westernjournal--2020-02-27--Trump Admin Launches Agency To Strip Citizenship from Foreign-Born Terrorists

It ’ s not an uncommon strategy for countries to deal with foreign-born terrorists and criminals .
And yet , predictably , it ’ s going to cause a kerfuffle .
According to Fox News , the Trump administration is launching an unit within the Department of Justice that will look at stripping citizenship from individuals who didn ’ t disclose major crimes on their path to citizenship .
This includes terrorism and war crimes , two very good reasons you don ’ t want someone to be in your country .
“ The section , which will be within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Litigation , will be dedicated to denaturalizing those who had failed to disclose they had been involved in criminal activity on their N-400 form for naturalization , ” Fox News reported .
“ It requires the government to show that citizenship was obtained illegally or ‘ procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation . '
” TRENDING : Bernie Turns on Dem Audience After Getting Booed Over His Pro-Cuba Comments The form asks a lot of questions almost everyone can pass .
Have you been involved in genocide or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Were you a charged or convicted of a crime ?
Were you involved with a terrorist or other totalitarian organization ?
If the answer is yes , the answer on your move toward naturalization is usually no .
That ’ s why people can lie on the form — and what represents a serious danger , given the potential for terrorist recruiting in the United States .
“ When a terrorist or sex offender becomes a U.S. citizen under false pretenses , it is an affront to our system — and it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to these criminals , ” Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt said in a DOJ news release .
“ The Denaturalization Section will further the Department ’ s efforts to pursue those who unlawfully obtained citizenship status and ensure that they are held accountable for their fraudulent conduct.
” Is this widespread ?
No .
Necessary ?
You be the judge .
Here are a few of the cases that the DOJ noted where it has denaturalized people : An Egyptian national was denaturalized in his home nation and had his U.S. passport stripped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the United States , he admitted he was recruiting for al-Qaida .
Then there was an individual of unknown origin who molested a 7-year-old family member .
There was a Bosnian war criminal who executed eight unarmed individuals , both civilians and prisoners of war .
He served time in Bosnia and was denaturalized during his sentence there .
RELATED : DIA Employee Faces 10 Years in Prison for Leaking , FBI Leakers Got Off Scot-Free Another individual was a trainee in an Afghan jihadi camp and coordinated with Osama bin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an autonomous region of Somalia .
These are all people who ought to be stripped of their citizenship .
In response , I give you political Twitter , which clearly took the move with equanimity : Racism , dictatorship and Melania , oh my .
Of course , part of this originated under the Obama administration .
The DOJ , Fox News says , “ has seen an increase in such cases both because of an increased effort by U.S .
Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ) to root out fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an operation which began during the Obama administration and that identified hundreds of thousands of cases where paper fingerprint data was not entered into the centralized fingerprint database.
” Furthermore , this is likely hundreds of cases , not thousands or tens of thousands .
It ’ s individuals who committed a very specific crime and who represent an unusual danger to the United States by being here .
And it ’ s not even aimed at individuals who commit crimes after they become citizens .
It involves people who lied on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concealing major crimes like terrorism or sex offenses .
This what you elect a president to do .
The fact he ’ s established this unit should be the least controversial thing in the world .
Don ’ t tell that to the ACLU , though .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s not an uncommon strategy for countries to deal with foreign-born terrorists and criminals.
And yet, predictably, it’s going to cause a kerfuffle.
According to Fox News, the Trump administration is launching an unit within the Department of Justice that will look at stripping citizenship from individuals who didn’t disclose major crimes on their path to citizenship. This includes terrorism and war crimes, two very good reasons you don’t want someone to be in your country.
“The section, which will be within the DOJ’s Office of Immigration Litigation, will be dedicated to denaturalizing those who had failed to disclose they had been involved in criminal activity on their N-400 form for naturalization,” Fox News reported.
“It requires the government to show that citizenship was obtained illegally or ‘procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation.'”
The form asks a lot of questions almost everyone can pass. Have you been involved in genocide or torture? Were you a Nazi? Were you a charged or convicted of a crime? Were you involved with a terrorist or other totalitarian organization?
If the answer is yes, the answer on your move toward naturalization is usually no. That’s why people can lie on the form — and what represents a serious danger, given the potential for terrorist recruiting in the United States.
“When a terrorist or sex offender becomes a U.S. citizen under false pretenses, it is an affront to our system — and it is especially offensive to those who fall victim to these criminals,” Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt said in a DOJ news release.
“The Denaturalization Section will further the Department’s efforts to pursue those who unlawfully obtained citizenship status and ensure that they are held accountable for their fraudulent conduct.”
Is this widespread? No.
Necessary? You be the judge.
Here are a few of the cases that the DOJ noted where it has denaturalized people:
An Egyptian national was denaturalized in his home nation and had his U.S. passport stripped from him after being convicted of terrorism. In the United States, he admitted he was recruiting for al-Qaida.
Then there was an individual of unknown origin who molested a 7-year-old family member.
There was a Bosnian war criminal who executed eight unarmed individuals, both civilians and prisoners of war. He served time in Bosnia and was denaturalized during his sentence there.
Do you support the deportation of these individuals? Yes No
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Another individual was a trainee in an Afghan jihadi camp and coordinated with Osama bin Laden. He deported himself to Somaliland, an autonomous region of Somalia.
These are all people who ought to be stripped of their citizenship.
In response, I give you political Twitter, which clearly took the move with equanimity:
❗The Trump administration announced a new unit that aims to strip Americans of their citizenship. Despite previous lies, Trump now confirms what we’ve known for three years: His systematic campaign against Black and brown people extends to US citizens. https://t.co/EvXNFKhe39 — ACLU (@ACLU) February 26, 2020
If Trump can strip citizenship from immigrants who have completed the process, he can strip citizenship from natural born citizens. It’s a very slippery slope and precedent is important here. — Mary Grace Close (@MaryGClose) February 27, 2020
So long Flotus — Louise Voltairine de Cleyre (@louise_q10) February 26, 2020
Racism, dictatorship and Melania, oh my.
Of course, part of this originated under the Obama administration.
The DOJ, Fox News says, “has seen an increase in such cases both because of an increased effort by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to root out fraud, as well as Operation Janus — an operation which began during the Obama administration and that identified hundreds of thousands of cases where paper fingerprint data was not entered into the centralized fingerprint database.”
It’s like Children in Cages 2: Electric Boogaloo.
Furthermore, this is likely hundreds of cases, not thousands or tens of thousands. It’s individuals who committed a very specific crime and who represent an unusual danger to the United States by being here.
And it’s not even aimed at individuals who commit crimes after they become citizens. It involves people who lied on their forms in order to get citizenship by concealing major crimes like terrorism or sex offenses.
This what you elect a president to do.
The fact he’s established this unit should be the least controversial thing in the world. Don’t tell that to the ACLU, though.
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westernjournal--2020-02-27--Obama Demands TV Stations Pull Pro-Trump Group’s Ad That Uses His Voice

