westernjournal--2020-07-05--Trump Offered Condolences to Father of 19-Year-Old Killed in CHOP, But Seattle’s Mayor Hasn’t Called

Seattle ’ s Capitol Hill Occupied Protest — or CHOP , or CHAZ , depending on when you were referring to it — is no more .
CHOP , originally occupied by leftists nominally protesting the death of George Floyd on June 8 , was taken down on Wednesday after yet another shooting .
I guess it was never “ like a block party , ” as Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan , a Democrat , called it .
The barricades are down .
The police are back the city ’ s East Precinct building .
The “ summer of love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also Durkan , apparently spectacularly bad at predictions ) is over .
Disheartened by the fact that it had turned into a lawless Coachella , the more strident protesters at the camp were asking the tourist types : “ Why are you here ?
” All of a sudden , they weren ’ t .
In its later days , CHOP was almost deserted .
Two shootings had scared away most of the visitors who were treating it like that aforementioned block party .
When the scales fell from their eyes and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they quickly realized it was more dystopian than utopian .
The Seattle Times ‘ Brendan Kiley , having reported on this state of affairs and picked out the writing on the wall of where it was all going from all of the other writing on all of the other walls , considered what the protest ’ s legacy would be .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate How about this : President Trump called the father of a black 19-year-old killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seattle hadn ’ t bothered as of Friday .
According to KCPQ-TV , the father of Horace Lorenzo Anderson Jr. received a call from the president late last week .
Mayor Durkan apparently has a lot more on her plate .
“ Incredibly , Donald Trump called me , ” Horace Lorenzo Anderson Sr. told the station Thursday .
“ The president of the United States called me today .
He gave his condolences , and me , I ’ m not a political guy .
I told him , ‘ Nobody like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump called me and he didn ’ t have to call me.
” As for Durkan ?
Nothing , as previously stated .
“ It ’ s like they didn ’ t care , it didn ’ t matter .
I haven ’ t heard from the mayor , I haven ’ t heard from the police department .
No city .
Nobody , ” Anderson Sr. said during an appearance Wednesday on host Sean Hannity ’ s show on Fox News .
He had some other choice words for Durkan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police and paramedics couldn ’ t get to Anderson Jr. where he was shot , which was on the fringes of CHOP .
Seattle police say they couldn ’ t make it there because of the danger that the protest posed .
Thus , volunteer medics had to transport Anderson Jr. to the hospital instead .
RELATED : Sean Hannity Overcome with Emotion During Interview with Dad of Teen Killed in CHOP Anderson Sr. said “ they shouldn ’ t be picking kids up and throwing them in their trunk and taking them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been there .
The police should have been there.
” In his appearance on “ Hannity , ” Anderson Sr. managed to touch on a certain incongruity with the protests and what happened to his son .
“ I understand Black Lives Matter and everything that ’ s going on , ” Anderson Sr. said .
“ But that ’ s not my movement right now .
My movement is [ to ] let them know that was my son.
” But that ’ s the thing — his black life didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expendable to politicians in Seattle because CHOP was considered off-limits .
CHOP only got taken down when the political pressure from the left to give protesters everything they wanted — including the right to take over a six-block zone in a major American city — had subsided substantially .
It had subsided , in no small part , because of the violent crime within CHOP .
We didn ’ t need to experience that crime , however , to come to the conclusion that this kind of crime was going to happen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have made the a priori argument that we can ’ t have a “ autonomous zone ” where it ’ s “ like a block party ” without police without the near certainty it would draw crime in like iron filings to a magnet .
To top it all off , the president of the United States gave Anderson Sr. a call to express his sympathies — unnecessary , but a nice gesture nonetheless .
Meanwhile , the mayor of the city where Anderson Jr. was killed can ’ t bother to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the requiem for Mayor Durkan ’ s career .
She didn ’ t care enough for anyone ’ s life to shut down the protest zone before it was too late .
It may have ended with a whimper , but sadly , there were too many bangs along the way .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Seattle’s Capitol Hill Occupied Protest — or CHOP, or CHAZ, depending on when you were referring to it — is no more.
CHOP, originally occupied by leftists nominally protesting the death of George Floyd on June 8, was taken down on Wednesday after yet another shooting. I guess it was never “like a block party,” as Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, a Democrat, called it. The barricades are down. The police are back the city’s East Precinct building.
The “summer of love” CHOP was supposed to engender (also Durkan, apparently spectacularly bad at predictions) is over.
Disheartened by the fact that it had turned into a lawless Coachella, the more strident protesters at the camp were asking the tourist types: “Why are you here?” All of a sudden, they weren’t. In its later days, CHOP was almost deserted. Two shootings had scared away most of the visitors who were treating it like that aforementioned block party. When the scales fell from their eyes and they realized a police-free world would be like, they quickly realized it was more dystopian than utopian.
The Seattle Times‘ Brendan Kiley, having reported on this state of affairs and picked out the writing on the wall of where it was all going from all of the other writing on all of the other walls, considered what the protest’s legacy would be.
How about this: President Trump called the father of a black 19-year-old killed in CHOP, but the mayor of Seattle hadn’t bothered as of Friday.
According to KCPQ-TV, the father of Horace Lorenzo Anderson Jr. received a call from the president late last week. Mayor Durkan apparently has a lot more on her plate.
“Incredibly, Donald Trump called me,” Horace Lorenzo Anderson Sr. told the station Thursday. “The president of the United States called me today. He gave his condolences, and me, I’m not a political guy. I told him, ‘Nobody like you.’ I’m real. Donald Trump called me and he didn’t have to call me.”
As for Durkan? Nothing, as previously stated.
“It’s like they didn’t care, it didn’t matter. I haven’t heard from the mayor, I haven’t heard from the police department. No city. Nobody,” Anderson Sr. said during an appearance Wednesday on host Sean Hannity’s show on Fox News.
“It’s like they didn’t care, it didn’t matter. I haven’t heard from the mayor, I haven’t heard from the police department, not from no city – nobody.” Mr. Anderson says no gov’t official reached out to him to offer their condolences for the death of his son in Seattle’s CHOP. pic.twitter.com/UHapAS3v4T — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 2, 2020
He had some other choice words for Durkan, given the fact that Seattle’s police and paramedics couldn’t get to Anderson Jr. where he was shot, which was on the fringes of CHOP.
“My son, he needed help,” Anderson Sr. said.
Seattle police say they couldn’t make it there because of the danger that the protest posed. Thus, volunteer medics had to transport Anderson Jr. to the hospital instead.
Anderson Sr. said “they shouldn’t be picking kids up and throwing them in their trunk and taking them to the hospital. The paramedics should have been there. The police should have been there.”
Should Seattle have dismantled CHOP earlier? Yes No
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In his appearance on “Hannity,” Anderson Sr. managed to touch on a certain incongruity with the protests and what happened to his son.
“I understand Black Lives Matter and everything that’s going on,” Anderson Sr. said. “But that’s not my movement right now. My movement is [to] let them know that was my son.”
But that’s the thing — his black life didn’t matter. All life was expendable to politicians in Seattle because CHOP was considered off-limits.
CHOP only got taken down when the political pressure from the left to give protesters everything they wanted — including the right to take over a six-block zone in a major American city — had subsided substantially. It had subsided, in no small part, because of the violent crime within CHOP.
We didn’t need to experience that crime, however, to come to the conclusion that this kind of crime was going to happen. The a posteriori was unnecessary; we could have made the a priori argument that we can’t have a “autonomous zone” where it’s “like a block party” without police without the near certainty it would draw crime in like iron filings to a magnet.
To top it all off, the president of the United States gave Anderson Sr. a call to express his sympathies — unnecessary, but a nice gesture nonetheless. Meanwhile, the mayor of the city where Anderson Jr. was killed can’t bother to give him a ring.
CHOP ought to be the requiem for Mayor Durkan’s career. She didn’t care enough for anyone’s life to shut down the protest zone before it was too late. It may have ended with a whimper, but sadly, there were too many bangs along the way.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--Pro-Life Advocates Find Silver Lining in Chief Justice Roberts’ Opinion on Abortion Case

Pro-life supporters found a small silver lining in Chief Justice John Roberts ’ decision to side with the liberal justices on the Supreme Court to strike down a Louisiana abortion law but not join in their legal opinion .
Roberts wrote a concurring opinion in the June Medical Services v. Russo case , in which the justices , in a 5-4 vote , found a state law requiring doctors performing abortions to having admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic to be unconstitutional .
The chief justice sided with Justices Stephen Breyer , Ruth Bader Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determining the requirement placed an undue burden on a woman ’ s right to obtain an abortion , but he did not just sign on to the opinion written by Breyer .
