truepundit--2020-12-31--Mysterious Disappearance Of Flu In San Diego Prompted Call For Audit Of COVID Records

One of the most bizarre features of the alleged COVID-19 ‘ global pandemic ’ has been the mysterious disappearance of the seasonal flu in medical and public health record keeping .
It ’ s as if the Flu just vanished into thin air after being the most common perennial seasonal respiratory virus .
As it turns out , recorded seasonal influenza cases have literally nosedived by 98 % across the globe .
This improbable phenomenon has led a number of experts to ask , “ Has Covid killed off the flu ?
” “ The disappearing act began as Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu season in March .
And just how swiftly rates have plummeted can be observed in ‘ surveillance ’ data collected by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , ” reported the UK ’ s Daily Mail .
WHO spokesperson , Dr Sylvie Briand , recently claimed during a press briefing that “ literally there was nearly no flu in the Southern hemisphere ” of the planet Earth in 2020 , but gave no real explanation as to why .
She then went on to extend this magical thinking saying that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the same in the Northern Hemisphere.
” Truly extraordinary science by the health experts at the WHO .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

One of the most bizarre features of the alleged COVID-19 ‘global pandemic’ has been the mysterious disappearance of the seasonal flu in medical and public health record keeping. It’s as if the Flu just vanished into thin air after being the most common perennial seasonal respiratory virus.
As it turns out, recorded seasonal influenza cases have literally nosedived by 98% across the globe.
This improbable phenomenon has led a number of experts to ask, “Has Covid killed off the flu?”
“The disappearing act began as Covid-19 rolled in towards the end of our flu season in March. And just how swiftly rates have plummeted can be observed in ‘surveillance’ data collected by the World Health Organisation (WHO),” reported the UK’s Daily Mail.
WHO spokesperson, Dr Sylvie Briand, recently claimed during a press briefing that “literally there was nearly no flu in the Southern hemisphere” of the planet Earth in 2020, but gave no real explanation as to why. She then went on to extend this magical thinking saying that, “We hope that the situation will be the same in the Northern Hemisphere.”
Truly extraordinary science by the health experts at the WHO. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-31--More Terrorism On The Tracks? Officials In Washington Investigate Latest Train Derailment

Officials are trying to figure out how a BNSF train carrying crude oil derailed in Whatcom County , Wash. , @ @ @ @ @ accident caused a fire that lasted well into the night .
First responders eventually got @ @ @ @ @ About seven railcars left the tracks near Custer , Wash. No injuries were reported and @ @ @ @ @ cleaned the morning of Dec. 23 .
Everyone within a half-mile radius was asked to @ @ @ @ @ County Sheriff ’ s Office told people to stay away from the accident scene .
@ @ @ @ @ Grandview Road and Birch Bay Lynden Road for about one hour .
BNSF says two @ @ @ @ @ when it derailed .
The train was traveling to a refinery in Ferndale and was @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Officials are trying to figure out how a BNSF train carrying crude oil derailed in Whatcom County, Wash., on Dec. 22. The accident caused a fire that lasted well into the night. First responders eventually got the fire under control.
About seven railcars left the tracks near Custer, Wash. No injuries were reported and the scene was still being cleaned the morning of Dec. 23.
Everyone within a half-mile radius was asked to evacuate, and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office told people to stay away from the accident scene. Interstate 5 was closed between Grandview Road and Birch Bay Lynden Road for about one hour.
BNSF says two workers were on the train when it derailed. The train was traveling to a refinery in Ferndale and was pulling 108 cars.- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-31--At Least 3 Shipments Of COVID Vaccine Have Spoiled On Their Way To Texas

Despite all the talk about Moderna ’ s COVID-19 vaccine being more accessible than the Pfizer-BioNTech iteration due to the less-stringent temperature requirements , it appears that several batches of the vaccine shipped out to Texas last week have effectively spoiled due to “ straying from their temperature requirements , ” according to Bloomberg .
With the US vaccination program lagging far behind Operation Warp Speed year-end targets , at least three shipments of spoiled Moderna vaccines arrived in Texas last week , prompting a delay in future deliveries to the Lone Star state as investigators scramble to figure out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been scheduled for delivery before the holiday were held back , said Carrie Kroll , vice president of advocacy , quality and public health for the Texas Hospital Association .
It ’ s unclear how many doses were affected , or who might be culpable for the mistake .
While the affected shipments have been replaced by the federal government , and others were held back by US officials as they looked into issues with temperature sensors , Kroll told reporters that many hospitals in the state were only just now getting doses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Despite all the talk about Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine being more accessible than the Pfizer-BioNTech iteration due to the less-stringent temperature requirements, it appears that several batches of the vaccine shipped out to Texas last week have effectively spoiled due to “straying from their temperature requirements,” according to Bloomberg.
With the US vaccination program lagging far behind Operation Warp Speed year-end targets, at least three shipments of spoiled Moderna vaccines arrived in Texas last week, prompting a delay in future deliveries to the Lone Star state as investigators scramble to figure out what happened.
Several shipments that had been scheduled for delivery before the holiday were held back, said Carrie Kroll, vice president of advocacy, quality and public health for the Texas Hospital Association.
It’s unclear how many doses were affected, or who might be culpable for the mistake. While the affected shipments have been replaced by the federal government, and others were held back by US officials as they looked into issues with temperature sensors, Kroll told reporters that many hospitals in the state were only just now getting doses that were expected a week ago. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-31--Alyssa Milano says masks ‘will protect you more than an AR-15 will’ — immediately gets roasted

Progressive actress Alyssa Milano recently tried to persuade “ anti-maskers ” to wear face coverings to guard themselves from the @ @ @ @ @ small pieces of cloth offer greater protection than AR-15s .
“ Anti-maskers are the same @ @ @ @ @ an AR-15 for ‘ protection , ' ” the anti-gun activist and frequent critic of @ @ @ @ @ , adding , “ LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK : A MASK WILL @ @ @ @ @ AR-15 WILL.
” Milano ’ s argument is sensible enough , right ?
Masks in @ @ @ @ @ shot of warding off the coronavirus than guns do .
After all , wearing a @ @ @ @ @ to help limit the spread of certain infectious diseases and is recommended by the Centers @ @ @ @ @ to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas @ @ @ @

Progressive actress Alyssa Milano recently tried to persuade “anti-maskers” to wear face coverings to guard themselves from the coronavirus by arguing that the small pieces of cloth offer greater protection than AR-15s.
“Anti-maskers are the same people who think they need an AR-15 for ‘protection,'” the anti-gun activist and frequent critic of conservatives scoffingly tweeted on Tuesday, adding, “LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK: A MASK WILL PROTECT YOU *MORE* THAN AN AR-15 WILL.”
Anti-maskers are the same people who think they need an AR-15 for “protection”. LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK: A MASK WILL PROTECT YOU *MORE* THAN AN AR-15 WILL. — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) December 29, 2020
Milano’s argument is sensible enough, right? Masks in all likelihood have a better shot of warding off the coronavirus than guns do. After all, wearing a face covering is currently thought to help limit the spread of certain infectious diseases and is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-31--Pentagon Slams Biden For Claiming That His Team Is Being Denied Access To Information

The Department of Defense slammed Democrat Joe Biden for claiming without evidence that his team has not received all of the information that they need during the transition period , saying that U.S. officials have given Biden ’ s team more resources than Biden ’ s team initially requested .
“ My team needs a clear picture of our force posture around the world and our operations to deter our enemies .
We need full visibility into the budget planning underway at the Defense Department and other agencies in order to avoid any window of confusion or catch up that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Biden claimed yesterday .
“ But as I said from the beginning , we have encountered roadblocks from the political leadership at the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget .
Right now , we just aren ’ t getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas .
It ’ s nothing short , in my view , of irresponsibility.
” Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller slammed the claims from Biden , noting that the department has given Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they initially requested .
“ The Department of Defense has conducted 164 interviews with over 400 officials , and provided over 5,000 pages of documents – far more than initially requested by Biden ’ s transition team , ” Miller said in a statement .
“ DOD ’ s efforts already surpass those of recent administrations with over three weeks to go and we continue to schedule additional meetings for the remainder of the transition and answer any and all requests for information in our purview.
” – READ MORE Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @

The Department of Defense slammed Democrat Joe Biden for claiming without evidence that his team has not received all of the information that they need during the transition period, saying that U.S. officials have given Biden’s team more resources than Biden’s team initially requested.
“My team needs a clear picture of our force posture around the world and our operations to deter our enemies. We need full visibility into the budget planning underway at the Defense Department and other agencies in order to avoid any window of confusion or catch up that our adversaries may try to exploit,” Biden claimed yesterday. “But as I said from the beginning, we have encountered roadblocks from the political leadership at the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget. Right now, we just aren’t getting all the information that we need from the outgoing administration in key national security areas. It’s nothing short, in my view, of irresponsibility.”
Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller slammed the claims from Biden, noting that the department has given Biden’s team more access to resources than they initially requested.
“The Department of Defense has conducted 164 interviews with over 400 officials, and provided over 5,000 pages of documents – far more than initially requested by Biden’s transition team,” Miller said in a statement. “DOD’s efforts already surpass those of recent administrations with over three weeks to go and we continue to schedule additional meetings for the remainder of the transition and answer any and all requests for information in our purview.” – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-31--President Trump: Justice Cannot Prevail ‘Without the Grace of God’

