westernjournal--2020-05-21--CA Slashes Jail Population To Save Money While 340,000 Public Employees Make Over $100K

Of all of the states that desperately need a bailout from the federal government , California stands alone when it comes to the severity of its problems .
As Forbes reported Tuesday , the state has a $ 54 billion budget shortfall .
California ’ s unfunded pension liabilities top $ 1 trillion .
CalPERS , the largest of these , lost a whopping $ 69 billion in the stock market in March thanks to the novel coronavirus ’ impact , according to the Sacramento Bee .
It ’ s unsurprising , then , that California Gov .
Gavin Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brobdingnagian amount of money from Washington to help out state and local governments — especially his own .
But don ’ t worry , his state is making budget cuts .
How so ?
Well , it ’ s closing two state prisons , a move that will save $ 400 million a year , according to the Bee .
Never mind the fact that California already has an issue with prisoners released under COVID-19 penitentiary clear-outs allegedly reoffending .
Closing two more prisons is the best way to save $ 400 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While Celebrities Tell Americans 'We 're All in This Together , ' Pat Sajak Has a Different Message Or , here ’ s another strategy : California could trim some of the fat from the 340,390 state employees and retirees with six-figure incomes who cost the state $ 45 billion a year .
“ Our auditors at OpentheBooks.com found truck drivers in San Francisco making $ 159,000 per year ; lifeguards in LA County costing taxpayers $ 365,000 ; nurses at UCSF making up to $ 501,000 ; the UCLA athletic director earning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees out-earning all 50 state governors ( $ 202,000 ) , ” Forbes reported .
Forbes identified several cases in which the Golden State is paying frightful amounts of money to employees whose worth likely isn ’ t commensurate with their remuneration .
In K-12 public education , 109,627 individuals — teachers and school administrators alike — make six figures .
Summit Everest charter schools CEO Diane Tavenner takes home $ 450,115 in taxpayer money .
Michael Lin , superintendent of the Corona-Norco Unified School District , makes $ 443,875 a year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ District makes $ 395,257 .
In higher education , the numbers are slightly better : 66,403 employees at colleges and universities make six figures .
UCLA athletic director David Guerrero , on his way out for performance-related reasons , made $ 1.8 million per year .
At least he ’ s not football coach Chip Kelly , who makes $ 3.3 million a year despite a 7-17 record with the Bruins .
Those are two outliers , but there are still 11,310 public employees at state colleges and universities — and not all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , are ADs or football coaches .
Forbes said the State of California itself has 62,204 employees making six figures , including Ito Chikako , a University of California nurse who brings home over a half-million dollars a year .
David Winsor Sirkin , a senior psychiatrist with the state ’ s Correctional and Rehabilitative Services , makes over $ 400,000 .
And don ’ t forget cities and towns .
There , 45,718 individuals make six figures .
Santa Clara City Manager Deanna Santana takes home $ 396,158 , and West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 353,603 .
Four other city managers mentioned made over $ 300,000 .
RELATED : City That Voted for Obama Twice Just Voted 3 Democrats Out of Office This is just the six-figure employees , mind you .
“ In 2017 , we found that 44 lifeguards in Los Angeles County cost taxpayers between $ 200,000 and $ 365,000 .
Today , it ’ s worse with salaries comprising only about half the total cost when including overtime , extra pay and benefits , ” Forbes reported .
Also , another 28,000 federal employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s executive agencies weren ’ t mentioned .
I suppose that ’ s only fair considering it ’ s our problem now as opposed to being our problem when California makes it our problem come the next coronavirus stimulus package .
Looking further into the article , you move into singular cases that , while not representative of a massive numerical trend , will still manage to add a solid 10 points to your systolic blood pressure .
For instance : “ Assemblyman Jim Cooper ( D-Elk Grove ) is double dipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at age 50 from the Sacramento County Sheriff , Cooper earned a $ 173,820 pension .
He makes $ 107,242 as an elected member of the general assembly — although he refused the non-taxable per diem that ’ s estimated at $ 39,000 a year .
Total benefit : $ 281,162.
” While Newsom — who earns less than many of these individuals at just over $ 200,000 — has said he would implement a 10 percent salary cut across the board for government employees , he ’ s also said that if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s asking for , he ’ ll forgo that cut .
Of course , there were reasons and/or excuses for this sort of spending largesse .
“ Reaching out to all governments mentioned , Santa Clara responded saying that their city is complex and they compete for talent in Silicon Valley , ” Forbes reported .
“ Palm Springs responded by saying the city manager is cutting his pay by 20-percent to $ 288,579.
” Even by the low standards of public sector union contracts — in which the government negotiates against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill — California has always been uniquely bad , long assuming a can kicked down the road enough times will eventually disappear .
Now that the road has very abruptly come to an end , the Golden State is demanding we all pay for its decades-long inability to make any kind of mildly uncomfortable choice .
Mind you , the state won ’ t countenance any kind of austerity — or even asperity — in return for this bailout , but rest assured you ’ ll have its undying gratitude ( or something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than cleaning out two prisons would solve .
But then again , that chosen method of saving a drop in the bucket when it comes to the state budget dovetails nicely with the Democrats ’ policy prescriptions .
Taking on public sector unions doesn ’ t .
So what if the former doesn ’ t save as much money and puts the people of California at risk ?
That ’ s what the federal government is there for , right ?
This won ’ t be a painless process for any state , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inclination toward fiscal continence when times were good .
If they want your money , we should demand better — and so should the people of California , whose safety is being compromised under the false pretense of saving the state ’ s money .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Of all of the states that desperately need a bailout from the federal government, California stands alone when it comes to the severity of its problems.
As Forbes reported Tuesday, the state has a $54 billion budget shortfall. California’s unfunded pension liabilities top $1 trillion. CalPERS, the largest of these, lost a whopping $69 billion in the stock market in March thanks to the novel coronavirus’ impact, according to the Sacramento Bee.
It’s unsurprising, then, that California Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken the lead in requesting a Brobdingnagian amount of money from Washington to help out state and local governments — especially his own.
But don’t worry, his state is making budget cuts. How so? Well, it’s closing two state prisons, a move that will save $400 million a year, according to the Bee.
Never mind the fact that California already has an issue with prisoners released under COVID-19 penitentiary clear-outs allegedly reoffending. Closing two more prisons is the best way to save $400 million a year, right?
Or, here’s another strategy: California could trim some of the fat from the 340,390 state employees and retirees with six-figure incomes who cost the state $45 billion a year.
“Our auditors at OpentheBooks.com found truck drivers in San Francisco making $159,000 per year; lifeguards in LA County costing taxpayers $365,000; nurses at UCSF making up to $501,000; the UCLA athletic director earning $1.8 million; and 1,420 city employees out-earning all 50 state governors ($202,000),” Forbes reported.
Forbes identified several cases in which the Golden State is paying frightful amounts of money to employees whose worth likely isn’t commensurate with their remuneration.
In K-12 public education, 109,627 individuals — teachers and school administrators alike — make six figures. Summit Everest charter schools CEO Diane Tavenner takes home $450,115 in taxpayer money. Michael Lin, superintendent of the Corona-Norco Unified School District, makes $443,875 a year. Polly Bove of Fremont Union High School District makes $395,257.
BREAKING: Should Congress bailout California and their legions of highly compensated public employees? https://t.co/FUhbuLY2Uf — OpenTheBooks (@open_the_books) May 19, 2020
In higher education, the numbers are slightly better: 66,403 employees at colleges and universities make six figures. UCLA athletic director David Guerrero, on his way out for performance-related reasons, made $1.8 million per year. At least he’s not football coach Chip Kelly, who makes $3.3 million a year despite a 7-17 record with the Bruins.
Those are two outliers, but there are still 11,310 public employees at state colleges and universities — and not all of them, I can avouch to you, are ADs or football coaches.
Forbes said the State of California itself has 62,204 employees making six figures, including Ito Chikako, a University of California nurse who brings home over a half-million dollars a year. David Winsor Sirkin, a senior psychiatrist with the state’s Correctional and Rehabilitative Services, makes over $400,000.
And don’t forget cities and towns. There, 45,718 individuals make six figures. Santa Clara City Manager Deanna Santana takes home $396,158, and West Hollywood City Manager Paul Arevalo makes $353,603. Four other city managers mentioned made over $300,000.
This is just the six-figure employees, mind you. “In 2017, we found that 44 lifeguards in Los Angeles County cost taxpayers between $200,000 and $365,000. Today, it’s worse with salaries comprising only about half the total cost when including overtime, extra pay and benefits,” Forbes reported.
Also, another 28,000 federal employees making six figures while working in California’s executive agencies weren’t mentioned. I suppose that’s only fair considering it’s our problem now as opposed to being our problem when California makes it our problem come the next coronavirus stimulus package.
Looking further into the article, you move into singular cases that, while not representative of a massive numerical trend, will still manage to add a solid 10 points to your systolic blood pressure.
Should the federal government bail out California? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (3 Votes) No: 99% (471 Votes)
For instance: “Assemblyman Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) is double dipping the pay and pension systems. Retired at age 50 from the Sacramento County Sheriff, Cooper earned a $173,820 pension. He makes $107,242 as an elected member of the general assembly — although he refused the non-taxable per diem that’s estimated at $39,000 a year. Total benefit: $281,162.”
While Newsom — who earns less than many of these individuals at just over $200,000 — has said he would implement a 10 percent salary cut across the board for government employees, he’s also said that if his state gets the federal money he’s asking for, he’ll forgo that cut.
Of course, there were reasons and/or excuses for this sort of spending largesse.
“Reaching out to all governments mentioned, Santa Clara responded saying that their city is complex and they compete for talent in Silicon Valley,” Forbes reported. “Palm Springs responded by saying the city manager is cutting his pay by 20-percent to $288,579.”
Right.
Even by the low standards of public sector union contracts — in which the government negotiates against itself and sticks the taxpayers with the bill — California has always been uniquely bad, long assuming a can kicked down the road enough times will eventually disappear.
Now that the road has very abruptly come to an end, the Golden State is demanding we all pay for its decades-long inability to make any kind of mildly uncomfortable choice.
Mind you, the state won’t countenance any kind of austerity — or even asperity — in return for this bailout, but rest assured you’ll have its undying gratitude (or something).
California has far deeper problems than cleaning out two prisons would solve. But then again, that chosen method of saving a drop in the bucket when it comes to the state budget dovetails nicely with the Democrats’ policy prescriptions. Taking on public sector unions doesn’t.
So what if the former doesn’t save as much money and puts the people of California at risk? That’s what the federal government is there for, right?
This won’t be a painless process for any state, least of all those that showed no inclination toward fiscal continence when times were good.
If they want your money, we should demand better — and so should the people of California, whose safety is being compromised under the false pretense of saving the state’s money.
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westernjournal--2020-05-21--Active Shooter Sends US Naval Air Station Into Lockdown

