saraacater--2020-06-26--Sara Carter: Americans, Don’t be afraid to show your gratitude for this great country

On her most recent podcast , Sara A. Carter discussed the current riots and unrest in America leading to the destruction of businesses , churches , and statues across the nation .
“ They hate this beautiful nation and I don ’ t know why , ” Carter said .
“ They have so much .
They have freedom and an opportunity to be anything you want to be in this country.
” She questioned if these rioters would do this to their own homes and their own families .
If you want to make a change , she argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school , and do it the legal way .
“ Speak without destroying everything , ” she said .
“ These are our cities , our taxpayer dollars that go into making our cities beautiful and a place where our children can go to a park , ” she said .
“ Not to be hounded by these radicals.
” She said it ’ s time to restore law and order to the nation and pointed out instances in the past when the country was unified like after September 11 , 2001 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were proud to display the flag .
“ Remember when we actually believed in our country , ” she asked .
“ Remember when we cared about one another ?
” “ What happened to our children , ” Carter asked .
“ They ’ re out there tearing down statues .
For crying out loud , of George Washington.
” Broadcasting from Utah , Carter talked about her trip and the exchanges she ’ s had with locals in the Beehive State .
“ They ’ re so frustrated , upset about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn into.
” Saying thank you to veterans when you see them and discussing the great things this nation has accomplished are two calls to action Carter gave to turn the situation around .
“ Stand up and fight back , ” she said .
“ Let people know what this nation means to you .
Don ’ t be ashamed to put an American flag outside your house .
Don ’ t be afraid to walk up to a soldier and say ‘ thank you for your service . '
” Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast , including an exclusive interview with Roger Stone , here .

On her most recent podcast, Sara A. Carter discussed the current riots and unrest in America leading to the destruction of businesses, churches, and statues across the nation.
“They hate this beautiful nation and I don’t know why,” Carter said. “They have so much. They have freedom and an opportunity to be anything you want to be in this country.”
She questioned if these rioters would do this to their own homes and their own families. If you want to make a change, she argued, then change laws, go to school, and do it the legal way. “Speak without destroying everything,” she said.
“These are our cities, our taxpayer dollars that go into making our cities beautiful and a place where our children can go to a park,” she said. “Not to be hounded by these radicals.”
She said it’s time to restore law and order to the nation and pointed out instances in the past when the country was unified like after September 11, 2001, when the country was unified and Americans were proud to display the flag.
“Remember when we actually believed in our country,” she asked. “Remember when we cared about one another?”
.@BET founder Robert Johnson says the Democratic Party has taken black voters in America for granted, and he urges the ascendant Black Lives Matter (#BLM) movement to form a new third party to fight for their interests. More: https://t.co/cWChhALGS6 — Sara A. Carter (@SaraCarterDC) June 26, 2020
“What happened to our children,” Carter asked. “They’re out there tearing down statues. For crying out loud, of George Washington.”
Broadcasting from Utah, Carter talked about her trip and the exchanges she’s had with locals in the Beehive State. “They’re so frustrated, upset about what they’re seeing their country turn into.”
Saying thank you to veterans when you see them and discussing the great things this nation has accomplished are two calls to action Carter gave to turn the situation around.
“Stand up and fight back,” she said. “Let people know what this nation means to you. Don’t be ashamed to put an American flag outside your house. Don’t be afraid to walk up to a soldier and say ‘thank you for your service.'”
Listen to Sara’s full monologue and podcast, including an exclusive interview with Roger Stone, here.


saraacater--2020-06-26--Trump Admin To Restrict Visas To CCP Officials ‘eviscerating Hong Kong’s freedoms’

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Friday a plan to restrict visas to current and former Chinese Communist Party officials who “ undermined ” Hong Kong ’ s autonomy .
Additionally , Pompeo said the families of such officials could also be subject to the punishment .
“ The CCP has stepped up efforts to undermine Hong Kong ’ s high degree of autonomy by announcing Beijing ’ s authority to ‘ supervise ’ Hong Kong ’ s governance , accusing at least one member of Hong Kong ’ s Legislative Council of misconduct , and moving to unilaterally and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong , ” Pompeo said in his remarks .
Pompeo ’ s announcement comes as Beijing inches closer to passing a national security law handing over significant control to the Chinese Communist Party .
However , the move would be a violation of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration , Pompeo argued , under which the British government gave Beijing back control over Hong Kong , but promised to allow its autonomy .
Pompeo added , “ Beijing ’ s continued actions undermine its commitments and obligations in the Sino-British Joint Declaration to respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ autonomy .
At the same time , Beijing continues to undermine human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong by putting pressure on local authorities to arrest pro-democracy activists and disqualify pro-democracy electoral candidates.
” “ The United States calls on China to honor its commitments and obligations in the Sino-British Joint Declaration – namely that Hong Kong will ‘ enjoy a high degree of autonomy ’ and that human rights and fundamental freedoms , including the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly , will be protected by law and respected by governing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Hong Kong ’ s high degree of autonomy and the full implementation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration , as well as respect for human rights , are of fundamental importance .
The United States will continue to review its authorities to respond to these concerns .
”

The Chinese Coast Guard and its maritime militia sailed into Philippine waters around the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, firing water cannons at Philippine vessels and crew seeking to re-supply a Philippine ship within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. The US State Department called such actions by China “inconsistent with international law” and “unwarranted interference in lawful Philippine maritime operations.” The State Department has maintained that China has “no lawful claim” to that area.
But rather than standing down, China is attempting to gaslight the Philippines and the world into accepting its narrative. A spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense stated that China “has sovereignty” over the area, which it calls “Nansha Qundao, including Ren’ai Jiao,” according to Xinhua. The area in dispute has always been a part of China, according to Global Times.
The CCP press also states that China “lawfully intercepted” the Philippine vessels, China’s actions towards the Philippines “was professional, restrained, and beyond reproach,” and that the “Philippine side ignored China’s goodwill and sincerity.”
Chinese media also paints the US, not China, as the aggressor. According to a spokesman from China’s Foreign Ministry, the US is “blatantly support[ing] the Philippines’ violation of China’s sovereignty, and its plot is doomed to fail,” according to Global Times. In responding to the incident, the US “continues to hype up the longstanding disputes between China [and its neighbors]” in order “to maintain hegemony and create a ‘security trap’” with those neighbors, according to the president of a Beijing think tank as cited by China Daily. The US has “no right to meddle” in the South China Sea” and is “creating trouble and sowing discord,” according to a spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defense as cited by that same article.
The CCP press pushes an alternative reality of international law to buttress its claims. The Philippines, not China, is in violation of international law, according to spokesmen of China’s Foreign Ministry and Coast Guard as cited by Global Times. The Philippines committed “illegal” acts by re-supplying its ship, and having its ship there in the first place, according to Global Times. Philippines v. China, or the South China Sea Arbitration, is “‘illegal, null and void’ as it violates international law[…]” according to a spokesman from the Chinese foreign ministry, as cited by China Daily. The spokesman further said that “China does not accept or recognize it, and will never accept any claim or action based on the [arbitration]. This position is clear and firm, and is a legitimate step to uphold the international rule of law.” A Global Times article similarly referred to the arbitration as the “so called South China Sea arbitration,” and that it is “illegal and invalid.”
China continues to bully its neighbors in the South China Sea. At the same time, it wages a sophisticated propaganda effort aimed at obscuring this fact to further its hegemony in the region. The United States needs a clear policy to lead its allies in the region against China’s growing threat.


saraacater--2020-06-26--CBP Seizes Over 500 Pounds Of Synthetic Drugs In Shipment From China

U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Cincinnati , Ohio seized 530 pounds of synthetic drugs from China heading to Aurora , Colorado on May 11 , according to a Friday press release .
CBP says it ’ s the largest ever seizure of synthetic drugs in the history of the Port of Cincinnati .
The shipment contained over 160 packages addressed to individuals and businesses across the country , and included “ regulated medications , agriculture and food products , intellectual property rights violations such as counterfeit handbags and shoes , and 530 pounds of synthetic drugs and controlled substances.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first line of defense , U.S. Customs and Border Protection is tasked with protecting our nation ’ s borders as we face an ever-changing threat environment , ” Robert E. White , Director of CBP Field Operations for the Chicago Field Office said .
“ Synthetic drugs threaten the health and safety of our nation ’ s citizens .
White added , “ This seizure epitomizes the dedication of our officers and showcases the significant role they play in ensuring CBP ’ s strategy to combat the illicit flow of narcotics is successful.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seized were found to be “ precursors for fentanyl synthesis.
” The drug is largely responsible for the thousands of lives lost to the nation ’ s opioid epidemic due to its high degree of addictiveness and potency .
“ I want to commend everyone involved in making sure these deadly substances were never allowed to reach the streets of our communities , ” said Cleveland Area Port Director Diann Rodriguez


saraacater--2020-06-26--NJ Politician, 3 Others Charged With Voter Fraud In Mail-In Election

