truepundit--2020-11-16--Biden Coronavirus Adviser Calls National Lockdown ‘Measure Of Last Resort’

One of President-elect Joe Biden ’ s top coronavirus advisers said Sunday that implementing a national lockdown would be a “ measure of last resort ” in a Biden administration .
Dr. Vivek Murthy , who previously served as U.S .
Surgeon General between 2014 and 2017 , made the comments about a potential national lockdown on “ Fox News Sunday , ” according to CNBC .
Murthy is one of three co-chairs who were named to President-elect Joe Biden ’ s coronavirus panel , according to The Washington Post .
“ That ’ s a measure of last resort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any lockdown would be implemented differently than the sweeping lockdowns put in place in the spring , according to CNBC .
“ In the spring we didn ’ t know a lot about Covid , we responded , in a sense , with an on-off switch , ” Murthy continued , CNBC reported .
“ We just shut things down because we didn ’ t know exactly how this was spreading and where it was spreading , but we learned a lot more since then.
” Dr. Michael Osterholm , another Biden health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week lockdown could curb the spread of coronavirus and reinvigorate the economy .
“ We could pay for a package right now to cover all of the wages , lost wages for individual workers , for losses to small companies , to medium-sized companies or city , state , county governments , ” Osterholm told Yahoo Finance .
“ If we did that , then we could lock down for four to six weeks.
” Osterholm later walked back his comments , according to ABC News .
Average coronavirus cases and deaths per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to The COVID Tracking Project and The Financial Times .
On Saturday , the U.S. reported 1,321 new coronavirus-related deaths and 163,473 new cases while 69,455 Americans remained hospitalized from the virus .
Meanwhile , President Donald Trump celebrated the progress of Operation Warp Speed , the federal government ’ s multiagency effort to produce a coronavirus vaccine quickly , during a news conference Friday .
The goal of the operation has been to produce 300 million doses of “ safe and effective vaccines ” by January 2021 .
“ Operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world , ” said Trump , who was joined by Vice President Mike Pence and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar .
Pfizer announced on Nov. 9 that the coronavirus vaccine it is developing was more than 90 % effective and did not produce safety concerns during its large-scale trial .
Azar said in October that he expected a coronavirus vaccine to be available for vulnerable Americans by January , according to The Hill .
He added that more Americans will have access to the vaccine by April .

One of President-elect Joe Biden’s top coronavirus advisers said Sunday that implementing a national lockdown would be a “measure of last resort” in a Biden administration.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, who previously served as U.S. Surgeon General between 2014 and 2017, made the comments about a potential national lockdown on “Fox News Sunday,” according to CNBC. Murthy is one of three co-chairs who were named to President-elect Joe Biden’s coronavirus panel, according to The Washington Post.
“That’s a measure of last resort,” Murthy said, noting that any lockdown would be implemented differently than the sweeping lockdowns put in place in the spring, according to CNBC.
“In the spring we didn’t know a lot about Covid, we responded, in a sense, with an on-off switch,” Murthy continued, CNBC reported. “We just shut things down because we didn’t know exactly how this was spreading and where it was spreading, but we learned a lot more since then.”
Dr. Michael Osterholm, another Biden health adviser, said Wednesday that a 4-6 week lockdown could curb the spread of coronavirus and reinvigorate the economy.
“We could pay for a package right now to cover all of the wages, lost wages for individual workers, for losses to small companies, to medium-sized companies or city, state, county governments,” Osterholm told Yahoo Finance. “If we did that, then we could lock down for four to six weeks.”
Osterholm later walked back his comments, according to ABC News.
Average coronavirus cases and deaths per million have been increasing rapidly since mid-October, according to The COVID Tracking Project and The Financial Times. On Saturday, the U.S. reported 1,321 new coronavirus-related deaths and 163,473 new cases while 69,455 Americans remained hospitalized from the virus.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump celebrated the progress of Operation Warp Speed, the federal government’s multiagency effort to produce a coronavirus vaccine quickly, during a news conference Friday. The goal of the operation has been to produce 300 million doses of “safe and effective vaccines” by January 2021.
“Operation Warp Speed is unequaled and unrivaled anywhere in the world,” said Trump, who was joined by Vice President Mike Pence and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. Pfizer announced on Nov. 9 that the coronavirus vaccine it is developing was more than 90% effective and did not produce safety concerns during its large-scale trial. Azar said in October that he expected a coronavirus vaccine to be available for vulnerable Americans by January, according to The Hill. He added that more Americans will have access to the vaccine by April.


truepundit--2020-11-16--‘Not The Way The Economy Works’: Mississippi Governor Refuses To Participate In Possible Nationwide

‘Not The Way The Economy Works’: Mississippi Governor Refuses To Participate In Possible Nationwide COVID-19 Lockdown

Republican Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves said his state is “ not gon na participate in a nationwide lockdown , ” as coronavirus cases surge throughout the nation and some areas have re-issued COVID-19 mandates .
“ The fact is , we ’ re gon na try to work with whomever the president is , but we ’ re not gon na participate in a nationwide lockdown , ” Reeves said in a Thursday press conference , according to Fox News .
“ The people of Mississippi can ’ t just go home , shut down their small business , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their gyms …and just think that you can come back six weeks from now , flip a switch and everything ’ s gon na be fine , ” he continued .
“ That ’ s not the way the economy works.
” One of president-elect Joe Biden ’ s COVID-19 advisers on Wednesday said a four-to-six-week nationwide lockdown may curb the spread of the virus in an interview with Yahoo Finance , according to a separate Fox report .
Reeves appeared to oppose such a measure .
“ If we work together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this virus , ” he said , according to Fox .
“ There is nothing that we can do that is foolproof .
There is no mitigation measure that we can do that guarantees the elimination of the virus.
” “ And so what we ’ re talking about is trying to attack it in a number of different ways while we do not allow for the shutdown of our economy , ” he continued .
The governor , despite his opposition to a lockdown , renewed the state ’ s mask mandate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties , according to WTVA .
The city of Chicago also recently issued a stay-at-home advisory , which takes effect on Monday , urging residents to leave their homes only for essential reasons , according to WGN9 .
Authorities also mandated that private gatherings be limited to six people ahead of Thanksgiving , the local outlet reported .

Republican Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said his state is “not gonna participate in a nationwide lockdown,” as coronavirus cases surge throughout the nation and some areas have re-issued COVID-19 mandates.
“The fact is, we’re gonna try to work with whomever the president is, but we’re not gonna participate in a nationwide lockdown,” Reeves said in a Thursday press conference, according to Fox News.
“The people of Mississippi can’t just go home, shut down their small business, shut down their restaurants, shut down their gyms …and just think that you can come back six weeks from now, flip a switch and everything’s gonna be fine,” he continued. “That’s not the way the economy works.”
The governor said if former Vice President Joe Biden becomes president, not much will change in regards to COVID-19. He added Mississippi will not participate in a nationwide shutdown. https://t.co/lIX2R5i2zI — WJTV 12 News (@WJTV) November 12, 2020
One of president-elect Joe Biden’s COVID-19 advisers on Wednesday said a four-to-six-week nationwide lockdown may curb the spread of the virus in an interview with Yahoo Finance, according to a separate Fox report. Reeves appeared to oppose such a measure.
“If we work together, we can truly slow the spread of this virus,” he said, according to Fox. “There is nothing that we can do that is foolproof. There is no mitigation measure that we can do that guarantees the elimination of the virus.”
“And so what we’re talking about is trying to attack it in a number of different ways while we do not allow for the shutdown of our economy,” he continued.
The governor, despite his opposition to a lockdown, renewed the state’s mask mandate on Wednesday for a total of 15 counties, according to WTVA.
The city of Chicago also recently issued a stay-at-home advisory, which takes effect on Monday, urging residents to leave their homes only for essential reasons, according to WGN9. Authorities also mandated that private gatherings be limited to six people ahead of Thanksgiving, the local outlet reported.


truepundit--2020-11-16--St. Olaf College Urges Students Not To Kiss While Having Sex Due To COVID-19

St. Olaf College encouraged students to “ avoid kissing ” while having sex to reduce spreading coronavirus , according to a photo provided to The Daily Caller News Foundation .
The Minnesota college ’ s flyer also urged students to “ wear a mask , ” “ steer clear of partners with symptoms of COVID-19 , ” “ reduce your number of sexual partners ” and “ use barrier protection like internal/external condoms , as well as dental dams , ” according to the picture provided to the DCNF .
The flyer also reportedly listed various “ sex hygiene ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands and your sex toys ( before and after sex ) with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds , ” the picture provided to the DCNF said .
“ Check in with yourself mentally to make sure that everything still feels comfortable and okay .
It is important to keep up with your mental sex hygiene as well , ” the picture of the poster provided to the DCNF said .
The poster gave an example of how to “ set clear boundaries ” and provided example questions for people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Acknowledge and respect each other ’ s boundaries , ” the poster said .
The college flyer also recommended students “ have a conversation with your roomate ( s ) about what each person is comfortable with since you are sharing a space.
” St. Olaf College didn ’ t immediately respond to the DCNF ’ s request for comment .