Barack Obama is objecting to an ad from a pro-Trump political action committee that the former president claims misuses his words .
The 30-second ad is sponsored by the Committee to Defend the President and is entitled , “ South Carolina , Joe Biden Can ’ t Be Trusted.
” The ad referenced Biden ’ s connection with known segregationists , his support for the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act that has been attacked for leading to mass incarceration of minorities , and a comment he made about how black parents should put “ the record player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn .
“ Joe Biden promised to help our community .
It was a lie .
Here ’ s President Obama , ” the ad ’ s narrator says .
But it is the voice-over from Obama reading a piece of his 1995 memoir , “ Dreams from My Father , ” that has the former president ’ s camp livid .
TRENDING : CNN and MSNBC Air Bloomberg Ad with 9/11 Lie , Do n't Bother Calling It Fake News “ Plantation politics , black people in the worst jobs , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But , when the so-called black committeemen came around election time , we ’ d all line up and vote the straight Democratic ticket , sell our souls for a Christmas turkey , ” Obama says .
“ Joe Biden won ’ t represent us , defend us , or help us .
Don ’ t believe Biden ’ s empty promises , ” the ad ’ s narrator concludes .
“ This despicable ad is straight out of the Republican disinformation playbook , and it ’ s clearly designed to suppress turnout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking President Obama ’ s voice out of context and twisting his words to mislead viewers , ” Katie Hill , Obama ’ s communications director , said in a statement , according to The Washington Post .
“ In the interest of truth in advertising , we are calling on TV stations to take this ad down and stop playing into the hands of bad actors who seek to sow division and confusion among the electorate.
” Ted Harvey , chairman of the Committee to Defend the President , said there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It took President Trump to lower black unemployment and create jobs for the African-American community , in addition to passing criminal justice reform , ” Harvey said in a statement .
“ Joe Biden , on the other hand , is simply giving lip-service for votes .
That ’ s the point President Obama made in his book , and we have every right to use his own words — in his own voice — in the political forum , ” he said .
The ad was part of a $ 250,000 ad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is deploying in the days leading up to Saturday ’ s South Carolina primary , according to the Washington Examiner .
Patchen M. Haggerty , a lawyer for Obama , wrote the pro-Trump group on Wednesday demanding it “ immediately remove ” the ad .
The use of Obama ’ s “ name , image , likeness , voice and book passage is clearly intended to mislead the target audience of the ad into believing that the passage from the audiobook is a statement that was made by President Obama during his presidency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s campaign also complained about the ad .
“ Donald Trump and his allies are absolutely terrified that Joe Biden will defeat him in November , ” Andrew Bates , a spokesman for the Biden campaign , told The Post .
“ Trump even got himself impeached by trying to force another country to lie about the vice president , ” he said .
“ This latest intervention in the Democratic primary is one of the most desperate yet , a despicable torrent of misinformation by the president ’ s lackeys.
” We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Barack Obama is objecting to an ad from a pro-Trump political action committee that the former president claims misuses his words.
The 30-second ad is sponsored by the Committee to Defend the President and is entitled, “South Carolina, Joe Biden Can’t Be Trusted.”
The ad referenced Biden’s connection with known segregationists, his support for the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act that has been attacked for leading to mass incarceration of minorities, and a comment he made about how black parents should put “the record player on at night” to help children learn.
“Joe Biden promised to help our community. It was a lie. Here’s President Obama,” the ad’s narrator says.
But it is the voice-over from Obama reading a piece of his 1995 memoir, “Dreams from My Father,” that has the former president’s camp livid.
“Plantation politics, black people in the worst jobs, the worst housing, police brutality rampant. But, when the so-called black committeemen came around election time, we’d all line up and vote the straight Democratic ticket, sell our souls for a Christmas turkey,” Obama says.
“Joe Biden won’t represent us, defend us, or help us. Don’t believe Biden’s empty promises,” the ad’s narrator concludes.
The Obama camp fired back.
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“This despicable ad is straight out of the Republican disinformation playbook, and it’s clearly designed to suppress turnout among minority voters in South Carolina by taking President Obama’s voice out of context and twisting his words to mislead viewers,” Katie Hill, Obama’s communications director, said in a statement, according to The Washington Post.
“In the interest of truth in advertising, we are calling on TV stations to take this ad down and stop playing into the hands of bad actors who seek to sow division and confusion among the electorate.”
Ted Harvey, chairman of the Committee to Defend the President, said there is nothing wrong with the ad.
“It took President Trump to lower black unemployment and create jobs for the African-American community, in addition to passing criminal justice reform,” Harvey said in a statement.
“Joe Biden, on the other hand, is simply giving lip-service for votes. That’s the point President Obama made in his book, and we have every right to use his own words — in his own voice — in the political forum,” he said.
The ad was part of a $250,000 ad campaign the Committee to Defend the President is deploying in the days leading up to Saturday’s South Carolina primary, according to the Washington Examiner.
Patchen M. Haggerty, a lawyer for Obama, wrote the pro-Trump group on Wednesday demanding it “immediately remove” the ad.
The use of Obama’s “name, image, likeness, voice and book passage is clearly intended to mislead the target audience of the ad into believing that the passage from the audiobook is a statement that was made by President Obama during his presidency,” Haggerty wrote.
Biden’s campaign also complained about the ad.
“Donald Trump and his allies are absolutely terrified that Joe Biden will defeat him in November,” Andrew Bates, a spokesman for the Biden campaign, told The Post.
“Trump even got himself impeached by trying to force another country to lie about the vice president,” he said.
“This latest intervention in the Democratic primary is one of the most desperate yet, a despicable torrent of misinformation by the president’s lackeys.”
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westernjournal--2020-02-27--Trump Aced This Doctor’s Cognitive Test, Now Doc Says Biden Might ‘Need Some Testing Done’ Too

Those of us who write about politics are now no doubt experts in the 25th Amendment , particularly as it pertains to President Donald J. Trump .
That cranny of the Constitution , so rarely invoked before , involves ( among other things ) the process for removing a president who is incapable of carrying out the duties of the office .
Every few weeks or so , it seems , some Democrat or mental health professional gets a few headlines and/or new Twitter followers by insisting that Trump is mentally unfit for office and needs to be removed now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These warnings thankfully go unheeded by most people , but it ’ s worth noting that they ’ re advanced by a party that holds Joe Biden in good stead .
I ’ m not saying that the former vice president ’ s frequent gaffes are a sign he ’ s 25th Amendment material before he even gets elected .
Mind you , some of them would be disqualifying if they were from anyone else .
TRENDING : CNN and MSNBC Air Bloomberg Ad with 9/11 Lie , Do n't Bother Calling It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are just as bright and just as talented as white kids ” would be an easy way to get yourself canceled if you weren ’ t Biden .
Say what you will about Trump ’ s insults , they haven ’ t involved calling a young female questioner a “ lying dog-faced pony soldier , ” a quote Biden ’ s campaign claimed came from a John Wayne movie .
( It didn ’ t . )
And then there was that weird recommendation that institutional racism could be solved by leaving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sleep , something that might have even induced an eyebrow to raise among vinyl-obsessed hipsters .
However , his latest gaffe has former White House doctor Ronny Jackson saying Biden “ might need some testing done.
” Keep in mind , this is the guy who said Trump aced a mental examination given to him .
I ’ m not saying , I ’ m just saying .
The gaffe was originally spotted by Bernie Sanders surrogate and race-baiting troll Shaun King .
It ’ s rare that we find ourselves on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to agree that this clip he posted Tuesday doesn ’ t look good for the former veep : “ You ’ re the ones who sent Barack Obama the presidency .
And I have a simple proposition here : I ’ m here to ask you for your help , ” Biden said .
“ Where I come from , you don ’ t get far unless you ask .
My name ’ s Joe Biden .
I ’ m a Democratic candidate for the United States Senate .
Look me over .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ help out .
If not , vote for the other Biden .
Give me a look , though , OK ?
” Cue Biden apologists who said this clip was being taken out of context ; he was talking about his time campaigning for Senate .
No , King noted , that wasn ’ t the context : RELATED : Joe Biden Picked a Fight with Nikki Haley and She Cleaned His Clock Even more bizarre than my concordance with Mr. King is the fact that the video was picked up by Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , he can ’ t remember more than what state he ’ s in .
Anyhow , Jackson weighed in , saying that Biden may require that cognitive testing .
“ Remember the cognitive test I gave @ realDonaldTrump ?
The one he aced !
Sounds like somebody else might need some testing done !
!
Scary !
!
” he tweeted Tuesday .
Jackson served in the White House between 2013 and early 2019 , according to Fox News .
He left under a bit of a cloud after his nomination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was withdrawn by the White House due to allegations of improper behavior .
He ’ s currently running for the House in Texas .
Beyond that biography , however , lies the point : In 2018 , Jackson administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment , a 10-minute test , to Trump and found him entirely able .
Yes , he ’ s a Republican , but he ’ s also a doctor .
If we listen seriously to Dr. Bandy Lee — the Yale psychiatrist who ’ s become a superstar because of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Pelosi can call 911 and have Trump involuntarily committed — I think we can safely say that maybe someone can suggest Biden should take the Montreal Cognitive Assessment .
Or perhaps Jackson is just another lying , dog-faced pony soldier .
Either way , I can ’ t wait to see just how febrile the gaffes get if he doesn ’ t run away with South Carolina .
It ’ ll probably be sad , sure .
But given it ’ s Joe “ They ’ re going to put y ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not too sad .
I ’ ll mostly be basking in the schadenfreude of the rants that are sure to come about “ lying dog-faced record players who are gon na bring back Jim Crow to stop me from running for Senate like my good friend Barack said .
He ’ s very well-spoken.
” When it feels like you ’ ve wasted the better part of a week watching multiple three-hour debates , you ’ ve got to get your laughs where you can find them .
We are committed to truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read our editorial standards .