The New Jersey Attorney General ’ s office announced voter fraud charges Wednesday against four individuals , including a city councilman and an elected city councilman , according to a press release .
Paterson City Councilman Michael Jackson , Councilman-elect Alex Mendez , and two other men are alleged to have exploited the mail-in voting process in the May 12th Special election in Paterson , New Jersey .
The investigation was opened when U.S .
Postal Inspection Service found hundreds of mail-in ballots stuffed in a single mailbox in Paterson and a number of additional ballots in a mailbox in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send a clear message : if you try to tamper with an election in New Jersey , we will find you and we will hold you accountable , ” said Attorney General Grewal .
“ We will not allow a small number of criminals to undermine the public ’ s confidence in our democratic process.
” Jackson , who represents the City ’ s 1st Ward and is the Vice President of the City Council , is alleged to have solicited voters to hand over their ballots and is alleged to have turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so .
His charges include election fraud , fraud in casting mail-in vote , unauthorized possession of ballots , false registration or transfer , tampering with public records , and falsifying or tampering with records .
“ The residents of New Jersey have a right to free and fair elections , and we will ensure that happens , ” said OPIA Director Thomas Eicher .
“ Our office ’ s criminal investigations complement a number of other safeguards that New Jersey has implemented to ensure the integrity of our elections.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted by mail in New Jersey , according to a March 19th executive order .
Murphy did so over concerns of the spread of the novel coronavirus .
Since the order was placed , however , there have been many mistakes that threaten the integrity of the elections .
For example , Passaic County Board of Elections commissioners failed to count 800 ballots , a county spokesperson earlier told NJ.com .
President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr have expressed concerns over widespread mail-in voting , and have warned that the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The President wrote on Twitter , “ RIGGED 2020 ELECTION : MILLIONS OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS WILL BE PRINTED BY FOREIGN COUNTRIES , AND OTHERS .
IT WILL BE THE SCANDAL OF OUR TIMES !
”

The New Jersey Attorney General’s office announced voter fraud charges Wednesday against four individuals, including a city councilman and an elected city councilman, according to a press release.
Paterson City Councilman Michael Jackson, Councilman-elect Alex Mendez, and two other men are alleged to have exploited the mail-in voting process in the May 12th Special election in Paterson, New Jersey.
The investigation was opened when U.S. Postal Inspection Service found hundreds of mail-in ballots stuffed in a single mailbox in Paterson and a number of additional ballots in a mailbox in Haledon.
“Today’s charges send a clear message: if you try to tamper with an election in New Jersey, we will find you and we will hold you accountable,” said Attorney General Grewal. “We will not allow a small number of criminals to undermine the public’s confidence in our democratic process.”
Jackson, who represents the City’s 1st Ward and is the Vice President of the City Council, is alleged to have solicited voters to hand over their ballots and is alleged to have turned in ballots without being the authorization bearer to do so. His charges include election fraud, fraud in casting mail-in vote, unauthorized possession of ballots, false registration or transfer, tampering with public records, and falsifying or tampering with records.
“The residents of New Jersey have a right to free and fair elections, and we will ensure that happens,” said OPIA Director Thomas Eicher. “Our office’s criminal investigations complement a number of other safeguards that New Jersey has implemented to ensure the integrity of our elections.”
Governor Phil Murphy ordered that elections be conducted by mail in New Jersey, according to a March 19th executive order. Murphy did so over concerns of the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Since the order was placed, however, there have been many mistakes that threaten the integrity of the elections. For example, Passaic County Board of Elections commissioners failed to count 800 ballots, a county spokesperson earlier told NJ.com.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1275024974579982336
President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr have expressed concerns over widespread mail-in voting, and have warned that the process could lead to fraud. On Monday, The President wrote on Twitter, “RIGGED 2020 ELECTION: MILLIONS OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS WILL BE PRINTED BY FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND OTHERS. IT WILL BE THE SCANDAL OF OUR TIMES!”


saraacater--2020-06-26--Trump On Roger Stone Trial: ‘Incredible’ That It ‘Wasn’t Declared A Mistrial Or More’

In an exclusive interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity Thursday night , President Donald Trump suggested that Roger Stone ’ s case should ’ ve been declared a mistrial due to extreme bias specifically from the judge and jury .
“ Can you believe it ?
The hatred she [ jury forewoman ] had for him and for me .
And she acted like she was innocent .
She ran for Congress or something and lost .
But she was like pretending to be an innocent .
How did she even get into the jury pool ?
She must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Trump said .
He continued , “ And the judge who ’ s been brutal , the judge who sentenced Roger has been brutal .
Take a look at what she ’ s done to people.
” “ Take a look at what she did for Hillary related things , ok , ” Trump explained .
“ Wasn ’ t brutal there .
But , look at what she did to people .
Just take a look at what she ’ s done and Roger Stone had a jury forewoman who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not declared a mistrial or more than a mistrial , is incredible to anybody that sees it .
This is a person that hated Roger Stone , hated me , and obviously said wonderful things.
” Stone spoke exclusively with “ The Sara Carter Show ” on Thursday and concluded the interview with a plea for the President to either commute his sentence or pardon him .
Stone is set to report to jail on Tuesday .
When asked if he would fulfill Stone ’ s requests , Trump said “ we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ But , I think he was treated very unfairly .
”

In an exclusive interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity Thursday night, President Donald Trump suggested that Roger Stone’s case should’ve been declared a mistrial due to extreme bias specifically from the judge and jury.
“Can you believe it? The hatred she [jury forewoman] had for him and for me. And she acted like she was innocent. She ran for Congress or something and lost. But she was like pretending to be an innocent. How did she even get into the jury pool? She must’ve had a little contact,” Trump said.
He continued, “And the judge who’s been brutal, the judge who sentenced Roger has been brutal. Take a look at what she’s done to people.”
“Take a look at what she did for Hillary related things, ok,” Trump explained. “Wasn’t brutal there. But, look at what she did to people. Just take a look at what she’s done and Roger Stone had a jury forewoman who was a disaster. How that’s not declared a mistrial or more than a mistrial, is incredible to anybody that sees it. This is a person that hated Roger Stone, hated me, and obviously said wonderful things.”
Stone spoke exclusively with “The Sara Carter Show” on Thursday and concluded the interview with a plea for the President to either commute his sentence or pardon him. Stone is set to report to jail on Tuesday.
When asked if he would fulfill Stone’s requests, Trump said “we’re gonna see,” adding, “But, I think he was treated very unfairly.”


saraacater--2020-06-29--Iran Issues Arrest Warrant For President Trump,  Asks Interpol For Help

Iranian prosecutor Ali Alqasimehr said his nation has issued an arrest warrant for President Donald Trump , asking Interpol for help in detaining US President , as well as others it believes carried out the drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad , according to reports .
Soleimani who was a designated terrorist by the United States , was killed in a January , 3 attack in Iraq .
He was wanted for the planning and death of hundreds of Americans and thousands of people all over the world .
Trump said he ordered the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ’ elite Quds Force .
He , along with other Iranian , military officials were killed at the Baghdad International Airport .
At the time , Soleimani was planning an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad .
White House officials could not be immediately reached for comment .
According to Al Jazeera , Tehran prosecutor Ali Alqasimehr said Monday that Trump , along with more than 30 others , will face “ murder and terrorism charges.
” The news agency said that Alqasimehr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ but stressed Iran would continue to pursue his prosecution even after his presidency ends.
” Interpol has not immediately responded to a request for comment on this developing story .

Iranian prosecutor Ali Alqasimehr said his nation has issued an arrest warrant for President Donald Trump, asking Interpol for help in detaining US President, as well as others it believes carried out the drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, according to reports.
Soleimani who was a designated terrorist by the United States, was killed in a January, 3 attack in Iraq. He was wanted for the planning and death of hundreds of Americans and thousands of people all over the world. Trump said he ordered the U.S. drone strike that killed Soleimani, who was the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ elite Quds Force. He, along with other Iranian, military officials were killed at the Baghdad International Airport. At the time, Soleimani was planning an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
White House officials could not be immediately reached for comment.
#BREAKING: Iran has issued an arrest warrant and asked Interpol for help in detaining US President Donald Trump and dozens of others it believes carried out the drone strike that killed Soleimani — Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) June 29, 2020
According to Al Jazeera, Tehran prosecutor Ali Alqasimehr said Monday that Trump, along with more than 30 others, will face “murder and terrorism charges.” The news agency said that Alqasimehr did not name anyone other than Trump, “but stressed Iran would continue to pursue his prosecution even after his presidency ends.”
Interpol has not immediately responded to a request for comment on this developing story.


saraacater--2020-06-29--114 shot, 14 killed in Chicago over the weekend

“ The pain of losing a child never goes away , ” the democratic Mayor of Chicago , Lori Lightfoot @ @ @ @ @ a mother , I am tired of the funerals .
I am tired of burying @ @ @ @ @ least 114 people shot and 14 killed this was yet another bloody weekend in Chicago @ @ @ @ @ who was hit by a bullet while riding in a car in Englewood , and @ @ @ @ @ hit by a stray bullet in her home in Logan Square .
A third child @ @ @ @ @ but survived .
Police were called to Wood Street near Marquette Road in West Englewood @ @ @ @ @ was grazed in the head .
• Mass Shootings in Chicago : 7 Dead and @ @ @ @ @

