westernjournal--2020-06-05--Watch: Women Cleaning Up Graffiti Told They’re Showing ‘White Privilege’

Apparently cleaning up after a riot is now racist .
That is what three women in Washington , D.C. , were told as they removed Black Lives Matter vandalism from a federal building this week .
The women , by all appearances , had taken it upon themselves to clean up graffiti on a building in the city following multiple nights of large-scale rioting .
Sadly , they were berated for doing so , and accused of exercising “ white privilege.
” In a viral Twitter video , the ladies are seen scrubbing the letters “ BLM ” from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our nation ’ s capital , when they were confronted .
A passing motorist , who was identified online but later deleted her social media accounts , filmed her exchange with the women , whom she accused of not caring about “ black lives.
” “ Why are you guys removing Black Lives Matter ’ s graffiti ?
” the woman asked them from her vehicle .
“ Why do you want that to come off ?
” “ Because it ’ s a federal building and we care about our city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ So , you don ’ t care about black lives then ?
” the angry woman asked them .
“ We certainly do care about black lives , ” one of the ladies said .
“ Not enough to leave up a message ?
” the motorist asked .
“ We don ’ t disagree with the message , ma ’ am , it ’ s just on the building .
We ’ re just trying to clean it , ” one of the young ladies explained .
“ Not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ladies , ” the enraged woman said as she berated the women .
“ That ’ s disgusting.
” The woman has since disappeared from social media following her display of contempt for these good citizens , who apparently were guilty in her eyes of helping preserve a National Historic Landmark .
There is a theory in criminology that I first learned of while studying for a law enforcement career in college .
I never became a police officer , but even today , when I work cases as a licensed private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of Oklahoma , I think of the broken windows theory .
The broken windows theory is essentially this : In areas where there are visual signs of crime and neglect — places where buildings have broken windows or otherwise obvious signs of decay — it is likely that such areas can become hotbeds for crime and havens for nefarious activities .
These areas represent lawlessness , and people of goodwill do not want to look at them .
Law-abiding people tend to avoid such areas , and as a result , crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they become magnets for the unlawful , who fill the vacuum left behind by good citizens .
When good citizens see areas with broken windows , chipped paint and graffiti , there is a natural sense to avoid them , the broken windows theory tells us .
But due to the events of the past week or so — since the death of George Floyd , who died with a knee on his neck while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department — broken windows and painted messages are prevalent in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not engage in committing crimes .
As buildings in American cities have been burned , looted and defaced amid ongoing civil unrest , some of our country ’ s most beautiful landmarks , places that stand for the principles on which the country was founded , are now a symbol for what can occur when anarchy takes hold of an area of a city .
So it ’ s reasonable that a good citizen , or good citizens , would want to eliminate any signs of the decay of from areas which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ democracy .
The Lafayette Building was completed in 1940 , and its previous inhabitants , those at the Federal Loan Agency , helped the country fund its fight against global tyranny during World War II .
These young ladies , apparently recognizing the significance of the area , or wishing to preserve the rule of law , were simply being stewards of faith and goodwill , and servants for the greater good .
Like most people , they didn ’ t want to see a good neighborhood remain in disarray .
Graffiti on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of instability , no matter what message that graffiti promotes .
Opponents of the broken windows theory have attempted to discredit it since former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Police Commissioner William Bratton used broken windows policing to clean up the city , beginning in the early 1990s .
The tactic , by any rational metric , worked , as even NPR admitted in its takedown of the tactic .
It curtailed crime and it angered the right people — those on the far-left .
So , as we see citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aftermath of riots that are owned by the left in recent days and weeks , it is again angering the right people .
Criminals , and those who defend them , are aiming for the takedown of the values on which our republic was founded .
It will take actions from ordinary citizens , like the ladies in this video , to restore a sense of order .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Apparently cleaning up after a riot is now racist.
That is what three women in Washington, D.C., were told as they removed Black Lives Matter vandalism from a federal building this week.
The women, by all appearances, had taken it upon themselves to clean up graffiti on a building in the city following multiple nights of large-scale rioting.
Sadly, they were berated for doing so, and accused of exercising “white privilege.”
In a viral Twitter video, the ladies are seen scrubbing the letters “BLM” from the Lafayette Building, a federal office building in our nation’s capital, when they were confronted.
A passing motorist, who was identified online but later deleted her social media accounts, filmed her exchange with the women, whom she accused of not caring about “black lives.”
Breaking: It’s now racist to clean up graffiti. pic.twitter.com/UzEKGoPaHq — Digital Forests (@DigitalForests) June 4, 2020
“Why are you guys removing Black Lives Matter’s graffiti?” the woman asked them from her vehicle. “Why do you want that to come off?”
Do you think Democrats who have defended rioting in recent weeks will pay the price in November? Yes No
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“Because it’s a federal building and we care about our city,” one of the women responded.
“So, you don’t care about black lives then?” the angry woman asked them.
“We certainly do care about black lives,” one of the ladies said.
“Not enough to leave up a message?” the motorist asked.
“We don’t disagree with the message, ma’am, it’s just on the building. We’re just trying to clean it,” one of the young ladies explained.
“Not a great way to use your white privilege, ladies,” the enraged woman said as she berated the women. “That’s disgusting.”
The woman has since disappeared from social media following her display of contempt for these good citizens, who apparently were guilty in her eyes of helping preserve a National Historic Landmark.
There is a theory in criminology that I first learned of while studying for a law enforcement career in college.
I never became a police officer, but even today, when I work cases as a licensed private investigator in the urban areas of the state of Oklahoma, I think of the broken windows theory.
The broken windows theory is essentially this: In areas where there are visual signs of crime and neglect — places where buildings have broken windows or otherwise obvious signs of decay — it is likely that such areas can become hotbeds for crime and havens for nefarious activities.
These areas represent lawlessness, and people of goodwill do not want to look at them.
Law-abiding people tend to avoid such areas, and as a result, crime tends to run rampant in them, as they become magnets for the unlawful, who fill the vacuum left behind by good citizens.
When good citizens see areas with broken windows, chipped paint and graffiti, there is a natural sense to avoid them, the broken windows theory tells us.
But due to the events of the past week or so — since the death of George Floyd, who died with a knee on his neck while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department — broken windows and painted messages are prevalent in areas that are frequented by people who do not engage in committing crimes.
As buildings in American cities have been burned, looted and defaced amid ongoing civil unrest, some of our country’s most beautiful landmarks, places that stand for the principles on which the country was founded, are now a symbol for what can occur when anarchy takes hold of an area of a city.
So it’s reasonable that a good citizen, or good citizens, would want to eliminate any signs of the decay of from areas which otherwise represent the virtues of freedom and democracy.
The Lafayette Building was completed in 1940, and its previous inhabitants, those at the Federal Loan Agency, helped the country fund its fight against global tyranny during World War II.
These young ladies, apparently recognizing the significance of the area, or wishing to preserve the rule of law, were simply being stewards of faith and goodwill, and servants for the greater good.
Like most people, they didn’t want to see a good neighborhood remain in disarray.
Graffiti on a historic building is unsightly and screams of instability, no matter what message that graffiti promotes.
Opponents of the broken windows theory have attempted to discredit it since former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Police Commissioner William Bratton used broken windows policing to clean up the city, beginning in the early 1990s.
The tactic, by any rational metric, worked, as even NPR admitted in its takedown of the tactic.
It curtailed crime and it angered the right people — those on the far-left.
So, as we see citizens take it upon themselves to clean up the aftermath of riots that are owned by the left in recent days and weeks, it is again angering the right people.
Criminals, and those who defend them, are aiming for the takedown of the values on which our republic was founded.
It will take actions from ordinary citizens, like the ladies in this video, to restore a sense of order.
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westernjournal--2020-06-05--Case Against Trainee Cop in Floyd Case ‘Extremely Weak,’ Attorney Says

