wnd--2020-09-02--China accused of subordinating freedom and human rights

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
Communism is back in the news .
That ’ s in part because the Trump administration has made a national priority of informing the public about the China challenge .
Earlier this summer four senior officials -- National Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien , FBI Director Christopher Wray , Attorney General William Barr , and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo -- gave a series of speeches highlighting the communist roots of China ’ s autocratic conduct and of its ambitions to reconfigure world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 94 % of COVID deaths had an underlying condition , only 6 % were COVID alone Those speeches , however , did not include any scoops .
They addressed a widely neglected -- and sometimes aggressively downplayed -- development stretching across the better part of a decade .
Since his accession in 2012 to the position of general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) , Xi Jinping has ruled China with dictatorial powers while consistently reaffirming the centrality of communism to the CCP ’ s quest to transform China into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influential nation .
According to the “ South China Morning Post , ” Xi wrote in an article published this month that “ The foundation of China ’ s political economy can only be a Marxist political economy , and not be based on other economic theories.
” Therefore , “ The dominant position of public ownership can not be shaken , and the leading role of the state-owned economy can not be shaken.
” Xi ’ s opinions reflect party orthodoxy .
In 1954 Mao Zedong , founder of the People ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and first CCP chairman , could not have been clearer : “ The force at the core that leads our cause is the Chinese Communist Party ; the theoretical foundation that guides our thinking is Marxism-Leninism.
” In accordance with changing circumstances , the CCP has devised , in Xi ’ s words , “ socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.
” Yet the party remains dedicated to its communist foundations .
In 2019 , Xi lavishly celebrated the 40th anniversary of former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping ’ s announcement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) We must keep to the socialist road ; 2 ) We must uphold the dictatorship of the proletariat ; 3 ) We must uphold the leadership of the Communist Party ; 4 ) We must uphold Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought.
” Xi has been good to his word .
On his watch , the CCP has adhered to 20th century communism ’ s totalitarian fundamentals .
In China , the party is supreme .
It absorbs the state .
It subordinates the individual to its dictates .
It directs the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranks .
It ruthlessly controls education , the media , culture , and religion .
It maintains massive and brutal internment camps to compel minorities to profess the party ’ s teachings .
And it preaches the priority of socialism ’ s battle to overcome capitalism and freedom .
Like communist dictatorships before it , the CCP dedicates vast resources to impose intellectual conformity .
The party employs the latest in high-tech tools to maintain the Great Firewall of China , which limits the people ’ s access to websites outside the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information inside the country and facial-recognition cameras to surveil the population .
At the same time , Xi has revitalized communist ideological indoctrination .
“ We will work harder to study and develop Marxist theory , ” he vowed in 2017 .
“ We will foster a Marxist style of learning and make it regular and an institutionalized requirement for all party members.
” Despite the overwhelming evidence of the Chinese Communist Party ’ s communist bona fides , critics have charged that the Trump administration ’ s emphasis on communism as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regime ’ s true character and exaggerates the danger China presents .
In a thoughtful and well-informed such critique , “ Xi Jinping is not Stalin , ” which appeared this month in Foreign Affairs , Michael McFaul usefully elaborates a number of crucial differences between Stalin ’ s U.S.S.R. and Xi ’ s People ’ s Republic of China .
He rightly argues that competition with China should not be seen as a repeat of the struggle with the Soviet Union .
And he convincingly contends that to meet the China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom and democracy at home , not least by promoting education , particularly in science and technology .
But McFaul fails to heed his own salutary warning against “ false analogies from the Cold War.
” Assuming that there ’ s only one way -- and that is Stalin ’ s way -- for communism to threaten the free world and the rules-based international order that it established in the aftermath of World War II , he neglects the distinguishing elements of the CCP ’ s brand of communism and its intellectual sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new age ” that Xi proudly touts leads McFaul to overlook crucial features of the CCP ’ s conduct , underestimate its ambitions , and downplay the danger it poses to the United States and friends of freedom around the world .
A former U.S. ambassador to Russia and a professor of political science at Stanford ( as well as my Hoover Institution colleague ) , McFaul accuses the Trump administration of warmongering , maintaining that “ to accelerate a Cold War with China , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” President Harry S. Truman ’ s approach to the Soviets .
However , argues McFaul , Xi is not “ Stalin ’ s heir.
” While acknowledging that “ Xi runs a ruthless and oppressive dictatorship , ” McFaul insists that “ Stalin ’ s regime was far more totalitarian in its control over every aspect of Soviet citizens ’ lives.
” When one looks to foreign policy , “ the analogy unravels further , ” according to McFaul .
“ Stalin openly proclaimed his desire for a global communist revolution , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states under Moscow ’ s rule.
” And the dictator acted on his desire .
The Soviet Union conquered Eastern Europe , aided Mao , and supported communists in Greece .
Eventually , the Soviets backed communist insurgents and regimes around the world .
“ Xi , by contrast , has not orchestrated the overthrow of a single regime , ” writes McFaul .
“ Hong Kong comes closest , ” he recognizes , though he omits mention of the CCP ’ s determination -- by force if necessary -- to bring free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control and to claim sovereignty over the South China Sea far beyond the country ’ s internationally recognized territorial waters .
McFaul notes , moreover , that “ Beijing has also invested tremendous resources in propagating its ideas , most of which are antithetical to liberalism and democracy , and provided surveillance technologies and economic aid to sustain autocracies in other countries.
” But none of this makes Xi Stalin , stresses McFaul : “ Xi has yet to instigate a coup , arm insurgents , or invade a democracy and install a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeks to subvert American democracy.
” By analogizing America ’ s struggle against the PRC to the U.S. struggle against the Soviet Union , McFaul contends , the Trump administration fosters a recklessness reminiscent of those zealous prosecutors of the Cold War , who viewed “ every leftist and national liberation movement as an enemy to be defeated.
” Pursuing his own Cold War analogy , McFaul admonishes , “ That mindset contributed to some of the worst American excesses during the Cold War , including McCarthyism , the fictitious ‘ missile gap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for brutal right-wing dictatorships , including even apartheid in South Africa.
” The president ’ s foreign policy team , McFaul alleges , promulgates a bellicose , self-serving fantasy : “ The Trump administration undoubtedly would like a Stalinist leader to be in charge in Beijing , if only to better mobilize and unite Americans against him.
” Such wishful thinking , McFaul concludes , “ gets in the way of developing a sophisticated , successful U.S. policy to contain , deter , and engage China over the long haul.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the conviction , based on the very sort of “ lazy historical analogy ” that he purports to reject , that because Xi has not subverted democracy , overthrown regimes , and established communist dictatorships in the manner of Stalin , China can not present a serious and urgent threat to democracy in America and freedom worldwide .
But imperial dictators can deprive countries of freedom and sovereignty in a variety of ways , some of which may prove more efficacious than those of the Soviet dictator .
In contrast to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , posed a military threat to the free world -- and notwithstanding Beijing ’ s massive military modernization , sophisticated global disinformation campaigns , and concerted efforts to transform international organizations from within in accordance with autocratic norms and standards -- the CCP pursues its global ambitions primarily in the economic sphere .
The CCP seeks control over key international supply chains and essential materials and goods .
It engages in massive intellectual-property theft .
It aims to achieve global industrial dominance in the most advanced technological sectors .
It strives to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5G wireless telecommunications services , thereby obtaining access to enormous amounts of data , which can be used to produce sophisticated AI algorithms and to maintain a global surveillance network .
It uses Bridge and Road Initiative projects -- ports , railroads , highways , and dams -- to expand foreign markets for China ’ s companies and to draw foreign elites and publics into Beijing ’ s geopolitical orbit .
It leverages often-unfettered access to foreign capital markets to finance its largest companies .
And it exploits the freedom of the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governance , prosperity , and national security .
By means of these undertakings , schemes , and techniques -- and unfettered by a respect for human rights and the rule of law -- China creates dependence in nations on all continents .
Such dependence is in keeping with the traditional Chinese tributary system , updated for a high-tech , interconnected , globalized world .
What Xi calls “ the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation , ” which he has elaborated in major speeches and authoritative writings , entails restoring China to the position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold at the center of world order .
The difference of opinion about world order between the United States and China is stark .
For the United States and fellow liberal democracies , the aim is to preserve the freedom and sovereignty of nation-states by fortifying the established order , which is grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law .
For China , the objective is to transform world order .
The CCP seeks to reconfigure the community of nations by placing China at the center while subordinating freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the rule of the law to socialism with Chinese characteristics .
Consequently , understanding the CCP ’ s brand of communism must be a U.S. priority .