In a recent development, the Tate brothers, Andrew and Tristan, along with two associates, find themselves at the center of a high-profile case involving human trafficking allegations.
The charges leveled against them indicate the formation of an organized criminal group in 2021 with the intent to carry out human trafficking operations not only in Romania but also in the United States and the United Kingdom, according to the BBC.
The investigation, which led to their arrest in December last year, has culminated in an indictment filed with the Bucharest court. According to the indictment, the Tate brothers are accused of luring their victims with false promises of love and marriage. Seven individuals have been identified as alleged victims, who were later coerced and subjected to a harrowing ordeal.
Prosecutors contend that the victims were taken to locations in Ilfov county, Romania, where they faced constant surveillance, intimidation, and control. The defendants allegedly forced the victims into debt and coerced them into participating in pornographic activities, with the explicit material subsequently shared on social media platforms. Shockingly, one of the defendants is accused of raping a woman on two occasions in March 2022, further amplifying the gravity of the charges.
While the trial is not expected to commence immediately, as a Romanian judge is granted 60 days to inspect the case files, it is anticipated to be a protracted legal battle. The complexity of the case and the severity of the charges will undoubtedly result in a lengthy trial process, with several years potentially passing before a verdict is reached.
Representatives for the Tate brothers released a statement acknowledging the unsurprising nature of the news but maintaining their belief in their innocence.
As reported by the BBC, the Tate brothers media team stared, “While this news is undoubtedly predictable, we embrace the opportunity it presents to demonstrate their innocence and vindicate their reputation.”
They expressed their eagerness to present a comprehensive body of evidence meticulously collected over time, which they believe will substantiate their claims of innocence and restore their tarnished reputation.
However, it should be noted that additional charges, such as money laundering and trafficking of minors, are still under investigation. If evidence is uncovered to support these allegations, a separate indictment could be filed, further complicating the legal proceedings for the defendants.
Andrew Tate, who gained notoriety through his participation in the reality television show Big Brother, has a controversial past, having been removed from the show in 2016 following a video that appeared to depict him assaulting a woman.
Despite subsequent bans on social media platforms due to his contentious statements, he has managed to amass a following, particularly among young men, by promoting an ostentatious and hyper-masculine lifestyle.
As the case unfolds, public attention will undoubtedly be drawn to the trial, with many eagerly awaiting the outcome and hoping for justice to be served for the alleged victims. The complex web of charges and the high-profile nature of the defendants ensure that this trial will be closely monitored and scrutinized by the media and the public alike.
Follow Alexander Carter on Twitter @AlexCarterDC for more!


saraacater--2020-07-01--Lawsuit Alleges Former CIA Employees Were Hired By Qatar To Hack A Republican Financier

Qatar is being accused by prominent Republican financier Elliot Broidy of hiring a team of former CIA and U.S. military intelligence officials to carry out what he says was criminal activity against himself and his business , according to a lawsuit filed Friday in federal court .
The Washington Free Beacon first reported on the allegations Tuesday , and SaraACarter.com has spoken to people familiar with the matter .
Broidy ’ s lawsuit , reviewed by this columnist , goes into explosive details about the alleged cyber-espionage operation led by the Qatari government against him and business in 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as what happens when highly trained U.S. intelligence officials take contracts from foreign nations they once were required to surveil .
It sounds like an action novel , but it ’ s not and that ’ s exactly what Broidy alleges in his lawsuit .
Broidy ’ s complaint alleges that an American company , whose employees are highly trained NSA , CIA and military officials , were hired by the government of Qatar to illegally obtain information from his computer in an effort to discredit him for speaking out against them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ GRA ) , a New York-based private security firm whose employees are considered highly trained specialists by the U.S. Intelligence Community , was hired and paid a substantial amount of money to conduct the illegal operation against his company .
The court filing stated that GRA had received more than $ 100 million from Qatar to hack , surveil , and silence American citizens , as well as others , who had been critical of the oil-rich state .
GRA did not immediately respond to an email for fair comment .
This story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a representative for GRA responds .
Broidy stated in the suit that the operation against him was due to his “ high-profile criticism of Qatar.
” His complaint includes detailed information about how GRA ’ s “ world-class hackers , ” targeted him personally , along with FIFA Officials , who had oversight regarding the country ’ s World Cup 2022 Bid .
Broidy ’ s lawsuit comes in the wake of other allegations that Qatar peddles influence and allegedly bribed FIFA officials to secure the 2022 World Cup , as reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans , said Broidy , were hired to help Qatari leaders secure a bid for the 2020 World Cup bid and advance other interests .
“ GRA actively pitched Qatar by offering Qatar access to some of the most highly trained former counterintelligence personnel in the world—to help secure Qatar ’ s status as host , ” states the complaint .
“ As controversy swirled in subsequent years , the GRA Defendants outlined their ability to employ intelligence community skills and covert action campaigns to neutralize key voices in the growing choir of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be reassigned to a different host country.
” According to Broidy ’ s complaint , the effort to smear him was allegedly headed by GRA CEO Kevin Chalker , a former CIA operative and Yale adjunct professor .
Moreover , the lawsuit states that Chalker led the campaign to silence Theo Zwanziger , the former president of the German Football Association .
At the time , Zwanziger was serving as a member of FIFA ’ s executive committee .
He had actively promoted the idea of taking back Qatar ’ s successful hosting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , according to the complaint .
The complaint states that GRA allegedly acted “ to neutralize Mr. Zwanziger , by targeting him and influencing people close to him through covert influence and operations .
The assignment included infiltrating FIFA itself.
” “ Mr .
Chalker and GRA ’ s tactics included a covert action program , so-called “ black ops , ” and the use of IT platforms .
They targeted individuals and entities across multiple continents , set up and terminated multiple ‘ cover for action ’ entities in various jurisdictions…By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and GRA had succeeded—Mr .
Zwanziger had come full circle , and his public statements now generally supported World Cup 2022 remaining in Qatar as a way to improve social justice reform efforts there , ” it states .
GRA had requested more than $ 500 million for the contract work they conducted with Qatar , according to the complaint .
Ultimately , however , the company received consulting contracts worth at least $ 100 million , the complaint alleges .
Chalker and GRA “ identified and proposed multiple national security enhancements and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” in which GRA would train Qatari officers in defensive counter-intelligence and offensive intelligence collection tactics , including advanced , sophisticated skills that trained former U.S. intelligence and military operatives are typically barred from sharing or conferring unto foreign governments , ” the complaint alleges .
The complaint documents GRA ’ s expertise and exposes a company produced promotional video done in 2015 , which reveals “ advanced techniques to penetrate target networks.
” The video also allegedly discusses methods to “ intrude into servers ” , including “ spear phishing ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
GRA allegedly “ agreed to engage in , and did in fact manage and execute , a series of cyberattacks and other misappropriation of Mr. Broidy ’ s private communications and documents , ” the lawsuit claims .
“ The purpose of the hacks was to obtain access to Mr. Broidy ’ s confidential documents so that they could be manipulated and strategically disseminated to damage Mr. Broidy economically and as a spokesperson for opponents of Qatar ’ s support of terrorism.
” According to Broidy , in December 2017 , GRA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broidy ’ s personal computer .
The complaint alleges that the operation was personally directed by Chalker , stating that he “ celebrated the launch of the spear phishing campaign that very night , on Wednesday , December 27 , 2017 , by taking associates to the Sapphire Gentlemen ’ s club in New York City.
” Broidy ’ s lawsuit and sources claim “ that the ‘ spearfishing ’ incident was not isolated but a coordinated effort carried out by GRA at the behest of the Qatari government as part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” that illicitly targeted U.S. critics of Qatar .
”

Qatar is being accused by prominent Republican financier Elliott Broidy of hiring a team of former CIA and U.S. military intelligence officials to carry out what he says was criminal activity against himself and his business, according to a lawsuit filed Friday in federal court.
The Washington Free Beacon first reported on the allegations Tuesday, and SaraACarter.com has spoken to people familiar with the matter. Broidy’s lawsuit, reviewed by this columnist, goes into explosive details about the alleged cyber-espionage operation led by the Qatari government against him and his business in 2018.
It also raises significant and astounding questions as to what happens when highly trained U.S. intelligence officials take contracts from foreign nations they once were required to surveil. It sounds like an action novel, but it’s not and that’s exactly what Broidy alleges in his lawsuit.
Broidy’s complaint alleges that an American company, whose employees are highly trained NSA, CIA and military officials, were hired by the government of Qatar to illegally obtain information from his computer in an effort to discredit him for speaking out against them.
He states that Global Risk Advisors (GRA), a New York-based private security firm whose employees are considered highly trained specialists by the U.S. Intelligence Community, was hired and paid a substantial amount of money to conduct the illegal operation against his company. The court filing stated that GRA had received more than $100 million from Qatar to hack, surveil, and silence American citizens, as well as others, who had been critical of the oil-rich state.
GRA did not immediately respond to an email for fair comment. SaraACarter.com also called the general One World Trade Center phone number, which is listed as their office location on GRA’s website. They informed this website that the company is no longer located in the building. This story will be updated if and when Chalker or a representative for GRA responds.
Broidy stated in the suit that the operation against him was due to his “high-profile criticism of Qatar.” His complaint includes detailed information about how GRA’s “world-class hackers,” targeted him personally, along with FIFA Officials, who had oversight regarding the country’s World Cup 2022 Bid. Broidy’s lawsuit comes in the wake of other allegations that Qatar peddles influence and allegedly bribed FIFA officials to secure the 2022 World Cup, as reported by The New York Times.
“In recent years, Qatar, a wealthy Persian Gulf state, has become increasingly prominent in the sponsorship of terrorism, openly hosting organizations such as Al Qaeda, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the Taliban,” Broidy’s complaint states. “Surprisingly, despite these notorious and quite public connections with terrorism, Qatar has embarked upon a strategy of gaining influence in Western nations, including the United States, through a campaign of retaining Western political lobbyists and operatives.” The complaint noted that the efforts by Qatar have crossed legal boundaries and suggests that most prominently was “Qatar’s procurement of the 2022 World Cup through widespread bribery.” “In response, Mr. Broidy’s work had more recently turned to bringing significant public condemnation to Qatar, including from the President of the United States and several Congressional leaders,” the complaint states. “This case is brought against Americans who, for hire, assisted Qatar’s ‘dirty tricks’ campaign against Mr. Broidy, one calculated to silence him and to serve as a chilling example to others of what happens to those who oppose Qatar.”
Those Americans, said Broidy, were hired to help Qatari leaders secure a bid for the 2020 World Cup bid and advance other interests.
“GRA actively pitched Qatar by offering Qatar access to some of the most highly trained former counterintelligence personnel in the world—to help secure Qatar’s status as host,” states the complaint. “As controversy swirled in subsequent years, the GRA Defendants outlined their ability to employ intelligence community skills and covert action campaigns to neutralize key voices in the growing choir of critics who advocated that World Cup 2022 be reassigned to a different host country.”
According to Broidy’s complaint, the effort to smear him was allegedly headed by GRA CEO Kevin Chalker, a former CIA operative and Yale adjunct professor.
Moreover, the lawsuit states that Chalker led the campaign to silence Theo Zwanziger, the former president of the German Football Association. At the time, Zwanziger was serving as a member of FIFA’s executive committee. He had actively promoted the idea of taking back Qatar’s successful hosting bid and awarding it to a different country, according to the complaint.
The complaint states that GRA allegedly acted “to neutralize Mr. Zwanziger, by targeting him and influencing people close to him through covert influence and operations. The assignment included infiltrating FIFA itself.”
“Mr. Chalker and GRA’s tactics included a covert action program, so-called “black ops,” and the use of IT platforms. They targeted individuals and entities across multiple continents, set up and terminated multiple ‘cover for action’ entities in various jurisdictions…By the spring of 2014, Mr. Chalker and GRA had succeeded—Mr. Zwanziger had come full circle, and his public statements now generally supported World Cup 2022 remaining in Qatar as a way to improve social justice reform efforts there,” it states.
GRA had requested more than $500 million for the contract work they conducted with Qatar, according to the complaint. Ultimately, however, the company received consulting contracts worth at least $100 million, the complaint alleges.
Chalker and GRA “identified and proposed multiple national security enhancements and surveillance work, including ‘Project Deviant,” in which GRA would train Qatari officers in defensive counter-intelligence and offensive intelligence collection tactics, including advanced, sophisticated skills that trained former U.S. intelligence and military operatives are typically barred from sharing or conferring unto foreign governments,” the complaint alleges.
The complaint documents GRA’s expertise and exposes a company produced promotional video done in 2015, which reveals “advanced techniques to penetrate target networks.” The video also allegedly discusses methods to “intrude into servers”, including “spear phishing” campaigns, according to the court filing.
GRA allegedly “agreed to engage in, and did in fact manage and execute, a series of cyberattacks and other misappropriation of Mr. Broidy’s private communications and documents,” the lawsuit claims. “The purpose of the hacks was to obtain access to Mr. Broidy’s confidential documents so that they could be manipulated and strategically disseminated to damage Mr. Broidy economically and as a spokesperson for opponents of Qatar’s support of terrorism.”
According to Broidy, in December 2017, GRA initiated a ‘spearfishing’ hack into Broidy’s personal computer. The complaint alleges that the operation was personally directed by Chalker, stating that he “celebrated the launch of the spear phishing campaign that very night, on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, by taking associates to the Sapphire Gentlemen’s club in New York City.”
Broidy’s lawsuit and sources claim “that the ‘spearfishing’ incident was not isolated but a coordinated effort carried out by GRA at the behest of the Qatari government as part of the firm’s “special projects,” that illicitly targeted U.S. critics of Qatar.”