A lawyer speaking on behalf of former Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane on Thursday disclosed that both Lane and fired cop J. Alexander Kueng were less than a week into training with Derek Chauvin as their supervisor when George Floyd died .
Lane was on his third shift as an officer and Kueng was on his fourth .
Collectively , the two had spent a week in uniform under Chauvin ’ s guidance before being charged as co-conspirators in the death of Floyd .
Attorney Earl Gray claims Lane had little option but to follow his senior officer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levied against Lane “ extremely weak , ” according to an Associated Press report .
Lane reportedly held Floyd ’ s feet , according to Gray , while Chauvin knelt on the handcuffed man ’ s neck for roughly nine minutes .
Chauvin — who was fired from the Minneapolis Police Department after the incident , along with the three others — was arrested a few days later and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter , the AP report detailed .
Gray also alleges that Lane was concerned about Floyd ’ s well-being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider readjusting Floyd ’ s position two times , the AP reported .
“ What was my client supposed to do but follow what his training officer said ?
Is that aiding and abetting a crime ?
” Gray asked , according to the AP .
Former officers Lane , Keung and Tou Thao all found themselves in handcuffs on Wednesday after they were deemed co-conspirators in Floyd ’ s killing by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison .
The trio had their bond set at $ 750,000 a person when they made court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s charge was upgraded to second-degree murder .
Gray and Tom Plunkett , Keung ’ s attorney , requested lower bail from the court but were denied on the premise that Lane and Keung had been full officers since December of 2019 .
They were undergoing the necessary supervised field training before they could be deemed completely qualified , according to the AP report .
Keung , an African-American , was born and raised in a majority-black neighborhood .
His lawyer says he joined the Minneapolis Police Department because he “ wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There has been talk within the Minneapolis City Council of abolishing the police department altogether .
Keith Ellison ’ s son , Democratic City Council President Jeremiah Ellison , took to Twitter on Wednesday to claim the city would “ dismantle ” the police force and “ dramatically rethink ” public safety .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of their original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .
A version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A lawyer speaking on behalf of former Minneapolis police officer Thomas Lane on Thursday disclosed that both Lane and fired cop J. Alexander Kueng were less than a week into training with Derek Chauvin as their supervisor when George Floyd died.
Lane was on his third shift as an officer and Kueng was on his fourth. Collectively, the two had spent a week in uniform under Chauvin’s guidance before being charged as co-conspirators in the death of Floyd.
Attorney Earl Gray claims Lane had little option but to follow his senior officer’s guidance, and he calls the case levied against Lane “extremely weak,” according to an Associated Press report.
Lane reportedly held Floyd’s feet, according to Gray, while Chauvin knelt on the handcuffed man’s neck for roughly nine minutes.
Chauvin — who was fired from the Minneapolis Police Department after the incident, along with the three others — was arrested a few days later and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, the AP report detailed.
Gray also alleges that Lane was concerned about Floyd’s well-being during his arrest and asked Chauvin to consider readjusting Floyd’s position two times, the AP reported.
“What was my client supposed to do but follow what his training officer said? Is that aiding and abetting a crime?” Gray asked, according to the AP.
Former officers Lane, Keung and Tou Thao all found themselves in handcuffs on Wednesday after they were deemed co-conspirators in Floyd’s killing by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
The trio had their bond set at $750,000 a person when they made court appearances the following day. Chauvin’s charge was upgraded to second-degree murder.
Should Lane and Keung have been charged in the Floyd case? Yes No
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Gray and Tom Plunkett, Keung’s attorney, requested lower bail from the court but were denied on the premise that Lane and Keung had been full officers since December of 2019.
They were undergoing the necessary supervised field training before they could be deemed completely qualified, according to the AP report.
Keung, an African-American, was born and raised in a majority-black neighborhood. His lawyer says he joined the Minneapolis Police Department because he “wanted to make his community a better place.”
There has been talk within the Minneapolis City Council of abolishing the police department altogether.
Keith Ellison’s son, Democratic City Council President Jeremiah Ellison, took to Twitter on Wednesday to claim the city would “dismantle” the police force and “dramatically rethink” public safety.
We are going to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department. And when we’re done, we’re not simply gonna glue it back together. We are going to dramatically rethink how we approach public safety and emergency response. It’s really past due. https://t.co/7WIxUL6W79 — Jeremiah Ellison (@jeremiah4north) June 4, 2020
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
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westernjournal--2020-06-05--FL Supreme Court Strikes Down Anti-‘Assault Weapons’ Amendment

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday struck down an amendment that would ban the ownership of so-called “ assault weapons ” due to misleading wording .
Ban Assault Weapons Now , which prohibited the “ possession of assault weapons , ” banned magazines holding more than 10 rounds and mandated registration for these guns , was set to appear on the 2020 ballot .
However , justices voted 4-1 to ensure this won ’ t happen , according to the Washington Examiner .
Justices called the initiative — born after the deadly Parkland , Florida , shooting at Marjory Stoneman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — “ affirmatively misleading , ” as it does “ not categorically exempt the assault weapon , only the current owner ’ s possession of that assault weapon , ” according to court documents obtained by ABC News .
Justice Jorge Labarga was the sole voice of dissent in the ruling , saying that the 75-word limit on these initiatives is sufficient to comprehend the details of the bill .
“ The ballot title and summary provide fair notice and equip voters to educate themselves about the details of the Initiative , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Consequently , the Initiative should be placed on the ballot.
” The National Rifle Association called the ruling an “ NRA VICTORY ” in a tweet on Thursday .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday struck down an amendment that would ban the ownership of so-called “assault weapons” due to misleading wording.
Ban Assault Weapons Now, which prohibited the “possession of assault weapons,” banned magazines holding more than 10 rounds and mandated registration for these guns, was set to appear on the 2020 ballot.
However, justices voted 4-1 to ensure this won’t happen, according to the Washington Examiner.
Justices called the initiative — born after the deadly Parkland, Florida, shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February of 2018 — “affirmatively misleading,” as it does “not categorically exempt the assault weapon, only the current owner’s possession of that assault weapon,” according to court documents obtained by ABC News.
Justice Jorge Labarga was the sole voice of dissent in the ruling, saying that the 75-word limit on these initiatives is sufficient to comprehend the details of the bill.
“The ballot title and summary provide fair notice and equip voters to educate themselves about the details of the Initiative,” Labarga wrote, according to ABC.
“Consequently, the Initiative should be placed on the ballot.”
The National Rifle Association called the ruling an “NRA VICTORY” in a tweet on Thursday.
NRA VICTORY: Florida Supreme Court Rejects Semi-Auto Gun Ban Ballot Initiative — NRA (@NRA) June 4, 2020
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westernjournal--2020-06-05--Twitter Hounds Trump But Ignores Slate Tweet Calling Violence an ‘Important Tool’ for Protests

Twitter has yet to censor a tweet Slate posted Thursday morning claiming that violence is an “ important tool ” for activists who are trying to push for social changes .
Slate ’ s tweet links to a Wednesday podcast from the website extolling the supposed virtues of violence as a means of communication .
Twitter has not responded to the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s request for comment addressing whether the post violates the company ’ s rules against glorifying violence .
Historian Kellie Carter Jackson discussed on the podcast what she believes to be the important role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change .
“ Violence becomes the main way people can communicate their political , social , or economic grievances , ” said Jackson , who posted a tweet on Wednesday quoting Slate ’ s comment .
Twitter has not responded to questions about Jackson ’ s tweet either .
Twitter ’ s decision not to immediately nix the tweet differs from the company ’ s quick censorship of President Trump after he posted a tweet that said , “ when the looting starts , the shooting starts.
” In 1967 , Miami Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during hearings about crimes which many believe incited violence against black people .
The president ’ s tweet referred to the violent riots set off by the death of George Floyd , a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for roughly nine minutes .
The police officer , Derek Chauvin , was fired after the incident and now faces second- and third-degree murder and manslaughter charges .
Twitter immediately took action against the tweet , concealing it under a banner that reads : “ This Tweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , Twitter has determined that it may be in the public ’ s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible.
” Trump later clarified what the tweet was meant to convey , telling his Twitter followers in a May 29 tweet that looting often leads to gun violence , something the president said he hopes to avoid .
The president signed an executive order on May 28 calling for tech companies to be held liable for censorship .
Slate has not responded to the DCNF ’ s request for comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of their original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Twitter has yet to censor a tweet Slate posted Thursday morning claiming that violence is an “important tool” for activists who are trying to push for social changes.
Slate’s tweet links to a Wednesday podcast from the website extolling the supposed virtues of violence as a means of communication.
Non-violence is an important tool for protests, but so is violence. https://t.co/DD6gaLPKuF — Slate (@Slate) June 4, 2020
Twitter has not responded to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment addressing whether the post violates the company’s rules against glorifying violence.
Historian Kellie Carter Jackson discussed on the podcast what she believes to be the important role violence has historically played in creating social change.
“Violence becomes the main way people can communicate their political, social, or economic grievances,” said Jackson, who posted a tweet on Wednesday quoting Slate’s comment.
Twitter has not responded to questions about Jackson’s tweet either.
I hope everyone will give this a careful listen. My latest for Slate… Non-violence is an important tool for protests, but so is violence. https://t.co/z5nQG3oYki via @slate — K Carter Jackson (@kcarterjackson) June 3, 2020
Twitter’s decision not to immediately nix the tweet differs from the company’s quick censorship of President Trump after he posted a tweet that said, “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.”
….These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
In 1967, Miami Police Chief Walter Headley used the same phrase during hearings about crimes which many believe incited violence against black people.
The president’s tweet referred to the violent riots set off by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for roughly nine minutes.
The police officer, Derek Chauvin, was fired after the incident and now faces second- and third-degree murder and manslaughter charges.
Should Twitter censor the Slate tweet? Yes No
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Twitter immediately took action against the tweet, concealing it under a banner that reads: “This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible.”
Trump later clarified what the tweet was meant to convey, telling his Twitter followers in a May 29 tweet that looting often leads to gun violence, something the president said he hopes to avoid.
The president signed an executive order on May 28 calling for tech companies to be held liable for censorship.
Looting leads to shooting, and that’s why a man was shot and killed in Minneapolis on Wednesday night – or look at what just happened in Louisville with 7 people shot. I don’t want this to happen, and that’s what the expression put out last night means…. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
Slate has not responded to the DCNF’s request for comment.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-06-06--Big Tech Bias: The Sickening Result of Searching ‘Racist’ on Twitter

