wnd--2020-04-02--All 6 early-infected states are Democratic – coincidence?

President Trump is the `` right '' leader for this time .
And that is exactly why the left is trying to convince us otherwise .
The state of New York is in horrible condition fighting the China virus – but do you blame Gov .
Cuomo for the situation ?
If not , then why blame Trump for the situation in the United States ?
The president did not bring the China virus to America .
Trump acted quickly with the information that was provided to the U.S. by China and the World Health Organization .
China and WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until late January .
President Trump blocked travelers from China and Europe quickly , action over which Democrats fought him .
Democrats called Trump a racist for blocking those travelers , but it proved to be the right thing to do despite Democratic objections .
The fact is that the first six hardest hit states were all states run by Democrats .
New York , Washington , Illinois , New Jersey , California and Michigan .
We need to understand how those Democrats put their states at more risk than other states , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from those six Democrat-led states to the rest of the nation .
Florida is now a mess because of the travelers from New York and New Jersey .
The same is true about Texas with travelers from California .
TRENDING : Dr. Ron Paul hits nail on the head in no-nonsense coronavirus interview The probability that there is some common thread among those six states is more than 99 % .
Since only 40 % of states are run by Democrats , and all six of the early infected states are run by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ x .4 x .4 x .4 x .4 = considerably less than 1 % that it is just a coincidence .
Why not Dallas , Miami , Atlanta ?
How about the impact of illegal immigrants ?
Sanctuary cities ?
At-risk life styles ?
The homeless ( especially in San Francisco ) ?
The CDC under Trump will examine it .
Just watch .
Those six states run by Democrats put all of the country at risk .
Next , the CDC originally predicted that 4 million Americans could die from this China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both expected 2.2 million deaths , without mitigation .
If the actual number comes in below a million , then the Trump actions will have prevented millions of people from dying .
Will the media and Democrats give him credit for that ?
According to Pew Research , 60 % of Americans approve of how Trump is handling this pandemic .
And last , the U.S. economyic health is much better than the rest of the world .
The actions by Trump before and after the virus put the United States in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world .
American deaths and cases per capita are much lower than in the EU .
The U.S. economy is in much better shape to weather this because of all that Trump did prior to the arrival of the China virus .
In every measurement , the U.S. economy was smoking hot prior to the virus even though Democrats and the liberal media cartel tried to spin the data otherwise .
Record low unemployment rate .
Record high total employment .
Record high worker wages .
Record high stock market .
Record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better under Trump than under Obama or than in the rest of the world .
Twenty-six industrial nations had negative interest rates prior to this outbreak , but not the USA .
Did China cause the outbreak since China was losing the trade war ?
Americans will be reminded about all of this at the right time , despite how the liberal media cartel tries to spin it .
Seriously , do Democrats want Trump to fail ?
Do Democrats want millions of Americans to die ?
Do they want the economy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million Americans ?
Is their political agenda really more important to them than the welfare of Americans ?
To Democrats , does the end really justify the means , as Saul Alinsky stated ?
Then why are liberals using a double standard to evaluate Cuomo vs. Trump ?
Or in evaluating the situation in New York vs. the rest of the country ?
And why do they want Trump to fail ?
Why do they relish in every piece of bad news ?
If the U.S. had done to New York as China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been put under total quarantine .
No one allowed in , and no one allowed out .
New York spread the disease to the rest of the nation .
But Cuomo and Democrats claimed that a quarantine against New York would be discrimination against the state and unconstitutional .
So now New York is receiving much more help per capita than any other state after it infested the rest of America .
Go figure .
Many years from now – just as with Woodrow Wilson , FDR , Truman , Ike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be judged to have been the right leader for the time .
He will have saved millions of American lives and saved the American capitalist economy .
Yes … `` right '' for the time .

President Trump is the "right" leader for this time. And that is exactly why the left is trying to convince us otherwise.
The state of New York is in horrible condition fighting the China virus – but do you blame Gov. Cuomo for the situation? If not, then why blame Trump for the situation in the United States? The president did not bring the China virus to America.
Trump acted quickly with the information that was provided to the U.S. by China and the World Health Organization. China and WHO lied by omission. They withheld information until late January.
President Trump blocked travelers from China and Europe quickly, action over which Democrats fought him. Democrats called Trump a racist for blocking those travelers, but it proved to be the right thing to do despite Democratic objections.
The fact is that the first six hardest hit states were all states run by Democrats. New York, Washington, Illinois, New Jersey, California and Michigan. We need to understand how those Democrats put their states at more risk than other states, so that the virus is now spreading from those six Democrat-led states to the rest of the nation. Florida is now a mess because of the travelers from New York and New Jersey. The same is true about Texas with travelers from California.
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The probability that there is some common thread among those six states is more than 99%. Since only 40% of states are run by Democrats, and all six of the early infected states are run by Democrats, that's .4 x .4 x .4 x .4 x .4 x .4 = considerably less than 1% that it is just a coincidence. Why not Dallas, Miami, Atlanta? How about the impact of illegal immigrants? Sanctuary cities? At-risk life styles? The homeless (especially in San Francisco)? The CDC under Trump will examine it. Just watch. Those six states run by Democrats put all of the country at risk.
Next, the CDC originally predicted that 4 million Americans could die from this China virus. Drs. Birx and Fauci both expected 2.2 million deaths, without mitigation. If the actual number comes in below a million, then the Trump actions will have prevented millions of people from dying. Will the media and Democrats give him credit for that?
According to Pew Research, 60% of Americans approve of how Trump is handling this pandemic.
And last, the U.S. economyic health is much better than the rest of the world. The actions by Trump before and after the virus put the United States in a much better position than the rest of the world. American deaths and cases per capita are much lower than in the EU. The U.S. economy is in much better shape to weather this because of all that Trump did prior to the arrival of the China virus.
In every measurement, the U.S. economy was smoking hot prior to the virus even though Democrats and the liberal media cartel tried to spin the data otherwise. Record low unemployment rate. Record high total employment. Record high worker wages. Record high stock market. Record high GDP. All indicators were much better under Trump than under Obama or than in the rest of the world. Twenty-six industrial nations had negative interest rates prior to this outbreak, but not the USA. Did China cause the outbreak since China was losing the trade war?
Americans will be reminded about all of this at the right time, despite how the liberal media cartel tries to spin it.
Seriously, do Democrats want Trump to fail? Do Democrats want millions of Americans to die? Do they want the economy to implode and ruin the livelihoods of 320 million Americans? Is their political agenda really more important to them than the welfare of Americans? To Democrats, does the end really justify the means, as Saul Alinsky stated? Then why are liberals using a double standard to evaluate Cuomo vs. Trump? Or in evaluating the situation in New York vs. the rest of the country? And why do they want Trump to fail? Why do they relish in every piece of bad news?
If the U.S. had done to New York as China did to Wuhan, then New York would have been put under total quarantine. No one allowed in, and no one allowed out. New York spread the disease to the rest of the nation. But Cuomo and Democrats claimed that a quarantine against New York would be discrimination against the state and unconstitutional. So now New York is receiving much more help per capita than any other state after it infested the rest of America. Go figure.
Many years from now – just as with Woodrow Wilson, FDR, Truman, Ike, JFK and Reagan – Trump will be judged to have been the right leader for the time. He will have saved millions of American lives and saved the American capitalist economy. Yes … "right" for the time.


