame excuses like the Iowa caucuses fiasco , but their excuses are not worth a damn .
Fact is , corporations all over the world utilize this technology for meetings and teleconferencing regarding a lot more important things than wasting the taxpayers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be done safely and securely .
It should be done for the good of the country , which is why it likely wo n't be .
Rep. Massie has taken an incredible amount of heat and so far has withstood it .
Let 's hope he does n't buckle under the pressure .
We need more like him .

A couple weeks ago Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., caused quite a stir in political circles when he had the unmitigated gall to suggest that maybe representatives should stay put and conduct House business from home, by doing it virtually.
Oh, the horror!
It was, of course, in response to the growing coronavirus threat.
But the original flap came over his insistence that members first return to Washington to conduct a physical "recorded" vote on the gazillion-dollar coronavirus relief package.
Speaker Pelosi wanted to pass the $2 trillion package by unanimous consent. This is the most absurd thing I've heard in quite some time.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
First, unanimous consent does not require that all members even be present, and second, it's basically just a silent agreement, where no member actually casts a vote.
In other words, the House wanted to spend half our annual budget without even casting a single vote. And as far as I can see, the silent agreement is made with whomever happens to be in the chamber when the speaker calls for consent. There appears to be no minimum required.
But Massie had the nerve to insist that House members return to Washington and cast a recorded vote.
What nerve this guy had to insist on a vote for a sum of money that would have been unfathomable just a couple of decades ago.
Massie was excoriated for even suggesting such thing, as it would have slowed down the aid package's passage "by hours." The president said Massie should be kicked out of the Republican Party for this.
Really, Mr. President? I'm a Trump supporter, but I can't get behind that remark.
And it would be slowed by hours? In the grand scheme of things, we couldn't wait for a few more hours to conduct the nation's business properly and constitutionally? Please!
These slugs drag their collective feet for months to avoid passing an annual budget and they're complaining about hours?
And second, unanimous consent is supposed to be reserved for routine and minor matters. This is decidedly neither.
But Massie wasn't done being the outcast. He then suggested that current technology could handle such things as virtual public hearings and remote voting.
Simply put, stay in your district – there's no need to come to Washington.
Well Shazam! Why didn't anyone else think of that? The suggestion, however, was quickly "swatted down."
"Let's not waste too much time on something that's not going to happen," Pelosi said when asked about remote voting on a conference call with reporters.
I'll tell you why very few would ever consider such a thing. There a several reasons, and none of them is good.
First, Washington hacks are big on precedent. It goes back to the old leftist progressive framework argument. After the framework or foundation is set, it's much easier to just build on it than it is to start anew.
The last thing the deep state needs is a precedent that proves that politicians no longer need to reside and work in Washington, D.C.
Second, it would mark the end of K-Street lobbying payoffs, purchase of carve-outs and influence peddling. And what a shame that would be.
Third, how could the Democrats pack a bunch of leftist/communist activists into a "virtual" gallery to disrupt proceedings when a conservative begins speaking? What would the social justice warriors do?
Fourth, Nancy, Chuck and other leftists would lose the ability to grandstand to the cameras. I think Schumer might lose his will to live without it.
Fifth, how on Earth would "leadership" of both chambers and parties get together to make secret back-room deals the voters are completely unaware of?
And sixth, in Massie's own words: "1) too hard to twist arms through the phone. 2) wouldn't be able to justify unrecorded votes."
Party leaders came up with lame excuses like the Iowa caucuses fiasco, but their excuses are not worth a damn.
Fact is, corporations all over the world utilize this technology for meetings and teleconferencing regarding a lot more important things than wasting the taxpayers' money and lining political pockets.
It can be done safely and securely. It should be done for the good of the country, which is why it likely won't be.
Rep. Massie has taken an incredible amount of heat and so far has withstood it. Let's hope he doesn't buckle under the pressure. We need more like him.


