westernjournal--2020-07-22--Victor Davis Hanson: We Can Defeat the Revolution & Reclaim America, But There’s a Big ‘If’

In the 1960s and early ’ 70s , the U.S. was convulsed by massive protests calling for radical changes in the country ’ s attitudes on race , class , gender and sexual orientation .
The Vietnam War and widespread college deferments were likely the fuel that ignited prior peaceful civil disobedience .
Sometimes the demonstrations became violent , as with the Watts riots of 1965 and the protests at the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago .
Terrorists from the Weathermen ( later called the Weather Underground ) bombed dozens of government buildings .
The ’ 60s revolution introduced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , free love , mass tattooing , commonplace profanity , rampant drug use , rock music and high divorce rates to the war on poverty , massive government growth , feminism , affirmative action and race/gender/ethnic college curricula .
The enemies of the ’ 60s counterculture were the “ establishment ” — politicians , corporations , the military and the “ square ” generation ” in general .
Leftists targeted their parents , who had grown up in the Great Depression .
That generation had won World War II and returned to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with economic and military hardship , they sought a return to comfortable conformity in the 1950s .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man A half-century after the earlier revolution , today ’ s cultural revolution is vastly different — and far more dangerous .
Government and debt have grown .
Social activism is already institutionalized in hundreds of newer federal programs .
The “ Great Society ” inaugurated a multitrillion-dollar investment in the welfare state .
Divorce rates soared .
The nuclear family waned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , skyrocketed .
Thus , America is far less resilient , and a far more divided , indebted and vulnerable target than it was in 1965 .
Today , radicals are not protesting against 1950s conservatism but rather against the radicals of the 1960s , who as old liberals now hold power .
Now , many of the current enforcers — blue-state governors , mayors and police chiefs — are from the left .
Unlike Democratic Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley in the ’ 60s , today ’ s progressive civic leaders often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60s protests were for racial assimilation and integration to reify Martin Luther King Jr. ’ s agenda of making race incidental , not essential , to the American mindset .
Not so with today ’ s cultural revolution .
It seeks to ensure that racial difference is the foundation of American life , dividing the country between supposed nonwhite victims and purported white victimizers , past and present .
In the ’ 60s , radicals rebelled against their teachers and professors , who were often highly competent and the products of fact-based and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Today ’ s radicals were taught not by traditionalists but by less-educated older radicals .
Another chief difference is debt .
Most public education in the 1960s was bare-bones and relatively inexpensive .
Because there were no plush dorms , latte bars , rock-climbing walls , diversity coordinators and provosts of inclusion , college tuition in real dollars was far cheaper .
The result was that 1960s student radicals graduated without much debt and for all their hipness could enter a booming economy with marketable skills .
Today ’ s angry graduates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student loan debt — much of it borrowed for mediocre , therapeutic and politicized training that does not impress employers .
College debt impedes maturity , marriage , child-raising , homeownership and the saving of money .
In other words , today ’ s radical is far more desperate and angry that his college gambit never paid off .
Today ’ s divide is also geographical in the fashion of 1861 , not just generational as in the 1960s .
The two blue coasts seem to despise the vast red interior , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the current revolution is that many of its sympathizers haven ’ t changed much since the 1960s .
They may be rich , powerful , influential and older , but they are just as reckless and see the current chaos as the final victory in their own long march from the ’ 60s .
Corporations are no longer seen as evil but as woke contributors to the revolution .
The military is no longer smeared as warmongering but praised as a government employment service where race , class and gender agendas can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unlike the 1960s , there are essentially no conservatives in Hollywood , on campuses or in government bureaucracies .
So the war no longer pits radicals against conservatives but often socialists and anarchists against both liberals and conservatives .
In the ’ 60s , a huge “ silent majority ” finally had enough , elected Richard Nixon and slowed down the revolution by jailing its criminals , absorbing and moderating it .
Today , if there is a silent mass of traditionalists and conservatives , they remain in hiding .
If they stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deplore the violence in silence , the revolution will steamroll on .
But as in the past , if they finally snap , decide enough is enough and reclaim their country , then even this cultural revolution will sputter out , too .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In the 1960s and early ’70s, the U.S. was convulsed by massive protests calling for radical changes in the country’s attitudes on race, class, gender and sexual orientation. The Vietnam War and widespread college deferments were likely the fuel that ignited prior peaceful civil disobedience.
Sometimes the demonstrations became violent, as with the Watts riots of 1965 and the protests at the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. Terrorists from the Weathermen (later called the Weather Underground) bombed dozens of government buildings.
The ’60s revolution introduced to the country everything from hippies, communes, free love, mass tattooing, commonplace profanity, rampant drug use, rock music and high divorce rates to the war on poverty, massive government growth, feminism, affirmative action and race/gender/ethnic college curricula.
The enemies of the ’60s counterculture were the “establishment” — politicians, corporations, the military and the “square” generation” in general.
Leftists targeted their parents, who had grown up in the Great Depression. That generation had won World War II and returned to create a booming postwar economy. After growing up with economic and military hardship, they sought a return to comfortable conformity in the 1950s.
A half-century after the earlier revolution, today’s cultural revolution is vastly different — and far more dangerous.
Government and debt have grown. Social activism is already institutionalized in hundreds of newer federal programs. The “Great Society” inaugurated a multitrillion-dollar investment in the welfare state. Divorce rates soared. The nuclear family waned. Immigration, both legal and illegal, skyrocketed.
Thus, America is far less resilient, and a far more divided, indebted and vulnerable target than it was in 1965.
Today, radicals are not protesting against 1950s conservatism but rather against the radicals of the 1960s, who as old liberals now hold power.
Do you think today's leftists radicals are worse than those of the '60s? Yes No
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Now, many of the current enforcers — blue-state governors, mayors and police chiefs — are from the left. Unlike Democratic Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley in the ’60s, today’s progressive civic leaders often sympathize with the protesters.
The ’60s protests were for racial assimilation and integration to reify Martin Luther King Jr.’s agenda of making race incidental, not essential, to the American mindset. Not so with today’s cultural revolution. It seeks to ensure that racial difference is the foundation of American life, dividing the country between supposed nonwhite victims and purported white victimizers, past and present.
In the ’60s, radicals rebelled against their teachers and professors, who were often highly competent and the products of fact-based and inductive education. Not so in 2020. Today’s radicals were taught not by traditionalists but by less-educated older radicals.
Another chief difference is debt. Most public education in the 1960s was bare-bones and relatively inexpensive. Because there were no plush dorms, latte bars, rock-climbing walls, diversity coordinators and provosts of inclusion, college tuition in real dollars was far cheaper.
The result was that 1960s student radicals graduated without much debt and for all their hipness could enter a booming economy with marketable skills. Today’s angry graduates owe a collective $1.6 trillion in student loan debt — much of it borrowed for mediocre, therapeutic and politicized training that does not impress employers.
College debt impedes maturity, marriage, child-raising, homeownership and the saving of money. In other words, today’s radical is far more desperate and angry that his college gambit never paid off.
Today’s divide is also geographical in the fashion of 1861, not just generational as in the 1960s. The two blue coasts seem to despise the vast red interior, and vice versa.
Yet the scariest trait of the current revolution is that many of its sympathizers haven’t changed much since the 1960s. They may be rich, powerful, influential and older, but they are just as reckless and see the current chaos as the final victory in their own long march from the ’60s.
Corporations are no longer seen as evil but as woke contributors to the revolution. The military is no longer smeared as warmongering but praised as a government employment service where race, class and gender agendas can be green-lighted without messy legislative debate. Unlike the 1960s, there are essentially no conservatives in Hollywood, on campuses or in government bureaucracies.
So the war no longer pits radicals against conservatives but often socialists and anarchists against both liberals and conservatives.
In the ’60s, a huge “silent majority” finally had enough, elected Richard Nixon and slowed down the revolution by jailing its criminals, absorbing and moderating it. Today, if there is a silent mass of traditionalists and conservatives, they remain in hiding.
If they stay quiet in their veritable mental monasteries and deplore the violence in silence, the revolution will steamroll on. But as in the past, if they finally snap, decide enough is enough and reclaim their country, then even this cultural revolution will sputter out, too.
© 2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Biden Panders to Muslims: Quotes Muhammad, Says Schools Should Teach Islam

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden would like to see American children learn more about Islam in class , he said Monday .
Speaking virtually at the “ Million Muslim Votes ” summit , he expressed his desire to see Muslims have a greater influence over American culture .
“ Look , one of the things I think is important — I wish we taught more in our schools about the Islamic faith .
I wish we talked about all the great confessional faiths .
It ’ s one of the great confessional faiths , ” Biden told the summit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocacy group Emgage Action .
The former vice president has courted the Islamic vote and has been endorsed by Emgage Action .