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By Peter Berkowitz
Real Clear Politics
Communism is back in the news. That’s in part because the Trump administration has made a national priority of informing the public about the China challenge. Earlier this summer four senior officials -- National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Attorney General William Barr, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo -- gave a series of speeches highlighting the communist roots of China’s autocratic conduct and of its ambitions to reconfigure world order.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Those speeches, however, did not include any scoops. They addressed a widely neglected -- and sometimes aggressively downplayed -- development stretching across the better part of a decade. Since his accession in 2012 to the position of general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Xi Jinping has ruled China with dictatorial powers while consistently reaffirming the centrality of communism to the CCP’s quest to transform China into the world’s most powerful and influential nation.
According to the “South China Morning Post,” Xi wrote in an article published this month that “The foundation of China’s political economy can only be a Marxist political economy, and not be based on other economic theories.” Therefore, “The dominant position of public ownership cannot be shaken, and the leading role of the state-owned economy cannot be shaken.”
Xi’s opinions reflect party orthodoxy. In 1954 Mao Zedong, founder of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and first CCP chairman, could not have been clearer: “The force at the core that leads our cause is the Chinese Communist Party; the theoretical foundation that guides our thinking is Marxism-Leninism.” In accordance with changing circumstances, the CCP has devised, in Xi’s words, “socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.” Yet the party remains dedicated to its communist foundations. In 2019, Xi lavishly celebrated the 40th anniversary of former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping’s announcement of the Four Cardinal Principles: “1) We must keep to the socialist road; 2) We must uphold the dictatorship of the proletariat; 3) We must uphold the leadership of the Communist Party; 4) We must uphold Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought.”
Xi has been good to his word. On his watch, the CCP has adhered to 20th century communism’s totalitarian fundamentals. In China, the party is supreme. It absorbs the state. It subordinates the individual to its dictates. It directs the economy. It purges counterrevolutionary forces from its ranks. It ruthlessly controls education, the media, culture, and religion. It maintains massive and brutal internment camps to compel minorities to profess the party’s teachings. And it preaches the priority of socialism’s battle to overcome capitalism and freedom.
Like communist dictatorships before it, the CCP dedicates vast resources to impose intellectual conformity. The party employs the latest in high-tech tools to maintain the Great Firewall of China, which limits the people’s access to websites outside the country. It uses phone scanners to monitor information inside the country and facial-recognition cameras to surveil the population. At the same time, Xi has revitalized communist ideological indoctrination. “We will work harder to study and develop Marxist theory,” he vowed in 2017. “We will foster a Marxist style of learning and make it regular and an institutionalized requirement for all party members.”
Despite the overwhelming evidence of the Chinese Communist Party’s communist bona fides, critics have charged that the Trump administration’s emphasis on communism as a key to grasping the China challenge obscures the regime’s true character and exaggerates the danger China presents. In a thoughtful and well-informed such critique, “Xi Jinping is not Stalin,” which appeared this month in Foreign Affairs, Michael McFaul usefully elaborates a number of crucial differences between Stalin’s U.S.S.R. and Xi’s People’s Republic of China. He rightly argues that competition with China should not be seen as a repeat of the struggle with the Soviet Union. And he convincingly contends that to meet the China challenge, the United States must strengthen freedom and democracy at home, not least by promoting education, particularly in science and technology.
But McFaul fails to heed his own salutary warning against “false analogies from the Cold War.” Assuming that there’s only one way -- and that is Stalin’s way -- for communism to threaten the free world and the rules-based international order that it established in the aftermath of World War II, he neglects the distinguishing elements of the CCP’s brand of communism and its intellectual sources. The failure to examine the “socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new age” that Xi proudly touts leads McFaul to overlook crucial features of the CCP’s conduct, underestimate its ambitions, and downplay the danger it poses to the United States and friends of freedom around the world.
A former U.S. ambassador to Russia and a professor of political science at Stanford (as well as my Hoover Institution colleague), McFaul accuses the Trump administration of warmongering, maintaining that “to accelerate a Cold War with China,” the White House “seems intent on resurrecting” President Harry S. Truman’s approach to the Soviets. However, argues McFaul, Xi is not “Stalin’s heir.” While acknowledging that “Xi runs a ruthless and oppressive dictatorship,” McFaul insists that “Stalin’s regime was far more totalitarian in its control over every aspect of Soviet citizens’ lives.”
When one looks to foreign policy, “the analogy unravels further,” according to McFaul. “Stalin openly proclaimed his desire for a global communist revolution, hoping to create a network of socialist states under Moscow’s rule.” And the dictator acted on his desire. The Soviet Union conquered Eastern Europe, aided Mao, and supported communists in Greece. Eventually, the Soviets backed communist insurgents and regimes around the world.
“Xi, by contrast, has not orchestrated the overthrow of a single regime,” writes McFaul. “Hong Kong comes closest,” he recognizes, though he omits mention of the CCP’s determination -- by force if necessary -- to bring free and democratic Taiwan under China’s control and to claim sovereignty over the South China Sea far beyond the country’s internationally recognized territorial waters. McFaul notes, moreover, that “Beijing has also invested tremendous resources in propagating its ideas, most of which are antithetical to liberalism and democracy, and provided surveillance technologies and economic aid to sustain autocracies in other countries.” But none of this makes Xi Stalin, stresses McFaul: “Xi has yet to instigate a coup, arm insurgents, or invade a democracy and install a communist regime. Little suggests that he seeks to subvert American democracy.”
By analogizing America’s struggle against the PRC to the U.S. struggle against the Soviet Union, McFaul contends, the Trump administration fosters a recklessness reminiscent of those zealous prosecutors of the Cold War, who viewed “every leftist and national liberation movement as an enemy to be defeated.” Pursuing his own Cold War analogy, McFaul admonishes, “That mindset contributed to some of the worst American excesses during the Cold War, including McCarthyism, the fictitious ‘missile gap,’ the Vietnam War, and support for brutal right-wing dictatorships, including even apartheid in South Africa.”
The president’s foreign policy team, McFaul alleges, promulgates a bellicose, self-serving fantasy: “The Trump administration undoubtedly would like a Stalinist leader to be in charge in Beijing, if only to better mobilize and unite Americans against him.” Such wishful thinking, McFaul concludes, “gets in the way of developing a sophisticated, successful U.S. policy to contain, deter, and engage China over the long haul.”
The principal flaw with McFaul’s arguments is the conviction, based on the very sort of “lazy historical analogy” that he purports to reject, that because Xi has not subverted democracy, overthrown regimes, and established communist dictatorships in the manner of Stalin, China cannot present a serious and urgent threat to democracy in America and freedom worldwide. But imperial dictators can deprive countries of freedom and sovereignty in a variety of ways, some of which may prove more efficacious than those of the Soviet dictator.
In contrast to the Soviets who, in the first place, posed a military threat to the free world -- and notwithstanding Beijing’s massive military modernization, sophisticated global disinformation campaigns, and concerted efforts to transform international organizations from within in accordance with autocratic norms and standards -- the CCP pursues its global ambitions primarily in the economic sphere. The CCP seeks control over key international supply chains and essential materials and goods. It engages in massive intellectual-property theft. It aims to achieve global industrial dominance in the most advanced technological sectors. It strives to become the world’s essential provider of 5G wireless telecommunications services, thereby obtaining access to enormous amounts of data, which can be used to produce sophisticated AI algorithms and to maintain a global surveillance network. It uses Bridge and Road Initiative projects -- ports, railroads, highways, and dams -- to expand foreign markets for China’s companies and to draw foreign elites and publics into Beijing’s geopolitical orbit. It leverages often-unfettered access to foreign capital markets to finance its largest companies. And it exploits the freedom of the world’s liberal democracies to undercut their governance, prosperity, and national security.
By means of these undertakings, schemes, and techniques -- and unfettered by a respect for human rights and the rule of law -- China creates dependence in nations on all continents. Such dependence is in keeping with the traditional Chinese tributary system, updated for a high-tech, interconnected, globalized world. What Xi calls “the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation,” which he has elaborated in major speeches and authoritative writings, entails restoring China to the position that it has traditionally considered itself to hold at the center of world order.
The difference of opinion about world order between the United States and China is stark. For the United States and fellow liberal democracies, the aim is to preserve the freedom and sovereignty of nation-states by fortifying the established order, which is grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law. For China, the objective is to transform world order. The CCP seeks to reconfigure the community of nations by placing China at the center while subordinating freedom, national sovereignty, human rights, and the rule of the law to socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Consequently, understanding the CCP’s brand of communism must be a U.S. priority.


