wnd--2020-11-14--Barbershop swoops in to help run restaurant when staff gets COVID

( GOOD NEWS NETWORK ) – It was the best of times ; it was the worst of times , @ @ @ @ @ worst of times for Jersey City eatery Würstbar , their best of neighbors at Virile @ @ @ @ @ help .
Like many restaurants struggling to stay afloat in the wake of the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ its business model to meet the current guidelines .
Unfortunately a staff member was exposed @ @ @ @ @ ran risk spreading the disease , the management decided the best course of action was @ @ @ @ @ .
`` No , we are not randomly closed for 'renovations ! '
'' read @ @ @ @ @ We unfortunately , had an exposure to COVID-19 at Würstbar .

(GOOD NEWS NETWORK) – It was the best of times; it was the worst of times, but when it was the worst of times for Jersey City eatery Würstbar, their best of neighbors at Virile Barber Shop swooped in to help.
Like many restaurants struggling to stay afloat in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Würstbar had adapted its business model to meet the current guidelines. Unfortunately a staff member was exposed to the virus. Rather ran risk spreading the disease, the management decided the best course of action was to shut down—at least temporarily.
"No, we are not randomly closed for 'renovations!'" read their Instagram post. "We unfortunately, had an exposure to COVID-19 at Würstbar.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-11-14--Reopened San Francisco tattoo shops booked until 2021

( SF GATE ) – A century-old doctor 's office in the Castro might seem like an unusual setting for @ @ @ @ @ shop .
But for the artists at Castro Tattoo , the space provides the perfect @ @ @ @ @ they return to work for the first time in over six months .
On a @ @ @ @ @ shop 's typically bustling atmosphere is unusually quiet .
I 'm greeted at the front @ @ @ @ @ , who cheerily welcomes me inside with a wave of her Latex-gloved hand .
As @ @ @ @ @ the steps at the entryway on 17th Street , I notice the space behind the @ @ @ @ @ would normally greet us is empty , as are the plush brown love seats that @ @ @ @ @ area .
On the counter sits a jumbo bottle of hand sanitizer and a package @ @ @ @ @ First things first , let 's check your temperature , '' says Koala , holding @ @ @ @ @

(SF GATE) – A century-old doctor's office in the Castro might seem like an unusual setting for a present-day San Francisco tattoo shop. But for the artists at Castro Tattoo, the space provides the perfect, socially distanced layout as they return to work for the first time in over six months.
On a recent visit, the 20-year-old shop's typically bustling atmosphere is unusually quiet. I'm greeted at the front door by artist Jess Koala, who cheerily welcomes me inside with a wave of her Latex-gloved hand. As we make our way up the steps at the entryway on 17th Street, I notice the space behind the front desk where a receptionist would normally greet us is empty, as are the plush brown love seats that make up the small waiting area. On the counter sits a jumbo bottle of hand sanitizer and a package of disinfectant wipes.
"First things first, let's check your temperature," says Koala, holding up a touchless thermometer.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-11-14--'I caught them all' – Trump's most important quote?

So I think , in light of all of the things going on – and you know what I mean by that : the fake news , the Comeys of the world , all of the bad things that went on .
It 's called the `` swamp . ''
And you know what happened and you know what I did .
A big favor .
I caught the swamp .
I caught them all .
Let 's see what happens .
Nobody else could have done that but me .
I caught all of this corruption that was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done it .
[ Remarks by President Trump before Marine One departure , Nov. 8 , 2019 ] Given the Nov. 8 , 2019 , date , most of us assumed these remarks were about the Russian collusion narrative , the Mueller investigation , spying on the Trump campaign by the Obama administration and the fake impeachment effort by the Democratic Party .
What if it was n't about Russia at all ?
What if Trump was a year ahead of the rest of us ?
What if it was really about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runs a lot deeper than any of us imagined .
Maybe the swamp has tributaries that run out into the blue states , where carefully crafted election fraud has controlled our presidential elections for generations .
What if Trump in 2019 was already setting the stage for the largest sting operation in history ?
What if a few blue-state governors in battleground states have been coordinating their efforts in election fraud with fake ballots , fake voters and fake elections for generations – at least since the election of President John F. Kennedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the federal government .
TRENDING : Lawsuit : Out-of-state vehicles brought tens of thousands of unsealed ballots to Michigan , all for Dems Most of the state elections could be real and the votes honestly counted .
But a handful of coordinating blue-state governors and their election chiefs could control the outcome of the entire nation 's election , with only smallish amounts of targeted fraud .
This year 's general election could have been the first one with widespread media collusion for a single party , however .
Internal polling for both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting up for a big Trump victory .
The media-sponsored public polls were as fake as the rest of the news , meant to suppress the Republican turnout vote .
The massive reelection rallies Trump initiated even before the COVID restrictions likely had a dual purpose .
Of course , they built additional support and energy to reelect Trump .
They also revealed the actual interest in Trump in our culture .
But they panicked the Democratic establishment .
They had real polling numbers , and they knew that Trump was building to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also demolish their hold on downstream offices in states and cities , as Trump supporters turned out in unheard of numbers .
Panic may help you run faster and jump higher , but it has no beneficial effect on our thought processes .
The Democrats threw all their corrupt people and processes into the battle .
If they lost the states , they lost it all .
And if they lost it all , they would lose most of the splinter groups they had been using to control their people for decades .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever-expanding number of political splinter groups , big city mayors and then governors .
All that would be gone and not re-buildable , because it was all built on lies .
In the end , the Dem party kingmakers pushed aside their slate of candidates and picked Joe Biden to unite the nation .
His son 's laptop computer emerged showing that Hunter Biden was the bagman for China and Ukraine corruption , and the sale of access to Joe Biden , in the form of signed documents with China 's spy chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign contribution to `` the Big Guy '' by disappearing the stories .
Big tech followed suit , canceling anyone who tried to spread the evidence before the election .
Does anyone imagine that these disappeared news stories were all ad-hoc efforts by well-meaning , low level techies to help team Dem ?
Or are they evidence of mass panic as the wells close in on the Democratic Party , its patriarchs and its financiers ?
Has Trump really caught them all ?
Let 's see what happens .

So I think, in light of all of the things going on – and you know what I mean by that: the fake news, the Comeys of the world, all of the bad things that went on. It's called the "swamp." And you know what happened and you know what I did. A big favor. I caught the swamp. I caught them all. Let's see what happens. Nobody else could have done that but me. I caught all of this corruption that was going on, and nobody else could have done it. [Remarks by President Trump before Marine One departure, Nov. 8, 2019]
Given the Nov. 8, 2019, date, most of us assumed these remarks were about the Russian collusion narrative, the Mueller investigation, spying on the Trump campaign by the Obama administration and the fake impeachment effort by the Democratic Party.
What if it wasn't about Russia at all? What if Trump was a year ahead of the rest of us? What if it was really about the 2020 presidential election?
Maybe the swamp runs a lot deeper than any of us imagined. Maybe the swamp has tributaries that run out into the blue states, where carefully crafted election fraud has controlled our presidential elections for generations.
What if Trump in 2019 was already setting the stage for the largest sting operation in history? What if a few blue-state governors in battleground states have been coordinating their efforts in election fraud with fake ballots, fake voters and fake elections for generations – at least since the election of President John F. Kennedy, which was paid for by unionizing the federal government.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Most of the state elections could be real and the votes honestly counted. But a handful of coordinating blue-state governors and their election chiefs could control the outcome of the entire nation's election, with only smallish amounts of targeted fraud.
This year's general election could have been the first one with widespread media collusion for a single party, however. Internal polling for both campaigns had to show that it was setting up for a big Trump victory. The media-sponsored public polls were as fake as the rest of the news, meant to suppress the Republican turnout vote.
The massive reelection rallies Trump initiated even before the COVID restrictions likely had a dual purpose. Of course, they built additional support and energy to reelect Trump. They also revealed the actual interest in Trump in our culture. But they panicked the Democratic establishment. They had real polling numbers, and they knew that Trump was building to a massive election blowout, which would also demolish their hold on downstream offices in states and cities, as Trump supporters turned out in unheard of numbers.
Panic may help you run faster and jump higher, but it has no beneficial effect on our thought processes. The Democrats threw all their corrupt people and processes into the battle. If they lost the states, they lost it all. And if they lost it all, they would lose most of the splinter groups they had been using to control their people for decades. Patronage jobs, special legislation for an ever-expanding number of political splinter groups, big city mayors and then governors. All that would be gone and not re-buildable, because it was all built on lies.
In the end, the Dem party kingmakers pushed aside their slate of candidates and picked Joe Biden to unite the nation. His son's laptop computer emerged showing that Hunter Biden was the bagman for China and Ukraine corruption, and the sale of access to Joe Biden, in the form of signed documents with China's spy chief.
Big media delivered a massive in-kind campaign contribution to "the Big Guy" by disappearing the stories. Big tech followed suit, canceling anyone who tried to spread the evidence before the election.
Does anyone imagine that these disappeared news stories were all ad-hoc efforts by well-meaning, low level techies to help team Dem? Or are they evidence of mass panic as the wells close in on the Democratic Party, its patriarchs and its financiers?
Has Trump really caught them all? Let's see what happens.
See craigemcmillan.com