An active shooter at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi on Thursday morning has been “ neutralized ” after the air station was placed on lockdown status .
At about 6:15 a.m. , security forces responded to an active shooter at the Texas base .
The shooter has since been “ neutralized , ” the Naval air base said on Facebook .
In the first post on the base ’ s Facebook page about the incident , the Navy just said all gates were closed .
TRENDING : While Celebrities Tell Americans 'We 're All in This Together , ' Pat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 minutes later , the the Navy said the airbase had been locked down .
“ There is an active shooter in the vicinity of the North Gate , ” the post read .
“ If you are in or near the North Gate get out and away to safety .
Execute lockdown procedures — remain indoors and away from windows.
” The Corpus Christi Police Department also advised citizens to “ avoid the area entirely.
” “ NAS-CC is closed due to incident at one of the gates .
Both gates are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entirely , ” the tweet read .
One member of the base ’ s security force was injured during the attack , The New York Times reported .
RELATED : After 31 Years of Service , Navy Veteran Stunned When Community Surprises Him “ The sailor is in good condition and is expected to be released later today , ” Navy spokesman Ensign Mohammad Issa said .
The facility remained on lockdown status while first responders , local law enforcement and the Naval Criminal Investigative Services processed the scene .
The Federal Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation , according to CNN .
Special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives said they were also on scene assisting the local authorities .
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi has supported pilot training and operations since 1941 , according to its website .
The Corpus Christi Army Depot , the primary aviation depot maintenance for Department of Defense rotary-wing aircraft , is also located on the base .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An active shooter at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi on Thursday morning has been “neutralized” after the air station was placed on lockdown status.
At about 6:15 a.m., security forces responded to an active shooter at the Texas base.
The shooter has since been “neutralized,” the Naval air base said on Facebook.
In the first post on the base’s Facebook page about the incident, the Navy just said all gates were closed.
However, 10 minutes later, the the Navy said the airbase had been locked down.
“There is an active shooter in the vicinity of the North Gate,” the post read.
“If you are in or near the North Gate get out and away to safety. Execute lockdown procedures — remain indoors and away from windows.”
The Corpus Christi Police Department also advised citizens to “avoid the area entirely.”
NAS-CC is closed due to incident at one of the gates. Both gates are shut down, please avoid the area entirely. — Corpus Christi PD (@CorpusChristiPD) May 21, 2020
“NAS-CC is closed due to incident at one of the gates. Both gates are shut down, please avoid the area entirely,” the tweet read.
One member of the base’s security force was injured during the attack, The New York Times reported.
“The sailor is in good condition and is expected to be released later today,” Navy spokesman Ensign Mohammad Issa said.
The facility remained on lockdown status while first responders, local law enforcement and the Naval Criminal Investigative Services processed the scene.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is also helping with the investigation, according to CNN.
Special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said they were also on scene assisting the local authorities.
#BreakingNews ATF Special Agents are on scene and assisting @NAS_CC_PAO in response to Active Shooter call. Please direct all media inquiries to @CorpusChristiPD pic.twitter.com/KlqIyP35I7 — ATF Houston (@ATFHou) May 21, 2020
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi has supported pilot training and operations since 1941, according to its website.
The Corpus Christi Army Depot, the primary aviation depot maintenance for Department of Defense rotary-wing aircraft, is also located on the base.
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westernjournal--2020-05-21--Actor James Woods Puts Pelosi in Her Place with Response to ‘Morbidly Obese’ Insult

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi had her personal insult of President Donald Trump handed back to her on a Twitter platter this week .
But she shouldn ’ t really be surprised — she tried to beat Trump at his own game , and failed badly .
In an interview on Monday with CNN , she described the president as “ morbidly obese ” while discussing his use of the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a preventative measure against the coronavirus .
Actor James Woods responded on Twitter with a picture of the speaker and two words that said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : While Celebrities Tell Americans 'We 're All in This Together , ' Pat Sajak Has a Different Message That drop-the-mic moment proves that leftist liberals are not effective when they try to keep up with Trump in the nickname game .
Trump has an innate ability to make his opposition want to imitate him .
They can try , but it never seems to work out very well .
Pelosi tried to upstage Trump in the moments following February ’ s State of the Union speech when she ripped up her official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her tempter tantrum backfired .
And now , former Vice President Joe Biden has made an attempt to jump into the nickname game himself .
He labeled Trump as “ President Tweety ” in a feeble attempt to poke fun at the president ’ s tweets .
Trump , after all , is well known for his around-the-clock Twitter posts .
Biden ’ s puny endeavor to brand the president failed to gain traction and was a dud out of the gate .
Is this what he has been doing while hunkered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come up with a nickname for Trump ?
The only play it received was ridicule on social media : When Trump hands down a nickname , it sticks .
When the opposition tries to counter , they are rarely able to do so in an effective way .
The given nickname for Biden from Trump is “ Sleepy Joe.
” And no one will ever forget the “ Crooked Hillary ” nickname he awarded to his Democratic opponent in 2016 , Hillary Clinton .
Trump is known to bestow unfavorable nicknames on Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he tagged former Florida Gov .
Jeb Bush “ Low Energy Jeb ” and let everyone know his thoughts about “ Lyin ’ Ted Cruz.
” The lessons learned from those who try to characterize Trump with a nickname or a personal insult is that when you try to hit back , he always counter-punches harder .
Leftist Democrats have never been effective when it comes to keeping up with Trump after he slams them on Twitter , during a rally or in some other public fashion .
Sometimes others volunteer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case , Woods fired two little words at Pelosi heard around the world .
She did not counter because she can ’ t .
Woods knew that in the battle of wits , he faced an unarmed opponent .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi had her personal insult of President Donald Trump handed back to her on a Twitter platter this week.
But she shouldn’t really be surprised — she tried to beat Trump at his own game, and failed badly.
In an interview on Monday with CNN, she described the president as “morbidly obese” while discussing his use of the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a preventative measure against the coronavirus.
Actor James Woods responded on Twitter with a picture of the speaker and two words that said it all: “Morbidly corrupt…”
That drop-the-mic moment proves that leftist liberals are not effective when they try to keep up with Trump in the nickname game.
Trump has an innate ability to make his opposition want to imitate him. They can try, but it never seems to work out very well.
Pelosi tried to upstage Trump in the moments following February’s State of the Union speech when she ripped up her official copy of the transcript on live television. Her tempter tantrum backfired.
Do you think Nancy Pelosi is "morbidly corrupt?" 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% (8739 Votes) No: 0% (36 Votes)
And now, former Vice President Joe Biden has made an attempt to jump into the nickname game himself.
He labeled Trump as “President Tweety” in a feeble attempt to poke fun at the president’s tweets. Trump, after all, is well known for his around-the-clock Twitter posts.
Biden’s puny endeavor to brand the president failed to gain traction and was a dud out of the gate.
Is this what he has been doing while hunkered down in his basement? Trying to come up with a nickname for Trump?
The only play it received was ridicule on social media:
People not named Trump should really stop playing the nickname game. No one seems very good at it and it’s embarrassing. https://t.co/PLXehqlHeI — Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) May 19, 2020
When Trump hands down a nickname, it sticks.
When the opposition tries to counter, they are rarely able to do so in an effective way.
The given nickname for Biden from Trump is “Sleepy Joe.”
And no one will ever forget the “Crooked Hillary” nickname he awarded to his Democratic opponent in 2016, Hillary Clinton.
Trump is known to bestow unfavorable nicknames on Republicans too.
During the 2016 GOP primaries, he tagged former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush “Low Energy Jeb” and let everyone know his thoughts about “Lyin’ Ted Cruz.”
The lessons learned from those who try to characterize Trump with a nickname or a personal insult is that when you try to hit back, he always counter-punches harder.
Leftist Democrats have never been effective when it comes to keeping up with Trump after he slams them on Twitter, during a rally or in some other public fashion.
Sometimes others volunteer to come to his defense.
In this case, Woods fired two little words at Pelosi heard around the world. She did not counter because she can’t.
Woods knew that in the battle of wits, he faced an unarmed opponent.
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--2020-05-21--Big Gov’t Leftists Will Be Furious: Poll Finds 40% of Families More Likely To Home-School After Lock