President Trump issued a powerful proclamation on religious liberty Tuesday to commemorate the 850th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Saint Thomas Becket .
“ A society without religion can not prosper .
A nation without faith can not endure — because justice , goodness , and peace can not prevail without the grace of God , ” the president declared in his proclamation , while calling the English saint a “ lion of religious liberty.
” “ Thomas Becket ’ s death serves as a powerful and timeless reminder to every American that our freedom from religious persecution is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but rather an essential element of our liberty , ” Mr. Trump stated .
“ It is our priceless treasure and inheritance .
And it was bought with the blood of martyrs.
” “ As Americans , we were first united by our belief that ‘ rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God ’ and that defending liberty is more important than life itself , ” he said .
“ If we are to continue to be the land of the free , no government official , no governor , no bureaucrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be allowed to decree what is orthodox in matters of religion or to require religious believers to violate their consciences.
” - READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

President Trump issued a powerful proclamation on religious liberty Tuesday to commemorate the 850th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Saint Thomas Becket.
“A society without religion cannot prosper. A nation without faith cannot endure — because justice, goodness, and peace cannot prevail without the grace of God,” the president declared in his proclamation, while calling the English saint a “lion of religious liberty.”
“Thomas Becket’s death serves as a powerful and timeless reminder to every American that our freedom from religious persecution is not a mere luxury or accident of history, but rather an essential element of our liberty,” Mr. Trump stated. “It is our priceless treasure and inheritance. And it was bought with the blood of martyrs.”
“As Americans, we were first united by our belief that ‘rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God’ and that defending liberty is more important than life itself,” he said. “If we are to continue to be the land of the free, no government official, no governor, no bureaucrat, no judge, and no legislator must be allowed to decree what is orthodox in matters of religion or to require religious believers to violate their consciences.”- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-31--Hawley First Senator To Announce He’ll Object To Certification Of Electoral College Vote On Jan. 6

Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley announced Wednesday that he will object to the certification of the Electoral College vote on Jan. 6 — the first senator to make such a declaration .
“ Millions of voters concerned about election integrity deserve to be heard , ” Hawley said via social media , captioning a statement .
“ I will object on January 6 on their behalf.
” The GOP senator outlined in his statement that congressional Democrats in the past have similarly objected to the certification process to raise “ critical issues , ” just as he intends to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hawley surely doesn ’ t expect to be “ praised ” by the media .
“ Following both the 2004 and 2016 elections , Democrats in Congress objected during the certification of electoral votes in order to raise concerns about election integrity .
They were praised by Democratic leadership and the media when they did , ” the statement started .
“ And they were entitled to do so .
But now those of us concerned about the integrity of this election are entitled to do the same.
” Hawley specifically identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and influence from Big Tech .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley announced Wednesday that he will object to the certification of the Electoral College vote on Jan. 6 — the first senator to make such a declaration.
“Millions of voters concerned about election integrity deserve to be heard,” Hawley said via social media, captioning a statement. “I will object on January 6 on their behalf.”
The GOP senator outlined in his statement that congressional Democrats in the past have similarly objected to the certification process to raise “critical issues,” just as he intends to do. Though, unlike his Democratic counterparts, Hawley surely doesn’t expect to be “praised” by the media.
“Following both the 2004 and 2016 elections, Democrats in Congress objected during the certification of electoral votes in order to raise concerns about election integrity. They were praised by Democratic leadership and the media when they did,” the statement started. “And they were entitled to do so. But now those of us concerned about the integrity of this election are entitled to do the same.”
Hawley specifically identified issues concerning the 2020 election in Pennsylvania and influence from Big Tech. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-31--Watch: Joe Biden Calls Kamala Harris ‘President-Elect’

President-elect Joe Biden committed yet another verbal flub Tuesday when he erroneously referred to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as “ @ @ @ @ @ error during his planned remarks regarding the coronavirus pandemic in his hometown of Wilmington , @ @ @ @ @ the president will clearly and unambiguously urge all Americans to take the vaccine once it @ @ @ @ @ stated Biden .
“ I took it to instill public confidence in the vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ for the same reason.
” “ Literally , this is about saving lives ; it @ @ @ @ @ lives , ” Harris said of the vaccine .
“ I trust the scientists .
@ @ @ @ @ that created and approved this vaccine.
” – READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas @ @ @ @

President-elect Joe Biden committed yet another verbal flub Tuesday when he erroneously referred to Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as “president-elect.”
Biden made the error during his planned remarks regarding the coronavirus pandemic in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.
“I hope the president will clearly and unambiguously urge all Americans to take the vaccine once it’s available,” stated Biden. “I took it to instill public confidence in the vaccine. President-elect Harris took hers today for the same reason.”
Earlier Tuesday, Harris received the Moderna vaccine on live television.
“Literally, this is about saving lives; it’s literally about saving lives,” Harris said of the vaccine. “I trust the scientists. And it is the scientists that created and approved this vaccine.” – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-31--EU, China Approve Investment Deal, But Concerns About Uighur Forced Labor Persist

European politicians raised concerns that the new investment deal between the European Union and China doesn ’ t go far enough in curbing the Chinese government ’ s alleged forced labor practices .
European leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron finalized the trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping via videoconference Wednesday after roughly seven years of negotiations , the European Union announced in a press release .
But , some European politicians strongly criticized the deal for not ensuring the end of forced labor in China , Politico reported .
“ The Commission has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights , ” said German politician Reinhard Bütikofer , who chairs the EU Parliament ’ s delegation for relations with China , according to Politico .
Bernd Lange , another German member of the EU Parliament , tweeted : “ Trade policy does not take place in a vacuum – how the question of forced labour is addressed … will determine the agreement ’ s fate.
” EU Parliament member Kathleen Van Brempt said she plans on scrutinizing the deal closely , according to Politico .
“ Market access , stricter rules on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressing forced technology transfers are important , but so are human rights and labor rights , ” she said .
However , the European Commission , the EU ’ s executive arm , said in a statement Wednesday that the deal included “ important commitments ” to international labor standards .
“ China has committed to effectively implement Conventions it has ratified , and to work towards the ratification of the ILO fundamental Conventions , including on forced labour , ” the commission said .
France threatened to pull its support for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressed , according to Politico .
Franck Riester , France ’ s trade minister , said the deal should be used to “ advance social issues.
” But , France eventually came around and backed the deal with Macron attending Wednesday ’ s videoconference .
“ It is ridiculous to try selling that as a success , ” Bütikofer said , according to Politico .
Satellite images of China published by BuzzFeed News Monday appeared to show mass internment camps in Xinjiang , China with factories where minority groups are allegedly forced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camps are alleged to primarily hold Uighurs , a Chinese Muslim minority group .
There are at least 135 Chinese internment camp compounds with factories where detainees are allegedly forced to work , BuzzFeed reported .

European politicians raised concerns that the new investment deal between the European Union and China doesn’t go far enough in curbing the Chinese government’s alleged forced labor practices.
European leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron finalized the trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping via videoconference Wednesday after roughly seven years of negotiations, the European Union announced in a press release. But, some European politicians strongly criticized the deal for not ensuring the end of forced labor in China, Politico reported.
“The Commission has folded on the issue of workers’ rights,” said German politician Reinhard Bütikofer, who chairs the EU Parliament’s delegation for relations with China, according to Politico.
Bernd Lange, another German member of the EU Parliament, tweeted: “Trade policy does not take place in a vacuum – how the question of forced labour is addressed … will determine the agreement’s fate.”
Trade policy does not take place in a vacuum – how the question of forced labour is addressed in the CAI will determine the agreement’s fate. @EP_Trade will judge the CAI based on the final text & we will take our time to do so. — Bernd Lange (@berndlange) December 21, 2020
EU Parliament member Kathleen Van Brempt said she plans on scrutinizing the deal closely, according to Politico.
“Market access, stricter rules on subsidies and state-owned enterprises as well as addressing forced technology transfers are important, but so are human rights and labor rights,” she said.
However, the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said in a statement Wednesday that the deal included “important commitments” to international labor standards.
“China has committed to effectively implement [International Labor Organization (ILO)] Conventions it has ratified, and to work towards the ratification of the ILO fundamental Conventions, including on forced labour,” the commission said.
France threatened to pull its support for the deal last week unless forced labor was addressed, according to Politico. Franck Riester, France’s trade minister, said the deal should be used to “advance social issues.”
But, France eventually came around and backed the deal with Macron attending Wednesday’s videoconference.
“It is ridiculous to try selling that as a success,” Bütikofer said, according to Politico.
Satellite images of China published by BuzzFeed News Monday appeared to show mass internment camps in Xinjiang, China with factories where minority groups are allegedly forced to work against their will. The internment camps are alleged to primarily hold Uighurs, a Chinese Muslim minority group.
There are at least 135 Chinese internment camp compounds with factories where detainees are allegedly forced to work, BuzzFeed reported.


truepundit--2020-12-31--Pope Francis Offers No Direct Comment On His Home Country’s Legalization Of Abortion

Pope Francis ’ s home country of Argentina legalized abortion this week , but the Holy Father has yet to directly comment on it .
Argentina ’ s Senate legalized abortion a little after midnight , guaranteeing abortions up until 14 weeks of pregnancy according to the Associated Press .
The country will also allow abortions beyond 14 weeks in cases of rape or if the mother ’ s life is in danger .
“ Safe , legal and free abortion is now the law , ” the country ’ s Catholic President Alberto Fernández tweeted , the AP reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign the legislation into law .
“ Today , we are a better society that expands women ’ s rights and guarantees public health.
” Pope Francis has not yet commented on his home country legalizing abortion , though he publicly expressed his sympathy to Croatians affected by earthquakes during his weekly general audience Wednesday .
The pope tweeted a few hours before the senate session began on Tuesday , reminding his followers that “ the Son of God was born an outcast , in order to tell us that every outcast is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came into the world as each child comes into the world , weak and vulnerable , so that we can learn to accept our weaknesses with tender love , ” the pope added .
He reportedly spoke with Fernández in January at the Vatican on multiple topics , including the “ protection of life from conception , ” the Vatican said at the time .
The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is “ a crime against human life , ” “ constitutes a grave offense ” and that a person who obtains an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church .
Pope Francis has expressed his opposition to abortion in the past and commented in a December letter that he finds it surprising when he is accused of failing to support the unborn .
“ I am amused when someone says , ‘ Why doesn ’ t the pope let Argentina know about his opinion on abortion ?
’ Because I do nothing other than let the whole world ( including Argentina ) know about it now that I am pope , ” he said in a recent letter to some former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
During the first year of his pontificate , the pope criticized the Church for focusing too much on abortion .
“ We can not insist only on issues related to abortion , gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods .
This is not possible , ” he said , LifeSite News reported .
“ I have not spoken much about these things , and I was reprimanded for that.
” “ The dogmatic and moral teachings of the church are not all equivalent , ” he continued .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently.
” The Vatican did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation .

Pope Francis’s home country of Argentina legalized abortion this week, but the Holy Father has yet to directly comment on it.
Argentina’s Senate legalized abortion a little after midnight, guaranteeing abortions up until 14 weeks of pregnancy according to the Associated Press. The country will also allow abortions beyond 14 weeks in cases of rape or if the mother’s life is in danger.
“Safe, legal and free abortion is now the law,” the country’s Catholic President Alberto Fernández tweeted, the AP reported, noting that Fernández has promised to sign the legislation into law. “Today, we are a better society that expands women’s rights and guarantees public health.”
Pope Francis has not yet commented on his home country legalizing abortion, though he publicly expressed his sympathy to Croatians affected by earthquakes during his weekly general audience Wednesday. The pope tweeted a few hours before the senate session began on Tuesday, reminding his followers that “the Son of God was born an outcast, in order to tell us that every outcast is a child of God.”
“He came into the world as each child comes into the world, weak and vulnerable, so that we can learn to accept our weaknesses with tender love,” the pope added. He reportedly spoke with Fernández in January at the Vatican on multiple topics, including the “protection of life from conception,” the Vatican said at the time.
The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is “a crime against human life,” “constitutes a grave offense” and that a person who obtains an abortion is automatically excommunicated from the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has expressed his opposition to abortion in the past and commented in a December letter that he finds it surprising when he is accused of failing to support the unborn.
“I am amused when someone says, ‘Why doesn’t the pope let Argentina know about his opinion on abortion?’ Because I do nothing other than let the whole world (including Argentina) know about it now that I am pope,” he said in a recent letter to some former pupils in Argentina, according to LifeSite News.
During the first year of his pontificate, the pope criticized the Church for focusing too much on abortion.
“We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. This is not possible,” he said, LifeSite News reported. “I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that.”
“The dogmatic and moral teachings of the church are not all equivalent,” he continued. “The church’s pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently.”
The Vatican did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.


truepundit--2020-12-31--Great Reset: Tiny Houses Pushed As Solution To Climate Change

Social engineers are pushing tiny 200-sq-ft Ikea houses as the solution to climate change in another example of how our living standards are set to be lowered .
In an article entitled ‘ Ikea tiny homes can help fight climate change by giving small footprints a big toehold ’ , Carl Pope , former head of the Sierra Club , gushes over the micro-homes ( basically trailers ) that sell for $ 47,550 .
“ Housing is an important source of climate pollution — directly responsible for about 5 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States plus their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on recycled and reusable materials , the company seems likely to accelerate some important shifts in the housing market .
Ikea will also almost certainly take advantage of what it learns in the “ tiny ” segment of the building market to establish a foothold in the broader , potentially highly green , manufactured building space , ” writes Pope .
While solar panels would struggle to heat larger homes , this isn ’ t an issue for the tiny homes , so long as you ’ re content living in a box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Social engineers are pushing tiny 200-sq-ft Ikea houses as the solution to climate change in another example of how our living standards are set to be lowered.
In an article entitled ‘Ikea tiny homes can help fight climate change by giving small footprints a big toehold’, Carl Pope, former head of the Sierra Club, gushes over the micro-homes (basically trailers) that sell for $47,550.
“Housing is an important source of climate pollution — directly responsible for about 5 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States plus their electricity. Given Ikea’s emphasis on recycled and reusable materials, the company seems likely to accelerate some important shifts in the housing market. Ikea will also almost certainly take advantage of what it learns in the “tiny” segment of the building market to establish a foothold in the broader, potentially highly green, manufactured building space,” writes Pope.
While solar panels would struggle to heat larger homes, this isn’t an issue for the tiny homes, so long as you’re content living in a box. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-31--Biden, Trump Will Both Be In Georgia The Day Before Critical Senate Runoffs

President-elect Joe Biden will travel to Georgia Monday to campaign alongside Jon Ossoff and Rev .
Raphael Warnock , the same day that President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Georgia for Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler .
The competing events take place on the final day before Georgia ’ s high-stakes dual Senate runoffs on Jan. 5 .
The races will determine which party controls the Senate , and have attracted multiple high-profile figures including Trump , Biden , Vice President Mike Pence , Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama .
If Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would achieve the narrowest of majorities with Harris ’ s tie-breaking vote , giving them full control of Congress and the White House .
If not , then much of Biden ’ s agenda could be jeopardized by a GOP-led Senate .
The stakes have led to both statewide races attracting national attention , with Ossoff and Warnock campaigning on a Democratic Senate that will allow for sweeping legislation relating to voting rights , clean energy , infrastructure and more , while Republicans have warned that a Republican-led Senate is the only thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Both races have set records for political fundraising and unprecedented ad spending .
Ossoff and Warnock have each reported raising over $ 100 million since Election Day , and each race has seen hundreds of millions of dollars in ad spending .
The runoffs have also seen record turnout that even with that seen ahead of November ’ s election .
Over 2.5 million Georgians have already voted , according to the U.S .
Elections Project , fueled by high turnout throughout Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs .

President-elect Joe Biden will travel to Georgia Monday to campaign alongside Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock, the same day that President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Georgia for Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler.
The competing events take place on the final day before Georgia’s high-stakes dual Senate runoffs on Jan. 5. The races will determine which party controls the Senate, and have attracted multiple high-profile figures including Trump, Biden, Vice President Mike Pence, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and former President Barack Obama.
If Democrats manage to flip both seats, they would achieve the narrowest of majorities with Harris’s tie-breaking vote, giving them full control of Congress and the White House. If not, then much of Biden’s agenda could be jeopardized by a GOP-led Senate.
The stakes have led to both statewide races attracting national attention, with Ossoff and Warnock campaigning on a Democratic Senate that will allow for sweeping legislation relating to voting rights, clean energy, infrastructure and more, while Republicans have warned that a Republican-led Senate is the only thing stopping the country from plunging towards socialism.
Both races have set records for political fundraising and unprecedented ad spending. Ossoff and Warnock have each reported raising over $100 million since Election Day, and each race has seen hundreds of millions of dollars in ad spending.
The runoffs have also seen record turnout that even with that seen ahead of November’s election. Over 2.5 million Georgians have already voted, according to the U.S. Elections Project, fueled by high turnout throughout Atlanta and its surrounding suburbs.


truepundit--2020-12-31--Homeless Antifa Group Occupies Tacoma Motel

Homeless Antifa activists booked 16 hotel rooms at a Travelodge in Tacoma , Washington on Christmas Eve and are refusing @ @ @ @ @ local government pay for their accommodations and turn the motel into a shelter .
KOMO @ @ @ @ @ 40 homeless people have moved into the hotel , with no plans on paying .
@ @ @ @ @ operator , told KOMO News that if the occupants continue to stay , he will @ @ @ @ @ and lay off his employees .
Protests in the parking lot have driven away most @ @ @ @ @ , Randhawa said .
“ I ’ ll have to lock the doors .
and @ @ @ @ @ t kick them out , they can have it , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ the water and I ’ m not fighting with these people .
I believe there @ @ @ @ @ A spokesperson for the Antifa group Tacoma Housing argued that they are bringing business to @ @ @ @ @ to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Homeless Antifa activists booked 16 hotel rooms at a Travelodge in Tacoma, Washington on Christmas Eve and are refusing to pay, demanding the local government pay for their accommodations and turn the motel into a shelter.
Autonomous zone: A far-left group booked 16 rooms for one night in a struggling motel near Seattle. But it was a scam. The dozens of activists are refusing to leave & won’t pay. And police won’t remove the trespassers. https://t.co/aBX4xMrmhh — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) December 29, 2020
KOMO News has reported that over 40 homeless people have moved into the hotel, with no plans on paying.
Shawn Randhawa, the motel operator, told KOMO News that if the occupants continue to stay, he will be forced to shut down and lay off his employees. Protests in the parking lot have driven away most of the other paying customers, Randhawa said.
“I’ll have to lock the doors. and if the city won’t kick them out, they can have it,” he said. “I’ll shut off the water and I’m not fighting with these people. I believe there should be a law.”
A spokesperson for the Antifa group Tacoma Housing argued that they are bringing business to the hotel.- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-31--For 55% Of Americans, 2020 Has Been “A Personal Financial Disaster”