wnd--2020-04-17--A memo – and a warning – from the voters

To : The Congress From : The Voters Subject : Your Plague , Your Future We begin with the House , which with its two-year election cycle was designed by the Founders to be closer and more responsive to the People .
No institution can escape the consequences of corrupt , self-dealing leadership .
Human perfection does not exist in this world , but what were you thinking in electing the current speaker ?
For whom does she speak ?
Her district lies in shambles of homeless encampments , human feces and public pooping and urination .
It is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entirely to embrace and wallow in them as if they were an accomplishment and example unto others .
Get rid of her now !
For those of you who hold elected vs. `` inherited '' seats , we have a question : Who are you representing ?
Why are immigrants who have entered this country by flouting our laws more important to you than we are ?
You spend vast sums of money to supply them with public services … toward what end ?
Do you believe they are going to vote for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you despise those of us who are citizens and voted in the last election so much that you seek to disenfranchise us with so many gifts to illegal voters ?
Are you so devoid of accomplishment or corrupt yourself that retaining your seat in the next election is all that matters ?
If so , then of what possible value are you to us ?
Now , regarding the plague that infects our nation .
The executive seems to be working tirelessly on our behalf , building public-private partnerships with industry , shifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are needed , and all without partisan consideration .
Everything you do , however , seems to be devoid of good sense , but wrapped up in a petty , partisan package and tied together with a tawdry ribbon .
Your incompetence and self-serving grandstanding has not endeared you to the vast majority of us .
You seem blind to the economic loss we suffer daily , while you prance around in front of the television cameras .
Have you no shame ?
Do you not understand what an economy is ?
Are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purse as your own that you imagine we do not have to work and run our businesses to provide those funds to you ?
TRENDING : After weeks of accusing Trump of inaction , 'Morning Joe ' now calls him authoritarian What , exactly , do you think will remain of all that we have worked for over our lives when you have driven us into insolvency with your selfish political agendas ?
Do you imagine that we can all live happily ever after on the public dole , while no one is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learned from your Ivy League law school educations ?
We did not elect you to transform America into your personal vision of Utopia .
We elected you to maintain what our forebears passed on to us : Mankind 's last , best hope in a cesspool of monarchy , totalitarian dictators and nations warring with other nations as entertainment for their elites .
To the Senate : we find less fault with you than the House , only because we appreciate your efforts on judges that still understand and respect our Constitution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ complaint .
You have through clever use of rules subverted the Constitution 's majority vote requirement with one of your own requiring 60 votes .
You have sometimes dispensed with this .
You need to permanently dispense with it .
Follow the Constitution .
Both Houses of government need to understand that its not about you .
Its about us and our nation .
Hopefully you will be wise enough to understand that the `` you '' includes both the constituent and the representative .
Many of you are neither elite nor justifiable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you are not able to restore what you have already stolen from us , you will be punished unlike any political group has ever been punished at the polls in this nation 's history .
Perhaps you mistake voters as your battered spouses , while you run around looking for adulterous opportunities to whore with globalists , totalitarians , fake news personalities and the big tech surveillance state .
All of these seek the destruction of the republic we hold dear , and which so many have protected with their lives during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kindle the anger of the American public against yourselves and your evil , partisan agenda .
We will regurgitate you from the body politic .
We will write books that will keep alive the shameful memory of your behavior during a time of crisis .
We will teach our children in our schools about the plague that sought to destroy all of us , and how it was joined by traitors in our midst .
We will thank our God in our churches that He helped us to defeat you and to scatter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the four winds , where its ashes will never be seen again by free men and women .
Take some heartfelt advice : Get out now , while you still can .
Is it Armageddon ?
Or is it something else ?
Reconnaissance , or the series .

To: The Congress
From: The Voters
Subject: Your Plague, Your Future
We begin with the House, which with its two-year election cycle was designed by the Founders to be closer and more responsive to the People. No institution can escape the consequences of corrupt, self-dealing leadership. Human perfection does not exist in this world, but what were you thinking in electing the current speaker? For whom does she speak? Her district lies in shambles of homeless encampments, human feces and public pooping and urination. It is one thing to have problems, but another entirely to embrace and wallow in them as if they were an accomplishment and example unto others. Get rid of her now!
For those of you who hold elected vs. "inherited" seats, we have a question: Who are you representing? Why are immigrants who have entered this country by flouting our laws more important to you than we are? You spend vast sums of money to supply them with public services … toward what end? Do you believe they are going to vote for you at the next election? Do you despise those of us who are citizens and voted in the last election so much that you seek to disenfranchise us with so many gifts to illegal voters? Are you so devoid of accomplishment or corrupt yourself that retaining your seat in the next election is all that matters? If so, then of what possible value are you to us?
Now, regarding the plague that infects our nation. The executive seems to be working tirelessly on our behalf, building public-private partnerships with industry, shifting federal resources to the states where they are needed, and all without partisan consideration. Everything you do, however, seems to be devoid of good sense, but wrapped up in a petty, partisan package and tied together with a tawdry ribbon.
Your incompetence and self-serving grandstanding has not endeared you to the vast majority of us. You seem blind to the economic loss we suffer daily, while you prance around in front of the television cameras. Have you no shame? Do you not understand what an economy is? Are you so used to handling the public purse as your own that you imagine we do not have to work and run our businesses to provide those funds to you?
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
What, exactly, do you think will remain of all that we have worked for over our lives when you have driven us into insolvency with your selfish political agendas? Do you imagine that we can all live happily ever after on the public dole, while no one is replenishing it? Is that what you learned from your Ivy League law school educations?
We did not elect you to transform America into your personal vision of Utopia. We elected you to maintain what our forebears passed on to us: Mankind's last, best hope in a cesspool of monarchy, totalitarian dictators and nations warring with other nations as entertainment for their elites.
To the Senate: we find less fault with you than the House, only because we appreciate your efforts on judges that still understand and respect our Constitution. We do, however, have one complaint. You have through clever use of rules subverted the Constitution's majority vote requirement with one of your own requiring 60 votes. You have sometimes dispensed with this. You need to permanently dispense with it. Follow the Constitution.
Both Houses of government need to understand that its not about you. Its about us and our nation. Hopefully you will be wise enough to understand that the "you" includes both the constituent and the representative. Many of you are neither elite nor justifiable in the position you now hold.
If you are not able to restore what you have already stolen from us, you will be punished unlike any political group has ever been punished at the polls in this nation's history. Perhaps you mistake voters as your battered spouses, while you run around looking for adulterous opportunities to whore with globalists, totalitarians, fake news personalities and the big tech surveillance state. All of these seek the destruction of the republic we hold dear, and which so many have protected with their lives during time of war.
Do not further kindle the anger of the American public against yourselves and your evil, partisan agenda. We will regurgitate you from the body politic. We will write books that will keep alive the shameful memory of your behavior during a time of crisis. We will teach our children in our schools about the plague that sought to destroy all of us, and how it was joined by traitors in our midst. We will thank our God in our churches that He helped us to defeat you and to scatter your evil, corrupt one-world agenda into the four winds, where its ashes will never be seen again by free men and women.
Take some heartfelt advice: Get out now, while you still can.
Sincerely,
The Voters
Is it Armageddon? Or is it something else? Reconnaissance, or the series.