Big Gov’t Leftists Will Be Furious: Poll Finds 40% of Families More Likely To Home-School After Lockdowns

While advocates of big government may be rejoicing at the power flexed by Democratic governors , in particular , during the coronavirus crisis , one unanticipated consequence of it all could be millions of families choosing home schooling over the public option in the fall .
A poll of registered voters conducted by RealClear Opinion Research last month during the heart of the COVID shutdown found that 40.8 percent of families are more likely to pursue home schooling or virtual schooling after restrictions are lifted .
TRENDING : While Celebrities Tell Americans 'We 're All in This Together , ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll of 2,122 registered voters included 626 parents who participated in the question regarding home schooling .
Of those parents surveyed , the breakdown was 45.7 percent Democrats and 42.3 percent Republicans , so there was no conservative slant in the sample set .
Among the respondents , minorities more strongly favored home schooling .
For whites , 36.3 percent were more likely to choose home schooling in the fall , compared with 50.4 percent of African-Americans , 38.3 percent of Hispanics and 53.8 percent of Asians .
“ Every single family with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the lockdowns , ” John Schilling , president of the American Federation of Children , said in a statement .
“ With 55 million students no longer in their normal educational setting , families are clearly considering new options and many are seeing the benefits of homeschooling and virtual schooling , ” he said .
Multiple home-school advocates recently told The Western Journal that the forced shutdown of nearly the entire U.S. public school system has created a unique opportunity for parents to weigh the benefits of joining the millions of American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The No .
1 hardest decision to make has been made for 55 million children , ” Ray Moore , a longtime home-schooling advocate and founding board member of Public School Exit , said regarding parents making the switch .
“ That ’ s always the barrier that ’ s hardest for us to break , but now [ the kids are ] home , ” he said .
“ This is a ‘ kairos moment , ’ a once in 100 year moment , ” Moore told The Western Journal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Establishment Left Praises China , These College Democrats Condemn Chinese Influence in America According to the National Home Education Research Institute , prior to the COVID shutdown of schools nationwide , about 2.5 million Americans were being home-schooled , making up just over 4 percent of the nation ’ s 57 million K-12 students .
The total has more than doubled from the 1.7 percent learning at home in 1999 , according to the National Center for Education Statistics .
Moore and his fellow leaders at Public School Exit are hopeful that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home schooling when the fall rolls around .
Alex Newman , the group ’ s spokesman , said one of the top reasons families should make the move is the poor academic outcomes of public education .
He argued the government-run system “ is deliberately dumbing down America ’ s children ” and is getting worse every year .
Newman pointed to the latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showing that over two-thirds of eighth-graders haven ’ t reached proficiency in any subject , including reading , writing , history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Bridgeway Homeschool Academy in eastern Pennsylvania , reported her organization has seen an increase in home-schooling inquiries .
Parnell , herself a home-schooling parent , said many parents like her think , “ I want to make sure that I ’ m infusing my family values and my faith values in my kids , and so home schooling becomes a fantastic way to do that.
” “ As more families navigate school at home , we are seeing more and more turn to homeschooling as the better option as it affords @ @ @ @ @ @ @ classroom models can provide , ” she wrote in an email to The Western Journal .
“ We anticipate that many will make the decision to continue in the fall as they see the benefits of tailoring curriculum to their student ’ s specific strengths and needs.
” Moore , 76 , said he is gratified to see how the home-schooling movement has matured in the 40-plus years since he and his wife decided to home-school their kids .
“ The bonding and the emotional stability that a family gives children is intensified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
The public school system , writ large , has been a means the left has used to indoctrinate children into its statist , politically correct ideology for decades .
Maybe one of the best silver linings coming out of this whole pandemic will be millions of kids freed from the left ’ s manipulation and now able to develop , with greater input from their parents , their God-given talents to the best of their abilities .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
@ @ @ @ @

While advocates of big government may be rejoicing at the power flexed by Democratic governors, in particular, during the coronavirus crisis, one unanticipated consequence of it all could be millions of families choosing home schooling over the public option in the fall.
A poll of registered voters conducted by RealClear Opinion Research last month during the heart of the COVID shutdown found that 40.8 percent of families are more likely to pursue home schooling or virtual schooling after restrictions are lifted.
Further, 64 percent support school choice.
A RealClear Opinion Research survey of 2,122 registered voters shows that support for educational choice is strong. https://t.co/7NbHO10HXP — RealClearEducation (@RealClearEd) May 19, 2020
The poll of 2,122 registered voters included 626 parents who participated in the question regarding home schooling.
Of those parents surveyed, the breakdown was 45.7 percent Democrats and 42.3 percent Republicans, so there was no conservative slant in the sample set.
Among the respondents, minorities more strongly favored home schooling. For whites, 36.3 percent were more likely to choose home schooling in the fall, compared with 50.4 percent of African-Americans, 38.3 percent of Hispanics and 53.8 percent of Asians.
“Every single family with kids in school has been incredibly disrupted by the lockdowns,” John Schilling, president of the American Federation of Children, said in a statement.
Do you believe homes schooling provides a better education than public schooling? 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: 92% (485 Votes) No: 8% (40 Votes)
“With 55 million students no longer in their normal educational setting, families are clearly considering new options and many are seeing the benefits of homeschooling and virtual schooling,” he said.
Multiple home-school advocates recently told The Western Journal that the forced shutdown of nearly the entire U.S. public school system has created a unique opportunity for parents to weigh the benefits of joining the millions of American students already doing their learning at home.
“The No. 1 hardest decision to make has been made for 55 million children,” Ray Moore, a longtime home-schooling advocate and founding board member of Public School Exit, said regarding parents making the switch.
“That’s always the barrier that’s hardest for us to break, but now [the kids are] home,” he said.
“This is a ‘kairos moment,’ a once in 100 year moment,” Moore told The Western Journal in an email.
According to the National Home Education Research Institute, prior to the COVID shutdown of schools nationwide, about 2.5 million Americans were being home-schooled, making up just over 4 percent of the nation’s 57 million K-12 students.
The total has more than doubled from the 1.7 percent learning at home in 1999, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Moore and his fellow leaders at Public School Exit are hopeful that millions more parents will decide to continue home schooling when the fall rolls around.
Alex Newman, the group’s spokesman, said one of the top reasons families should make the move is the poor academic outcomes of public education.
He argued the government-run system “is deliberately dumbing down America’s children” and is getting worse every year.
Newman pointed to the latest data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showing that over two-thirds of eighth-graders haven’t reached proficiency in any subject, including reading, writing, history and math.
Jessica Parnell, president of the Bridgeway Homeschool Academy in eastern Pennsylvania, reported her organization has seen an increase in home-schooling inquiries.
Parnell, herself a home-schooling parent, said many parents like her think, “I want to make sure that I’m infusing my family values and my faith values in my kids, and so home schooling becomes a fantastic way to do that.”
“As more families navigate school at home, we are seeing more and more turn to homeschooling as the better option as it affords a much more individualized approach than what classroom models can provide,” she wrote in an email to The Western Journal.
“We anticipate that many will make the decision to continue in the fall as they see the benefits of tailoring curriculum to their student’s specific strengths and needs.”
Moore, 76, said he is gratified to see how the home-schooling movement has matured in the 40-plus years since he and his wife decided to home-school their kids.
“The bonding and the emotional stability that a family gives children is intensified or strengthened through home schooling,” he said.
The public school system, writ large, has been a means the left has used to indoctrinate children into its statist, politically correct ideology for decades.
Maybe one of the best silver linings coming out of this whole pandemic will be millions of kids freed from the left’s manipulation and now able to develop, with greater input from their parents, their God-given talents to the best of their abilities.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-21--Michigan Barbers Unite Against Gov Whitmer, Offer Free Haircuts in Defiance

