westernjournal--2020-10-09--After Success of ‘Game of Thrones,’ Hollywood Left Reportedly Seeks To Sexualize ‘Lord of the Rings’

The Hollywood left seems to be going salacious once again with its latest big-budget foray into the world of television fantasy .
According to sharp-eyed fan blog TheOneRing.net , recent hiring efforts reveal nudity and sexual content will likely have a place in Amazon Prime ’ s upcoming exclusive series set in the world J.R.R .
Tolkien ’ s “ The Lord of the Rings.
” Amazon Studios has officially hired former “ Game of Thrones ” writer Bryan Cogman and prominent News Zealand-based film “ intimacy coordinator ” Jennifer Ward-Lealand to the production team of “ Untitled Amazon Project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new Middle Earth original .
BGT Actors Models & Talent , the New Zealand casting agency responsible for staffing recently resumed on-location shoots for the show in Auckland , also released a public call for actors “ comfortable with nudity ” earlier this month .
“ BGT are currently on the search for talent who are comfortable with partial or full nudity , ” the agency wrote .
“ We are after all shapes , sizes and uniquely beautiful looks .
You ’ ll be needed for background extra and featured extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Auckland.
” The listing also guaranteed intimacy guidelines would be followed at all times on set .
Whether this means explicit sexual content will be featured in the untitled fantasy production remains unknown .
The inclusion of such content would , however , fall in line with top-down efforts to shift the programming emphasis at Amazon Studios in recent years .
According to Variety , corporation data analysts and senior management — Jeff Bezos included — began pushing in 2017 for studio chief Roy Price to focus on producing “ high-end drama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes out of analysis of the data and conversations among the leadership team , ” Price said .
“ We ’ ve been looking at the data for some time , and as a team we ’ re increasingly focused on the impact of the biggest shows .
It ’ s pretty evident that it takes big shows to move the needle.
” When pressed for examples , Price reportedly did not “ mince words ” with regard to his interest in producing content along the same lines as HBO ’ s hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a fantasy epic that held mainstream audiences for eight seasons , often leaning on gratuitous nudity and sexually explicit content .
“ ‘ I do think ‘ Game of Thrones ’ is to TV as ‘ Jaws ’ and ‘ Star Wars ’ was to the movies of the 1970s , ” Price said .
“ It ’ ll inspire a lot of people .
Everybody wants a big hit and certainly that ’ s the show of the moment in terms of being a model for a hit.
” With near-unrestricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a massive audience cultivated nearly two decades ago by Peter Jackson ’ s “ The Lord of the Rings ” film series , the potential certainly exists for Amazon to capitalize on creating the next “ Game of Thrones ” — particularly given the company ’ s willingness to spend upward of $ 1 billion producing the series .
However , such comparisons have fast become a point of concern for longtime “ Lord of the Rings ” fans , many of whom suggest the production should remain true to the refined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid by Middle Earth ’ s devoutly Catholic creator .
Evita Duffy of The Federalist led the charge on that front Friday , arguing Amazon Studios should resist misguided urges to “ imitate ‘ Game of Thrones ’ -type nudity and ‘ rapey ’ storylines ” in order to drive viewership .
Jackson ’ s original film adaptations of “ The Lord of the Rings ” had , for their part , grossed roughly $ 2.9 billion globally at the box office , Duffy pointed out .
“ We should fight for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
“ It is a remaining glimmer of hope in our otherwise bleak and God-less culture .
If the series becomes secularized and sexualized by the left , Tolkien fans should register their displeasure by not watching it .
Tolkien fans have an obligation to ‘ defend ’ the popular and culturally influential Tolkien legacy against , as he said , ‘ the malice of its enemies . '
” Tolkien himself held similar views about the moral preservation of his work , describing the greater body of stories set in Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in his letters , according to The New York Times .
Another letter cited in initial reports from TheOneRing.net also saw Tolkien suggesting to a correspondent that he “ had a mind to make a body of more or less connected legend ” that would “ be ‘ high ’ , purged of the gross , and fit for the more adult mind of a land long now steeped in poetry.
” The Western Journal reached out to Amazon Studios for comment , but did not immediately receive a response .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Hollywood left seems to be going salacious once again with its latest big-budget foray into the world of television fantasy.
According to sharp-eyed fan blog TheOneRing.net, recent hiring efforts reveal nudity and sexual content will likely have a place in Amazon Prime’s upcoming exclusive series set in the world J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”
Amazon Studios has officially hired former “Game of Thrones” writer Bryan Cogman and prominent News Zealand-based film “intimacy coordinator” Jennifer Ward-Lealand to the production team of “Untitled Amazon Project” — a recently exposed code-name for the new Middle Earth original.
BGT Actors Models & Talent, the New Zealand casting agency responsible for staffing recently resumed on-location shoots for the show in Auckland, also released a public call for actors “comfortable with nudity” earlier this month.
“BGT are currently on the search for talent who are comfortable with partial or full nudity,” the agency wrote. “We are after all shapes, sizes and uniquely beautiful looks. You’ll be needed for background extra and featured extra work on an upcoming TV production shooting in Auckland.”
The listing also guaranteed intimacy guidelines would be followed at all times on set.
Whether this means explicit sexual content will be featured in the untitled fantasy production remains unknown.
Do you think Hollywood should produce more wholesome content? 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: 98% (124 Votes) No: 2% (2 Votes)
The inclusion of such content would, however, fall in line with top-down efforts to shift the programming emphasis at Amazon Studios in recent years.
According to Variety, corporation data analysts and senior management — Jeff Bezos included — began pushing in 2017 for studio chief Roy Price to focus on producing “high-end drama series with global appeal.”
“It comes out of analysis of the data and conversations among the leadership team,” Price said. “We’ve been looking at the data for some time, and as a team we’re increasingly focused on the impact of the biggest shows. It’s pretty evident that it takes big shows to move the needle.”
When pressed for examples, Price reportedly did not “mince words” with regard to his interest in producing content along the same lines as HBO’s hit series, “Game of Thrones” — a fantasy epic that held mainstream audiences for eight seasons, often leaning on gratuitous nudity and sexually explicit content.
“‘I do think ‘Game of Thrones’ is to TV as ‘Jaws’ and ‘Star Wars’ was to the movies of the 1970s,” Price said.
“It’ll inspire a lot of people. Everybody wants a big hit and certainly that’s the show of the moment in terms of being a model for a hit.”
“The mandate from Jeff Bezos is clear: Bring me ‘Game of Thrones.'” https://t.co/IbwVqVcUM6 — Dylan Byers (@DylanByers) September 9, 2017
With near-unrestricted rights to Tolkien’s Middle Earth and a massive audience cultivated nearly two decades ago by Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” film series, the potential certainly exists for Amazon to capitalize on creating the next “Game of Thrones” — particularly given the company’s willingness to spend upward of $1 billion producing the series.
However, such comparisons have fast become a point of concern for longtime “Lord of the Rings” fans, many of whom suggest the production should remain true to the refined and wholesome “high fantasy” foundations laid by Middle Earth’s devoutly Catholic creator.
Evita Duffy of The Federalist led the charge on that front Friday, arguing Amazon Studios should resist misguided urges to “imitate ‘Game of Thrones’-type nudity and ‘rapey’ storylines” in order to drive viewership.
Jackson’s original film adaptations of “The Lord of the Rings” had, for their part, grossed roughly $2.9 billion globally at the box office, Duffy pointed out.
“We should fight for the world Tolkien created,” the writer added. “It is a remaining glimmer of hope in our otherwise bleak and God-less culture. If the series becomes secularized and sexualized by the left, Tolkien fans should register their displeasure by not watching it. Tolkien fans have an obligation to ‘defend’ the popular and culturally influential Tolkien legacy against, as he said, ‘the malice of its enemies.'”
Tolkien himself held similar views about the moral preservation of his work, describing the greater body of stories set in Middle Earth as “fundamentally religious and Catholic” in his letters, according to The New York Times.
Another letter cited in initial reports from TheOneRing.net also saw Tolkien suggesting to a correspondent that he “had a mind to make a body of more or less connected legend” that would “be ‘high’, purged of the gross, and fit for the more adult mind of a land long now steeped in poetry.”
The Western Journal reached out to Amazon Studios for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
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westernjournal--2020-10-09--Video: Dan Calabrese – Trump Will Still Be Trump, But He Needs To Learn a Few Things from Reagan