Those of us who write about politics are now no doubt experts in the 25th Amendment, particularly as it pertains to President Donald J. Trump.
That cranny of the Constitution, so rarely invoked before, involves (among other things) the process for removing a president who is incapable of carrying out the duties of the office.
Every few weeks or so, it seems, some Democrat or mental health professional gets a few headlines and/or new Twitter followers by insisting that Trump is mentally unfit for office and needs to be removed now for the safety of the republic.
These warnings thankfully go unheeded by most people, but it’s worth noting that they’re advanced by a party that holds Joe Biden in good stead.
I’m not saying that the former vice president’s frequent gaffes are a sign he’s 25th Amendment material before he even gets elected. Mind you, some of them would be disqualifying if they were from anyone else.
Saying that “poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids” would be an easy way to get yourself canceled if you weren’t Biden. Say what you will about Trump’s insults, they haven’t involved calling a young female questioner a “lying dog-faced pony soldier,” a quote Biden’s campaign claimed came from a John Wayne movie. (It didn’t.) And then there was that weird recommendation that institutional racism could be solved by leaving the record player on when your child goes to sleep, something that might have even induced an eyebrow to raise among vinyl-obsessed hipsters.
However, his latest gaffe has former White House doctor Ronny Jackson saying Biden “might need some testing done.”
Keep in mind, this is the guy who said Trump aced a mental examination given to him. I’m not saying, I’m just saying.
The gaffe was originally spotted by Bernie Sanders surrogate and race-baiting troll Shaun King. It’s rare that we find ourselves on the same side, but I have to agree that this clip he posted Tuesday doesn’t look good for the former veep:
This is so sad. Here @JoeBiden says to the crowd in South Carolina that he is “running for the United States Senate” and that if they don’t like him they can “vote for the other Biden.” I honestly wish he would’ve retired & not subjected himself to the rigors of this campaign. pic.twitter.com/mygFnsrdjC — Shaun King (@shaunking) February 25, 2020
“You’re the ones who sent Barack Obama the presidency. And I have a simple proposition here: I’m here to ask you for your help,” Biden said. “Where I come from, you don’t get far unless you ask. My name’s Joe Biden. I’m a Democratic candidate for the United States Senate. Look me over. If you like what you see, help out. If not, vote for the other Biden. Give me a look, though, OK?”
Cue Biden apologists who said this clip was being taken out of context; he was talking about his time campaigning for Senate. No, King noted, that wasn’t the context:
Here is the full, unedited, frequently bizarre speech that @JoeBiden gave in Charleston, South Carolina where he declares he’s running for the United States Senate. That moment is at 2:43. It DOES NOT come at a time of him reflecting on his Senate career. WATCH FOR YOURSELF pic.twitter.com/zBvIawfPCx — Shaun King (@shaunking) February 25, 2020
Even more bizarre than my concordance with Mr. King is the fact that the video was picked up by Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.
“My name is Joe Biden. I’m a Democratic candidate for the United States Senate…” He’s always forgetting what state he is in. Now he can’t even remember what he’s running for? You cannot make it up!pic.twitter.com/vYrqU1QjWs — Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) February 25, 2020
Trust me, he can’t remember more than what state he’s in.
Anyhow, Jackson weighed in, saying that Biden may require that cognitive testing.
“Remember the cognitive test I gave @realDonaldTrump? The one he aced! Sounds like somebody else might need some testing done!! Scary!!” he tweeted Tuesday.
Remember the cognitive test I gave @realDonaldTrump? The one he aced! Sounds like somebody else might need some testing done!! Scary!! https://t.co/MhantZoHIy — Ronny Jackson (@RonnyJackson4TX) February 25, 2020
Jackson served in the White House between 2013 and early 2019, according to Fox News. He left under a bit of a cloud after his nomination to head the Department of Veterans Affairs was withdrawn by the White House due to allegations of improper behavior. He’s currently running for the House in Texas.
Do you think Joe Biden is finished in the Democratic nomination race? Yes No
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Beyond that biography, however, lies the point: In 2018, Jackson administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a 10-minute test, to Trump and found him entirely able.
Yes, he’s a Republican, but he’s also a doctor. If we listen seriously to Dr. Bandy Lee — the Yale psychiatrist who’s become a superstar because of her 25th Amendment-baiting, including claims House Speaker Nancy Pelosi can call 911 and have Trump involuntarily committed — I think we can safely say that maybe someone can suggest Biden should take the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.
Or perhaps Jackson is just another lying, dog-faced pony soldier.
Either way, I can’t wait to see just how febrile the gaffes get if he doesn’t run away with South Carolina. It’ll probably be sad, sure. But given it’s Joe “They’re going to put y’all back in chains” Biden, not too sad.
I’ll mostly be basking in the schadenfreude of the rants that are sure to come about “lying dog-faced record players who are gonna bring back Jim Crow to stop me from running for Senate like my good friend Barack said. He’s very well-spoken.”
When it feels like you’ve wasted the better part of a week watching multiple three-hour debates, you’ve got to get your laughs where you can find them.
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westernjournal--2020-02-27--Former Baltimore Mayor Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Children’s Book Scheme

The disgraced former mayor of Baltimore was sentenced to three years in federal prison Thursday for arranging fraudulent sales of her self-published children ’ s books to nonprofits and foundations to promote her political career and fund her run for the city ’ s highest office .
Catherine Pugh spoke through tears for about 10 minutes before her sentencing in federal court in Baltimore .
The 69-year-old veteran Democratic politician apologized and said that “ no one is more disappointed than me.
” The scandal has shaken Maryland ’ s largest city , which for years has struggled with grinding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates and police abuses that led to massive riots .
And it made a mockery of Pugh ’ s inaugural promise to restore trust in Baltimore ’ s leaders .
Pugh was elected mayor in 2016 and resigned under pressure in May as authorities investigated bulk sales of her “ Healthy Holly ” paperbacks , which netted her hundreds of thousands of dollars .
Federal authorities accused Pugh , 69 , of double selling the books , keeping many for self-promotion purposes and failing to deliver them to institutions they were purchased for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pugh used the proceeds to fund straw donations to her mayoral campaign and buy a new house .
TRENDING : CNN and MSNBC Air Bloomberg Ad with 9/11 Lie , Do n't Bother Calling It Fake News Pugh was also sentenced on Thursday to serve three years of supervised release after getting out of prison and was ordered to pay more than $ 411,000 in restitution and to forfeit more than $ 669,000 to the government .
She pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and tax evasion charges in November .
Prosecutors had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sentence the former mayor to nearly five years in prison , while her attorneys suggested a term of one year and a day .
Prior to the sentencing , a visibly stressed Pugh teared up when she turned around in her seat and saw friends and others sitting in the packed courtroom .
Dozens of people submitted letters to the federal judge pleading for leniency , including Kweisi Mfume , the former NAACP leader and Democratic nominee for Maryland ’ s 7th Congressional District .
Pugh , helped by longtime aide Gary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme over more than seven years , starting when she was a Maryland state senator and into her tenure as Baltimore ’ s mayor .
Brown and another Pugh associate , Roslyn Wedington , await sentencing after pleading guilty to conspiracy and tax fraud .
A detailed accounting of the sales presented by prosecutors revealed that organizations paid Pugh $ 859,960 for orders of more than 132,100 copies .
But only about 73,200 copies were printed .
In their sentencing memorandum , prosecutors said Pugh ’ s personal inventory of books never exceeded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly through the elaborate scheme .
RELATED : Michael Avenatti Convicted of Attempted Extortion and Fraud , Faces Up To 42 Years in Prison The University of Maryland Medical System — one of the state ’ s largest employers — was Pugh ’ s biggest book customer , and will receive $ 400,000 of the $ 411,000 in restitution payments .
The medical system paid her a total of $ 500,000 for 100,000 copies that were meant to be distributed to schoolchildren , but about 60,000 of those books were sent to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands were removed to give to other customers .
Prosecutors say Pugh never delivered the other 40,000 books the health system purchased for city schools .
While serving in the state Senate , Pugh sat on a committee that funded the medical system .
She also sat on the hospital network ’ s board from 2001 until the scandal erupted in March .
The former mayor returned the last $ 100,000 payment .
Other Pugh customers include CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Kaiser Permanente , which insure city employees .
Some of their multiyear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took office , and some were awarded afterward , prosecutors said in a court filing .
“ While there is no evidence that Pugh attempted to extort or solicit bribes from any of the foregoing companies or organizations , the fact that she repeatedly and almost exclusively targeted them suggests that Pugh leveraged the power of her elected office to corruptly solicit money from companies and organizations that might be beholden to her , ” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum .
The memorandum added that none of those who bought the books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pugh mentioned them .
Prosecutors said 93.6 percent of the book purchases , totaling $ 805,000 , were bought by corporate buyers with an interest in “ obtaining or maintaining a government contract.
” The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The disgraced former mayor of Baltimore was sentenced to three years in federal prison Thursday for arranging fraudulent sales of her self-published children’s books to nonprofits and foundations to promote her political career and fund her run for the city’s highest office.
Catherine Pugh spoke through tears for about 10 minutes before her sentencing in federal court in Baltimore. The 69-year-old veteran Democratic politician apologized and said that “no one is more disappointed than me.”
The scandal has shaken Maryland’s largest city, which for years has struggled with grinding poverty, political mismanagement, record crime rates and police abuses that led to massive riots. And it made a mockery of Pugh’s inaugural promise to restore trust in Baltimore’s leaders.
Pugh was elected mayor in 2016 and resigned under pressure in May as authorities investigated bulk sales of her “Healthy Holly” paperbacks, which netted her hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Federal authorities accused Pugh, 69, of double selling the books, keeping many for self-promotion purposes and failing to deliver them to institutions they were purchased for, including the Baltimore City Public Schools. Pugh used the proceeds to fund straw donations to her mayoral campaign and buy a new house.
Pugh was also sentenced on Thursday to serve three years of supervised release after getting out of prison and was ordered to pay more than $411,000 in restitution and to forfeit more than $669,000 to the government.
She pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and tax evasion charges in November.
Prosecutors had asked U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow to sentence the former mayor to nearly five years in prison, while her attorneys suggested a term of one year and a day.
Prior to the sentencing, a visibly stressed Pugh teared up when she turned around in her seat and saw friends and others sitting in the packed courtroom.
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Dozens of people submitted letters to the federal judge pleading for leniency, including Kweisi Mfume, the former NAACP leader and Democratic nominee for Maryland’s 7th Congressional District.
Pugh, helped by longtime aide Gary Brown Jr., carefully carried out the scheme over more than seven years, starting when she was a Maryland state senator and into her tenure as Baltimore’s mayor.
Brown and another Pugh associate, Roslyn Wedington, await sentencing after pleading guilty to conspiracy and tax fraud.
A detailed accounting of the sales presented by prosecutors revealed that organizations paid Pugh $859,960 for orders of more than 132,100 copies. But only about 73,200 copies were printed.
In their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors said Pugh’s personal inventory of books never exceeded 8,216 copies, but she resold them repeatedly through the elaborate scheme.
The University of Maryland Medical System — one of the state’s largest employers — was Pugh’s biggest book customer, and will receive $400,000 of the $411,000 in restitution payments.
The medical system paid her a total of $500,000 for 100,000 copies that were meant to be distributed to schoolchildren, but about 60,000 of those books were sent to a city warehouse and a Pugh office where thousands were removed to give to other customers.
Prosecutors say Pugh never delivered the other 40,000 books the health system purchased for city schools.
While serving in the state Senate, Pugh sat on a committee that funded the medical system.
She also sat on the hospital network’s board from 2001 until the scandal erupted in March. The former mayor returned the last $100,000 payment.
Other Pugh customers include CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Kaiser Permanente, which insure city employees. Some of their multiyear, multimillion-dollar contracts were awarded before Pugh took office, and some were awarded afterward, prosecutors said in a court filing.
“While there is no evidence that Pugh attempted to extort or solicit bribes from any of the foregoing companies or organizations, the fact that she repeatedly and almost exclusively targeted them suggests that Pugh leveraged the power of her elected office to corruptly solicit money from companies and organizations that might be beholden to her,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memorandum.
The memorandum added that none of those who bought the books were even aware of their existence until Pugh mentioned them.
Prosecutors said 93.6 percent of the book purchases, totaling $805,000, were bought by corporate buyers with an interest in “obtaining or maintaining a government contract.”
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-02-27--Florida Dems File Lawsuit To Remove Registered Independent Bernie from Primary Ballot

