truepundit--2020-12-14--MELINDA GATES ADMITS “WE HADN’T REALLY THOUGHT THROUGH THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS”

In a wide-ranging interview in the New York Times , Melinda Gates made the following remarkable statement : A cynic might observe that one is disinclined to think much about matters than do not affect one personally .
It ’ s a maddening statement , to be sure , as if “ economics ” is somehow a peripheral concern to the rest of human life and public health .
The larger context of the interview reveals the statement to be even more confused .
She is somehow under the impression that it is the pandemic and not the lockdowns that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that includes perhaps 30 % of restaurants going under , among many other terrible effects .
She doesn ’ t say that outright but , like many articles in the mainstream press over this year , she very carefully crafts her words to avoid the crucial subject of lockdowns as the primary cause of economic disaster .
It ’ s possible that she actually believes this virus is what tanked the world economy on its own but that is a completely unsustainable proposition .
Further , her comments provide a perfect illustration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the people who have been advocating lockdowns in fact have no actual experience in managing pandemics .
To many of these , Covid-19 became their new playground to try out an unprecedented experiment in social and economic management : shutting down travel , businesses , schools , churches , and issuing stay-at-home orders that smack of totalitarian impositions .
Here is what she says : You can project out and think about what a pandemic might be like or look like , but until you live through it , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be like .
So I think we predicted quite well that , depending on what the disease was , it could spread very , very , very quickly .
The spread did not surprise us .
What did surprise us is we hadn ’ t really thought through the economic impacts .
What happens when you have a pandemic that ’ s running rampant in populations all over the world ?
The fact that we would all be home , and working from home if we were lucky enough to do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think we hadn ’ t really prepared for .
There are plenty of specialists who have lived through pandemics in the past and managed them by maintaining essential social and economic functioning .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

In a wide-ranging interview in the New York Times, Melinda Gates made the following remarkable statement:
“What did surprise us is we hadn’t really thought through the economic impacts.”
A cynic might observe that one is disinclined to think much about matters than do not affect one personally.
It’s a maddening statement, to be sure, as if “economics” is somehow a peripheral concern to the rest of human life and public health. The larger context of the interview reveals the statement to be even more confused. She is somehow under the impression that it is the pandemic and not the lockdowns that are the cause of the economic devastation that includes perhaps 30% of restaurants going under, among many other terrible effects.
She doesn’t say that outright but, like many articles in the mainstream press over this year, she very carefully crafts her words to avoid the crucial subject of lockdowns as the primary cause of economic disaster. It’s possible that she actually believes this virus is what tanked the world economy on its own but that is a completely unsustainable proposition.
Further, her comments provide a perfect illustration of the core problem all along: most of the people who have been advocating lockdowns in fact have no actual experience in managing pandemics. To many of these, Covid-19 became their new playground to try out an unprecedented experiment in social and economic management: shutting down travel, businesses, schools, churches, and issuing stay-at-home orders that smack of totalitarian impositions.
Here is what she says:
You can project out and think about what a pandemic might be like or look like, but until you live through it, it’s pretty hard to know what the reality will be like. So I think we predicted quite well that, depending on what the disease was, it could spread very, very, very quickly. The spread did not surprise us. What did surprise us is we hadn’t really thought through the economic impacts. What happens when you have a pandemic that’s running rampant in populations all over the world? The fact that we would all be home, and working from home if we were lucky enough to do that. That was a piece that I think we hadn’t really prepared for.
There are plenty of specialists who have lived through pandemics in the past and managed them by maintaining essential social and economic functioning. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-14--UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MEDICAL CENTER WON’T REQUIRE STAFF TO TAKE COVID-19 VACCINE DUE TO ‘GENERAL

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MEDICAL CENTER WON’T REQUIRE STAFF TO TAKE COVID-19 VACCINE DUE TO ‘GENERAL UNCERTAINTY’

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center ( UPMC ) won ’ t require its health care employees to take the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine , which the medical provider expects to begin offering as soon as this month , according to PennLive .
The reason are several-fold , according to UPMC medical director of infection prevention and epidemiology , Dr. Graham Snyder .
For starters , general uncertainty over the vaccine .
And while the $ 21 billion nonprofit organization ( which employs 89,000 people ) has a mandatory flu vaccination policy , it ’ s “ based on decades of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Snyder .
But there ’ s no comparable data for a COVID-19 vaccine , or on whether a mandate is the best way to get large numbers of people to become vaccinated , Snyder said on Tuesday .
The first COVID-19 vaccine , from Pfizer , is expected to soon receive emergency approval .
A second vaccine , from Moderna , is also expected to soon receive emergency approval .
Distribution of at least one vaccine is expected to begin this month .
Snyder said UPMC is “ very excited about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe the vaccine is and how it will work.
” Still , he said UPMC will conduct its own review of the vaccines before injecting any of its employees .
–PennLive “ Until we learn more and build our own experience with this vaccine , plus , until we see the uptake of vaccine in our communities , and have an understanding about the role that vaccination has in ending this pandemic , it ’ s not the right thing to make it mandatory , ” said Snyder – who added that UPMC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slow down their plans to distribute the vaxx .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) won’t require its health care employees to take the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine, which the medical provider expects to begin offering as soon as this month, according to PennLive.
The reason are several-fold, according to UPMC medical director of infection prevention and epidemiology, Dr. Graham Snyder. For starters, general uncertainty over the vaccine. And while the $21 billion nonprofit organization (which employs 89,000 people) has a mandatory flu vaccination policy, it’s “based on decades of experience with the influenza vaccine,” according to Snyder.
But there’s no comparable data for a COVID-19 vaccine, or on whether a mandate is the best way to get large numbers of people to become vaccinated, Snyder said on Tuesday. The first COVID-19 vaccine, from Pfizer, is expected to soon receive emergency approval. A second vaccine, from Moderna, is also expected to soon receive emergency approval. Distribution of at least one vaccine is expected to begin this month. Snyder said UPMC is “very excited about the preliminary information we have about how safe the vaccine is and how it will work.” Still, he said UPMC will conduct its own review of the vaccines before injecting any of its employees. –PennLive
“Until we learn more and build our own experience with this vaccine, plus, until we see the uptake of vaccine in our communities, and have an understanding about the role that vaccination has in ending this pandemic, it’s not the right thing to make it mandatory,” said Snyder – who added that UPMC’s independent review won’t slow down their plans to distribute the vaxx. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-14--Newsom Bans Indoor Services, Multi-Household Gatherings Through Christmas in Most of California

Last week , Gov .
Gavin Newsom ( D-Calif. ) dictated from on high that if Intensive Care Unit ( ICU ) capacity in any of California ’ s five regions falls below 15 percent , he would shut down indoor church services , travel , playgrounds , movie theaters , wineries , and more , for at least three weeks .
As of Wednesday , his restrictive orders apply to three-fifths of California .
Each of these regions can not exit lockdown until days after Christmas .
The stay-at-home order essentially cancels Christmas , or at least , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than one household .
“ All gatherings with members of other households are prohibited in the Region except as expressly permitted herein , ” the order states .
“ Nothing in this Order prevents any number of persons from the same household from leaving their residence , lodging , or temporary accommodation , as long as they do not engage in any interaction with ( or otherwise gather with ) any number of persons from any other household , except as specifically permitted herein.
” What exceptions does the order make ?
Individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical infrastructure , ” to worship or engage in political expression outdoors , to go to school , or to go to work in “ essential ” professions .
The order does not allow for any in-person indoor Christmas services or any in-person Christmas gatherings for people from more than one household .
The strict lockdown went into effect just before midnight on Sunday for two regions : Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley .
These regions can not lift the lockdown until December 28 .
The Greater Sacramento region will enter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the restrictions will continue until at least December 31 .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) dictated from on high that if Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity in any of California’s five regions falls below 15 percent, he would shut down indoor church services, travel, playgrounds, movie theaters, wineries, and more, for at least three weeks. As of Wednesday, his restrictive orders apply to three-fifths of California. Each of these regions cannot exit lockdown until days after Christmas.
The stay-at-home order essentially cancels Christmas, or at least, it cancels Christmas gatherings involving people from more than one household.
“All gatherings with members of other households are prohibited in the Region except as expressly permitted herein,” the order states. “Nothing in this Order prevents any number of persons from the same household from leaving their residence, lodging, or temporary accommodation, as long as they do not engage in any interaction with (or otherwise gather with) any number of persons from any other household, except as specifically permitted herein.”
What exceptions does the order make? Individuals can leave their homes to maintain “critical infrastructure,” to worship or engage in political expression outdoors, to go to school, or to go to work in “essential” professions. The order does not allow for any in-person indoor Christmas services or any in-person Christmas gatherings for people from more than one household.
The strict lockdown went into effect just before midnight on Sunday for two regions: Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley. These regions cannot lift the lockdown until December 28. The Greater Sacramento region will enter lockdown just before midnight on Thursday, and the restrictions will continue until at least December 31. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-14--Documents Reveal Canada Planned Winter Training with Chinese Troops; Canceled After U.S. Request