Roberts cited the 2016 Whole Woman ’ s Health v. Hellerstedt in which the Supreme Court had ruled an almost identical law in Texas was unconstitutional .
June Medical Services v. Russo by The Western Journal on Scribd TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate What confused court-watchers was that Roberts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Texas law could stay in place .
In his Monday concurring opinion , the chief justice hung his hat on the doctrine of stare decisis .
“ The legal doctrine of stare decisis requires us , absent special circumstances , to treat like cases alike , ” Roberts wrote .
“ The Louisiana law imposes a burden on access to abortion just as severe as that imposed by the Texas law , for the same reasons .
Therefore Louisiana ’ s law can not stand under our precedents.
” However , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left the door open that other states may be able to enact laws in which requiring doctors to have hospital admitting privileges would not place an undue burden on women ’ s ability to obtain an abortion .
The “ validity of admitting privileges law ‘ depend [ s ] on numerous factors that may differ from state to state , ' ” he wrote .
Pro-life advocates , as well as those supporting abortion rights , recognized the legal significance of Roberts ’ words .
“ The Court undoubtedly leaves the door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protections .
We need bravery on the United States Supreme Court .
We need Justices who understand that the most important role of law is to protect human life — all human life , ” Americans United for Life President Catherine Glenn Foster told the Daily Caller News Foundation .
James Bopp Jr. , general counsel for the National Right to Life , agreed with this assessment , telling CNN the ruling will “ have to be sorted out by lower courts in the future.
” Julie Rikelman , the attorney for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Louisiana law before the Supreme Court , conceded that Roberts ’ opinion was “ obviously concerning for us.
” “ Roberts clearly did say that this law is unconstitutional , that it imposes an undue burden to abortion access in Louisiana , ” she told CNN , but she added , “ What the other parts of the opinion will mean will play out in the coming years .
We think the opinion did muddy the waters a bit , and so will lead to more litigation rather than less.
” Pro-life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued Roberts has also succeeded in motivating those who support the right to life to engage all the more in this November ’ s election .
She tweeted , “ Only Roberts could achieve ( albeit inadvertent ) what we in the PL movement could not achieve on our own—renewed intensity in Presidential and Senate battlegrounds among ProLife Democratic , Republican and Independent voters.
” Mallory Quigley , vice president of communications with the SBA List , added , “ We always knew we needed a bigger margin on the court , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the opportunity to appoint additional justices.
” She continued , “ Making sure it ’ s President Trump and not Joe Biden is essential.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Pro-life supporters found a small silver lining in Chief Justice John Roberts’ decision to side with the liberal justices on the Supreme Court to strike down a Louisiana abortion law but not join in their legal opinion.
Roberts wrote a concurring opinion in the June Medical Services v. Russo case, in which the justices, in a 5-4 vote, found a state law requiring doctors performing abortions to having admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic to be unconstitutional.
The chief justice sided with Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan in determining the requirement placed an undue burden on a woman’s right to obtain an abortion, but he did not just sign on to the opinion written by Breyer.
Roberts cited the 2016 Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt in which the Supreme Court had ruled an almost identical law in Texas was unconstitutional.
June Medical Services v. Russo by The Western Journal on Scribd
What confused court-watchers was that Roberts had dissented in that case, arguing the Texas law could stay in place.
In his Monday concurring opinion, the chief justice hung his hat on the doctrine of stare decisis.
“The legal doctrine of stare decisis requires us, absent special circumstances, to treat like cases alike,” Roberts wrote. “The Louisiana law imposes a burden on access to abortion just as severe as that imposed by the Texas law, for the same reasons. Therefore Louisiana’s law cannot stand under our precedents.”
Do you agree with the court's decision in the Louisiana case? Yes No
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However, in a footnote to his opinion, Roberts left the door open that other states may be able to enact laws in which requiring doctors to have hospital admitting privileges would not place an undue burden on women’s ability to obtain an abortion.
The “validity of admitting privileges law ‘depend[s] on numerous factors that may differ from state to state,'” he wrote.
Pro-life advocates, as well as those supporting abortion rights, recognized the legal significance of Roberts’ words.
“The Court undoubtedly leaves the door open to uphold future health and safety protections. We need bravery on the United States Supreme Court. We need Justices who understand that the most important role of law is to protect human life — all human life,” Americans United for Life President Catherine Glenn Foster told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
James Bopp Jr., general counsel for the National Right to Life, agreed with this assessment, telling CNN the ruling will “have to be sorted out by lower courts in the future.”
Julie Rikelman, the attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights who argued against the Louisiana law before the Supreme Court, conceded that Roberts’ opinion was “obviously concerning for us.”
“Roberts clearly did say that this law is unconstitutional, that it imposes an undue burden to abortion access in Louisiana,” she told CNN, but she added, “What the other parts of the opinion will mean will play out in the coming years. We think the opinion did muddy the waters a bit, and so will lead to more litigation rather than less.”
Pro-life Susan B. Anthony List President Majorie Dannenfelser argued Roberts has also succeeded in motivating those who support the right to life to engage all the more in this November’s election.
She tweeted, “Only Roberts could achieve (albeit inadvertent) what we in the PL movement could not achieve on our own—renewed intensity in Presidential and Senate battlegrounds among ProLife Democratic, Republican and Independent voters.”
Only Roberts could achieve (albeit inadvertent) what we in the PL movement could not achieve on our own—renewed intensity in Presidential and Senate battlegrounds among ProLife Democratic, Republican and Independent voters. Who names the next justice wins. — MarjorieDannenfelser (@marjoriesba) June 29, 2020
Mallory Quigley, vice president of communications with the SBA List, added, “We always knew we needed a bigger margin on the court, and whoever wins the election will likely have the opportunity to appoint additional justices.”
She continued, “Making sure it’s President Trump and not Joe Biden is essential.”
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--Companies Continue Sanitizing Language as ‘Whitening’ and ‘Master Bedroom’ Come Under Fire

L ’ Oreal and the Houston Association of Realtors have joined companies across the country that are changing the language and branding they use that could be considered controversial .
The world ’ s largest cosmetic and beauty company announced on June 26 that it would stop using “ whitening ” and “ fair ” to describe its products , CNN reported .
“ The L ’ Oreal Group has decided to remove the words white/whitening , fair/fairness , light/lightening from all its skin evening products , ” L ’ Oreal said in a statement .
The Houston Association of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would replace the phrases “ master bedroom ” and “ master bathroom ” with “ primary bedroom ” and “ primary bathroom ” on its listings , according to KPRC-TV .
The change reportedly came after several members asked for a review of the terminology .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate “ The updates to Primary Bedroom and Primary Bath were among nine requests for review that were submitted by members and considered at the most recent meetings , ” a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The overarching message was that some members were concerned about how the terms might be perceived by some other agents and consumers .
The consensus was that Primary describes the rooms equally as well as Master while avoiding any possible misperceptions.
” The HAR ’ s change is not a ban on the term “ master ” and members can choose to use the term as they “ feel appropriate.
” These are just the latest organizations to change their terminology in the wake of protests over the death of George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a police officer knelt on his neck for roughly nine minutes during an arrest .
Johnson & Johnson announced on June 22 that it would be pulling two product lines that were promoted as dark-spot reducers but used to lighten skin , Fox News reported .
The products were a Clean & Clear Fairness line sold in India and the Neutrogena Fine Fairness line sold in Asia and the Middle East .
Neither product was sold in the United States .
“ Conversations over the past few weeks highlighted that some product names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products represent fairness or white as better than your own unique skin tone , ” Johnson & Johnson said in a statement .
“ This was never our intention — healthy skin is beautiful skin.
” The Quaker Oats Company announced on June 17 that it will permanently pull its Aunt Jemima brand of syrup and pancake mix for promoting a “ racial stereotype.
” RELATED : 'Days of Our Lives ' Star Sparks Outrage After Liking Post Questioning Where BLM Donations Go “ We recognize Aunt Jemima ’ s origins are based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kroepfl , the Quaker Foods North America vice president and chief marketing officer , said in a media release .
“ While work has been done over the years to update the brand in a manner intended to be appropriate and respectful , we realize those changes are not enough .
“ We are starting by removing the image and changing the name , ” Kroepfl said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

L’Oreal and the Houston Association of Realtors have joined companies across the country that are changing the language and branding they use that could be considered controversial.
The world’s largest cosmetic and beauty company announced on June 26 that it would stop using “whitening” and “fair” to describe its products, CNN reported.
“The L’Oreal Group has decided to remove the words white/whitening, fair/fairness, light/lightening from all its skin evening products,” L’Oreal said in a statement.
The Houston Association of Realtors announced earlier in June that it would replace the phrases “master bedroom” and “master bathroom” with “primary bedroom” and “primary bathroom” on its listings, according to KPRC-TV.