Two Florida Democrats asked a judge this week to disqualify Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders from competing in the state ’ s Democratic primary next month , arguing that Sanders does not belong on the ballot because he is an independent .
The Tallahassee Democrat reported that two men , Frank Bach and George Brown , filed a lawsuit in the Florida Panhandle ’ s Leon County asking that votes for Sanders be nullified , as it is too late to remove him from the ballot .
The lawsuit comes as Sanders has emerged as the front-runner to grab the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has sobered some establishment and moderate Democrats in recent weeks .
With Sanders seemingly poised to become the nominee — despite spending his congressional career as an independent — establishment Democrats are attempting to slow his momentum .
But attorney Karen Gievers , a retired Florida judge who ’ s representing the two men ( and is married to Bach ) , claims that ’ s not what this suit is about .
TRENDING : Bernie Turns on Dem Audience After Getting Booed Over His Pro-Cuba Comments “ Their concern is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat who isn ’ t because that ’ s messing up their vote , ” she told the Tallahassee Democrat .
While Sanders filed to run as a Democrat for president , he also filed last year as to run for re-election to the Senate in 2024 as an independent , which makes sense , considering he is listed as an “ independent ” on the U.S. Senate website .
Bach and Brown argue in their complaint that Sanders ’ participation in the party ’ s closed Florida primary is “ unlawful.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast their March 17 Democratic presidential preference primary votes for those who are really Democrats , not independents , and are entitled to this court ’ s protection of their right to vote for a Democrat , with the results not diluted by Defendant Sanders ’ unlawful participation as an independent interloping improperly in the [ primary ] , ” the complaint reads .
“ Defendant Sanders is clearly an independent and is clearly not a Democrat , by his own definition , ” the complaint adds .
“ His current ‘ day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senator and he has consistently , proudly asserted his service in that role as independent.
” Executive director of the Florida Democratic Party Juan Peñalosa told the Tallahassee Democrat the lawsuit is “ ridiculous.
” “ The Florida Democratic Party Executive Committee voted unanimously to place Sen. Sanders on the Florida ballot , ” Peñalosa said .
“ Votes cast for the senator are valid and must be counted.
” Gievers said the lawsuit seeks to block Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee from certifying any votes for Sanders , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any delegates .
Lee is listed as a defendant , along with the Florida Democratic Party , the Democratic National Committee and Sanders .
RELATED : Joe Biden Picked a Fight with Nikki Haley and She Cleaned His Clock While Gievers claims the lawsuit was not motivated by Sanders ’ far-left positions , it ’ s worth noting that as a self-avowed “ democratic socialist , ” he has come under increasing scrutiny from establishment Democrats in recent weeks for his extreme positions and their price tag .
During Tuesday night ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relentlessly attacked by his rivals on the stage .
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar went after Sanders particularly hard , attacking his agenda for being too expensive .
“ That is three times the American economy .
Not the federal government , the entire American economy , ” she barked at Sanders .
“ The Medicare-for-All plan alone … clearly says that it will kick 149 million Americans off their current health insurance in four years.
” Other candidates also attacked Sanders ’ socialist agenda in desperate attempts to dethrone the front-runner — who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats , who have been flirting with socialism for years , only have themselves to blame for Sanders ’ rise within their ranks .
The party fostered an environment that embraced a man who once said he did not mind being called “ a communist , ” according to the Washington Examiner .
They have made their bed , and now they are scrambling to not have to sleep in it .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Two Florida Democrats asked a judge this week to disqualify Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders from competing in the state’s Democratic primary next month, arguing that Sanders does not belong on the ballot because he is an independent.
The Tallahassee Democrat reported that two men, Frank Bach and George Brown, filed a lawsuit in the Florida Panhandle’s Leon County asking that votes for Sanders be nullified, as it is too late to remove him from the ballot.
The lawsuit comes as Sanders has emerged as the front-runner to grab the Democratic Party’s nomination, a fact that has sobered some establishment and moderate Democrats in recent weeks.
With Sanders seemingly poised to become the nominee — despite spending his congressional career as an independent — establishment Democrats are attempting to slow his momentum.
But attorney Karen Gievers, a retired Florida judge who’s representing the two men (and is married to Bach), claims that’s not what this suit is about.
“Their concern is that there not be someone running as a Democrat who isn’t because that’s messing up their vote,” she told the Tallahassee Democrat.
While Sanders filed to run as a Democrat for president, he also filed last year as to run for re-election to the Senate in 2024 as an independent, which makes sense, considering he is listed as an “independent” on the U.S. Senate website.
Bach and Brown argue in their complaint that Sanders’ participation in the party’s closed Florida primary is “unlawful.”
“The plaintiffs have the right to cast their March 17 Democratic presidential preference primary votes for those who are really Democrats, not independents, and are entitled to this court’s protection of their right to vote for a Democrat, with the results not diluted by Defendant Sanders’ unlawful participation as an independent interloping improperly in the [primary],” the complaint reads.
Do you think Bernie Sanders should be disqualified from the Florida primary? 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: 78% (1095 Votes) No: 22% (307 Votes)
“Defendant Sanders is clearly an independent and is clearly not a Democrat, by his own definition,” the complaint adds. “His current ‘day job’ is as a United States senator and he has consistently, proudly asserted his service in that role as independent.”
Executive director of the Florida Democratic Party Juan Peñalosa told the Tallahassee Democrat the lawsuit is “ridiculous.”
“The Florida Democratic Party Executive Committee voted unanimously to place Sen. Sanders on the Florida ballot,” Peñalosa said. “Votes cast for the senator are valid and must be counted.”
Gievers said the lawsuit seeks to block Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee from certifying any votes for Sanders, as well as prevent the Democratic Party from awarding him any delegates.
Lee is listed as a defendant, along with the Florida Democratic Party, the Democratic National Committee and Sanders.
While Gievers claims the lawsuit was not motivated by Sanders’ far-left positions, it’s worth noting that as a self-avowed “democratic socialist,” he has come under increasing scrutiny from establishment Democrats in recent weeks for his extreme positions and their price tag.
During Tuesday night’s debate in South Carolina, Sanders was relentlessly attacked by his rivals on the stage.
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar went after Sanders particularly hard, attacking his agenda for being too expensive.
Klobuchar claimed Sanders’ radical plans would cost “nearly $60 trillion.”
“That is three times the American economy. Not the federal government, the entire American economy,” she barked at Sanders.
“The Medicare-for-All plan alone … clearly says that it will kick 149 million Americans off their current health insurance in four years.”
Other candidates also attacked Sanders’ socialist agenda in desperate attempts to dethrone the front-runner — who many moderate Democrats worry is unelectable.
Democrats, who have been flirting with socialism for years, only have themselves to blame for Sanders’ rise within their ranks.
The party fostered an environment that embraced a man who once said he did not mind being called “a communist,” according to the Washington Examiner.
They have made their bed, and now they are scrambling to not have to sleep in it.
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westernjournal--2020-02-27--Jussie Smollett Says ‘It’s Fight or Die’ as Mayor Calls for Him To Be ‘Prosecuted to the Fullest Ext

Jussie Smollett Says ‘It’s Fight or Die’ as Mayor Calls for Him To Be ‘Prosecuted to the Fullest Extent of the Law’