Documents revealed Wednesday by Canada ’ s Rebel News Network suggest that Canada planned to train China ’ s military in cold weather tactics at a military base in Ontario — and canceled the program , reluctantly , at the Trump administration ’ s request .
Ezra Levant , who founded Rebel News Network , asked for the documents via an official information request that he filed after seeing a news report on Sputnik , the Russian propaganda site , that a Canadian official had attended an anniversary celebration for China ’ s navy in April 2019 .
China has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spavor and Michael Kovrig , as effective hostages since December 2018 , following Canada ’ s arrest of a Huawei executive , Meng Wanzhou , wanted in the U.S .
The Canadians have been charged with espionage .
The Canadian government gave Levant the documents , which have been posted at thechinafiles.com .
Some appear to have been targeted for redaction , but were greyed out , instead of being blacked out , leaving most of the words fully visible .
The documents obtained by Levant suggest that a Canadian military official did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anniversary Fleet Review in Qingdao , China , in April 2019 .
But they also suggest that “ 6-8 personnel ” from China ’ s People ’ s Liberation Army ( PLA ) were to participate in “ winter survival training ” at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa ( CFB Petawawa ) in Petawawa , Ontario.- READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Documents revealed Wednesday by Canada’s Rebel News Network suggest that Canada planned to train China’s military in cold weather tactics at a military base in Ontario — and canceled the program, reluctantly, at the Trump administration’s request.
Ezra Levant, who founded Rebel News Network, asked for the documents via an official information request that he filed after seeing a news report on Sputnik, the Russian propaganda site, that a Canadian official had attended an anniversary celebration for China’s navy in April 2019.
China has been holding two Canadian citizens, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, as effective hostages since December 2018, following Canada’s arrest of a Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, wanted in the U.S. The Canadians have been charged with espionage.
The Canadian government gave Levant the documents, which have been posted at thechinafiles.com. Some appear to have been targeted for redaction, but were greyed out, instead of being blacked out, leaving most of the words fully visible.
The documents obtained by Levant suggest that a Canadian military official did indeed attend the “PLA Navy 70th Anniversary Fleet Review in Qingdao, China, in April 2019. But they also suggest that “6-8 personnel” from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were to participate in “winter survival training” at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa (CFB Petawawa) in Petawawa, Ontario.- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-14--CHINESE MONEY LAUNDERER CALLED JAMES BIDEN AFTER FBI ARREST, WAS TRYING TO REACH HUNTER

With Politico reporting on Wednesday that Hunter Biden ’ s criminal investigation covers potential money laundering , and CNN ‘ s Simon Prokupecz reporting that the feds are looking into a 2017 gift to Hunter from CEFC China Energy Co. founder Ye Jianming – a 2.8-carat diamond , let ’ s revisit a prime example of what one Chinese professor described as ‘ friends in high places ‘ within the Democratic party .
In November , 2017 , Joe Biden ’ s brother James received a surprise call on his cellphone from Patrick Ho , Ye Jianming ’ s lieutenant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is now serving a 36-month sentence for bribery and money laundering ) , according to a December , 2018 report by the New York Times .
According to James , the call was meant for Hunter .
James Biden , a financier and brother of the former vice president , was in a hotel lobby in November 2017 when he got a surprise call on his cellphone .
The call was from Patrick Ho , Mr. Ye ’ s lieutenant .
Mr. Ho , 69 , was in trouble .
Federal agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since at least the summer of 2016 had sprung into action , arresting Mr. Ho in New York on allegations that he had bribed African officials in Chad and Uganda .
Days later , federal agents showed up at Mr. Ye ’ s luxury apartment building across from Central Park with a subpoena to interview Mr. Ye , said people familiar with the matter .
In a brief interview , James Biden said he had been surprised by Mr. Ho ’ s call .
He said he believed it had been meant for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s son .
James Biden said he had passed on his nephew ’ s contact information .
-NYT Emails obtained from Hunter ’ s laptop , reported in October by the New York Post and called Russian disinformation by the MSM after they could no longer ignore the bombshell , suggested that the Bidens were involved in a joint venture with CEFC to create a new corporation which would be headed up by former Biden business partner , Tony Bobulinski – who has corroborated the emails after turning whistleblower just before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Hunter ’ s laptop , Joe Biden may have been assigned a 10 % ownership stake , which Bobulinski said was concealed through brother ’ s James ’ interest .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

With Politico reporting on Wednesday that Hunter Biden’s criminal investigation covers potential money laundering, and CNN‘s Simon Prokupecz reporting that the feds are looking into a 2017 gift to Hunter from CEFC China Energy Co. founder Ye Jianming – a 2.8-carat diamond, let’s revisit a prime example of what one Chinese professor described as ‘friends in high places‘ within the Democratic party.
In November, 2017, Joe Biden’s brother James received a surprise call on his cellphone from Patrick Ho, Ye Jianming’s lieutenant who was arrested by the FBI (and is now serving a 36-month sentence for bribery and money laundering), according to a December, 2018 report by the New York Times. According to James, the call was meant for Hunter .
James Biden, a financier and brother of the former vice president, was in a hotel lobby in November 2017 when he got a surprise call on his cellphone. The call was from Patrick Ho, Mr. Ye’s lieutenant. Mr. Ho, 69, was in trouble. Federal agents who had monitored CEFC’s rise since at least the summer of 2016 had sprung into action, arresting Mr. Ho in New York on allegations that he had bribed African officials in Chad and Uganda. Days later, federal agents showed up at Mr. Ye’s luxury apartment building across from Central Park with a subpoena to interview Mr. Ye, said people familiar with the matter. … In a brief interview, James Biden said he had been surprised by Mr. Ho’s call. He said he believed it had been meant for Hunter Biden , the former vice president’s son. James Biden said he had passed on his nephew’s contact information. -NYT
Emails obtained from Hunter’s laptop, reported in October by the New York Post and called Russian disinformation by the MSM after they could no longer ignore the bombshell, suggested that the Bidens were involved in a joint venture with CEFC to create a new corporation which would be headed up by former Biden business partner, Tony Bobulinski – who has corroborated the emails after turning whistleblower just before the 2020 election. According to evidence found on Hunter’s laptop, Joe Biden may have been assigned a 10% ownership stake, which Bobulinski said was concealed through brother’s James’ interest. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-14--Another Migrant Caravan Is Headed To The U.S. How Will An Incoming Biden Administration Handle It?

A caravan of hundreds of migrants from Honduras is making its way to the U.S. after widespread damage caused by hurricanes , Reuters reported Wednesday .
The caravan , comprised largely of young people and a few women carrying children , presents a challenge to the incoming Boden administration ’ s immigration policies , Reuters reported .
The caravan organized in San Pedro Sula , Honduras , through social media advertising before departing to Guatemala .
“ We lost everything , we have no choice but to go to the United States , ” a middle-aged man with his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Honduran television , Reuters reported .
He said he was from La Lima , an area that experienced major flooding during the hurricanes .
Hurricanes Eta and Iota caused extensive damage over two weeks to Honduran infrastructure , agriculture and homes , Reuters reported .
Around 100 people died .
Guatemalan migration authorities reportedly told the caravan that each migrant would need to provide a negative COVID-10 test and a passport , according to Reuters .
If numbers continue to join the caravan , it could become the first major movement of migrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , Reuters reported .
President Donald Trump focused on stopping illegal immigration with the help of Mexico , Reuters reported .
A caravan of thousands from Central America was dispersed in Mexico in October .
President-elect Joe Biden said he will maintain a “ humane ” migration policy and propose aid to Central America , Reuters reported .
Biden said he will reverse several Trump administration immigration policies including hiring a Department of Justice official to focus on undoing Trump-era policies , according to Politico .

A caravan of hundreds of migrants from Honduras is making its way to the U.S. after widespread damage caused by hurricanes, Reuters reported Wednesday.
The caravan, comprised largely of young people and a few women carrying children, presents a challenge to the incoming Boden administration’s immigration policies, Reuters reported. The caravan organized in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, through social media advertising before departing to Guatemala.
“We lost everything, we have no choice but to go to the United States,” a middle-aged man with his wife and cousin traveling with the caravan told Honduran television, Reuters reported. He said he was from La Lima, an area that experienced major flooding during the hurricanes.
Honduran migrants flee distaster-stricken country, head to US border https://t.co/68fuLDgv41 pic.twitter.com/hlEVhqUY6s — New York Post (@nypost) December 10, 2020
Hurricanes Eta and Iota caused extensive damage over two weeks to Honduran infrastructure, agriculture and homes, Reuters reported. Around 100 people died.
Guatemalan migration authorities reportedly told the caravan that each migrant would need to provide a negative COVID-10 test and a passport, according to Reuters.
If numbers continue to join the caravan, it could become the first major movement of migrants attempting to reach the U.S. since the election, Reuters reported.
President Donald Trump focused on stopping illegal immigration with the help of Mexico, Reuters reported. A caravan of thousands from Central America was dispersed in Mexico in October.
President-elect Joe Biden said he will maintain a “humane” migration policy and propose aid to Central America, Reuters reported. Biden said he will reverse several Trump administration immigration policies including hiring a Department of Justice official to focus on undoing Trump-era policies, according to Politico.


truepundit--2020-12-14--Biden’s Reported Domestic Policy Pick Called For ‘Permanent And Comprehensive Assault Weapons Ban’