The change reportedly came after several members asked for a review of the terminology.
“The updates to Primary Bedroom and Primary Bath were among nine requests for review that were submitted by members and considered at the most recent meetings,” a statement from HAR to its members read.
“The overarching message was that some members were concerned about how the terms might be perceived by some other agents and consumers. The consensus was that Primary describes the rooms equally as well as Master while avoiding any possible misperceptions.”
The HAR’s change is not a ban on the term “master” and members can choose to use the term as they “feel appropriate.”
These are just the latest organizations to change their terminology in the wake of protests over the death of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for roughly nine minutes during an arrest.
Do you think these companies have gone too far? 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: 99% (682 Votes) No: 1% (5 Votes)
Johnson & Johnson announced on June 22 that it would be pulling two product lines that were promoted as dark-spot reducers but used to lighten skin, Fox News reported.
The products were a Clean & Clear Fairness line sold in India and the Neutrogena Fine Fairness line sold in Asia and the Middle East. Neither product was sold in the United States.
“Conversations over the past few weeks highlighted that some product names or claims on our dark spot reducer products represent fairness or white as better than your own unique skin tone,” Johnson & Johnson said in a statement.
“This was never our intention — healthy skin is beautiful skin.”
The Quaker Oats Company announced on June 17 that it will permanently pull its Aunt Jemima brand of syrup and pancake mix for promoting a “racial stereotype.”
“We recognize Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype,” Kristin Kroepfl, the Quaker Foods North America vice president and chief marketing officer, said in a media release.
“While work has been done over the years to update the brand in a manner intended to be appropriate and respectful, we realize those changes are not enough.
“We are starting by removing the image and changing the name,” Kroepfl said.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--Punk Threatening Group of Cops Doesn’t Sound So Tough When They Call His Bluff

A man discovered that there is a limit to the amount of verbal abuse some New York City police officers will take .
In a video posted by NYC Scanner , a man can be seen walking up and down a line of officers , taunting them and threatening to beat some of them up .
“ Get your goofy a– out of here , ” the protester said to the officers , walking in front of them with his camera rolling .
He then focused on one of the shorter officers .
“ I ’ ll beat the s— @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the man yelled .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate The agitator then shifted his attention to another officer .
“ I ’ m going to f— with you , poppy , ” he jeered .
“ You can ’ t beat me .
You ’ re too small.
” WARNING : The following videos contain graphic language that some viewers will find offensive .
The protester then walked up to the officer , claiming he could easily take the lawman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s do it , ” the policeman responded after at first ignoring the man .
The cop then pulled out his nightstick .
“ He ’ s got his little stick , ” the protester responded mockingly .
RELATED : As the Anti-Police Movement Intensifies , Gun and Ammo Sales Soar Some nearby officers stepped forward , apparently looking to diffuse the situation .
“ You got you a team with you and that ’ s cool , and I ’ m cool with that , ” the agitator said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ourselves , not with them .
… But with just me and you ?
I will f— you up badly .
You hear me ?
” he said .
“ Your DNA would be under my sneaker , motherf—–.
” The protester then turned his attention to address the line of police , proclaiming , “ A lot of you motherf—–s can ’ t f— with us.
” Just then , a group of officers converged on the man .
“ Don ’ t touch me , ” the protester said as his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while the police appeared to take him into custody .
A similar scene played out in Washington , D.C. , last month as protesters taunted police in Lafayette Park near the White House .
“ Look me in my eyes , ” a protester yelled at a police officer standing as part of a line in front of him .
“ If you touch me , you ’ re going to lose your job , ” he went on .
“ Touch me .
Touch me.
” According to Townhall correspondent Julio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ something happened ” between the protesters and police .
He suggested perhaps someone threw a bottle at the officers , and they responded with pepper spray .
Police officers nationwide truly have the patience of Job in putting up with disrespectful , threatening and at times violent conduct by members of the mob .
But as some malcontents have learned , there is and should be a limit to what the police have to endure .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our @ @ @

A man discovered that there is a limit to the amount of verbal abuse some New York City police officers will take.
In a video posted by NYC Scanner, a man can be seen walking up and down a line of officers, taunting them and threatening to beat some of them up.
“Get your goofy a– out of here,” the protester said to the officers, walking in front of them with his camera rolling.
He then focused on one of the shorter officers.
“I’ll beat the s— out of you, little n—-,” the man yelled.
“N—-, you can’t beat me.”
The agitator then shifted his attention to another officer.
“I’m going to f— with you, poppy,” he jeered. “You can’t beat me. You’re too small.”
WARNING: The following videos contain graphic language that some viewers will find offensive.
The protester then walked up to the officer, claiming he could easily take the lawman in a one-on-one fight.
“Let’s do it,” the policeman responded after at first ignoring the man.
The cop then pulled out his nightstick.
“He’s got his little stick,” the protester responded mockingly.
Some nearby officers stepped forward, apparently looking to defuse the situation.
“You got you a team with you and that’s cool, and I’m cool with that,” the agitator said.
Do you support law enforcement teaching punks a lesson when threatened? Yes No
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“But with me and you together by ourselves, not with them. … But with just me and you? I will f— you up badly. You hear me?” he said.
“Your DNA would be under my sneaker, motherf—–.”
The protester then turned his attention to address the line of police, proclaiming, “A lot of you motherf—–s can’t f— with us.”
Just then, a group of officers converged on the man.
“Don’t touch me,” the protester said as his video shot went shaky, then sideways, while the police appeared to take him into custody.
A similar scene played out in Washington, D.C., last month as protesters taunted police in Lafayette Park near the White House.
“Look me in my eyes,” a protester yelled at a police officer standing as part of a line in front of him.
“You a man, right?” he asked.
“If you touch me, you’re going to lose your job,” he went on. “Touch me. Touch me.”
More video of protesters taunting police outside of Lafayette Park in D.C. Something happened, I think a bottle was thrown, and cops used pepper spray. pic.twitter.com/hVU7CBXjs3 — Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) June 23, 2020
According to Townhall correspondent Julio Rosas, who was covering the protest, “something happened” between the protesters and police.
He suggested perhaps someone threw a bottle at the officers, and they responded with pepper spray.
Police officers nationwide truly have the patience of Job in putting up with disrespectful, threatening and at times violent conduct by members of the mob.
But as some malcontents have learned, there is and should be a limit to what the police have to endure.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--Lt. Col. Allen West Schools Rioters Destroying Confederate Statues

Retired Army Lt. Col. Allen West sees a problem in the removal of Confederate statues because it is a lost opportunity for Americans to learn from our nation ’ s history .
The former congressman is also concerned about the push by politicians to change the name of military posts named for Confederate generals , arguing those names have entirely different meanings for those Americans who served on the installations .
When asked for his views on the pulling down of statues and the renaming of military posts during an interview on “ Fox & Friends ” last month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is for everyone to understand — and George Santayana once said — those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
” Santayana was a philosopher and essayist , who taught at Harvard University at the turn of the 20th century .
“ History is not there for you to like or dislike , ” West continued .
“ It is there for you to learn from.
” TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate “ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taliban or ISIS .
Those are the people who destroy history , ” he added .
Regarding military installations , West noted that he had served at some of the ones in question , including Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Hood in Texas .
“ I did not think about them as Confederate generals .
I thought about the honor of being able to serve on those military installations.
” Having spent time at Hood and Fort Benning in Georgia , also named for a Confederate general , myself as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did not give the slightest thought to the origin of the posts ’ names .
Nor did I give much thought to Fort McClellan in Alabama ( which has since closed ) being named for a Union general .
Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas offered a similar assessment to West regarding the renaming of military posts on Fox News on Thursday , adding if the names are to be changed , it should come after consulting with those who have served there .
“ We ought to take the time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the question , ” said Cotton , who is a member of the Armed Services Committee and an Army combat veteran .
“ I think we ought to get the input of the soldiers who have served at those bases , the veterans .
These bases go back 80 to 100 years , ” he explained .
RELATED : Lt. Col. Allen West Says 'Pelosi Just ...
Committed a High Crime and Misdemeanor' “ Generations of soldiers have served there , many of them not even knowing the origin of the names , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are going to be changed , then we need to look at changing the names of Yale University , as well , named after a notorious slave-trader.
” Task & Purpose reported in 2017 that these posts came into being during the military buildups of World War I and II .
“ And the Army — with input from local communities , depending upon location — named each post , ” according to the news outlet .
“ Installations in the South tended to be named after local rebel heroes.
” President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatening to veto the annual National Defense Authorization Act , if Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren ’ s amendment is to mandate the changing of military posts ’ names .
The president noted that the soldiers trained at those posts helped win two world wars .
In other words , whatever meaning the names like Benning , Bragg and Hood may have had to the people who picked them has now been eclipsed by more recent history .