wnd--2020-04-02--Mike Lindell, not Yamiche Alcindor, is the hero

MyPillow CEO Michael Lindell , a self-made former crack addict , is going to transform 75 % of his manufacturing capacity to make 10,000 cotton face masks per day by the end of the week , ramping up production to 50,000 a day in a month .
That sounds like a patriotic act to me , especially given that Lindell is undertaking the effort without being forced to do so by a federal agency .
I hope the guy becomes a billionaire after this is all over .
NBC ?
Not so much .
The headline on its `` analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week was `` Trump fluffs MyPillow in Rose Garden . ''
This matched the basic tone taken by a large faction within the political press .
Why ?
Presumably because , at the end of his remarks , Lindell claimed that the Lord Almighty had helped elect Donald Trump president to save our once-beleaguered nation from its alleged deprivations .
Listen , if there is a God , I hope He refrains from tipping the scales of presidential contests .
But it 's not surprising to hear an evangelical Christian talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is , you 've never met one .
Of course , anyone who shows anything less than hostility toward the president is immediately cast as a reactionary and their actions dismissed as questionable and self-serving .
Many of the CEOs who have stood with Trump at his press conferences – this week , or in weeks prior – hold varying religious and partisan beliefs .
The press did n't have similar qualms about the CEOs of CVS or Walgreens , because they kept their views to themselves .
Lindell is a villain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids say .
Yet the real heroes of our age – White House political correspondents – are applauded for speaking theirs .
Yesterday , PBS 's Yamiche Alcindor , one of the many pundits masquerading as a dispassionate journalist , was chided by Trump during his presser .
Immediately , journalists , who are perhaps the most tribalistic group in American political life , rallied around her with fawning tributes to her bravery and victimhood ( because Trump only lashes out at black women , apparently ) .
# WeLoveYamiche is the hashtag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rucker of The Washington Post noted that Alcindor `` routinely gets under his skin with probing questions , '' as if rattling our irascible president was a noteworthy accomplishment , or an act of heroism , or , in and of itself , a reliable indication that a reporter is doing a good job .
TRENDING : Dr. Ron Paul hits nail on the head in no-nonsense coronavirus interview The Post 's media critic , Erik Wemple , meanwhile , was forced to reimagine what Alcindor 's question might have sounded like had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply because Trump had been rude to her , he claimed that Alcindor has now become `` the symbol of American journalism . ''
Yes , that 's the problem .
It 's Alcindor 's prerogative to try and bait the president , as she has done on numerous occasions over the past weeks , and it 's PBS 's prerogative to send her to ask questions that do absolutely nothing to help the public gain a better understanding of the government 's efforts to fight the coronavirus .
But we should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are really talking about themselves .
Some journalists are indeed on the front lines of `` war zones , refugee crises , genocides , '' as CNN 's S.E .
Cupp put it recently .
But Alcindor , whose Twitter feed is littered with all kinds of absurdity , is not .
She risks absolutely nothing by asking the president questions .
Like Jim Acosta , who titled his book , `` Enemy of the People : A Dangerous Time to Tell the Truth in America , '' she is stealing valor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-Trump press demonstrates there are few inhibitions and zero limitations on free press ( though many in the media do advocate to limit your free speech ) .
No one has been stopped from engaging , investigating , writing or sharing their antagonism toward Trump .
Nor should they .
Some lucky Americans , such as Alcindor , are afforded the benefit of challenging the president personally .
That 's fine .
I wish the press had exhibited the same level of reflexive antagonism toward every president .
They do n't .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not diminish his patriotic act , just as Alcindor 's ability to make the president mad does not transform her into a hero .
It does n't even make her good at her job .
Perhaps our media culture has spent so much time politicizing the world that they 've confused patriotism with victimhood .
Or maybe they 're so obsessed with fighting the president that they ca n't recognize that his fans might be capable of a good deed .
But if where you stand on Trump is your guiding definition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might be broken .

MyPillow CEO Michael Lindell, a self-made former crack addict, is going to transform 75% of his manufacturing capacity to make 10,000 cotton face masks per day by the end of the week, ramping up production to 50,000 a day in a month. That sounds like a patriotic act to me, especially given that Lindell is undertaking the effort without being forced to do so by a federal agency. I hope the guy becomes a billionaire after this is all over.
NBC? Not so much. The headline on its "analysis" of Lindell's White House remarks this week was "Trump fluffs MyPillow in Rose Garden." This matched the basic tone taken by a large faction within the political press. Why? Presumably because, at the end of his remarks, Lindell claimed that the Lord Almighty had helped elect Donald Trump president to save our once-beleaguered nation from its alleged deprivations. Listen, if there is a God, I hope He refrains from tipping the scales of presidential contests. But it's not surprising to hear an evangelical Christian talking about the world this way – unless, that is, you've never met one.
Of course, anyone who shows anything less than hostility toward the president is immediately cast as a reactionary and their actions dismissed as questionable and self-serving. Many of the CEOs who have stood with Trump at his press conferences – this week, or in weeks prior – hold varying religious and partisan beliefs. The press didn't have similar qualms about the CEOs of CVS or Walgreens, because they kept their views to themselves.
Lindell is a villain for speaking his truth, as the kids say. Yet the real heroes of our age – White House political correspondents – are applauded for speaking theirs. Yesterday, PBS's Yamiche Alcindor, one of the many pundits masquerading as a dispassionate journalist, was chided by Trump during his presser. Immediately, journalists, who are perhaps the most tribalistic group in American political life, rallied around her with fawning tributes to her bravery and victimhood (because Trump only lashes out at black women, apparently). #WeLoveYamiche is the hashtag, if you're interested.
Philip Rucker of The Washington Post noted that Alcindor "routinely gets under his skin with probing questions," as if rattling our irascible president was a noteworthy accomplishment, or an act of heroism, or, in and of itself, a reliable indication that a reporter is doing a good job.
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The Post's media critic, Erik Wemple, meanwhile, was forced to reimagine what Alcindor's question might have sounded like had it been more coherent. And, simply because Trump had been rude to her, he claimed that Alcindor has now become "the symbol of American journalism."
Yes, that's the problem.
It's Alcindor's prerogative to try and bait the president, as she has done on numerous occasions over the past weeks, and it's PBS's prerogative to send her to ask questions that do absolutely nothing to help the public gain a better understanding of the government's efforts to fight the coronavirus. But we should not forget that most of her narcissistic defenders are really talking about themselves. Some journalists are indeed on the front lines of "war zones, refugee crises, genocides," as CNN's S.E. Cupp put it recently. But Alcindor, whose Twitter feed is littered with all kinds of absurdity, is not. She risks absolutely nothing by asking the president questions. Like Jim Acosta, who titled his book, "Enemy of the People: A Dangerous Time to Tell the Truth in America," she is stealing valor.
The overall breadth and intensity of the anti-Trump press demonstrates there are few inhibitions and zero limitations on free press (though many in the media do advocate to limit your free speech). No one has been stopped from engaging, investigating, writing or sharing their antagonism toward Trump. Nor should they.
Some lucky Americans, such as Alcindor, are afforded the benefit of challenging the president personally. That's fine. I wish the press had exhibited the same level of reflexive antagonism toward every president. They don't. But Lindell's political and religious views do not diminish his patriotic act, just as Alcindor's ability to make the president mad does not transform her into a hero. It doesn't even make her good at her job.
Perhaps our media culture has spent so much time politicizing the world that they've confused patriotism with victimhood. Or maybe they're so obsessed with fighting the president that they can't recognize that his fans might be capable of a good deed. But if where you stand on Trump is your guiding definition of patriotism and heroism, your moral compass might be broken.


wnd--2020-04-02--President Trump, pardon 'Junior' Johnson

Charles `` Junior '' Johnson is a friend of mine who has been unfairly persecuted and prosecuted for nearly two decades – and it is time for it to end .
I 've been doing business with Junior for over 30 years and found him not only to be honest but the most dedicated businessman to his investors that I 've ever seen .
There is only one way to end this persecution of Junior Johnson : President Trump should pardon him , and in the interest of justice and fairness I urge the president to do so .
Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start a dotcom business called PurchasePro ( NASDAQ-PPRO ) .
The journey was anything but easy , but eventually PPRO went public in 1999 and swiftly became an overnight sensation .
Once established , PPRO attracted a powerful board of directors including former Kentucky Gov .
Martha Lane Collins , Office Depot Chairman/CEO David Fuente , former MGM Mirage Chairman/CEO Terry Lanni and former UNLV President Carol Harter .
Johnson 's stake in the company was worth in excess of $ 1.2 billion dollars , and the original investors from Kentucky aggregately profited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by his good fortune , Johnson donated millions .
At the time , PPRO 's strategic partner , AOL , was being highly scrutinized by the government for buying media giant Time Warner for $ 165 billion .
Government investigators pressured Johnson to falsely testify against AOL executives David Colburn and Myer Berlow .
When Johnson refused to cooperate he immediately became a corruption target himself .
AOL eventually paid $ 210 million to have any charges against it dropped , but Johnson was indicted for fraud by Paul McNulty ( later fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Dana Boente ( later used a fake FISA application to spy on Trump campaign ) , and the government 's press conference announcing the prosecution was conducted by none other than James Comey ( fake FISA to spy on Trump campaign ) .
TRENDING : Dr. Ron Paul hits nail on the head in no-nonsense coronavirus interview Johnson was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud by email , by Judge Walter Kelley , who resigned the next day after leveraging this case into a million-dollar payday with the Jones Day Law Firm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a jury .
The newly assigned judge , unfamiliar with the case , sentenced Johnson to nine years incarceration based on financial losses derived from false testimony given by the FBI ( United States of America v. Charles E Johnson Jr. , Aug. 30 , 2005 transcript ) .
The judge also ordered Johnson to personally pay almost $ 10 million in restitution even though every unsecured creditor received 100 % of their money plus 20 % interest on that balance .
Released in 2015 , Johnson returned to his hometown of Lexington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful enterprise , called Privato Group , which expects 2020 revenues to reach nearly $ 40 million dollars .
Johnson became aware and reported to the U.S. Attorney 's Office major fraudulent billing of CMS ( Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ) by a Kentucky laboratory .
But instead of being appreciated , Johnson again found himself a target of an investigation .
Eventually , when no victims or crimes could be established a violation was filed .
Sure enough , Johnson 's probation officer filed a violation just eight days prior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The supervised-release violation was based on using a player 's card from a casino as a hidden bank account .
It is in no way similar to a bank account .
Yet , the court considered Johnson not reporting this as a financial bank account as a violation and revoked his supervised release .
Junior was not able to use the evidence that these accusations were untrue during the hearing .
The hearings were very out of the ordinary as the judge appeared to be pushing the U.S. Attorney on what to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even on recording stating that he felt that Johnson believed that he was telling the truth throughout , and then during the hearing that changed and was re-positioned .
With the recent coronavirus developments and President Trump talking about telehealth and how it will help the country to get this under control , it is imperative now for action , as one of the companies Junior is looking to grow includes a fully developed telehealth and wellness application with the ability for blue-tooth medical devices to gather and monitor information automatically for remote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support of Pat Nolan , the director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform .
Pat worked on the First Step Act with Jared Kushner and was acknowledged by President Trump for his effort .
Bill Hoge is a friend and former employee of Charles `` Junior '' Johnson .