There ’ s always been the assumption of bias on the part of big tech when it comes to conservatives , particularly when that conservative is Donald Trump .
That assumption was complicated , however , by the fact that tech companies — particularly social media concerns — maintained a veneer of plausible deniability .
That complication seems to have resolved itself in the past few weeks .
Twitter has begun ( poorly ) “ fact-checking ” the president ’ s tweets on voter fraud and then hiding one because the thought he expressed in it — “ when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — was briefly popularized by a grotesquely evil Miami police chief over a half-century ago .
The phrase can also mean that looting can lead to violence , but whatever — it got covered up like the details behind a Hunter Biden sinecure .
Snapchat , meanwhile , went almost as far and refused to promote the president ’ s content , which it regularly does with politicians and celebrities .
TRENDING : Dem Rep Caught on Hot Mic at Protest Saying He 'Would n't Care ' If He Were n't Campaigning Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of an oasis of free thought , refused to do anything of the sort to the president ’ s posts — and faced an employee revolt because of it , which says a great deal about where the company ’ s head has been at for the past few years .
But it ’ s Twitter that gets the most focus , because it ’ s the president ’ s favorite social media platform .
It turns out that the “ fact-checking ” and hiding of tweets wasn ’ t the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Jack Dorsey .
Check out what happens when you search the term “ racist ” on the platform , as documented by The Western Journal ’ s own Bryan Chai : Yes , it seems that Twitter ’ s search algorithm gives Donald Trump ’ s account as the top result when you search “ racist.
” Let me guess : No bias !
Just algorithmic !
Can ’ t argue with them algorithms , after all .
I actually made this guess before I ’ d started doing research for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ A Twitter spokeswoman said if users mention an account alongside certain terms , the account and the keywords can become algorithmically surfaced together as a search recommendation .
A search on Twitter shows that users have been mentioning Trump ’ s account with the word ‘ racist , ' ” C|NET reported .
In terms of intelligence-insulting explanations , the “ don ’ t blame us , it ’ s just those kooky algorithms ” ranks up there with “ I ’ m leaving my position in the midst of a scandal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The idea that the software that undergirds social media is some kind of self-driving car and these executives never touch the wheel is prima facie ridiculous .
RELATED : Watch : Rioters Turn on Virtue-Signaling White Guys as They Yell 'We 're on Your Side' How do I know this ?
Consider that , as I discussed at the beginning , Twitter is actively monitoring Trump ’ s account to the point where profoundly dubious fact-checks are being applied to tweets about voter fraud — fact-checks that entirely neglected to mention actual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like the alleged one perpetrated in North Carolina ’ s 9th Congressional District during the 2018 election , and insisted that voter fraud was a chimerical invention of the GOP — and then covered up one of his tweets because it was against their policy involving “ glorifying violence.
” No hands on the wheel ?
Yes , the algorithm assembled that fact-check all on its own .
Those algorithms , they ’ re really something .
Well , the thing about algorithms is that they ’ re fixed pretty easily when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been happening for a few days , they ’ ve managed to make things — That ’ s 2:53 p.m. on Saturday .
The algorithm must be resistant to change !
It ’ s sentient , peeps !
It ’ s probably calling everyone at Twitter “ Dave ” now .
All right , I know this game is about as tired and unwanted at this point as charades at an office party you don ’ t want to be at , but it ’ s time to play yet another round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat.
” Let ’ s take Hillary Clinton .
Imagine for a second that some term like this appeared in conjunction with Hillary in the same way during the 2016 campaign .
It ’ d be fixed quicker and more thoroughly than an Italian soccer match .
In fact , we can test this with Trump ’ s opponent , Joe Biden .
In a disastrous appearance on the black-centric radio program “ The Breakfast Club , ” Biden said that if you didn ’ t vote for him over Trump , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a pretty specific phrase , something that rascally algorithm would catch — right ?
Right .
The Trump algorithmic hiccup was reported on Friday .
It ’ s mid-Saturday afternoon .
Nothing .
Oh , and that wacky algorithm is at it again : The Trump campaign ’ s tribute video to George Floyd got taken down because of a copyright complaint .
According to Fox Business , Twitter didn ’ t comment as to who made the complaint .
It ’ s probably worth noting that it ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s motivating tech firms at this point .
In the wake of the fact-check controversy , Trump signed an executive order that would obviate Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act , a section of the 1996 bill protecting internet platforms like Twitter from being sued for content published by their users .
The rationale behind Section 230 is that these platforms are platforms , not publishers .
Of course , the difference is that publishers curate — and partisan fact-checking and hiding tweets for dubious reasons sounds a lot like curation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reinterpret the law through new regulation .
Online companies that moderate their websites in anything other than ‘ good faith ’ could face more lawsuits , ” C|NET reported .
“ The order directs the Commerce Department to ask the Federal Communications Commission to propose regulation that clarifies when a company isn ’ t acting in good faith .
That includes when a company decides to restrict access to content but its actions are inconsistent with its terms of service or taken without adequate notice or a ‘ meaningful opportunity to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rain on your party , conservatives : This has roughly zero chance of succeeding .
The FCC and Federal Trade Commission , which would be tasked with enacting this , are largely independent agencies .
This is good and bad — the bad , in this case , being the fact they ’ re what one might call “ swampy , ” which means it ’ ll likely be ignored .
Furthermore , essentially changing a major law enacted by Congress through regulatory means almost always ends in years of court cases — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyer , I don ’ t predict they ’ ll go swimmingly for the Trump administration .
That being said , it ’ s certainly added a new layer of animosity to the relationship between the administration and big tech — and , to quote a certain fictional newsman , “ Well , that escalated quickly.
” It shouldn ’ t have .
In an election year , this is nothing less than social media interfering in the outcome .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
@ @ @ @ @