Robert E. Lee was such a towering figure from the Civil War ( as head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he would be an exception , at least in my book .
Trump also mentioned that Warren ’ s amendment included “ other bad things , ” likely referencing to the legislation calling for the removal of “ all names , symbols , displays , monuments , and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederacy and anyone who voluntarily served it from bases and other property of the U.S. military within three years , ” according to a new release from the Massachusetts senator .
Cotton characterized the amendment as “ radical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would require the ripping down of war memorials to dead soldiers from the Confederacy in Arlington National Cemetery or Fort Bragg , potentially other cemeteries as well , desecrating our cemeteries , ” he said .
“ It would require removing artifacts and exhibits from military museums .
It would require the removal of paintings of battle scenes of the Civil War from West Point and other military installations , ” he said .
“ That is a sweeping , sweeping proposal that is little more than historical vandalism.
” A couple things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some to destroy or cleanse parts of United States history from the public square .
First , if it is time for Confederate statues and other monuments to come down or be moved to museums , it should be done by the people through their elected officials and not by the mob .
Second , we have to be aware , as West argued , that we will face danger by forgetting our history .
Being a native Pennsylvanian , I have frequently walked the battlefield at Gettysburg .
It is filled with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South .
Many were placed and dedicated there by the veterans of that pivotal battle .
In other words , they are a direct contact to those soldiers , which makes the history come alive .
The National Park Service reported that a group , apparently backed by the left-wing coalition of so-called “ anti-fascist ” protesters commonly known as antifa , plans to have a flag-burning protest at the Gettysburg National Cemetery on July 4 .
It is not a stretch to think that grave stones and other monuments could be desecrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That would certainly be a sad scenario .
We must strike the balance between retaining our history and not giving inappropriate honor to Confederates , or we may doom ourselves to lose the hard-won lessons of the past .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Retired Army Lt. Col. Allen West sees a problem in the removal of Confederate statues because it is a lost opportunity for Americans to learn from our nation’s history.
The former congressman is also concerned about the push by politicians to change the name of military posts named for Confederate generals, arguing those names have entirely different meanings for those Americans who served on the installations.
When asked for his views on the pulling down of statues and the renaming of military posts during an interview on “Fox & Friends” last month, West responded, “The right thing is for everyone to understand — and George Santayana once said — those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
Santayana was a philosopher and essayist, who taught at Harvard University at the turn of the 20th century.
“History is not there for you to like or dislike,” West continued. “It is there for you to learn from.”
“I don’t want to see us become like the Taliban or ISIS. Those are the people who destroy history,” he added.
Regarding military installations, West noted that he had served at some of the ones in question, including Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Hood in Texas.
“I did not think about them as Confederate generals. I thought about the honor of being able to serve on those military installations.”
Having spent time at Hood and Fort Benning in Georgia, also named for a Confederate general, myself as an Army officer and West Point cadet, I did not give the slightest thought to the origin of the posts’ names.
Do you agree we must be careful not to lose our history in the rush to remove monuments? Yes No
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Nor did I give much thought to Fort McClellan in Alabama (which has since closed) being named for a Union general.
Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas offered a similar assessment to West regarding the renaming of military posts on Fox News on Thursday, adding if the names are to be changed, it should come after consulting with those who have served there.
“We ought to take the time in a deliberate and thorough fashion to study the question,” said Cotton, who is a member of the Armed Services Committee and an Army combat veteran.
“I think we ought to get the input of the soldiers who have served at those bases, the veterans. These bases go back 80 to 100 years,” he explained.
“Generations of soldiers have served there, many of them not even knowing the origin of the names, but if Fort Bragg and Fort Benning are going to be changed, then we need to look at changing the names of Yale University, as well, named after a notorious slave-trader.”
Task & Purpose reported in 2017 that these posts came into being during the military buildups of World War I and II.
“And the Army — with input from local communities, depending upon location — named each post,” according to the news outlet. “Installations in the South tended to be named after local rebel heroes.”
President Donald Trump weighed in on the issue, threatening to veto the annual National Defense Authorization Act, if Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s amendment is to mandate the changing of military posts’ names.
I will Veto the Defense Authorization Bill if the Elizabeth “Pocahontas” Warren (of all people!) Amendment, which will lead to the renaming (plus other bad things!) of Fort Bragg, Fort Robert E. Lee, and many other Military Bases from which we won Two World Wars, is in the Bill! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 1, 2020
The president noted that the soldiers trained at those posts helped win two world wars.
In other words, whatever meaning the names like Benning, Bragg and Hood may have had to the people who picked them has now been eclipsed by more recent history.
Robert E. Lee was such a towering figure from the Civil War (as head of the Confederate forces in the field), he would be an exception, at least in my book.
Trump also mentioned that Warren’s amendment included “other bad things,” likely referencing to the legislation calling for the removal of “all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederacy and anyone who voluntarily served it from bases and other property of the U.S. military within three years,” according to a new release from the Massachusetts senator.
Cotton characterized the amendment as “radical” and “sweeping.”
“It would require the ripping down of war memorials to dead soldiers from the Confederacy in Arlington National Cemetery or Fort Bragg, potentially other cemeteries as well, desecrating our cemeteries,” he said.
“It would require removing artifacts and exhibits from military museums. It would require the removal of paintings of battle scenes of the Civil War from West Point and other military installations,” he said.
“That is a sweeping, sweeping proposal that is little more than historical vandalism.”
A couple things seem clear in this current rush by some to destroy or cleanse parts of United States history from the public square.
First, if it is time for Confederate statues and other monuments to come down or be moved to museums, it should be done by the people through their elected officials and not by the mob.
Second, we have to be aware, as West argued, that we will face danger by forgetting our history.
Being a native Pennsylvanian, I have frequently walked the battlefield at Gettysburg.
It is filled with monuments to soldiers from both North and South. Many were placed and dedicated there by the veterans of that pivotal battle.
In other words, they are a direct contact to those soldiers, which makes the history come alive.
The National Park Service reported that a group, apparently backed by the left-wing coalition of so-called “anti-fascist” protesters commonly known as antifa, plans to have a flag-burning protest at the Gettysburg National Cemetery on July 4.
It is not a stretch to think that grave stones and other monuments could be desecrated, given other recent lawless conduct.
That would certainly be a sad scenario.
We must strike the balance between retaining our history and not giving inappropriate honor to Confederates, or we may doom ourselves to lose the hard-won lessons of the past.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-05--AOC’s Alma Mater Considers Changing Name of Dog Mascot Over Racism Concerns

Boston University , the alma mater of the progressive left ’ s shining young star , New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez , has chosen its own mascot as the next victim on the anti-racism chopping block .
The name of the school ’ s Boston terrier mascot has been deemed to be problematic .
School officials are now suggesting that the name will have to be changed .
BU President Robert Brown put out a statement acknowledging that the school ’ s lovable dog mascot is “ at odds with our tradition.
” The mascot ’ s name , Rhett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Wind , ” which was temporarily removed from HBO ’ s streaming service in June for “ racist depictions ” of the American South .
In the movie , Rhett is the name of the character played by Clark Gable .
The Rhett of the film is in love with the character Scarlett — which also happens to be BU ’ s primary school color .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate “ Despite this seemingly cute connection between the movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact is that the movie ’ s portrayal of the American Civil War , postwar reconstruction , and slavery is offensive , ” Brown said in a statement , according to WBZ-TV .
“ And it is reasonable for people to question why , at a university founded by abolitionists , we have a mascot nicknamed for a character in a film whose racist depictions are completely at odds with our own tradition.
” A BU committee will decide whether the Rhett name will be retired sometime in mid-October .
Boston University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership was not going far enough .
In addition to the name change , the group believes the school should consider “ defunding BUPD , cutting times with the Boston Police Department , renaming the Yawkey Center , and/or matching BU StuGov & UMOJA ’ s fundraiser donations to the BLM movement.
” Boston University has made several other strides in recent weeks to further the Black Lives Matter agenda , including opening the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research .
Additionally , BU awarded Ibram X. Kendi , an academic who popularized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school ’ s Andrew W. Mellon Professorship in the Humanities .
According to BU , the Mellon Professorship is one of the university ’ s highest honors .
The only other recipient of the award was Elie Wiesel , a Holocaust survivor who won the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize .
The term anti-racism has a deeply troubling purpose that Boston University seems totally willing to fully take on .
Either that , or the school is completely ignorant of the term ’ s true meaning .
Kendi has suggested that simply declaring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In order to be fully “ anti-racist , ” one must take on the lifelong goal of activism against racism which , coincidentally , involves taking up and supporting various left-wing policies and positions .
Either you join the left or you are a racist .