The bloom has fallen off the Whitmer rose , but the thorn remains .
Once considered a top pick in the Kentucky Derby of distaff politicians jostling for the second spot on the Biden presidential ticket , Democratic Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer is lucky to survive a day that doesn ’ t involve a strident protest against her lockdown order .
While the governor has decided to take some reopening measures — particularly in the northern part of the state , which hasn ’ t been hit as hard — that still hasn ’ t quelled a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true around a service which remains a thorny issue pretty much everywhere in America : haircuts .
Well , if you wanted a free haircut and happened to be in the vicinity of the state capitol in Lansing on Wednesday , you could have gotten rid of two months of coronavirus shagginess — and it didn ’ t cost you a dime , which is convenient when you consider Whitmerism ’ s effect on Michigan ’ s economy .
According to The Associated Press , barbers cut hair gratis on the lawn of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitmer ’ s lockdown as part of what they termed “ Operation Haircut ” — “ a defiant demonstration that reflects how salons have become a symbol for small businesses that are eager to reopen two months after the pandemic began.
” TRENDING : While Celebrities Tell Americans 'We 're All in This Together , ' Pat Sajak Has a Different Message The event was organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition , the same group behind an in-car protest against Whitmer ’ s lockdown order back in April .
“ Barbershops , salons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small businesses that want to open again despite the risks of their services , which require employees to be in close contact with customers — similar to medical or dental care , ” the AP reported Tuesday .
“ The coronavirus has contributed to more than 5,000 confirmed deaths in Michigan , the fourth-highest toll in the country .
Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s closure of nonessential businesses is among the nation ’ s toughest and is in effect at least through May 28.
” As for that death toll , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that , for a relatively large state , the vast majority of COVID-19 cases are based around Detroit and ( to a much smaller extent ) Grand Rapids .
Even Kent County , where Grand Rapids is located , has accounted for just 60 of those more than 5,000 confirmed deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus .
The rest of the state is primarily clear — which presents a significant issue when one considers how stringent the lockdown is .
And , while barbers have been at the forefront of the reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s been particularly true in Michigan , where 77-year-old Karl Manke ’ s decision to open up his Owosso barbershop has become a flashpoint for those on both sides of the lockdown issue .
“ We all have the same spirit and the same soul for freedom , ” the barber said this week .
“ One of the things I want to emphasize , Michigan , all of you business owners , you beauticians , you barbers , massage therapists — all of you .
Open up your shops !
Stand up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since had his license suspended by Michigan officials , something that ’ ll no doubt increase conservatives ’ faith in occupational licensing .
However , Shiawassee County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Stewart denied a request from Democratic Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to force a restraining order on Manke prohibiting him from opening his barbershop .
“ Operation Haircut ” seems to have gone off without any sturm und drang , a rarity given the adversarial relationship between Michigan authorities and the anti-lockdown protesters .
That doesn ’ t mean there weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Michigan State Police ’ s official Twitter account : Apparently , though , this left reporters used to febrile descriptions of the goings-on in Lansing at a loss , so NPR ’ s Abigail Censky decided to step into the void and describe an event about as dangerous as a mass flea bath inside the Tower of London during the black death — in NPR ’ s typical soporific , low-key fashion , of course .
“ The Capitol lawn was turned into a barber shop .
At least a dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their shuttered businesses , set up card tables and generators to power the clippers , and people lined up , ” she reported .
“ There were no temperature checks , few people wearing masks , and little to no social distancing .
Seven hairdressers were ticketed by Michigan State Police for disorderly conduct for refusing to stop.
” The picture NPR used to adorn the article , by the by , included plenty of people — if certainly far short of a vast majority — wearing masks and some degree of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the places you still have a relationship with the provider , ” Sreeny Cherukuri told NPR .
He hadn ’ t gotten his hair cut in three months .
“ I don ’ t really know the name of the guy who works at the gas station , but I do know the names of the ladies who cut my hair , so I think that ’ s why it ’ s a touch point.
” To provide the pro-lockdown viewpoint , NPR brought in Nefertiti Harris for a quote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a salon that caters to Detroit ’ s black community which has been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19.
” “ Are they really chomping at the bit to get their hair cut ?
I mean , are those protests really about that ?
I question that .
I don ’ t even think it ’ s about a haircut at all .
… When you have lost so many loved ones to this disease you think twice , ” Harris said .
Lansing is 90 miles away from Detroit and no one getting their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with whatever racial inequalities may exist in COVID-19 infection rates or outcomes , but thanks for slathering on those extra few layers of guilt , I guess .
Most of Michigan can almost certainly reopen for haircuts and other services that require some degree of close contact .
A select few urban areas can not .
That ’ s an unpopular reality among Democrats there , particularly since their base is agglomerated in those areas , so the entire state remains shuttered under one of the most restrictive lockdown orders in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is so enraging to liberals , I ’ d proffer a very simple way to have avoided it : Reopen the parts of the state that can be opened , allow haircuts to go forward and go from there .
Don ’ t take away the occupational licenses of those who refuse to play ball .
Don ’ t condescend to those who want to see the state reopened .
Don ’ t pretend coronavirus requires the entire state to follow the Detroit metro area ’ s rules .
Since that won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that authorities are prepared for another “ Operation Haircut.
” As for Gov .
Whitmer , meanwhile , you wonder just how much sharper the thorn can get .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The bloom has fallen off the Whitmer rose, but the thorn remains.
Once considered a top pick in the Kentucky Derby of distaff politicians jostling for the second spot on the Biden presidential ticket, Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is lucky to survive a day that doesn’t involve a strident protest against her lockdown order.
While the governor has decided to take some reopening measures — particularly in the northern part of the state, which hasn’t been hit as hard — that still hasn’t quelled a lot of the anger. That’s especially true around a service which remains a thorny issue pretty much everywhere in America: haircuts.
Well, if you wanted a free haircut and happened to be in the vicinity of the state capitol in Lansing on Wednesday, you could have gotten rid of two months of coronavirus shagginess — and it didn’t cost you a dime, which is convenient when you consider Whitmerism’s effect on Michigan’s economy.
According to The Associated Press, barbers cut hair gratis on the lawn of the Michigan State Capitol in protest of Whitmer’s lockdown as part of what they termed “Operation Haircut” — “a defiant demonstration that reflects how salons have become a symbol for small businesses that are eager to reopen two months after the pandemic began.”
The event was organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition, the same group behind an in-car protest against Whitmer’s lockdown order back in April.
“Barbershops, salons and spas stand at the forefront of small businesses that want to open again despite the risks of their services, which require employees to be in close contact with customers — similar to medical or dental care,” the AP reported Tuesday.
“The coronavirus has contributed to more than 5,000 confirmed deaths in Michigan, the fourth-highest toll in the country. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s closure of nonessential businesses is among the nation’s toughest and is in effect at least through May 28.”
As for that death toll, the AP doesn’t bother to note is that, for a relatively large state, the vast majority of COVID-19 cases are based around Detroit and (to a much smaller extent) Grand Rapids. Even Kent County, where Grand Rapids is located, has accounted for just 60 of those more than 5,000 confirmed deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus.
Should Gretchen Whitmer amend her lockdown order? Yes No
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The rest of the state is primarily clear — which presents a significant issue when one considers how stringent the lockdown is.
And, while barbers have been at the forefront of the reopen campaign across the country, that’s been particularly true in Michigan, where 77-year-old Karl Manke’s decision to open up his Owosso barbershop has become a flashpoint for those on both sides of the lockdown issue.
“We all have the same spirit and the same soul for freedom,” the barber said this week.
“One of the things I want to emphasize, Michigan, all of you business owners, you beauticians, you barbers, massage therapists — all of you. Open up your shops! Stand up and show up!”
Manke has since had his license suspended by Michigan officials, something that’ll no doubt increase conservatives’ faith in occupational licensing. However, Shiawassee County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Stewart denied a request from Democratic Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to force a restraining order on Manke prohibiting him from opening his barbershop.
“Operation Haircut” seems to have gone off without any sturm und drang, a rarity given the adversarial relationship between Michigan authorities and the anti-lockdown protesters. That doesn’t mean there weren’t tone deaf-tastic tweets like this one from the Michigan State Police’s official Twitter account:
Demonstrators have arrived at the Capitol for “Operation Haircut.” All individuals engaging in haircuts are being educated on the law. Those who do not comply will be cited for disorderly conduct. All citations will be forwarded to the AG’s Office for review. pic.twitter.com/XVb8VVPYFx — Michigan State Police (@MichStatePolice) May 20, 2020
Apparently, though, this left reporters used to febrile descriptions of the goings-on in Lansing at a loss, so NPR’s Abigail Censky decided to step into the void and describe an event about as dangerous as a mass flea bath inside the Tower of London during the black death — in NPR’s typical soporific, low-key fashion, of course.
“The Capitol lawn was turned into a barber shop. At least a dozen barbers and stylists, highlighting the damage to their shuttered businesses, set up card tables and generators to power the clippers, and people lined up,” she reported.
“There were no temperature checks, few people wearing masks, and little to no social distancing. Seven hairdressers were ticketed by Michigan State Police for disorderly conduct for refusing to stop.”
The picture NPR used to adorn the article, by the by, included plenty of people — if certainly far short of a vast majority — wearing masks and some degree of social distancing.
“It’s one of the places you still have a relationship with the provider,” Sreeny Cherukuri told NPR. He hadn’t gotten his hair cut in three months.
“I don’t really know the name of the guy who works at the gas station, but I do know the names of the ladies who cut my hair, so I think that’s why it’s a touch point.”
To provide the pro-lockdown viewpoint, NPR brought in Nefertiti Harris for a quote. She “owns Textures by Nefertiti, a salon that caters to Detroit’s black community which has been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19.”
“Are they really chomping at the bit to get their hair cut? I mean, are those protests really about that? I question that. I don’t even think it’s about a haircut at all. … When you have lost so many loved ones to this disease you think twice,” Harris said.
Lansing is 90 miles away from Detroit and no one getting their hair cut on Wednesday had anything to do with whatever racial inequalities may exist in COVID-19 infection rates or outcomes, but thanks for slathering on those extra few layers of guilt, I guess.
Most of Michigan can almost certainly reopen for haircuts and other services that require some degree of close contact. A select few urban areas cannot.
That’s an unpopular reality among Democrats there, particularly since their base is agglomerated in those areas, so the entire state remains shuttered under one of the most restrictive lockdown orders in the nation.
If “Operation Haircut” is so enraging to liberals, I’d proffer a very simple way to have avoided it: Reopen the parts of the state that can be opened, allow haircuts to go forward and go from there. Don’t take away the occupational licenses of those who refuse to play ball. Don’t condescend to those who want to see the state reopened. Don’t pretend coronavirus requires the entire state to follow the Detroit metro area’s rules.
Since that won’t happen, I can only hope that authorities are prepared for another “Operation Haircut.” As for Gov. Whitmer, meanwhile, you wonder just how much sharper the thorn can get.
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westernjournal--2020-05-21--NFL Player Files Lawsuit, Alleges He Was Sexually Assaulted

