westernjournal--2020-09-05--Note Found Inside Leftist Book ‘In Defense of Looting’ Is Hilariously Ironic

While most pundits have been content to brush away any talk about the extra-legal excesses of this summer of protests by noting they ’ re mostly peaceful , there are a few who are willing to get a bit more dug in .
Their defenses usually revolve around trying to get us to understand just how righteous the anger that fuels rioting is , or noting that property damage can ’ t hold a candle to human life .
Some commentators , however , really need the clicks and will straight-up defend destroying property .
And I ’ ll admit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The logic , unfortunately , doesn ’ t quite click .
R.H. Lossin ’ s June 10 piece for The Nation , “ In Defense of Destroying Property , ” is the best of these .
He argues that “ pathologizing the act is tantamount to pathologizing the actor : Given the racial dimension of these protests , even apparently sympathetic explanations of theft and destruction risk of implying that people of color are reacting from feelings rather than carrying out reasoned , calculated acts with their own perfectly legitimate political logics.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Biden Does Not Win In other words , implying people of color or their non-melanated allies aren ’ t pursuing rational ends when they bust up a police precinct serves to both patronize and stigmatize them .
I didn ’ t think any piece would do a better job of summing up how desperate many on the left are to apologize for rioting — until recently , that is , when Vicky Osterweil became a subject of cultural discussion .
They say part of success is being in the right place at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s book titled “ In Defense of Looting ” came out in August , so Osterweil , who was born male but identifies as a woman , definitely had the right time down .
The right place was NPR , where Osterweil was interviewed in a wholly uncritical fashion last week by Natalie Escobar for the “ Code Switch ” podcast .
“ When I use the word looting , I mean the mass expropriation of property , mass shoplifting during a moment of upheaval or riot .
That ’ s the thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I ’ m not defending any situation in which property is stolen by force .
It ’ s not a home invasion either .
It ’ s about a certain kind of action that ’ s taken during protests and riots .
“ Looting is a highly racialized word from its very inception in the English language .
It ’ s taken from Hindi , lút , which means ‘ goods ’ or ‘ spoils , ’ and it appears in an English colonial officer ’ s handbook [ on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19th century.
” So Osterweil is not “ not defending any situation in which property is stolen by force.
” The author is only defending a situation where the overwhelming threat of force makes that mass expropriation of property possible .
Furthermore , Osterweil forwarded the popular idea that the stores being looted have insurance , so this is essentially a victimless crime .
“ One thing about looting is it freaks people out .
But in terms of potential crimes that people can commit against the state , it ’ s basically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ re mass shoplifting .
Most stores are insured ; it ’ s just hurting insurance companies on some level .
It ’ s just money .
It ’ s just property .
It ’ s not actually hurting any people.
” RELATED : Did Biden Just Admit His Followers Will Be Become More Violent If He Is n't Elected ?
Clearly , the basic economic concept that a greater risk of rioting means higher insurance premiums , which in turn leads to higher prices and means making basic goods less affordable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to neither Osterweil nor Escobar .
And then there was Osterweil ’ s claim that looting shows “ that without police and without state oppression , we can have things for free.
” I ’ m not entirely sure whether that statement is self-parody or a self-own , or indeed whether those two are mutually exclusive .
There ’ s an interesting paradox here in that any revolution — and Osterweil made it clear that he is calling for nothing short of revolution in a subsequent interview with The New Yorker where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primarily on ideas .
Osterweil is certainly a fount of revolutionary ideas — none of which are particularly good or sustainable , but ideas they are .
But Osterweil ’ s publisher would just prefer you didn ’ t expropriate their author ’ s ideas — or “ intellectual property , ” to be more specific — if you please : The book is currently available for $ 16.89 in hardcover or $ 16.99 in Kindle format on Amazon .
Obviously , Osterweil doesn ’ t write his own copyright notices — but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to sign a book contract with Hachette .
In the world of self-publishing and pay-what-you-want distribution , there were other options .
If Radiohead can do it , so can Vicky Osterweil .
And , as Zaid Jilani pointed out , other soi disant revolutionaries have handled the situation differently : NPR Public Editor Kelly McBride apologized for the interview Thursday , saying that Osterweil deserved more critical analysis from the interviewer McBride , in particular , singled out Osterweil ’ s claims that “ looting is insured , that looters target @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the local community and that the civil rights movement only adopted non-violence to appeal to white northerners .
All of those statements deserved pushback.
” “ ‘ Code Switch ’ editor Steven Drummond said that the article was fact-checked , but not enough.
” McBride would go further in condemning the interview in a newsletter , according to Fox News , saying that the interview “ did not serve NPR ’ s audience ” and had been “ wrong about recent events.
” “ Publishing false information leaves the audience misinformed .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching closely to see who is challenged and who isn ’ t .
In this case a book author with a radical point of view far to the left was allowed to spread false information , ” McBride said .
I ’ ve no doubt Osterweil isn ’ t one to mind about staid , liberal NPR throwing a fit about this .
Right place , right time and the right kind of people to get outraged about his book ?
The serendipity here is amazing .
Nearest I can tell from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Osterweil is human clickbait who just happened to have a book called “ In Defense of Looting ” ready to publish right as looting became a hot-button topic .
Don ’ t loot it , though .
As for myself , I plan to pick up a version on file-sharing later to distribute to anyone I know with a passing interest in the book .
I ’ m not going to read it , but I ’ m not stealing anything by force or home invasion , after all .
In fact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is probably the least forceful — and it ’ s definitely a protest .
I can ’ t see why Osterweil would object .
I ’ m sure Hachette — which has made more than enough money off of this debacle , too — wouldn ’ t mind , either .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

While most pundits have been content to brush away any talk about the extra-legal excesses of this summer of protests by noting they’re mostly peaceful, there are a few who are willing to get a bit more dug in.
Their defenses usually revolve around trying to get us to understand just how righteous the anger that fuels rioting is, or noting that property damage can’t hold a candle to human life.
Some commentators, however, really need the clicks and will straight-up defend destroying property. And I’ll admit it, I’ve clicked.
The logic, unfortunately, doesn’t quite click.
R.H. Lossin’s June 10 piece for The Nation, “In Defense of Destroying Property,” is the best of these. He argues that “pathologizing the act is tantamount to pathologizing the actor: Given the racial dimension of these protests, even apparently sympathetic explanations of theft and destruction risk of implying that people of color are reacting from feelings rather than carrying out reasoned, calculated acts with their own perfectly legitimate political logics.”
In other words, implying people of color or their non-melanated allies aren’t pursuing rational ends when they bust up a police precinct serves to both patronize and stigmatize them.
I didn’t think any piece would do a better job of summing up how desperate many on the left are to apologize for rioting — until recently, that is, when Vicky Osterweil became a subject of cultural discussion.
They say part of success is being in the right place at the right time.
The activist’s book titled “In Defense of Looting” came out in August, so Osterweil, who was born male but identifies as a woman, definitely had the right time down. The right place was NPR, where Osterweil was interviewed in a wholly uncritical fashion last week by Natalie Escobar for the “Code Switch” podcast.
Is looting ever defensible? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (17 Votes) No: 99% (1142 Votes)
“When I use the word looting, I mean the mass expropriation of property, mass shoplifting during a moment of upheaval or riot. That’s the thing I’m defending,” Osterweil said. “I’m not defending any situation in which property is stolen by force. It’s not a home invasion either. It’s about a certain kind of action that’s taken during protests and riots.
“Looting is a highly racialized word from its very inception in the English language. It’s taken from Hindi, lút, which means ‘goods’ or ‘spoils,’ and it appears in an English colonial officer’s handbook [on ‘Indian vocabulary’] in the 19th century.”
So Osterweil is not “not defending any situation in which property is stolen by force.” The author is only defending a situation where the overwhelming threat of force makes that mass expropriation of property possible.
Furthermore, Osterweil forwarded the popular idea that the stores being looted have insurance, so this is essentially a victimless crime.
“One thing about looting is it freaks people out. But in terms of potential crimes that people can commit against the state, it’s basically nonviolent,” Osterweil said. “You’re mass shoplifting. Most stores are insured; it’s just hurting insurance companies on some level. It’s just money. It’s just property. It’s not actually hurting any people.”
Clearly, the basic economic concept that a greater risk of rioting means higher insurance premiums, which in turn leads to higher prices and means making basic goods less affordable for the most vulnerable among us occurred to neither Osterweil nor Escobar.
And then there was Osterweil’s claim that looting shows “that without police and without state oppression, we can have things for free.” I’m not entirely sure whether that statement is self-parody or a self-own, or indeed whether those two are mutually exclusive.
There’s an interesting paradox here in that any revolution — and Osterweil made it clear that he is calling for nothing short of revolution in a subsequent interview with The New Yorker where the questions were far less cursory — hinges primarily on ideas.
Osterweil is certainly a fount of revolutionary ideas — none of which are particularly good or sustainable, but ideas they are.
But Osterweil’s publisher would just prefer you didn’t expropriate their author’s ideas — or “intellectual property,” to be more specific — if you please:
Very interesting text found within the book “In Defense of Looting” pic.twitter.com/ihy7FZnKmD — Zaid Jilani (@ZaidJilani) September 2, 2020
The book is currently available for $16.89 in hardcover or $16.99 in Kindle format on Amazon.
Obviously, Osterweil doesn’t write his own copyright notices — but then again, he didn’t have to sign a book contract with Hachette. In the world of self-publishing and pay-what-you-want distribution, there were other options.
If Radiohead can do it, so can Vicky Osterweil.
And, as Zaid Jilani pointed out, other soi disant revolutionaries have handled the situation differently:
Often imitated, never duplicated pic.twitter.com/fLChZPUICl — Zaid Jilani (@ZaidJilani) September 2, 2020
NPR Public Editor Kelly McBride apologized for the interview Thursday, saying that Osterweil deserved more critical analysis from the interviewer
McBride, in particular, singled out Osterweil’s claims that “looting is insured, that looters target businesses that aren’t rooted in the local community and that the civil rights movement only adopted non-violence to appeal to white northerners. All of those statements deserved pushback.”
“‘Code Switch’ editor Steven Drummond said that the article was fact-checked, but not enough.”
McBride would go further in condemning the interview in a newsletter, according to Fox News, saying that the interview “did not serve NPR’s audience” and had been “wrong about recent events.”
“Publishing false information leaves the audience misinformed. On top of that, news consumers are watching closely to see who is challenged and who isn’t. In this case a book author with a radical point of view far to the left was allowed to spread false information,” McBride said.
I’ve no doubt Osterweil isn’t one to mind about staid, liberal NPR throwing a fit about this.
Right place, right time and the right kind of people to get outraged about his book? The serendipity here is amazing.
Nearest I can tell from the two interviews I’ve read, Osterweil is human clickbait who just happened to have a book called “In Defense of Looting” ready to publish right as looting became a hot-button topic. Don’t loot it, though.
As for myself, I plan to pick up a version on file-sharing later to distribute to anyone I know with a passing interest in the book. I’m not going to read it, but I’m not stealing anything by force or home invasion, after all.
In fact, of all the methods of looting, this is probably the least forceful — and it’s definitely a protest.
I can’t see why Osterweil would object. I’m sure Hachette — which has made more than enough money off of this debacle, too — wouldn’t mind, either.
Surely they’d see the irony.
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westernjournal--2020-09-05--Woman Says Hypnotherapy Cured Her Fear of Fruits and Vegetables