In the minds of anti-racism ’ s true followers , there is no in-between .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Boston University, the alma mater of the progressive left’s shining young star, New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, has chosen its own mascot as the next victim on the anti-racism chopping block.
The name of the school’s Boston terrier mascot has been deemed to be problematic. School officials are now suggesting that the name will have to be changed.
BU President Robert Brown put out a statement acknowledging that the school’s lovable dog mascot is “at odds with our tradition.”
The mascot’s name, Rhett, references the film “Gone With the Wind,” which was temporarily removed from HBO’s streaming service in June for “racist depictions” of the American South.
In the movie, Rhett is the name of the character played by Clark Gable. The Rhett of the film is in love with the character Scarlett — which also happens to be BU’s primary school color.
“Despite this seemingly cute connection between the movie and our mascot’s name, the fact is that the movie’s portrayal of the American Civil War, postwar reconstruction, and slavery is offensive,” Brown said in a statement, according to WBZ-TV.
“And it is reasonable for people to question why, at a university founded by abolitionists, we have a mascot nicknamed for a character in a film whose racist depictions are completely at odds with our own tradition.”
A BU committee will decide whether the Rhett name will be retired sometime in mid-October.
Boston University’s campus band group suggested that leadership was not going far enough. In addition to the name change, the group believes the school should consider “defunding BUPD, cutting times with the Boston Police Department, renaming the Yawkey Center, and/or matching BU StuGov & UMOJA’s fundraiser donations to the BLM movement.”
A statement from the BU Pep Band student leadership regarding the potential renaming of our mascot, Rhett the Terrier: pic.twitter.com/G1sCQ1tk5w — BU Bands (@BUBand) July 1, 2020
Boston University has made several other strides in recent weeks to further the Black Lives Matter agenda, including opening the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research.
Additionally, BU awarded Ibram X. Kendi, an academic who popularized the term “anti-racism,” with the school’s Andrew W. Mellon Professorship in the Humanities.
In recognition of his achievements, as well as his role as a public intellectual helping to reframe the conversation on racism, @DrIbram, who launched the new BU @AntiracismCtr, has been awarded BU’s Andrew W. Mellon Professorship in the Humanities. https://t.co/8vQ4doVobz — Boston University (@BU_Tweets) July 1, 2020
According to BU, the Mellon Professorship is one of the university’s highest honors. The only other recipient of the award was Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor who won the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize.
Should Boston University change its mascot's name? Yes No
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The term anti-racism has a deeply troubling purpose that Boston University seems totally willing to fully take on. Either that, or the school is completely ignorant of the term’s true meaning.
Kendi has suggested that simply declaring you are not racist is not enough. In order to be fully “anti-racist,” one must take on the lifelong goal of activism against racism which, coincidentally, involves taking up and supporting various left-wing policies and positions.
Either you join the left or you are a racist. In the minds of anti-racism’s true followers, there is no in-between.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-05--Report: Here’s How COVID Contributed to Plane Crash That Killed 97

Only a week after Pakistan allowed commercial flights to resume after a nationwide shutdown , 97 people were killed in a fiery plane crash in Karachi .
Initial reports determined the May 22 crash was due to “ human error ” and that the pilots were distracted by a coronavirus-related conversation just moments before the crash .
The Pakistan International Airlines flight had 91 passengers and eight crew members on board when pilots twice attempted and failed to land the aircraft , according to the New York Post .
Only two of the 99 people on board survived .
Flight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed and touched the ground before the landing gears were fully extended despite multiple warnings .
“ Several warnings and alerts such as over-speed , landing gear not down and ground proximity alerts , were disregarded , ” Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said in a report , according to Reuters .
“ The landing was undertaken with landing gear retracted .
The aircraft touched the runway surface on its engines.
” After the unsuccessful attempt to land , the pilots attempted to land the aircraft a second time , but the damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a nearby neighborhood .
A 13-year-old girl in the neighborhood suffered critical injuries and later died in a hospital , according to the Post .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate “ When the plane took off again , both engines had been damaged , and when the plane was making an approach for a second landing , it didn ’ t have that power and fell on the residential area , ” Khan said during a news conference on June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no signs of technical issues , and Khan said he believes “ human error ” played the biggest role .
He said the cockpit voice recorder revealed the pilot and co-pilot were discussing the coronavirus and its impact on their families during the landing process , a discussion that might have distracted them .
According to Johns Hopkins University , Pakistan has over 221,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , ranking the nation 12th in the world .
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority first suspended domestic travel on March 26 in an attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a news release .
The suspension wasn ’ t lifted until May 15 — just seven days before the crash .
“ The discussion throughout was about corona , ” Khan said , according to Reuters .
“ Corona was dominant over their mind.
” The pilots ’ conversation , however , was not included in the report , which cited another instance of human error that might have contributed .
Air traffic controllers cleared the flight to land without alerting the pilots that the landing gears were not extended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also were not informed that the engines had scraped the ground , which greatly affected their second attempt to land .
Imran Narejo , secretary of the Pakistan Airline Pilots ’ Association , told Reuters that while the pilots ’ coronavirus-related conversation might have played a role , the controllers ’ lack of communication also contributed .
RELATED : Couple Swept Out to Sea During Photoshoot on Wedding Day After Large Wave Crashes on Them “ It was pointed out the pilots were busy talking about corona , and that they may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ But other reasons were also there , like them not being provided proper support from air traffic control.
” While the first report revealed much , the investigation is not expected to be concluded until the end of the year , according to the Post .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Only a week after Pakistan allowed commercial flights to resume after a nationwide shutdown, 97 people were killed in a fiery plane crash in Karachi. Initial reports determined the May 22 crash was due to “human error” and that the pilots were distracted by a coronavirus-related conversation just moments before the crash.
The Pakistan International Airlines flight had 91 passengers and eight crew members on board when pilots twice attempted and failed to land the aircraft, according to the New York Post. Only two of the 99 people on board survived.
Flight PK8303 approached the runway with too much speed and touched the ground before the landing gears were fully extended despite multiple warnings.
“Several warnings and alerts such as over-speed, landing gear not down and ground proximity alerts, were disregarded,” Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said in a report, according to Reuters. “The landing was undertaken with landing gear retracted. The aircraft touched the runway surface on its engines.”
After the unsuccessful attempt to land, the pilots attempted to land the aircraft a second time, but the damage already been done; the aircraft crashed in a nearby neighborhood. A 13-year-old girl in the neighborhood suffered critical injuries and later died in a hospital, according to the Post.
“When the plane took off again, both engines had been damaged, and when the plane was making an approach for a second landing, it didn’t have that power and fell on the residential area,” Khan said during a news conference on June 24.
The report showed the aircraft had no signs of technical issues, and Khan said he believes “human error” played the biggest role.
He said the cockpit voice recorder revealed the pilot and co-pilot were discussing the coronavirus and its impact on their families during the landing process, a discussion that might have distracted them.
According to Johns Hopkins University, Pakistan has over 221,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, ranking the nation 12th in the world.
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority first suspended domestic travel on March 26 in an attempt to control the spread of the virus, according to a news release. The suspension wasn’t lifted until May 15 — just seven days before the crash.
“The discussion throughout was about corona,” Khan said, according to Reuters. “Corona was dominant over their mind.”
The pilots’ conversation, however, was not included in the report, which cited another instance of human error that might have contributed.
Air traffic controllers cleared the flight to land without alerting the pilots that the landing gears were not extended, the report stated. The pilots also were not informed that the engines had scraped the ground, which greatly affected their second attempt to land.
Imran Narejo, secretary of the Pakistan Airline Pilots’ Association, told Reuters that while the pilots’ coronavirus-related conversation might have played a role, the controllers’ lack of communication also contributed.
“It was pointed out the pilots were busy talking about corona, and that they may have overlooked a few things,” he said.
“But other reasons were also there, like them not being provided proper support from air traffic control.”
While the first report revealed much, the investigation is not expected to be concluded until the end of the year, according to the Post.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--Former Slave Hub of Ghana Asks African-Americans To Return ‘Home’ to Africa

Taking advantage of the racial tensions that continue to boil over in the United States , Ghana is encouraging African-Americans to abandon the U.S. to return “ home ” to the African nation .
The plea is a continuation of Ghana ’ s “ Year of Return ” initiative , which officially was launched in September 2018 .
At the launch , Ghana ’ s president , Nana Akufo-Addo , praised African-Americans , asking those with Ghanaian descent to consider a return to the country , ignoring Ghana ’ s own historical complicity in violence perpetrated against African slaves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ marked 400 years since the first African slaves arrived in the then-English colony of Virginia in 1619 .
“ We know of the extraordinary achievements and contributions they [ Africans in the diaspora ] made to the lives of the Americans , and it is important that this symbolic year — 400 years later — we commemorate their existence and their sacrifices , ” Akufo-Addo declared , as reported by Africa Renewal , a magazine published by the United Nations .