wnd--2020-11-14--Special prosecutor for election fraud needed NOW

Tolerance is what liberals demanded from conservatives for the last 50 years .
Tolerance for busing .
Tolerance for abortion on demand .
Tolerance for the LBGTQ agenda .
Tolerance for riots , looting , crime .
Tolerance for China ripping off the USA .
Tolerance for U.N. globalism .
Tolerance for American companies off-shoring manufacturing and then shipping those products back for sale in the U.S .
Tolerance for illegal immigrants .
Tolerance for ineffective public education .
Tolerance for all things Black Lives Matter – including being painted on the street – more than blue lives or any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 50 years – meaning jobs going to unqualified people , admission to colleges for unqualified people and quotas based on race .
Tolerance for all the things that hurt average , working Americans .
And now those same liberals want conservatives to tolerate what happened in this election , to look the other way – for the good of America , for unity , for peace , for `` healing . ''
How much unity and peace did those liberals show America for the last four years ?
None .
They opposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected with `` resist , '' `` obstruct , '' `` impeach , '' false accusations about Trump colluding with Russians to affect the 2016 election , 94 % negative reporting about Trump by the media , riots in cities controlled by Democrats , and now election fraud and irregularities .
If conservatives buy this call for unity and tolerance by liberals , then conservatives just bought the biggest con job of all .
TRENDING : Lawsuit : Out-of-state vehicles brought tens of thousands of unsealed ballots to Michigan , all for Dems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched what happened in the middle of election night knows that .
Trump won .
Five states that are run by Democrats simultaneously stopped reporting on their election totals for three hours and then mysteriously came back with new totals that showed Biden ahead .
Those five states are in different time zones .
Trump was ahead significantly in all five before the simultaneous `` pause '' in reporting .
Pennsylvania , North Carolina , Nevada , Wisconsin and Michigan .
All battleground states run by Democratic governors .
Democrats demanded a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump colluding with Russians to affect the 2016 election .
Liberals refuse to accept the results , that Mueller found no evidence to support that accusation .
So who is going to investigate what happened with the elections in Michigan , Wisconsin , Arizona , Georgia , North Carolina , Pennsylvania and Nevada ?
Where is the special prosecutor/investigator who is outside of the control of Congress or the president who will investigate this , as Mueller did the Russia hoax ?
My estimate is that Trump would have beaten Biden by more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and won 75 % of the Electoral College if these things had not happened : 1 .
Constant ( 94 % ) negative media coverage of Trump for four years , even with the incredible negotiations completed by the Trump team for peace in the Middle East and the incredible economy prior to the China virus .
3 .
Riots for several months prior to the election in cities controlled by Democrats .
4 .
Hundreds of millions of dollars donated by Soros , Bloomberg , Wall Street and big tech executives to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why the Biden transition team is full of big tech folks ?
6 .
No real in-depth coverage of Biden 's role with his son concerning Burisma , China and Ukraine .
According to exit polls , 36 % of people who voted for Biden had no knowledge about any of it .
7 .
Biden was allowed to get away with lies with no challenge by the media or by the moderators at the debates concerning fracking , trade with China , his role with Hunter 's companies and abortion .
8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Trump in the first debate .
9 .
COVID , COVID , COVID used nonstop by Democrats and liberals to drown out all the good results won by Trump for the economy , foreign relationships , American workers and Christians .
10 .
COVID was used by Democrat-run states as the excuse for the unsolicited mail out of ballots , which allowed for massive election fraud ballot-harvesting and destruction of ballots .
So what happens now ?
If conservatives capitulate to the cries by Democrats for unity and tolerance , to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transpired and how they treated Trump for four years , then conservatives are compounding their mistakes of tolerance for the last 50 years .
Tolerance ?
Unity ?
Not until these election irregularities are all investigated by a special prosecutor !
Attorney General Bill Barr needs to appoint one now who can not be fired by Biden .

Tolerance? Unity?
Tolerance is what liberals demanded from conservatives for the last 50 years. Tolerance for busing. Tolerance for abortion on demand. Tolerance for the LBGTQ agenda. Tolerance for riots, looting, crime. Tolerance for China ripping off the USA. Tolerance for U.N. globalism. Tolerance for American companies off-shoring manufacturing and then shipping those products back for sale in the U.S. Tolerance for illegal immigrants. Tolerance for ineffective public education. Tolerance for all things Black Lives Matter – including being painted on the street – more than blue lives or any other lives. Tolerance for affirmative action for 50 years – meaning jobs going to unqualified people, admission to colleges for unqualified people and quotas based on race. Tolerance for all the things that hurt average, working Americans.
And now those same liberals want conservatives to tolerate what happened in this election, to look the other way – for the good of America, for unity, for peace, for "healing."
How much unity and peace did those liberals show America for the last four years? None. They opposed Trump from the first day he was elected with "resist," "obstruct," "impeach," false accusations about Trump colluding with Russians to affect the 2016 election, 94% negative reporting about Trump by the media, riots in cities controlled by Democrats, and now election fraud and irregularities.
If conservatives buy this call for unity and tolerance by liberals, then conservatives just bought the biggest con job of all.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Trump won the election. Anyone who watched what happened in the middle of election night knows that. Trump won. Five states that are run by Democrats simultaneously stopped reporting on their election totals for three hours and then mysteriously came back with new totals that showed Biden ahead. Those five states are in different time zones. Trump was ahead significantly in all five before the simultaneous "pause" in reporting. Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada, Wisconsin and Michigan. All battleground states run by Democratic governors.
Democrats demanded a special prosecutor to investigate the bogus accusation of Trump colluding with Russians to affect the 2016 election. Liberals refuse to accept the results, that Mueller found no evidence to support that accusation. So who is going to investigate what happened with the elections in Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Nevada? Where is the special prosecutor/investigator who is outside of the control of Congress or the president who will investigate this, as Mueller did the Russia hoax?
My estimate is that Trump would have beaten Biden by more than 10% of the popular vote and won 75% of the Electoral College if these things had not happened:
1. Constant (94%) negative media coverage of Trump for four years, even with the incredible negotiations completed by the Trump team for peace in the Middle East and the incredible economy prior to the China virus.
Will justice ever be served regarding this month's presidential election? 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. 54% (127 Votes) 46% (109 Votes)
2. Software and machine election fraud.
3. Riots for several months prior to the election in cities controlled by Democrats.
4. Hundreds of millions of dollars donated by Soros, Bloomberg, Wall Street and big tech executives to Democratic campaigns. Is there any wonder why the Biden transition team is full of big tech folks?
5. Censorship by social media.
6. No real in-depth coverage of Biden's role with his son concerning Burisma, China and Ukraine. According to exit polls, 36% of people who voted for Biden had no knowledge about any of it.
7. Biden was allowed to get away with lies with no challenge by the media or by the moderators at the debates concerning fracking, trade with China, his role with Hunter's companies and abortion.
8. The hit job by Chris Wallace on Trump in the first debate.
9. COVID, COVID, COVID used nonstop by Democrats and liberals to drown out all the good results won by Trump for the economy, foreign relationships, American workers and Christians.
10. COVID was used by Democrat-run states as the excuse for the unsolicited mail out of ballots, which allowed for massive election fraud ballot-harvesting and destruction of ballots.
So what happens now? If conservatives capitulate to the cries by Democrats for unity and tolerance, to look the other way about how the election transpired and how they treated Trump for four years, then conservatives are compounding their mistakes of tolerance for the last 50 years.
Tolerance? Unity? Not until these election irregularities are all investigated by a special prosecutor! Attorney General Bill Barr needs to appoint one now who cannot be fired by Biden.