One of the big reasons why so many Americans are angry about the size of the “ stimulus payments ” in the COVID relief bill that Congress just passed is because this year has truly been a “ financial disaster ” for millions upon millions of people .
More Americans than ever before are just barely scraping by from month to month , and $ 600 is just not going to go very far .
In 2020 , small businesses have been getting slaughtered by the thousands , millions of Americans are in imminent danger of being evicted from their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new claims for unemployment benefits have been filed since the COVID pandemic first started .
The U.S. has plunged into a brutal economic depression , and most of the country is desperately hoping that the federal government will do more to bail them out .
Of course the truth is that we can ’ t actually afford another 900 billion dollar “ stimulus package ” on top of all the other “ stimulus packages ” that were already passed this year .
We are already 27.5 trillion dollars in debt , and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a highway to hyperinflation .
But most Americans don ’ t really care that we are literally destroying our national finances .
Most people are in desperate need of money , and the vast majority of them want checks from the government as soon as possible .
A OnePoll survey that was just released asked Americans about the current state of their finances , and that survey discovered that a whopping 55 percent of us consider this year to be “ a personal financial disaster ” … That is over half the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employed , that same survey found that 62 percent are planning to take on a second job in 2021 in an attempt to make ends meet… – READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

One of the big reasons why so many Americans are angry about the size of the “stimulus payments” in the COVID relief bill that Congress just passed is because this year has truly been a “financial disaster” for millions upon millions of people. More Americans than ever before are just barely scraping by from month to month, and $600 is just not going to go very far. In 2020, small businesses have been getting slaughtered by the thousands, millions of Americans are in imminent danger of being evicted from their homes, and more than 70 million new claims for unemployment benefits have been filed since the COVID pandemic first started. The U.S. has plunged into a brutal economic depression, and most of the country is desperately hoping that the federal government will do more to bail them out.
Of course the truth is that we can’t actually afford another 900 billion dollar “stimulus package” on top of all the other “stimulus packages” that were already passed this year.
We are already 27.5 trillion dollars in debt, and all of this reckless spending is putting us on a highway to hyperinflation.
But most Americans don’t really care that we are literally destroying our national finances. Most people are in desperate need of money, and the vast majority of them want checks from the government as soon as possible.
A OnePoll survey that was just released asked Americans about the current state of their finances, and that survey discovered that a whopping 55 percent of us consider this year to be “a personal financial disaster”…
While there is no question 2020 has been an unparalleled health challenge, many are not losing sight of how devastating the year was for their wallets as well. A new survey finds over half of Americans (55%) consider 2020 a personal financial disaster.
That is over half the country!
And for those that are employed, that same survey found that 62 percent are planning to take on a second job in 2021 in an attempt to make ends meet… – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-31--These Companies Are Linked To Forced Uighur Slave Labor

• A number of companies have been linked to labor forced on Uighur Muslims by the Chinese government , according to multiple reports .
• The Washington Post found that Apple supplier Lens Technology uses Uighur workers in its factories , according to documents obtained by the Tech Transparency Project .
• Abercrombie & Fitch , Adidas , Gap , Calvin Klein , H & M , L.L.Bean , Lacoste , Nike , and many other brands are “ potentially directly or indirectly benefiting from the use of Uyghur workers outside Xinjiang through abusive labour transfer programs as recently as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute .
A number of companies and brands have been linked to labor forced on Uighur Muslims by the Chinese government , according to multiple reports .
The Washington Post reported Tuesday that Apple supplier Lens Technology uses Uighur workers in its factories , according to documents obtained by the Tech Transparency Project .
These workers were transferred from labor camps in the Xinjiang region of western China , WaPo reported .
Apple , which has said that it is committed to donating to organizations that “ challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not the only company to come under scrutiny for its links to slave labor .
In a spring 2020 report report titled “ Uyghurs For Sale , ” the Australian Strategic Policy Institute found that at least 83 popular , household-name brands are “ potentially directly or indirectly benefiting from the use of Uyghur workers outside Xinjiang through abusive labour transfer programs as recently as 2019.
” The report listed popular clothing companies Abercrombie & Fitch , Adidas , Gap , Calvin Klein , H & M , L.L.Bean , Lacoste , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ralph Lauren , Puma , Skechers , Tommy Hilfiger , Zara , and Victorias Secret , as well as General Motors , Goertek , Land Rover , Mercedes-Benz , Volkswagon , and more .
Many of these companies prolifically spoke out against racial injustice following the death of George Floyd in May .
“ This report estimates that more than 80,000 Uyghurs were transferred out of Xinjiang to work in factories across China between 2017 and 2019 , and some of them were sent directly from detention camps , ” a summary of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure is conservative and the actual figure is likely to be far higher.
” “ In factories far away from home , they typically live in segregated dormitories , undergo organised Mandarin and ideological training outside working hours , are subject to constant surveillance , and are forbidden from participating in religious observances , ” the report summary continued .
“ Numerous sources , including government documents , show that transferred workers are assigned minders and have limited freedom of movement.
” Several major companies have reportedly fought efforts to end the practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forced Labor Prevention Act , which passed the House by a vote of 403-6 in September .
Coca-Cola , Nike , Apple , and other corporations fought to weaken the bill ’ s language , the New York Times reported in late November , arguing that the bill would harm the supply chains they rely on in China .
Coca-Cola and Nike both pushed back on the NYT report in statements to the Daily Caller , arguing that they did not lobby against the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act or source products from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is is committed to donating to organizations that “ challenge racial injustice and mass incarceration , ” has protested that it rigorously audits companies in its supply chain to make sure that Apple ’ s products aren ’ t derived from forced labor , saying in a statement to WaPo that “ Apple has zero tolerance for forced labor.
” “ Looking for the presence of forced labor is part of every supplier assessment we conduct , including surprise audits , ” spokesman Josh Rosenstock told Apple .
“ Any violation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including possible business termination .
As always , our focus is on making sure everyone is treated with dignity and respect , and we will continue doing all we can to protect workers in our supply chain , ” Rosenstock added .
Coca-Cola has frequently advocated against racism and discrimination in the U.S .
In June remarks , Coca-Cola CEO James Quincy said he was “ outraged , sad , frustrated , angry ” over the death of George Floyd and promised that the company stands “ with those seeking justice and equality.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism in the U.S. , particularly in a May 2020 ad that urged viewers “ For once , don ’ t do it .
Don ’ t pretend there ’ s not a problem in America .
Don ’ t turn your back on racism .
Don ’ t accept innocent lives being taken from us.
” “ Nike has a long history of standing against bigotry , hatred and inequality in all forms , ” a Nike spokeswoman said in a May statement .
“ We hope that by sharing this film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspire action against a deep issue in our society and encourage people to help shape a better future.
” An investigation by the Associated Press published in June found that the Chinese government is committing “ demographic genocide ” against Uighur Muslims through forced abortions , birth control , mass detentions , and imprisonment .
The AP investigation , based on interviews with 30 former detainees , family members , a former detention camp instructor , government statistics and state documents , found that the Chinese government seeks to dramatically lower the birthrates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other populations to produce more children .
Chinese parents who have more than a few children are often sent to detention camps or subjected to huge fines , the publication found , and police instill terror into families by raiding homes searching for hidden children .

A number of companies have been linked to labor forced on Uighur Muslims by the Chinese government, according to multiple reports.
The Washington Post found that Apple supplier Lens Technology uses Uighur workers in its factories, according to documents obtained by the Tech Transparency Project.
Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, Gap, Calvin Klein, H&M, L.L.Bean, Lacoste, Nike, and many other brands are “potentially directly or indirectly benefiting from the use of Uyghur workers outside Xinjiang through abusive labour transfer programs as recently as 2019,” according to a report from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
A number of companies and brands have been linked to labor forced on Uighur Muslims by the Chinese government, according to multiple reports.
The Washington Post reported Tuesday that Apple supplier Lens Technology uses Uighur workers in its factories, according to documents obtained by the Tech Transparency Project. These workers were transferred from labor camps in the Xinjiang region of western China, WaPo reported.
Apple, which has said that it is committed to donating to organizations that “challenge racial injustice and mass incarceration,” is not the only company to come under scrutiny for its links to slave labor. In a spring 2020 report report titled “Uyghurs For Sale,” the Australian Strategic Policy Institute found that at least 83 popular, household-name brands are “potentially directly or indirectly benefiting from the use of Uyghur workers outside Xinjiang through abusive labour transfer programs as recently as 2019.”
The report listed popular clothing companies Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, Gap, Calvin Klein, H&M, L.L.Bean, Lacoste, Nike, The North Face, Polo Ralph Lauren, Puma, Skechers, Tommy Hilfiger, Zara, and Victorias Secret, as well as General Motors, Goertek, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagon, and more. Many of these companies prolifically spoke out against racial injustice following the death of George Floyd in May.
“This report estimates that more than 80,000 Uyghurs were transferred out of Xinjiang to work in factories across China between 2017 and 2019, and some of them were sent directly from detention camps,” a summary of the report said. “The estimated figure is conservative and the actual figure is likely to be far higher.”
“In factories far away from home, they typically live in segregated dormitories, undergo organised Mandarin and ideological training outside working hours, are subject to constant surveillance, and are forbidden from participating in religious observances,” the report summary continued. “Numerous sources, including government documents, show that transferred workers are assigned minders and have limited freedom of movement.”
Several major companies have reportedly fought efforts to end the practice of forced labor — specifically the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which passed the House by a vote of 403-6 in September.
Coca-Cola, Nike, Apple, and other corporations fought to weaken the bill’s language, the New York Times reported in late November, arguing that the bill would harm the supply chains they rely on in China.
Coca-Cola and Nike both pushed back on the NYT report in statements to the Daily Caller, arguing that they did not lobby against the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act or source products from Xinjiang.
Apple, which has said that it is is committed to donating to organizations that “challenge racial injustice and mass incarceration,” has protested that it rigorously audits companies in its supply chain to make sure that Apple’s products aren’t derived from forced labor, saying in a statement to WaPo that “Apple has zero tolerance for forced labor.”
“Looking for the presence of forced labor is part of every supplier assessment we conduct, including surprise audits,” spokesman Josh Rosenstock told Apple.
“Any violation of our policies has immediate consequences, including possible business termination. As always, our focus is on making sure everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and we will continue doing all we can to protect workers in our supply chain,” Rosenstock added.
Coca-Cola has frequently advocated against racism and discrimination in the U.S. In June remarks, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincy said he was “outraged, sad, frustrated, angry” over the death of George Floyd and promised that the company stands “with those seeking justice and equality.”
Nike has also spoken out against racism in the U.S., particularly in a May 2020 ad that urged viewers “For once, don’t do it. Don’t pretend there’s not a problem in America. Don’t turn your back on racism. Don’t accept innocent lives being taken from us.”
“Nike has a long history of standing against bigotry, hatred and inequality in all forms,” a Nike spokeswoman said in a May statement. “We hope that by sharing this film we can serve as a catalyst to inspire action against a deep issue in our society and encourage people to help shape a better future.”
An investigation by the Associated Press published in June found that the Chinese government is committing “demographic genocide” against Uighur Muslims through forced abortions, birth control, mass detentions, and imprisonment.
The AP investigation, based on interviews with 30 former detainees, family members, a former detention camp instructor, government statistics and state documents, found that the Chinese government seeks to dramatically lower the birthrates of Uighurs and other minorities while encouraging other populations to produce more children.
Chinese parents who have more than a few children are often sent to detention camps or subjected to huge fines, the publication found, and police instill terror into families by raiding homes searching for hidden children.