• Susan Rice , President-elect Joe Biden ’ s reported pick for the top domestic policy role , called for a “ permanent and comprehensive ‘ assault weapons ’ ban ” in an interview with two prominent anti-Second Amendment groups in June .
• The Obama-era security adviser also concurred with Biden ’ s gun control plan that may result in tax payments of over $ 34 billion from firearm owners , and called the policy “ vital.
” • Rice ’ s reported selection follows Biden ’ s Health and Human Services pick of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in common use for lawful purposes like self defense.
” Former national security adviser Susan Rice , President-elect Joe Biden ’ s reported pick to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council , called for a “ permanent ” ban on so-called assault weapons in a June appearance with two anti-gun groups .
Rice , who served in former president Barack Obama ’ s administration , appeared in a video with Moms Demand Action and Everytown For Gun Safety and concurred with Biden ’ s firearm plan that seeks to ban certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” and do away with liability protections for weapons manufacturers and sellers .
Rice has reportedly been chosen for the domestic policy role , Politico reported Thursday .
“ taken on the NRA twice and won , ” Rice said in the interview with Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts .
“ When he served with President Obama in the Obama-Biden administration , we implemented over two dozen reforms that put curbs on access to guns , but we need legislation , we need leadership in Joe Biden that understands and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for laws including “ universal background checks , the enactment of a new violence against women act , with a permanent and comprehensive ‘ assault weapons ’ ban , and a ban on ‘ high capacity magazines ’ that will work to buy back those assault weapons that are out there and ensure that those that remain are fully registered , ” she said .
The former security adviser also went on to say it ’ s “ unthinkable ” and “ outrageous ” that such reforms have not been passed to date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me that even though the vast majority of Americans favor common sense gun restrictions , universal background checks , bans on ‘ assault weapons ’ , and we have a very powerful lobby that has effectively prevented so much of that from being enacted , ” she said .
“ It ’ s absolutely outrageous .
It makes me as angry as anything.
” Biden ’ s gun plan includes a full-scale prohibition on “ assault weapons ” in addition to re-classifying the guns and “ high-capacity magazines ” under the National Firearms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 200 tax for those already in circulation .
The total cost to U.S. firearm owners nationwide was estimated to be roughly $ 34 billion if the law went into effect , according to the Washington Free Beacon .
Rice said it ’ s “ vital ” to enact the sweeping gun control .
“ There ’ s a whole detailed long plan of action that you can find on Joe Biden ’ s website that goes through in great detail all the steps that he will take that are so vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watts .
The former vice president has also picked California Attorney General Xavier Becerra , who shares anti-gun views , to lead the Health and Human Services Department .
Certain semi-automatic rifles should be banned because they are “ weapons that are most useful in military service ” and “ they are also not in common use for lawful purposes like self-defense , ” Becerra wrote in defense of California ’ s gun ban in a 2019 court case .
The AG also cited an argument from the Brady Center to Prevent Gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” possess “ no legitimate civilian purpose.
” “ In addition to utilizing military features useful in combat , but which have no legitimate civilian purpose , assault weapons are exceedingly dangerous if used in self defense , because the bullets many of the weapons fire are designed to penetrate humans and will penetrate structures , and therefore pose a heightened risk of hitting innocent bystanders , ” the Brady Center wrote .

Susan Rice, President-elect Joe Biden’s reported pick for the top domestic policy role, called for a “permanent and comprehensive ‘assault weapons’ ban” in an interview with two prominent anti-Second Amendment groups in June.
The Obama-era security adviser also concurred with Biden’s gun control plan that may result in tax payments of over $34 billion from firearm owners, and called the policy “vital.”
Rice’s reported selection follows Biden’s Health and Human Services pick of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who argued that AR-15s “are not in common use for lawful purposes like self defense.”
Former national security adviser Susan Rice, President-elect Joe Biden’s reported pick to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council, called for a “permanent” ban on so-called assault weapons in a June appearance with two anti-gun groups.
Rice, who served in former president Barack Obama’s administration, appeared in a video with Moms Demand Action and Everytown For Gun Safety and concurred with Biden’s firearm plan that seeks to ban certain semi-automatic rifles, prohibit “high-capacity magazines,” and do away with liability protections for weapons manufacturers and sellers. Rice has reportedly been chosen for the domestic policy role, Politico reported Thursday.
“[Biden has] taken on the NRA twice and won,” Rice said in the interview with Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts. “When he served with President Obama in the Obama-Biden administration, we implemented over two dozen reforms that put curbs on access to guns, but we need legislation, we need leadership in Joe Biden that understands and is passionate about these issues.”
Rice advocated for laws including “universal background checks, the enactment of a new violence against women act, with a permanent and comprehensive ‘assault weapons’ ban, and a ban on ‘high capacity magazines’ that will work to buy back those assault weapons that are out there and ensure that those that remain are fully registered,” she said.
The former security adviser also went on to say it’s “unthinkable” and “outrageous” that such reforms have not been passed to date.
“It’s unthinkable to me that even though the vast majority of Americans favor common sense gun restrictions, universal background checks, bans on ‘assault weapons’, and we have a very powerful lobby that has effectively prevented so much of that from being enacted,” she said. “It’s absolutely outrageous. It makes me as angry as anything.”
Biden’s gun plan includes a full-scale prohibition on “assault weapons” in addition to re-classifying the guns and “high-capacity magazines” under the National Firearms Act, which would impose registration and a $200 tax for those already in circulation. The total cost to U.S. firearm owners nationwide was estimated to be roughly $34 billion if the law went into effect, according to the Washington Free Beacon.
Rice said it’s “vital” to enact the sweeping gun control.
“There’s a whole detailed long plan of action that you can find on Joe Biden’s website that goes through in great detail all the steps that he will take that are so vital to be taken,” she told Watts.
The former vice president has also picked California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who shares anti-gun views, to lead the Health and Human Services Department.
Certain semi-automatic rifles should be banned because they are “weapons that are most useful in military service” and “they are also not in common use for lawful purposes like self-defense,” Becerra wrote in defense of California’s gun ban in a 2019 court case.
The AG also cited an argument from the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence which alleged that “assault weapons” possess “no legitimate civilian purpose.”
“In addition to utilizing military features useful in combat, but which have no legitimate civilian purpose, assault weapons are exceedingly dangerous if used in self defense, because the bullets many of the weapons fire are designed to penetrate humans and will penetrate structures, and therefore pose a heightened risk of hitting innocent bystanders,” the Brady Center wrote.


truepundit--2020-12-14--‘Better Than Ever’: Rudy Giuliani Released From Hospital

President Donald Trump ’ s personal attorney , Rudy Giuliani , tweeted on Wednesday that he ’ s been released from the hospital after being infected with COVID-19 .
“ My treatment by the nurses and staff at Georgetown Med Star Hospital was miraculous , ” Giuliani tweeted .
“ I walked in with serious symptoms .
I walked out better than ever .
Drs .
Beckett , Kumar and Layman led an all-star team .
The advice of the WH Dr. Sean Conley and Dr. Zev Zelenko was so valuable , ” Giuliani tweeted .
Trump tweeted on Dec.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Giuliani was admitted to the Georgetown University Medical Center , according to someone aware of Giuliani ’ s condition , but hadn ’ t the authority to publicly speak , according to The New York Times .
“ Extra special appreciation for my son Andrew ’ s loving care , my friend and co-host Dr. Maria encouraging me to get the right treatment and @ realdonaldtrump for his advice , support and friendship .
He ’ s not only a great President , he ’ s a good friend , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement of Giuliani ’ s diagnosis , critics mocked the former New York City mayor on Twitter .
Giuliani said on Wednesday “ Bernie & Sid In The Morning ” that he was going to be discharged from the hospital that day , TalkRadio 77 WABC tweeted .
“ Calls the remedesivir treatment , a miracle drug that made him feel ’ 10 years younger !
’ ” TalkRadio 77 WABC tweeted .
The president entrusted Giuliani with overseeing the campaign lawsuits regarding results of the election , four people familiar with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Times report .
Trump also entrusted Giuliani with communications regarding the lawsuits , the four sources said , according to the NYT .
The Trump campaign didn ’ t immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s request for comment .

President Donald Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, tweeted on Wednesday that he’s been released from the hospital after being infected with COVID-19.
“My treatment by the nurses and staff at Georgetown Med Star Hospital was miraculous,” Giuliani tweeted.
“I walked in with serious symptoms. I walked out better than ever. Drs. Beckett, Kumar and Layman led an all-star team. The advice of the WH Dr. Sean Conley and Dr. Zev Zelenko was so valuable,” Giuliani tweeted.
My treatment by the nurses and staff at Georgetown Med Star Hospital was miraculous. I walked in with serious symptoms. I walked out better than ever. Drs. Beckett, Kumar and Layman led an all-star team. The advice of the WH Dr. Sean
Conley and Dr. Zev Zelenko was so valuable — Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) December 10, 2020
Trump tweeted on Dec.6 that Giuliani had tested positive for the virus. Giuliani was admitted to the Georgetown University Medical Center, according to someone aware of Giuliani’s condition, but hadn’t the authority to publicly speak, according to The New York Times.
“Extra special appreciation for my son Andrew’s loving care, my friend and co-host Dr. Maria encouraging me to get the right treatment and @realdonaldtrump for his advice, support and friendship. He’s not only a great President, he’s a good friend,” Giuliani tweeted.
Extra special appreciation for my son Andrew’s loving care, my friend and co-host Dr. Maria encouraging me to get the right treatment and @realdonaldtrump for his advice, support and friendship. He’s not only a great President, he’s a good friend. https://t.co/5Dz0nCaZNH — Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) December 10, 2020
Following Trump’s announcement of Giuliani’s diagnosis, critics mocked the former New York City mayor on Twitter.
Giuliani said on Wednesday “Bernie & Sid In The Morning” that he was going to be discharged from the hospital that day, TalkRadio 77 WABC tweeted.
“Calls the remedesivir treatment, a miracle drug that made him feel ’10 years younger!’” TalkRadio 77 WABC tweeted.
The president entrusted Giuliani with overseeing the campaign lawsuits regarding results of the election, four people familiar with the move said, according to another New York Times report. Trump also entrusted Giuliani with communications regarding the lawsuits, the four sources said, according to the NYT.
The Trump campaign didn’t immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.


truepundit--2020-12-14--‘Intentional Erasure’: Black Lives Matter Fractures Over Power As Chapters Split From Network