By Bill Hoge
Charles "Junior" Johnson is a friend of mine who has been unfairly persecuted and prosecuted for nearly two decades – and it is time for it to end. I've been doing business with Junior for over 30 years and found him not only to be honest but the most dedicated businessman to his investors that I've ever seen.
There is only one way to end this persecution of Junior Johnson: President Trump should pardon him, and in the interest of justice and fairness I urge the president to do so.
Johnson moved to Las Vegas in 1996 to start a dotcom business called PurchasePro (NASDAQ-PPRO). The journey was anything but easy, but eventually PPRO went public in 1999 and swiftly became an overnight sensation. Once established, PPRO attracted a powerful board of directors including former Kentucky Gov. Martha Lane Collins, Office Depot Chairman/CEO David Fuente, former MGM Mirage Chairman/CEO Terry Lanni and former UNLV President Carol Harter. Johnson's stake in the company was worth in excess of $1.2 billion dollars, and the original investors from Kentucky aggregately profited over $300 million. Feeling blessed by his good fortune, Johnson donated millions.
At the time, PPRO's strategic partner, AOL, was being highly scrutinized by the government for buying media giant Time Warner for $165 billion. Government investigators pressured Johnson to falsely testify against AOL executives David Colburn and Myer Berlow. When Johnson refused to cooperate he immediately became a corruption target himself. AOL eventually paid $210 million to have any charges against it dropped, but Johnson was indicted for fraud by Paul McNulty (later fired for lying to Congress), prosecuted by Dana Boente (later used a fake FISA application to spy on Trump campaign), and the government's press conference announcing the prosecution was conducted by none other than James Comey (fake FISA to spy on Trump campaign).
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Johnson was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud by email, by Judge Walter Kelley, who resigned the next day after leveraging this case into a million-dollar payday with the Jones Day Law Firm. Junior was never found guilty by a jury. The newly assigned judge, unfamiliar with the case, sentenced Johnson to nine years incarceration based on financial losses derived from false testimony given by the FBI (United States of America v. Charles E Johnson Jr., Aug. 30, 2005 transcript). The judge also ordered Johnson to personally pay almost $10 million in restitution even though every unsecured creditor received 100% of their money plus 20% interest on that balance.
Released in 2015, Johnson returned to his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, and brilliantly built another successful enterprise, called Privato Group, which expects 2020 revenues to reach nearly $40 million dollars.
Johnson became aware and reported to the U.S. Attorney's Office major fraudulent billing of CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) by a Kentucky laboratory. But instead of being appreciated, Johnson again found himself a target of an investigation. Eventually, when no victims or crimes could be established a violation was filed.
Sure enough, Johnson's probation officer filed a violation just eight days prior to Johnson's supervised release ending. The supervised-release violation was based on using a player's card from a casino as a hidden bank account. It is in no way similar to a bank account. Yet, the court considered Johnson not reporting this as a financial bank account as a violation and revoked his supervised release. Junior was not able to use the evidence that these accusations were untrue during the hearing.
The hearings were very out of the ordinary as the judge appeared to be pushing the U.S. Attorney on what to do and say. The parole officer was even on recording stating that he felt that Johnson believed that he was telling the truth throughout, and then during the hearing that changed and was re-positioned.
With the recent coronavirus developments and President Trump talking about telehealth and how it will help the country to get this under control, it is imperative now for action, as one of the companies Junior is looking to grow includes a fully developed telehealth and wellness application with the ability for blue-tooth medical devices to gather and monitor information automatically for remote patient monitoring.
Junior has the full support of Pat Nolan, the director of the Center for Criminal Justice Reform. Pat worked on the First Step Act with Jared Kushner and was acknowledged by President Trump for his effort.
See the documentation involving Junior Johnson's case.
Bill Hoge is a friend and former employee of Charles "Junior" Johnson.


wnd--2020-04-02--Let's take a break from politicizing everything

Things are getting real .
We are at over 47,000 deaths worldwide and over 5,000 deaths in the U.S. alone .
Our top experts are modeling between 100,000 and 240,000 American deaths by the end of this crisis .
Those are massive numbers .
We lost nearly 3,000 on 9/11 ; we suffered 7,000 ( so far ) U.S. military deaths in the `` war on terror '' and 58,000 after 20 years in Vietnam .
Early hopes that COVID-19 could be overblown have more than dwindled .
If anything , we are learning more every day about how China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – drastically understated , according to some reports .
Situations like the one we are facing help us all focus .
As soon as you hear about someone you know getting sick – or see your family , friends or neighbors suffer – you start reprioritizing what really matters in life .
Trivial things seem much more trivial when facing a life-or-death situation .
The health and well-being of family , friends , neighbors and countrymen become the top priority .
Things like politics start falling into the trivial category for most Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been the case throughout our history .
We band together when things get really bad .
It 's happening today .
We see the highly liberal anti-Trump governors of California and New York complimenting President Donald Trump , and we see the president returning the favor .
We see Tucker Carlson of Fox News send best wishes to rival Chris Cuomo of CNN upon learning he has the virus .
Could you have pictured any of this a few weeks ago ?
It 's good .
It 's how all of us should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time of crisis .
The number of Americans who see every issue in our country solely through a political lens – or even a Donald Trump lens – is shrinking .
This is happening on both sides : The rose-colored-glasses , Trump-can-do-no-wrong crowd and the everything-in-America-is-Trump's-fault crowd are both waning .
Regular people are disgusted by those who continue to over-politicize everything in our country .
This is why Trump 's approval numbers are up .
The president 's pandemic news conferences have become must-see TV in many households .
The ratings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing a guy who – after some real messaging stumbles early on – is taking control and working every lever of government power to try to help the American people through this crisis .
He 's still eccentric for sure , but he 's looking more presidential by the day .
This has been a surprise for those who held a negative view of the president .
It may yet change as the news changes , or if the president falters in the coming weeks , but for now , this new environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader as he seems to be doing his best in a tough situation .
TRENDING : Dr. Ron Paul hits nail on the head in no-nonsense coronavirus interview It 's hard not to feel sorry for those who ca n't stop being angry about politics at a time like this .
When CNN or MSNBC tries to censor the president 's news conferences , they look petty and out of it .
There are small groups on each side who still prioritize the fight against Trump above all else , but most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and friends ' health or watching in awe as the health care workers they know repeatedly work 20-hour days to care for patients while putting their own health at risk .
This will have to go on for weeks , maybe even months .
How will they keep doing it ?
Those are the types of questions we should all focus on .
If you prioritize politics over these real concerns , it may be time to self-evaluate a little .
There is lots of good happening in our country right now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and communities are coming together .
Businesses are doing all they can for their customers or employees .
Taking a short breath before over-politicizing the situation can be one more good thing to add to this list .
None of this is to say we ca n't think about politics .
It 's an election year .
Politics are important .
But we vote in November .
We are in the midst of this crisis .
According to the doctors ' best current forecasts , we are two weeks from the peak in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people a day will be dying – maybe double that in the worst-case scenarios .
Then we should start to see a big drop-off .
By mid-June , we may be almost out of it .
These things have changed before , and obviously , they could change again .
But even if these forecasts are a few weeks off , we will have plenty of time to rip each other to pieces over politics .
November is still more than six months away .
Take a break .
Take a breath .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , and there are definitely more important things to think about right now .