‘ Trump needs to defend his policies in the language of a man who believes in common working people.
’ @ @ @ @ @

Bradley Cooper's latest role has not gone down well with everyone, particularly with regard to his use of a prosthetic nose.


westernjournal--2020-10-09--Video: Communist China Mouthpiece – Taiwan’s Freedom a Blip in History, Will Soon ‘Come to an End’

This comes as the small island nation looks to the United States for help .
STORY : http : //w-j.co/s/cffdd


westernjournal--2020-10-09--Video: ICE Arrests Over 125 Illegal Immigrants Released Under CA Sanctuary Policies

Dan Bongino Announces It Looks Like He Has Lymphoma After Having Tumor Removed


westernjournal--2020-10-09--Exclusive from Kimberly Guilfoyle: Dems’ Rotten Stimulus ‘Deal’ Is a Bailout of Democrat-Run Cities

Exclusive from Kimberly Guilfoyle: Dems’ Rotten Stimulus ‘Deal’ Is a Bailout of Democrat-Run Cities and States

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her fellow Democrats thought they could bully Donald Trump into accepting their radical bailout scam — but the president will never accept a rotten deal for the American people .
Contrary to what liberal lawmakers say about their $ 2.4 trillion stimulus monstrosity , the hyperpartisan legislation passed by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives is not a good-faith effort to provide relief , but a strong-arm tactic by a political bully .
Despite being dubbed a “ compromise ” by the left , the bill is actually a bloated bailout fund for failing Democrat-run cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollars in wasteful spending that could and should be put to better use .
The Democrats , however , have long abided by the motto “ never let a crisis go to waste ” — and for Pelosi , the coronavirus pandemic was the biggest crisis ( and hence the biggest political opportunity ) of the century .
When the president himself fell ill , she moved quickly to capitalize on the news .
TRENDING : Joe Biden : I Wan na See These Young Ladies Dance When They 're 4 Years Older @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had tested positive for COVID-19 , Pelosi viewed it as a chance to bulldoze her political opposition , publicly suggesting , with evident glee , that Republicans should abandon their principles and accept the Democrats ’ proposal without modification .
“ Maybe now that people who see the president of the United States with all the protection that he has , and the first lady , still having this exposure , it might be … a learning experience , ” Pelosi said at the time .
“ But more than learning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acted upon.
” Of course , Pelosi gravely underestimated the president ’ s resolve and commitment to American workers .
Not long after he returned to the White House , Donald Trump called the Democrats out for their sleazy negotiation tactics , declaring that he would not participate in negotiations with an adversary who was not willing to negotiate in good faith .
“ Nancy Pelosi is asking for $ 2.4 Trillion Dollars to bailout poorly run , high crime , Democrat States , money that is in no way related to COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made a very generous offer of $ 1.6 Trillion Dollars and , as usual , she is not negotiating in good faith .
I am rejecting their request , and looking to the future of our Country.
” After letting the Democrats stew over that overnight , the president offered lawmakers an opportunity to get around the impasse by passing the critical elements of the stimulus package — measures that enjoy significant bipartisan support , such as reviving the Paycheck Protection Program and protecting tens of thousands of airline jobs — as standalone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Stand Alone Bill for Stimulus Checks ( $ 1,200 ) , they will go out to our great people IMMEDIATELY , ” the President wrote in a follow-up tweet .
“ I am ready to sign right now .
Are you listening Nancy ?
” RELATED : 'Make Talk Shows Great Again ' : Trump Campaign Launches Competitor to 'The View' If the Democrats truly believe in helping American workers and businesses weather the coronavirus pandemic , nothing is preventing them from immediately backing the president ’ s plan , especially since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies he is promoting .
Instead of insisting on a comprehensive proposal that is saturated with irrelevant partisan initiatives , Congress could seize the opportunity to provide economic relief to those who need it most .
“ The House & Senate should IMMEDIATELY Approve 25 Billion Dollars for Airline Payroll Support , & 135 Billion Dollars for Paycheck Protection Program for Small Business , ” the president wrote in another tweet , adding that “ Both of these will be fully paid for with unused funds from the Cares Act.
” The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaction from investors and entrepreneurs — the stock market rallied after his remarks , with the Dow soaring by over 500 points .
It ’ s a strong signal that congressional Democrats should put politics aside and do what seemingly everybody agrees needs to be done .
Donald Trump will never accept a bad deal simply to get a deal done , and it ’ s about time that Speaker Pelosi learns that lesson .