saraacater--2020-07-01--CBP Intercepts 13 Tons Of Human Hair From Chinese Prison Camps

U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of New York/Newark seized a shipment of human hair from China suspected of being “ forced labor products , ” according to a press release .
The packages weighed nearly 13 tons and have an estimated value of over $ 800,000 .
“ It is absolutely essential that American importers ensure that the integrity of their supply chain meets the humane and ethical standards expected by the American government and by American consumers , ” said Brenda Smith , Executive Assistant Commissioner of the CBP Office of Trade .
Smith added , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very serious human rights violation , and the detention order is intended to send a clear and direct message to all entities seeking to do business with the United States that illicit and inhumane practices will not be tolerated in U.S. supply chains.
” The hair came from Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. Ltd. , which is located in China ’ s Xinjiang region , an area where the Chinese government has imprisoned Uighurs , a Turkic-ethnic minority .
In recent days , the Trump administration has expressed condemnation over reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Uighur population through mass forced sterilization , Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices , and abortions .
According to the AP ’ s extensive investigation into what some are calling the Chinese government ’ s genocidal campaign , birth rates among the majority-Muslim group have dramatically dropped to unprecedented numbers in recent years .
Rushan Abbas , a Uighur activist living in America who spoke to the Associated Press , warned of China ’ s human rights abuses in detention camps where she suspects her missing sister is right now .
“ This is so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I want people to think about the slavery people are experiencing today .
My sister is sitting somewhere being forced to make what , hair pieces ?
” In May , CBP made a similar detainment of hair , that time synthetic hair weaves , from a company called Hetian Haolin Hair Accessories Co. Ltd. That company is also located in Xinjiang .
Moreover , the two hair companies have both been placed under CBP Withhold Release Orders , meaning CBP can seize the products for suspected ties to forced labor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their case .

U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of New York/Newark seized a shipment of human hair from China suspected of being “forced labor products,” according to a press release.
The packages weighed nearly 13 tons and have an estimated value of over $800,000.
“It is absolutely essential that American importers ensure that the integrity of their supply chain meets the humane and ethical standards expected by the American government and by American consumers,” said Brenda Smith, Executive Assistant Commissioner of the CBP Office of Trade.
Smith added, “The production of these goods constitutes a very serious human rights violation, and the detention order is intended to send a clear and direct message to all entities seeking to do business with the United States that illicit and inhumane practices will not be tolerated in U.S. supply chains.”
The hair came from Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. Ltd., which is located in China’s Xinjiang region, an area where the Chinese government has imprisoned Uighurs, a Turkic-ethnic minority.
The PRC's human rights abuses in Xinjiang put businesses at risk of exposing their supply chains to forced labor and other abuses. Businesses must do their due diligence to avoid reputational, economic, and legal risks. Don’t be complicit. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) July 1, 2020
In recent days, the Trump administration has expressed condemnation over reports indicating that Beijing is attempting to control the Uighur population through mass forced sterilization, Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices, and abortions.
According to the AP’s extensive investigation into what some are calling the Chinese government’s genocidal campaign, birth rates among the majority-Muslim group have dramatically dropped to unprecedented numbers in recent years.
Rushan Abbas, a Uighur activist living in America who spoke to the Associated Press, warned of China’s human rights abuses in detention camps where she suspects her missing sister is right now.
“This is so heartbreaking for us,” Abbas said. “I want people to think about the slavery people are experiencing today. My sister is sitting somewhere being forced to make what, hair pieces?”
In May, CBP made a similar detainment of hair, that time synthetic hair weaves, from a company called Hetian Haolin Hair Accessories Co. Ltd. That company is also located in Xinjiang.
Moreover, the two hair companies have both been placed under CBP Withhold Release Orders, meaning CBP can seize the products for suspected ties to forced labor allowing the producer an opportunity to make their case.


saraacater--2020-07-01--‘CHOP’ Falls: Seattle Police Disband Autonomous Zone, Reclaim Precinct

Seattle Police are reclaiming their east precinct after nearly a month of an anarchist takeover of the City ’ s Capitol Hill neighborhood .
The force began moving into the area Wednesday during the early morning hours , making 10 arrests , according to reports .
Formed in the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd , the area , known as ‘ CHOP , ’ or the ‘ Capitol Hill Organized Protest ’ was created to establish autonomy from the police .
Since it ’ s founding , however , the area has been the scene of four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reportedly seen multiple incidents of sexual assault , violence , and robberies .
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan , who once hailed the area as the “ summer of love ” ordered that the “ unlawful assembly ” be dismantled and instructed law enforcement to take immediate action Wednesday .
“ As I have said , and I will say again , I support peaceful demonstrations .
Black Lives Matter , and I too want to help propel this movement toward meaningful change in our community .
But enough is enough , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the Mayor ’ s decision .
A reported Twitter account for ‘ CHOP ’ has also been suspended .
However , an earlier tweet showed that the leaders of ‘ CHOP ’ had acknowledged the end to their experiment saying , “ Over the last two weeks , we achieved what no one thought possible .
We successfully built a self-governing community and convinced city leaders to enact meaningful police reform , including substantial budget cuts to the SPD .
”

UPDATE:
In a significant turn of events, Attorney General Merrick Garland made a surprising announcement on Friday, elevating Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss to the role of special counsel. This decision marks a shift in focus towards the investigation of the Biden family’s financial matters. The probe, which encompasses Hunter Biden’s tax affairs and any potential connections his father, President Joe Biden, might have with his foreign associates, is slated to extend into the 2024 election cycle. Interestingly, this move comes as former President Donald Trump is simultaneously facing two federal indictments from the same department.
Garland stressed that the decision to appoint Weiss as an independent prosecutor aligns with the “public interest” and adheres to departmental regulations. Importantly, this transition was initiated by Weiss himself, who, earlier this week, conveyed his belief that the investigation had reached a point where he should proceed as a special counsel.
Weiss is no stranger to this intricate landscape. He is the federal prosecutor responsible for bringing charges against President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, in Delaware. Recent times have witnessed the unfolding of legal proceedings involving Hunter Biden, including a probation-oriented plea arrangement that was ultimately rejected by a judge. In June, Hunter Biden agreed to a deal with federal prosecutors, admitting guilt in two tax-related offenses and a firearm charge, potentially leading to the dismissal of the latter charge. This latest development underscores the intensification of scrutiny into the financial affairs of the Biden family and highlights the evolving legal landscape involving prominent political figures.
—
Attorney General Merrick Garland will speak to the public Friday afternoon. It is highly anticipated because I believe, as do many others, that he may be getting ready to announce the appointment of a Special Counsel to investigate “Hunter Biden” and his financial dealings overseas. Although, welcome there are still too many concerns with the DOJ that need to be addressed and there is little faith among many Americans that anything will be done.
Americans have witnessed the makings and the result of a two tiered justice system since President Trump was elected and then the continuing targeting of Trump even after his term as president.
I’ve spoken about the need for an outside investigation into Hunter Biden and President Biden at length on my podcast, The Sara Carter Show and on Fox News. But I’ve been jaded by the failures of past investigations and the weaponization of the Justice Department to do its job. The failure of the DOJ to be blind and just has been devastating to our nation.
Will Garland appoint a special counsel? I don’t know but as Americans we must demand that our leadership, our bureaucracies and our law makers follow the rule of law without prejudice. If they do not, as we have seen over the past decade with the establishments attacks on President Donald Trump and the weaponization of the system to target him, then our foundation will not only be fractured but it will be irreparable.
Either way, the alleged crimes and obvious financial connections linked to the Biden family with adversarial nations like China and Russia must be thoroughly investigated and the investigation must be made public. The Biden connections and large sums of money taken from government connected energy companies in Ukraine must also be thoroughly vetted and any improprieties must be made public.