St. Olaf College encouraged students to “avoid kissing” while having sex to reduce spreading coronavirus, according to a photo provided to The Daily Caller News Foundation.
The Minnesota college’s flyer also urged students to “wear a mask,” “steer clear of partners with symptoms of COVID-19,” “reduce your number of sexual partners” and “use barrier protection like internal/external condoms, as well as dental dams,” according to the picture provided to the DCNF. The flyer also reportedly listed various “sex hygiene” recommendations.
“Remember to wash your hands and your sex toys (before and after sex) with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds,” the picture provided to the DCNF said.
“Check in with yourself mentally to make sure that everything still feels comfortable and okay. It is important to keep up with your mental sex hygiene as well,” the picture of the poster provided to the DCNF said.
The poster gave an example of how to “set clear boundaries” and provided example questions for people who are having sex to ask each other.
“Acknowledge and respect each other’s boundaries,” the poster said.
The college flyer also recommended students “have a conversation with your roomate(s) about what each person is comfortable with since you are sharing a space.”
St. Olaf College didn’t immediately respond to the DCNF’s request for comment.


truepundit--2020-11-16--Northam Restricts Large Groups, Night Drinking, Expands Mask Mandate Ahead Of Thanksgiving

Democratic Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam announced new coronavirus restrictions Friday , only a few weeks ahead of Thanksgiving .
“ COVID-19 is surging across the country , and while cases are not rising in Virginia as rapidly as in some other states , I do not intend to wait until they are .
We are acting now to prevent this health crisis from getting worse , ” the governor said in a statement .
He continued : “ Everyone is tired of this pandemic and restrictions on our lives .
I ’ m tired , and I know you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw earlier this year , these mitigation measures work .
I am confident that we can come together as one Commonwealth to get this virus under control and save lives.
” The new restrictions limit large groups to 25 people or less , both indoors and outdoors , and requires all Virginians ages five and older to wear face coverings inside public spaces .
This expands the previous mandate , which only required masks for children 10 and older .
The announcement also threatens to enforce statewide guidelines for “ physical distancing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in essential businesses as a Class One misdemeanor and prohibits the sale “ on-site sale , consumption , and possession of alcohol ” after 10 pm in restaurants , breweries , wineries , and more .
“ All restaurants , dining establishments , food courts , breweries , microbreweries , distilleries , wineries , and tasting rooms must close by midnight , ” the release said .
“ Virginia law does not distinguish between restaurants and bars , however , under current restrictions , individuals that choose to consume alcohol prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a restaurant and remain seated at tables six feet apart .
” The measures go into effect at midnight on Sunday , November 15 .

Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced new coronavirus restrictions Friday, only a few weeks ahead of Thanksgiving.
“COVID-19 is surging across the country, and while cases are not rising in Virginia as rapidly as in some other states, I do not intend to wait until they are. We are acting now to prevent this health crisis from getting worse,” the governor said in a statement.
He continued: “Everyone is tired of this pandemic and restrictions on our lives. I’m tired, and I know you are tired too. But as we saw earlier this year, these mitigation measures work. I am confident that we can come together as one Commonwealth to get this virus under control and save lives.”
BREAKING: Governor Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) Announces New Statewide Measures to Contain COVID-19. @NBC12 pic.twitter.com/dxj3Gx8D5a — Henry Graff (@HenryGraff) November 13, 2020
The new restrictions limit large groups to 25 people or less, both indoors and outdoors, and requires all Virginians ages five and older to wear face coverings inside public spaces. This expands the previous mandate, which only required masks for children 10 and older.
The announcement also threatens to enforce statewide guidelines for “physical distancing, wearing face coverings, and enhanced cleaning” in essential businesses as a Class One misdemeanor and prohibits the sale “on-site sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol” after 10 pm in restaurants, breweries, wineries, and more.
“All restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms must close by midnight,” the release said. “Virginia law does not distinguish between restaurants and bars, however, under current restrictions, individuals that choose to consume alcohol prior to 10:00 p.m. must be served as in a restaurant and remain seated at tables six feet apart. ”
The measures go into effect at midnight on Sunday, November 15.


truepundit--2020-11-16--Washington University To Bar Students From Campus That Travel Too Far For Thanksgiving

Washington University in St. Louis will reportedly bar students that travel out of the immediate region of the college for Thanksgiving from campus buildings .
All undergraduates at the Missouri institution have been mandated to fill out a travel form ahead of the holiday and those that indicate they will be venturing more than 60 miles away from the university will face student ID deactivation , according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch .
The school also plans to lock traveling students out of campus facilities for the rest of the Fall semester and require their coursework be done remotely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we have had to make a change to our guidance surrounding the Thanksgiving Break and we are returning to our original requirement that students can make a choice – to remain here in St. Louis for the Thanksgiving Break and complete the final three weeks of the fall semester in-person and on-campus , or travel home and complete the final three weeks remotely , ” the university wrote in a Thursday statement .
The school ’ s “ original requirement ” stated that “ students who travel outside of the St. Louis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be allowed to return to campus and will have to complete their courses remotely , ” according to a September release from the institution .
Toward the end of September , the school changed its “ original requirement ” and instead issued a strong recommendation against traveling outside of the region for the holiday , according to the release .
However , college executives have since returned to their original stance on the issue following an “ increase in cases ” in the “ student community , ” according to the school ’ @ @ @ @

Washington University in St. Louis will reportedly bar students that travel out of the immediate region of the college for Thanksgiving from campus buildings.
All undergraduates at the Missouri institution have been mandated to fill out a travel form ahead of the holiday and those that indicate they will be venturing more than 60 miles away from the university will face student ID deactivation, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The school also plans to lock traveling students out of campus facilities for the rest of the Fall semester and require their coursework be done remotely, the local outlet reported.
“Unfortunately, we have had to make a change to our guidance surrounding the Thanksgiving Break and we are returning to our original requirement that students can make a choice – to remain here in St. Louis for the Thanksgiving Break and complete the final three weeks of the fall semester in-person and on-campus, or travel home and complete the final three weeks remotely,” the university wrote in a Thursday statement.
“I think that now, [coronavirus spread] really is being driven right by our collective behaviors, even more so than it was before.” Dr. Elvin Geng, an epidemiologist at WashU, weighs in on the surge in COVID-19 cases in the St.Louis region. https://t.co/g25tIT2qgh — Washington University in St. Louis (@WUSTL) November 12, 2020
The school’s “original requirement” stated that “students who travel outside of the St. Louis region during the Thanksgiving break will not be allowed to return to campus and will have to complete their courses remotely,” according to a September release from the institution.
Toward the end of September, the school changed its “original requirement” and instead issued a strong recommendation against traveling outside of the region for the holiday, according to the release. However, college executives have since returned to their original stance on the issue following an “increase in cases” in the “student community,” according to the school’s Thursday guidance.


truepundit--2020-11-16--Epstein Victims Attorney Says Feds Prematurely Rushed To Shut Down Investigation Through Sweetheart

Epstein Victims Attorney Says Feds Prematurely Rushed To Shut Down Investigation Through Sweetheart Deal

• An attorney representing Epstein victims said that former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta shut down an Epstein investigation though the FBI was aware that Epstein ’ s Florida crimes might be just the tip of the iceberg .
• In the best case scenario , the FBI was “ willfully ignorant or just flat ignorant , ” Attorney Spencer Kuvin said .
But worst case scenario , he warned , the sweetheart deal was the product of conversations between federal officials and Epstein ’ s lawyers that have not been made public .
• “ To say that the FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , doesn ’ t really hold water , ” Kuvin said .
“ They would ’ ve had to have been so inept to think that this stopped at the gates of Epstein ’ s Palm Beach mansion.
” Former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta shut down an investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein though the FBI was aware that Epstein may have committed crimes outside of Florida , an attorney for Epstein victims told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ If they knew that there were over 40 young girls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beach , I find it incredibly hard to believe they would think that he would then just stop when he left Palm Beach , ” attorney Spencer Kuvin told the DCNF .
The Department of Justice released an executive summary of a report from the Office of Professional Responsibility ( OPR ) Thursday that found “ poor judgement ” but no “ misconduct ” in Acosta ’ s decision to scrap an Epstein investigation through a Sept. 24 , 2007 non-prosecution agreement ( NPA ) .
Acosta also formerly served as labor secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his position in 2019 amid scrutiny over his handling of the Epstein case .
The DOJ opened an investigation into how it handled the Epstein deal following an extensive 2018 report by the Miami Herald accusing Acosta of making an “ extraordinary ” deal with Epstein — the NPA .
Epstein ’ s victims and the victims ’ attorneys were interviewed as part of the investigation , according to the report summary .
Kuvin , one of the lawyers questioned by the DOJ during the investigation , told the DCNF that the FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they conducted the investigation in 2006 and 2007 .
“ I know from clients I ’ ve represented that a couple of the women that the FBI spoke to were very clear about the fact that they had been requested to travel to Mr. Epstein ’ s home in New York as well as his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands , ” Kuvin told the DCNF .
“ And at least a few of these victims had traveled to those separate locations.
” At the very least , the FBI should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have included Epstein ’ s other homes in the Virgin Islands , New Mexico , and New York , the attorney told the DCNF .
The best case scenario is that the FBI was “ willfully ignorant or just flat ignorant , ” Kuvin said .
But the worst case scenario , he warned , is that the NPA was the product of conversations between federal officials and Epstein ’ s lawyers that have not been made public .
Kuvin referred to Acosta ’ s infamous October 2007 breakfast conversation with Epstein lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its report that it found no evidence that this breakfast meeting impacted the NPA , which according to the report had been signed weeks earlier .
The NPA was an awful deal considering what officials knew about Epstein ’ s crimes in Palm Beach , according to Kuvin .
But he emphasized that the NPA was an “ atrocious deal ” considering that Epstein ’ s crimes may have been global , noting that Epstein owned a home in Paris , France .
“ To say that the FBI was ignorant and just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t really hold water , ” he added .
“ They would ’ ve had to have been so inept to think that this stopped at the gates of Epstein ’ s Palm Beach mansion.
” Kuvin laid most of the blame on Acosta ’ s office , saying , “ He ’ s the one who set the tone and tenor for the entire investigation.
” “ He ’ s the one that should have gone to the FBI and said , ‘ We need to look into this a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that Acosta should have said , “ Wait a minute .
You mean to tell me he ’ s got a house in New York , a mansion up there , he ’ s got an Island , a private Island down in the Bahamas .
And that we have a couple of witnesses who have said that they ’ ve traveled to those locations ?
We need to expand out and look at those locations.
” “ What about instituting a search warrant on his New York mansion back in 2007 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ search warrant on the private Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands ?
” Kuvin asked .
“ None of that was done.
” The U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in New York arrested Epstein on “ one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors ” in July 2019 , according to the summary of the report .
The charges relate to Epstein ’ s trafficking of minors for sex in both Florida and New York in 2002-2005 , years before the investigation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged that from 2002 until 2005 , Epstein created a vast network of underage victims in both New York and Florida whom he sexually abused and exploited , ” the report said .
“ In arguing for Epstein ’ s pretrial detention , prosecutors asserted that agents searching Epstein ’ s Manhattan residence found thousands of photos of nude and half-nude females , including at least one believed to be a minor.
” Acosta participated in both the drafting and the approval of the NPA and “ accepted responsibility for it , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The summary blames Acosta for the NPA and the actions of those who implemented the NPA , specifically for failing to notify victims of the agreement .
Kuvin said that the DOJ report painted Acosta as inept — the best case scenario for Acosta , the attorney said .
“ Best case scenario for Mr. Acosta , he was awful at what he did for a living and he knew he was on the way out , ” Kuvin said .
“ So he just didn ’ t care .
I mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OPR investigation is that he clearly didn ’ t do what he should have done .
And he was negligent in his handling of this case.
” “ Absolute worst case scenario , maybe he wasn ’ t inept , ” Kuvin added .
“ Maybe there was some type of nefarious motive that we just will never know .
Obviously when they interviewed him , he wanted to cover his rear .
And the only thing that the OPR could do is talk to people .
So if people aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they didn ’ t put anything in writing and emails or otherwise there ’ s no way to know.
” The FBI and the DOJ did not immediately respond to Friday requests for comment from the DCNF .
Epstein died of apparent suicide in a federal jail in New York City in 2019 at the age of 66 .
His longtime companion Ghislaine Maxwell , who has been accused of involvement in Epstein ’ s crimes against young women , was arrested by the FBI in July .