wnd--2020-11-14--A new career for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Here 's a news flash for you : Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is hinting she may quit politics .
AOC was asked in a recent interview if she was considering a Senate run in the next couple of years .
`` I genuinely do n't know , '' she said .
`` I do n't even know if I want to be in politics .
You know , for real , in the first six months of my term , I did n't even know if I was going to run for re-election this year .
It 's the incoming .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the violence .
It 's the lack of support from your own party .
It 's your own party thinking you 're the enemy . ''
Ouch , that must hurt .
I ca n't blame her for thinking about quitting politics .
AOC has learned a hard truth : Politics is a dirty , nasty game .
Personally , I 've never understood why anyone would want to enter it to begin with , but then I 've never had a lust for power either .
However , it was n't Ms. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that caught my attention .
It was a follow-up statement she made : `` But I 'm serious when I tell people the odds of me running for higher office and the odds of me just going off trying to start a homestead somewhere – they 're probably the same . ''
Wow , what a coincidence !
AOC is thinking about starting a homestead somewhere !
Gosh , we 're homesteaders too !
Just think , we have similar career interests .
TRENDING : Lawsuit : Out-of-state vehicles brought tens of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Dems By way of clarification , modern `` homesteading '' is a form of small farming , the goal of which is to raise , grow , or produce all one 's own food .
It differs from farming in that it 's not meant to be an income-earning enterprise , though there are exceptions .
Modern homesteaders often raise cattle , sheep , pigs , or goats ; they also may raise chickens , geese , ducks , or turkeys .
Most have an orchard and a huge garden .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoken or unspoken goal is never to have to enter a grocery store , at least for food items .
My family and I been engaged in modern homesteading for nearly 30 years now , so I 'm pleased AOC might be joining the ranks of the self-sufficient .
Seriously , I genuinely am happy to hear it .
Why ?
Because until folks get their hands dirty in the endlessly fascinating task of raising food , they ca n't understand or appreciate how the system works … or how government regulations can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ocasio-Cortez knows , at least at an academic level , that eggs or milk are n't manufactured in the back rooms of grocery stores .
And while there 's a great deal of satisfaction to opening up the chicken coop door in the morning and finding a dozen fresh warm eggs , there 's also a great deal of horror to open that same chicken coop door to find a weasel got in during the night and slaughtered the entire flock .
Until you experience this in person , you ca n't grasp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applaud whenever politicians join the ranks of the plebeians .
Only by experiencing how the little people live can they understand the magnitude of how their legislative actions affect the lives and livelihoods of America 's blue-collar backbone .
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez certainly seems to have an affinity for homesteading .
Last year she grew a small plot in a community garden in Washington , D.C. , and apparently learned an astonishing fact : Vegetables grow in the ground .
Is n't that amazing ?
I 'll bet you did n't know that either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honestly , gardening , FOOD – that comes out of dirt … like , it 's magic , '' she said in a video .
Presumably , the congresswoman did not grow cauliflower , since she declared that planting the offensive vegetable in community gardens in nonwhite neighborhoods is an act of colonialism .
OK , mockery aside , AOC encapsulates the frustration most Americans have with politicians .
She entered Congress at the tender age of 29 , before she had any appreciable real-world experience .
She never tried to start a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with government regulations .
She never had to make payroll .
Yet she felt qualified to birth the Green New Deal , which would affect 350 million hapless citizens who would be forced to deal with the economic and societal fallout .
And she wonders why people mock her gardening efforts ?
Real farmers particularly dislike AOC 's policies .
In March 2019 , after AOC went on a `` rant '' against Republicans for refusing to support her Green New Deal – which has major implications for the food system – reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rookie and she 's looking for publicity , '' said Dale Spencer , a rancher and the former head of the Nebraska Cattlemen 's Association , whose family has been in the ranching business in Nebraska since 1886 .
`` Some people ought to put some boots on the ground and get out to ranch country and see what 's being done . ''
Tanya Storer , a member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and a rancher in Cherry County , Nebraska , added : `` Socialism is a great idea for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real consequences of it . ''
So yes , I would welcome AOC to the world of real-life homesteading , where she can experience firsthand the policies she 's trying to force down everyone else 's throats .
Welcome to the world where normal ( I stress normal ) vagaries of weather can prevent you from planting the garden before June 1 or kill your tomatoes after Sept. 15 .
Welcome to the world of calves born at the farthest end of the pasture that must be carried to the barn for safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dehorning .
Welcome to the world of pests and diseases .
Welcome to the world of food preservation .
Late springs .
Early frosts .
Heat waves .
Cold snaps .
Livestock mishaps .
There 's only so much you can blame on climate change .
The rest of the time , you have to roll up your sleeves and handle the boots-on-the-ground reality of farming , whether large-scale or small-scale .
But I do n't expect to see AOC castrating calves or butchering chickens any time soon .
Like most politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances where she has to experience the regulations she helped create .

Here's a news flash for you: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is hinting she may quit politics.
AOC was asked in a recent interview if she was considering a Senate run in the next couple of years. "I genuinely don't know," she said. "I don't even know if I want to be in politics. You know, for real, in the first six months of my term, I didn't even know if I was going to run for re-election this year. It's the incoming. It's the stress. It's the violence. It's the lack of support from your own party. It's your own party thinking you're the enemy." Ouch, that must hurt.
I can't blame her for thinking about quitting politics. AOC has learned a hard truth: Politics is a dirty, nasty game. Personally, I've never understood why anyone would want to enter it to begin with, but then I've never had a lust for power either.
However, it wasn't Ms. Ocasio-Cortez's cageyness about a Senate run that caught my attention. It was a follow-up statement she made: "But I'm serious when I tell people the odds of me running for higher office and the odds of me just going off trying to start a homestead somewhere – they're probably the same."
Wow, what a coincidence! AOC is thinking about starting a homestead somewhere! Gosh, we're homesteaders too! Just think, we have similar career interests.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
By way of clarification, modern "homesteading" is a form of small farming, the goal of which is to raise, grow, or produce all one's own food. It differs from farming in that it's not meant to be an income-earning enterprise, though there are exceptions. Modern homesteaders often raise cattle, sheep, pigs, or goats; they also may raise chickens, geese, ducks, or turkeys. Most have an orchard and a huge garden. Some even grow their own grains. The spoken or unspoken goal is never to have to enter a grocery store, at least for food items.
My family and I been engaged in modern homesteading for nearly 30 years now, so I'm pleased AOC might be joining the ranks of the self-sufficient. Seriously, I genuinely am happy to hear it.
Why? Because until folks get their hands dirty in the endlessly fascinating task of raising food, they can't understand or appreciate how the system works … or how government regulations can affect it.
I'm sure Ms. Ocasio-Cortez knows, at least at an academic level, that eggs or milk aren't manufactured in the back rooms of grocery stores. And while there's a great deal of satisfaction to opening up the chicken coop door in the morning and finding a dozen fresh warm eggs, there's also a great deal of horror to open that same chicken coop door to find a weasel got in during the night and slaughtered the entire flock. Until you experience this in person, you can't grasp it.
This is why I sincerely applaud whenever politicians join the ranks of the plebeians. Only by experiencing how the little people live can they understand the magnitude of how their legislative actions affect the lives and livelihoods of America's blue-collar backbone.
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez certainly seems to have an affinity for homesteading. Last year she grew a small plot in a community garden in Washington, D.C., and apparently learned an astonishing fact: Vegetables grow in the ground. Isn't that amazing? I'll bet you didn't know that either.
"I am SHOOK, like honestly, gardening, FOOD – that comes out of dirt … like, it's magic," she said in a video.
Presumably, the congresswoman did not grow cauliflower, since she declared that planting the offensive vegetable in community gardens in nonwhite neighborhoods is an act of colonialism.
(As an amusing side note, the progressive website Daily Dot mocked conservatives who were critical of Ocasio-Cortez's gardening efforts. "Though most of the feedback was positive, the gardening video did plant seeds of discord in the right-wing, who love digging on Ocasio-Cortez for even her most benign activities." The website then went on to admit, "Still, it's probably a good idea to complete your first season as a gardener before you start handing out advice." Ya think?)
OK, mockery aside, AOC encapsulates the frustration most Americans have with politicians. She entered Congress at the tender age of 29, before she had any appreciable real-world experience. She never tried to start a business. She never had to deal with government regulations. She never had to make payroll. Yet she felt qualified to birth the Green New Deal, which would affect 350 million hapless citizens who would be forced to deal with the economic and societal fallout. And she wonders why people mock her gardening efforts?
Real farmers particularly dislike AOC's policies. In March 2019, after AOC went on a "rant" against Republicans for refusing to support her Green New Deal – which has major implications for the food system – reaction was scathing. "She's a rookie and she's looking for publicity," said Dale Spencer, a rancher and the former head of the Nebraska Cattlemen's Association, whose family has been in the ranching business in Nebraska since 1886. "Some people ought to put some boots on the ground and get out to ranch country and see what's being done."
Tanya Storer, a member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau and a rancher in Cherry County, Nebraska, added: "Socialism is a great idea for those who are too young to understand the real consequences of it."
So yes, I would welcome AOC to the world of real-life homesteading, where she can experience firsthand the policies she's trying to force down everyone else's throats. Welcome to the world where normal (I stress normal) vagaries of weather can prevent you from planting the garden before June 1 or kill your tomatoes after Sept. 15. Welcome to the world of calves born at the farthest end of the pasture that must be carried to the barn for safety. Welcome to the world of castrating and dehorning. Welcome to the world of pests and diseases. Welcome to the world of food preservation.
Late springs. Early frosts. Heat waves. Cold snaps. Livestock mishaps. There's only so much you can blame on climate change. The rest of the time, you have to roll up your sleeves and handle the boots-on-the-ground reality of farming, whether large-scale or small-scale.
But I don't expect to see AOC castrating calves or butchering chickens any time soon. Like most politicians, I suspect she prefers to avoid circumstances where she has to experience the regulations she helped create.