An unnamed NFL player alleges he was sexually harassed and assaulted by a female passenger on a February flight , and he ’ s suing United Airlines over the incident .
The civil lawsuit , filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday , seeks unspecified damages , according to a copy of the suit posted online by The Guardian .
The player is not identified by name , but the lawsuit describes him as “ an African American male adult and professional athlete in the National Football League ( NFL ) residing in the City of Hazlet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jersey.
” The lawsuit alleges United ’ s flight attendants failed to adequately respond to the incident , which took place on a flight from Los Angeles to Newark , New Jersey .
The incident involved the player , identified in court papers as JOHN DOE 1 , and a second passenger , identified as JOHN DOE 2 .
The suit accuses United of “ failing to implement and enforce appropriate policies and procedures to prevent , or properly respond to , sexual assaults that occur on its flights ; failing to report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or to any authorities ; and failing to cooperate with authorities in the reporting and investigation process into in-flight sexual assaults.
” TRENDING : While Celebrities Tell Americans 'We 're All in This Together , ' Pat Sajak Has a Different Message The lawsuit says the woman , identified in the court papers as “ ASSAILANT , ” was “ disheveled and unbalanced ” when she came on board the plane .
“ As ASSAILANT took her seat , she began harassing JOHN DOE 1 , who was wearing a face mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had heard regarding the prevalence and transmission of COVID-19 , amongst other germs and diseases that might be passed or circulated on an airplane , ” the suit says .
“ ASSAILANT began hitting JOHN DOE 1 ’ s arm and elbowing him .
ASSAILANT accosted JOHN DOE 1 and told him that he was ‘ frightening , ’ ordered him to move to the front and use the air in the front of the plane because he was sick , and questioned why JOHN DOE 1 had a mask on .
JOHN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not sick and was being proactive , especially in wake of the growing COVID-19 concerns at that time , ” the lawsuit says .
The lawsuit said the situation escalated as time went on .
“ ASSAILANT groped and massaged JOHN DOE 1 ’ s knees and thighs .
Fearful of the perception of being a male victim and the racial stigma of being a young African American male , JOHN DOE 1 patiently pleaded for ASSAILANT to stop and removed her hand .
ASSAILANT ’ s actions were so inappropriate that JOHN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to notify him again of ASSAILANT ’ s inappropriate behavior , ” the suit says .
“ ROE 2 ” is an unnamed flight attendant .
The request for intervention was ignored , according to the lawsuit .
“ Approximately 75 minutes after the scheduled departure , ASSAILANT intensified her sexual assault and abuse of JOHN DOE 1 and continued to make unwanted sexual advances and engage in verbal and/or physical conduct of a sexual nature towards JOHN DOE 1 .
ASSAILANT starred at JOHN DOE 1 while grabbing and groping his quads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lap towards the inside of his leg near his genitals , ” the lawsuit says .
“ JOHN DOE 1 immediately removed ASSAILANT ’ s hand and pleaded to ROE 3 , who was walking past and overheard JOHN DOE 1 complaining .
ROE 3 witnessed ASSAILANT ’ s inappropriate conduct and simply issued a verbal warning to ASSAILANT , ” the suit says .
“ ROE 3 ” is another unnamed flight attendant .
Things didn ’ t stop there , according to the suit .
“ After ASSAILANT turned away towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was finally able to rest .
Unfortunately , ASSAILANT put her hand through JOHN DOE 1 ’ s jacket and caressed his chest and pecs working her way up to his face .
While touching JOHN DOE 1 ’ s face , ASSAILANT grabbed JOHN DOE 1 ’ s penis and ripped off his face mask , ” the lawsuit says .
“ JOHN DOE 1 jumped up from his seat and complained in front of the entire plane that ASSAILANT is ‘ touching me.
’ JOHN DOE 1 , embarrassed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who at the time was in the rear of the plane .
While JOHN DOE 1 went to go notify ROE 2 , ASSAILANT moved over to the middle seat ( JOHN DOE 1 ’ s seat ) and sexually assaulted JOHN DOE 2 by grabbing his leg and groin area , ” the suit says .
The lawsuit said that after this incident , the flight attendant identified as ROE 2 moved the woman to another row .
Court complaint by The Guardian on Scribd “ PLAINTIFFS are informed and believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for being disruptive yet again and finally moved to a row with no other passengers , ” the lawsuit says .
“ UNITED ’ s failure to have and/or enforce adequate policies and procedures for the prevention of and response to in-flight sexual assaults is a breach of its affirmative duty to protect and care for its passengers , ” the lawsuit argued .
Attorneys Darren Darwish and Benji Azizian , who filed the suit , released a statement .
“ Our goal is to shine a light on how assaults can , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and not just women , ” the statement said , in part .
“ This is significant because assault is assault , regardless of the gender , race , and physical attributes of the victim.
” According to TMZ Sports , United issued a statement of its own , saying , “ The safety and well-being of our customers is always our top priority.
” “ In this instance , the customer involved was moved to a different seat , ” the airline said .
“ Because litigation is now pending , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An unnamed NFL player alleges he was sexually harassed and assaulted by a female passenger on a February flight, and he’s suing United Airlines over the incident.
The civil lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday, seeks unspecified damages, according to a copy of the suit posted online by The Guardian.
The player is not identified by name, but the lawsuit describes him as “an African American male adult and professional athlete in the National Football League (NFL) residing in the City of Hazlet, County of Monmouth, State of New Jersey.”
The lawsuit alleges United’s flight attendants failed to adequately respond to the incident, which took place on a flight from Los Angeles to Newark, New Jersey. The incident involved the player, identified in court papers as JOHN DOE 1, and a second passenger, identified as JOHN DOE 2.
The suit accuses United of “failing to implement and enforce appropriate policies and procedures to prevent, or properly respond to, sexual assaults that occur on its flights; failing to report in-flight sexual assaults to the proper authorities, or to any authorities; and failing to cooperate with authorities in the reporting and investigation process into in-flight sexual assaults.”
The lawsuit says the woman, identified in the court papers as “ASSAILANT,” was “disheveled and unbalanced” when she came on board the plane.
“As ASSAILANT took her seat, she began harassing JOHN DOE 1, who was wearing a face mask in light of the news coverage he had heard regarding the prevalence and transmission of COVID-19, amongst other germs and diseases that might be passed or circulated on an airplane,” the suit says.
“ASSAILANT began hitting JOHN DOE 1’s arm and elbowing him. ASSAILANT accosted JOHN DOE 1 and told him that he was ‘frightening,’ ordered him to move to the front and use the air in the front of the plane because he was sick, and questioned why JOHN DOE 1 had a mask on. JOHN DOE 1 respectfully responded that he was not sick and was being proactive, especially in wake of the growing COVID-19 concerns at that time,” the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit said the situation escalated as time went on.
“ASSAILANT groped and massaged JOHN DOE 1’s knees and thighs. Fearful of the perception of being a male victim and the racial stigma of being a young African American male, JOHN DOE 1 patiently pleaded for ASSAILANT to stop and removed her hand. ASSAILANT’s actions were so inappropriate that JOHN DOE 2 quickly went to ROE 2 to notify him again of ASSAILANT’s inappropriate behavior,” the suit says. “ROE 2” is an unnamed flight attendant.
The request for intervention was ignored, according to the lawsuit.
“Approximately 75 minutes after the scheduled departure, ASSAILANT intensified her sexual assault and abuse of JOHN DOE 1 and continued to make unwanted sexual advances and engage in verbal and/or physical conduct of a sexual nature towards JOHN DOE 1. ASSAILANT starred at JOHN DOE 1 while grabbing and groping his quads and then stroking her hand across his lap towards the inside of his leg near his genitals,” the lawsuit says.
“JOHN DOE 1 immediately removed ASSAILANT’s hand and pleaded to ROE 3, who was walking past and overheard JOHN DOE 1 complaining. ROE 3 witnessed ASSAILANT’s inappropriate conduct and simply issued a verbal warning to ASSAILANT,” the suit says. “ROE 3” is another unnamed flight attendant.
Things didn’t stop there, according to the suit.
“After ASSAILANT turned away towards the window, JOHN DOE 1 believed he was finally able to rest. Unfortunately, ASSAILANT put her hand through JOHN DOE 1’s jacket and caressed his chest and pecs working her way up to his face. While touching JOHN DOE 1’s face, ASSAILANT grabbed JOHN DOE 1’s penis and ripped off his face mask,” the lawsuit says.
“JOHN DOE 1 jumped up from his seat and complained in front of the entire plane that ASSAILANT is ‘touching me.’ JOHN DOE 1, embarrassed and uncomfortable, rushed to notify ROE 2, who at the time was in the rear of the plane. While JOHN DOE 1 went to go notify ROE 2, ASSAILANT moved over to the middle seat (JOHN DOE 1’s seat) and sexually assaulted JOHN DOE 2 by grabbing his leg and groin area,” the suit says.
The lawsuit said that after this incident, the flight attendant identified as ROE 2 moved the woman to another row.
Court complaint by The Guardian on Scribd
“PLAINTIFFS are informed and believe that ASSAILANT was moved a second time for being disruptive yet again and finally moved to a row with no other passengers,” the lawsuit says.
“UNITED’s failure to have and/or enforce adequate policies and procedures for the prevention of and response to in-flight sexual assaults is a breach of its affirmative duty to protect and care for its passengers,” the lawsuit argued.
Attorneys Darren Darwish and Benji Azizian, who filed the suit, released a statement.
The unidentified NFL player and “John Doe 2” are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. A statement I received from attorneys Darren Darwish and Benji Azizian: pic.twitter.com/5LxX2BblLr — Master (@MasterTes) May 20, 2020
“Our goal is to shine a light on how assaults can, and are, being made on men, and not just women,” the statement said, in part. “This is significant because assault is assault, regardless of the gender, race, and physical attributes of the victim.”
According to TMZ Sports, United issued a statement of its own, saying, “The safety and well-being of our customers is always our top priority.”
“In this instance, the customer involved was moved to a different seat,” the airline said. “Because litigation is now pending, we’re unable to provide further comment.”
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Death Row

