wnd--2020-07-31--Big Tech censors debate about hydroxychloroquine

The posting of a video of doctors testifying that they 've seen first-hand what peer-reviewed studies worldwide indicate – that hydroxychloroquine is a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19 – has resulted in the temporary suspension of social media accounts of PragerU , other prominent conservatives and one of the doctors in the video .
Twitter explained that PragerU and others were suspended because of the social media platform 's `` policy on spreading misleading and potentially harmful information related to COVID-19 , '' Breitbart News reported .
One of the physicians in the video of a press conference in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday with `` America 's Frontline Doctors , '' Dr. Simone Gold , wrote on Twitter that the company hosting the doctors ' website , Squarespace , took down the site due to a `` violation of their terms of service . ''
TRENDING : Super-edited video exposes Dem scheme to silence Barr and control the message Gold , a board certified emergency physician for 20 years in Los Angeles , told Tucker Carlson on Thursday night she has been fired because of the video .
She told Carlson the doctors have published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hydroxychloroquine , which she noted is an FDA-approved medication that 's been in use for 65 years .
The press conference was tied to a summit of more than seven hours in Washington on a wide range of subjects relevant to the pandemic , including the lockdowns and whether or not children should return to school this fall .
Videos of the press conference and the summit can be viewed here Earlier this week , Twitter suspended the account of the president 's son Donald Trump Jr. for 12 hours after he shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of the U.S. Supreme Court building .
PragerU 's tweet promoting the video said : `` American doctors are holding a ‘ White Coat Summit ’ in Washington , D.C. to address ‘ a massive disinformation campaign ’ by the media about coronavirus .
Watch as Dr. Stella Immanuel tackles the media ’ s narrative about hydroxychloroquine . ''
Breitbart reported director and producer Robby Starbuck was suspended from Twitter on Wednesday after replying to someone : `` I guess you think Dr. Harvey Risch , an epidemiology professor at Yale School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real doctor ?
He ’ s also touting that Hydroxychloroquine works . ''
Risch , in an interview with Fox News ' Laura Ingraham on July 20 , said hydroxychloroquine is `` a political drug now , not a medical drug . ''
He said establishment media and politicians are `` basically fighting a propaganda war against the medical facts '' that is shaping not only how the population views the drug , but doctors as well . ''
Risch said he 's received `` hostile remarks '' from doctors who say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it . ''
`` And in fact , that 's not true at all .
And it 's easy to show that the evidence – all the evidence is actually good for it when it 's used in outpatient uses , '' he said .
`` Nevertheless , the only people who actually see that are a whole pile of doctors who are actually on the frontlines treating those patients across the country .
And they are the ones who are at risk of being forced not to do it . ''
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and currently hold senior positions on the editorial boards of several leading journals , argued hydroxychloroquine is the key to containing the virus .
On May 27 , he published an article in the the world 's leading epidemiology journal , the American Journal of Epidemiology , that analyzed five studies `` demonstrating clear-cut and significant benefits '' to treating patients with hydroxychloroquine along with other very large studies that demonstrated its safety .
`` Physicians who have been using these medications in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heroic , '' he wrote in the Newsweek column .
`` They have done what the science shows is best for their patients , often at great personal risk .
I myself know of two doctors who have saved the lives of hundreds of patients with these medications , but are now fighting state medical boards to save their licenses and reputations .
The cases against them are completely without scientific merit . ''
Among the many other physicians who have found hydroxychloroquine to be an effective treatment for COVID patients is Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Jersey .
In an interview with WND in May , Smith expressed his frustration with the politicization of hydroxychloroquine and the disconnect between the scientific data on the drug and the statements of scientists , media and politicians who have access to that data .
Smith , who briefed President Trump in April on the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine , pointed out the World Health Organization temporarily halted studying hydroxychloroquine in response to a widely reported observational study published in the medical journal The Lancet that concluded seriously ill COVID-19 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to die .
But in an embarrassing turn , the premiere journal was forced to withdraw the study after three of the four authors issued an apology , citing concerns about the quality and veracity of the data .
The Lancet study 's fatal flaws were immediately apparent to Smith when the study was released in May .
Dr. Marc Siegel , associate professor of medicine at the New York University Langone Medical Center , called The Lancet study a `` political hit job . ''
Other physicians who back the treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow at Stanford 's Hoover Institution ; Dr. Anthony Cardillo , an emergency medicine specialist in Glendale , California ; and Dr. Zev Zelenko .
Atlas said in an interview with Ben Shapiro that there is `` fundamental biology '' behind why hydroxychloroquine works , `` it 's not just some sort of strange anecdote . ''
Twitter also locked out Dr. Stella Immanuel , who said at the `` White Coat Summit '' she has successfully treated more than 350 patients with hydroxychloroquine , zinc and azithromycin .
She and her staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WE NEED YOUR HELP .
We are being attacked , ridiculed and discredited .
We need our patients to SPEAK UP , '' the doctor wrote in a tweet that later was deleted .
`` If you have been cured by this drug , share your story online using this hashtag # HCQWorks . ''
Some took issue with her describing hydroxychloroquine as a `` cure '' while others argued the point is that the patients recovered from COVID-19 .
Many skeptics questioned whether or not the presenters Monday actually were physicians .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine specialist in Los Angeles with more 31 years of experience .
She graduated from Rosalind Franklin University Of Medicine Science/The Chicago Medical School medical school in 1989 and is affiliated with Centinela Hospital Medical Center .
• Bob Hamilton , MD : Pediatrician from Santa Monica , California , who graduated from the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles .
• Stella Emmaneul , MD : Primary care doctor in Houston , Texas .
A native of Cameroon who obtained a degree in medicine in Nigeria .
She practiced in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says she has treated more than 350 COVID-19 patients .
• Dr. Dan Erickson , DO : Emergency medicines Specialist in Bakersfield , CA with more than 16 years experience in medicine .
YouTube censored his video with another physician who after testing more than 5,200 patients argued the sheltering-in-place policies not only are unnecessary , they 're harmful .
• Dr. James Todaro , MD : Ophthalmology specialist who earned his medical degree at Columbia University 's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons .
• Dr. Joe Ladapo MD , PhD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles .
He is associate professor-in-residence at the David Geffen School of Medicine .
He previously was a faculty member in the Department of Population Health at the New York University School of Medicine and as staff fellow at the Food and Drug Administration .
Dr. David Samadi was also suspended from Twitter after violating rules regarding information about the coronavirus pandemic , Breitbart reported .
`` If people hate President Trump , that is entirely their prerogative , '' tweeted Samadi .
`` When their hatred causes them to deliberately hide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a global pandemic , that is when the line is crossed .
Hydroxychloroquine works and it has worked . ''
Australian-American author Nick Adams was suspended for 12 hours for tweeting : “ Hydroxychloroquine SAVES lives !
Rt ! ''

