westernjournal--2020-04-17--UK Cops Threaten Journalist Who Caught Them Dragging Woman Out of Park for ‘Not Exercising’

The coronavirus crisis has created its fair share of surreal scenes , but the sight of police apparently harassing a person for improperly being out on a public street and chasing away an enquiring journalist is especially chilling .
The incident happened in England , where , according to CNN , Prime Minister Boris Johnson ’ s March 23 stay-at-home order currently requires everyone to not leave their homes except under very limited circumstances for necessities , with one particular exception for “ one form of exercise a day.
” That one exception is at the center of a chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalist Michael Segalov ’ s clash with police .
Segalov publicized the incident in a series of tweets in which he tagged London ’ s Metropolitan Police Service .
“ hi @ metpoliceuk , walking through finsbury park alone just now , taking exercise , i witnessed a woman being confronted by two police officers looking distressed .
a concerned citizen , i stopped briefly – over 2 meters away – to see what was happening , ” Segalov wrote .
TRENDING : NYC Adds Thousands of People Who Never Tested Positive to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describe what had happened when he came upon the woman , who he thought was being unfairly treated , and began to record .
As Segalov followed the woman and police to the exit of the park , he was surrounded by police officers and asked to leave , despite his protests that he was just a journalist doing his job while out for a walk .
Simon Childs at Vice reported on the confrontation and tweeted Segalov ’ s footage of the April 5 incident .
“ The other week journalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police for filming an incident in a park , ” Childs tweeted on Thursday .
“ Here ’ s the footage .
Not a good look for the police – breaking social distancing rules by surrounding him and wrongly shouting at a journalist to go home.
” The footage begins with the woman being escorted out of the park as Segalov stops in front of a police vehicle .
He is then told to “ move on ” over a police loudspeaker .
Then a police officer exits the vehicle and confronts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalist and says he was out for a walk , but as more officers begin to come into frame he is told to “ exercise or leave.
” RELATED : Canada Now Teaching Children How To Run Interference for China One officer even tells him , “ You ’ re killing people .
Go home.
” Notably , as Segalov himself pointed out on Twitter , the officers got very close to him and did not practice the recommended social distancing .
Despite his protests , the officers continued to command him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning “ this is not going to look good for you guys.
” According to Vice , the Metropolitan Police Service confirmed that they indeed “ were encouraging a woman who was ‘ clearly not exercising ’ to leave the park ” when Segalov began filming .
While the footage started after police began interacting with the woman , they clearly used the exercise rule as a reason to stop Segalov from filming , which demonstrates the draconian rules that folks across the pond are currently enduring .
From this situation and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparent that tyranny is like a rabid dog , always nipping at the heels of personal liberty while restrained by safeguards such as the Constitution , but ready to attack at the first opportunity .
While the U.K. does not enjoy the same freedoms as the U.S. , the scene of a journalist being thrown out of a public area for not exercising in a way that pleases the government is still frightening .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The coronavirus crisis has created its fair share of surreal scenes, but the sight of police apparently harassing a person for improperly being out on a public street and chasing away an enquiring journalist is especially chilling.
The incident happened in England, where, according to CNN, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s March 23 stay-at-home order currently requires everyone to not leave their homes except under very limited circumstances for necessities, with one particular exception for “one form of exercise a day.”
That one exception is at the center of a chain of events that allegedly led to London-based journalist Michael Segalov’s clash with police. Segalov publicized the incident in a series of tweets in which he tagged London’s Metropolitan Police Service.
“hi @metpoliceuk, walking through finsbury park alone just now, taking exercise, i witnessed a woman being confronted by two police officers looking distressed. a concerned citizen, i stopped briefly – over 2 meters away – to see what was happening,” Segalov wrote.
hi @metpoliceuk, walking through finsbury park alone just now, taking exercise, i witnessed a woman being confronted by two police officers looking distressed. a concerned citizen, i stopped briefly – over 2 meters away – to see what was happening. 1/ — michael segalov (@MikeSegalov) April 5, 2020
He went on to describe what had happened when he came upon the woman, who he thought was being unfairly treated, and began to record.
As Segalov followed the woman and police to the exit of the park, he was surrounded by police officers and asked to leave, despite his protests that he was just a journalist doing his job while out for a walk.
Simon Childs at Vice reported on the confrontation and tweeted Segalov’s footage of the April 5 incident.
Do you think the U.K. government is turning to authoritarian measures during the coronavirus crisis? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (467 Votes) No: 3% (15 Votes)
“The other week journalist @MikeSegalov got hassled and shouted at by the police for filming an incident in a park,” Childs tweeted on Thursday. “Here’s the footage. Not a good look for the police – breaking social distancing rules by surrounding him and wrongly shouting at a journalist to go home.”
The other week journalist @MikeSegalov got hassled and shouted at by the police for filming an incident in a park. Here’s the footage. Not a good look for the police – breaking social distancing rules by surrounding him and wrongly shouting at a journalist to go home. pic.twitter.com/BKXSXbE6Gm — Great Editor (@simonchilds13) April 16, 2020
The footage begins with the woman being escorted out of the park as Segalov stops in front of a police vehicle. He is then told to “move on” over a police loudspeaker.
Then a police officer exits the vehicle and confronts Segalov, who identifies himself as a journalist and says he was out for a walk, but as more officers begin to come into frame he is told to “exercise or leave.”
One officer even tells him, “You’re killing people. Go home.”
Notably, as Segalov himself pointed out on Twitter, the officers got very close to him and did not practice the recommended social distancing.
Despite his protests, the officers continued to command him to leave. The clip ends with Segalov warning “this is not going to look good for you guys.”
According to Vice, the Metropolitan Police Service confirmed that they indeed “were encouraging a woman who was ‘clearly not exercising’ to leave the park” when Segalov began filming.
While the footage started after police began interacting with the woman, they clearly used the exercise rule as a reason to stop Segalov from filming, which demonstrates the draconian rules that folks across the pond are currently enduring.
From this situation and others in America, it’s becoming apparent that tyranny is like a rabid dog, always nipping at the heels of personal liberty while restrained by safeguards such as the Constitution, but ready to attack at the first opportunity.
While the U.K. does not enjoy the same freedoms as the U.S., the scene of a journalist being thrown out of a public area for not exercising in a way that pleases the government is still frightening.
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westernjournal--2020-04-17--Canada Now Teaching Children How To Run Interference for China