truepundit--2020-12-31--McConnell Ties $2,000 Checks To Section 230 Repeal, Voter Fraud Investigation

• Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced legislation authorizing direct cash payments of $ 2,000 Tuesday , but tied it to a repeal of Section 230 and an investigation into the president ’ s allegations of voter fraud .
• Democrats immediately criticized McConnell ’ s bill , calling it a “ poison pill ” and warning that it would fall short of the necessary support needed to pass .
• Congressional Democrats and President Trump have both pushed for $ 2,000 checks , and the president has pressured Senate Republicans to get behind the measure , warning that those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish.
” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced legislation authorizing direct cash payments of $ 2,000 Tuesday , but with a catch to which Democrats will likely object .
The bill combines $ 2,000 payments with a repeal of Section 230 , a provision that grants social media companies liability protections against content users post on their platforms , and the establishment of a commission to study allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 election .
Though Democrats supported President Donald Trump ’ s push for $ 2,000 checks , they have opposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate his allegations of fraud , giving McConnell ’ s bill little chance of becoming law .
McConnell has so far resisted holding a vote on any legislation regarding increased stimulus checks even as senators from both parties increase the pressure to do so .
Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders said on Tuesday that he would filibuster the Senate ’ s override of the annual military bill , keeping the chamber in session through the New Year , unless it held a vote on $ 2,000 checks .
His effort was seconded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted on Tuesday that “ he would not consent to a vote on the bad defense bill… unless the Senate votes on $ 2k Covid relief for working people.
” But Democrats criticized McConnell ’ s altered bill , which is all but certain to fail to garner enough support .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the bill was “ a blatant attempt ” to sabotage the passage of $ 2,000 checks , calling it a “ cynical gambit ” on Tuesday .
Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy echoed Schumer , saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just another way of telling the American people that this body doesn ’ t support $ 2,000 payments.
” Though legislation authorizing $ 2,000 checks has the support of Trump and passed the House of Representatives in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote , multiple Senate Republicans have come out against the measure .
Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey said the bill was “ not sound economic policy ” given its size , and Texas Sen. John Cornyn said that it was a distraction from the amount of relief that Congress already granted .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House , ” Cornyn said .
“ They ’ ve got an issue and unfortunately it seems to be drowning out all of the other good stuff we ’ ve done.
” McConnell ’ s bill appears to address all of Trump ’ s most recent demands made when signing the $ 900 coronavirus relief bill on Sunday .
Specifically , he called to “ start the process for a vote that increases checks to $ 2,000 , repeals Section 230 , and starts an investigation into voter fraud.
” McConnell ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but as of Wednesday he has yet to schedule a vote on his legislation .
Despite the majority leader ’ s bill , Trump has continued to pressure Republican senators to pass legislation authorizing higher checks , tweeting on Tuesday that those who oppose doing so have a “ death wish ” and that passing higher checks “ is the right thing to do.
” Several GOP senators have come out in support of the legislation , including Georgia Sens .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler .
The two are running in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will determine control of the chamber and whether Democrats can obtain full control of Congress and the White House .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced legislation authorizing direct cash payments of $2,000 Tuesday, but tied it to a repeal of Section 230 and an investigation into the president’s allegations of voter fraud.
Democrats immediately criticized McConnell’s bill, calling it a “poison pill” and warning that it would fall short of the necessary support needed to pass.
Congressional Democrats and President Trump have both pushed for $2,000 checks, and the president has pressured Senate Republicans to get behind the measure, warning that those who do not have a “death wish.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced legislation authorizing direct cash payments of $2,000 Tuesday, but with a catch to which Democrats will likely object.
The bill combines $2,000 payments with a repeal of Section 230, a provision that grants social media companies liability protections against content users post on their platforms, and the establishment of a commission to study allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 election.
Though Democrats supported President Donald Trump’s push for $2,000 checks, they have opposed his efforts to abolish Section 230 and investigate his allegations of fraud, giving McConnell’s bill little chance of becoming law.
McConnell has so far resisted holding a vote on any legislation regarding increased stimulus checks even as senators from both parties increase the pressure to do so. Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders said on Tuesday that he would filibuster the Senate’s override of the annual military bill, keeping the chamber in session through the New Year, unless it held a vote on $2,000 checks.
His effort was seconded by Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, who tweeted on Tuesday that “he would not consent to a vote on the bad defense bill… unless the Senate votes on $2k Covid relief for working people.”
But Democrats criticized McConnell’s altered bill, which is all but certain to fail to garner enough support.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the bill was “a blatant attempt” to sabotage the passage of $2,000 checks, calling it a “cynical gambit” on Tuesday.
Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy echoed Schumer, saying that “poison pills” are “just another way of telling the American people that this body doesn’t support $2,000 payments.”
Though legislation authorizing $2,000 checks has the support of Trump and passed the House of Representatives in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, multiple Senate Republicans have come out against the measure.
Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey said the bill was “not sound economic policy” given its size, and Texas Sen. John Cornyn said that it was a distraction from the amount of relief that Congress already granted.
“This is just opportunistic on the part of the House [Democrats],” Cornyn said. “They’ve got an issue and unfortunately it seems to be drowning out all of the other good stuff we’ve done.”
McConnell’s bill appears to address all of Trump’s most recent demands made when signing the $900 coronavirus relief bill on Sunday. Specifically, he called to “start the process for a vote that increases checks to $2,000, repeals Section 230, and starts an investigation into voter fraud.”
McConnell’s bill does technically start the process, but as of Wednesday he has yet to schedule a vote on his legislation.
Despite the majority leader’s bill, Trump has continued to pressure Republican senators to pass legislation authorizing higher checks, tweeting on Tuesday that those who oppose doing so have a “death wish” and that passing higher checks “is the right thing to do.”
Several GOP senators have come out in support of the legislation, including Georgia Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler. The two are running in dual Senate runoffs on Jan. 5 which will determine control of the chamber and whether Democrats can obtain full control of Congress and the White House.


truepundit--2020-12-31--ER Nurse Tests Positive For COVID-19 After Receiving Pfizer Vaccine

An emergency room nurse tested positive for COVID-19 over a week after getting the Pfizer vaccine , an ABC affiliate reported Monday .
A 45-year-old ER nurse identified as Matthew W. , works for two hospitals San Diego , California , tested positive for COVID-19 eight days after receiving the vaccine , though experts say he could have been exposed prior to receiving the vaccine , 10 News reported .
“ It ’ s not unexpected at all .
If you work through the numbers , this is exactly what we ’ d expect to happen if someone was exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an infectious disease specialist with Family Health Centers of San Diego , 10 News reported .
Matthew said that his arm was sore after getting the vaccine but reported no other side effects , according to 10 News .
After working a shift in a COVID-19 unit , Matthew said he had the chills which developed into muscle aches and fatigue on Dec. 24 , 10 News reported .
Ramers said it ’ s likely that Matthew was infected before he got the vaccine since the incubation period can be as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine clinical trials that it ’ s going to take about 10 to 14 days for you to start to develop protection from the vaccine , ” Ramers said , 10 News reported .
Ramers mentioned multiple other cases of local health care workers testing positive for COVID-19 around the same time they got the vaccine , 10 News reported .
He said that the cases demonstrate the results of the vaccine aren ’ t effective immediately .
“ That first dose we think gives you somewhere around 50 % , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 95 % , ” Ramers said , 10 News reported .
Ramers said that health practitioners talk about the vaccine “ being the beginning of the end , but it ’ s going to be a slow roll , weeks to months as we roll out the vaccine , ” Ramers said , 10 News reported .
Ramers said that the vaccines won ’ t immediately change the state of the pandemic and that PPE and practicing good hygiene are still important after getting a vaccine , 10 News reported .