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Steve Bannon argued on "War Room" that Fox News is doing everything that it can to create an anti-Trump narrative for the 2024 election.


westernjournal--2020-05-21--Cuomo Tries To Deflect Blame for Nursing Home Deaths: ‘Ask President Trump’

Remember the halcyon days when New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo was advertised as the exemplar of the kind of buck-stops-here leadership we needed in the White House ?
That ’ s not necessarily the case these days , thanks to the Democrat ’ s nursing home scandal .
But don ’ t worry , he ’ s got a good explanation for that : The buck stops with President Donald Trump .
During his coronavirus news briefing Wednesday , Cuomo claimed he came up with the policy that nursing homes can not refuse seniors who test positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
That explanation came in response to a question about “ a call for a federal probe into how the state handled the nursing home situation , ” in particular Cuomo ’ s March 25 order requiring homes to take in COVID-19 patients from hospitals .
“ Look , this is a political season .
I get it .
I have refrained from politics , ” Cuomo said ; if there was laughter in the room , it was inaudible in the video .
TRENDING : While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This Together , ' Pat Sajak Has a Different Message “ Anyone who wants to ask why did the state do that with COVID patients in nursing home , it ’ s because the state followed President Trump ’ s CDC guidance , ” the governor said .
“ So they should ask President Trump .
I think that will stop the conversation.
” When asked whether he was “ fudging the numbers ” when it comes to nursing home deaths — one accusation we ’ ve heard , considering 1,700 deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Cuomo went back to blaming the CDC .
“ Your first point , why did the state do that ?
Because the state followed President Trump ’ s CDC ’ s guidance .
OK. That ’ s that answer ?
No numbers were changed , ” he said .
A reporter from The New York Times ( ! )
then brought up a good point : If these were Trump ’ s guidelines and if Cuomo has consistently demonstrated a willingness to stand up to the administration when its guidance has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he stand up to it this time ?
A brief summation of his response before we go through it in full : Well , it was the CDC ’ s guidelines — but , you know , it would have saved us hospital beds .
“ Well , you have to remember the facts .
I know you ’ re the New York Times , but facts are still facts , right ?
Even at The Times , ” Cuomo said .
( Calling them fake news in a nice way , impressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nursing home can not discriminate against the COVID patient because at that time , the issue was hospital capacity , right ?
” he said .
“ Remember hospital capacity ?
And we were dramatically increasing hospital capacity .
“ If a person doesn ’ t need an urgent care bed in a hospital because they ’ re not urgently ill and they have — it can take two weeks to test negative .
When you ’ re no longer urgently ill , is the best use of a hospital bed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a hospital bed , when they don ’ t need the hospital bed , because they ’ re not urgently ill , they ’ re just waiting to test negative on the antibody test , which can take two weeks ?
And you need that hospital bed for somebody who may die without it ?
” RELATED : Watch : CNN 's Cuomo Fails To Question Brother on Nursing Home Deaths , Plays with Giant Swabs Instead To quote the late polemicist Christopher Hitchens , “ Perhaps you notice how the denial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justification.
” And by the by , before this policy began getting a lot of pushback — before the long-term care deaths began piling up , that is — you heard an awful lot about the justification and not a whole lot of Cuomo denying this was his policy .
“ [ Nursing homes ] don ’ t have a right to object ” to taking COVID-19 patients , Cuomo said during his April 23 coronavirus briefing , according to the New York Post .
“ That is the rule and that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with that .
“ And the regulation is common sense : if you can ’ t provide adequate care , you can ’ t have the patient in your facility and that ’ s your basic fiduciary obligation — I would say , ethical obligation — and it ’ s also your legal obligation.
” At the time , Stephen Hanse , the CEO of the New York State Health Facilities Association , said COVID-19 “ spreads through nursing homes like fire through dry grass and the state ’ s March 25 policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this fire.
” That “ grass fire ” has now claimed over 5,800 lives as of Wednesday , according to the Albany Times Union .
But now that the fire is officially out of control , it ’ s the CDC that set it .
Oh , and the nursing homes , too !
“ A nursing home can not accept a patient who they are not qualified to handle , ” Cuomo said when pushed .
“ Do you believe a nursing home operator would accept a patient who they knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
“ Why would a nursing home operator do that ?
Why ?
“ We always had alternative beds .
If they didn ’ t think that they could handle a COVID patient , they would say , ‘ I can ’ t handle the COVID patient . '
” So in other words , they didn ’ t have the right to object — unless they couldn ’ t handle the COVID-19 patient , in which case they absolutely had the right to object .
Got that ?
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though — if what he ’ s saying is accurate — that investigation would point the finger at Trump ’ s CDC because of the fact that New York state had no volition in the matter .
Cuomo ’ s rationale for the nursing home policy has always been that seniors with COVID-19 who aren ’ t in extremis shouldn ’ t be taking up hospital beds that the multitude of patients sick with the coronavirus who would be flooding hotel rooms would need .
When that flood didn ’ t materialize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned out to be deaths in long-term care homes , Cuomo shifted blame onto the CDC , which he says was wholly responsible for the policy he spent weeks giving a full-throated , aggressive defense of .
Asking Trump won ’ t “ stop the conversation , ” particularly since no other state seems to be having a problem on the level New York is .
If anything , asking the president will just bounce the blame game back to Cuomo .
One wonders what the excuse will be then .
Sadly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left will be inclined to believe Cuomo .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Remember the halcyon days when New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was advertised as the exemplar of the kind of buck-stops-here leadership we needed in the White House?
That’s not necessarily the case these days, thanks to the Democrat’s nursing home scandal. But don’t worry, he’s got a good explanation for that: The buck stops with President Donald Trump.
During his coronavirus news briefing Wednesday, Cuomo claimed he came up with the policy that nursing homes cannot refuse seniors who test positive for the novel coronavirus based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That explanation came in response to a question about “a call for a federal probe into how the state handled the nursing home situation,” in particular Cuomo’s March 25 order requiring homes to take in COVID-19 patients from hospitals.
“Look, this is a political season. I get it. I have refrained from politics,” Cuomo said; if there was laughter in the room, it was inaudible in the video.
“Anyone who wants to ask why did the state do that with COVID patients in nursing home, it’s because the state followed President Trump’s CDC guidance,” the governor said. “So they should ask President Trump. I think that will stop the conversation.”
When asked whether he was “fudging the numbers” when it comes to nursing home deaths — one accusation we’ve heard, considering 1,700 deaths in nursing homes went unreported in the state — Cuomo went back to blaming the CDC.
“Your first point, why did the state do that? Because the state followed President Trump’s CDC’s guidance. OK. That’s that answer? No numbers were changed,” he said.
A reporter from The New York Times (!) then brought up a good point: If these were Trump’s guidelines and if Cuomo has consistently demonstrated a willingness to stand up to the administration when its guidance has been in error, why didn’t he stand up to it this time?
Is Andrew Cuomo to blame for his state's nursing home coronavirus deaths? Yes No
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A brief summation of his response before we go through it in full: Well, it was the CDC’s guidelines — but, you know, it would have saved us hospital beds.
“Well, you have to remember the facts. I know you’re the New York Times, but facts are still facts, right? Even at The Times,” Cuomo said. (Calling them fake news in a nice way, impressive!)
“The CDC guidance said a nursing home cannot discriminate against the COVID patient because at that time, the issue was hospital capacity, right?” he said. “Remember hospital capacity? And we were dramatically increasing hospital capacity.
“If a person doesn’t need an urgent care bed in a hospital because they’re not urgently ill and they have — it can take two weeks to test negative. When you’re no longer urgently ill, is the best use of a hospital bed to have somebody sit there for two weeks in a hospital bed, when they don’t need the hospital bed, because they’re not urgently ill, they’re just waiting to test negative on the antibody test, which can take two weeks? And you need that hospital bed for somebody who may die without it?”
To quote the late polemicist Christopher Hitchens, “Perhaps you notice how the denial is so often the preface to the justification.”
And by the by, before this policy began getting a lot of pushback — before the long-term care deaths began piling up, that is — you heard an awful lot about the justification and not a whole lot of Cuomo denying this was his policy.
“[Nursing homes] don’t have a right to object” to taking COVID-19 patients, Cuomo said during his April 23 coronavirus briefing, according to the New York Post. “That is the rule and that is the regulation and they have to comply with that.
“And the regulation is common sense: if you can’t provide adequate care, you can’t have the patient in your facility and that’s your basic fiduciary obligation — I would say, ethical obligation — and it’s also your legal obligation.”
At the time, Stephen Hanse, the CEO of the New York State Health Facilities Association, said COVID-19 “spreads through nursing homes like fire through dry grass and the state’s March 25 policy served to unnecessarily to fan the flames of this fire.”
That “grass fire” has now claimed over 5,800 lives as of Wednesday, according to the Albany Times Union. But now that the fire is officially out of control, it’s the CDC that set it. Oh, and the nursing homes, too!
“A nursing home cannot accept a patient who they are not qualified to handle,” Cuomo said when pushed.
“Do you believe a nursing home operator would accept a patient who they knew they couldn’t care for?” he said. “Why would a nursing home operator do that? Why?
“We always had alternative beds. If they didn’t think that they could handle a COVID patient, they would say, ‘I can’t handle the COVID patient.'”
So in other words, they didn’t have the right to object — unless they couldn’t handle the COVID-19 patient, in which case they absolutely had the right to object. Got that?
Also, Cuomo remains resistant to an investigation even though — if what he’s saying is accurate — that investigation would point the finger at Trump’s CDC because of the fact that New York state had no volition in the matter.
Cuomo’s rationale for the nursing home policy has always been that seniors with COVID-19 who aren’t in extremis shouldn’t be taking up hospital beds that the multitude of patients sick with the coronavirus who would be flooding hotel rooms would need.
When that flood didn’t materialize and the biggest challenge facing New York turned out to be deaths in long-term care homes, Cuomo shifted blame onto the CDC, which he says was wholly responsible for the policy he spent weeks giving a full-throated, aggressive defense of.
Asking Trump won’t “stop the conversation,” particularly since no other state seems to be having a problem on the level New York is.
If anything, asking the president will just bounce the blame game back to Cuomo.
One wonders what the excuse will be then. Sadly, no matter what it is, the left will be inclined to believe Cuomo.
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westernjournal--2020-05-22--Actress Lori Loughlin Agrees To Plead Guilty in College Admissions Scandal