A media company owned by the government of Canada is teaching children how to combat misinformation about COVID-19 using the outlet ’ s own reporting , while seemingly ignoring mounting evidence that the novel coronavirus leaked from a Wuhan-area biolab .
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation ’ s guide is presented in a way to help children combat fake news from their older family members .
In the example used by the CBC , a dad texts a link to an internet article claiming that COVID-19 was manufactured in a Chinese lab .
The CBC suggests sending family members to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this case happens to be the CBC itself .
The problem is that even the CBC ’ s “ reputable ” reporting dismissed the novel coronavirus ’ possible laboratory origins by linking that theory to the notion of an engineered bioweapon .
This glaring oversight helps with China ’ s efforts to distance itself from the virus and its suspected origins at the Wuhan Institute of Virology , something the CBC is now coaching people to do .
TRENDING : NYC Adds Thousands of People Who Never Tested Positive to Coronavirus Death Count @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does get its facts right in debunking claims of an engineered virus , the piece dismisses the entire possibility that the virus could have accidentally escaped from a lab — a possibility that isn ’ t dependent on the pathogen being created by humans .
Nature is perfectly capable of crafting nasty viruses by itself , after all .
Multiple U.S. sources briefed on the matter told Fox News there is evidence the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a natural strain that was acquired and brought back to China ’ s WIV .
The report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facility were trying to compete against America in an effort to boost China ’ s scientific prestige .
There is proof the WIV was working with contagious bat coronaviruses as late as March 2019 .
It likely wouldn ’ t take a herculean effort to find some nasty pathogens , either .
RELATED : Doctor Who Discovered HIV Confident COVID-19 Was Created in a Lab Considering how the SARS outbreak of the early 2000s was tracked back to a colony of bats , sampling bat populations from all corners of China would give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exotic and dangerous diseases on the planet .
Scientists would have scored a massive scientific win for China if they could produce efficient vaccines for a wide array of contagious coronaviruses .
Of course , if a virus escaped , it would be a massive blow to the country ’ s credibility .
The communist nation , which in the past has not shied away from warning that it would steamroll neighboring countries into submission , would likely stop at nothing to cover up any potential leak .
Fortunately for the Asian powerhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be counted on to help in the campaign to distance the highly suspicious Wuhan Institute of Virology from the coronavirus pandemic .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A media company owned by the government of Canada is teaching children how to combat misinformation about COVID-19 using the outlet’s own reporting, while seemingly ignoring mounting evidence that the novel coronavirus leaked from a Wuhan-area biolab.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s guide is presented in a way to help children combat fake news from their older family members.
In the example used by the CBC, a dad texts a link to an internet article claiming that COVID-19 was manufactured in a Chinese lab. The CBC suggests sending family members to a “legitimate” site, which in this case happens to be the CBC itself.
The problem is that even the CBC’s “reputable” reporting dismissed the novel coronavirus’ possible laboratory origins by linking that theory to the notion of an engineered bioweapon.
This glaring oversight helps with China’s efforts to distance itself from the virus and its suspected origins at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, something the CBC is now coaching people to do.
Watch the full clip below:
Is uncle Bob spreading COVID-19 misinformation in the family group chat? This doesn’t have to be awkward. pic.twitter.com/SxX5HVqY9a — CBC News: The National (@CBCTheNational) April 15, 2020
While the article touted by the guide does get its facts right in debunking claims of an engineered virus, the piece dismisses the entire possibility that the virus could have accidentally escaped from a lab — a possibility that isn’t dependent on the pathogen being created by humans.
Did this virus leak from a lab? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (440 Votes) No: 3% (15 Votes)
Nature is perfectly capable of crafting nasty viruses by itself, after all.
Multiple U.S. sources briefed on the matter told Fox News there is evidence the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a natural strain that was acquired and brought back to China’s WIV.
The report also claimed researchers at the secure containment facility were trying to compete against America in an effort to boost China’s scientific prestige.
There is proof the WIV was working with contagious bat coronaviruses as late as March 2019.
It likely wouldn’t take a herculean effort to find some nasty pathogens, either.
Considering how the SARS outbreak of the early 2000s was tracked back to a colony of bats, sampling bat populations from all corners of China would give researchers access to some of the most exotic and dangerous diseases on the planet.
Scientists would have scored a massive scientific win for China if they could produce efficient vaccines for a wide array of contagious coronaviruses. Of course, if a virus escaped, it would be a massive blow to the country’s credibility.
The communist nation, which in the past has not shied away from warning that it would steamroll neighboring countries into submission, would likely stop at nothing to cover up any potential leak.
Fortunately for the Asian powerhouse, it now seems the CBC can be counted on to help in the campaign to distance the highly suspicious Wuhan Institute of Virology from the coronavirus pandemic.
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westernjournal--2020-04-17--Biden Calls Coronavirus an ‘Opportunity’ to ‘Fundamentally Change the Science Relating to Global War

Biden Calls Coronavirus an ‘Opportunity’ to ‘Fundamentally Change the Science Relating to Global Warming’

Following in line with prominent left-wing lawmakers , presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden told virtual CNN town hall audiences Thursday there might be no time like the present to expand the scope of federal economic and environmental policy .
According to Biden , the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing economic fallout have provided the nation with an “ opportunity ” to move forward with progressive policy long believed to be unachievable — particularly on the issue of climate change .
“ We have to look at it totally differently than we have before , ” Biden told hosts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gupta .
“ I think the way we get through this is we have to deal with stimulating the economy , but then we have to deal with recovery .
Recovery .
And the way you deal with recovery is you think much bigger than we have before .
“ It ’ s like the New Deal .
Think of every great act , every great change that ’ s taken place .
It ’ s come out of a crisis .
… What we did , we expanded opportunity .
And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change the mindset of the American people — things they weren ’ t ready to do even two , three years ago .
… “ We have an opportunity now to take in a recovery act , a real recovery , we can fundamentally change the science relating to global warming and we can create , seriously create , 10 million good-paying jobs .
We can do it .
It ’ s within our power to do it.
” TRENDING : NYC Adds Thousands of People Who Never Tested Positive to Coronavirus Death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 22 million jobs amid government orders shutting down of so-called nonessential businesses , according to Axios , Biden suggested Thursday that government jobs programs in the energy sector should be an essential part of the coming economic recovery .
Seemingly at the forefront of Biden ’ s plan for such an expansion was a nationwide infrastructure program aimed at introducing roughly 550,000 electric car charging stations along federal interstates .
Expansions into solar and wind technology — a key component of the Obama administration ‘ s small-scale green energy plan — were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Biden , such a federal energy sector investment would provide so many as 10 million high-paying jobs .
Further details were not provided regarding the scope or cost of such a recovery effort .
The former vice president is not , however , the first to float the use of Depression-era President Franklin Roosevelt ’ s New Deal model as a blueprint for governmental recovery efforts in the coming year .
According to The Hill , Massachusetts has recently begun piloting a “ first-of-its-kind ” public health program that reportedly will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with efforts to employ everyday citizens for the purpose of conducting “ contact tracing ” surveys .
Contract tracing is a medical practice that involves developing consolidated watch lists of potentially infected people by interviewing confirmed coronavirus patients regarding those they have had direct contact with while still contagious .
The program , announced by anti-Trump Republican Gov .
Charlie Baker on April 10 , reportedly has received broad support from medical professionals and left-wing policy experts — some of whom believe similar data collection efforts should be nationalized in the form of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Administration .
Democrats such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of California and far-left freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York have also expressed support for a more progressive approach to emergency coronavirus response policy .
Pelosi , for her part , has on several occasions backed the position that the first three phases of congressional coronavirus relief legislation did not go far enough in terms of social safety net spending .
Meanwhile , Ocasio-Cortez suggested earlier this month that all coronavirus relief legislation should be crafted with slavery-related reparations in mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday in his CNN town hall , suggesting the ongoing pandemic has seen the “ Band-aid ripped off ” regarding health care , income and racial inequality across the U.S. We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Following in line with prominent left-wing lawmakers, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden told virtual CNN town hall audiences Thursday there might be no time like the present to expand the scope of federal economic and environmental policy.
According to Biden, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing economic fallout have provided the nation with an “opportunity” to move forward with progressive policy long believed to be unachievable — particularly on the issue of climate change.
“We have to look at it totally differently than we have before,” Biden told hosts Anderson Cooper and medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. “I think the way we get through this is we have to deal with stimulating the economy, but then we have to deal with recovery. Recovery. And the way you deal with recovery is you think much bigger than we have before.
“It’s like the New Deal. Think of every great act, every great change that’s taken place. It’s come out of a crisis. … What we did, we expanded opportunity. And I think we have an opportunity to significantly change the mindset of the American people — things they weren’t ready to do even two, three years ago. …
“We have an opportunity now to take in a recovery act, a real recovery, we can fundamentally change the science relating to global warming and we can create, seriously create, 10 million good-paying jobs. We can do it. It’s within our power to do it.”
[jwplayer koJPwIMU-sS4bmQhR]
With the U.S. economy bleeding more than 22 million jobs amid government orders shutting down of so-called nonessential businesses, according to Axios, Biden suggested Thursday that government jobs programs in the energy sector should be an essential part of the coming economic recovery.
Seemingly at the forefront of Biden’s plan for such an expansion was a nationwide infrastructure program aimed at introducing roughly 550,000 electric car charging stations along federal interstates.
Expansions into solar and wind technology — a key component of the Obama administration‘s small-scale green energy plan — were also floated during the town hall.
Would you like to see a New Deal-style recovery effort from the federal government? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 6% (50 Votes) No: 94% (839 Votes)
According to Biden, such a federal energy sector investment would provide so many as 10 million high-paying jobs.
Further details were not provided regarding the scope or cost of such a recovery effort.
The former vice president is not, however, the first to float the use of Depression-era President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal model as a blueprint for governmental recovery efforts in the coming year.
According to The Hill, Massachusetts has recently begun piloting a “first-of-its-kind” public health program that reportedly will see governmental coronavirus data collection ramped up with efforts to employ everyday citizens for the purpose of conducting “contact tracing” surveys.
Contract tracing is a medical practice that involves developing consolidated watch lists of potentially infected people by interviewing confirmed coronavirus patients regarding those they have had direct contact with while still contagious.
The program, announced by anti-Trump Republican Gov. Charlie Baker on April 10, reportedly has received broad support from medical professionals and left-wing policy experts — some of whom believe similar data collection efforts should be nationalized in the form of programs like Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration.
Democrats such as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of California and far-left freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York have also expressed support for a more progressive approach to emergency coronavirus response policy.
Pelosi, for her part, has on several occasions backed the position that the first three phases of congressional coronavirus relief legislation did not go far enough in terms of social safety net spending.
Meanwhile, Ocasio-Cortez suggested earlier this month that all coronavirus relief legislation should be crafted with slavery-related reparations in mind.
Biden seemed to offer similar sentiments Thursday in his CNN town hall, suggesting the ongoing pandemic has seen the “Band-aid ripped off” regarding health care, income and racial inequality across the U.S.
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westernjournal--2020-04-17--Dad Creates ‘Dad, How Do I?’ YouTube Channel After Own Father Walked Out on His Family When He Was 1