wnd--2020-11-15--Gaffe followed GOP candidate even after he left campaign

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Public Affairs . ]
Joseph R. Biden Jr. , who will turn 78 this month , is in line to become the 46th president of the United States .
Even before President Trump formally concedes , Biden will now start focusing on the myriad responsibilities of the president-elect , including identifying his choices for the Cabinet .
I ’ m reminded this morning of Trump ’ s first energy secretary , a selection that was highly logical in one way and sublimely ironic in another .
TRENDING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Trump lawsuits James Richard “ Rick ” Perry , then the Republican governor of Texas , entered the 2012 GOP presidential primary season with great fanfare .
With his Marlboro Man good looks and laissez faire economic views , he seemed a dream candidate .
Tea Party types loved his small-government credo , while conventional conservatives could point to his executive experience in the governor ’ s mansion of a mega-state .
A national campaign puts candidates under a brighter spotlight than state politics , however , and the competition is usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but breezy , stump speech , he didn ’ t distinguish himself in interviews or in the early debates of the election cycle .
Then , on Nov. 9 , 2011 , in Rochester , Mich. , things got much worse .
“ It is three agencies of government , when I get there , that are gone , ” Perry said as he launched into one of the staples of his standard pitch , in which he ticked off those three supposedly extraneous Cabinet-level agencies .
But suddenly , on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perry had a brain freeze .
“ Commerce , Education , and the… what ’ s the third one there ?
Let ’ s see , '' Perry said as those in the audience squirmed nervously in their seats .
The moment became so awkward that Mitt Romney tried to help .
But Romney didn ’ t know either .
“ EPA ?
” he offered .
“ EPA !
” Perry repeated as the crowd cheered , as much in relief as anything else .
Then moderator John Harwood , who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seriously ?
Is EPA the one you were talking about ?
” “ No , sir , ” replied Perry , realizing that answer was wrong .
“ Commerce and , let ’ s see…I can ’ t .
The third one , I can ’ t .
Sorry .
Oops.
” The correct answer was the Department of Energy , which Perry recalled by the time he got to the post-debate “ spin ” room , where he tried to make the best of it .
“ I ’ m glad I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stepped in it out there , ” he said .
“ I may have forgotten Energy , but I have n't forgotten my conservative principles.
” The following morning , on NBC 's `` Today '' show , Perry suggested that the mere fact that he had forgotten one of them bolstered his point that there are too many federal agencies .
A clever response , despite the dubious logic behind it .
It did n't matter .
By then , `` oops '' might as well have been stenciled on the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perry even after he left the campaign trail .
To rehabilitate himself he embarked on the ritualistic self-deprecation tour , with its familiar ports of call : the Gridiron Club in Washington , D.C. , the David Letterman ’ s show , “ Jimmy Kimmel Live.
” At the May 2012 Gridiron dinner , Perry won the room over .
“ The weakest Republican field in history , and they kicked my butt !
” he quipped .
Later in the speech , he added , “ Some have said that my debating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas Cicero , George W. Bush .
Only difference between George and me is that I say , ‘ Oops.
’ ” Four years later , an unlikely Republican populist captured the White House .
He did so , in part , by vowing to double down on fossil fuels .
Donald Trump was all-in on oil , natural gas , and coal , so he needed a like-minded soul to run the Department of Energy .
Enter Rick Perry , who would go on to serve nearly two years as secretary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stepping down at the end of 2019 .
Donald Trump hasn ’ t always parted on good terms with those in his employ .
He did this time .
“ I want to thank Secretary of Energy Rick Perry for the outstanding job he has done , ” the president tweeted .
“ He will be leaving at the end of the year to pursue other interests .
Rick was a great Governor of Texas and a great Secretary of Energy .
He is also my friend !
” Carl M. Cannon is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reach him on Twitter @ CarlCannon .
[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Public Affairs . ]

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Public Affairs.]
By Carl M. Cannon
Real Clear Public Affairs
Joseph R. Biden Jr., who will turn 78 this month, is in line to become the 46th president of the United States.
Even before President Trump formally concedes, Biden will now start focusing on the myriad responsibilities of the president-elect, including identifying his choices for the Cabinet. I’m reminded this morning of Trump’s first energy secretary, a selection that was highly logical in one way and sublimely ironic in another.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
James Richard “Rick” Perry, then the Republican governor of Texas, entered the 2012 GOP presidential primary season with great fanfare. With his Marlboro Man good looks and laissez faire economic views, he seemed a dream candidate. Tea Party types loved his small-government credo, while conventional conservatives could point to his executive experience in the governor’s mansion of a mega-state.
A national campaign puts candidates under a brighter spotlight than state politics, however, and the competition is usually tougher. Although Perry had a well-received, but breezy, stump speech, he didn’t distinguish himself in interviews or in the early debates of the election cycle. Then, on Nov. 9, 2011, in Rochester, Mich., things got much worse.
“It is three agencies of government, when I get there, that are gone,” Perry said as he launched into one of the staples of his standard pitch, in which he ticked off those three supposedly extraneous Cabinet-level agencies. But suddenly, on the debate stage with his GOP rivals, Perry had a brain freeze.
“Commerce, Education, and the… what’s the third one there? Let’s see," Perry said as those in the audience squirmed nervously in their seats. The moment became so awkward that Mitt Romney tried to help. But Romney didn’t know either. “EPA?” he offered.
Should one gaffe be enough to sink a political career? 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. 16% (32 Votes) 84% (168 Votes)
“EPA!” Perry repeated as the crowd cheered, as much in relief as anything else.
Then moderator John Harwood, who had done his homework, interjected, “Seriously? Is EPA the one you were talking about?” “No, sir,” replied Perry, realizing that answer was wrong. “Commerce and, let’s see…I can’t. The third one, I can’t. Sorry. Oops.”
The correct answer was the Department of Energy, which Perry recalled by the time he got to the post-debate “spin” room, where he tried to make the best of it. “I’m glad I had my boots on tonight -- I stepped in it out there,” he said. “I may have forgotten Energy, but I haven't forgotten my conservative principles.”
The following morning, on NBC's "Today" show, Perry suggested that the mere fact that he had forgotten one of them bolstered his point that there are too many federal agencies. A clever response, despite the dubious logic behind it. It didn't matter. By then, "oops" might as well have been stenciled on the man’s forehead.
The gaffe followed Perry even after he left the campaign trail. To rehabilitate himself he embarked on the ritualistic self-deprecation tour, with its familiar ports of call: the Gridiron Club in Washington, D.C., the David Letterman’s show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” At the May 2012 Gridiron dinner, Perry won the room over. “The weakest Republican field in history, and they kicked my butt!” he quipped. Later in the speech, he added, “Some have said that my debating style is very similar to that other Texas Cicero, George W. Bush. Only difference between George and me is that I say, ‘Oops.’”
Four years later, an unlikely Republican populist captured the White House. He did so, in part, by vowing to double down on fossil fuels. Donald Trump was all-in on oil, natural gas, and coal, so he needed a like-minded soul to run the Department of Energy. Enter Rick Perry, who would go on to serve nearly two years as secretary of the agency he wanted to abolish before stepping down at the end of 2019. Donald Trump hasn’t always parted on good terms with those in his employ. He did this time.
“I want to thank Secretary of Energy Rick Perry for the outstanding job he has done,” the president tweeted. “He will be leaving at the end of the year to pursue other interests. Rick was a great Governor of Texas and a great Secretary of Energy. He is also my friend!”
Carl M. Cannon is the Washington bureau chief for RealClearPolitics. Reach him on Twitter @CarlCannon.
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Public Affairs.]


wnd--2020-11-15--AOC accused of trying to keep Puerto Rico a territory

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
On election Tuesday , the American citizens of Puerto Rico were presented with a transcendental but straightforward question : Should Puerto Rico be immediately admitted into the union as a state ?
The result reiterated what we have known for years : The people of Puerto Rico reject the current territorial status and support statehood .
Despite the uncontroverted fact that this was a free and fair election in which a higher percentage of eligible voters participated than in any mainland midterm federal election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accept this expression of the will of the Puerto Rican people .
Chief among their specious arguments is that “ low ” voter participation somehow delegitimizes the results of the plebiscite .
TRENDING : Do n't let Dems/media hoodwink you about Trump lawsuits Of course , there are always some members of the political opposition who preach about the virtues of political participation and citizen empowerment , but only when it fits their narrative .
They frequently resort to after-the-fact interpretations , rule changes , and political spin in a way that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Demagoguery under the guise of objectivity is nothing new .
For almost a decade , the usual suspects have tried to avail themselves of creative but disingenuous mathematical arguments to disregard the people and impose their own will .
We all are very aware of this Colonial Math .
At the helm , unsurprisingly , we find Reps. Nydia Velazquez and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , who themselves reap the benefits of U.S. statehood but want to keep the American citizens of Puerto Rico under a system that deprives them of their most basic rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are trying to impose their views and publicly delegitimize the vote .
Among other groundless arguments , they insinuate that low participation percentages limit the importance of the vote in favor of statehood .
I have always said that there is no fairer standard to judge a person ’ s arguments than the one she has espoused herself .
As such , we proceed to evaluate both congresswomen 's elections by their own standards .
On Tuesday , and with 99 % reporting , Nydia Velazquez received 142,815 votes , which amounts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Impressive !
However , those results are misleading .
According to her views , we must judge voting results as a percentage of the total registered voters ( and not of the votes cast ) .
According to the New York State Board of Elections , as of Nov. 1 , 2020 , there were 419,240 active and registered voters in New York 's 7th District .
Thus , in reality , she only received about 34 % of the vote .
Similarly , Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez received 105,455 votes ( 68.8 % ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters in the 14th District .
That means she got less than 30 % of the total possible votes .
On a side note , even the chairman of Natural Resources Committee in the House , Raul Grijalva , who has been adamant in recognizing the moral and civil justice implications regarding statehood , only received 37 % of the total possible votes in Arizona ’ s 3rd District .
Under their premises and arguments : they should reconsider their position ; they are not representative of the people ; they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is questionable .
Finally , and most importantly , Velazquez or Ocasio-Cortez received zero votes from the American citizens residing on the island of Puerto Rico .
Zero is , I think , relatively low .
Democracy and the political process have clear and specific rules of engagement and interpretation .
These are the cornerstones of the social contract .
Under our voting system , the votes duly cast are the ones that are counted .
Prevailing in a referendum by a vote percentage of 52-48 is nothing to be apologetic about : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ margin of George W. Bush in 2004 , Barack Obama in 2012 – and Joe Biden this year .
A majority of the votes cast is recognized as the people ’ s will .
Otherwise , legitimacy and stability are impossible to achieve .
That is democracy ; that is the rule of law .
It is a contradiction to proclaim the virtues of democracy and then work hard to hinder it .
Consistency and credibility are intertwined .
No amount of political spin can discredit democracy and the fact that the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No amount of Colonial Math can change that !
We , the people , have spoken .