Still , Biden told the group of Muslim Americans he intends to earn their votes by pulling back policies put in place by President Donald Trump .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man Accusing Trump of promoting “ Islamic-phobia , ” Biden declared , “ I ’ m here today to ask you to join me in the fight to rip this poison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ I ’ ll continue to champion the rights of Palestinians and Israelis to have a state of their own , as I have for decades , each of them a state of their own , ” he said .
“ If I have the honor of being president , I will end the Muslim ban on day one , ” the former vice president said .
That comment was apparently a reference to the Trump administration ’ s restriction of entry into the U.S. of nationals from Iran , Libya , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea and Venezuela , some of which are Muslim-majority countries .
Biden also vowed to appoint Muslims to jobs in his administration if he ’ s elected .
“ I ’ ll be a president who seeks out and listens to and incorporates the ideas and concerns of Muslim Americans on everyday issues that matter most to our communities , ” Biden said .
“ That will include having Muslim American voices as part of my administration.
” Biden also quoted Muhammad during his address .
“ Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad instructs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong , let him change it with his hand .
If he is not able , then with his tongue .
If he is not able , then with his heart , ’ ” he said .
Fox News reported Muslim Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Andre Carson of Indiana and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison signed an Emgage Action letter Monday endorsing Biden .
“ Our number one goal is to remove Donald Trump from office and to replace him with someone who can begin to heal our nation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden administration will move the nation forward on many of the issues we care about.
” The “ Million Muslim Votes ” initiative organized by Emgage Action aims to mobilize 1 million Muslim Americans to vote for Democrats in the November election .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden would like to see American children learn more about Islam in class, he said Monday.
Speaking virtually at the “Million Muslim Votes” summit, he expressed his desire to see Muslims have a greater influence over American culture.
“Look, one of the things I think is important — I wish we taught more in our schools about the Islamic faith. I wish we talked about all the great confessional faiths. It’s one of the great confessional faiths,” Biden told the summit, which was hosted by the Islamic advocacy group Emgage Action.
The former vice president has courted the Islamic vote and has been endorsed by Emgage Action.
Still, Biden told the group of Muslim Americans he intends to earn their votes by pulling back policies put in place by President Donald Trump.
Accusing Trump of promoting “Islamic-phobia,” Biden declared, “I’m here today to ask you to join me in the fight to rip this poison from our government, root and stem.”
“I’ll continue to champion the rights of Palestinians and Israelis to have a state of their own, as I have for decades, each of them a state of their own,” he said.
“If I have the honor of being president, I will end the Muslim ban on day one,” the former vice president said.
Do you think American schools should teach more about Islam? 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% (13 Votes) No: 99% (859 Votes)
That comment was apparently a reference to the Trump administration’s restriction of entry into the U.S. of nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, North Korea and Venezuela, some of which are Muslim-majority countries.
Biden also vowed to appoint Muslims to jobs in his administration if he’s elected.
“I’ll be a president who seeks out and listens to and incorporates the ideas and concerns of Muslim Americans on everyday issues that matter most to our communities,” Biden said.
“That will include having Muslim American voices as part of my administration.”
Biden also quoted Muhammad during his address.
“Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad instructs, ‘Whomever among you sees a wrong, let him change it with his hand. If he is not able, then with his tongue. If he is not able, then with his heart,’” he said.
Joe Biden speaks to Million Muslim Votes Summit: “Hadith from the Prophet Muhammad instructs, ‘Whomever among you sees a wrong, let him change it with his hand. If he is not able, then with his tongue. If he is not able, then with his heart.'” pic.twitter.com/2mJDKExILJ — The Hill (@thehill) July 20, 2020
Fox News reported Muslim Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Andre Carson of Indiana and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison signed an Emgage Action letter Monday endorsing Biden.
“Our number one goal is to remove Donald Trump from office and to replace him with someone who can begin to heal our nation,” the letter said. “A Biden administration will move the nation forward on many of the issues we care about.”
The “Million Muslim Votes” initiative organized by Emgage Action aims to mobilize 1 million Muslim Americans to vote for Democrats in the November election.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Mom Donates Lottery Winnings to Cop Shot in Line of Duty While Struggling To Pay Her Own Bills

It ’ s always nice to see people helping each other , going out of their way to take their own resources and offer aid to someone in need .
It ’ s even more impressive when those people , like the widow with two mites in the Bible , have little themselves .
In these cases , it ’ s not the amount of money that is generally impressive , but the person ’ s heart , their willingness to serve others and their dedication to giving sacrificially , as Christ did .
Shetara Sims of Kansas City , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost one of her daughters in 2012 .
A month ago , she also lost her job , too , so when she was in the parking lot of a grocery store and saw a dollar bill lying on the ground during such a turbulent time in her life , it probably looked a bit like a sign .
Providence was on her side , and — perhaps sensing the unusual circumstances — she bought a lottery ticket .
She ended up winning $ 100 .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When Sims ’ 12-year-old daughter Rakiya , who was with her , saw that they ’ d won , she felt compelled to donate it to a pressing cause .
“ Mom , we should give that to the police officer who got shot , ” the girl said , according to a GoFundMe page that was set up for the family .
Sims agreed , and called the Kansas City Police Department , explaining her situation ( but not giving her name or number ) and asking to donate to the officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being shot on July 2 .
After hearing her story , the police department urged her to keep the cash for herself — but she insisted .
She explained that when she lost her daughter eight years ago , the detectives who investigated the case “ were like her therapists , fathers , and lifelines all in one.
” The KCPD posted the story , and it got a rave response .
“ Today , Shetara and her daughter Rakiya came to meet some of coworkers of the officer who was critically wounded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook .
“ They also were there during the shooting .
Shetara and Rakiya are the ones who had little money , but after finding a dollar in a grocery store parking lot used it to buy a lottery ticket that ended up winning $ 100 and then decided to donate it to the wounded officer.
” Something wonderful started to happen : Readers were touched by Sims ’ sacrificial giving , and wanted to bless her back .
Because Sims hadn ’ t given her name or number , though , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But find her the KCPD did , and they set up a GoFundMe for her .
“ It took a while to find them , but we ’ re so glad we did , and we ’ re so glad they got to meet the wounded officer ’ s coworkers and friends .
( And because so many people reached out wanting to help Shetara and her daughter , we set up this GoFundMe page : gf.me/u/ygr4ya ) , ” the post continued .
The campaign had raised over $ 57,000 as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but residents have been kind in their own giving in a beautiful example of generosity .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s always nice to see people helping each other, going out of their way to take their own resources and offer aid to someone in need. It’s even more impressive when those people, like the widow with two mites in the Bible, have little themselves.
In these cases, it’s not the amount of money that is generally impressive, but the person’s heart, their willingness to serve others and their dedication to giving sacrificially, as Christ did.
Shetara Sims of Kansas City, Missouri, is a single mother who lost one of her daughters in 2012.
A month ago, she also lost her job, too, so when she was in the parking lot of a grocery store and saw a dollar bill lying on the ground during such a turbulent time in her life, it probably looked a bit like a sign.
Providence was on her side, and — perhaps sensing the unusual circumstances — she bought a lottery ticket. She ended up winning $100.
When Sims’ 12-year-old daughter Rakiya, who was with her, saw that they’d won, she felt compelled to donate it to a pressing cause.
“Mom, we should give that to the police officer who got shot,” the girl said, according to a GoFundMe page that was set up for the family.
Sims agreed, and called the Kansas City Police Department, explaining her situation (but not giving her name or number) and asking to donate to the officer, who was in the ICU after being shot on July 2.
After hearing her story, the police department urged her to keep the cash for herself — but she insisted. She explained that when she lost her daughter eight years ago, the detectives who investigated the case “were like her therapists, fathers, and lifelines all in one.”
The KCPD posted the story, and it got a rave response.
“Today, Shetara and her daughter Rakiya came to meet some of coworkers of the officer who was critically wounded,” the department wrote Monday on Facebook. “They also were there during the shooting. Shetara and Rakiya are the ones who had little money, but after finding a dollar in a grocery store parking lot used it to buy a lottery ticket that ended up winning $100 and then decided to donate it to the wounded officer.”
Something wonderful started to happen: Readers were touched by Sims’ sacrificial giving, and wanted to bless her back. Because Sims hadn’t given her name or number, though, it took a while to find her.
But find her the KCPD did, and they set up a GoFundMe for her.
“It took a while to find them, but we’re so glad we did, and we’re so glad they got to meet the wounded officer’s coworkers and friends. (And because so many people reached out wanting to help Shetara and her daughter, we set up this GoFundMe page: gf.me/u/ygr4ya),” the post continued.
The campaign had raised over $57,000 as of Wednesday. The goal was $10,000, but residents have been kind in their own giving in a beautiful example of generosity.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Stone Claims He Became a Christian During Mueller Prosecution, Sees ‘Hand of God’ in His Commutation

Roger Stone says he wants to thank God above all others for sparing him from prison and giving him strength to endure his long ordeal as a subject of the Mueller probe .