Did you know that The Western Journal now publishes some content in Spanish as well as English , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read this article on The Western Journal en Español !
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 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her fellow Democrats thought they could bully Donald Trump into accepting their radical bailout scam — but the president will never accept a rotten deal for the American people.
Contrary to what liberal lawmakers say about their $2.4 trillion stimulus monstrosity, the hyperpartisan legislation passed by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives is not a good-faith effort to provide relief, but a strong-arm tactic by a political bully.
Despite being dubbed a “compromise” by the left, the bill is actually a bloated bailout fund for failing Democrat-run cities and states, packed with billions of dollars in wasteful spending that could and should be put to better use.
The Democrats, however, have long abided by the motto “never let a crisis go to waste” — and for Pelosi, the coronavirus pandemic was the biggest crisis (and hence the biggest political opportunity) of the century.
When the president himself fell ill, she moved quickly to capitalize on the news.
Just hours after President Trump announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19, Pelosi viewed it as a chance to bulldoze her political opposition, publicly suggesting, with evident glee, that Republicans should abandon their principles and accept the Democrats’ proposal without modification.
“Maybe now that people who see the president of the United States with all the protection that he has, and the first lady, still having this exposure, it might be … a learning experience,” Pelosi said at the time. “But more than learning, it has to be something that is acted upon.”
Of course, Pelosi gravely underestimated the president’s resolve and commitment to American workers.
Do you think President Trump has been a strong negotiator during the coronavirus pandemic? 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% (2173 Votes) No: 1% (31 Votes)
Not long after he returned to the White House, Donald Trump called the Democrats out for their sleazy negotiation tactics, declaring that he would not participate in negotiations with an adversary who was not willing to negotiate in good faith.
“Nancy Pelosi is asking for $2.4 Trillion Dollars to bailout poorly run, high crime, Democrat States, money that is in no way related to COVID-19,” he tweeted.
“We made a very generous offer of $1.6 Trillion Dollars and, as usual, she is not negotiating in good faith. I am rejecting their request, and looking to the future of our Country.”
After letting the Democrats stew over that overnight, the president offered lawmakers an opportunity to get around the impasse by passing the critical elements of the stimulus package — measures that enjoy significant bipartisan support, such as reviving the Paycheck Protection Program and protecting tens of thousands of airline jobs — as standalone bills.
“If I am sent a Stand Alone Bill for Stimulus Checks ($1,200), they will go out to our great people IMMEDIATELY,” the President wrote in a follow-up tweet. “I am ready to sign right now. Are you listening Nancy?”
If I am sent a Stand Alone Bill for Stimulus Checks ($1,200), they will go out to our great people IMMEDIATELY. I am ready to sign right now. Are you listening Nancy? @MarkMeadows @senatemajldr @kevinomccarthy @SpeakerPelosi @SenSchumer — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2020
If the Democrats truly believe in helping American workers and businesses weather the coronavirus pandemic, nothing is preventing them from immediately backing the president’s plan, especially since they have themselves expressed support for the policies he is promoting.
Instead of insisting on a comprehensive proposal that is saturated with irrelevant partisan initiatives, Congress could seize the opportunity to provide economic relief to those who need it most.
“The House & Senate should IMMEDIATELY Approve 25 Billion Dollars for Airline Payroll Support, & 135 Billion Dollars for Paycheck Protection Program for Small Business,” the president wrote in another tweet, adding that “Both of these will be fully paid for with unused funds from the Cares Act.”
The House & Senate should IMMEDIATELY Approve 25 Billion Dollars for Airline Payroll Support, & 135 Billion Dollars for Paycheck Protection Program for Small Business. Both of these will be fully paid for with unused funds from the Cares Act. Have this money. I will sign now! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2020
The president’s unexpected offer received a warm reaction from investors and entrepreneurs — the stock market rallied after his remarks, with the Dow soaring by over 500 points.
It’s a strong signal that congressional Democrats should put politics aside and do what seemingly everybody agrees needs to be done.
Donald Trump will never accept a bad deal simply to get a deal done, and it’s about time that Speaker Pelosi learns that lesson.
Did you know that The Western Journal now publishes some content in Spanish as well as English, for international audiences? Click here to read this article on The Western Journal en Español!
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.
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--2020-10-09--Video: CNN Reporter Attacked by Raccoon Outside White House