Things are getting real. We are at over 47,000 deaths worldwide and over 5,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. Our top experts are modeling between 100,000 and 240,000 American deaths by the end of this crisis. Those are massive numbers. We lost nearly 3,000 on 9/11; we suffered 7,000 (so far) U.S. military deaths in the "war on terror" and 58,000 after 20 years in Vietnam. Early hopes that COVID-19 could be overblown have more than dwindled. If anything, we are learning more every day about how China has understated the deaths they have seen – drastically understated, according to some reports.
Situations like the one we are facing help us all focus. As soon as you hear about someone you know getting sick – or see your family, friends or neighbors suffer – you start reprioritizing what really matters in life. Trivial things seem much more trivial when facing a life-or-death situation. The health and well-being of family, friends, neighbors and countrymen become the top priority.
Things like politics start falling into the trivial category for most Americans at times like this. This has been the case throughout our history. We band together when things get really bad.
It's happening today. We see the highly liberal anti-Trump governors of California and New York complimenting President Donald Trump, and we see the president returning the favor. We see Tucker Carlson of Fox News send best wishes to rival Chris Cuomo of CNN upon learning he has the virus. Could you have pictured any of this a few weeks ago? It's good. It's how all of us should treat each other as fellow Americans in a time of crisis.
The number of Americans who see every issue in our country solely through a political lens – or even a Donald Trump lens – is shrinking. This is happening on both sides: The rose-colored-glasses, Trump-can-do-no-wrong crowd and the everything-in-America-is-Trump's-fault crowd are both waning. Regular people are disgusted by those who continue to over-politicize everything in our country. This is why Trump's approval numbers are up. The president's pandemic news conferences have become must-see TV in many households. The ratings show this. People tuning in are seeing a guy who – after some real messaging stumbles early on – is taking control and working every lever of government power to try to help the American people through this crisis. He's still eccentric for sure, but he's looking more presidential by the day. This has been a surprise for those who held a negative view of the president. It may yet change as the news changes, or if the president falters in the coming weeks, but for now, this new environment is causing people to rally around our leader as he seems to be doing his best in a tough situation.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
It's hard not to feel sorry for those who can't stop being angry about politics at a time like this. When CNN or MSNBC tries to censor the president's news conferences, they look petty and out of it. There are small groups on each side who still prioritize the fight against Trump above all else, but most people are too busy thinking about their family and friends' health or watching in awe as the health care workers they know repeatedly work 20-hour days to care for patients while putting their own health at risk. This will have to go on for weeks, maybe even months. How will they keep doing it? Those are the types of questions we should all focus on. If you prioritize politics over these real concerns, it may be time to self-evaluate a little.
There is lots of good happening in our country right now. People are helping each other. Families and communities are coming together. Businesses are doing all they can for their customers or employees. Taking a short breath before over-politicizing the situation can be one more good thing to add to this list.
None of this is to say we can't think about politics. It's an election year. Politics are important. But we vote in November. We are in the midst of this crisis. According to the doctors' best current forecasts, we are two weeks from the peak in America. At that peak, 2,500 people a day will be dying – maybe double that in the worst-case scenarios. Then we should start to see a big drop-off. By mid-June, we may be almost out of it. These things have changed before, and obviously, they could change again. But even if these forecasts are a few weeks off, we will have plenty of time to rip each other to pieces over politics. November is still more than six months away. Take a break. Take a breath. Your friends and neighbors will certainly appreciate it, and there are definitely more important things to think about right now.


wnd--2020-04-02--Americans' goodness outweighs anti-Christian bigotry

Though some deny it , many harbor a strong hostility toward Christians in our society , especially those who obediently wear their faith on their sleeves .
You know what they find worse than an outspoken evangelical Christian ?
An outspoken evangelical Christian who 's also an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump .
Talk about a perfect storm of contemptibility !
Mike Lindell , CEO of MyPillow , and the Rev .
Franklin Graham fall squarely into this category .
Both are Christians .
Both support Donald Trump .
Both speak out about both .
The critics ' refusal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis shows the intensity of their antipathy .
Lindell was among the CEOs Trump invited to speak at his daily coronavirus press briefing on March 30 .
Lindell announced he would convert 75 % of his manufacturing operation to produce cotton face masks , aiming to make up to 50,000 a day by Friday .
TRENDING : Dr. Ron Paul hits nail on the head in no-nonsense coronavirus interview Like so many of his fellow business leaders who are recalibrating their companies to assist the nation in crisis , Lindell praised Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a step further .
`` God gave us grace on November 8 , 2016 , to change the course we were on , '' said Lindell .
`` God had been taken out of our schools and lives .
A nation had turned its back on God .
And I encourage you : Use this time at home to get … back in the Word , read our Bibles and spend time with our families . ''
The mainstream media could not let this stand .
`` Trump just called the 'My Pillow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rose Garden .
You can not make this stuff up , '' said MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi .
`` The 'My Pillow Guy ' was at the Corona Virus briefing today ? ''
tweeted Miami Herald reporter Julie K. Brown .
`` Boy oh boy , do we need SNL this Saturday .
If this had been a SNL skit we would have thought it was fake , right ?
You ca n't make this s–- up .
Who is going to play the 'my pillow guy ' ? ''
`` Look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 minutes worth of material every single day , so you need to get some sponsored materials/infomercials , '' said New York Magazine writer Jonathan Chait .
`` Trump now has the guy from My Pillow doing a campaign commercial for Trump 's 2020 campaign in the middle of a press conference about a deadly virus , '' said Daily Beast and CNN opinion columnist Dean Obeidallah .
`` How can any real news network air this BS ?
!
# StopAiringTrump . ''
These mockers did n't go after any of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
I understand that some find it distasteful to say God directed Trump 's election , but should that blind them to the service Lindell is performing ?
Does Lindell 's vocal Christianity so thoroughly repulse them that they would reject his contribution if they could ?
It seems so , based on their reaction .
That 's how you know it 's hatred – that they would forgo his life-saving works because of his beliefs .
The critics were even more disturbed by Franklin Graham , whose charitable relief organization , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporary hospital in New York City 's Central Park for coronavirus victims .
`` Franklin Graham has a long history of spewing anti-LGBTQ hate speech , and I find it extremely troubling that he and his organization are involved in our relief efforts in any way , '' New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson tweeted .
`` It 's a shame that the federal government has left New York with no other choice but to accept charity from bigots , '' tweeted New York state Sen. Brad Hoylman , who also called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his official Senate page .
It 's alarming that some are so enslaved by their prejudices that they would condemn or even refuse critical humanitarian aid .
It 's hard to wrap your mind around that .
But I will say that this crisis is also bringing out a spirit of grace in others , who strongly denounced the bigotry coming from those protesting Graham 's alleged bigotry .
The Blaze quoted many who were critical of these graceless New York officials .
`` Now we can all really see where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one .
Another said : `` As a gay New Yorker , I 'd like to sit down with them over a cup of coffee and thank them for putting themselves in harm 's way .
That 's how change of heart happens .
They are risking their lives .
We should be grateful . ''
Franklin Graham 's response hit the right balance .
`` We do not make distinctions about an individual 's religion , race , sexual orientation , or economic status .
We certainly do not discriminate , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirms just that , '' said Graham .
`` This is a time for all of us to unite and work together , regardless of our political views .
Let 's support one another during this crisis , and we pray that God will bless the efforts of all those battling this vicious virus . ''
Let 's be aware of the regrettable negativity during these trying times , but let 's focus on – and rejoice in – the goodness dwarfing it .
Americans are a gracious people .