An emergency room nurse tested positive for COVID-19 over a week after getting the Pfizer vaccine, an ABC affiliate reported Monday.
A 45-year-old ER nurse identified as Matthew W., works for two hospitals San Diego, California, tested positive for COVID-19 eight days after receiving the vaccine, though experts say he could have been exposed prior to receiving the vaccine, 10 News reported.
“It’s not unexpected at all. If you work through the numbers, this is exactly what we’d expect to happen if someone was exposed,” said Dr. Christian Ramers, an infectious disease specialist with Family Health Centers of San Diego, 10 News reported.
California ER nurse tests positive for COVID-19 a week after getting vaccine https://t.co/63DSybmG1d pic.twitter.com/zlxGDOQBUf — New York Post (@nypost) December 30, 2020
Matthew said that his arm was sore after getting the vaccine but reported no other side effects, according to 10 News.
After working a shift in a COVID-19 unit, Matthew said he had the chills which developed into muscle aches and fatigue on Dec. 24, 10 News reported. Ramers said it’s likely that Matthew was infected before he got the vaccine since the incubation period can be as long as two weeks.
“We know from the vaccine clinical trials that it’s going to take about 10 to 14 days for you to start to develop protection from the vaccine,” Ramers said, 10 News reported.
Ramers mentioned multiple other cases of local health care workers testing positive for COVID-19 around the same time they got the vaccine, 10 News reported. He said that the cases demonstrate the results of the vaccine aren’t effective immediately.
“That first dose we think gives you somewhere around 50%, and you need that second dose to get up to 95%,” Ramers said, 10 News reported.
Ramers said that health practitioners talk about the vaccine “being the beginning of the end, but it’s going to be a slow roll, weeks to months as we roll out the vaccine,” Ramers said, 10 News reported.
Ramers said that the vaccines won’t immediately change the state of the pandemic and that PPE and practicing good hygiene are still important after getting a vaccine, 10 News reported.


truepundit--2020-12-31--United Kingdom Approves AstraZeneca Coronavirus Vaccine

The United Kingdom became the first country to approve AstraZeneca ’ s coronavirus vaccine as the nation combats a sharp spike in confirmed cases .
The vaccine , developed in partnership with Oxford University , can be stored at much warmer temperatures than other approved candidates .
Its approval followed an official recommendation from Britain ’ s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency , and the country has already purchased 100 million doses , the company said in its statement .
“ The rollout will start on Jan. 4 and will really accelerate into the first few weeks of next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hancock told Sky News .
His comments were echoed by AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot , who told BBC Radio that vaccines will be shipped Wednesday or Thursday and that vaccinations “ will start next week and we will get to 1 million – and beyond that – a week , very rapidly.
” “ an important day for millions of people in the U.K. who will get access to this new vaccine , ” Soriot added .
“ It has been shown to be effective , well-tolerated , simple to administer and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like Pfizer ’ s vaccine , which was approved in the U.K. in early December , AstraZeneca ’ s also requires two doses .
But health experts believe that the first dose will be powerful enough to protect against the virus , and have said that they will focus on administering the first dose to as many people as possible .
They added that everybody would receive their second dose within 12 weeks of receiving their first .
The vaccine ’ s approval follows record daily case counts in the U.K. worsened by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country and is spreading across the globe .
The strain prompted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to impose a series of strict lockdown measures through the holidays and led several countries to fully halt travel to and from the country .
Scientists , however , believe that vaccines will be effective against the new strain .
“ At the moment , there ’ s no evidence that the vaccines won ’ t work against the new variant , ” Oxford ’ s Dr. Andrew Pollard told BBC .
“ But that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We can ’ t be complacent about this variant or perhaps future variants.
” AstraZeneca ’ s Phase III trials showed the vaccine to be approximately 70 % effective , though the drug maker said that one dosing regimen showed approximately 90 % effectiveness .
The vaccine will likely be relied upon throughout the world since it can be stored in refrigerators instead of specialized ultra-cold freezers .
The company also said that it plans to produce approximately 3 billion doses by the end of 2021 .
“ We have a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .

The United Kingdom became the first country to approve AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine as the nation combats a sharp spike in confirmed cases.
The vaccine, developed in partnership with Oxford University, can be stored at much warmer temperatures than other approved candidates. Its approval followed an official recommendation from Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, and the country has already purchased 100 million doses, the company said in its statement.
“The rollout will start on Jan. 4 and will really accelerate into the first few weeks of next year,” British Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News.
His comments were echoed by AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot, who told BBC Radio that vaccines will be shipped Wednesday or Thursday and that vaccinations “will start next week and we will get to 1 million – and beyond that – a week, very rapidly.”
“[It’s] an important day for millions of people in the U.K. who will get access to this new vaccine,” Soriot added. “It has been shown to be effective, well-tolerated, simple to administer and is supplied by AstraZeneca at no profit.”
Like Pfizer’s vaccine, which was approved in the U.K. in early December, AstraZeneca’s also requires two doses. But health experts believe that the first dose will be powerful enough to protect against the virus, and have said that they will focus on administering the first dose to as many people as possible.
They added that everybody would receive their second dose within 12 weeks of receiving their first.
The vaccine’s approval follows record daily case counts in the U.K. worsened by a more contagious variant that originated in the country and is spreading across the globe. The strain prompted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to impose a series of strict lockdown measures through the holidays and led several countries to fully halt travel to and from the country.
Scientists, however, believe that vaccines will be effective against the new strain.
“At the moment, there’s no evidence that the vaccines won’t work against the new variant,” Oxford’s Dr. Andrew Pollard told BBC. “But that is something which we have to look at. We can’t be complacent about this variant or perhaps future variants.”
AstraZeneca’s Phase III trials showed the vaccine to be approximately 70% effective, though the drug maker said that one dosing regimen showed approximately 90% effectiveness.
The vaccine will likely be relied upon throughout the world since it can be stored in refrigerators instead of specialized ultra-cold freezers. The company also said that it plans to produce approximately 3 billion doses by the end of 2021.
“We have a vaccine for the world,” Pollard said on Wednesday.


truepundit--2020-12-31--Despite Progressive Objections, Officials With Corporate Ties Slide Into Incoming Biden Administrati

Despite Progressive Objections, Officials With Corporate Ties Slide Into Incoming Biden Administration

President-elect Joe Biden has tapped multiple corporate executives to fill various government openings over the objections of numerous progressive organizations .
Groups including Demand Justice , Public Citizen and the Sunrise Movement urged Biden in a November letter to “ decline to nominate or hire corporate executives , lobbyists and prominent corporate consultants , ” referencing Democrats ’ staunch opposition to similar nominations from President Donald Trump .
“ The revolving door limits the trust Americans have in government and has time and time again led to bad policy outcomes , ” the letter adds .
“ We urge you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic moment in American history to shut the revolving door and rebuild that trust.
” Biden ’ s advisory team helping his transition with White House ’ s Office of Management and Budget , however , includes executives from Amazon Web Services , Lyft , Airbnb .
Additional advisors have ties to WestExec Advisors , a corporate consulting firm co-founded by Antony Blinken , his nominee for secretary of state , and Michèle Flournoy , who was floated as a possible secretary of defense .
“ This puts us at a state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who runs the Revolving Door Project , a group dedicated to limiting the appointments of lobbyists and corporate executives in government , told The New York Times in November .
A spokesman for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
In addition to the corporate influence at OMB , Steve Ricchetti , one of Biden ’ s top White House advisors and a longtime aide , also has strong ties to Amazon and its federal lobbying efforts .
The company recently hired his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on COVID-19 and the implementation of the CARES Act , according to its disclosure forms .
The two co-founded the lobbying firm Ricchetti Inc. in 2001 after Steve Ricchetti left President Bill Clinton ’ s administration , where he served as deputy chief of staff .
Steve Ricchetti and Blinken , whose private-sector work is omitted from his biography on the Biden transition site , are not the only figures in the incoming Biden administration with corporate ties .
Ron Klain , Biden ’ s incoming chief of staff , worked with AOL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned about the impact government regulation can have on technology start-ups in a 2015 op-ed .
Despite the ties between his developing administration and corporations , Biden took an aggressive stance against lobbyists and special interests during the campaign , pledging to reduce the influence of money in politics , heighten ethical standards , rein in financial conflicts of interest in the Executive Branch and more .