A Coventry , England , woman says hypnotherapy cured her of her fear of fruits and vegetables after eating little more than cheese , chips and pasta for over 20 years .
Jenny Edgar told SWNS that she would gag if she ate anything other than her diet of dry cereal , cheese , cookies , pasta and french fries .
Her Christmas dinner consisted of macaroni and cheese .
“ When I was a child I would eat raisins and grapes but hated vegetables , ” Edgar said .
“ As I got older I didn ’ t touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheese and pasta because I knew I liked them .
I had a real fear of not liking fruit and veg so didn ’ t even bother putting them in my mouth in case I had to spit them out.
” The 32-year-old health center receptionist also would avoid eating out because of her fear .
TRENDING : Washington Post Promises Catastrophic Violence if Biden Does Not Win “ I also stopped meeting friends in restaurants or going out in case I didn ’ t like the food , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with weight during her teen years , but once she went to college and had her son , she noticed she was gaining weight .
Her 8-year-old son , Kian , is one of the driving forces behind her desire to try to change .
“ Kian is of an age where he needs to try different foods and I didn ’ t want him to be affected by me , ” she said .
“ Because I don ’ t like fruit and veg , I ’ ve only been buying him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of different things.
” She also was embarrassed when she went to her fiancé ’ s house for dinner and had to bring her own meal of macaroni and cheese .
“ I just thought to myself that if I don ’ t sort it out now then I never will , ” Edgar said .
Additionally , she wanted to lose weight before her wedding next March .
So Edgar went to visit hypnotherapist Russell Hemmings who used cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy to help her overcome her fear .
RELATED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's for a Joke , She Says They Wrote Kind Note Instead “ The first session I had was amazing .
He just talked to me in a really relaxed way and got me to try five different fruits , ” Edgar said .
“ I put a piece of pineapple in my mouth and just couldn ’ t believe the flavor .
It was delicious and I said I couldn ’ t believe I ’ d waited so long to eat it.
” After six sessions , Edgar is more willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cooking more and even growing her own vegetables .
Hemmings explained that “ eating anxiety ” is usually tied to childhood and certain foods can trigger emotions and negative responses .
In order to help , he said he had to “ re-wire Edgar ’ s responses so she no longer feared certain foods.
” “ I was delighted to see Edgar try so many different fruits and vegetables which she hadn ’ t tried for more than two decades , ” Hemmings said .
“ She has made incredible progress and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more balanced and exciting diet which will improve her and her family ’ s lifestyle.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Coventry, England, woman says hypnotherapy cured her of her fear of fruits and vegetables after eating little more than cheese, chips and pasta for over 20 years.
Jenny Edgar told SWNS that she would gag if she ate anything other than her diet of dry cereal, cheese, cookies, pasta and french fries. Her Christmas dinner consisted of macaroni and cheese.
“When I was a child I would eat raisins and grapes but hated vegetables,” Edgar said.
“As I got older I didn’t touch greens at all and would just eat cheese and pasta because I knew I liked them. I had a real fear of not liking fruit and veg so didn’t even bother putting them in my mouth in case I had to spit them out.”
The 32-year-old health center receptionist also would avoid eating out because of her fear.
“I also stopped meeting friends in restaurants or going out in case I didn’t like the food,” she said.
She didn’t have a problem with weight during her teen years, but once she went to college and had her son, she noticed she was gaining weight.
Her 8-year-old son, Kian, is one of the driving forces behind her desire to try to change.
“Kian is of an age where he needs to try different foods and I didn’t want him to be affected by me,” she said.
Are you surprised she ate her bland diet for over 20 years? 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: 65% (28 Votes) No: 35% (15 Votes)
“Because I don’t like fruit and veg, I’ve only been buying him strawberries but I want him to try lots of different things.”
She also was embarrassed when she went to her fiancé’s house for dinner and had to bring her own meal of macaroni and cheese.
“I just thought to myself that if I don’t sort it out now then I never will,” Edgar said.
Additionally, she wanted to lose weight before her wedding next March.
So Edgar went to visit hypnotherapist Russell Hemmings who used cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy to help her overcome her fear.
“The first session I had was amazing. He just talked to me in a really relaxed way and got me to try five different fruits,” Edgar said.
“I put a piece of pineapple in my mouth and just couldn’t believe the flavor. It was delicious and I said I couldn’t believe I’d waited so long to eat it.”
After six sessions, Edgar is more willing to try different foods and is looking forward to cooking more and even growing her own vegetables.
Hemmings explained that “eating anxiety” is usually tied to childhood and certain foods can trigger emotions and negative responses. In order to help, he said he had to “re-wire Edgar’s responses so she no longer feared certain foods.”
“I was delighted to see Edgar try so many different fruits and vegetables which she hadn’t tried for more than two decades,” Hemmings said.
“She has made incredible progress and she motivated to enjoy a healthier, more balanced and exciting diet which will improve her and her family’s lifestyle.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-09-05--Ark Encounter Unveils New $3M Virtual Reality Tour That Takes Visitors Back in Time

