westernjournal--2020-02-24--Trump Admin Cracks Down on Welfare-Dependent Immigrants as ‘Public Charge’ Rule Goes Into Effect

A Trump administration rule that makes it harder for immigrants to land on welfare when they land in the United States takes effect Monday .
The so-called “ public charge rule ” has been contested by foes of the Trump administration but can take effect while the courts hash out the rights and wrongs of the matter thanks to a Supreme Court ruling on Friday , The Hill reported .
The court had earlier lifted an injunction granted by a New York-based judge , and on Friday did the same with an injunction imposed by a district court judge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposed the rule in August .
The Immigration and Nationality Act makes it harder for an immigrant to get a green card if he or she is likely at any time after entering the U.S. to become what is known as a “ public charge.
” “ We are gratified by the Supreme Court ruling on Friday night lifting the final remaining injunction on the public charge regulation , ” White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement .
“ This final rule will protect hardworking American taxpayers , safeguard welfare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Federal deficit , and re-establish the fundamental legal principle that newcomers to our society should be financially self-reliant and not dependent on the largess of United States taxpayers.
” Ken Cuccinelli , the acting deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security , said the rule springs from President Donald Trump ’ s belief that self-sufficiency is as good for individuals as it is for the country .
“ The main reason this got done is because we have a president who is determined enough to make self-sufficiency matter again in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to The Washington Times .
“ That kind of entrepreneurial mentality is a natural for him.
” Cuccinelli said the real issue is not denial of green cards , but changing immigrant behavior to avoid welfare unless necessary , “ which is actually a useful measure , at the margin , of who ’ s able to be self-sufficient.
” “ The goal is to make sure that people who are granted long-term status , legal permanent residence status , can stand on their own two feet .
And get back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law for over 140 years , ” he said .
In introducing the rule in August , the White House said that the facts showed it was necessary .
“ Large numbers of non-citizens and their families have taken advantage of our generous public benefits , limited resources that could otherwise go to vulnerable Americans , ” a briefing sheet issued by the White House read .
The White House also said that “ 78 percent of households headed by a non-citizen with no more than a high school education use at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of all households headed by a non-citizen use at least one welfare program.
” “ Half of all non-citizen headed households include at least one person who uses Medicaid , ” the briefing sheet added .
RELATED : 'Miracle on Ice ' Hockey Team Appears at Trump Rally , Fires Back Against Critics Cuccinelli , who was acting director of Citizenship and Immigration Services at the time the rule was proposed , said the dollars saved are one part of the wider picture .
“ The benefit to taxpayers is a long-term @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigration system is bringing people to join us as American citizens , as legal permanent residents first , who can stand on their own two feet , who will not be reliant on the welfare system — especially in the age of the modern welfare state , which is so expansive and expensive , frankly , ” he said during an August briefing on the rule .
“ So that is — that self-sufficiency that has been a central part of the American value set for so long is critical for us and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s part of the motivation for a rule like this .
It ’ s part of a benefit that goes all the way back 140 years .
This rule , as I said earlier , simply puts meat on the bones of that consideration , ” he said .
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Read our editorial standards .

A Trump administration rule that makes it harder for immigrants to land on welfare when they land in the United States takes effect Monday.
The so-called “public charge rule” has been contested by foes of the Trump administration but can take effect while the courts hash out the rights and wrongs of the matter thanks to a Supreme Court ruling on Friday, The Hill reported.
The court had earlier lifted an injunction granted by a New York-based judge, and on Friday did the same with an injunction imposed by a district court judge in Illinois.
The Trump administration had initially proposed the rule in August. The Immigration and Nationality Act makes it harder for an immigrant to get a green card if he or she is likely at any time after entering the U.S. to become what is known as a “public charge.”
“We are gratified by the Supreme Court ruling on Friday night lifting the final remaining injunction on the public charge regulation,” White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement.
“This final rule will protect hardworking American taxpayers, safeguard welfare programs for truly needy Americans, reduce the Federal deficit, and re-establish the fundamental legal principle that newcomers to our society should be financially self-reliant and not dependent on the largess of United States taxpayers.”
Ken Cuccinelli, the acting deputy secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said the rule springs from President Donald Trump’s belief that self-sufficiency is as good for individuals as it is for the country.
“The main reason this got done is because we have a president who is determined enough to make self-sufficiency matter again in a meaningful way,” he said, according to The Washington Times. “That kind of entrepreneurial mentality is a natural for him.”
Cuccinelli said the real issue is not denial of green cards, but changing immigrant behavior to avoid welfare unless necessary, “which is actually a useful measure, at the margin, of who’s able to be self-sufficient.”
Do you support this new immigration rule? Yes No
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“The goal is to make sure that people who are granted long-term status, legal permanent residence status, can stand on their own two feet. And get back to that American tradition that has been in law for over 140 years,” he said.
In introducing the rule in August, the White House said that the facts showed it was necessary.
“Large numbers of non-citizens and their families have taken advantage of our generous public benefits, limited resources that could otherwise go to vulnerable Americans,” a briefing sheet issued by the White House read.
The White House also said that “78 percent of households headed by a non-citizen with no more than a high school education use at least one welfare program” and “58 percent of all households headed by a non-citizen use at least one welfare program.”
“Half of all non-citizen headed households include at least one person who uses Medicaid,” the briefing sheet added.
Cuccinelli, who was acting director of Citizenship and Immigration Services at the time the rule was proposed, said the dollars saved are one part of the wider picture.
“The benefit to taxpayers is a long-term benefit of seeking to ensure that our immigration system is bringing people to join us as American citizens, as legal permanent residents first, who can stand on their own two feet, who will not be reliant on the welfare system — especially in the age of the modern welfare state, which is so expansive and expensive, frankly,” he said during an August briefing on the rule.
“So that is — that self-sufficiency that has been a central part of the American value set for so long is critical for us and for taxpayers going forward. That’s part of the motivation for a rule like this. It’s part of a benefit that goes all the way back 140 years. This rule, as I said earlier, simply puts meat on the bones of that consideration,” he said.
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westernjournal--2020-02-24--‘Miracle on Ice’ Hockey Team Appears at Trump Rally, Fires Back Against Critics

The American heroes of the Cold War ’ s most epic sports victory over the Soviet Union fought back against critics who decried the appearance of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team with President Donald Trump at a Trump rally in Las Vegas .
On Friday , team members — including captain Mike Eruzione and star goalie Jim Craig — wore red “ Keep America Great ” caps at the rally during a brief appearance in which Trump introduced the team and engaged in banter with the former players , whose unlikely victory as amateurs facing the then-dominant Soviets in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Placid , New York , was dubbed the “ Miracle on Ice.
” Herb Brooks coached the team to its gold medal win over Finland after it defeated the Soviet Union in a semifinal match .
His daughter , Kelly Brooks , appeared at the Trump rally and spoke about her father .
“ I ’ m honored that his legacy still is alive today , and he would be proud to be here with you all , ” she said .
“ And in my personal opinion , he would have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tweet to celebrate the moment .
But then came the carping critics .
RELATED : Rising NASCAR Star Sets Goal of Getting Helmet Signed by Trump , Succeeds at Daytona 500 The team sought to still the waters by noting that American pride should surmount political differences .
“ To us , this is not about politics or choosing sides .
This is about proudly representing the United States of America , ” it tweeted Saturday .
“ Whether your beliefs are Democratic , Republican , Independent , etc .
we support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USA .
It is an honor and privilege !
” Eruzione said that the American team was not simply lucky — it was good .
“ Miracle ’ s a catchy phrase and it sounds nice , but it wasn ’ t a miracle .
It wasn ’ t a fluke .
We weren ’ t lucky .
Craig Patrick , our assistant coach , after the Olympics , said it best .
He said , ‘ They deserved what they got.
’ You know , we deserved to win that tournament and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , according to Fox News .
“ The miracles happened in much more dramatic fashion than a hockey game .
So it was great and … a moment that my teammates and I are very proud to have been a part of.
” Eruzione said the Soviet players were stunned that they had been beaten .
“ When I was skating through the line shaking hands , it was almost like disbelief on their faces .
Like , ‘ What just happened ?
’ I think they were stunned .
You know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They hadn ’ t lost in 40 consecutive games … They weren ’ t real happy , ” he said .
“ To us , it was a hockey game .
But to a lot of people in this country , it was more about we showed the world what makes this country so great .
You know , underdogs and hard-working kids [ who ] came from working-class families who went out and did something and shocked the world , ” he said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editorial standards .