Though some deny it, many harbor a strong hostility toward Christians in our society, especially those who obediently wear their faith on their sleeves.
You know what they find worse than an outspoken evangelical Christian? An outspoken evangelical Christian who's also an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump. Talk about a perfect storm of contemptibility!
Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow, and the Rev. Franklin Graham fall squarely into this category. Both are Christians. Both support Donald Trump. Both speak out about both.
The critics' refusal to withhold their criticism during the dreadful coronavirus crisis shows the intensity of their antipathy.
Lindell was among the CEOs Trump invited to speak at his daily coronavirus press briefing on March 30. Lindell announced he would convert 75% of his manufacturing operation to produce cotton face masks, aiming to make up to 50,000 a day by Friday.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Like so many of his fellow business leaders who are recalibrating their companies to assist the nation in crisis, Lindell praised Trump for his leadership, but he went a step further. "God gave us grace on November 8, 2016, to change the course we were on," said Lindell. "God had been taken out of our schools and lives. A nation had turned its back on God. And I encourage you: Use this time at home to get … back in the Word, read our Bibles and spend time with our families."
The mainstream media could not let this stand. "Trump just called the 'My Pillow' guy up to the podium in the Rose Garden. You cannot make this stuff up," said MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi.
"The 'My Pillow Guy' was at the Corona Virus briefing today?" tweeted Miami Herald reporter Julie K. Brown. "Boy oh boy, do we need SNL this Saturday. If this had been a SNL skit we would have thought it was fake, right? You can't make this s–- up. Who is going to play the 'my pillow guy'?"
"Look, it's hard to fill up 90 minutes worth of material every single day, so you need to get some sponsored materials/infomercials," said New York Magazine writer Jonathan Chait.
"Trump now has the guy from My Pillow doing a campaign commercial for Trump's 2020 campaign in the middle of a press conference about a deadly virus," said Daily Beast and CNN opinion columnist Dean Obeidallah. "How can any real news network air this BS?! #StopAiringTrump."
These mockers didn't go after any of the other business leaders on the stage that day. I understand that some find it distasteful to say God directed Trump's election, but should that blind them to the service Lindell is performing? Does Lindell's vocal Christianity so thoroughly repulse them that they would reject his contribution if they could? It seems so, based on their reaction. That's how you know it's hatred – that they would forgo his life-saving works because of his beliefs.
The critics were even more disturbed by Franklin Graham, whose charitable relief organization, Samaritan's Purse, set up a temporary hospital in New York City's Central Park for coronavirus victims.
"Franklin Graham has a long history of spewing anti-LGBTQ hate speech, and I find it extremely troubling that he and his organization are involved in our relief efforts in any way," New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson tweeted.
"It's a shame that the federal government has left New York with no other choice but to accept charity from bigots," tweeted New York state Sen. Brad Hoylman, who also called Graham a "notorious anti-LGBTQ pastor" on his official Senate page.
It's alarming that some are so enslaved by their prejudices that they would condemn or even refuse critical humanitarian aid. It's hard to wrap your mind around that.
But I will say that this crisis is also bringing out a spirit of grace in others, who strongly denounced the bigotry coming from those protesting Graham's alleged bigotry. The Blaze quoted many who were critical of these graceless New York officials. "Now we can all really see where the actual hate comes from," said one. Another said: "As a gay New Yorker, I'd like to sit down with them over a cup of coffee and thank them for putting themselves in harm's way. That's how change of heart happens. They are risking their lives. We should be grateful."
Franklin Graham's response hit the right balance. "We do not make distinctions about an individual's religion, race, sexual orientation, or economic status. We certainly do not discriminate, and we have a decades-long track record that confirms just that," said Graham. "This is a time for all of us to unite and work together, regardless of our political views. Let's support one another during this crisis, and we pray that God will bless the efforts of all those battling this vicious virus."
Amen, Pastor Graham. Amen.
Let's be aware of the regrettable negativity during these trying times, but let's focus on – and rejoice in – the goodness dwarfing it. Americans are a gracious people.


wnd--2020-04-02--14 things to be grateful for

14 things to be grateful for

Even in the throes of a global pandemic , it 's possible to find things to be grateful for .
In fact , I would argue that we are doing things and appreciating things that we really should have been doing and appreciating all along .
I 'm sure everyone has their own list of things they 're grateful for .
Here 's mine : 1 .
I 'm grateful for private enterprise and American business .
There is none better anywhere .
Our news is filled with stories of companies such as Under Armour , Ford , GM , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bradley that are pitching in to help make hospital gowns , ventilators and masks .
According to the trade association Distilled Spirits Council of the United States , nearly 600 distilleries in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are making hand sanitizer .
And then there are the countless smaller local businesses providing meals for students who can not attend school , first responders , health care workers and others on the front line ; making charitable donations ; or just continuing to pay their employees as long as possible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees , truckers , warehouse workers and all others instrumental to keeping the supply chain intact .
3 .
I 'm grateful for our big-box stores , grocery stores and pharmacies that have stayed open , and for the employees who work there and have kept needed items in stock .
TRENDING : Dr. Ron Paul hits nail on the head in no-nonsense coronavirus interview 4 .
I 'm grateful for the authors , artists , musicians , actors and other entertainers who are using all forms of media to perform for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we `` shelter in place '' for what will likely be several weeks .
5 .
I 'm grateful for the teachers , administrators and staff members – especially the information technology professionals – who have made it possible for our preschool , grade school , high school and college students to transition from live instruction to online learning .
6 .
I 'm grateful for the incredible dedication of all our health care professionals , many of whom are working long hours day after day with little sleep , few resources and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 .
I 'm grateful for our form of government – a democratic republic – and for federalism , which allows the smaller governments of our states and territories to respond to the unique challenges they face while our federal government coordinates national and international efforts .
8 .
I 'm grateful for leaders who have the ability to make needed decisions in a crisis , and to pivot quickly as the most up-to-date information arrives .
9 .
I 'm grateful for our Constitution .
It hovers like a silent blessing over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our liberties will remain when this disease has run its course , and that the extraordinary measures now in place will no longer be needed .
10 .
I 'm grateful for Western medicine , scientists , information and knowledge , and the technology that enables that information and knowledge to be more widely disseminated .
11 .
I 'm grateful for social media and the technological innovations that enable us to remain connected even though we are separated .
12 .
I 'm grateful for the fact that those of us inclined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not feel embarrassed for doing so .
13 .
I 'm grateful for charitable organizations that are working hard to meet the ongoing needs of the people they serve – the poor ; the homeless ; those with disabilities or other unmet needs ; veterans ; single parents ; orphaned children .
When we are all needy , we can better appreciate those for whom illness , unemployment or isolation is not a temporary situation .
14 .
I 'm grateful for the innumerable kindnesses of people too many to count across America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world – who are doing whatever they can for anyone they can as long as it is necessary .
It 's often said that an `` attitude of gratitude '' makes for a happier life .
Even – perhaps especially – in difficult times , it is important to remember that .

Even in the throes of a global pandemic, it's possible to find things to be grateful for. In fact, I would argue that we are doing things and appreciating things that we really should have been doing and appreciating all along.
I'm sure everyone has their own list of things they're grateful for. Here's mine:
1. I'm grateful for private enterprise and American business. There is none better anywhere. Our news is filled with stories of companies such as Under Armour, Ford, GM, JoAnn Fabrics, My Pillow and Vera Bradley that are pitching in to help make hospital gowns, ventilators and masks. According to the trade association Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, nearly 600 distilleries in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are making hand sanitizer. And then there are the countless smaller local businesses providing meals for students who cannot attend school, first responders, health care workers and others on the front line; making charitable donations; or just continuing to pay their employees as long as possible.
2. I'm grateful for factory employees, truckers, warehouse workers and all others instrumental to keeping the supply chain intact.
3. I'm grateful for our big-box stores, grocery stores and pharmacies that have stayed open, and for the employees who work there and have kept needed items in stock.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
4. I'm grateful for the authors, artists, musicians, actors and other entertainers who are using all forms of media to perform for us, our families and our children as we "shelter in place" for what will likely be several weeks.
5. I'm grateful for the teachers, administrators and staff members – especially the information technology professionals – who have made it possible for our preschool, grade school, high school and college students to transition from live instruction to online learning.
6. I'm grateful for the incredible dedication of all our health care professionals, many of whom are working long hours day after day with little sleep, few resources and far too many terribly sick patients.
7. I'm grateful for our form of government – a democratic republic – and for federalism, which allows the smaller governments of our states and territories to respond to the unique challenges they face while our federal government coordinates national and international efforts.
8. I'm grateful for leaders who have the ability to make needed decisions in a crisis, and to pivot quickly as the most up-to-date information arrives.
9. I'm grateful for our Constitution. It hovers like a silent blessing over all of us. It ensures that our liberties will remain when this disease has run its course, and that the extraordinary measures now in place will no longer be needed.
10. I'm grateful for Western medicine, scientists, information and knowledge, and the technology that enables that information and knowledge to be more widely disseminated.
11. I'm grateful for social media and the technological innovations that enable us to remain connected even though we are separated.
12. I'm grateful for the fact that those of us inclined to call upon God in prayer need not feel embarrassed for doing so.
13. I'm grateful for charitable organizations that are working hard to meet the ongoing needs of the people they serve – the poor; the homeless; those with disabilities or other unmet needs; veterans; single parents; orphaned children. When we are all needy, we can better appreciate those for whom illness, unemployment or isolation is not a temporary situation.
14. I'm grateful for the innumerable kindnesses of people too many to count across America – and, indeed, across the world – who are doing whatever they can for anyone they can as long as it is necessary.
It's often said that an "attitude of gratitude" makes for a happier life. Even – perhaps especially – in difficult times, it is important to remember that.