wnd--2020-04-17--Gov. Schwarzenegger prepared California, Dems dropped the ball

Unless you have lived in California , you have no idea how twisted and vicious the reporting of `` news '' can be .
I have lived here for years , and in that time have also worked in news for both radio and television , locally and nationally .
Over the years , it has become more and more opinionated and biased .
As far as news reporting here is concerned , the only accepted position is anti-GOP and now , totally anti-Trump .
As far as I am concerned , it is disgusting and dangerous – both to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and to the future of the country .
Ideally , the role of the press is to keep the citizens informed of what is transpiring in the country in terms of politics and world events .
What we are faced with now is that the media present the world a view of the United States as a country with a leader who is not well-regarded by the citizens and who , in their view , is a liar and not mentally stable .
TRENDING : After weeks of accusing Trump of inaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authoritarian Our print media here are virtually non-existent , and I admit , I get most of my news from the internet – looking at domestic and international coverage .
But I also listen to local talk radio , which presents another view of what has transpired and what it might mean .
As someone who has worked in talk radio as a host for years , I learned from the experts and realize that the job of the host is to challenge the audience to see what is happening and what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get today is a political viewpoint with no room for dissent .
Example : The number of deaths from coronavirus in nursing homes .
As more and more details are learned as to the number of infected residents as well as the number of deaths , the state has been silent about what they know .
Most of what we know about this aspect of the ravages of COVID-19 in California comes from families and not from the government .
Example : In Visalia , in Tulare County , 71 residents and 41 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the Redwood Springs Healthcare Center , six residents are dead and eight are in acute care .
But this information comes from the center 's administrator not from the state .
In fact , California does n't require the release of such information even if we are in the midst of a pandemic – which we are .
It 's interesting that under Republican Gov .
Arnold Schwarzenegger , the goal was to inform the public as to what was transpiring concerning public safety .
Another aspect of what transpired and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legacy of former Democratic Gov .
Jerry Brown .
While it is not possible to find out from the media exactly what happened , it is clear that Jerry Brown essentially abolished the efforts of predecessor Arnold Schwarzenegger to prepare California for a pandemic .
Little by little , the details of what transpired have come out .
According to a report in CalMatters , Schwarzenegger created the Emergency Medical Services Authority , which invested millions in a stockpile of equipment , supplies and three huge mobile hospitals , equipped for surgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time , Gov .
Schwarzenegger said , `` In light of the pandemic flu risk , it is absolutely a critical investment .
I 'm not willing to gamble with the people 's safety . ''
Further details revealed that there was a massive store of supplies : `` 50 million N95 respirators , 2,400 portable ventilators , and kits to set up 21,000 additional patient beds wherever they were needed . ''
It was a heroic vision for the future – but five years later , it was gone !
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accumulated during the Great Recession , cut funding for the plan .
Supplies were allowed to expire , and the equipment was donated to local hospitals and medical agencies – but they got no money to maintain them .
It was over and virtually no one in the public knew about it – and quite honestly , they still do n't .
It was the Sacramento Bee that recently broke the story with the details of Schwarzenegger 's plan and what happened to it .
It also went on to report a continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's governorship , even as the economy grew and thrived .
The report continued that `` over the last decade , state public health spending has been flat in terms of dollars , but its share of the budget is now half of what it once was . ''
And then there 's this – the sharp reduction in the number of public health laboratories , which leaves `` the state with about the same number of labs it had in 1950 . ''
It 's no wonder it takes so long to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But now that it 's been made public about the deliberate elimination of a massive stockpile of supplies and equipment under the Brown administration , there should be an uproar .
The story broke , was reported in several print news outlets and then … silence .
I discovered this information online plus from a Dan Walters column for Cal Matters in my local newspaper .
I know that local talk radio depends on news coverage for much of its content , and there has not been one word about this scandalous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The blame here rests on Jerry Brown , and he is a Democrat .
As a result the story has been buried .
Had he been a Republican , he would have been pilloried .
Consider how Donald Trump is berated daily for the `` fact '' that he was and is unprepared for the pandemic .
Whether that is true or not , it does n't matter to the media .
All that matters to them is that Trump is a Republican , and therefore it 's all his fault .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barely holding their breath until he is out of office , one way or another .
Another interesting aspect of this California media-politics story is how the current governor , Gavin Newsom , is treated .
To the media , Gavin can do no wrong , and while he is hailed for his handling of the pandemic in the state , there is not a word said about the fact that a prior Democrat short-changed the public safety of Californians – and we 're paying the price now .
When asked by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no comment .

