westernjournal--2020-08-12--US Commander: Threat of Islamic State Looms Large in Syria

Elements of the Islamic State group are working to rebuild in western Syria , where the U.S. has little visibility or presence , the top U.S. commander for the Middle East warned on Wednesday .
In the region west of the Euphrates River where the Syrian regime is in control , “ conditions are as bad or worse ” than they were leading up to the rise of the Islamic State , according to Gen. Frank McKenzie .
“ We should all be concerned about that.
” McKenzie said insurgents are operating with some degree of freedom and that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Syrian regime will do anything to crack down on them .
The western part of the country has historically been controlled by Russian-backed Syrian troops , while the U.S. and its allies , the Syrian Democratic Forces , have largely been in the north and eastern parts of the country .
TRENDING : Biden Gets Ultimatum from Prominent Black Leaders : Pick a Black Woman VP or Lose Speaking online to a United States Institute of Peace forum from his U.S. Central Command office in Tampa , McKenzie said that the effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camps has been complicated and delayed by the pandemic .
And that , he said , fuels concerns about radicalization — particularly of the youth — in the camps , which officials worry are breeding grounds for IS insurgents .
The al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria is home to as many as 70,000 people — mostly women and children — who were displaced by the ongoing civil war in Syria and the battle against IS .
Many fled as the U.S.-backed SDF cleared out the last pockets of land held by IS last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USIP director for countering violent extremism , said getting people out of the camps is key to securing a new future .
Repatriation is the key to clearing out the refugee camps , and the U.S. has aggressively pushed to get allies to take their citizens back .
Most nations , however , are reluctant to take in potential IS insurgents .
Humanitarian groups say many of the women and children are not risks , but officials also note that many women have been radicalized and are active in the insurgency .
McKenzie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to deradicalize and repatriate the displaced people in the camps , there will be another IS resurgence in the future .
“ As young people grow up , we ’ re going to see them again unless we can turn them in a way to make them productive members of society , ” he said .
“ We can either deal with this problem now or deal with it exponentially worse a few years down the road.
” RELATED : US Aid Begins Flowing into Lebanon in Wake of Devastating Explosion We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Elements of the Islamic State group are working to rebuild in western Syria, where the U.S. has little visibility or presence, the top U.S. commander for the Middle East warned on Wednesday.
In the region west of the Euphrates River where the Syrian regime is in control, “conditions are as bad or worse” than they were leading up to the rise of the Islamic State, according to Gen. Frank McKenzie.
“We should all be concerned about that.”
McKenzie said insurgents are operating with some degree of freedom and that the U.S. and its allies have little hope the Syrian regime will do anything to crack down on them.
The western part of the country has historically been controlled by Russian-backed Syrian troops, while the U.S. and its allies, the Syrian Democratic Forces, have largely been in the north and eastern parts of the country.
Speaking online to a United States Institute of Peace forum from his U.S. Central Command office in Tampa, McKenzie said that the effort to transfer people out of Syrian refugee camps has been complicated and delayed by the pandemic.
And that, he said, fuels concerns about radicalization — particularly of the youth — in the camps, which officials worry are breeding grounds for IS insurgents.
The al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria is home to as many as 70,000 people — mostly women and children — who were displaced by the ongoing civil war in Syria and the battle against IS.
Many fled as the U.S.-backed SDF cleared out the last pockets of land held by IS last year.
Are you concerned about a resurgence of the Islamic State in Syria? Yes No
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Leanne Erdberg Steadman, the USIP director for countering violent extremism, said getting people out of the camps is key to securing a new future.
Repatriation is the key to clearing out the refugee camps, and the U.S. has aggressively pushed to get allies to take their citizens back. Most nations, however, are reluctant to take in potential IS insurgents.
Humanitarian groups say many of the women and children are not risks, but officials also note that many women have been radicalized and are active in the insurgency.
McKenzie said that unless political leaders find a way to deradicalize and repatriate the displaced people in the camps, there will be another IS resurgence in the future.
“As young people grow up, we’re going to see them again unless we can turn them in a way to make them productive members of society,” he said. “We can either deal with this problem now or deal with it exponentially worse a few years down the road.”
[jwplayer HOCQtNOH]
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--2020-08-12--Watch: Dog Found ‘Stuck to the Pavement,’ Covered in Tar Has Completely Transformed

As long as there are animals and people , animal rescues will have a place .
It ’ s sad but true that many different kinds of animals are mistreated , but not everyone has the ability to care for extra dogs or cats , let alone livestock .
In India , a rescue called “ Animal Rahat ” was started to help these gentle giants .
Animal Rahat “ is a unique program that aims to help some of the most neglected animals in the world—the bullocks , donkeys , and other working animals of India , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states on Facebook .
The rescue has a 10-acre sanctuary where animals can live out their lives in peace .
They also have a kitchen , a pond , a classroom and a surgical facility on site .
TRENDING : Biden Gets Ultimatum from Prominent Black Leaders : Pick a Black Woman VP or Lose The group also works to get roaming dogs fixed to help with population issues as well as provide veterinary care for their communities .
Animal Rahat has shared many beautiful transformation videos , and on Tuesday the organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named Champi who they found in dire straits .
Champi was a pup who was anchored to the street when rescuers found her .
Her entire side was as stiff as a board with tar , and it was hard for her to even walk .
“ Champi wasn ’ t even recognizable as a dog when she was found stuck to the pavement , unable to move , covered with coal tar and debris in Solapur—a city in India—by a rescue team from Animal Rahat ( “ rahat ” means “ relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caption on Animal Rahat ’ s video read .
The tar had collected debris , and without help , the poor puppy might not have survived .
Rescuers sedated her , took her to the rescue and spent days cleaning her up .
“ It took Animal Rahat ’ s first responders four days to remove the tar and debris from Champi , gently using vegetable and coconut oil so as not to hurt her , ” the caption read .
Once the tar was removed , her damaged skin was visible .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tar off without hurting her , and it would take some time before she was a healthy , furry dog again .
Thankfully , her hair did grow back , and she grew up .
Her coat is beautiful now , and she ’ s been adopted .
RELATED : 86-Year-Old Navy Veteran Who Suffered Stroke Has Life Saved by Tiny Chihuahua Mix “ Now , her fur has grown back and she spends her days running in the fields at her new home and playing with her animal friends , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caption continued .
The video shows a happy , healthy , full-grown Champi frolicking in fields and loving on her humans .
It ’ s sad that she had to have such a horrible experience so early in her life , but now she is safe and loved , thanks to the efforts of Animal Rahat .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As long as there are animals and people, animal rescues will have a place. It’s sad but true that many different kinds of animals are mistreated, but not everyone has the ability to care for extra dogs or cats, let alone livestock.
In India, a rescue called “Animal Rahat” was started to help these gentle giants.
Animal Rahat “is a unique program that aims to help some of the most neglected animals in the world—the bullocks, donkeys, and other working animals of India,” the group’s “About” page states on Facebook.
The rescue has a 10-acre sanctuary where animals can live out their lives in peace. They also have a kitchen, a pond, a classroom and a surgical facility on site.
The group also works to get roaming dogs fixed to help with population issues as well as provide veterinary care for their communities.
Animal Rahat has shared many beautiful transformation videos, and on Tuesday the organization shared a new video of a pup named Champi who they found in dire straits.
Champi was a pup who was anchored to the street when rescuers found her. Her entire side was as stiff as a board with tar, and it was hard for her to even walk.
“Champi wasn’t even recognizable as a dog when she was found stuck to the pavement, unable to move, covered with coal tar and debris in Solapur—a city in India—by a rescue team from Animal Rahat (“rahat” means “relief” in Hindi),” the caption on Animal Rahat’s video read.
The tar had collected debris, and without help, the poor puppy might not have survived. Rescuers sedated her, took her to the rescue and spent days cleaning her up.
“It took Animal Rahat’s first responders four days to remove the tar and debris from Champi, gently using vegetable and coconut oil so as not to hurt her,” the caption read.
Once the tar was removed, her damaged skin was visible. They had done their best to get the tar off without hurting her, and it would take some time before she was a healthy, furry dog again.
Thankfully, her hair did grow back, and she grew up. Her coat is beautiful now, and she’s been adopted.
“Now, her fur has grown back and she spends her days running in the fields at her new home and playing with her animal friends, including some rescued chickens,” the video caption continued.
The video shows a happy, healthy, full-grown Champi frolicking in fields and loving on her humans.