Nothing brings history alive like seeing it play out before you .
Reading about ancient civilizations is one thing , but being able to see actual life-size replicas of cities and items really helps you imagine what it might have been like to live in a different time and place .
Ark Encounter in Williamstown , Kentucky , has been hailed an excellent exhibit — with over a million visitors a year since opening in 2016 — and the attraction even earned the number one spot on USA Today ’ s top ten “ Best Religious Museums ” list earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grateful to USA Today for considering our internationally recognized attractions in its contest , ” Ark Encounter CEO and founder Ken Ham told CBN News at the time .
“ Indeed , people from around the world rave about the exhibits and features at the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum , and now these people have validated our exciting attractions from among an impressive list of museums .
We ’ re very thankful to the thousands of people who went online to vote , ” said Ham , who also leads Ark Encounter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Genesis .
TRENDING : Washington Post Promises Catastrophic Violence if Biden Does Not Win “ Our full-size Noah ’ s ark , built according to the dimensions given in the Bible , spans 510 feet long , 85 feet wide , and 51 feet high , ” Ark Encounter ’ s Facebook “ About ” page reads .
“ This modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old.
” But now there ’ s a new exhibit that is offering viewers an entirely new experience : a glimpse into the Bible event including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don glasses and strap into a modified chair lift , and you ’ ll be given a walkthrough ( or flyover ) of the story of Noah ’ s Ark , feeling as though you ’ re really there .
“ I ’ m excited about this fantastic high-tech VR addition , ” Ham told CBN News late last month .
“ As people have come to expect at the Ark Encounter , the bar of excellence is set extremely high , as it is again with this experience.
” “ This 4K @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he continued .
“ While its quality of production and immersive feel are what you would expect from Walt Disney World or Universal Studios , the message is different .
‘ A Flood of Reality ’ presents Noah ’ s Ark and the Flood as factual history and reinforces the truth of the Bible.
” The “ Truth Traveler , ” as the experience has been dubbed , cost around $ 3 million to build , and requires an additional entry fee .
COVID-19 has affected Ark Encounter just as it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to reopen in June .
“ Since we reopened our attractions on June 8 , I have been greatly encouraged to see so many families , including children , visiting us once again , ” Ham said .
“ Having been shut down for nearly three months , and with all that ’ s happened across the nation , we weren ’ t sure what to expect for the first several weeks .
“ But we have been pleasantly surprised by the strong attendance , as have local hotels , B & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to have a significant economic impact on the region , as recognized this month by receiving the Community Award from the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
” Hopefully with the opening of “ Truth Traveler , ” more attendees will flock to the Ark Encounter and make up for the months of emptiness .
The virtual reality experience is open now and will , as its website states , “ truly help guests understand the reality of the Ark and the flood.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards .

Nothing brings history alive like seeing it play out before you. Reading about ancient civilizations is one thing, but being able to see actual life-size replicas of cities and items really helps you imagine what it might have been like to live in a different time and place.
Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky, has been hailed an excellent exhibit — with over a million visitors a year since opening in 2016 — and the attraction even earned the number one spot on USA Today’s top ten “Best Religious Museums” list earlier this year.
“We are so grateful to USA Today for considering our internationally recognized attractions in its contest,” Ark Encounter CEO and founder Ken Ham told CBN News at the time.
“Indeed, people from around the world rave about the exhibits and features at the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, and now these people have validated our exciting attractions from among an impressive list of museums. We’re very thankful to the thousands of people who went online to vote,” said Ham, who also leads Ark Encounter’s parent organization, Answers in Genesis.
“Our full-size Noah’s ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible, spans 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high,” Ark Encounter’s Facebook “About” page reads. “This modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old.”
But now there’s a new exhibit that is offering viewers an entirely new experience: a glimpse into the Bible event including sights, sounds and even smells.
Don glasses and strap into a modified chair lift, and you’ll be given a walkthrough (or flyover) of the story of Noah’s Ark, feeling as though you’re really there.
“I’m excited about this fantastic high-tech VR addition,” Ham told CBN News late last month. “As people have come to expect at the Ark Encounter, the bar of excellence is set extremely high, as it is again with this experience.”
“This 4K VR experience is like no other,” he continued. “While its quality of production and immersive feel are what you would expect from Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, the message is different. ‘A Flood of Reality’ presents Noah’s Ark and the Flood as factual history and reinforces the truth of the Bible.”
The “Truth Traveler,” as the experience has been dubbed, cost around $3 million to build, and requires an additional entry fee.
COVID-19 has affected Ark Encounter just as it has many other businesses, but they were able to reopen in June.
“Since we reopened our attractions on June 8, I have been greatly encouraged to see so many families, including children, visiting us once again,” Ham said. “Having been shut down for nearly three months, and with all that’s happened across the nation, we weren’t sure what to expect for the first several weeks.
“But we have been pleasantly surprised by the strong attendance, as have local hotels, B&Bs, and restaurants. Our attractions continue to have a significant economic impact on the region, as recognized this month by receiving the Community Award from the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.”
Hopefully with the opening of “Truth Traveler,” more attendees will flock to the Ark Encounter and make up for the months of emptiness.
The virtual reality experience is open now and will, as its website states, “truly help guests understand the reality of the Ark and the flood.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-05--Rioters ‘Terrorizing Families with Children’ Says Portland Mayor, Who Still Won’t Call in Feds