Actor Jussie Smollett , facing six new counts that claim he falsely reported being attacked last January , is digging in for a battle .
During an interview at Los Angeles International Airport , Smollett told TMZ that his legal battles are “ definitely frustrating.
” “ It ’ s fight or die at this point , ” he said , summing up his attitude .
Smollett was arraigned on Monday on six counts of disorderly conduct stemming from the case that began last January when Smollett , who is openly gay , claimed he was attacked in a racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump by claiming the attackers , who put a noose around his neck , shouted , “ This is MAGA country !
” The story eventually unraveled , and Smollett was charged with filing a false report in a case that shook Chicago .
TRENDING : CNN and MSNBC Air Bloomberg Ad with 9/11 Lie , Do n't Bother Calling It Fake News The criminal case against Smollett ended when prosecutor Kim Foxx ’ s office dropped charges against Smollett in exchange for community service and forfeiture of his $ 10,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought in late last year to review the case , resulting in the indictments handed up earlier this month .
“ The grand jury ’ s investigation revealed that Jussie Smollett planned and participated in a staged hate crime attack , and thereafter made numerous false statements to Chicago Police Department officers on multiple occasions , reporting a heinous hate crime that he , in fact , knew had not occurred , ” Webb said in a statement , according to WBBM-TV .
On Sunday , Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Smollett needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He needs to face the charges .
He committed a crime , and he needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law , and we are going to continue to aggressively make him accountable for the wasted police resources that went into investigating what turned out to be a total hoax , ” Lightfoot said , according to WBBM .
During the encounter at the Los Angeles airport , Smollett was asked whether he still claimed to be innocent .
“ I don ’ t claim to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smollett said .
Smollett was also asked about the concept of double jeopardy , in which a person can not be charged twice for the same crime .
Smollett ’ s attorney , Tina Glandian , who has used that argument to have the new charges dismissed based upon last year ’ s charges that were eventually dropped , said she believes “ the system will eventually work.
” “ The truth is the best defense , ” Smollett said .
“ The truth , which they know nothing about.
” RELATED : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Set of Charges , Pleads Not Guilty On Monday , Smollett pleaded not guilty to the six charges against him , according to ABC News .
The next hearing in Smollett ’ s case is scheduled for March 18 .
“ He ’ s obviously frustrated to be dragged through this process again , ” Glandian said after the hearing , according to Time .
“ He ’ s strong , he ’ s resilient , he ’ ll get through this , but he ’ s frustrated , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Actor Jussie Smollett, facing six new counts that claim he falsely reported being attacked last January, is digging in for a battle.
During an interview at Los Angeles International Airport, Smollett told TMZ that his legal battles are “definitely frustrating.”
“It’s fight or die at this point,” he said, summing up his attitude.
Smollett was arraigned on Monday on six counts of disorderly conduct stemming from the case that began last January when Smollett, who is openly gay, claimed he was attacked in a racist and homophobic crime that he linked to President Donald Trump by claiming the attackers, who put a noose around his neck, shouted, “This is MAGA country!”
The story eventually unraveled, and Smollett was charged with filing a false report in a case that shook Chicago.
The criminal case against Smollett ended when prosecutor Kim Foxx’s office dropped charges against Smollett in exchange for community service and forfeiture of his $10,000 bond.
Special Prosecutor Dan Webb was brought in late last year to review the case, resulting in the indictments handed up earlier this month.
“The grand jury’s investigation revealed that Jussie Smollett planned and participated in a staged hate crime attack, and thereafter made numerous false statements to Chicago Police Department officers on multiple occasions, reporting a heinous hate crime that he, in fact, knew had not occurred,” Webb said in a statement, according to WBBM-TV.
On Sunday, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Smollett needs to pay for what he has done.
“He needs to face the charges. He committed a crime, and he needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we are going to continue to aggressively make him accountable for the wasted police resources that went into investigating what turned out to be a total hoax,” Lightfoot said, according to WBBM.
During the encounter at the Los Angeles airport, Smollett was asked whether he still claimed to be innocent.
“I don’t claim to be innocent; I am innocent,” Smollett said.
Smollett was also asked about the concept of double jeopardy, in which a person cannot be charged twice for the same crime. Smollett’s attorney, Tina Glandian, who has used that argument to have the new charges dismissed based upon last year’s charges that were eventually dropped, said she believes “the system will eventually work.”
“The truth is the best defense,” Smollett said. “The truth, which they know nothing about.”
On Monday, Smollett pleaded not guilty to the six charges against him, according to ABC News. The next hearing in Smollett’s case is scheduled for March 18.
“He’s obviously frustrated to be dragged through this process again,” Glandian said after the hearing, according to Time.
“He’s strong, he’s resilient, he’ll get through this, but he’s frustrated,” she said.
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westernjournal--2020-02-27--Gowdy Calls for Intel Agencies To Stop Briefing ‘Epidemic Leaker’ Schiff

Picture this situation , strange though it may be .
Last week , The New York Times published a story about the Adam Schiff-led House Intelligence Committee purportedly being briefed by intelligence officials on Russia interfering on behalf of President Donald Trump in the 2020 election .
Imagine that at the end of the story , The New York Times announced it was all a bit of a trap .
You now had a virus on your computer that would destroy all your personal data and render your computer or mobile device totally bricked unless you answered one thing correctly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the anonymous congressional sources they used to compile the story .
Get it right , the virus is removed and you can go about your day .
Get it wrong , your entire digital life is erased .
Knowing a ) what I can reasonably guess about the story and b ) what you could reasonably guess about the story , I can safely say that not a single file would be lost and every single person who read “ Lawmakers Are Warned That Russia Is Meddling to Re-elect Trump ” would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read it on .
TRENDING : Bernie Turns on Dem Audience After Getting Booed Over His Pro-Cuba Comments That ’ s because everyone who knows enough to read an article like that also knows that Adam Schiff is the Lusitania of congressional leakage .
Even The Times sort of acknowledged the elephant in the room , saying that “ Mr .
Trump was particularly irritated that Representative Adam B. Schiff , Democrat of California and the leader of the impeachment proceedings , was at the briefing.
” The Times , I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance Monday on Fox News , former South Carolina GOP Rep. Trey Gowdy was on to discuss the fact that the original narrative on the briefing the House Intelligence Committee got has mostly collapsed ; intelligence sources say the election security official who gave the briefing overstated the evidence that Russia was trying to elect Trump .
“ We spent two years for Bob Mueller to tell us there was no evidence ” of Russian collusion , Gowdy , now a Fox News contributor , told host Sean Hannity .
“ It took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find out there was no evidence , ” he continued .
“ As soon as a Republican asked this briefer in the classified intel briefing , ‘ What evidence do you have to support that assessment ?
’ The answer was none.
” “ For over a year , we were lectured by the D.C. media and the Democrats that no one is above the law , ” he continued .
“ No one is above the law , apparently except whoever leaks classified information out of Adam Schiff ’ s committee .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ give some thought to is [ to ] stop briefing someone who has a history and is an epidemic leaker.
” RELATED : Gowdy Unloads on Dems for Calling on Barr To Resign : 'Dumbest Damn Thing I Have Ever Heard' While we ’ re at it , we should probably stop letting Shelby Pierson , the election security official who gave the briefing , do stuff like that .
No matter how you feel about the fact that Trump reportedly attacked Joseph Maguire , his acting director of national intelligence , over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing to the House Intelligence Committee , it ’ s becoming pretty clear Pierson probably wasn ’ t the person to give it .
The Wall Street Journal cited several individuals familiar with her performance in the position to report she “ has a reputation for being injudicious with her words and not appreciating the delicate work of corralling federal agencies , technology firms and state election officials to collaborate on election security.
” Even in their initial report , in which they seemed wholly certain that Pierson ’ s version of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community ’ s official version of events , The Times acknowledged that Pierson “ has a reputation for speaking bluntly.
” Several days later , The Times admitted the evidence was “ muddied ” and that Robert O ’ Brien , the national security advisor , said he hadn ’ t seen any evidence that Russia preferred the current president over any of his potential Democratic rivals .
“ There ’ s no briefing that I ’ ve received , that the president has received , that says that President Putin is doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in favor of President Trump , ” O ’ Brien said on CBS ’ “ Face the Nation.
” “ We just haven ’ t seen that intelligence .
If it ’ s out there , I haven ’ t seen it.
” The basic takeaway , as The Times explained it , is that “ the Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not mean to say that it believes the Russians are currently intervening in the election explicitly to help President Trump ” and that intelligence agencies “ believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that Moscow prefers Mr. Trump , a deal maker it knows well .
But at least for now , those two objectives may not be linked.
” The point remains that whatever the actual situation is , The Times received information about the briefing almost as soon as it happened .
There were no doubt multiple sources — but you can certainly venture a solid guess who one of them was .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Picture this situation, strange though it may be.
Last week, The New York Times published a story about the Adam Schiff-led House Intelligence Committee purportedly being briefed by intelligence officials on Russia interfering on behalf of President Donald Trump in the 2020 election.
Imagine that at the end of the story, The New York Times announced it was all a bit of a trap.
You now had a virus on your computer that would destroy all your personal data and render your computer or mobile device totally bricked unless you answered one thing correctly: You had to guess one of the anonymous congressional sources they used to compile the story. Get it right, the virus is removed and you can go about your day. Get it wrong, your entire digital life is erased.
Knowing a) what I can reasonably guess about the story and b) what you could reasonably guess about the story, I can safely say that not a single file would be lost and every single person who read “Lawmakers Are Warned That Russia Is Meddling to Re-elect Trump” would be walking around with the same iPhone they read it on.
That’s because everyone who knows enough to read an article like that also knows that Adam Schiff is the Lusitania of congressional leakage.
Even The Times sort of acknowledged the elephant in the room, saying that “Mr. Trump was particularly irritated that Representative Adam B. Schiff, Democrat of California and the leader of the impeachment proceedings, was at the briefing.” The Times, I’m sure, was not.
In an appearance Monday on Fox News, former South Carolina GOP Rep. Trey Gowdy was on to discuss the fact that the original narrative on the briefing the House Intelligence Committee got has mostly collapsed; intelligence sources say the election security official who gave the briefing overstated the evidence that Russia was trying to elect Trump.
Gowdy began by noting past allegations of collusion involving Moscow.
Do you think Adam Schiff is a leaker? 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% (1055 Votes) No: 1% (7 Votes)
“We spent two years for Bob Mueller to tell us there was no evidence” of Russian collusion, Gowdy, now a Fox News contributor, told host Sean Hannity.
“It took two minutes this time for us to find out there was no evidence,” he continued.
“As soon as a Republican asked this briefer in the classified intel briefing, ‘What evidence do you have to support that assessment?’ The answer was none.”
“For over a year, we were lectured by the D.C. media and the Democrats that no one is above the law,” he continued.
“No one is above the law, apparently except whoever leaks classified information out of Adam Schiff’s committee. So what the Intelligence Committee needs to give some thought to is [to] stop briefing someone who has a history and is an epidemic leaker.”
While we’re at it, we should probably stop letting Shelby Pierson, the election security official who gave the briefing, do stuff like that.
No matter how you feel about the fact that Trump reportedly attacked Joseph Maguire, his acting director of national intelligence, over his decision to let Pierson give the briefing to the House Intelligence Committee, it’s becoming pretty clear Pierson probably wasn’t the person to give it.
The Wall Street Journal cited several individuals familiar with her performance in the position to report she “has a reputation for being injudicious with her words and not appreciating the delicate work of corralling federal agencies, technology firms and state election officials to collaborate on election security.”
Even in their initial report, in which they seemed wholly certain that Pierson’s version of Russia’s election interference was the intelligence community’s official version of events, The Times acknowledged that Pierson “has a reputation for speaking bluntly.”
Several days later, The Times admitted the evidence was “muddied” and that Robert O’Brien, the national security advisor, said he hadn’t seen any evidence that Russia preferred the current president over any of his potential Democratic rivals.
“There’s no briefing that I’ve received, that the president has received, that says that President Putin is doing anything to try and influence the election in favor of President Trump,” O’Brien said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
“We just haven’t seen that intelligence. If it’s out there, I haven’t seen it.”
The basic takeaway, as The Times explained it, is that “the Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not mean to say that it believes the Russians are currently intervening in the election explicitly to help President Trump” and that intelligence agencies “believe that Russia is intervening in the election, and that Moscow prefers Mr. Trump, a deal maker it knows well. But at least for now, those two objectives may not be linked.”
The point remains that whatever the actual situation is, The Times received information about the briefing almost as soon as it happened.
There were no doubt multiple sources — but you can certainly venture a solid guess who one of them was.
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westernjournal--2020-02-27--Brains Behind Popular Soap Operas ‘Young and the Restless’ and ‘Bold and the Beautiful,’ Lee Phillip