It’s sad that she had to have such a horrible experience so early in her life, but now she is safe and loved, thanks to the efforts of Animal Rahat.
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westernjournal--2020-08-12--The Hilarious Biden-Harris Flip-Flop Shaun King Just Got Caught in Shows the Left’s True Colors

It ’ s isn ’ t just power that corrupts — turns out , just the possibility of power does a pretty good job , too .
That essential truth was on full display Wednesday as word sunk in among Democratic circles that California Sen. Kamala Harris had been chosen to be former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s running mate in the November election .
Harris herself is a prime example of the flexibility of liberal standards in the era of President Donald Trump , when Democrats are so desperate to regain the White House they are willing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chances .
In April 2019 , before Biden announced his candidacy for the presidency , Harris publicly applauded women who ’ d come forward to accuse him of inappropriate sexual behavior .
( This was long before the Tara Reade allegations that rocked Biden ’ s campaign this spring . )
In December of last year , Harris stood on a stage on national television and accused Biden of being a quasi-racist for his cordial ties to segregationists in the Senate in the 1970s .
TRENDING : Biden Gets Ultimatum from Prominent Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Lose Yet here she is in August 2020 , going from bloodying her one-time rival for the Democratic nomination to endorsing him , to joining his presidential ticket .
If Harris is Exhibit A for Democratic flip-flopping , a prominent runner-up would be Shaun King , King , the suspiciously pale-complexioned Black Lives Matter activist most recently in the news for calling for the removal of statues that portray Jesus with Caucasian features , found himself on the spot Tuesday after he published a Twitter post praising the Biden-Harris ticket .
Seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders for the nomination wasn ’ t always so admiring of Kamala Harris ’ s record .
Some Twitter users happily nailed him for his hypocrisy : It ’ s almost too funny .
The post on the left shows King ’ s feelings in 2018 , when he said he ’ d be “ frank and tell you two Democrats that I ’ m 99 % sure I won ’ t be supporting … Joe Biden & Kamala Harris.
” On the right is a post from Tuesday , where King had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and by extension the Harris-Biden ticket .
“ I ’ ve done political work my whole life .
It ’ s rarely things dreams are made of , ” King wrote .
“ Kamala Harris is the most progressive VP nominee in American history.
” RELATED : 'So It Begins ' : Tucker Carlson Blasts Dem Strategist Who Corrected Him on Kamala Harris ' Name Now , it ’ s natural for political sides to coalesce as an election comes nearer .
Republicans and conservatives do the same .
But when Democrats like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and suddenly start praising the very people they savaged only a short time before , it ’ s a turnaround of road-to-Damascus proportions ( or would be , if liberals could understand the allusion ) .
If King had been a conservative activist who was suddenly changing his tune on , say , Donald Trump ’ s candidacy in 2016 , it ’ s easy to think how liberals would have mocked such a transparently boot-licking change of heart .
But in the liberal media , the rules are different for Democrats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being mocked for flipping like a Mafia rat , King drew studiously neutral headlines like “ Shaun King Explains Why He Changed His Mind About Kamala Harris ” in Newsweek and “ Activist Shaun King Views VP Nominee Kamala Harris Differently After 2018 Tweets On Criminal Justice Reform ” from Black Sports Online .
How did King explain his more-than-a-little-radical change of heart about Harris ?
She ’ s finally living up to his standards , of course .
“ I can only speak for myself , but when I harshly critique leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they will grow and evolve .
Kamala has done so , in very specific ways , on issues of justice , ” he wrote .
“ I ’ ll remain a critic .
But I ’ m nothing but glad to see the growth .
Is what it is.
” Well , it ’ s a relief that a stalwart for “ justice ” like Shaun King is only changing his opinion because Kamala Harris has grown sufficiently in his eyes .
Cynics might have seen it as happening because he ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to get on the good side of the Democratic presidential ticket and stay popular with all cool kids in the Democratic Party .
There were a lot of cynics on social media : Of course , King and Harris aren ’ t the only two Democrats who have beclowned themselves falling into line for Biden .
It seems like an eternity now , but it was only six months ago that the Biden campaign was on life support and Sanders ’ socialism was ascendant on the left .
As soon as that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina primary , Democrats flocked to Biden ’ s banner , with Harris endorsing Biden in an early March video that was almost comical in its insincerity .
Byron York , chief political correspondent for the Washington Examiner , described it perfectly in a Twitter post as having “ hostage-tape production values.
” But sincerity isn ’ t what Harris is selling — anymore than Shaun King or any other Democrats who were opposed to the idea of Biden and Harris until they became the only show in town .
For Democrats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matters , and it ’ s going to be at center stage between now and when the November ballots are counted .
The eight years of the Obama White House proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that for Democrats , power corrupts .
The circus surrounding the Biden campaign is showing that even the potential for power does a pretty good job of it , too .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s isn’t just power that corrupts — turns out, just the possibility of power does a pretty good job, too.
That essential truth was on full display Wednesday as word sunk in among Democratic circles that California Sen. Kamala Harris had been chosen to be former Vice President Joe Biden’s running mate in the November election.
Harris herself is a prime example of the flexibility of liberal standards in the era of President Donald Trump, when Democrats are so desperate to regain the White House they are willing to say whatever it takes to improve their chances.
In April 2019, before Biden announced his candidacy for the presidency, Harris publicly applauded women who’d come forward to accuse him of inappropriate sexual behavior. (This was long before the Tara Reade allegations that rocked Biden’s campaign this spring.)
In December of last year, Harris stood on a stage on national television and accused Biden of being a quasi-racist for his cordial ties to segregationists in the Senate in the 1970s.
Yet here she is in August 2020, going from bloodying her one-time rival for the Democratic nomination to endorsing him, to joining his presidential ticket.
If Harris is Exhibit A for Democratic flip-flopping, a prominent runner-up would be Shaun King,
King, the suspiciously pale-complexioned Black Lives Matter activist most recently in the news for calling for the removal of statues that portray Jesus with Caucasian features, found himself on the spot Tuesday after he published a Twitter post praising the Biden-Harris ticket.
Seems the man who supported Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for the nomination wasn’t always so admiring of Kamala Harris’s record.
Some Twitter users happily nailed him for his hypocrisy:
Today in know what side your bread is buttered on. pic.twitter.com/eDAsl1GKdF — Shailja Patel (@shailjapatel) August 12, 2020
It’s almost too funny. The post on the left shows King’s feelings in 2018, when he said he’d be “frank and tell you two Democrats that I’m 99% sure I won’t be supporting … Joe Biden & Kamala Harris.”
On the right is a post from Tuesday, where King had a considerably different take on Harris – and by extension the Harris-Biden ticket.
“I’ve done political work my whole life. It’s rarely things dreams are made of,” King wrote. “Kamala Harris is the most progressive VP nominee in American history.”
Now, it’s natural for political sides to coalesce as an election comes nearer. Republicans and conservatives do the same.
But when Democrats like King step down from their moral pedestal and suddenly start praising the very people they savaged only a short time before, it’s a turnaround of road-to-Damascus proportions (or would be, if liberals could understand the allusion).
If King had been a conservative activist who was suddenly changing his tune on, say, Donald Trump’s candidacy in 2016, it’s easy to think how liberals would have mocked such a transparently boot-licking change of heart.
But in the liberal media, the rules are different for Democrats, as everyone knows. So instead of being mocked for flipping like a Mafia rat, King drew studiously neutral headlines like “Shaun King Explains Why He Changed His Mind About Kamala Harris” in Newsweek and “Activist Shaun King Views VP Nominee Kamala Harris Differently After 2018 Tweets On Criminal Justice Reform” from Black Sports Online.
How did King explain his more-than-a-little-radical change of heart about Harris? She’s finally living up to his standards, of course.
“I can only speak for myself, but when I harshly critique leaders, it’s with the hope that they will grow and evolve. Kamala has done so, in very specific ways, on issues of justice,” he wrote.
“I’ll remain a critic. But I’m nothing but glad to see the growth. Is what it is.”
Pretty much. I can only speak for myself, but when I harshly critique leaders, it’s with the hope that they will grow and evolve. Kamala has done so, in very specific ways, on issues of justice. I’ll remain a critic. But I’m nothing but glad to see the growth. Is what it is. https://t.co/vS57O9jgeO — Shaun King (@shaunking) August 12, 2020
Well, it’s a relief that a stalwart for “justice” like Shaun King is only changing his opinion because Kamala Harris has grown sufficiently in his eyes.