The posting of a video of doctors testifying that they've seen first-hand what peer-reviewed studies worldwide indicate – that hydroxychloroquine is a safe and effective treatment for COVID-19 – has resulted in the temporary suspension of social media accounts of PragerU, other prominent conservatives and one of the doctors in the video.
Twitter explained that PragerU and others were suspended because of the social media platform's "policy on spreading misleading and potentially harmful information related to COVID-19," Breitbart News reported.
See PragerU's offending video here
One of the physicians in the video of a press conference in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday with "America's Frontline Doctors," Dr. Simone Gold, wrote on Twitter that the company hosting the doctors' website, Squarespace, took down the site due to a "violation of their terms of service."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Gold, a board certified emergency physician for 20 years in Los Angeles, told Tucker Carlson on Thursday night she has been fired because of the video.
She told Carlson the doctors have published a white paper presenting the science backing hydroxychloroquine, which she noted is an FDA-approved medication that's been in use for 65 years.
The press conference was tied to a summit of more than seven hours in Washington on a wide range of subjects relevant to the pandemic, including the lockdowns and whether or not children should return to school this fall.
Videos of the press conference and the summit can be viewed here
WOW: Our website host @Squarespace has just completely and arbitrarily shut down our website, claiming a violation of their terms of service. We are a group of physicians advocating for a better understanding of COVID-19 and its available treatment options. This is outrageous. pic.twitter.com/TNwvpbsBGC — Dr. Simone Gold (@drsimonegold) July 28, 2020
Earlier this week, Twitter suspended the account of the president's son Donald Trump Jr. for 12 hours after he shared a video clip of press conference in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building.
PragerU's tweet promoting the video said: "American doctors are holding a ‘White Coat Summit’ in Washington, D.C. to address ‘a massive disinformation campaign’ by the media about coronavirus. Watch as Dr. Stella Immanuel tackles the media’s narrative about hydroxychloroquine."
Breitbart reported director and producer Robby Starbuck was suspended from Twitter on Wednesday after replying to someone: "I guess you think Dr. Harvey Risch, an epidemiology professor at Yale School of Public Health isn’t a real doctor? He’s also touting that Hydroxychloroquine works."
'A political drug'
Risch, in an interview with Fox News' Laura Ingraham on July 20, said hydroxychloroquine is "a political drug now, not a medical drug."
He said establishment media and politicians are "basically fighting a propaganda war against the medical facts" that is shaping not only how the population views the drug, but doctors as well."
Risch said he's received "hostile remarks" from doctors who say that "all the evidence is bad for it."
"And in fact, that's not true at all. And it's easy to show that the evidence – all the evidence is actually good for it when it's used in outpatient uses," he said. "Nevertheless, the only people who actually see that are a whole pile of doctors who are actually on the frontlines treating those patients across the country. And they are the ones who are at risk of being forced not to do it."
In a guest column for Newsweek, Risch, who has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and currently hold senior positions on the editorial boards of several leading journals, argued hydroxychloroquine is the key to containing the virus.
On May 27, he published an article in the the world's leading epidemiology journal, the American Journal of Epidemiology, that analyzed five studies "demonstrating clear-cut and significant benefits" to treating patients with hydroxychloroquine along with other very large studies that demonstrated its safety.
"Physicians who have been using these medications in the face of widespread skepticism have been truly heroic," he wrote in the Newsweek column. "They have done what the science shows is best for their patients, often at great personal risk. I myself know of two doctors who have saved the lives of hundreds of patients with these medications, but are now fighting state medical boards to save their licenses and reputations. The cases against them are completely without scientific merit."
Among the many other physicians who have found hydroxychloroquine to be an effective treatment for COVID patients is Dr. Stephen M. Smith of East Orange, New Jersey.
In an interview with WND in May, Smith expressed his frustration with the politicization of hydroxychloroquine and the disconnect between the scientific data on the drug and the statements of scientists, media and politicians who have access to that data.
Smith, who briefed President Trump in April on the safety and effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine, pointed out the World Health Organization temporarily halted studying hydroxychloroquine in response to a widely reported observational study published in the medical journal The Lancet that concluded seriously ill COVID-19 patients who were treated with hydroxychloroquine were more likely to die.
But in an embarrassing turn, the premiere journal was forced to withdraw the study after three of the four authors issued an apology, citing concerns about the quality and veracity of the data.
The Lancet study's fatal flaws were immediately apparent to Smith when the study was released in May. Dr. Marc Siegel, associate professor of medicine at the New York University Langone Medical Center, called The Lancet study a "political hit job."
Other physicians who back the treatment are Dr. Scott Atlas, a senior fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution; Dr. Anthony Cardillo, an emergency medicine specialist in Glendale, California; and Dr. Zev Zelenko.
Atlas said in an interview with Ben Shapiro that there is "fundamental biology" behind why hydroxychloroquine works, "it's not just some sort of strange anecdote."
'Attacked, ridiculed and discredited'
Twitter also locked out Dr. Stella Immanuel, who said at the "White Coat Summit" she has successfully treated more than 350 patients with hydroxychloroquine, zinc and azithromycin.
She and her staff take hydroxychloroquine as a preventative.
"WE NEED YOUR HELP. We are being attacked, ridiculed and discredited. We need our patients to SPEAK UP," the doctor wrote in a tweet that later was deleted.
"If you have been cured by this drug, share your story online using this hashtag #HCQWorks."
EXCLUSIVE interview with Dr Immanuel who claims to have SUCCESSFULLY treated 100s of COVID-19 patients. pic.twitter.com/MCYWbW3ZfU — 🇺🇸Maggie VandenBerghe🇺🇸 (@FogCityMidge) July 30, 2020
Some took issue with her describing hydroxychloroquine as a "cure" while others argued the point is that the patients recovered from COVID-19.
Many skeptics questioned whether or not the presenters Monday actually were physicians.
Here's a summary of their credentials:
Simone Gold, MD: Emergency medicine specialist in Los Angeles with more 31 years of experience. She graduated from Rosalind Franklin University Of Medicine Science/The Chicago Medical School medical school in 1989 and is affiliated with Centinela Hospital Medical Center.
Bob Hamilton, MD: Pediatrician from Santa Monica, California, who graduated from the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles.
Stella Emmaneul, MD: Primary care doctor in Houston, Texas. A native of Cameroon who obtained a degree in medicine in Nigeria. She practiced in Louisiana before moving to Texas, where she says she has treated more than 350 COVID-19 patients.
Dr. Dan Erickson, DO: Emergency medicines Specialist in Bakersfield, CA with more than 16 years experience in medicine. YouTube censored his video with another physician who after testing more than 5,200 patients argued the sheltering-in-place policies not only are unnecessary, they're harmful.
Dr. James Todaro, MD: Ophthalmology specialist who earned his medical degree at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dr. Joe Ladapo MD, PhD: Physician and health policy researcher in Los Angeles. He is associate professor-in-residence at the David Geffen School of Medicine. He previously was a faculty member in the Department of Population Health at the New York University School of Medicine and as staff fellow at the Food and Drug Administration.
Dr. David Samadi was also suspended from Twitter after violating rules regarding information about the coronavirus pandemic, Breitbart reported.
"If people hate President Trump, that is entirely their prerogative," tweeted Samadi. "When their hatred causes them to deliberately hide good news about a life-saving treatment for a global pandemic, that is when the line is crossed. Hydroxychloroquine works and it has worked."
Australian-American author Nick Adams was suspended for 12 hours for tweeting: “Hydroxychloroquine SAVES lives! Rt!"


wnd--2020-07-30--Biden's VP decision: Will it push or pause his party?

[ Editor 's note : This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics . ]
When former Vice President Joe Biden makes his own running mate selection in the days ahead , his decision will be assessed -- and potentially assailed -- as no other has before .
In the midst of a global pandemic and struggling economy , a 77-year-old who already served eight years in the White House is thought likely to serve only one term and make his vice presidential nominee the face of the future of the Democratic Party .
Or not .
TRENDING : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barr and control the message What ’ s clear to Biden is his party wants a candidate who will energize the ascendant part of their coalition , while party stalwarts know Biden wants someone with experience -- who can take over , if need be , and do the job on Day One .
The most repeated quotes from Biden advisers on background are about how the choice should “ do no harm , ” even be boring so as to do nothing to change the trajectory of the race .
While history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end up making a significant difference in how voters cast their ballots -- and polls now show it won ’ t for Biden -- the pick has yet to be announced , the progressives have yet to weigh in , and the candidate has yet to be attacked by President Trump or his campaign .
The choice Biden will make will do one of two things -- push his party into the future , or provide it with a pause that will delay the battle for succession and Democrats ’ direction a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominees have been considered potential candidates in waiting , though Biden ’ s task -- should he win -- of uniting his party and the country during simultaneous crises next year would be particularly challenging in itself , so a continuing campaign would be an added burden .
Of course , many progressive Democrats want just that -- someone on the ticket who will presumably be the next nominee in 2024 .
Progressives , after Sen. Bernie Sanders almost beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 primary before she went on to lose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
Collectively they supported a combination of non-Biden candidates in the primary that they thought would move the party past the trauma of 2016 and of the Obama era itself .
Sweeping socialist policies dominated the discussions on cable television and Twitter , and on the debate stage even moderate candidates like Biden felt trapped into supporting promises of health care for illegal immigrants .
For progressives , backing Biden is a means to an end .
They believe they will become -- having beaten Trump -- the dominant force in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its old voters , just get new ones .
Early on , progressives had dreams of Biden choosing Stacey Abrams , who ran for governor in Georgia and was a sought-after choice of the party to run against Sen. David Perdue .
Abrams refused to run for Senate and set her sights on the vice presidential candidacy instead , speaking openly of her interest in it , which is the opposite of what those who traditionally want the job have done .
Abrams surely would have excited turnout among non-white voters and younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden -- and who may not vote for him in the absence of such a pick .
But she remains a controversial figure because she refused to concede her loss in the gubernatorial race of 2018 .
Her likely ability to help deliver Georgia , however , kept her on the list .
Rep. Karen Bass embodies the pause .
The California congresswoman has made it clear she has no interest in running for president , and is known as someone who avoids the spotlight so aggressively she is uncomfortable having her picture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for statewide office , Bass , once a physician ’ s assistant , is now head of the Congressional Black Caucus and has earned a reputation in the House of being liked and respected on both sides of the aisle .
There has never been a perfect choice among the suitable contenders , but by everyone ’ s estimation Sen. Kamala Harris is the only obvious choice as someone who could both excite the base as a black woman and assure centrists and independent voters with her governing experience .
Harris would represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be president , and the battle to define her for the next nomination would begin immediately .
Historically , Democrats have often chosen senators as running mates , and no one prizes Senate experience more than Biden .
As such , the Democratic women of the Senate were likely to figure prominently in his search .
One dark horse is Sen. Tammy Baldwin of the critical battleground of Wisconsin .
Baldwin , who was the first openly gay senator in history , keeps a low profile and would be a surprise pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to seek the presidency .
Sen. Tammy Duckworth could be either possibility : someone who focuses solely on her role as number two , throws herself into the job without taking sides on divisive issues roiling the party , and resists becoming a candidate herself .
Or she could want the top job .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren , whose presence on the ticket would electrify a good segment of the Democratic electorate , would present a huge risk with independents and former Republicans and centrist Democrats .
And she most definitely wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she clearly could step into the job immediately , but the odds are against her .
Buzz started for Rep. Val Demings when she was tapped as the only non-lawyer to serve as an impeachment manager .
Demings ’ parents , descendants of slaves , worked as a maid and janitor while raising seven kids in a two-bedroom house in Jacksonville , and saw their youngest child become the first female chief of police in Orlando .
She would excite the party , and could deliver her swing state to Biden .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal to centrists , it will subject her to criticism from some progressives .
She has not indicated whether the idea of succeeding Biden as president is a dream or a source of dread .
Other than Warren , the only person with whom Biden has a relationship with is former National Security Adviser Susan Rice .
Picking Rice would be fraught with baggage as her coverage will involve endless questions not only about her unmasking of Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and her infamous -- and false -- defense of the administration following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but on her policy decisions regarding war in Libya .
But in another way the pick is also quite cautious in that she has solid policy credentials and is an experienced government operator who did political stints on both Howard Dean ’ s and John Kerry ’ s campaigns .
The political ambition of the former national security official is a question , though .
She is viewed by some as disinterested but 1 ) nearly ran for Senate in Maine this year , 2 ) wrote a memoir and 3 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces online .
On the other hand , Rice is not well known among the party rank and file for any domestic policy issues and is not necessarily going to excite liberals .
Another solid choice that could inspire confidence but little excitement is Rhode Island Gov .
Gina Raimondo , a more centrist Democrat who has impressed with her response to the COVID outbreak in her state .
She is young , age 49 , but is likely to be more of a placeholder and not the future of the Democratic Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she has been considered -- is Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms , who became a well-known figure in the drama of the pandemic and the pain of the protests that followed the death of George Floyd , well before Georgia Gov .
Brain Kemp chose to embarrass himself and elevate her even more by suing her for mandating masks in Atlanta .
He has since withdrawn his suit .
Bottoms , a young black mom of four who has been tested in this crisis and whose family has braved infection from coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliver her state to Biden .
She would surely face scrutiny for a lack of foreign policy chops , despite the fact that they would be the same amount Trump had coming into the presidency , and face doubts that she is ready to take over for Biden because she doesn ’ t have the Washington experience someone like Bass does .
The process of finding the right person , or the most-right person , has of course been complicated by a pandemic that has limited in-person meetings and get-to-know-you sessions .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice president than Biden ?
Certainly Trump and Obama and George W. Bush and Clinton knew less about both the job and the relationship between number one and number two .
The closest comparison to Biden picking someone to do the job he did for eight years would be President George H.W .
Bush , who chose Dan Quayle .
But the role of the vice president has shifted since then , according to Elaine Kamarck of Brookings , who wrote that the “ partnership ” model has been used since Bill Clinton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bush chose Dick Cheney and then Barack Obama chose Biden .
Vice presidents since 1992 -- including Mike Pence -- have been partners with significant portfolios , and Biden ’ s pick will likely be asked to do the same , if not more .
The reasoned guess is that Biden picks someone who will be a partner while also providing a pause , who can ably do the job alongside him and let the party battle more quietly about the future for at least a little longer .
But there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 2020 -- so even Joe Biden could end up shocking us .