An attorney representing Epstein victims said that former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta shut down an Epstein investigation though the FBI was aware that Epstein’s Florida crimes might be just the tip of the iceberg.
In the best case scenario, the FBI was “willfully ignorant or just flat ignorant,” Attorney Spencer Kuvin said. But worst case scenario, he warned, the sweetheart deal was the product of conversations between federal officials and Epstein’s lawyers that have not been made public.
“To say that the FBI was ignorant and just didn’t know, doesn’t really hold water,” Kuvin said. “They would’ve had to have been so inept to think that this stopped at the gates of Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion.”
Former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta shut down an investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein though the FBI was aware that Epstein may have committed crimes outside of Florida, an attorney for Epstein victims told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
“If they knew that there were over 40 young girls who’ve been abused in Palm Beach, I find it incredibly hard to believe they would think that he would then just stop when he left Palm Beach,” attorney Spencer Kuvin told the DCNF.
The Department of Justice released an executive summary of a report from the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) Thursday that found “poor judgement” but no “misconduct” in Acosta’s decision to scrap an Epstein investigation through a Sept. 24, 2007 non-prosecution agreement (NPA). Acosta also formerly served as labor secretary in the Trump administration but resigned from his position in 2019 amid scrutiny over his handling of the Epstein case.
The DOJ opened an investigation into how it handled the Epstein deal following an extensive 2018 report by the Miami Herald accusing Acosta of making an “extraordinary” deal with Epstein — the NPA.
Epstein’s victims and the victims’ attorneys were interviewed as part of the investigation, according to the report summary.
Kuvin, one of the lawyers questioned by the DOJ during the investigation, told the DCNF that the FBI spoke with over 40 young women when they conducted the investigation in 2006 and 2007.
“I know from clients I’ve represented that a couple of the women that the FBI spoke to were very clear about the fact that they had been requested to travel to Mr. Epstein’s home in New York as well as his home in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Kuvin told the DCNF. “And at least a few of these victims had traveled to those separate locations.”
At the very least, the FBI should have conducted a more broad investigation that would have included Epstein’s other homes in the Virgin Islands, New Mexico, and New York, the attorney told the DCNF.
The best case scenario is that the FBI was “willfully ignorant or just flat ignorant,” Kuvin said. But the worst case scenario, he warned, is that the NPA was the product of conversations between federal officials and Epstein’s lawyers that have not been made public.
Kuvin referred to Acosta’s infamous October 2007 breakfast conversation with Epstein lawyer Jay Lefkowitz. The OPR said in its report that it found no evidence that this breakfast meeting impacted the NPA, which according to the report had been signed weeks earlier.
The NPA was an awful deal considering what officials knew about Epstein’s crimes in Palm Beach, according to Kuvin. But he emphasized that the NPA was an “atrocious deal” considering that Epstein’s crimes may have been global, noting that Epstein owned a home in Paris, France.
“To say that the FBI was ignorant and just didn’t know, doesn’t really hold water,” he added. “They would’ve had to have been so inept to think that this stopped at the gates of Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion.”
Kuvin laid most of the blame on Acosta’s office, saying, “He’s the one who set the tone and tenor for the entire investigation.”
“He’s the one that should have gone to the FBI and said, ‘We need to look into this a little bit further,’” Kuvin said, adding that Acosta should have said, “Wait a minute. You mean to tell me he’s got a house in New York, a mansion up there, he’s got an Island, a private Island down in the Bahamas. And that we have a couple of witnesses who have said that they’ve traveled to those locations? We need to expand out and look at those locations.”
“What about instituting a search warrant on his New York mansion back in 2007, 2008? What about instituting a search warrant on the private Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands?” Kuvin asked. “None of that was done.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York arrested Epstein on “one count of sex trafficking of minors and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors” in July 2019, according to the summary of the report. The charges relate to Epstein’s trafficking of minors for sex in both Florida and New York in 2002-2005, years before the investigation that Acosta shut down.
“The indictment alleged that from 2002 until 2005, Epstein created a vast network of underage victims in both New York and Florida whom he sexually abused and exploited,” the report said. “In arguing for Epstein’s pretrial detention, prosecutors asserted that agents searching Epstein’s Manhattan residence found thousands of photos of nude and half-nude females, including at least one believed to be a minor.”
Acosta participated in both the drafting and the approval of the NPA and “accepted responsibility for it,” according to the summary of the report. The summary blames Acosta for the NPA and the actions of those who implemented the NPA, specifically for failing to notify victims of the agreement.
Kuvin said that the DOJ report painted Acosta as inept — the best case scenario for Acosta, the attorney said.
“Best case scenario for Mr. Acosta, he was awful at what he did for a living and he knew he was on the way out,” Kuvin said. “So he just didn’t care. I mean, that’s clear from the OPR investigation is that he clearly didn’t do what he should have done. And he was negligent in his handling of this case.”
“Absolute worst case scenario, maybe he wasn’t inept,” Kuvin added. “Maybe there was some type of nefarious motive that we just will never know. Obviously when they interviewed him, he wanted to cover his rear. And the only thing that the OPR could do is talk to people. So if people aren’t willing to tell the full story and they didn’t put anything in writing and emails or otherwise there’s no way to know.”
The FBI and the DOJ did not immediately respond to Friday requests for comment from the DCNF.
Epstein died of apparent suicide in a federal jail in New York City in 2019 at the age of 66. His longtime companion Ghislaine Maxwell, who has been accused of involvement in Epstein’s crimes against young women, was arrested by the FBI in July.


truepundit--2020-11-16--New York Times ‘Unaccepts’ AP Call For Democrat In New Jersey House Race, Republican Has Gained 20,0

New York Times ‘Unaccepts’ AP Call For Democrat In New Jersey House Race, Republican Has Gained 20,000 Votes

The New York Times unaccepted The Associated Press ’ call in a New Jersey congressional race Thursday in which the incumbent Democrat has seen his lead steadily decline over the course of the past week .
The race between incumbent Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski and Republican Thomas Kean Jr. for New Jersey ’ s 7th congressional district has tightened by more than 20,000 votes since Nov. 3 , according to New Jersey Globe editor David Wildstein .
While The New York Times automatically accepts most of the election projections made by The Associated Press , it sometimes differs if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For most House races , we automatically accept the race calls made by The Associated Press , ” Times spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha told The Daily Caller News Foundation in an email .
“ However , we sometimes take a more cautious approach , particularly given the complexity of the voting in this pandemic year.
” “ We believe the A.P.
’ s call in this race may have been premature , so we have unaccepted it for now and will continue to monitor results , ” she continued .
The AP , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 and hasn ’ t retracted its call , told Wildstein that it is currently monitoring the situation .
“ The Associated Press continues to watch and analyze vote count results from New Jersey ’ s 7th Congressional District as they come in , ” an AP spokesman told Wildstein .
“ We will follow the facts in all cases.
” Malinowksi ’ s lead , which had been 28,412 last week , shrank to 6,275 Thursday .
As of Friday afternoon , Malinowksi ’ s lead had been reduced to 5,496 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes have been tallied and 38,000 remain uncounted , The New Jersey Globe reported .
“ Thank you to the voters of the 7th district for demanding that your candidates run on substance , civility , and moral clarity about the issues facing America , ” Malinowksi tweeted on Nov. 4 , declaring victory .
Kean , who has been the New Jersey State Senate Republican leader since 2008 , hasn ’ t commented on the tightening race .
Cook Political Report had rated the race “ Lean Democratic ” and FiveThirtyEight gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-election .
Both the National Republican Congressional Committee and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee targeted the seat prior to the election .
Malinowski defeated former Republican Rep. Leonard Lance in 2018 by more than 16,000 votes , according to Ballotpedia .
Lance had held the seat since 2009 .
The Times endorsed Malinowski in October .
“ It ’ s hard to find a member of Congress better suited to serve the country than Representative Tom Malinowski , ” the Times editorial board wrote .
The AP didn ’ t immediately respond to requests @ @ @