Cynics might have seen it as happening because he’s a spineless, hypocritical grifter who wants to get on the good side of the Democratic presidential ticket and stay popular with all cool kids in the Democratic Party.
There were a lot of cynics on social media:
Newsweek giving credence to this guy is 2020 in a nutshell… https://t.co/B8qS5Ey5jO — James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) August 12, 2020
He’s just carrying the water for his betters. He does not want to be left on the outside when the true believers are called. It won’t do him any good. He to will fall short of the fascists ideal. — CrimsonPirate (@PirateCrimson) August 12, 2020
He speaks like a person committed to his principles. As long as those principles include a person of color. And its Tuesday in August. And he wants to show how inclusive he is. — Brian (@bgfins) August 12, 2020
Now I’m confused! So it’s OK to have a horrible history as long as there is positive change? So we can start putting statues back up??? Asking for a friend. — Brian (@Brian99476557) August 12, 2020
Of course, King and Harris aren’t the only two Democrats who have beclowned themselves falling into line for Biden.
It seems like an eternity now, but it was only six months ago that the Biden campaign was on life support and Sanders’ socialism was ascendant on the left.
As soon as that fell apart in the Feb. 29 South Carolina primary, Democrats flocked to Biden’s banner, with Harris endorsing Biden in an early March video that was almost comical in its insincerity.
Do you think Kamala Harris will help Biden in the November election? 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: 7% (74 Votes) No: 93% (1045 Votes)
Byron York, chief political correspondent for the Washington Examiner, described it perfectly in a Twitter post as having “hostage-tape production values.”
But sincerity isn’t what Harris is selling — anymore than Shaun King or any other Democrats who were opposed to the idea of Biden and Harris until they became the only show in town.
For Democrats, power is the only organizing principle that matters, and it’s going to be at center stage between now and when the November ballots are counted.
The eight years of the Obama White House proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that for Democrats, power corrupts.
The circus surrounding the Biden campaign is showing that even the potential for power does a pretty good job of it, too.
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westernjournal--2020-08-12--3 Very Unfortunate Details Got Caught in Photo of Biden Offering Harris VP Spot

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announced Tuesday that former primary rival and California Sen. Kamala Harris had been chosen as his 2020 running mate , officially proving the former vice president has no business making executive decisions on behalf of the United States .
The selection of Harris , however , was far from the worst of things , as Biden somehow made a public relations nightmare out of a moment that traditionally has been known to reinvigorate stagnant campaigns stepping into the general election season .
Posting to Instagram a photograph of himself virtually extending the vice presidential offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from sharp-eyed social media users such as Turning Point USA Chief Creative Officer Benny Johnson , who was quick to point out that the moment captured was anything but presidential .
In fact , in true Biden fashion , there was an embarrassingly obvious mistake — and where there was one , there were many : TRENDING : Biden Gets Ultimatum from Prominent Black Leaders : Pick a Black Woman VP or Lose Before moving into the weeds on every detail of this “ Where ’ s Waldo ” of stupidity , most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to highlight the most egregious element of the photograph : What seemed to be a typed script laid out in front of Biden for the conversation .
And from The Federalist to the BizPac Review , conservative media outlets were quick to blow up the image Biden provided , widely publicizing any embarrassing rhetorical tidbit they could expose .
Included in the script were several simple reminders , such as the words “ I ’ m calling you today because , ” which seemingly were left to ensure that Biden did not forget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with prepared talking points detailing the reasons Harris had been selected .
“ I think you ’ re entitled to know why I chose you , there are three reasons , ” the script read in one location .
Apparently , the candidate could not be bothered to remember those reasons for himself — a likely consequence of Harris being chosen in large part at the discretion of aides far more lucid than Biden .
Another point of focus for keen eyes across the social media sphere was the way Biden was holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harris .
It was upside down in the former vice president ’ s hands , with the speaker pointed away from him and toward the computer screen where live video appeared of Harris on the other end of the line .
Now , to be fair , perhaps Biden isn ’ t so technologically inept that he doesn ’ t know where the speaker and microphone appear on an iPhone .
Perhaps campaign staffers placed Biden on a video call with Harris via computer , and a third party was being added to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Hilarious Biden-Harris Flip-Flop Shaun King Just Got Caught in Shows the Left 's True Colors But this would hardly come as an excuse .
The year is 2020 .
We have the technology to conduct small-group and large-scale conference calls .
If Biden ’ s closest aides were unaware of this — or simply did not care about the optics of jerry-rigging a phone to a computer for a three-way conference call — that does not bode well for America .
Not only would we have a potentially senile man one step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senile man with inept and uncaring handlers one step away from the presidency .
If this , plus Biden ’ s laundry list of other embarrassing moments from a year on the trail , weren ’ t enough to convince you the man is mentally unfit for the presidency , only one thing could : a subliminal cry for help buried in the vice presidential announcement images .
Of course , you know that I ’ m referring to the framed comic strip front-and-center on Biden ’ s desk .
The strange desk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s computer , seems to be a series of frames from Dik Browne ’ s popular gag-a-day newspaper cartoon “ Hägar the Horrible.
” Hard to make out in the images provided , but no less visible , the particular strip that was present depicts the titular cartoon viking shouting to the heavens in a show of frustration at the horrible weather around him .
Yeesh , if that isn ’ t clear evidence of existential dread rising within the longtime Democratic politician as the campaign season drags on , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OK .
So maybe that ’ s an overstatement .
But you have to acknowledge , for a man so clearly steeped in mental disarray , the cartoon is a bad look — just like pretty much everything else Biden does in public .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announced Tuesday that former primary rival and California Sen. Kamala Harris had been chosen as his 2020 running mate, officially proving the former vice president has no business making executive decisions on behalf of the United States.
The selection of Harris, however, was far from the worst of things, as Biden somehow made a public relations nightmare out of a moment that traditionally has been known to reinvigorate stagnant campaigns stepping into the general election season.
Posting to Instagram a photograph of himself virtually extending the vice presidential offer to Harris, Biden drew harsh criticism from sharp-eyed social media users such as Turning Point USA Chief Creative Officer Benny Johnson, who was quick to point out that the moment captured was anything but presidential.
In fact, in true Biden fashion, there was an embarrassingly obvious mistake — and where there was one, there were many:
1. On Script.
Before moving into the weeds on every detail of this “Where’s Waldo” of stupidity, most people who saw the image were quick to highlight the most egregious element of the photograph: What seemed to be a typed script laid out in front of Biden for the conversation.
And from The Federalist to the BizPac Review, conservative media outlets were quick to blow up the image Biden provided, widely publicizing any embarrassing rhetorical tidbit they could expose.
Included in the script were several simple reminders, such as the words “I’m calling you today because,” which seemingly were left to ensure that Biden did not forget the purpose of the conversation, along with prepared talking points detailing the reasons Harris had been selected.
“I think you’re entitled to know why I chose you, there are three reasons,” the script read in one location.
Apparently, the candidate could not be bothered to remember those reasons for himself — a likely consequence of Harris being chosen in large part at the discretion of aides far more lucid than Biden.
2. Out of Touch.
Another point of focus for keen eyes across the social media sphere was the way Biden was holding his cellphone while extending the offer to Harris.
It was upside down in the former vice president’s hands, with the speaker pointed away from him and toward the computer screen where live video appeared of Harris on the other end of the line.
Now, to be fair, perhaps Biden isn’t so technologically inept that he doesn’t know where the speaker and microphone appear on an iPhone. Perhaps campaign staffers placed Biden on a video call with Harris via computer, and a third party was being added to the call via cellphone.
But this would hardly come as an excuse.
The year is 2020. We have the technology to conduct small-group and large-scale conference calls.
If Biden’s closest aides were unaware of this — or simply did not care about the optics of jerry-rigging a phone to a computer for a three-way conference call — that does not bode well for America.
Not only would we have a potentially senile man one step away from the presidency, but a senile man with inept and uncaring handlers one step away from the presidency.
3. Plagued with Existential Dread?
If this, plus Biden’s laundry list of other embarrassing moments from a year on the trail, weren’t enough to convince you the man is mentally unfit for the presidency, only one thing could: a subliminal cry for help buried in the vice presidential announcement images.
Of course, you know that I’m referring to the framed comic strip front-and-center on Biden’s desk.
Was Biden's conversation with Harris scripted? Yes No
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The strange desk ornament, elevated and perfectly lit behind Biden’s computer, seems to be a series of frames from Dik Browne’s popular gag-a-day newspaper cartoon “Hägar the Horrible.”