[Editor's note: This story originally was published by Real Clear Politics.]
By A.B. Stoddard
Real Clear Politics
When former Vice President Joe Biden makes his own running mate selection in the days ahead, his decision will be assessed -- and potentially assailed -- as no other has before. In the midst of a global pandemic and struggling economy, a 77-year-old who already served eight years in the White House is thought likely to serve only one term and make his vice presidential nominee the face of the future of the Democratic Party. Or not.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
What’s clear to Biden is his party wants a candidate who will energize the ascendant part of their coalition, while party stalwarts know Biden wants someone with experience -- who can take over, if need be, and do the job on Day One. The most repeated quotes from Biden advisers on background are about how the choice should “do no harm,” even be boring so as to do nothing to change the trajectory of the race.
While history shows the vice presidential pick does not end up making a significant difference in how voters cast their ballots -- and polls now show it won’t for Biden -- the pick has yet to be announced, the progressives have yet to weigh in, and the candidate has yet to be attacked by President Trump or his campaign.
The choice Biden will make will do one of two things -- push his party into the future, or provide it with a pause that will delay the battle for succession and Democrats’ direction a few more years.
Nearly all vice presidential nominees have been considered potential candidates in waiting, though Biden’s task -- should he win -- of uniting his party and the country during simultaneous crises next year would be particularly challenging in itself, so a continuing campaign would be an added burden. Of course, many progressive Democrats want just that -- someone on the ticket who will presumably be the next nominee in 2024.
Progressives, after Sen. Bernie Sanders almost beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 primary before she went on to lose to Trump, believed that 2020 was their time. Collectively they supported a combination of non-Biden candidates in the primary that they thought would move the party past the trauma of 2016 and of the Obama era itself. Sweeping socialist policies dominated the discussions on cable television and Twitter, and on the debate stage even moderate candidates like Biden felt trapped into supporting promises of health care for illegal immigrants. For progressives, backing Biden is a means to an end. They believe they will become -- having beaten Trump -- the dominant force in a party they think no longer must persuade its old voters, just get new ones.
Early on, progressives had dreams of Biden choosing Stacey Abrams, who ran for governor in Georgia and was a sought-after choice of the party to run against Sen. David Perdue. Abrams refused to run for Senate and set her sights on the vice presidential candidacy instead, speaking openly of her interest in it, which is the opposite of what those who traditionally want the job have done. Abrams surely would have excited turnout among non-white voters and younger voters who are not remotely excited about Biden -- and who may not vote for him in the absence of such a pick. But she remains a controversial figure because she refused to concede her loss in the gubernatorial race of 2018. Her likely ability to help deliver Georgia, however, kept her on the list.
Rep. Karen Bass embodies the pause. The California congresswoman has made it clear she has no interest in running for president, and is known as someone who avoids the spotlight so aggressively she is uncomfortable having her picture taken. Though she has never run for statewide office, Bass, once a physician’s assistant, is now head of the Congressional Black Caucus and has earned a reputation in the House of being liked and respected on both sides of the aisle.
There has never been a perfect choice among the suitable contenders, but by everyone’s estimation Sen. Kamala Harris is the only obvious choice as someone who could both excite the base as a black woman and assure centrists and independent voters with her governing experience. Harris would represent a turn towards tomorrow, and wants to be president, and the battle to define her for the next nomination would begin immediately.
Historically, Democrats have often chosen senators as running mates, and no one prizes Senate experience more than Biden. As such, the Democratic women of the Senate were likely to figure prominently in his search.
One dark horse is Sen. Tammy Baldwin of the critical battleground of Wisconsin. Baldwin, who was the first openly gay senator in history, keeps a low profile and would be a surprise pick. She doesn’t seem likely to seek the presidency.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth could be either possibility: someone who focuses solely on her role as number two, throws herself into the job without taking sides on divisive issues roiling the party, and resists becoming a candidate herself. Or she could want the top job.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, whose presence on the ticket would electrify a good segment of the Democratic electorate, would present a huge risk with independents and former Republicans and centrist Democrats. And she most definitely wants to be president. Biden likes her and she clearly could step into the job immediately, but the odds are against her.
Buzz started for Rep. Val Demings when she was tapped as the only non-lawyer to serve as an impeachment manager. Demings’ parents, descendants of slaves, worked as a maid and janitor while raising seven kids in a two-bedroom house in Jacksonville, and saw their youngest child become the first female chief of police in Orlando. She would excite the party, and could deliver her swing state to Biden. But just as her law enforcement career would appeal to centrists, it will subject her to criticism from some progressives. She has not indicated whether the idea of succeeding Biden as president is a dream or a source of dread.
Other than Warren, the only person with whom Biden has a relationship with is former National Security Adviser Susan Rice. Picking Rice would be fraught with baggage as her coverage will involve endless questions not only about her unmasking of Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and her infamous -- and false -- defense of the administration following the attack on the consulate in Benghazi, but on her policy decisions regarding war in Libya. But in another way the pick is also quite cautious in that she has solid policy credentials and is an experienced government operator who did political stints on both Howard Dean’s and John Kerry’s campaigns. The political ambition of the former national security official is a question, though. She is viewed by some as disinterested but 1) nearly ran for Senate in Maine this year, 2) wrote a memoir and 3) has stepped up television appearances and written pieces online. On the other hand, Rice is not well known among the party rank and file for any domestic policy issues and is not necessarily going to excite liberals.
Another solid choice that could inspire confidence but little excitement is Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo, a more centrist Democrat who has impressed with her response to the COVID outbreak in her state. She is young, age 49, but is likely to be more of a placeholder and not the future of the Democratic Party.
The ultimate bold pick -- and she has been considered -- is Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who became a well-known figure in the drama of the pandemic and the pain of the protests that followed the death of George Floyd, well before Georgia Gov. Brain Kemp chose to embarrass himself and elevate her even more by suing her for mandating masks in Atlanta. He has since withdrawn his suit. Bottoms, a young black mom of four who has been tested in this crisis and whose family has braved infection from coronavirus, would supercharge Democratic energy and potentially help deliver her state to Biden. She would surely face scrutiny for a lack of foreign policy chops, despite the fact that they would be the same amount Trump had coming into the presidency, and face doubts that she is ready to take over for Biden because she doesn’t have the Washington experience someone like Bass does.
The process of finding the right person, or the most-right person, has of course been complicated by a pandemic that has limited in-person meetings and get-to-know-you sessions. But who knows better how to pick a vice president than Biden? Certainly Trump and Obama and George W. Bush and Clinton knew less about both the job and the relationship between number one and number two.
The closest comparison to Biden picking someone to do the job he did for eight years would be President George H.W. Bush, who chose Dan Quayle. But the role of the vice president has shifted since then, according to Elaine Kamarck of Brookings, who wrote that the “partnership” model has been used since Bill Clinton chose Al Gore, then George W. Bush chose Dick Cheney and then Barack Obama chose Biden. Vice presidents since 1992 -- including Mike Pence -- have been partners with significant portfolios, and Biden’s pick will likely be asked to do the same, if not more.
The reasoned guess is that Biden picks someone who will be a partner while also providing a pause, who can ably do the job alongside him and let the party battle more quietly about the future for at least a little longer. But there’s not a lot of reason or rhyme to 2020 -- so even Joe Biden could end up shocking us.