wnd--2020-04-02--3 questions to determine if an expense is an 'emergency'

My husband and I just completed Baby Step 3 , and we have six months of expenses saved for an emergency fund .
How should we determine when something is actually an emergency ?
TRENDING : Dr. Ron Paul hits nail on the head in no-nonsense coronavirus interview Congratulations on doing the work , being disciplined and saving like crazy !
Now you 've got peace of mind , and a pile of cash , that will help turn an emergency into nothing more than an inconvenience .
There 's no shame in using your emergency fund if you really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's there for .
Just remember to ask yourself a few questions any time something pops up to make sure you 've got a real reason to use it .
Is the expense really unexpected ?
Christmas happens on Dec. 25 every single year .
You know your semi-annual car insurance payment is coming , too .
Make sure things like this are part of your regular , monthly budgets .
Some examples of unexpected expenses might be a job loss or pay cut .
Emergency medical expenses and car accident repairs might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Is it absolutely necessary ?
Most people say they know the difference between a want and a need , but that 's not always the case .
Replacing your only mode of transportation would be a need .
Upgrading to a newer , fancier car is not .
If your car goes down for the count , you need transportation .
Use your emergency fund to buy something affordable and reliable you can pay cash for .
But do n't dip into it just to upgrade your decent car for one with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it urgent ?
Practice the art of patience whenever possible .
If your home 's air conditioning unit goes out in the middle of summer , that 's probably an urgent fix .
But hearing about the `` sale of the century '' at your favorite retail store ?
Grabbing the newest , hottest cell phone when yours works just fine ?
Nope !
Your emergency fund is all about long-term security , not instant gratification .
Do n't blow it impulsively , but do n't be afraid to use it when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ask those three questions .
Check yourself so you do n't wreck yourself – or your budget !
Do you appreciate Dave 's clear and solid answers to readers ' questions ?
Order his book `` The Money Answer Book '' and get your finances on the right track !

Dear Dave,
My husband and I just completed Baby Step 3, and we have six months of expenses saved for an emergency fund. How should we determine when something is actually an emergency?
Riley
Dear Riley,
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
Congratulations on doing the work, being disciplined and saving like crazy! Now you've got peace of mind, and a pile of cash, that will help turn an emergency into nothing more than an inconvenience.
There's no shame in using your emergency fund if you really need to. That's what it's there for. Just remember to ask yourself a few questions any time something pops up to make sure you've got a real reason to use it.
Is the expense really unexpected? Christmas happens on Dec. 25 every single year. You know your semi-annual car insurance payment is coming, too. Make sure things like this are part of your regular, monthly budgets. Some examples of unexpected expenses might be a job loss or pay cut. Emergency medical expenses and car accident repairs might fall into this category, as well.
Is it absolutely necessary? Most people say they know the difference between a want and a need, but that's not always the case. Replacing your only mode of transportation would be a need. Upgrading to a newer, fancier car is not. If your car goes down for the count, you need transportation. Use your emergency fund to buy something affordable and reliable you can pay cash for. But don't dip into it just to upgrade your decent car for one with a million bells and whistles.
Is it urgent? Practice the art of patience whenever possible. If your home's air conditioning unit goes out in the middle of summer, that's probably an urgent fix. But hearing about the "sale of the century" at your favorite retail store? Grabbing the newest, hottest cell phone when yours works just fine? Nope!
Your emergency fund is all about long-term security, not instant gratification. Don't blow it impulsively, but don't be afraid to use it when it's really needed. Be wise, and ask those three questions. Check yourself so you don't wreck yourself – or your budget!
Dave
Do you appreciate Dave's clear and solid answers to readers' questions? Order his book "The Money Answer Book" and get your finances on the right track!


wnd--2020-04-03--NYC's de Blasio sends staff to monitor Christian coronavirus tent-hospital

( THE BLAZE ) Evangelist Franklin Graham 's charity organization , Samaritan 's Purse , opened up a temporary tent hospital in Central Park to help treat patients infected with COVID-19 , but New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio does n't trust the organization not to discriminate against LGBTQ patients , FaithWire reported .
Samaritan 's Purse set up a facility with 68 beds for the coronavirus patients , an attempt to ease the burden of overwhelmed hospitals in New York City .
De Blasio expressed distrust that the organization would treat LGBTQ people equally , and reportedly sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the situation .
`` I said immediately to my team that we had to find out exactly what was happening , '' de Blasio said , according to the New York Post .
`` Was there going to be an approach that was truly consistent with the values and the laws in New York City , that everyone would be served and served equally ?
We 've received those assurances from the organization .
... We 're going to send people over from the Mayor 's Office to monitor .
I am very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But if it is done right , we need all the help we can get . ''

(THE BLAZE) Evangelist Franklin Graham's charity organization, Samaritan's Purse, opened up a temporary tent hospital in Central Park to help treat patients infected with COVID-19, but New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio doesn't trust the organization not to discriminate against LGBTQ patients, FaithWire reported.
Samaritan's Purse set up a facility with 68 beds for the coronavirus patients, an attempt to ease the burden of overwhelmed hospitals in New York City. De Blasio expressed distrust that the organization would treat LGBTQ people equally, and reportedly sent city staffers to the site to monitor the situation.
"I said immediately to my team that we had to find out exactly what was happening," de Blasio said, according to the New York Post. "Was there going to be an approach that was truly consistent with the values and the laws in New York City, that everyone would be served and served equally? We've received those assurances from the organization. ... We're going to send people over from the Mayor's Office to monitor. I am very concerned that this is done right. But if it is done right, we need all the help we can get."
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-03--Pastor sorry after service caused wave of coronavirus infections

( LONDON EVENING STANDARD ) A pastor whose church service has been blamed for sparking a huge wave of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ as countries across Europe continued to struggle to slow the rising death toll from the @ @ @ @ @ he wanted to say “ sorry to God for my selfishness ” after officials confirmed @ @ @ @ @ parishioners have contracted coronavirus .
At least 17 of those have died after a mass @ @ @ @ @ the thousands who attended a week-long gathering at the pastor ’ s Christian Open Door @ @ @ @ @ of Mulhouse in February .

(LONDON EVENING STANDARD) A pastor whose church service has been blamed for sparking a huge wave of Covid-19 infections in France apologised today as countries across Europe continued to struggle to slow the rising death toll from the disease.
Thiebault Geyer said he wanted to say “sorry to God for my selfishness” after officials confirmed that around 2,500 of his parishioners have contracted coronavirus.
At least 17 of those have died after a mass outbreak of the virus among the thousands who attended a week-long gathering at the pastor’s Christian Open Door church in the eastern city of Mulhouse in February.
Read the full story ›