The longtime political activist told The Western Journal that he came into relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ while attending a Billy Graham Evangelical Association event in Florida in January .
Stone recounted his life had hit “ rock bottom ” around this time , having been wiped out financially by former special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s criminal prosecution and filled with anger and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who would take care of his wife , who is deaf , if he went to prison .
The 67-year-old had the chance to meet with Rev .
Franklin Graham one-on-one before the “ Decision America Sunshine State ” gathering in Boca Raton for almost an hour .
Graham counseled Stone to turn his problems over to God and to enter into a born again relationship with him through his son , Jesus Christ .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man When the evangelist invited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crowd later that evening , Stone accepted the call .
“ And from that moment on , I had a serenity about the final outcome [ of the criminal proceedings ] and the confidence that God would provide when the time came .
And he did .
It ’ s that simple , ” he said .
Stone ’ s legal fight with Mueller ’ s team began with a pre-dawn raid of his Fort Lauderdale home by FBI agents with guns drawn in January 2019 , the South Florida Sun Sentinel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not charge him with any crimes related to colluding with Russia on behalf of the Trump campaign , he was convicted in November of lying to Congress , witness tampering and obstructing a House investigation .
Stone noted Mueller ’ s team had multiple years to investigate , “ unlimited resources , unlimited access to my emails , my text messages , my phone calls , all my paper records , ” and still found no collusion .
Last week , President Donald Trump commuted Stone ’ s 40-month sentence just days before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I believe the president ’ s decision was informed by the hand of God , ” Stone told The Western Journal .
“ I think God gives the president guidance every single day , ” he added .
“ I don ’ t think you could do that job .
I think [ Abraham ] Lincoln wrote you couldn ’ t do it without the guidance of God.
” Of those who doubt the sincerity of Stone ’ s new faith , he said it really does not matter .
“ Everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a head fake .
This is Stone posturing .
This is a con job.
’ Well , it ’ s understandable .
I ’ ve been a hard-nosed political operative for a long time , and I ’ m a hardball player .
I admit that , ” Stone said .
“ But those people are just wrong .
And it doesn ’ t really matter what they think because the only entity that matters is God himself .
God knows what ’ s in my heart , ” Stone added .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s all that matters at this point.
” He said his mission now is to get the message out that God is a protector of his flock and worthy of trust .
“ I ’ m anxious to witness about it , because if it worked for me and it proved to be true for me , it could be true for everybody who has a problem today , ” Stone said .
“ I don ’ t care whether your problem is alcoholism or drug abuse or relationship problems or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what your issue is , ” he continued .
“ I ’ m absolutely convinced that if you will turn your life over to God , if you will accept Jesus Christ as your savior … I am living proof that God will protect you , that God will defend you , that God will deliver you from your persecutors.
” The Billy Graham Evangelical Association said in a statement to The Western Journal that it was grateful that Stone found new life in Jesus Christ .
“ Mr .
Stone was one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accept Jesus , the statement reads .
“ Rev .
Graham is grateful to God for each and every person who makes the life-changing decision to put their faith in Jesus Christ.
” The Western Journal Associate Staff Writer Andrew Sciascia contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Roger Stone says he wants to thank God above all others for sparing him from prison and giving him strength to endure his long ordeal as a subject of the Mueller probe.
The longtime political activist told The Western Journal that he came into relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ while attending a Billy Graham Evangelical Association event in Florida in January.
Stone recounted his life had hit “rock bottom” around this time, having been wiped out financially by former special counsel Robert Mueller’s criminal prosecution and filled with anger and fear over what his future held and who would take care of his wife, who is deaf, if he went to prison.
The 67-year-old had the chance to meet with Rev. Franklin Graham one-on-one before the “Decision America Sunshine State” gathering in Boca Raton for almost an hour.
Graham counseled Stone to turn his problems over to God and to enter into a born again relationship with him through his son, Jesus Christ.
When the evangelist invited people to do so while preaching to the crowd later that evening, Stone accepted the call.
I ran into my friend, Roger Stone at Franklin Graham’s Decision America Sunshine State tour yesterday in Boca Raton, FL. Hundreds of people including Franklin were hugging Roger and telling him how much they support and love him and are praying for him. pic.twitter.com/5PL5gfy8pU — Randy Coggins II (@randycoggins) January 19, 2020
“And from that moment on, I had a serenity about the final outcome [of the criminal proceedings] and the confidence that God would provide when the time came. And he did. It’s that simple,” he said.
Does God give you peace in difficult circumstances? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (160 Votes) No: 1% (1 Votes)
Stone’s legal fight with Mueller’s team began with a pre-dawn raid of his Fort Lauderdale home by FBI agents with guns drawn in January 2019, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported.
While the Mueller investigators did not charge him with any crimes related to colluding with Russia on behalf of the Trump campaign, he was convicted in November of lying to Congress, witness tampering and obstructing a House investigation.
Stone noted Mueller’s team had multiple years to investigate, “unlimited resources, unlimited access to my emails, my text messages, my phone calls, all my paper records,” and still found no collusion.
Last week, President Donald Trump commuted Stone’s 40-month sentence just days before he was to report to prison.
“I believe the president’s decision was informed by the hand of God,” Stone told The Western Journal.
“I think God gives the president guidance every single day,” he added. “I don’t think you could do that job. I think [Abraham] Lincoln wrote you couldn’t do it without the guidance of God.”
Of those who doubt the sincerity of Stone’s new faith, he said it really does not matter.
“Everybody says, ‘Oh, this is a head fake. This is Stone posturing. This is a con job.’ Well, it’s understandable. I’ve been a hard-nosed political operative for a long time, and I’m a hardball player. I admit that,” Stone said.
“But those people are just wrong. And it doesn’t really matter what they think because the only entity that matters is God himself. God knows what’s in my heart,” Stone added. “God knows what I believe in. That’s all that matters at this point.”
He said his mission now is to get the message out that God is a protector of his flock and worthy of trust.
“I’m anxious to witness about it, because if it worked for me and it proved to be true for me, it could be true for everybody who has a problem today,” Stone said.
“I don’t care whether your problem is alcoholism or drug abuse or relationship problems or health problems or family relations problems or what your issue is,” he continued. “I’m absolutely convinced that if you will turn your life over to God, if you will accept Jesus Christ as your savior … I am living proof that God will protect you, that God will defend you, that God will deliver you from your persecutors.”
The Billy Graham Evangelical Association said in a statement to The Western Journal that it was grateful that Stone found new life in Jesus Christ.
“Mr. Stone was one of hundreds who stood that night” to accept Jesus, the statement reads. “Rev. Graham is grateful to God for each and every person who makes the life-changing decision to put their faith in Jesus Christ.”
The Western Journal Associate Staff Writer Andrew Sciascia contributed to this report.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--US Orders China Consulate Shut Down After ‘Massive Illegal Spying’; China’s Response Sends Up Smoke

US Orders China Consulate Shut Down After ‘Massive Illegal Spying’; China’s Response Sends Up Smoke Over American City

After a sharp American accusation of spying , it appears the Communist Party of China ordered a fiery document purge that sent up smoke in a major American city .
The apparent burning happened after the Chinese consulate in Houston was handed a shutdown order from the U.S. State Department on Tuesday , The New York Times reported .
According to the State Department , the order came after repeated Chinese acts of espionage , including “ massive illegal spying and influence operations.
” “ We are setting out clear expectations as to how the Chinese Communist Party is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pompeo said at a news conference Wednesday .
“ And when they don ’ t , we are going to take actions that protect the American people , protect our security , our national security , and also protect our economy and jobs.
” Consulate employees were soon seen in the building ’ s courtyard with burn barrels , the smoke from the fires catching the attention of nearby residents : TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man Firefighters were eventually seen , though a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to go into the consulate building itself .
Owing to diplomatic missions ’ special status , local authorities generally need permission before entering .
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin demanded the United States revoke the shutdown order , warning China “ will certainly make legitimate and necessary reactions ” if the decision stands .
“ For some time , ” Wang said , “ the United States government has been shifting the blame to China with stigmatization and unwarranted attacks against China ’ s social system , harassing Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intimidating and interrogating Chinese students and confiscating their personal electrical devices , even detaining them without cause.
” The U.S. shutdown order gives a Friday deadline , by which point the Chinese are expected to vacate the building .
With days to spare , embassy officials have plenty of time to thoroughly incinerate any incriminating evidence .
The State Department ’ s decision comes as tensions between China and the U.S. reach worrying new highs .
RELATED : Kellyanne Conway Slams Nancy Pelosi for Her Attempt To Let China Off the Hook Relations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s deception about the coronavirus first came to light .