The New York Times unaccepted The Associated Press’ call in a New Jersey congressional race Thursday in which the incumbent Democrat has seen his lead steadily decline over the course of the past week.
The race between incumbent Democratic Rep. Tom Malinowski and Republican Thomas Kean Jr. for New Jersey’s 7th congressional district has tightened by more than 20,000 votes since Nov. 3, according to New Jersey Globe editor David Wildstein. While The New York Times automatically accepts most of the election projections made by The Associated Press, it sometimes differs if it disagrees, a spokesperson said.
“For most House races, we automatically accept the race calls made by The Associated Press,” Times spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha told The Daily Caller News Foundation in an email. “However, we sometimes take a more cautious approach, particularly given the complexity of the voting in this pandemic year.”
“We believe the A.P.’s call in this race may have been premature, so we have unaccepted it for now and will continue to monitor results,” she continued.
The Morris County Clerk added one extra vote to Tom Malinowski and Tom Kean Jr. today, different from what the Board of Elections reported last night. Adding the new votes until I can determine where the two came from. https://t.co/VLNGjlfHME pic.twitter.com/9HTtMNZwst — David Wildstein (@wildstein) November 13, 2020
The AP, which called the race early on Nov. 4 and hasn’t retracted its call, told Wildstein that it is currently monitoring the situation.
“The Associated Press continues to watch and analyze vote count results from New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District as they come in,” an AP spokesman told Wildstein. “We will follow the facts in all cases.”
Malinowksi’s lead, which had been 28,412 last week, shrank to 6,275 Thursday. As of Friday afternoon, Malinowksi’s lead had been reduced to 5,496, according to the Times.
About 400,000 votes have been tallied and 38,000 remain uncounted, The New Jersey Globe reported.
“Thank you to the voters of the 7th district for demanding that your candidates run on substance, civility, and moral clarity about the issues facing America,” Malinowksi tweeted on Nov. 4, declaring victory.
The New York Times has now pulled back their call for Malinowski in NJ-7. https://t.co/h0L8ZOol9C — David Wildstein (@wildstein) November 12, 2020
Kean, who has been the New Jersey State Senate Republican leader since 2008, hasn’t commented on the tightening race.
Cook Political Report had rated the race “Lean Democratic” and FiveThirtyEight gave Malinowksi a 76% chance to win re-election. Both the National Republican Congressional Committee and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee targeted the seat prior to the election.
Malinowski defeated former Republican Rep. Leonard Lance in 2018 by more than 16,000 votes, according to Ballotpedia. Lance had held the seat since 2009.
The Times endorsed Malinowski in October.
“It’s hard to find a member of Congress better suited to serve the country than Representative Tom Malinowski,” the Times editorial board wrote.
The AP didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.


truepundit--2020-11-16--Portland Mayor Amends City Charter To Be ‘More Inclusive Of All Gender Identities’

Portland will remove the terms “ he or she ” , “ his or her ” and “ himself or @ @ @ @ @ with gender neutral language , according to OPB .
Terms like “ policewoman ” and @ @ @ @ @ also be nixed from the charter , the local outlet reported .
The Democrat won @ @ @ @ @ a lead of around 19,000 votes , according to a separate OPB report .
Voters @ @ @ @ @ of months of unrest that followed the death of George Floyd , who died after @ @ @ @ @ on his neck for over eight minutes , video showed .
Both Philadelphia and Tulsa @ @ @ @ @ language from their city charters this year , according to Fox News .
In 2017 @ @ @ @ @ state in the nation to allow residents to select a third sex option , X @ @ @ @ @ licenses as opposed to the typical M or F , representing male or female , @ @ @

Portland will remove the terms “he or she”, “his or her” and “himself or herself” to be replaced with gender neutral language, according to OPB. Terms like “policewoman” and “police matron” will also be nixed from the charter, the local outlet reported.
The Democrat won re-election on Nov. 3 with a lead of around 19,000 votes, according to a separate OPB report. Voters chose Wheeler on the heels of months of unrest that followed the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for over eight minutes, video showed.
Both Philadelphia and Tulsa, Oklahoma, nixed gendered language from their city charters this year, according to Fox News. In 2017, Oregon became the first state in the nation to allow residents to select a third sex option, X, on driver’s licenses as opposed to the typical M or F, representing male or female, Fox reported.


truepundit--2020-11-16--Collateral Damage? CDC Admits COVID Lockdowns Sparked Surge In Children’s Mental Health Issues

As Joe Biden ’ s COVID advisory team begin to set the narrative for Americans to accept a very strict nationwide lockdown for up to six weeks “ because the scientists say so , ” the CDC has unleashed some rather painful ‘ science ’ exposing the collateral damage that tyrannical lockdowns have caused among the youngest members of our society… who can ’ t even vote to ‘ throw the bums out ’ who put them in this situation .
Disruptions to daily life during the pandemic lockdowns , anxiety about contracting COVID-19 , and social isolation are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health , a report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests .
The report , based on information from a subset of hospitals in 47 states , “ provides timely surveillance data concerning children ’ s mental health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
” As pandemic mitigation techniques were implemented to varying degrees of tyranny depending on the governor ’ s political orientation , the average weekly numbers of children ’ s emergency department visits for mental health-related reasons soared .
Compared with 2019 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24 % .
and 31 % , respectively .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

As Joe Biden’s COVID advisory team begin to set the narrative for Americans to accept a very strict nationwide lockdown for up to six weeks “because the scientists say so,” the CDC has unleashed some rather painful ‘science’ exposing the collateral damage that tyrannical lockdowns have caused among the youngest members of our society… who can’t even vote to ‘throw the bums out’ who put them in this situation.
Disruptions to daily life during the pandemic lockdowns, anxiety about contracting COVID-19, and social isolation are all taking a toll on children’s mental health, a report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests.
The report, based on information from a subset of hospitals in 47 states, “provides timely surveillance data concerning children’s mental health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
As pandemic mitigation techniques were implemented to varying degrees of tyranny depending on the governor’s political orientation, the average weekly numbers of children’s emergency department visits for mental health-related reasons soared.
Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental health–related visits for children aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24%. and 31%, respectively. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-11-16--‘Poor Judgement’: DOJ Finds No ‘Misconduct’ In Prosecutor’s Decision To Scrap Investigation Into Eps

‘Poor Judgement’: DOJ Finds No ‘Misconduct’ In Prosecutor’s Decision To Scrap Investigation Into Epstein’s Child Sex Trafficking

• A Department of Justice report released Thursday found “ poor judgment ” but no “ misconduct ” in former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta ’ s decision to scrap an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein ’ s sex trafficking .
• The report suggests that Acosta ’ s actions “ created the misimpression ” that the DOJ sought to “ silence the victims ” and that Acosta “ failed to ensure that victims were treated with forthrightness and dignity.
” • The DOJ “ concludes that the subjects did not commit professional misconduct with respect to the development , negotiation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report said .
The Department of Justice found “ poor judgement ” but “ misconduct ” in former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta ’ s decision to scrap an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein ’ s sex trafficking , according to a report released Thursday .
The DOJ ’ s Office of Professional Responsibility ( OPR ) released an executive summary of the report , which said Acosta “ exercised poor judgment ” by failing to make sure that the state would notify Epstein ’ s victims about the non-prosecution agreement ( NPA ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that resolved the federal investigation , ” according to the report .
Acosta ’ s actions “ created the misimpression ” that the DOJ sought to “ silence the victims , ” according to the report , and Acosta “ failed to ensure that victims were treated with forthrightness and dignity.
” “ OPR concludes that the subjects did not commit professional misconduct with respect to the development , negotiation , and approval of the NPA , ” the report said .
It added that “ OPR found no clear and unambiguous standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal charges or that prohibited his decision to defer prosecution to the state.
” “ Furthermore , none of the individual terms of the NPA violated Department or other applicable standards , ” the report continued .
Florida ’ s Palm Beach Police Department brought a case involving a 14-year-old girl giving Epstein a massage before the State Attorney ’ s Office , according to the report .
A Palm Beach County grand jury indicted Epstein for felony solicitation of prostitution on July 19 , 2006 .
But the Pam Beach police chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with how the State Attorney ’ s Office handled the case , believing that the state grand jury did not fully address Epstein ’ s crimes , according to the report .
They referred the case to the FBI , which brought it to an unnamed assistant U.S. attorney ( AUSA ) .
The AUSA “ worked with two FBI case agents to develop a federal case against Epstein and , in the course of the investigation , they discovered additional victims , ” the report said .
With her supervisor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the AUSA drafted a “ 60-count indictment outlining charges against Epstein , ” which she submitted in May 2007 to her supervisors .
“ She also provided a lengthy memorandum summarizing the evidence she had assembled in support of the charges and addressing the legal issues related to the proposed charges , ” the report said .
“ For several weeks following submission of the prosecution memorandum and proposed indictment , the AUSA ’ s supervisors reviewed the case to determine how to proceed.
” Despite this lengthy draft indictment , the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal on July 31 , 2017 : If Epstein agreed to plead guilty to state charges , serve a minimum of two years ’ incarceration , and register as a sex offender , the U.S. attorney ’ s office would end its investigation .
The deal would also allow Epstein , four of his named co-conspirators , and “ any potential co-conspirators ” to avoid federal prosecution in the Southern District of Florida , according to the report .
“ Victims were not informed of , or consulted about , a potential state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing , ” the report said .
Acosta participated in both the drafting and the approval of the NPA and “ accepted responsibility for it , ” according to the report .
The report blames Acosta for the NPA and the actions of those who implemented the NPA , specifically for failing to notify victims of the agreement .
Epstein pleaded guilty after he learned on June 28 , 2008 , that the Office of the Deputy Attorney General would not and was sentenced to “ consecutive terms of 12 months ’ incarceration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ incarceration on the procurement charge , followed by 12 months of community control.
” Epstein ultimately served less than 13 months , the report said .
The NPA was not made public until September 2009 after victims and members of the news media filed suit .
Following an extensive 2018 report by the Miami Herald accusing Acosta of making an “ extraordinary ” deal with Epstein — the NPA — Sen. Ben Sasse called on the DOJ to investigate how it had handled the Epstein deal .
The DOJ advised the Nebraska @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had opened an investigation into this matter .
The DOJ briefed Sasse over the phone Thursday on the completion of the DOJ ’ s investigation into Epstein ’ s deal and the findings of the executive summary , Sasse spokesman James Wegman told the Daily Caller News Foundation Thursday afternoon .
“ Letting a well-connected billionaire get away with child rape and international sex trafficking isn ’ t ‘ poor judgment ’ — it is a disgusting failure , ” Sasse said in a Thursday statement .
“ Americans ought to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind bars today , but the Justice Department failed Epstein ’ s victims at every turn.
” “ The DOJ ’ s crooked deal with Epstein effectively shut down investigations into his child sex trafficking ring and protected his co-conspirators in other states , ” Sasse continued .
“ Justice has not been served.
” “ The full report needs to be released to the public , ” Sasse said .
“ OPR might have finished its report , but we have an obligation to make sure this never happens again.
” Acosta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration as labor secretary in 2019 amid scrutiny over how he handled the Epstein case .
Epstein died of apparent suicide in a federal jail in New York City in 2019 at the age of 66 .
His longtime companion Ghislaine Maxwell , who has been accused of involvement in Epstein ’ s crimes against young women , was arrested by the FBI in July .
The FBI referred the DCNF to the DOJ , which did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the DCNF .
A DOJ press release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Department from releasing the full report publicly , but permits the report to be disclosed upon request to a congressional committee with jurisdiction over the matter , and this has been done .
”