westernjournal--2020-10-09--Fox Bans Trump Adviser Over What He Said About Kamala Harris During Debate

Even if she ’ s a politician , there are just some things you don ’ t say about a woman .
Political consultant Harlan Hill found that out when he was banned from returning as a guest on Fox News for his tweet about Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris .
Harris sparred with Republican incumbent Vice President Mike Pence in a debate Wednesday night at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City , and Hill let everyone on social media know exactly what he thought of her performance .
“ Kamala Harris comes off as such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s just true , ” he tweeted .
WARNING : Some of the following tweets contain language that some viewers will find offensive .
According to Business Insider , Fox made it clear that Hill — a member of the advisory board to President Donald Trump ’ s re-election campaign , according to his bio — would not be welcome back on the air because of his remark .
“ We have no intention of booking him as a guest on any of our platforms , ” the company said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also pointing out that Hill had not appeared on Fox News this year and was not paid for past bookings .
By the time Fox responded , Hill already had been chastised by a Twitter mob , many of whom accused him of being intimidated by a strong woman or other such nonsense .
RELATED : Left Wing Group Desperately Tries To Capitalize on Lame Harris Quote from VP Debate Hill certainly didn ’ t have second thoughts about what he said as he reshared his message just a few minutes after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t think it was possible for someone to be less likable than @ HillaryClinton , but here we are… ” Hill was right that Harris was shrill , sophomoric , deceitful and manipulative and that her debate performance was just abysmal — and few could dispute the Clinton comparison .
Many viewers indeed found Harris abrasive , condescending and unlikable , so the spirit of the tweet was spot on — but his message would have resonated more had he walked back his use of the B-word and stuck to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his incendiary language toward former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s running mate , Hill doubled down the very next day .
“ Good morning !
Kamala Harris still sucks and comes off as a b—- , ” Hill tweeted Thursday morning .
Asked by Mediaite if the tweet went too far , he responded , “ I said what everyone is thinking… wow this is a miracle , someone less likable than Hillary Clinton !
” Hill also appeared on “ The National Pulse ” Thursday to discuss the controversy that had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed to have been on Fox “ hundreds of times ” in the past five years , he said he was cut loose by the network and attacked on social media for something those on the left routinely get away with saying .
“ You could literally throw a stone at the MSNBC bureau over on Capitol Hill and you ’ ll hit someone that has called Trump ‘ Hitler , ’ a ‘ Nazi , ’ all kinds of nasty names on Twitter , and there ’ s zero consequence for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raheem Kassam , comparing the row over his single Harris tweet to the way the media habitually attack President Donald Trump .
Hill maintained that his tweet was “ hyperbole ” but said he found Harris “ abrasive and nasty , and rude to the vice president , and she did lie repeatedly , repeatedly , to the American people and to the moderator.
” Although the merits of Hill ’ s arguments are certainly valid , there is no excuse to use that particular profanity against a female candidate to make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just because the left does it all the time — who can forget what Samantha Bee called Trump ’ s daughter and adviser , Ivanka ?
— doesn ’ t mean the right has to stoop just as low .
There are plenty of other things to call the senator that don ’ t have a sexist connotation or even a single profanity : radical , unhinged , dishonest , opportunistic , dangerous and insufferable , just to name a few .
Instead , Hill chose to land a low blow and continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has hurt his reputation and credibility .
As a woman who writes right-leaning political commentary , I ’ m not suggesting that females are too fragile to compete with men in the political arena ( if they can ’ t hack it , they should choose another profession ) .
On the contrary , it makes me cringe when leftist women fan themselves and call for their smelling salts like Aunt Pittypat in “ Gone with the Wind ” whenever one of their political opponents hurls a well-deserved barb at them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to factual criticism is preferable to ad hominem attacks , especially when they ’ re lazily constructed and merely employ schoolyard profanity .
Sure , the left does it all the time , but we ’ re so much better than that .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Even if she’s a politician, there are just some things you don’t say about a woman.
Political consultant Harlan Hill found that out when he was banned from returning as a guest on Fox News for his tweet about Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris.
Harris sparred with Republican incumbent Vice President Mike Pence in a debate Wednesday night at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, and Hill let everyone on social media know exactly what he thought of her performance.