Dad Creates ‘Dad, How Do I?’ YouTube Channel After Own Father Walked Out on His Family When He Was 12

Children are helpless when it comes to changing the circumstances they are born into , but those factors can make deep and lasting marks on their lives .
As adults , some let those negative experiences burden them , while some use their experiences to help others in a way that only they can .
One gentleman named Rob who had to face his teen years without his dad is now turning around and being the person he could have used to anyone who needs a little fatherly advice .
He started a YouTube channel called “ Dad , How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the videos he ’ s shared cover topics like “ How to shave your face , ” “ How to change a tire ” and “ How to iron a dress shirt.
” Rob ’ s daughter , Kristine , shared his efforts on Facebook , hoping to attract more viewers and get ideas for future videos .
TRENDING : NYC Adds Thousands of People Who Never Tested Positive to Coronavirus Death Count “ Y ’ all .
Last week , my Dad made a Youtube channel called , Dad , how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you through how to complete everyday tasks , ” Kristine Ponten shared in the Human Kind Acts of Kindness group on Saturday .
“ He made these videos because his dad had walked out on his family when he was 12 years old , and wanted to help out others who are in a similar spot.
” “ If you have any suggestions for future topics , please comment below .
Sending you all lots of love.
” She also posted on the “ Dad , How Do I ?
” Facebook page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wholesome dad goodness ” — and since she ’ s his daughter , she speaks from experience .
“ Hi Everyone !
I ’ m Kristine , Rob ’ s ( Dad ’ s ) daughter , ” she wrote .
“ He decided he wanted to start a YouTube channel called , ‘ Dad , How Do I ?
’ which walks you step-by-step through everyday tasks ( like tying a tie , changing a tire , etc. )
.
Anyways , in case you ’ re in need in some wholesome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , Rob has gained over 800 subscribers on his YouTube channel .
His “ About ” pages on social media outline his motive and credentials .
“ ‘ How To ’ videos by a dad who has raised 2 adults ( and we still talk ) , ” the About page reads .
“ I will do my best to provide useful , practical content to many basic tasks that everyone should know how to do.
” In true dad form , the cover image on his Facebook page states “ Practical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” RELATED : After Grandmother 's Death , Michael Che of 'SNL ' Pays Rent for Entire Building Where She Lived So far he has six videos available on YouTube , with the promise of regular videos every Sunday and Thursday at 2:00 p.m. What a wonderful way for a tried-and-true dad to continue to help young people now that his kids are grown .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Children are helpless when it comes to changing the circumstances they are born into, but those factors can make deep and lasting marks on their lives. As adults, some let those negative experiences burden them, while some use their experiences to help others in a way that only they can.
One gentleman named Rob who had to face his teen years without his dad is now turning around and being the person he could have used to anyone who needs a little fatherly advice.
He started a YouTube channel called “Dad, How Do I?” and so far, the videos he’s shared cover topics like “How to shave your face,” “How to change a tire” and “How to iron a dress shirt.”
Rob’s daughter, Kristine, shared his efforts on Facebook, hoping to attract more viewers and get ideas for future videos.
“Y’all. Last week, my Dad made a Youtube channel called, Dad, how do I?, where he walks you through how to complete everyday tasks,” Kristine Ponten shared in the Human Kind Acts of Kindness group on Saturday.
“He made these videos because his dad had walked out on his family when he was 12 years old, and wanted to help out others who are in a similar spot.”
“If you have any suggestions for future topics, please comment below. Sending you all lots of love.”
She also posted on the “Dad, How Do I?” Facebook page, advertising her father’s “wholesome dad goodness” — and since she’s his daughter, she speaks from experience.
“Hi Everyone! I’m Kristine, Rob’s (Dad’s) daughter,” she wrote. “He decided he wanted to start a YouTube channel called, ‘Dad, How Do I?’ which walks you step-by-step through everyday tasks (like tying a tie, changing a tire, etc.). Anyways, in case you’re in need in some wholesome dad goodness.”
Since the start of April, Rob has gained over 800 subscribers on his YouTube channel. His “About” pages on social media outline his motive and credentials.
“‘How To’ videos by a dad who has raised 2 adults (and we still talk),” the About page reads. “I will do my best to provide useful, practical content to many basic tasks that everyone should know how to do.”
In true dad form, the cover image on his Facebook page states “Practical ‘Dadvice’ for every day tasks.”
So far he has six videos available on YouTube, with the promise of regular videos every Sunday and Thursday at 2:00 p.m.
What a wonderful way for a tried-and-true dad to continue to help young people now that his kids are grown.
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westernjournal--2020-04-17--Kindhearted Man Offers Bakery $1,000 for Single Doughnut To Help Keep Them in Business

When Tremont Goodie Shop of Upper Arlington , Ohio , got a call for an order , they had no idea just how much dough it would involve .
The small local bakery has been facing difficult times just as many food-service-based businesses have , and patrons continuing to place orders and make purchases for pickup is all that ’ s keeping some spots going .
But Tremont Goodie Shop had a very special guardian angel looking out for them in the form of a gentleman who ’ d been a loyal customer for at least four decades , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News .
The man , no stranger to the shop or random acts of kindness , had even bought pizza for the shop employees before .
TRENDING : NYC Adds Thousands of People Who Never Tested Positive to Coronavirus Death Count “ He ’ s the kind of guy that just lights up the room when he ’ s here , ” Smith said .
Despite his intention to support to Tremont Goodie Shop , he also said he needed to watch his weight .
So he wanted to buy just one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shell out for it .
“ He called and asked us if he would be able to give us $ 1,000 for his doughnut , ” Smith explained .
“ I got choked up .
He asked again ‘ would that be ok ?
’ because there was silence on the line.
” “ I choke out , ‘ yes , of course , it would be ok !
’ I never expected that.
” “ He said ‘ I really needed to support you , ' ” she added .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo of a bagged doughnut and shared the little miracle that the local man had just worked for them .
“ We are in tears , ” they posted on Monday .
“ This is a custard donut for $ 1,000 to help keep us in business .
What a blessing.
” The story took off , and many others have started to order from the local shop at well — to the point that the staff has been overwhelmed with the number of requests .
RELATED : Dad Creates 'Dad , How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Own Father Walked Out on His Family When He Was 12 “ This morning we could barely keep up with phone calls !
And someone left a $ 100 tip for the employees , ” Smith said .
“ It ’ s truly been such a blessing.
” In the comments on their post , the shop explained how their current business works .
“ [ W ] e are currently taking orders by phone , ” they wrote .
“ At that time you can prepay for your order and when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring it out to a pickup table out front .
That way your goodie transaction is completely contactless for everyone ’ s safety !
” “ ICYMI Here ’ s the snippet from the Today Show third hour this morning !
” they shared on Thursday .
“ Such an extremely generous act of kindness !
💛 Love our customers and our community for their support !
” During a season when so many are worrying about the future , this story — and the sweet treat — are a much-needed pick-me-up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses if you are able .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When Tremont Goodie Shop of Upper Arlington, Ohio, got a call for an order, they had no idea just how much dough it would involve.
The small local bakery has been facing difficult times just as many food-service-based businesses have, and patrons continuing to place orders and make purchases for pickup is all that’s keeping some spots going.
But Tremont Goodie Shop had a very special guardian angel looking out for them in the form of a gentleman who’d been a loyal customer for at least four decades, according to what manager Emilie Smith told Fox News.
The man, no stranger to the shop or random acts of kindness, had even bought pizza for the shop employees before.
“He’s the kind of guy that just lights up the room when he’s here,” Smith said.
Despite his intention to support to Tremont Goodie Shop, he also said he needed to watch his weight. So he wanted to buy just one, single doughnut — but he was willing to shell out for it.
“He called and asked us if he would be able to give us $1,000 for his doughnut,” Smith explained. “I got choked up. He asked again ‘would that be ok?’ because there was silence on the line.”
“I choke out, ‘yes, of course, it would be ok!’ I never expected that.”
“He said ‘I really needed to support you,'” she added.
On Facebook, the Goodie Shop posted a photo of a bagged doughnut and shared the little miracle that the local man had just worked for them.
“We are in tears,” they posted on Monday. “This is a custard donut for $1,000 to help keep us in business. What a blessing.”
The story took off, and many others have started to order from the local shop as well — to the point that the staff has been overwhelmed with the number of requests.
“This morning we could barely keep up with phone calls! And someone left a $100 tip for the employees,” Smith said. “It’s truly been such a blessing.”
In the comments on their post, the shop explained how their current business works.
“[W]e are currently taking orders by phone,” they wrote. “At that time you can prepay for your order and when you arrive give us another call and we bring it out to a pickup table out front. That way your goodie transaction is completely contactless for everyone’s safety!”
“ICYMI Here’s the snippet from the Today Show third hour this morning!” they shared on Thursday. “Such an extremely generous act of kindness! ? Love our customers and our community for their support!”
During a season when so many are worrying about the future, this story — and the sweet treat — are a much-needed pick-me-up, and a great reminder to support local businesses if you are able.
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westernjournal--2020-04-17--US Officials Reveal Major Investigation into Whether Outbreak Began at Wuhan Lab: Report