On June 5 , the Ghanaian Minister of Tourism , Arts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Akufo-Addo words , citing the death of George Floyd , the Minneapolis man whose May death in police custody set off a series of violent riots across the country .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate Oteng-Gyasi cited Floyd ’ s death as a reason why Americans of Ghanaian descent should return to their ancestral home .
“ Racism in America continues to be a deadly pandemic , for which for more than 400 years now , our brothers and sisters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a cure .
George Floyd was not the first black person to use the phrase ‘ I can ’ t breathe ’ … The present situation we face today in the year 2020 with the death of George Floyd is going to result in change… One who condones evil is just as evil as the one who perpetrates it .
That is why it is right not only for Chauvin to be charged but all his accomplices who , together , [ killed George Floyd ] , ” Oteng-Gyasi said , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news outlet .
“ We continue to open our arms and invite all our brothers and sisters home .
Ghana is your home .
Africa is your home .
We have our arms wide open ready to welcome you home .
Please take advantage , come home build a life in Ghana .
You do not have to stay where you are not wanted forever .
You have a choice and Africa is waiting for you.
” The reality is that those brought as slaves from Africa were not stolen away from their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and sold by fellow Africans .
The idea of white European slave-traders chasing down and capturing innocent native Africans — an image popularized by the historically inaccurate series Roots — is a total farce .
For nearly 150 years , Ghana was the center of the transatlantic slave trade that sent millions of Africans to the New World .
The vast majority of slaves purchased by Europeans in Ghana had been captured in tribal warfare or were simply kidnapped to sell to European slave traders , according to the liberal Tracing Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the institution of slavery .
Nat Amarteifio , a Ghanaian historian and former mayor of the Ghanaian capital of Accra , noted to the public radio program The World that Ghanaian leaders attempted to rewrite history in their favor , distancing themselves from their nation ’ s complicated history .
“ The chiefs and peoples decided , ‘ All right , we will not talk about it , ’ ” Amarteifio said .
“ They created a mythology that we were innocent bystanders whose land was raped by Europeans.
” Amarteifio said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college years and he and some friends were asked to serve as guides .
RELATED : African Woman Obliterates Dems for Kente Cloth Photo Op , Says They Treat Africans Like Children “ Naturally , we were recruited to take them around to tourist sites .
So I remember when they asked us , ‘ So , who was sold ?
’ We said , ‘ Only the bad people — thieves and drunkards , ’ ” Amarteifio said .
“ Especially since the history had never really been taught .
And what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was a disaster , ” Amarteifio told The World .
“ A lot of African-Americans were very disappointed to find this kind of blasé attitude.
” Americans from both political parties acknowledge the dark history of slavery and other racist policies in America ’ s past .
The difference is , conservatives also acknowledge that the Civil War , the civil rights movement and many other hard-fought battles have helped provide an immense amount of freedom for African-Americans , and helped the United States live up to its founding promises .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America of slavery , and Jim Crow and racism — personal , “ systemic ” or otherwise — is far down on the list of most important problems affecting the black community .
If African-Americans believe that by returning to Ghana they are abandoning the dark history of slavery and oppression , they are sadly mistaken .
Ghana slave traders were just as guilty as their white European counterparts .
But it ’ s highly doubtful that the American left will be demanding that Ghana pays out reparations any time soon .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Taking advantage of the racial tensions that continue to boil over in the United States, Ghana is encouraging African-Americans to abandon the U.S. to return “home” to the African nation.
The plea is a continuation of Ghana’s “Year of Return” initiative, which officially was launched in September 2018. At the launch, Ghana’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, praised African-Americans, asking those with Ghanaian descent to consider a return to the country, ignoring Ghana’s own historical complicity in violence perpetrated against African slaves.
The year 2019 was chosen because it marked 400 years since the first African slaves arrived in the then-English colony of Virginia in 1619.
“We know of the extraordinary achievements and contributions they [Africans in the diaspora] made to the lives of the Americans, and it is important that this symbolic year — 400 years later — we commemorate their existence and their sacrifices,” Akufo-Addo declared, as reported by Africa Renewal, a magazine published by the United Nations.
On June 5, the Ghanaian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, echoed the Akufo-Addo words, citing the death of George Floyd, the Minneapolis man whose May death in police custody set off a series of violent riots across the country.
Oteng-Gyasi cited Floyd’s death as a reason why Americans of Ghanaian descent should return to their ancestral home.
“Racism in America continues to be a deadly pandemic, for which for more than 400 years now, our brothers and sisters in the United States of America have yearned for a cure. George Floyd was not the first black person to use the phrase ‘I can’t breathe’… The present situation we face today in the year 2020 with the death of George Floyd is going to result in change… One who condones evil is just as evil as the one who perpetrates it. That is why it is right not only for Chauvin to be charged but all his accomplices who, together, [killed George Floyd],” Oteng-Gyasi said, according to The Independent Ghana, a Ghanaian news outlet.
“We continue to open our arms and invite all our brothers and sisters home. Ghana is your home. Africa is your home. We have our arms wide open ready to welcome you home. Please take advantage, come home build a life in Ghana. You do not have to stay where you are not wanted forever. You have a choice and Africa is waiting for you.”
The reality is that those brought as slaves from Africa were not stolen away from their homes by Europeans. They were chained up and sold by fellow Africans.
Should American's be proud of their nation's history despite its faults? 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: 99% (3006 Votes) No: 1% (28 Votes)
The idea of white European slave-traders chasing down and capturing innocent native Africans — an image popularized by the historically inaccurate series Roots — is a total farce.
For nearly 150 years, Ghana was the center of the transatlantic slave trade that sent millions of Africans to the New World. The vast majority of slaves purchased by Europeans in Ghana had been captured in tribal warfare or were simply kidnapped to sell to European slave traders, according to the liberal Tracing Center, an organization that promotes education about the institution of slavery.
Nat Amarteifio, a Ghanaian historian and former mayor of the Ghanaian capital of Accra, noted to the public radio program The World that Ghanaian leaders attempted to rewrite history in their favor, distancing themselves from their nation’s complicated history.
“The chiefs and peoples decided, ‘All right, we will not talk about it,’” Amarteifio said. “They created a mythology that we were innocent bystanders whose land was raped by Europeans.”
Amarteifio said he met African-Americans who visited Ghana during his college years and he and some friends were asked to serve as guides.
“Naturally, we were recruited to take them around to tourist sites. So I remember when they asked us, ‘So, who was sold?’ We said, ‘Only the bad people — thieves and drunkards,’ ” Amarteifio said.
“Especially since the history had never really been taught. And what history was taught was very sanitized. It was a disaster,” Amarteifio told The World. “A lot of African-Americans were very disappointed to find this kind of blasé attitude.”
Americans from both political parties acknowledge the dark history of slavery and other racist policies in America’s past.
The difference is, conservatives also acknowledge that the Civil War, the civil rights movement and many other hard-fought battles have helped provide an immense amount of freedom for African-Americans, and helped the United States live up to its founding promises.
The America of today is far from the America of slavery, and Jim Crow and racism — personal, “systemic” or otherwise — is far down on the list of most important problems affecting the black community.
If African-Americans believe that by returning to Ghana they are abandoning the dark history of slavery and oppression, they are sadly mistaken.
Ghana slave traders were just as guilty as their white European counterparts. But it’s highly doubtful that the American left will be demanding that Ghana pays out reparations any time soon.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--De Blasio Trashes 1st Amend, Says Protests and Church Are ‘Apples and Oranges’

Here ’ s a curious theory : Exercising your First Amendment rights protesting in the streets is perfectly acceptable in the time of COVID-19 , but doing it in church isn ’ t .
Unsurprisingly , it comes from Bill de Blasio , the mayor of New York City .
If you like open hostility toward religion , de Blasio has distinguished himself during the pandemic , particularly as it regards the city ’ s Orthodox Jewish population .
However , make no mistake — de Blasio is an ecumenical fellow , and if you ’ re an American who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise your constitutional right to the free exercise of religion , he has contempt for you .
He ’ s zealously enforced any and all proscriptions on religious communities being able to worship in person , almost with relish .
At one point , he said that any religious congregation that insisted on gathering would be closed down permanently .
I ’ m not sure how that even works .
It may not surprise you to learn that de Blasio ’ s view of the First Amendment is substantially different when he discusses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right kind of protest — don ’ t take to the streets in favor of reopening the economy or anything ! )
A court disagreed , issuing a preliminary injunction New York ’ s decision to limit religious services arbitrarily .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate It ’ s not just because of the protests , mind you .
Under New York state ’ s reopening plan , churches , synagogues and mosques were limited to 25 percent capacity while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — were limited to 50 percent capacity , according to an ABC News report from June 26 .