“Kamala Harris comes off as such an insufferable lying b—-. Sorry, it’s just true,” he tweeted.
WARNING: Some of the following tweets contain language that some viewers will find offensive.
Kamala Harris comes off as such an insufferable lying bitch. Sorry, it’s just true. — HARLAN Z. HILL ?? (@Harlan) October 8, 2020
According to Business Insider, Fox made it clear that Hill — a member of the advisory board to President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, according to his bio — would not be welcome back on the air because of his remark.
Was Fox News right to ban Harlan Hill for what he said about Sen. Kamala Harris? 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: 10% (156 Votes) No: 90% (1413 Votes)
“We have no intention of booking him as a guest on any of our platforms,” the company said in a statement to the news outlet, also pointing out that Hill had not appeared on Fox News this year and was not paid for past bookings.
By the time Fox responded, Hill already had been chastised by a Twitter mob, many of whom accused him of being intimidated by a strong woman or other such nonsense.
Don’t apologize to us. Apologize to the women in your life. — Joe Lockhart (@joelockhart) October 8, 2020
Here’s another small man who is intimidated by strong women. #KamalaWonTheDebate — Colleen Wharff (@ColleenWharff) October 8, 2020
Such a disgusting, little man. Pathetic. — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) October 8, 2020
Where’s your mom?? — Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) October 8, 2020
BREAKING: Area white man uncomfortable around strong Black women. — Jedi, Interrupted ?? (@JediCounselor) October 8, 2020
Hill certainly didn’t have second thoughts about what he said as he reshared his message just a few minutes after the first tweet, adding, “I didn’t think it was possible for someone to be less likable than @HillaryClinton, but here we are…”
I didn’t think it was possible for someone to be less likable than @HillaryClinton, but here we are… https://t.co/QdxZnh5LyL — HARLAN Z. HILL ?? (@Harlan) October 8, 2020
Hill was right that Harris was shrill, sophomoric, deceitful and manipulative and that her debate performance was just abysmal — and few could dispute the Clinton comparison.
Many viewers indeed found Harris abrasive, condescending and unlikable, so the spirit of the tweet was spot on — but his message would have resonated more had he walked back his use of the B-word and stuck to the issues.
Still, instead of rethinking his incendiary language toward former Vice President Joe Biden’s running mate, Hill doubled down the very next day.
“Good morning! Kamala Harris still sucks and comes off as a b—-,” Hill tweeted Thursday morning.
Good morning! Kamala Harris still sucks and comes off as a bitch. — HARLAN Z. HILL ?? (@Harlan) October 8, 2020
Asked by Mediaite if the tweet went too far, he responded, “I said what everyone is thinking… wow this is a miracle, someone less likable than Hillary Clinton!”
Hill also appeared on “The National Pulse” Thursday to discuss the controversy that had him trending on Twitter.
Although he claimed to have been on Fox “hundreds of times” in the past five years, he said he was cut loose by the network and attacked on social media for something those on the left routinely get away with saying.
“You could literally throw a stone at the MSNBC bureau over on Capitol Hill and you’ll hit someone that has called Trump ‘Hitler,’ a ‘Nazi,’ all kinds of nasty names on Twitter, and there’s zero consequence for them,” Hill told host and editor-in-chief Raheem Kassam, comparing the row over his single Harris tweet to the way the media habitually attack President Donald Trump.
Hill maintained that his tweet was “hyperbole” but said he found Harris “abrasive and nasty, and rude to the vice president, and she did lie repeatedly, repeatedly, to the American people and to the moderator.”
Although the merits of Hill’s arguments are certainly valid, there is no excuse to use that particular profanity against a female candidate to make the point — even one like Harris.
Just because the left does it all the time — who can forget what Samantha Bee called Trump’s daughter and adviser, Ivanka? — doesn’t mean the right has to stoop just as low.
There are plenty of other things to call the senator that don’t have a sexist connotation or even a single profanity: radical, unhinged, dishonest, opportunistic, dangerous and insufferable, just to name a few.
Instead, Hill chose to land a low blow and continue to run with it, even as it has hurt his reputation and credibility.
As a woman who writes right-leaning political commentary, I’m not suggesting that females are too fragile to compete with men in the political arena (if they can’t hack it, they should choose another profession).
On the contrary, it makes me cringe when leftist women fan themselves and call for their smelling salts like Aunt Pittypat in “Gone with the Wind” whenever one of their political opponents hurls a well-deserved barb at them.
What I am saying is that sticking to factual criticism is preferable to ad hominem attacks, especially when they’re lazily constructed and merely employ schoolyard profanity.
Sure, the left does it all the time, but we’re so much better than that.
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--2020-10-09--Video: Biden Surrogate Calls Pandemic That Killed 1000s ‘God’s Gift to the Left’