Hard to make out in the images provided, but no less visible, the particular strip that was present depicts the titular cartoon viking shouting to the heavens in a show of frustration at the horrible weather around him.
“WHY ME?!” Hägar’s speech bubble reads.
Yeesh, if that isn’t clear evidence of existential dread rising within the longtime Democratic politician as the campaign season drags on, I don’t know what is.
OK. So maybe that’s an overstatement.
But you have to acknowledge, for a man so clearly steeped in mental disarray, the cartoon is a bad look — just like pretty much everything else Biden does in public.
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westernjournal--2020-08-12--Raymond Allen, ‘Sanford and Son’ and ‘Good Times’ Actor, Dead at Age 91

His family members told TMZ that while the actor did pass away due to respiratory issues , they were not related to COVID-19 .
He had been in the care facility for four years and often struggled with pneumonia .
Allen was born in Kansas City , Missouri , on March 5 , 1929 .
He had 11 older siblings , according to the New York Post .
TRENDING : Biden Gets Ultimatum from Prominent Black Leaders : Pick a Black Woman VP or Lose He was married to Barbra Williams from 1963 to 1977 and had three children .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] is unusual speech patterns and facial expressions often got him typecast playing drunk characters.
” Allen is best known for playing Uncle Woodrow “ Woody ” Anderson in the sitcom “ Sanford and Son ” and “ Ned the Wino ” in the sitcom “ Good Times ” — which his daughter , Ta Ronce Allen , also had a part in .
He played a variety of parts in other TV shows , including “ The Jeffersons , ” “ Starsky and Hutch ” and “ The Love Boat.
” Active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1985 , he had his last role in a television movie called “ Gus Brown and Midnight Brewster.
” After his acting days , he lived in Lancaster , California .
This week , Ta Ronce Allen let friends , family and fans know of her father ’ s passing through social media .
“ Just wanted to let The Allen Family and friends know that Dad received his wing two hours ago , ” she shared on Monday .
“ His warmth , kind heart and cleaver sayings will be missed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rest In Heavenly Peace Raymond Allen .
The last of 12 siblings.
” A day later , she posted again , announcing another loss .
“ What a day this is been , ” Ta Ronce Allen shared Tuesday on Facebook .
“ I am so surrounded by love from friends and family .
“ This has been one of the hardest days of my life I lost my father Raymond Allen and my cousin Deborah Doll ( his niece ) .
They are now both being held by the wings of angels.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brenda and Ta Ronce .
He also had a son , Raymond Gilmore Allen Jr. , who has already died .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Actor Raymond Allen died Monday at a long-term care center in California.
His family members told TMZ that while the actor did pass away due to respiratory issues, they were not related to COVID-19.
He had been in the care facility for four years and often struggled with pneumonia.
Allen was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 5, 1929. He had 11 older siblings, according to the New York Post.
He was married to Barbra Williams from 1963 to 1977 and had three children.
According to IMDb, “[h]is unusual speech patterns and facial expressions often got him typecast playing drunk characters.”
Allen is best known for playing Uncle Woodrow “Woody” Anderson in the sitcom “Sanford and Son” and “Ned the Wino” in the sitcom “Good Times” — which his daughter, Ta Ronce Allen, also had a part in.
He played a variety of parts in other TV shows, including “The Jeffersons,” “Starsky and Hutch” and “The Love Boat.”
Active in film and television from 1973 to 1985, he had his last role in a television movie called “Gus Brown and Midnight Brewster.”
After his acting days, he lived in Lancaster, California.
This week, Ta Ronce Allen let friends, family and fans know of her father’s passing through social media.
“Just wanted to let The Allen Family and friends know that Dad received his wing two hours ago,” she shared on Monday.
“His warmth, kind heart and cleaver sayings will be missed. His laughter will ring in heaven. Rest In Heavenly Peace Raymond Allen. The last of 12 siblings.”
A day later, she posted again, announcing another loss.
“What a day this is been,” Ta Ronce Allen shared Tuesday on Facebook. “I am so surrounded by love from friends and family.
“This has been one of the hardest days of my life I lost my father Raymond Allen and my cousin Deborah Doll (his niece). They are now both being held by the wings of angels.”
Raymond is survived by his daughters Brenda and Ta Ronce.
He also had a son, Raymond Gilmore Allen Jr., who has already died.
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westernjournal--2020-08-12--AOC Admits She Doesn’t Want To Donate to Charity, Complains That Gov’t Doesn’t Force It

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez outwardly admitted a truth her leftist comrades normally keep quiet : Democrats think government spending is the only answer to every problem .
On Friday , Ocasio-Cortez touted her fundraising efforts that yielded over $ 1 million for people suffering financial hardship in her district because of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns , QNS reported .
“ Every single one of us , in one way or another , has been impacted by COVID-19 , ” she said .
“ We ’ re trying to step up where the federal government is not acting.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve exceeded our goal of fundraising $ 1 million thanks to everyday people , who pitched in a $ 17 average donation , to provide direct relief for community groups and advocacy organizations serving NY-14 constituents on the frontline , ” Ocasio-Cortez said .
The money raised reportedly will help more than three dozen community groups to provide COVID-19 relief — including food and financial assistance — directly to the needy .
TRENDING : Biden Gets Ultimatum from Prominent Black Leaders : Pick a Black Woman VP or Lose The congresswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise $ 3,000 per week to hire street vendors to provide fresh produce for needy families , helping with both economic and food relief needs .
Normally , this would be good news about the charitable hearts of Americans helping one another through tough times .
But for Ocasio-Cortez , such an outpouring is deeply problematic .
“ As federal response continues to be insufficient , ” she lamented Friday on Twitter , “ our supporters have been stepping up to help families ourselves .
“ I ’ m proud to announce that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 million* in direct aid to people – all from small dollar , grassroots donations.
” “ This direct aid has benefited over 40 diff efforts , from food distribution w @ hungrymonknyc to helping immigrant families excluded from the CARES Act w/ @ NYSYLC & @ VendorPower , ” she wrote of the organizations and people who would receive the help .
“ In a just society , none of this would be necessary , ” Ocasio-Cortez said .
“ But we ’ ll do everything we can until we get there.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Introduce 'Climate Equity Act ' That Links Climate Change to Racial Justice In making her case , she first took a swipe at the federal government before launching into the news about a seven-figure donation haul , collected $ 17 at a time on average , per her own statement to QNS .
Ocasio-Cortez should have concluded that an inept government is worse at helping her local constituents than their own neighbors , but instead she just resented that charity was necessary at all , hoping instead for forced “ donations ” via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she used the same phrase — A Just Society — to name her proposed legislation that seeks , among other leftist policies , to ensure government goodies are doled out to convicts and illegal aliens , according to The New York Times .
Apparently , in AOC ’ s world , a society in which the government takes money by force to redistribute to lawbreakers is preferable to a country of altruistic citizens sharing from their own pockets to help their fellow human beings .
This isn ’ t the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans ’ cash rather than encourage charitable giving .
When tech mogul Bill Gates was attempting to encourage other billionaires to donate to fight COVID-19 , she sarcastically suggested they pay could send their money to the IRS , assuming — as the left always does — that the government is more capable of spending money than the private citizens who earn it .
“ If only there were some public fund billionaires could pay into along with everyone else that helps fund our infrastructure , hospitals , and public systems all at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It could even be a modest % of what they earn every year .
We could have an agency collect it and everything.
” That ’ s because the underpinnings of her democratic socialist viewpoint put the government , rather than any private endeavor , at the center of everyone ’ s lives as the default for problem-solving .
But Ocasio-Cortez isn ’ t known for her keen insight , as evidenced by her Green New Deal proposal , which included abolishing air travel , and her view of looters as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also U-Hauls full of jewelry ) .
The only thing AOC unintentionally got right in both criticisms is that the government is woefully inept , but instead of encouraging more money to flow through bloated , wasteful , slothful bureaucracies , she should see the existence of charity among normal citizens and billionaires alike as a better alternative .
People on both the left and right instinctively recognize that their duty to one another in their own communities comes first , but Ocasio-Cortez and her ilk are so smitten with wealth redistribution they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t involve funneling funds through Washington first .
In addition , Americans should have the power to choose to whom and what causes they will donate rather than being compelled to send their money to the spendthrifts in government , who use it for things such as sex changes for convicts and Black Lives Matter murals .
For Ocasio-Cortez and leftists in general , their dystopian view of society is that the poor would be marginalized and starved but for the benevolence of government , ignoring that America is the most generous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are willing to help one another .