wnd--2020-09-02--Judge lets family sue social worker who strip-searched kids

A federal judge is allowing a Kentucky family to sue a social worker who allegedly forced her way into their home and strip-searched several of their children on an unfounded suspicion of child abuse .
U.S. District Judge Justin Walker said the worker `` lacked even a shadow of probable cause , '' removing the immunity normally accorded government employees .
The Lexington Herald Leader reported the case began March 2017 when Holly Curry left her six young children in her van while she ran into a shop for muffins .
TRENDING : CDC now says 94 % of COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 % were COVID alone There was no apparent danger to the children , but Elizabethtown police officers warned her not to do it again .
They reported her to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services .
The next day , social service worker Jeanetta Childress and Hardin County sheriff ’ s deputy Michael Furnish threatened Curry and forced their way into her home .
The social worker , with the deputy present , strip-searched the children .
With no evidence of a problem , the report said , Childress joked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider this an oopsy daisy . ''
The family , however , filed a civil rights lawsuit against Childress and Furnish .
Judge Walker 's fiery opinion denied the defendants ' motion to dismiss the case and avoid a trial .
The judge stripped the defendants of `` qualified immunity , '' arguing their actions were `` so clearly unconstitutional . ''
`` To hold otherwise would permit social workers to strip search children as a matter of course in every investigation , '' he said .
`` ... Incredibly , Childress repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' strip search any child who was four or under . ''
That violates the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution , which provides protection for Americans from unreasonably searches and seizures , particularly in their own homes , he said .
`` Act One : An ‘ attentive and loving ’ mother gets muffins for her children .
Act Two : There ’ s a knock on her door and a threat by the government to take away her children .
Act Three : Her children are strip searched without cause . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ may never have imagined a `` Cabinet for Health and Family Services .
But they knew their fair share of unwelcome constables .
And they added a Fourth Amendment to our Constitution to protect against this three-act tragedy . ''
The Home School Legal Defense Association , which is representing the Curry family , described the ruling as significant since `` here we have a federal judge saying this sort of behavior is clearly unconstitutional . ''
It 's not the first such problem for the state agency .
The Lexington newspaper reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also took away immunity from social workers and supervisors in two lawsuits in recent months .
The Herald Leader said that in one case , a social worker `` extensively investigated a family and threatened to take away their newborn baby after the mother ate bagel chips with poppy seeds and falsely tested positive for opiate use . ''
`` In the other , a social worker spent three months investigating a single mother for abuse , denying her care and control of her daughter , because of a bruise on the girl @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a 3-year-old daycare playmate . ''
An appeals court later returned the poppy seed case to Bertelsman for additional work .
According to testimony in the Curry case , Childress confronted Curry at her front door and tried to gain immediate entry .
Told she needed a warrant , she said , `` I 'll have to go get the police then . ''
With Furniss beside her , Childress threatened to get an `` emergency court order '' to take her children if she refused to cooperate .
Curry said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call it conversation — at the point after Officer Furnish said , ‘ We ’ ll come back and take all six of your children , ’ in unison , Ms. Childress and Officer Furnish began yelling louder and louder , 'What ’ s it gon na be ?
What ’ s it gon na be ?
What ’ s it gon na be ? '
'' She eventually let them into the home , and the judge found a jury could see the actions of Childress and Furnish as coercion .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
The judge concluded they had no right to violate the children 's `` fundamental dignity . ''
`` Here , Childress lacked even a shadow of probable cause that the Currys physically abused their children , '' the judge wrote .
`` No one had ever reported physical abuse .
There was no evidence of it .
Nothing about their house indicated they lived in dangerous conditions .
The children didn ’ t tell Childress anything that pointed to ‘ a substantial chance ’ of physical abuse . ''
Forty-three days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case was being closed .
But she threatened them again with , `` If we ever get a call against your family again , bad things will happen to you and we ’ ll take your children . ''

A federal judge is allowing a Kentucky family to sue a social worker who allegedly forced her way into their home and strip-searched several of their children on an unfounded suspicion of child abuse.
U.S. District Judge Justin Walker said the worker "lacked even a shadow of probable cause," removing the immunity normally accorded government employees.
The Lexington Herald Leader reported the case began March 2017 when Holly Curry left her six young children in her van while she ran into a shop for muffins.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
There was no apparent danger to the children, but Elizabethtown police officers warned her not to do it again. They reported her to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
The next day, social service worker Jeanetta Childress and Hardin County sheriff’s deputy Michael Furnish threatened Curry and forced their way into her home.
The social worker, with the deputy present, strip-searched the children.
With no evidence of a problem, the report said, Childress joked, "We're just going to consider this an oopsy daisy."
The family, however, filed a civil rights lawsuit against Childress and Furnish. Judge Walker's fiery opinion denied the defendants' motion to dismiss the case and avoid a trial.
The judge stripped the defendants of "qualified immunity," arguing their actions were "so clearly unconstitutional."
"To hold otherwise would permit social workers to strip search children as a matter of course in every investigation," he said. "... Incredibly, Childress repeatedly testified that she believed she should 'automatically' strip search any child who was four or under."
That violates the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, which provides protection for Americans from unreasonably searches and seizures, particularly in their own homes, he said.
"Act One: An ‘attentive and loving’ mother gets muffins for her children. Act Two: There’s a knock on her door and a threat by the government to take away her children. Act Three: Her children are strip searched without cause."
The judge said the nation's Founders may never have imagined a "Cabinet for Health and Family Services. But they knew their fair share of unwelcome constables. And they added a Fourth Amendment to our Constitution to protect against this three-act tragedy."
The Home School Legal Defense Association, which is representing the Curry family, described the ruling as significant since "here we have a federal judge saying this sort of behavior is clearly unconstitutional."
It's not the first such problem for the state agency. The Lexington newspaper reported U.S. District Court Judge William O. Bertelsman also took away immunity from social workers and supervisors in two lawsuits in recent months.
The Herald Leader said that in one case, a social worker "extensively investigated a family and threatened to take away their newborn baby after the mother ate bagel chips with poppy seeds and falsely tested positive for opiate use."
"In the other, a social worker spent three months investigating a single mother for abuse, denying her care and control of her daughter, because of a bruise on the girl’s backside caused by the bite of a 3-year-old daycare playmate."
An appeals court later returned the poppy seed case to Bertelsman for additional work.
According to testimony in the Curry case, Childress confronted Curry at her front door and tried to gain immediate entry. Told she needed a warrant, she said, "I'll have to go get the police then."
With Furniss beside her, Childress threatened to get an "emergency court order" to take her children if she refused to cooperate.
Curry said: "There was — I would not call it conversation — at the point after Officer Furnish said, ‘We’ll come back and take all six of your children,’ in unison, Ms. Childress and Officer Furnish began yelling louder and louder, 'What’s it gonna be? What’s it gonna be? What’s it gonna be?'"
She eventually let them into the home, and the judge found a jury could see the actions of Childress and Furnish as coercion.
The social worker and officer then strip-searched the children.
The judge concluded they had no right to violate the children's "fundamental dignity."
"Here, Childress lacked even a shadow of probable cause that the Currys physically abused their children," the judge wrote. "No one had ever reported physical abuse. There was no evidence of it. Nothing about their house indicated they lived in dangerous conditions. The children didn’t tell Childress anything that pointed to ‘a substantial chance’ of physical abuse."
Forty-three days later, Childress notified the family the case was being closed.
But she threatened them again with, "If we ever get a call against your family again, bad things will happen to you and we’ll take your children."


wnd--2020-09-02--November vote becoming 'a referendum on mob politics'