Will the Biden campaign comment on this at all ?
STORY : http : //w-j.co/s/fdfda


westernjournal--2020-10-09--‘Why Can’t the President Just Say Stop?’ Because Alleged Thug Behind Whitmer Plot Called POTUS the ‘

‘Why Can’t the President Just Say Stop?’ Because Alleged Thug Behind Whitmer Plot Called POTUS the ‘Enemy’

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , gunning for a total win in the impending election , was quick to link President Donald Trump to an extremist plot in Michigan that would have seen the governor kidnapped .
Biden essentially implored the president to call off terrorists shortly after it was revealed that the FBI had foiled a plot to abduct Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer .
“ I just think it ’ s got to stop .
The president ’ s got to realize the words he utter matter , ” Biden said Thursday , according to NBC News .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just say stop ?
Stop .
Stop .
Stop .
And we will pursue you if you don ’ t , so stop.
” Disregarding the fact that the public only knows about this plot because of federal law enforcement ’ s pursuit of the case , there is another major problem with Biden ’ s suggestion that Trump “ just say stop ” to extremists .
At least one of those alleged extremists doesn ’ t consider the president a friend .
Brandon Caserta , an alleged ringleader of the plot , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called him an “ enemy , ” and made social media posts to convince others of his anti-government views .
“ Trump is not your friend , dude , ” Caserta said in one video .
“ It amazes me that people actually like believe that , when he ’ s shown over and over and over again that he ’ s a tyrant .
Every single person that works for government is your enemy.
” Does that sound like someone who will listen to a call to disarm from Donald Trump himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background — this appears to be a man whose mind is already made up when it comes to any authority .
Despite facts pointing to the president ’ s innocence , Whitmer was quick to heap accusations on Trump , saying that his words acted as a “ rallying cry ” for extremists .
“ When our leaders speak , their words matter , ” the Democratic governor said Thursday .
“ They carry weight .
When our leaders meet , encourage or fraternize with domestic terrorists , they legitimize their actions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scully 's Account Deleted , Posts Purged After Excuse for Consulting with Anti-Trumper Falls Apart “ When they stoke and contribute to hate speech , they are complicit.
” Although the president has been critical of Whitmer ’ s unconstitutional response to COVID-19 , he has never called for harm against the governor .
Regardless , Trump is still being criticized for failing to call off alleged extremist forces who not only do not answer to him , but who , in at least one case , consider anyone in his office the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Trump , though , don ’ t expect something as trivial as facts to make an appearance this close to the election .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, gunning for a total win in the impending election, was quick to link President Donald Trump to an extremist plot in Michigan that would have seen the governor kidnapped.
Biden essentially implored the president to call off terrorists shortly after it was revealed that the FBI had foiled a plot to abduct Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“I just think it’s got to stop. The president’s got to realize the words he utter matter,” Biden said Thursday, according to NBC News. “Why can’t the president just say stop? Stop. Stop. Stop. And we will pursue you if you don’t, so stop.”
Disregarding the fact that the public only knows about this plot because of federal law enforcement’s pursuit of the case, there is another major problem with Biden’s suggestion that Trump “just say stop” to extremists.
At least one of those alleged extremists doesn’t consider the president a friend.
Brandon Caserta, an alleged ringleader of the plot, was so hostile toward Trump that he called him an “enemy,” and made social media posts to convince others of his anti-government views.
“Trump is not your friend, dude,” Caserta said in one video.
“It amazes me that people actually like believe that, when he’s shown over and over and over again that he’s a tyrant. Every single person that works for government is your enemy.”
Wow! This is big. Brandon Caserta, one of the ringleaders of the group of men arrested for a plot where the group planned to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, hated President Trump too! “Trump is not your friend dude” He says Trump is “a tyrant” & calls President Trump an “enemy”. pic.twitter.com/T5paEeTkiJ — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) October 8, 2020
Does that sound like someone who will listen to a call to disarm from Donald Trump himself?
Note the anarchist flag in the background — this appears to be a man whose mind is already made up when it comes to any authority.
Despite facts pointing to the president’s innocence, Whitmer was quick to heap accusations on Trump, saying that his words acted as a “rallying cry” for extremists.
“When our leaders speak, their words matter,” the Democratic governor said Thursday. “They carry weight. When our leaders meet, encourage or fraternize with domestic terrorists, they legitimize their actions and they are complicit.
“When they stoke and contribute to hate speech, they are complicit.”
Although the president has been critical of Whitmer’s unconstitutional response to COVID-19, he has never called for harm against the governor.
Regardless, Trump is still being criticized for failing to call off alleged extremist forces who not only do not answer to him, but who, in at least one case, consider anyone in his office the enemy.
When it comes to attacks on Trump, though, don’t expect something as trivial as facts to make an appearance this close to the election.
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westernjournal--2020-10-09--‘Beatles’ Terrorists Accused of Kidnapping, Beheading Americans for ISIS Plead Not Guilty