Unless you have lived in California, you have no idea how twisted and vicious the reporting of "news" can be. I have lived here for years, and in that time have also worked in news for both radio and television, locally and nationally. Over the years, it has become more and more opinionated and biased.
As far as news reporting here is concerned, the only accepted position is anti-GOP and now, totally anti-Trump.
As far as I am concerned, it is disgusting and dangerous – both to the future of the news "business" and to the future of the country.
Ideally, the role of the press is to keep the citizens informed of what is transpiring in the country in terms of politics and world events.
What we are faced with now is that the media present the world a view of the United States as a country with a leader who is not well-regarded by the citizens and who, in their view, is a liar and not mentally stable.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Our print media here are virtually non-existent, and I admit, I get most of my news from the internet – looking at domestic and international coverage. But I also listen to local talk radio, which presents another view of what has transpired and what it might mean.
As someone who has worked in talk radio as a host for years, I learned from the experts and realize that the job of the host is to challenge the audience to see what is happening and what it means.
Unfortunately, what the listeners get today is a political viewpoint with no room for dissent.
Example: The number of deaths from coronavirus in nursing homes. As more and more details are learned as to the number of infected residents as well as the number of deaths, the state has been silent about what they know. Most of what we know about this aspect of the ravages of COVID-19 in California comes from families and not from the government.
Example: In Visalia, in Tulare County, 71 residents and 41 staffers have tested positive for the virus. At the Redwood Springs Healthcare Center, six residents are dead and eight are in acute care. But this information comes from the center's administrator not from the state.
In fact, California doesn't require the release of such information even if we are in the midst of a pandemic – which we are.
It's interesting that under Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the goal was to inform the public as to what was transpiring concerning public safety.
Another aspect of what transpired and what it means is the result of the legacy of former Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown.
While it is not possible to find out from the media exactly what happened, it is clear that Jerry Brown essentially abolished the efforts of predecessor Arnold Schwarzenegger to prepare California for a pandemic.
Little by little, the details of what transpired have come out. According to a report in CalMatters, Schwarzenegger created the Emergency Medical Services Authority, which invested millions in a stockpile of equipment, supplies and three huge mobile hospitals, equipped for surgery, X-rays and intensive care.
At the time, Gov. Schwarzenegger said, "In light of the pandemic flu risk, it is absolutely a critical investment. I'm not willing to gamble with the people's safety."
Further details revealed that there was a massive store of supplies: "50 million N95 respirators, 2,400 portable ventilators, and kits to set up 21,000 additional patient beds wherever they were needed."
It was a heroic vision for the future – but five years later, it was gone! The Brown administration, faced with huge deficits accumulated during the Great Recession, cut funding for the plan. Supplies were allowed to expire, and the equipment was donated to local hospitals and medical agencies – but they got no money to maintain them.
It was over and virtually no one in the public knew about it – and quite honestly, they still don't.
It was the Sacramento Bee that recently broke the story with the details of Schwarzenegger's plan and what happened to it. It also went on to report a continued reduction in public health services during Brown's governorship, even as the economy grew and thrived.
The report continued that "over the last decade, state public health spending has been flat in terms of dollars, but its share of the budget is now half of what it once was."
And then there's this – the sharp reduction in the number of public health laboratories, which leaves "the state with about the same number of labs it had in 1950."
It's no wonder it takes so long to get tests for COVID-19 taken and processed. But now that it's been made public about the deliberate elimination of a massive stockpile of supplies and equipment under the Brown administration, there should be an uproar.
But there isn't.
The story broke, was reported in several print news outlets and then … silence. I discovered this information online plus from a Dan Walters column for Cal Matters in my local newspaper.
I know that local talk radio depends on news coverage for much of its content, and there has not been one word about this scandalous situation – and I know why.
The blame here rests on Jerry Brown, and he is a Democrat. As a result the story has been buried. Had he been a Republican, he would have been pilloried.
Consider how Donald Trump is berated daily for the "fact" that he was and is unprepared for the pandemic. Whether that is true or not, it doesn't matter to the media. All that matters to them is that Trump is a Republican, and therefore it's all his fault. They hate him and his politics and are barely holding their breath until he is out of office, one way or another.
Another interesting aspect of this California media-politics story is how the current governor, Gavin Newsom, is treated. To the media, Gavin can do no wrong, and while he is hailed for his handling of the pandemic in the state, there is not a word said about the fact that a prior Democrat short-changed the public safety of Californians – and we're paying the price now.
And Jerry Brown?
When asked by a reporter about all this – he had no comment.
Follow Barbara Simpson on Facebook.


wnd--2020-04-19--Chicago prosecutors hide names of released prisoners from police

( WASHINGTON TIMES ) Cook County , home of Chicago , released hundreds of inmates from its jails during the @ @ @ @ @ luck trying to find out who is back on the streets or what crimes they @ @ @ @ @ The prosecutors and public defenders , who handle the cases in special COVID-19 court hearings @ @ @ @ @ on the information and refuse to share it with the public or other law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ Sheriff ’ s Office that runs the jail says it doesn ’ t know who @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .

(WASHINGTON TIMES) Cook County, home of Chicago, released hundreds of inmates from its jails during the coronavirus crisis. But good luck trying to find out who is back on the streets or what crimes they are accused of committing.
The prosecutors and public defenders, who handle the cases in special COVID-19 court hearings, keep a close hold on the information and refuse to share it with the public or other law enforcement agencies.
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office that runs the jail says it doesn’t know who was released because of the coronavirus.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-19--Pastor set to plead guilty to more than $33 million fraud

( ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER ) The pastor of a Westminster-based church accused of swindling more than $ 33 million from @ @ @ @ @ guilty to criminal charges , according to the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office .
Kent @ @ @ @ @ , of Newport Beach is expected to admit to federal counts of mail fraud and @ @ @ @ @ tax return , court filings show .
Prosecutors allege that Whitney ran the Church of @ @ @ @ @ with a related investment arm known as CHS Trust – out of a strip mall @ @ @

(ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER) The pastor of a Westminster-based church accused of swindling more than $33 million from investors has agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Kent R.E. Whitney, 38, of Newport Beach is expected to admit to federal counts of mail fraud and filing a false federal income tax return, court filings show.
Prosecutors allege that Whitney ran the Church of the Healthy Self – along with a related investment arm known as CHS Trust – out of a strip mall in Westminster.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-19--De Blasio urges New Yorkers to snitch on neighbors who violate social distancing

( WASHINGTON TIMES ) New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio urged residents Saturday to turn in neighbors who fail @ @ @ @ @ encouraging them to text photos of violators and report their location to a government hotline @ @ @ @ @ for being “ extraordinary at social distancing ” during the novel coronavirus crisis , but @ @ @ @ @ still know there ’ s some people who need to get the message .
”

(WASHINGTON TIMES) New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio urged residents Saturday to turn in neighbors who fail to follow social-distancing rules, encouraging them to text photos of violators and report their location to a government hotline.
He congratulated New Yorkers for being “extraordinary at social distancing” during the novel coronavirus crisis, but then said that “we still know there’s some people who need to get the message.”
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-18--California city dumps 37 tons of sand in skatepark to keep kids out

How much does it take to enforce government restrictions during the era of the coronavirus ?
In San Clemente , California , the answer comes to 37 tons of sand , which the city dumped into Ralph 's Skate Court to keep kids away .
The city said it acted because despite issuing social-distancing guidelines and officially closing all parks on April 1 , the skateboard park was still being used .
“ On April 1 , we kind of let it play out to see if users would abide by the closure , ” Samantha Wylie , the recreation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parks and Recreation Department , told the San Clemente Times .
“ During that [ two-week period ] , we saw people continue to skate the park , groups would gather , kids with their parents ; it became a regular [ occurrence ] .
It appeared the closure was not being abided by.
” TRENDING : Obama AG Eric Holder giddy about 'opportunity ' coronavirus presents to make 'permanent ' changes Wylie said the action was simply following a trend set by others .
“ The sand was what other agencies were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other parks have done to enforce that message of social distancing , ” she said .
She claimed that the city 's action was an efficient response .
“ We did consider fencing .
Fencing is really difficult to get right now , and we know we ’ ve done fencing at the skatepark before , and it just gets hopped over , ” Wylie said .
“ We also considered security , but there ’ s a cost to that .
The sand , it cost us nothing to put it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost us nothing to remove it .
So that ’ s why we went with that decision . ''
Stephanie Aguilar , president of the San Clemente Skatepark Coalition , was not happy with the action , which came without the group being consulted , she told The Orange County Register .
The coalition has raised funds in the past to support the park .
“ It just seems there could have been better communication , which could have helped with the response to everybody , ” Aguilar told the Times .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within our community who have put a lot of time and money , personal money ... to the skatepark . ''
She also said the action produced a terrible image for the city .
“ That visual representation of the city dumping sand into the skatepark , it almost feels like , when you look at it , the city vandalized its own park , and I think it pains people to see it , '' Aguilar said .
The city 's action was not well-received on Twitter : Although Aguilar said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and damage the concrete it is now covering , Wylie said that would not happen , and even if it did , the city could make the repairs .
But Aguilar said the city has shown it has a double standard .
“ Social distancing hasn ’ t been followed in a lot of different areas , whether it ’ s on our trails , tennis courts , the basketball courts , the walking paths ; we didn ’ t see the city dump sand on the walking trail , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them dump sand onto any other sport area that ’ s being used .
It just plays into , kind of feeds into that double standard the skate community has been treated with . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

How much does it take to enforce government restrictions during the era of the coronavirus?
In San Clemente, California, the answer comes to 37 tons of sand, which the city dumped into Ralph's Skate Court to keep kids away.
The city said it acted because despite issuing social-distancing guidelines and officially closing all parks on April 1, the skateboard park was still being used.
“On April 1, we kind of let it play out to see if users would abide by the closure,” Samantha Wylie, the recreation manager for the city's Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department, told the San Clemente Times.
“During that [two-week period], we saw people continue to skate the park, groups would gather, kids with their parents; it became a regular [occurrence]. It appeared the closure was not being abided by.”
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Wylie said the action was simply following a trend set by others.
“The sand was what other agencies were doing. We’re doing what other parks have done to enforce that message of social distancing,” she said.
She claimed that the city's action was an efficient response.
“We did consider fencing. Fencing is really difficult to get right now, and we know we’ve done fencing at the skatepark before, and it just gets hopped over,” Wylie said.
“We also considered security, but there’s a cost to that. The sand, it cost us nothing to put it in, [and] it’ll cost us nothing to remove it. So that’s why we went with that decision."
Stephanie Aguilar, president of the San Clemente Skatepark Coalition, was not happy with the action, which came without the group being consulted, she told The Orange County Register.
The coalition has raised funds in the past to support the park.
“It just seems there could have been better communication, which could have helped with the response to everybody,” Aguilar told the Times.
“There’s a lot of people within our community who have put a lot of time and money, personal money ... to the skatepark."
She also said the action produced a terrible image for the city.
“That visual representation of the city dumping sand into the skatepark, it almost feels like, when you look at it, the city vandalized its own park, and I think it pains people to see it," Aguilar said.
The city's action was not well-received on Twitter:
Yet they can't fix the roads? Another long term ploy to keep people divided! Time to use our Constitutional rights and get these guys out of office! https://t.co/mdPPvg0mHx — houseofhowlers (@houseofhowlers) April 17, 2020
This is the kind of utter madness that this...madness has unleashed on this abused country. https://t.co/twSiki5IdS — Jeffrey A Tucker (@jeffreyatucker) April 17, 2020
So city workers filled a skateboard park w 37 TONS of sand to stop people from skating OUTSIDE in the open? Money well spent?!?! — DJ Pat D (@djpatd) April 17, 2020
Although Aguilar said she is worried the sand could trap moisture and damage the concrete it is now covering, Wylie said that would not happen, and even if it did, the city could make the repairs.
But Aguilar said the city has shown it has a double standard.
“Social distancing hasn’t been followed in a lot of different areas, whether it’s on our trails, tennis courts, the basketball courts, the walking paths; we didn’t see the city dump sand on the walking trail,” she said.
“We didn’t see them dump sand onto any other sport area that’s being used. It just plays into, kind of feeds into that double standard the skate community has been treated with."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-04-18--Why COVID-19 vaccine might not happen within 18 months