saraacater--2020-07-01--Sara Carter: Voters Will Have To Choose Either The American Dream Or Marxism In November

On Monday ’ s episode of “ The Sara Carter Show , ” host Sara A. Carter discussed the upcoming November presidential election , saying voters will have two choices : the American dream or Marxist America .
“ Do you believe in the American dream ?
The one that we were all taught , that everybody has an opportunity that if you work hard enough , you can do anything ?
Or do you believe in that other America , the Marxist fake America that tells you that ‘ Oh , you ’ re a victim .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be anything .
We ’ ve got to take control .
We have to babysit you .
We have to babysit you America and then we can make the rules and decide for you like how we want to take care of things , ’ Carter asked listeners .
If the country was run by Vice President Joe Biden , Carter said , he ‘ will basically be a puppet for the bureaucracy.
” “ He can ’ t remember a lot , ” Carter explained .
“ There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want to be a judge of that .
I ’ m not a doctor .
But I mean , if he was my grandfather , I would be questioning if there was something going on there.
” It ’ s a choice between Biden or President Donald Trump , she added .
“ Those are the two choices .
That ’ s it , ” she said .


saraacater--2020-06-30--Seattle Mayor Says Protestors Outside Her Home Have No ‘Regard’ For Her ‘Safety’

Seattle ’ s Mayor Jenny Durkan on Sunday issued a statement after a group gathered outside her home to protest her decision to dismantle their autonomous zone , saying the protestors have no “ regard ” for her “ safety.
” “ Mayor Durkan and her family are in the state program to keep their address confidential because of the death threats mostly related to her work as Seattle ’ s U.S. Attorney under President Obama , ” a statement from the mayor ’ s office read .
“ Instead of working to make true change , Councilmember Sawant continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did so without regard for the safety of the Mayor and her family .
The Mayor was not even home – she was working at City Hall .
Seattle can and should peacefully demonstrate but should not put families and children at risk.
” The autonomous zone , also known as ‘ CHOP ’ was once referred to by the Mayor as the “ summer of love.
” However , with several shootings and the tragic death of a 16-year-old boy in the 6-block police-free stretch , Durkan ’ s changed her tune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Seattle has a long tradition of peaceful protest and advocacy for progressive change , and Mayor Durkan strongly supports those rights .
Mayor Durkan will continue to listen to leaders in Seattle ’ s Black community .
She is working hard to translate the calls for change into real , tangible systemic changes to policing and all the other systems needed for strong and healthy communities .
She has prioritized these as Mayor , with investments in housing , education , youth opportunity , and economic equity .
She proposes investing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community.
” Click here to read the full story on The Washington Examiner .


saraacater--2020-06-30--House Dems Introduce Resolution To Impeach AG Barr

House Democrats on Tuesday introduced a resolution to ‘ investigate and consider ’ impeaching Attorney General William Barr .
The move comes just a few months after their failed attempt to impeach President Donald Trump .
Congressman Steve Cohen , R-TN , brought the measure to the House floor with the support of 35 co-sponsors .
The group alleges that “ Attorney General Barr has undermined our judicial system and perverted the rule of law.
” He added , “ In the past few weeks alone , Barr has ordered the attack on peaceful protestors in Lafayette Park , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to drop charges against Michael Flynn , the President ’ s former campaign advisor , despite his guilty pleas .
He fired without any explanation the U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York who was overseeing investigations into the President ’ s associates and possibly the President himself.
” “ The pattern here is unmistakable .
Barr obstructs justice by favoring the President ’ s friends and political allies .
He abuses his power by using the Department of Justice to harass , intimidate and attack disfavored Americans and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oath to support and defend the Constitution compels me to confront this corruption .
Congress is a co-equal branch of government and we must get to the bottom of this and hold Bill Barr accountable.
” Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee Rep. Jim Jordan criticized his colleagues ’ move saying , “ Are you kidding me ?
” , adding “ Bill Barr is cleaning up the mess that Obama , Biden , and Comey created !
”

House Democrats on Tuesday introduced a resolution to ‘investigate and consider’ impeaching Attorney General William Barr. The move comes just a few months after their failed attempt to impeach President Donald Trump.
Congressman Steve Cohen, D-TN, brought the measure to the House floor with the support of 35 co-sponsors. The group alleges that “Attorney General Barr has undermined our judicial system and perverted the rule of law.”
He added, “In the past few weeks alone, Barr has ordered the attack on peaceful protestors in Lafayette Park, in violation of their constitutional rights, and moved to drop charges against Michael Flynn, the President’s former campaign advisor, despite his guilty pleas. He fired without any explanation the U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York who was overseeing investigations into the President’s associates and possibly the President himself.”
“The pattern here is unmistakable. Barr obstructs justice by favoring the President’s friends and political allies. He abuses his power by using the Department of Justice to harass, intimidate and attack disfavored Americans and the President’s political opponents. My oath to support and defend the Constitution compels me to confront this corruption. Congress is a co-equal branch of government and we must get to the bottom of this and hold Bill Barr accountable.”
House Democrats just introduced a resolution to impeach the Attorney General.
Are you kidding me?
Bill Barr is cleaning up the mess that Obama, Biden, and Comey created! — Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) June 30, 2020
Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee Rep. Jim Jordan criticized his colleagues’ move saying, “Are you kidding me?”, adding “Bill Barr is cleaning up the mess that Obama, Biden, and Comey created!”
Correction: A previous version of this story wrongly identified Rep. Cohen as a Republican. He is a Democrat and the story has been updated to reflect that.


saraacater--2020-06-30--‘It’s Going To Be Very Disturbing’: Fauci Says COVID Cases Could Surge By 100,000 A Day

In his Tuesday testimony before members of Congress , infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke about his concerns over certain states ’ reopening plans and the surge of cases the nation has seen in past days .
He noted the death totals will be concerning and the country is “ going in the wrong direction.
” Before the Senate Health , Education , Labor and Pensions committee , Fauci fielded questions from senators — one question covered new data showing a 40,000 increase in cases one day last week .
He said that “ we ’ re not in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no surprise to him if the nation saw an increase by 100,000 cases in one day .
“ The numbers speak for themselves , ” Fauci testified .
“ I ’ m very concerned .
I ’ m not satisfied with what ’ s going on because we ’ re going in the wrong direction.
” According to the Guardian , Fauci called out younger Americans to follow guidelines .
“ What we saw were a lot of people who maybe felt because they think they are invulnerable – and we know many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re getting serious disease – that therefore their getting infected has nothing to do with anyone else , ” Fauci said .
Fauci urged the public to follow CDC and local guidelines , including the wearing of a mask in public and maintaining six feet distance from others .

In his Tuesday testimony before members of Congress, infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke about his concerns over certain states’ reopening plans and the surge of cases the nation has seen in past days. He noted the death totals will be concerning and the country is “going in the wrong direction.”
Before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee, Fauci fielded questions from senators — one question covered new data showing a 40,000 increase in cases one day last week. He said that “we’re not in control” and it would come at no surprise to him if the nation saw an increase by 100,000 cases in one day.
NEW: Dr. Fauci says he “would not be surprised” if the US has 100,000 new coronavirus cases a day “if this does not turn around.”
“It could get very bad,” he adds. pic.twitter.com/e7d9bXutbf — NBC News (@NBCNews) June 30, 2020
“The numbers speak for themselves,” Fauci testified. “I’m very concerned. I’m not satisfied with what’s going on because we’re going in the wrong direction.”
According to the Guardian, Fauci called out younger Americans to follow guidelines.
"We are now mounting a major effort," During testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Dr. Fauci said a vaccine for COVID-19 could be available as soon as the end of this year. https://t.co/W3zTEXhnAK pic.twitter.com/6zoHY3NMT8 — NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) June 23, 2020
“What we saw were a lot of people who maybe felt because they think they are invulnerable – and we know many young people are not because they’re getting serious disease – that therefore their getting infected has nothing to do with anyone else,” Fauci said.
Fauci urged the public to follow CDC and local guidelines, including the wearing of a mask in public and maintaining six feet distance from others.


saraacater--2020-06-30--Biden Pledges To ‘Restore’ U.S./WHO Relationship ‘For all its shortcomings, missteps’