Two British men charged with helping the Islamic State group carry out executions and ransom negotiations for Western hostages pleaded not guilty on Friday in a federal court .
El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey are identified by authorities as two of four men dubbed “ the Beatles ” by hostages on account of their British accents .
They were indicted this week in U.S. District Court in Alexandria , Virginia , on charges including hostage-taking resulting in death and providing material support to terrorists .
The indictment charges the men in connection with the deaths of four American hostages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and aid workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller — as well as European and Japanese nationals who were also held captive .
At a brief hearing on Friday in the court just outside Washington , D.C. , the two men pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial .
No trial date was set after both men waived their right to a speedy trial because of the case ’ s complexity .
A hearing was set for Jan. 15 to set a trial date .
The men appeared for both hearings via video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing green jail jumpsuits .
The men were transferred from American military custody to stand trial in civilian court after the United Kingdom agreed to share evidence it had on the men .
The information was shared only after U.S. Attorney General William Barr promised that the men wouldn ’ t face the death penalty .
Five of the eight counts each man faces carry a mandatory minimum life prison sentence if convicted .
The charges capped a years-long effort by U.S. authorities to bring to justice suspected members of the group known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , journalists and other hostages in Syria .
Elsheikh and Kotey have been held since October 2019 in American military custody .
They were captured in Syria one year before that by the U.S.-supported Syrian Democratic Forces .
Prosecutor Dennis Fitzpatrick said some of the evidence in the case is classified , which will require some pretrial hearings to be closed to the public to sort out how that evidence will be handled .
“ This involves a long investigation involving multiple countries , ” Fitzpatrick said when asked about the volume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The indictment characterizes Kotey and Elsheikh , both of whom prosecutors say were radicalized in London and left for Syria in 2012 , as “ leading participants in a brutal hostage-taking scheme ” that targeted victims with mock executions , shocks with tasers , physical restraints and other brutal acts .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Two British men charged with helping the Islamic State group carry out executions and ransom negotiations for Western hostages pleaded not guilty on Friday in a federal court.
El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey are identified by authorities as two of four men dubbed “the Beatles” by hostages on account of their British accents.
They were indicted this week in U.S. District Court in Alexandria, Virginia, on charges including hostage-taking resulting in death and providing material support to terrorists.
The indictment charges the men in connection with the deaths of four American hostages — journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and aid workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller — as well as European and Japanese nationals who were also held captive.
At a brief hearing on Friday in the court just outside Washington, D.C., the two men pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial.
No trial date was set after both men waived their right to a speedy trial because of the case’s complexity.
A hearing was set for Jan. 15 to set a trial date.
The men appeared for both hearings via video from the Alexandria jail, handcuffed and wearing green jail jumpsuits.
The men were transferred from American military custody to stand trial in civilian court after the United Kingdom agreed to share evidence it had on the men.
Do you think these men will be convicted? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 95% (18 Votes) No: 5% (1 Votes)
The information was shared only after U.S. Attorney General William Barr promised that the men wouldn’t face the death penalty.
Five of the eight counts each man faces carry a mandatory minimum life prison sentence if convicted.
The charges capped a years-long effort by U.S. authorities to bring to justice suspected members of the group known for beheadings and barbaric treatment of aid workers, journalists and other hostages in Syria.
Elsheikh and Kotey have been held since October 2019 in American military custody. They were captured in Syria one year before that by the U.S.-supported Syrian Democratic Forces.
Prosecutor Dennis Fitzpatrick said some of the evidence in the case is classified, which will require some pretrial hearings to be closed to the public to sort out how that evidence will be handled.
“This involves a long investigation involving multiple countries,” Fitzpatrick said when asked about the volume of evidence that must be weighed.
The indictment characterizes Kotey and Elsheikh, both of whom prosecutors say were radicalized in London and left for Syria in 2012, as “leading participants in a brutal hostage-taking scheme” that targeted victims with mock executions, shocks with tasers, physical restraints and other brutal acts.
[jwplayer M8auRrD6]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-10-09--Video: Rioters Smash Windows of Businesses and Homes After District Attorney’s Decision

One resident came out of his home to confront the rioters .
STORY : http : //w-j.co/s/2dfb7


westernjournal--2020-10-09--Video: Reports – China Censored Mike Pence’s Debate Comments but Not Kamala Harris’


westernjournal--2020-10-09--Mike Huckabee: Don’t Be Fooled by the Euphemisms – Biden and Harris Are Abortion Extremists

One of the key issues that both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris keep dodging is their support for abortion rights up to the moment of birth and horrifically , even beyond .
This is the barbaric practice of denying the basic civil right of life-saving medical care to a baby born during a “ botched abortion ” ( the only medical procedure that ’ s considered a failure if the patient lives ) .
There used to be a place in the party for pro-life Democrats , but no longer .
The leaders have made it clear that if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the point of obvious infanticide , you no longer belong .
To hide the barbarism of this viewpoint , they obscure what ’ s really happening with fuzzy , meaningless euphemisms , like “ the right to choose ” or the shockingly dishonest “ reproductive justice ” ( where is the justice in murdering the most innocent human beings on earth ? )
In Kamala Harris ’ California , authorities even try to prosecute and imprison reporters for exposing what abortionists are actually doing .
As bad as promoting this heartless position is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they try to accuse the pro-life side of not caring about the mothers or the children after they ’ re born .
Pro-life organizations offer all sorts of humane alternatives to abortion to help women who feel they can ’ t keep their children , including providing them with medical care , counseling and adoption services .
Believing that human life is expendable and that if a baby is inconvenient , it should be ripped to shreds and killed displays a stunning lack of compassion .
If you want a heartbreaking personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Amanda Finnefrock , the mother of twins born prematurely who were left to struggle and fight for their lives for up to two and a half hours before they died because the hospital denied them care .
Finnefrock calls President Trump ’ s executive order insuring that federally funded facilities comply with federal laws requiring medical care for all newborns “ a glimmer of hope.
” After reading this , when you watch something like this week ’ s VP debate and see a defender of late-term and even post-birth abortion try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead accuse Trump of lacking compassion , you will want to throw your shoe at the screen .
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 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