The American heroes of the Cold War’s most epic sports victory over the Soviet Union fought back against critics who decried the appearance of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team with President Donald Trump at a Trump rally in Las Vegas.
On Friday, team members — including captain Mike Eruzione and star goalie Jim Craig — wore red “Keep America Great” caps at the rally during a brief appearance in which Trump introduced the team and engaged in banter with the former players, whose unlikely victory as amateurs facing the then-dominant Soviets in front of an American crowd at Lake Placid, New York, was dubbed the “Miracle on Ice.”
Herb Brooks coached the team to its gold medal win over Finland after it defeated the Soviet Union in a semifinal match.
His daughter, Kelly Brooks, appeared at the Trump rally and spoke about her father.
“I’m honored that his legacy still is alive today, and he would be proud to be here with you all,” she said.
“And in my personal opinion, he would have been a Trump fan.”
The team shared a tweet to celebrate the moment.
“ The name on the front is more important than the name on the back”. ???? #MiracleonIce #40Years pic.twitter.com/mLXIEjhvv3 — 1980 Miracle Hockey Team (@1980MiracleTeam) February 21, 2020
But then came the carping critics.
They made it about politics by showing up at a campaign rally. Don’t like the blow back, how about thinking before doing something stupid. All respect is now gone. — Tom Baker (@Shake_N_Bake690) February 23, 2020
Well I used to admire the Miracle on Ice team and Mike for his emotional leadership for that gang of underdogs , unfortunately that all goes down the toilet with his support of a self serving Cretin like Trump. Perhaps all the pounding he took on the ice is the reason. — Giuseppe Fiorini (@Giusepp59073114) February 21, 2020
Ugh…. so disappointed by the @1980MiracleTeam. I loved watching that game as a kid with my dad. Loved watching the movie with my kids. To see them on a stage, in maga hats—kinda crushing I have to say. — Soledad O’Brien (@soledadobrien) February 23, 2020
Miracle on Ice guys going to a Trump rally after defeating the USSR in 1980 is quite the fall from grace. — Andrew James (@ndrewL7) February 21, 2020
Today first anniversary of me throwing away the Disney dvd movie of the story. My son watched that movie every year at hockey camp. Sad day. — WhiteSharpie (@sharpie_white) February 24, 2020
The team sought to still the waters by noting that American pride should surmount political differences.
Did it upset you to see the 'Miracle on Ice' players at President Trump's rally? Yes No
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“To us, this is not about politics or choosing sides. This is about proudly representing the United States of America,” it tweeted Saturday.
“Whether your beliefs are Democratic, Republican, Independent, etc. we support that and are proud to represent the USA. It is an honor and privilege!”
To us, this is not about politics or choosing sides. This is about proudly representing the United States of America. Whether your beliefs are Democratic, Republican, Independent, etc. we support that and are proud to represent the USA. It is an honor and privilege! ???? — 1980 Miracle Hockey Team (@1980MiracleTeam) February 22, 2020
Eruzione said that the American team was not simply lucky — it was good.
“Miracle’s a catchy phrase and it sounds nice, but it wasn’t a miracle. It wasn’t a fluke. We weren’t lucky. Craig Patrick, our assistant coach, after the Olympics, said it best. He said, ‘They deserved what they got.’ You know, we deserved to win that tournament and we did,” Eruzione said last week, according to Fox News.
“The miracles happened in much more dramatic fashion than a hockey game. So it was great and … a moment that my teammates and I are very proud to have been a part of.”
Eruzione said the Soviet players were stunned that they had been beaten.
“When I was skating through the line shaking hands, it was almost like disbelief on their faces. Like, ‘What just happened?’ I think they were stunned. You know, they’d never lost. They hadn’t lost in 40 consecutive games … They weren’t real happy,” he said.
“To us, it was a hockey game. But to a lot of people in this country, it was more about we showed the world what makes this country so great. You know, underdogs and hard-working kids [who] came from working-class families who went out and did something and shocked the world,” he said.
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westernjournal--2020-02-24--NASA Mathematician Depicted in ‘Hidden Figures,’ Katherine Johnson, Has Passed Away at Age 101

Katherine Johnson , the famed NASA mathematician depicted in “ Hidden Figures , ” has died .
She was 101 .
NASA confirmed Johnson ’ s death on social media writing , “ We ’ re saddened by the passing of celebrated # HiddenFigures mathematician Katherine Johnson.
” “ Today , we celebrate her 101 years of life and honor her legacy of excellence that broke down racial and social barriers.
” Johnson ’ s story was told in the Oscar-nominated 2016 film “ Hidden Figures ” about black women who were hired as human computers to work complicated equations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space exploration .
“ NASA is deeply saddened by the loss of a leader from our pioneering days , and we send our deepest condolences to the family of Katherine Johnson , ” Bridenstine began .
“ Ms .
Johnson helped our nation enlarge the frontiers of space even as she made huge strides that also opened doors for women and people of color in the universal human quest to explore space.
” “ Her dedication and the skill as a mathematician helped put humans on the Moon and before that made it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first steps in space that we now follow on a journey to Mars , ” Bridenstine said .
RELATED : Custodian with Near 4-Hour Commute Each Way Stunned by Fundraiser To Buy Him New Truck In an article published by NASA in 2015 , Johnson said that as a girl , she was fascinated with numbers and had a joy for math that made her 33 years of work as a research mathematician happy and fulfilling .
“ I counted everything .
I counted the steps to the road , the steps up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and silverware I washed … anything that could be counted , I did , ” the National Medal of Freedom recipient said .
Johnson flew through elementary and high school at a rocket ’ s pace and entered West Virginia State College at age 15 , graduating at age 18 .
She began working for NASA ’ s predecessor , the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics , in 1953 at the Langley laboratory in Virginia .
Johnson ’ s job title was literally “ computer , ” and her skill set quickly became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above electronic computers .
“ Early on , when they said they wanted the capsule to come down at a certain place , they were trying to compute when it should start , ” Johnson said in a 2008 article published by NASA .
“ I said , ‘ Let me do it .
You tell me when you want it and where you want it to land , and I ’ ll do it backwards and tell you when to take off.
’ That was my forte.
” Johnson broke down racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NASA and even beyond as she continued to speak publicly about the importance of STEM education .
“ At NASA we will never forget her courage and leadership and the milestones we could not have reached without her , ” Bridenstine said .
“ We will continue building on her legacy and work tirelessly to increase opportunities for everyone who has something to contribute toward the ongoing work of raising the bar of human potential.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

Katherine Johnson, the famed NASA mathematician depicted in “Hidden Figures,” has died. She was 101.
NASA confirmed Johnson’s death on social media writing, “We’re saddened by the passing of celebrated #HiddenFigures mathematician Katherine Johnson.”
“Today, we celebrate her 101 years of life and honor her legacy of excellence that broke down racial and social barriers.”
Johnson’s story was told in the Oscar-nominated 2016 film “Hidden Figures” about black women who were hired as human computers to work complicated equations that became an integral part of human space exploration.
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine released a statement about Johnson’s inspirational life and legacy.
“NASA is deeply saddened by the loss of a leader from our pioneering days, and we send our deepest condolences to the family of Katherine Johnson,” Bridenstine began.
The @NASA family will never forget Katherine Johnson’s courage and the milestones we could not have reached without her. Her story and her grace continue to inspire the world. https://t.co/UPOqo0sLfb pic.twitter.com/xwnRX9oZoi — Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) February 24, 2020
“Ms. Johnson helped our nation enlarge the frontiers of space even as she made huge strides that also opened doors for women and people of color in the universal human quest to explore space.”
“Her dedication and the skill as a mathematician helped put humans on the Moon and before that made it possible for our astronauts to take the first steps in space that we now follow on a journey to Mars,” Bridenstine said.
In an article published by NASA in 2015, Johnson said that as a girl, she was fascinated with numbers and had a joy for math that made her 33 years of work as a research mathematician happy and fulfilling.
“I counted everything. I counted the steps to the road, the steps up to church, the number of dishes and silverware I washed … anything that could be counted, I did,” the National Medal of Freedom recipient said.
We’re saddened by the passing of celebrated #HiddenFigures mathematician Katherine Johnson. Today, we celebrate her 101 years of life and honor her legacy of excellence that broke down racial and social barriers: https://t.co/Tl3tsHAfYB pic.twitter.com/dGiGmEVvAW — NASA (@NASA) February 24, 2020
Johnson flew through elementary and high school at a rocket’s pace and entered West Virginia State College at age 15, graduating at age 18.
She began working for NASA’s predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, in 1953 at the Langley laboratory in Virginia.
Johnson’s job title was literally “computer,” and her skill set quickly became prized among astronauts who trusted her calculations above electronic computers.
“Early on, when they said they wanted the capsule to come down at a certain place, they were trying to compute when it should start,” Johnson said in a 2008 article published by NASA.
“I said, ‘Let me do it. You tell me when you want it and where you want it to land, and I’ll do it backwards and tell you when to take off.’ That was my forte.”
Johnson broke down racial and social barriers during her time at NASA and even beyond as she continued to speak publicly about the importance of STEM education.
“At NASA we will never forget her courage and leadership and the milestones we could not have reached without her,” Bridenstine said.
“We will continue building on her legacy and work tirelessly to increase opportunities for everyone who has something to contribute toward the ongoing work of raising the bar of human potential.”
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westernjournal--2020-02-24--Leftists Celebrated $15/Hr Minimum Wage, Now They Can’t Figure Out Why They’re Being Fired