wnd--2020-07-30--Minneapolis area where George Floyd died now 'police-free:' report

There has been a reported increase in gun violence , particularly at night in the area of Minneapolis where George Floyd died , the New York Times reported Wednesday .
Police officers have avoided the four-block radius of South Minneapolis where Floyd died , the Times reported .
The area contains murals and a garden around a raised fist sculpture , and the words “ I can ’ t breathe ” are painted alongside the names of other black victims of police violence on the street , according to the Times .
TRENDING : Super-edited video exposes Dem scheme to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What people aren ’ t recognizing is that people who live there are having a very , very challenging time from the unlawfulness that is occurring after the sun goes down , ” City Council Member Andrea Jenkins said , the Times reported .
“ There are constant gunshots every night.
” “ Emergency vehicles can ’ t get in , ” she continued .
“ Disabled people are not able to access their medications , their appointments , their food deliveries , et cetera .
It ’ s a very challenging situation.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two who lives down the street from where Floyd died , said that during the day the environment is fine , but that she doesn ’ t feel safe at night , the Times reported .
“ But when the other crowd comes at night , I can ’ t call the police , and that scares the hell out of me , ” Dawkins said , the Times reported .
“ We have kids in this home , so I do want police to protect families … It ’ s a hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident brought change , but I want to feel safe.
” Dr. Jackie Kawiecki , who constructed a medic station to treat injured protesters , said night and day in the area where Floyd died is “ very different.
” “ My nighttime world , after sunset , I have taken care of double gunshot wounds , drug overdoses , ” Kawiecki said , the Times reported .
She limited the station hours after evading gunfire herself and after a pregnant woman was killed .
Nationwide protests have persisted since Floyd died in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his neck for nearly nine minutes during his arrest , video shows .
This story originally was published by the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact [ email protected ]

By Kaylee Greenlee
Daily Caller News Foundation
There has been a reported increase in gun violence, particularly at night in the area of Minneapolis where George Floyd died, the New York Times reported Wednesday.
Police officers have avoided the four-block radius of South Minneapolis where Floyd died, the Times reported. The area contains murals and a garden around a raised fist sculpture, and the words “I can’t breathe” are painted alongside the names of other black victims of police violence on the street, according to the Times.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
“What people aren’t recognizing is that people who live there are having a very, very challenging time from the unlawfulness that is occurring after the sun goes down,” City Council Member Andrea Jenkins said, the Times reported. “There are constant gunshots every night.”
“Emergency vehicles can’t get in,” she continued. “Disabled people are not able to access their medications, their appointments, their food deliveries, et cetera. It’s a very challenging situation.”
Teen gunned down near George Floyd memorial in Minneapolis https://t.co/Q5Vwl86tZj pic.twitter.com/dgxxyaUMJh — New York Post (@nypost) July 24, 2020
Ms. Dawkins, a mother of two who lives down the street from where Floyd died, said that during the day the environment is fine, but that she doesn’t feel safe at night, the Times reported.
“But when the other crowd comes at night, I can’t call the police, and that scares the hell out of me,” Dawkins said, the Times reported. “We have kids in this home, so I do want police to protect families … It’s a hard balance. I’m happy this incident brought change, but I want to feel safe.”
Dr. Jackie Kawiecki, who constructed a medic station to treat injured protesters, said night and day in the area where Floyd died is “very different.”
“My nighttime world, after sunset, I have taken care of double gunshot wounds, drug overdoses,” Kawiecki said, the Times reported. She limited the station hours after evading gunfire herself and after a pregnant woman was killed.
Nationwide protests have persisted since Floyd died in May after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes during his arrest, video shows.
This story originally was published by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


wnd--2020-07-30--Senate expands inquiry into Obama's Russia-collusion probe

In a dramatic expansion of the inquiry into the Obama administration 's now-debunked Russia collusion claims against the Trump campaign in 2016 , two senators have requested documents from the CIA , the Director of National Intelligence and the State Department .
Just the News reported Sen. Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , the chairman of the Homeland and Governmental Affairs Committee , and Sen. Charles Grassley , R-Iowa , of the Finance Committee have dispatched letters to those agencies and the FBI .
They appear to focus on officials who disseminated Christopher Steele 's discredited anti-Trump dossier , an opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign that was used by the FBI to obtain warrants to spy on the Trump campaign .
Among them are longtime Clinton associate and former Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott , who has admitted he received and provided copies of the Steele dossier .
Others are Clinton associates Cody Shearer and Sidney Blumenthal .
Shearer , a relative of Talbott , wrote a similar dossier that was provided to Steele .
TRENDING : Super-edited video exposes Dem scheme to silence Barr and control the message Also in the crosshairs are former State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kathleen Kavalec .
`` The senators also made their most sweeping demands for records from CIA , including any information the spy agency provided the FBI concerning the credibility of Steele as a human source .
Recently declassified footnotes from Justice Department inspector general Michael Horowitz 's report on Russia probe abuses revealed that the CIA had raised red flags about Steele 's reporting , including that he had been targeted with Russian intelligence agency disinformation about Donald Trump while writing the dossier , '' Just the News reported .
The letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lists 17 categories of information the senators seek in their review of the FBI 's Crossfire Hurricane operation .
They include potential conflicts of interest related to the Obama administration 's policy decisions with respect to Ukraine and Burisma Holdings .
They also seek records linked to James Comey , Andrew McCabe , Rod Rosenstein , Michael Flynn , Glenn Simpson Kevin Clinesmith , Bruce Ohr , Stefan Halper , Steele 's contact with State Department officials and any `` information provided to or received from the CIA about persons affiliated with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` any correspondence to or from the U.S. Embassy in London about the FBI sending any official or affiliated person to the United Kingdom to gather information about … anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign . ''
From the CIA they want records of any requests for assistance from foreign allies in the Russia collusion case .
JTN reported the CIA `` also was pressed for records concerning the conduct of former Obama-era director John Brennan , including his contact about the Russia probe with fired FBI Director James Comey and then-Senate Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel he took to Ukraine , Russia 's neighbor . ''
Johnson already had been given permission to subpoena Blue Star Strategies for its investigation of Burisma , the Ukrainian gas company that paid Hunter Biden more than $ 3 million while his father was Barack Obama 's point man for Ukraine policy .
Joe Biden , meanwhile , boasted of pressuring Ukrainian officials to fire a prosecutor investigating Burisma by threatening to withhold a billion dollars in American loan guarantees .

In a dramatic expansion of the inquiry into the Obama administration's now-debunked Russia collusion claims against the Trump campaign in 2016, two senators have requested documents from the CIA, the Director of National Intelligence and the State Department.
Just the News reported Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., the chairman of the Homeland and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, of the Finance Committee have dispatched letters to those agencies and the FBI.
They appear to focus on officials who disseminated Christopher Steele's discredited anti-Trump dossier, an opposition research document funded by the Hillary Clinton campaign that was used by the FBI to obtain warrants to spy on the Trump campaign.
Among them are longtime Clinton associate and former Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott, who has admitted he received and provided copies of the Steele dossier. Others are Clinton associates Cody Shearer and Sidney Blumenthal. Shearer, a relative of Talbott, wrote a similar dossier that was provided to Steele.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Also in the crosshairs are former State Department officials Victoria Nuland, Jonathan Winer and Kathleen Kavalec.
"The senators also made their most sweeping demands for records from CIA, including any information the spy agency provided the FBI concerning the credibility of Steele as a human source. Recently declassified footnotes from Justice Department inspector general Michael Horowitz's report on Russia probe abuses revealed that the CIA had raised red flags about Steele's reporting, including that he had been targeted with Russian intelligence agency disinformation about Donald Trump while writing the dossier," Just the News reported.
The letter to the FBI and Department of Justice lists 17 categories of information the senators seek in their review of the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane operation. They include potential conflicts of interest related to the Obama administration's policy decisions with respect to Ukraine and Burisma Holdings.
They also seek records linked to James Comey, Andrew McCabe, Rod Rosenstein, Michael Flynn, Glenn Simpson Kevin Clinesmith, Bruce Ohr, Stefan Halper ,Steele's contact with State Department officials and any "information provided to or received from the CIA about persons affiliated with the Trump campaign."
The senators request "any correspondence to or from the U.S. Embassy in London about the FBI sending any official or affiliated person to the United Kingdom to gather information about … anyone affiliated with the Trump campaign."
From the CIA they want records of any requests for assistance from foreign allies in the Russia collusion case.
JTN reported the CIA "also was pressed for records concerning the conduct of former Obama-era director John Brennan, including his contact about the Russia probe with fired FBI Director James Comey and then-Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid as well as any travel he took to Ukraine, Russia's neighbor."
Johnson already had been given permission to subpoena Blue Star Strategies for its investigation of Burisma, the Ukrainian gas company that paid Hunter Biden more than $3 million while his father was Barack Obama's point man for Ukraine policy.
Joe Biden, meanwhile, boasted of pressuring Ukrainian officials to fire a prosecutor investigating Burisma by threatening to withhold a billion dollars in American loan guarantees.