“ Governor [ Andrew ] Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio could have just as easily discouraged protests , short of condemning their message , in the name of public health and exercised discretion to suspend enforcement for public safety reasons instead of encouraging what they knew was a flagrant disregard of the outdoor limits and social distancing rules , ” the judge wrote in his ruling .
“ They could have also been silent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio sent a clear message that mass protests are deserving of preferential treatment.
” CNN asked de Blasio about this on Wednesday ’ s edition of “ New Day.
” “ No , it ’ s just wrong , ” de Blasio said .
“ We worked with the religious leadership of this city for months , Cardinal Dolan and the Catholic church and so many other religious leaders who are in full agreement that it was not time to bring back religious services because of the danger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The protests were an entirely different reality , a national phenomenon , that was not something that the government could just say , you know , ‘ go away , ’ it ’ s something that really came from the grassroots .
And obviously , it had profound meaning and we ’ re all acting on the meaning of those protests .
“ But it ’ s really apples and oranges , ” he continued .
“ Our religious leaders were the first to say it was not time to bring back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it carefully , smartly .
So I — I think that decision profoundly misses what the very religious institutions themselves were saying.
” There are a number of glaring problems with this .
First , on working with the religious leadership of New York City : I ’ m curious when a select group of religious leaders in a city got to determine what the First Amendment means .
This group certainly didn ’ t include Orthodox Jewish leaders , from all appearances .
It also makes it appear that de Blasio thinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what works best for their congregation .
Yes , you were probably better off staying home and watching a livestream of services .
That ’ s not for the government to decide , though .
The First Amendment is pretty explicit on this , as you may have realized : “ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ; or abridging the freedom of speech , or of the press ; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble , and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grievances.
” That also means you can protest , of course , but that doesn ’ t mean they ’ re apples and oranges .
In fact , that ’ s another issue .
If they ’ re in the same amendment , it ’ s pretty much comparing apples to apples .
To the extent that de Blasio doesn ’ t want to recognize this , it ’ s because he ’ s better able to control religious services .
In fact , he pretty much admits it .
Note the language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s close enough to an admission of guilt as you ’ ll get : “ That was not something that the government could just say , you know , ‘ go away , ’ it ’ s something that really came from the grassroots.
” Not that de Blasio made any attempt to control the protests , but he ’ s saying even if he did , he couldn ’ t control them .
Religious services , meanwhile , those are smaller and easier to break up with the aid of police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended by law-abiding people ) .
When it comes to protests , though , the city can just stand back and let tens of thousands of people gather in one place .
Another troubling thing about the language de Blasio used is the fact that , by ascribing the qualities he did to the protests and not to religious gatherings , he ’ s essentially ( and incorrectly ) assuming those qualities are lacking in religious services .
Religion isn ’ t something that will “ go away ” — and the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a little unsettling .
Religions act at a grassroots level , drawing believers in for worship .
And in the most telling of de Blasio ’ s Freudian slips , he seems to indicate the protests were a profound experience , as though religious worship were not .
If this is the apple to religion ’ s orange , the implications of that should raise a few eyebrows .
The First Amendment isn ’ t materially changed by “ national phenomena.
” It ’ s not something that cares whether or not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s something you don ’ t think you can control .
It means what it means and it requires politicians to treat all forms of protected assembly equally .
For de Blasio to pretend it doesn ’ t evinces a profound , willful ignorance about the Constitution .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Here’s a curious theory: Exercising your First Amendment rights protesting in the streets is perfectly acceptable in the time of COVID-19, but doing it in church isn’t.
Unsurprisingly, it comes from Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York City. If you like open hostility toward religion, de Blasio has distinguished himself during the pandemic, particularly as it regards the city’s Orthodox Jewish population.
However, make no mistake — de Blasio is an ecumenical fellow, and if you’re an American who believes you still have the ability to exercise your constitutional right to the free exercise of religion, he has contempt for you.
He’s zealously enforced any and all proscriptions on religious communities being able to worship in person, almost with relish. At one point, he said that any religious congregation that insisted on gathering would be closed down permanently. I’m not sure how that even works.
It may not surprise you to learn that de Blasio’s view of the First Amendment is substantially different when he discusses protesting. (Presuming it’s the right kind of protest — don’t take to the streets in favor of reopening the economy or anything!) A court disagreed, issuing a preliminary injunction New York’s decision to limit religious services arbitrarily.
It’s not just because of the protests, mind you. Under New York state’s reopening plan, churches, synagogues and mosques were limited to 25 percent capacity while other gathering spaces — such as businesses — were limited to 50 percent capacity, according to an ABC News report from June 26.
“Governor [Andrew] Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio could have just as easily discouraged protests, short of condemning their message, in the name of public health and exercised discretion to suspend enforcement for public safety reasons instead of encouraging what they knew was a flagrant disregard of the outdoor limits and social distancing rules,” the judge wrote in his ruling.
“They could have also been silent. But by acting as they did, Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio sent a clear message that mass protests are deserving of preferential treatment.”
CNN asked de Blasio about this on Wednesday’s edition of “New Day.”
.@NYCMayor De Blasio defends banning religious gatherings but not #BlackLivesMatter marches: “It’s really apples and oranges. Our religious leaders were the first to say it was not time to bring back services.” pic.twitter.com/IG1wPP6w8T — Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) July 1, 2020
“No, it’s just wrong,” de Blasio said. “We worked with the religious leadership of this city for months, Cardinal Dolan and the Catholic church and so many other religious leaders who are in full agreement that it was not time to bring back religious services because of the danger it would cause to their congregants.
“The protests were an entirely different reality, a national phenomenon, that was not something that the government could just say, you know, ‘go away,’ it’s something that really came from the grassroots. And obviously, it had profound meaning and we’re all acting on the meaning of those protests.
“But it’s really apples and oranges,” he continued. “Our religious leaders were the first to say it was not time to bring back services. Now we’re doing it carefully, smartly. So I — I think that decision profoundly misses what the very religious institutions themselves were saying.”
There are a number of glaring problems with this.
First, on working with the religious leadership of New York City: I’m curious when a select group of religious leaders in a city got to determine what the First Amendment means. This group certainly didn’t include Orthodox Jewish leaders, from all appearances. It also makes it appear that de Blasio thinks congregational leaders are best able to determine what works best for their congregation. Yes, you were probably better off staying home and watching a livestream of services. That’s not for the government to decide, though. The First Amendment is pretty explicit on this, as you may have realized:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
That also means you can protest, of course, but that doesn’t mean they’re apples and oranges. In fact, that’s another issue. If they’re in the same amendment, it’s pretty much comparing apples to apples. To the extent that de Blasio doesn’t want to recognize this, it’s because he’s better able to control religious services. In fact, he pretty much admits it.
Note the language de Blasio uses here, as it’s close enough to an admission of guilt as you’ll get: “That was not something that the government could just say, you know, ‘go away,’ it’s something that really came from the grassroots.”
Not that de Blasio made any attempt to control the protests, but he’s saying even if he did, he couldn’t control them. Religious services, meanwhile, those are smaller and easier to break up with the aid of police (not to mention generally conducted and attended by law-abiding people). When it comes to protests, though, the city can just stand back and let tens of thousands of people gather in one place.
Are New York's limits on religious congregations against the First Amendment? Yes No
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Another troubling thing about the language de Blasio used is the fact that, by ascribing the qualities he did to the protests and not to religious gatherings, he’s essentially (and incorrectly) assuming those qualities are lacking in religious services.
Religion isn’t something that will “go away” — and the fact de Blasio chose those words is more than a little unsettling. Religions act at a grassroots level, drawing believers in for worship. And in the most telling of de Blasio’s Freudian slips, he seems to indicate the protests were a profound experience, as though religious worship were not. If this is the apple to religion’s orange, the implications of that should raise a few eyebrows.
The First Amendment isn’t materially changed by “national phenomena.” It’s not something that cares whether or not a movement is “grassroots” or it’s something you don’t think you can control. It means what it means and it requires politicians to treat all forms of protected assembly equally.
For de Blasio to pretend it doesn’t evinces a profound, willful ignorance about the Constitution.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--Hundreds of Rioters Attack Portland Police, Throw ‘Commercial Grade’ Fireworks at Officers

On Thursday night into Friday morning , a group of far-left rioters attacked Portland police with fireworks .
In addition to more conventional tactics to deal with the problem , the police took an odd tack to deal with it : They went on Twitter and threatened the troublemakers .
“ A riot is still declared in the area of the Federal Courthouse and Justice Center , ” one tweet stated .
“ You must leave the area now by moving to the west .
Tear gas and other crowd control munitions may be deployed .
Leave the area now.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crowd starting fires , throwing rocks at officers , pointing lasers at officers , and launching projectiles with slingshots at officers , ” a follow-up tweet stated .
“ Leave the area now or you will be subject to arrest.
” TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate This set the tone for the weekend , particularly given that those committing violence on the street didn ’ t seem particularly interested in just checking their phones or shouting empty bromides .
Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police Twitter account — in the form of a video warning , because of course that ’ s what insurgents check before they go out and wreak havoc .
“ While many [ protests ] have been peaceful and non-violent , we continue to experience one group with many participants who engage in nightly violence and destruction directed at police and public safety facilities , ” the video relayed .
“ In the past week , individuals have deliberately set fires to and near occupied buildings .
Individuals have thrown baseball-sized rocks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bottles at officers .
“ Projectiles have also been launched at high speeds from sling shot devices , including marbles , blades , rocks and other items .
On numerous occasions , commercial-grade fireworks have been directed at police.
” RELATED : As the Anti-Police Movement Intensifies , Gun and Ammo Sales Soar Andy Ngô , an independent journalist who chronicles far-left violence in the Pacific Northwest , took plenty of videos of the violence in Portland over the weekend .
The Portland Police Bureau detailed the events : “ Around 12:46 a.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the federal courthouse .
Once again , demonstrators were warned by the sound truck that the riot declaration was still in effect and they needed to leave the area , ” police reported in a news release .
“ At this time , demonstrators started launching mortars towards the federal courthouse and a fire erupted inside of the building where the glass doors had been broken .
“ Because of this immediate life safety issue , officers once again began to disperse the crowd .
As they dispersed the crowd , demonstrators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and commercial grade fireworks and mortars towards officers .
Because of the violent nature of the demonstrators while officers cleared the area , crowd control munitions were used and several arrests were made .
As officers began to disengage the crowd at Southwest Main Street and Southwest Broadway Avenue , commercial grade fireworks were once again thrown at officers.
” WARNING : The following videos contain graphic language that some viewers will find offensive .
These were the “ commercial-grade fireworks ” that were thrown by rioters : The Portland federal courthouse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S .
Marshals : Here ’ s what happened on the night of July 4 : “ At about 4 a.m. , the Federal courthouse was attacked .
A riot was declared and efforts were made to get the crowd to disperse , including numerous warnings to leave the area or be subject to arrest or force , ” a news release from the Portland Police Bureau read .
The release noted that “ PPB did not deploy CS gas at any point during the overnight demonstrations.
” This is what the left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing serious .
If the police would just get out of these rioters ’ way , everything would be fine , right ?
Just curious , then : How does it help damage to property ?
These particular events happened in Portland , but the lessons are of national importance : These aren ’ t “ protesters ” who are content with bringing down statues , not that we ought to let that happen .
These are groups bent on violence that want nothing less than to bring down our system and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kind of hooliganism we ’ ve seen over the past few weeks in cities like Portland is something we ought to countenance because all they want to do is damage property neglects the facts that who — not what — they ’ ve gone after , when given the chance , is police officers .
Police officers are the living symbol of law in a nation that prides itself on living by law — not the whims of tyrants or the tyranny of mobs .
The implications of those attacks ought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On Thursday night into Friday morning, a group of far-left rioters attacked Portland police with fireworks.
In addition to more conventional tactics to deal with the problem, the police took an odd tack to deal with it: They went on Twitter and threatened the troublemakers.
“A riot is still declared in the area of the Federal Courthouse and Justice Center,” one tweet stated. “You must leave the area now by moving to the west. Tear gas and other crowd control munitions may be deployed. Leave the area now.”
“There are several people in this crowd starting fires, throwing rocks at officers, pointing lasers at officers, and launching projectiles with slingshots at officers,” a follow-up tweet stated. “Leave the area now or you will be subject to arrest.”
There are several people in this crowd starting fires, throwing rocks at officers, pointing lasers at officers, and launching projectiles with slingshots at officers. Leave the area now or you will be subject to arrest. — Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) July 3, 2020
That’ll work, right?
This set the tone for the weekend, particularly given that those committing violence on the street didn’t seem particularly interested in just checking their phones or shouting empty bromides.
Here was a quick rundown on the Portland police Twitter account — in the form of a video warning, because of course that’s what insurgents check before they go out and wreak havoc.
Should the police have cracked down on these protesters? 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% (4674 Votes) No: 0% (11 Votes)
“While many [protests] have been peaceful and non-violent, we continue to experience one group with many participants who engage in nightly violence and destruction directed at police and public safety facilities,” the video relayed.
“In the past week, individuals have deliberately set fires to and near occupied buildings. Individuals have thrown baseball-sized rocks, full aluminum baseball bats and frozen water bottles at officers.
“Projectiles have also been launched at high speeds from sling shot devices, including marbles, blades, rocks and other items. On numerous occasions, commercial-grade fireworks have been directed at police.”
Public safety message about demonstrations this holiday weekend. pic.twitter.com/UlcrwJGuot — Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) July 4, 2020
Andy Ngô, an independent journalist who chronicles far-left violence in the Pacific Northwest, took plenty of videos of the violence in Portland over the weekend.
Law enforcement in downtown Portland have been under attack for hours at the federal courthouse by antifa extremists. They hurl projectile weapons at police & when officers respond, go on social media tagging politicians & lawyers claiming police brutality pic.twitter.com/K6I3sxw7jS — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 3, 2020
The Portland Police Bureau detailed the events: “Around 12:46 a.m., demonstrators returned to the west side of the federal courthouse. Once again, demonstrators were warned by the sound truck that the riot declaration was still in effect and they needed to leave the area,” police reported in a news release.
“At this time, demonstrators started launching mortars towards the federal courthouse and a fire erupted inside of the building where the glass doors had been broken.
“Because of this immediate life safety issue, officers once again began to disperse the crowd. As they dispersed the crowd, demonstrators continued to throw rocks, cans, and commercial grade fireworks and mortars towards officers. Because of the violent nature of the demonstrators while officers cleared the area, crowd control munitions were used and several arrests were made. As officers began to disengage the crowd at Southwest Main Street and Southwest Broadway Avenue, commercial grade fireworks were once again thrown at officers.”
WARNING: The following videos contain graphic language that some viewers will find offensive.
When antifa and BLM rioters began pulling down the window barricades at the @PortlandPolice central precinct, police responded and were promptly surrounded by an angry mob. pic.twitter.com/y4JvhtTfrn — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 3, 2020
These were the “commercial-grade fireworks” that were thrown by rioters:
These are the fireworks antifa are using to attack police & the public in Portland. Last night one of their own comrades was injured by their explosive outside the federal courthouse. They rioted for hours and started a fire inside the courthouse. pic.twitter.com/TO1TAoRPsN — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 3, 2020
The Portland federal courthouse, meanwhile, had to be protected by U.S. Marshals:
Correction: The men protecting the Portland federal courthouse appear to be with the US Marshals, not the military. — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 3, 2020
Here’s what happened on the night of July 4:
It’s early in the night & antifa are already shining powerful lasers & firing fireworks at the Justice Center in Portland, which houses the central precinct. These powerful lasers have also been used to blind police before others throw projectiles at them. pic.twitter.com/xiYf9ydN91 — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 5, 2020
A fire has been started in downtown Portland where antifa & far-left extremists have rioted daily. They are burning American flags while shouting BLM and antifa slogans. pic.twitter.com/ao1gI5iyGs — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 5, 2020
DHS police came out of the federal courthouse in Portland after it was attacked to push back the violent antifa rioters. pic.twitter.com/jlKnQuzFG1 — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 5, 2020
“At about 4 a.m., the Federal courthouse was attacked. A riot was declared and efforts were made to get the crowd to disperse, including numerous warnings to leave the area or be subject to arrest or force,” a news release from the Portland Police Bureau read.
The release noted that “PPB did not deploy CS gas at any point during the overnight demonstrations.”
This is what the left claims is just violence against property and nothing serious. If the police would just get out of these rioters’ way, everything would be fine, right? Just curious, then: How does it help damage to property?
Officers arrested a male at SW Broadway and Main St. who had a loaded firearm on his person. He fought with offices during the arrest. pic.twitter.com/RXgYHnB5ue — Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) July 5, 2020
These particular events happened in Portland, but the lessons are of national importance:
These aren’t “protesters” who are content with bringing down statues, not that we ought to let that happen.
These are groups bent on violence that want nothing less than to bring down our system and our way of life. To say that the kind of hooliganism we’ve seen over the past few weeks in cities like Portland is something we ought to countenance because all they want to do is damage property neglects the facts that who — not what — they’ve gone after, when given the chance, is police officers.
Police officers are the living symbol of law in a nation that prides itself on living by law — not the whims of tyrants or the tyranny of mobs.
The implications of those attacks ought to chill us more than it does.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.