President-elect Joe Biden has tapped multiple corporate executives to fill various government openings over the objections of numerous progressive organizations.
Groups including Demand Justice, Public Citizen and the Sunrise Movement urged Biden in a November letter to “decline to nominate or hire corporate executives, lobbyists and prominent corporate consultants,” referencing Democrats’ staunch opposition to similar nominations from President Donald Trump.
“The [corporate-government] revolving door limits the trust Americans have in government and has time and time again led to bad policy outcomes,” the letter adds. “We urge you to take advantage of this unique and historic moment in American history to shut the revolving door and rebuild that trust.”
Biden’s advisory team helping his transition with White House’s Office of Management and Budget, however, includes executives from Amazon Web Services, Lyft, Airbnb. Additional advisors have ties to WestExec Advisors, a corporate consulting firm co-founded by Antony Blinken, his nominee for secretary of state, and Michèle Flournoy, who was floated as a possible secretary of defense.
“This puts us at a state of high alarm,” Jeff Hauser, who runs the Revolving Door Project, a group dedicated to limiting the appointments of lobbyists and corporate executives in government, told The New York Times in November.
A spokesman for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In addition to the corporate influence at OMB, Steve Ricchetti, one of Biden’s top White House advisors and a longtime aide, also has strong ties to Amazon and its federal lobbying efforts. The company recently hired his brother, Jeff Ricchetti, to lobby on COVID-19 and the implementation of the CARES Act, according to its disclosure forms.
The two co-founded the lobbying firm Ricchetti Inc. in 2001 after Steve Ricchetti left President Bill Clinton’s administration, where he served as deputy chief of staff.
Steve Ricchetti and Blinken, whose private-sector work is omitted from his biography on the Biden transition site, are not the only figures in the incoming Biden administration with corporate ties. Ron Klain, Biden’s incoming chief of staff, worked with AOL founder Steve Case in venture capital and warned about the impact government regulation can have on technology start-ups in a 2015 op-ed.
Despite the ties between his developing administration and corporations, Biden took an aggressive stance against lobbyists and special interests during the campaign, pledging to reduce the influence of money in politics, heighten ethical standards, rein in financial conflicts of interest in the Executive Branch and more.


truepundit--2020-12-31--Here’s How Much More Jeff Bezos And Walmart Heirs Made Than Their Employees During The Pandemic

• Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and the Walmart heirs have made 35 times the amount given to their companies ’ roughly 2.5 million workers during the pandemic , according to a Brookings Institution report .
• Amazon and Walmart gave employees just $ 0.99 and $ 0.71 extra per hour over the course of the pandemic , which was significantly less than competitors Best Buy and Target , the report found .
• “ The difference between Walmart and Amazon ’ s generosity and their competitors is especially striking given the companies ’ rhetoric , ” the Brookings report said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the heirs to Walmart have made approximately $ 116 billion during the pandemic even as their employees have made a fraction of that in hazard pay , according to a Brookings Institution report .
Jeff Bezos and the Walmart heirs , the Walton family , have made 35 times the amount their companies gave to more than 2.5 million workers in pandemic-related hazard pay , according to the December Brookings Institution report .
Amazon and Walmart have given significantly less than competitors such as Best Buy , Target and Costco .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s generosity and their competitors is especially striking given the companies ’ rhetoric , ” the Brookings report said .
Bezos ’ personal fortune has increased by more than $ 75 billion since March , according to Brookings .
That is 42 times how much Amazon has paid its 1 million employees in hazard pay in 2020 .
A December Business Insider analysis found that Bezos ’ 2020 wealth increase spiked particularly in April as coronavirus spread around the world and Amazon ’ s stock price increased significantly .
The three heirs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walton – have seen their total fortune grow by more than $ 40 billion , 26 times the hazard pay the company has given its 1.5 million workers , according to the report .
“ At the end of the day , I am making you a rich person and I am putting myself at jeopardy , ” an anonymous Walmart worker told Brookings in August .
Walmart recently announced pay increases for employees who work 40 hours a week and earn a starting salary .
However , the increase amounts to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than what its competitors Best Buy , Target and Costco have given their employees this year , according to the report .
Best Buy has given employees $ 3.20 per hour extra , Target has given $ 2.19 per hour extra and Costco has given $ 2 per hour extra , according to Brookings .
Amazon workers have received $ 0.99 extra per hour during the pandemic , the report found .
In addition , Amazon and Walmart have both benefited from the coronavirus pandemic , which has led to increased profits compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an extra $ 10.7 billion over last year ’ s profits during ( and largely because of ) the pandemic—a stunning 56 % increase , ” the Brookings report said .
But , Amazon and Walmart both pushed back against the report in statements to The Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ This study is flawed and doesn ’ t provide an accurate picture of wages , benefits and career opportunities that exist for employees at Amazon , ” Amazon spokesperson Rachael Lighty told The DCNF .
“ More than two years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least $ 15 per hour , more in some places , which is nearly twice the Federal minimum wage.
” “ Unlike many of those cited in the study , Amazon offers full-time jobs with benefits starting on the first day of employment , ” Lighty continued .
Lighty added that Amazon never implemented hazard pay .
Rather , the company gave out $ 2.5 billion in bonuses globally , invested in worker safety and put money toward its Career Choice program that invests in student tuition .
Walmart spokesperson Delia Garcia told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are simply based on the company ’ s performance .
Walmart paid more than $ 319 million in third-quarter bonuses to employees on Nov. 25 and $ 388 million in fourth-quarter bonuses on Dec. 24 after reporting positive financial performances in both quarters .
“ When we look at total compensation , the average total compensation and benefits for our hourly associates exceeds $ 18 an hour including part-time workers , ” Garcia said .
Overall , in most U.S. business sectors , big businesses and corporations have prospered despite the ongoing pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , small businesses have suffered seeing an overall decrease in revenue .

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and the Walmart heirs have made 35 times the amount given to their companies’ roughly 2.5 million workers during the pandemic, according to a Brookings Institution report.
Amazon and Walmart gave employees just $0.99 and $0.71 extra per hour over the course of the pandemic, which was significantly less than competitors Best Buy and Target, the report found.
“The difference between Walmart and Amazon’s generosity and their competitors is especially striking given the companies’ rhetoric,” the Brookings report said.
Amazon CEO and founder Jeff Bezos and the heirs to Walmart have made approximately $116 billion during the pandemic even as their employees have made a fraction of that in hazard pay, according to a Brookings Institution report.
Jeff Bezos and the Walmart heirs, the Walton family, have made 35 times the amount their companies gave to more than 2.5 million workers in pandemic-related hazard pay, according to the December Brookings Institution report. Amazon and Walmart have given significantly less than competitors such as Best Buy, Target and Costco.
“The difference between Walmart and Amazon’s generosity and their competitors is especially striking given the companies’ rhetoric,” the Brookings report said.
Bezos’ personal fortune has increased by more than $75 billion since March, according to Brookings. That is 42 times how much Amazon has paid its 1 million employees in hazard pay in 2020. A December Business Insider analysis found that Bezos’ 2020 wealth increase spiked particularly in April as coronavirus spread around the world and Amazon’s stock price increased significantly.
The three heirs to Walmart – Alice, Jim and Rob Walton – have seen their total fortune grow by more than $40 billion, 26 times the hazard pay the company has given its 1.5 million workers, according to the report.
“At the end of the day, I am making you a rich person and I am putting myself at jeopardy,” an anonymous Walmart worker told Brookings in August.
Walmart recently announced pay increases for employees who work 40 hours a week and earn a starting salary. However, the increase amounts to $0.71 per hour extra, much less than what its competitors Best Buy, Target and Costco have given their employees this year, according to the report.
Best Buy has given employees $3.20 per hour extra, Target has given $2.19 per hour extra and Costco has given $2 per hour extra, according to Brookings.
Amazon workers have received $0.99 extra per hour during the pandemic, the report found.
In addition, Amazon and Walmart have both benefited from the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to increased profits compared to last year.
“[Amazon and Walmart] have earned an extra $10.7 billion over last year’s profits during (and largely because of) the pandemic—a stunning 56% increase,” the Brookings report said.
But, Amazon and Walmart both pushed back against the report in statements to The Daily Caller News Foundation.
“This study is flawed and doesn’t provide an accurate picture of wages, benefits and career opportunities that exist for employees at Amazon,” Amazon spokesperson Rachael Lighty told The DCNF. “More than two years ago we increased our starting wage to at least $15 per hour, more in some places, which is nearly twice the Federal minimum wage.”
“Unlike many of those cited in the study, Amazon offers full-time jobs with benefits starting on the first day of employment,” Lighty continued.
Lighty added that Amazon never implemented hazard pay. Rather, the company gave out $2.5 billion in bonuses globally, invested in worker safety and put money toward its Career Choice program that invests in student tuition.
Walmart spokesperson Delia Garcia told The DCNF that bonuses given to workers are simply based on the company’s performance. Walmart paid more than $319 million in third-quarter bonuses to employees on Nov. 25 and $388 million in fourth-quarter bonuses on Dec. 24 after reporting positive financial performances in both quarters.
“When we look at total compensation, the average total compensation and benefits for our hourly associates exceeds $18 an hour including part-time workers,” Garcia said.
Overall, in most U.S. business sectors, big businesses and corporations have prospered despite the ongoing pandemic, The Washington Post reported. But, small businesses have suffered seeing an overall decrease in revenue.


truepundit--2020-12-31--Democratic New York County Executive Filmed Playing Hockey Two Weeks After Shutting Down Ice Rink Fo

Democratic New York County Executive Filmed Playing Hockey Two Weeks After Shutting Down Ice Rink For Hosting Scrimmage