The communist giant ’ s history of trade abuse against the U.S. only worsened the situation .
The Communist Party of China ’ s espionage network in America is set to become the next big point of contention between the two superpowers .
Already , it seems China is preparing for a future military standoff with the United States by ramping up production of next-generation fighter jets and hypersonic ship-killing missiles .
With China ’ s abuse of our free society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears the ruling communist party has lost a valuable edge as a second Cold War looks more possible than ever .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

After a sharp American accusation of spying, it appears the Communist Party of China ordered a fiery document purge that sent up smoke in a major American city.
The apparent burning happened after the Chinese consulate in Houston was handed a shutdown order from the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, The New York Times reported.
According to the State Department, the order came after repeated Chinese acts of espionage, including “massive illegal spying and influence operations.”
“We are setting out clear expectations as to how the Chinese Communist Party is going to behave,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said at a news conference Wednesday. “And when they don’t, we are going to take actions that protect the American people, protect our security, our national security, and also protect our economy and jobs.”
Consulate employees were soon seen in the building’s courtyard with burn barrels, the smoke from the fires catching the attention of nearby residents:
This video shared with us by a viewer who lives next to the Consulate General of China in #Houston shows fire and activity in the courtyard of the building.
DETAILS SO FAR: https://t.co/2cOeKoap96 pic.twitter.com/0myxe6HIlC — KPRC2Tulsi (@KPRC2Tulsi) July 22, 2020
A video captured by our crew outside the Consulate General of China in Houston shows people hosing down what appear to be flaming open containers in the courtyard of the property.
DETAILS: https://t.co/2cOeKoap96 pic.twitter.com/ToQitHjy2T — KPRC2Tulsi (@KPRC2Tulsi) July 22, 2020
Firefighters were eventually seen, though a witness told KPRC-TV that they were not allowed to go into the consulate building itself.
Owing to diplomatic missions’ special status, local authorities generally need permission before entering.
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin demanded the United States revoke the shutdown order, warning China “will certainly make legitimate and necessary reactions” if the decision stands.
“For some time,” Wang said, “the United States government has been shifting the blame to China with stigmatization and unwarranted attacks against China’s social system, harassing Chinese diplomatic and consular staff in America, intimidating and interrogating Chinese students and confiscating their personal electrical devices, even detaining them without cause.”
The U.S. shutdown order gives a Friday deadline, by which point the Chinese are expected to vacate the building. With days to spare, embassy officials have plenty of time to thoroughly incinerate any incriminating evidence.
The State Department’s decision comes as tensions between China and the U.S. reach worrying new highs.
Should the U.S. government continue to take action against China? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (576 Votes) No: 0% (2 Votes)
Relations between our two nations have tanked since China’s deception about the coronavirus first came to light. The communist giant’s history of trade abuse against the U.S. only worsened the situation.
The Communist Party of China’s espionage network in America is set to become the next big point of contention between the two superpowers.
Already, it seems China is preparing for a future military standoff with the United States by ramping up production of next-generation fighter jets and hypersonic ship-killing missiles.
With China’s abuse of our free society coming to an abrupt halt, it appears the ruling communist party has lost a valuable edge as a second Cold War looks more possible than ever.
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--2020-07-22--Disposable COVID Gear Ending Up in Ocean; Diver Warns We Could Soon See ‘More Masks Than Jellyfish’

It ’ s an externality of the COVID-19 crisis that shouldn ’ t surprise any of us : It turns out the disposable gear we ’ re using to protect ourselves from the novel coronavirus is ending up in places we don ’ t want it to go after we ’ re done with it .
A French nonprofit has warned that there might be “ more masks than jellyfish ” in some of the world ’ s most popular diving destinations — and that could be just the beginning of the COVID waste problem .
Opération Mer Propre — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t a problem of massive proportions — yet .
According to CNN , it represents only 5 percent of all the waste the group has collected during its cleanups .
That ’ s likely to increase , however , the more we rely on single-use masks , bottles of hand sanitizer and gloves .
“ If someone had alerted us to the problem of plastic bottles and plastic bags from the start , would we have continued ?
” Julie Hellec , a spokeswoman for Opération Mer Propre , told CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man She said that finding PPE during her cleanup dives in the Mediterranean Sea was a first in the 15 years she ’ s been working with the group .
Laurent Lombard , founder of Opération Mer Propre , said in a Facebook post earlier in May , “ How would you like swimming with COVID-19 this summer ?
” In the post , Lombard added that “ soon there may be more masks than jellyfish.
” “ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if nothing is done , ” said Joffrey Peltier , another member of the group , according to The Guardian .
Thousands of miles away in Hong Kong , the story is the same , according to conservation group OceansAsia .
“ During a recent survey trip to the Soko ’ s islands the OceansAsia team finds masses of surgical masks washing up on the shoreline , ” the group wrote on its website in February .
RELATED : Kellyanne Conway Slams Nancy Pelosi for Her Attempt To Let China Off the Hook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chain in Hong Kong .
“ One item that was very noticeable as a new addition to the myriad of marine debris is surgical masks .
Over time the team has seen the odd mask here and now , however this time they were all along the high tide line and foreshore with new arrivals coming in on the current , ” the post read .
“ Due to the current COVID-19 corona virus , the general population have all taken the precaution to wear surgical masks .
When you suddenly have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to two masks per day the amount of trash generated is going to be substantial.
” And , as CNN pointed out , it ’ s going to get a whole lot more substantial .
“ The production of single-use PPE has drastically ramped up during the pandemic .
A recent study in the Environment , Science & Technology journal estimates that 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves are being used each month , ” the report said .
“ Nick Mallos , a senior director with the nonprofit organization Ocean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
” Now , Opération Mer Propre might not be proposing the most pragmatic solutions to this issue .
Peltier said he hoped people would start using reusable masks and go with frequent hand-washing instead of gloves .
“ With all the alternatives , plastic isn ’ t the solution to protect us from Covid .
That ’ s the message , ” he said .
This sounds fantastic until you realize that , in many cases , plastic , latex and single-use masks are far superior to the alternatives .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once you ’ re done with them is your personal responsibility .
“ A simple gesture like not throwing a glove on the ground is to save the planet , ” Hellec told CNN .
Which isn ’ t inaccurate .
Your PPE belongs in the garbage can when you ’ re finished with it .
Keep in mind , we ’ re in a position where we can do something about this kind of waste .
“ In many places around the world , the basic waste collection does not exist to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfortunately we are likely to see that waste finding its way downstream on beaches and in the ocean , ” Mallos said .
“ Even here in the United States , in the EU , in other places around the world that have robust and sophisticated waste systems , we ’ re still seeing PPE littering roadways , washing down waterways.
” It ’ s interesting that the people we ’ ve now termed “ Karens ” when it comes to vigilante mask enforcement are often in the same cohort that was trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had less pressing things to care about .
In both cases , however , the key is personal responsibility .
Throw your stuff away .
You ’ re an adult .
And , well , if you ’ re a teen who ’ s not yet reached the age of majority who ’ s reading our fine website , you ’ re probably the upstanding non-snowflake type who has the ability to buck up and act like an adult .
Either way , you know where your mask goes when you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmentalists are obnoxious , but you ’ re not “ showing them ” by littering .
All you ’ re showing is a contempt for common decency that makes radical environmentalists more prominent .
Do your part .
Keep our natural habitat clean and radical environmentalists off cable news .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s an externality of the COVID-19 crisis that shouldn’t surprise any of us: It turns out the disposable gear we’re using to protect ourselves from the novel coronavirus is ending up in places we don’t want it to go after we’re done with it.
A French nonprofit has warned that there might be “more masks than jellyfish” in some of the world’s most popular diving destinations — and that could be just the beginning of the COVID waste problem.
Opération Mer Propre — Operation Clean Sea — says discarded PPE isn’t a problem of massive proportions — yet. According to CNN, it represents only 5 percent of all the waste the group has collected during its cleanups.
That’s likely to increase, however, the more we rely on single-use masks, bottles of hand sanitizer and gloves.
“If someone had alerted us to the problem of plastic bottles and plastic bags from the start, would we have continued?” Julie Hellec, a spokeswoman for Opération Mer Propre, told CNN for a report published last month.
She said that finding PPE during her cleanup dives in the Mediterranean Sea was a first in the 15 years she’s been working with the group.
Laurent Lombard, founder of Opération Mer Propre, said in a Facebook post earlier in May, “How would you like swimming with COVID-19 this summer?”
In the post, Lombard added that “soon there may be more masks than jellyfish.”
“It’s the promise of pollution to come if nothing is done,” said Joffrey Peltier, another member of the group, according to The Guardian.
Thousands of miles away in Hong Kong, the story is the same, according to conservation group OceansAsia.
“During a recent survey trip to the Soko’s islands the OceansAsia team finds masses of surgical masks washing up on the shoreline,” the group wrote on its website in February.