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By Rep. Jose F. Aponte-Hernandez
Real Clear Politics
On election Tuesday, the American citizens of Puerto Rico were presented with a transcendental but straightforward question: Should Puerto Rico be immediately admitted into the union as a state? The result reiterated what we have known for years: The people of Puerto Rico reject the current territorial status and support statehood.
Despite the uncontroverted fact that this was a free and fair election in which a higher percentage of eligible voters participated than in any mainland midterm federal election this century, some anti-statehood activists refuse to accept this expression of the will of the Puerto Rican people. Chief among their specious arguments is that “low” voter participation somehow delegitimizes the results of the plebiscite.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Of course, there are always some members of the political opposition who preach about the virtues of political participation and citizen empowerment, but only when it fits their narrative. They frequently resort to after-the-fact interpretations, rule changes, and political spin in a way that discredits the people’s will. Demagoguery under the guise of objectivity is nothing new. For almost a decade, the usual suspects have tried to avail themselves of creative but disingenuous mathematical arguments to disregard the people and impose their own will. We all are very aware of this Colonial Math.
At the helm, unsurprisingly, we find Reps. Nydia Velazquez and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who themselves reap the benefits of U.S. statehood but want to keep the American citizens of Puerto Rico under a system that deprives them of their most basic rights. Unduly using their position, they are trying to impose their views and publicly delegitimize the vote.
Among other groundless arguments, they insinuate that low participation percentages limit the importance of the vote in favor of statehood. I have always said that there is no fairer standard to judge a person’s arguments than the one she has espoused herself. As such, we proceed to evaluate both congresswomen's elections by their own standards.
On Tuesday, and with 99% reporting, Nydia Velazquez received 142,815 votes, which amounts to 83.1% of all votes cast. Impressive! However, those results are misleading. According to her views, we must judge voting results as a percentage of the total registered voters (and not of the votes cast). According to the New York State Board of Elections, as of Nov. 1, 2020, there were 419,240 active and registered voters in New York's 7th District. Thus, in reality, she only received about 34% of the vote.
Is AOC trying to keep Puerto Rico a territory? 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. 83% (34 Votes) 17% (7 Votes)
Similarly, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez received 105,455 votes (68.8%). However, there are 360,452 active voters in the 14th District. That means she got less than 30% of the total possible votes.
On a side note, even the chairman of Natural Resources Committee in the House, Raul Grijalva, who has been adamant in recognizing the moral and civil justice implications regarding statehood, only received 37% of the total possible votes in Arizona’s 3rd District.
Under their premises and arguments: they should reconsider their position; they are not representative of the people; they don’t have a mandate; their legitimacy is questionable.
Finally, and most importantly, Velazquez or Ocasio-Cortez received zero votes from the American citizens residing on the island of Puerto Rico. Zero is, I think, relatively low.
Democracy and the political process have clear and specific rules of engagement and interpretation. These are the cornerstones of the social contract. Under our voting system, the votes duly cast are the ones that are counted. Prevailing in a referendum by a vote percentage of 52-48 is nothing to be apologetic about: It’s equivalent to the winning margin of George W. Bush in 2004, Barack Obama in 2012 – and Joe Biden this year. A majority of the votes cast is recognized as the people’s will. Otherwise, legitimacy and stability are impossible to achieve. That is democracy; that is the rule of law.
It is a contradiction to proclaim the virtues of democracy and then work hard to hinder it. Consistency and credibility are intertwined. No amount of political spin can discredit democracy and the fact that the American citizens of Puerto Rico demand statehood. No amount of Colonial Math can change that! We, the people, have spoken.


wnd--2020-11-15--Spank a child, do the time!

Spank a child, do the time!

If you physically discipline a child in Scotland , you must be prepared to do time .
That 's according to a new law enacted Saturday banning `` mild physical discipline '' that authorizes police to investigate , charge and jail anyone for the offense .
The Scottish Parliament , in the Children ( Equal Protection from Assault ) ( Scotland ) Act 2019 , now calls such discipline `` assault . ''
Sociologist Ashley Frawley told the Herald newspaper of Scotland the objective of the law does n't appear to be protecting children .
TRENDING : Do n't let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The smacking ban has more to do with punishing parents than preventing the mistreatment of children , '' she wrote .
`` Discouraging smacking is fine .
Many parents choose not to use it .
But should we really be dragging parents to court for using light discipline ? ''
Throughout the campaign for the law , she pointed out , no one was able to offer `` reliable scientific evidence whatsoever to suggest that mild physical discipline does any harm to a child . ''
She also warned that the government really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who now may be subjected to a criminal investigation for managing their families .
`` Other major cultural changes like the smoking ban were heralded through TV and radio adverts , posters and public notices .
But parents in Scotland are supposed to have a sixth sense when it comes to the ban on smacking , '' she explained .
`` The first some parents will hear of the ban will be when they answer the phone to a social worker , or answer the door to a police officer , after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WND previously reported the government issued a `` guidance '' advising people who see a parent disciplining a child physically to call police immediately and report a `` crime in progress . ''
The Herald Scotland reported the The government guidance stated : `` If a parent or carer physically punishes or disciplines their child they can be prosecuted with assault .
Under the current law , depending on what happened , the defense of 'reasonable chastisement ' may be available to them . ''
The government said the new law means children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from assault as adults . ''
`` Restraining a child is about making sure that they are safe and will not come to harm .
But this new law is not about that , '' the government says .
`` It ’ s about removing the defense of 'reasonable chastisement ' .
If you stop your child from coming to harm , you ’ re protecting them .
For example , if you pull your child out of a busy road , you ’ re protecting them .
But if you smack your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punishing them . ''
The U.K. 's Christian Institute noted that last year , the Scottish government 's consultation on a spanking ban showed that 97 % of submissions by members of the public were opposed to a ban , while just 3 % supported it .

If you physically discipline a child in Scotland, you must be prepared to do time.
That's according to a new law enacted Saturday banning "mild physical discipline" that authorizes police to investigate, charge and jail anyone for the offense.
The Scottish Parliament, in the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Act 2019, now calls such discipline "assault."
Sociologist Ashley Frawley told the Herald newspaper of Scotland the objective of the law doesn't appear to be protecting children.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
"The smacking ban has more to do with punishing parents than preventing the mistreatment of children," she wrote. "Discouraging smacking is fine. Many parents choose not to use it. But should we really be dragging parents to court for using light discipline?"
Throughout the campaign for the law, she pointed out, no one was able to offer "reliable scientific evidence whatsoever to suggest that mild physical discipline does any harm to a child."
She also warned that the government really has made no effort to warn parents who now may be subjected to a criminal investigation for managing their families.
"Other major cultural changes like the smoking ban were heralded through TV and radio adverts, posters and public notices. But parents in Scotland are supposed to have a sixth sense when it comes to the ban on smacking," she explained. "The first some parents will hear of the ban will be when they answer the phone to a social worker, or answer the door to a police officer, after being reported for using physical discipline."
Should parents spank their children? 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. 96% (199 Votes) 4% (8 Votes)
WND previously reported the government issued a "guidance" advising people who see a parent disciplining a child physically to call police immediately and report a "crime in progress."
The Herald Scotland reported the The government guidance stated: "If a parent or carer physically punishes or disciplines their child they can be prosecuted with assault. Under the current law, depending on what happened, the defense of 'reasonable chastisement' may be available to them."
The government said the new law means children will have "the same legal protection from assault as adults."
"Restraining a child is about making sure that they are safe and will not come to harm. But this new law is not about that," the government says. "It’s about removing the defense of 'reasonable chastisement'. If you stop your child from coming to harm, you’re protecting them. For example, if you pull your child out of a busy road, you’re protecting them. But if you smack your child afterwards, you’re physically punishing them."
The U.K.'s Christian Institute noted that last year, the Scottish government's consultation on a spanking ban showed that 97% of submissions by members of the public were opposed to a ban, while just 3% supported it.


wnd--2020-11-15--Campaign to exclude church from community fails

A California court has released a ruling that allows a church to rent a former YMCA building in Thousand Oaks , rejecting arguments from a loosely organized association that the congregation should n't be allowed into the community .
It was the Ventura County Superior Court that decided in favor of a nonprofit foundation that bought a former YMCA and then agreed to lease it to Godspeak Calvary Chapel , according to Liberty Counsel .
Liberty Counsel Chairman Mat Staver said : `` This is a great ruling by the Ventura County Superior Court in this frivolous lawsuit against a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the law to welcome a YMCA but refuse a church .
The city of Thousand Oaks followed the law , but a small handful of people want the city to violate zoning laws and federal laws to discriminate against the use of the building for religious services .
This will not happen . ''
The association consists of `` a few individuals has argued that the church should not be considered a religious organization .
The demands of the plaintiffs would have been discriminatory and unconstitutional , because it would have subjected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more onerous burdens solely because of their religious affiliation , '' Liberty Counsel explained .
TRENDING : Do n't let Dems/media hoodwink you about Trump lawsuits The foundation bought the building in 2018 .
It is in a commercial area that is part of a larger residential and commercial development .
The overall development was approved by the city in 2002 .
The city approved an environmental impact report and development permit as required under state law , Liberty Counsel explained .
`` Part of the consideration for approval of the project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parcel of land to the local YMCA for it to build a center in the neighborhood .
The YMCA built and operated a center before it closed in December 2017 .
The YMCA then sold the property , including the building , to the foundation , which made minor changes and provided the facility to Calvary Chapel , '' Liberty Counsel said .
The ruling from Judge Matthew Guasco tentatively decided the Dos Vientos Community Preservation Association can not force the city of Thousand Oaks to discriminate against a California church and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new or amended development permit .
The judge said the foundation demonstrated that the city followed all applicable laws and regulations in granting the building permits for Calvary Chapel , without requiring a new or amended development permit .
`` There is nothing in the city zoning code , or any other applicable law , that requires a burdensome development permit to be obtained when a private facility changes ownership and is converted to church use , '' Liberty Counsel noted .
`` By not requiring a new or amended development permit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city treated the foundation and the church equally with other similarly situated non-religious groups that are also not required to obtain new development permits for similar renovations . ''
Much of the association 's lawsuit , including claims the church was not `` religious , '' previously was dismissed .
The judge noted the city did `` precisely '' what its own municipal code required : to `` process Calvary Chapel 's application for a building permit and determine as a ministerial act whether the proposed use of the subject property was permitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development permit . ''