A new report says U.S. government officials have launched a full investigation into whether the COVID-19 virus escaped from a testing lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
Intelligence sources told Fox News a major investigation is underway into a credible theory that the novel coronavirus first began at a lab in the capital city of Hubei province .
According to Fox News , the U.S. is gathering more intelligence and is creating a timeline based on known facts about the initial spread of the virus in order to create “ an accurate picture of what happened.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is expected to happen in the near-term — the findings will be presented to the Trump administration .
At that point White House policymakers and President Trump will use the findings to determine how to hold the country accountable for the pandemic , ” Fox reported .
Officials ultimately plan to use facts from the investigation in order to determine how China should be held accountable for unleashing a deadly pandemic .
TRENDING : NYC Adds Thousands of People Who Never Tested Positive to Coronavirus Death Count For now , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the possibility that the virus was man-made or engineered as a bioweapon .
The Fox report comes as it is reported that U.S. officials are increasingly confident that the virus began at a lab in Wuhan and that China worked to cover up the spread of the disease .
Yahoo News reporter Jenna McLaughlin , after speaking with a number of current or former intelligence and national security officials , reported that there are suspicions about how quick China was to blame the disease on wet markets in Wuhan .
“ I find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed the market , ” an anonymous intelligence official told McLaughlin .
The Wuhan Institute of Virology has come under fire as the potential source of the virus .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke about the lab with radio host Hugh Hewitt on Friday .
“ We know that the first sightings of this occurred within miles of the Wuhan Institute of Virology .
We know that this — the history of the facility , the first BSL-4 lab where there ’ s high-end virus research being conducted , took place at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We know that the Chinese Communist Party , when it began to evaluate what to do inside of Wuhan , considered whether the WIV was , in fact , the place where this came from , ” he said .
The secretary also criticized the World Health Organization for being complicit in accepting Chinese data about the virus .
“ The Chinese Communist Party and the World Health Organization have a responsibility to the world to take those facts and take them to their logical conclusion and find out these answers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t political .
This is about science and health , and we need to get to the bottom of it , ” Pompeo said .
The Washington Post reported that American health and science diplomats were sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology in March 2018 and later warned of inadequate safety measures at the lab .
A memo written by the scientists warned of a “ serious shortage of appropriately trained technicians and investigators needed to safely operate this high-containment laboratory , ” The Post reported Tuesday .
President Donald Trump was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a Chinese lab during his coronavirus news briefing Wednesday .
“ Mr .
President , multiple sources are telling Fox News today that the United States government now has high confidence that , while the coronavirus is a naturally occurring virus , it emanated from a virology lab in Wuhan , ” Fox News correspondent John Roberts said .
“ That , because of lax safety protocols , an intern was infected , who later infected her boyfriend , and then went to the wet market in Wuhan where it began to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have heard from officials ?
” “ Well , I don ’ t want to say that , John , ” Trump responded .
“ But I will tell you , more and more , we ’ re hearing the story .
And we ’ ll see .
… We are doing a very thorough examination of this horrible situation that happened.
” Fox News reported that while the investigation into whether the virus escaped the lab is just getting underway , U.S. officials are 100 percent certain that China attempted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world and that the WHO was either “ complicit ” in those efforts or that WHO officials “ looked the other way.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A new report says U.S. government officials have launched a full investigation into whether the COVID-19 virus escaped from a testing lab in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
Intelligence sources told Fox News a major investigation is underway into a credible theory that the novel coronavirus first began at a lab in the capital city of Hubei province.
According to Fox News, the U.S. is gathering more intelligence and creating a timeline based on known facts about the initial spread of the virus to create “an accurate picture of what happened.”
“Once that investigation is complete — something that is expected to happen in the near-term — the findings will be presented to the Trump administration. At that point White House policymakers and President Trump will use the findings to determine how to hold the country accountable for the pandemic,” Fox reported.
Officials ultimately plan to use facts from the investigation to determine how China should be held accountable for unleashing a deadly pandemic.
For now, according to the report, government officials have eliminated the possibility that the virus was man-made or engineered as a bioweapon.
The Fox report came as it was reported that U.S. officials were increasingly confident that the virus began at a lab in Wuhan and that China had worked to cover up the spread of the disease.
Yahoo News reporter Jenna McLaughlin, after speaking with a number of current or former intelligence and national security officials, reported that there were suspicions about how quick China was to blame the disease on wet markets in Wuhan.
“I find it very funny that China very quickly blamed the market,” an anonymous intelligence official told McLaughlin.
Do you think communist China should face harsh punishment from the international community over the COVID-19 pandemic? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (1010 Votes) No: 0% (5 Votes)
The Wuhan Institute of Virology has come under fire as the potential source of the virus.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke about the lab with radio host Hugh Hewitt on Friday.
“We know that the first sightings of this occurred within miles of the Wuhan Institute of Virology. We know that this — the history of the facility, the first BSL-4 lab where there’s high-end virus research being conducted, took place at that site,” Pompeo said.
“We know that the Chinese Communist Party, when it began to evaluate what to do inside of Wuhan, considered whether the WIV was, in fact, the place where this came from,” he said.
The secretary also criticized the World Health Organization for being complicit in accepting Chinese data about the virus.
“The Chinese Communist Party and the World Health Organization have a responsibility to the world to take those facts and take them to their logical conclusion and find out these answers, these important answers. These aren’t political. This is about science and health, and we need to get to the bottom of it,” Pompeo said.
American health and science diplomats were sent to the Wuhan Institute of Virology in March 2018 and later warned of inadequate safety measures at the lab, The Washington Post reported.
A memo written by the scientists warned of a “serious shortage of appropriately trained technicians and investigators needed to safely operate this high-containment laboratory.”
President Donald Trump was asked about the possibility the virus came from a Chinese lab during his coronavirus news briefing Wednesday.
“Mr. President, multiple sources are telling Fox News today that the United States government now has high confidence that, while the coronavirus is a naturally occurring virus, it emanated from a virology lab in Wuhan,” Fox News correspondent John Roberts said. “That, because of lax safety protocols, an intern was infected, who later infected her boyfriend, and then went to the wet market in Wuhan where it began to spread. Does that correspond with what you have heard from officials?”
“Well, I don’t want to say that, John,” Trump responded. “But I will tell you, more and more, we’re hearing the story. And we’ll see. … We are doing a very thorough examination of this horrible situation that happened.”
Fox News reported that while the investigation into whether the virus escaped the lab is just getting underway, U.S. officials are 100 percent certain that China attempted to hide the genesis of the virus from the world and that the WHO was either “complicit” in those efforts or that WHO officials “looked the other way.”
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westernjournal--2020-04-17--Mike Weinberger: We Don’t Need Medical Dictators