wnd--2020-04-03--FDA goes after distilleries over hand-sanitizer production

Government regulations are hampering private businesses ' ability to aid in the fight against the novel coronavirus .
Scott Harris , co-founder of Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. in Purcellville , Virginia , has been converting his distillery 's alcohol supply into hand sanitizer out of a feeling of `` moral responsibility . ''
Unfortunately for Harris , the Food and Drug Administration is not making this process an easy one .
Distilleries across the U.S. are facing rigid FDA opposition to their efforts to aid in fighting COVID-19 .
TRENDING : Collins : Schiff missed coronavirus signs because he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the way require that sanitizer not be made with drinking alcohol .
American distilleries wanting to convert their alcohol reserves are required to add a `` bitterant '' in order to prevent children from drinking it , according to The Washington Times .
Other distilleries have voiced their concerns regarding these federal guidelines .
“ We appreciate the FDA ’ s concerns , but there ’ s got to be a way to do this , ” said Chris Swonger , president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FDA to come up with a practical guideline for undenatured alcohol so distillers continue to fulfill the demand out there in the marketplace.
” While these distilleries voiced their willingness to compromise , the FDA is remaining stringent in its request , according to The Times .
“ The FDA ’ s guidances explain that FDA does not intend to object to the manufacture of denatured or undenatured alcohol for use in hand sanitizers , so long as a denaturant ( bitterant ) is added prior to the final production of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Adding these denaturants to the alcohol renders the product less appealing to ingest.
” The FDA 's unwillingness to bend this rule is preventing many private organizations from filling a massive void in the American market .
Hand sanitizer has become so scarce that prices for a box of small bottles went as high as $ 400 on Amazon early last month , Reuters reported .
With resources so scarce , it is unfortunate that government bureaucracy is hampering these private organizations ' efforts .
Without the red tape , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the footsteps of outspoken conservative Mike Lindell , who has allocated the resources of his company , MyPillow , toward creating masks for health care workers , according to Fox News .
Even with all the regulations , America 's private industry is stepping up to the plate and helping lead the fight against COVID-19 .
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Government regulations are hampering private businesses' ability to aid in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
Scott Harris, co-founder of Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. in Purcellville, Virginia, has been converting his distillery's alcohol supply into hand sanitizer out of a feeling of "moral responsibility."
Unfortunately for Harris, the Food and Drug Administration is not making this process an easy one.
Distilleries across the U.S. are facing rigid FDA opposition to their efforts to aid in fighting COVID-19.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
The FDA guidelines getting in the way require that sanitizer not be made with drinking alcohol.
American distilleries wanting to convert their alcohol reserves are required to add a "bitterant" in order to prevent children from drinking it, according to The Washington Times.
Other distilleries have voiced their concerns regarding these federal guidelines.
“We appreciate the FDA’s concerns, but there’s got to be a way to do this,” said Chris Swonger, president of the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.
“We do have to find a path with the FDA to come up with a practical guideline for undenatured alcohol so distillers continue to fulfill the demand out there in the marketplace.”
While these distilleries voiced their willingness to compromise, the FDA is remaining stringent in its request, according to The Times.
“The FDA’s guidances explain that FDA does not intend to object to the manufacture of denatured or undenatured alcohol for use in hand sanitizers, so long as a denaturant (bitterant) is added prior to the final production of the hand sanitizer," the agency said.
"Adding these denaturants to the alcohol renders the product less appealing to ingest.”
The FDA's unwillingness to bend this rule is preventing many private organizations from filling a massive void in the American market.
Hand sanitizer has become so scarce that prices for a box of small bottles went as high as $400 on Amazon early last month, Reuters reported.
With resources so scarce, it is unfortunate that government bureaucracy is hampering these private organizations' efforts.
Without the red tape, many more companies would be able to follow in the footsteps of outspoken conservative Mike Lindell, who has allocated the resources of his company, MyPillow, toward creating masks for health care workers, according to Fox News.
Even with all the regulations, America's private industry is stepping up to the plate and helping lead the fight against COVID-19.
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-04-03--New England Patriots send team plane to China to pick up massive load of N95 masks

Out of season and out of commission for the foreseeable future due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , the New England Patriots ' private plane made an uncharacteristic journey abroad this week .
The organization sent its team 's typical means of in-season travel to Shenzhen , China , to collect more than 1 million N95 medical masks for the coronavirus response , The Wall Street Journal reported .
Born of a partnership between Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Massachusetts Gov .
Charlie Baker , the trip was a logistical feat , faced with far more hurdles than the average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come together as various actors across the public and private sector teamed up to cut through the `` red tape '' and deliver for first responders across the Northeast made several days of tense planning and operation worthwhile .
`` I 've never seen so much red tape in so many ways and obstacles that we had to overcome , '' Kraft said , according to The Wall Street Journal .
TRENDING : Collins : Schiff missed coronavirus signs because he was distracted by impeachment “ In today ’ s world , those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a difference have a significant responsibility to do so with all the assets we have available to us.
” Worried of a potential mask shortage as the number of confirmed stateside coronavirus cases continued to balloon toward its projected mid-April peak , Baker reportedly saw a supply chain breakthrough about two weeks ago , with Chinese providers willing to part ways with a cache of more than 1 million masks .
A major point of concern for the Massachusetts Republican , however , was transportation of the goods -- a problem solved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longtime friend and Patriots organization president Jonathan Kraft .
Quick to offer up the team 's Boeing 767 airliner , the Kraft family would also donate roughly half of the $ 4 million cost to acquire the masks .
But mere provision of the means of transportation was far from the only hurdle keeping a key health resource from its final destination .
Since it was not equipped for overseas travel , the Patriot plane was forced to stop off in Ohio last week for considerable flight upgrades and cargo transport outfitting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Chinese landing for the plane that would not subject the flight 's crew to a two-week quarantine before coming back to the U.S .
The final deal would see a slim three-hour landing window and bar on-flight crew from exiting the aircraft to aid in loading masks onto the plane .
A local ground team would have to load up the plane instead , accomplishing the task with just three minutes to spare .
`` Thanks to some serious teamwork , Massachusetts is set to receive over 1 million N95 masks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Krafts and several dedicated partners for making this happen . ''
According to Politico , the Massachusetts National Guard was onsite at Boston Logan International Airport , ready to transport the supplies to a state stockpile in Marlborough , Massachusetts , upon arrival .
While 1.7 million total masks were purchased , just 1.2 million were able to fit on the plane , with the rest to come in a follow-up shipment .
According to The Wall Street Journal , Baker and Robert Kraft plan to donate 300,000 of the medical masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York , where health professionals are scrambling to contend with the highest number of cases in the United States .
`` It is an honor for our family to be a part of this humanitarian mission , '' Robert Kraft later said in a statement , ESPN reported .
`` We knew that purchasing greatly-needed N95 masks and providing the Patriots plane to expedite their delivery to local hospitals would immediately help protect our courageous healthcare professionals . ''
`` I truly hope that in doing so , we can in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give more in support of our doctors , nurses and first responders , '' he added .
`` It 's nice to care for those who provide such compassionate care for us . ''
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal .

Out of season and out of commission for the foreseeable future due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the New England Patriots' private plane made an uncharacteristic journey abroad this week.
The organization sent its team's typical means of in-season travel to Shenzhen, China, to collect more than 1 million N95 medical masks for the coronavirus response, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Born of a partnership between Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, the trip was a logistical feat, faced with far more hurdles than the average international flight.
But to see things come together as various actors across the public and private sector teamed up to cut through the "red tape" and deliver for first responders across the Northeast made several days of tense planning and operation worthwhile.
"I've never seen so much red tape in so many ways and obstacles that we had to overcome," Kraft said, according to The Wall Street Journal.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
“In today’s world, those of us who are fortunate to make a difference have a significant responsibility to do so with all the assets we have available to us.”
New England Patriots plane transports 1.7 million N95 masks from China amid coronavirus pandemic. Owner Robert Kraft partnered with Gov. Charlie Baker to purchase the masks. https://t.co/touFXtheyI pic.twitter.com/9gTGg8ZoO3 — ABC News (@ABC) April 2, 2020
Worried of a potential mask shortage as the number of confirmed stateside coronavirus cases continued to balloon toward its projected mid-April peak, Baker reportedly saw a supply chain breakthrough about two weeks ago, with Chinese providers willing to part ways with a cache of more than 1 million masks.
A major point of concern for the Massachusetts Republican, however, was transportation of the goods -- a problem solved in short order with a phone call to longtime friend and Patriots organization president Jonathan Kraft.
Quick to offer up the team's Boeing 767 airliner, the Kraft family would also donate roughly half of the $4 million cost to acquire the masks.
But mere provision of the means of transportation was far from the only hurdle keeping a key health resource from its final destination.
Since it was not equipped for overseas travel, the Patriot plane was forced to stop off in Ohio last week for considerable flight upgrades and cargo transport outfitting.
Meanwhile, multiple partners scrambled to secure a Chinese landing for the plane that would not subject the flight's crew to a two-week quarantine before coming back to the U.S.
The final deal would see a slim three-hour landing window and bar on-flight crew from exiting the aircraft to aid in loading masks onto the plane.
A local ground team would have to load up the plane instead, accomplishing the task with just three minutes to spare.
"No days off," Baker tweeted Thursday.
"Thanks to some serious teamwork, Massachusetts is set to receive over 1 million N95 masks for our front-line workers. Huge thanks to the Krafts and several dedicated partners for making this happen."
No days off. Thanks to some serious teamwork, Massachusetts is set to receive over 1 million N95 masks for our front-line workers. Huge thanks to the Krafts and several dedicated partners for making this happen. pic.twitter.com/ieV6XMC5Ow — Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) April 2, 2020
From Patriots: In addition to purchasing 1.4M N95 masks to replenish the inventory of PPE at hospitals in Massachusetts. Robert Kraft also purchased 300K N95 masks to provide aid to @NYGovCuomo in New York. This PPE will be transported from Boston to NY on Friday morning. @wbz pic.twitter.com/A9b5LFJWKX — Anaridis Rodriguez (@Anaridis) April 2, 2020
According to Politico, the Massachusetts National Guard was onsite at Boston Logan International Airport, ready to transport the supplies to a state stockpile in Marlborough, Massachusetts, upon arrival.
While 1.7 million total masks were purchased, just 1.2 million were able to fit on the plane, with the rest to come in a follow-up shipment.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Baker and Robert Kraft plan to donate 300,000 of the medical masks to Massachusetts' longtime sporting rival of New York, where health professionals are scrambling to contend with the highest number of cases in the United States.
"It is an honor for our family to be a part of this humanitarian mission," Robert Kraft later said in a statement, ESPN reported. "We knew that purchasing greatly-needed N95 masks and providing the Patriots plane to expedite their delivery to local hospitals would immediately help protect our courageous healthcare professionals."
"I truly hope that in doing so, we can in some way inspire others to find creative ways to give more in support of our doctors, nurses and first responders," he added.
"It's nice to care for those who provide such compassionate care for us."
This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.