wnd--2020-07-30--Why we should believe none of the polls

Why we should believe none of the polls

The November election is already decided , say many in the left-leaning media , and President Donald Trump has lost , almost 100 days before Election Day .
Some polls show Democratic presidential standard-bearer Joe Biden leading by as much as 13 points , `` a nearly-insurmountable lead '' that leftist pundits say Mr. Trump almost certainly can not overcome .
This has led some on the right to despair .
Both major parties are in transition .
Democrats are transforming from liberalism to globalist socialism , and abandoning the blue-collar working class .
Republicans are metamorphosing from globalism to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared that `` since January Americans ' party preferences have shifted dramatically .
… What had been a 2-percentage point Republican advantage … has become an 11-point Democratic advantage . ''
Polls reflect what a tiny representative `` sample '' of only a few hundred people say , and this year many conservatives are afraid to share their opinions .
If pollsters `` oversample '' Democrats , their polls will be even more inaccurate than in 2016 .
TRENDING : Super-edited video exposes Dem scheme to silence Barr and control the message Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hillary Clinton won only 37 % of white votes , and lost because she got `` only '' 89 % of black votes .
Rasmussen finds that only 77 % of blacks approve of Biden ; Trump could win 14-21 % of black votes and 41 % of Hispanic votes .
The leftist media love polls , which turn politics into sports , a horse race .
Polls let media manufacture their own exclusive `` news '' on slow news days , and promote their biases by selecting slanted questions and leftist respondents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience .
Consider our `` democracy . ''
Roughly 1 in 4 `` eligible voters '' ( citizens 18 or older ) are not registered to vote , many because they do not want to be on jury duty lists .
Of those who register , up to half do not vote .
Of those who vote , less than half vote for the winner .
Recent presidents , therefore , have typically been chosen by roughly 18 % of eligible voters – only slightly more than 1 potential voter in 6 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no bill can be passed without approval of at least 50 % plus one of all lawmakers present , a quorum .
By this standard , any president `` elected '' by only 18 % of eligible voters should be illegitimate .
We have no national vote for president .
Under the Electoral College , we choose our chief executive through 50 separate state elections plus one in the District of Columbia .
It is irrelevant , therefore , that in 2016 Hillary Clinton won a slightly larger `` nationwide popular vote , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's welfare recipients , who reside in Democrat-dominated California .
A `` national poll '' is meaningless .
In recent days , statewide polls show Trump beating Biden with 60 % of the vote in Kentucky , 52 % in Montana , 50 % in Michigan , 49 % in North Carolina , Texas and Georgia and 48 % in Pennsylvania .
The left-of-center national media never report these polls .
President Trump in the highly credible Rasmussen poll has risen to a statistical tie with Biden .
Only 37 % of Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they are voting against Trump , whose supporters suffer no such enthusiasm gap .
As Nina Turner , former co-chair for Sen. Bernie Sanders , says , voting for Biden is like eating a `` bowl of s*** . ''
America , wake up and smell corrupt Joe .
American Thinker pundit Brian Joondeph sees many leftist-media-paid polls as rigged .
`` The Washington Post-ABC News poll , '' he writes , `` sampled 1,000 adults .
Not likely voters , not registered voters , not even eligible voters , just whoever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also oversampled Democrats by 6 % , '' Joondeph continues , `` and their sample contained 399 Trump supporters compared to 522 Biden supporters , over a 25 % advantage for Biden . ''
Likewise , the Quinnipiac University poll `` oversampled Democrats by 10 points , 34 to 24 % . ''
Even the Fox News poll `` oversampled Democrats by 4 points , '' writes Joondeph .
Those polled recently by Monmouth University favored Biden by 13 % , but they believed Trump would win the election .
Huh ?
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 62 % of Americans are afraid to share their political views .
Nowadays , ordinary opinions can get you threatened , stalked , attacked , fired , firebombed , or even killed by internet radicals and violent mobs .
This fear is shared by 77 % of Republicans , 59 % of Independents and even 52 % of Democrats .
Only a majority ( 58 % ) of hard-core leftists feel free to express themselves .
Would you tell a telephoning stranger who claims to be a pollster if you support President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not .
So why believe any of today 's polls ?
Lowell Ponte is a former Reader 's Digest Roving Editor .
His articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal , the New York Times and other major publications .
His latest paper co-authored with Craig R. Smith , `` The Secret War , '' shows how to rethink several areas of investment to protect and grow your savings against little-known economic threats .
For a free , postpaid copy , call toll-free 800-630-1492 .

The November election is already decided, say many in the left-leaning media, and President Donald Trump has lost, almost 100 days before Election Day.
Some polls show Democratic presidential standard-bearer Joe Biden leading by as much as 13 points, "a nearly-insurmountable lead" that leftist pundits say Mr. Trump almost certainly cannot overcome. This has led some on the right to despair.
Both major parties are in transition. Democrats are transforming from liberalism to globalist socialism, and abandoning the blue-collar working class. Republicans are metamorphosing from globalism to pro-worker American populism.
Gallup this month declared that "since January Americans' party preferences have shifted dramatically. … What had been a 2-percentage point Republican advantage … has become an 11-point Democratic advantage."
Polls reflect what a tiny representative "sample" of only a few hundred people say, and this year many conservatives are afraid to share their opinions. If pollsters "oversample" Democrats, their polls will be even more inaccurate than in 2016.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Democrats depend on minorities. In 2016, Hillary Clinton won only 37% of white votes, and lost because she got "only" 89% of black votes. Rasmussen finds that only 77% of blacks approve of Biden; Trump could win 14-21% of black votes and 41% of Hispanic votes.
The leftist media love polls, which turn politics into sports, a horse race. Polls let media manufacture their own exclusive "news" on slow news days, and promote their biases by selecting slanted questions and leftist respondents to manipulate, moralize and demoralize their audience.
How accurate are political polls?
Consider our "democracy." Roughly 1 in 4 "eligible voters" (citizens 18 or older) are not registered to vote, many because they do not want to be on jury duty lists. Of those who register, up to half do not vote. Of those who vote, less than half vote for the winner.
Do you believe presidential poll results? 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. 1% (1 Votes) 99% (89 Votes)
Recent presidents, therefore, have typically been chosen by roughly 18% of eligible voters – only slightly more than 1 potential voter in 6.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, no bill can be passed without approval of at least 50% plus one of all lawmakers present, a quorum. By this standard, any president "elected" by only 18% of eligible voters should be illegitimate.
We have no national vote for president. Under the Electoral College, we choose our chief executive through 50 separate state elections plus one in the District of Columbia. It is irrelevant, therefore, that in 2016 Hillary Clinton won a slightly larger "nationwide popular vote," mostly due to one-third of America's welfare recipients, who reside in Democrat-dominated California. A "national poll" is meaningless.
In recent days, statewide polls show Trump beating Biden with 60% of the vote in Kentucky, 52% in Montana, 50% in Michigan, 49% in North Carolina, Texas and Georgia and 48% in Pennsylvania. The left-of-center national media never report these polls.
President Trump in the highly credible Rasmussen poll has risen to a statistical tie with Biden.
Only 37% of Biden voters are for Biden; 60% say they are voting against Trump, whose supporters suffer no such enthusiasm gap. As Nina Turner, former co-chair for Sen. Bernie Sanders, says, voting for Biden is like eating a "bowl of s***." America, wake up and smell corrupt Joe.
American Thinker pundit Brian Joondeph sees many leftist-media-paid polls as rigged. "The Washington Post-ABC News poll," he writes, "sampled 1,000 adults. Not likely voters, not registered voters, not even eligible voters, just whoever answered the phone."
"They also oversampled Democrats by 6%," Joondeph continues, "and their sample contained 399 Trump supporters compared to 522 Biden supporters, over a 25% advantage for Biden."
Likewise, the Quinnipiac University poll "oversampled Democrats by 10 points, 34 to 24%." Even the Fox News poll "oversampled Democrats by 4 points," writes Joondeph. Those polled recently by Monmouth University favored Biden by 13%, but they believed Trump would win the election. Huh?
A libertarian Cato Institute YouGov national survey finds that 62% of Americans are afraid to share their political views. Nowadays, ordinary opinions can get you threatened, stalked, attacked, fired, firebombed, or even killed by internet radicals and violent mobs. This fear is shared by 77% of Republicans, 59% of Independents and even 52% of Democrats. Only a majority (58%) of hard-core leftists feel free to express themselves.
Would you tell a telephoning stranger who claims to be a pollster if you support President Donald Trump? Many millions of Americans would not. So why believe any of today's polls?
Lowell Ponte is a former Reader's Digest Roving Editor. His articles have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other major publications. His latest paper co-authored with Craig R. Smith, "The Secret War," shows how to rethink several areas of investment to protect and grow your savings against little-known economic threats. For a free, postpaid copy, call toll-free 800-630-1492.