( ZERO HEDGE ) With much of the world under some form of lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ when , and how , to reopen the global economy in order to avoid the @ @ @ @ @ light at the end of the tunnel has been top-down predictions of a vaccine within @ @ @ @ @ for example , makes a core assumption that `` it could take 12-16 months for @ @ @ @ @ mass production , '' and that the US will go through cycles of increased distancing @ @ @ @ @ , which require more lockdowns .
Yet after bold predictions and vaccines rumored to be @ @ @ @ @ ' Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's coronavirus task force , offered a less enthusiastic view - saying in early @ @ @ @ @ be available in 12 - 18 months .

(ZERO HEDGE) With much of the world under some form of lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19, and debates rage over when, and how, to reopen the global economy in order to avoid the next great depression, the light at the end of the tunnel has been top-down predictions of a vaccine within 18 months.
JPMorgan, for example, makes a core assumption that "it could take 12-16 months for a vaccine to be under mass production," and that the US will go through cycles of increased distancing measures followed by virus flare-ups, which require more lockdowns.
Yet after bold predictions and vaccines rumored to be 'just around the corner,' Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease who sits on President Trump's coronavirus task force, offered a less enthusiastic view - saying in early March that a vaccine might be available in 12 - 18 months.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-18--FAA probing 'anti-COVID' drone flying over NYC

( NEW YORK POST ) This drone needs to social distance .
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a rogue @ @ @ @ @ scene when it flew over the East River promenade broadcasting a coronavirus warning .
“ @ @ @ @ @ drone task force , ” said an authoritative robotic voice projecting from the drone as @ @ @ @ @ on April 5 .
“ Please remain a social distance of at least six feet @ @ @ @ @ stop the spread of this virus .
Reduce the death toll , and help save @ @ @ @ @ and your family ’ s safety .
”

(NEW YORK POST) This drone needs to social distance.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a rogue craft that caused a dystopian scene when it flew over the East River promenade broadcasting a coronavirus warning.
“This is the anti-COVID-19 volunteer drone task force,” said an authoritative robotic voice projecting from the drone as it hovered above the river on April 5. “Please remain a social distance of at least six feet . . . Please help stop the spread of this virus. Reduce the death toll, and help save lives for your own safety and your family’s safety.”
Some pedestrians found it ominous.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-18--Biden campaign makes avatar generator ... the responses are hilarious

( FEDERALIST ) The Biden campaign unveiled a new tool this week to up is lagging online engagement allowing supporters @ @ @ @ @ the former vice president .
Users can insert an image of themselves into an internet @ @ @ @ @ Team Joe.
” Here ’ s an example from the campaign :

(FEDERALIST) The Biden campaign unveiled a new tool this week to up is lagging online engagement allowing supporters to showcase their support for the former vice president. Users can insert an image of themselves into an internet graphic declaring themselves on “Team Joe.”
Here’s an example from the campaign:
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-18--Virus triggers African unrest

Virus triggers African unrest

( LONDON DAILY MAIL ) Unrest has spread across Africa , with riots over food shortages and an army being @ @ @ @ @ as the coronavirus crisis rocks the continent .
Protests have erupted in Cape Town , @ @ @ @ @ in Lesotho and the chief of staff to the Nigerian government died of the lethal @ @ @ @ @ more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 , the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ of 52 of Africa 's 54 countries have reported cases of the deadly virus , @ @ @ @ @ cases more than 19,800 .