Brains Behind Popular Soap Operas ‘Young and the Restless’ and ‘Bold and the Beautiful,’ Lee Phillip Bell, Dead at Age 91

Lee Phillip Bell , who co-created “ The Young and the Restless ” and “ The Bold and the Beautiful ” and hosted her own daytime talk show in Chicago for 33 years , has died .
She was 91 .
Bell died Tuesday of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles , according to Eva Basler , a spokeswoman for the family and its company , Bell-Phillip Television Productions .
“ Our mother was a loving and supportive wife , mother and grandmother , ” her family said in a statement .
“ Gracious and kind , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
We will miss her tremendously.
” Bell and her husband , William , co-created two of daytime television ‘ s most successful and enduring dramas .
“ Y & R ” has been on the air since 1973 , while “ The Bold and the Beautiful ” will mark its 33rd anniversary in March .
TRENDING : Bernie Turns on Dem Audience After Getting Booed Over His Pro-Cuba Comments Born in Chicago on June 9 , 1928 , Bell began her career as a broadcast journalist in her hometown , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk show from 1953-1986 on WBBM-TV , the local CBS affiliate .
She explored timely social issues and concerns , while also interviewing Presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan , Judy Garland , Clint Eastwood , Oprah Winfrey , Lucille Ball and the Beatles and Rolling Stones .
She won 16 regional Emmy Awards for her show .
Bell also produced and narrated several award-winning specials and documentaries on such topics as foster children , rape and divorce .
She won a Daytime Emmy award for outstanding drama series for “ Y & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifetime achievement award from the Daytime Emmys in 2007 .
Her husband died in 2005 .
She is survived by her sons William and Bradley and daughter Lauralee Bell Martin , who appears on “ Y & R. ” William Bell is president and CEO of the family ’ s production company .
Bradley is executive producer and head writer for “ The Bold and the Beautiful.
” Her daughter-in-law , Colleen Bell , served as U.S. ambassador to Hungary during President Barack Obama ’ s administration and is executive director of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maria Arena Bell , is a former head writer on “ Y & R. ” Her other survivors are son-in-law Scott Martin and eight grandchildren .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Lee Phillip Bell, who co-created “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful” and hosted her own daytime talk show in Chicago for 33 years, has died. She was 91.
Bell died Tuesday of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles, according to Eva Basler, a spokeswoman for the family and its company, Bell-Phillip Television Productions.
“Our mother was a loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother,” her family said in a statement. “Gracious and kind, she enriched the lives of all who knew her. We will miss her tremendously.”
Bell and her husband, William, co-created two of daytime television‘s most successful and enduring dramas. “Y&R” has been on the air since 1973, while “The Bold and the Beautiful” will mark its 33rd anniversary in March.
RIP to the great Lee Bell. One of the finest women I have ever known. A kind, gentle and very smart lady.? to her children and grandchildren and to all who knew her. pic.twitter.com/7Teg6dYavq — Jess Walton (@JessWaltonYR) February 26, 2020
Born in Chicago on June 9, 1928, Bell began her career as a broadcast journalist in her hometown, where she hosted and produced her eponymous daytime talk show from 1953-1986 on WBBM-TV, the local CBS affiliate.
She explored timely social issues and concerns, while also interviewing Presidents Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan, Judy Garland, Clint Eastwood, Oprah Winfrey, Lucille Ball and the Beatles and Rolling Stones. She won 16 regional Emmy Awards for her show.
Bell also produced and narrated several award-winning specials and documentaries on such topics as foster children, rape and divorce.
She won a Daytime Emmy award for outstanding drama series for “Y&R” in 1975 and received a lifetime achievement award from the Daytime Emmys in 2007.
We are all devastated by the passing of Lee Phillip Bell. A television pioneer and powerhouse in her own right, she elevated daytime television in co-creating “The Young and the Restless” with her equally iconic husband, Bill Bell. We sadly mourn our true matriarch. ??? pic.twitter.com/V5nUaz4N5E — Melody Thomas Scott (@MelodyThomasSco) February 26, 2020
Her husband died in 2005. She is survived by her sons William and Bradley and daughter Lauralee Bell Martin, who appears on “Y&R.”
William Bell is president and CEO of the family’s production company. Bradley is executive producer and head writer for “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
Lee Bell was a pioneer in television & the strength behind Bill Bell & his creative vision. All of this while raising 3 amazing, giving, brilliant children. What a rich, full life she created. This is the end of an era… I owe my entire life to Bill and Lee. God Speed #YR — Michelle Stafford (@TheRealStafford) February 26, 2020
Her daughter-in-law, Colleen Bell, served as U.S. ambassador to Hungary during President Barack Obama’s administration and is executive director of the California Film Commission.
Another daughter-in-law, Maria Arena Bell, is a former head writer on “Y&R.” Her other survivors are son-in-law Scott Martin and eight grandchildren.
A memorial is pending.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-02-27--Cali County Plans To Create Task Force To Seize Guns From Banned Owners. Are You Next?

There are some people in this world who should not own firearms , but when the government forms a task force to take them from you , it ’ s frightening .
Every year , the county of Santa Clara , California , issues in the neighborhood of 4,600 orders for gun owners to turn in their weapons on charges mostly involving domestic violence , The Mercury News reported .
But they are not too successful with getting the gun owners to hand in their guns .
That ’ s why the county ’ s board of supervisors and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a County Gun Team whose sole job it is to seize these weapons .
“ Our policies in Santa Clara County , and counties across the state , can ’ t work if there ’ s no one enforcing them , ” Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Cindy Chavez , a Democrat , said on Monday , according to KTVU .
TRENDING : CNN and MSNBC Air Bloomberg Ad with 9/11 Lie , Do n't Bother Calling It Fake News Pay attention to how that works .
First , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and then they get an armed unit to enforce their will .
It is important that you know that plan because there is a good chance it could be coming to a city near you .
“ Those categories of individuals that have been unfortunately a dangerous gap over the last several years require a dedication of focus so that we can run all of these orders and cross-reference their histories and dangerousness , ” Deputy District Attorney Marisa McKeown said .
The idea has come on the heels of a sad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his own family members and then killed himself — despite reports of violent threats days earlier .
To be sure , he is one of the people whose guns should have been taken from him .
But the fear among many , myself included , is that giving the government more power becomes a slippery slope real quick .
Yes , we want people like this madman to have their firearms taken from them .
But what stops this task force from becoming a monster that can not be controlled ?
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and having someone ’ s guns taken from them as revenge ?
And if you think it won ’ t happen , do some research on people who use Child Protective Services in this manner .
RELATED : If Gun Murders Are 'Epidemic , ' Why Does NYT Call 10,000 Late-Term Abortions 'Exceedingly Rare ' ?
Or check the case of a woman who recently lied in order to use red-flag laws against an officer who shot her son .
And then there is the bigger fear that this type of task force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and private gun owners that could result in deaths .
There are many ideas that seem good on paper but do not work the way they are supposed to in the real world .
If you want to hear some of them , just listen to Democrats .
Their entire platform is based on them .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

There are some people in this world who should not own firearms, but when the government forms a task force to take them from you, it’s frightening.
Every year, the county of Santa Clara, California, issues in the neighborhood of 4,600 orders for gun owners to turn in their weapons on charges mostly involving domestic violence, The Mercury News reported.
But they are not too successful with getting the gun owners to hand in their guns.
That’s why the county’s board of supervisors and the district attorney’s office are partnering to create a County Gun Team whose sole job it is to seize these weapons.
“Our policies in Santa Clara County, and counties across the state, can’t work if there’s no one enforcing them,” Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Cindy Chavez, a Democrat, said on Monday, according to KTVU.
Pay attention to how that works. First, government officials propose “common-sense gun reform” and then they get an armed unit to enforce their will.
It is important that you know that plan because there is a good chance it could be coming to a city near you.
“Those categories of individuals that have been unfortunately a dangerous gap over the last several years require a dedication of focus so that we can run all of these orders and cross-reference their histories and dangerousness,” Deputy District Attorney Marisa McKeown said.
The idea has come on the heels of a sad case in which a man murdered four of his own family members and then killed himself — despite reports of violent threats days earlier.
Are you frightened by this potential government task force? 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: 90% (598 Votes) No: 10% (65 Votes)
To be sure, he is one of the people whose guns should have been taken from him.
But the fear among many, myself included, is that giving the government more power becomes a slippery slope real quick.
Yes, we want people like this madman to have their firearms taken from them. But what stops this task force from becoming a monster that cannot be controlled?
What stops someone from reporting domestic violence falsely and having someone’s guns taken from them as revenge?
And if you think it won’t happen, do some research on people who use Child Protective Services in this manner.
Or check the case of a woman who recently lied in order to use red-flag laws against an officer who shot her son.
And then there is the bigger fear that this type of task force could lead to shootouts with law enforcement and private gun owners that could result in deaths.
There are many ideas that seem good on paper but do not work the way they are supposed to in the real world.
If you want to hear some of them, just listen to Democrats. Their entire platform is based on them.
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westernjournal--2020-02-27--Trump Links Weinstein to Michelle Obama in Reaction to Conviction

Disgraced former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein , a Democratic Party mega-donor , was just convicted in a New York court of two felony sex crimes that will likely land him in prison for quite some time .
Despite ample and obvious connections between Weinstein and numerous prominent Democratic politicians , however , the establishment media has largely avoided making any mention of those connections while reporting on his conviction and other alleged crimes for which he will soon stand trial in California .
But the media was forced to confront the issue of Weinstein ’ s deep connections and substantial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was asked to weigh in on the topic at a news conference during his two-day state visit to India .
Of course , the media being as anti-Trump as it is , The Washington Post used the opportunity to spin the Weinstein verdict into an indictment of the president himself , given the number of women who ’ ve leveled allegations of sexual misconduct against him since he entered the political arena .
The Post ’ s article , however , reads as a desperate defensive measure in light of what Trump had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weinstein .
TRENDING : CNN and MSNBC Air Bloomberg Ad with 9/11 Lie , Do n't Bother Calling It Fake News Trump called out former first lady Michelle Obama for having openly expressed how much she “ loved ” the Hollywood producer .
He also was quick to point out how twice-failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also “ loved ” Weinstein and been a willing recipient of his financial contributions to her political career .
“ So , I was never a fan of Harvey Weinstein , as you know .
In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work hard to defeat me in the election .
How did that work out , by the way ?
I ’ m trying to figure that out , ” Trump said at the news conference , according to a White House transcript of his remarks .
“ He was a person I didn ’ t like — never liked , ” the president continued , noting that he wasn ’ t familiar with the specifics of Weinstein ’ s trial because he ’ d been busy with the trip to India .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his .
I knew him a little bit , not very well .
I knew him because he was in New York .
Not — not a person that I like.
” “ I will say , the people that liked him were the Democrats , ” Trump said .
“ Michelle Obama loved him .
Loved him .
Hillary Clinton loved him .
And he gave tremendous money to the Democrats.
” “ And I guess my question is : Will the Democrats be asking for that money back ?
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democrats .
And , you know , it ’ s too bad , but that ’ s the way it worked out , ” he added .
Following that response , another reporter asked a follow-up question about the president ’ s attitude toward the “ # MeToo ” movement .
Trump sidestepped that loaded question and simply said of the Weinstein verdict , “ I think that from the standpoint of women , I think it was a great thing .
It was a — it was a great victory and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question regarding the # MeToo movement was loaded because , as The Washington Post went to great lengths to point out in its slanted article , the movement was , at least in part , devised as a sort of rebuke against Trump and other wealthy and powerful men like him .
In actuality , from the perspective of some of those who promote the movement , Weinstein was little more than an unfortunate collateral casualty in the overarching effort to “ get Trump ” over his alleged mistreatment of women — none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the concerted efforts of The Post and other media outlets like it .
RELATED : Outrageous New York Times Piece Calls for Coronavirus To Be Named After Trump To be sure , Trump has said some boorish and crude things and undoubtedly has caused offense among some women , but that must be viewed in the context of him being an equal-opportunity offender that will strike out at anyone , regardless of gender or race , if he feels it necessary .
As for Weinstein , he always was and always will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Party as a whole .
And Trump will almost certainly remind everyone from time to time of that hefty albatross around the party ’ s neck .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Disgraced former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, a Democratic Party mega-donor, was just convicted in a New York court of two felony sex crimes that will likely land him in prison for quite some time.
Despite ample and obvious connections between Weinstein and numerous prominent Democratic politicians, however, the establishment media has largely avoided making any mention of those connections while reporting on his conviction and other alleged crimes for which he will soon stand trial in California.
But the media was forced to confront the issue of Weinstein’s deep connections and substantial donations to Democrats after President Donald Trump was asked to weigh in on the topic at a news conference during his two-day state visit to India.
Of course, the media being as anti-Trump as it is, The Washington Post used the opportunity to spin the Weinstein verdict into an indictment of the president himself, given the number of women who’ve leveled allegations of sexual misconduct against him since he entered the political arena.
The Post’s article, however, reads as a desperate defensive measure in light of what Trump had to say when reporters asked him about Weinstein.
Trump called out former first lady Michelle Obama for having openly expressed how much she “loved” the Hollywood producer. He also was quick to point out how twice-failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also “loved” Weinstein and been a willing recipient of his financial contributions to her political career.
“So, I was never a fan of Harvey Weinstein, as you know. In fact, he said he was going to work hard to defeat me in the election. How did that work out, by the way? I’m trying to figure that out,” Trump said at the news conference, according to a White House transcript of his remarks.
“He was a person I didn’t like — never liked,” the president continued, noting that he wasn’t familiar with the specifics of Weinstein’s trial because he’d been busy with the trip to India. “But I was just not a fan of his. I knew him a little bit, not very well. I knew him because he was in New York. Not — not a person that I like.”
“I will say, the people that liked him were the Democrats,” Trump said. “Michelle Obama loved him. Loved him. Hillary Clinton loved him. And he gave tremendous money to the Democrats.”
Do you think the establishment media is attempting to cover up Harvey Weinstein's connections to Democrats? 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% (6017 Votes) No: 0% (27 Votes)
“And I guess my question is: Will the Democrats be asking for that money back? Because he gave a lot of money to the Democrats. And, you know, it’s too bad, but that’s the way it worked out,” he added.
Following that response, another reporter asked a follow-up question about the president’s attitude toward the “#MeToo” movement.
Trump sidestepped that loaded question and simply said of the Weinstein verdict, “I think that from the standpoint of women, I think it was a great thing. It was a — it was a great victory and sends a very strong message.”
That question regarding the #MeToo movement was loaded because, as The Washington Post went to great lengths to point out in its slanted article, the movement was, at least in part, devised as a sort of rebuke against Trump and other wealthy and powerful men like him.
In actuality, from the perspective of some of those who promote the movement, Weinstein was little more than an unfortunate collateral casualty in the overarching effort to “get Trump” over his alleged mistreatment of women — none of which has ever been proven despite the concerted efforts of The Post and other media outlets like it.
To be sure, Trump has said some boorish and crude things and undoubtedly has caused offense among some women, but that must be viewed in the context of him being an equal-opportunity offender that will strike out at anyone, regardless of gender or race, if he feels it necessary.
As for Weinstein, he always was and always will be inextricably linked to prominent Democrats and the Democratic Party as a whole.
And Trump will almost certainly remind everyone from time to time of that hefty albatross around the party’s neck.
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westernjournal--2020-02-27--Trump Campaign Sues New York Times: ‘Systematic Pattern of Bias’

President Donald Trump ’ s re-election campaign sued The New York Times for libel on Wednesday , alleging the paper falsely reported about collusion between the president and Russia .
The lawsuit , filed in New York state court , claims the news organization “ knowingly published false and defamatory statements ” about Trump claiming he had an “ overarching deal ” with “ Vladimir Putin ’ s oligarchy ” to “ help in the campaign against Hillary Clinton.
” “ The statements were and are 100 percent false and defamatory , ” Jenna Ellis , a lawyer for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Hill reported .
“ The complaint alleges The Times was aware of the falsity at the time it published them , but did so for the intentional purpose of hurting the campaign , while misleading its own readers in the process , ” Ellis added .
The complaint notes The Times ’ “ own previous reporting had confirmed the falsity of these statements.
” TRENDING : Bernie Turns on Dem Audience After Getting Booed Over His Pro-Cuba Comments “ But The Times published these statements anyway , knowing them to be false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mislead its own readers , because of The Times ’ extreme bias against and animosity toward the Campaign , and The Times ’ exuberance to improperly influence the presidential election in November 2020.
” The Trump campaign ’ s legal team pointed specifically to an Op-Ed by Max Frankel titled “ The Real Trump-Russia Quid Pro Quo , ” published March 27 , as the source of the defamation against the president ’ s election team .
In the article , Frankel , who served as The Times ’ executive editor from 1986 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no need for detailed electoral collusion between the Trump campaign and Vladimir Putin ’ s oligarchy because they had an overarching deal : the quid of help in the campaign against Hillary Clinton for the quo of a new pro-Russian foreign policy , starting with relief from the Obama administration ’ s burdensome economic sanctions .
“ The Trumpites knew about the quid and held out the prospect of the quo.
” The complaint highlights the fact that Frankel offered no proof to back up his claims of Trump-Russia collusion .
Further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report , released on April 18 , found no evidence of coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia .
In a letter to congressional leaders summarizing Mueller ’ s findings made public on March 24 ( three days before Frankel ’ s story ) , Attorney General William Barr quoted directly from the full report regarding collusion .
“ The investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities , ” Barr quoted the report as saying .
The Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach out to them for a response prior to publishing its “ defamatory article , ” which offers “ further evidence of The Times ’ actual malice.
” “ The Times decided to publish the Defamatory Article when it did , in advance of the Mueller Report , knowing that the Mueller Report was likely to exonerate the Campaign from allegations of collusion with Russia regarding the 2016 election , ” the complaint reads .
“ Once the Mueller Report was released , The Times knew that any claims of conspiracy would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of a larger effort to undermine the campaign , according to the Trump campaign ’ s lawyers .
The paper “ has engaged in a systematic pattern of bias against the Campaign , designed to maliciously interfere with and damage its reputation and seek to cause the organization to fail.
” “ There is extensive evidence that The Times is extremely biased against the campaign , and against Republicans in general , ” the complaint further reads .
“ This evidence includes , among other things , the fact that The Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States presidential election of the past sixty ( 60 ) years.
” The Times responded to the lawsuit on Wednesday after its filing .
“ The Trump campaign has turned to the courts to try to punish an opinion writer for having an opinion they find unacceptable , ” Eileen Murphy , a spokeswoman for The Times , said in a statement .
“ Fortunately , the law protects the right of Americans to express their judgments and conclusions , especially about events of public importance , ” she added .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this case.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign sued The New York Times for libel on Wednesday, alleging the paper falsely reported about collusion between the president and Russia.
The lawsuit, filed in New York state court, claims the news organization “knowingly published false and defamatory statements” about Trump claiming he had an “overarching deal” with “Vladimir Putin’s oligarchy” to “help in the campaign against Hillary Clinton.”
“The statements were and are 100 percent false and defamatory,” Jenna Ellis, a lawyer for the campaign, said in a statement, The Hill reported.
“The complaint alleges The Times was aware of the falsity at the time it published them, but did so for the intentional purpose of hurting the campaign, while misleading its own readers in the process,” Ellis added.
The complaint notes The Times’ “own previous reporting had confirmed the falsity of these statements.”
“But The Times published these statements anyway, knowing them to be false, and knowing it would misinform and mislead its own readers, because of The Times’ extreme bias against and animosity toward the Campaign, and The Times’ exuberance to improperly influence the presidential election in November 2020.”
The Trump campaign’s legal team pointed specifically to an Op-Ed by Max Frankel titled “The Real Trump-Russia Quid Pro Quo,” published March 27, as the source of the defamation against the president’s election team.
In the article, Frankel, who served as The Times’ executive editor from 1986 to 1994, claimed, “There was no need for detailed electoral collusion between the Trump campaign and Vladimir Putin’s oligarchy because they had an overarching deal: the quid of help in the campaign against Hillary Clinton for the quo of a new pro-Russian foreign policy, starting with relief from the Obama administration’s burdensome economic sanctions.
“The Trumpites knew about the quid and held out the prospect of the quo.”
Do you support the Trump campaign's decision to sue The New York Times? 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% (436 Votes) No: 1% (3 Votes)
The complaint highlights the fact that Frankel offered no proof to back up his claims of Trump-Russia collusion.
Further, Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report, released on April 18, found no evidence of coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia.
In a letter to congressional leaders summarizing Mueller’s findings made public on March 24 (three days before Frankel’s story), Attorney General William Barr quoted directly from the full report regarding collusion.
“The investigation did not establish that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities,” Barr quoted the report as saying.
The Trump complaint faults The Times for failing to reach out to them for a response prior to publishing its “defamatory article,” which offers “further evidence of The Times’ actual malice.”
“The Times decided to publish the Defamatory Article when it did, in advance of the Mueller Report, knowing that the Mueller Report was likely to exonerate the Campaign from allegations of collusion with Russia regarding the 2016 election,” the complaint reads.
“Once the Mueller Report was released, The Times knew that any claims of conspiracy would not be credible.”
The Frankel story is part of a larger effort to undermine the campaign, according to the Trump campaign’s lawyers.
The paper “has engaged in a systematic pattern of bias against the Campaign, designed to maliciously interfere with and damage its reputation and seek to cause the organization to fail.”
“There is extensive evidence that The Times is extremely biased against the campaign, and against Republicans in general,” the complaint further reads. “This evidence includes, among other things, the fact that The Times has endorsed the Democrat in every United States presidential election of the past sixty (60) years.”
The Times responded to the lawsuit on Wednesday after its filing.
“The Trump campaign has turned to the courts to try to punish an opinion writer for having an opinion they find unacceptable,” Eileen Murphy, a spokeswoman for The Times, said in a statement.
“Fortunately, the law protects the right of Americans to express their judgments and conclusions, especially about events of public importance,” she added. “We look forward to vindicating that right in this case.”
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westernjournal--2020-02-28--After Fiancé Dumps Her She Drops 112 Lbs, Now She’s Miss Great Britain 2020

Jen Atkin , who was recently crowned Miss Great Britain 2020 , is sharing her incredible story of how she went from breakup to beauty queen , living a life today that is worlds different from years past .
Atkin , 26 , was named the 75th Miss Great Britain during a national final in Leicester on Feb. 21 .
Back in 2015 , however , Atkin was “ obese , unhealthy and uncomfortable , ” and was devastated over a breakup with her fiancé .
Speaking on “ Good Morning Britain ” this week , Atkin said the painful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lifestyle change .
TRENDING : Republicans Celebrate After Special Election Flips Kentucky Seat Held by Democrats for 33 Years “ Well , after years of being obese , unhealthy and uncomfortable I found motivation and managed to lose 8 stone , ” Atkin wrote in a recent Instagram post .
“ It transformed me into an ambitious and hard working person in all areas of my life ; achieving something so incredible changed my mindset and made me realise if I worked hard enough for something , I could achieve it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours spent learning to cook at home .
She began bicycling and walking to work and found that the more she exercised , the more she enjoyed it .
Atkin began entering pageants and found it so much fun that she returned this year after taking last year off to get married .
Atkin lost 112 pounds during her weight-loss journey and told the Manchester Evening News that “ Winning Miss Great Britain marks the end of a long and difficult , but also amazing , journey.
” Speaking to the Daily Mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excitement of winning Miss Great Britain , the country ’ s highest pageant honor .
“ There were 45 Miss Great Britain finalists and I was lucky to not only win the personality award but take home the crown and title of Miss Great Britain 2020 , ” she said .
RELATED : 'Shark Tank ' Star Barbara Corcoran Scammed Out of $ 388,700 Because of 1 Letter No One Noticed “ It was such a shock – three years ago I would never ever expected to be winning Miss GB .
Hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the swimsuit round of competition was empowering for Atkin , who said she was proud to step on stage with confidence and an inward joy .
“ I was in my swimsuit stretchmarks and all .
I have so many all over my body , and it ’ s fine , it ’ s normal , ” she said .
Looking back at her painful breakup , Atkin is thankful it happened .
“ When we broke up , I was devastated but it ended up being the best thing that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Jen Atkin, who was recently crowned Miss Great Britain 2020, is sharing her incredible story of how she went from breakup to beauty queen, living a life today that is worlds different from years past.
Atkin, 26, was named the 75th Miss Great Britain during a national final in Leicester on Feb. 21.
Back in 2015, however, Atkin was “obese, unhealthy and uncomfortable,” and was devastated over a breakup with her fiancé.
Speaking on “Good Morning Britain” this week, Atkin said the painful breakup was the catalyst for her diet and lifestyle change.
“Well, after years of being obese, unhealthy and uncomfortable I found motivation and managed to lose 8 stone,” Atkin wrote in a recent Instagram post.
“It transformed me into an ambitious and hard working person in all areas of my life; achieving something so incredible changed my mindset and made me realise if I worked hard enough for something, I could achieve it.”
The pageant winner traded fast food for hours spent learning to cook at home. She began bicycling and walking to work and found that the more she exercised, the more she enjoyed it.
Atkin began entering pageants and found it so much fun that she returned this year after taking last year off to get married.
Atkin lost 112 pounds during her weight-loss journey and told the Manchester Evening News that “Winning Miss Great Britain marks the end of a long and difficult, but also amazing, journey.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Atkin shared about the shock and excitement of winning Miss Great Britain, the country’s highest pageant honor.
“There were 45 Miss Great Britain finalists and I was lucky to not only win the personality award but take home the crown and title of Miss Great Britain 2020,” she said.
“It was such a shock – three years ago I would never ever expected to be winning Miss GB. Hard work really does pay off.”
Participating in the swimsuit round of competition was empowering for Atkin, who said she was proud to step on stage with confidence and an inward joy.
“I was in my swimsuit stretchmarks and all. I have so many all over my body, and it’s fine, it’s normal,” she said.
Looking back at her painful breakup, Atkin is thankful it happened.
“When we broke up, I was devastated but it ended up being the best thing that’s happened to me,” she said.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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