The Soko Islands are a mostly uninhabited chain in Hong Kong.
“One item that was very noticeable as a new addition to the myriad of marine debris is surgical masks. Over time the team has seen the odd mask here and now, however this time they were all along the high tide line and foreshore with new arrivals coming in on the current,” the post read.
“Due to the current COVID-19 corona virus, the general population have all taken the precaution to wear surgical masks. When you suddenly have a population of 7 million people wearing one to two masks per day the amount of trash generated is going to be substantial.”
And, as CNN pointed out, it’s going to get a whole lot more substantial.
“The production of single-use PPE has drastically ramped up during the pandemic. A recent study in the Environment, Science & Technology journal estimates that 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves are being used each month,” the report said.
“Nick Mallos, a senior director with the nonprofit organization Ocean Conservancy, called these numbers ‘staggering.'”
Now, Opération Mer Propre might not be proposing the most pragmatic solutions to this issue. Peltier said he hoped people would start using reusable masks and go with frequent hand-washing instead of gloves.
“With all the alternatives, plastic isn’t the solution to protect us from Covid. That’s the message,” he said.
This sounds fantastic until you realize that, in many cases, plastic, latex and single-use masks are far superior to the alternatives.
However, what you do with those items once you’re done with them is your personal responsibility.
“A simple gesture like not throwing a glove on the ground is to save the planet,” Hellec told CNN.
Which isn’t inaccurate. Your PPE belongs in the garbage can when you’re finished with it. Keep in mind, we’re in a position where we can do something about this kind of waste.
“In many places around the world, the basic waste collection does not exist to manage that volume of waste, so unfortunately we are likely to see that waste finding its way downstream on beaches and in the ocean,” Mallos said.
“Even here in the United States, in the EU, in other places around the world that have robust and sophisticated waste systems, we’re still seeing PPE littering roadways, washing down waterways.”
It’s interesting that the people we’ve now termed “Karens” when it comes to vigilante mask enforcement are often in the same cohort that was trying to ban ocean-littering plastic straws when we had less pressing things to care about.
Should we be more careful with how we dispose of PPE? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (692 Votes) No: 1% (9 Votes)
In both cases, however, the key is personal responsibility. Throw your stuff away. You’re an adult. And, well, if you’re a teen who’s not yet reached the age of majority who’s reading our fine website, you’re probably the upstanding non-snowflake type who has the ability to buck up and act like an adult.
Either way, you know where your mask goes when you’re done with it.
Yes, radical environmentalists are obnoxious, but you’re not “showing them” by littering. All you’re showing is a contempt for common decency that makes radical environmentalists more prominent.
Do your part. Keep our natural habitat clean and radical environmentalists off cable news.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-22--54th Night of Portland Riots Draws Massive Crowd for Second Straight Day

The federal courthouse in downtown Portland was a battle zone Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning as rioters clashed with federal agents .
At least 1,000 protesters took to the streets , according to KOIN-TV , which reported that Tuesday ’ s crowd was the second in a row to top 1,000 people .
As the violence seeped into Wednesday , it marked the 55th straight day of unrest between mobs intent on destruction and authorities trying to disperse crowds that now come prepared with gas masks and helmets .
The Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse has become a focal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rioters who reportedly brought crowbars and other tools with them tried to dislodge plywood surrounding the federal courthouse , briefly breaching the barrier at about 11 p.m. before authorities , including federal agents , responded in back-and-forth action that continued into early Wednesday .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man Multiple fires were lit in the area , including one right outside the courthouse , before rioters were finally pushed back for good .
The scenes of unrest were chronicled Tuesday night and early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high school journalists .
Warning : The following videos contain scenes of violence and vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive : RELATED : Three Federal Officers Might Be Permanently Blind Due to Portland Rioters As rioters engaged in physical battle with authorities , the federal government and local authorities were locked in battle of wills .
The Department of Homeland Security , taking direction from President Donald Trump ’ s executive order to protect monuments , has sent federal agents to Portland to quell the violence that local authorities have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed back and demanded that the federal agents leave Portland .
That attitude has outraged Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf .
Wolf said he spoke with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown , both Democrats , earlier this month .
When Wolf asked them how he could “ bring the violence to a close and still allow the peaceful protesters to protest each and every night , ” he said he was told to stay away .
“ I asked the mayor and governor , how long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” Wolf said during a news conference Tuesday , according to The New York Times .
“ Is it 82 nights or 92 nights ?
” Wolf also had a message for legitimate protesters who had become intermingled with rioters .
He urged protesters to exercise their rights by asking them to “ please do so away from the violent activity taking place near the courthouse on a nightly basis , ” according to the BBC .
Wolf said that the military has not invaded Portland .
“ These officers are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said , arguing that action was needed after “ violent criminal activity every single night for 52 nights ” and “ a lack of action from city officials.
” “ We will continue to take the appropriate action to protect our facilities and our law enforcement officers , ” Wolf added , saying that federal agents will leave the city once the violence stops .
As the violence rages , downtown business owner Stacey Gibson , who operates a Subway shop , said windows boarded up to protect against damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by lockdowns .
Gibson said she was displeased that neither the city ’ s police nor political leaders seemed able to end the unrest .
“ At this point , I ’ m just trying to figure out how to get out and to minimize the damage , ” Gibson told The Times .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The federal courthouse in downtown Portland was a battle zone Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning as rioters clashed with federal agents.
At least 1,000 protesters took to the streets, according to KOIN-TV, which reported that Tuesday’s crowd was the second in a row to top 1,000 people.
As the violence seeped into Wednesday, it marked the 55th straight day of unrest between mobs intent on destruction and authorities trying to disperse crowds that now come prepared with gas masks and helmets.
The Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse has become a focal point for attacks.
On Tuesday night, rioters who reportedly brought crowbars and other tools with them tried to dislodge plywood surrounding the federal courthouse, briefly breaching the barrier at about 11 p.m. before authorities, including federal agents, responded in back-and-forth action that continued into early Wednesday.
Multiple fires were lit in the area, including one right outside the courthouse, before rioters were finally pushed back for good.
The scenes of unrest were chronicled Tuesday night and early Wednesday by Clypian, a group of high school journalists.
Warning: The following videos contain scenes of violence and vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive:
As rioters engaged in physical battle with authorities, the federal government and local authorities were locked in battle of wills.
The Department of Homeland Security, taking direction from President Donald Trump’s executive order to protect monuments, has sent federal agents to Portland to quell the violence that local authorities have not stopped. However, Oregon Democrats have pushed back and demanded that the federal agents leave Portland.
Do you think more federal agents should be sent to quell the violence in Portland? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (478 Votes) No: 3% (13 Votes)
That attitude has outraged Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf.
Wolf said he spoke with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, both Democrats, earlier this month. When Wolf asked them how he could “bring the violence to a close and still allow the peaceful protesters to protest each and every night,” he said he was told to stay away.
“I asked the mayor and governor, how long do you plan on having this continue?” Wolf said during a news conference Tuesday, according to The New York Times. “Is it 82 nights or 92 nights?”
Wolf also had a message for legitimate protesters who had become intermingled with rioters.
He urged protesters to exercise their rights by asking them to “please do so away from the violent activity taking place near the courthouse on a nightly basis,” according to the BBC.
Wolf said that the military has not invaded Portland.
“These officers are not military, they are civilian police officers,” he said, arguing that action was needed after “violent criminal activity every single night for 52 nights” and “a lack of action from city officials.”
“We will continue to take the appropriate action to protect our facilities and our law enforcement officers,” Wolf added, saying that federal agents will leave the city once the violence stops.
As the violence rages, downtown business owner Stacey Gibson, who operates a Subway shop, said windows boarded up to protect against damage have further eroded a business already hurt by lockdowns.
Gibson said she was displeased that neither the city’s police nor political leaders seemed able to end the unrest.
“At this point, I’m just trying to figure out how to get out and to minimize the damage,” Gibson told The Times.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Chinese Consulate in Houston Takes Bizarre Document Destruction Action as US Orders Closure

Chinese diplomats were recorded burning documents after the State Department ordered the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston on Tuesday .
The decision to close the consulate , according to multiple reports , was made by the U.S. government over continued alleged espionage by Chinese nationals .
“ The Vienna Convention states diplomats must ‘ respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State ’ and ‘ have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State , ’ ” said State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement , Politico reported .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s violations of our sovereignty and intimidation of our people , just as we have not tolerated the PRC ’ s unfair trade practices , theft of American jobs , and other egregious behavior , ” the statement added .
KPRC-TV reported that documents were spotted being burned in the consulate courtyard Tuesday , which prompted a call to firefighters .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man The outlet reported that dozens of Houston firefighters were dispatched to the scene , near downtown Houston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property .