A Department of Justice report released Thursday found “poor judgment” but no “misconduct” in former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta’s decision to scrap an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking.
The report suggests that Acosta’s actions “created the misimpression” that the DOJ sought to “silence the victims” and that Acosta “failed to ensure that victims were treated with forthrightness and dignity.”
The DOJ “concludes that the subjects did not commit professional misconduct with respect to the development, negotiation, and approval of the [non-prosecution agreement],” the report said.
The Department of Justice found “poor judgement” but “misconduct” in former U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta’s decision to scrap an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking, according to a report released Thursday.
The DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) released an executive summary of the report, which said Acosta “exercised poor judgment” by failing to make sure that the state would notify Epstein’s victims about the non-prosecution agreement (NPA). The NPA was “an important proceeding that resolved the federal investigation,” according to the report.
Acosta’s actions “created the misimpression” that the DOJ sought to “silence the victims,” according to the report, and Acosta “failed to ensure that victims were treated with forthrightness and dignity.”
“OPR concludes that the subjects did not commit professional misconduct with respect to the development, negotiation, and approval of the NPA,” the report said. It added that “OPR found no clear and unambiguous standard that required Acosta to indict Epstein on federal charges or that prohibited his decision to defer prosecution to the state.”
“Furthermore, none of the individual terms of the NPA violated Department or other applicable standards,” the report continued.
Florida’s Palm Beach Police Department brought a case involving a 14-year-old girl giving Epstein a massage before the State Attorney’s Office, according to the report. A Palm Beach County grand jury indicted Epstein for felony solicitation of prostitution on July 19, 2006.
But the Pam Beach police chief and lead detective “were dissatisfied” with how the State Attorney’s Office handled the case, believing that the state grand jury did not fully address Epstein’s crimes, according to the report. They referred the case to the FBI, which brought it to an unnamed assistant U.S. attorney (AUSA).
The AUSA “worked with two FBI case agents to develop a federal case against Epstein and, in the course of the investigation, they discovered additional victims,” the report said.
With her supervisor’s approval and Acosta’s knowledge, the AUSA drafted a “60-count indictment outlining charges against Epstein,” which she submitted in May 2007 to her supervisors.
“She also provided a lengthy memorandum summarizing the evidence she had assembled in support of the charges and addressing the legal issues related to the proposed charges,” the report said. “For several weeks following submission of the prosecution memorandum and proposed indictment, the AUSA’s supervisors reviewed the case to determine how to proceed.”
Despite this lengthy draft indictment, the U.S. attorney’s office offered Epstein a deal on July 31, 2017: If Epstein agreed to plead guilty to state charges, serve a minimum of two years’ incarceration, and register as a sex offender, the U.S. attorney’s office would end its investigation. The deal would also allow Epstein, four of his named co-conspirators, and “any potential co-conspirators” to avoid federal prosecution in the Southern District of Florida, according to the report.
“Victims were not informed of, or consulted about, a potential state resolution or the NPA prior to its signing,” the report said.
The NPA was signed Sept. 24, 2007.
Acosta participated in both the drafting and the approval of the NPA and “accepted responsibility for it,” according to the report. The report blames Acosta for the NPA and the actions of those who implemented the NPA, specifically for failing to notify victims of the agreement.
Epstein pleaded guilty after he learned on June 28, 2008, that the Office of the Deputy Attorney General would not and was sentenced to “consecutive terms of 12 months’ incarceration on the solicitation charge and 6 months’ incarceration on the procurement charge, followed by 12 months of community control.”
Epstein ultimately served less than 13 months, the report said. The NPA was not made public until September 2009 after victims and members of the news media filed suit.
Following an extensive 2018 report by the Miami Herald accusing Acosta of making an “extraordinary” deal with Epstein — the NPA — Sen. Ben Sasse called on the DOJ to investigate how it had handled the Epstein deal. The DOJ advised the Nebraska Republican on Feb. 6, 2019 that it had opened an investigation into this matter.
The DOJ briefed Sasse over the phone Thursday on the completion of the DOJ’s investigation into Epstein’s deal and the findings of the executive summary, Sasse spokesman James Wegman told the Daily Caller News Foundation Thursday afternoon.
“Letting a well-connected billionaire get away with child rape and international sex trafficking isn’t ‘poor judgment’ — it is a disgusting failure,” Sasse said in a Thursday statement. “Americans ought to be enraged. Jeffrey Epstein should be rotting behind bars today, but the Justice Department failed Epstein’s victims at every turn.”
“The DOJ’s crooked deal with Epstein effectively shut down investigations into his child sex trafficking ring and protected his co-conspirators in other states,” Sasse continued. “Justice has not been served.”
“The full report needs to be released to the public,” Sasse said. “OPR might have finished its report, but we have an obligation to make sure this never happens again.”
Acosta resigned from his position in the Trump administration as labor secretary in 2019 amid scrutiny over how he handled the Epstein case. Epstein died of apparent suicide in a federal jail in New York City in 2019 at the age of 66. His longtime companion Ghislaine Maxwell, who has been accused of involvement in Epstein’s crimes against young women, was arrested by the FBI in July.
The FBI referred the DCNF to the DOJ, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the DCNF. A DOJ press release noted that “the Privacy Act prohibits the Department from releasing the full report publicly, but permits the report to be disclosed upon request to a congressional committee with jurisdiction over the matter, and this has been done.”


truepundit--2020-11-16--Texas County Approves $2.5 Million Of Taxpayer Money For Illegal Immigrant Defense Fund

A Texas county approved over $ 2 million of taxpayer money for a spent legal services fund for illegal immigrants facing deportation , The Texan reported Wednesday .
The Harris County Commissioners Court voted 3-2 to allocate $ 2,050,000 over a two-year period to the Immigrant Legal Services Fund , an initiative of County Judge Lina Hidalgo , The Texan reported .
Hidalgo , a Democrat , requested $ 500,000 to finance the program for its first year when she proposed the fund in February 2019 .
Illegal immigrants without attorneys are deported 90 % of the time while those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the time , according to Hidalgo , The Texan reported .
“ So it just means that people who have a valid claim to be here and who of course contribute significantly to our economy are being deported not because they should , but simply because they don ’ t have the ability to present their valid claim , ” Hidalgo said , according to The Texan reported .
The county will hire a full-time assistant director of immigration to develop plans supporting immigrants , according to The Texan .
Despite state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris County has scaled back its assistance with enforcing immigration laws , according to The Texan .
The Harris County Sheriff ’ s Office would not receive raining to identify suspects who have deportation orders , Sheriff Ed Gonzalez , a Democrat , said when he took office three years ago .
Over 25 % of residents in the county are “ foreign-born ” and around 412,000 are estimated to be illegal immigrants , according to Hidalgo , The Texan reported .

A Texas county approved over $2 million of taxpayer money for a spent legal services fund for illegal immigrants facing deportation, The Texan reported Wednesday.
The Harris County Commissioners Court voted 3-2 to allocate $2,050,000 over a two-year period to the Immigrant Legal Services Fund, an initiative of County Judge Lina Hidalgo, The Texan reported. Hidalgo, a Democrat, requested $500,000 to finance the program for its first year when she proposed the fund in February 2019.
Illegal immigrants without attorneys are deported 90% of the time while those with attorneys are deported around 5% of the time, according to Hidalgo, The Texan reported.
“So it just means that people who have a valid claim to be here and who of course contribute significantly to our economy are being deported not because they should, but simply because they don’t have the ability to present their valid claim,” Hidalgo said, according to The Texan reported.
The county will hire a full-time assistant director of immigration to develop plans supporting immigrants, according to The Texan.
Despite state law banning sanctuary cities and counties, Harris County has scaled back its assistance with enforcing immigration laws, according to The Texan. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office would not receive raining to identify suspects who have deportation orders, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, a Democrat, said when he took office three years ago.
Over 25% of residents in the county are “foreign-born” and around 412,000 are estimated to be illegal immigrants, according to Hidalgo, The Texan reported.


truepundit--2020-11-16--Social distancing, masks still necessary after getting COVID-19 vaccine: Fauci

Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday that it will still be necessary to social distance , wear masks and take other @ @ @ @ @ becomes available to Americans .
“ I would recommend to people to not to abandon @ @ @ @ @ because you ’ ve been vaccinated , ” Fauci told CNN anchor Jake Tapper on @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Because even though for the general population it might be 90 to 95 @ @ @ @ @ ’ t necessarily know for you how effective it is.
” - READ MORE Listen @ @ @ @ @ Podcast Below --

Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday that it will still be necessary to social distance, wear masks and take other COVID-19 precautions after a vaccine becomes available to Americans.
“I would recommend to people to not to abandon all public health measures just because you’ve been vaccinated,” Fauci told CNN anchor Jake Tapper on “State of the Union.”
“Because even though for the general population it might be 90 to 95 percent effective, you don’t necessarily know for you how effective it is.”- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-11-16--Newsom attended party with more households than California advises during pandemic

SACRAMENTO — Gov .
Gavin Newsom attended a birthday party for a political adviser last week that included people from several households , the type of gathering his administration has discouraged during the coronavirus pandemic .
The dinner the night of Nov. 6 at the famed French Laundry in Yountville in Napa County brought together at least 12 people to celebrate the 50th birthday of Jason Kinney , a longtime friend and adviser to Newsom who is also a partner at the lobbying firm Axiom Advisors .
In addition to the governor , his wife , Jennifer Siebel Newsom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings , defined as “ social situations that bring together people from different households at the same time in a single space or place , ” to no more than three households .
Representatives for Kinney and Newsom declined to specify how many households the diners represented , but did not dispute that it was more than three .
Nathan Click , communications director for Newsom , initially defended the birthday celebration because it took place outdoors at a restaurant , which must follow separate coronavirus safety regulations developed by the state for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silent on whether people from more than three households can dine together .
Newsom and Siebel Newsom “ followed public health guidelines and the restaurant ’ s health protocols — all in line with the state ’ s rules for restaurant operation , ” Click said in a statement .
“ He and the first partner paid for their own meals.
” After The Chronicle published a story online about the dinner , Newsom issued an additional statement acknowledging that attending the party was an error in judgment.- READ MORE Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom attended a birthday party for a political adviser last week that included people from several households, the type of gathering his administration has discouraged during the coronavirus pandemic.
The dinner the night of Nov. 6 at the famed French Laundry in Yountville in Napa County brought together at least 12 people to celebrate the 50th birthday of Jason Kinney, a longtime friend and adviser to Newsom who is also a partner at the lobbying firm Axiom Advisors. In addition to the governor, his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, was in attendance.
State guidelines limit gatherings, defined as “social situations that bring together people from different households at the same time in a single space or place,” to no more than three households. Representatives for Kinney and Newsom declined to specify how many households the diners represented, but did not dispute that it was more than three.
Nathan Click, communications director for Newsom, initially defended the birthday celebration because it took place outdoors at a restaurant, which must follow separate coronavirus safety regulations developed by the state for the dining industry. That guidance is silent on whether people from more than three households can dine together.
Newsom and Siebel Newsom “followed public health guidelines and the restaurant’s health protocols — all in line with the state’s rules for restaurant operation,” Click said in a statement. “He and the first partner paid for their own meals.”
After The Chronicle published a story online about the dinner, Newsom issued an additional statement acknowledging that attending the party was an error in judgment.- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-11-16--Twitter Has Labeled 34% of Trump’s Tweets Since Election Day

In a recent article , the New York Times analyzes some of Twitter ’ s recent claims about the moderation of its platform during the 2020 Presidential election .
Twitter alleges that it labeled around 300,000 election-related tweets as “ disputed ” as part of its moderating practices .
This accounts for around 0.2 percent of all discussion on the subject .
Disclosing these figures makes Twitter the first major social media platform to publicly evaluate its performance around the 2020 election .
Twitter , Facebook , and Google all previously faced criticism for their handling of the 2016 presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ companies are doing more to publicly appease critics .
From October 27 to Wednesday of this week , Twitter has labeled 300,000 tweets as “ disputed , ” warning readers that tweets could be misleading or false .
Twitter restricted 456 of these messages preventing them from being shared or receiving likes or replies , an extreme measure applied to many of President Trump ’ s tweets .
Between election day and Friday of this week , Twitter labeled around 34 percent of President Trump ’ s tweets and retweets as “ disputed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , noting recently that 25 of President Trump ’ s posts across Twitter and Facebook were labeled or disputed within 24 hours .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

In a recent article, the New York Times analyzes some of Twitter’s recent claims about the moderation of its platform during the 2020 Presidential election. Twitter alleges that it labeled around 300,000 election-related tweets as “disputed” as part of its moderating practices. This accounts for around 0.2 percent of all discussion on the subject.
Disclosing these figures makes Twitter the first major social media platform to publicly evaluate its performance around the 2020 election. Twitter, Facebook, and Google all previously faced criticism for their handling of the 2016 presidential election, now it appears that the companies are doing more to publicly appease critics.
From October 27 to Wednesday of this week, Twitter has labeled 300,000 tweets as “disputed,” warning readers that tweets could be misleading or false. Twitter restricted 456 of these messages preventing them from being shared or receiving likes or replies, an extreme measure applied to many of President Trump’s tweets.
Between election day and Friday of this week, Twitter labeled around 34 percent of President Trump’s tweets and retweets as “disputed.” Breitbart News has reported extensively on this, noting recently that 25 of President Trump’s posts across Twitter and Facebook were labeled or disputed within 24 hours. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-11-16--Dr. Anthony Fauci: Americans Must ‘Do What You’re Told’ Despite ‘Independent Spirit’

Dr. Anthony Fauci expressed concerns Thursday about an independent society trying to fight the coronavirus , arguing Americans should just listen to public health officials .
Fauci spoke in a forum about working with officials in the United Kingdom who faced a similar problem .
“ ach of our countries have that independent spirit , where we don ’ t want to be told what to do , ” he said .
“ Well , I understand that , but now is the time to do what you ’ re told.
” Fauci spoke at the National Cathedral ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second wave ” of the virus in the Fall and the Winter .
“ We ’ re not done , we still need to implement public health measures in a very intense way , ” he said .
Fauci said he loved the federalist nature of the United States , but indicated it was problematic states had different approaches to fighting the virus .
“ We had too much individual approaches towards how we were going to handle the outbreak , so our baseline never came down to the low level where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Dr. Anthony Fauci expressed concerns Thursday about an independent society trying to fight the coronavirus, arguing Americans should just listen to public health officials.
Fauci spoke in a forum about working with officials in the United Kingdom who faced a similar problem.
“[E]ach of our countries have that independent spirit, where we don’t want to be told what to do,” he said. “Well, I understand that, but now is the time to do what you’re told.”
Fauci spoke at the National Cathedral’s 2020 Ignatius Forum about facing a “second wave” of the virus in the Fall and the Winter.
“We’re not done, we still need to implement public health measures in a very intense way,” he said.
Fauci said he loved the federalist nature of the United States, but indicated it was problematic states had different approaches to fighting the virus.
“We had too much individual approaches towards how we were going to handle the outbreak, so our baseline never came down to the low level where we wanted it to be,” he said. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-11-16--Alito: COVID Has Highlighted ‘Disturbing’ Trend of ‘Lawmaking by Executive Fiat’ and ‘Rule by Expert

Alito: COVID Has Highlighted ‘Disturbing’ Trend of ‘Lawmaking by Executive Fiat’ and ‘Rule by Experts’ (VIDEO)

During a speech before the Federalist Society on Thursday , Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said that the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ ” in the law such as “ dominance of lawmaking by executive fiat , rather @ @ @ @ @ characterized as “ the movement toward rule by experts.
” Alito began by cautioning that @ @ @ @ @ to any Supreme Court cases , he isn ’ t commenting on the legality of @ @ @ @ @ t making any statements as to whether the restrictions constitute good policy .
He stated @ @ @ @ @ disturbing trends that were already present before the virus struck.
” – READ MORE Listen @ @ @ @ @ Podcast Below --

During a speech before the Federalist Society on Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said that the coronavirus pandemic has “highlighted disturbing trends” in the law such as “dominance of lawmaking by executive fiat, rather than legislation.” Which he characterized as “the movement toward rule by experts.”
Alito began by cautioning that, aside from specific references to any Supreme Court cases, he isn’t commenting on the legality of coronavirus restrictions and isn’t making any statements as to whether the restrictions constitute good policy.
He stated that coronavirus has “highlighted disturbing trends that were already present before the virus struck.” – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-11-16--PAINE IN THE MORNING: 6 things you need to know this Monday the 16th — November 2020 (LISTEN)

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truepundit--2020-11-17--PAINE IN THE MORNING: 11 things you need to know this Tuesday the 17th — November 2020 (LISTEN)


truepundit--2020-11-17--Rioter Who Punched Out Trump Supporter In Viral Video Is Registered Child Sex Offender

A protestor who was arrested after he punched a supporter of President Donald Trump is also a registered child sex offender , public records show .
The Metropolitan Police Department arrested 39-year-old Kenneth Wayne Deberry on Saturday for disorderly conduct , including inciting violence , aggravated assault , and felon in possession of a firearm after police found he was carrying a handgun , according to an MPD press release .
According to the MPD Sex Offender Registry , Deberry is a registered sex offender who was convicted in Washington , D.C. in 2008 of second degree child sexual abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age .
Deberry was arrested with three others during the Saturday incident , according to MPD , which occurred in the 1700 block of I Street , Northwest during demonstrations following the Million MAGA March .
“ The suspects were involved in a collaborative effort to incite violence during first amendment assemblies at the listed location , ” the press release said .
“ One of the suspects struck the victim rendering him unconscious .
Other suspects assaulted the victim and took his property .
Four suspects were apprehended at the scene by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ventura identified Deberry as an individual captured in the Daily Caller ’ s viral video footage showing a man punching and bloodying a Trump supporter .
Video footage showed the attacker come up behind the Trump supporter and punch him so hard that the victim fell on his face to the ground and lay still for several moments before those around him helped him to his feet .
As he lay on the ground , a person briefly stomped on him .
The video footage showed blood running down the victim ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around him helped him to his feet .
A man prayed over the bloody and stunned Trump supporter , and a police officer in the video appears to be calling the incident in .