There’s always been the assumption of bias on the part of big tech when it comes to conservatives, particularly when that conservative is Donald Trump. That assumption was complicated, however, by the fact that tech companies — particularly social media concerns — maintained a veneer of plausible deniability.
That complication seems to have resolved itself in the past few weeks.
Twitter has begun (poorly) “fact-checking” the president’s tweets on voter fraud and then hiding one because the thought he expressed in it — “when the looting starts, the shooting starts” — was briefly popularized by a grotesquely evil Miami police chief over a half-century ago.
The phrase can also mean that looting can lead to violence, but whatever — it got covered up like the details behind a Hunter Biden sinecure.
Snapchat, meanwhile, went almost as far and refused to promote the president’s content, which it regularly does with politicians and celebrities.
Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, not precisely the head of an oasis of free thought, refused to do anything of the sort to the president’s posts — and faced an employee revolt because of it, which says a great deal about where the company’s head has been at for the past few years.
But it’s Twitter that gets the most focus, because it’s the president’s favorite social media platform. It turns out that the “fact-checking” and hiding of tweets wasn’t the only thing going on in the palace of Jack Dorsey.
Check out what happens when you search the term “racist” on the platform, as documented by The Western Journal’s own Bryan Chai:
Hey @Twitter @jack genuinely curious how your search algorithm works. Is it intentional for @realDonaldTrump to show up as the top search result when looking up “racist” under people? pic.twitter.com/YMxKrz84rw — Bryan Chai (@BChaiWJ) June 4, 2020
Yes, it seems that Twitter’s search algorithm gives Donald Trump’s account as the top result when you search “racist.”
Let me guess: No bias! Just algorithmic! Can’t argue with them algorithms, after all.
I actually made this guess before I’d started doing research for this article and I was dispiritingly correct: “A Twitter spokeswoman said if users mention an account alongside certain terms, the account and the keywords can become algorithmically surfaced together as a search recommendation. A search on Twitter shows that users have been mentioning Trump’s account with the word ‘racist,'” C|NET reported.
In terms of intelligence-insulting explanations, the “don’t blame us, it’s just those kooky algorithms” ranks up there with “I’m leaving my position in the midst of a scandal to spend more time with my family.”
The idea that the software that undergirds social media is some kind of self-driving car and these executives never touch the wheel is prima facie ridiculous.
How do I know this?
Consider that, as I discussed at the beginning, Twitter is actively monitoring Trump’s account to the point where profoundly dubious fact-checks are being applied to tweets about voter fraud — fact-checks that entirely neglected to mention actual instances of voter fraud involving mailed-in ballots, like the alleged one perpetrated in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District during the 2018 election, and insisted that voter fraud was a chimerical invention of the GOP — and then covered up one of his tweets because it was against their policy involving “glorifying violence.”
No hands on the wheel? Yes, the algorithm assembled that fact-check all on its own. Those algorithms, they’re really something.
Well, the thing about algorithms is that they’re fixed pretty easily when stuff like this, so given this has been happening for a few days, they’ve managed to make things —
That’s 2:53 p.m. on Saturday. The algorithm must be resistant to change! It’s sentient, peeps! It’s probably calling everyone at Twitter “Dave” now.
All right, I know this game is about as tired and unwanted at this point as charades at an office party you don’t want to be at, but it’s time to play yet another round of “Imagine if this Were a Democrat.”
Let’s take Hillary Clinton. Imagine for a second that some term like this appeared in conjunction with Hillary in the same way during the 2016 campaign. It’d be fixed quicker and more thoroughly than an Italian soccer match.
In fact, we can test this with Trump’s opponent, Joe Biden. In a disastrous appearance on the black-centric radio program “The Breakfast Club,” Biden said that if you didn’t vote for him over Trump, “you ain’t black.”
That’s a pretty specific phrase, something that rascally algorithm would catch — right?
Right. The Trump algorithmic hiccup was reported on Friday. It’s mid-Saturday afternoon. Nothing.
Oh, and that wacky algorithm is at it again: The Trump campaign’s tribute video to George Floyd got taken down because of a copyright complaint. According to Fox Business, Twitter didn’t comment as to who made the complaint.
It’s probably worth noting that it’s not just a distaste for Trump that’s motivating tech firms at this point. In the wake of the fact-check controversy, Trump signed an executive order that would obviate Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a section of the 1996 bill protecting internet platforms like Twitter from being sued for content published by their users. The rationale behind Section 230 is that these platforms are platforms, not publishers. Of course, the difference is that publishers curate — and partisan fact-checking and hiding tweets for dubious reasons sounds a lot like curation.
“Trump’s executive order aims to reinterpret the law through new regulation. Online companies that moderate their websites in anything other than ‘good faith’ could face more lawsuits,” C|NET reported.
Do you expect Big Tech interference in the 2020 election? Yes No
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“The order directs the Commerce Department to ask the Federal Communications Commission to propose regulation that clarifies when a company isn’t acting in good faith. That includes when a company decides to restrict access to content but its actions are inconsistent with its terms of service or taken without adequate notice or a ‘meaningful opportunity to be heard.'”
Now, to rain on your party, conservatives: This has roughly zero chance of succeeding. The FCC and Federal Trade Commission, which would be tasked with enacting this, are largely independent agencies. This is good and bad — the bad, in this case, being the fact they’re what one might call “swampy,” which means it’ll likely be ignored.
Furthermore, essentially changing a major law enacted by Congress through regulatory means almost always ends in years of court cases — and while I’m not a lawyer, I don’t predict they’ll go swimmingly for the Trump administration.
That being said, it’s certainly added a new layer of animosity to the relationship between the administration and big tech — and, to quote a certain fictional newsman, “Well, that escalated quickly.”
It shouldn’t have. In an election year, this is nothing less than social media interfering in the outcome.
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westernjournal--2020-06-06--Media Hit New Low With Outrageous Lie About Trump’s George Floyd Quote

President Donald Trump ’ s mention of George Floyd Friday during an impromptu call for equality that took place during a White House event triggered misleading media reports claiming Trump was talking about Floyd in the context of positive economic numbers .
For example , the New York Daily News headlined its coverage : “ Trump says he hopes George Floyd is ‘ looking down ’ from heaven while touting new job numbers : ‘ It ’ s a great day for him . '
” The website Mediaite hcovered the event in a similar fashion , writing , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd is ‘ Looking Down Right Now Saying This is a Great Thing . '
” John Wingrove , the White House reporter for Bloomberg News , tweeted , “ Trump suggests that George Floyd would approve of today ’ s jobs numbers.
” TRENDING : Dem Rep Caught on Hot Mic at Protest Saying He 'Would n't Care ' If He Were n't Campaigning Other media outlets followed the pack .
The reality of Trump ’ s news conference was different .
Although positive news on the economic front was , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump — who often improvises during news conferences and speaks about what is on his mind in addition to the topic of the day — covered a number of subjects , including the coronavirus and veterans , as well as talking about Floyd after discussing opportunity zones in inner cities and historically black colleges and universities .
“ It ’ s now time for us to work together as we rebuild , renew and recover the great promise of America , and that ’ s true , we ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ ll all work out .
It ’ ll all work out .
Some governors may need a little help yet , but I think for the most part , they are in good shape.
” Trump then began to touch on the issue of protests and riots in the aftermath of Floyd ’ s death .
“ We have a fantastic military .
We have fantastic National Guard .
The National Guard was barely used and these people have done an unbelievable job .
They helped the secret service at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are unbelievable , ” Trump said .
The president then talked about the need for governors to control the streets of major cities .
“ And I really am suggesting because if you look at Minnesota and the great success we had there , and other places , I ’ m suggesting to some of these governors that are too proud in New York , you see what ’ s going on there .
Don ’ t be proud , get the job done .
You ’ ll end up looking much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national guard , call me .
We ’ ll have so many people , more people than you have to dominate the streets .
You can ’ t let what ’ s happening happen .
It ’ s called dominate the streets .
You can ’ t let that happen in New York where they ’ re breaking into stores and all of the things .
And by the way , hurting many small businesses , you can ’ t let it happen , ” Trump said .
Trump ’ s thoughts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America must respond to his death .
“ Equal justice under the law must mean that every American receives equal treatment in every encounter with law enforcement , regardless of race , color , gender or creed , they have to receive fair treatment from law enforcement .
They have to receive it .
We all saw what happened last week .
We can ’ t let that happen , ” Trump said .
Then came the remarks taken out of context by the media .
“ Hopefully George is looking down right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a great thing that ’ s happening for our country.
’ This is a great day for him .
It ’ s a great day for everybody .
This is a great day for everybody .
This is a great , great day in terms of equality .
It ’ s really what our constitution requires and it ’ s what our country is all about , ” Trump said .
Trump then resumed the event ’ s scheduled focus on the jobs report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editorial standards .

President Donald Trump’s mention of George Floyd Friday during an impromptu call for equality that took place during a White House event triggered misleading media reports claiming Trump was talking about Floyd in the context of positive economic numbers.
For example, the New York Daily News headlined its coverage: “Trump says he hopes George Floyd is ‘looking down’ from heaven while touting new job numbers: ‘It’s a great day for him.'”
The website Mediaite covered the event in a similar fashion, writing, “Trump at Jobs Presser: Hopefully George Floyd is ‘Looking Down Right Now Saying This is a Great Thing.'”
John Wingrove, the White House reporter for Bloomberg News, tweeted, “Trump suggests that George Floyd would approve of today’s jobs numbers.”
Trump suggests that George Floyd would approve of today’s jobs numbers. “Hopefully, George is looking down right now and saying there’s a great thing happening for our country. It’s a great day for him, it’s a great day for everybody,” he says, per @justinsink. pic.twitter.com/a6MKHaY4R6 — Josh Wingrove (@josh_wingrove) June 5, 2020
Other media outlets followed the pack.
Trump says he hopes George Floyd ‘looking down’ and seeing today’s jobs numbers as ‘a great day for him’ https://t.co/UL2ypUTEs1 — The Independent (@Independent) June 5, 2020
The reality of Trump’s news conference was different.
Do the establishment media even pretend to be fair any more? Yes No
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Although positive news on the economic front was, in fact, the trigger for the event, Trump — who often improvises during news conferences and speaks about what is on his mind in addition to the topic of the day — covered a number of subjects, including the coronavirus and veterans, as well as talking about Floyd after discussing opportunity zones in inner cities and historically black colleges and universities.
“It’s now time for us to work together as we rebuild, renew and recover the great promise of America, and that’s true, we’re going to work together,” Trump said. “It’ll all work out. It’ll all work out. Some governors may need a little help yet, but I think for the most part, they are in good shape.”
Trump then began to touch on the issue of protests and riots in the aftermath of Floyd’s death.
“We have a fantastic military. We have fantastic National Guard. The National Guard was barely used and these people have done an unbelievable job. They helped the secret service at Washington. Secret service by the way, are unbelievable,” Trump said.
The president then talked about the need for governors to control the streets of major cities.
“And I really am suggesting because if you look at Minnesota and the great success we had there, and other places, I’m suggesting to some of these governors that are too proud in New York, you see what’s going on there. Don’t be proud, get the job done. You’ll end up looking much better in the end. Call in the national guard, call me. We’ll have so many people, more people than you have to dominate the streets. You can’t let what’s happening happen. It’s called dominate the streets. You can’t let that happen in New York where they’re breaking into stores and all of the things. And by the way, hurting many small businesses, you can’t let it happen,” Trump said.
Trump’s thoughts then turned to Floyd, and how America must respond to his death.
“Equal justice under the law must mean that every American receives equal treatment in every encounter with law enforcement, regardless of race, color, gender or creed, they have to receive fair treatment from law enforcement. They have to receive it. We all saw what happened last week. We can’t let that happen,” Trump said.
Then came the remarks taken out of context by the media.
“Hopefully George is looking down right now and saying, ‘This is a great thing that’s happening for our country.’ This is a great day for him. It’s a great day for everybody. This is a great day for everybody. This is a great, great day in terms of equality. It’s really what our constitution requires and it’s what our country is all about,” Trump said.
Trump then resumed the event’s scheduled focus on the jobs report.
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westernjournal--2020-06-06--Rogue NFL Employee Secretly Helped Start Latest Social Justice Movement: Report