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
They are the constituency no one wants , the crowd of “ peaceful protesters ” who aren ’ t all that peaceful .
The one that does more to hurt than help even as both major political parties worry incessantly about how they can turn out voters ahead of an election billed , yet again , as `` the most important in U.S. history.
” Maybe it is because they have a bad habit of looting liquor stores , torching businesses , and throwing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mob , an amorphous rabble that has destroyed blocks ’ worth of buildings from Minneapolis to Portland this summer , rioting and looting and turning November into a referendum on mob politics .
TRENDING : CDC now says 94 % of COVID deaths had an underlying condition , only 6 % were COVID alone This disturbing factor in an already complex election environment has Joe Biden exasperated .
The Democrats ’ presidential nominee has denounced violence in assorted statements and speeches , always defending the right to peacefully protest while also condemning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
His campaign still worried that the message wasn ’ t sticking , especially as Republicans ratcheted up their criticism , so on Monday the former vice president gave a full-throated rebuttal .
“ You know me , you know my heart , you know my story , my family story , ” Biden said from the floor of a Pittsburgh steel mill .
“ Ask yourself , do I look like a radical socialist with a soft spot for rioters ?
Really ?
I want a safe America , safe from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , safe from racially motivated violence , safe from bad cops .
Let me be crystal clear , safe from four more years of Donald Trump.
” He views the violence as wanton destruction , Biden insisted , and worse -- a wasted opportunity for reform .
Trump , he argued , looks at the exact same carnage “ and he sees a political lifeline.
” Four hours later , the president responded .
“ Biden is using mafia talking points : The mob will leave you alone if you give them what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York real-estate tycoon explained .
“ The mob will leave you alone , but it does not work that way .
Once you give to them , they keep taking -- what happens is you give and give , and they no longer respect you.
” And that , the president told reporters , “ is what happened with the Democrats.
” Ever since George Floyd died while handcuffed and under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer in May , both political parties have been careful to say that they support peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protests that turned violent , and have tried to pin the blame on Democrats .
Trump has made this argument in the White House briefing room , on Twitter and at his own convention .
He summed up the better part of three months of argument with two simple sentences : “ They will make every city look like Democrat-run Portland , Oregon .
No one will be safe in Biden ’ s America.
” The latest public opinion surveys suggest a basic logic behind this line of attack : Recent polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of registered voters said addressing “ violent crime ” was very important to their 2020 election decision .
It ranked fifth on a list of issues .
Coronavirus , by comparison , ranked fourth .
But it is still an unorthodox approach for an incumbent .
Donald Trump is the president .
Biden is not .
How can Trump blame an out-of-office challenger for mob violence happening under the current administration ’ s watch ?
“ When protesters were laying siege to monuments in our nation 's capital , ” Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to him , “ Joe Biden sent out a press release .
President Donald Trump sent in the National Guard.
” And in terms of curbing the violence , he said the administration “ will continue to call on Democratic mayors and governors to do their job.
” Some state and local Democrats certainly have let the situation deteriorate under their watch , and just last week Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler penned an open letter declining additional law enforcement from the federal government as riots continue in his city .
What does that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hasn ’ t been in public office since he left the White House behind as vice president in January 2017 .
“ ‘ You won ’ t be safe in Joe Biden ’ s America , ’ ” an incredulous Biden said Monday , parroting Trump ’ s argument back at him .
“ And what ’ s their proof ?
The violence we ’ re seeing in Donald Trump ’ s America ?
These are not images of some imagined Joe Biden America in the future .
These are images of Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s next rebuttal will come on the road .
He will travel Tuesday to Wisconsin where violence has erupted after a police shooting in Kenosha .
If any city is under threat , Trump vowed at the White House , “ whenever you 're ready , we will solve your problem of violence .
We will solve your problem of violent crime.
” Then the president argued again that Biden was “ surrendering to the left-wing mob ” and that his opponent would give “ them control over every lever of power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will decide whether that is partisan conjecture .
What is undeniable , however , is that Biden campaign staffers donated to a bail fund that helped spring people charged with serious crimes -- including sexual assault and murder -- from jail as violent demonstrations were raging in Minneapolis .
At least 13 members of the campaign contributed to the fund , many of them advertising their donations .
Before her nomination , Kamala Harris urged her followers to “ chip in now.
” These are the sort of facts that Republicans will play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grand Old Party was given a gift after a low-energy speech from the president capping their convention .
He had delivered what sounded like a traditional State of the Union address , not his normal fire-breathing .
But it was punctuated unintentionally , and to the benefit of Republicans , when the guests filed out of the White House -- where angry protesters were waiting .
All of it was rowdy , some of it frightening .
Sen. Rand Paul and his wife were caught in a scrum outside the executive residence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and screamed that he “ say her name , ” a reference to Breonna Taylor , a Louisville woman fatally shot by police executing a no-knock search warrant .
Police intervened .
None of the assembled seemed to know that Paul had personally authored legislation outlawing the “ no-knock ” warrants that led to Taylor ’ s death or that he named the legislation in Taylor ’ s honor .
Also lost in the scrum of mob logic : The fact that Sens .
Paul and Harris co-authored a bipartisan bill to end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that either side can agree on is that mob violence is bad , and the other side is the cause .
Biden blamed Trump for “ poisoning our very democracy.
” Trump countered that , if Biden is elected , more violence would follow , and “ if the mob rules , democracy is indeed dead.
” [ 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 are the constituency no one wants, the crowd of “peaceful protesters” who aren’t all that peaceful. The one that does more to hurt than help even as both major political parties worry incessantly about how they can turn out voters ahead of an election billed, yet again, as "the most important in U.S. history.”
Maybe it is because they have a bad habit of looting liquor stores, torching businesses, and throwing rocks at cops. They are the mob, an amorphous rabble that has destroyed blocks’ worth of buildings from Minneapolis to Portland this summer, rioting and looting and turning November into a referendum on mob politics.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
This disturbing factor in an already complex election environment has Joe Biden exasperated. The Democrats’ presidential nominee has denounced violence in assorted statements and speeches, always defending the right to peacefully protest while also condemning the destruction of property and attacks on the police. His campaign still worried that the message wasn’t sticking, especially as Republicans ratcheted up their criticism, so on Monday the former vice president gave a full-throated rebuttal.
“You know me, you know my heart, you know my story, my family story,” Biden said from the floor of a Pittsburgh steel mill. “Ask yourself, do I look like a radical socialist with a soft spot for rioters? Really? I want a safe America, safe from COVID, safe from crime and looting, safe from racially motivated violence, safe from bad cops. Let me be crystal clear, safe from four more years of Donald Trump.”
He views the violence as wanton destruction, Biden insisted, and worse -- a wasted opportunity for reform. Trump, he argued, looks at the exact same carnage “and he sees a political lifeline.” Four hours later, the president responded.
“Biden is using mafia talking points: The mob will leave you alone if you give them what they want,” the old New York real-estate tycoon explained. “The mob will leave you alone, but it does not work that way. Once you give to them, they keep taking -- what happens is you give and give, and they no longer respect you.” And that, the president told reporters, “is what happened with the Democrats.”
Ever since George Floyd died while handcuffed and under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer in May, both political parties have been careful to say that they support peaceful demonstrations. But Republicans have repeatedly highlighted the protests that turned violent, and have tried to pin the blame on Democrats. Trump has made this argument in the White House briefing room, on Twitter and at his own convention.
He summed up the better part of three months of argument with two simple sentences: “They will make every city look like Democrat-run Portland, Oregon. No one will be safe in Biden’s America.”
The latest public opinion surveys suggest a basic logic behind this line of attack: Recent polling by Pew Research found that 59% of registered voters said addressing “violent crime” was very important to their 2020 election decision. It ranked fifth on a list of issues. Coronavirus, by comparison, ranked fourth. But it is still an unorthodox approach for an incumbent. Donald Trump is the president. Biden is not. How can Trump blame an out-of-office challenger for mob violence happening under the current administration’s watch?
“When protesters were laying siege to monuments in our nation's capital,” Vice President Mike Pence responded when RealClearPolitics put that question to him, “Joe Biden sent out a press release. President Donald Trump sent in the National Guard.” And in terms of curbing the violence, he said the administration “will continue to call on Democratic mayors and governors to do their job.”
Some state and local Democrats certainly have let the situation deteriorate under their watch, and just last week Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler penned an open letter declining additional law enforcement from the federal government as riots continue in his city. What does that have to do with Biden? He hasn’t been in public office since he left the White House behind as vice president in January 2017.
“‘You won’t be safe in Joe Biden’s America,’” an incredulous Biden said Monday, parroting Trump’s argument back at him. “And what’s their proof? The violence we’re seeing in Donald Trump’s America? These are not images of some imagined Joe Biden America in the future. These are images of Donald Trump’s America today.”
Trump’s next rebuttal will come on the road. He will travel Tuesday to Wisconsin where violence has erupted after a police shooting in Kenosha. If any city is under threat, Trump vowed at the White House, “whenever you're ready, we will solve your problem of violence. We will solve your problem of violent crime.” Then the president argued again that Biden was “surrendering to the left-wing mob” and that his opponent would give “them control over every lever of power in the United States government.”
Voters will decide whether that is partisan conjecture. What is undeniable, however, is that Biden campaign staffers donated to a bail fund that helped spring people charged with serious crimes -- including sexual assault and murder -- from jail as violent demonstrations were raging in Minneapolis. At least 13 members of the campaign contributed to the fund, many of them advertising their donations. Before her nomination, Kamala Harris urged her followers to “chip in now.”
These are the sort of facts that Republicans will play up in the coming weeks. The Grand Old Party was given a gift after a low-energy speech from the president capping their convention. He had delivered what sounded like a traditional State of the Union address, not his normal fire-breathing. But it was punctuated unintentionally, and to the benefit of Republicans, when the guests filed out of the White House -- where angry protesters were waiting.
All of it was rowdy, some of it frightening. Sen. Rand Paul and his wife were caught in a scrum outside the executive residence. The demonstrators crowded around the Kentucky senator and screamed that he “say her name,” a reference to Breonna Taylor, a Louisville woman fatally shot by police executing a no-knock search warrant. Police intervened. None of the assembled seemed to know that Paul had personally authored legislation outlawing the “no-knock” warrants that led to Taylor’s death or that he named the legislation in Taylor’s honor. Also lost in the scrum of mob logic: The fact that Sens. Paul and Harris co-authored a bipartisan bill to end cash-bail.
Today, the only thing that either side can agree on is that mob violence is bad, and the other side is the cause. Biden blamed Trump for “poisoning our very democracy.” Trump countered that, if Biden is elected, more violence would follow, and “if the mob rules, democracy is indeed dead.”
[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]


wnd--2020-09-02--Actor Jim Caviezel boldly discusses faith and calls out 'barbarism of abortion' in new interview