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has a problem with the riots in his city .
He ’ s just not going to do anything about it but chastise those doing the rioting .
Wheeler , whose building was a target of rioters earlier this week , has made a big deal of refusing federal help from Donald Trump , upbraiding the president in an open letter for even bothering to offer .
However , the Democratic mayor wants everyone to also know that rioters in his city are “ terrorizing families with children , ” and he would kindly like them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conveniently appeared on his Facebook page after they attempted to set his condominium building ablaze Monday night .
WARNING : The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive : TRENDING : Washington Post Promises Catastrophic Violence if Biden Does Not Win After this , Mayor Wheeler made it clear that this sort of behavior was unacceptable .
In a Facebook post Tuesday , Wheeler wrote that “ last night saw more senseless violence in Portland .
Another minority-owned , local business was destroyed by a violent group of individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ striking an individual at a protest .
Even the building where I live , along with dozens of other families , was violently attacked .
“ These acts range from stupid , to dangerous , to criminal .
The violence must stop .
None of this should sit well with any thinking Portlander .
Arson and terrorizing families with children does nothing except steal , and distract from , the important message of the racial justice movement.
” It ’ s unclear who was “ terrorizing families with children , ” although he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the families in his condo complex .
“ Organizations in the community who encouraged or condoned these actions are complicit .
Elected leaders — or those seeking office — who remain silent in the midst of these acts of violence and criminal destruction are equally complicit , ” he continued .
“ The community must rise up and say ‘ enough is enough ’ and hold all of us accountable .
We can not truly move on together and make the positive changes we want to see until this violence is stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of a way that could happen .
Unfortunately , Wheeler ’ s already closed it off .
RELATED : Note Found Inside Leftist Book 'In Defense of Looting ' Is Hilariously Ironic A few days before this Facebook screed was posted , Wheeler wrote his poison-pen open letter to Trump , in which the mayor pointedly told the federal government to “ [ s ] tay away , please.
” “ There is no place for looting , arson , or vandalism in our city , ” Wheeler wrote Aug. 28 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist violence or those who wish to bring their ideology of hate into our community .
Those who commit criminal acts will be apprehended and prosecuted under the law.
” On Saturday , the day after Wheeler wrote that letter , a member of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer was shot dead during protests .
On Monday ( and into Tuesday , according to The Associated Press ) Wheeler ’ s condominium complex was targeted by demonstrators , as seen above .
A riot situation was declared by Portland police .
Later Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Moreover , Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell warned that the protests were coming “ at increased cost ” and that the attack was a sign rioters were becoming more brazen .
While serious property damage had previously been aimed at courthouses and police facilities , this targeted a residential building .
“ The families that live inside have done absolutely nothing to provoke a threat to their lives .
As I ’ ve stated repeatedly , the nightly violence is coming at increased cost , ” Lovell said .
“ This is impacting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgent action is needed.
” On Thursday , Vice News published an interview with Michael Forest Reinoehl , an antifa member who said he shot and killed the Patriot Prayer member .
“ I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color .
But I wasn ’ t going to do that , ” Reinoehl told Donovan Farley , a longtime left-wing chronicler of the antifa movement in the Pacific Northwest .
The same day , according to The New York Times , authorities issued an arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while law enforcement agents were trying to take him into custody .
“ Initial reports indicate the suspect produced a firearm , threatening the lives of law enforcement officers , ” a statement from the Marshals Service read .
“ Task force members responded to the threat and struck the suspect who was pronounced dead at the scene.
” Also this week , Wheeler reportedly said he would be moving out of his building .
According to The Oregonian , he told residents it might be “ best for me and for everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he left .
In his Facebook statement , Wheeler closed by making one thing clear : “ If you are participating in violence , I want to be clear : I denounce your actions .
State and local law enforcement is working together to hold you accountable .
Your actions demonstrate a level of hate and destruction that we WILL NOT condone or tolerate.
” Wheeler is the mayor of the city .
He ’ s also , under Portland ’ s commission form of government , the commissioner of the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disposal , he needs to use them or else he ’ s tacitly condoning and tolerating those actions .
If not , he needs to ask for help .
If the only potential place to turn federal government , then he owes it to his constituents to make that happen .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has a problem with the riots in his city. He’s just not going to do anything about it but chastise those doing the rioting.
Wheeler, whose building was a target of rioters earlier this week, has made a big deal of refusing federal help from Donald Trump, upbraiding the president in an open letter for even bothering to offer.
However, the Democratic mayor wants everyone to also know that rioters in his city are “terrorizing families with children,” and he would kindly like them to stop.
That statement decrying rioters conveniently appeared on his Facebook page after they attempted to set his condominium building ablaze Monday night.
WARNING: The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive:
Earlier tonight: Antifa set fires in the building where Mayor Ted Wheeler supposedly lives, prompting police to declare a riot and disburse the crowd to allow firefighters at the scene. pic.twitter.com/OfASXps04p — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) September 1, 2020
After this, Mayor Wheeler made it clear that this sort of behavior was unacceptable.
In a Facebook post Tuesday, Wheeler wrote that “last night saw more senseless violence in Portland. Another minority-owned, local business was destroyed by a violent group of individuals. A police officer was filmed repeatedly striking an individual at a protest. Even the building where I live, along with dozens of other families, was violently attacked.
“These acts range from stupid, to dangerous, to criminal. The violence must stop. None of this should sit well with any thinking Portlander. Arson and terrorizing families with children does nothing except steal, and distract from, the important message of the racial justice movement.”
It’s unclear who was “terrorizing families with children,” although he could have, presumably, been referring to the families in his condo complex.
“Organizations in the community who encouraged or condoned these actions are complicit. Elected leaders — or those seeking office — who remain silent in the midst of these acts of violence and criminal destruction are equally complicit,” he continued.
“The community must rise up and say ‘enough is enough’ and hold all of us accountable. We cannot truly move on together and make the positive changes we want to see until this violence is stopped. All violence.”
One could indeed think of a way that could happen. Unfortunately, Wheeler’s already closed it off.
A few days before this Facebook screed was posted, Wheeler wrote his poison-pen open letter to Trump, in which the mayor pointedly told the federal government to “[s]tay away, please.”
“There is no place for looting, arson, or vandalism in our city,” Wheeler wrote Aug. 28.
“There is no room here for racist violence or those who wish to bring their ideology of hate into our community. Those who commit criminal acts will be apprehended and prosecuted under the law.”
Since then, what’s happened?
On Saturday, the day after Wheeler wrote that letter, a member of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer was shot dead during protests.
On Monday (and into Tuesday, according to The Associated Press) Wheeler’s condominium complex was targeted by demonstrators, as seen above. A riot situation was declared by Portland police.
Later Tuesday, we had this Facebook post. Moreover, Portland Police Chief Chuck Lovell warned that the protests were coming “at increased cost” and that the attack was a sign rioters were becoming more brazen. While serious property damage had previously been aimed at courthouses and police facilities, this targeted a residential building.
“The families that live inside have done absolutely nothing to provoke a threat to their lives. As I’ve stated repeatedly, the nightly violence is coming at increased cost,” Lovell said.
“This is impacting the safety of our entire city and urgent action is needed.”
On Thursday, Vice News published an interview with Michael Forest Reinoehl, an antifa member who said he shot and killed the Patriot Prayer member.
“I could have sat there and watched them kill a friend of mine of color. But I wasn’t going to do that,” Reinoehl told Donovan Farley, a longtime left-wing chronicler of the antifa movement in the Pacific Northwest.
Should Portland ask for help from the federal government? Yes No
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The same day, according to The New York Times, authorities issued an arrest warrant for Reinoehl. He died Thursday while law enforcement agents were trying to take him into custody.
“Initial reports indicate the suspect produced a firearm, threatening the lives of law enforcement officers,” a statement from the Marshals Service read. “Task force members responded to the threat and struck the suspect who was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Also this week, Wheeler reportedly said he would be moving out of his building. According to The Oregonian, he told residents it might be “best for me and for everyone else’s safety and peace” if he left.
In his Facebook statement, Wheeler closed by making one thing clear: “If you are participating in violence, I want to be clear: I denounce your actions. State and local law enforcement is working together to hold you accountable. Your actions demonstrate a level of hate and destruction that we WILL NOT condone or tolerate.”
Wheeler is the mayor of the city. He’s also, under Portland’s commission form of government, the commissioner of the police department.
If the tools are at the disposal, he needs to use them or else he’s tacitly condoning and tolerating those actions.
If not, he needs to ask for help.
If the only potential place to turn federal government, then he owes it to his constituents to make that happen.
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westernjournal--2020-09-05--Arrests Made as Australian Protesters Rally Against Strict Lockdown Measures

Police in Australia made several arrests among a crowd of about 300 people protesting the lockdown in Melbourne , as @ @ @ @ @ toll rose to 748 .
The state of Victoria reported 11 more deaths and 76 @ @ @ @ @ restrictions , including a night curfew , were put in place in an attempt to @ @ @ @ @ and deaths .
Four men were arrested and charged with incitement over the so-called “ @ @ @ @ @ for several Melbourne locations .
Police , many of them on horseback , later made @ @ @ @ @ protesters , some of them for not wearing masks .
TRENDING : Washington Post Promises @ @ @ @ @ Not Win Government officials are expected to announce on Sunday how and when Melbourne and @ @ @ @ @ of respective stages of lockdowns .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ our editorial standards .

Police in Australia made several arrests among a crowd of about 300 people protesting the lockdown in Melbourne, as the country’s death toll rose to 748.
The state of Victoria reported 11 more deaths and 76 new infections.
The Melbourne restrictions, including a night curfew, were put in place in an attempt to reduce a spike in infections and deaths.
Four men were arrested and charged with incitement over the so-called “Freedom Day” protests planned for several Melbourne locations.
Police, many of them on horseback, later made a number of arrests among protesters, some of them for not wearing masks.
Government officials are expected to announce on Sunday how and when Melbourne and regional Victoria will come out of respective stages of lockdowns.
[jwplayer UK5LJove]
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westernjournal--2020-09-04--Heroic Police Dog Survives Second Stabbing Attack

A highly decorated U.S. Forest Service police dog suffered nine stab wounds during a marijuana raid in Northern California .
But he survived after he was airlifted to a veterinary clinic , the agency said Friday .
What ’ s more , it ’ s the second time the dog , an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois named Ice , has recovered after being seriously injured on the job .
Ice was wounded Aug. 27 in the Klamath National Forest south of the Oregon border when he was released to catch a suspect who had fled down a steep hill to escape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marijuana plants .
He kept hold of the suspect even after he was stabbed , while his handler , Patrol Capt .
Christopher Magallon , made the arrest .
Magallon then gave his dog first aid while calling in a helicopter , which flew Ice more than 70 miles to the Veterinary Specialty Center in Medford , Oregon .
TRENDING : Washington Post Promises Catastrophic Violence if Biden Does Not Win The dog , which had been wearing a protective vest , was released later that afternoon , and federal prosecutors are still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack , no major areas were struck , and Ice will quickly recover and return to service until his expected retirement at the end of this month , ” Cody Wheeler , the Forest Services ’ North Zone patrol commander , said in a statement .
Ice received multiple stab wounds that were more severe during a similar raid in 2016 , the agency said .
He received the 2016 Law Enforcement and Investigations Director ’ s Award for Valor and Heroism after surviving the earlier assault .
He was also honored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ award winner in the international category by American Humane Hero Dogs , appearing in a nationally televised award ceremony in 2017 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A highly decorated U.S. Forest Service police dog suffered nine stab wounds during a marijuana raid in Northern California. But he survived after he was airlifted to a veterinary clinic, the agency said Friday.
What’s more, it’s the second time the dog, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois named Ice, has recovered after being seriously injured on the job.
Ice was wounded Aug. 27 in the Klamath National Forest south of the Oregon border when he was released to catch a suspect who had fled down a steep hill to escape the raid that unearthed more than 5,500 marijuana plants.
He kept hold of the suspect even after he was stabbed, while his handler, Patrol Capt. Christopher Magallon, made the arrest.
Magallon then gave his dog first aid while calling in a helicopter, which flew Ice more than 70 miles to the Veterinary Specialty Center in Medford, Oregon.
The dog, which had been wearing a protective vest, was released later that afternoon, and federal prosecutors are still considering charges.
“Thankfully, despite the attack, no major areas were struck, and Ice will quickly recover and return to service until his expected retirement at the end of this month,” Cody Wheeler, the Forest Services’ North Zone patrol commander, said in a statement.
Ice received multiple stab wounds that were more severe during a similar raid in 2016, the agency said.
He received the 2016 Law Enforcement and Investigations Director’s Award for Valor and Heroism after surviving the earlier assault.
He was also honored then as a “Top Dog” award winner in the international category by American Humane Hero Dogs, appearing in a nationally televised award ceremony in 2017.
[jwplayer tZJA6shC]
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westernjournal--2020-09-04--Utah Police Take Stand Against Cartoon Linking Law Enforcement to KKK