If you ’ re an NFL fan and have even a cursory interest in social media , you ’ ve undoubtedly seen a video making the rounds starring various black NFL stars speaking out about the ongoing social justice issues that have rocked America .
In the viral video , which has been viewed over 1.8 million times , NFL stars speak out about criminal justice reform and police brutality in the wake of George Floyd ‘ s death .
The list of NFL players in the video is a veritable who ’ s who of the league ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two best receivers in football , Michael Thomas and DeAndre Hopkins , Super Bowl champions Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Mahomes , and a litany of other stars like Ezekiel Elliott , Jarvis Landry and Stephon Gilmore .
TRENDING : Dem Rep Caught on Hot Mic at Protest Saying He 'Would n't Care ' If He Were n't Campaigning Given the star power involved , the video ’ s clearly meant to evoke strong emotions about societal issues , and to many people it likely will .
But for those who don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeping into their professional sports , a surprising culprit has emerged .
According to a report from Yahoo Sports , the recent renewal in the league ’ s social justice dialogue was sparked by an Instagram message from NFL social media employee Bryndon Minter to Thomas .
“ Want to help you create content to be heard around the league , ” Minter said .
“ I ’ m a NFL social employee and am embarrassed by how the league has been silent this week .
The NFL hasn ’ t condemned racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Black Lives Matter.
” Mynter let Thomas know that he wanted to help one of the league ’ s best players “ put pressure on ” the NFL : “ I want [ to ] help you put the pressure on .
And arm you with a video that expresses YOUR voice and [ what ] you want from the League .
Give me a holler if you ’ re interested in working together , thanks bro !
” Then , just 24 hours later , the viral video was out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was important enough to Mynter and fellow social media employee Nick Toney that the two completely circumvented normal league protocol to make this video happen .
Instead of going through the proper channels , Mynter had reached directly out to Thomas .
By the time Minter finally told his bosses about the unsanctioned video , there was no stopping it .
In fact , as Mynter began a Zoom call with his bosses , the video was released .
RELATED : NFL Coach Bill Belichick Attacked for 'Silence ' on Racial Issues : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was ready to lose my job on that Zoom , ” Mynter said .
Mynter believed that the star power of the players he enlisted would force Goodell ’ s hand .
Mynter clearly felt that the players were what drive the NFL .
“ Without the players , no one gives a s— .
Our game is the players , it ’ s our players ’ personalities , it ’ s our players ’ performance , it ’ s all about them , ” Mynter said .
“ And if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The rogue social media employee may very well have been right in his assessment .
Just days after the video began circulating on the internet , NFL commissioner Roger Goodell posted a video apologizing for the league ’ s previous handling of social justice issues .
Goodell added the “ # InspireChange ” to punctuate the tweet .
Whether Goodell had an honest change of heart on the controversial social justice issues or simply felt that there was no way to get the toothpaste back in the tube is impossible to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it all appears to have started with a rogue employee who felt his cause was too important to run by his superiors .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If you’re an NFL fan and have even a cursory interest in social media, you’ve undoubtedly seen a video making the rounds starring various black NFL stars speaking out about the ongoing social justice issues that have rocked America.
“A message on behalf of the nfl” pic.twitter.com/iilDpnZfyV — Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) June 5, 2020
In the viral video, which has been viewed over 1.8 million times, NFL stars speak out about criminal justice reform and police brutality in the wake of George Floyd‘s death.
The list of NFL players in the video is a veritable who’s who of the league’s stardom. The video includes arguably the two best receivers in football, Michael Thomas and DeAndre Hopkins, Super Bowl champions Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Mahomes, and a litany of other stars like Ezekiel Elliott, Jarvis Landry and Stephon Gilmore.
Given the star power involved, the video’s clearly meant to evoke strong emotions about societal issues, and to many people it likely will.
But for those who don’t want too much of the real world seeping into their professional sports, a surprising culprit has emerged.
According to a report from Yahoo Sports, the recent renewal in the league’s social justice dialogue was sparked by an Instagram message from NFL social media employee Bryndon Minter to Thomas.
“Want to help you create content to be heard around the league,” Minter said. “I’m a NFL social employee and am embarrassed by how the league has been silent this week. The NFL hasn’t condemned racism. The NFL hasn’t said that Black Lives Matter.”
Will you still watch NFL games if anthem protests return? Yes No
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Mynter let Thomas know that he wanted to help one of the league’s best players “put pressure on” the NFL: “I want [to] help you put the pressure on. And arm you with a video that expresses YOUR voice and [what] you want from the League. Give me a holler if you’re interested in working together, thanks bro!”
Then, just 24 hours later, the viral video was out in the wild.
Interestingly, this issue was important enough to Mynter and fellow social media employee Nick Toney that the two completely circumvented normal league protocol to make this video happen.
Instead of going through the proper channels, Mynter had reached directly out to Thomas.
By the time Minter finally told his bosses about the unsanctioned video, there was no stopping it. In fact, as Mynter began a Zoom call with his bosses, the video was released.
“And I was ready to lose my job on that Zoom,” Mynter said.
Mynter believed that the star power of the players he enlisted would force Goodell’s hand. Mynter clearly felt that the players were what drive the NFL.
“Without the players, no one gives a s—. Our game is the players, it’s our players’ personalities, it’s our players’ performance, it’s all about them,” Mynter said. “And if they speak up, they have the power.”
The rogue social media employee may very well have been right in his assessment. Just days after the video began circulating on the internet, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell posted a video apologizing for the league’s previous handling of social justice issues.
Goodell added the “#InspireChange” to punctuate the tweet.
We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChange pic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv — NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2020
Whether Goodell had an honest change of heart on the controversial social justice issues or simply felt that there was no way to get the toothpaste back in the tube is impossible to say.
But whatever the case may be, it all appears to have started with a rogue employee who felt his cause was too important to run by his superiors.
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westernjournal--2020-06-06--Whitmer Condemned Lockdown Protests But Now She’s Making an Exception for Herself

Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer has enacted some of the strictest lockdown measures in the country and condemned those protesting those measures , but has has now apparently violated her own executive order .
The Democratic governor joined hundreds of others in Highland Park , Detroit , where social distancing was all but ignored Thursday during a civil rights march related to the death of George Floyd , who died while in police custody on May 25 .
Whitmer had signed an order Monday that mandated participants in public gatherings stay six feet apart at all times , an order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violated .
Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown tried doing damage control , insisting Whitmer did nothing wrong .
“ The governor took precautions for engaging in an outdoor activity , including wearing a mask even though it is not required outdoors under the order , ” Brown told The Detroit News .
TRENDING : Dem Rep Caught on Hot Mic at Protest Saying He 'Would n't Care ' If He Were n't Campaigning However , photos from Whitmer ’ s own Twitter account show her crowded shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of other protesters .
Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order states , “ Nothing in this order shall be taken to abridge protections guaranteed by the state or federal constitution .
That includes the right to peaceful protest.
” However , an FAQ page on the Michigan state government website states more specifically , “ Persons may engage in expressive activities protected by the First Amendment within the State of Michigan but must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , including remaining at least six feet from people from outside the person ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks like six feet : In March , Whitmer received national attention when she established and enforced draconian level lockdown orders .
She compared those protesting her lockdown demands to Americans who declined to work in factories during the production effort of World War II , according to National Review .
Citizens across Michigan held protests in support of opening back up businesses and the economy .
Last month , Whitmer went called those attending the protests “ racist and misogynistic , ” while on “ The View.
” “ This is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ But it ’ s certainly not an exercise of democratic principles where we have free speech .
This is calls to violence .
This is racist and misogynistic.
” She also said these protests would just spread the coronavirus faster and make the lockdowns “ likelier ” longer .
My did her tune change when it came to the George Floyd protests — and plenty of people noticed .
So lockdown protests are hotbeds for COVID-19 , but social justice protests are completely immune , apparently .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see career politicians playing by different rules than what they set for others .
Whitmer ’ s breaking of her own executive order is just another page in a very old story .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has enacted some of the strictest lockdown measures in the country and condemned those protesting those measures, but has has now apparently violated her own executive order.
The Democratic governor joined hundreds of others in Highland Park, Detroit, where social distancing was all but ignored Thursday during a civil rights march related to the death of George Floyd, who died while in police custody on May 25.
Whitmer had signed an order Monday that mandated participants in public gatherings stay six feet apart at all times, an order that she almost immediately turned around and violated.
Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown tried doing damage control, insisting Whitmer did nothing wrong.
“The governor took precautions for engaging in an outdoor activity, including wearing a mask even though it is not required outdoors under the order,” Brown told The Detroit News.
However, photos from Whitmer’s own Twitter account show her crowded shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of other protesters.
Today, we marched. For George.
For Ahmaud.
For Breonna. I will never be able to fully understand the pain that Black and Brown communities are forced to bear, but I will spend my life fighting for the justice and peace that everyone deserves. pic.twitter.com/Nz9NpcHHnt — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) June 4, 2020
Brown noted that the governor’s latest order states, “Nothing in this order shall be taken to abridge protections guaranteed by the state or federal constitution. That includes the right to peaceful protest.”
Should Whitmer be prosecuted for breaking her own order? Yes No
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However, an FAQ page on the Michigan state government website states more specifically, “Persons may engage in expressive activities protected by the First Amendment within the State of Michigan but must adhere to social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including remaining at least six feet from people from outside the person’s household.”
Judge for yourself whether this looks like six feet:
“We know that we are at a tipping point in this march toward justice. But this day can’t just be a day. It must be a step forward in this march toward justice.” – @GovWhitmer pic.twitter.com/jv0qE6d7S8 — Chris Meagher (@chrismeagher) June 4, 2020
In March, Whitmer received national attention when she established and enforced draconian level lockdown orders. She compared those protesting her lockdown demands to Americans who declined to work in factories during the production effort of World War II, according to National Review.
Citizens across Michigan held protests in support of opening back up businesses and the economy.
Last month, Whitmer went called those attending the protests “racist and misogynistic,” while on “The View.”
“This is not appropriate in a global pandemic,” she said. “But it’s certainly not an exercise of democratic principles where we have free speech. This is calls to violence. This is racist and misogynistic.”
Michigan Gov. @gretchenwhitmer calls some protests in her state “racist and misogynistic” and urges others “to stop encouraging this behavior because it only makes it that much more precarious for us to try to reengage our economy.” https://t.co/cVclFZQmjA pic.twitter.com/K9QED6Pfbi — The View (@TheView) May 13, 2020
She also said these protests would just spread the coronavirus faster and make the lockdowns “likelier” longer.
My did her tune change when it came to the George Floyd protests — and plenty of people noticed.
Social distancing is critical to stop the spread of COVID-19—unless you have a great photo op. And control. pic.twitter.com/uFyM6gBWaM — Rep. Lynn Afendoulis (@LynnAfendoulis) June 4, 2020
So lockdown protests are hotbeds for COVID-19, but social justice protests are completely immune, apparently.
Of course, it’s nothing new to see career politicians playing by different rules than what they set for others. Whitmer’s breaking of her own executive order is just another page in a very old story.
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westernjournal--2020-06-06--Senate Committee Gives Green Light To Subpoena Obama Officials

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted to give Chairman Ron Johnson subpoena authority on Thursday as part of its investigation into the origins of the Russia probe .
The committee voted along party lines to give Johnson the power to issue subpoenas for over 35 people and a large number of documents without having to come back to the committee for a vote every time he wants an individual subpoena , The Hill reported .
The Wisconsin Republican has the authority to subpoena former FBI Director James Comey , former National Security Advisor Susan Rice and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as other Obama administration officials .
He can also issue subpoenas for FBI and State Department records related to “ Crossfire Hurricane ” and Christopher Steele , respectively , as well as documents related to Obama administration officials ’ attempts to “ unmask ” people tied to the Trump orbit .
Unmasking is the intelligence term used for those instances when American citizens speaking to foreign nationals under surveillance have their identities revealed .
It takes an official request to do so .
TRENDING : Dem Rep Caught on Hot Mic at Protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He Were n't Campaigning “ The conduct we know that occurred during the transition [ between the Obama and Trump administrations ] should concern everyone and absolutely warrants further investigation , ” Johnson said Thursday .
“ The subpoena authority I am requesting today will help us gather the necessary information .
Hopefully , the agencies and individuals will fully cooperate , and the number of subpoenas required will be limited.
” Johnson is in charge of the panel ’ s investigation into “ Crossfire Hurricane.
” His probe is looking into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flynn and leaks from the early days of the Trump administration .
The Homeland Security panel ’ s investigation is focused on the presidential transition period , during which the unmasking of Flynn occurred , Politico reported .
Johnson said he intends to work closely with Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham , who is in charge of the Judiciary Committee ’ s inquiry focused on the origins of the investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia and alleged Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Act abuses .
Although Senate Republicans on the Homeland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subpoena authority , there were still signs of a divide in the party .
Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney voted to give Johnson the subpoena power after he was able to get changes to “ narrow ” the scope of the investigation so inspectors general could not be subpoenaed , The Hill reported .
“ I believe there are far more urgent priorities the committee should address , ” Romney said , adding that he fears this investigation is “ politically motivated.
” “ I ’ d also note that this matter has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general ] and is now being invested by the Justice Department.
” The top Democrat on the panel wrote a letter to Johnson saying that the subpoena authority seemed to be a “ partisan fishing expedition.
” “ These actions divide our Committee at a time when Americans need us to be united .
Pursued in this fashion , the work of the Committee will not be trusted .
Politicizing a Committee investigation into the FBI and DOJ serves only to undermine all three institutions , ” Michigan Sen. Gary Peters said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted to give Chairman Ron Johnson subpoena authority on Thursday as part of its investigation into the origins of the Russia probe.
The committee voted along party lines to give Johnson the power to issue subpoenas for over 35 people and a large number of documents without having to come back to the committee for a vote every time he wants an individual subpoena, The Hill reported.
The Wisconsin Republican has the authority to subpoena former FBI Director James Comey, former National Security Advisor Susan Rice and former CIA Director John Brennan, as well as other Obama administration officials.
He can also issue subpoenas for FBI and State Department records related to “Crossfire Hurricane” and Christopher Steele, respectively, as well as documents related to Obama administration officials’ attempts to “unmask” people tied to the Trump orbit.
Unmasking is the intelligence term used for those instances when American citizens speaking to foreign nationals under surveillance have their identities revealed. It takes an official request to do so.
Republican-led Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee authorizes @SenRonJohnson to issue subpoenas FBI Crossfire Hurricane, State Dept contact author “Steele Dossier” and unmasking by former government officials. +30 names READ @CBSNews pic.twitter.com/34g4q8hz6w — Catherine Herridge (@CBS_Herridge) June 5, 2020
“The conduct we know that occurred during the transition [between the Obama and Trump administrations] should concern everyone and absolutely warrants further investigation,” Johnson said Thursday.
“The subpoena authority I am requesting today will help us gather the necessary information. Hopefully, the agencies and individuals will fully cooperate, and the number of subpoenas required will be limited.”
Do you think Obama administration officials were trying to sabotage the Trump presidency before it even began? Yes No
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Johnson is in charge of the panel’s investigation into “Crossfire Hurricane.” His probe is looking into the investigation of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and leaks from the early days of the Trump administration.
The Homeland Security panel’s investigation is focused on the presidential transition period, during which the unmasking of Flynn occurred, Politico reported.
Johnson said he intends to work closely with Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham, who is in charge of the Judiciary Committee’s inquiry focused on the origins of the investigation into alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia and alleged Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Act abuses.
Although Senate Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee voted to give Johnson the subpoena authority, there were still signs of a divide in the party.
Utah GOP Sen. Mitt Romney voted to give Johnson the subpoena power after he was able to get changes to “narrow” the scope of the investigation so inspectors general could not be subpoenaed, The Hill reported.
“I believe there are far more urgent priorities the committee should address,” Romney said, adding that he fears this investigation is “politically motivated.”
“I’d also note that this matter has already been investigated by the [inspector general] and is now being invested by the Justice Department.”
The top Democrat on the panel wrote a letter to Johnson saying that the subpoena authority seemed to be a “partisan fishing expedition.”
“These actions divide our Committee at a time when Americans need us to be united. Pursued in this fashion, the work of the Committee will not be trusted. Politicizing a Committee investigation into the FBI and DOJ serves only to undermine all three institutions,” Michigan Sen. Gary Peters said.
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westernjournal--2020-06-06--NBC News Hires Anti-Trump Conspirator as ‘National Security & Legal Analyst’