wnd--2020-04-03--America's response to China's challenge is critical

Challenges test character .
In fact , challenges are necessary to develop character .
As Russian novelist and anti-communist dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn reminded Harvard 's graduating class in 1978 , `` Even biology knows that habitual , extreme safety and well-being are not advantageous for a living organism . ''
This is true for nations as well as individuals .
The CCP ( Chinese Communist Party ) virus , commonly known as the coronavirus , is the challenge America faces now .
The coronavirus did n't start here , but it will end here thanks to President Trump , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , medical device manufacturers , thousands of workshops and millions of Americans pulling together .
TRENDING : Collins : Schiff missed coronavirus signs because he was distracted by impeachment How we are rising to the challenge shows everything you need to know about the American system – and the alternative .
The virus emerged from the socialized medical system of China .
Remember that the next time someone demands `` single-payer , '' `` Medicare for all '' or other euphemisms for government-run health care .
When Seattle doctors reported the first U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC , career bureaucrats ordered them to stop testing until they recertified their lab according to the regulations – a process that would take months .
When front-line doctors reported promising results with hydroxychloroquine , an approved drug that 's been used to treat malaria and lupus for decades , the blinkered bureaucratic mindset dismissed them as `` anecdotal , '' insisting on a months-long government-mandated test before even considering the reports from the soldiers in the trenches .
Contrast the stupor and torpor of the government to the agility of American ingenuity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After President Trump cut through the kudzu of deep state red tape , pharmaceutical companies produced millions of doses of hydroxychloroquine so health care workers could protect themselves and patients .
Researchers are racing to develop tests and treatments for the novel contagion .
Gilead Science has an antiviral drug in clinical trials right now .
Pharmaceutical giant AbbVie 's HIV medication Kaletra is also being tested to treat the coronavirus .
The company gave up its patent rights to Kaletra , allowing other companies to mass produce low-cost versions if it proves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new coronavirus test that could return results in five minutes .
The FDA approved it in record time along with tests developed by private companies including LabCorp , Quest Diagnostics , Roche Diagnostics and Thermo Fisher Scientific .
Cellex and Biomedonics have produced high-speed antibody tests health care providers can use to determine who has been exposed to the coronavirus even if a person did n't show any symptoms .
These tests will help identify who has recovered and can safely return to work .
Johnson & Johnson began researching a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus genetic sequence became available .
It 's identified a lead vaccine candidate ( with two back-ups ) and will progress into the first manufacturing steps in a matter of weeks .
The vaccine development process typically spans five to seven years before a candidate is even considered for approval .
And the private sector response is not limited to the health care industries .
Valero Energy , an independent refiner and the world 's second-largest ethanol producer , converted its Iowa ethanol plant to produce hand sanitizer for hospitals and emergency care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cards to community organizations that rely on transportation as a vital part of their service .
ExxonMobile enlisted its chemical , materials science and manufacturing expertise to meet the demand for protective medical gear .
More than 50,000 polymer face shields have already been produced and are being distributed to hospitals in New York and Atlanta .
Production facilities are ramping up to manufacture more than 170,000 shields per hour .
Thousands of American doctors , nurses and health care workers , the ingenuity , innovation and industry of private enterprises and millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the CCP virus pandemic .
After we beat the virus , another battle lies ahead .
China 's rulers plan to exploit the post-pandemic chaos to displace America as the leader of the world .
America 's confrontation with Communist China is this generation 's rendezvous with destiny .
The virus shows we are confronting a foreign power that has the capacity to stop our way of life .
Will we continue giving them the power to do that again ?
How we meet this challenge will determine humanity 's fate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we must wash our hands – and wash our hands of China .

Challenges test character. In fact, challenges are necessary to develop character.
As Russian novelist and anti-communist dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn reminded Harvard's graduating class in 1978, "Even biology knows that habitual, extreme safety and well-being are not advantageous for a living organism."
This is true for nations as well as individuals.
The CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the coronavirus, is the challenge America faces now.
The coronavirus didn't start here, but it will end here thanks to President Trump, our doctors and nurses, pharmaceutical research companies, medical device manufacturers, thousands of workshops and millions of Americans pulling together.
TRENDING: Is this the 'Final Battle'?
How we are rising to the challenge shows everything you need to know about the American system – and the alternative.
The virus emerged from the socialized medical system of China. Remember that the next time someone demands "single-payer," "Medicare for all" or other euphemisms for government-run health care.
When Seattle doctors reported the first U.S. cases of the CCP virus to the CDC, career bureaucrats ordered them to stop testing until they recertified their lab according to the regulations – a process that would take months.
When front-line doctors reported promising results with hydroxychloroquine, an approved drug that's been used to treat malaria and lupus for decades, the blinkered bureaucratic mindset dismissed them as "anecdotal," insisting on a months-long government-mandated test before even considering the reports from the soldiers in the trenches.
Contrast the stupor and torpor of the government to the agility of American ingenuity and the unprecedented response of Americans.
After President Trump cut through the kudzu of deep state red tape, pharmaceutical companies produced millions of doses of hydroxychloroquine so health care workers could protect themselves and patients.
Researchers are racing to develop tests and treatments for the novel contagion.
Gilead Science has an antiviral drug in clinical trials right now. Pharmaceutical giant AbbVie's HIV medication Kaletra is also being tested to treat the coronavirus. The company gave up its patent rights to Kaletra, allowing other companies to mass produce low-cost versions if it proves to be effective.
Abbott Labs produced a new coronavirus test that could return results in five minutes. The FDA approved it in record time along with tests developed by private companies including LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Cellex and Biomedonics have produced high-speed antibody tests health care providers can use to determine who has been exposed to the coronavirus even if a person didn't show any symptoms. These tests will help identify who has recovered and can safely return to work.
Johnson & Johnson began researching a vaccine in January 2020 as soon as the coronavirus genetic sequence became available. It's identified a lead vaccine candidate (with two back-ups) and will progress into the first manufacturing steps in a matter of weeks. The vaccine development process typically spans five to seven years before a candidate is even considered for approval.
And the private sector response is not limited to the health care industries.
Valero Energy, an independent refiner and the world's second-largest ethanol producer, converted its Iowa ethanol plant to produce hand sanitizer for hospitals and emergency care providers. It also donated 10,000 fuel cards to community organizations that rely on transportation as a vital part of their service.
ExxonMobile enlisted its chemical, materials science and manufacturing expertise to meet the demand for protective medical gear. More than 50,000 polymer face shields have already been produced and are being distributed to hospitals in New York and Atlanta. Production facilities are ramping up to manufacture more than 170,000 shields per hour.
(Lest we forget, this is the same company the state of New York sued for $1.6 billion as reparations for climate change. We're waiting for Gov. Cuomo to return the face masks since they're made with petroleum products.)
Thousands of American doctors, nurses and health care workers, the ingenuity, innovation and industry of private enterprises and millions of Americans are meeting the unprecedented challenge of the CCP virus pandemic.
After we beat the virus, another battle lies ahead. China's rulers plan to exploit the post-pandemic chaos to displace America as the leader of the world.
America's confrontation with Communist China is this generation's rendezvous with destiny.
The virus shows we are confronting a foreign power that has the capacity to stop our way of life.
Will we continue giving them the power to do that again?
How we meet this challenge will determine humanity's fate for the next hundred years.
Going forward, we must wash our hands – and wash our hands of China.