After months of protests and riots around the nation , police groups in Utah say they have grown frustrated with rhetoric they describe as unfair and called for The Salt Lake Tribune to apologize after it published an editorial cartoon linking the Ku Klux Klan with law enforcement .
Police supporters staged a protest outside The Tribune ’ s printing press on Thursday night after the Utah Sheriffs ’ Association and Republican U.S. Rep Chris Stewart demanded that the paper retract the cartoon and apologize .
Several police groups , including the state ’ s Department of Public Safety , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to portray law enforcement officials .
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Jess Anderson said he found the cartoon extremely offensive .
He said there are areas in which local police departments can improve , but he is confident that in Utah “ policing as a whole is good.
” “ It was time as our silent voices have really been just in a listening mode of what all the concerns are now to say , you know what , enough was enough and you ’ ve crossed the line , ” Anderson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catastrophic Violence if Biden Does Not Win The cartoon , titled “ The Deep Hate , ” shows a police officer and a doctor looking at an X-ray showing a figure in a white Ku Klux Klan hood where the officer ’ s spine should be .
The Salt Lake City paper does not plan to apologize , and the cartoon is still online .
“ The cop in the cartoon is in for a check up because he felt something was wrong , ” cartoonist Pat Bagley wrote on Twitter .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to infiltrate law enforcement .
That ’ s a fact .
That ’ s a problem.
” Bagley said the cartoon was never meant to imply that all police officers are racist .
Several police officials signed a letter saying the cartoon would only further divide people .
“ The broad stroke used to widely disparage the law enforcement profession is disheartening , irresponsible , and does nothing to bring us together for the common good , ” the letter said .
Utah ’ s largest police union voiced similar complaints this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making “ disparaging comments ” about officers and wearing Black Lives Matter shirts in the classroom .
RELATED : Kindhearted Police Officer Aids Disoriented Elderly Driver Who Ran Out of Gas In a letter addressed to the state superintendent , the Utah Fraternal Order of Police suggested that teachers are assigning books that portray police as “ evil , or unnecessarily violent toward persons of color ” and giving speaking assignments “ full of anti-police sentiment.
” “ If teachers want to protest police , then it needs to be on their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The classroom is NOT the place for political indoctrination or social engineering based upon the political leanings of the teacher.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

After months of protests and riots around the nation, police groups in Utah say they have grown frustrated with rhetoric they describe as unfair and called for The Salt Lake Tribune to apologize after it published an editorial cartoon linking the Ku Klux Klan with law enforcement.
Police supporters staged a protest outside The Tribune’s printing press on Thursday night after the Utah Sheriffs’ Association and Republican U.S. Rep Chris Stewart demanded that the paper retract the cartoon and apologize.
Several police groups, including the state’s Department of Public Safety, have condemned the use of KKK imagery to portray law enforcement officials.
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Jess Anderson said he found the cartoon extremely offensive. He said there are areas in which local police departments can improve, but he is confident that in Utah “policing as a whole is good.”
“It was time as our silent voices have really been just in a listening mode of what all the concerns are now to say, you know what, enough was enough and you’ve crossed the line,” Anderson said Friday.
“That’s completely inappropriate, completely inappropriate and uncalled for.”
The cartoon, titled “The Deep Hate,” shows a police officer and a doctor looking at an X-ray showing a figure in a white Ku Klux Klan hood where the officer’s spine should be.
The Salt Lake City paper does not plan to apologize, and the cartoon is still online.
“The cop in the cartoon is in for a check up because he felt something was wrong,” cartoonist Pat Bagley wrote on Twitter. “White supremacists have made it a point to infiltrate law enforcement. That’s a fact. That’s a problem.”
I went to some pains to show that not all police are racist. The @UCSO chose to take offense anyway. White supremacists make a point of infiltrating law enforcement. That’s a fact. That’s a problem pic.twitter.com/jiogUS5C67 — Pat Bagley (@Patbagley) September 3, 2020
Bagley said the cartoon was never meant to imply that all police officers are racist.
Several police officials signed a letter saying the cartoon would only further divide people.
“The broad stroke used to widely disparage the law enforcement profession is disheartening, irresponsible, and does nothing to bring us together for the common good,” the letter said.
Utah’s largest police union voiced similar complaints this week, saying that some teachers have been making “disparaging comments” about officers and wearing Black Lives Matter shirts in the classroom.
Do you think anti-police rhetoric is unfair? Yes No
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In a letter addressed to the state superintendent, the Utah Fraternal Order of Police suggested that teachers are assigning books that portray police as “evil, or unnecessarily violent toward persons of color” and giving speaking assignments “full of anti-police sentiment.”
“If teachers want to protest police, then it needs to be on their own time,” the union wrote.
“The classroom is NOT the place for political indoctrination or social engineering based upon the political leanings of the teacher.”
[jwplayer HHIda4l4]
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westernjournal--2020-09-04--Court Shakes Up Election Laws, Allows Thousands of Felons To Vote in Battleground State

A North Carolina court ruled Friday that outstanding restitution , fees or other court-imposed monetary obligations can ’ t prevent convicted felons from voting if they ’ ve completed all other portions of their sentence .
The ruling , which may face appeals , could pave the way for an influx of thousands of felons to have their voting rights restored in the battleground state .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear how many were affected by the ruling , but lawyers for the plaintiffs said it was in the thousands .
A statement issued by Forward Justice , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge , said that the ruling would allow some convicted felons to start registering to vote immediately .
“ This ruling is a major victory for the thousands of North Carolinians who have been denied access to the ballot due to an inability to pay financial obligations , ” according to Dennis Gaddy , executive director of Community Success Initiative , one of the organizations behind the legal challenge .
Asked whether the state government defendants would appeal , Laura Brewer , a spokeswoman for the state attorney general ’ s office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRENDING : DC Police Release Body Cam Footage of Deon Kay Shooting That Has Sparked Protests The three-judge panel of Wake County Superior Court , which was considering a challenge to state law governing the restoration of voting rights , declined to settle the lawsuit ’ s arguments that probation , parole and post-release supervision are also unfair impediments to voting for those who have completed their incarceration .
In North Carolina , felons can register to vote again once they complete all aspects of their sentence , which can range from prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a 2-1 decision , the judges ruled that a portion of state law requiring felons to pay all monetary obligations before voting again violates the state constitution because it conditions the ability to cast a ballot on one ’ s financial means .
In the majority opinion , the judges noted that the state constitution requires that one ’ s property or financial means must not affect his or her ability to vote .
Under current state law , “ the ability for a person convicted of a felony to vote is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at minimum , a monetary amount equal to any fees , fines and debts assessed as a result of that person ’ s felony conviction , ” the judges wrote in the opinion .
Therefore , they ruled that the provision of state law regarding the payment of financial obligations violates the equal protection clause of the state constitution .
A separate preliminary injunction issued Friday bars the state from stopping felons from registering to vote if the only remaining portion of their sentence is satisfying a monetary obligation .
An attorney for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an estimated 56,000 felons who completed their incarceration still couldn ’ t vote because of other unfinished aspects of their sentence .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear how many of those were prevented from voting solely because of monetary obligations and would benefit from Friday ’ s ruling .
RELATED : Mail-in Voting Begins as North Carolina Sends Out Record Number of Absentee Ballots State lawyers representing legislative leaders and state elections board members have said the law doesn ’ t violate constitutional rights because it treats all people convicted of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote .
The chairman of the North Carolina GOP , Michael Whatley , said in a statement : “ It is outrageous for these judges to change the rules for an election when absentee ballots have already started going out and voting has begun.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A North Carolina court ruled Friday that outstanding restitution, fees or other court-imposed monetary obligations can’t prevent convicted felons from voting if they’ve completed all other portions of their sentence.
The ruling, which may face appeals, could pave the way for an influx of thousands of felons to have their voting rights restored in the battleground state. It wasn’t immediately clear how many were affected by the ruling, but lawyers for the plaintiffs said it was in the thousands.
A statement issued by Forward Justice, one of the advocacy groups involved in the challenge, said that the ruling would allow some convicted felons to start registering to vote immediately.
“This ruling is a major victory for the thousands of North Carolinians who have been denied access to the ballot due to an inability to pay financial obligations,” according to Dennis Gaddy, executive director of Community Success Initiative, one of the organizations behind the legal challenge.
Asked whether the state government defendants would appeal, Laura Brewer, a spokeswoman for the state attorney general’s office, said lawyers were reviewing the ruling.
The three-judge panel of Wake County Superior Court, which was considering a challenge to state law governing the restoration of voting rights, declined to settle the lawsuit’s arguments that probation, parole and post-release supervision are also unfair impediments to voting for those who have completed their incarceration.
In North Carolina, felons can register to vote again once they complete all aspects of their sentence, which can range from prison time to court fees or restitution.
In a 2-1 decision, the judges ruled that a portion of state law requiring felons to pay all monetary obligations before voting again violates the state constitution because it conditions the ability to cast a ballot on one’s financial means.
In the majority opinion, the judges noted that the state constitution requires that one’s property or financial means must not affect his or her ability to vote.
Do you agree with this ruling? Yes No
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Under current state law, “the ability for a person convicted of a felony to vote is conditioned on whether that person possesses, at minimum, a monetary amount equal to any fees, fines and debts assessed as a result of that person’s felony conviction,” the judges wrote in the opinion.
Therefore, they ruled that the provision of state law regarding the payment of financial obligations violates the equal protection clause of the state constitution.
A separate preliminary injunction issued Friday bars the state from stopping felons from registering to vote if the only remaining portion of their sentence is satisfying a monetary obligation.
An attorney for the plaintiffs has previously told the judges that an estimated 56,000 felons who completed their incarceration still couldn’t vote because of other unfinished aspects of their sentence.
It wasn’t immediately clear how many of those were prevented from voting solely because of monetary obligations and would benefit from Friday’s ruling.
State lawyers representing legislative leaders and state elections board members have said the law doesn’t violate constitutional rights because it treats all people convicted of felonies the same by withholding the right to vote.
The chairman of the North Carolina GOP, Michael Whatley, said in a statement: “It is outrageous for these judges to change the rules for an election when absentee ballots have already started going out and voting has begun.”
[jwplayer UvLzCkI6]
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westernjournal--2020-09-06--Man Set on Fire as Agitators Throw Molotov Cocktails Toward Cops During Portland Riots