A California court has released a ruling that allows a church to rent a former YMCA building in Thousand Oaks, rejecting arguments from a loosely organized association that the congregation shouldn't be allowed into the community.
It was the Ventura County Superior Court that decided in favor of a nonprofit foundation that bought a former YMCA and then agreed to lease it to Godspeak Calvary Chapel, according to Liberty Counsel.
Liberty Counsel Chairman Mat Staver said: "This is a great ruling by the Ventura County Superior Court in this frivolous lawsuit against a Christian church. It is a violation of the law to welcome a YMCA but refuse a church. The city of Thousand Oaks followed the law, but a small handful of people want the city to violate zoning laws and federal laws to discriminate against the use of the building for religious services. This will not happen."
The association consists of "a few individuals has argued that the church should not be considered a religious organization. The demands of the plaintiffs would have been discriminatory and unconstitutional, because it would have subjected the church and the foundation to different and more onerous burdens solely because of their religious affiliation," Liberty Counsel explained.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The foundation bought the building in 2018. It is in a commercial area that is part of a larger residential and commercial development. The overall development was approved by the city in 2002. The city approved an environmental impact report and development permit as required under state law, Liberty Counsel explained.
"Part of the consideration for approval of the project was that the developer would donate a parcel of land to the local YMCA for it to build a center in the neighborhood. The YMCA built and operated a center before it closed in December 2017. The YMCA then sold the property, including the building, to the foundation, which made minor changes and provided the facility to Calvary Chapel," Liberty Counsel said.
The ruling from Judge Matthew Guasco tentatively decided the Dos Vientos Community Preservation Association cannot force the city of Thousand Oaks to discriminate against a California church and a non-profit organization by requiring it to get a new or amended development permit.
The judge said the foundation demonstrated that the city followed all applicable laws and regulations in granting the building permits for Calvary Chapel, without requiring a new or amended development permit.
Should churches be allowed to use commercial buildings? 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% (82 Votes) 0% (0 Votes)
"There is nothing in the city zoning code, or any other applicable law, that requires a burdensome development permit to be obtained when a private facility changes ownership and is converted to church use," Liberty Counsel noted. "By not requiring a new or amended development permit, as the plaintiffs demanded, the city treated the foundation and the church equally with other similarly situated non-religious groups that are also not required to obtain new development permits for similar renovations."
Much of the association's lawsuit, including claims the church was not "religious," previously was dismissed.
The judge noted the city did "precisely" what its own municipal code required: to "process Calvary Chapel's application for a building permit and determine as a ministerial act whether the proposed use of the subject property was permitted with the C-1 zone by the existing development permit."


wnd--2020-11-15--'Skyscraper of the Year' award goes to Russia's Lakhta Center

( ZEROHEDGE ) – For the first time in its two-decade history , the annual Emporis Skyscraper Awards , the @ @ @ @ @ for high-rise architecture , awarded a Russian project .
The Lakhta Center skyscraper in St. @ @ @ @ @ of the year '' award on Nov. 10 .
Designed by Gorproject and RMJM , @ @ @ @ @ meters ) Lakhta Center is Europe 's tallest skyscraper and the 15th-tallest globally – also @ @ @ @ @ 's state-owned multinational energy corporation , Gazprom .
The building will open to the public @ @ @ @ @ Emporis ' statement , they chose the Lakhta Center as the favorite because of the @ @ @ @ @ . ''
If you had to ask us , the building 's form appears to @ @ @ @ @ hypersonic missiles deployed with the military .

(ZEROHEDGE) – For the first time in its two-decade history, the annual Emporis Skyscraper Awards, the world's most distinguished prizes for high-rise architecture, awarded a Russian project. The Lakhta Center skyscraper in St. Petersburg received the "skyscraper of the year" award on Nov. 10.
Designed by Gorproject and RMJM, the 1,515 feet (462 meters) Lakhta Center is Europe's tallest skyscraper and the 15th-tallest globally – also the new headquarters of Russia's state-owned multinational energy corporation, Gazprom. The building will open to the public in 2021.
According to Emporis' statement, they chose the Lakhta Center as the favorite because of the "skyscraper's unusual form." If you had to ask us, the building's form appears to resemble one of Russia's hypersonic missiles deployed with the military.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-11-15--Mutual of Omaha replaces Indian chief logo with African lion

( ABC NEWS ) – Mutual of Omaha on Thursday unveiled a new corporate logo depicting an African lion , @ @ @ @ @ that had been the symbol of the insurance and financial services company for 70 years @ @ @ @ @ company announced in July its plans for a change as corporations and sports teams around @ @ @ @ @ to dump nicknames and depictions that reference American Indians amid a nationwide movement calling for @ @ @ @ @ said in a news release Thursday that its new logo not only projects protection and @ @ @ @ @ strong brand connection to the company that might be as well known by for its @ @ @ @ @ television program `` Mutual of Omaha 's Wild Kingdom . ''

(ABC NEWS) – Mutual of Omaha on Thursday unveiled a new corporate logo depicting an African lion, replacing the Indian chief head that had been the symbol of the insurance and financial services company for 70 years.
The Omaha, Nebraska-based company announced in July its plans for a change as corporations and sports teams around the country face increasing pressure to dump nicknames and depictions that reference American Indians amid a nationwide movement calling for racial justice.
The company said in a news release Thursday that its new logo not only projects protection and strength but also delivers a strong brand connection to the company that might be as well known by for its longtime sponsorship of the wildlife television program "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-11-14--Nation to pay for state's 'alleged consumer protections'

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Markets . ]
In June of 2018 , California made waves by passing the California Consumer Privacy Act ( CCPA ) , legislation that aimed to regulate business collection and dissemination of consumer data .
Because of the size of California ’ s economy , the reach of the CCPA extended far beyond the Golden State ’ s borders .
On November 3 , Californians voted to expand the scope of the law even further , potentially kicking off another wave of burdensome consumer privacy regulations among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a laudable goal , the CCPA places significant compliance burdens on businesses , many of which are located outside of California or don ’ t fit the traditional notion of a big tech company .
In today ’ s information-driven economy , businesses that collect consumer data aren ’ t necessarily big social media companies or even shady online advertising firms .
That ’ s why some California steakhouse diners were surprised to find a printed CCPA notice along with their meals ; restaurants that collect email addresses for reservations or promotions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRENDING : Do n't let Dems/media hoodwink you about Trump lawsuits For many businesses operating in California , complying with the CCPA was far more costly than printing out a notice , however .
California legislators can ’ t plead ignorance of this fact — prior to the law ’ s implementation , the California Attorney General ’ s office prepared a report warning of staggering compliance costs for businesses .
The report warned that compliance with the law would cost California businesses $ 55 billion upfront , and another $ 16.5 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also found that businesses with under 20 employees would have to spend $ 50,000 on compliance on average , while businesses with 20-100 employees would be forced to spend double that .
And that ’ s just for California-based businesses .
Companies that do any significant business in California arelikely to get tied up in the need to comply with the law , meaning that the CCPA effectively applies to most businesses with a national footprint .
This Election Day , California voters decided that the solution to this problem would be to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot measure that California voters approved would create even stricter protections for a subcategory of personal information known as “ sensitive personal information.
” Even prior to November 3 , two states — Maine and Nevada — had passed consumer privacy laws of their own .
Between 2018 and the election , 24 states had seen legislation introduced that would enact similar consumer privacy protection regulations .
And around the country , state legislatures are beginning to look beyond the pandemic and turn their attention back to the legislative priorities that had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California ’ s expansion of the CCPA prove to be the harbinger of a second wave of state consumer privacy legislation , it could be an unfortunate lesson on why states regulating outside their borders is a problem .
Already struggling to navigate a few states ’ privacy laws , businesses could find themselves forced to navigate a patchwork of competing , and possibly conflicting , state privacy laws .
Already , Massachusetts ’ s requirements regarding confidentiality on data breaches is in direct conflict with other states ’ requirements that consumers must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is why Congress should consider a single , uniform standard that reduces the compliance burden of protecting consumers from privacy breaches as much as possible .
As the national legislative body tasked with maintaining the free flow of commerce between the states , it is Congress ’ s duty to smooth out growing rifts between states that could harm innovation and economic growth .
After all , the last thing businesses getting back on their feet for the first time after a pandemic need is to be knocked on their backs by @ @ @ @