Former Vice President and 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden held his first press conference in 89 days on Tuesday .
Speaking to the public from Wilmington , Deleware , Biden accused the President of mishandling the COVID-19 outbreak and explained a number of corrections he ’ d make to his policies , including increasing testing and contact tracing capabilities , and “ restoring ” the country ’ s relationship with the World Health Organization , recognizing that the organization ’ s had it ’ s ‘ shortcomings and missteps.
’ “ We have to immediately restore our relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortcomings and missteps over COVID-19 .
This is why WHO was created .
It is essential to coordinating a global response during a pandemic .
And the United States should be leading that response as we had in the past , ” Biden said .
He added , “ COVID-19 will likely worsen at the outset of flu season this year , so we need to put in place measures now , now to ensure the seasonal flu vaccine can be ready , available , and administered safely to those who need it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seniors.
” President Donald Trump has been hard on the WHO for its close relationship with China and for its mishandling of the pandemic .
Last month , Trump announced that the U.S. will “ terminate ” its relationship with the group after earlier announcing that he would halt U.S. funding , citing the organization ’ s “ China-centric ” ties .
The WHO has on a number of occasions misled the world on the spread of COVID-19 .
Initially , the WHO said there was no evidence of “ human-to-human transmission ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more recently , said then backtracked that the asymptomatic transmission is “ very rare .
”


saraacater--2020-06-30--Donald Trump Jr. On Big Tech Censorship: They believe in their speech, not free speech

Trump Organization Executive Vice President Donald Trump Jr. joined Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo Tuesday to tackle a number of issues , including big tech censorship .
The President ’ s son explained that social media companies have targeted conservatives on their platforms , but are defending their actions by claiming to protect free speech , however , he said , it ’ s not free speech , it ’ s ‘ their speech.
’ “ Well , it ’ s not just my father , Maria , ” Trump Jr. explained .
“ It ’ s all conservatives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s people who are pro-second amendment , the religious right .
It ’ s happened to me on numerous occasions… ” explaining that he was censored for questioning the now-debunked story on actor Jussie Smollett .
He added , “ You know , I got targeted for hate speech .
Turns out I was right .
You know , that didn ’ t stop the mainstream media from dragging me through the mud for three or four days .
But , that ’ s what ’ s gone on.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ censored numerous times in recent weeks on Twitter and Trump himself , was recently temporarily suspended from Twitch , a popular streaming platform .
Moreover , a group of his fans on Reddit had their page suspended on Monday .
“ All these social media companies , they ’ re controlled by leftists .
Even whatever they ’ re saying that 25,000 people that work of them are all leftists .
They all believe in one thing and it ’ s not free speech , they only believe in their speech .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not woke enough , again , a cancellable offense , ” Trump Jr. explained .
“ So , you ’ ve seen this happen .
You know , social media is supposed to be a free marketplace .
These companies get all sorts of protections from the federal government , from liability , etc .
But if they ’ re acting as publishers and saying ‘ you can ’ t push this , you can ’ t write that , you can ’ t do that , ’ they should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s an issue I ’ ve been really vocal about for quite a few years , and a lot of conservatives , frankly , have been very slow to adapt , unfortunately.
” Conservatives are starting to act now , Trump Jr. noted .
Parler , a social media platform that touts itself as a “ non-biased free speech ” site , has seen an uptick in users by the thousands in recent weeks .
A number of those users include top conservative influencers and lawmakers .
The President has also taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a recently-signed executive order , as reported .

Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
Trump Organization Executive Vice President Donald Trump Jr. joined Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo Tuesday to tackle a number of issues, including big tech censorship. The President’s son explained that social media companies have targeted conservatives on their platforms, but are defending their actions by claiming to protect free speech, however, he said, it’s not free speech, it’s ‘their speech.’
“Well, it’s not just my father, Maria,” Trump Jr. explained. “It’s all conservatives. It’s people who are pro-life, it’s people who are pro-second amendment, the religious right. It’s happened to me on numerous occasions…” explaining that he was censored for questioning the now-debunked story on actor Jussie Smollett.
He added, “You know, I got targeted for hate speech. Turns out I was right. You know, that didn’t stop the mainstream media from dragging me through the mud for three or four days. But, that’s what’s gone on.”
The President and his supporters have been censored numerous times in recent weeks on Twitter and Trump himself, was recently temporarily suspended from Twitch, a popular streaming platform. Moreover, a group of his fans on Reddit had their page suspended on Monday.
“All these social media companies, they’re controlled by leftists. Even whatever they’re saying that 25,000 people that work of them are all leftists. They all believe in one thing and it’s not free speech, they only believe in their speech. You can only be woke, if you’re not woke enough, again, a cancellable offense,” Trump Jr. explained.
“So, you’ve seen this happen. You know, social media is supposed to be a free marketplace. These companies get all sorts of protections from the federal government, from liability, etc. But if they’re acting as publishers and saying ‘you can’t push this, you can’t write that, you can’t do that,’ they should not be getting those protections. And it’s an issue I’ve been really vocal about for quite a few years, and a lot of conservatives, frankly, have been very slow to adapt, unfortunately.”
Conservatives are starting to act now, Trump Jr. noted. Parler, a social media platform that touts itself as a “non-biased free speech” site, has seen an uptick in users by the thousands in recent weeks. A number of those users include top conservative influencers and lawmakers.
The President has also taken swift action against the social media giants with a recently-signed executive order, as reported.


saraacater--2020-06-30--Supreme Court Rules In Favor of Religious Schools, Says Aid Bans Are Unconstitutional

The Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision on Tuesday morning that Montana ’ s ban on religious schools receiving @ @ @ @ @ funds — is illegal and that it ’ s unconstitutional for states to exclude religious @ @ @ @ @ According to the Wall Street Journal , the Montana program offered $ 150 in tax @ @ @ @ @ for private school attendees .
After a decision was made by state tax officials that @ @ @ @ @ qualify , the case was heard by the Montana Supreme Court .
The court cited @ @ @ @ @ to sectarian schools and decided to dismantle the entire program .
The case was appealed @ @ @ @ @ parents suing for aid to assist in paying for their children ’ s religious private @ @ @ @ @ , Espinoza v. Montana Department Of Revenue , saw conservative justices in the majority and @ @ @ @ @ the opinion .
The ruling will make it easier for religious schools to obtain aid @ @ @ @ @ more school choice policies , potentially including the funding of vouchers .

“Consumers have made a choice,” said an executive at a Texas-based beer distributor who did not want to be identified. “They have left [Bud Light] and that’s how it’s going to be. I don’t envision a big percentage of them coming back.”
That’s the sentiment of many involved in the once successful Bud Light brand from Anheuser-Busch. In the four months since the company partnered with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney, the company has endured hiring freezes, layoffs and sales have declined by a whopping 25%.
With no end in sight of stopping the financial bleed, “many Anheuser-Busch distributors say they are resigned to their painful Bud Light losses” reports The New York Post.
Other Anheuser-Busch beers such as Budweiser, Michelob Ultra and Busch Light also have seen a huge decline in sales, and even beer truck drivers have gotten heckled and harassed. Bud Light’s competitors, including Coors Light and Miller Lite have all seen significant increases in sales.
“While Bud Light remains the No. 1 beer brand in the US, those days are likely numbered, with Modelo expected to overtake it by the end of August, experts say” adds the Post.
The controversy all started with Mulvaney used her social media influence to partner with Bud Light and made posts holding a 16-ounce can of Bud Light with her image on it and of her sitting in a bubble bath surrounded by Bud Light cans.
“The strategy of targeting younger, newer consumers is the right one,” Michael Stone, chairman of Beanstalk Group, a New York-based branding firm, told The Post. “But Anheuser-Busch made a mistake executing on the strategy.”
The New York Post adds:
One silver lining for beleaguered Anheuser-Busch distributors is the rise of Modelo Especial — the No. 2 beer brand, which Anheuser-Busch owns outside of the US.
Rival Constellation Brands distributes Modelo in the US, where it has been outselling Bud Light on a weekly basis since May.


saraacater--2020-07-01--Fighting For ‘Unity,’ ‘Small Government’: Burgess Owens Declares GOP Primary Win

Former NFL Superbowl star Burgess Owens claimed his victory Wednesday for the Republican ticket in Utah ’ s fourth district congressional race .
Owens claimed over 43 percent of the Party ’ s votes , with 67 percent of the precincts reporting .
“ Im so grateful for the tireless support of so many volunteers , ” he told SaraACarter.com Wednesday .
“ I am excited to continue sharing our message of unity with the district .
We ’ ve seen our message of small government resonating with people across the political spectrum and I ’ m excited to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting every voter I can !
” In June , Owens told “ The Sara Carter Show ” podcast that the Democratic party is “ frantic ” over the increasing number of black Americans that are leaving the party to back President Donald Trump and Republicans .
Owens , a former Oakland Raiders Super Bowl star , said that leftists are attempting to erase America ’ s history and fundamentally change the ideological direction of the country .
He said during the podcast interview that the majority of rioting and protesting after George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not organic.
” “ Black people right now are not going in and burning down their own black businesses it ’ s Antifa , ” he said .
“ And that ’ s why I love the fact that we now have got a president who ’ s going to call out for it .
We have domestic terrorists .
People are trying to take down our country we have because of this Marxist ideology .
These governors and mayors could care less and represent could care less about the pain it brings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back .
So yeah this is a power play and the great thing about this is this we can now talk across the board among about Americans about we the people do we want to work to vote for those who are against us doing these bad times or those who give us hope .
”


saraacater--2020-07-01--Hundreds of Former George W. Bush Staffers Launch Pro-Biden Super PAC

A new super PAC formed by hundreds of former campaign , administration , and political staffers from George W. Bush ’ s administration will work to get former Vice President Joe Biden elected , saying they are “ dismayed and disappointed ” by the Trump presidency .
The new group , 43 Alumni for Biden , announced their formation on Wednesday , saying their purpose is to “ unite and mobilize a community of historically Republican voters who are dismayed and disappointed by the damage done to our nation.
” “ For four years , we have watched with grave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morphed into a cult of personality that little resembles the Party of Lincoln and Reagan , ” said 43 Alumni for Biden PAC Director Karen Kirksey in a press release .
“ We endorse Joe Biden not necessarily in full support of his political agenda but rather in full agreement with the urgent need to restore the soul of this nation.
” The group began outreach last month , according to The Hill .
More prominent and high-profile Bush alums in the group are expected to be made public in the coming weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hill many in the group don ’ t agree with Biden ’ s policies but agree his temperament and demeanor are what they ’ re interested in .
Millikin severed in the General Services Administration under Bush and the Small Business Administration in the Trump administration .
“ We as a group have policy differences with him .
We ’ re just looking to have someone in the office who will stand up and act like a leader , ” she said .
“ We can debate the differences in the way we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a robust debate , that ’ s what America ’ s for .
But that ’ s not happening now , and we feel it will definitely happen with Joe Biden in office.
” 43 Alumni for Joe Biden will focus on swing state voters and is planning to release testimonials of Republican officials supporting the former Vice President .