Actor Jim Caviezel , who burst on the Hollywood scene in 2004 with his iconic role as Jesus in “ The Passion of the Christ , ” is an outspoken Catholic who openly discusses his faith and devotion to God .
“ The way God sees us is who we really are , ” Caviezel recently told the “ Edifi With Billy Hallowell ” podcast , going on to speak about a range of issues , including his new movie , “ Infidel.
” The feature film , which releases in theaters on Sept. 18 , is described as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an “ American kidnapped while attending a conference in Cairo , who ends up in prison in Iran on spying charges.
” Listen to Caviezel share his Christian faith , his views on abortion and more on `` Edifi With Billy Hallowell , '' the best Christian podcast for faith news : TRENDING : CDC now says 94 % of COVID deaths had an underlying condition , only 6 % were COVID alone Caviezel said the plotline of `` Infidel '' explores the persecution of Christians in the Middle East — a pervasive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ various countries across the globe .
“ Barbaric Christian persecution is something that still goes on today , ” the actor said , proceeding to reveal the movie ’ s intent .
“ The goal would be to create a sense of urgency and relevance to Christians and non-Christians who should be engaged in this issue.
” Caviezel said it ’ s essential for Christians to pay attention to these troubling acts of persecution and to take action .
“ When I read the gospels , I ’ ve never seen a Jesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Too bad for him , ’ ” he said of the apathy that can sometimes creep in on this issue .
“ And that is not the gospel I know.
” Caviezel also went on to discuss his experience playing Jesus in “ The Passion of the Christ ” and his views on an array of issues , including abortion .
“ I ’ ve looked at the barbarism of abortion .
I ’ ve seen one of them ... there is no hiding anymore , ” he said .
“ Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who Jesus is … something in me , my own conscience hits me — ‘ That ’ s immoral .
That ’ s wrong .
Why are we doing this ?
’ ” The actor also addressed how he came to faith , noting that he didn ’ t become a Christian by random chance but by looking at the evidence and the history of the Middle East and all that unfolded there .
Listen to Caviezel share his journey on “ Edifi With Billy Hallowell.
” This article was originally published on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for access to thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows .
You can get a free trial here .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Actor Jim Caviezel, who burst on the Hollywood scene in 2004 with his iconic role as Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ,” is an outspoken Catholic who openly discusses his faith and devotion to God.
“The way God sees us is who we really are,” Caviezel recently told the “Edifi With Billy Hallowell” podcast, going on to speak about a range of issues, including his new movie, “Infidel.”
The feature film, which releases in theaters on Sept. 18, is described as a “contemporary Middle East thriller” surrounding an “American kidnapped while attending a conference in Cairo, who ends up in prison in Iran on spying charges.”
Listen to Caviezel share his Christian faith, his views on abortion and more on "Edifi With Billy Hallowell," the best Christian podcast for faith news:
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Caviezel said the plotline of "Infidel" explores the persecution of Christians in the Middle East — a pervasive issue that is tragically still raging in various countries across the globe.
“Barbaric Christian persecution is something that still goes on today,” the actor said, proceeding to reveal the movie’s intent. “The goal would be to create a sense of urgency and relevance to Christians and non-Christians who should be engaged in this issue.”
Caviezel said it’s essential for Christians to pay attention to these troubling acts of persecution and to take action.
“When I read the gospels, I’ve never seen a Jesus who would sit there and say, ‘Too bad for him,’” he said of the apathy that can sometimes creep in on this issue. “And that is not the gospel I know.”
Caviezel also went on to discuss his experience playing Jesus in “The Passion of the Christ” and his views on an array of issues, including abortion.
“I’ve looked at the barbarism of abortion. I’ve seen one of them ... there is no hiding anymore,” he said. “Even if I don’t really know who Jesus is … something in me, my own conscience hits me — ‘That’s immoral. That’s wrong. Why are we doing this?’”
The actor also addressed how he came to faith, noting that he didn’t become a Christian by random chance but by looking at the evidence and the history of the Middle East and all that unfolded there.
Listen to Caviezel share his journey on “Edifi With Billy Hallowell.”
This article was originally published on Pure Flix Insider. Visit Pure Flix for access to thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows. You can get a free trial here.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-02--Bluffin' Biden: Why he won't condemn Antifa or BLM violence

On Monday , Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was finally forced to confront the left-wing violence that has been plaguing America 's major cities for months on end : riots in New York , Washington , D.C. , Los Angeles , Chicago , Portland and Seattle , among other cities .
For a full week , the Democratic National Convention ignored that ongoing violence , driven by members of the Black Lives Matter and Antifa movements .
The media went right along with the narrative that violent riots have been `` mostly peaceful , '' that conservatives were `` pouncing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that the true threat to American safety could be found in Donald Trump 's Twitter feed .
The only solution to America 's ills , Biden held , could be found in repeating pernicious slogans about supposed systemic American racism .
On Aug. 9 , Biden tweeted : `` It 's been six years since Michael Brown 's life was taken in Ferguson – reigniting a movement .
We must continue the work of tackling systemic racism and reforming policing . ''
Never mind that two state investigations and the Obama Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot ; no facts are necessary to continue repeating mantras .
At first , the media tried to excuse the burning , rioting and looting .
After all , they proclaimed , this was justified rage at the systemic racism of American policing .
It simply did n't matter that Jacob Blake , who was shot by police , had resisted arrest , bucked police officers off of him , ignored their orders and then reached into his vehicle , where a knife was later found on the driver 's side floorboards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has faced vicious criminal charges and had an open warrant for sexual assault and domestic violence – and that the police reportedly arrived only after being called by a woman who alleged that Blake digitally raped her in front of one of her children .
The police were the problem .
And Biden went right along with that generalized narrative , excoriating the police for the shooting of Jacob Blake .
Sure , Biden may have softly tut-tutted violence .
But the real problem was the American system .
On Aug. 28 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't become `` just another pair of hashtags , '' and that instead , it was time to `` reverse systemic racism . ''
TRENDING : CDC now says 94 % of COVID deaths had an underlying condition , only 6 % were COVID alone But Americans did n't see the riots and looting in Kenosha as indicative of a reaction to American racism .
They saw it for what it was : horrific behavior .
And so , Biden was forced to leave his basement – to fly to Pennsylvania , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12-minute address denouncing violence .
The media did their dutiful best to characterize that address as a groundbreaking call for peace .
It was no such thing .
Instead , Biden blamed the police , Trump and white supremacists for the violence .
He name-checked `` right-wing militias '' and `` white supremacists . ''
He made no mention of Black Lives Matter or Antifa , the actual sources of rioting and looting in American cities .
And the same media that excoriated Trump for condemning violence `` on many sides '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pretend that Biden 's radically unspecific rhetoric actually covered the evils of BLM and Antifa .
Biden simply can not condemn Antifa or BLM by name , because to do so would be to recognize two simple truths : first , that Trump is n't the chief source of violence in American cities ; second , that in spite of his `` return to normalcy '' message , Biden 's `` systemic racism '' narrative provides the ideological groundwork for those who seek to tear down the system .
Democrats have spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fascist for offering federal help and decrying the American system .
The fruits are on full display for everyone to see .
And so , Biden must bluff , and the media must cover for him .
Perhaps Biden will get away with it .
Americans should hope he does n't .