(LONDON DAILY MAIL) Unrest has spread across Africa, with riots over food shortages and an army being deployed to 'restore order' as the coronavirus crisis rocks the continent.
Protests have erupted in Cape Town, the military have been mobilised in Lesotho and the chief of staff to the Nigerian government died of the lethal bug.
Africa now has more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Saturday.
A total of 52 of Africa's 54 countries have reported cases of the deadly virus, with the overall number of cases more than 19,800.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-18--Doctors warn of link between marijuana and bad COVID-19 symptoms

Vices , while not usually unpopular , are dispiritingly in favor right now as we self-isolate .
The title of a Forbes piece by Jack Kelly from last week lays it out pretty well : “ Americans Are Excessively Eating , Drinking , Smoking Pot , Playing Video Games And Watching Porn While Quarantined.
” Wonderful .
The embrace of one vice in the article caught my eye : marijuana consumption .
Sales of the drug are high ( pun unintended ) in states where it ’ s legal .
“ Illinois marijuana dispensaries , which have remained open , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal weed in March , ” Kelly wrote .
“ This happened during a time period in which the state shut almost all other stores and ordered people to remain indoors .
The Los Angeles Times reported that ‘ amid coronavirus siege , California cannabis sales soared.
’ ” One could give this consumption a pass considering marijuana ’ s anti-anxiety effects and the fact we all live in unremitting terror now , huddled in front of our televisions watching “ Tiger King ” and trying to imagine ourselves in Joe Exotic ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demented than ours .
TRENDING : Obama AG Eric Holder giddy about 'opportunity ' coronavirus presents to make 'permanent ' changes Unfortunately , if you want to invite the worst-case scenario upon yourself , smoking marijuana could be one of the most effective ways to do it .
According to Business Insider , experts are saying that marijuana smokers may be more likely to contract coronavirus and have serious COVID-19 symptoms than non-smokers .
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos , a national spokesperson for the American Lung Association , warned that marijuana smoking causes cells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and aiding immune system response to die .
“ A good portion of the world will be infected by [ the coronavirus ] , but the level of severity of symptoms is going to depend on so many variables , from genetic components to just your overall preexisting conditions , ” the pulmonologist told Business Insider .
“ From my standpoint , meshing [ together ] all of the variables that put in things that are not air into your lungs , I would view them all kind of in the same category @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best and most efficient data we have is about tobacco and its impact on COVID-19 , '' he added .
`` For e-cigarette and marijuana use , the data is n't as robustly collected , '' but marijuana should be considered in the same category as tobacco when calculating the risk to smokers .
Data from two of the hardest hit countries , pulmonologist Dr. Barry J .
Make said , showed people with respiratory issues had a greater chance of hospitalization from COVID-19 .
“ From China and Italy , we see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lung disease , [ they ] have more complications and die more often , '' Make said .
`` So this is the perfect time to stop smoking . ''
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed 7,162 cases for which data on underlying conditions was available .
They found that 9.2 percent of those patients had chronic lung conditions such as asthma , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema .
These are also conditions you may not know you have .
`` The lung disease you usually get from smoking and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 've smoked for a number of years and it very slowly develops , '' Make said .
`` A lot of lung disease related to these inhalants are silent until they 're very far advanced . ''
Even without a chronic disease , Galiatsatos said , marijuana could put you at a higher risk of ending up with a bad case of COVID-19 .
“ We know cigarettes and marijuana both cause cellular toxicity and changes in cellular metabolism and cellular behavior , so that would be a biologically plausible explanation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ COVID-19 ] , you 're likely to have more dire symptoms , ” he told Business Insider .
This is enough to even get the people at NORML -- the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws , one of the most ardent groups of pro-pot activists -- to recommend marijuana users consider a different method of consumption .
“ Individuals should consider that consuming hot smoke from combusted plant material can be an irritant to the respiratory system , especially for those currently showing symptoms , ” Erik Altieri , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rolling Stone for an article titled “ How to Get High Safely During the Coronavirus Pandemic.
” The magazine that once featured Hunter S. Thompson on its masthead has its priorities , after all .
There is another element that those unfamiliar with hacky sacks , meandering Phish live albums and living with your parents until you ’ re 38 might not be acquainted with : Marijuana culture is , at its core , one based around sharing .
The drug is apparently best consumed in a circle of people who pass a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share vapid ontological thoughts .
This , in an era of communicable disease , would be particularly unintelligent .
“ Community has always been central to cannabis culture , but given the health crisis we find ourselves in , it is best we think of community a little differently , ” Altieri said .
How much of a risk factor this presents depends on how much you trust the average stoner to comprehend that “ community ” and “ communicable ” share the same etymological root , something that may be difficult for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Teen Hunger Force ” -- a plotless , barely coherent adult cartoon featuring anthropomorphic fast-food items -- a hit .
Whatever the case , there are an unfortunate number of risk factors that surround inhaled marijuana consumption -- Bill Clinton , you ’ re safe -- which make it less than ideal in the current environment .
Reality is enough of a downer at the moment , and lung issues plus COVID-19 will definitely harsh your mellow .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Vices, while not usually unpopular, are dispiritingly in favor right now as we self-isolate.
The title of a Forbes piece by Jack Kelly from last week lays it out pretty well: “Americans Are Excessively Eating, Drinking, Smoking Pot, Playing Video Games And Watching Porn While Quarantined.”
Wonderful. The embrace of one vice in the article caught my eye: marijuana consumption. Sales of the drug are high (pun unintended) in states where it’s legal.
“Illinois marijuana dispensaries, which have remained open, sold almost $36 million worth of legal weed in March,” Kelly wrote. “This happened during a time period in which the state shut almost all other stores and ordered people to remain indoors. The Los Angeles Times reported that ‘amid coronavirus siege, California cannabis sales soared.’”
One could give this consumption a pass considering marijuana’s anti-anxiety effects and the fact we all live in unremitting terror now, huddled in front of our televisions watching “Tiger King” and trying to imagine ourselves in Joe Exotic’s world, which somehow feels less demented than ours.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Unfortunately, if you want to invite the worst-case scenario upon yourself, smoking marijuana could be one of the most effective ways to do it.
According to Business Insider, experts are saying that marijuana smokers may be more likely to contract coronavirus and have serious COVID-19 symptoms than non-smokers.
Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a national spokesperson for the American Lung Association, warned that marijuana smoking causes cells in the lungs responsible for removing germs and aiding immune system response to die.
“A good portion of the world will be infected by [the coronavirus], but the level of severity of symptoms is going to depend on so many variables, from genetic components to just your overall preexisting conditions,” the pulmonologist told Business Insider.
“From my standpoint, meshing [together] all of the variables that put in things that are not air into your lungs, I would view them all kind of in the same category," he continued.
"The best and most efficient data we have is about tobacco and its impact on COVID-19," he added. "For e-cigarette and marijuana use, the data isn't as robustly collected," but marijuana should be considered in the same category as tobacco when calculating the risk to smokers.
Data from two of the hardest hit countries, pulmonologist Dr. Barry J. Make said, showed people with respiratory issues had a greater chance of hospitalization from COVID-19.
“From China and Italy, we see people who developed COVID-19 and had underlying lung disease, [they] have more complications and die more often," Make said. "So this is the perfect time to stop smoking."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed 7,162 cases for which data on underlying conditions was available. They found that 9.2 percent of those patients had chronic lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema.
These are also conditions you may not know you have.
"The lung disease you usually get from smoking and vaping and marijuana doesn't occur until you've smoked for a number of years and it very slowly develops," Make said.
"A lot of lung disease related to these inhalants are silent until they're very far advanced."
Even without a chronic disease, Galiatsatos said, marijuana could put you at a higher risk of ending up with a bad case of COVID-19.
“We know cigarettes and marijuana both cause cellular toxicity and changes in cellular metabolism and cellular behavior, so that would be a biologically plausible explanation to say if you got an infection from [COVID-19], you're likely to have more dire symptoms,” he told Business Insider.
This is enough to even get the people at NORML -- the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, one of the most ardent groups of pro-pot activists -- to recommend marijuana users consider a different method of consumption.
“Individuals should consider that consuming hot smoke from combusted plant material can be an irritant to the respiratory system, especially for those currently showing symptoms,” Erik Altieri, NORML’s executive director, told Rolling Stone for an article titled “How to Get High Safely During the Coronavirus Pandemic.” The magazine that once featured Hunter S. Thompson on its masthead has its priorities, after all.
There is another element that those unfamiliar with hacky sacks, meandering Phish live albums and living with your parents until you’re 38 might not be acquainted with: Marijuana culture is, at its core, one based around sharing.
The drug is apparently best consumed in a circle of people who pass a pipe or a joint around as they share vapid ontological thoughts.
This, in an era of communicable disease, would be particularly unintelligent.
“Community has always been central to cannabis culture, but given the health crisis we find ourselves in, it is best we think of community a little differently,” Altieri said.
How much of a risk factor this presents depends on how much you trust the average stoner to comprehend that “community” and “communicable” share the same etymological root, something that may be difficult for the demographic that once made “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” -- a plotless, barely coherent adult cartoon featuring anthropomorphic fast-food items -- a hit.
I have my doubts.
Whatever the case, there are an unfortunate number of risk factors that surround inhaled marijuana consumption -- Bill Clinton, you’re safe -- which make it less than ideal in the current environment.
Reality is enough of a downer at the moment, and lung issues plus COVID-19 will definitely harsh your mellow.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-04-18--California study shows 50X more people than projected have had coronavirus, now immune