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Markets.]
By Andrew Wilford
Real Clear Markets
In June of 2018, California made waves by passing the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), legislation that aimed to regulate business collection and dissemination of consumer data. Because of the size of California’s economy, the reach of the CCPA extended far beyond the Golden State’s borders. On November 3, Californians voted to expand the scope of the law even further, potentially kicking off another wave of burdensome consumer privacy regulations among other states.
While protecting consumer privacy is a laudable goal, the CCPA places significant compliance burdens on businesses, many of which are located outside of California or don’t fit the traditional notion of a big tech company. In today’s information-driven economy, businesses that collect consumer data aren’t necessarily big social media companies or even shady online advertising firms. That’s why some California steakhouse diners were surprised to find a printed CCPA notice along with their meals; restaurants that collect email addresses for reservations or promotions could run afoul of the law.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
For many businesses operating in California, complying with the CCPA was far more costly than printing out a notice, however. California legislators can’t plead ignorance of this fact — prior to the law’s implementation, the California Attorney General’s office prepared a report warning of staggering compliance costs for businesses.
The report warned that compliance with the law would cost California businesses $55 billion upfront, and another $16.5 billion over the next decade. The report also found that businesses with under 20 employees would have to spend $50,000 on compliance on average, while businesses with 20-100 employees would be forced to spend double that.
And that’s just for California-based businesses. Companies that do any significant business in California arelikely to get tied up in the need to comply with the law, meaning that the CCPA effectively applies to most businesses with a national footprint.
This Election Day, California voters decided that the solution to this problem would be to expand the CCPA even further. A ballot measure that California voters approved would create even stricter protections for a subcategory of personal information known as “sensitive personal information.”
Should the government regulate business collection of consumer data? 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. 24% (14 Votes) 76% (44 Votes)
Even prior to November 3, two states — Maine and Nevada — had passed consumer privacy laws of their own. Between 2018 and the election, 24 states had seen legislation introduced that would enact similar consumer privacy protection regulations. And around the country, state legislatures are beginning to look beyond the pandemic and turn their attention back to the legislative priorities that had been building steam prior to February.
Should California’s expansion of the CCPA prove to be the harbinger of a second wave of state consumer privacy legislation, it could be an unfortunate lesson on why states regulating outside their borders is a problem. Already struggling to navigate a few states’ privacy laws, businesses could find themselves forced to navigate a patchwork of competing, and possibly conflicting, state privacy laws. Already, Massachusetts’s requirements regarding confidentiality on data breaches is in direct conflict with other states’ requirements that consumers must be notified of such a breach.
This is why Congress should consider a single, uniform standard that reduces the compliance burden of protecting consumers from privacy breaches as much as possible. As the national legislative body tasked with maintaining the free flow of commerce between the states, it is Congress’s duty to smooth out growing rifts between states that could harm innovation and economic growth. After all, the last thing businesses getting back on their feet for the first time after a pandemic need is to be knocked on their backs by new regulatory burdens.


wnd--2020-11-14--Internet reacts to Donald Trump's new gray hair

( NEW YORK POST ) – President Trump on Friday got more buzz on social media for his hair color @ @ @ @ @ gray and white – than his latest news on the coronavirus vaccine .
The president @ @ @ @ @ blonde combover – appears to have faded to a natural tint of gray and white @ @ @ @ @ since the 2020 election was called in favor of Joe Biden .
Trump , speaking @ @ @ @ @ , did n't mention his fading locks – which he has shown previously – but @ @ @ @ @ to point out his new style .

(NEW YORK POST) – President Trump on Friday got more buzz on social media for his hair color – a shade somewhere between gray and white – than his latest news on the coronavirus vaccine.
The president's signature do – a blonde combover – appears to have faded to a natural tint of gray and white in his first public appearance since the 2020 election was called in favor of Joe Biden.
Trump, speaking about the coronavirus vaccine Friday, didn't mention his fading locks – which he has shown previously – but social media users were quick to point out his new style.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-11-14--UC Santa Barbara now offers paid 'Racial Justice Fellowships'

( THE COLLEGE FIX ) – The University of California Santa Barbara announced that it will offer paid `` Racial @ @ @ @ @ graduate students .
`` The Racial Justice Fellowships will provide recipients $ 8,000 in summer @ @ @ @ @ top of a five-year package of full funding , '' the public university said in @ @ @ @ @ school described it as `` an initiative designed to enhance the recruitment of graduate students @ @ @ @ @ and mentorship around racial justice '' and said it comes in `` light of recent @ @ @ @ @ at Black communities and the persistence of systemic racism . ''

(THE COLLEGE FIX) – The University of California Santa Barbara announced that it will offer paid "Racial Justice Fellowships" to four graduate students.
"The Racial Justice Fellowships will provide recipients $8,000 in summer funding for three years on top of a five-year package of full funding," the public university said in its news release.
The school described it as "an initiative designed to enhance the recruitment of graduate students committed to teaching, research and mentorship around racial justice" and said it comes in "light of recent protests against police violence directed at Black communities and the persistence of systemic racism."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-11-14--Post-election announcement of vaccine ripped by White House