On Monday, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was finally forced to confront the left-wing violence that has been plaguing America's major cities for months on end: riots in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland and Seattle, among other cities. For a full week, the Democratic National Convention ignored that ongoing violence, driven by members of the Black Lives Matter and Antifa movements. The media went right along with the narrative that violent riots have been "mostly peaceful," that conservatives were "pouncing" on occasional violence for political purposes and that the true threat to American safety could be found in Donald Trump's Twitter feed.
The only solution to America's ills, Biden held, could be found in repeating pernicious slogans about supposed systemic American racism. On Aug. 9, Biden tweeted: "It's been six years since Michael Brown's life was taken in Ferguson – reigniting a movement. We must continue the work of tackling systemic racism and reforming policing." Never mind that two state investigations and the Obama Department of Justice found that Brown was justifiably shot; no facts are necessary to continue repeating mantras.
Then, a small Wisconsin town, Kenosha, burst into flames.
At first, the media tried to excuse the burning, rioting and looting. After all, they proclaimed, this was justified rage at the systemic racism of American policing. It simply didn't matter that Jacob Blake, who was shot by police, had resisted arrest, bucked police officers off of him, ignored their orders and then reached into his vehicle, where a knife was later found on the driver's side floorboards. It also didn't matter that Blake has faced vicious criminal charges and had an open warrant for sexual assault and domestic violence – and that the police reportedly arrived only after being called by a woman who alleged that Blake digitally raped her in front of one of her children. The police were the problem.
And Biden went right along with that generalized narrative, excoriating the police for the shooting of Jacob Blake. Sure, Biden may have softly tut-tutted violence. But the real problem was the American system. On Aug. 28, Biden tweeted that George Floyd and Blake can't become "just another pair of hashtags," and that instead, it was time to "reverse systemic racism."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
But Americans didn't see the riots and looting in Kenosha as indicative of a reaction to American racism. They saw it for what it was: horrific behavior. And so, Biden was forced to leave his basement – to fly to Pennsylvania, of all places, and deliver a 12-minute address denouncing violence.
The media did their dutiful best to characterize that address as a groundbreaking call for peace. It was no such thing. Instead, Biden blamed the police, Trump and white supremacists for the violence. He name-checked "right-wing militias" and "white supremacists." He made no mention of Black Lives Matter or Antifa, the actual sources of rioting and looting in American cities. And the same media that excoriated Trump for condemning violence "on many sides" in Charlottesville suddenly found it in their hearts to pretend that Biden's radically unspecific rhetoric actually covered the evils of BLM and Antifa.
Biden simply cannot condemn Antifa or BLM by name, because to do so would be to recognize two simple truths: first, that Trump isn't the chief source of violence in American cities; second, that in spite of his "return to normalcy" message, Biden's "systemic racism" narrative provides the ideological groundwork for those who seek to tear down the system. Democrats have spent months denying the violence, calling Trump a fascist for offering federal help and decrying the American system. The fruits are on full display for everyone to see. And so, Biden must bluff, and the media must cover for him.
Perhaps Biden will get away with it. Americans should hope he doesn't.


wnd--2020-09-02--We'll 'never do any of these lockdowns again,' says governor

After appearing with new White House pandemic adviser Dr. Scott Atlas , Florida Republican Gov .
Ron DeSantis said his decision not to shut down the state two months ago amid a coronavirus spike has been vindicated amid a continued decline in cases , hospitalizations and deaths .
`` People said you have to shut down Florida , it will be exponential , it will run away , it will never go down unless you shut down , '' he recalled at a news conference in The Villages retirement community on Monday .
DeSantis said he looked at the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different parts of the United States and around the world .
He decided to focus on the vulnerable , advise others to take basic precautions and make sure hospitals have what they need , knowing that if that were done , `` we 'd be able to get through it and minimize the harm to society . ''
TRENDING : CDC now says 94 % of COVID deaths had an underlying condition , only 6 % were COVID alone He noted that the theme parks in Florida , Universal and Disney , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still shut down and have no `` pathway '' to reopening .
In his state , he said , the last `` piece of the puzzle '' is reopening pubs and bars in Central Florida and moving the three counties in the state 's south to the next phase .
The state regained 74,000 jobs in July , he said , contending that if the state had been shut down , it would have lost 300,000 to 400,000 jobs .
`` So I think that we understand what we need to do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these lockdowns again , '' DeSantis said .
`` And I hear people say they 'll shut down the country , and honestly I cringe . ''
The reference apparently was to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden 's vow that if scientists on his staff advised him to lock down the entire nation , he would do it .
Before his visit to The Villages , DeSantis held a panel discussion in Tallahassee with Atlas .
Atlas pointed out that infections and deaths are declining in the Sun Belt states .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about what ’ s going on , '' Atlas said .
`` There is no need for fear at this point . ''
Emphasizing that COVID-19 poses little risk to young people , he said college football should go on , and schools should be open to in-person classes .
`` This shouldn ’ t really be a point of controversy .
College football should be open .
It can be done safely , '' Atlas said .
`` College sports is a big part of America and it ’ s a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlas said the U.S. is `` the only nation among our peer nations that are hysterical about opening schools ... the only country that seems to be willing to sacrifice our children out of our own fear . ''
He said testing people for coronavirus who do not have symptoms is counter-productive .
`` When you start a program of testing simply to detect positive cases among asymptomatic low-risk groups , the outcome from that is to close the schools , '' Atlas said .
`` And the goal of testing is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing is to protect the vulnerable while we open the schools and open the economy . ''
The left-leaning World Council of Churches also made a case for sending children back to the classroom , arguing the damage done by quarantines far outweighs any health risks from the coronavirus itself , Breitbart News reported .
`` For children , the COVID-19 pandemic is more about the impact of containment measures than a health issue , as such , '' the WCC states on its website .
`` Confinement may put children at risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to education , care and protection . ''
The WCC cited Cornelius Williams , associate director and global chief of child protection for UNICEF 's program division , who called the lockdowns a `` crisis within a crisis , where containment measures pose a serious threat to basic rights , such as education , care , protection , decent living standards and even the right to play with other kids . ''
CNN published an article Friday titled `` 'Reassuring ' study finds children have small risk of death and severe illness from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing severe illness and death remain rare in children with COVID-19 .
The Centers for Disease Control indicates on its website that just 0.2 % of the recorded deaths were people less than 25 years old .
Meanwhile , Democratic Rhode Island Gov .
Raimondo declared her emergency powers , reducing gatherings to no more than 15 and requiring masks and social distancing , will continue until there is a vaccine .
`` We do n't want an overwhelmed hospital system , which is happening in many states , but not here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no states in which hospitals are at capacity .

After appearing with new White House pandemic adviser Dr. Scott Atlas, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said his decision not to shut down the state two months ago amid a coronavirus spike has been vindicated amid a continued decline in cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
"People said you have to shut down Florida, it will be exponential, it will run away, it will never go down unless you shut down," he recalled at a news conference in The Villages retirement community on Monday.
DeSantis said he looked at the "life cyle" of the virus in different parts of the United States and around the world. He decided to focus on the vulnerable, advise others to take basic precautions and make sure hospitals have what they need, knowing that if that were done, "we'd be able to get through it and minimize the harm to society."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
He noted that the theme parks in Florida, Universal and Disney, have reopened, whereas in California they're still shut down and have no "pathway" to reopening.
In his state, he said, the last "piece of the puzzle" is reopening pubs and bars in Central Florida and moving the three counties in the state's south to the next phase.
The state regained 74,000 jobs in July, he said, contending that if the state had been shut down, it would have lost 300,000 to 400,000 jobs.
"So I think that we understand what we need to do. But we will never do any of these lockdowns again," DeSantis said. "And I hear people say they'll shut down the country, and honestly I cringe."
Did Florida's governor make the right decision in not locking down the state? Yes No Completing this poll entitles you to WND news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use You're logged in to Facebook. Click here to log out. 99% (180 Votes) 1% (2 Votes)
The reference apparently was to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's vow that if scientists on his staff advised him to lock down the entire nation, he would do it.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: "We will NEVER do any of these lockdowns again." pic.twitter.com/YxJh2nxiV3 — The Hill (@thehill) August 31, 2020
Before his visit to The Villages, DeSantis held a panel discussion in Tallahassee with Atlas.
Atlas pointed out that infections and deaths are declining in the Sun Belt states.
"The American public should feel cautiously optimistic here about what’s going on," Atlas said. "There is no need for fear at this point."
Emphasizing that COVID-19 poses little risk to young people, he said college football should go on, and schools should be open to in-person classes.
"This shouldn’t really be a point of controversy. College football should be open. It can be done safely," Atlas said. "College sports is a big part of America and it’s a big part of the economic engine."
Atlas said the U.S. is "the only nation among our peer nations that are hysterical about opening schools ... the only country that seems to be willing to sacrifice our children out of our own fear."
He said testing people for coronavirus who do not have symptoms is counter-productive.
"When you start a program of testing simply to detect positive cases among asymptomatic low-risk groups, the outcome from that is to close the schools," Atlas said. "And the goal of testing is not to close things. The goal of testing is to protect the vulnerable while we open the schools and open the economy."
See remarks by Atlas:
Dr. Scott Atlas: “We are the only nation among our peer nations that are hysterical about opening schools…the only country that seems to be willing to sacrifice our children out of our own fear” (this 8/31/20 FL presser https://t.co/SLvDKcLOJM) pic.twitter.com/8KIy2WmBpC — Andrew Bostom (@andrewbostom) August 31, 2020
The left-leaning World Council of Churches also made a case for sending children back to the classroom, arguing the damage done by quarantines far outweighs any health risks from the coronavirus itself, Breitbart News reported.
"For children, the COVID-19 pandemic is more about the impact of containment measures than a health issue, as such," the WCC states on its website. "Confinement may put children at risk for domestic violence and affect their rights to education, care and protection."
The WCC cited Cornelius Williams, associate director and global chief of child protection for UNICEF's program division, who called the lockdowns a "crisis within a crisis, where containment measures pose a serious threat to basic rights, such as education, care, protection, decent living standards and even the right to play with other kids."
CNN published an article Friday titled "'Reassuring' study finds children have small risk of death and severe illness from coronavirus."
It cited recent studies showing severe illness and death remain rare in children with COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control indicates on its website that just 0.2% of the recorded deaths were people less than 25 years old.
See the full news conference:
Meanwhile, Democratic Rhode Island Gov. Raimondo declared her emergency powers, reducing gatherings to no more than 15 and requiring masks and social distancing, will continue until there is a vaccine.
"We don't want an overwhelmed hospital system, which is happening in many states, but not here," he said.
However, there are no states in which hospitals are at capacity.
Our Governor admits that there is no endgame for emergency powers, masks, distancing, limited gatherings. “Until we have a vaccine this is how we’re going to have to live”. Translation: “I have no plans to cede my control”. RI is at < 1% positivity rate. pic.twitter.com/78yYIFzDWb — TNK PhD CFA (@TTBikeFit) September 1, 2020