In the years since New York and other liberal cities celebrated raising the minimum wage for workers to $ 15 an hour , many fast-food restaurant employees have reported being inordinately terminated for minor infractions .
To combat the issue of such terminations , which they see as “ unfair , ” two Democratic city council members in New York have introduced bills that would diminish the power employers have over their workforce .
According to the New York Daily News , a bill from council members Adrienne Adams and Brad Lander , who represent districts in Queens and Brooklyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment for any reason other than “ misconduct or failure to do the job.
” The bill also equates employers reducing their employees ’ hours by 15 percent or more to the employees being fired .
Another bill introduced by Adams and Lander would force establishments to base firings or layoffs during times of economic hardship on employee seniority .
The proposed “ Just Cause ” legislation comes after a number of restaurant employees complained in a survey of losing their jobs for minor infractions , or in some cases , for no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast-food workers have been fired without a just cause , without a warning , without even any notice , ” Lander said .
“ And if you can be fired simply on the whim of an angry boss or a disgruntled customer ’ s complaint , then you ’ re far more vulnerable to harassment or abuse.
” While it is certainly valid to fight being unjustly fired , employees , along with Lander and Adams , should also be aware of how increased operating costs might leave businesses with no other choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wages are costing them too much .
Restaurants that have managed to stay afloat , despite having to hike up their prices and pass the increased operating expenses along to their customers , could decide that the cost of doing business is simply too great .
That could leave many more young or unskilled workers with no jobs at all .
Raising the minimum wage for food workers may have seemed like a good idea to workers at the time , but it has clearly come with many negative consequences in New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hike hit restaurants in Seattle particularly hard , where dining establishments simply can not afford to stay open .
As a result , many food workers in the city have found themselves without a paycheck .
The city ’ s reeling business community is still struggling to adapt to the added labor costs .
“ In order to buy great product and pay a great wage that people can live on in our city … the math just doesn ’ t work , ” Seattle chef Matt Dillon said to the Seattle Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing .
“ There ’ s gon na be a reckoning , big time .
I don ’ t think it ’ s gon na be pretty.
” Seattle ’ s minimum has risen progressively since 2014 and will top out at $ 15 an hour next year , according to CNBC .
RELATED : There 's a Massive Difference in Min .
Wage Across the Country -- It 's $ 16 Some Places New York City is taking the issue farther by proposing to become the first city to dictate to restaurants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labor force .
Businesses in the Empire State , with already razor-thin profits margins , could choose to continue to offset payroll costs through automation or through staff reductions .
Computers , after all , don ’ t get sick , don ’ t take smoke breaks and won ’ t argue with customers .
Restaurant owners could also choose to pack up and leave cities and states where it is becoming cost-prohibitive to operate .
As one New York restaurant chief executive told The New York Times , “ Ultimately I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ lives better but some of these rules make it really , really challenging for us to operate.
” Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders , who is currently the frontrunner to win the party ’ s nomination , supports raising the federal minimum wage to $ 15 an hour — a move supported by other Democratic candidates .
Billionaire Tom Steyer has proposed raising the federal minimum wage to $ 22 an hour , FOX Business reported .
In evaluating a nationwide minimum wage increase , the Congressional Budget Office concludes , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who keep their jobs , a higher minimum wage raises their families ’ real income , lifting some of those families out of poverty .
However , income falls for some families because other workers lose their jobs and business owners must absorb at least some of the higher costs of labor .
For those reasons , the net effect of a minimum-wage increase is to reduce average family income.
” If Democrats have their way , businesses seeking relief from the undue burden of government over-regulation might just find themselves with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will find themselves without a place to work .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In the years since New York and other liberal cities celebrated raising the minimum wage for workers to $15 an hour, many fast-food restaurant employees have reported being inordinately terminated for minor infractions.
To combat the issue of such terminations, which they see as “unfair,” two Democratic city council members in New York have introduced bills that would diminish the power employers have over their workforce.
According to the New York Daily News, a bill from council members Adrienne Adams and Brad Lander, who represent districts in Queens and Brooklyn respectively, would prevent employers from terminating employment for any reason other than “misconduct or failure to do the job.” The bill also equates employers reducing their employees’ hours by 15 percent or more to the employees being fired.
Another bill introduced by Adams and Lander would force establishments to base firings or layoffs during times of economic hardship on employee seniority.
The proposed “Just Cause” legislation comes after a number of restaurant employees complained in a survey of losing their jobs for minor infractions, or in some cases, for no reason at all.
“Too many fast-food workers have been fired without a just cause, without a warning, without even any notice,” Lander said. “And if you can be fired simply on the whim of an angry boss or a disgruntled customer’s complaint, then you’re far more vulnerable to harassment or abuse.”
While it is certainly valid to fight being unjustly fired, employees, along with Lander and Adams, should also be aware of how increased operating costs might leave businesses with no other choice but to let go of employees whose wages are costing them too much.
Restaurants that have managed to stay afloat, despite having to hike up their prices and pass the increased operating expenses along to their customers, could decide that the cost of doing business is simply too great.
That could leave many more young or unskilled workers with no jobs at all.
Do you think the national minimum wage should be raised? 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: 8% (270 Votes) No: 92% (3145 Votes)
Raising the minimum wage for food workers may have seemed like a good idea to workers at the time, but it has clearly come with many negative consequences in New York and other cities.
A minimum wage hike hit restaurants in Seattle particularly hard, where dining establishments simply cannot afford to stay open.
As a result, many food workers in the city have found themselves without a paycheck. The city’s reeling business community is still struggling to adapt to the added labor costs.
“In order to buy great product and pay a great wage that people can live on in our city … the math just doesn’t work,” Seattle chef Matt Dillon said to the Seattle Times when he announced his restaurant would be closing. “There’s gonna be a reckoning, big time. I don’t think it’s gonna be pretty.”
Seattle’s minimum has risen progressively since 2014 and will top out at $15 an hour next year, according to CNBC.
New York City is taking the issue farther by proposing to become the first city to dictate to restaurants when and how they will deploy their labor force.
Businesses in the Empire State, with already razor-thin profits margins, could choose to continue to offset payroll costs through automation or through staff reductions.
Computers, after all, don’t get sick, don’t take smoke breaks and won’t argue with customers.
Restaurant owners could also choose to pack up and leave cities and states where it is becoming cost-prohibitive to operate.
As one New York restaurant chief executive told The New York Times, “Ultimately I’m a fan of making our employees’ lives better but some of these rules make it really, really challenging for us to operate.”
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, who is currently the frontrunner to win the party’s nomination, supports raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour — a move supported by other Democratic candidates.
Billionaire Tom Steyer has proposed raising the federal minimum wage to $22 an hour, FOX Business reported.
In evaluating a nationwide minimum wage increase, the Congressional Budget Office concludes, “By boosting the income of low-wage workers who keep their jobs, a higher minimum wage raises their families’ real income, lifting some of those families out of poverty. However, income falls for some families because other workers lose their jobs and business owners must absorb at least some of the higher costs of labor. For those reasons, the net effect of a minimum-wage increase is to reduce average family income.”
If Democrats have their way, businesses seeking relief from the undue burden of government over-regulation might just find themselves with no safe place to operate, and workers will find themselves without a place to work.
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westernjournal--2020-02-24--Jury Finds Harvey Weinstein Guilty, but Not on All Charges

This is a timeline from The Associated Press of the latest on a verdict in the rape and sexual assault trial of Harvey Weinstein ( all times local ) : Harvey Weinstein had a look of resignation on his face as he was convicted at trial Monday of forcibly performing oral sex on a woman in 2006 and of third-degree rape in 2013 .
The jury found him not guilty of the most serious charge , predatory sexual assault , which could have resulted in a life sentence .
The once-powerful Hollywood mogul stared straight ahead as the verdicts were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As the jury was taken back behind closed doors , Weinstein continued to sit at the defense table , with several court officers standing close by .
He then began talking to his lawyers .
Harvey Weinstein was convicted Monday at his sexual assault trial , sealing his dizzying fall from powerful Hollywood studio boss to archvillain of the # MeToo movement .
The verdict followed weeks of often harrowing and excruciatingly graphic testimony from a string of accusers who told of rapes , forced oral sex , groping , masturbation , lewd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weinstein about how the casting couch works .
The conviction was seen as a long-overdue reckoning for Weinstein after years of whispers about his behavior turned into a torrent of accusations in 2017 that destroyed his career and gave rise to # MeToo , the global movement to encourage women to come forward and hold powerful men accountable for their sexual misconduct .
The jury says it has reached a verdict Monday in Harvey Weinstein ’ s rape trial in New York City .
RELATED : Jussie Smollett Appears in Court on New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The jury has been deliberating the rape and sexual assault charges against the once-powerful movie mogul for five days .
Weinstein has said any sexual encounters were consensual .
Jurors at Harvey Weinstein ’ s New York City rape trial are set to resume deliberations Monday after signaling they are at odds on the top charges in the closely watched # MeToo case .
The jury sent a note to Judge James Burke at the end of a fourth day of deliberations on Friday , asking if it was permissible for the panel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts of predatory sexual assault against the disgraced movie mogul while reaching a unanimous verdict on lesser charges .
The judge responded by ordering the jury to keep deliberating and try to reach a unanimous decision .
The query sparked speculation that the trial could end with a partial verdict , but Burke has not addressed that .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