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
They were very happy , and they were in a hurry to get to the White House .
On Saturday morning , thousands gathered just beyond the executive residence to cheer the ouster of Donald Trump as much as the apparent victory of Joe Biden .
Some danced and others popped champagne and most , but not all , wore masks in a crowded celebration that continued throughout the weekend .
More good news , the non-partisan kind , came Monday in a New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Early Data Shows Vaccine Is More Than 90 % Effective.
” While the reaction was universally positive , it was still a bittersweet development for the staffers inside the White House .
Of course , they cheered .
How couldn ’ t they ?
Everyone wants the pandemic over .
They just wished word of the vaccine had come sooner — literally any moment before Election Day .
Monday night , in a tweet , the president complained that “ Pfizer and the others would only announce a vaccine after the Election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the courage to do it before.
” TRENDING : Do n't let Dems/media hoodwink you about Trump lawsuits A senior White House aide told RealClearPolitics that the administration only learned of the vaccine from news reports .
Biden , meanwhile , was notified the night before .
He offered congratulations and heralded the breakthrough as a “ cause for hope.
” But he told the country to keep covering their faces .
“ The head of the CDC warned this fall that for the foreseeable future , a mask remains a more potent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Biden wrote in a statement .
“ Today 's news does not change this urgent reality .
Americans will have to rely on masking , distancing , contact tracing , hand washing , and other measures to keep themselves safe well into next year.
” Dispensing with nuance , Trump reacted with characteristic superlatives .
“ STOCK MARKET UP BIG , VACCINE COMING SOON .
REPORT 90 % EFFECTIVE , ” he tweeted .
“ SUCH GREAT NEWS !
” The president had promised for months that the beginning of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warp Speed , the effort to deliver a vaccine in record time , was on track , he liked to remind reporters , and the effort might even develop a vaccine “ before a very special date.
” '' President Trump is getting this vaccine in record time , ” Trump said at a September news conference .
“ By the way , if this were the Obama administration , you would n't have that vaccine for three years , and you probably would n't have it at all.
” But Dr. Moncef @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operation Warp Speed , said a vaccine by October was unlikely .
So did Dr. Anthony Fauci , the most prominent and popular member of the White House coronavirus task force .
Instead , the vaccine announcement came six days after the election as votes are still being counted in some parts of the country .
A spokeswoman for Pfizer said the timing of the vaccine was always apolitical .
“ We have always said that science is driving how we conduct ourselves — not politics , ” Kathrin Jansen , a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research and development at the company , told the Times .
She insisted that Pfizer was not a part of Operation Warp Speed .
But as Jansen later conceded , the company had agreed to be a supplier of the vaccine .
In a July press release , the company announced that Pfizer and German partner BioNTech had reached an agreement with Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense “ to meet the U.S. government ’ s Operation Warp Speed program goal to begin delivering 300 million doses of a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. government will pay the companies $ 1.95 billion upon the receipt of the first 100 million doses , following FDA authorization or approval .
The U.S. government also can acquire up to an additional 500 million doses , ” the company added at the time .
Trump and his campaign aides could hardly be blamed for wondering what would have happened if a vaccine had been available before the election .
Exit polling shows that the coronavirus was a top concern for voters , and Republicans can ’ t help but wonder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump across the finish line first .
Some were bitter at the Pfizer announcement , and one senior White House official monitoring vaccine development even told RealClearPolitics , “ It is a scandal.
” “ They intentionally did n't look at the data when originally planned , ” the source told RCP .
“ And it likely would have been announced in October if they did look at it as originally planned.
” The statement was in reference to the pharmaceutical company ’ s decision in late October to forgo an initial interim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ STAT first reported , Pfizer began the analysis of the trial vaccine the Wednesday after Election Day .
“ This means that the statistical strength of the result is likely far stronger than was initially expected , ” Matthew Herper reported after a Monday interview with William Gruber , Pfizer ’ s senior vice president of vaccine clinical research and development .
Herper added , “ It also means that if Pfizer had held to the original plan , the data would likely have been available in October.
” Pfizer Chairman and CEO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open letter that “ we are operating at the speed of science , ” and “ we may know whether or not our vaccine is effective by the end of October.
” While bickering continues in Washington over what could have been , Pfizer and government officials are now planning how to distribute the vaccine .
It won ’ t be easy .
To be effective , the injection must be administered twice .
Shipping the vaccine presents another massive challenge — it must be kept at -80 Celsius during transportation .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic that began in China , and which experts agree was made worse by Beijing 's malfeasance , could soon end , thanks to the efforts of an American pharmaceutical company .
“ There ’ s a lot at stake for humanity , ” Bourla told the New York Times .
“ If we get it right , the world can be saved.
” [ 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 Philip Wegmann
Real Clear Politics
They were very happy, and they were in a hurry to get to the White House. On Saturday morning, thousands gathered just beyond the executive residence to cheer the ouster of Donald Trump as much as the apparent victory of Joe Biden. Some danced and others popped champagne and most, but not all, wore masks in a crowded celebration that continued throughout the weekend.
More good news, the non-partisan kind, came Monday in a New York Times headline: “Pfizer’s Early Data Shows Vaccine Is More Than 90% Effective.”
While the reaction was universally positive, it was still a bittersweet development for the staffers inside the White House. Of course, they cheered. How couldn’t they? Everyone wants the pandemic over. They just wished word of the vaccine had come sooner — literally any moment before Election Day. Monday night, in a tweet, the president complained that “Pfizer and the others would only announce a vaccine after the Election, because they didn’t have the courage to do it before.”
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
A senior White House aide told RealClearPolitics that the administration only learned of the vaccine from news reports. Biden, meanwhile, was notified the night before. He offered congratulations and heralded the breakthrough as a “cause for hope.” But he told the country to keep covering their faces.
“The head of the CDC warned this fall that for the foreseeable future, a mask remains a more potent weapon against the virus than the vaccine,” Biden wrote in a statement. “Today's news does not change this urgent reality. Americans will have to rely on masking, distancing, contact tracing, hand washing, and other measures to keep themselves safe well into next year.”
Dispensing with nuance, Trump reacted with characteristic superlatives. “STOCK MARKET UP BIG, VACCINE COMING SOON. REPORT 90% EFFECTIVE,” he tweeted. “SUCH GREAT NEWS!” The president had promised for months that the beginning of the end was around the corner. Operation Warp Speed, the effort to deliver a vaccine in record time, was on track, he liked to remind reporters, and the effort might even develop a vaccine “before a very special date.”
"President Trump is getting this vaccine in record time,” Trump said at a September news conference. “By the way, if this were the Obama administration, you wouldn't have that vaccine for three years, and you probably wouldn't have it at all.”
Has the coronavirus vaccine been politicized? 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% (79 Votes) 0% (0 Votes)
But Dr. Moncef Slaoui, the chief scientific adviser to Operation Warp Speed, said a vaccine by October was unlikely. So did Dr. Anthony Fauci, the most prominent and popular member of the White House coronavirus task force. Instead, the vaccine announcement came six days after the election as votes are still being counted in some parts of the country.
A spokeswoman for Pfizer said the timing of the vaccine was always apolitical. “We have always said that science is driving how we conduct ourselves — not politics,” Kathrin Jansen, a senior vice president and the head of vaccine research and development at the company, told the Times. She insisted that Pfizer was not a part of Operation Warp Speed.
But as Jansen later conceded, the company had agreed to be a supplier of the vaccine. In a July press release, the company announced that Pfizer and German partner BioNTech had reached an agreement with Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense “to meet the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed program goal to begin delivering 300 million doses of a vaccine for COVID-19 in 2021.”
“The U.S. government will pay the companies $1.95 billion upon the receipt of the first 100 million doses, following FDA authorization or approval. The U.S. government also can acquire up to an additional 500 million doses,” the company added at the time.
Trump and his campaign aides could hardly be blamed for wondering what would have happened if a vaccine had been available before the election. Exit polling shows that the coronavirus was a top concern for voters, and Republicans can’t help but wonder whether this good news might have pushed Trump across the finish line first. Some were bitter at the Pfizer announcement, and one senior White House official monitoring vaccine development even told RealClearPolitics, “It is a scandal.”
“They intentionally didn't look at the data when originally planned,” the source told RCP. “And it likely would have been announced in October if they did look at it as originally planned.”
The statement was in reference to the pharmaceutical company’s decision in late October to forgo an initial interim analysis. Instead, as industry journal STAT first reported, Pfizer began the analysis of the trial vaccine the Wednesday after Election Day.
“This means that the statistical strength of the result is likely far stronger than was initially expected,” Matthew Herper reported after a Monday interview with William Gruber, Pfizer’s senior vice president of vaccine clinical research and development. Herper added, “It also means that if Pfizer had held to the original plan, the data would likely have been available in October.”
Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla asserted in an Oct. 16 open letter that “we are operating at the speed of science,” and “we may know whether or not our vaccine is effective by the end of October.”
While bickering continues in Washington over what could have been, Pfizer and government officials are now planning how to distribute the vaccine. It won’t be easy. To be effective, the injection must be administered twice. Shipping the vaccine presents another massive challenge — it must be kept at -80 Celsius during transportation.
The reward will be worth it. The pandemic that began in China, and which experts agree was made worse by Beijing's malfeasance, could soon end, thanks to the efforts of an American pharmaceutical company.
“There’s a lot at stake for humanity,” Bourla told the New York Times. “If we get it right, the world can be saved.”
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]


wnd--2020-11-17--Report: CNN may be dumped by AT&T after 'hit' from 'hating Trump'

AT & T is reportedly considering selling CNN to help pay off its $ 150 billion debt .
`` The balance sheet over there is a real problem ... CNN does not have Donald Trump to kick around anymore .
Their ratings will take a hit .
They are owned by a company that is financially unstable , $ 150 billion in debt AT & T has .
They need to cut costs , there 's an activist investor out there , '' Fox Business senior correspondent Charlie Gasparino reported last week .
Gasaprino also reported Monday that AT & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and are pressuring them to cut costs .
TRENDING : President Trump drops In on 'Million MAGA March ' in drive-by cameo The possible sale of CNN comes amid fierce competition from other cable networks like Fox News and MSNBC .
Fox News has consistently achieved high ratings in recent months , mostly because it is the only conservative-leaning cable network that majority of cable providers carry .
MSNBC and CNN 's primetime shows display a left-wing perspective , so there are more options .
CNN 's content has skewed anti-Trump for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ network may need to search for a fresh angle under the projected Biden administration .
Coverage of the Biden administration would undoubtedly be lighter , despite whether or not something is worth reporting .
Regardless , if Joe Biden wins the presidency , the Trump show will be winding down in January .
President of CNN Jeff Zucker has made it an effort to focus on critical coverage of candidate and President Donald Trump , and many are left wondering how the network will navigate the post Trump era .
`` Critics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalibrate itself in case Biden wins the presidency , potentially setting in place a less frenetic environment — and , some predict , a drop in viewership for news outlets across the board .
The news cycle , as always , will continue unabated , but the next few weeks will likely determine whether Jeff Zucker or Jason Kilar has a greater hand in determining how CNN contributes to it , '' Variety 's Brian Steinberg writes about the future of the network and its leadership .
Without constant coverage of the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CNN is bound for a rating slumps in the coming years .
Zucker will need to experiment with new shows and streaming options if he does not want to risk having CNN on the chopping block .
But with the massive amount of debt AT & T is in , it may be a lost cause .
If CNN does end up selling , the new owner better be ready to navigate a new era of political media .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

AT&T is reportedly considering selling CNN to help pay off its $150 billion debt.
"The balance sheet over there is a real problem ... CNN does not have Donald Trump to kick around anymore. Their ratings will take a hit. They are owned by a company that is financially unstable, $150 billion in debt AT&T has. They need to cut costs, there's an activist investor out there," Fox Business senior correspondent Charlie Gasparino reported last week.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
Gasparino also reported Monday that AT&T is currently at odds with investors, who are pressuring management to cut costs.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
SCOOP: @ATT investors saying current management team of John Stankey/Randall Stephenson not moving fast enough to cut costs including massive debt load and lamenting @DIRECTV - TimeWarner deals. Some have gone to board to bring back Ed Whitacre more 345 @FoxBusiness — Charles Gasparino (@CGasparino) November 16, 2020
Investors believe AT&T overpaid for Time Warner, will have difficult time finding synergies for it: Gasparino https://t.co/bfKpbQwsRV — Charles Gasparino (@CGasparino) November 16, 2020
The possible sale of CNN comes amid fierce competition from other cable networks like Fox News and MSNBC.
Fox News has consistently achieved high ratings in recent months, mostly because it is the only conservative-leaning cable network that majority of cable providers carry.
MSNBC and CNN's primetime shows display a left-wing perspective, so there are more options.
CNN's content has skewed anti-Trump for the past four years, so the network may need to search for a fresh angle under the projected Biden administration.
Coverage of the Biden administration would undoubtedly be lighter, despite whether or not something is worth reporting. Regardless, if Joe Biden wins the presidency, the Trump show will be winding down in January.
President of CNN Jeff Zucker has made it an effort to focus on critical coverage of candidate and President Donald Trump, and many are left wondering how the network will navigate the post Trump era.
"Critics and some former employees wonder whether CNN can recalibrate itself in case Biden wins the presidency, potentially setting in place a less frenetic environment — and, some predict, a drop in viewership for news outlets across the board. The news cycle, as always, will continue unabated, but the next few weeks will likely determine whether Jeff Zucker or Jason Kilar has a greater hand in determining how CNN contributes to it," Variety's Brian Steinberg writes about the future of the network and its leadership.
Without constant coverage of the Trump administration, which arguably makes great television, CNN is bound for a rating slumps in the coming years.
Zucker will need to experiment with new shows and streaming options if he does not want to risk having CNN on the chopping block. But with the massive amount of debt AT&T is in, it may be a lost cause.
If CNN does end up selling, the new owner better be ready to navigate a new era of political media.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.