wnd--2020-09-02--Joe Biden gets heckled at rare public appearance: 'You finally got out of the basement!'

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was heckled during a rare public appearance Monday as he delivered pizzas to firefighters in Pittsburgh .
`` Hey , Joe !
You finally got out of the basement ! ''
the man said .
`` Hey , Joe !
Trump would have given us steak ! ''
Tyler Pager of Bloomberg News reported that the heckler was waving a Trump flag and was standing on a truck parked across the street .
TRENDING : CDC now says 94 % of COVID deaths had an underlying condition , only 6 % were COVID alone The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abandoned Pennsylvania and would n't win the state in November , according to Bloomberg .
The man pointed to the Democratic nominee 's conflicting statements on fossil fuels , saying , “ You ’ re for fracking now ?
You were against fracking !
” Biden -- who was making his first campaign trip since the Democratic National Convention -- removed his mask and yelled back , `` Do n't jump ! ''
The former vice president was delivering pizzas to a local firefighters union in a campaign event when the incident occurred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsed Biden early during the primaries .
Earlier in the day , Biden criticized President Donald Trump 's response to the violent demonstrations in cities across the country .
`` This president long ago forfeited any moral leadership in this country .
He ca n't stop the violence -- because for years he has fomented it , '' Biden said .
`` He may believe mouthing the words 'law and order ' makes him strong , but his failure to call on his own supporters to stop acting as an armed militia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is . ''
Biden 's speech was meant to be an answer to Vice President Mike Pence 's assertion during the Republican National Convention that people `` wo n't be safe in Joe Biden 's America , '' ABC News reported .
Rioting has raged in many Democratic-run cities since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody .
`` Does anyone believe there will be less violence in America if Donald Trump is re-elected ? ''
Biden said .
`` We need justice in America .
And we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump has `` failed to protect America '' and is now trying to scare people .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden was heckled during a rare public appearance Monday as he delivered pizzas to firefighters in Pittsburgh.
"Hey, Joe! You finally got out of the basement!" the man said.
"Hey, Joe! Trump would have given us steak!"
Tyler Pager of Bloomberg News reported that the heckler was waving a Trump flag and was standing on a truck parked across the street.
Biden was being heckled by a Trump supporter as he arrived to deliver pizzas. The man was waving a Trump flag as he stood on top of a truck. Biden’s response to him: “Don’t jump.” pic.twitter.com/yWIOIJ6IPB — Tyler Pager (@tylerpager) August 31, 2020
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The Trump supporter also said that Biden had abandoned Pennsylvania and wouldn't win the state in November, according to Bloomberg.
The man pointed to the Democratic nominee's conflicting statements on fossil fuels, saying, “You’re for fracking now? You were against fracking!”
Biden -- who was making his first campaign trip since the Democratic National Convention -- removed his mask and yelled back, "Don't jump!"
The former vice president was delivering pizzas to a local firefighters union in a campaign event when the incident occurred; the International Association of Fire Fighters endorsed Biden early during the primaries.
Biden is stopping to deliver pizza to some local EMTs in Pittsburgh A lone Trump supporter across the street is yelling through a megaphone: “It’s a peace protest Joe!” pic.twitter.com/iJxrDb4pSu — Johnny Verhovek (@JTHVerhovek) August 31, 2020
Earlier in the day, Biden criticized President Donald Trump's response to the violent demonstrations in cities across the country.
"This president long ago forfeited any moral leadership in this country. He can't stop the violence -- because for years he has fomented it," Biden said.
"He may believe mouthing the words 'law and order' makes him strong, but his failure to call on his own supporters to stop acting as an armed militia in this country shows you how weak he is."
Biden's speech was meant to be an answer to Vice President Mike Pence's assertion during the Republican National Convention that people "won't be safe in Joe Biden's America," ABC News reported. Rioting has raged in many Democratic-run cities since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.
"Does anyone believe there will be less violence in America if Donald Trump is re-elected?" Biden said.
"We need justice in America. And we need safety in America."
Biden went to a local fire hall in Pittsburgh and was greeted by a heckler who says he was a retired firefighter. He shouted things like “where’s hunter” and telling him he’s not going to win PA. pic.twitter.com/GEbTfDfF9D — Jarrett Renshaw (@JarrettRenshaw) August 31, 2020
He claimed that Trump has "failed to protect America" and is now trying to scare people.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-02--Mysterious Maltese prof denied making offer to Papadopoulus

( FOX NEWS ) -- Joseph Mifsud , the mysterious Maltese professor who ex-FBI Director James Comey referred to as @ @ @ @ @ in an op-ed , denied any advance knowledge that Russia had dirt on Hillary Clinton @ @ @ @ @ made any offers to George Papadopoulos , the former Trump campaign strategist , according to @ @ @ @ @ Mifsud , who is considered to be something of an international man of mystery , @ @ @ @ @ in London and Rome and was believed to have had contacts with key Russian officials @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 at Link Campus University in Rome and then in London .
Former Special @ @ @ @ @ report on the Russia investigation stated that Mifsud was the person who told Papadopoulos in @ @ @ @ @ “ dirt ” in the form of emails on Hillary Clinton that could damage her @ @ @ @ @

(FOX NEWS) -- Joseph Mifsud, the mysterious Maltese professor who ex-FBI Director James Comey referred to as a “Russian agent” in an op-ed, denied any advance knowledge that Russia had dirt on Hillary Clinton and told investigators he never made any offers to George Papadopoulos, the former Trump campaign strategist, according to newly released FBI documents.
Mifsud, who is considered to be something of an international man of mystery, has studied law and diplomacy in London and Rome and was believed to have had contacts with key Russian officials. He met with Papadopoulos in 2016 at Link Campus University in Rome and then in London.
Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report on the Russia investigation stated that Mifsud was the person who told Papadopoulos in April 2016 that Russians had “dirt” in the form of emails on Hillary Clinton that could damage her chances of becoming president.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-03--Pastor vows to keep holding indoor church service despite $52,000 in fines

( KTVU ) -- SANTA CLARA , California -- A church in Santa Clara has been fined more than $ @ @ @ @ @ during the coronavirus pandemic in violation of health orders .
North Valley Baptist church had @ @ @ @ @ 15,000 in fines for two church services held on Aug. 23 then one on Aug. @ @ @ @ @ East Bay Times .
The publication reports that the church received a cease-and-desist letter from @ @ @ @ @ .
It said the church was in violation of county health orders by failing to @ @ @ @ @ masks and social distancing , as well as holding in-person gatherings and singing during services @

(KTVU) -- SANTA CLARA, California -- A church in Santa Clara has been fined more than $52,000 for holding indoor services during the coronavirus pandemic in violation of health orders.
North Valley Baptist church had already been hit with $15,000 in fines for two church services held on Aug. 23 then one on Aug. 26, according to the East Bay Times.
The publication reports that the church received a cease-and-desist letter from the Santa Clara County Counsel. It said the church was in violation of county health orders by failing to make sure parishioners were wearing masks and social distancing, as well as holding in-person gatherings and singing during services.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-03--Student-athletes boycott practices after athletic director said all lives matter

( THE COLLEGE FIX ) -- Student-athletes at Illinois State University are boycotting practices because the school ’ s athletic @ @ @ @ @ comment during a conference call at the end of August .
Athletes at the public @ @ @ @ @ a boycott after Larry Lyons , the school ’ s athletic director , said that @ @ @ @ @ , ” a version of the “ All Lives Matter ” statement that used the @ @ @ @ @ instead .
The Chicago Sun-Times reported : Students in all but one of the university @ @ @ @ @ have said they won ’ t return to their teams until their list of social @ @ @ @ @ including a concrete , comprehensive plan of action to support racial justice protests and a @ @ @ @ @ athletics administration .
The missed team events are mostly practices because competitions are postponed or @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .

(THE COLLEGE FIX) -- Student-athletes at Illinois State University are boycotting practices because the school’s athletic director offended them with a comment during a conference call at the end of August.
Athletes at the public university in central Illinois announced a boycott after Larry Lyons, the school’s athletic director, said that “All Redbird Lives Matter,” a version of the “All Lives Matter” statement that used the school’s team name instead.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported: Students in all but one of the university’s 17 athletics programs have said they won’t return to their teams until their list of social justice demands are met, including a concrete, comprehensive plan of action to support racial justice protests and a commitment to diversity in the athletics administration. The missed team events are mostly practices because competitions are postponed or canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-03--Hydroxychloroquine cuts risk of death from coronavirus by 30%, Italian study shows

( STUDY FINDS ) -- POZZILLI , Italy — Just when it seemed the hydroxychloroquine debate was over , a @ @ @ @ @ the discussion .
Researchers find that use of the drug substantially reduces the risk of @ @ @ @ @ We observed that patients treated with hydroxychloroquine had a 30 % lower in-hospital mortality rate @ @ @ @ @ this treatment , ” explains lead study author Augusto Di Castelnuovo in a media release @ @ @ @ @ epidemiologist with IRCCS Neuromed at the Mediterranean Neurological Institute .
The report in the European @ @ @ @ @ which also includes researchers from the University of Pisa , looks at outcomes of 3,451 @ @ @ @ @ throughout Italy .

(STUDY FINDS) -- POZZILLI, Italy — Just when it seemed the hydroxychloroquine debate was over, a new Italian study might resurrect the discussion. Researchers find that use of the drug substantially reduces the risk of COVID-19 hospital deaths.
“We observed that patients treated with hydroxychloroquine had a 30% lower in-hospital mortality rate compared to those not receiving this treatment,” explains lead study author Augusto Di Castelnuovo in a media release. Di Castelnuovoa is an epidemiologist with IRCCS Neuromed at the Mediterranean Neurological Institute.
The report in the European Journal of Internal Medicine, which also includes researchers from the University of Pisa, looks at outcomes of 3,451 patients in 33 coronavirus-focused hospitals throughout Italy.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-09-03--High-school football team shows up at paralyzed man's home to clean up yard damaged by storm

When hurricanes and storms move toward land , people race to get out of their way .
Those directly in the storm 's path relocate to safer places , and those on the edges batten down the hatches and hold tight until the worst has passed .
For one community in Iowa , Aug. 10 brought a derecho that wreaked havoc and left homeowners to pick up the pieces once the skies cleared .
Ray Drake of Des Moines had four trees on his property come down .
He also lost at least part of a privacy fence -- but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in the following days and started hauling off debris .
Since 1989 , Drake has been paralyzed , leaving his sisters to handle his care .
TRENDING : CDC now says 94 % of COVID deaths had an underlying condition , only 6 % were COVID alone When his sister Janice saw the damage on Drake 's property , she knew they 'd need some help .
It was Doug Applegate , one of Drake 's old high school friends , who really got things moving after Janice contacted him and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be needed .
`` I saw some of the pictures and thought , 'You need more than just one chainsaw , Janice , ' '' he told KCCI-TV .
So , he turned to a nearby group of young men : the Roosevelt High School football team .
The student-athletes showed up , donned gloves and started rolling away sections of the trees as they were cut up .
Such work from a business could have easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars , but the team was done in two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what people in Iowa do , is we 're all friendly and help each other out , '' Jackson Neary , one of the students , told WCCI .
The team filed into the home to meet Drake , and he was incredibly grateful for their help .
Janice thanked the boys , tearing up as she stood next to her brother .
Readers have been encouraged by these young men 's actions , finding their generosity and kindness to be just the remedy our world needs .
`` I know this family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on KCCI reporter Eric Hanson 's share of the story .
`` Kindness is the understanding that we all struggle sometimes and can use a hand up , well done young ones blessings to you as you go on to your next adventures . ''
`` It ’ s been nice to see all the sports teams pitching in to help clean up in all the towns that were hit hard across the state , '' another added .
`` It ’ s probably not what they had in mind for 'conditioning ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel good for all they are doing .
Great job to all the teams involved.
`` This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

When hurricanes and storms move toward land, people race to get out of their way. Those directly in the storm's path relocate to safer places, and those on the edges batten down the hatches and hold tight until the worst has passed.
For one community in Iowa, Aug. 10 brought a derecho that wreaked havoc and left homeowners to pick up the pieces once the skies cleared.
Ray Drake of Des Moines had four trees on his property come down. He also lost at least part of a privacy fence -- but was unable to join as others ventured out in the following days and started hauling off debris.
Since 1989, Drake has been paralyzed, leaving his sisters to handle his care.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
When his sister Janice saw the damage on Drake's property, she knew they'd need some help.
It was Doug Applegate, one of Drake's old high school friends, who really got things moving after Janice contacted him and he saw the extent of the work that would be needed.
"I saw some of the pictures and thought, 'You need more than just one chainsaw, Janice,'" he told KCCI-TV.
So, he turned to a nearby group of young men: the Roosevelt High School football team.
The student-athletes showed up, donned gloves and started rolling away sections of the trees as they were cut up.
Such work from a business could have easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but the team was done in two hours.
"That's just really what people in Iowa do, is we're all friendly and help each other out," Jackson Neary, one of the students, told WCCI.
The team filed into the home to meet Drake, and he was incredibly grateful for their help.
"I'm blessed," he said. "I'm blessed."
Janice thanked the boys, tearing up as she stood next to her brother.
Readers have been encouraged by these young men's actions, finding their generosity and kindness to be just the remedy our world needs.
"I know this family appreciated your help," one wrote on KCCI reporter Eric Hanson's share of the story. "Kindness is the understanding that we all struggle sometimes and can use a hand up, well done young ones blessings to you as you go on to your next adventures."
"It’s been nice to see all the sports teams pitching in to help clean up in all the towns that were hit hard across the state," another added.
"It’s probably not what they had in mind for 'conditioning' but I’ll bet their hearts feel good for all they are doing. Great job to all the teams involved. "
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-09-03--Honeybee venom contains chemical that kills breast-cancer cells in minutes

( STUDY FINDS ) -- NEDLANDS , Australia — A groundbreaking discovery in Australia is giving new meaning to the @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of honeybees , a new study reveals the venom in these insects ’ stingers @ @ @ @ @ .
Dr. Ciara Duffy says honeybee venom destroys multiple types of breast cancer , even @ @ @ @ @ variety .
Her study in the journal npj Precision Oncology finds the venom not only @ @ @ @ @ also breaks up a cancerous cell ’ s ability to reproduce .
It also contains @ @ @ @ @ researchers say helps this natural remedy stop the disease with remarkable speed .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ ” the researcher from the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research says in a media @ @ @ @ @ that melittin can completely destroy cancer cell membranes within 60 minutes .
”

(STUDY FINDS) -- NEDLANDS, Australia — A groundbreaking discovery in Australia is giving new meaning to the term natural remedy. Using hundreds of honeybees, a new study reveals the venom in these insects’ stingers quickly kills breast cancer cells.
Dr. Ciara Duffy says honeybee venom destroys multiple types of breast cancer, even the hard to treat triple-negative variety. Her study in the journal npj Precision Oncology finds the venom not only eradicates these cancers, it also breaks up a cancerous cell’s ability to reproduce. It also contains a compound called melittin which researchers say helps this natural remedy stop the disease with remarkable speed.
“The venom was extremely potent,” the researcher from the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research says in a media release. “We found that melittin can completely destroy cancer cell membranes within 60 minutes.”
Read the full story ›