A protestor who was arrested after he punched a supporter of President Donald Trump is also a registered child sex offender, public records show.
The Metropolitan Police Department arrested 39-year-old Kenneth Wayne Deberry on Saturday for disorderly conduct, including inciting violence, aggravated assault, and felon in possession of a firearm after police found he was carrying a handgun, according to an MPD press release.
According to the MPD Sex Offender Registry, Deberry is a registered sex offender who was convicted in Washington, D.C. in 2008 of second degree child sexual abuse against a person under 16 years of age.
Deberry was arrested with three others during the Saturday incident, according to MPD, which occurred in the 1700 block of I Street, Northwest during demonstrations following the Million MAGA March.
“The suspects were involved in a collaborative effort to incite violence during first amendment assemblies at the listed location,” the press release said. “One of the suspects struck the victim rendering him unconscious. Other suspects assaulted the victim and took his property. Four suspects were apprehended at the scene by responding officers.”
Daily Caller reporter Jorge Ventura identified Deberry as an individual captured in the Daily Caller’s viral video footage showing a man punching and bloodying a Trump supporter.
Kenneth Wayne DeBerry, 39, of DC, charged w/aggravated assault, inciting violence & being a felon in possession of a gun per @MrAndyNgo https://t.co/BvAhG07umW pic.twitter.com/IqTF69tfZT — Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) November 16, 2020
BREAKING – Multiple Trump supporters assaulted by pro-BLM supporters in Washington D.C. One of the supporters assaulted was brutally knocked out. The scene is chaotic right now #MillionMAGAMarch pic.twitter.com/2Gjl8WC8Z0 — Jorge Ventura Media (@VenturaReport) November 14, 2020
Video footage showed the attacker come up behind the Trump supporter and punch him so hard that the victim fell on his face to the ground and lay still for several moments before those around him helped him to his feet. As he lay on the ground, a person briefly stomped on him.
The video footage showed blood running down the victim’s face and on his hands as people around him helped him to his feet. A man prayed over the bloody and stunned Trump supporter, and a police officer in the video appears to be calling the incident in.


truepundit--2020-11-17--Here comes Santa Claus – with face masks and plexiglass

Santa Claus is coming to the mall — just don ’ t try to sit on his lap .
Despite the pandemic — and the fact that Santa ’ s age and weight put him at high risk for severe illness from the coronavirus — mall owners are going ahead with plans to bring him back this year .
But they are doing all they can to keep the jolly old man safe , including banning kids from sitting on his knee , no matter if they ’ ve been naughty or nice .
Kids will instead tell Santa what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , and sometimes from behind a sheet of plexiglass .
Santa and his visitors may need to wear a face mask , even while posing for photos .
And some malls will put faux gift boxes and other decorations in front of Saint Nick to block kids from charging toward him .
Other safety measures include online reservations to cut down on lines , workers wiping down holiday-decorated sets , and hand sanitizer aplenty .
Santa ’ s hours are also getting cut to give him a break from crowds .
Macy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , saying it couldn ’ t provide a safe environment for the more than 250,000 people that show up to see Kriss Kringle at its New York flagship store .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Santa Claus is coming to the mall — just don’t try to sit on his lap.
Despite the pandemic — and the fact that Santa’s age and weight put him at high risk for severe illness from the coronavirus — mall owners are going ahead with plans to bring him back this year.
But they are doing all they can to keep the jolly old man safe, including banning kids from sitting on his knee, no matter if they’ve been naughty or nice.
Kids will instead tell Santa what they want for Christmas from six feet away, and sometimes from behind a sheet of plexiglass. Santa and his visitors may need to wear a face mask, even while posing for photos. And some malls will put faux gift boxes and other decorations in front of Saint Nick to block kids from charging toward him.
Other safety measures include online reservations to cut down on lines, workers wiping down holiday-decorated sets, and hand sanitizer aplenty. Santa’s hours are also getting cut to give him a break from crowds.
Macy’s canceled its in-person visits this year, saying it couldn’t provide a safe environment for the more than 250,000 people that show up to see Kriss Kringle at its New York flagship store. – READ MORE
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truepundit--2020-11-17--Google Sued For Data Costs After Android Phones Found Transferring “Unapproved, Undisclosed” Data

A new lawsuit against Google filed on Thursday of last week raises interesting questions about whether or not the tech giant is “ stealing Android users ’ cellular data allowances though unapproved , undisclosed transmissions to the web giant ’ s servers ” .
The suit , filed in US federal district court in San Jose by 4 plaintiffs aims to be certified as a class action .
It alleges that Google is using Android users ’ limited cellular data allowances to transmit information about the users unrelated to the use of Google services .
The case surrounds “ data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t the result of deliberate interaction with a mobile device ” , according to The Register .
In other words , data transfers happening in the background , when the phone isn ’ t in use .
The suit alleges that none of the four agreements accepted to participate in the Google ecosystem say anything about cell data transfers taking place in the background .
The suit states : “ Google designed and implemented its Android operating system and apps to extract and transmit large volumes of information between Plaintiffs ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cellular data allowances.
” It continues : “ Google ’ s misappropriation of Plaintiffs ’ cellular data allowances through passive transfers occurs in the background , does not result from Plaintiffs ’ direct engagement with Google ’ s apps and properties on their devices , and happens without Plaintiffs ’ consent.
” – READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

A new lawsuit against Google filed on Thursday of last week raises interesting questions about whether or not the tech giant is “stealing Android users’ cellular data allowances though unapproved, undisclosed transmissions to the web giant’s servers”.
The suit, filed in US federal district court in San Jose by 4 plaintiffs aims to be certified as a class action. It alleges that Google is using Android users’ limited cellular data allowances to transmit information about the users unrelated to the use of Google services. The case surrounds “data sent to Google’s servers that isn’t the result of deliberate interaction with a mobile device”, according to The Register.
In other words, data transfers happening in the background, when the phone isn’t in use. The suit alleges that none of the four agreements accepted to participate in the Google ecosystem say anything about cell data transfers taking place in the background.
The suit states: “Google designed and implemented its Android operating system and apps to extract and transmit large volumes of information between Plaintiffs’ cellular devices and Google using Plaintiffs’ cellular data allowances.”
It continues: “Google’s misappropriation of Plaintiffs’ cellular data allowances through passive transfers occurs in the background, does not result from Plaintiffs’ direct engagement with Google’s apps and properties on their devices, and happens without Plaintiffs’ consent.” – READ MORE
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truepundit--2020-11-17--Outgoing Syria Envoy Boasts He Hid True Troop Levels & Stymied Trump Withdrawal Efforts

Among the first of top officials to exit their posts even as votes were being counted last week was Ambassador James Jeffrey , who had been appointed by President Trump as special representative for Syria Engagement and special envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat Islamic State since August 2018 .
The 74-year old career diplomat took over the post after the resignation of Brett McGurk .
Jeffrey has in the past been criticized as being too pro-Turkish and is seen as a Syria hawk , being among past foremost voices desiring regime change in Syria .
Pro-Kurdish lobbying groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Erdogan ’ s pocket .
He ’ s also a Bush-era holdover , having been in a lead role among Bush ’ s neocon cabinet .
Jeffrey announced his retirement last Saturday and is already openly boasting about he hid the true numbers of US troops inside Syria from the White House .
He further described in a fresh interview with Defense One that when in December 2018 President Trump ordered a full and immediate Syria withdrawal , he and his team successfully stymied the efforts to get the US military out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Among the first of top officials to exit their posts even as votes were being counted last week was Ambassador James Jeffrey, who had been appointed by President Trump as special representative for Syria Engagement and special envoy to the Global Coalition to Defeat Islamic State since August 2018.
The 74-year old career diplomat took over the post after the resignation of Brett McGurk. Jeffrey has in the past been criticized as being too pro-Turkish and is seen as a Syria hawk, being among past foremost voices desiring regime change in Syria. Pro-Kurdish lobbying groups further see him as too much in Erdogan’s pocket. He’s also a Bush-era holdover, having been in a lead role among Bush’s neocon cabinet.
Jeffrey announced his retirement last Saturday and is already openly boasting about he hid the true numbers of US troops inside Syria from the White House.
He further described in a fresh interview with Defense One that when in December 2018 President Trump ordered a full and immediate Syria withdrawal, he and his team successfully stymied the efforts to get the US military out of Syria. – READ MORE
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truepundit--2020-11-17--One Third Of Biden’s Pentagon Transition Team Funded By Weapons Industry

Earlier this week Joe Biden released a list of transition teams for the various departments in his future White House .
The Pentagon transition team for Biden consists of 23 people , many of whom hail from hawkish think tanks .
The team is led by Kathleen Hicks , who worked in the Pentagon under the Obama administration .
Hicks most recent employer is the Center for Strategic and International Studies ( CSIS ) , a think tank that receives contributions from arms makers like Northrop Grumman , Boeing , Lockheed Martin , and Raytheon , to name a few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The think tank ’ s top government donors are the US , the UAE , Taiwan , and Japan .
Two other CSIS employees are on the transition team ; Andrew Hunter and Melissa Dalton , who both worked in the Pentagon under the Obama administration .
CSIS employees author policy papers and Op-Eds that generally call for more US involvement around the world .
In August , Hicks co-authored an Op-Ed in The Hill titled , “ Pentagon Action to Withdraw from Germany Benefits Our Adversaries , ” a piece that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down troops from Germany , which Biden could to call off .
Two members of the transition team come from the Center for a New American Security ( CNAS ) , Susanna Blume , a former Pentagon employee , and Ely Ratner , who served as deputy national security advisor to then-vice president Joe Biden from 2015 to 2017.- READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Earlier this week Joe Biden released a list of transition teams for the various departments in his future White House. The Pentagon transition team for Biden consists of 23 people, many of whom hail from hawkish think tanks.
The team is led by Kathleen Hicks, who worked in the Pentagon under the Obama administration. Hicks most recent employer is the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a think tank that receives contributions from arms makers like Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon, to name a few.
CSIS also receives contributions from governments. The think tank’s top government donors are the US, the UAE, Taiwan, and Japan. Two other CSIS employees are on the transition team; Andrew Hunter and Melissa Dalton, who both worked in the Pentagon under the Obama administration.
CSIS employees author policy papers and Op-Eds that generally call for more US involvement around the world. In August, Hicks co-authored an Op-Ed in The Hill titled, “Pentagon Action to Withdraw from Germany Benefits Our Adversaries,” a piece that slammed Trump’s plan to draw down troops from Germany, which Biden could to call off.
Two members of the transition team come from the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), Susanna Blume, a former Pentagon employee, and Ely Ratner, who served as deputy national security advisor to then-vice president Joe Biden from 2015 to 2017.- READ MORE
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truepundit--2020-11-17--New Defense Chief Puts DoD On Notice: “All Wars Must End”