Black Lives Matter has fractured in recent weeks as local chapters allege national leaders have withheld funding while shifting the direction of the movement .
The Black Lives Matter ( BLM ) movement was founded on the premise of empowering local chapters and activists on the ground , but in recent months those leaders have complained national leadership is centralizing power , according to Politico .
Ten local chapters of the BLM Global Network Foundation announced Nov. 30 that they would sever ties with national leadership in a statement entitled “ It is Time for Accountability.
” “ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dickerson , the leader of Black Lives Matter Oklahoma City , told Politico .
“ People assume that that money is distributed to local chapters , ” Dickerson said .
“ That is not the case .
People also assume that when actions are made , that national has the support and agreement from this collective that what they ’ re saying is representative of us .
And that ’ s certainly not the case.
” The ten BLM chapters who signed onto the Nov. 30 statement took issue with the organization ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and of a separate entity , BLM Grassroots , which was intended to support local chapters .
They argued decisions weren ’ t made democratically .
“ We didn ’ t have an opportunity to agree to discuss .
Nothing , ” Yahné Ndgo , the Black Lives Matter Philadelphia leader , told Politico .
“ So then we ask questions , and we are told no answers.
” The chapters also objected to Patrisse Cullors , who co-founded the organization , being appointed BLM Global Network Foundation executive director .
Some local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports that Cullors was focused on meeting with President-elect Joe Biden .
“ What see is national folks talking about trying to get a meeting with Biden , while kids are literally outside of my door asking for food , ” said April Goggans , the leader of Black Lives Matter D.C. , according to Politico .
BLM Global Network Foundation invited chapters to apply for multi-year grants worth up to $ 500,000 , according to Politico .
But few chapters actually qualified for the grants increasing tensions within the movement .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most chapters have received little to no financial support from BLMGN since the launch in 2013 , ” the Nov. 30 statement said .
Meanwhile , BLM Global Network spent $ 4.5 million on consultants , travel and compensation for its staff from July 2017 through June 2019 while only providing $ 328,000 to its local autonomous BLM chapters , The Daily Caller News Foundation reported in June .
In the weeks following the death of George Floyd , BLM Global Network Foundation and other racial justice organizations raised millions of dollars , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd died in police custody after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck .

Black Lives Matter has fractured in recent weeks as local chapters allege national leaders have withheld funding while shifting the direction of the movement.
The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement was founded on the premise of empowering local chapters and activists on the ground, but in recent months those leaders have complained national leadership is centralizing power, according to Politico. Ten local chapters of the BLM Global Network Foundation announced Nov. 30 that they would sever ties with national leadership in a statement entitled “It is Time for Accountability.”
“There’s been intentional erasure,” Sheri Dickerson, the leader of Black Lives Matter Oklahoma City, told Politico.
“People assume that that money is distributed to local chapters,” Dickerson said. “That is not the case. People also assume that when actions are made, that national [leadership] has the support and agreement from this collective that what they’re saying is representative of us. And that’s certainly not the case.”
The ten BLM chapters who signed onto the Nov. 30 statement took issue with the organization’s formation of a political action committee and of a separate entity, BLM Grassroots, which was intended to support local chapters. They argued decisions weren’t made democratically.
“We didn’t have an opportunity to agree to discuss. Nothing,” Yahné Ndgo, the Black Lives Matter Philadelphia leader, told Politico. “So then we ask questions, and we are told no answers.”
The chapters also objected to Patrisse Cullors, who co-founded the organization, being appointed BLM Global Network Foundation executive director. Some local leaders were further angered when they saw reports that Cullors was focused on meeting with President-elect Joe Biden.
“What [supporters] see is national folks talking about trying to get a meeting with Biden, while kids are literally outside of my door asking for food,” said April Goggans, the leader of Black Lives Matter D.C., according to Politico.
BLM Global Network Foundation invited chapters to apply for multi-year grants worth up to $500,000, according to Politico. But few chapters actually qualified for the grants increasing tensions within the movement.
“To the best of our knowledge, most chapters have received little to no financial support from BLMGN since the launch in 2013,” the Nov. 30 statement said.
Meanwhile, BLM Global Network spent $4.5 million on consultants, travel and compensation for its staff from July 2017 through June 2019 while only providing $328,000 to its local autonomous BLM chapters, The Daily Caller News Foundation reported in June.
In the weeks following the death of George Floyd, BLM Global Network Foundation and other racial justice organizations raised millions of dollars, according to The New York Times. Floyd died in police custody after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck.
BLM Global Network Foundation didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.


truepundit--2020-12-14--Fox Spotted Running Toward Reporters At The White House

A fox was spotted running on the White House grounds on Wednesday morning , Weijia Jiang , White House corespondent @ @ @ @ @ .
The fox appeared to be limping according to video Jiang tweeted of the fox @ @ @ @ @ grounds .
“ There ’ s a fox at the White House .
Oh it @ @ @ @ @ ’ s coming , ” Jiang said during the video .
Some people on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ tweets .
This is not the first time reporters have seen wildlife near where they @ @ @ @ @ White House .
CNN ’ s Joe Johns attempted to fight off a raccoon in @ @ @ @ @ Camerota tweeted .
John ’ s encounter with the raccoon occurred just moments before he @ @ @ @ @ live shot .
The National Park Service didn ’ t immediately respond to the Daily @ @ @ @ @ request for comment .

A fox was spotted running on the White House grounds on Wednesday morning, Weijia Jiang, White House corespondent for CBS News, tweeted.
The fox appeared to be limping according to video Jiang tweeted of the fox running through the White House grounds.
“There’s a fox at the White House. Oh it’s coming, it’s coming,” Jiang said during the video.
You guys there is a FOX running around the White House right now. pic.twitter.com/bu6PTw7ugC — Weijia Jiang (@weijia) December 10, 2020
It looks like it is limping 🙁 pic.twitter.com/5O3WLt5WLt — Weijia Jiang (@weijia) December 10, 2020
Some people on Twitter reacted to Jiang’s tweets.
Excited about the new editorial direction @FiveThirtyEight is taking https://t.co/2kY3a1Wze2 — Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) December 10, 2020
Fox News runs the White House https://t.co/ciKe5Tst4f — Adam Blickstein (@AdamBlickstein) December 10, 2020
FOX seen limping around the Trump WH. Is this some kind of metaphor? pic.twitter.com/HCnWtKSw0S — John Kruzel (@johnkruzel) December 10, 2020
You guys there is a FOX running around the White House right now. pic.twitter.com/bu6PTw7ugC — Weijia Jiang (@weijia) December 10, 2020
This tweet seems written for me — Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) December 10, 2020
This is not the first time reporters have seen wildlife near where they gather to report on the White House.
CNN’s Joe Johns attempted to fight off a raccoon in October, CNN Anchor Alisyn Camerota tweeted. John’s encounter with the raccoon occurred just moments before he was doing his New Day live shot.
The National Park Service didn’t immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.


truepundit--2020-12-14--Biden Taps Susan Rice To Run White House Domestic Policy Council

President-elect Joe Biden tapped former national security adviser Susan Rice to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council , sources @ @ @ @ @ multiple outlets Thursday .
Rice previously served under former President Barack Obama as a national @ @ @ @ @ ambassador to the United Nations , Politico reported .
Though the Biden campaign vetted her @ @ @ @ @ running mate , this position was given to vice president-elect Kamala Harris .
Rice was @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State , according to Politico , but this position was given to Antony @ @ @ @ @ administration official came under fire in 2017 when she unmasked the identities of senior officials @ @ @ @ @ s administration .
Rice was accused of improperly unmasking these officials , who were identified @ @ @ @ @ intelligence community .
The Biden team did not immediately respond to a request for comment @ @ @ @ @ Foundation .

President-elect Joe Biden tapped former national security adviser Susan Rice to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council, sources familiar with the decision told multiple outlets Thursday.
Rice previously served under former President Barack Obama as a national security advisor and as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Politico reported. Though the Biden campaign vetted her as a possible vice presidential running mate, this position was given to vice president-elect Kamala Harris.
Rice was also considered a contender for Secretary of State, according to Politico, but this position was given to Antony Blinken.
The former Obama administration official came under fire in 2017 when she unmasked the identities of senior officials in President Donald Trump’s administration. Rice was accused of improperly unmasking these officials, who were identified in reports compiled by the intelligence community.
The Biden team did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.


truepundit--2020-12-14--Portland Autonomous Zone Is ‘Stockpiling Weapons’, Has Armed Patrols, Police Say

Portland ’ s autonomous zone , which is moving into its third day , has been “ stockpiling weapons ” and has instituted armed patrols to defend the walled-in city occupation , authorities said .
Since the encampment began , rioters have increased fortifications around city streets , assaulted residents , and law enforcement has noticed the presence of “ armed sentries ” patrolling intersections , according to a press release from the Portland Police Bureau ( PPB ) .
The autonomous zone , which has been dubbed “ Red House on Mississippi ” formed after city officials attempted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s , a black and indigenous family , The Oregonian reported .
“ We want a peaceful and safe resolution to the occupation of public space on North Mississippi Avenue , ” PPB Chief Chuck Lovell said in the release .
“ We are greatly concerned about the fortification of barricades , stockpiling of weapons , armed sentries , attacks on journalists and threats to kill officers in graffiti in this public space.
” “ Our goal is for this to resolve peacefully to increase safety for all involved .
I encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Demonstration Liaison Officers so we can discuss a peaceful outcome.
” The department also indicated that traffic in addition to emergency services are being stalled by the blockade , and residents within the walls have been trapped by the vigilante group .
The encampment began after law enforcement attempted to secure the Kinney home for the new owner , but police quickly vacated the area after violent demonstrators forced them out , according to The Oregonian .
The Kinney ’ s son , who pleaded guilty to a 2002 felony hit-and-run that killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financially and led to the foreclosure , the local outlet reported .
Two members of the Kinney family were arrested for trespassing during PPB ’ s initial visit , according to The Oregonian .
“ I am authorizing the Portland Police to use all lawful means to end the illegal occupation on North Mississippi Avenue and to hold those violating our community ’ s laws accountable , ” Democratic Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler wrote in a Tuesday tweet .
“ There will be no autonomous zone in Portland.
” Wheeler authorized “ all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continues to implement his September ban on tear gas for the city police department , a spokesman told the Daily Caller News Foundation in a separate report .
“ Portland Police do not want a confrontation , but will act to enforce the law and use of force if necessary to clear this private and public land , ” PPB wrote in the release .