This is a timeline from The Associated Press of the latest on a verdict in the rape and sexual assault trial of Harvey Weinstein (all times local):
11:55 a.m.
Harvey Weinstein had a look of resignation on his face as he was convicted at trial Monday of forcibly performing oral sex on a woman in 2006 and of third-degree rape in 2013.
The jury found him not guilty of the most serious charge, predatory sexual assault, which could have resulted in a life sentence.
The once-powerful Hollywood mogul stared straight ahead as the verdicts were read in federal court in Manhattan.
As the jury was taken back behind closed doors, Weinstein continued to sit at the defense table, with several court officers standing close by. He then began talking to his lawyers.
___
11:40 a.m.
Harvey Weinstein was convicted Monday at his sexual assault trial, sealing his dizzying fall from powerful Hollywood studio boss to archvillain of the #MeToo movement.
The verdict followed weeks of often harrowing and excruciatingly graphic testimony from a string of accusers who told of rapes, forced oral sex, groping, masturbation, lewd propositions and that’s-Hollywood excuses from Weinstein about how the casting couch works.
The conviction was seen as a long-overdue reckoning for Weinstein after years of whispers about his behavior turned into a torrent of accusations in 2017 that destroyed his career and gave rise to #MeToo, the global movement to encourage women to come forward and hold powerful men accountable for their sexual misconduct.
___
11:35 a.m.
The jury says it has reached a verdict Monday in Harvey Weinstein’s rape trial in New York City.
The jury has been deliberating the rape and sexual assault charges against the once-powerful movie mogul for five days.
Weinstein has said any sexual encounters were consensual.
___
9:40 a.m.
Jurors at Harvey Weinstein’s New York City rape trial are set to resume deliberations Monday after signaling they are at odds on the top charges in the closely watched #MeToo case.
The jury sent a note to Judge James Burke at the end of a fourth day of deliberations on Friday, asking if it was permissible for the panel to be hung on one or both counts of predatory sexual assault against the disgraced movie mogul while reaching a unanimous verdict on lesser charges.
The judge responded by ordering the jury to keep deliberating and try to reach a unanimous decision.
The query sparked speculation that the trial could end with a partial verdict, but Burke has not addressed that.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-02-24--Bernie Sanders Defends Fidel Castro, Ted Cruz Exposes the Absurdity with Biting Response

Sen. Bernie Sanders is going to be sorry .
When the aging left-winger from Vermont , the avowed socialist who ’ s now leading the Democratic Party ’ s race for the 2020 presidential nomination , went on CBS ’ “ 60 Minutes ” for an interview broadcast Sunday , he probably didn ’ t intend to come off like an apologist for mass-murdering dictators .
But his take on the communist dictatorship of Cuba — 90 miles from American shores — gave the game away .
“ We ’ re very opposed to the authoritarian nature of Cuba but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to simply say everything is bad .
You know ?
When Fidel Castro came into office , you know what he did ?
He had a massive literacy program .
Is that a bad thing ?
Even though Fidel Castro did it ?
” Sanders said in an interview with Anderson Cooper .
It ’ s sort of an altruistic version of the old line “ Mussolini made the trains run on time ” — an excuse for the essentially evil nature of dictatorships when they provide certain benefits to those lucky enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cruz ’ s father was a supporter of Castro ’ s revolution who fled the island after the nature of Castro ’ s communism became clear , according to a Washington Times account from 2015 .
So he probably knows a little more about the real dangers of dictatorship than the Democrats ’ dilettante revolutionaries and Bernie Bros taking time off from college to hit the barricades .
“ It really makes a difference when those you murder at the firing squad can read & write , ” the senator tweeted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up by not only the history of Cuba but also the history of virtually every country where socialism has been imposed on a society : the Soviet Union and its Eastern European and Asian satellites , China , Vietnam , Cambodia , Cuba , Nicaragua and current-day Venezuela .
The history of socialism is steeped in the blood of the citizens its revolutionaries won power pretending to be concerned about .
Naturally , Sanders had plenty of supporters among the left-wing illiaterati of the social media world , but there were plenty who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But this one summed it up perfectly : Leftists love to make embarrassingly over-the-top comparisons between any Republican they disagree with and Adolf Hitler .
( It didn ’ t start with Trump , and it isn ’ t going to end with him . )
But it ’ s worth remembering that the word “ socialism ” was literally part of the name of Hitler ’ s Nazi Party ( “ National Socialist German Workers Party ” in English ) .
The socialist ideology is responsible for the unnatural deaths of almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century , as a Reason column noted in 2013 .
But leftists like Sanders keep trying to import it into the United States — and Sanders is inching ever closer to taking control of the once-proud Democratic Party to make that happen , thanks to the ignorant enthusiasm of millions of supporters .
After a lifetime spent in the service of the socialist cause , the Bernie Sanders who honeymooned in the Soviet Union in the 1980s and praises dictators like Fidel Castro in 2020 isn ’ t going to change his tune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go to his grave proclaiming that he ’ s been right all this time .
For fanatics like Sanders , apology is never an option .
But he ’ s not going to be the president of the United States .
Either the Democratic Party will wake up at some point before the insanity goes too far and deny him the nomination , or he will actually win the nomination and be trounced by President Donald Trump in the general election — because the United States as a whole is not crazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his quote praising the Castro regime is going to hurt .
Too many sane Americans aren ’ t going to buy the argument that a nationwide literacy campaign is worth it when it comes at the cost of turning a Caribbean island into an open-air prison and slaughtering ground for dissidents .
And Bernie Sanders is going to be sorry — not because of what he said , but because it showed Americans who he really is .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read @ @ @ @

Sen. Bernie Sanders is going to be sorry.
When the aging left-winger from Vermont, the avowed socialist who’s now leading the Democratic Party’s race for the 2020 presidential nomination, went on CBS’ “60 Minutes” for an interview broadcast Sunday, he probably didn’t intend to come off like an apologist for mass-murdering dictators.
But his take on the communist dictatorship of Cuba — 90 miles from American shores — gave the game away.
“We’re very opposed to the authoritarian nature of Cuba but you know, it’s unfair to simply say everything is bad. You know? When Fidel Castro came into office, you know what he did? He had a massive literacy program. Is that a bad thing? Even though Fidel Castro did it?” Sanders said in an interview with Anderson Cooper.
Bernie Sanders defends his 1980s comments about Fidel Castro in an interview on 60 Minutes. https://t.co/ySqvQKoiBU pic.twitter.com/lTwuXWp9sA — 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) February 24, 2020
It’s sort of an altruistic version of the old line “Mussolini made the trains run on time” — an excuse for the essentially evil nature of dictatorships when they provide certain benefits to those lucky enough not to fall afoul of the authorities.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz wasn’t buying it.
Cruz’s father was a supporter of Castro’s revolution who fled the island after the nature of Castro’s communism became clear, according to a Washington Times account from 2015. So he probably knows a little more about the real dangers of dictatorship than the Democrats’ dilettante revolutionaries and Bernie Bros taking time off from college to hit the barricades.
“It really makes a difference when those you murder at the firing squad can read & write,” the senator tweeted.
It really makes a difference when those you murder at the firing squad can read & write. https://t.co/4DKbSKpI6t — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 24, 2020
It was a solid point, backed up by not only the history of Cuba but also the history of virtually every country where socialism has been imposed on a society: the Soviet Union and its Eastern European and Asian satellites, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, Nicaragua and current-day Venezuela.
The history of socialism is steeped in the blood of the citizens its revolutionaries won power pretending to be concerned about.
Naturally, Sanders had plenty of supporters among the left-wing illiterati of the social media world, but there were plenty who agreed with Cruz’s point.
As an Iranian, I can fully and completely understand the frustrations of those who escaped tyranny or still live under it. To hear a leftist #American protected by freedom of speech to say Castro wasn’t that bad. I invite @SenSanders to come and live in #Iran for a month to see. — Sassan Yazdan Parast (@ParastSassan) February 24, 2020
I guess they appreciated being able to read their family’s obituaries. — Lilly@muttrescue (@justme_lilly) February 24, 2020
I have many Cuban friends in Miami. Castro was a mass murderer from what I have been told. He took my friends family farm. Castro’s people told this same friend that the US would poke out his eyes, if he went to the US. Now the guy is voting for Trump again in nov. pic.twitter.com/R2k7gBDxi1 — Scooter Rauss. . (@U222Rauss) February 24, 2020
Line to buy food in Cuba but they can read and write pic.twitter.com/6L2VtlCFKT — Laura nieta de españoles vascos (@LauraMallea2) February 24, 2020
But this one summed it up perfectly:
I am really dumbfounded that there are still people who consider socialism and communism to be a positive thing. How did it even survive to 2020 from the disasters of the 20th century. Literally MILLIONS of people all over the world have spent their lives running from it. — Walkerwarren72@gmail.com (@walkerwarren72) February 24, 2020
Leftists love to make embarrassingly over-the-top comparisons between any Republican they disagree with and Adolf Hitler. (It didn’t start with Trump, and it isn’t going to end with him.)
But it’s worth remembering that the word “socialism” was literally part of the name of Hitler’s Nazi Party (“National Socialist German Workers Party” in English).
The socialist ideology is responsible for the unnatural deaths of almost 100 million human beings in the 20th century, as a Reason column noted in 2013.
But leftists like Sanders keep trying to import it into the United States — and Sanders is inching ever closer to taking control of the once-proud Democratic Party to make that happen, thanks to the ignorant enthusiasm of millions of supporters.
Do you think this doomed Bernie Sanders' hopes to be president? 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: 83% (1065 Votes) No: 17% (225 Votes)
After a lifetime spent in the service of the socialist cause, the Bernie Sanders who honeymooned in the Soviet Union in the 1980s and praises dictators like Fidel Castro in 2020 isn’t going to change his tune.
And he’s almost certain to go to his grave proclaiming that he’s been right all this time. For fanatics like Sanders, apology is never an option.
But he’s not going to be the president of the United States. Either the Democratic Party will wake up at some point before the insanity goes too far and deny him the nomination, or he will actually win the nomination and be trounced by President Donald Trump in the general election — because the United States as a whole is not crazy enough to accept Bernie.
Either way, his quote praising the Castro regime is going to hurt.
Too many sane Americans aren’t going to buy the argument that a nationwide literacy campaign is worth it when it comes at the cost of turning a Caribbean island into an open-air prison and slaughtering ground for dissidents.
And Bernie Sanders is going to be sorry — not because of what he said, but because it showed Americans who he really is.
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westernjournal--2020-02-24--Capitalism Wins: Supposedly Pro-Union Young Turks Refuses To Recognize Employees’ Union

I ’ m a big fan of irony .
Not the 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife or the rain on your wedding day type .
Actual irony — particularly of the political sort — is officially awesome .
Take “ The Young Turks.
” If you ’ re a casual consumer of political media and don ’ t venture outside of the conservosphere , you might not have heard of the massively popular YouTube show or the producers ’ wider network of content .
If you have , it ’ s probably because of the highlights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has become a favorite viral video for conservatives looking to relive the panic that night induced in so many people on the left .
At the moment , “ Young Turks ” co-host Cenk Uygur is running for Congress as a far-left candidate .
He was briefly endorsed by Democratic presidential candidate and socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont until people noted Uygur ’ s history of misogynist remarks and the endorsement was retracted .
As a whole , however , TYT is still very supportive of Sanders , given that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to port .
They ’ re also pretty huge , given the fact they get 200 million views a month on YouTube .
Surely they ’ d be down with their post-production staff ’ s announcement last week that they were seeking to unionize , right ?
Not so much .
“ A week after TYT Union was formed to represent production and post-production workers at the popular liberal channel , the group announced that company leadership had refused voluntary recognition of the union , ” The Washington Free Beacon reported Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders proposed penalizing companies that refuse to recognize unions , is the latest instance of a left-leaning news outlet resisting unionization among its employees , ” the report said .
According to a news release from the union , the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees , on Tuesday , a majority of employees at TYT signed union cards .
At that point , the union asked for recognition from TYT management and was denied .
Under current law , when 30 percent of a company ’ s workforce signs union cards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the National Labor Relations Board .
If the vote succeeds , the company has the choice of whether to recognize the union .
The Young Turks did not .
RELATED : Trump Economy Blazes as Gen. Motors , Ford Surprise 1,500 Temps with Full-Time Promotions & More To Come However , if TYT ’ s favored candidate is elected , that ’ ll change if he has his druthers .
According to Sanders , “ when a majority of workers in a bargaining unit sign valid authorization cards to join a union , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employers refuse to negotiate in good faith , we will impose strong penalties on those companies.
” In a tweeted statement , the IATSE expressed its dismay .
“ This is a disappointing decision from an organization that presents itself as progressive , ” the union said .
“ Join us in telling [ The Young Turks ] to respect their so-called principles and respect their workers !
” Yet , reading the original statement from the IATSE , you wonder what these workers ’ grievances actually were .
“ We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TYT to create online content that ’ s bold , entertaining , and unapologetically progressive .
There is no other news and talk network quite like TYT , and the perspective our network brings to its political coverage is resolutely pro-justice and pro-worker , ” the employees said in a statement .
“ We ’ re proud of our content , and we ’ re proud , too , to put into practice in our workplace the values that our work helps bring to the screen every day .
In our decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of recent organizing in digital media , and we stand in solidarity with the renaissance of labor activism we see now in workplaces of all kinds throughout the country.
” Not that I ’ ve ever been a fan of organized labor , but this new wave of union activism feels somewhat different from the old days .
Working for The Young Turks is hardly “ Harlan County , USA ” -type stuff .
The employees ’ reason for unionizing seems to be that they ’ ll be in a union and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I guess .
This isn ’ t how digital media works , though — and anyone who gets involved should probably be acquainted with the realities of an industry that shifts with profound rapidity .
This is one step removed from unionizing a startup .
The great irony here is that TYT is stumping for a candidate who ’ s going to punish them severely if they refuse to unionize .
They won ’ t be the only outlet on the left that feels the pain , either .
Before it imploded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired its entire unionized staff .
The Center for American Progress , which owned the site , said it would be “ transitioning ThinkProgress back to its roots as a site that offers analysis on policy , politics , and the news ” after it couldn ’ t find a buyer .
The transition would have involved non-union writers .
( They eventually decided to shelve the relaunch , given the fact the site was losing money like that drunk guy who hangs around the gas station buying scratch-offs in between cigarettes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ walkout when unionizing employees were frustrated with their company ’ s delay in recognizing the union and their conditions on who could join .
Left-wing publication Vox also had a walkout last year .
All of which is to say that left-wing media don ’ t necessarily practice what they preach when it comes to organized labor .
And if you ’ re on the left , that ’ s not necessarily a bad thing .
In this case , capitalism won .
TYT , at least for the moment , realizes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cost them less than unionizing workers in a business that shifts rapidly .
If they stick by their decision , they ’ ll have more resources to dedicate to content , which in turn creates more money and more jobs — and more exposure for left-wing ideas .
That ’ s how it works .
That ’ s not how unions want it to work .
To a certain extent , their message is this : “ All right , I ’ m aboard .
Pull up the lifeline.
” Hardcore union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health of the company will lead to their financial gain .
They believe the company exists for their financial gain .
There ’ s a big difference .
The Young Turks , it seems , realize the realities of the situation .
It ’ s good to see them putting their money where their mouth isn ’ t .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

I’m a big fan of irony. Not the 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife or the rain on your wedding day type. Actual irony — particularly of the political sort — is officially awesome.
Take “The Young Turks.” If you’re a casual consumer of political media and don’t venture outside of the conservosphere, you might not have heard of the massively popular YouTube show or the producers’ wider network of content.
If you have, it’s probably because of the highlights of their epic 2016 election night meltdown, which has become a favorite viral video for conservatives looking to relive the panic that night induced in so many people on the left.
At the moment, “Young Turks” co-host Cenk Uygur is running for Congress as a far-left candidate. He was briefly endorsed by Democratic presidential candidate and socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont until people noted Uygur’s history of misogynist remarks and the endorsement was retracted.
As a whole, however, TYT is still very supportive of Sanders, given that this is a ship lilting very much to port. They’re also pretty huge, given the fact they get 200 million views a month on YouTube.
Surely they’d be down with their post-production staff’s announcement last week that they were seeking to unionize, right?
Not so much.
When we announced our decision to go union with @IATSE over a week ago, we had hoped @TheYoungTurks would respect our choice and voluntarily recognize our union. We are dismayed to report that they have refused. #TYTlive — TYTUnion (@TYTUnion) February 21, 2020
“A week after TYT Union was formed to represent production and post-production workers at the popular liberal channel, the group announced that company leadership had refused voluntary recognition of the union,” The Washington Free Beacon reported Friday.
Do you think The Young Turks should allow their employees to unionize? 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: 72% (158 Votes) No: 28% (62 Votes)
“The refusal, which comes after Sanders proposed penalizing companies that refuse to recognize unions, is the latest instance of a left-leaning news outlet resisting unionization among its employees,” the report said.
According to a news release from the union, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, on Tuesday, a majority of employees at TYT signed union cards. At that point, the union asked for recognition from TYT management and was denied.
Under current law, when 30 percent of a company’s workforce signs union cards, a secret ballot is set up by the National Labor Relations Board. If the vote succeeds, the company has the choice of whether to recognize the union.
The Young Turks did not.
However, if TYT’s favored candidate is elected, that’ll change if he has his druthers.
According to Sanders, “when a majority of workers in a bargaining unit sign valid authorization cards to join a union, they will have a union. If employers refuse to negotiate in good faith, we will impose strong penalties on those companies.”
In a tweeted statement, the IATSE expressed its dismay.
“This is a disappointing decision from an organization that presents itself as progressive,” the union said. “Join us in telling [The Young Turks] to respect their so-called principles and respect their workers!”
Today, @TheYoungTurks refused voluntary recognition of the TYT Union. This is a disappointing decision from an organization that presents itself as progressive. Join us in telling @TheYoungTurks to respect their so-called principles and respect their workers! #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/FCz4LHF8Wu — IATSE (@IATSE) February 21, 2020
Yet, reading the original statement from the IATSE, you wonder what these workers’ grievances actually were.
“We’re proud to work behind the scenes at TYT to create online content that’s bold, entertaining, and unapologetically progressive. There is no other news and talk network quite like TYT, and the perspective our network brings to its political coverage is resolutely pro-justice and pro-worker,” the employees said in a statement.
“We’re proud of our content, and we’re proud, too, to put into practice in our workplace the values that our work helps bring to the screen every day. In our decision to go union, we join the wave of recent organizing in digital media, and we stand in solidarity with the renaissance of labor activism we see now in workplaces of all kinds throughout the country.”
Not that I’ve ever been a fan of organized labor, but this new wave of union activism feels somewhat different from the old days.
Working for The Young Turks is hardly “Harlan County, USA”-type stuff. The employees’ reason for unionizing seems to be that they’ll be in a union and that makes a political point. Nice work, I guess.
This isn’t how digital media works, though — and anyone who gets involved should probably be acquainted with the realities of an industry that shifts with profound rapidity. This is one step removed from unionizing a startup.
The great irony here is that TYT is stumping for a candidate who’s going to punish them severely if they refuse to unionize.
They won’t be the only outlet on the left that feels the pain, either.
Before it imploded late last year, far-left thought-hovel ThinkProgress fired its entire unionized staff. The Center for American Progress, which owned the site, said it would be “transitioning ThinkProgress back to its roots as a site that offers analysis on policy, politics, and the news” after it couldn’t find a buyer. The transition would have involved non-union writers. (They eventually decided to shelve the relaunch, given the fact the site was losing money like that drunk guy who hangs around the gas station buying scratch-offs in between cigarettes.)
BuzzFeed, meanwhile, endured a walkout when unionizing employees were frustrated with their company’s delay in recognizing the union and their conditions on who could join.
I’m joining my incredible BuzzFeed News colleagues walking out today to demand BuzzFeed comes back to the table to give us a fair voluntary recognition agreement ✊ #1u pic.twitter.com/Zuyf83mX99 — Eric Morrow (@morroweric) June 17, 2019
Left-wing publication Vox also had a walkout last year.
The Vox Media Union has walked out today. Here’s what it looks like in the New York office. pic.twitter.com/erPp4fW1nw — Vox Media Union (@vox_union) June 6, 2019
All of which is to say that left-wing media don’t necessarily practice what they preach when it comes to organized labor. And if you’re on the left, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
In this case, capitalism won. TYT, at least for the moment, realizes that whatever blowback they receive is probably going to cost them less than unionizing workers in a business that shifts rapidly. If they stick by their decision, they’ll have more resources to dedicate to content, which in turn creates more money and more jobs — and more exposure for left-wing ideas. That’s how it works.
That’s not how unions want it to work. To a certain extent, their message is this: “All right, I’m aboard. Pull up the lifeline.”
Hardcore union activists don’t trust that the health of the company will lead to their financial gain. They believe the company exists for their financial gain. There’s a big difference.
The Young Turks, it seems, realize the realities of the situation.
It’s good to see them putting their money where their mouth isn’t.
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Two-Armed Bandits

For more A.F .
Branco cartoons , go to WesternJournal.com/opinion/cartoons .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ our editorial standards .

Aldi opened its first store in the U.S. in 1976 after it was founded a decade earlier in Germany by two brothers.


westernjournal--2020-02-24--Biden Ekes Out 2nd Place in Nevada, Poised To Finally Win Delegates

Former Vice President Joe Biden racked up his first delegates in the Democratic presidential primaries with a second-place finish in the Nevada caucuses .
With 96 percent of Nevada ’ s vote counted Monday morning , Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont was the clear winner with 46.8 percent of the vote , according to The New York Times .
Biden finished second with 20.9 percent , while former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg was third with 13.6 percent .
NBC News projected the victory will add 14 delegates to Sanders ’ total , with Biden picking up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Before the voting , a strong second-place showing had been considered essential for Biden going into Saturday ’ s South Carolina primary .
In addition to his Nevada performance , Biden is set to snare the endorsement of House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn on Wednesday , NBC News reported .
The South Carolina Democrat has said he would withhold a formal announcement of his support until after Tuesday ’ s debate in Charleston .
During an appearance Sunday on ABC ’ s “ This Week , ” Clyburn had said Democrats would face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ticket .
“ This is South Carolina , and South Carolinians are pretty leery about that title ‘ socialist , ' ” he said .
“ And so I think that that would be a real burden for us in these states or congressional districts that we have to do well in.
” Biden on Sunday was upbeat about his chances in South Carolina .
“ I said I ’ m going to do well there and I ’ ll do well there , and I ’ ll do well beyond there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an interview on CBS News ’ “ Face the Nation.
” However , the polls predict a close race .
Although Biden had a large lead prior to his lackluster finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire , since then he has seen much of that lead evaporate .
The current Real Clear Politics polling average for South Carolina shows Biden with 24.5 percent support , compared with 21.5 percent for Sanders and 16.5 percent for billionaire Tom Steyer .
Buttigieg is third at 10.8 percent , with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 9.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6.5 percent .
Some pundits said Sanders has momentum on his side .
“ I just think there ’ s one big , huge , screaming story here tonight , and that is that there is a front-runner in the 2020 Democratic presidential race , ” Democratic strategist James Carville said on MSNBC after the Nevada results were in .
“ We ’ re in a whole new ballgame here , and … some of these candidates are going to have to make really hard decisions about who stays in and who gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Some pointed a finger at Steyer , who polls well in South Carolina but is in single digits elsewhere .
“ I can ’ t see how Steyer justifies staying in after getting zero delegates in the first three states , ” Brady Quirk-Garvan , past chairman of the Charleston Democrats , said .
“ At this point , moderate candidates who don ’ t see a path to win but are staying in are just helping to create a Sanders nominee , and that scares a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate , hosted by CBS News , the Congressional Black Caucus Institute and Twitter , starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday .
In addition to Biden , the lineup includes Buttigieg , Sanders , Steyer , Klobuchar , Warren and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Former Vice President Joe Biden racked up his first delegates in the Democratic presidential primaries with a second-place finish in the Nevada caucuses.
With 96 percent of Nevada’s vote counted Monday morning, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont was the clear winner with 46.8 percent of the vote, according to The New York Times. Biden finished second with 20.9 percent, while former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg was third with 13.6 percent.
NBC News projected the victory will add 14 delegates to Sanders’ total, with Biden picking up seven delegates and Buttigieg earned two.
Before the voting, a strong second-place showing had been considered essential for Biden going into Saturday’s South Carolina primary.
In addition to his Nevada performance, Biden is set to snare the endorsement of House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn on Wednesday, NBC News reported. The South Carolina Democrat has said he would withhold a formal announcement of his support until after Tuesday’s debate in Charleston.
During an appearance Sunday on ABC’s “This Week,” Clyburn had said Democrats would face problems with Sanders at the top of the ticket.
“This is South Carolina, and South Carolinians are pretty leery about that title ‘socialist,'” he said. “And so I think that that would be a real burden for us in these states or congressional districts that we have to do well in.”
Biden on Sunday was upbeat about his chances in South Carolina.
“I said I’m going to do well there and I’ll do well there, and I’ll do well beyond there as well,” he said in an interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”
Do you think Biden will win the South Carolina primary? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 30% (34 Votes) No: 70% (80 Votes)
However, the polls predict a close race. Although Biden had a large lead prior to his lackluster finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire, since then he has seen much of that lead evaporate.
The current Real Clear Politics polling average for South Carolina shows Biden with 24.5 percent support, compared with 21.5 percent for Sanders and 16.5 percent for billionaire Tom Steyer. Buttigieg is third at 10.8 percent, with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren at 9.5 percent and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar at 6.5 percent.
Some pundits said Sanders has momentum on his side.
“I just think there’s one big, huge, screaming story here tonight, and that is that there is a front-runner in the 2020 Democratic presidential race,” Democratic strategist James Carville said on MSNBC after the Nevada results were in.
“We’re in a whole new ballgame here, and … some of these candidates are going to have to make really hard decisions about who stays in and who gets out and where we go from here,” he said.
Some pointed a finger at Steyer, who polls well in South Carolina but is in single digits elsewhere.
“I can’t see how Steyer justifies staying in after getting zero delegates in the first three states,” Brady Quirk-Garvan, past chairman of the Charleston Democrats, said. “At this point, moderate candidates who don’t see a path to win but are staying in are just helping to create a Sanders nominee, and that scares a lot of South Carolinian Democrats.”
The Charleston debate, hosted by CBS News, the Congressional Black Caucus Institute and Twitter, starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday. In addition to Biden, the lineup includes Buttigieg, Sanders, Steyer, Klobuchar, Warren and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
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westernjournal--2020-02-24--Pro-Israel Group Responds To Sanders ‘Odious Attack’ Accusing It of Supporting ‘Bigotry’

The 2020 election process is proof we live in curious times , and not just because a socialist who ’ s never held a proper job in the private sector is now the overwhelming favorite to win the Democratic presidential nomination .
Rather , it ’ s the fact that a man who uses the most openly anti-Semitic legislator since Theodore Bilbo as a campaign surrogate is now accusing a lobbying group that supports pro-Israel policies of promoting “ bigotry.
” In a tweet Sunday , Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont announced he wouldn ’ t be attending the political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee .
Fair enough .
In making the announcement , however , Sanders threw out plenty of chum for the BDS crowd , yet again tacitly accusing the Benjamin Netanyahu government of racism and violation of human rights .
“ The Israeli people have the right to live in peace and security .
So do the Palestinian people .
I remain concerned about the platform AIPAC provides for leaders who express bigotry and oppose basic Palestinian rights , ” the Democratic front-runner wrote .
” For that reason I will not attend their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will support the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians and do everything possible to bring peace and security to the region , ” he added .
As The Hill notes , Sanders has frequently criticized the Netanyahu government as “ right wing ” and “ racist.
” This apparently extends to AIPAC , which supports the state in general ( and therefore Netanyahu ) .
During the fifth Democratic debate last year , Sanders tried to package his position on the matter as being not just “ pro-Israel ” but “ pro-Palestinian ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I say this as somebody who lived in Israel as a kid , proudly Jewish — Israel has the right to exist , not only to exist but to exist in peace and security .
But what U.S. foreign policy must be about is not just being pro-Israel .
We must be pro-Palestinian as well , ” he said , according to the Times of Israel .
“ We must understand that right now in Israel we have leadership under Netanyahu , who has recently , as you know , been indicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view , is a racist .
What we need is a level playing field in terms of the Middle East , which addresses the terrible crisis in Gaza , where 60 percent or 70 percent of the young people are unemployed.
” On Sunday , AIPAC condemned Sanders for his “ odious attack ” and noted a certain richness in his announcement that he wouldn ’ t be attending its annual policy conference .
“ Senator Sanders has never attended our conference and that is evident from his outrageous comment , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In fact , many of his own Senate and House Democratic colleagues and leaders speak from our platform to the over 18,000 Americans from widely diverse backgrounds — Democrats , Republicans , Jews , Christians , African Americans , Hispanic Americans , progressives , Veterans , students , members of the LGBTQ+ community — who participate in the conference to proclaim their support for the U.S.-Israel relationship , ” AIPAC continued .
“ By engaging in such an odious attack on this mainstream , bipartisan American political event , Senator Sanders is insulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans who stand with Israel .
Truly shameful.
” Harsh though that may be , AIPAC did Sanders a kindness by neglecting to mention one name : Ilhan Omar .
The Minnesota congresswoman has been one of Sanders ’ most vocal surrogates on the campaign trail .
She ’ s also an anti-Semite who barely apologizes whenever she decides to let her bigot flag fly .
Here ’ s an adumbrated version of Omar ’ s impressive history of anti-Semitism : • In 2012 , during her time in Minneapolis city politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypnotized the world , may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel.
” The idea that Jewish people can “ hypnotize ” others is an anti-Semitic trope , of course .
• In February 2019 , shortly after being sworn in as a congresswoman , Omar tweeted that American support for Israel is “ all about the Benjamins , ” again putting forth the trope that Jewish money controls policy .
• When asked who was paying these politicians off , she responded “ AIPAC !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The next month , Omar hit another anti-Semitic trope , this time dual-allegiance : “ I want to talk about the political influence in this country that says it is OK to push for allegiance to a foreign country , ” she said in a speech .
• Her support for the Boycott , Divestment , Sanctions movement — which seeks to treat Israel as if it were an apartheid country , isolating it by cutting off investment and aid while putting international sanctions on it — led to the Israeli government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political trip .
• Omar also introduced a pro-BDS bill in the House , but it was promptly shot down .
Note that very little of this involves attacking the state of Israel or its current leadership .
This is all about American Jews , something that illustrates the problem rather neatly .
In the midst of this impressive run of unalloyed bigotry , Sanders refused to condemn Omar .
In fact , he condemned those who had the temerity to point it out : But sure , the people in AIPAC are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the only stable democracy in the Middle East and they want American lawmakers to support it as well .
Sanders ’ attack on the group has the whiff of “ The Fox and the Grapes ” about it .
Even though Sanders is Jewish , it would be difficult for him to attend , given his past statements , and receive any sort of positive reception .
Trust me , if Sanders could look good condemning AIPAC from the dais of its policy convention , he would .
He can ’ t , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusation of bigotry is nothing short of a joke , as well .
When he ditches Ilhan Omar — and the other “ squad ” members who are perfectly fine with her anti-Semitic rubbish — then he can talk about bigotry .
Now , no .
God help us — and God help Israel — if this man is ever allowed to become president .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The 2020 election process is proof we live in curious times, and not just because a socialist who’s never held a proper job in the private sector is now the overwhelming favorite to win the Democratic presidential nomination.
Rather, it’s the fact that a man who uses the most openly anti-Semitic legislator since Theodore Bilbo as a campaign surrogate is now accusing a lobbying group that supports pro-Israel policies of promoting “bigotry.”
In a tweet Sunday, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont announced he wouldn’t be attending the political conference for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Fair enough.
In making the announcement, however, Sanders threw out plenty of chum for the BDS crowd, yet again tacitly accusing the Benjamin Netanyahu government of racism and violation of human rights.
“The Israeli people have the right to live in peace and security. So do the Palestinian people. I remain concerned about the platform AIPAC provides for leaders who express bigotry and oppose basic Palestinian rights,” the Democratic front-runner wrote.
”For that reason I will not attend their conference.”
The Israeli people have the right to live in peace and security. So do the Palestinian people. I remain concerned about the platform AIPAC provides for leaders who express bigotry and oppose basic Palestinian rights. For that reason I will not attend their conference. 1/2 — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) February 23, 2020
“As president, I will support the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians and do everything possible to bring peace and security to the region,” he added.
As president, I will support the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians and do everything possible to bring peace and security to the region. 2/2 — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) February 23, 2020
As The Hill notes, Sanders has frequently criticized the Netanyahu government as “right wing” and “racist.” This apparently extends to AIPAC, which supports the state in general (and therefore Netanyahu).
During the fifth Democratic debate last year, Sanders tried to package his position on the matter as being not just “pro-Israel” but “pro-Palestinian” as well.
“Israel has — and I say this as somebody who lived in Israel as a kid, proudly Jewish — Israel has the right to exist, not only to exist but to exist in peace and security. But what U.S. foreign policy must be about is not just being pro-Israel. We must be pro-Palestinian as well,” he said, according to the Times of Israel.
“We must understand that right now in Israel we have leadership under Netanyahu, who has recently, as you know, been indicted for bribery, who, in my view, is a racist. What we need is a level playing field in terms of the Middle East, which addresses the terrible crisis in Gaza, where 60 percent or 70 percent of the young people are unemployed.”
On Sunday, AIPAC condemned Sanders for his “odious attack” and noted a certain richness in his announcement that he wouldn’t be attending its annual policy conference.
Do you think AIPAC is bigoted? Yes No
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“Senator Sanders has never attended our conference and that is evident from his outrageous comment,” the group said in a tweet.
“In fact, many of his own Senate and House Democratic colleagues and leaders speak from our platform to the over 18,000 Americans from widely diverse backgrounds — Democrats, Republicans, Jews, Christians, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, progressives, Veterans, students, members of the LGBTQ+ community — who participate in the conference to proclaim their support for the U.S.-Israel relationship,” AIPAC continued.
“By engaging in such an odious attack on this mainstream, bipartisan American political event, Senator Sanders is insulting his very own colleagues and the millions of Americans who stand with Israel. Truly shameful.”
Senator Sanders has never attended our conference and that is evident from his outrageous comment. Full statement: https://t.co/XDcNKhYXSq pic.twitter.com/aJGJiv2wv8 — AIPAC (@AIPAC) February 24, 2020
Harsh though that may be, AIPAC did Sanders a kindness by neglecting to mention one name: Ilhan Omar.
The Minnesota congresswoman has been one of Sanders’ most vocal surrogates on the campaign trail. She’s also an anti-Semite who barely apologizes whenever she decides to let her bigot flag fly.
Here’s an adumbrated version of Omar’s impressive history of anti-Semitism:
• In 2012, during her time in Minneapolis city politics, Omar tweeted: “Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel.” The idea that Jewish people can “hypnotize” others is an anti-Semitic trope, of course.
• In February 2019, shortly after being sworn in as a congresswoman, Omar tweeted that American support for Israel is “all about the Benjamins,” again putting forth the trope that Jewish money controls policy.
• When asked who was paying these politicians off, she responded “AIPAC!” The tweets would later be deleted.
• The next month, Omar hit another anti-Semitic trope, this time dual-allegiance: “I want to talk about the political influence in this country that says it is OK to push for allegiance to a foreign country,” she said in a speech.
• Her support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement — which seeks to treat Israel as if it were an apartheid country, isolating it by cutting off investment and aid while putting international sanctions on it — led to the Israeli government denying her request to visit on a political trip.
• Omar also introduced a pro-BDS bill in the House, but it was promptly shot down.
Note that very little of this involves attacking the state of Israel or its current leadership. This is all about American Jews, something that illustrates the problem rather neatly.
In the midst of this impressive run of unalloyed bigotry, Sanders refused to condemn Omar. In fact, he condemned those who had the temerity to point it out:
Ilhan Omar is a leader with strength and courage. She won’t back down to Trump’s racism and hate, and neither will we. The disgusting and dangerous attacks against her must end. — Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 13, 2019
But sure, the people in AIPAC are the ones countenancing bigotry because they support the only stable democracy in the Middle East and they want American lawmakers to support it as well.
Sanders’ attack on the group has the whiff of “The Fox and the Grapes” about it. Even though Sanders is Jewish, it would be difficult for him to attend, given his past statements, and receive any sort of positive reception. Trust me, if Sanders could look good condemning AIPAC from the dais of its policy convention, he would. He can’t, so he won’t.
The accusation of bigotry is nothing short of a joke, as well. When he ditches Ilhan Omar — and the other “squad” members who are perfectly fine with her anti-Semitic rubbish — then he can talk about bigotry. Now, no.
God help us — and God help Israel — if this man is ever allowed to become president.
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westernjournal--2020-02-24--Never Bernie? MSNBC Anchor Wonders if Dems Should Prefer 4 More Years of Trump