Video on social media shows what appear to be barrels of paper burning in the consulate courtyard .
“ You could just smell the paper burning , ” a witness told KPRC .
“ But , all the firefighters were just surrounding the building .
They couldn ’ t go inside.
” The announcement of the consulate closure also includes the closure of a nearby compound that houses Chinese diplomats who work at the consulate , KPRC reported , citing a police source .
RELATED : China 's Uighur Genocide : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ About the CCP 's Human Rights Abuses The South China Morning Post , owned by the Chinese multinational company Alibaba , reported that China intends to retaliate .
Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the consulate was ordered to close suddenly on Tuesday , the South China Morning Post reported .
Wang called the decision an “ unprecedented escalation ” of tensions between China and the U.S. “ China demands the US revoke this wrong decision .
If the US goes ahead with it , China will take the necessary countermeasures , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post .
Wang also claimed that other Chinese delegations throughout the U.S. have received “ death threats ” among rising tensions between leaders in Beijing and Washington .
Hu Xijin , the editor-in-chief of the Chinese government-owned Global Times , posted on Twitter that the consulate was given 72 hours to shut down .
The move to close the consulate came a week after U.S. officials condemned China ’ s suspected imprisonment of more than 1 million ethnic Uighurs in its Xinjiang region .
Speaking to reporters while on an official visit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State Mike Pompeo accused Chinese operatives of stealing U.S. and European intellectual property , which he stated is costing “ hundreds of thousands of jobs.
” “ President Trump has said , ‘ enough.
’ We are not going to allow this to continue to happen , ” Pompeo said at a news conference .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Chinese diplomats were recorded burning documents after the State Department ordered the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston on Tuesday.
The decision to close the consulate, according to multiple reports, was made by the U.S. government over continued alleged espionage by Chinese nationals.
“The Vienna Convention states diplomats must ‘respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State’ and ‘have a duty not to interfere in the internal affairs of that State,’” said State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement, Politico reported.
“The United States will not tolerate the PRC’s violations of our sovereignty and intimidation of our people, just as we have not tolerated the PRC’s unfair trade practices, theft of American jobs, and other egregious behavior,” the statement added.
KPRC-TV reported that documents were spotted being burned in the consulate courtyard Tuesday, which prompted a call to firefighters.
The outlet reported that dozens of Houston firefighters were dispatched to the scene, near downtown Houston, but they could not enter the property.
.@HoustonFire and @houstonpolice are responding to reports of documents being burned at the Consulate General of China on 3417 Montrose Boulevard. Here’s what the scene looks like there right now. pic.twitter.com/grUHhqmUz4 — KPRC2Tulsi (@KPRC2Tulsi) July 22, 2020
Video on social media shows what appear to be barrels of paper burning in the consulate courtyard.
This video shared with us by a viewer who lives next to the Consulate General of China in #Houston shows fire and activity in the courtyard of the building.
DETAILS SO FAR: https://t.co/2cOeKoap96 pic.twitter.com/0myxe6HIlC — KPRC2Tulsi (@KPRC2Tulsi) July 22, 2020
A video captured by our crew outside the Consulate General of China in Houston shows people hosing down what appear to be flaming open containers in the courtyard of the property.
DETAILS: https://t.co/2cOeKoap96 pic.twitter.com/ToQitHjy2T — KPRC2Tulsi (@KPRC2Tulsi) July 22, 2020
“You could just smell the paper burning,” a witness told KPRC. “But, all the firefighters were just surrounding the building. They couldn’t go inside.”
The announcement of the consulate closure also includes the closure of a nearby compound that houses Chinese diplomats who work at the consulate, KPRC reported, citing a police source.
The South China Morning Post, owned by the Chinese multinational company Alibaba, reported that China intends to retaliate.
Do you think this tensions between the U.S. and China will continue to escalate? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (1179 Votes) No: 3% (41 Votes)
Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said the consulate was ordered to close suddenly on Tuesday, the South China Morning Post reported.
Wang called the decision an “unprecedented escalation” of tensions between China and the U.S.
“China demands the US revoke this wrong decision. If the US goes ahead with it, China will take the necessary countermeasures,” Wang stated, according to the Morning Post.
Wang also claimed that other Chinese delegations throughout the U.S. have received “death threats” among rising tensions between leaders in Beijing and Washington.
Hu Xijin, the editor-in-chief of the Chinese government-owned Global Times, posted on Twitter that the consulate was given 72 hours to shut down.
The US asked China to close Consulate General in Houston in 72 hours. This is a crazy move. — Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) July 22, 2020
The move to close the consulate came a week after U.S. officials condemned China’s suspected imprisonment of more than 1 million ethnic Uighurs in its Xinjiang region.
Speaking to reporters while on an official visit to Denmark, according to Reuters, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Chinese operatives of stealing U.S. and European intellectual property, which he stated is costing “hundreds of thousands of jobs.”
“President Trump has said, ‘enough.’ We are not going to allow this to continue to happen,” Pompeo said at a news conference.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--China’s Uighur Genocide: Here’s Everything You Need To Know About the CCP’s Human Rights Abuses

Multiple reports confirm that the Communist Party of China is currently enacting an Uighur genocide .
Uighurs , a largely Muslim ethnic minority group native to China ’ s Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region , are being hauled off to labor camps and forced to undergo sterilization procedures in an effort to cull their population .
The many reports from various outlets that have covered the genocide provide significant evidence that these crimes are ongoing .
Here ’ s the evidence and everything you need to know about China ’ s Uighur genocide .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The U.N. Genocide Convention , to which the CCP is a signatory , defines genocide as “ acts committed with intent to destroy , in whole or in part , a national , ethnical , racial or religious group.
” “ ( a ) Killing members of the group ; “ ( b ) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group ; “ ( c ) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part ; “ ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ births within the group ; “ ( e ) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.
” A July 15 article in Foreign Policy confirms that China is engaging in all of the above practices with its Uighur population .
“ Any one of these categories constitutes genocide .
The overwhelming evidence of the Chinese government ’ s deliberate and systematic campaign to destroy the Uighur people clearly meets each of these categories , ” the report said .
“ Over a million Turkic Uighurs are detained in concentration camps , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
Detainees are subject to military-style discipline , thought transformation , and forced confessions .
They are abused , tortured , raped , and even killed .
Survivors report being subjected to electrocution , waterboarding , repeated beatings , stress positions , and injections of unknown substances.
” Recently resurfaced drone footage originally released in September 2019 revealed large groups of blindfolded and bound men being herded into train cars by armed military personnel .
RELATED : Chinese Consulate in Houston Takes Bizarre Document Destruction Action as US Orders Closure The prisoners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their way to China ’ s many internment camps to forcibly partake in the Uighur genocide .
The existence of these camps was confirmed by a January report from The New York Times revealing how men , women and children of the Uighur community have been forced into labor camps .
Another Times report published Sunday revealed that Chinese companies are using forced labor to produce protective face masks being sold in the United States and other countries .
Face masks aren ’ t the only products produced in Uighur labor camps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July 1 , U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that agents had seized beauty products that were made with real human hair .
Noticeably , the Uighur prisoners in the resurfaced drone footage all had shaved heads .
The CBP added the company responsible , Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. Ltd , to a detention orders list meant for organizations committing human rights abuses in the making of their products .
“ The production of these goods constitutes a very serious human rights violation , ” Brenda Smith , executive assistant commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement following the seizure of the products .
“ And the detention order is intended to send a clear and direct message to all entities seeking to do business with the United States that illicit and inhumane practices will not be tolerated in U.S. supply chains.
” Additionally , leaked Chinese government documents sent to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists — an organization partnered with BBC Panorama and The Guardian newspaper in the U.K. — detail the many methods used by Chinese re-education camps , according to the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents include orders to “ never allow escapes , ” “ increase discipline and punishment of behavioral violations , ” “ promote repentance and confession , ” “ make remedial Mandarin studies the top priority ” and “ encourage students to truly transform and [ ensure ] full video surveillance coverage of dormitories and classrooms free of blindspots.
” “ It is very difficult to view that as anything other than a mass brainwashing scheme designed and directed at an entire ethnic community , ” said Ben Emmerson , a human rights lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s a total transformation that is designed specifically to wipe the Muslim Uighurs of Xinjiang as a separate cultural group off the face of the Earth.
” Adrian Zenz , one of the world ’ s leading scholars on the CCP ’ s oppressive Uighur policies , analyzed the human rights abuses being enacted by the CCP in a report for the Jamestown Foundation , a Washington , D.C.-based research institute , titled “ Sterilizations , Forced Abortions and Mandatory Birth Control : The CCP ’ s Campaign to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a summary of the report ’ s major findings , Zenz confirmed the following about China ’ s Uighur genocide : • “ Natural population growth in Xinjiang has declined dramatically ; growth rates fell by 84 percent in the two largest Uyghur prefectures between 2015 and 2018 , and declined further in 2019.