Portland’s autonomous zone, which is moving into its third day, has been “stockpiling weapons” and has instituted armed patrols to defend the walled-in city occupation, authorities said.
Since the encampment began, rioters have increased fortifications around city streets, assaulted residents, and law enforcement has noticed the presence of “armed sentries” patrolling intersections, according to a press release from the Portland Police Bureau (PPB).
The autonomous zone, which has been dubbed “Red House on Mississippi” formed after city officials attempted to enforce a home foreclosure on the Kinney’s, a black and indigenous family, The Oregonian reported.
“We want a peaceful and safe resolution to the occupation of public space on North Mississippi Avenue,” PPB Chief Chuck Lovell said in the release. “We are greatly concerned about the fortification of barricades, stockpiling of weapons, armed sentries, attacks on journalists and threats to kill officers in graffiti in this public space.”
“Our goal is for this to resolve peacefully to increase safety for all involved. I encourage those involved to reach out to our Demonstration Liaison Officers so we can discuss a peaceful outcome.”
Here are the barricades along Skidmore at the Red House zone in Portland pic.twitter.com/JfaNau3GkS — Zane Sparling (@PDXzane) December 9, 2020
The department also indicated that traffic in addition to emergency services are being stalled by the blockade, and residents within the walls have been trapped by the vigilante group.
The encampment began after law enforcement attempted to secure the Kinney home for the new owner, but police quickly vacated the area after violent demonstrators forced them out, according to The Oregonian. The Kinney’s son, who pleaded guilty to a 2002 felony hit-and-run that killed an 83-year-old man, crippled the family financially and led to the foreclosure, the local outlet reported.
Two members of the Kinney family were arrested for trespassing during PPB’s initial visit, according to The Oregonian.
“I am authorizing the Portland Police to use all lawful means to end the illegal occupation on North Mississippi Avenue and to hold those violating our community’s laws accountable,” Democratic Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler wrote in a Tuesday tweet. “There will be no autonomous zone in Portland.”
Wheeler authorized “all lawful means,” but the mayor continues to implement his September ban on tear gas for the city police department, a spokesman told the Daily Caller News Foundation in a separate report.
“Portland Police do not want a confrontation, but will act to enforce the law and use of force if necessary to clear this private and public land,” PPB wrote in the release.


truepundit--2020-12-14--Coronavirus Vaccinations Could Begin Monday, Reach 50 Million Americans By February, HHS Secretary S

Coronavirus Vaccinations Could Begin Monday, Reach 50 Million Americans By February, HHS Secretary Says

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that the first coronavirus vaccinations outside a clinical trial could begin as early as Monday .
Azar ’ s announcement follows a key FDA panel ’ s vote of confidence Thursday for Pfizer ’ s coronavirus vaccine , clearing the way for the agency to issue an emergency use authorization .
The FDA said that authorization would be announced later Friday , and that it was communicating with the CDC and Operation Warp Speed to ensure the most efficient distribution possible .
“ We should be seeing the authorization of this first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Azar said on ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America.
” “ We will work with Pfizer to get that shipped out and so we could see people getting vaccinated Monday , Tuesday of next week , ” Azar said .
Public health officials have said that up to 20 million Americans could be vaccinated before 2021 , which Azar echoed Friday .
“ We ’ re looking at 20 million Americans being vaccinated in the next couple weeks .
Up to 50 million total by the end of January , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have 100 million actual vaccinations in arm by the end of February.
” Though vaccinations may begin distribution only hours after the FDA grants emergency authorization , the first batches will go to front line health care workers and long term nursing home residents .
Azar said Tuesday that the vaccine will be widely available by the second quarter of 2021 .
Despite the vaccine announcements , public health officials have warned Americans that the coming months will likely be very challenging .
CDC Director Robert Redfield said last week that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be tough times ” due to the surge in coronavirus cases , hospitalizations and deaths .
“ I actually believe they ’ re going to be the most difficult time in the public health history of this nation , largely because of the stress that ’ s going to be put on our health care system , ” Redfield said .
The coronavirus has infected over 15.5 million Americans and killed over 292,000 , according to a Johns Hopkins University database .
Wednesday was the deadliest day of the pandemic so far @ @ @ @ @ @

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that the first coronavirus vaccinations outside a clinical trial could begin as early as Monday.
Azar’s announcement follows a key FDA panel’s vote of confidence Thursday for Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine, clearing the way for the agency to issue an emergency use authorization. The FDA said that authorization would be announced later Friday, and that it was communicating with the CDC and Operation Warp Speed to ensure the most efficient distribution possible.
“We should be seeing the authorization of this first vaccine… in the next couple days,” Azar said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
NEW: HHS Azar says FDA will proceed with emergency use authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine and vaccinations could come as soon as Monday or Tuesday of next week. https://t.co/v1dsjMAvCK pic.twitter.com/48CGRJRTVs — Good Morning America (@GMA) December 11, 2020
“We will work with Pfizer to get that shipped out and so we could see people getting vaccinated Monday, Tuesday of next week,” Azar said.
Public health officials have said that up to 20 million Americans could be vaccinated before 2021, which Azar echoed Friday.
“We’re looking at 20 million Americans being vaccinated in the next couple weeks. Up to 50 million total by the end of January,” Azar said. “We believe we could have 100 million actual vaccinations in arm by the end of February.”
HHS Sec. Azar tells @GStephanopoulos, “We’re looking at 20 million Americans being vaccinated just in the next coming weeks. Up to 50 million total by the end of January…” https://t.co/v1dsjMAvCK pic.twitter.com/xPsZZC9rjP — Good Morning America (@GMA) December 11, 2020
Though vaccinations may begin distribution only hours after the FDA grants emergency authorization, the first batches will go to front line health care workers and long term nursing home residents. Azar said Tuesday that the vaccine will be widely available by the second quarter of 2021.
Despite the vaccine announcements, public health officials have warned Americans that the coming months will likely be very challenging. CDC Director Robert Redfield said last week that “December, January and February are going to be tough times” due to the surge in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
“I actually believe they’re going to be the most difficult time in the public health history of this nation, largely because of the stress that’s going to be put on our health care system,” Redfield said.
The coronavirus has infected over 15.5 million Americans and killed over 292,000, according to a Johns Hopkins University database. Wednesday was the deadliest day of the pandemic so far, with 3,157 deaths reported.


truepundit--2020-12-14--New Jobless Claims Spike To 853,000, Economists Expected 730,000

The number of Americans filing new unemployment claims increased to 853,000 last week as the economy continued to suffer the @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , according to the Department of Labor .
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics @ @ @ @ @ Thursday represented a large increase of new jobless claims compared to the week ending Nov. @ @ @ @ @ were 712,000 new jobless claims reported .
New jobless claims had stayed below 800,000 for @ @ @ @ @ to the report .
Economists expected Thursday ’ s jobless claims number to come in @ @ @ @ @ .
New jobless claims fell below 1 million in the first week of August , @ @ @ @ @ the weekly claims had fallen below 1 million since March .
Roughly 19 million Americans @ @ @ @ @ , according to the BLS report Thursday .

The number of Americans filing new unemployment claims increased to 853,000 last week as the economy continued to suffer the effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to the Department of Labor.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) figure released Thursday represented a large increase of new jobless claims compared to the week ending Nov. 28, in which there were 712,000 new jobless claims reported. New jobless claims had stayed below 800,000 for more than a month prior to the report.
Economists expected Thursday’s jobless claims number to come in around 730,000, CNBC reported. New jobless claims fell below 1 million in the first week of August, which was the first time the weekly claims had fallen below 1 million since March.
Roughly 19 million Americans continue to collect unemployment benefits, according to the BLS report Thursday.


truepundit--2020-12-14--Rare McKinsey Statement Stops Short Of Apology After Helping Purdue Pharma ‘Turbocharge’ Opioid Sale

Rare McKinsey Statement Stops Short Of Apology After Helping Purdue Pharma ‘Turbocharge’ Opioid Sales Amid Epidemic

McKinsey issued a rare statement but stopped short of an apology after court documents revealed that the consulting giant helped its client , Purdue Pharma , “ turbocharge ” OxyContin sales in the midst of the opioid epidemic .
“ We recognize that we did not adequately acknowledge the epidemic unfolding in our communities or the terrible impact of opioid misuse and addiction on millions of families across the country , ” the company said in a rare statement .
“ We recognize that we have a responsibility to take into account the broader context and implications of the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued .
“ Our work for Purdue fell short of that standard.
” The firm added that it never intended to contribute to the public health crisis and any suggestion to the contrary is “ wrong.
” McKinsey ’ s work with Purdue was solely intended to support the “ legal prescription and use of opioids for patients with legitimate medical needs , ” the statement said .
November court filings showed that in 2017 McKinsey recommended Purdue offer rebates to distributors for every OxyContin overdose attributable to the pills they sold , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The recommendation further projected how many customers of OxyContin distributors , including CVS and Anthem , would overdose and estimated how much Purdue would need to pay in rebates .
“ As things get tougher there someone might turn to us , ” McKinsey executive Martin Elling wrote in an email to Arnab Ghatak , another senior partner , in 2018 after the Commonwealth of Massachusetts filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma , according to additional court filings , The Times reported .
Elling further suggested “ eliminating ” documents and emails that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to The Times .
Ghatak thanked Elling for the “ heads up.
” Both Elling and Ghatak were high-level consultants who , emails show , had a major role advising Purdue , according to The Times .
One email released in court showed they told the Sackler family , which owns Purdue , to aggressively market OxyContin .
In McKinsey ’ s statement Saturday , the firm said it would review if any emails were deleted .
“ We have been undertaking a full review of the work in question , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential deletion of documents , ” the statement said .
“ We continue to cooperate fully with the authorities investigating these matters.
” Purdue pleaded guilty on Nov. 24 to criminal charges , including conspiracy to defraud the U.S .
The company admitted it did not adequately prevent its opioid drugs from being sold on the black market , CNN reported .
The pharmaceutical company agreed to pay a criminal fine of $ 3.5 billion and an additional $ 2 billion in criminal forfeiture , according to the Department of Justice .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has contributed to a national tragedy of addiction and deaths , in addition to those caused by illicit street opioids , ” Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement .
The opioid epidemic has ravaged the U.S. for years with about 900 Americans dying from opioid overdoses every week , according to the Council on Foreign Relations .