But as is typical with leftists , when faced with evidence of government failure and individual generosity , Ocasio-Cortez refused to see reality .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez outwardly admitted a truth her leftist comrades normally keep quiet: Democrats think government spending is the only answer to every problem.
On Friday, Ocasio-Cortez touted her fundraising efforts that yielded over $1 million for people suffering financial hardship in her district because of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns, QNS reported.
“Every single one of us, in one way or another, has been impacted by COVID-19,” she said. “We’re trying to step up where the federal government is not acting.”
“I’m honored to say we’ve exceeded our goal of fundraising $1 million thanks to everyday people, who pitched in a $17 average donation, to provide direct relief for community groups and advocacy organizations serving NY-14 constituents on the frontline,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
The money raised reportedly will help more than three dozen community groups to provide COVID-19 relief — including food and financial assistance — directly to the needy.
The congresswoman is also working on another initiative to raise $3,000 per week to hire street vendors to provide fresh produce for needy families, helping with both economic and food relief needs.
Normally, this would be good news about the charitable hearts of Americans helping one another through tough times.
But for Ocasio-Cortez, such an outpouring is deeply problematic.
“As federal response continues to be insufficient,” she lamented Friday on Twitter, “our supporters have been stepping up to help families ourselves.
Are local charities better at helping people than government agencies? 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: 95% (1047 Votes) No: 5% (58 Votes)
“I’m proud to announce that #TeamAOC has raised over *$1 million* in direct aid to people – all from small dollar, grassroots donations.”
“This direct aid has benefited over 40 diff efforts, from food distribution w @hungrymonknyc to helping immigrant families excluded from the CARES Act w/ @NYSYLC & @VendorPower,” she wrote of the organizations and people who would receive the help.
“In a just society, none of this would be necessary,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “But we’ll do everything we can until we get there.”
This direct aid has benefited over 40 diff efforts, from food distribution w @hungrymonknyc to helping immigrant families excluded from the CARES Act w/ @NYSYLC & @VendorPower. In a just society, none of this would be necessary. But we’ll do everything we can until we get there. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) August 8, 2020
In making her case, she first took a swipe at the federal government before launching into the news about a seven-figure donation haul, collected $17 at a time on average, per her own statement to QNS.
Ocasio-Cortez should have concluded that an inept government is worse at helping her local constituents than their own neighbors, but instead she just resented that charity was necessary at all, hoping instead for forced “donations” via taxpayer dollars.
What’s more, she used the same phrase — A Just Society — to name her proposed legislation that seeks, among other leftist policies, to ensure government goodies are doled out to convicts and illegal aliens, according to The New York Times.
Apparently, in AOC’s world, a society in which the government takes money by force to redistribute to lawbreakers is preferable to a country of altruistic citizens sharing from their own pockets to help their fellow human beings.
This isn’t the first time Ocasio-Cortez has expressed a desire to seize Americans’ cash rather than encourage charitable giving.
When tech mogul Bill Gates was attempting to encourage other billionaires to donate to fight COVID-19, she sarcastically suggested they pay could send their money to the IRS, assuming — as the left always does — that the government is more capable of spending money than the private citizens who earn it.
“If only there were some public fund billionaires could pay into along with everyone else that helps fund our infrastructure, hospitals, and public systems all at once,” Ocasio-Cortez tweeted May 13.
“It could even be a modest % of what they earn every year. We could have an agency collect it and everything.”
If only there were some public fund billionaires could pay into along with everyone else that helps fund our infrastructure, hospitals, and public systems all at once. It could even be a modest % of what they earn every year. We could have an agency collect it and everything https://t.co/g0vI45xnYG — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 13, 2020
That’s because the underpinnings of her democratic socialist viewpoint put the government, rather than any private endeavor, at the center of everyone’s lives as the default for problem-solving.
But Ocasio-Cortez isn’t known for her keen insight, as evidenced by her Green New Deal proposal, which included abolishing air travel, and her view of looters as starving people stealing bread (and apparently also U-Hauls full of jewelry).
The only thing AOC unintentionally got right in both criticisms is that the government is woefully inept, but instead of encouraging more money to flow through bloated, wasteful, slothful bureaucracies, she should see the existence of charity among normal citizens and billionaires alike as a better alternative.
People on both the left and right instinctively recognize that their duty to one another in their own communities comes first, but Ocasio-Cortez and her ilk are so smitten with wealth redistribution they can’t see solutions that don’t involve funneling funds through Washington first.
In addition, Americans should have the power to choose to whom and what causes they will donate rather than being compelled to send their money to the spendthrifts in government, who use it for things such as sex changes for convicts and Black Lives Matter murals.
For Ocasio-Cortez and leftists in general, their dystopian view of society is that the poor would be marginalized and starved but for the benevolence of government, ignoring that America is the most generous country in the world and that most people are willing to help one another.
But as is typical with leftists, when faced with evidence of government failure and individual generosity, Ocasio-Cortez refused to see reality.
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westernjournal--2020-08-12--Sheriff Bans Staff, Office Visitors from Wearing Masks

A Florida sheriff has prohibited his deputies and visitors from wearing face masks in his office .
In an email sent to his staff , Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods wrote that no one in the office will be allowed to wear a face mask , WCJB-TV reported .
“ Since the beginning of this pandemic the operation of this office has not changed and no wearing of masks has been put in place , ” Woods wrote .
“ With just at 900 employees , our number of cases so far has proven that the current way we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are allowed to wear masks at the county courthouse , the jail , private and public schools that require masks , hospitals and nursing homes and when responding to a call that involved a high-risk elderly person .
TRENDING : Biden Gets Ultimatum from Prominent Black Leaders : Pick a Black Woman VP or Lose “ For all of these exceptions , the moment that enforcement action is to be taken and it requires you to give an individual orders/commands to comply , the mask will be immediately removed , ” Woods wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The sheriff added that if someone confronts an employee about not wearing a mask , the employee should “ politely and professionally tell them I am not required to wear a mask nor will I , per the Order of the Sheriff , ” and walk away .
The state of Florida has recorded over 542,000 cases of coronavirus and 8,600 deaths from the virus , according to The Washington Post .
Marion County also set a record for daily COVID-19 deaths Tuesday with 13 deaths .
Guests will also be asked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lobby .
“ Now , I can already hear the whining and just so you know I did not make this decision easily and I have weighed it out for the past 2 weeks , ” Woods wrote .
“ This is no longer a debate nor is it up for discussion.
” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that people should wear masks in public settings when around people they do not live with where they are unable to maintain other social distancing measures .
“ Masks are most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they are widely used by people in public settings , ” the CDC said .
Woods said he made the decision because of current events , like the anti-police protests sparked by the death of George Floyd .
“ In light of the current events when it comes to the sentiment and/or hatred toward law enforcement in our country today , this is being done to ensure there is clear communication and for identification purposes of any individual walking into a lobby , ” Woods wrote .
“ Please keep in mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing the way things are done .
However , my orders will be followed or my actions will be swift to address.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Florida sheriff has prohibited his deputies and visitors from wearing face masks in his office.
In an email sent to his staff, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods wrote that no one in the office will be allowed to wear a face mask, WCJB-TV reported.
“Since the beginning of this pandemic the operation of this office has not changed and no wearing of masks has been put in place,” Woods wrote.
“With just at 900 employees, our number of cases so far has proven that the current way we are approaching the issue is working.”
Deputies are allowed to wear masks at the county courthouse, the jail, private and public schools that require masks, hospitals and nursing homes and when responding to a call that involved a high-risk elderly person.
“For all of these exceptions, the moment that enforcement action is to be taken and it requires you to give an individual orders/commands to comply, the mask will be immediately removed,” Woods wrote, according to the Ocala Star-Banner.
The sheriff added that if someone confronts an employee about not wearing a mask, the employee should “politely and professionally tell them I am not required to wear a mask nor will I, per the Order of the Sheriff,” and walk away.
The state of Florida has recorded over 542,000 cases of coronavirus and 8,600 deaths from the virus, according to The Washington Post.
Marion County also set a record for daily COVID-19 deaths Tuesday with 13 deaths.
Do you think wearing masks is unnecessary? 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: 82% (1991 Votes) No: 18% (444 Votes)
Guests will also be asked to remove their masks when entering the MCSO lobby.
“Now, I can already hear the whining and just so you know I did not make this decision easily and I have weighed it out for the past 2 weeks,” Woods wrote.