Actress Lori Loughlin has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in connection with her effort to get her two daughters into college through fraud .
Loughlin and her husband , fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli , sought to get their children into the University of Southern California as athletic recruits , according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the District of Massachusetts .
Loughlin , a former star of “ Full House , ” actress Felicity Huffman , and dozens of others have been charged in a massive scheme in which parents bribed coaches and testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elite colleges , CNN reported .
The actress will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud .
Giannulli will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and honest services wire and mail fraud .
Loughlin will be sentenced to two months in prison , a $ 150,000 fine and two years of supervised release with 100 hours of community service .
Her husband faces five months in prison , a $ 250,000 fine and two years of supervised release with 250 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While Celebrities Tell Americans 'We 're All in This Together , ' Pat Sajak Has a Different Message The release noted that 24 parents charged in the scheme have now pleaded guilty .
“ Under the plea agreements filed today , these defendants will serve prison terms reflecting their respective roles in a conspiracy to corrupt the college admissions process and which are consistent with prior sentences in this case .
We will continue to pursue accountability for undermining the integrity of college admissions , ” U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 500,000 to ensure their two daughters were admitted to USC as recruits for the crew team , even though neither girl participated in the sport .
Conviction on the charges facing Loughlin and Giannulli could have resulted in sentences of up to 20 years in prison .
“ The stakes at trial were really high for these two , ” legal analyst Elie Honig told CNN .
“ Had they gone to trial and lost , they were looking at several years each .
So they really cut their losses here by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Actress Lori Loughlin has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in connection with her effort to get her two daughters into college through fraud.
Loughlin and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, sought to get their children into the University of Southern California as athletic recruits, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office
for the District of Massachusetts.
Loughlin, a former star of “Full House,” actress Felicity Huffman, and dozens of others have been charged in a massive scheme in which parents bribed coaches and testing center staff to get their children into elite colleges, CNN reported.
The actress will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Giannulli will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud and honest services wire and mail fraud.
Loughlin will be sentenced to two months in prison, a $150,000 fine and two years of supervised release with 100 hours of community service. Her husband faces five months in prison, a $250,000 fine and two years of supervised release with 250 hours of community service.
The guilty pleas drew a reaction on Twitter.
Lori Loughlin and her husband agreed to plead guilty for paying $500,000 to cheat their daughters into college — part of a massive admissions scam involving several wealthy parents. Their charges carry up to 20 years in prison.
She will serve 2 months. pic.twitter.com/IPcB6Slc38 — AJ+ (@ajplus) May 21, 2020
I bought my son a used 2004 Honda Civic so he could go to community college. So I feel their pain. https://t.co/2EuTyh4Yd7 — Chip Franklin (@chipfranklin) May 21, 2020
White Collar crime, white collar time ? https://t.co/eIZnNhKdfo — Rex the TV terrier (@rexthetvterrier) May 21, 2020
Lori Loughlin only getting two months in prison when she cheated deserving kids out of an education that, in turn, impacts the rest of their lives is *insane* to me. — elatticus (@elatticus) May 21, 2020
I don’t think Lori Loughlin and her husband committed crimes worth prison time. Our society would be better if they were punished with fines that went to helping poorer people attend college a little bit easier. — Polly Karr (@karr_pe) May 21, 2020
The release noted that 24 parents charged in the scheme have now pleaded guilty.
“Under the plea agreements filed today, these defendants will serve prison terms reflecting their respective roles in a conspiracy to corrupt the college admissions process and which are consistent with prior sentences in this case. We will continue to pursue accountability for undermining the integrity of college admissions,” U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling said.
Do you think Loughlin's sentence was strong enough? Yes No
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Loughlin and Giannulli were accused of paying $500,000 to ensure their two daughters were admitted to USC as recruits for the crew team, even though neither girl participated in the sport.
Conviction on the charges facing Loughlin and Giannulli could have resulted in sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
“The stakes at trial were really high for these two,” legal analyst Elie Honig told CNN.
“Had they gone to trial and lost, they were looking at several years each. So they really cut their losses here by cutting these pleas.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-22--Chuck E. Cheese, Applebee’s Bamboozle Takeout Customers To Boost Orders

When thinking of Chuck E. Cheese , customers typically picture a giant performing mouse and a game room full of kids — not the pizza .
Given that , it shouldn ’ t be a surprise that the restaurant chain has lost a lot of business since it was forced to close its doors because of the coronavirus .
Due to the business loss , Charles Entertainment Cheese and his mouse band have resorted to unusual ways to drum up lost revenue .
Several “ za ” lovers across the country who thought they were supporting a new local bistro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wings ” were shocked when they found out they ’ d been swindled by the iconic mouse .
Pasqually ’ s cover was blown after a West Philadelphia resident who thought she was supporting a local business caught onto the charade and posted it on Reddit .
TRENDING : While Celebrities Tell Americans 'We 're All in This Together , ' Pat Sajak Has a Different Message “ Tried to support local business via Grubhub tonight… Pasquallys pizza and wings ended up being an alias for Chuck E. Cheese .
Well played , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Food & Wine , the pseudonym “ Pasqually ” comes from Chuck E. Cheese ’ s animatronic chef and drummer in Munch ’ s Make Believe Band .
Different locations of this “ new hotspot ” have popped up on different food delivery apps like Grubhub , Uber Eats and DoorDash throughout California , Illinois , Pennsylvania and Texas .
This new alias raises the question : What makes Pasqually ’ s pizza different from what you ’ d get from Chuck E. Cheese ?
A Chuck E. Cheese spokesperson told NBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s pizza “ features a thicker crust , extra sauce and new blends of cheeses and seasonings , giving consumers a more flavorful , more premium pizza experience.
” After word got out about the iconic birthday party location ’ s bogus restaurant , Chuck E. Cheese started trending on Twitter and most people found the scam to be quite humorous .
RELATED : Guy Fieri Hands Out Free Meals to California Hospital Workers , Adds Personal Touch to Each Chuck E. Cheese isn ’ t the only chain swindling customers into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Applebee ’ s created a misleading listing called “ Neighborhood Wings ” and it didn ’ t sit well with some .
According to Food & Wine , unlike the Chuck E. Cheese rip-off , the new wing spot is listed as “ Neighborhood Wings by Applebee ’ s ” on food delivery apps and is available at nearly 750 locations .
Scott Gladstone , Applebee ’ s vice president of strategy and development , insisted that misleading customers was not the intention .
Rather , the idea behind the name was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the regular menu .
“ We launched Neighborhood Wings by Applebee ’ s on GrubHub to make it even easier for guests to get their wings fix and to give us the opportunity to test out new items made for wing lovers that aren ’ t on our main menu , ” Gladstone told “ Today.
” With these two chains spicing things up a bit , who ’ s to say whether this incognito restaurant trend will continue through the rest of the pandemic ?
We are committed to truth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read our editorial standards .