Molotov cocktails were thrown toward Portland police Saturday night amid rioting that left at least one man on fire .
More than 50 people were arrested , The Oregonian reported .
Police also used tear gas for the first time this month in what was the 101st consecutive night of demonstrating in Portland .
Protesters tried to march to a Southeast Portland police precinct , but police blocked the way , saying that the march was unpermitted .
TRENDING : Weather Reporter Shared Heartbreaking Confession on Facebook Before Taking Her Own Life Protesters then sent Molotov cocktails toward police lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s shoes caught fire : WARNING : The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive : Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas denounced the rioting in a tweet about the violence .
“ This is insane , ” he wrote .
“ Every single rioter committing violence ( including shooting fireworks at innocent people ) should be arrested immediately , prosecuted & sent to jail .
Dem politicians refuse to do so.
” Protesters and police clashed throughout the night as the marchers moved forward against police and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after 1 a.m. Sunday .
As Portland devolves , others in Oregon have had enough , according to The New York Times .
In Gresham , 15 miles from Portland , a pro-America rally was held Wednesday to push back against the radicals in Portland .
Rebecca Crymer joined the rally after her experience in Portland with the rioters .
She said that when she was walking through Portland and wearing a Captain America T-shirt , she was threatened and called a Nazi .
A man even tried to throw dog poop at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m a normal person and I don ’ t have extremist views , ” Crymer said .
“ Normal people should be able to feel like they can fly an American flag and not get hunted down for it.
” Bonnie Johnson of Gresham said the violence has made her worry about her safety to the point where she is buying a gun .
“ I didn ’ t even want a gun , ” she said .
“ But when you see all that ’ s going on in Portland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an island in Oregon , ” said Stan Pulliam , the mayor of Sandy , a city about 30 miles from Portland .
“ We are scared to death that what ’ s happening in Portland will ever come out to where we live.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Molotov cocktails were thrown toward Portland police Saturday night amid rioting that left at least one man on fire.
More than 50 people were arrested, The Oregonian reported.
Police also used tear gas for the first time this month in what was the 101st consecutive night of demonstrating in Portland.
Protesters tried to march to a Southeast Portland police precinct, but police blocked the way, saying that the march was unpermitted.
Portland Police note that persons on Southeast Stark are engaging in tumultuous and violent conduct thereby intentionally or recklessly creating a grave risk of causing public alarm This is a riot. Police are giving announcements to disperse People are throwing Molotov cocktails. — Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) September 6, 2020
Protesters then sent Molotov cocktails toward police lines. A video showed that one man’s shoes caught fire:
WARNING: The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive:
ANTIFA lights themselves on fire— 5 minutes into the March, officers attempted to put him out. pic.twitter.com/FVBoEeQJVH — Tayler Hansen (@TaylerUSA) September 6, 2020
Fire bombs were thrown at officers, injuring at least one community member. Police are trying to restore peace and order for the safety of this neighborhood. https://t.co/V3UOCR6Bc4 — Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) September 6, 2020
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas denounced the rioting in a tweet about the violence.
“This is insane,” he wrote. “Every single rioter committing violence (including shooting fireworks at innocent people) should be arrested immediately, prosecuted & sent to jail. Dem politicians refuse to do so.”
This is insane. Every single rioter committing violence (including shooting fireworks at innocent people) should be arrested immediately, prosecuted & sent to jail. Dem politicians refuse to do so. https://t.co/TMPDiWdMQd — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 6, 2020
Protesters and police clashed throughout the night as the marchers moved forward against police and police then responded. The rioting ended after 1 a.m. Sunday.
As Portland devolves, others in Oregon have had enough, according to The New York Times.
In Gresham, 15 miles from Portland, a pro-America rally was held Wednesday to push back against the radicals in Portland.
Rebecca Crymer joined the rally after her experience in Portland with the rioters.
She said that when she was walking through Portland and wearing a Captain America T-shirt, she was threatened and called a Nazi. A man even tried to throw dog poop at her, she said.
“I’m a normal person and I don’t have extremist views,” Crymer said. “Normal people should be able to feel like they can fly an American flag and not get hunted down for it.”
Do you think Portland needs to accept federal help in order to restore peace in the city? 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% (2588 Votes) No: 1% (39 Votes)
Bonnie Johnson of Gresham said the violence has made her worry about her safety to the point where she is buying a gun.
“I didn’t even want a gun,” she said. “But when you see all that’s going on in Portland, it scares you.”
“Portland is an island in Oregon,” said Stan Pulliam, the mayor of Sandy, a city about 30 miles from Portland.
“We are scared to death that what’s happening in Portland will ever come out to where we live.”
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westernjournal--2020-09-06--Trump Vows To Not Fund Schools Teaching NYT 1619 Project’s Alternative Version of History

Public schools that teach what critics say is a “ revisionist account of history ” will pay the price , President Donald Trump said Sunday .
Trump slammed the 1619 Project — an effort by The New York Times to link all of American history to the arrival of African slaves in the then-colony of Virginia in 1619 .
The Pulitzer Center later released a curriculum based on the project , according to Fox News .
Responding to a tweet about California ’ s alleged use of the 1619 Project in its schools , Trump fired back : “ Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If so , they will not be funded !
” TRENDING : Weather Reporter Shared Heartbreaking Confession on Facebook Before Taking Her Own Life Earlier this year , Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas proposed a bill that would impose fiscal penalties on public school districts that use the 1619 Project curriculum .
“ The New York Times ’ s 1619 Project is a racially divisive , revisionist account of history that denies the noble principles of freedom and equality on which our nation was founded .
Not a single cent of federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this left-wing garbage , ” Cotton said in a release on his website .
Cotton ’ s office said his bill came in response to schools in Chicago ; Buffalo , New York ; Newark , New Jersey ; and Washington , D.C. , that have said they plan to teach the 1619 Project .
The legislation pushes back against every premise of the 1619 Project .
“ The true date of America ’ s founding is July 4 , 1776 , the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set forth by that Declaration are the fundamental principles upon which America was founded , ” Cotton ’ s bill said .
“ An activist movement is now gaining momentum to deny or obfuscate this history by claiming that America was not founded on the ideals of the Declaration but rather on slavery and oppression , ” it added .
“ This distortion of American history is being taught to children in public school classrooms via the New York Times ’ ‘ 1619 Project ’ , which claims that ‘ nearly everything that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ out of slavery ’ .
” “ The 1619 Project is a racially divisive and revisionist account of history that threatens the integrity of the Union by denying the true principles on which it was founded , ” the legislation said , adding that “ The Federal Government has a strong interest in promoting an accurate account of the Nation ’ s history through public schools and forming young people into knowledgeable and patriotic citizens.
” RELATED : University Dismisses 11 First-Year Students for Gathering in Room Together The project and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The 1619 Project , which in part contends that the American Revolution was fought primarily to preserve slavery , has been labeled “ so wrong in so many ways ” by Gordon Wood , a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian of the American Revolution , according to The Wall Street Journal .
Historian James McPherson , meanwhile , said the project offered an “ unbalanced , one-sided account ” that “ left most of the history out.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial @ @

Public schools that teach what critics say is a “revisionist account of history” will pay the price, President Donald Trump said Sunday.
Trump slammed the 1619 Project — an effort by The New York Times to link all of American history to the arrival of African slaves in the then-colony of Virginia in 1619.
The Pulitzer Center later released a curriculum based on the project, according to Fox News.
Responding to a tweet about California’s alleged use of the 1619 Project in its schools, Trump fired back: “Department of Education is looking at this. If so, they will not be funded!”
Department of Education is looking at this. If so, they will not be funded! https://t.co/dHsw6Y6Y3M — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2020
Earlier this year, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas proposed a bill that would impose fiscal penalties on public school districts that use the 1619 Project curriculum.
“The New York Times’s 1619 Project is a racially divisive, revisionist account of history that denies the noble principles of freedom and equality on which our nation was founded. Not a single cent of federal funding should go to indoctrinate young Americans with this left-wing garbage,” Cotton said in a release on his website.
Cotton’s office said his bill came in response to schools in Chicago; Buffalo, New York; Newark, New Jersey; and Washington, D.C., that have said they plan to teach the 1619 Project.
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The legislation pushes back against every premise of the 1619 Project.
“The true date of America’s founding is July 4, 1776, the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress. The self-evident truths set forth by that Declaration are the fundamental principles upon which America was founded,” Cotton’s bill said.
“An activist movement is now gaining momentum to deny or obfuscate this history by claiming that America was not founded on the ideals of the Declaration but rather on slavery and oppression,” it added.
“This distortion of American history is being taught to children in public school classrooms via the New York Times’ ‘1619 Project’, which claims that ‘nearly everything that has truly made America exceptional’ grew ‘out of slavery’.”
“The 1619 Project is a racially divisive and revisionist account of history that threatens the integrity of the Union by denying the true principles on which it was founded,” the legislation said, adding that “The Federal Government has a strong interest in promoting an accurate account of the Nation’s history through public schools and forming young people into knowledgeable and patriotic citizens.”
The project and its concept has caused a stir on Twitter:
What is “uninformed” & “deeply troubling” is the view that “This country was founded upon racist ideas”. The “facts” are America was founded in 1776 upon the idea that ‘all men are created equal’ but our history is stained by the failure to be true to those words. https://t.co/kXJlH4vO7I — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) September 1, 2020
Not one cent of taxpayer money should be used to brainwash our children with the 1619 Project’s lies.https://t.co/hviTZ3UP7o — Tom Cotton (@TomCottonAR) September 6, 2020
The 1619 Project, which in part contends that the American Revolution was fought primarily to preserve slavery, has been labeled “so wrong in so many ways” by Gordon Wood, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian of the American Revolution, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Historian James McPherson, meanwhile, said the project offered an “unbalanced, one-sided account” that “left most of the history out.”
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westernjournal--2020-09-06--Report Details How Dem Senate Candidate Mark Kelly Got Rich Quick, Including Selling Out to China

Having a financial interest in the Chinese government ’ s opinion of you can be hazardous to your moral health .
Witness , for instance , the brave NBA multimillionaires , so comfortable slagging President Donald Trump and the perfidies of America .
When the issue of Hong Kong came up after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted in support of pro-democracy protesters , that kind of ethical certitude went out the window — mostly because of the fact that the NBA does a great deal of business in China and Beijing had made it clear they weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Suddenly , individuals like LeBron James , Gregg Popovich and Steve Kerr didn ’ t have any clue about Beijing ’ s oppressive tactics .
( Last month , Kerr called his 2019 comments “ embarrassing ” — which was convenient , considering he said this as the NBA was lecturing us all about social justice yet again . )
Another person who didn ’ t have a whole lot to say about the protests in Hong Kong was Mark Kelly , the Democratic nominee for Senate in Arizona .
Kelly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the husband of Gabrielle Giffords , the former congresswoman shot by an unstable gunman in 2011 .
TRENDING : Weather Reporter Shared Heartbreaking Confession on Facebook Before Taking Her Own Life Since Giffords ’ shooting , Kelly ’ s most visible role has been as a gun control advocate .
However , he ’ s also become a wildly effective “ celebrity brand , ” as one academic put it .
In Gabby Giffords ’ financial disclosure during her last full year as a member of Congress , back in 2011 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.1 million .
Granted , her husband was still in the Navy for much of that year , but they were still a couple of above-modest means .
Eight years later in 2019 , Kelly had to file his first financial disclosures for his run against GOP Arizona Sen. Martha McSally .
According to The Arizona Republic , his net worth was between $ 10 million and $ 27 million .
( It ’ s now between $ 9 million and $ 27 million , the paper said , citing a financial disclosure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would , as The Republic reported , be “ an amount that would make him among the wealthiest people in Congress at the time.
” Even at the low end , $ 9 million is more than quadruple what the couple was worth in 2011 .
And $ 27 million represents a nearly 13-fold increase from that $ 2.1 million figure .
How did he get to be so wealthy ?
Kelly has a lot of metaphorical fingers in metaphorical pies , but one of the most worrying is his stake in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Tencent , a tech firm that has ties to the Chinese Communist Party .
“ Through a very unexpected situation , what happened to Gabby , I wound up having to leave my career in the Navy and at NASA , and Gabby resigned from Congress , ” Kelly told The Republic in a recent interview .
“ Like a lot of a lot of other astronauts , I went out there as a self-employed person and found opportunities for work.
” From this language , you ’ re probably envisioning a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made his personal brand work for him .
To a certain extent , you ’ re right — he did make some money from speaking .
However , he also did consulting , sat on corporate boards and tried his hand at investing .
One of his investments was World View Enterprises , a company that does near-space balloon imaging .
Kelly was a co-founder of the firm , which received money from Tencent .
RELATED : You Be the Judge : Is This Reuters Report Objective News or a Biden Ad ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth at least $ 100,000 , but insists there ’ s no conflict of interest .
“ I ’ m the , the test pilot , I am the technical guy .
I ’ m not the CEO or the finance guy , or I wasn ’ t , ” Kelly said , although he conceded he talked with Tencent before they invested in World View .
“ I had a very brief conversation with one individual that lasted about 30 seconds , maybe a minute , ” Kelly claimed , saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company .
He also has links to Tilman Fertitta , the billionaire Texas businessman behind the Landry ’ s restaurant group .
“ Fertitta hosted Kelly ’ s 2007 bachelor party aboard his $ 40 million yacht , and Kelly and Giffords attended several swanky events with Fertitta , from the opening of new restaurants to pre-launch parties for Kelly and his brother , ” The Republic reported .
“ Fertitta flew Kelly to Tucson in 2011 on his private jet to be with Giffords after her shooting .
“ Kelly served as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2013 until 2017 and held stock worth up to $ 100,000 for another Fertitta-related company as late as 2019 .
He gave the keynote speech to Landry ’ s annual conference in 2017.
” The issue ?
Fertitta is the owner of the Houston Rockets , the team which employs Morey .
Tencent also streams the broadcasts of NBA games in China , which meant there was what those on the left might call a bit of intersectionality regarding Kelly ’ s interests in the matter when Morey announced ( and then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Hong Kong .
Fertitta was also one of the people who acquitted himself most poorly during the NBA ’ s China debacle .
After tweeting that the Rockets weren ’ t a “ political organization ” and disavowing Morey ’ s comments , he began liking posts on Instagram calling for Morey to be fired .
Fertitta would eventually go radio silent on the issue once it became clear the NBA was reversing course after taking serious flak , and now says he thinks there was “ nothing wrong ” with Morey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ties to Fertitta and to Tencent are seen as two of the reasons why he wouldn ’ t offer much support for the Hong Kong protesters other than telling a newsletter called the Yellow Sheet Report that he “ supports those protesting for democracy in Hong Kong.
” The McSally campaign , meanwhile , has seized upon Kelly ’ s ties to China .
She “ and her allies have cast Kelly as a partisan mercenary willing to make money from sometimes-unsavory sources , ” The Republic reported .
“ For his part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political smears reminiscent of McSally ’ s attacks in 2018 on the patriotism of her Democratic rival , Kyrsten Sinema.
” Except these were some of the most salient attacks against Sinema , whose organizing against the Iraq War was shameful .
While voters don ’ t particularly care about personal wealth , they do care when that personal wealth seems to come from a personal brand that sprang up in the wake of the assassination attempt against a candidate ’ s wife .
While most of that wealth isn ’ t under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like World View ’ s investment from Tencent .
In addition to that , there ’ s a speaking fee from Youngstown State University — paid out via a private family foundation — that the public school refused to disclose , as well as consulting fees he allegedly refused to answer questions about , according to the National Republican Senatorial Committee .
Some would dismiss these questions as being irrelevant given the increased value surrounding celebrity in today ’ s world .
“ In our world today , a celebrity brand is worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associate professor and the director at George Washington University ’ s Graduate School of Political Management .
“ It ’ s really important to understand that , yes , he ’ s doing speeches , he ’ s making watch deals , ” she said .
“ Putting his brand or licensing his name is , in fact , a lucrative business when an individual has some sense of celebrity.
” However , she pointed this out , too : “ What ’ s more important than the net worth is really the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running and the perception of that character by the people.
” Kelly was asked during his interview with The Republic how much increasing his personal wealth has changed him .
“ I would say , in general , not much because of the person I married , and who I am , ” Kelly said .
Would the Mark Kelly of 10 years ago have stayed this silent on issues related to freedom in China , I wonder ?
It certainly looks more than a little shady .
We are committed to truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read our editorial standards .