Trump ’ s new Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller sent a late Friday memo to the entire Department of Defense workforce signaling what the administration will be up to in Trump ’ s last weeks in office — a likely major US troop reduction , especially from the Middle East .
“ We are not a people of perpetual war – it is the antithesis of everything for which we stand and for which our ancestors fought , ” Miller said in the memo , and emphasized that “ All wars must end.
” “ As we prepare for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the war that Al Qaida brought to our shores in 2001 .
This war isn ’ t over , ” Miller wrote , in reference to the 19-year old war in Afghanistan .
“ We are on the verge of defeating Al Qaida and its associates , but we must avoid our past strategic error of failing to see the fight through to the finish .
Indeed , this fight has been long , our sacrifices have been enormous , and many are weary of war – I ’ m one of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Secretary noted that “ this is the critical phase in which we transition our efforts from a leadership to supporting role.
” – READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Trump’s new Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller sent a late Friday memo to the entire Department of Defense workforce signaling what the administration will be up to in Trump’s last weeks in office — a likely major US troop reduction, especially from the Middle East.
“We are not a people of perpetual war – it is the antithesis of everything for which we stand and for which our ancestors fought,” Miller said in the memo, and emphasized that “All wars must end.”
“As we prepare for the future, we remain committed to finishing the war that Al Qaida brought to our shores in 2001. This war isn’t over,” Miller wrote, in reference to the 19-year old war in Afghanistan.
“We are on the verge of defeating Al Qaida and its associates, but we must avoid our past strategic error of failing to see the fight through to the finish. Indeed, this fight has been long, our sacrifices have been enormous, and many are weary of war – I’m one of them,” he added.
The new Defense Secretary noted that “this is the critical phase in which we transition our efforts from a leadership to supporting role.” – READ MORE
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truepundit--2020-11-17--CNN Anchor Compares Trump Presidency to Nazi Germany (VIDEO)

CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour on Thursday compared President Donald Trump ’ s tenure to Nazi Germany on the @ @ @ @ @ 1938 prelude to the Holocaust .
“ led to an attack on fact , knowledge @ @ @ @ @ , ” Amanpour said .
“ After four years of a modern-day assault on those @ @ @ @ @ , the Biden-Harris team pledges a return to norms , including the truth.
” – @ @ @ @ @ insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

CNN chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour on Thursday compared President Donald Trump’s tenure to Nazi Germany on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 prelude to the Holocaust.
“[Kristallnacht] led to an attack on fact, knowledge, history, and truth,” Amanpour said. “After four years of a modern-day assault on those same values by Donald Trump, the Biden-Harris team pledges a return to norms, including the truth.” – READ MORE
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truepundit--2020-11-17--Dershowitz: Trump May Try To Deny Biden 270 Electoral Votes, Put Election In Congress

Harvard Law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz predicted that President Donald Trump will attempt to settle the election in a way not seen since the 19th century .
In an interview with Newsmax , the longtime legal expert said Trump no longer is attempting to reach 270 Electoral College votes but will instead focus on denying Democratic nominee Joe Biden ’ s chances of getting 270 votes .
“ Let ’ s look at the big picture : The big picture now has shifted , ” Dershowitz told the website .
“ I do not believe that President Trump is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I think he thinks that ’ s out of the question.
” Trump hasn ’ t signaled in public about his chances of securing 270 votes due to several legal challenges .
“ What he ’ s trying to do is to deny Joe Biden 270 votes , by challenging in Pennsylvania , Georgia , in Nevada , in Michigan , in Arizona , ” Dershowitz said , adding that not allowing Biden to reach 270 out of 538 votes would eventually force House state delegations to vote , where Republicans have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GOP has a 26-23-1 state delegation majority in the House of Representatives.- READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Harvard Law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz predicted that President Donald Trump will attempt to settle the election in a way not seen since the 19th century.
In an interview with Newsmax, the longtime legal expert said Trump no longer is attempting to reach 270 Electoral College votes but will instead focus on denying Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s chances of getting 270 votes.
“Let’s look at the big picture: The big picture now has shifted,” Dershowitz told the website. “I do not believe that President Trump is now trying to get to 270 electoral votes. I think he thinks that’s out of the question.”
Trump hasn’t signaled in public about his chances of securing 270 votes due to several legal challenges.
“What he’s trying to do is to deny Joe Biden 270 votes, by challenging in Pennsylvania, Georgia, in Nevada, in Michigan, in Arizona,” Dershowitz said, adding that not allowing Biden to reach 270 out of 538 votes would eventually force House state delegations to vote, where Republicans have an advantage over Democrats. Currently, the GOP has a 26-23-1 state delegation majority in the House of Representatives.- READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-11-17--Potential Biden Cabinet Pick a Frequent Guest on Chinese Propaganda Outlets

Jeffrey Sachs , an economist and potential progressive pick for a cabinet position under a Joe Biden administration , appeared on Chinese propaganda outlets throughout the 2020 campaign to blast U.S. foreign policy as an “ unholy crusade against China.
” Sachs , a Columbia University economist , contributed to scathing articles in the Global Times , China Daily , and other regime mouthpieces and has done media hits on state-owned outlets such as the China Global Television Network ( CGTN ) .
Sachs has maintained a long relationship with the Chinese government and business elite , which can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2000s .
Over the last few months , Sachs has criticized new U.S. restrictions on Huawei as undue “ punitive measures ” and condemned sanctions implemented after Beijing ’ s Hong Kong crackdown .
The academic has also lavished praise on China for its economic development programs , including the controversial Belt and Road Initiative , which critics fear is trapping developing countries in crippling debt .
He accused President Donald Trump of “ trying to incite a new cold war against China ” in comments published in the Global Times in May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name for himself in the field of development economics , Sachs has made frequent appearances on mainstream U.S. media networks such as CNN and MSNBC , earning him a following among progressives .
His name has been floated as a potential cabinet member in a Biden White House .
– READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Jeffrey Sachs, an economist and potential progressive pick for a cabinet position under a Joe Biden administration, appeared on Chinese propaganda outlets throughout the 2020 campaign to blast U.S. foreign policy as an “unholy crusade against China.”
Sachs, a Columbia University economist, contributed to scathing articles in the Global Times, China Daily, and other regime mouthpieces and has done media hits on state-owned outlets such as the China Global Television Network (CGTN). Sachs has maintained a long relationship with the Chinese government and business elite, which can be traced back to at least the early 2000s.
Over the last few months, Sachs has criticized new U.S. restrictions on Huawei as undue “punitive measures” and condemned sanctions implemented after Beijing’s Hong Kong crackdown. The academic has also lavished praise on China for its economic development programs, including the controversial Belt and Road Initiative, which critics fear is trapping developing countries in crippling debt. He accused President Donald Trump of “trying to incite a new cold war against China” in comments published in the Global Times in May.
Originally an economist who made a name for himself in the field of development economics, Sachs has made frequent appearances on mainstream U.S. media networks such as CNN and MSNBC, earning him a following among progressives. His name has been floated as a potential cabinet member in a Biden White House. – READ MORE
Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --


truepundit--2020-11-17--Fauci Claims It Would ‘Be Better if We Could Start Working’ With the Biden-Harris Team (VIDEO)

Dr. Anthony Fauci is sharing his thoughts regarding the transition to a Biden-Harris administration and what it means for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic .
During his appearance on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union , ” Jake Tapper asked Fauci how problematic it is for efforts to combat the coronavirus if public health officials are not able to communicate with the Biden-Harris team .
Dr. Anthony Fauci says “ it ’ s almost like passing a baton in a race ” with regards to a transition to a Biden-Harris team on public health issues .
“ It would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with them.
” https : //t.co/BN2w4GIqgS pic.twitter.com/pkbGA6iGmr “ As you know , I ’ ve been through multiple transitions now , having served six presidents for 36 years and it ’ s very clear that that transition process that we go through … is really important in a smooth handing over of the information as well as it ’ s almost like passing the baton in a race , ” Fauci said .
He added , “ You don ’ t want to stop and then give it to somebody , you want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ READ MORE Listen to the insightful Thomas Paine Podcast Below --

Dr. Anthony Fauci is sharing his thoughts regarding the transition to a Biden-Harris administration and what it means for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Jake Tapper asked Fauci how problematic it is for efforts to combat the coronavirus if public health officials are not able to communicate with the Biden-Harris team.
Dr. Anthony Fauci says “it’s almost like passing a baton in a race” with regards to a transition to a Biden-Harris team on public health issues.
“It would be better if we could start working with them.” https://t.co/BN2w4GIqgS pic.twitter.com/pkbGA6iGmr
— State of the Union (@CNNSotu) November 15, 2020
“As you know, I’ve been through multiple transitions now, having served six presidents for 36 years and it’s very clear that that transition process that we go through … is really important in a smooth handing over of the information as well as it’s almost like passing the baton in a race,” Fauci said.
He added, “You don’t want to stop and then give it to somebody, you want to just essentially keep going.” – READ MORE
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