” • “ Government documents bluntly mandate that birth control violations are punishable by extrajudicial internment in ‘ training ’ camps .
This confirms evidence from the leaked ‘ Karakax List ’ document , wherein such violations were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Documents from 2019 reveal plans for a campaign of mass female sterilization in rural Uyghur regions targeting 14 and 34 percent of all married women of childbearing age in two Uyghur counties that year.
” • “ By 2019 , Xinjiang planned to subject at least 80 percent of women of childbearing age in the rural southern four minority prefectures to intrusive birth prevention surgeries ( IUDs or sterilizations ) , with actual shares likely being much higher.
” • “ Shares of women aged 18 to 49 who were either widowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the onset of the internment campaign in one particular Uyghur region .
These are potential proxy indicators for unnatural deaths ( possibly of interned husbands ) , and/or of injections given in internment that can cause temporary or permanent loss of menstrual cycles.
” • “ Between 2015 and 2018 , about 860,000 ethnic Han residents left Xinjiang , while up to 2 million new residents were added to Xinjiang ’ s Han majority regions.
” Various human rights organizations estimate between 1 million and 3 million Uighurs have been detained in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the U.K. ’ s New Statesman reported .
While the CCP claims the majority of prisoners have been released from these camps unharmed , according to The Guardian , the Chinese government has offered no evidence to back that up .
In response to the CCP ’ s claims , Uighurs and their supporters sent out a flurry of tweets with the hashtag # Provethe90 % , ” referencing comments made by Xinjiang chairman Shohrat Zakir that “ more than 90 percent ” of those who “ return to society … have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” China has failed to prove the existence of the 90 percent , leading observers to wonder if many of them are even alive .
U.S. State Department Response to the Uighur Genocide The State Department confirmed in July that the Uighur genocide is real and perhaps “ the worst crime ” since the Nazis ’ genocide of the Jewish people .
“ This is one of the most disturbing stories in the world , ” State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a tweet .
“ I think when you look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this is potentially the worst crime that we have seen since the Holocaust.
” On July 9 , the U.S. imposed sanctions on three senior officials of the CCP for their alleged human rights abuses and involvement in the Uighur genocide .
“ The United States will not stand idly by as the Chinese Communist Party carries out human rights abuses targeting Uighurs , ethnic Kazakhs and members of other minority groups in Xinjiang , to include forced labor , arbitrary mass detention , and forced population control , and attempts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Multiple reports confirm that the Communist Party of China is currently enacting an Uighur genocide.
Uighurs, a largely Muslim ethnic minority group native to China’s Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, are being hauled off to labor camps and forced to undergo sterilization procedures in an effort to cull their population.
The many reports from various outlets that have covered the genocide provide significant evidence that these crimes are ongoing.
Here’s the evidence and everything you need to know about China’s Uighur genocide.
Defining Genocide
The U.N. Genocide Convention, to which the CCP is a signatory, defines genocide as “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.”
These acts include:
“(a) Killing members of the group;
“(b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;
“(c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;
“(d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;
“(e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.”
A July 15 article in Foreign Policy confirms that China is engaging in all of the above practices with its Uighur population.
Should China be held accountable for its horrific actions involving the Uighurs? Yes No
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“Any one of these categories constitutes genocide. The overwhelming evidence of the Chinese government’s deliberate and systematic campaign to destroy the Uighur people clearly meets each of these categories,” the report said.
“Over a million Turkic Uighurs are detained in concentration camps, prisons, and forced labor factories in China. Detainees are subject to military-style discipline, thought transformation, and forced confessions. They are abused, tortured, raped, and even killed. Survivors report being subjected to electrocution, waterboarding, repeated beatings, stress positions, and injections of unknown substances.”
Labor Camps
Recently resurfaced drone footage originally released in September 2019 revealed large groups of blindfolded and bound men being herded into train cars by armed military personnel.
Uighurs sitting, bound and blindfolded, waiting to be loaded onto train cars and taken — somewhere. Drone footage from an unknown hero in China.#Uighur pic.twitter.com/l9CTfyM2iT — PariahDog1312?⚖ (@PDog119) July 15, 2020
The prisoners shown in the drone footage were likely on their way to China’s many internment camps to forcibly partake in the Uighur genocide.
The existence of these camps was confirmed by a January report from The New York Times revealing how men, women and children of the Uighur community have been forced into labor camps.
Another Times report published Sunday revealed that Chinese companies are using forced labor to produce protective face masks being sold in the United States and other countries.
Face masks aren’t the only products produced in Uighur labor camps that have reach American shores.
On July 1, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that agents had seized beauty products that were made with real human hair.
Noticeably, the Uighur prisoners in the resurfaced drone footage all had shaved heads.
CBP detained a shipment of nearly 13 tons of hair products suspected of being produced by forced labor. The shipment, originating in Xinjiang, China, was detained in accordance with a Withhold Release Order. ➡ https://t.co/QwWHLusKDf pic.twitter.com/zRDndtgAIE — CBP (@CBP) July 2, 2020
The CBP added the company responsible, Lop County Meixin Hair Product Co. Ltd, to a detention orders list meant for organizations committing human rights abuses in the making of their products.
“The production of these goods constitutes a very serious human rights violation,” Brenda Smith, executive assistant commissioner of the CBP Office of Trade, said in a statement following the seizure of the products.
“And the detention order is intended to send a clear and direct message to all entities seeking to do business with the United States that illicit and inhumane practices will not be tolerated in U.S. supply chains.”
Re-education
Additionally, leaked Chinese government documents sent to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists — an organization partnered with BBC Panorama and The Guardian newspaper in the U.K. — detail the many methods used by Chinese re-education camps, according to the BBC.
A memo included in the government documents include orders to “never allow escapes,” “increase discipline and punishment of behavioral violations,” “promote repentance and confession,” “make remedial Mandarin studies the top priority” and “encourage students to truly transform and [ensure] full video surveillance coverage of dormitories and classrooms free of blindspots.”
“It is very difficult to view that as anything other than a mass brainwashing scheme designed and directed at an entire ethnic community,” said Ben Emmerson, a human rights lawyer and adviser to the World Uighur Congress.
“It’s a total transformation that is designed specifically to wipe the Muslim Uighurs of Xinjiang as a separate cultural group off the face of the Earth.”
Forced Sterilization
Adrian Zenz, one of the world’s leading scholars on the CCP’s oppressive Uighur policies, analyzed the human rights abuses being enacted by the CCP in a report for the Jamestown Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based research institute, titled “Sterilizations, Forced Abortions and Mandatory Birth Control: The CCP’s Campaign to Suppress Uighur Birthrates in Xinjiang.”
In a summary of the report’s major findings, Zenz confirmed the following about China’s Uighur genocide:
• “Natural population growth in Xinjiang has declined dramatically; growth rates fell by 84 percent in the two largest Uyghur prefectures between 2015 and 2018, and declined further in 2019.”
• “Government documents bluntly mandate that birth control violations are punishable by extrajudicial internment in ‘training’ camps. This confirms evidence from the leaked ‘Karakax List’ document, wherein such violations were the most common reason for internment.”
• “Documents from 2019 reveal plans for a campaign of mass female sterilization in rural Uyghur regions targeting 14 and 34 percent of all married women of childbearing age in two Uyghur counties that year.”
• “By 2019, Xinjiang planned to subject at least 80 percent of women of childbearing age in the rural southern four minority prefectures to intrusive birth prevention surgeries (IUDs or sterilizations), with actual shares likely being much higher.”
• “Shares of women aged 18 to 49 who were either widowed or in menopause have more than doubled since the onset of the internment campaign in one particular Uyghur region. These are potential proxy indicators for unnatural deaths (possibly of interned husbands), and/or of injections given in internment that can cause temporary or permanent loss of menstrual cycles.”
• “Between 2015 and 2018, about 860,000 ethnic Han residents left Xinjiang, while up to 2 million new residents were added to Xinjiang’s Han majority regions.”
Mysterious Population Declines
Various human rights organizations estimate between 1 million and 3 million Uighurs have been detained in the CCP’s various internment camps, the U.K.’s New Statesman reported.
While the CCP claims the majority of prisoners have been released from these camps unharmed, according to The Guardian, the Chinese government has offered no evidence to back that up.
In response to the CCP’s claims, Uighurs and their supporters sent out a flurry of tweets with the hashtag #Provethe90%,” referencing comments made by Xinjiang chairman Shohrat Zakir that “more than 90 percent” of those who “return to society … have work that they like and find suitable.”
China has failed to prove the existence of the 90 percent, leading observers to wonder if many of them are even alive.
U.S. State Department Response to the Uighur Genocide
The State Department confirmed in July that the Uighur genocide is real and perhaps “the worst crime” since the Nazis’ genocide of the Jewish people.