Having a financial interest in the Chinese government’s opinion of you can be hazardous to your moral health.
Witness, for instance, the brave NBA multimillionaires, so comfortable slagging President Donald Trump and the perfidies of America.
When the issue of Hong Kong came up after Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted in support of pro-democracy protesters, that kind of ethical certitude went out the window — mostly because of the fact that the NBA does a great deal of business in China and Beijing had made it clear they weren’t happy with Morey’s remark.
Suddenly, individuals like LeBron James, Gregg Popovich and Steve Kerr didn’t have any clue about Beijing’s oppressive tactics. (Last month, Kerr called his 2019 comments “embarrassing” — which was convenient, considering he said this as the NBA was lecturing us all about social justice yet again.)
Another person who didn’t have a whole lot to say about the protests in Hong Kong was Mark Kelly, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Arizona. Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy pilot, is the husband of Gabrielle Giffords, the former congresswoman shot by an unstable gunman in 2011.
Since Giffords’ shooting, Kelly’s most visible role has been as a gun control advocate. However, he’s also become a wildly effective “celebrity brand,” as one academic put it.
In Gabby Giffords’ financial disclosure during her last full year as a member of Congress, back in 2011, she declared her family was worth $2.1 million. Granted, her husband was still in the Navy for much of that year, but they were still a couple of above-modest means.
Eight years later in 2019, Kelly had to file his first financial disclosures for his run against GOP Arizona Sen. Martha McSally. According to The Arizona Republic, his net worth was between $10 million and $27 million. (It’s now between $9 million and $27 million, the paper said, citing a financial disclosure report filed in August.)
This would, as The Republic reported, be “an amount that would make him among the wealthiest people in Congress at the time.”
Even at the low end, $9 million is more than quadruple what the couple was worth in 2011. And $27 million represents a nearly 13-fold increase from that $2.1 million figure.
How did he get to be so wealthy? Kelly has a lot of metaphorical fingers in metaphorical pies, but one of the most worrying is his stake in a company that’s received significant investment from Tencent, a tech firm that has ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
“Through a very unexpected situation, what happened to Gabby, I wound up having to leave my career in the Navy and at NASA, and Gabby resigned from Congress,” Kelly told The Republic in a recent interview. “Like a lot of a lot of other astronauts, I went out there as a self-employed person and found opportunities for work.”
From this language, you’re probably envisioning a man who took high-paying speaking gigs and made his personal brand work for him. To a certain extent, you’re right — he did make some money from speaking.
However, he also did consulting, sat on corporate boards and tried his hand at investing.
One of his investments was World View Enterprises, a company that does near-space balloon imaging. Kelly was a co-founder of the firm, which received money from Tencent.
He owns company stock that’s worth at least $100,000, but insists there’s no conflict of interest.
“I’m the, the test pilot, I am the technical guy. I’m not the CEO or the finance guy, or I wasn’t,” Kelly said, although he conceded he talked with Tencent before they invested in World View.
“I had a very brief conversation with one individual that lasted about 30 seconds, maybe a minute,” Kelly claimed, saying the conversation was about the vision for the company.
Should Mark Kelly have to answer about his ties to China? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (2751 Votes) No: 1% (16 Votes)
He also has links to Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire Texas businessman behind the Landry’s restaurant group.
“Fertitta hosted Kelly’s 2007 bachelor party aboard his $40 million yacht, and Kelly and Giffords attended several swanky events with Fertitta, from the opening of new restaurants to pre-launch parties for Kelly and his brother,” The Republic reported.
“Fertitta flew Kelly to Tucson in 2011 on his private jet to be with Giffords after her shooting.
“Kelly served as a board member for Landry’s from 2013 until 2017 and held stock worth up to $100,000 for another Fertitta-related company as late as 2019. He gave the keynote speech to Landry’s annual conference in 2017.”
The issue? Fertitta is the owner of the Houston Rockets, the team which employs Morey. Tencent also streams the broadcasts of NBA games in China, which meant there was what those on the left might call a bit of intersectionality regarding Kelly’s interests in the matter when Morey announced (and then quickly deleted) his support for protesters in Hong Kong.
Fertitta was also one of the people who acquitted himself most poorly during the NBA’s China debacle. After tweeting that the Rockets weren’t a “political organization” and disavowing Morey’s comments, he began liking posts on Instagram calling for Morey to be fired.
Listen….@dmorey does NOT speak for the @HoustonRockets. Our presence in Tokyo is all about the promotion of the @NBA internationally and we are NOT a political organization. @espn https://t.co/yNyQFtwTTi — Tilman Fertitta (@TilmanJFertitta) October 5, 2019
Tilman Fertitta liked these comments on Instagram of fans/commenters wanting him to get rid of Daryl Morey. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/0VGkgk9WmN — Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) October 6, 2019
Fertitta would eventually go radio silent on the issue once it became clear the NBA was reversing course after taking serious flak, and now says he thinks there was “nothing wrong” with Morey’s tweet.
Kelly’s ties to Fertitta and to Tencent are seen as two of the reasons why he wouldn’t offer much support for the Hong Kong protesters other than telling a newsletter called the Yellow Sheet Report that he “supports those protesting for democracy in Hong Kong.”
The McSally campaign, meanwhile, has seized upon Kelly’s ties to China. She “and her allies have cast Kelly as a partisan mercenary willing to make money from sometimes-unsavory sources,” The Republic reported.
“For his part, Kelly dismisses such efforts as untrue political smears reminiscent of McSally’s attacks in 2018 on the patriotism of her Democratic rival, Kyrsten Sinema.”
Except these were some of the most salient attacks against Sinema, whose organizing against the Iraq War was shameful.
While voters don’t particularly care about personal wealth, they do care when that personal wealth seems to come from a personal brand that sprang up in the wake of the assassination attempt against a candidate’s wife.
While most of that wealth isn’t under question, some of it is — like World View’s investment from Tencent.
In addition to that, there’s a speaking fee from Youngstown State University — paid out via a private family foundation — that the public school refused to disclose, as well as consulting fees he allegedly refused to answer questions about, according to the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Some would dismiss these questions as being irrelevant given the increased value surrounding celebrity in today’s world.
“In our world today, a celebrity brand is worth millions,” said Lara Brown, associate professor and the director at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management.
“It’s really important to understand that, yes, he’s doing speeches, he’s making watch deals,” she said. “Putting his brand or licensing his name is, in fact, a lucrative business when an individual has some sense of celebrity.”
However, she pointed this out, too: “What’s more important than the net worth is really the overall character of the person who is running and the perception of that character by the people.”
Kelly was asked during his interview with The Republic how much increasing his personal wealth has changed him.
“I would say, in general, not much because of the person I married, and who I am,” Kelly said.
Would the Mark Kelly of 10 years ago have stayed this silent on issues related to freedom in China, I wonder? It certainly looks more than a little shady.
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.