( BREITBART ) A team of researchers from Stanford University and other California colleges recruited volunteers in Santa Clara County @ @ @ @ @ the stunning results show that 50 times more people than projected have had the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ that makes them immune .
Some 3,000 people volunteered to take a blood test , @ @ @ @ @ result was positive in 1.5 percent of cases .
Adjusting for age , gender and @ @ @ @ @ 2.8 percent of people in the county had already had the virus .
That might @ @ @ @ @ at the time of the study — on April 4 and 5 — only 1,094 @ @ @ @ @ recorded as having the virus .
The study suggests the real figure is between 48,000 @ @ @

(BREITBART) A team of researchers from Stanford University and other California colleges recruited volunteers in Santa Clara County to take blood tests and the stunning results show that 50 times more people than projected have had the coronavirus and now possess the antibodies that makes them immune.
Some 3,000 people volunteered to take a blood test, U.S. Spectator reported:
The result was positive in 1.5 percent of cases. Adjusting for age, gender and ethnicity the results suggest that 2.8 percent of people in the county had already had the virus. That might not seem many, but at the time of the study — on April 4 and 5 — only 1,094 people in the county were recorded as having the virus. The study suggests the real figure is between 48,000 and 81,000.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-20--Beach town coffee shop paints colorful mural in pandemic, then the HOA arrives

( WFLX ) -- Two weeks of hard work , gone in minutes .
A small business owner is heartbroken @ @ @ @ @ dash of color to the neighborhood .
Jensen Beach has its own artsy , funky @ @ @ @

(WFLX) -- Two weeks of hard work, gone in minutes.
A small business owner is heartbroken after trying to bring a dash of color to the neighborhood.
Jensen Beach has its own artsy, funky, colorful vibe.
Read the full story ›