Former FBI lawyer Lisa Page made her debut as a national security and legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC on Friday afternoon .
Page appeared on MSNBC ’ s “ Deadline : White House ” with former Mueller probe prosecutor Andrew Weissman , who appears to have been rehired by the network , Fox News reported .
“ We ’ re very happy to welcome to our network Lisa Page , former FBI lawyer who worked as special counsel for Robert Mueller ’ s legal team , ” host Nicolle Wallace said .
“ She worked on the Russian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton email investigation.
” TRENDING : Dem Rep Caught on Hot Mic at Protest Saying He 'Would n't Care ' If He Were n't Campaigning During the segment , Page called on government officials “ to take a courageous stand ” by speaking out against Trump : Page is known for text messages she exchanged with former FBI agent Peter Strzok , with whom she was having an affair , according to the Daily Caller .
Strzok also worked on Mueller ’ s team until he was removed because the text messages showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
Page was also dismissed from the team because of the affair .
The text messages were released by the Department of Justice and FBI in 2017 .
In June 2018 , the Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz ’ s report found the anti-Trump texts between Strzok and Page to be “ deeply ” troubling .
“ We were deeply troubled by text messages sent by Strzok and Page that potentially indicated or created the appearance that investigative decisions were impacted by bias or improper considerations , ” the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Low With Outrageous Lie About Trump 's George Floyd Quote Further , one particular Strzok text promising Page “ we ’ ll stop ” Trump “ is not only indicative of a biased state of mind but , even more seriously , implies a willingness to take official action to impact the presidential candidate ’ s electoral prospects , ” according to the report .
Page filed a lawsuit in December against the FBI and DOJ for publishing her text messages , saying it was a breach of the Federal Privacy Act .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ she had suffered damages because of the disclosure of her and Strzok ’ s texts , including “ permanent loss of earning capacity due to reputational damage , ” “ attorneys ’ fees , ” childcare costs and “ the cost of therapy to cope with unwanted national media exposure and harassment.
” Page said President Donald Trump was the source of much of the undesired negative attention she received .
She claimed the president has “ targeted ” her “ by name in more than 40 tweets and dozens of interviews , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House , fueling unwanted media attention that has radically altered her day-to-day life.
” Trump responded to MSNBC ’ s and NBC News ’ newest addition on Twitter : “ You must be kidding ?
?
?
This is a total disgrace !
” he tweeted .
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Read our editorial standards .

Former FBI lawyer Lisa Page made her debut as a national security and legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC on Friday afternoon.
Page appeared on MSNBC’s “Deadline: White House” with former Mueller probe prosecutor Andrew Weissman, who appears to have been rehired by the network, Fox News reported.
“We’re very happy to welcome to our network Lisa Page, former FBI lawyer who worked as special counsel for Robert Mueller’s legal team,” host Nicolle Wallace said.
“She worked on the Russian government disinformation probe and on the Hillary Clinton email investigation.”
JUST ANNOUNCED: @MSNBC welcomes Former FBI Lawyer @NatSecLisa as an NBC News & MSNBC National Security & Legal Analyst. pic.twitter.com/cubW4jCQFm — MSNBC Public Relations (@MSNBCPR) June 5, 2020
During the segment, Page called on government officials “to take a courageous stand” by speaking out against Trump:
Page is known for text messages she exchanged with former FBI agent Peter Strzok, with whom she was having an affair, according to the Daily Caller.
Do you think the network is staging an attack on Trump by hiring Page? 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% (346 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
Strzok also worked on Mueller’s team until he was removed because the text messages showed he had a bias against President Donald Trump.
Page was also dismissed from the team because of the affair.
The text messages were released by the Department of Justice and FBI in 2017.
In June 2018, the Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s report found the anti-Trump texts between Strzok and Page to be “deeply” troubling.
“We were deeply troubled by text messages sent by Strzok and Page that potentially indicated or created the appearance that investigative decisions were impacted by bias or improper considerations,” the report read.
Further, one particular Strzok text promising Page “we’ll stop” Trump “is not only indicative of a biased state of mind but, even more seriously, implies a willingness to take official action to impact the presidential candidate’s electoral prospects,” according to the report.
Page filed a lawsuit in December against the FBI and DOJ for publishing her text messages, saying it was a breach of the Federal Privacy Act.
In her complaint, Page alleged that she had suffered damages because of the disclosure of her and Strzok’s texts, including “permanent loss of earning capacity due to reputational damage,” “attorneys’ fees,” childcare costs and “the cost of therapy to cope with unwanted national media exposure and harassment.”
Page said President Donald Trump was the source of much of the undesired negative attention she received.
She claimed the president has “targeted” her “by name in more than 40 tweets and dozens of interviews, press conferences, and statements from the White House, fueling unwanted media attention that has radically altered her day-to-day life.”
Trump responded to MSNBC’s and NBC News’ newest addition on Twitter:
You must be kidding??? This is a total disgrace! https://t.co/3QdaYCaiZS — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2020
“You must be kidding??? This is a total disgrace!” he tweeted.
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westernjournal--2020-06-06--Are Anthem Protests Back? NFL Commissioner May Have Just Opened the Door

It appears to be 2017 again .
“ Mostly peaceful ” protests are turning out to be dangerous and violent , the president is taking a Trump-branded hatchet to globalism and national anthem protests have once again become the topic du jour of the National Football League .
But if there ’ s one key factor that ’ s reminding the world that it ’ s actually 2020 , it ’ s the markedly different stance the NFL appears to be taking on national anthem protests this time around .
In 2017 , the NFL dealt with a cadre of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fist during pre-game playing of “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” with a mixture of apathy and tacit disapproval , almost like a parent waiting for their child to grow out of a phase .
The protests were still enough to draw the ire of President Donald Trump on numerous occasions , most infamously when he said during a 2017 rally in Alabama : “ Wouldn ’ t you love to see one of these NFL owners , when someone disrespects our flag to say , ‘ get that son of a b—- off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s fired.
” TRENDING : Dem Rep Caught on Hot Mic at Protest Saying He 'Would n't Care ' If He Were n't Campaigning In 2020 , however , the NFL ’ s apathy and disapproval has turned into not-so-subtle approval .
To be fair , the context of the situation around the NFL is also markedly different this time around .
While an undercurrent of racial tension has been prevalent throughout basically all of history , it seems to have gotten visibly worse in the three years since 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orleans Saints star Drew Brees said he would “ never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country.
” Brees was hit with a wave of criticism for those remarks and has since apologized .
Regardless , it ’ s still jarring to see NFL commissioner Roger Goodell , who had previously tried to halt anthem protests with a rule change , admit the league was “ wrong ” in how it dealt with the issue .
“ It has been a difficult time for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video posted to the NFL ’ s Twitter account Friday , “ in particular , black people in our country.
” While generic platitudes like that are not uncommon during the ongoing riots , it was another statement that Goodell made which most hearkened back to the 2017 national anthem protests .
“ We , the National Football League , condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people .
We , the National Football League , admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier , and encourage all to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Goodell said .
“ We , the National Football League , believe black lives matter , ” he added .
“ I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country.
” RELATED : NFL Coach Bill Belichick Attacked for 'Silence ' on Racial Issues : 'There Is No Middle Ground' Goodell saying that the league wants to “ encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest ” seems to swing the door wide open for national anthem protests to once again take center stage before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks do , in fact , spark a new wave of anthem protests , his statement will turn out to have been a very curious decision .
During the peak of anthem protests during the 2017-2018 season , the NFL suffered a myriad of problems stemming from how polarizing and divisive those protests were .
For instance , the league had to refund advertisers because of depressed ratings .
Speaking of ratings , as anthem protests died down a bit following the 2017 season , the NFL ’ s ratings did rebound over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also worth noting that “ bad ” NFL ratings still blow anything else on television out of the water .
“ Bad ” ratings or not , if the NFL does allow national anthem protests to hijack a highly anticipated 2020-2021 season , it could be a long year for fans .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It appears to be 2017 again.
“Mostly peaceful” protests are turning out to be dangerous and violent, the president is taking a Trump-branded hatchet to globalism and national anthem protests have once again become the topic du jour of the National Football League.
But if there’s one key factor that’s reminding the world that it’s actually 2020, it’s the markedly different stance the NFL appears to be taking on national anthem protests this time around.
In 2017, the NFL dealt with a cadre of players kneeling, sitting or raising a fist during pre-game playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” with a mixture of apathy and tacit disapproval, almost like a parent waiting for their child to grow out of a phase.
The protests were still enough to draw the ire of President Donald Trump on numerous occasions, most infamously when he said during a 2017 rally in Alabama: “Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when someone disrespects our flag to say, ‘get that son of a b—- off the field right now. Out. He’s fired.”
In 2020, however, the NFL’s apathy and disapproval has turned into not-so-subtle approval.
To be fair, the context of the situation around the NFL is also markedly different this time around. While an undercurrent of racial tension has been prevalent throughout basically all of history, it seems to have gotten visibly worse in the three years since 2017.
This latest ordeal was sparked when New Orleans Saints star Drew Brees said he would “never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country.” Brees was hit with a wave of criticism for those remarks and has since apologized.
Regardless, it’s still jarring to see NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who had previously tried to halt anthem protests with a rule change, admit the league was “wrong” in how it dealt with the issue.
We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChange pic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv — NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2020
“It has been a difficult time for our country,” Goodell said in a video posted to the NFL’s Twitter account Friday, “in particular, black people in our country.”
While generic platitudes like that are not uncommon during the ongoing riots, it was another statement that Goodell made which most hearkened back to the 2017 national anthem protests.
“We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier, and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest,” Goodell said.
“We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter,” he added. “I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much-needed change in this country.”
Should the NFL just stop playing the national anthem before games? 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: 16% (71 Votes) No: 84% (384 Votes)
Goodell saying that the league wants to “encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest” seems to swing the door wide open for national anthem protests to once again take center stage before NFL games.
If Goodell’s remarks do, in fact, spark a new wave of anthem protests, his statement will turn out to have been a very curious decision.
During the peak of anthem protests during the 2017-2018 season, the NFL suffered a myriad of problems stemming from how polarizing and divisive those protests were.
For instance, the league had to refund advertisers because of depressed ratings.
Speaking of ratings, as anthem protests died down a bit following the 2017 season, the NFL’s ratings did rebound over the following seasons.
It’s also worth noting that “bad” NFL ratings still blow anything else on television out of the water.
“Bad” ratings or not, if the NFL does allow national anthem protests to hijack a highly anticipated 2020-2021 season, it could be a long year for fans.
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westernjournal--2020-06-06--NFL Coach Bill Belichick Attacked for ‘Silence’ on Racial Issues: ‘There Is No Middle Ground’