It is not unusual for people to consider what they do for a living to be very important .
For example , few people would argue with an electrical worker if he said : “ Try living without electricity for even one day .
It would be a nightmare .
Electricity is essential to your well-being.
” Or if you were a farmer you could say : “ Without me you would starve .
I put food on your table.
” Heck , even judges and lawyers could say : “ You need me more than anyone else .
Without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead there would be chaos and violence.
” So it ’ s only natural for people to think that their jobs are important .
That does not mean , however , that we should give them total control over us if their industry is faced with a problem , even a big one .
Which brings us to the coronavirus .
It created a big problem for the medical industry .
Because the virus spread so quickly and was very dangerous to people with underlying medical issues , it created an over-demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NYC Adds Thousands of People Who Never Tested Positive to Coronavirus Death Count To ease that demand the medical industry said the spread of the virus had to be slowed — at all costs .
So the industry convinced politicians to tell people to stop working , stay at home and avoid human contact .
Instead , rely on the government for checks to pay rent , make car payments and buy food .
This worked , sort of .
It slowed the virus down a bit because it can ’ t spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three miles away from Mary .
So this eased the burden on the medical profession , at least to some degree .
But what did it do to the rest of us ?
I doubt that the medical profession thought this through .
They were focused on their problem , and rightly so .
But I wonder if they considered how this would affect the economy — and how each part of the economy affects the other .
Did Dr. Fauci , for example , understand how wax paper plants are essential to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made out of wax paper ?
Or did Dr. Birx understand how plastic factories are critical to meat processors , because meat is often shipped to stores wrapped in plastic ?
One may doubt it .
And I wonder if the medical profession understands the importance of “ GTW ” – going to work — for average people .
Going to work is critical for mental health , and not just for doctors , but also for welders , roofers , editors and advertising executives .
So I understand that the medical profession @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the electrical industry is important and the food industry is important , and all the other industries that provide people with work .
But just because an industry is important does not mean its members should become dictators .
We don ’ t let electricians or plumbers or dentists have total control over us .
Instead , we expect these people to deal with problems in their industries as best they can — and let us go on with out lives .
So here is my advice to the medical industry : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in demand , deal with it .
Do what you have to , but don ’ t try to stop everyone from living , working , traveling and gathering .
Triage if you have must , but allow life to go on .
And one more thing : Don ’ t tell us we will all die if we don ’ t listen to you .
We won ’ t .
Yes , some people will get sick and some will pass , but what else is new ?
This happens every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will happen again .
It ’ s part of human existence .
We understand that diseases claim victims , but that is no reason to destroy entire communities .
In short , we don ’ t need doctors to be dictators , even when they are faced with over-demand .
Instead , we need to them to stay calm , be adults and do the best they can .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It is not unusual for people to consider what they do for a living to be very important.
For example, few people would argue with an electrical worker if he said: “Try living without electricity for even one day. It would be a nightmare. Electricity is essential to your well-being.”
Or if you were a farmer you could say: “Without me you would starve. I put food on your table.” Heck, even judges and lawyers could say: “You need me more than anyone else. Without me there wouldn’t be law. Instead there would be chaos and violence.”
So it’s only natural for people to think that their jobs are important. That does not mean, however, that we should give them total control over us if their industry is faced with a problem, even a big one.
Which brings us to the coronavirus. It created a big problem for the medical industry. Because the virus spread so quickly and was very dangerous to people with underlying medical issues, it created an over-demand for acute medical services.
To ease that demand the medical industry said the spread of the virus had to be slowed — at all costs. So the industry convinced politicians to tell people to stop working, stay at home and avoid human contact. Instead, rely on the government for checks to pay rent, make car payments and buy food.
This worked, sort of. It slowed the virus down a bit because it can’t spread from Tom to Mary if Tom is three miles away from Mary. So this eased the burden on the medical profession, at least to some degree.
But what did it do to the rest of us? I doubt that the medical profession thought this through. They were focused on their problem, and rightly so. But I wonder if they considered how this would affect the economy — and how each part of the economy affects the other.
Did Dr. Fauci, for example, understand how wax paper plants are essential to dairymen, because dairymen need milk cartons made out of wax paper?
Do you think America's response to the coronavirus pandemic has been too focused on the opinions of medical experts? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 87% (65 Votes) No: 13% (10 Votes)
Or did Dr. Birx understand how plastic factories are critical to meat processors, because meat is often shipped to stores wrapped in plastic? One may doubt it.
And I wonder if the medical profession understands the importance of “GTW” – going to work — for average people. Going to work is critical for mental health, and not just for doctors, but also for welders, roofers, editors and advertising executives.
So I understand that the medical profession is important, just like I understand that the electrical industry is important and the food industry is important, and all the other industries that provide people with work. But just because an industry is important does not mean its members should become dictators.
We don’t let electricians or plumbers or dentists have total control over us. Instead, we expect these people to deal with problems in their industries as best they can — and let us go on with out lives.
So here is my advice to the medical industry: If you are faced with a surge in demand, deal with it. Do what you have to, but don’t try to stop everyone from living, working, traveling and gathering. Triage if you have must, but allow life to go on.
And one more thing: Don’t tell us we will all die if we don’t listen to you. We won’t. Yes, some people will get sick and some will pass, but what else is new? This happens every day. It has happened before and it will happen again. It’s part of human existence.
We understand that diseases claim victims, but that is no reason to destroy entire communities.
In short, we don’t need doctors to be dictators, even when they are faced with over-demand. Instead, we need to them to stay calm, be adults and do the best they can.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-04-17--Even 4 Months in, Joe Biden Is Calling Virus ‘COVID-9’ and Getting Basic Facts Wrong

For Democrats with nothing to lose heading into the 2020 elections , the outbreak of COVID-19 was likely seen an opportunity .
Every death , every drop in the stock market and every lost job could be pinned on President Donald Trump by a sharp politician .
Unfortunately for the left , Democrats have placed all their presidential hopes on the shoulders of one man — former vice president and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
And Biden , who sometimes has trouble remembering which state he ’ s in , is anything but a sharp politician .
Nearly four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and after almost two months of near-constant outbreak coverage on every news station , Biden still failed to get the most basic facts of the outbreak correct during a coronavirus town hall Wednesday .
TRENDING : NYC Adds Thousands of People Who Never Tested Positive to Coronavirus Death Count Asked what he would do to prepare for the next pandemic by Democratic Florida state Rep. Shevrin Jones , Biden revealed how little he truly knows about the novel coronavirus .
The relevant portion can be seen at around the 10-minute mark of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a number of things that I would do , ” Biden said .
“ Number one , I would reinstate the office that existed in the White House when we left of a pandemic office.
” Of course , Trump never cut the White House ’ s ability to detect pandemics .
The lie regurgitated by Biden circulated in mainstream media , but was quickly debunked by an insider .
“ Secondly , ” Biden later continued , “ we had a lot of people from the [ Centers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see , to get an out-front look at what was coming , what was coming to the United States of America in terms of further pandemics .
We knew what happened with Ebola .
We knew what happened with H1N1.
” Despite claiming to know “ what happened with H1N1 , ” Biden has previously distanced himself from the Obama administration ’ s failures when it came to dealing with the outbreak .
Apparently , he only wants to be associated with his former boss when it makes him look good .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in dealing with pandemic research , dealing with viruses , dealing with studies relating to what these viruses are likely to be in the future , ” Biden later said .
“ There ’ s more than one coronavirus.
” RELATED : UK Cops Threaten Journalist Who Caught Them Dragging Woman Out of Park for 'Not Exercising' “ This COVID-9 is one strain of that , and there ’ s a lot of means we have to take now to make sure we have the testing capacity nationally to deal with what will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already come.
” The disease rampaging across the world is not “ COVID-9 , ” as Biden said , but COVID-19 .
It ’ s unclear why he made this obvious error , as the proper name can be seen in headlines across all forms of media .
It should be noted that COVID-19 is not a strain of anything , but simply a shortening of “ coronavirus disease 2019 , ” named after the year the illness was first identified .
It appears Biden was confusing the disease for SARS-CoV-2 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did get correct is that coronavirus is not one specific germ but an entire group of related viruses , responsible for diseases such as the common cold , SARS and COVID-19 .
Biden ’ s confusion on the basic aspects of the pandemic don ’ t bode well his for his potential presidency , during which he would be expected to keep up with not only outbreaks but national security threats , the economy and other domestic issues .
While the Democratic candidate ’ s former gaffes could easily be blamed on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders and social isolation have seemingly given Biden plenty of time at home to rest .
It seems his behavior will continue to fuel speculation on the state of his mental health .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