“This is no longer a debate nor is it up for discussion.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that people should wear masks in public settings when around people they do not live with where they are unable to maintain other social distancing measures.
“Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings,” the CDC said.
Woods said he made the decision because of current events, like the anti-police protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.
“In light of the current events when it comes to the sentiment and/or hatred toward law enforcement in our country today, this is being done to ensure there is clear communication and for identification purposes of any individual walking into a lobby,” Woods wrote.
“Please keep in mind this entire pandemic is fluid and constantly changing the way things are done. However, my orders will be followed or my actions will be swift to address.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-08-12--Navy SEAL Who Killed Bin Laden Used 8 Words To Utterly Destroy Rioters Ruining America

Robert O ’ Neill killed the most murderous terrorist of all time : Osama bin Laden , the sick mastermind who was responsible for almost 3,000 deaths on Sept. 11 , 2001 , alone .
He and the rest of SEAL Team 6 are immortalized as American heroes .
O ’ Neill is stateside now , having retired from the service .
And he watched , as we all did , as our country took a turn for the worst in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death in Minneapolis police custody on May 25 .
Make no mistake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So was what followed — looting and rioting that debased not only Floyd ’ s death but also those who were protesting against it .
There ’ s nothing that convinces people of the righteousness of your cause less than turning neighborhoods into glass-strewn hulls of themselves .
It was painful to watch , particularly in the midst of a generational crisis , both epidemiologically and economically .
TRENDING : Biden Gets Ultimatum from Prominent Black Leaders : Pick a Black Woman VP or Lose Watching from home , O ’ Neill had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I can not believe I fought to defend you.
” This was on May 30 , as the riots were beginning to pick up steam .
This was also when the horrible euphemism “ mostly peaceful ” began to creep into the media ’ s lexicon .
Mind you , O ’ Neill made clear the obvious — police brutality and racism are both bad .
However , whatever chance we had to have a “ conversation ” about them was being spoiled by looting and rioting .
“ I despise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it kills me that politically-funded terrorists are doing this on the shoulders of both , ” he tweeted .
RELATED : Navy 's 'Star-Spangled Banner ' Video Has Only 2 Words , But Leaves a Major Impact Yes , you ’ ll say , but that was May 30 — as America was seized with paroxysms of anger .
That wasn ’ t going to be a motif throughout the summer , right ?
It may be the year of our discontent , but the movement would evolve .
There wouldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes , we ’ re still dealing with it .
Chicago , which had already seen its fair share of looting and rioting , has flared up again .
This time , however , there wasn ’ t even a cause worth spoiling with violence .
According to Chicago Sun-Times , the unrest was set off by the police shooting of 20-year-old Latrell Allen .
The problem is that , according to police ( and apparently surveillance cameras , which caught the altercation on video ) , Allen shot at them first .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Allen was fighting in a local park and refusing to leave .
“ We could be talking about another dead child shot in our city , ” Assistant State ’ s Attorney James Murphy said Tuesday , praising the officers who responded .
Chicago has seen numerous children killed this summer , including six within one week in June .
Allen ’ s family said he didn ’ t have a gun and stressed officers weren ’ t wearing body cameras .
However , police surveillance cams managed to catch the pertinent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was willing to shoot multiple times at armed law enforcement as they were chasing him ; he certainly poses a danger and wouldn ’ t think twice about shooting up a park or anybody else , for that matter , ” Murphy said .
“ Tempers flared , fueled by misinformation , ” said police Superintendent David Brown , who cited rumors that an “ unarmed juvenile ” had been shot , according to the Chicago Tribune .
Allen is currently in jail on $ 1 million bail .
However , correct information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast enough , since they decided to riot in the city ’ s Near North Side neighborhood .
Members of Black Lives Matter Chicago held a solidarity rally with those who were arrested in the chaos , saying this was just righting historical wrongs .
“ I don ’ t care if somebody decides to loot a Gucci or a Macy ’ s or a Nike , because that makes sure that that person eats .
That makes sure that that person has clothes , ” said Black Lives Matter organizer Ariel Atkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is reparations .
Anything they want to take , take it because these businesses have insurance.
” Yes , and then that insurance goes up , and then prices go up , and then fewer people eat .
Why should I think too hard about it , though ?
Atkins didn ’ t .
This isn ’ t the state of affairs that O ’ Neill risked his life for .
He served a country where many who are busy destroying it demand to be treated as heroes addressing historical wrongs .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deciding , retroactively , that he wasn ’ t fighting for those people , it sounds like .
He just can ’ t believe these looters are the people his heroism kept safe .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Robert O’Neill killed the most murderous terrorist of all time: Osama bin Laden, the sick mastermind who was responsible for almost 3,000 deaths on Sept. 11, 2001, alone.
He and the rest of SEAL Team 6 are immortalized as American heroes.
O’Neill is stateside now, having retired from the service. And he watched, as we all did, as our country took a turn for the worst in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis police custody on May 25.
Make no mistake: That death was a tragedy. So was what followed — looting and rioting that debased not only Floyd’s death but also those who were protesting against it.
There’s nothing that convinces people of the righteousness of your cause less than turning neighborhoods into glass-strewn hulls of themselves. It was painful to watch, particularly in the midst of a generational crisis, both epidemiologically and economically.
Watching from home, O’Neill had eight words for the rioters destroying America:
“I cannot believe I fought to defend you.”
Un. Believable. I cannot believe I fought to defend you. — Robert J. O’Neill (@mchooyah) May 30, 2020
This was on May 30, as the riots were beginning to pick up steam. This was also when the horrible euphemism “mostly peaceful” began to creep into the media’s lexicon.
O’Neill noticed this, too.
These “peaceful” protesters certainly are violent. — Robert J. O’Neill (@mchooyah) May 30, 2020
Mind you, O’Neill made clear the obvious — police brutality and racism are both bad. However, whatever chance we had to have a “conversation” about them was being spoiled by looting and rioting.
“I despise racism, I despise police brutality and it kills me that politically-funded terrorists are doing this on the shoulders of both,” he tweeted.
I despise racism, I despise police brutality and it kills me that politically-funded terrorists are doing this on the shoulders of both. — Robert J. O’Neill (@mchooyah) May 30, 2020
Yes, you’ll say, but that was May 30 — as America was seized with paroxysms of anger. That wasn’t going to be a motif throughout the summer, right? It may be the year of our discontent, but the movement would evolve. There wouldn’t be as much violence and destruction.
Yes, we’re still dealing with it. Chicago, which had already seen its fair share of looting and rioting, has flared up again. This time, however, there wasn’t even a cause worth spoiling with violence.
According to Chicago Sun-Times, the unrest was set off by the police shooting of 20-year-old Latrell Allen. The problem is that, according to police (and apparently surveillance cameras, which caught the altercation on video), Allen shot at them first.
Should cities crack down harder on rioters? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (5273 Votes) No: 0% (9 Votes)
Police had responded after a 911 caller said Allen was fighting in a local park and refusing to leave.
“We could be talking about another dead child shot in our city,” Assistant State’s Attorney James Murphy said Tuesday, praising the officers who responded.
Chicago has seen numerous children killed this summer, including six within one week in June.
Allen’s family said he didn’t have a gun and stressed officers weren’t wearing body cameras. However, police surveillance cams managed to catch the pertinent part of the pursuit.
“He was willing to shoot multiple times at armed law enforcement as they were chasing him; he certainly poses a danger and wouldn’t think twice about shooting up a park or anybody else, for that matter,” Murphy said.
So, what happened?
“Tempers flared, fueled by misinformation,” said police Superintendent David Brown, who cited rumors that an “unarmed juvenile” had been shot, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Allen is currently in jail on $1 million bail. However, correct information didn’t get to demonstrators nearly fast enough, since they decided to riot in the city’s Near North Side neighborhood.
Members of Black Lives Matter Chicago held a solidarity rally with those who were arrested in the chaos, saying this was just righting historical wrongs.
“I don’t care if somebody decides to loot a Gucci or a Macy’s or a Nike, because that makes sure that that person eats. That makes sure that that person has clothes,” said Black Lives Matter organizer Ariel Atkins, according to WMAQ-TV.
“That is reparations. Anything they want to take, take it because these businesses have insurance.”
Yes, and then that insurance goes up, and then prices go up, and then fewer people eat.
Why should I think too hard about it, though? Atkins didn’t.
This isn’t the state of affairs that O’Neill risked his life for. He served a country where many who are busy destroying it demand to be treated as heroes addressing historical wrongs.