Barring the most hardcore of New England Patriots supporters , most NFL fans will recognize that for as much winning as head coach Bill Belichick does , there ’ s plenty to criticize him about .
Whether it ’ s his win-at-all-costs mentality , his penchant for bending the rules ( when he ’ s not being accused of outright breaking them ) or his propensity for rolling the dice on players of stunningly questionable character , Belichick deserves varying degrees of criticism .
But to attack him for not wading into the cultural minefield that is America right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretch .
Yet NBC Sports ’ Mike Florio penned an article Friday going after the New England Patriots coach for just that .
In the piece , titled “ Bill Belichick ’ s silence becomes conspicuous , ” he tried to present Belichick with an ultimatum .
TRENDING : Dem Rep Caught on Hot Mic at Protest Saying He 'Would n't Care ' If He Were n't Campaigning “ In this historic moment , there is no middle ground .
The choices are to support the notion of equality , liberty , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Florio wrote .
“ For NFL coaches , they either support the men in their locker room who are simply trying to get the things that America claims to freely provide to all people , or they don ’ t. ” To be clear , not once has Belichick ever explicitly stated that he ’ s in any way opposed to notions of equality , liberty and justice for all .
But it is 2020 , and apparently “ You ’ re either with us or against us ” ultimatums are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discourse .
“ At a time when more and more coaches are speaking out in compelling fashion ( including a pair of former Belichick lieutenants , Brian Flores and Bill O ’ Brien ) , Belichick remains quiet , ” Florio wrote .
Interestingly , Florio didn ’ t mention Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio , who was taken to task and apologized after he said that he doesn ’ t “ see racism ” in the NFL .
Perhaps Belichick wanted to avoid a similar outcome .
Another point of contention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friendship with President Donald Trump .
The subtext of that critique is quite clear given that Florio actually refused to refer to Trump , except when quoting someone else , by name throughout his lengthy screed .
It ’ s worth pointing out that being friends with someone doesn ’ t necessarily mean you support every last thing they ’ ve said or believe .
NBC Sports Boston ’ s Tim Curran expressed similar concerns as Florio in a piece titled , “ It ’ s fair to wonder where Bill Belichick stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Absent any kind of statement otherwise , it ’ s inevitable to wonder whether Belichick ’ s support of a president who — since 2016 — has found myriad ways to undercut , minimize , demonize and insult NFL players fighting for social justice remains as strong , ” Curran wrote .
RELATED : Are Anthem Protests Back ?
NFL Commissioner May Have Just Opened the Door Belichick ’ s non-football , non-political friendship with Trump appears to strike a particular chord with NBC Sports .
“ In this climate , silence sends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking up .
Especially when , in this case , Belichick supported a candidate who , most recently , used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear a crowd of peaceful protestors in advance of a photo op at a church near the White House , ” Florio wrote .
“ At this specific moment in history , and given Belichick ’ s public support for the candidate , silence amounts to ratification .
And ratification of that behavior is antithetical to everything that ( Patriots cornerback Stephon ) Gilmore and other NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also proceeded to assume that NFL fans , many of whom probably don ’ t want politics in their sports , would be “ pleasantly ” surprised if Belichick spoke out about social justice issues .
“ Belichick could surprise all of us — pleasantly — by putting pen to paper or vocal cords to microphone and saying the things that Gilmore and the other players want to hear : ‘ I condemn racism and the systemic oppression of black people .
I admit wrong in silencing our players from peacefully protesting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he wrote .
Florio and Curran both seem to be under the assumption that every last NFL fan wants issues like criminal justice reform and the Black Lives Matter movement to be part of their football experience .
And maybe they ’ re right .
But even if that were so , it hardly seems fair to equate Belichick being mum on complicated societal issues with him being a flagrant racist .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Barring the most hardcore of New England Patriots supporters, most NFL fans will recognize that for as much winning as head coach Bill Belichick does, there’s plenty to criticize him about.
Whether it’s his win-at-all-costs mentality, his penchant for bending the rules (when he’s not being accused of outright breaking them) or his propensity for rolling the dice on players of stunningly questionable character, Belichick deserves varying degrees of criticism.
But to attack him for not wading into the cultural minefield that is America right now?
That might be a bit of stretch.
Yet NBC Sports’ Mike Florio penned an article Friday going after the New England Patriots coach for just that. In the piece, titled “Bill Belichick’s silence becomes conspicuous,” he tried to present Belichick with an ultimatum.
“In this historic moment, there is no middle ground. The choices are to support the notion of equality, liberty, and justice for all, or not to,” Florio wrote. “For NFL coaches, they either support the men in their locker room who are simply trying to get the things that America claims to freely provide to all people, or they don’t.”
To be clear, not once has Belichick ever explicitly stated that he’s in any way opposed to notions of equality, liberty and justice for all.
But it is 2020, and apparently “You’re either with us or against us” ultimatums are the new, trendy thing in social discourse.
“At a time when more and more coaches are speaking out in compelling fashion (including a pair of former Belichick lieutenants, Brian Flores and Bill O’Brien), Belichick remains quiet,” Florio wrote.
Do you think Bill Belichick has done anything wrong by not speaking publicly about racial issues? 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: 2% (26 Votes) No: 98% (1444 Votes)
Interestingly, Florio didn’t mention Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio, who was taken to task and apologized after he said that he doesn’t “see racism” in the NFL. Perhaps Belichick wanted to avoid a similar outcome.
Another point of contention that Florio mentioned was Belichick’s friendship with President Donald Trump. The subtext of that critique is quite clear given that Florio actually refused to refer to Trump, except when quoting someone else, by name throughout his lengthy screed.
It’s worth pointing out that being friends with someone doesn’t necessarily mean you support every last thing they’ve said or believe.
NBC Sports Boston’s Tim Curran expressed similar concerns as Florio in a piece titled, “It’s fair to wonder where Bill Belichick stands on Donald Trump right now.”
“Absent any kind of statement otherwise, it’s inevitable to wonder whether Belichick’s support of a president who — since 2016 — has found myriad ways to undercut, minimize, demonize and insult NFL players fighting for social justice remains as strong,” Curran wrote.
Belichick’s non-football, non-political friendship with Trump appears to strike a particular chord with NBC Sports.
“In this climate, silence sends a message perhaps even more powerful than speaking up. Especially when, in this case, Belichick supported a candidate who, most recently, used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear a crowd of peaceful protestors in advance of a photo op at a church near the White House,” Florio wrote.
“At this specific moment in history, and given Belichick’s public support for the candidate, silence amounts to ratification. And ratification of that behavior is antithetical to everything that (Patriots cornerback Stephon) Gilmore and other NFL players are trying to accomplish.”
Florio also proceeded to assume that NFL fans, many of whom probably don’t want politics in their sports, would be “pleasantly” surprised if Belichick spoke out about social justice issues.
“Belichick could surprise all of us — pleasantly — by putting pen to paper or vocal cords to microphone and saying the things that Gilmore and the other players want to hear: ‘I condemn racism and the systemic oppression of black people. I admit wrong in silencing our players from peacefully protesting. I believe black lives matter,'” he wrote.
Florio and Curran both seem to be under the assumption that every last NFL fan wants issues like criminal justice reform and the Black Lives Matter movement to be part of their football experience.
And maybe they’re right. But even if that were so, it hardly seems fair to equate Belichick being mum on complicated societal issues with him being a flagrant racist.
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