For Democrats with nothing to lose heading into the 2020 elections, the outbreak of COVID-19 was likely seen as an opportunity.
Every death, every drop in the stock market and every lost job could be pinned on President Donald Trump by a sharp politician.
Unfortunately for the left, Democrats have placed all their presidential hopes on the shoulders of one man — former vice president and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
And Biden, who sometimes has trouble remembering which state he’s in, is anything but a sharp politician.
Nearly four months after the outbreak started in China, and after almost two months of near-constant outbreak coverage on every news station, Biden still failed to get the most basic facts of the outbreak correct during a coronavirus town hall Wednesday.
Asked what he would do to prepare for the next pandemic by Democratic Florida state Rep. Shevrin Jones, Biden revealed how little he truly knows about the novel coronavirus.
The relevant portion can be seen at around the 10-minute mark of the video below:
“Well, there’s a number of things that I would do,” Biden said. “Number one, I would reinstate the office that existed in the White House when we left of a pandemic office.”
Is Joe Biden fit to be president? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (61 Votes) No: 99% (4390 Votes)
Of course, Trump never cut the White House’s ability to detect pandemics. The lie regurgitated by Biden circulated in mainstream media, but was quickly debunked by an insider.
“Secondly,” Biden later continued, “we had a lot of people from the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] stationed overseas to see, to get an out-front look at what was coming, what was coming to the United States of America in terms of further pandemics. We knew what happened with Ebola. We knew what happened with H1N1.”
Despite claiming to know “what happened with H1N1,” Biden has previously distanced himself from the Obama administration’s failures when it came to dealing with the outbreak.
Apparently, he only wants to be associated with his former boss when it makes him look good.
“We have to invest more money in dealing with pandemic research, dealing with viruses, dealing with studies relating to what these viruses are likely to be in the future,” Biden later said. “There’s more than one coronavirus.”
“This COVID-9 is one strain of that, and there’s a lot of means we have to take now to make sure we have the testing capacity nationally to deal with what will be coming, not just what has already come.”
The disease rampaging across the world is not “COVID-9,” as Biden said, but COVID-19. It’s unclear why he made this obvious error, as the proper name can be seen in headlines across all forms of media.
It should be noted that COVID-19 is not a strain of anything, but simply a shortening of “coronavirus disease 2019,” named after the year the illness was first identified. It appears Biden was confusing the disease for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes it.
What Biden did get correct is that coronavirus is not one specific germ but an entire group of related viruses, responsible for diseases such as the common cold, SARS and COVID-19.
Biden’s confusion on the basic aspects of the pandemic doesn’t bode well his for his potential presidency, during which he would be expected to keep up with not only outbreaks but national security threats, the economy and other domestic issues.
While the Democratic candidate’s former gaffes could easily be blamed on the stresses of the campaign trail, stay-at-home orders and social isolation have seemingly given Biden plenty of time at home to rest.
It seems his behavior will continue to fuel speculation on the state of his mental health.
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westernjournal--2020-04-17--Bob Ehrlich: US Needs Strong “China-Wary” Foreign Policy

In 2016 , Vladimir Putin ’ s operatives purchased Facebook ads designed to exploit race and class divisions within American culture .
While most ( but not all ) of the ads supported candidate Trump , the Russians also contributed to the so-called dirty dossier — that packet of unverified Trump-related allegations pieced together by Christopher Steele on behalf of Fusion GPS .
Putin ’ s intelligence agencies also waged cyberattacks against the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee and congressional campaign accounts .
Fortunately , there is no evidence actual votes or election results were compromised in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present .
A mischievous but economically weak Russia , buffeted by a beaten-down energy sector , rampant corruption and slow growth , will no doubt engage in similar activities in the lead-up to the 2020 election .
It ’ s what ex-KGB operatives do .
TRENDING : NYC Adds Thousands of People Who Never Tested Positive to Coronavirus Death Count But Putin is reduced to playing a weak hand against his superpower foe .
It ’ s tough to rebuild the Soviet empire without money in the bank — and former conquered republics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic repression .
In contrast , communist China has rewritten the totalitarian playbook .
The Deng Xiaoping era kicked off a state-sponsored , knockoff form of market capitalism officially referred to as “ socialism with Chinese characteristics.
” This grand experiment in era-specific socialism ( adapting Marxist/Leninist thought to modern challenges ) has improved the economic lot for millions of Chinese citizens while continuing the central government ’ s often brutal suppression of individual rights .
But the cataclysmic events of the past six months have exposed the regime ’ s vulnerabilities as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted power play in Hong Kong in which the Beijing-controlled government attempted to pass a law that would allow the extradition of criminal defendants to the mainland under certain circumstances .
The move led to large and boisterous demonstrations .
As the street protests grew larger and more violent , the Chinese leadership wisely backed down .
The proposed law was withdrawn .
Nevertheless , a newly empowered movement continued to coordinate large and at times violent protests that captured widespread media attention .
Although the threat of direct military intervention finally succeeded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chapter represents a novel challenge to a politburo unaccustomed to widespread political dissent .
On the heels of that public relations disaster comes the even larger ( and self-imposed ) disaster : the cover-up of the coronavirus outbreak that began in Wuhan .
And for the second time , the government ’ s go-to audibles are not working .
Indeed , the usual socialist recipe of deceit and state-sponsored propaganda ( talk about fake news ! )
is floundering .
Chinese apologists are left to wonder why .
But that ’ s an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see , the regular ( and too often accepted in the West ) damage inflicted by Chinese belligerence ( stealing of intellectual property , artificial island building in the South China Sea , saber-rattling vis-à-vis Taiwan , intimidation of Western corporate and academic institutions , heavy-handedness ( and worse ) toward Tibet and Muslim minorities , currency manipulation ) is very real but often difficult to quantify .
For example , it ’ s sometimes difficult to get your head around the damage inflicted by China ’ s mischievous trade policies when influential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep telling you about the many benefits of free trade with China .
The present pandemic presents a much different dynamic .
The 29,000 ( and counting ) American deaths , 662,000 ( and counting ) infections and likely economic recession as a direct result of Chinese government malfeasance is very tangible .
Americans and the rest of the free world get the can ’ t-miss takeaway : Henceforth , tread carefully when dealing with the authoritarians in Beijing .
As always , America the sleeping giant prefers to avoid conflict , sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inevitable as a wised-up America begins to challenge undue Chinese influence at the World Health Organization and unravels raw material medicine supply chains controlled by a hostile state more than willing to leverage its advantage during a worldwide pandemic .
Bullying dictatorships are accustomed to controlling narratives .
Reinventing and rewriting history is what they do .
But the consequences of these monumental blunders run deep and will not go away easily or soon .
Such is life for bad guys caught ( excuse the pun ) red-handed .
In this era , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In 2016, Vladimir Putin’s operatives purchased Facebook ads designed to exploit race and class divisions within American culture.
While most (but not all) of the ads supported candidate Trump, the Russians also contributed to the so-called dirty dossier — that packet of unverified Trump-related allegations pieced together by Christopher Steele on behalf of Fusion GPS.
Putin’s intelligence agencies also waged cyberattacks against the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee and congressional campaign accounts. Fortunately, there is no evidence actual votes or election results were compromised in any way.
Now fast forward to the present.
A mischievous but economically weak Russia, buffeted by a beaten-down energy sector, rampant corruption and slow growth, will no doubt engage in similar activities in the lead-up to the 2020 election. It’s what ex-KGB operatives do.
But Putin is reduced to playing a weak hand against his superpower foe. It’s tough to rebuild the Soviet empire without money in the bank — and former conquered republics unwilling to re-engage with Soviet-style shortages and domestic repression.
In contrast, communist China has rewritten the totalitarian playbook. The Deng Xiaoping era kicked off a state-sponsored, knockoff form of market capitalism officially referred to as “socialism with Chinese characteristics.”
This grand experiment in era-specific socialism (adapting Marxist/Leninist thought to modern challenges) has improved the economic lot for millions of Chinese citizens while continuing the central government’s often brutal suppression of individual rights.
But the cataclysmic events of the past six months have exposed the regime’s vulnerabilities as never before.
Do you think the U.S. needs to rethink its relationship with China? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 96% (22 Votes) No: 4% (1 Votes)
First came the disastrous attempted power play in Hong Kong in which the Beijing-controlled government attempted to pass a law that would allow the extradition of criminal defendants to the mainland under certain circumstances. The move led to large and boisterous demonstrations.
As the street protests grew larger and more violent, the Chinese leadership wisely backed down. The proposed law was withdrawn. Nevertheless, a newly empowered movement continued to coordinate large and at times violent protests that captured widespread media attention.
Although the threat of direct military intervention finally succeeded in lowering the collective temperature, the chapter represents a novel challenge to a politburo unaccustomed to widespread political dissent.
On the heels of that public relations disaster comes the even larger (and self-imposed) disaster: the cover-up of the coronavirus outbreak that began in Wuhan.
And for the second time, the government’s go-to audibles are not working. Indeed, the usual socialist recipe of deceit and state-sponsored propaganda (talk about fake news!) is floundering.
Chinese apologists are left to wonder why.
But that’s an easy one to figure out. You see, the regular (and too often accepted in the West) damage inflicted by Chinese belligerence (stealing of intellectual property, artificial island building in the South China Sea, saber-rattling vis-à-vis Taiwan, intimidation of Western corporate and academic institutions, heavy-handedness (and worse) toward Tibet and Muslim minorities, currency manipulation) is very real but often difficult to quantify.
For example, it’s sometimes difficult to get your head around the damage inflicted by China’s mischievous trade policies when influential voices such as the Chamber of Commerce keep telling you about the many benefits of free trade with China.
The present pandemic presents a much different dynamic. The 29,000 (and counting) American deaths, 662,000 (and counting) infections and likely economic recession as a direct result of Chinese government malfeasance is very tangible. Americans and the rest of the free world get the can’t-miss takeaway: Henceforth, tread carefully when dealing with the authoritarians in Beijing.
As always, America the sleeping giant prefers to avoid conflict, sometimes to its disadvantage. Yet confrontations are inevitable as a wised-up America begins to challenge undue Chinese influence at the World Health Organization and unravels raw material medicine supply chains controlled by a hostile state more than willing to leverage its advantage during a worldwide pandemic.
Bullying dictatorships are accustomed to controlling narratives. Reinventing and rewriting history is what they do. But the consequences of these monumental blunders run deep and will not go away easily or soon. Such is life for bad guys caught (excuse the pun) red-handed.
In this era, a strong China-wary policy is critical.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-04-17--Black NASCAR Driver Issues Emotional Statement on Larson’s Racial Slur: ‘I Am Not Mad at Him’

NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace , who is black , said fellow driver Kyle Larson deserves a second chance after he was fired and lost his sponsors after he used a racial slur early this week online .
In a lengthy and emotional statement posted on Twitter , Wallace said he was not angry and had spoken with Larson since the incident .
He also said he felt the driver is sincere in apologizing for using the N-word while streaming a racing game on Sunday .
“ What Larson said was wrong , whether in private or public .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday on Twitter .
“ I saw the incident the night it happened and within 5 minutes Kyle texted me .
He called me the next morning as well .
Finally I called him back with a FaceTime to talk ‘ face to face , ’ and we had a good conversation , his apology was sincere .
His emotions and pride were shattered , ” Wallace wrote .
TRENDING : NYC Adds Thousands of People Who Never Tested Positive to Coronavirus Death Count “ We discussed why he chose to use that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I told him , it was too easy for him to use the word and that he has to do better and get it out of his vocabulary .
There is no place for that word in this world , ” he wrote .
“ I am not mad at him , and I believe that he , along with most people deserve second chances , and deserve space to improve .
I do wish him and his family nothing but the best .
And I am more than willing to work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our sport , ” Wallace continued .
Wallace also wrote that he felt the word “ brings many terrible memories for people and families and brings them back to a time that WE as a community and human race have tried our hardest to get away from.
” “ The sport has made combatting this stereotype one of their top priorities , ” Wallace wrote .
“ NASCAR has been doing what it can to get away from the ‘ racist and redneck sport ’ labels.
” “ Diversity and inclusion is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team , every car , every crew member and employee .
With that said , It hurts to see the African American community immediately throw NASCAR under the bus with the ‘ I ’ m not shocked , it ’ s NASCAR.
’ “ NASCAR has been , and will be way better than how we ’ ve been represented in the last couple of weeks .
As the person that arguably has the biggest voice on this topic in our sport , it ’ s tough for me to speak to because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
Can we all do a better job with inclusion ?
Absolutely , it ’ s a worldwide problem , not just in our sport .
We as humans can always do better , ” he added .
“ We are ambassadors for our partners , our race teams , crews , families and the sanctioning body .
Every single person is affected .
One question I get often is ‘ what ’ s the worst part of being an athlete ’ I always reply with how we ’ re put on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RELATED : MLB All-Star Wants To Fight NASCAR 's Kyle Larson Over Racial Slur : 'He Needs His A** Beat' Larson was racing virtually Sunday on the popular video game streaming platform Twitch when he appeared to be under the impression he had lost the audio connection to his teammates .
“ You can ’ t hear me ?
” he said , followed by the N-word .
Another iRacing player quickly told the driver , “ Kyle , you ’ re talking to everyone , bud.
” Another player on the video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did that just happen.
” WARNING : The following video contains graphic language that some viewers will find offensive .
New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman posted a video of the incident on Twitter and wrote , “ Racism still prospering in society .
This is way more common than any of y ’ all know !
” Stroman also challenged Larson to an MMA fight in another post .
Larson issued an apology for using the racial slur on Twitter .
“ I just want to say I ’ m sorry .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the word that should never , ever be said , and there ’ s no excuse for that .
I wasn ’ t raised that way .
You know , it ’ s just an awful thing to say , ” Larson said in a video apologizing for using the word .
“ I feel very sorry for my family , my friends , my partners , the NASCAR community and especially the African-American community .
I understand the damage is probably unrepairable .
And I own up to that , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after by Chip Ganassi Racing and was also dropped by his sponsors .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, who is black, said fellow driver Kyle Larson deserves a second chance after he was fired and lost his sponsors after he used a racial slur early this week online.
In a lengthy and emotional statement posted on Twitter, Wallace said he was not angry and had spoken with Larson since the incident.
He also said he felt the driver is sincere in apologizing for using the N-word while streaming a racing game on Sunday.
“What Larson said was wrong, whether in private or public. There is no grey area,” Wallace posted Thursday on Twitter.
“I saw the incident the night it happened and within 5 minutes Kyle texted me. He called me the next morning as well. Finally I called him back with a FaceTime to talk ‘face to face,’ and we had a good conversation, his apology was sincere. His emotions and pride were shattered,” Wallace wrote.
“We discussed why he chose to use that language and I shared my thoughts. I told him, it was too easy for him to use the word and that he has to do better and get it out of his vocabulary. There is no place for that word in this world,” he wrote.
“I am not mad at him, and I believe that he, along with most people deserve second chances, and deserve space to improve. I do wish him and his family nothing but the best. And I am more than willing to work with him to address diversity and inclusion in our sport,” Wallace continued.
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Wallace also wrote that he felt the word “brings many terrible memories for people and families and brings them back to a time that WE as a community and human race have tried our hardest to get away from.”
“The sport has made combatting this stereotype one of their top priorities,” Wallace wrote. “NASCAR has been doing what it can to get away from the ‘racist and redneck sport’ labels.”
“Diversity and inclusion is a main priority for the sport across every team, every car, every crew member and employee. With that said, It hurts to see the African American community immediately throw NASCAR under the bus with the ‘I’m not shocked, it’s NASCAR.’
“NASCAR has been, and will be way better than how we’ve been represented in the last couple of weeks. As the person that arguably has the biggest voice on this topic in our sport, it’s tough for me to speak to because I didn’t imagine us being here. Can we all do a better job with inclusion? Absolutely, it’s a worldwide problem, not just in our sport. We as humans can always do better,” he added.
“We are ambassadors for our partners, our race teams, crews, families and the sanctioning body. Every single person is affected. One question I get often is ‘what’s the worst part of being an athlete’ I always reply with how we’re put on a pedestal,” Wallace wrote.
Larson was racing virtually Sunday on the popular video game streaming platform Twitch when he appeared to be under the impression he had lost the audio connection to his teammates.
“You can’t hear me?” he said, followed by the N-word.
Another iRacing player quickly told the driver, “Kyle, you’re talking to everyone, bud.”
Another player on the video was heard saying, “No way did that just happen.”
WARNING: The following video contains graphic language that some viewers will find offensive.
New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman posted a video of the incident on Twitter and wrote, “Racism still prospering in society. This is way more common than any of y’all know!”
Racism still prospering in society. This is way more common than any of y’all know! https://t.co/bBTg16bv3A — Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 14, 2020
Stroman also challenged Larson to an MMA fight in another post.
He should never be allowed to race again in @NASCAR. Said that derogatory word so nonchalantly. Your apology doesn’t matter. Post-career…I’ll fight this man in a @ufc event for charity. He needs his ass beat. Would love to hear him say that word in the octagon! https://t.co/lZ4Hg1fxsw — Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 14, 2020
Larson issued an apology for using the racial slur on Twitter.
“I just want to say I’m sorry. Last night I made a mistake and said the word that should never, ever be said, and there’s no excuse for that. I wasn’t raised that way. You know, it’s just an awful thing to say,” Larson said in a video apologizing for using the word.
“I feel very sorry for my family, my friends, my partners, the NASCAR community and especially the African-American community. I understand the damage is probably unrepairable. And I own up to that,” Larson continued.
Larson was fired shortly after by Chip Ganassi Racing and was also dropped by his sponsors.
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westernjournal--2020-04-17--Trump Issues Forceful Call To ‘Liberate’ Virginia, Michigan and Minnesota