A new super PAC formed by hundreds of former campaign, administration, and political staffers from George W. Bush’s administration will work to get former Vice President Joe Biden elected, saying they are “dismayed and disappointed” by the Trump presidency.
The new group, 43 Alumni for Biden, announced their formation on Wednesday, saying their purpose is to “unite and mobilize a community of historically Republican voters who are dismayed and disappointed by the damage done to our nation.”
“For four years, we have watched with grave concern as the party we loved has morphed into a cult of personality that little resembles the Party of Lincoln and Reagan,” said 43 Alumni for Biden PAC Director Karen Kirksey in a press release. “We endorse Joe Biden not necessarily in full support of his political agenda but rather in full agreement with the urgent need to restore the soul of this nation.”
Exclusive: Hundreds of George W. Bush administration officials to back Biden, group says https://t.co/vdjM9ezXiA pic.twitter.com/YWu9iqECqT — Reuters (@Reuters) July 1, 2020
The group began outreach last month, according to The Hill. More prominent and high-profile Bush alums in the group are expected to be made public in the coming weeks.
Committee member Jennifer Millikin told The Hill many in the group don’t agree with Biden’s policies but agree his temperament and demeanor are what they’re interested in.
Millikin severed in the General Services Administration under Bush and the Small Business Administration in the Trump administration.
“We as a group have policy differences with him. We’re just looking to have someone in the office who will stand up and act like a leader,” she said. “We can debate the differences in the way we think about policies, we can have a robust debate, that’s what America’s for. But that’s not happening now, and we feel it will definitely happen with Joe Biden in office.”
43 Alumni for Joe Biden will focus on swing state voters and is planning to release testimonials of Republican officials supporting the former Vice President.


saraacater--2020-07-01--Boston Votes to Remove Emancipation Memorial in Park Square

A unanimous vote on Tuesday by the Boston Art Commission means the famous Emancipation Memorial — depicting President Abraham Lincoln with a freed slave — will come down .
The statue celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation , which Lincoln signed in 1863 and declares “ that all persons held as slaves ” within the Confederacy “ are , and henceforward shall be free.
” A petition calling for the removal of the statue received over 12,000 signatures as of Wednesday .
The move to take down the art comes in the wake of George Floyd ‘ s death and a push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down across the nation .
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh gave his full support for the removal of the statue and thanked the commission for their work .
“ After engaging in a public process , it ’ s clear that residents and visitors to Boston have been uncomfortable with this statue , and its reductive representation of the Black man ’ s role in the abolitionist movement , ” Walsh said in a statement .
According to CBS Boston , the commission has not set a removal yet and the group is determining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a new public setting .
“ Public art is storytelling at the street level .
As such , the imagery should strike the heart and engage the mind , ” said Vice-Chair of the Boston Art Commission Ekua Holmes in a statement .
“ What I heard today is that it hurts to look at this piece , and in the Boston landscape we should not have works that bring shame to any groups of people , not only in Boston but across the entire United States.
” The monument has stood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1879 and is a replica of the Washington D.C. Emancipation Memorial statue .
The inscription on the statue reads : “ A race set free/ and the country at peace / Lincoln / Rests from his labors .
”

A unanimous vote on Tuesday by the Boston Art Commission means the famous Emancipation Memorial — depicting President Abraham Lincoln with a freed slave — will come down.
The statue celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation, which Lincoln signed in 1863 and declares “that all persons held as slaves” within the Confederacy “are, and henceforward shall be free.”
A petition calling for the removal of the statue received over 12,000 signatures as of Wednesday. The move to take down the art comes in the wake of George Floyd‘s death and a push for statues deemed racist to be taken down across the nation.
#BREAKING: The Boston Art Commission tonight voted unanimously to remove the Emancipation Memorial in Park Square. Move also calls for for bringing in an art conservator to oversee removal of bronze statue "and placement into temporary storage." https://t.co/UwPKGH1r2d — Boston 25 News (@boston25) July 1, 2020
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh gave his full support for the removal of the statue and thanked the commission for their work.
“After engaging in a public process, it’s clear that residents and visitors to Boston have been uncomfortable with this statue, and its reductive representation of the Black man’s role in the abolitionist movement,” Walsh said in a statement.
According to CBS Boston, the commission has not set a removal yet and the group is determining how to “re-contextualize” the statue in a new public setting.
“Public art is storytelling at the street level. As such, the imagery should strike the heart and engage the mind,” said Vice-Chair of the Boston Art Commission Ekua Holmes in a statement. “What I heard today is that it hurts to look at this piece, and in the Boston landscape we should not have works that bring shame to any groups of people, not only in Boston but across the entire United States.”
The monument has stood in a park near Boston Common since 1879 and is a replica of the Washington D.C. Emancipation Memorial statue.
The inscription on the statue reads: “A race set free/ and the country at peace / Lincoln / Rests from his labors.”


saraacater--2020-07-02--Judge’s Political Bias Risks Roger Stone’s Life and the Integrity of Our System

At Roger Stone ’ s sentencing , following his conviction by a jury in Washington , DC , that was led by an irretrievably politically biased foreperson , the presiding federal judge , Amy Berman Jackson , announced to her captive audience how fortunate we as a nation are that defendants like Roger Stone are sentenced by completely neutral judges like her .
Similarly , when Jackson denied Roger Stone ’ s request last week to extend his date to surrender to prison by 60 days based on his life-threatening medical conditions if exposed to the COVID-19 virus in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently is running rampant , Judge Jackson assured the public that her “ guiding principle ” was that Mr. Stone should be given no more , nor less consideration than any other similarly situated defendant .
Both of these remarks were as disingenous and as far removed from reality as one ever could imagine .
Her bias and her total lack of even-handedness are by now undeniable and , indeed , we as a nation suffer when our criminal justice system is blatantly politicized by even a single judge .
Judge Jackson ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s sentencing are legendary and reflected anything but neutrality .
She went through the motions of listening to Stone ’ s sentencing presentation , left the courtroom , and came back minutes later with pages of notes obviously written well in advance , that she simply read out loud , making a mockery of the idea that she was in any way a neutral arbiter actually considering facts and arguments made before her .
The jury and American public were told at the start of the prosecution against Roger Stone that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation into Russian collusion .
You can imagine the surprise of many then , when Judge Jackson read from her notes at sentencing that the case against Roger Stone had nothing whatsoever to do with Russia .
Instead , she read , it was about Stone ’ s efforts to obtain Hillary Clinton ’ s emails from Wikileaks as part of an opposition research move .
Opposition research like what we now know the Clinton campaign and the DNC paid for to use against the Trump campaign .
No matter to this judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Mueller ’ s law firm or even that the lead prosecutor in the Stone case was Ms. Clinton ’ s personal lawyer from that law firm in Clinton ’ s own email scandal .
But Judge Jackson went further at Stone ’ s sentencing in demonstrating her purported neutrality and her commitment to avoid politicizing the proceedings .
She declared that Roger Stone ’ s actual motivation was to cover up for President Trump .
Nevermind that this was never charged in the case and there was no such evidence ; this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes and there was no stopping her .
Her anti-Trump diatribe went on for a while ; but then she got back to her made up view of the case at hand and she showed off her additional expertise in the area of foreign relations and intelligence .
She told her captive audience that Congressman Nunes ’ s Committee investigating Russian collusion had made a mistake in its findings and that Roger Stone ’ s actions were responsible for these wrong conclusions .
Except , the very next day after the Stone sentencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement unequivocally repudiating what Judge Jackson had said in sentencing Mr. Stone and correctly noting that Mr. Stone had no impact whatsoever on the Nunes Committee ’ s investigation or its findings and was barely even mentioned in the Committee report .
There is much more to say about the judge ’ s sense of neutrality that her prepared statement at sentencing revealed .
Suffice it to say that perhaps the jury foreperson who we know now felt comfortable posting social media attacks on President Trump and his associates did not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct would be licensed by Judge Jackson when it finally came to light .
As for Judge Jackson ’ s claim that her “ guiding principle ” in denying Mr. Stone ’ s medically indicated motion for a 60 day extension of time to report to prison was to make sure that he was treated the same as all others similarly situated , it was honored only in the breach , and likely with life-threatening consequences , according to the medical experts .
In actuality , she made no pretense of following any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not only denied the motion , she discounted or totally ignored undisputed specific medical evidence of the risk of death Stone faces and then punished Stone for making the motion .
In fact , by denying Mr. Stone ’ s recent motion to extend his surrender date for medical reasons , Jackson actually treated Mr. Stone more harshly than any other defendant in any federal court in the country on this issue and did so , despite being alerted to a uniform policy from the Justice Department agreeing to extend surrender dates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jackson well knows , in denying this medically supported request , unopposed even by the prosecutors in the case , who have demonstrated their own hatred toward Mr. Stone and the President on more than enough occasions , she is sending Mr. Stone to a prison from which inmates are being released before serving their full sentences , specifically because of the health risks they face there .
Jackson not only ignored every decision from other judges on her own court uniformly granting surrender date extension motions under the current COVID-19 pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same relief to every other requesting defendant in every reported case in the country .
So much for insisting on even-handed treatment for Mr. Stone .
But it is even worse than that .
The judge purported to base her decision in part on the fact that there are no reported cases of inmates testing positive at the prison in Georgia to which Mr. Stone is being sent .
Well , as another judge opined in ordering the release of an inmate from that prison , this only means no “ confirmed ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of over 1400 inmates at the facility have ever been tested , and at least one study has shown that 70 % of inmates who get tested test positive .
The only inmates tested at the prison in question are those who have been quarantined for 14 days prior to their release from the prison .
Even more alarming , just 10 days before Judge Jackson denied Mr. Stone ’ s request to delay his date to report to the prison , another federal judge ordered the release of a convicted sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison , based on undisputed , front line , first-hand evidence of the dramatic risks of exposure to the COVID-19 virus at that very prison .
The evidence is that even the most fundamental protections , like wearing masks and social distancing are nowhere in evidence and the prison ’ s staff comes and goes from outside the prison each day , in a state with record-number reported cases of COVID-19 spiking each day .
The only “ guiding principle ” Judge Jackson has demonstrated through her words and actions in the Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case as a vehicle to rail against Donald Trump and punish , to the extent of her ability , on every possible occasion , everyone and everything associated with him .
It was readily apparent from the beginning of the case , it was unabashedly on center stage at Stone ’ s sentencing , and now it is the driving force behind Judge Jackson ’ s tortured and indefensible denial of Stone ’ s unopposed request to delay by 60 days the date he must report to prison , while his conviction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to make because of the undisputed , medically documented risk of death he faces in the prison under the widely reported current COVID-19 pandemic situation in our prison system .
And a request that has been granted for every other defendant , in every other court in the country , and that is supported by a uniform DOJ policy to consent to the same for every defendant under the current COVID-10 pandemic .
To Judge Jackson ’ s historic discredit , she has demonstrated that she is committed to her political agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stone ’ s life and even if it means stripping our criminal justice system of its integrity .
It is time for the President to step in , expose the conduct of this judge for what it has been , send the correct message once and for all that the Mueller team was rotten to the core and did irreparable harm to our country , and take the necessary and appropriate steps to save Roger Stone ’ s life and the integrity of our criminal justice system before it is too late .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
David Schoen is a civil rights and criminal defense lawyer , who is now representing Roger Stone for the appeal of his conviction and sentence .