When thinking of Chuck E. Cheese, customers typically picture a giant performing mouse and a game room full of kids — not the pizza.
Given that, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the restaurant chain has lost a lot of business since it was forced to close its doors because of the coronavirus.
Due to the business loss, Charles Entertainment Cheese and his mouse band have resorted to unusual ways to drum up lost revenue.
Several “za” lovers across the country who thought they were supporting a new local bistro called “Pasqually’s Pizza & Wings” were shocked when they found out they’d been swindled by the iconic mouse.
Pasqually’s cover was blown after a West Philadelphia resident who thought she was supporting a local business caught onto the charade and posted it on Reddit.
“Tried to support local business via Grubhub tonight… Pasquallys pizza and wings ended up being an alias for Chuck E. Cheese. Well played,” the Reddit user posted.
According to Food & Wine, the pseudonym “Pasqually” comes from Chuck E. Cheese’s animatronic chef and drummer in Munch’s Make Believe Band.
Different locations of this “new hotspot” have popped up on different food delivery apps like Grubhub, Uber Eats and DoorDash throughout California, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Texas.
This new alias raises the question: What makes Pasqually’s pizza different from what you’d get from Chuck E. Cheese?
Have you been bamboozled by Chuck E. Cheese or Applebee's during quarantine? 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: 5% (15 Votes) No: 95% (267 Votes)
A Chuck E. Cheese spokesperson told NBC News’ “Today” that Pasqually’s pizza “features a thicker crust, extra sauce and new blends of cheeses and seasonings, giving consumers a more flavorful, more premium pizza experience.”
After word got out about the iconic birthday party location’s bogus restaurant, Chuck E. Cheese started trending on Twitter and most people found the scam to be quite humorous.
Chuck E Cheese is selling their food as “Pasqually’s Pizza” on food apps because no one wants to order Chuck E. Cheese pizza for delivery and I think this is nominated as the funniest part of this pandemic — Michael Mark (@mrcoolmike_) May 18, 2020
Me realizing that I just got pizza from Chuck E. Cheese after ordering from Pasqually’s pic.twitter.com/3aXzpzYPUf — Devin Kurant (@KDs_Burner_Acc) May 18, 2020
Chuck E Cheese changing their name to Pasqually’s Pizza on grub hub pic.twitter.com/iiyXFS4ilY — milk (@milkinhisbag) May 18, 2020
Chuck E. Cheese isn’t the only chain swindling customers into thinking one thing but getting another.
Applebee’s created a misleading listing called “Neighborhood Wings” and it didn’t sit well with some.
I thought it was funny when I read last week that Chuck E Cheese is delivering pizza as a restaurant named after one of its animatronic characters but now Applebees is delivering as Neighborhood Wings. That sucks when so many of our actual neighborhood restaurants are struggling. — Jesse Kanson-Benanav, always stanning for Warren (@jessekb) May 21, 2020
According to Food & Wine, unlike the Chuck E. Cheese rip-off, the new wing spot is listed as “Neighborhood Wings by Applebee’s” on food delivery apps and is available at nearly 750 locations.
Scott Gladstone, Applebee’s vice president of strategy and development, insisted that misleading customers was not the intention. Rather, the idea behind the name was to give them options that aren’t on the regular menu.
“We launched Neighborhood Wings by Applebee’s on GrubHub to make it even easier for guests to get their wings fix and to give us the opportunity to test out new items made for wing lovers that aren’t on our main menu,” Gladstone told “Today.”
With these two chains spicing things up a bit, who’s to say whether this incognito restaurant trend will continue through the rest of the pandemic?
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westernjournal--2020-05-23--Op-Ed: Democrats Made the COVID-19 Pandemic Even Worse for Small Business

One hundred thousand .
That ’ s how many small businesses have already closed for good because of the COVID-19 pandemic — and counting .
Hundreds of thousands of more closures may be on the way .
Simply put , the U.S. economy is bleeding small businesses .
And it ’ s not just small business owners who are suffering : America ’ s 30 million small businesses employ nearly 60 million workers — half of the private-sector workforce .
When small business employers suffer , their employees feel the pain too .
But the coronavirus pandemic — and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been so painful for so many Americans .
Indeed , the Democratic Party deserves considerable blame for big-government policies that have made the pain more unbearable .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump ’ s WH , According to Reports It is because of congressional Democrats ’ reckless pursuit of enhanced unemployment benefits — an extra $ 600 per week — that many employees found it more lucrative to be unemployed than to work .
Traditionally , the unemployment benefit is only supposed to replace about 40 percent of jobless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the enhanced $ 600 giveaway , which is in addition to state-level unemployment benefits , left millions of laid-off Americans with heftier checks than they would have otherwise received from their employers .
This is the case in nearly 40 U.S. states — most of the country .
In states like Maine and New Mexico , combined state and federal unemployment benefits cover nearly 130 percent of lost wages .
In Mississippi , the median unemployed worker is eligible for 166 percent of their former salary .
What incentive do employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work ?
At a time when small businesses are desperate to retain talent and reopen , it doesn ’ t even make sense for unemployed workers to do their part .
Where is the logic in that ?
Yet Democrats continue to lobby for enhanced unemployed benefits .
Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado and other Democrats recently introduced a plan to extend the $ 600 weekly paycheck boost past July 31 , when it was originally intended to expire .
While it may be well-intentioned , the proposal is rife with unintended consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. economy is reopening with each passing day .
As millions of small businesses reopen , in hope of reclaiming their past success , a barrier to hiring is exactly what they don ’ t need .
RELATED : Bob Ehrlich : COVID & China Have Exposed How Globalism 's Virtues Were Exaggerated All Along Therein lies the worst consequence of big government : Small business owners are relying on unemployed Americans to join their ranks and get back to work , only to find that many are content with remaining unemployed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers : The incentives are set up to keep them from working .
But Democrats do deserve blame for keeping American workers down .
Democrats are letting small businesses down when they need help the most .
At the same time , Democratic governors are preventing small businesses from reopening at all .
In Illinois , small business owners who violate the state ’ s stay-at-home order can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor .
Those who are charged face a $ 2,500 fine and even one year of imprisonment for attempting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message we need to send small businesses , America ’ s most important employers ?
With the U.S. economy in shambles , now is not the time to criminalize small business activity .
Nor is it the time to reward workers for not working .
Small businesses can use all of the help they can get .
Government barriers only end up hurting entrepreneurs — and the millions who depend on them .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

One hundred thousand. That’s how many small businesses have already closed for good because of the COVID-19 pandemic — and counting. Hundreds of thousands of more closures may be on the way.
Simply put, the U.S. economy is bleeding small businesses. And it’s not just small business owners who are suffering: America’s 30 million small businesses employ nearly 60 million workers — half of the private-sector workforce.
When small business employers suffer, their employees feel the pain too.
But the coronavirus pandemic — and the resulting economic shutdown — should never have been so painful for so many Americans.
Indeed, the Democratic Party deserves considerable blame for big-government policies that have made the pain more unbearable.
It is because of congressional Democrats’ reckless pursuit of enhanced unemployment benefits — an extra $600 per week — that many employees found it more lucrative to be unemployed than to work.
Traditionally, the unemployment benefit is only supposed to replace about 40 percent of jobless workers’ earnings (on average).
But the enhanced $600 giveaway, which is in addition to state-level unemployment benefits, left millions of laid-off Americans with heftier checks than they would have otherwise received from their employers.
This is the case in nearly 40 U.S. states — most of the country. In states like Maine and New Mexico, combined state and federal unemployment benefits cover nearly 130 percent of lost wages. In Mississippi, the median unemployed worker is eligible for 166 percent of their former salary.
Do you think the Democrats' response to the coronavirus crisis has hurt small businesses? 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% (78 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
What incentive do employees in those states have to return to work?
At a time when small businesses are desperate to retain talent and reopen, it doesn’t even make sense for unemployed workers to do their part. Where is the logic in that?
Yet Democrats continue to lobby for enhanced unemployed benefits. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado and other Democrats recently introduced a plan to extend the $600 weekly paycheck boost past July 31, when it was originally intended to expire.
While it may be well-intentioned, the proposal is rife with unintended consequences, exacerbated by the fact that the U.S. economy is reopening with each passing day.
As millions of small businesses reopen, in hope of reclaiming their past success, a barrier to hiring is exactly what they don’t need.
Therein lies the worst consequence of big government: Small business owners are relying on unemployed Americans to join their ranks and get back to work, only to find that many are content with remaining unemployed.
This isn’t to blame unemployed workers: The incentives are set up to keep them from working.
But Democrats do deserve blame for keeping American workers down. Democrats are letting small businesses down when they need help the most.
At the same time, Democratic governors are preventing small businesses from reopening at all. In Illinois, small business owners who violate the state’s stay-at-home order can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Those who are charged face a $2,500 fine and even one year of imprisonment for attempting to reopen.
Is that really the message we need to send small businesses, America’s most important employers?
With the U.S. economy in shambles, now is not the time to criminalize small business activity. Nor is it the time to reward workers for not working.
Small businesses can use all of the help they can get. Government barriers only end up hurting entrepreneurs — and the millions who depend on them.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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