President Donald Trump issued calls to “ liberate ” Virginia , Michigan and Minnesota in a series of tweets Friday morning .
Protesters gathered outside of Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz ’ s residence in St. Paul on Thursday , ahead of another protest planned on Friday , urging Walz to reopen the state amid the coronavirus pandemic , KSTP-TV reported .
TRENDING : NYC Adds Thousands of People Who Never Tested Positive to Coronavirus Death Count The protest used the slogan “ Liberate Minnesota ” and the Facebook event page said , “ It is not the governor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota citizens.
” Thousands of protesters gathered in Lansing , Michigan , on Wednesday to oppose the extended stay-at-home order Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer announced last week .
Although the “ Operation Gridlock ” Facebook event told people to stay in their cars and protest with signs , many people gathered on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol building .
The final state Trump called to liberate was Virginia .
Protesters had also gathered in Richmond , Virginia ’ s Capitol Square on Thursday to protest restrictions Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic , according to The Washington Post .
In the midst of the pandemic , Northam had also signed gun control measures into law to increase background checks , limit purchases of handguns and implement a “ red-flag ” law , USA Today reported .
Trump had weighed in on the issue in a January tweet as 20,000 gun owners and gun rights supporters gathered in Richmond to oppose the proposed gun restrictions .
In his Friday tweets , Trump also criticized New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and said he should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and less time ‘ complaining . '
” “ Get out there and get the job done , ” he tweeted .
Trump on Thursday talked about those protesting coronavirus restrictions at their state capitols , saying “ they listen to me ” and “ seem to be protesters that like me.
” “ They all want to open .
Nobody wants to stay shut , but they want to open safely .
So do I , but we have large sections of the country right now that can start thinking about opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they ’ ll keep it going for a period of time , ” he said at the daily coronavirus briefing .
“ So , that will be a governor ’ s choice and we ’ ll have no problem with it.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump issued calls to “liberate” Virginia, Michigan and Minnesota in a series of tweets Friday morning.
The president’s first tweet read: “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!”
LIBERATE MINNESOTA! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
Protesters gathered outside of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s residence in St. Paul on Thursday, ahead of another protest planned on Friday, urging Walz to reopen the state amid the coronavirus pandemic, KSTP-TV reported.
The protest used the slogan “Liberate Minnesota” and the Facebook event page said, “It is not the governor’s place to restrict free movement of Minnesota citizens.”
Trump then tweeted, “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!”
LIBERATE MICHIGAN! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
Do you think the governors in these three states are handling the pandemic poorly? Yes No
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Thousands of protesters gathered in Lansing, Michigan, on Wednesday to oppose the extended stay-at-home order Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced last week.
Although the “Operation Gridlock” Facebook event told people to stay in their cars and protest with signs, many people gathered on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol building.
The final state Trump called to liberate was Virginia.
LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
Protesters had also gathered in Richmond, Virginia’s Capitol Square on Thursday to protest restrictions Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam had put on the state during the coronavirus pandemic, according to The Washington Post.
In the midst of the pandemic, Northam had also signed gun control measures into law to increase background checks, limit purchases of handguns and implement a “red-flag” law, USA Today reported.
Trump had weighed in on the issue in a January tweet as 20,000 gun owners and gun rights supporters gathered in Richmond to oppose the proposed gun restrictions.
In his Friday tweets, Trump also criticized New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and said he should “spend more time ‘doing’ and less time ‘complaining.'”
“Get out there and get the job done,” he tweeted.
Governor Cuomo should spend more time “doing” and less time “complaining”. Get out there and get the job done. Stop talking! We built you thousands of hospital beds that you didn’t need or use, gave large numbers of Ventilators that you should have had, and helped you with…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 17, 2020
“Stop talking!”
Trump on Thursday talked about those protesting coronavirus restrictions at their state capitols, saying “they listen to me” and “seem to be protesters that like me.”
“They all want to open. Nobody wants to stay shut, but they want to open safely. So do I, but we have large sections of the country right now that can start thinking about opening. There’ll be some mitigation and they’ll keep it going for a period of time,” he said at the daily coronavirus briefing.
“So, that will be a governor’s choice and we’ll have no problem with it.”
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westernjournal--2020-04-17--Idaho Farm Gives Away Millions of Potatoes for Free So They Don’t Go To Waste

Lockdowns , sheltering in place , and the closure of many restaurants is disrupting many supply chains .
Farmers , some of the hardest working individuals ( and a dying breed ) are suffering from the sudden drop-off in demand , and now , many have nothing to do with the products they ’ ve spent blood , sweat and tears growing .
Ryan Cranney , the CEO of Cranney Farms in Oakley , Idaho , is one of those farmers .
Without restaurants to buy his potatoes and turn them into sides like french fries , he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potatoes that would go to waste .
“ All the way from the upscale restaurants to the family sit-downs , diners .
Stuff like that , ” Cranney told KENS .
“ That ’ s just taking a total beating .
Food service numbers are down , restaurant business maybe as much as 80 , 85 percent in some places.
” “ I didn ’ t really have a market for those potatoes , it ’ s something I would have had to dump or go to cattle feed.
” TRENDING : NYC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Positive to Coronavirus Death Count Already accepting the financial hit , Cranney decided to do something more productive than let the pile of tubers rot .
He posted on the unofficial Cranney Farms Facebook page on April 14 with a unique , limited-time offer .
“ FREE POTATOES , ” the post read .
“ We started dumping potatoes today as we have no home for them because of this Covid 19 disaster .
The potato supply chain has definitely been turned up side down .
If you would like a few bags @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the photo that went along with the post was made up of millions of potatoes .
“ About 6000 bags , 100 pound bags , ” Cranney clarified .
“ I mean there were several million individual potatoes.
” “ I just felt like it could be something to maybe give back to the community .
I know people are struggling financially with the shutdown of the economy.
” And with the message sent out , people started to respond , coming from near and far to scoop up some of the spuds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where there were 20 or 30 cars there at a time , ” the farmer said .
“ I think in the next several hours , most of that ’ s going to be all gone.
” RELATED : Dad Creates 'Dad , How Do I ? '
YouTube Channel After Own Father Walked Out on His Family When He Was 12 The act of kindness has had a ripple effect , with many of the people who responded to the offer delivering some of their bounty to others who could use them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were not necessarily gathering potatoes for themselves , but they were gathering them for somebody else and going and delivering those , whether it was to friends , or neighbors , or family members , somebody they know that ’ s struggling , ” Cranney explained .
Cartloads of the potatoes have also been taken off-site to increase the number of people who could benefit from them .
According to a post on the Cranney Farms Facebook page from Thursday , several groups came together to provide an additional pick-up point in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have benefited from the free food , Cranney doesn ’ t know what the future holds , and said he thinks the financial hit on farmers is “ going to be painful for a lot of people.
” “ We ’ ve decided to cut back the number of acres of potatoes that we are planting for the 2020 year , ” he said .
“ I think the only thing worse than not planting them , is to plant them and not having a market for it.
” We are committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Lockdowns, sheltering in place, and the closure of many restaurants is disrupting many supply chains.
Farmers, some of the hardest working individuals (and a dying breed) are suffering from the sudden drop-off in demand, and now, many have nothing to do with the products they’ve spent blood, sweat and tears growing.
Ryan Cranney, the CEO of Cranney Farms in Oakley, Idaho, is one of those farmers. Without restaurants to buy his potatoes and turn them into sides like french fries, he’s been left with a literal mountain of potatoes that would go to waste.
“All the way from the upscale restaurants to the family sit-downs, diners. Stuff like that,” Cranney told KENS. “That’s just taking a total beating. Food service numbers are down, restaurant business maybe as much as 80, 85 percent in some places.”
“I didn’t really have a market for those potatoes, it’s something I would have had to dump or go to cattle feed.”
Already accepting the financial hit, Cranney decided to do something more productive than let the pile of tubers rot. He posted on the unofficial Cranney Farms Facebook page on April 14 with a unique, limited-time offer.
“FREE POTATOES,” the post read. “We started dumping potatoes today as we have no home for them because of this Covid 19 disaster. The potato supply chain has definitely been turned up side down. If you would like a few bags come on by.”
The pile in the photo that went along with the post was made up of millions of potatoes.
“About 6000 bags, 100 pound bags,” Cranney clarified. “I mean there were several million individual potatoes.”
“I just felt like it could be something to maybe give back to the community. I know people are struggling financially with the shutdown of the economy.”
And with the message sent out, people started to respond, coming from near and far to scoop up some of the spuds.
“There’s been times where there were 20 or 30 cars there at a time,” the farmer said. “I think in the next several hours, most of that’s going to be all gone.”
The act of kindness has had a ripple effect, with many of the people who responded to the offer delivering some of their bounty to others who could use them.
“A lot of the people there were not necessarily gathering potatoes for themselves, but they were gathering them for somebody else and going and delivering those, whether it was to friends, or neighbors, or family members, somebody they know that’s struggling,” Cranney explained.
Cartloads of the potatoes have also been taken off-site to increase the number of people who could benefit from them.
According to a post on the Cranney Farms Facebook page from Thursday, several groups came together to provide an additional pick-up point in Twin Falls, Idaho.
While many have benefited from the free food, Cranney doesn’t know what the future holds, and said he thinks the financial hit on farmers is “going to be painful for a lot of people.”
“We’ve decided to cut back the number of acres of potatoes that we are planting for the 2020 year,” he said. “I think the only thing worse than not planting them, is to plant them and not having a market for it.”
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