A New York county executive was filmed shooting hockey pucks at a public skating rink with at least 10 others less than two weeks after his department of health temporarily shut down a separate ice rink for hosting a hockey scrimmage , according to the county ’ s comptroller .
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz , a Democrat , acknowledged Monday on Twitter that he “ skated alone for the most part ” at the Northtown Center at Amherst sports facility on Sunday morning .
Poloncarz also posted a selfie he took on the ice rink dressed in black and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show me alone ” that morning .
However , Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw , a Republican , told the Daily Caller News Foundation that he obtained and published video footage of Poloncarz sharing the ice and shooting hockey pucks at the sports facility Sunday morning with at least 10 other individuals .
At multiple points in the video , an individual wearing all black and not wearing full hockey equipment is seen fist-bumping others on the ice rink .
“ You see him giving everybody fist bumps and then he hops off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county executive , ” Mychajliw said of the individual in the video wearing all black .
The individual wearing all black is shown leaving the ice skating rink before the remaining people on the ice engaged in a hockey scrimmage .
No other individuals in the video appear to be wearing all black and not wearing full hockey equipment .
Poloncarz spokesman Peter Anderson did not return multiple inquiries Tuesday afternoon asking if the county executive disputes that he ’ s the individual shown fist-bumping others on the ice skating rink in Mychajliw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footage he said he obtained from a whistleblower showing Poloncarz leaving the Northtown Center at Amherst sports facility on Sunday morning .
Poloncarz was filmed wearing all black and carrying a hockey stick and hockey bag .
Poloncarz acknowledged the legitimacy of the footage of him leaving the sports facility in a tweet Monday , saying it was “ taken by someone stalking me.
” Poloncarz was filmed at the sports facility less than two weeks after the Erie County Health Department temporarily shut down a separate sports facility in Cheektowaga after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hockey scrimmage at the facility ’ s ice rink in violation of New York state guidelines .
Poloncarz tweeted on Dec. 19 that his health department is monitoring multiple cases of coronavirus “ among players and coaches who play out of the ” Holiday Twin Rinks complex following the temporary closing of the facility .
Two days later , the county executive said there ’ s been a rise in positive coronavirus cases related to “ youth hockey.
” “ Also received reports of hockey teams scrimmages at local hockey rinks , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas of concern surrounding youth hockey .
Mychajliw railed against Poloncarz for shooting hockey pucks at a public facility less than two weeks after his health department shut down a facility for hosting a hockey scrimmage .
“ God bless him .
It ’ s the height of hypocrisy to shut down rinks for having scrimmages and blocking children and youth sports from doing the same exact thing that he is doing , ” Mychajliw told the DCNF .
The Holiday Twin Rinks facility has since reopened after submitting a safety plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mychajliw said .

A New York county executive was filmed shooting hockey pucks at a public skating rink with at least 10 others less than two weeks after his department of health temporarily shut down a separate ice rink for hosting a hockey scrimmage, according to the county’s comptroller.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, a Democrat, acknowledged Monday on Twitter that he “skated alone for the most part” at the Northtown Center at Amherst sports facility on Sunday morning. Poloncarz also posted a selfie he took on the ice rink dressed in black and not wearing full hockey equipment “to show me alone” that morning.
However, Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw, a Republican, told the Daily Caller News Foundation that he obtained and published video footage of Poloncarz sharing the ice and shooting hockey pucks at the sports facility Sunday morning with at least 10 other individuals. At multiple points in the video, an individual wearing all black and not wearing full hockey equipment is seen fist-bumping others on the ice rink.
“You see him giving everybody fist bumps and then he hops off the ice. That’s the county executive,” Mychajliw said of the individual in the video wearing all black.
The individual wearing all black is shown leaving the ice skating rink before the remaining people on the ice engaged in a hockey scrimmage.
No other individuals in the video appear to be wearing all black and not wearing full hockey equipment.
Poloncarz spokesman Peter Anderson did not return multiple inquiries Tuesday afternoon asking if the county executive disputes that he’s the individual shown fist-bumping others on the ice skating rink in Mychajliw’s video.
Mychajliw also published footage he said he obtained from a whistleblower showing Poloncarz leaving the Northtown Center at Amherst sports facility on Sunday morning. Poloncarz was filmed wearing all black and carrying a hockey stick and hockey bag.
Northtown Center – Dec. 27 pic.twitter.com/hBtpl0t1L3 — Stefan Mychajliw (@StefanMychajliw) December 28, 2020
Poloncarz acknowledged the legitimacy of the footage of him leaving the sports facility in a tweet Monday, saying it was “taken by someone stalking me.”
Poloncarz was filmed at the sports facility less than two weeks after the Erie County Health Department temporarily shut down a separate sports facility in Cheektowaga after a Health Department inspector observed children playing a hockey scrimmage at the facility’s ice rink in violation of New York state guidelines.
Poloncarz tweeted on Dec. 19 that his health department is monitoring multiple cases of coronavirus “among players and coaches who play out of the” Holiday Twin Rinks complex following the temporary closing of the facility.
Two days later, the county executive said there’s been a rise in positive coronavirus cases related to “youth hockey.”
“Also received reports of hockey teams scrimmages at local hockey rinks,” Poloncarz said in his tweet listing out areas of concern surrounding youth hockey.
We have had a rise in positive cases of COVID-19, due to participation in Youth Hockey. pic.twitter.com/fS2kANbaTO — Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) December 21, 2020
Mychajliw railed against Poloncarz for shooting hockey pucks at a public facility less than two weeks after his health department shut down a facility for hosting a hockey scrimmage.
“God bless him. It’s the height of hypocrisy to shut down rinks for having scrimmages and blocking children and youth sports from doing the same exact thing that he is doing,” Mychajliw told the DCNF.
The Holiday Twin Rinks facility has since reopened after submitting a safety plan to the Erie County Department of Health, Mychajliw said.


truepundit--2020-12-31--Appeals Court Upholds Bribery Conviction For Chinese Think Tank Official Linked To Hunter Biden

A three-judge panel ruled on Tuesday to uphold the bribery conviction for Chi Ping Patrick Ho , the former chairman of a think tank funded by a Chinese energy conglomerate with murky business ties to Hunter Biden .
Judges on the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in New York ruled that the U.S. government ’ s case against Ho , a former Hong Kong government official , was more than sufficient to warrant his conviction .
“ We conclude that the evidence introduced at trial was more than sufficient to prove that Ho acted on behalf of the U.S. NGO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in obtaining business for CEFC Energy , ” the judges ruled .
A federal jury convicted Ho on Dec. 5 , 2018 , on charges related to violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act .
He was accused of offering bribes on behalf of CEFC China Energy , a major Chinese energy conglomerate , to officials from Uganda and Chad as part of a scheme to win oil drilling rights in the countries .
Prosecutors said that Ho and CEFC executives offered $ 2 million in cash stuffed in a box to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a meeting in December 2014 .
Ho was chairman of a think tank funded by CEFC called the China Energy Fund Committee .
CEFC paid Hunter Biden nearly $ 6 million from August 2017 to September 2018 for consulting work as well as for legal services on behalf of Ho .
A report that Senate Republicans released on Sept. 23 said that U.S. banks flagged some of the wire transfers for possible criminal activity .
The Republicans said that the business deals between Biden and CEFC raised “ criminal financial , extortion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioned links between CEFC chairman Ye Jianming and the People ’ s Liberation Army .
The Senate report said that CEFC wired $ 1 million to Biden ’ s law firm in March 2018 for Ho ’ s legal case .
It is unclear what work Biden did for Ho .
He is not listed in any of the court filings for Ho ’ s defense team and did not appear at Ho ’ s trial .
Prosecutors revealed during Ho ’ s case that investigators obtained warrants to surveil Ho under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The FISA Court grants the surveillance warrants when there is probable cause to believe that the target is operating secretly on behalf of a foreign government .
Ho was sentenced to 36 months in prison , and freed in June of this year due to good behavior .
Ho challenged the conviction , claiming that there was insufficient evidence to support the government ’ s allegations and that the federal court improperly allowed evidence to be allowed at Ho ’ s trial .
Federal prosecutors are reportedly investigating Biden over his business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEFC .
Biden revealed on Dec. 9 that he was under investigation by the U.S. attorney ’ s office in Delaware over his “ tax affairs .
”

A three-judge panel ruled on Tuesday to uphold the bribery conviction for Chi Ping Patrick Ho, the former chairman of a think tank funded by a Chinese energy conglomerate with murky business ties to Hunter Biden.
Judges on the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in New York ruled that the U.S. government’s case against Ho, a former Hong Kong government official, was more than sufficient to warrant his conviction.
“We conclude that the evidence introduced at trial was more than sufficient to prove that Ho acted on behalf of the U.S. NGO (non-governmental organization) to assist it in obtaining business for CEFC Energy,” the judges ruled.
A federal jury convicted Ho on Dec. 5, 2018, on charges related to violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He was accused of offering bribes on behalf of CEFC China Energy, a major Chinese energy conglomerate, to officials from Uganda and Chad as part of a scheme to win oil drilling rights in the countries.
Prosecutors said that Ho and CEFC executives offered $2 million in cash stuffed in a box to the president of Chad, Idriss Déby, during a meeting in December 2014.
Ho was chairman of a think tank funded by CEFC called the China Energy Fund Committee.
CEFC paid Hunter Biden nearly $6 million from August 2017 to September 2018 for consulting work as well as for legal services on behalf of Ho.
A report that Senate Republicans released on Sept. 23 said that U.S. banks flagged some of the wire transfers for possible criminal activity. The Republicans said that the business deals between Biden and CEFC raised “criminal financial, extortion and counterintelligence concerns.”
Senate investigators also questioned links between CEFC chairman Ye Jianming and the People’s Liberation Army.
The Senate report said that CEFC wired $1 million to Biden’s law firm in March 2018 for Ho’s legal case. It is unclear what work Biden did for Ho. He is not listed in any of the court filings for Ho’s defense team and did not appear at Ho’s trial.
Prosecutors revealed during Ho’s case that investigators obtained warrants to surveil Ho under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The FISA Court grants the surveillance warrants when there is probable cause to believe that the target is operating secretly on behalf of a foreign government.
Ho was sentenced to 36 months in prison, and freed in June of this year due to good behavior.
Ho challenged the conviction, claiming that there was insufficient evidence to support the government’s allegations and that the federal court improperly allowed evidence to be allowed at Ho’s trial.
Federal prosecutors are reportedly investigating Biden over his business dealings with several foreign entities, including CEFC. Biden revealed on Dec. 9 that he was under investigation by the U.S. attorney’s office in Delaware over his “tax affairs.”