McKinsey issued a rare statement but stopped short of an apology after court documents revealed that the consulting giant helped its client, Purdue Pharma, “turbocharge” OxyContin sales in the midst of the opioid epidemic.
“We recognize that we did not adequately acknowledge the epidemic unfolding in our communities or the terrible impact of opioid misuse and addiction on millions of families across the country,” the company said in a rare statement.
“We recognize that we have a responsibility to take into account the broader context and implications of the work that we do,” the statement continued. “Our work for Purdue fell short of that standard.”
The firm added that it never intended to contribute to the public health crisis and any suggestion to the contrary is “wrong.” McKinsey’s work with Purdue was solely intended to support the “legal prescription and use of opioids for patients with legitimate medical needs,” the statement said.
November court filings showed that in 2017 McKinsey recommended Purdue offer rebates to distributors for every OxyContin overdose attributable to the pills they sold, according to The New York Times. The recommendation further projected how many customers of OxyContin distributors, including CVS and Anthem, would overdose and estimated how much Purdue would need to pay in rebates.
“As things get tougher there someone might turn to us,” McKinsey executive Martin Elling wrote in an email to Arnab Ghatak, another senior partner, in 2018 after the Commonwealth of Massachusetts filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, according to additional court filings, The Times reported.
Elling further suggested “eliminating” documents and emails that would implicate the firm in wrongdoing, according to The Times. Ghatak thanked Elling for the “heads up.”
Both Elling and Ghatak were high-level consultants who, emails show, had a major role advising Purdue, according to The Times. One email released in court showed they told the Sackler family, which owns Purdue, to aggressively market OxyContin.
In McKinsey’s statement Saturday, the firm said it would review if any emails were deleted.
“We have been undertaking a full review of the work in question, including into the 2018 email exchange which referenced potential deletion of documents,” the statement said. “We continue to cooperate fully with the authorities investigating these matters.”
Purdue pleaded guilty on Nov. 24 to criminal charges, including conspiracy to defraud the U.S. The company admitted it did not adequately prevent its opioid drugs from being sold on the black market, CNN reported.
The pharmaceutical company agreed to pay a criminal fine of $3.5 billion and an additional $2 billion in criminal forfeiture, according to the Department of Justice.
“The abuse and diversion of prescription opioids has contributed to a national tragedy of addiction and deaths, in addition to those caused by illicit street opioids,” Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement.
The opioid epidemic has ravaged the U.S. for years with about 900 Americans dying from opioid overdoses every week, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.


truepundit--2020-12-14--FDA reports facial paralysis in 4 volunteers for Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine

A new report by the United States Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) regulators revealed that four volunteers for @ @ @ @ @ Pfizer developed Bell ’ s Palsy after receiving vaccine shots , as per media reports @ @ @ @ @ is a condition that causes a temporary paralysis of the muscles in the face .
@ @ @ @ @ nerve that controls your facial muscles becomes inflamed , swollen , or compressed FDA added @ @ @ @ @ is unclear what caused Bell ’ s Palsy in the four volunteers .
According to @ @ @ @ @ regulators have asked health experts to continuously monitor volunteers who had participated in the trials @ @ @ @ @ Earlier , Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla seemed dubious about the efficacy of the vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s Lestor Holt , he said , “ I think this is something that @ @ @ @ @ We are not certain about that right now with what we know.
” – READ @ @ @ @ @ Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

A new report by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulators revealed that four volunteers for the COVID-19 experimental vaccine by Pfizer developed Bell’s Palsy after receiving vaccine shots, as per media reports.
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes a temporary paralysis of the muscles in the face. It can occur when the nerve that controls your facial muscles becomes inflamed, swollen, or compressed
FDA added in its report that it is unclear what caused Bell’s Palsy in the four volunteers. According to media reports, the FDA regulators have asked health experts to continuously monitor volunteers who had participated in the trials of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Earlier, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla seemed dubious about the efficacy of the vaccine. During his interview with NBC’s Lestor Holt, he said, “I think this is something that needs to be examined. We are not certain about that right now with what we know.” – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-15--PAINE IN THE MORNING: The 9 things you need to know this Tuesday the 15th — Dec 2020 — AG BARR Does

PAINE IN THE MORNING: The 9 things you need to know this Tuesday the 15th — Dec 2020 — AG BARR Does the Potomac Two-Step Right Out the DOJ Back Door

There is also a full , ad-free video podcast of this broadcast available on True Pundit ’ s Patreon Page @ @ @ @ @ SubscribeStar.com page for our subscribers to help us do what we do .
Listen above @ @ @ @ @ the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

There is also a full, ad-free video podcast of this broadcast available on True Pundit’s Patreon Page and/or True Pundit’s SubscribeStar.com page for our subscribers to help us do what we do.
Listen above or below.
EXCLUSIVE: FBI Criminal Probe Tracks 500,000 Counterfeit Biden Ballots in Four Key Battleground States https://t.co/T5cNsZjxD8 — Thomas Paine (@Thomas1774Paine) December 9, 2020
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-16--EXCLUSIVE — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Blows Whistle: Fauci & FDA Commish Ignored Warnings About Dangerou

EXCLUSIVE — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Blows Whistle: Fauci & FDA Commish Ignored Warnings About Dangerous Problems With COVID Vaccines

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed to Thomas Paine that he personally warned Dr. Anthony Fauci and the FDA commissioner about @ @ @ @ @ vaccine but those warnings fell on deaf government ears .
In fact , shockingly — @ @ @ @ @ above .
Mr. Kennedy , a vaccine expert and top lawyer , joined the Thomas @ @ @ @ @ bombshell warnings to all Americans contemplating the vaccine .
The same warnings that the government @ @ @ @ @ above .
You may want to reconsider lining up after you digest what vaccine expert @ @ @ @ @ shares with Paine about the vaccines .
The revelations are truly alarming .
Listen to @ @ @ @ @ Below --

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed to Thomas Paine that he personally warned Dr. Anthony Fauci and the FDA commissioner about dangerous problems with the COVID vaccine but those warnings fell on deaf government ears. In fact, shockingly — they were ignored. Listen above.
Mr. Kennedy, a vaccine expert and top lawyer, joined the Thomas Paine Podcast to drop repeated bombshell warnings to all Americans contemplating the vaccine. The same warnings that the government essentially covered up. Listen above.
You may want to reconsider lining up after you digest what vaccine expert and top lawyer Mr. Kennedy shares with Paine about the vaccines. The revelations are truly alarming.
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-16--EXCLUSIVE: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Disturbing & Dire Bombshell Warning About the COVID Vaccine — Lis

EXCLUSIVE: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Disturbing & Dire Bombshell Warning About the COVID Vaccine — Listen & Learn BEFORE You Leap

With so much propaganda being peddled in Big Media about the untold and unproven benefits of the COVID vaccine , @ @ @ @ @ of reality from vaccine expert Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who joined the Thomas Paine Podcast @ @ @ @ @ to all Americans contemplating the vaccine .
Listen above You may want to reconsider lining @ @ @ @ @ vaccine expert and top lawyer Mr. Kennedy shares with Paine about the vaccines .
The @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

With so much propaganda being peddled in Big Media about the untold and unproven benefits of the COVID vaccine, now comes a needed dose of reality from vaccine expert Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who joined the Thomas Paine Podcast to drop repeated bombshell warnings to all Americans contemplating the vaccine. Listen above
You may want to reconsider lining up after you digest what vaccine expert and top lawyer Mr. Kennedy shares with Paine about the vaccines. The revelations are truly alarming.
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-15--Why Did The WHO Bury This Damning Report On Italy’s COVID-19 Response?