wnd--2020-07-30--Dem publisher won't post notice of pro-life event

The publisher of a Democratic events calendar refused Tuesday to publish a pro-life event during the Democratic National Convention , saying she was “ just not comfortable ” posting an event that is “ inconsistent ” with the Democratic Party platform .
DemList publisher Kimberly Scott refused to publish the remote event “ Pro-Life Caucus at the DNC ” in an email response to Democrats for Life Executive Director Kristen Day .
Scott told Day that she opposed the ideology behind the event and was “ not comfortable ” posting it on the Democratic events calendar .
TRENDING : Super-edited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and control the message “ I am afraid a pro-life event is inconsistent with the party platform , but most importantly , contrary to my views as a long time advocate of pro-choice , reproductive rights , ” Scott told Day in an email obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ As DemList is actually my own publication , I am just not comfortable posting the event.
” The “ Pro-Life Caucus at the DNC ” event is scheduled to take virtually place August 17 and will feature prominent pro-life Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the event description .
“ Are you fed up with abortion extremism in the Democratic Party , ” the event description asks .
“ Are you left-leaning , moderate , independent , or a Republican who would consider voting Democrat if the Party wasn ’ t so Pro-Abortion ?
Are you tired of having your vote taken for granted ?
You ’ ve come to the right place !
” “ We are the majority and we will not be silenced , ” the description adds .
The DNC did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment from the DCNF .
Scott shared her reply to Day ’ s email in response to a request for comment from the DCNF .
The DemList publisher emphasized to Day that she did not speak on behalf of the Democratic Party and that DemList is not a party publication .
Scott said in her email that Day ’ s 2016 request to appear on the calendar had been denied , but Day claims that a Democrats for Life event had been posted on DemList in June 2016 .
Scott did not respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day told the DCNF that Democrats are increasingly opposed to pro-life candidates and members of the party .
“ There is increasing discrimination against pro-life Democratic candidates , elected officials , and voters .
The latest litmus test by the DemList is an unfortunate trend from groups who we worked with prior to 2020 , ” Day told the DCNF .
“ It is disheartening that a Party that claims to stand against discrimination actively allows discrimination against Democrats who believe that we must do everything we can to reduce abortion , keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect the most vulnerable – pre-born child and the mothers carrying them , ” the Democrats for Life executive director added .
“ The increasing extremism of support for abortion in the Democratic Platform and the refusal to even consider language that would end an abortion litmus test will continue to push an exodus from the party , ” Day said .
According to the DemList website , the DemList calendar was formerly the Democratic Party ’ s recommended calendar and “ daily source ” for both the 2012 and 2016 Conventions as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Scott describes DemList as “ a free national daily political column and resource site for Democrats and allies – a unique , central source that connects people to the who , what and where of Democratic events , issues and activism.
” Events currently listed for the convention include the Minnesota Farmer Labor Party Delegate Breakfast , the DNC Hispanic Caucus Meeting , Coalition For The National Infrastructure Bank , the American Muslim Democratic Caucus , and the DNC LGBTQ Caucus Meeting , among others .
“ DemList is followed by 15,000+ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , progressive organizations , donors , fundraisers , lobbyists , hill staff , labor , celebrities , media and local activists from every state , the territories and Dems abroad , ” the website says .
The incident comes as high profile Democrats have distanced themselves from pro-life members of the party heading into a 2020 election cycle in which abortion may be a major issue for voters .
Former Democratic Illinois Rep. Dan Lipinski , one of the few remaining pro-life Democratic lawmakers , lost to his primary challenger Marie Newman in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of support from the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List .
Rhetoric from 2020 presidential candidates emphasizes that the Democratic Party no longer includes those who oppose abortion .
“ I think by this time in history , I think when we talk about what a Democrat is , I think being pro-choice is an essential part of that , ” said former 2020 presidential candidate and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in February .
Sanders ’ statement came after Day questioned former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg on Democratic inclusion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town hall .
“ I ’ m a proud pro-life Democrat , ” she said .
“ Do you want the support of pro-life Democratic voters ?
” “ There are 21 million of us .
And if so , would you support more moderate platform language to ensure the party of diversity and inclusion does include everybody ?
” Day continued .
Buttigieg said that though he respected her views , he would not try to earn her vote “ by tricking ” her .
“ I am pro-choice , ” Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ought to be able to make that decision.
” Day said that Buttigieg did not address her question and pointed out that the Democratic platform “ contains language that says we don ’ t belong.
” “ I support the position of my party that this kind of medical care needs to be available to everyone , ” Buttigieg told her .
Day later told the DCNF that Buttigeig gave voters “ a reason to vote against him ” when he told her that her views were not embraced by the Democratic Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post has been updated to reflect comment from Kristen Day .
This story originally was published by the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact [ email protected ]

By Mary Margaret Olohan
Daily Caller News Foundation
The publisher of a Democratic events calendar refused Tuesday to publish a pro-life event during the Democratic National Convention, saying she was “just not comfortable” posting an event that is “inconsistent” with the Democratic Party platform.
DemList publisher Kimberly Scott refused to publish the remote event “Pro-Life Caucus at the DNC” in an email response to Democrats for Life Executive Director Kristen Day. Scott told Day that she opposed the ideology behind the event and was “not comfortable” posting it on the Democratic events calendar.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
“I am afraid a pro-life event is inconsistent with the party platform, but most importantly, contrary to my views as a long time advocate of pro-choice, reproductive rights,” Scott told Day in an email obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation. “As DemList is actually my own publication, I am just not comfortable posting the event.”
The “Pro-Life Caucus at the DNC” event is scheduled to take virtually place August 17 and will feature prominent pro-life Democrats including Democratic Louisiana State Rep. Katrina Jackson, according to the event description.
“Are you fed up with abortion extremism in the Democratic Party,” the event description asks. “Are you left-leaning, moderate, independent, or a Republican who would consider voting Democrat if the Party wasn’t so Pro-Abortion? Are you tired of having your vote taken for granted? You’ve come to the right place!”
“We are the majority and we will not be silenced,” the description adds. The DNC did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the DCNF.
Scott shared her reply to Day’s email in response to a request for comment from the DCNF. The DemList publisher emphasized to Day that she did not speak on behalf of the Democratic Party and that DemList is not a party publication.
Scott said in her email that Day’s 2016 request to appear on the calendar had been denied, but Day claims that a Democrats for Life event had been posted on DemList in June 2016. Scott did not respond to a further request for comment.
Day told the DCNF that Democrats are increasingly opposed to pro-life candidates and members of the party.
“There is increasing discrimination against pro-life Democratic candidates, elected officials, and voters. The latest litmus test by the DemList is an unfortunate trend from groups who we worked with prior to 2020,” Day told the DCNF.
“It is disheartening that a Party that claims to stand against discrimination actively allows discrimination against Democrats who believe that we must do everything we can to reduce abortion, keep reasonable regulation of the abortion industry and protect the most vulnerable – pre-born child and the mothers carrying them,” the Democrats for Life executive director added.
“The increasing extremism of support for abortion in the Democratic Platform and the refusal to even consider language that would end an abortion litmus test will continue to push an exodus from the party,” Day said.
According to the DemList website, the DemList calendar was formerly the Democratic Party’s recommended calendar and “daily source” for both the 2012 and 2016 Conventions as well as the 2017 Alternative Inaugural Events.
Scott describes DemList as “a free national daily political column and resource site for Democrats and allies – a unique, central source that connects people to the who, what and where of Democratic events, issues and activism.” Events currently listed for the convention include the Minnesota Farmer Labor Party Delegate Breakfast, the DNC Hispanic Caucus Meeting, Coalition For The National Infrastructure Bank, the American Muslim Democratic Caucus, and the DNC LGBTQ Caucus Meeting, among others.
“DemList is followed by 15,000+ self-subscribed DNC, party and elected officials, progressive organizations, donors, fundraisers, lobbyists, hill staff, labor, celebrities, media and local activists from every state, the territories and Dems abroad,” the website says.
The incident comes as high profile Democrats have distanced themselves from pro-life members of the party heading into a 2020 election cycle in which abortion may be a major issue for voters.
Former Democratic Illinois Rep. Dan Lipinski, one of the few remaining pro-life Democratic lawmakers, lost to his primary challenger Marie Newman in March — despite a five figure campaign of support from the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List.
Rhetoric from 2020 presidential candidates emphasizes that the Democratic Party no longer includes those who oppose abortion.
“I think by this time in history, I think when we talk about what a Democrat is, I think being pro-choice is an essential part of that,” said former 2020 presidential candidate and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in February.
Sanders’ statement came after Day questioned former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg on Democratic inclusion of pro-life Democrats during a January Fox News town hall.
“I’m a proud pro-life Democrat,” she said. “Do you want the support of pro-life Democratic voters?”
“There are 21 million of us. And if so, would you support more moderate platform language to ensure the party of diversity and inclusion does include everybody?” Day continued.
Buttigieg said that though he respected her views, he would not try to earn her vote “by tricking” her.
“I am pro-choice,” Buttigieg said. “I believe a woman ought to be able to make that decision.”
Day said that Buttigieg did not address her question and pointed out that the Democratic platform “contains language that says we don’t belong.”
“I support the position of my party that this kind of medical care needs to be available to everyone,” Buttigieg told her.
Day later told the DCNF that Buttigeig gave voters “a reason to vote against him” when he told her that her views were not embraced by the Democratic Party.
Editor’s note: This post has been updated to reflect comment from Kristen Day.
This story originally was published by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