“This is one of the most disturbing stories in the world,” State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a tweet.
“I think when you look at what has happened to the Uyghur people, this is potentially the worst crime that we have seen since the Holocaust.”
The story of what has happened to the Uyghur people over the past few years is one of the most disturbing in the world— this is potentially one of the worst crimes that we have seen since the Holocaust. pic.twitter.com/nD3sEOzrbN — Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) July 6, 2020
On July 9, the U.S. imposed sanctions on three senior officials of the CCP for their alleged human rights abuses and involvement in the Uighur genocide.
“The United States will not stand idly by as the Chinese Communist Party carries out human rights abuses targeting Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs and members of other minority groups in Xinjiang, to include forced labor, arbitrary mass detention, and forced population control, and attempts to erase their culture and Muslim faith,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Gov’t Says Man Has Tested Positive for COVID, He Says He Has Never Been Tested

If you ’ re going to count someone among those who ’ ve tested positive for COVID-19 , it helps if he ’ s been tested in the first place .
This goes without saying , one would think .
However , the case of Brock Ballou shows how bureaucratic sloppiness has infected our COVID-19 response .
According to WSMV-TV in Nashville , Ballou — a Mt .
Juliet , Tennessee resident — knew he was potentially at risk for infection by the coronavirus .
One of his co-workers had it and he was expecting a call from a contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expecting is that the contact tracers would be telling him he was listed as having COVID-19 — without being tested .
Check out the WSMV report below : TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man “ She specifically said – I ’ m looking at it right here – you tested positive – this is a follow-up call to see how your symptoms are , ” Ballou told WSMV .
All right , so that ’ s one call , right ?
Well , it wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two more days of calls , Ballou said , both with similar messages .
“ [ The contact tracer ] said , ‘ I ’ m still seeing that you ’ re positive .
Courtesy call – checking your symptoms , ’ ” Ballou said .
Was this a case of mishearing the person on the other end of the line ?
“ I ’ m 100 percent sure that ’ s what she said , ” Ballou said .
“ She was looking right at it ; she told me I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at it that you ’ re showing positive.
” Ballou ’ s problem is probably the same as yours , he wonders how he can trust the numbers coming out of the state if he ’ s being counted positive without actually taking a test .
( Stories about inflated numbers of deaths being attributed to COVID-19 are becoming all too common . )
RELATED : Kellyanne Conway Slams Nancy Pelosi for Her Attempt To Let China Off the Hook “ I said , ‘ I don ’ t know what ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong , ' ” Ballou said .
“ I ’ m just another number when I ’ m not.
” According to WSMV , Ballou provided three phone numbers to the station where he said the calls came from .
All three trace back to workers with the Tennessee Department of Health , WSMV reported .
Ballou told the station he was told by the state that the calls were made to him by a third-party contractor .
“ I can also tell you there is no concern with our count of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who test positive , ” a spokeswoman said in a statement , according to WSMV .
“ Those entries are based on lab results , not on information provided from the monitoring team.
” Ballou ’ s case might be unusual , but it ’ s not alone .
As WWSB-TV in Sarasota , Florida , reported Friday , Florida resident Mindy Clark said she also had received a phone call informing her she ’ d tested positive for the coronavirus when she had never been tested at all .
Clark said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but left the line before she got swabbed because she realized it was supposed to only be for those who were showing potential sympoms .
In an interview with WWSB , Jay Wolfson , a professor of health and medicine at the University of South Florida , said that might have been caused by a quirk in the testing .
Motorists in line at some drive-thru testing sites are registered along with their vehicle ’ s place in line , he said .
If one vehicle leaves before a test is administered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follow .
“ This is part of the testing mechanism problem .
People are sitting in their cars , sometimes for hours , or standing in line , six feet apart sometimes for hours .
You ’ re registered though , you ’ re number 15 in line , and you are Jay Wolfson , ” he said .
“ If Jay Wolfson says he can ’ t wait any longer and he leaves , it will get number 15 and now get Rebecca Fernandez , who was standing behind him , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from then on gets the wrong results .
There has to be a better way to do this.
” That ’ s a different issue from Ballou ’ s , but clearly , mistakes are being made .
Cases like Brock Ballou ’ s , whether or not they end up in the official COVID-19 tallies , might not make that much of a difference in terms of the numbers — at least at the moment .
However , it ’ s indicative of how our systems for reporting cases of the novel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough to keep pace with the problem that we face .
The extrapolation that can be made in Ballou ’ s case , if his situation wasn ’ t a one-off mistake , is that contact tracers made the sloppy , lazy assumption there was a cluster of people with the novel coronavirus because those individuals came into contact with a single person .
You can imagine the problems this would create if these are the shortcuts we ’ re going to take .
At the moment , the Tennessee Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopefully , it will be public about the results .
However , the fact that the story exists at all isn ’ t a good sign for our ability to accurately track this disease .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If you’re going to count someone among those who’ve tested positive for COVID-19, it helps if he’s been tested in the first place.
This goes without saying, one would think. However, the case of Brock Ballou shows how bureaucratic sloppiness has infected our COVID-19 response.
According to WSMV-TV in Nashville, Ballou — a Mt. Juliet, Tennessee resident — knew he was potentially at risk for infection by the coronavirus. One of his co-workers had it and he was expecting a call from a contact tracer.
What he wasn’t expecting is that the contact tracers would be telling him he was listed as having COVID-19 — without being tested.
Check out the WSMV report below:
“She specifically said – I’m looking at it right here – you tested positive – this is a follow-up call to see how your symptoms are,” Ballou told WSMV.
All right, so that’s one call, right? Well, it wasn’t just that.
There were two more days of calls, Ballou said, both with similar messages.
Do you trust the government's COVID-19 numbers? 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% (13 Votes) No: 99% (1357 Votes)
“[The contact tracer] said, ‘I’m still seeing that you’re positive. Courtesy call – checking your symptoms,’” Ballou said.
Was this a case of mishearing the person on the other end of the line?
“I’m 100 percent sure that’s what she said,” Ballou said.
“She was looking right at it; she told me I’m in the system – looking right at it that you’re showing positive.”
Ballou’s problem is probably the same as yours, he wonders how he can trust the numbers coming out of the state if he’s being counted positive without actually taking a test. (Stories about inflated numbers of deaths being attributed to COVID-19 are becoming all too common.)
“I said, ‘I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s wrong,'” Ballou said.
“I’m just another number when I’m not.”
According to WSMV, Ballou provided three phone numbers to the station where he said the calls came from. All three trace back to workers with the Tennessee Department of Health, WSMV reported.
Ballou told the station he was told by the state that the calls were made to him by a third-party contractor.
The health department told WSMV it’s investigating the case.
“I can also tell you there is no concern with our count of cases in regard to our reporting of those who test positive,” a spokeswoman said in a statement, according to WSMV. “Those entries are based on lab results, not on information provided from the monitoring team.”
Ballou’s case might be unusual, but it’s not alone.
As WWSB-TV in Sarasota, Florida, reported Friday, Florida resident Mindy Clark said she also had received a phone call informing her she’d tested positive for the coronavirus when she had never been tested at all.
Clark said she had driven to a drive-thru testing site, but left the line before she got swabbed because she realized it was supposed to only be for those who were showing potential sympoms.
In an interview with WWSB, Jay Wolfson, a professor of health and medicine at the University of South Florida, said that might have been caused by a quirk in the testing. Motorists in line at some drive-thru testing sites are registered along with their vehicle’s place in line, he said. If one vehicle leaves before a test is administered, it could throw off results that follow.
“This is part of the testing mechanism problem. People are sitting in their cars, sometimes for hours, or standing in line, six feet apart sometimes for hours. You’re registered though, you’re number 15 in line, and you are Jay Wolfson,” he said. “If Jay Wolfson says he can’t wait any longer and he leaves, it will get number 15 and now get Rebecca Fernandez, who was standing behind him, and she tests positive, and then everyone from then on gets the wrong results. There has to be a better way to do this.”
That’s a different issue from Ballou’s, but clearly, mistakes are being made.
Cases like Brock Ballou’s, whether or not they end up in the official COVID-19 tallies, might not make that much of a difference in terms of the numbers — at least at the moment. However, it’s indicative of how our systems for reporting cases of the novel coronavirus simply haven’t evolved quickly enough to keep pace with the problem that we face.
The extrapolation that can be made in Ballou’s case, if his situation wasn’t a one-off mistake, is that contact tracers made the sloppy, lazy assumption there was a cluster of people with the novel coronavirus because those individuals came into contact with a single person.
You can imagine the problems this would create if these are the shortcuts we’re going to take. At the moment, the Tennessee Department of Health says it’s investigating — and hopefully, it will be public about the results. However, the fact that the story exists at all isn’t a good sign for our ability to accurately track this disease.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.