A World Health Organization ( WHO ) official reportedly removed an important study on Italy ’ s early response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Ranieri Guerra , the Italian WHO official who removed the study , previously served as director-general for preventive health at the Italian health ministry from 2014-17 .
The report – extremely critical of Italy ’ s haphazard early response to the pandemic – was supposed to be a blueprint for governments not yet hit by the coronavirus .
Kuwait funded the report , written by WHO scientist Francesco Zambon and 10 colleagues across Europe .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy ’ s First Response to Covid-19 , the document was published on the WHO website on 13 May before being taken down the next day , as first reported by the Guardian in August .
The 102-page report said Italy ’ s pandemic plan had not been updated since 2006 and that , due to being unprepared , the initial response from hospitals was “ improvised , chaotic and creative ” .
It took time for formal guidance to become available , the report added .
Guerra was directly responsible for updating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which might explain why he didn ’ t want a study highlighting that fact out there for all the world to see .
The outdated plan is a crucial element in the preliminary investigations being carried out by prosecutors in Bergamo – the Lombardy province hardest hit during the first wave of the pandemic – into possible criminal negligence by authorities .
Covid-related deaths in Italy surpassed 60,000 on Sunday , the highest toll in mainland Europe .
That number is surely much higher as Italy ran out of hospital beds early on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the thousands in their homes .
The WHO is refusing to allow Zambon to testify at the hearings in Bergamo .
Apparently , the organization would prefer to bury the news that it buried a potentially life-saving report for political reasons.– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

A World Health Organization (WHO) official reportedly removed an important study on Italy’s early response to the coronavirus pandemic. Ranieri Guerra, the Italian WHO official who removed the study, previously served as director-general for preventive health at the Italian health ministry from 2014-17.
The report – extremely critical of Italy’s haphazard early response to the pandemic – was supposed to be a blueprint for governments not yet hit by the coronavirus. Kuwait funded the report, written by WHO scientist Francesco Zambon and 10 colleagues across Europe. The Guardian:
Called An Unprecedented Challenge: Italy’s First Response to Covid-19, the document was published on the WHO website on 13 May before being taken down the next day, as first reported by the Guardian in August. The 102-page report said Italy’s pandemic plan had not been updated since 2006 and that, due to being unprepared, the initial response from hospitals was “improvised, chaotic and creative”. It took time for formal guidance to become available, the report added.
Guerra was directly responsible for updating Italy’s 2006 pandemic plan, which might explain why he didn’t want a study highlighting that fact out there for all the world to see.
The outdated plan is a crucial element in the preliminary investigations being carried out by prosecutors in Bergamo – the Lombardy province hardest hit during the first wave of the pandemic – into possible criminal negligence by authorities. Covid-related deaths in Italy surpassed 60,000 on Sunday, the highest toll in mainland Europe.
That number is surely much higher as Italy ran out of hospital beds early on in the pandemic and people were dying by the thousands in their homes.
The WHO is refusing to allow Zambon to testify at the hearings in Bergamo. Apparently, the organization would prefer to bury the news that it buried a potentially life-saving report for political reasons.– READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-15--NHS Commercial Terrifies Kids By Showing Santa Stricken With COVID

A television commercial for the NHS terrifies children by showing Santa Claus wheeled into hospital on the verge of dying @ @ @ @ @ kids is definitely what the good guys do .
The advert “ celebrates NHS staff @ @ @ @ @ them nursing Father Christmas back to full health so he can deliver presents .
Entitled @ @ @ @ @ shows paramedics giving Santa oxygen as he looks to be at death ’ s door @ @ @ @ @ medical ward as one nurse asks , “ Is he responding ?
” The commercial @ @ @ @ @ up before he is slowly rehabilitated and subsequently receives a get well soon card from @ @ @ @ @ .
After passing some children , Santa is then seen responding to letters from hopeful @ @ @ @ @ the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

A television commercial for the NHS terrifies children by showing Santa Claus wheeled into hospital on the verge of dying from COVID.
Because frightening kids is definitely what the good guys do.
The advert “celebrates NHS staff and volunteers” by showing them nursing Father Christmas back to full health so he can deliver presents.
Entitled The Gift, the ad shows paramedics giving Santa oxygen as he looks to be at death’s door while being transported to a medical ward as one nurse asks, “Is he responding?”
The commercial then cuts to Santa waking up before he is slowly rehabilitated and subsequently receives a get well soon card from Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.
After passing some children, Santa is then seen responding to letters from hopeful kids.- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-15--WATCH: NIH Director Begs Americans To Swallow Vaccine Skepticism As Bill Gates Eyes Unofficial Role

The director of the National Institutes of Health begged Americans to “ hit the reset button ” on their concerns @ @ @ @ @ , which was developed faster than any vaccine in the history of Western medicine , @ @ @ @ @ I would like to plead to people who are listening to this this morning to @ @ @ @ @ on whatever they think they knew about this vaccine that might cause them to be @ @ @ @ @ Francis Collins told NBC News ’ “ Meet the Press.
” Collins also said that @ @ @ @ @ someone who ’ s had the vaccine could still acquire the virus and silently spread @ @ @ @ @ saying that “ it will take us a couple of months to figure that out @ @ @ @ @ still need to mask up and social distance .
– READ MORE Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ --

The director of the National Institutes of Health begged Americans to “hit the reset button” on their concerns over whether the COVID-19 vaccine, which was developed faster than any vaccine in the history of Western medicine, will be safe.
“I would like to plead to people who are listening to this this morning to really hit the reset button on whatever they think they knew about this vaccine that might cause them to be so skeptical,” Dr. Francis Collins told NBC News’ “Meet the Press.”
WATCH: @NIHDirector says he wants the public to “hit the reset button on whatever they think they knew about this vaccine that caused them to be so skeptical.” “Please, people. When you look back … and you say, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ I hope you’ll be able to say ‘yes.’” pic.twitter.com/v06qCHQxDF — Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) December 13, 2020
Director of the National Institutes of Health Francis Collins: “We don’t know whether somebody who had the vaccine could still acquire the virus without any symptoms and potentially be contagious to others around them. … It will take us a couple of months to figure that out.” pic.twitter.com/b3pPuIgS5z — JM Rieger (@RiegerReport) December 13, 2020
Collins also said that it’s unknown whether someone who’s had the vaccine could still acquire the virus and silently spread to others around them – saying that “it will take us a couple of months to figure that out,” and that people still need to mask up and social distance. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-15--America Last: Melinda Gates ‘Incredibly Disappointed’ After Trump Gives Americans Vaxx First

Melinda Gates is ‘ incredibly disappointed ’ that Americans will be receiving COVID-19 vaccines , developed by American companies , before the rest of the world .
Putting aside overwhelming concerns over safety for a minute – including calls to halt trials until serious questions ( including ‘ indefinite infertility ‘ ) are addressed – Gates told CNN ‘ s Poppy Harlow in a Thursday interview that she ’ s worried about ‘ vaccine nationalism.
’ “ The president just signed an executive order to try to put Americans at the front of the line when it comes to vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wonder if that ’ s what you were worried about when you kept saying and warning against vaccine nationalism ?
” “ That ’ s exactly what we were worried about , ” replied Gates , adding “ I knew it was coming and I was just incredibly disappointed.
” “ I ’ m much more optimistic about the president-elect and the COVID task force , this eminent task force that he has put together , ” she continued .
“ I think we ’ re going to see a lot more sensible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that starts , you know , January 20 and we have still some dark months to live ahead until then.
” - READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Melinda Gates is ‘incredibly disappointed’ that Americans will be receiving COVID-19 vaccines, developed by American companies, before the rest of the world.
Putting aside overwhelming concerns over safety for a minute – including calls to halt trials until serious questions (including ‘indefinite infertility‘) are addressed – Gates told CNN‘s Poppy Harlow in a Thursday interview that she’s worried about ‘vaccine nationalism.’
“The president just signed an executive order to try to put Americans at the front of the line when it comes to vaccines,” said Harlow. “I wonder if that’s what you were worried about when you kept saying and warning against vaccine nationalism?”
“That’s exactly what we were worried about,” replied Gates, adding “I knew it was coming and I was just incredibly disappointed.”
“I’m much more optimistic about the president-elect and the COVID task force, this eminent task force that he has put together,” she continued. “I think we’re going to see a lot more sensible policy making in the United States, but that starts, you know, January 20 and we have still some dark months to live ahead until then.”- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-15--Seattle Considering ‘Poverty Defense’ Exempting Criminals Based On Their Needs

The Seattle City Council is considering changing the criminal code so that criminals who have committed trespassing , theft , or even simple assault could be exempt from prosecution if they could prove that their survival depended on their criminal acts .
Councilmember Lisa Herbold and Anita Khandelwal , the King County ’ s director of the Department of Public Defense , introduced the idea of changing the criminal code .
Herbold first brought the idea of what is nicknamed the “ poverty defense ” in October .
KOMO reported at the time : If approved , the ordinance would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost all misdemeanor crimes committed in Seattle by offenders who could show either : Symptoms of addiction without being required to provide a medical diagnosis ; Symptoms of a mental disorder ; or Poverty and the crime was committed to meet an “ immediate and basic need.
” For example , if a defendant argued they stole merchandise to sell for cash in order to purchase food , clothes or was trying to scrape together enough money for rent .
The accused could not be convicted .
“ The advocates ’ proposal covers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic violence cases , ” KIRO 7 noted .
Khandelwal stated , “ In a situation where you took that sandwich because you were hungry and you were trying to meet your basic need of satisfying your hunger ; we as the community will know that we should not punish that .
That conduct is excused , ” according to KOMO.– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

The Seattle City Council is considering changing the criminal code so that criminals who have committed trespassing, theft, or even simple assault could be exempt from prosecution if they could prove that their survival depended on their criminal acts.
Councilmember Lisa Herbold and Anita Khandelwal, the King County’s director of the Department of Public Defense, introduced the idea of changing the criminal code. Herbold first brought the idea of what is nicknamed the “poverty defense” in October. KOMO reported at the time:
If approved, the ordinance would excuse and dismiss — essentially legalizing — almost all misdemeanor crimes committed in Seattle by offenders who could show either: Symptoms of addiction without being required to provide a medical diagnosis; Symptoms of a mental disorder; or Poverty and the crime was committed to meet an “immediate and basic need.” For example, if a defendant argued they stole merchandise to sell for cash in order to purchase food, clothes or was trying to scrape together enough money for rent. The accused could not be convicted.
“The advocates’ proposal covers all misdemeanor crimes, except DUIs and domestic violence cases,” KIRO 7 noted.
Khandelwal stated, “In a situation where you took that sandwich because you were hungry and you were trying to meet your basic need of satisfying your hunger; we as the community will know that we should not punish that. That conduct is excused,” according to KOMO.– READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-15--Report: Hunter Biden’s Attorneys Reject Cooperating with Congress