In early 2016 , after it had become apparent that then-candidate Donald Trump was on a trajectory to capture the GOP ’ s nomination , many establishment Republicans went into a frenzy .
The so-called Never Trump movement was born and many establishment Republicans did what was once unthinkable — they supported Hillary Clinton ’ s bid for the presidency .
Four years later , with a lifelong , self-avowed “ democratic socialist ” as the clear front-runner to grab the Democratic Party ’ s nomination , traditional Democrats are finding themselves in a similar situation .
Should they cede @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and live to fight another day ?
Could Bernie Sanders do so much damage to the Democratic Party that it might never recover ?
MSNBC ’ s Chris Matthews sure thinks so .
Like many Never Trumpers in 2016 with the populist New Yorker ’ s candidacy , the left-wing TV personality is wondering if many Democrats would rather see their opposition elected — or in this case , re-elected .
It has been no secret in recent weeks that establishment Democrats — including Matthews — are growing concerned as Sanders racks up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win in the Nevada caucuses on Saturday .
But now , he and other Democrats are discussing whether their best play might be to let the Republicans win this one .
During Saturday ’ s coverage of the Nevada Caucuses , in which Sanders grabbed 10 delegates and won with nearly 50 percent of the vote , according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal , Matthews weighed in .
“ I ’ m wondering whether the Democratic moderates want Bernie Sanders to be president , ” the “ Hardball ” host said , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s maybe too exciting a question to raise .
They don ’ t like Trump at all .
Do they want Bernie Sanders to take over the Democratic Party in perpetuity ?
I mean , he takes it over , he sets the direction of the future of the party , ” he said .
“ Maybe they ’ d rather wait four years and put in a Democrat that they like , ” he added .
Matthews said establishment Democrats are concerned that in nominating Sanders , they could be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that if establishment Democrats hope to stop Sanders by coalescing around a single moderate candidate , that time is now .
He specifically questioned the idea that Sanders “ moderate ” competitors — Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , former South Bend , Illinois , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , former Vice President Joe Biden , and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg — would unite around a Sanders alternative .
RELATED : Democrats Should Be Panicking Over Latest Trump Rally Numbers “ If the four moderates , and we call them all ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernie , we ’ re talking about Amy [ Klobuchar ] , we ’ re talking about Buttigieg , we ’ re talking about Biden — we might be talking about Bloomberg as well , ” he said .
“ If they can ’ t agree now which one of them is going to be the nominee , they ’ re going to somehow agree at the second ballot of the convention ?
” he asked .
According to Matthews , the only hope for the establishment Democrats to stop Sanders might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worries even that might not be enough .
Are we witnessing the birth of the “ Never Bernie ” movement ?
Up until now , there has been plenty of analysis regarding the unwillingness of moderate Democrats to embrace Sanders ’ style of “ socialism , ” but there hasn ’ t been a lot of chatter suggesting that four more years of Trump might be more preferable to the establishment left than a President Sanders .
While there are a few Never Trump stalwarts still opposing the president on social media and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a solid conservative , and has stayed true to many of his campaign promises .
Trump also made no promises to radically transform the country and has a historically strong economy to run on .
He currently holds a 93 percent approval rating among Republicans , and a 43 percent approval rating among independents , according to recent Gallup poll numbers .
Sanders , meanwhile , has promised a complete government takeover of America ’ s health care system , promised to abolish the agencies that protect the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student loan debt , among other proposals .
Many of these proposals are so far-left , a great deal of Democrats want nothing to do with them .
Former campaign strategist and political commentator James Carville , who was instrumental in helping former President Bill Clinton get elected in 1992 , told MSNBC in early February that Democrats need to “ wake up and make sure that we talk about things that are relevant to people , ” according to The Hill .
“ [ Sanders has ] never been a Democrat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carville later told Vox .
Earlier this month , Sanders attacked Carville over the Louisiana Democrat ’ s blistering criticisms of the Vermont senator ’ s campaign by calling him a “ hack ” on CNN .
“ At least I ’ m not a communist , ” Carville responded , according to The Hill .
Carville , like Matthews , is representative the more moderate wing of the Democratic Party .
And moderate Democrats seem to be ramping up their attacks on Sanders .
When James Carville insults the Democratic Party ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ communist , ” there is trouble brewing .
The question is : How committed are moderate Democrats in their opposition to Sanders ?
Only time will tell if we are witnessing the inception of a Never Bernie movement .
As the primary plays out , we will get a better sense for how devoted Democrats such as Matthews and Carville are to their resistance to Sanders .
It is only February , after all .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial @ @

In early 2016, after it had become apparent that then-candidate Donald Trump was on a trajectory to capture the GOP’s nomination, many establishment Republicans went into a frenzy.
The so-called Never Trump movement was born and many establishment Republicans did what was once unthinkable — they supported Hillary Clinton’s bid for the presidency.
Four years later, with a lifelong, self-avowed “democratic socialist” as the clear front-runner to grab the Democratic Party’s nomination, traditional Democrats are finding themselves in a similar situation.
Should they cede the White House for four more years and live to fight another day? Could Bernie Sanders do so much damage to the Democratic Party that it might never recover?
MSNBC’s Chris Matthews sure thinks so. Like many Never Trumpers in 2016 with the populist New Yorker’s candidacy, the left-wing TV personality is wondering if many Democrats would rather see their opposition elected — or in this case, re-elected.
It has been no secret in recent weeks that establishment Democrats — including Matthews — are growing concerned as Sanders racks up delegates — especially after the big Sanders win in the Nevada caucuses on Saturday. But now, he and other Democrats are discussing whether their best play might be to let the Republicans win this one.
During Saturday’s coverage of the Nevada Caucuses, in which Sanders grabbed 10 delegates and won with nearly 50 percent of the vote, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Matthews weighed in.
“I’m wondering whether the Democratic moderates want Bernie Sanders to be president,” the “Hardball” host said, as the Washington Examiner noted.
“That’s maybe too exciting a question to raise. They don’t like Trump at all. Do they want Bernie Sanders to take over the Democratic Party in perpetuity? I mean, he takes it over, he sets the direction of the future of the party,” he said.
“Maybe they’d rather wait four years and put in a Democrat that they like,” he added.
“I’m wondering if Democratic moderates want Bernie Sanders to be President? Maybe that’s too exciting a question to raise. Do they want Bernie to take over the Democratic Party in perpetuity. Maybe they’d rather wait 4 years and put in a Democrat that they like” CHRIS MATTHEWS!! pic.twitter.com/aQWM3KVkzQ — People for Bernie (@People4Bernie) February 22, 2020
Matthews said establishment Democrats are concerned that in nominating Sanders, they could be “losing the future.”
He also warned that if establishment Democrats hope to stop Sanders by coalescing around a single moderate candidate, that time is now.
He specifically questioned the idea that Sanders “moderate” competitors — Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, former South Bend, Illinois, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Vice President Joe Biden, and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg — would unite around a Sanders alternative.
“If the four moderates, and we call them all ‘moderates’ because they’re not Bernie, we’re talking about Amy [Klobuchar], we’re talking about Buttigieg, we’re talking about Biden — we might be talking about Bloomberg as well,” he said.
“If they can’t agree now which one of them is going to be the nominee, they’re going to somehow agree at the second ballot of the convention?” he asked.
According to Matthews, the only hope for the establishment Democrats to stop Sanders might be a brokered convention. But, he worries even that might not be enough.
Are we witnessing the birth of the “Never Bernie” movement?
Up until now, there has been plenty of analysis regarding the unwillingness of moderate Democrats to embrace Sanders’ style of “socialism,” but there hasn’t been a lot of chatter suggesting that four more years of Trump might be more preferable to the establishment left than a President Sanders.
While there are a few Never Trump stalwarts still opposing the president on social media and on cable news, Trump has proven to be a solid conservative, and has stayed true to many of his campaign promises.
Trump also made no promises to radically transform the country and has a historically strong economy to run on.
He currently holds a 93 percent approval rating among Republicans, and a 43 percent approval rating among independents, according to recent Gallup poll numbers.
Sanders, meanwhile, has promised a complete government takeover of America’s health care system, promised to abolish the agencies that protect the country’s borders and has vowed to cancel all student loan debt, among other proposals.
Many of these proposals are so far-left, a great deal of Democrats want nothing to do with them.
Former campaign strategist and political commentator James Carville, who was instrumental in helping former President Bill Clinton get elected in 1992, told MSNBC in early February that Democrats need to “wake up and make sure that we talk about things that are relevant to people,” according to The Hill.
“[Sanders has] never been a Democrat. He’s an ideologue,” Carville later told Vox.
Earlier this month, Sanders attacked Carville over the Louisiana Democrat’s blistering criticisms of the Vermont senator’s campaign by calling him a “hack” on CNN.
“At least I’m not a communist,” Carville responded, according to The Hill.
Carville, like Matthews, is representative the more moderate wing of the Democratic Party. And moderate Democrats seem to be ramping up their attacks on Sanders.
When James Carville insults the Democratic Party’s clear front-runner by demeaning him as a “communist,” there is trouble brewing.
The question is: How committed are moderate Democrats in their opposition to Sanders? Only time will tell if we are witnessing the inception of a Never Bernie movement.
As the primary plays out, we will get a better sense for how devoted Democrats such as Matthews and Carville are to their resistance to Sanders. It is only February, after all.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.