It doesn’t mean he’s deciding, retroactively, that he wasn’t fighting for those people, it sounds like. He just can’t believe these looters are the people his heroism kept safe.
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westernjournal--2020-08-12--Trump Shuts Down Reporter Minutes After Shooting Outside White House: ‘Do I Seem Rattled?’

Some reporters enjoy speculating about temperament with regard to presidential candidates .
It was something many of them cited constantly in 2016 , before Donald Trump ’ s stunning victory over Hillary Clinton .
There was a narrative pushed by Democrats and media elites that Trump did not have the temperament to be president , nor was he capable of being presidential .
But what kind of temperament do you want in a president , and what does “ presidential ” even mean ?
“ Presidential ” was used as a buzzword four years ago to portray Trump , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ character to lead the country .
TRENDING : Biden Gets Ultimatum from Prominent Black Leaders : Pick a Black Woman VP or Lose To be presidential , apparently , one must always say the right things — meaning the things the country ’ s activist media would like to hear .
Being presidential apparently also entails saying the kinds of things former President Barack Obama said in carefully crafted speeches , which were filled with the leftist rhetoric that excites activist reporters .
Trump did not possess the qualities of a speaker who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he hasn ’ t shifted to become a master orator since his inauguration .
But what about his temperament ?
Questioned about his disposition in 2016 , Trump gave a very Trump-like response .
“ I think I have the best temperament or certainly one of the best temperaments of anybody that ’ s ever run for the office of president .
Ever , ” he told a crowd on July 29 , 2016 , ABC News reported .
“ Because I have a winning temperament .
I know how to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have to talk about temperament this time around .
He ’ s shown he has the right temperament since his first day on the job , but it ’ s nice to have a reminder that the man has a backbone , even in the midst of an unfortunate and tense situation .
The president showed the world this week how he can handle a pressurized moment , and he did it calmly and with control and dignity .
Trump was whisked away from Monday ’ s media briefing at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a man reportedly attempted to charge at the perimeter .
A man identified as 51-year-old Myron Berryman of Forestville , Maryland , allegedly charged at officers outside the White House and was shot twice in the torso , USA Today reported .
The Washington Post , quoting two law enforcement officials , said the suspect had shouted , “ I ’ m going to kill you .
I ’ m going to shoot you.
” The Post said Berryman was listed Tuesday in critical but stable condition at a local hospital .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shocking .
But rather than call off the remainder of the briefing , Trump returned after officers had neutralized the threat outside .
The president actually was the one with the scoop when he came back , although little information was available at that point .
“ There was an actual shooting , and somebody has been taken to the hospital .
I don ’ t know the condition of the person , ” Trump told reporters when he returned , according to an official White House transcript .
After calmly playing reporter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officers who protect the White House .
“ I feel very safe with the Secret Service .
They ’ re fantastic people .
They ’ re the best of the best , and they ’ re highly trained , ” Trump said .
He then was asked by a reporter if he was “ rattled ” by the event .
“ I don ’ t know ; do I seem rattled ?
” he answered amiably .
“ The world has always been a dangerous place .
It ’ s not something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , brushing off the situation before he continued the briefing .
Trump isn ’ t auditioning for the job of president anymore , and the media isn ’ t asking him about his temperament this time around .
They don ’ t care anymore .
They just want him defeated in November .
But his temperament was on full display for the activist reporters and everyone else who was watching Monday .
The man is under the constant threat of political attacks , foreign enemies , global and domestic disasters , contracting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from potentially violent and imbalanced people , and yet he remains unshakable .
The media didn ’ t think he would win in 2016 , so the issue of temperament was used as simply another method for an activist media to discredit a candidate who was , in their eyes , already a political afterthought .
But he won , and moments such as Monday ’ s show that Trump was and remains the right man to lead the country for the next four years .
President Trump doesn ’ t want you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence in your neighborhood , and he won ’ t be rattled by the same threat in his .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Some reporters enjoy speculating about temperament with regard to presidential candidates.
It was something many of them cited constantly in 2016, before Donald Trump’s stunning victory over Hillary Clinton.
There was a narrative pushed by Democrats and media elites that Trump did not have the temperament to be president, nor was he capable of being presidential.
But what kind of temperament do you want in a president, and what does “presidential” even mean?
“Presidential” was used as a buzzword four years ago to portray Trump, the plain-spoken outsider, as not having the character to lead the country.
To be presidential, apparently, one must always say the right things — meaning the things the country’s activist media would like to hear.
Being presidential apparently also entails saying the kinds of things former President Barack Obama said in carefully crafted speeches, which were filled with the leftist rhetoric that excites activist reporters.
Trump did not possess the qualities of a speaker who liberal media elites wanted in 2016, and he hasn’t shifted to become a master orator since his inauguration.
But what about his temperament?
Will President Trump be re-elected? Yes No
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Questioned about his disposition in 2016, Trump gave a very Trump-like response.
“I think I have the best temperament or certainly one of the best temperaments of anybody that’s ever run for the office of president. Ever,” he told a crowd on July 29, 2016, ABC News reported.
“Because I have a winning temperament. I know how to win,” he said.
Trump doesn’t have to talk about temperament this time around.
He’s shown he has the right temperament since his first day on the job, but it’s nice to have a reminder that the man has a backbone, even in the midst of an unfortunate and tense situation.
The president showed the world this week how he can handle a pressurized moment, and he did it calmly and with control and dignity.
Trump was whisked away from Monday’s media briefing at the White House by the U.S. Secret Service after a man reportedly attempted to charge at the perimeter.
Steadfast and calm, Trump left the room.
BREAKING: President Trump was abruptly pulled out of the press briefing by Secret Service pic.twitter.com/Gn5eZFCYt9 — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) August 10, 2020
A man identified as 51-year-old Myron Berryman of Forestville, Maryland, allegedly charged at officers outside the White House and was shot twice in the torso, USA Today reported.
The Washington Post, quoting two law enforcement officials, said the suspect had shouted, “I’m going to kill you. I’m going to shoot you.”
The Post said Berryman was listed Tuesday in critical but stable condition at a local hospital.
The incident Monday evening was abrupt and shocking. But rather than call off the remainder of the briefing, Trump returned after officers had neutralized the threat outside.
The president actually was the one with the scoop when he came back, although little information was available at that point.
Minutes after leaving coronavirus briefing with Secret Service, President Trump returns and says someone was shot outside the White House by Secret Service and taken to a hospital https://t.co/Nj065CIsxp pic.twitter.com/QpRnJRq04b — CBS News (@CBSNews) August 10, 2020
“There was an actual shooting, and somebody has been taken to the hospital. I don’t know the condition of the person,” Trump told reporters when he returned, according to an official White House transcript.
After calmly playing reporter for a few moments, Trump praised the officers who protect the White House.
“I feel very safe with the Secret Service. They’re fantastic people. They’re the best of the best, and they’re highly trained,” Trump said.
He then was asked by a reporter if he was “rattled” by the event.
“I don’t know; do I seem rattled?” he answered amiably.
“The world has always been a dangerous place. It’s not something that’s unique,” he said, brushing off the situation before he continued the briefing.
How’s that for temperament?
Trump isn’t auditioning for the job of president anymore, and the media isn’t asking him about his temperament this time around.
They don’t care anymore. They just want him defeated in November.
But his temperament was on full display for the activist reporters and everyone else who was watching Monday.
The man is under the constant threat of political attacks, foreign enemies, global and domestic disasters, contracting a foreign contagion, and tangible danger from potentially violent and imbalanced people, and yet he remains unshakable.
The media didn’t think he would win in 2016, so the issue of temperament was used as simply another method for an activist media to discredit a candidate who was, in their eyes, already a political afterthought.
But he won, and moments such as Monday’s show that Trump was and remains the right man to lead the country for the next four years.
President Trump doesn’t want you to live under the threat of political violence in your neighborhood, and he won’t be rattled by the same threat in his.
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westernjournal--2020-08-12--US Air Force Helicopter Gets Shot at Over Virginia

An Air Force helicopter had to make an emergency landing at a Virginia airport after being shot at Monday , according to local and military officials .
The helicopter had been on a routine training flight before making an emergency landing at Manassas Regional Airport , according to a statement to The Hill from Joint Base Andrews , where the UH-1N Huey helicopter is assigned to the 1st Helicopter Squadron .
At least one crew member was injured , treated at a hospital and later released .
The helicopter was about 10 miles northwest of the airport and flying about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hit over Virginia , officials said , according to The Associated Press .