Sen. Ron Johnson ( R-WI ) also claimed on Saturday that Hunter ’ s attorneys “ have refused to cooperate @ @ @ @ @ Biden , 50 , said last week the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in Delaware @ @ @ @ @ affairs ” and he is taking the matter “ very seriously ” while being “ @ @ @ @ @ affairs “ legally and appropriately , ” as Breitbart News reported .
On Sunday Johnson @ @ @ @ @ Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee , lamented Congress was left in the dark about @ @ @ @ @ said the authorities were already in possession of Hunter ’ s laptop , which contained @ @ @ @ @ business affairs , by the time the impeachment hearings began .
“ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ unless there ’ s an indictment , ” Johnson told Fox News ’ Sunday Morning @ @ @ @ @ the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) also claimed on Saturday that Hunter’s attorneys “have refused to cooperate with the committees.”
Hunter Biden, 50, said last week the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Delaware is investigating his “tax affairs” and he is taking the matter “very seriously” while being “confident” he handled his affairs “legally and appropriately,” as Breitbart News reported.
Hunter Biden issues a statement through the transition on the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Delaware’s investigation into his taxes pic.twitter.com/MV0IgoRfca — Brittany Shepherd (@brittanys) December 9, 2020
On Sunday Johnson, chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, lamented Congress was left in the dark about the tax investigation.
He said the authorities were already in possession of Hunter’s laptop, which contained emails relating to his Ukrainian business affairs, by the time the impeachment hearings began.
“I’m sympathetic for keeping investigations confidential unless there’s an indictment,” Johnson told Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures.- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-15--Bill Gates says we won’t be back to ‘normal’ until 2022, issues dire omen for bars and restaurants

The first truck transporting Pfizer-BioNTech ’ s coronavirus vaccine pulled out of a Michigan manufacturing plant on Sunday and is expected to reach its destination on Monday so that health workers can administer the vaccine .
Despite the overall optimism in the COVID-19 vaccine on its way to the American people , Bill Gates warns that the coronavirus pandemic is not even close to being over .
Gates is impressed with the progress of a coronavirus vaccine thus far .
“ This vaccine work is phenomenal , ” Gates said last week at Singapore ’ s FinTech Festival that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve been working with these pharma companies , they ’ ve been doing their best , you know , thank goodness , those vaccines will bring this pandemic to an end.
” Gates noted that there could be six COVID-19 vaccines ready by spring of 2021 , and he expects them to be approved by summer 2021 .
However , despite his optimism in the coronavirus vaccine , Gates said that the world would not return to normal for more than a year .
“ There will be… By the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have more vaccine coverage than other countries .
So , the rich countries will be going mostly back to normal , ” Gates told the Hindustan Times on Friday .
“ But I still think because the virus will be in the world , we still will be somewhat conservative about large public events , we will still have some mask-wearing.
” “ We really need to get this virus eliminated , almost everywhere or else we have seen even in countries that have done a super good job — like Australia or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – they always run a risk of reinfection , ” Gates continued .
“ So they ’ ve had to restrict tourism and other travel , but by summer that will start to open up.
” Gates declared , “ They won ’ t be totally back to normal but sometime in the first half of 2022 , I do think we will be able to say that we ’ re back to normal.
” On Sunday , the Microsoft CEO seemed to prescribe a coronavirus restriction that would inflict widespread ruin on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

The first truck transporting Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine pulled out of a Michigan manufacturing plant on Sunday and is expected to reach its destination on Monday so that health workers can administer the vaccine. Despite the overall optimism in the COVID-19 vaccine on its way to the American people, Bill Gates warns that the coronavirus pandemic is not even close to being over.
Gates is impressed with the progress of a coronavirus vaccine thus far.
“This vaccine work is phenomenal,” Gates said last week at Singapore’s FinTech Festival that was held virtually. “You know, we’ve been working with these pharma companies, they’ve been doing their best, you know, thank goodness, those vaccines will bring this pandemic to an end.”
Gates noted that there could be six COVID-19 vaccines ready by spring of 2021, and he expects them to be approved by summer 2021.
However, despite his optimism in the coronavirus vaccine, Gates said that the world would not return to normal for more than a year.
“There will be… By the summer of 2021, the rich countries will have more vaccine coverage than other countries. So, the rich countries will be going mostly back to normal,” Gates told the Hindustan Times on Friday. “But I still think because the virus will be in the world, we still will be somewhat conservative about large public events, we will still have some mask-wearing.”
“We really need to get this virus eliminated, almost everywhere or else we have seen even in countries that have done a super good job — like Australia or Singapore or Hong Kong or South Korea – they always run a risk of reinfection,” Gates continued. “So they’ve had to restrict tourism and other travel, but by summer that will start to open up.”
Gates declared, “They won’t be totally back to normal but sometime in the first half of 2022, I do think we will be able to say that we’re back to normal.”
On Sunday, the Microsoft CEO seemed to prescribe a coronavirus restriction that would inflict widespread ruin on the country’s bars and restaurants. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-15--How The COVID Response Has Destroyed The Personal Finances Of Americans

Back when the virus that would soon be known as Covid-19 was just a blip on the radar , Selco wrote an article called , It ’ s Not the Virus You Need to Worry About .
It ’ s the System .
And like much of what Selco writes , it was prophetic .
Here we are , coming up on a year after the virus first began making itself apparent and the world is dramatically different .
Not only are there the inevitable arguments about masks , lockdowns , vaccines , and hypocritical politicians using the whole thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are very real effects on everyday families all over the world .
In the United States , our personal finances have taken blow after blow .
Eight million more Americans than last year are now living in poverty as millions of jobs have disappeared , never to return .
Data from the review site Yelp shows that 60 % of the businesses that shut down due to Covid have permanently closed .
People who were formerly struggling are sinking , and many of those who were comfortably middle class are desperately trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much the virus that has caused our financial woes – it ’ s the response to the virus .
Federal , state , and local governments have deemed what businesses are allowed to operate and how they must do so .
This has resulted in the loss of businesses themselves , loss of sales , and loss of jobs .
Nearly every family is feeling the effects to some degree .
Please check out our new frugality website for practical solutions if you are dealing with financial issues .
Here are some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financially due to the response to the virus .
More people are living paycheck to paycheck .
Back in February of this year , a report was released that showed 40 % of American workers were living paycheck to paycheck .
Willis Towers Watson ’ s Global Benefits Attitudes Survey discovered that although 58 percent of workers think their finances are heading in the right direction , 38 percent of employees are living paycheck to paycheck… …Almost one-fifth of those making more than $ 100,000 are living paycheck to paycheck , and about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their lives .
The survey polled 8,000 American workers .
( source ) That early 2020 , pre-lockdown report looks like a glimpse of nostalgia from the good old days .
A more recent report has found , due to the Covid response , that now almost two-thirds of Americans are living the paycheck to paycheck life.- READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Back when the virus that would soon be known as Covid-19 was just a blip on the radar, Selco wrote an article called, It’s Not the Virus You Need to Worry About. It’s the System. And like much of what Selco writes, it was prophetic.
Here we are, coming up on a year after the virus first began making itself apparent and the world is dramatically different. Not only are there the inevitable arguments about masks, lockdowns, vaccines, and hypocritical politicians using the whole thing as a power grab, but there are very real effects on everyday families all over the world.
In the United States, our personal finances have taken blow after blow. Eight million more Americans than last year are now living in poverty as millions of jobs have disappeared, never to return. Data from the review site Yelp shows that 60% of the businesses that shut down due to Covid have permanently closed. People who were formerly struggling are sinking, and many of those who were comfortably middle class are desperately trying to stay afloat.
It isn’t so much the virus that has caused our financial woes – it’s the response to the virus. Federal, state, and local governments have deemed what businesses are allowed to operate and how they must do so. This has resulted in the loss of businesses themselves, loss of sales, and loss of jobs. Nearly every family is feeling the effects to some degree. Please check out our new frugality website for practical solutions if you are dealing with financial issues.
Here are some of the ways American families are suffering financially due to the response to the virus.
More people are living paycheck to paycheck.
Back in February of this year, a report was released that showed 40% of American workers were living paycheck to paycheck.
Willis Towers Watson’s Global Benefits Attitudes Survey discovered that although 58 percent of workers think their finances are heading in the right direction, 38 percent of employees are living paycheck to paycheck… …Almost one-fifth of those making more than $100,000 are living paycheck to paycheck, and about one-third say their financial problems negatively affect their lives. The survey polled 8,000 American workers. (source)
That early 2020, pre-lockdown report looks like a glimpse of nostalgia from the good old days. A more recent report has found, due to the Covid response, that now almost two-thirds of Americans are living the paycheck to paycheck life.- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-12-15--San Francisco Rents Plunge 35% As Exodus Continues

The median rent for a studio apartment in San Francisco plunged 35 % in November from a year earlier , @ @ @ @ @ costs for one-bedrooms slumped 27 % to $ 2,716 , according to Bloomberg , citing @ @ @ @ @ .
Declining rents is more confirmation of the exodus from the Bay Area ( as @ @ @ @ @ here & here ) as remote working allows city dwellers to leave the metro area @ @ @ @ @ , and elsewhere .
Danielle Hale , Realtor.com ’ s chief economist , said San @ @ @ @ @ been among the most flexible with allowing people to work remotely , and a lot @ @ @ @ @ of that.
” Hale expects rents in the Bay Area to eventually recover , though @ @ @ @ @ people return to the office.- READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below @

The median rent for a studio apartment in San Francisco plunged 35% in November from a year earlier, to $2,100, while costs for one-bedrooms slumped 27% to $2,716, according to Bloomberg, citing a new report from Realtor.com.
Declining rents is more confirmation of the exodus from the Bay Area (as we’ve noted: here & here) as remote working allows city dwellers to leave the metro area for suburbs, Lake Tahoe, and elsewhere.
Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist, said San Francisco-based technology “companies have been among the most flexible with allowing people to work remotely, and a lot of workers are taking advantage of that.”
Hale expects rents in the Bay Area to eventually recover, though it depends on how quickly people return to the office.- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --