westernjournal--2020-05-14--Millions More File for Unemployment, But Big Positive Signs Seen in States That Have Opened

Nearly 3 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week as the viral outbreak led more companies to slash jobs even though most states have begun to let some businesses reopen under certain restrictions .
Roughly 36 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the two months since the coronavirus first forced millions of businesses to close their doors and shrink their workforces , the Labor Department said Thursday .
An additional 842,000 people applied for aid last week through a separate federal program set up for the self-employed and gig workers .
All told , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gripped by its worst crisis in decades and an economy that is sinking into a severe downturn .
Last week ’ s pace of new applications for aid is four times the record high that prevailed before the coronavirus struck hard in March .
Jobless workers in some states are still reporting difficulty applying for or receiving benefits .
These include free-lance , gig and self-employed workers , who became newly eligible for jobless aid this year .
In Georgia , one of the first states to partially reopen its economy , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 241,000 .
In Florida , which has allowed restaurants to reopen at one-quarter capacity , claims jumped to nearly 222,000 , though that state ’ s unemployment agency has struggled to process claims .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own Other states that have lifted some restrictions , such as South Carolina and Texas , reported large declines in claims .
President Donald Trump appeared to respond to the report by tweeting , “ Good numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
America is getting its life back !
” The latest jobless claims follow a devastating jobs report last week .
The government said the unemployment rate soared to 14.7 percent in April , the highest rate since the Great Depression , and employers shed a stunning 20.5 million jobs .
A decade ’ s worth of job growth was wiped out in a single month .
Even those figures failed to capture the full scale of the damage .
The government said many workers in April were counted as employed but absent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as temporarily unemployed .
Millions of other laid-off workers didn ’ t look for a new job in April , likely discouraged by their prospects in a mostly shuttered economy , and weren ’ t included , either .
If all those people had been counted as unemployed , the jobless rate would have reached nearly 24 percent .
Most economists have forecast that the official unemployment rate could hit 18 percent or higher in May before potentially declining by summer .
The job market ’ s collapse has occurred with dizzying speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment rate was 3.5 percent , a half-century low .
Employers had added jobs for a record 9½ years .
Even in March , unemployment was just 4.4 percent .
Now , with few Americans shopping , traveling , eating out or otherwise spending normally , economists are projecting that the gross domestic product — the broadest gauge of economic activity — is shrinking in the April-June quarter at a roughly 40 percent annual rate .
That would be the deepest quarterly contraction on record .
The states that are now easing lockdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio has permitted warehouses , most offices , factories and construction companies to reopen , but restaurants and bars remain closed for indoor sit-down service .
A handful of states have gone further , including Georgia , which has opened barber shops , bowling alleys , tattoo parlors and gyms .
South Carolina has reopened beach hotels , and Texas has reopened shopping malls .
Data from private firms suggest that some previously laid-off workers have started to return to small businesses in those states , though the number of applications for unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a quick rebound .
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned Wednesday that the virus-induced recession could turn into a prolonged downturn that would erode workers ’ skills and employment connections while bankrupting many small businesses .
Powell urged Congress and the White House to consider additional spending and tax measures to help small businesses and households avoid bankruptcy .
Powell spoke a day after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , a California Democrat , proposed a $ 3 trillion aid package that would direct money to state and local governments , households and health-care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that provides time-clock technology to small businesses , has tracked how many employees have clocked in and for how many hours since the pandemic struck .
Though Homebase ’ s data suggests that some people have returned to work in states that have partially reopened , it ’ s unclear how sustainable that trend can be unless many more customers return .
In Georgia , which began reopening in late April , the number of people working at small businesses on Tuesday was down 37 percent compared with the beginning of March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That is an improvement from mid-April , when the number of employees working had fallen by half .
In New York , which remains mostly shut down , employment at small businesses is down 63 percent as of Tuesday , only slightly better than in mid-April .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Nearly 3 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week as the viral outbreak led more companies to slash jobs even though most states have begun to let some businesses reopen under certain restrictions.
Roughly 36 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the two months since the coronavirus first forced millions of businesses to close their doors and shrink their workforces, the Labor Department said Thursday. An additional 842,000 people applied for aid last week through a separate federal program set up for the self-employed and gig workers.
All told, the figures point to a job market gripped by its worst crisis in decades and an economy that is sinking into a severe downturn. Last week’s pace of new applications for aid is four times the record high that prevailed before the coronavirus struck hard in March.
Jobless workers in some states are still reporting difficulty applying for or receiving benefits. These include free-lance, gig and self-employed workers, who became newly eligible for jobless aid this year.
In Georgia, one of the first states to partially reopen its economy, the number of unemployment claims rose last week to 241,000. In Florida, which has allowed restaurants to reopen at one-quarter capacity, claims jumped to nearly 222,000, though that state’s unemployment agency has struggled to process claims.
Other states that have lifted some restrictions, such as South Carolina and Texas, reported large declines in claims.
President Donald Trump appeared to respond to the report by tweeting, “Good numbers coming out of States that are opening. America is getting its life back!”
Good numbers coming out of States that are opening. America is getting its life back! Vaccine work is looking VERY promising, before end of year. Likewise, other solutions! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2020
The latest jobless claims follow a devastating jobs report last week. The government said the unemployment rate soared to 14.7 percent in April, the highest rate since the Great Depression, and employers shed a stunning 20.5 million jobs. A decade’s worth of job growth was wiped out in a single month.
Even those figures failed to capture the full scale of the damage. The government said many workers in April were counted as employed but absent from work but should have been counted as temporarily unemployed.
Millions of other laid-off workers didn’t look for a new job in April, likely discouraged by their prospects in a mostly shuttered economy, and weren’t included, either. If all those people had been counted as unemployed, the jobless rate would have reached nearly 24 percent.
Most economists have forecast that the official unemployment rate could hit 18 percent or higher in May before potentially declining by summer.
The job market’s collapse has occurred with dizzying speed. As recently as February, the unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, a half-century low. Employers had added jobs for a record 9½ years. Even in March, unemployment was just 4.4 percent.
Do you think the economy will rebound to its pre-pandemic heights? 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: 85% (60 Votes) No: 15% (11 Votes)
Now, with few Americans shopping, traveling, eating out or otherwise spending normally, economists are projecting that the gross domestic product — the broadest gauge of economic activity — is shrinking in the April-June quarter at a roughly 40 percent annual rate. That would be the deepest quarterly contraction on record.
The states that are now easing lockdowns are doing so in varied ways. Ohio has permitted warehouses, most offices, factories and construction companies to reopen, but restaurants and bars remain closed for indoor sit-down service.
A handful of states have gone further, including Georgia, which has opened barber shops, bowling alleys, tattoo parlors and gyms. South Carolina has reopened beach hotels, and Texas has reopened shopping malls.
Data from private firms suggest that some previously laid-off workers have started to return to small businesses in those states, though the number of applications for unemployment benefits remains high.
Few analysts expect a quick rebound. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned Wednesday that the virus-induced recession could turn into a prolonged downturn that would erode workers’ skills and employment connections while bankrupting many small businesses.
Powell urged Congress and the White House to consider additional spending and tax measures to help small businesses and households avoid bankruptcy.
Powell spoke a day after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, proposed a $3 trillion aid package that would direct money to state and local governments, households and health-care workers.
Homebase, a software company that provides time-clock technology to small businesses, has tracked how many employees have clocked in and for how many hours since the pandemic struck. Though Homebase’s data suggests that some people have returned to work in states that have partially reopened, it’s unclear how sustainable that trend can be unless many more customers return.
In Georgia, which began reopening in late April, the number of people working at small businesses on Tuesday was down 37 percent compared with the beginning of March, according to Homebase’s data.
That is an improvement from mid-April, when the number of employees working had fallen by half.
In New York, which remains mostly shut down, employment at small businesses is down 63 percent as of Tuesday, only slightly better than in mid-April.
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--2020-05-15--Op-Ed: How Will COVID Impact the 2020 Election?

At this time of year , everyone is looking for hints at how the electorate might swing in November .
One such reading came via a May 12 special election in California to replace former Rep. Katie Hill , the congresswoman who resigned last year amid a sex scandal .
The seat had been held by Republicans for many years , but the district went for Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016 , and the seat was claimed by the Democrats in the 2018 political wave that swept California .
Hill benefited from that wave , but also might have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that turned out her voters .
Now , with the coronavirus keeping people home , that in-person campaigning isn ’ t happening .
In fact , all the campaigns look very different right now .
No town halls , no door knocking , no shaking hands at the county fair and no $ 500-a-plate fundraisers .
This is likely to carry on throughout the summer and fall , at least to some degree .
Will this benefit one party over another ?
It ’ s hard to tell , but with politicos searching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes are turned to the race in Southern California for a clue .
One thing that both parties hold to be generally true is that Republicans do better when turnout is lower .
Even in mail-in elections , the most engaged and motivated voters tend to vote Republican .
There are exceptions ( the 2016 election of President Trump was a high turnout election ) , but generally speaking , Democrats are most optimistic about their chances when their get-out-the-vote efforts are in full swing , and turnout is high .
TRENDING : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own How will this play in November ?
Will there still be stay-at-home orders around the country ?
Or more likely , if blue states have tighter restrictions than red states , will that suppress the local turnout and favor the Republican candidates there ?
These questions are being asked by every political group in the nation .
Meanwhile , in the high-stakes California race , both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton voiced support for Democratic state Assemblywoman Christy Smith , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican and former Navy pilot Mike Garcia .
The race was conducted almost entirely via mail-in ballots , though there were a few polling places open on election day .
California is notoriously slow at counting , often taking days or even weeks to declare a winner for a close election , as the mail-in ballots trickle in .
But the day after the election , after establishing a double-digit lead over Smith , Garcia declared victory , winning back the seat for Republicans .
The gain is only temporary for now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the seat is back up for a vote in November along with all the other House seats in the nation .
The same two candidates will face off again then .
The coronavirus is affecting other parts of the election as well , including right at the top of the ballot .
Donald Trump loves his big rallies , but they aren ’ t happening .
Meanwhile , it seems that Joe Biden is the forgotten man .
He , of course , isn ’ t out campaigning either and has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I can ’ t help but wonder — if Biden ’ s health is indeed flagging as many suspect — if the less rigorous campaign schedule isn ’ t actually a plus for him .
Less speaking and more rest may be just what he needs .
On the other hand , as Biden sees Trump still appear daily on television , I can ’ t imagine the “ let ’ s make sure no one is thinking about me ” strategy is one he is too happy about .
Perhaps the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on local elections , and how voters think their governors , mayors and county commissioners handled the crisis .
By November , there will be a lot of data .
As a case in point , while much of the country begins the process of reopening , the three west coast states still have among the strictest stay-at-home orders in the country .
This is having a devastating effect on their economies , with little chance of a quick bounceback if businesses remain locked down .
RELATED : Rob Wasinger : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ?
The governors of those three states know the grim budgets that will result .
They are looking at massive budget cuts and layoffs , unlike anything seen in our lifetimes .
They will be tempted to raise taxes , but would face a voter rebellion and a flight of business from the state if they do .
Every option seems bad .
So they , along with the governors of Colorado and Nevada , are asking for $ 1 trillion from the federal government to make up for the lost revenues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Kate Brown called “ impossible decisions.
” The question I have , and they don ’ t address , is where would this money actually come from ?
The federal government doesn ’ t have an extra trillion lying around , so in order to give it to the Western states , they would have to take it from somewhere else .
Will they try to take it from the states that are opening up and beginning to produce more revenue ?
That hardly seems fair , especially when you consider that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same by the virus .
Would this be proposed as a loan instead ?
If so , who would pay it back and how would the states raise the trillion dollars to do so ?
On top of the record deficit payouts already made in the past month , that ’ s tough to swallow .
At a glance the idea sounds great — we don ’ t want to go back to work , and we want a trillion dollars .
Yeah , sign me up for that too .
But in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get a trillion dollars is through a lot of very productive work , and that can ’ t happen if people stay home not working .
Not even Washington , D.C. , can simply produce wealth from nothing .
Different political actions are likely to bring different results , with potentially dire consequences — more COVID-19 deaths , a destroyed economy , reduced personal freedoms , etc .
— which means in a few months the wisdom with which the various states approached this whole crisis might start to become clear .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reward or punish politicians accordingly .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

At this time of year, everyone is looking for hints at how the electorate might swing in November. One such reading came via a May 12 special election in California to replace former Rep. Katie Hill, the congresswoman who resigned last year amid a sex scandal. The seat had been held by Republicans for many years, but the district went for Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016, and the seat was claimed by the Democrats in the 2018 political wave that swept California.
Hill benefited from that wave, but also might have been helped by an energetic door-to-door campaign that turned out her voters. Now, with the coronavirus keeping people home, that in-person campaigning isn’t happening.
In fact, all the campaigns look very different right now. No town halls, no door knocking, no shaking hands at the county fair and no $500-a-plate fundraisers. This is likely to carry on throughout the summer and fall, at least to some degree.
Will this benefit one party over another? It’s hard to tell, but with politicos searching for any edge they can find, eyes are turned to the race in Southern California for a clue.
One thing that both parties hold to be generally true is that Republicans do better when turnout is lower. Even in mail-in elections, the most engaged and motivated voters tend to vote Republican. There are exceptions (the 2016 election of President Trump was a high turnout election), but generally speaking, Democrats are most optimistic about their chances when their get-out-the-vote efforts are in full swing, and turnout is high.
How will this play in November? Will there still be stay-at-home orders around the country? Or more likely, if blue states have tighter restrictions than red states, will that suppress the local turnout and favor the Republican candidates there? These questions are being asked by every political group in the nation.
Meanwhile, in the high-stakes California race, both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton voiced support for Democratic state Assemblywoman Christy Smith, while Donald Trump tweeted out encouragement for Republican and former Navy pilot Mike Garcia. The race was conducted almost entirely via mail-in ballots, though there were a few polling places open on election day. California is notoriously slow at counting, often taking days or even weeks to declare a winner for a close election, as the mail-in ballots trickle in.
But the day after the election, after establishing a double-digit lead over Smith, Garcia declared victory, winning back the seat for Republicans.
The gain is only temporary for now. Because it’s a special election, the seat is back up for a vote in November along with all the other House seats in the nation. The same two candidates will face off again then.
Do you think Mike Garcia's successful campaign is a sign of things to come for the GOP in the fall? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (318 Votes) No: 3% (9 Votes)
The coronavirus is affecting other parts of the election as well, including right at the top of the ballot.
Donald Trump loves his big rallies, but they aren’t happening. Meanwhile, it seems that Joe Biden is the forgotten man. He, of course, isn’t out campaigning either and has to settle for video chats with the media.
I can’t help but wonder — if Biden’s health is indeed flagging as many suspect — if the less rigorous campaign schedule isn’t actually a plus for him. Less speaking and more rest may be just what he needs. On the other hand, as Biden sees Trump still appear daily on television, I can’t imagine the “let’s make sure no one is thinking about me” strategy is one he is too happy about.
Perhaps the biggest effect that the coronavirus will have is on local elections, and how voters think their governors, mayors and county commissioners handled the crisis.
By November, there will be a lot of data. As a case in point, while much of the country begins the process of reopening, the three west coast states still have among the strictest stay-at-home orders in the country. This is having a devastating effect on their economies, with little chance of a quick bounceback if businesses remain locked down.
The governors of those three states know the grim budgets that will result. They are looking at massive budget cuts and layoffs, unlike anything seen in our lifetimes. They will be tempted to raise taxes, but would face a voter rebellion and a flight of business from the state if they do.
Every option seems bad. So they, along with the governors of Colorado and Nevada, are asking for $1 trillion from the federal government to make up for the lost revenues and help them avoid what Oregon Gov. Kate Brown called “impossible decisions.”
The question I have, and they don’t address, is where would this money actually come from?
The federal government doesn’t have an extra trillion lying around, so in order to give it to the Western states, they would have to take it from somewhere else. Will they try to take it from the states that are opening up and beginning to produce more revenue? That hardly seems fair, especially when you consider that those states have been hit about the same by the virus.
Would this be proposed as a loan instead? If so, who would pay it back and how would the states raise the trillion dollars to do so? On top of the record deficit payouts already made in the past month, that’s tough to swallow.
At a glance the idea sounds great — we don’t want to go back to work, and we want a trillion dollars. Yeah, sign me up for that too. But in the real world, the only way to get a trillion dollars is through a lot of very productive work, and that can’t happen if people stay home not working. Not even Washington, D.C., can simply produce wealth from nothing.
Different political actions are likely to bring different results, with potentially dire consequences — more COVID-19 deaths, a destroyed economy, reduced personal freedoms, etc. — which means in a few months the wisdom with which the various states approached this whole crisis might start to become clear. The voters will weigh the results, and reward or punish politicians accordingly.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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Caleb Backholm Summary Recent Posts Contact Caleb Backholm is a married father of three, a small business owner and a seminary student. He writes political commentary for My Faith Votes, a nonpartisan movement that motivates, equips and activates Christians in America to vote in every election. Op-Ed: How Will COVID Impact the 2020 Election? See more...


westernjournal--2020-05-14--Canada’s ‘Incoherent’ Gun Ban Includes Bolt-Action Rifles, Excludes Some Semi-Automatics

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ’ s ban on certain firearms has many in the country ’ s gun industry scratching their heads and wondering if their government has even a basic grasp of the characteristics of firearms .
The Liberal government has outlawed so-called “ assault weapons ” and other guns in a sudden power grab to limit the kinds of firearms Canadians can possess .
Canada ’ s National Post reported on May 6 that the ban , which one activist called “ incoherent , ” even outlaws some bolt-action rifles that rural citizens use for hunting in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today we are closing the market for military-grade assault weapons in Canada .
We are banning 1,500 models and variants of these firearms by way of regulations .
These weapons were designed for one purpose and one purpose only , to kill the largest number of people in the shortest amount of time , ” Trudeau announced on May 1 .
“ There is no use and no place for such weapons in Canada … So , effective immediately , it is no longer permitted to buy , sell , transport , import @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , ” he added .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own The ban is apparently a response to the murder of 22 people in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19 , when a man named Gabriel Wortman went on a killing spree with a “ handgun and long guns , ” according to CBC .
“ Police have traced one of Wortman ’ s weapons back to Canada , but believe the others may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the outlet reported .
Wortman is said to have killed his 22 victims while posing as a police officer at 16 different crime scenes while also using a handgun and ammunition he took from a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer after killing her .
Wortman , who was killed by police , also set fires while on the spree .
But it will be lawful Canadian gun owners and manufacturers who will pay for Wortman ’ s crimes .
Gun owners and sellers north of the border are now barred from owning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfectly legal before Wortman ’ s killing spree .
The National Post reported that Canadian lawmakers have bungled their gun grab in ignorant fashion by announcing completely inconsistent regulations on legal firearm ownership .
“ The ban , announced late last week , does not include the Chinese-made Norinco Type 97 , for example , a semi-automatic version of the standard-issued rifles used by the People ’ s Liberation Army of China .
Nor does it include the Russian-designed SKS rifle , the precursor to the popular AK-47 ; the Israeli-made Tavor .223 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid of the Israeli Defense Force , or the Canadian-made WK180-C , which gun publication CalibreMag said ‘ functions much like an AR-15 , ’ a firearm Justin Trudeau was at pains to highlight , ” the newspaper reported .
“ Meanwhile , the list bans a number of bolt-action hunting rifles used for large game .
Some retailers worry the restrictions could also extend to accessorized shotguns used in bird hunts , due to broad language used in the regulations .
A spokesperson for Public Safety Minister Bill Blair on Tuesday said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was preparing an official statement on the matter as the National Post went to press.
” The Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association had harsh criticism for Blair and the inconsistent regulations .
“ Minister Blair is either too inept to comprehend the scope of his regulations… or he lied to the government and Canadians , ” the CSAAA said in a statement .
Alison de Groot , the CSAAA ’ s managing director , told CBC that Canadian gunmakers plan to challenge the sweeping regulations , which she said ban some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in foreign countries to sell similar weapons in the country .
Apparently Canada ’ s Liberal government doesn ’ t understand the nuances between firearms , other than that they go “ boom ” and are a stepping stone to be navigated around in order to reach peak wokeness .
Of course , all firearms that were legal in the country prior to May 1 would be deemed necessary in a harsh country by any rational person .
But guns with certain characteristics are now illegal , while guns with similar characteristics are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese Norinco Type 97-NS , which is similar to popular semi-automatic AR-15-style rifles , will remain legal .
The gun shoots NATO 5.56/.223 and features a sleek 18-1/2-inch barrel while weighing just over 8 pounds .
“ You don ’ t need an AR-15 to bring down a deer , ” Trudeau said , but the weapons are popular with hunting .
The Chinese-made 97 , which is essentially the kind of weapon the government sought to ban , will remain on the market .
But some bolt-action rifles are now illegal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been around firearms .
“ Indigenous people who use .50 calibre rifles to hunt big game will be allowed to continue using the firearms for a two-year period , after which they will have to surrender them , ” the National Post reported .
It appears the Liberal government used the Wortman massacre as a pretext to limit Canadians ’ rights , and have proven to be too incompetent to get their tyrannical gun ban right .
Then again , this is not about protecting public safety .
This is a gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canadian lawmakers don ’ t even understand the weapons they are banning .
Criminals don ’ t follow the law ; that is what makes them criminals .
Killing 22 innocent people is illegal , as is owning unregistered weapons and ammunition in Canada , but that didn ’ t stop a madman in Nova Scotia from doing either .
Law-abiding gun owners , per what has become the norm , are now left to deal with the actions of an inept government that is seeking to disarm them , and it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ban on certain firearms has many in the country’s gun industry scratching their heads and wondering if their government has even a basic grasp of the characteristics of firearms.
The Liberal government has outlawed so-called “assault weapons” and other guns in a sudden power grab to limit the kinds of firearms Canadians can possess.
Canada’s National Post reported on May 6 that the ban, which one activist called “incoherent,” even outlaws some bolt-action rifles that rural citizens use for hunting in order to sustain their families.
“Today we are closing the market for military-grade assault weapons in Canada. We are banning 1,500 models and variants of these firearms by way of regulations. These weapons were designed for one purpose and one purpose only, to kill the largest number of people in the shortest amount of time,” Trudeau announced on May 1.
“There is no use and no place for such weapons in Canada … So, effective immediately, it is no longer permitted to buy, sell, transport, import or use military-grade assault weapons in this country,” he added.
The ban is purportedly a response to the murder of 22 people in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19, when a man named Gabriel Wortman went on a killing spree with a “handgun and long guns,” according to CBC.
“Police have traced one of Wortman’s weapons back to Canada, but believe the others may have been obtained in the United States,” the outlet reported.
Wortman is said to have killed his 22 victims while posing as a police officer at 16 different crime scenes while also using a handgun and ammunition he took from a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer after killing her.
Do you think Canadian politicians are taking advantage of the Nova Scotia massacre to justify new gun control measures? 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% (1011 Votes) No: 1% (7 Votes)
Wortman, who was killed by police, also set fires while on the spree.
But it will be lawful Canadian gun owners and manufacturers who will pay for Wortman’s crimes.
Gun owners and sellers north of the border are now barred from owning 1,500 separate models of weapons which were perfectly legal before Wortman’s killing spree.
The National Post reported that Canadian lawmakers have bungled their gun grab in ignorant fashion by announcing completely inconsistent regulations on legal firearm ownership.
“The ban, announced late last week, does not include the Chinese-made Norinco Type 97, for example, a semi-automatic version of the standard-issued rifles used by the People’s Liberation Army of China. Nor does it include the Russian-designed SKS rifle, the precursor to the popular AK-47; the Israeli-made Tavor .223, a semi-automatic rifle developed with the aid of the Israeli Defense Force, or the Canadian-made WK180-C, which gun publication CalibreMag said ‘functions much like an AR-15,’ a firearm Justin Trudeau was at pains to highlight,” the newspaper reported.
“Meanwhile, the list bans a number of bolt-action hunting rifles used for large game. Some retailers worry the restrictions could also extend to accessorized shotguns used in bird hunts, due to broad language used in the regulations. A spokesperson for Public Safety Minister Bill Blair on Tuesday said the ban would not include shotguns, and was preparing an official statement on the matter as the National Post went to press.”
The Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association had harsh criticism for Blair and the inconsistent regulations.
“Minister Blair is either too inept to comprehend the scope of his regulations… or he lied to the government and Canadians,” the CSAAA said in a statement.
Alison de Groot, the CSAAA’s managing director, told CBC that Canadian gunmakers plan to challenge the sweeping regulations, which she said ban some Canadian firearms while simultaneously allowing competitors based in foreign countries to sell similar weapons in the country.
“The list was incoherent,” de Groot said.
Apparently Canada’s Liberal government doesn’t understand the nuances between firearms, other than that they go “boom” and are a stepping stone to be navigated around in order to reach peak wokeness.
Of course, all firearms that were legal in the country prior to May 1 would be deemed necessary in a harsh country by any rational person.
But guns with certain characteristics are now illegal, while guns with similar characteristics are perfectly fine.
For example, the Chinese Norinco Type 97-NS, which is similar to popular semi-automatic AR-15-style rifles, will remain legal. The gun shoots NATO 5.56/.223 and features a sleek 18-1/2-inch barrel while weighing just over 8 pounds.
“You don’t need an AR-15 to bring down a deer,” Trudeau said, but the weapons are popular with hunting.
The Chinese-made 97, which is essentially the kind of weapon the government sought to ban, will remain on the market.
But some bolt-action rifles are now illegal, which makes little sense to people who have been around firearms.
“Indigenous people who use .50 calibre rifles to hunt big game will be allowed to continue using the firearms for a two-year period, after which they will have to surrender them,” the National Post reported.
It appears the Liberal government used the Wortman massacre as a pretext to limit Canadians’ rights, and have proven to be too incompetent to get their tyrannical gun ban right.
Then again, this is not about protecting public safety. This is a gun grab, pure and simple, and Canadian lawmakers don’t even understand the weapons they are banning.
Criminals don’t follow the law; that is what makes them criminals.
Killing 22 innocent people is illegal, as is owning unregistered weapons and ammunition in Canada, but that didn’t stop a madman in Nova Scotia from doing either.
Law-abiding gun owners, per what has become the norm, are now left to deal with the actions of an inept government that is seeking to disarm them, and it can’t even do that correctly.
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--KrisAnne Hall: State Attorney Admits That Coercion and Intimidation Are His “North Star”

On March 30 , Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne of River Ministries International was arrested for allegedly holding church services contrary to the Hillsborough County , Florida , “ Safer at Home ” order .
In spite of the fact that the church observed social distancing and proper sanitary practices , above and beyond the local Walmart , Sheriff Chad Chronister arrested Pastor Howard-Browne contrary to the rights enshrined in both the U.S. and Florida Constitutions .
Shortly after that arrest , State Attorney Andrew Warren filed criminal charges against Pastor Howard-Browne alleging two misdemeanor violations punishable by up to a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1000 fine .
On May 15 , Warren decided to drop the charges against Pastor Howard-Browne and filed a notice of termination of prosecution to the clerk of the court .
In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times , Florida State Attorney Andrew Warren said : TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own “ In deciding whether to criminally prosecute violations of stay-at-home orders , compliance is our North Star.
” So according to Warren , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people obey .
When governments can suppress individual speech or conduct through fear , the people will silence themselves out of apprehension of an unchecked force .
State Attorney Warren ’ s policy is the very definition of the chilling effect our judicial system has condemned for over a century .
When a prosecutor can bring charges against someone contrary to our rights and then sidestep accountability by later dropping those charges , the process becomes the punishment .
This is not the “ north star ” of America ’ s legal system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belief that people have certain unalienable rights and the sole purpose of government is to secure those rights .
A just government does not use the system as a bludgeon to enforce the whimsical orders of the day .
The goal of the prosecutor is to be a defender of the facts , not a plantation foreman whose job is to whip the population into compliance .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On March 30, Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne of River Ministries International was arrested for allegedly holding church services contrary to the Hillsborough County, Florida, “Safer at Home” order.
In spite of the fact that the church observed social distancing and proper sanitary practices, above and beyond the local Walmart, Sheriff Chad Chronister arrested Pastor Howard-Browne contrary to the rights enshrined in both the U.S. and Florida Constitutions.
Shortly after that arrest, State Attorney Andrew Warren filed criminal charges against Pastor Howard-Browne alleging two misdemeanor violations punishable by up to a year in the county jail and a $1000 fine.
On May 15, Warren decided to drop the charges against Pastor Howard-Browne and filed a notice of termination of prosecution to the clerk of the court.
In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Florida State Attorney Andrew Warren said:
“In deciding whether to criminally prosecute violations of stay-at-home orders, compliance is our North Star.”
So according to Warren, the goal of the prosecutor is to make people obey.
When governments can suppress individual speech or conduct through fear, the people will silence themselves out of apprehension of an unchecked force.
State Attorney Warren’s policy is the very definition of the chilling effect our judicial system has condemned for over a century.
When a prosecutor can bring charges against someone contrary to our rights and then sidestep accountability by later dropping those charges, the process becomes the punishment.
Due process is obliterated.
This is not the “north star” of America’s legal system.
Our north star is that the belief that people have certain unalienable rights and the sole purpose of government is to secure those rights.
A just government does not use the system as a bludgeon to enforce the whimsical orders of the day.
The goal of the prosecutor is to be a defender of the facts, not a plantation foreman whose job is to whip the population into compliance.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-05-15--Walk-In Customer Stuns Stylist with $2,500 Tip and $3,300 for Rest of Salon Staff

It ’ s been a rocky two months for many employees or former employees of businesses that have been forced to shut their doors to customers thanks to the coronavirus .
There have been generous patrons that have helped out as they could , donating or buying gift cards to use at local spots once they are allowed to open for business , but few have the means to drop several thousand in one go .
Floyd ’ s 99 Barbershop in Denver , Colorado , opened up again Saturday for the first time since closing in mid-March .
Ilisia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work after the unplanned hiatus , and her schedule was crammed with appointments .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own But her biggest break came right at the end of her day .
“ I had 15 minutes left in my shift , and he walked up and asked if I could squeeze him in , ” Novotny told ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America ” of a nameless gentleman who soon became her hero .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ desperate for a haircut right now so I didn ’ t mind.
” The two chatted about how difficult things had been for people with jobs affected by the closures and other various topics .
When her client was leaving , he turned and said something that confused her .
“ Just so you know , ” she recalled him saying , “ the tip is not a mistake ” It didn ’ t take long for her to realize he must be talking about the sizable tip he ’ d left for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 bill .
“ I cried , ” Novotny told The Denver Post .
“ I ’ m a single mother .
It ’ s been rough the last few months not knowing what ’ s going to happen , not knowing when we might reopen so I could go back to work.
” “ My son was like , ‘ If you don ’ t have a job , how are we gon na pay bills ? '
” The tip was for $ 2,500 — but the generous patron didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 to the receptionist , $ 1,000 to the general manager and $ 100 for each of the other 18 employees for a staggering total of $ 5,800 in tips .
RELATED : Woman Rushes To Save Neighbor After He Banged on Her Front Door : 'Thank God Above That She Was Home' “ I was just in complete shock , ” Novotny told ABC .
“ This came at a crucial time for me , ” she added .
“ He didn ’ t want to make a big show of it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blessing , and I have so much appreciation .
I still can ’ t believe it.
” “ For him to come back and give out such generous tips to all my colleagues really just left me speechless , ” Novotny said .
“ I can ’ t even tell you how much this means to us all.
” “ Coming back and having clients , even people you don ’ t know , show so much love , it felt great , ” she added to The Post .
The barbershop shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook page .
“ The support we ’ ve seen since being able to reopen some of our shops where regulations allow has been astounding , ” the business posted .
“ This is just one great story from one of our Denver shops .
Thank you to our communities for supporting us during this time.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s been a rocky two months for many employees or former employees of businesses that have been forced to shut their doors to customers thanks to the coronavirus.
There have been generous patrons that have helped out as they could, donating or buying gift cards to use at local spots once they are allowed to open for business, but few have the means to drop several thousand in one go.
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop in Denver, Colorado, opened up again Saturday for the first time since closing in mid-March.
Ilisia Novotny was ready to jump back to work after the unplanned hiatus, and her schedule was crammed with appointments.
But her biggest break came right at the end of her day.
“I had 15 minutes left in my shift, and he walked up and asked if I could squeeze him in,” Novotny told ABC’s “Good Morning America” of a nameless gentleman who soon became her hero. “I know how many people are desperate for a haircut right now so I didn’t mind.”
The two chatted about how difficult things had been for people with jobs affected by the closures and other various topics. When her client was leaving, he turned and said something that confused her.
“Just so you know,” she recalled him saying, “the tip is not a mistake”
It didn’t take long for her to realize he must be talking about the sizable tip he’d left for her on the receipt for his $27 bill.
“I cried,” Novotny told The Denver Post. “I’m a single mother. It’s been rough the last few months not knowing what’s going to happen, not knowing when we might reopen so I could go back to work.”
“My son was like, ‘If you don’t have a job, how are we gonna pay bills?'”
The tip was for $2,500 — but the generous patron didn’t stop there. He left $500 to the receptionist, $1,000 to the general manager and $100 for each of the other 18 employees for a staggering total of $5,800 in tips.
“I was just in complete shock,” Novotny told ABC.
“This came at a crucial time for me,” she added. “He didn’t want to make a big show of it, but it’s truly a blessing, and I have so much appreciation. I still can’t believe it.”
“For him to come back and give out such generous tips to all my colleagues really just left me speechless,” Novotny said. “I can’t even tell you how much this means to us all.”
“Coming back and having clients, even people you don’t know, show so much love, it felt great,” she added to The Post.
The barbershop shared the stories of the encounter on its Facebook page.
“The support we’ve seen since being able to reopen some of our shops where regulations allow has been astounding,” the business posted. “This is just one great story from one of our Denver shops. Thank you to our communities for supporting us during this time.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-05-15--2012 Obama Tweet Takes On Haunting New Meaning as Flynn Scandal Implodes

With recent revelations about what was happening during the last days of the Obama administration , we ’ d like to take this opportunity to correct former President Barack Obama ’ s tweet from 2012 .
“ I spy … the President of the United States of America , ” Obama captioned a picture of himself in the middle of a large crowd , posted just prior to the 2012 presidential election .
Instead , how about “ I spy [ on the next Republican to run for ] the President of the United States of America ” or simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ?
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own In a Watergate-level scandal largely ignored by the media , evidence continues to mount that the Obama administration was not only spying on President Donald Trump ’ s campaign but was also fostering a resistance within the deep state before he was even elected .
The most egregious and obvious example has been the case against Michael Flynn , Trump ’ s former national security advisor who pleaded guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after getting caught up in the investigation of potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia .
The case against Flynn has since imploded as newly declassified documents revealed that then-Vice President Joe Biden and other high-ranking officials requested the “ unmasking ” of his identity after routine intelligence surveillance picked up a call between Flynn and then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak , Fox News reported .
Other names on that request include a who ’ s who in the Obama administration , such as then-Chief of Staff Denis McDonough , former FBI Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia collusion investigation in a meeting with Obama — and James Clapper , Obama ’ s former director of national intelligence .
The establishment media has mostly ignored not only the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee ’ s involvement , but also the entire bombshell story itself because , you know , coronavirus ( apparently the biggest media outlets in the country can not cover more than one big story at a time ) .
It seems the highest-ranking officials of the Obama administration wanted to pin something — anything — on President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the summer of 2016 during the presidential campaign , Obama ’ s FBI started investigating the since-debunked Russia collusion fable by sending an undercover agent to pump one of his low-level campaign advisors for information , according to The New York Times .
Further proof of problems with the probe includes evidence that former FBI investigator Peter Strzok and his adulterous lover , then-FBI lawyer Lisa Page , exchanged anti-Trump text messages in which Strzok assured his mistress that Trump would not become president and that they had an “ insurance policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Strzok , who questioned Flynn in the Russia collusion probe , was also caught up in another revelation as recently unsealed documents proved that the retired general was targeted .
RELATED : Sam Power Claimed Not To Recall Unmasking Flynn but Turns Out Her Name Was Everywhere The document includes one investigator ’ s handwritten notes which asked whether the aim of questioning would be , “ [ t ] ruth/Admission or to get him to lie ?
” Flynn eventually pleaded guilty after he was nearly bankrupt and faced with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and while the Department of Justice recently moved to drop the charges , the case persists .
After the recent revelations about the level of corruption and collusion against Trump from the Obama administration , Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul didn ’ t buy that Obama wasn ’ t also involved as well .
“ You are the president of the US , and you ’ re allowing your intelligence community to spy on your political opponents ?
” the Republican senator tweeted .
“ I ’ d be surprised if President Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that occurred against @ realDonaldTrump !
” “ We need to fix FISA now so it never happens again !
” Paul wrote , referring to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act .
On Thursday , the Senate passed a bill with additional restrictions on obtaining FISA warrants , which are granted for surveillance of foreign spies in the U.S. and which the FBI used against the Trump campaign , according to Fox News .
Increasingly , there is little room for doubt that the investigations against Trump began as a vendetta against a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While it is satisfying to finally have vindication for the president , it is equally as vexing to know that Obama may have engaged in such a brazen and diabolical plot against his successor .
We spy a guy who acted more like a corrupt dictator than an American president .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

With recent revelations about what was happening during the last days of the Obama administration, we’d like to take this opportunity to correct former President Barack Obama’s tweet from 2012.
“I spy … the President of the United States of America,” Obama captioned a picture of himself in the middle of a large crowd, posted just prior to the 2012 presidential election.
I spy … the President of the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/jTOZZzzH — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 26, 2012
Instead, how about “I spy [on the next Republican to run for] the President of the United States of America” or simply the identifier, “I, spy”?
In a Watergate-level scandal largely ignored by the media, evidence continues to mount that the Obama administration was not only spying on President Donald Trump’s campaign but was also fostering a resistance within the deep state before he was even elected.
The most egregious and obvious example has been the case against Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security advisor who pleaded guilty to making false statements to the FBI after getting caught up in the investigation of potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
The case against Flynn has since imploded as newly declassified documents revealed that then-Vice President Joe Biden and other high-ranking officials requested the “unmasking” of his identity after routine intelligence surveillance picked up a call between Flynn and then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, Fox News reported.
Other names on that request include a who’s who in the Obama administration, such as then-Chief of Staff Denis McDonough, former FBI Director James Comey — who reportedly concocted the Russia collusion investigation in a meeting with Obama — and James Clapper, Obama’s former director of national intelligence.
Do you think former President Barack Obama was behind the investigations against President Trump? 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% (8685 Votes) No: 1% (50 Votes)
The establishment media has mostly ignored not only the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee’s involvement, but also the entire bombshell story itself because, you know, coronavirus (apparently the biggest media outlets in the country cannot cover more than one big story at a time).
It seems the highest-ranking officials of the Obama administration wanted to pin something — anything — on President Trump before he was even elected.
Beginning in the summer of 2016 during the presidential campaign, Obama’s FBI started investigating the since-debunked Russia collusion fable by sending an undercover agent to pump one of his low-level campaign advisors for information, according to The New York Times.
Further proof of problems with the probe includes evidence that former FBI investigator Peter Strzok and his adulterous lover, then-FBI lawyer Lisa Page, exchanged anti-Trump text messages in which Strzok assured his mistress that Trump would not become president and that they had an “insurance policy” against it.
Even more problematically, Strzok, who questioned Flynn in the Russia collusion probe, was also caught up in another revelation as recently unsealed documents proved that the retired general was targeted.
The document includes one investigator’s handwritten notes which asked whether the aim of questioning would be, “[t]ruth/Admission or to get him to lie?”
Flynn eventually pleaded guilty after he was nearly bankrupt and faced with the prospect of his son’s prosecution, and while the Department of Justice recently moved to drop the charges, the case persists.
After the recent revelations about the level of corruption and collusion against Trump from the Obama administration, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul didn’t buy that Obama wasn’t also involved as well.
“You are the president of the US, and you’re allowing your intelligence community to spy on your political opponents?” the Republican senator tweeted.
“I’d be surprised if President Obama didn’t know about the abuses that occurred against @realDonaldTrump!”
“We need to fix FISA now so it never happens again!” Paul wrote, referring to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
You are the president of the US, and you’re allowing your intelligence community to spy on your political opponents? I’d be surprised if President Obama didn’t know about the abuses that occurred against @realDonaldTrump! We need to fix FISA now so it never happens again! — Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) May 12, 2020
On Thursday, the Senate passed a bill with additional restrictions on obtaining FISA warrants, which are granted for surveillance of foreign spies in the U.S. and which the FBI used against the Trump campaign, according to Fox News.
Increasingly, there is little room for doubt that the investigations against Trump began as a vendetta against a candidate who became the duly elected president.
While it is satisfying to finally have vindication for the president, it is equally as vexing to know that Obama may have engaged in such a brazen and diabolical plot against his successor.
We spy a guy who acted more like a corrupt dictator than an American president.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-05-15--McMichael Attorney Says There Is a Game-Changing Video of the Ahmaud Arbery Shooting

The legal team representing Gregory McMichael , a former Georgia police officer charged with shooting and killing Ahmaud Arbery in February , revealed the existence of additional video surrounding the incident to reporters on Friday .
WTLV reported attorneys for the McMichaels spoke about the case with the media and said that videos that have not been released to the public show that there is more to the case than is being reported .
“ There is more than one video of the incident , ” attorney Laura Hogue said .
“ There are also issues with timing with videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own may not be the only one that aides this case.
” The attorneys for the two men arrested also say that the killing was not racially motivated .
“ The truth will reveal that this is not just another act of violent racism , ” attorney Franklin Hogue said .
“ The full story will not come to light until after all the evidence has been studied , and then if the current DA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution then we will answer those charges in a court of law , ” he continued “ We will not try the case in the media , on courthouse steps , or in our office , ” Laura Hogue added .
“ The facts will come out in the courtroom.
” It is unclear what is on the video the attorneys are referring to or if it will be made public at some point .
Arbery , 25 , was killed on Feb. 23 after a tussle over a shotgun with McMichael , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Parkland Victim Speak Out Against Rehiring Officer Who Stood By and Did Nothing The story has thus far been largely portrayed as being racially motivated , as McMichael and his 34-year-old son Travis McMichael , who are white , pursued Arbery , who is black , as he was reported to be jogging down a residential street in Brunswick , Georgia .
Video of the shooting incident was released online a day before the father and son were arrested on May 7 , and shows the moment Arbery was shot and killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show Arbery trespassing inside a home in the neighborhood that was under construction .
It was the alleged trespassing incident at the home which reportedly led to the chase by the McMichaels , and ultimately the shooting death of Arbery .
WSAV-TV obtained video of Arbery reportedly trespassing on the property .
Arbery ’ s mother has said that her son was an avid jogger and she believed he was in the neighborhood exercising .
The McMichaels told police they chased Arbery because they believed he matched the appearance of a burglary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home ’ s owner , and they were attempting to make a citizens ’ arrest .
The Associated Press reported that Travis McMichael called 911 on Feb. 11 to report a black male trespassing at the residence .
“ When I turned around and saw him and backed up , he reached into his pocket and ran into the house , ” McMichael told a dispatcher .
“ So I don ’ t know if he ’ s armed or not .
But he looked like , he was acting like he was.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
Both Gregory and Travis McMichael are charged with felony murder and aggravated assault .
Gregory McMichael is a former police officer who worked in Glynn County , Georgia , and then as a 20-year investigator for the local district attorney ’ s office .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The legal team representing Gregory McMichael, a former Georgia police officer charged with shooting and killing Ahmaud Arbery in February, revealed the existence of additional video surrounding the incident to reporters on Friday.
WTLV reported attorneys for the McMichaels spoke about the case with the media and said that videos that have not been released to the public show that there is more to the case than is being reported.
“There is more than one video of the incident,” attorney Laura Hogue said.
“There are also issues with timing with videos on the internet …
may not be the only one that aides this case.”
The attorneys for the two men arrested also say that the killing was not racially motivated.
“The truth will reveal that this is not just another act of violent racism,” attorney Franklin Hogue said.
“Greg McMichael did not commit murder.”
“The full story will not come to light until after all the evidence has been studied, and then if the current DA believes the committed crimes are worthy of prosecution then we will answer those charges in a court of law,” he continued
“We will not try the case in the media, on courthouse steps, or in our office,” Laura Hogue added. “The facts will come out in the courtroom.”
It is unclear what is on the video the attorneys are referring to or if it will be made public at some point.
Arbery, 25, was killed on Feb. 23 after a tussle over a shotgun with McMichael, 64.
The story has thus far been largely portrayed as being racially motivated, as McMichael and his 34-year-old son Travis McMichael, who are white, pursued Arbery, who is black, as he was reported to be jogging down a residential street in Brunswick, Georgia.
Video of the shooting incident was released online a day before the father and son were arrested on May 7, and shows the moment Arbery was shot and killed.
Another video later surfaced which purported to show Arbery trespassing inside a home in the neighborhood that was under construction.
It was the alleged trespassing incident at the home which reportedly led to the chase by the McMichaels, and ultimately the shooting death of Arbery.
WSAV-TV obtained video of Arbery reportedly trespassing on the property.
Arbery’s mother has said that her son was an avid jogger and she believed he was in the neighborhood exercising.
The McMichaels told police they chased Arbery because they believed he matched the appearance of a burglary suspect caught on surveillance video by the home’s owner, and they were attempting to make a citizens’ arrest.
The Associated Press reported that Travis McMichael called 911 on Feb. 11 to report a black male trespassing at the residence.
“When I turned around and saw him and backed up, he reached into his pocket and ran into the house,” McMichael told a dispatcher. “So I don’t know if he’s armed or not. But he looked like, he was acting like he was.”
The fatal incident occurred two weeks later.
Both Gregory and Travis McMichael are charged with felony murder and aggravated assault.
Gregory McMichael is a former police officer who worked in Glynn County, Georgia, and then as a 20-year investigator for the local district attorney’s office.
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westernjournal--2020-05-15--Mask Mandate Backfires as Violent Thieves Take Full Advantage

For residents panicking over a viral disease circling the globe and hoping for stricter government intervention , California ’ s Orange County answered their prayers .
Unfortunately for those living in the county , the mandate requiring many people to wear a face mask has also been a stroke of luck for criminals , some of whom may have been recently released in an attempt to thin crowded jails .
The Orange County Board of Supervisors originally voted late last month to institute the mandate , which took effect on April 24 , according to The Orange County Register .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have close contact with the public to wear a face covering .
Under the order , cashiers , gas station attendants , waiters and others must wear a mask , KCBS-TV reported .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own While the order applies to workers within Orange County , certain cities in the county have enacted even stricter measures , with some requiring all residents and visitors to cover their faces .
Needless to say , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area .
This may be why a Santa Ana gas station clerk wasn ’ t alarmed when a man in a face mask and high-visibility vest strolled into his convenience store at around 2 a.m. on May 8 .
Accompanied by another man in a safety yellow vest but with no mask , the pair of potential customers could have been returning from a job site or a factory .
Any theories about the two men ’ s professional lives were instantly shattered when the maskless man pulled out a pistol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The other thief quickly cleaned the store ’ s register of cash .
“ I mean , I know we have to take certain measures because of what ’ s happening with COVID-19 , but it ’ s the perfect script or manual for a robber — the mask , the sunshade and a hoodie .
You don ’ t know who ’ s coming , who ’ s walking in.
” The threat of violent robberies is causing Khawan more than just what thieves are able to pry from his cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Felons Could Soon Be Free in Your Community Thanks to New Pelosi Bill To better safeguard his employees and property , the owner recently cut his convenience store ’ s hours .
Now instead of offering weary travelers snacks and other essentials all night long , Khawan will close his doors two hours before midnight .
The move may keep his nerves at ease , but the measure is costly — the lean hours have shriveled his bottom line by 25 percent .
Khawan isn ’ t alone in dealing with the inevitable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last month , a masked criminal robbed a nearby doughnut shop .
Although he cleared two cash registers , his face covering virtually guaranteed anonymity .
According to KCBS , Santa Ana police confirmed Thursday that the city ’ s robberies have indeed increased by a whopping 50 percent during the lockdown .
While it ’ s unclear exactly what factors are behind the shocking jump in crime , authorities have speculated that mass inmate releases ( in Orange County , nearly 1,000 were released from jails in March over fear of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributing factor .
Right now , it appears the widespread use of masks is giving criminals an easy way to avoid detection and continue their illicit careers .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

For residents panicking over a viral disease circling the globe and hoping for stricter government intervention, California’s Orange County answered their prayers.
Unfortunately for those living in the county, the mandate requiring many people to wear a face mask has also been a stroke of luck for criminals, some of whom may have been recently released in an attempt to thin crowded jails.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors originally voted late last month to institute the mandate, which took effect on April 24, according to The Orange County Register.
The rule requires many retail workers who have close contact with the public to wear a face covering.
Under the order, cashiers, gas station attendants, waiters and others must wear a mask, KCBS-TV reported.
While the order applies to workers within Orange County, certain cities in the county have enacted even stricter measures, with some requiring all residents and visitors to cover their faces.
Needless to say, the anonymizing accessories are now a common sight in the area.
This may be why a Santa Ana gas station clerk wasn’t alarmed when a man in a face mask and high-visibility vest strolled into his convenience store at around 2 a.m. on May 8.
Accompanied by another man in a safety yellow vest but with no mask, the pair of potential customers could have been returning from a job site or a factory.
Are mask mandates helping criminals escape punishment? 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% (581 Votes) No: 0% (2 Votes)
Any theories about the two men’s professional lives were instantly shattered when the maskless man pulled out a pistol and pointed it directly at the cashier.
The other thief quickly cleaned the store’s register of cash.
“It’s horrible,” store owner Elias Khawan told KCBS.
“I mean, I know we have to take certain measures because of what’s happening with COVID-19, but it’s the perfect script or manual for a robber — the mask, the sunshade and a hoodie. You don’t know who’s coming, who’s walking in.”
The threat of violent robberies is causing Khawan more than just what thieves are able to pry from his cash box.
To better safeguard his employees and property, the owner recently cut his convenience store’s hours.
Now instead of offering weary travelers snacks and other essentials all night long, Khawan will close his doors two hours before midnight.
The move may keep his nerves at ease, but the measure is costly — the lean hours have shriveled his bottom line by 25 percent.
Khawan isn’t alone in dealing with the inevitable fallout from government action, either. Last month, a masked criminal robbed a nearby doughnut shop. Although he cleared two cash registers, his face covering virtually guaranteed anonymity.
According to KCBS, Santa Ana police confirmed Thursday that the city’s robberies have indeed increased by a whopping 50 percent during the lockdown.
While it’s unclear exactly what factors are behind the shocking jump in crime, authorities have speculated that mass inmate releases (in Orange County, nearly 1,000 were released from jails in March over fear of a potential viral outbreak) could be a contributing factor.
Right now, it appears the widespread use of masks is giving criminals an easy way to avoid detection and continue their illicit careers.
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* Email
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-15--As the Establishment Left Praises China, These College Democrats Condemn Chinese Influence in Americ

As the Establishment Left Praises China, These College Democrats Condemn Chinese Influence in America

A bipartisan student-led effort to rid American college campuses of Chinese government influence is calling on institutions of higher learning to sever ties with Confucius Institutes .
Confucius Institutes are funded by the Chinese government and are prevalent on campuses across the country .
The Confucius Institute at the University of Oklahoma , for example , has a stated purpose of supporting “ Oklahoma educators in their efforts to teach the Chinese language , and to assist Oklahoma businesses that wish to do business in the Chinese speaking world.
” But the programs are controversial , particularly given the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have been concerns about China ’ s taking advantage of its influence on American education through propaganda and disinformation .
While Democratic politicians nationally have largely kowtowed to China , even as the country struggles with a pandemic which originated from China ’ s suppression of information about the coronavirus , students are ready to expel Chinese influence from their schools , and the issue has bipartisan support .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and describes itself as a “ nonprofit dedicated to limiting the influence of the Chinese Communist Party on U.S. college campuses , ” is calling on schools to sever all ties with communist China .
In a letter that was signed by the national chairs of both the College Republicans and College Democrats , Athenai demanded the closure of the Confucius Institutes and “ full and public disclosure of all ties , both financial and academic , between centers of higher learning and all Chinese state agencies and proxies.
” “ The Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and control discourse at universities in the United States and around the world pose an existential threat to academic freedom as we know it .
It is a civic and moral imperative that we protect that freedom , ” the letter read .
Athenai was started “ in consultation with activists including Yang Jianli , Teng Biao , and Nury Turkel , Athenai advocates for free discussion of human rights abuses on campuses by pushing student governments and university administrations to close Confucius Institutes , disclose ties to authoritarian governments , and establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime and other authoritarian governments from encroaching on academic discourse , ” the group explained on its website .
Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri challenged the influence of Confucius Institutes in 2019 , describing them as “ a known threat to academic freedom , ” and “ a danger to our national defense and security , ” according to National Review .
Hawley was particularly concerned about the influence of communist China on campuses at the University of Missouri and the Missouri-based Webster University .
But the potential for China to impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association of Scholars estimates there are currently 86 Confucius Institutes on campuses in the U.S. “ Since 2004 , the Chinese government has sponsored Confucius Institutes on college and university campuses around the world .
An agency of the Chinese Ministry of Education , called the Hanban , provides teachers , textbooks , and operating funds , ” an article on the NAS website read .
RELATED : China Kicks Us While We 're Down , Sends Counterfeit Personal Protective Gear Some of the institutes have closed since the beginning of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is led by students , wants them removed from all campuses nationwide immediately .
At National Review , Rachelle Peterson reported on the nefarious motivations of the Chinese presence on American schools .
“ The greater danger is subtle .
Confucius Institutes teach the Chinese government ’ s preferred version of Chinese culture , a version whitewashed of Muslim Uighurs , 1 million of whom are currently held in concentration camps in Xinjiang .
Confucius Institute teachers , Chinese nationals hired and paid by the Chinese government , are coached to omit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taiwan as part of China , ” Peterson wrote .
In its letter , the Athenai Institute outlined serious concerns about how Confucius Institutes parrot Chinese “ propaganda ” and use “ the threat of financial pressure against universities.
” The group particularly called out China for its human rights abuses and its censorship of free speech .
While Democrats such as presumptive nominee Joe Biden have either a blind spot or a soft spot with regard to the problem posed by Chinese interests in America , these students seem to understand that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unlike the old guard of Democrats , young Democratic leadership is willing to sign on to protect the rights of American students to receive an education that is at least free of Chinese influence , and that is something that should be recognized .
Indeed , it signals that the next generation of Democrats might be willing to protect their sovereign rights and recognize that China is a threat to Democracy and is currently the country ’ s greatest geopolitical foe .
“ The world is watching , and the fate of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dignity of the human person — depends on our success , ” the Athenai Institute concluded in its letter .
Republicans on the House Oversight Committee announced an investigation into the presence of Chinese Confucius Institutes earlier this month , according to National Review .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A bipartisan student-led effort to rid American college campuses of Chinese government influence is calling on institutions of higher learning to sever ties with Confucius Institutes.
Confucius Institutes are funded by the Chinese government and are prevalent on campuses across the country.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Oklahoma, for example, has a stated purpose of supporting “Oklahoma educators in their efforts to teach the Chinese language, and to assist Oklahoma businesses that wish to do business in the Chinese speaking world.”
But the programs are controversial, particularly given the country’s current health situation, and there have been concerns about China’s taking advantage of its influence on American education through propaganda and disinformation.
While Democratic politicians nationally have largely kowtowed to China, even as the country struggles with a pandemic which originated from China’s suppression of information about the coronavirus, students are ready to expel Chinese influence from their schools, and the issue has bipartisan support.
The Athenai Institute, which was recently formed and describes itself as a “nonprofit dedicated to limiting the influence of the Chinese Communist Party on U.S. college campuses,” is calling on schools to sever all ties with communist China.
In a letter that was signed by the national chairs of both the College Republicans and College Democrats, Athenai demanded the closure of the Confucius Institutes and “full and public disclosure of all ties, both financial and academic, between centers of higher learning and all Chinese state agencies and proxies.”
“The Chinese government’s flagrant attempts to coerce and control discourse at universities in the United States and around the world pose an existential threat to academic freedom as we know it. It is a civic and moral imperative that we protect that freedom,” the letter read.
Athenai was started “in consultation with activists including Yang Jianli, Teng Biao, and Nury Turkel, Athenai advocates for free discussion of human rights abuses on campuses by pushing student governments and university administrations to close Confucius Institutes, disclose ties to authoritarian governments, and establish mechanisms and policies to prevent the Chinese regime and other authoritarian governments from encroaching on academic discourse,” the group explained on its website.
Do you support the Athenai Institute's letter? Yes No
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Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri challenged the influence of Confucius Institutes in 2019, describing them as “a known threat to academic freedom,” and “a danger to our national defense and security,” according to National Review.
Hawley was particularly concerned about the influence of communist China on campuses at the University of Missouri and the Missouri-based Webster University.
But the potential for China to impact American education is far-reaching.
The National Association of Scholars estimates there are currently 86 Confucius Institutes on campuses in the U.S.
“Since 2004, the Chinese government has sponsored Confucius Institutes on college and university campuses around the world. An agency of the Chinese Ministry of Education, called the Hanban, provides teachers, textbooks, and operating funds,” an article on the NAS website read.
Some of the institutes have closed since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, but the Athenai Institute, which is led by students, wants them removed from all campuses nationwide immediately.
At National Review, Rachelle Peterson reported on the nefarious motivations of the Chinese presence on American schools.
“The greater danger is subtle. Confucius Institutes teach the Chinese government’s preferred version of Chinese culture, a version whitewashed of Muslim Uighurs, 1 million of whom are currently held in concentration camps in Xinjiang. Confucius Institute teachers, Chinese nationals hired and paid by the Chinese government, are coached to omit the Tiananmen Square massacre and to represent Taiwan as part of China,” Peterson wrote.
In its letter, the Athenai Institute outlined serious concerns about how Confucius Institutes parrot Chinese “propaganda” and use “the threat of financial pressure against universities.”
The group particularly called out China for its human rights abuses and its censorship of free speech.
While Democrats such as presumptive nominee Joe Biden have either a blind spot or a soft spot with regard to the problem posed by Chinese interests in America, these students seem to understand that China is no ally to global freedom.
Unlike the old guard of Democrats, young Democratic leadership is willing to sign on to protect the rights of American students to receive an education that is at least free of Chinese influence, and that is something that should be recognized.
Indeed, it signals that the next generation of Democrats might be willing to protect their sovereign rights and recognize that China is a threat to Democracy and is currently the country’s greatest geopolitical foe.
“The world is watching, and the fate of liberal democracy — based on the fundamental dignity of the human person — depends on our success,” the Athenai Institute concluded in its letter.
Republicans on the House Oversight Committee announced an investigation into the presence of Chinese Confucius Institutes earlier this month, according to National Review.
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westernjournal--2020-05-15--Princess Maria Galitzine Dead at Age 31

Princess Maria Galitzine Dead at Age 31

Most of the time when we refer to “ the royal family ” we mean the likes of Queen Elizabeth II , Prince Charles , Prince William and Kate , or Harry and Meghan .
But they aren ’ t the only royal family .
There are others — even if they aren ’ t as widely or well known .
Thirty-one-year-old Austrian Princess Maria Petrovna Galitzine , known by her married name Maria Singh , lived in Houston , Texas , and passed away from a cardiac aneurysm just before her 32nd birthday .
Singh was a descendant of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Emperor Karl I and Princess Zita of Bourbon-Parma of the Habsburg dynasty .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own The Houston Chronicle posted her obituary on May 15 , confirming her passing over a week prior .
“ Our Maria passed away in the Houston morning of Monday , May 4th , 2020 , from a sudden cardiac aneurysm , ” it reads .
“ She was born in 1988 to Prince and Princess Piotr Galitzine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Duchy of Luxembourg.
” “ She returned with the family to Russia as a five-year old in 1993 , attending the German School of Moscow .
Upon graduation she moved to Belgium to attend the CAD school.
” “ Afterwards she lived and worked in Brussels , Chicago and Houston , specializing in interior design and furnishing.
” She married chef Rishi Roop Singh of Batanga restaurant in Houston in 2017 , and together they had a son , now 2 years old , named Maxim .
According to the obituary , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ She was laid to her rest in the Orthodox section of Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery on Friday , May 8th , 2020.
” The Galitzines spent time in Luxembourg and Russia , but are currently stationed in Houston , Texas .
RELATED : Royal Fans Believe Baby Archie Is Spitting Image of His Father , Prince Harry Maria ’ s sister , Princess Tatiana , told Paper City that they “ were raised with a sense of duty towards and love for Austria and Russia , even though their families were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , my father speaks Russian to us , the girls speak French to each other , and the boys speak German , ” she explained .
“ In Houston and in America , citizens grow up with the idea that charity is normal .
In Moscow , philanthropy is neither taught nor encouraged due to communism.
” Singh is also survived by her sisters Xenia Galitzine de Matta , Tatiana Galitzine Sierra and Alexandra , her brothers Dmitri and Ioann , and her parents , Princess Maria-Anna and Prince Piotr Galitzine .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Most of the time when we refer to “the royal family” we mean the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William and Kate, or Harry and Meghan.
But they aren’t the only royal family. There are others — even if they aren’t as widely or well known.
Thirty-one-year-old Austrian Princess Maria Petrovna Galitzine, known by her married name Maria Singh, lived in Houston, Texas, and passed away from a cardiac aneurysm just before her 32nd birthday.
Singh was a descendant of the last emperor and empress of Austria, Emperor Karl I and Princess Zita of Bourbon-Parma of the Habsburg dynasty.
The Houston Chronicle posted her obituary on May 15, confirming her passing over a week prior.
“Our Maria passed away in the Houston morning of Monday, May 4th, 2020, from a sudden cardiac aneurysm,” it reads. “She was born in 1988 to Prince and Princess Piotr Galitzine in the city of Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.”
“She returned with the family to Russia as a five-year old in 1993, attending the German School of Moscow. Upon graduation she moved to Belgium to attend the CAD school.”
“Afterwards she lived and worked in Brussels, Chicago and Houston, specializing in interior design and furnishing.”
She married chef Rishi Roop Singh of Batanga restaurant in Houston in 2017, and together they had a son, now 2 years old, named Maxim. According to the obituary, he was “the apple of her eye.”
“She was laid to her rest in the Orthodox section of Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery on Friday, May 8th, 2020.”
The Galitzines spent time in Luxembourg and Russia, but are currently stationed in Houston, Texas.
Maria’s sister, Princess Tatiana, told Paper City that they “were raised with a sense of duty towards and love for Austria and Russia, even though their families were not always welcomed.”
“At home, my father speaks Russian to us, the girls speak French to each other, and the boys speak German,” she explained.
“In Houston and in America, citizens grow up with the idea that charity is normal. In Moscow, philanthropy is neither taught nor encouraged due to communism.”
Singh is also survived by her sisters Xenia Galitzine de Matta, Tatiana Galitzine Sierra and Alexandra, her brothers Dmitri and Ioann, and her parents, Princess Maria-Anna and Prince Piotr Galitzine.
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westernjournal--2020-05-15--Illegal Aliens & Felons Could Soon Be Free in Your Community Thanks to New Pelosi Bill

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s most recent coronavirus relief package incorporates a plethora of ridiculous mandates , including sections that would allow “ nonviolent ” felons to be set free from prison and illegal immigrants to be released from federal detention .
On Tuesday , House Democrats unveiled the $ 3 trillion proposal , which also includes protection for illegal immigrants if their jobs are deemed “ essential.
” Releasing convicted criminals onto the streets to re-offend and granting amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants is just part of top Democrats ’ partisan wish list .
Taking into consideration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lesser offense in return for a shorter prison sentence , it simply does not make sense to release federal prisoners en masse .
According to the U.S .
Sentencing Commission ’ s 2018 annual report , over 97 percent of federal convicts took plea deals instead of facing more serious charges at trial , as Breitbart reported .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own So while releasing thousands of “ nonviolent ” felons might sound like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least if you ’ re a Democrat — it could lead to dangerous criminals being released onto our streets .
“ During a declared national emergency relating to a communicable disease , [ the legislation ] mandates the release into community supervision of federal prisoners and pretrial detainees who are non-violent and , for instance , pregnant women , juveniles , older prisoners and detainees , and those with certain medical conditions , ” a summary of the bill reads .
The bill “ Modifies probation and supervised release policies to avoid unnecessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the numbers of those supervised and those imprisoned for violations ” and “ Mandates the release of non-violent pretrial defendants on their own recognizance.
” Pelosi ’ s HEROES Act also includes provisions that 1 ) grant judges the ability to shorten the sentences of convicted felons and 2 ) terminate the fees that jail inmates need to pay before their trials so they can be released without posting bail .
“ During the COVID-19 emergency , expands court authority to order compassionate release for federal prisoners and to reduce sentences , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability of 81 prisoners to seek compassionate release .
Authorizes courts to temporarily release persons who have been sentenced , but have not yet been transported to a Bureau of Prisons facility , to protect them from COVID-19 , ” the summary reads .
“ Authorizes the establishment of a grant program that distributes funds directly to state and local courts , with the condition that they impose a moratorium on the imposition and collection of court-imposed fees and fines during the COVID19 crisis , ” it adds .
The massive multi-trillion dollar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the establishment media to gloss over the small but powerful sections about illegal alien amnesty .
One section buried all the way down on page 1,762 of the House Democrats ’ “ HEROES Act ” directs the Department of Homeland Security to release back onto the streets illegal immigrants being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
“ The Secretary of Homeland Security shall prioritize for release on recognizance or alternatives to detention individuals who are not subject to mandatory detention laws , unless the individual is a threat to public safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reads .
Moreover , under the act , illegal aliens fortunate enough to work in “ essential critical infrastructure ” are protected from being deemed in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act .
RELATED : Pelosi Slips , Admits No Amount of Gov't Spending Would Satisfy Dems That protection is buried all the way down on page 1,737 of the bill .
Employers who hire illegal immigrants to work “ essential ” jobs would also be exempt .
Thankfully , this partisan play was flagged by Ken Cuccinelli , acting director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said it was a push for “ amnesty.
” “ These pages of the proposed bill create a deferred action program for aliens based on the CISA essential workforce list .
Granting both deferred action and employment authorization .
The aliens wouldn ’ t even have to apply for an EAD or deferred action , they get it automatically , ” Cuccinelli tweeted .
Instead of focusing on getting getting Americans back to work , Pelosi and her Democratic cohorts are intent of freeing felons and illegal immigrants .
We have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jails in California and New York .
If bill were to pass , this short-sighted policy could affect communities across the nation .
The sheer chaos that would presumably ensue would make it difficult for us to get our society functioning again .
Unfortunately , it appears this is precisely what some Democrats are hoping for .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s most recent coronavirus relief package incorporates a plethora of ridiculous mandates, including sections that would allow “nonviolent” felons to be set free from prison and illegal immigrants to be released from federal detention.
On Tuesday, House Democrats unveiled the $3 trillion proposal, which also includes protection for illegal immigrants if their jobs are deemed “essential.”
Releasing convicted criminals onto the streets to re-offend and granting amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants is just part of top Democrats’ partisan wish list.
Taking into consideration that violent criminals often plea down to a lesser offense in return for a shorter prison sentence, it simply does not make sense to release federal prisoners en masse.
According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s 2018 annual report, over 97 percent of federal convicts took plea deals instead of facing more serious charges at trial, as Breitbart reported.
So while releasing thousands of “nonviolent” felons might sound like a good idea in theory — at least if you’re a Democrat — it could lead to dangerous criminals being released onto our streets.
“During a declared national emergency relating to a communicable disease, [the legislation] mandates the release into community supervision of federal prisoners and pretrial detainees who are non-violent and, for instance, pregnant women, juveniles, older prisoners and detainees, and those with certain medical conditions,” a summary of the bill reads.
The bill “Modifies probation and supervised release policies to avoid unnecessary in-person contact with probation officers and to reduce the numbers of those supervised and those imprisoned for violations” and “Mandates the release of non-violent pretrial defendants on their own recognizance.”
Pelosi’s HEROES Act also includes provisions that 1) grant judges the ability to shorten the sentences of convicted felons and 2) terminate the fees that jail inmates need to pay before their trials so they can be released without posting bail.
“During the COVID-19 emergency, expands court authority to order compassionate release for federal prisoners and to reduce sentences, and removes administrative barriers that slow the ability of 81 prisoners to seek compassionate release. Authorizes courts to temporarily release persons who have been sentenced, but have not yet been transported to a Bureau of Prisons facility, to protect them from COVID-19,” the summary reads.
“Authorizes the establishment of a grant program that distributes funds directly to state and local courts, with the condition that they impose a moratorium on the imposition and collection of court-imposed fees and fines during the COVID19 crisis,” it adds.
The massive multi-trillion dollar bill is making it easy for most of the establishment media to gloss over the small but powerful sections about illegal alien amnesty.
One section buried all the way down on page 1,762 of the House Democrats’ “HEROES Act” directs the Department of Homeland Security to release back onto the streets illegal immigrants being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“The Secretary of Homeland Security shall prioritize for release on recognizance or alternatives to detention individuals who are not subject to mandatory detention laws, unless the individual is a threat to public safety or national security,” the bill reads.
Moreover, under the act, illegal aliens fortunate enough to work in “essential critical infrastructure” are protected from being deemed in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Do Democrats care more about illegal aliens than they do the American people? 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% (2258 Votes) No: 1% (18 Votes)
That protection is buried all the way down on page 1,737 of the bill.
Employers who hire illegal immigrants to work “essential” jobs would also be exempt.
Thankfully, this partisan play was flagged by Ken Cuccinelli, acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, who said it was a push for “amnesty.”
These pages of the proposed bill create a deferred action program for aliens based on the CISA essential workforce list. Granting both deferred action and employment authorization. The aliens wouldn’t even have to apply for an EAD or deferred action, they get it automatically. — Acting Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli (@HomelandKen) May 13, 2020
“These pages of the proposed bill create a deferred action program for aliens based on the CISA essential workforce list. Granting both deferred action and employment authorization. The aliens wouldn’t even have to apply for an EAD or deferred action, they get it automatically,” Cuccinelli tweeted.
Instead of focusing on getting getting Americans back to work, Pelosi and her Democratic cohorts are intent of freeing felons and illegal immigrants.
We have already witnessed inmates being released from prisons and jails in California and New York.
If bill were to pass, this short-sighted policy could affect communities across the nation.
The sheer chaos that would presumably ensue would make it difficult for us to get our society functioning again.
Unfortunately, it appears this is precisely what some Democrats are hoping for.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.