wnd--2020-07-30--'I was stabbed for being a conservative journalist'

A videographer was stabbed after confronting a man who he claims was following him while he covered the protests in Portland , Oregon , the Oregonian reported .
Andrew Duncomb , 25 , works under the name “ Black Rebel , ” and was documenting the protests in Portland , Oregon , when he noticed a man was following the group he was with around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday , the Oregonian reported .
Duncomb passed his camera off to a friend before putting his arm around the man ’ s shoulder and asking him why he was following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond , but stabbed Dumcomb in the back just missing his spinal cord , the Oregonian reported .
TRENDING : Super-edited video exposes Dem scheme to silence Barr and control the message “ I was stabbed for being a conservative journalist , ” Duncomb said , the Oregonian reported .
“ My main goal was to show that it wasn ’ t just the feds creating the problems.
” Duncomb is a supporter of President Donald Trump , and he traveled from northern California to document the protests in Portland , Oregon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the OHSU hospital on Sunday .
“ The adrenaline just soared through me , ” Duncomb said , the Oregonian reported .
“ I had a can of bear mace and a knife on me , too .
But I didn ’ t want to endanger innocent bystanders.
” Blake David Hampe , 43 , was arrested and told police Dumcomb “ set up ” and attempted to choke him , according to a probable cause affidavit , the Oregonian reported .
( RELATED : Journalists And Legal Observers Exempt From Arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rules ) Hampe is held on a bond of $ 250,000 and faces charges of second-degree assault , unlawful use of a weapon , and a Measure 11 crime , the Oregonian reported .
Measure 11 is an Oregon initiative that sets a minimum mandatory sentence for “ serious crimes , ” according to Multnomah County ’ s official website .
“ I wasn ’ t meant to die .
It wasn ’ t my time to go ” Duncomb said , the Oregonian reported .
“ I ’ m not going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out.
” Thousands of protesters have met at the federal courthouse in Portland , Oregon , and some demonstrations have been declared unlawful assemblies after reported vandalism , fires , and assaults directed towards police officers .
Nationwide protests have persisted since Floyd died in May after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes during his arrest , video shows .
This story originally was published by the Daily Caller News Foundation .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact [ email protected ]

By Kaylee Greenlee
Daily Caller News Foundation
A videographer was stabbed after confronting a man who he claims was following him while he covered the protests in Portland, Oregon, the Oregonian reported.
Andrew Duncomb, 25, works under the name “Black Rebel,” and was documenting the protests in Portland, Oregon, when he noticed a man was following the group he was with around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, the Oregonian reported. Duncomb passed his camera off to a friend before putting his arm around the man’s shoulder and asking him why he was following the group. The man did not verbally respond, but stabbed Dumcomb in the back just missing his spinal cord, the Oregonian reported.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
“I was stabbed for being a conservative journalist,” Duncomb said, the Oregonian reported. “My main goal was to show that it wasn’t just the feds creating the problems.”
A videographer (also named Andy) was attacked by a mob of antifa militants in Portland. He had to sprint to the central @PortlandPolice precinct & shout for help. This is the exact same area I was beaten last June. pic.twitter.com/p277Ziy0w3 — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) February 8, 2020
Duncomb is a supporter of President Donald Trump, and he traveled from northern California to document the protests in Portland, Oregon, the Oregonian reported. Duncomb was released from the OHSU hospital on Sunday.
“The adrenaline just soared through me,” Duncomb said, the Oregonian reported. “I had a can of bear mace and a knife on me, too. But I didn’t want to endanger innocent bystanders.”
Blake David Hampe, 43, was arrested and told police Dumcomb “set up” and attempted to choke him, according to a probable cause affidavit, the Oregonian reported. (RELATED: Journalists And Legal Observers Exempt From Arrest, Force In Portland, Federal Judge Rules)
Hampe is held on a bond of $250,000 and faces charges of second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and a Measure 11 crime, the Oregonian reported. Measure 11 is an Oregon initiative that sets a minimum mandatory sentence for “serious crimes,” according to Multnomah County’s official website.
“I wasn’t meant to die. It wasn’t my time to go” Duncomb said, the Oregonian reported. “I’m not going to let them intimidate me for going back out.”
Thousands of protesters have met at the federal courthouse in Portland, Oregon, and some demonstrations have been declared unlawful assemblies after reported vandalism, fires, and assaults directed towards police officers.
Nationwide protests have persisted since Floyd died in May after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes during his arrest, video shows.
This story originally was published by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


wnd--2020-07-30--Appeals court schedules do-over for Flynn case

The District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals will hear an appeal to continue the case against Michael Flynn even though the Justice Department has filed a motion to dismiss the charges .
A three-judge panel of the appeals court previously ordered the trial court judge in the case , Emmet Sullivan , to grant the DOJ 's motion to dismiss , but he refused .
Now , the full court will hear Sullivan 's appeal Aug. 11 .
The Washington Examiner reported Sullivan had turned prosecutor in the case , appointing another judge to argue against Flynn .
TRENDING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silence Barr and control the message Flynn 's lawyers argue Sullivan `` has no interest '' in continuing the case , since both the defendant and prosecutors want it dropped .
The Gateway Pundit blog summarized : `` Gen. Michael Flynn was lied to , set up multiple times before and after the Trump inauguration , excessively and to the point of illegally unmasked , targeted , ambushed in the White House , falsely accused , threatened with his son being indicted , provided corrupt legal counsel ( the same firm where corrupt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , harassed for 3 years , belittled , slandered , besmirched by the judge , harassed by the judge , and then the attorneys going after him were the same attorneys who represented the corrupt Sally Yates who lied and told President Trump General Flynn lied . ''
Flynn pleaded guilty in a case triggered by special counsel Robert Mueller 's Russia-collusion probe .
The former Trump national security adviser then withdrew the plea , presenting evidence he was the victim of a `` perjury trap . ''
Evidence unsealed in the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was prepared to close the investigation for lack of evidence -- discussing how to get him to lie .
The FBI has admitted it had a transcript of the telephone call with a Russian ambassador at the center of the case , making their questioning of Flynn about it unnecessary .
Earlier , Judge Neomi Rao , a 2019 Trump appointee , authored the opinion of the three-judge panel ordering Sullivan to dismiss the case .
She was joined by George H.W .
Bush appointee Judge Karen Henderson .
Rao wrote : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that in light of newly discovered evidence of misconduct by the Federal Bureau of Investigation , the prosecution can no longer prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any false statements made by Flynn were material to a legitimate investigation . ''
The judge said it is `` plainly not the rare case where further judicial inquiry is warranted . ''

The District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals will hear an appeal to continue the case against Michael Flynn even though the Justice Department has filed a motion to dismiss the charges.
A three-judge panel of the appeals court previously ordered the trial court judge in the case, Emmet Sullivan, to grant the DOJ's motion to dismiss, but he refused.
Now, the full court will hear Sullivan's appeal Aug. 11.
The Washington Examiner reported Sullivan had turned prosecutor in the case, appointing another judge to argue against Flynn.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Flynn's lawyers argue Sullivan "has no interest" in continuing the case, since both the defendant and prosecutors want it dropped.
Flynn update - Team Flynn has filed their opposition to Judge Sullivan's request for rehearing (appeal). Judge Sullivan's efforts should be denied - he "has no cognizable interest in this case." Full doc:https://t.co/aNlNi4doyA pic.twitter.com/GL0bQnYHsp — Techno Fog (@Techno_Fog) July 20, 2020
The Gateway Pundit blog summarized: "Gen. Michael Flynn was lied to, set up multiple times before and after the Trump inauguration, excessively and to the point of illegally unmasked, targeted, ambushed in the White House, falsely accused, threatened with his son being indicted, provided corrupt legal counsel (the same firm where corrupt Obama former AG Eric Holder works), harassed for 3 years, belittled, slandered, besmirched by the judge, harassed by the judge, and then the attorneys going after him were the same attorneys who represented the corrupt Sally Yates who lied and told President Trump General Flynn lied."
Flynn pleaded guilty in a case triggered by special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia-collusion probe. The former Trump national security adviser then withdrew the plea, presenting evidence he was the victim of a "perjury trap."
Evidence unsealed in the case showed FBI agents -- after the bureau was prepared to close the investigation for lack of evidence -- discussing how to get him to lie.
The FBI has admitted it had a transcript of the telephone call with a Russian ambassador at the center of the case, making their questioning of Flynn about it unnecessary.
Earlier, Judge Neomi Rao, a 2019 Trump appointee, authored the opinion of the three-judge panel ordering Sullivan to dismiss the case. She was joined by George H.W. Bush appointee Judge Karen Henderson.
Rao wrote: "In its motion, the government explains that in light of newly discovered evidence of misconduct by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the prosecution can no longer prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any false statements made by Flynn were material to a legitimate investigation."
The judge said it is "plainly not the rare case where further judicial inquiry is warranted."