At Roger Stone’s sentencing, following his conviction by a jury in Washington, DC, that was led by an irretrievably politically biased foreperson, the presiding federal judge, Amy Berman Jackson, announced to her captive audience how fortunate we as a nation are that defendants like Roger Stone are sentenced by completely neutral judges like her.
Similarly, when Jackson denied Roger Stone’s request last week to extend his date to surrender to prison by 60 days based on his life-threatening medical conditions if exposed to the COVID-19 virus in the confines of a federal prison where it currently is running rampant, Judge Jackson assured the public that her “guiding principle” was that Mr. Stone should be given no more, nor less consideration than any other similarly situated defendant.
On Jan. 25, 2019 the FBI conducted an armed raid of Roger Stone’s home in Florida. It was during the predawn hours and 29 agents, to include the aquatic team, conducted the direct action raid on the elderly Stone and his deaf wife as if they were terrorists or drug cartel leaders. It appears that CNN was tipped off on the raid, arriving earlier than the FBI and capturing the armed agents taking Stone into custody.
Both of these remarks were as disingenous and as far removed from reality as one ever could imagine. Her bias and her total lack of even-handedness are by now undeniable and, indeed, we as a nation suffer when our criminal justice system is blatantly politicized by even a single judge.
Judge Jackson’s politically motivated comments at Mr. Stone’s sentencing are legendary and reflected anything but neutrality. She went through the motions of listening to Stone’s sentencing presentation, left the courtroom, and came back minutes later with pages of notes obviously written well in advance, that she simply read out loud, making a mockery of the idea that she was in any way a neutral arbiter actually considering facts and arguments made before her.
The jury and American public were told at the start of the prosecution against Roger Stone that the case was about his interference with an investigation into Russian collusion. You can imagine the surprise of many then, when Judge Jackson read from her notes at sentencing that the case against Roger Stone had nothing whatsoever to do with Russia. Instead, she read, it was about Stone’s efforts to obtain Hillary Clinton’s emails from Wikileaks as part of an opposition research move. Opposition research like what we now know the Clinton campaign and the DNC paid for to use against the Trump campaign.
No matter to this judge that Hillary Clinton was a client of Mr. Mueller’s law firm or even that the lead prosecutor in the Stone case was Ms. Clinton’s personal lawyer from that law firm in Clinton’s own email scandal.
But Judge Jackson went further at Stone’s sentencing in demonstrating her purported neutrality and her commitment to avoid politicizing the proceedings. She declared that Roger Stone’s actual motivation was to cover up for President Trump. Nevermind that this was never charged in the case and there was no such evidence; this was her day to read from her notes and there was no stopping her.
Her anti-Trump diatribe went on for a while; but then she got back to her made up view of the case at hand and she showed off her additional expertise in the area of foreign relations and intelligence. She told her captive audience that Congressman Nunes’s Committee investigating Russian collusion had made a mistake in its findings and that Roger Stone’s actions were responsible for these wrong conclusions.
Except, the very next day after the Stone sentencing, Congressman Nunes’s office issued a statement unequivocally repudiating what Judge Jackson had said in sentencing Mr. Stone and correctly noting that Mr. Stone had no impact whatsoever on the Nunes Committee’s investigation or its findings and was barely even mentioned in the Committee report.
There is much more to say about the judge’s sense of neutrality that her prepared statement at sentencing revealed. Suffice it to say that perhaps the jury foreperson who we know now felt comfortable posting social media attacks on President Trump and his associates did not have to look far to believe that such conduct would be licensed by Judge Jackson when it finally came to light.
As for Judge Jackson’s claim that her “guiding principle” in denying Mr. Stone’s medically indicated motion for a 60 day extension of time to report to prison was to make sure that he was treated the same as all others similarly situated, it was honored only in the breach, and likely with life-threatening consequences, according to the medical experts. In actuality, she made no pretense of following any such guiding principle at all. She not only denied the motion, she discounted or totally ignored undisputed specific medical evidence of the risk of death Stone faces and then punished Stone for making the motion.
In fact, by denying Mr. Stone’s recent motion to extend his surrender date for medical reasons, Jackson actually treated Mr. Stone more harshly than any other defendant in any federal court in the country on this issue and did so, despite being alerted to a uniform policy from the Justice Department agreeing to extend surrender dates in every case. In fact, as Jackson well knows, in denying this medically supported request, unopposed even by the prosecutors in the case, who have demonstrated their own hatred toward Mr. Stone and the President on more than enough occasions, she is sending Mr. Stone to a prison from which inmates are being released before serving their full sentences, specifically because of the health risks they face there.
Jackson not only ignored every decision from other judges on her own court uniformly granting surrender date extension motions under the current COVID-19 pandemic, she ignored every other decision granting the same relief to every other requesting defendant in every reported case in the country. So much for insisting on even-handed treatment for Mr. Stone.
But it is even worse than that. The judge purported to base her decision in part on the fact that there are no reported cases of inmates testing positive at the prison in Georgia to which Mr. Stone is being sent. Well, as another judge opined in ordering the release of an inmate from that prison, this only means no “confirmed” cases. Only 30 or fewer inmates out of over 1400 inmates at the facility have ever been tested, and at least one study has shown that 70% of inmates who get tested test positive. The only inmates tested at the prison in question are those who have been quarantined for 14 days prior to their release from the prison.
Even more alarming, just 10 days before Judge Jackson denied Mr. Stone’s request to delay his date to report to the prison, another federal judge ordered the release of a convicted sex offender and child pornographer from that same prison, based on undisputed, front line, first-hand evidence of the dramatic risks of exposure to the COVID-19 virus at that very prison. The evidence is that even the most fundamental protections, like wearing masks and social distancing are nowhere in evidence and the prison’s staff comes and goes from outside the prison each day, in a state with record-number reported cases of COVID-19 spiking each day.
The only “guiding principle” Judge Jackson has demonstrated through her words and actions in the Roger Stone case is her determination to use the case as a vehicle to rail against Donald Trump and punish, to the extent of her ability, on every possible occasion, everyone and everything associated with him.
It was readily apparent from the beginning of the case, it was unabashedly on center stage at Stone’s sentencing, and now it is the driving force behind Judge Jackson’s tortured and indefensible denial of Stone’s unopposed request to delay by 60 days the date he must report to prison, while his conviction is on appeal – a request Stone had to make because of the undisputed, medically documented risk of death he faces in the prison under the widely reported current COVID-19 pandemic situation in our prison system. And a request that has been granted for every other defendant, in every other court in the country, and that is supported by a uniform DOJ policy to consent to the same for every defendant under the current COVID-10 pandemic.
To Judge Jackson’s historic discredit, she has demonstrated that she is committed to her political agenda even literally at the risk of Mr. Stone’s life and even if it means stripping our criminal justice system of its integrity.
It is time for the President to step in, expose the conduct of this judge for what it has been, send the correct message once and for all that the Mueller team was rotten to the core and did irreparable harm to our country, and take the necessary and appropriate steps to save Roger Stone’s life and the integrity of our criminal justice system before it is too late.
This column is a special to SaraACarter.com. David Schoen is a civil rights and criminal defense lawyer, who is now representing Roger Stone for the appeal of his conviction and sentence.