“ The aircraft safely landed and the incident is currently under investigation with local and federal authorities , ” Joint Base Andrews told The Hill .
TRENDING : Biden Gets Ultimatum from Prominent Black Leaders : Pick a Black Woman VP or Lose The FBI Washington Field Office has partnered with local law enforcement to investigate the situation , McClatchy reported .
“ The FBI Washington Field Office is working jointly with our law enforcement partners , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident , ” the FBI said .
“ One individual in the helicopter sustained a non-threatening injury , for which he was treated and subsequently released from the hospital.
” Presidential aircraft Air Force One is also housed at Joint Base Andrews .
Airport operations officer Richard Allabaugh said officials at Manassas Regional Airport received a call at about 12:20 p.m. that “ a military helicopter was inbound and that paramedics were on the way.
” The helicopter remained at the airport to be inspected for damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident , according to McClatchy .
The FBI “ dispatched Special Agents and its Evidence Response Team to the Manassas Airport after receiving reports that a helicopter was shot at from the ground nearby , ” the FBI ’ s Washington Field Office said in a statement .
The investigation ’ s initial findings show that the helicopter was struck by a bullet that caused some damage to the aircraft , the Air Force said , according to the AP .
Joint Base Andrews did not immediately release any further details .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaged with our FBI colleagues on this incident , ” the base said .
“ OSI take threats to our Airmen and our resources very seriously .
“ As this is an ongoing investigation , no further investigative details can be released at this time.
” Anyone with knowledge of the incident was asked to contact the FBI at 202-278-2000 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An Air Force helicopter had to make an emergency landing at a Virginia airport after being shot at Monday, according to local and military officials.
The helicopter had been on a routine training flight before making an emergency landing at Manassas Regional Airport, according to a statement to The Hill from Joint Base Andrews, where the UH-1N Huey helicopter is assigned to the 1st Helicopter Squadron.
At least one crew member was injured, treated at a hospital and later released.
The helicopter was about 10 miles northwest of the airport and flying about 1,000 feet above the ground when it was hit over Virginia, officials said, according to The Associated Press.
“The aircraft safely landed and the incident is currently under investigation with local and federal authorities,” Joint Base Andrews told The Hill.
The FBI Washington Field Office has partnered with local law enforcement to investigate the situation, McClatchy reported.
“The FBI Washington Field Office is working jointly with our law enforcement partners, including the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the FBI said.
“One individual in the helicopter sustained a non-threatening injury, for which he was treated and subsequently released from the hospital.”
Presidential aircraft Air Force One is also housed at Joint Base Andrews.
Do you think the person responsible for shooting the helicopter was trying to target the military? Yes No
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Airport operations officer Richard Allabaugh said officials at Manassas Regional Airport received a call at about 12:20 p.m. that “a military helicopter was inbound and that paramedics were on the way.”
The helicopter remained at the airport to be inspected for damage while officials began looking into the incident, according to McClatchy.
The FBI “dispatched Special Agents and its Evidence Response Team to the Manassas Airport after receiving reports that a helicopter was shot at from the ground nearby,” the FBI’s Washington Field Office said in a statement.
The investigation’s initial findings show that the helicopter was struck by a bullet that caused some damage to the aircraft, the Air Force said, according to the AP.
Joint Base Andrews did not immediately release any further details.
“The Office of Special Investigations is fully engaged with our FBI colleagues on this incident,” the base said. “OSI take threats to our Airmen and our resources very seriously.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, no further investigative details can be released at this time.”
Anyone with knowledge of the incident was asked to contact the FBI at 202-278-2000.
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westernjournal--2020-08-12--86-Year-Old Navy Veteran Who Suffered Stroke Has Life Saved by Tiny Chihuahua Mix

Rudy Armstrong is an 86-year-old Navy veteran with plenty of stories of his past .
In his retirement , he lives in Oriental , North Carolina , on a houseboat he built himself .
He leads a fairly solitary life in his old age , a necessity with COVID-19 precautions , living alone except for his Chihuahua mix .
While it ’ s unclear exactly how the dog ’ s name is spelled — “ Bubu , ” “ Bu-Bu ” or “ Boo-Boo ” — one thing is clear : This pint-sized pup is a big hero .
Small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too vocal and often having bad attitudes , but Boo-Boo is smart , sweet and loyal , and she proved that recently when Armstrong suffered a stroke and couldn ’ t get help himself .
TRENDING : Biden Gets Ultimatum from Prominent Black Leaders : Pick a Black Woman VP or Lose “ I sat down in my chair , drank my coffee and next thing I know it was after lunch , ” he told WCTI-TV .
“ And I couldn ’ t even get my hand to move and my foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t want to be there for another couple of days before somebody come by .
So I said , ‘ OK , Boo-Boo , go get me some help ! '
” A post from CarolinaEast Health System mentioned that the veteran specifically told his dog to go find Kim , the dockmaster .
“ He and Bubu have a special bond and when Rudy couldn ’ t get to his phone to call for help , he looked his little friend in the eyes and said ‘ I need help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they shared .
A few minutes later , Boo-Boo returned with Kim , who was able to assess the situation and immediately call for help .
It was at the hospital that Armstrong found out he ’ d experienced a stroke , and if it hadn ’ t been for his precious little pup , he might not be here today .
He was recovering at CarolinaEast Rehabilitation Hospital , where his character and spirit have been noted .
“ Rudy , who has sailed all over the world and has stories for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care he has received here , but is not a fan of our turkey sausage , ” the post continued .
RELATED : Watch : Dog Found 'Stuck to the Pavement , ' Covered in Tar Has Completely Transformed “ We thank him for his service to our country and for allowing us the privilege of caring for him and sharing his story of Bubu , the miracle pup !
” The rehabilitation hospital also arranged for a reunion between Armstrong and Boo-Boo , which Armstrong was very much looking forward to .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see her , ” he told WNCT-TV .
“ I mean she sleeps with me , when I go someplace in the car she goes with me , and all of that .
You know I mean we do everything together.
” The meeting that took place in the gardens at the hospital resulted in a series of absolutely adorable photos .
“ I ’ ve got tears running out of my eyes , ” he told WCTI .
“ I missed her so much , man.
” We are committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Rudy Armstrong is an 86-year-old Navy veteran with plenty of stories of his past.
In his retirement, he lives in Oriental, North Carolina, on a houseboat he built himself.
He leads a fairly solitary life in his old age, a necessity with COVID-19 precautions, living alone except for his Chihuahua mix.
While it’s unclear exactly how the dog’s name is spelled — “Bubu,” “Bu-Bu” or “Boo-Boo” — one thing is clear: This pint-sized pup is a big hero.
Small dogs get a bad rap for being too vocal and often having bad attitudes, but Boo-Boo is smart, sweet and loyal, and she proved that recently when Armstrong suffered a stroke and couldn’t get help himself.
“I sat down in my chair, drank my coffee and next thing I know it was after lunch,” he told WCTI-TV. “And I couldn’t even get my hand to move and my foot wouldn’t move.”
“I didn’t want to be there for another couple of days before somebody come by. So I said, ‘OK, Boo-Boo, go get me some help!'”
A post from CarolinaEast Health System mentioned that the veteran specifically told his dog to go find Kim, the dockmaster.
“He and Bubu have a special bond and when Rudy couldn’t get to his phone to call for help, he looked his little friend in the eyes and said ‘I need help. Go get Kim,'” they shared.
A few minutes later, Boo-Boo returned with Kim, who was able to assess the situation and immediately call for help.
It was at the hospital that Armstrong found out he’d experienced a stroke, and if it hadn’t been for his precious little pup, he might not be here today.
He was recovering at CarolinaEast Rehabilitation Hospital, where his character and spirit have been noted.
“Rudy, who has sailed all over the world and has stories for days, was very appreciative of the care he has received here, but is not a fan of our turkey sausage,” the post continued.
“We thank him for his service to our country and for allowing us the privilege of caring for him and sharing his story of Bubu, the miracle pup!”
The rehabilitation hospital also arranged for a reunion between Armstrong and Boo-Boo, which Armstrong was very much looking forward to.
“I’m excited about getting to see her,” he told WNCT-TV. “I mean she sleeps with me, when I go someplace in the car she goes with me, and all of that. You know I mean we do everything together.”
The meeting that took place in the gardens at the hospital resulted in a series of absolutely adorable photos.
“I’ve got tears running out of my eyes,” he told WCTI. “I missed her so much, man.”
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