wnd--2020-07-30--A 'Victims of Communism Day' is long overdue

The fact that socialists and communists are still voted into power with swagger ; the fact that this creed 's savage foot-soldiers , Black Lives Matter and Antifa , are cast as pacifists , seekers of equity and justice – demonstrates that communists , despite their murderous past , `` belong to the camp of democratic progress , '' whereas the right is forever open to suspicions of unforgiven fascist and Nazi sympathies .
If anything , `` The Black Book of Communism : Crimes , Terror , Repression '' – that `` 800-page compendium of the crimes of communist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to qualitative comparisons between the Nazi and the `` Marxist-Leninist phenomenon . ''
On the quantitative front , `` Nazism , at an estimated 25 million dead , '' turned out to be distinctly less murderous than communism , whose `` grand total of victims , variously estimated at between 85 million and 100 million murdered , is the most colossal case of political carnage in history . ''
Qualitatively , the `` 'class genocide ' of communism '' is certainly comparable to the `` 'race genocide ' of Nazism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , moreover , nothing compares to communism 's continual , ongoing invention of new classes of `` enemies of the people '' to liquidate .
`` Mass violence against the population was a deliberate policy of the new revolutionary order ; and its scope and inhumanity far exceeded anything in the national past . ''
The Jewish people have carried out `` the solemn obligation to keep the memory of its martyrs alive in the conscience of the world . ''
The civilized world has internalized the methods and meaning of the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Book '' observes approvingly , `` Hitler and Nazism are now a constant presence in Western print and on Western television . ''
TRENDING : Super-edited video exposes Dem scheme to silence Barr and control the message Alas , although `` their practices were comparable , '' the `` moral auras '' of Nazism and communism are still `` antithetical . ''
`` The communist project '' is permitted to claim `` a commitment to universalistic and egalitarian goals , whereas the Nazi project '' is said to offer only `` unabashed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has refused to similarly stigmatize communism .
`` The status of ex-communist carries with it no stigma , even when unaccompanied by any expression of regret . ''
Even more skewed is the situation in the East .
No Gulag camps have been turned into museums to commemorate their inmates ; all were bulldozed into the ground during Nikita Khrushchev 's de-Stalinization .
The only memorial to Stalin 's victims is a modest stone brought to Moscow from the Arctic camp of Solovki and placed in Lubyanka Square ( though well off to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's former headquarters still stands .
Nor are there any regular visitors to this lonely slab ( one must cross a stream of traffic to reach it ) and no more than an occasional wilted bouquet .
By contrast , Lenin 's statue still dominates most city centers , and his mummy reposes honorably in its mausoleum .
Throughout the former communist world , moreover , virtually none of its responsible officials has been put on trial or punished .
Indeed , everywhere communist parties , though usually under new names , compete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched `` in Sarajevo in 1914 and ended in Moscow in 1991 '' turned `` mass crime into a full-blown system of government . ''
`` Crime [ was ] the defining characteristic of the communist system throughout its existence . ''
`` Islamo-Nazis '' is how rightists have taken to dubbing the ISIS Islamists .
But nothing beat the communists when it came to the execution by `` firing squads , hanging , drowning , battering , [ even gassing and beheading ] , poisoning ; the destruction of the population by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withholding of food , or both ; deportation , through which death can occur in transit ( either through physical exhaustion or through confinement in an enclosed space ) , at one 's place of residence , or through forced labor ( exhaustion , illness , hunger , cold ) , '' all meticulously planned and documented by the central authorities .
Perpetuated by the left and acquiesced to by a perpetually frightened right , the double standard adopted toward communism is `` scandalously out of line with the century 's real balance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must end !
When we next commemorate the Holocaust , let us remember the forgotten victims of communism who , too , were exterminated for who they were : U.S.S.R. : 20 million dead China : 65 million dead Vietnam : 1 million dead North Korea : 2 million dead Cambodia : 2 million dead Eastern Europe : 1 million dead Latin America : 150,000 dead Africa : 1.7 million dead Afghanistan : 1.5 million dead The international communist movement and communist parties not in power : about 10,000 dead As suggested by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` Victims of Communism Day '' is long overdue .

The fact that socialists and communists are still voted into power with swagger; the fact that this creed's savage foot-soldiers, Black Lives Matter and Antifa, are cast as pacifists, seekers of equity and justice – demonstrates that communists, despite their murderous past, "belong to the camp of democratic progress," whereas the right is forever open to suspicions of unforgiven fascist and Nazi sympathies.
If anything, "The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression" – that "800-page compendium of the crimes of communist regimes worldwide" – treads too lightly when it comes to qualitative comparisons between the Nazi and the "Marxist-Leninist phenomenon."
On the quantitative front, "Nazism, at an estimated 25 million dead," turned out to be distinctly less murderous than communism, whose "grand total of victims, variously estimated at between 85 million and 100 million murdered, is the most colossal case of political carnage in history."
Qualitatively, the "'class genocide' of communism" is certainly comparable to the "'race genocide' of Nazism." In its reach and methods, moreover, nothing compares to communism's continual, ongoing invention of new classes of "enemies of the people" to liquidate. "Mass violence against the population was a deliberate policy of the new revolutionary order; and its scope and inhumanity far exceeded anything in the national past."
The Jewish people have carried out "the solemn obligation to keep the memory of its martyrs alive in the conscience of the world." The civilized world has internalized the methods and meaning of the "Final Solution." As "The Black Book" observes approvingly, "Hitler and Nazism are now a constant presence in Western print and on Western television."
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Alas, although "their practices were comparable," the "moral auras" of Nazism and communism are still "antithetical." "The communist project" is permitted to claim "a commitment to universalistic and egalitarian goals, whereas the Nazi project" is said to offer only "unabashed national egoism." The liberal world has refused to similarly stigmatize communism. "The status of ex-communist carries with it no stigma, even when unaccompanied by any expression of regret."
Even more skewed is the situation in the East. No Gulag camps have been turned into museums to commemorate their inmates; all were bulldozed into the ground during Nikita Khrushchev's de-Stalinization. The only memorial to Stalin's victims is a modest stone brought to Moscow from the Arctic camp of Solovki and placed in Lubyanka Square (though well off to the side), where the KGB's former headquarters still stands.
Nor are there any regular visitors to this lonely slab (one must cross a stream of traffic to reach it) and no more than an occasional wilted bouquet. By contrast, Lenin's statue still dominates most city centers, and his mummy reposes honorably in its mausoleum. Throughout the former communist world, moreover, virtually none of its responsible officials has been put on trial or punished. Indeed, everywhere communist parties, though usually under new names, compete in politics.
The regime that was launched "in Sarajevo in 1914 and ended in Moscow in 1991" turned "mass crime into a full-blown system of government." "Crime [was] the defining characteristic of the communist system throughout its existence."
"Islamo-Nazis" is how rightists have taken to dubbing the ISIS Islamists. But nothing beat the communists when it came to the execution by "firing squads, hanging, drowning, battering, [even gassing and beheading], poisoning; the destruction of the population by starvation, through man-made famine, the withholding of food, or both; deportation, through which death can occur in transit (either through physical exhaustion or through confinement in an enclosed space), at one's place of residence, or through forced labor (exhaustion, illness, hunger, cold)," all meticulously planned and documented by the central authorities.
Perpetuated by the left and acquiesced to by a perpetually frightened right, the double standard adopted toward communism is "scandalously out of line with the century's real balance sheet of political crime." It must end!
When we next commemorate the Holocaust, let us remember the forgotten victims of communism who, too, were exterminated for who they were:
U.S.S.R.: 20 million dead
China: 65 million dead
Vietnam: 1 million dead
North Korea: 2 million dead
Cambodia: 2 million dead
Eastern Europe: 1 million dead
Latin America: 150,000 dead
Africa: 1.7 million dead
Afghanistan: 1.5 million dead
The international communist movement and communist parties not in power: about 10,000 dead
As suggested by Ilya Somin of The Volokh Conspiracy, a "Victims of Communism Day" is long overdue.