One of the key issues that both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris keep dodging is their support for abortion rights up to the moment of birth and horrifically, even beyond.
This is the barbaric practice of denying the basic civil right of life-saving medical care to a baby born during a “botched abortion” (the only medical procedure that’s considered a failure if the patient lives).
There used to be a place in the party for pro-life Democrats, but no longer. The leaders have made it clear that if you don’t embrace abortion up to the point of obvious infanticide, you no longer belong.
To hide the barbarism of this viewpoint, they obscure what’s really happening with fuzzy, meaningless euphemisms, like “the right to choose” or the shockingly dishonest “reproductive justice” (where is the justice in murdering the most innocent human beings on earth?)
In Kamala Harris’ California, authorities even try to prosecute and imprison reporters for exposing what abortionists are actually doing.
As bad as promoting this heartless position is, it’s even more infuriating when they try to accuse the pro-life side of not caring about the mothers or the children after they’re born.
Pro-life organizations offer all sorts of humane alternatives to abortion to help women who feel they can’t keep their children, including providing them with medical care, counseling and adoption services.
Believing that human life is expendable and that if a baby is inconvenient, it should be ripped to shreds and killed displays a stunning lack of compassion.
If you want a heartbreaking personal example of this, read this story about Amanda Finnefrock, the mother of twins born prematurely who were left to struggle and fight for their lives for up to two and a half hours before they died because the hospital denied them care.
Do you think Biden and Harris are extremists on abortion? 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% (51 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
Finnefrock calls President Trump’s executive order insuring that federally funded facilities comply with federal laws requiring medical care for all newborns “a glimmer of hope.”
After reading this, when you watch something like this week’s VP debate and see a defender of late-term and even post-birth abortion try to obscure what that really means and instead accuse Trump of lacking compassion, you will want to throw your shoe at the screen.
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--2020-10-09--Whitmer Blamed Trump for Kidnapping Plot, but Here’s What the Accused Men Actually Said About Him

President Donald Trump was immediately connected to an alleged criminal plot to kidnap Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday by Democrats and the establishment media .
The establishment media has a tried-and-true formula for trying to link the president to controversies .
You knew they ’ d go there with this one .
Tresa Baldas and Paul Egan of the Detroit Free Press reported , “ The Wolverine Watchmen militia group didn ’ t just plot to kidnap Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , but they were on a mission to attack the state Capitol and target police officers at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mission to instigate a civil war , authorities said Thursday in announcing felony charges against 13 militia members accused in a sensational case of domestic terrorism.
” That opening sentence was the first clue that the alleged plot to create chaos by using violence had nothing to do with the president or his supporters .
Trump supporters didn ’ t spend the summer shooting at police officers or charging public officials with defunding their agencies .
Still , the establishment media and even Whitmer blamed the president for the FBI arrests .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the alleged kidnapping attempt headlined , “ Trump Keeps Inciting Domestic Terrorism.
” Esquire published a piece titled , “ Donald Trump Is Ramping Up as a Public Menace , ” in which the publication ’ s Jack Holmes concluded the president is “ fueling a dangerous political environment.
” The majority of the rest of the complicit media was more subtle , but the narrative was born : Trump was to blame for the plot to kidnap the governor .
Whitmer also blamed the president and used the establishment media ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ’ s fabricated Trump controversy following the debate debacle with moderator Chris Wallace .
“ Just last week , the president of the United States stood before the American people and refused to condemn white supremacists and hate groups like these two Michigan militia groups , ” Whitmer said at a news conference Thursday .
“ ‘ Stand back and stand by , ’ he told them .
Stand back and stand by .
Hate groups heard the president ’ s words not as a rebuke but as a rallying cry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
RELATED : Steve Scully 's Account Deleted , Posts Purged After Excuse for Consulting with Anti-Trumper Falls Apart Of course , the pretext for Whitmer ’ s rambling statement was false , as was every other word she uttered afterward with regard to blaming the president .
Let ’ s take a look at one of the alleged Michigan plotters whom the media has connected to Trump .
Brandon Caserta was among those 13 men arrested in the alleged plot , the New York Post reported .
It doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see that he is no fan of Trump .
In fact , Caserta seems to be an anarchist — and in a video reportedly posted by him online , he called the president a “ tyrant.
” In one of them , the man identified as Caserta said of the president , “ Trump is not your friend , dude.
” The words were uttered with an anarchist flag displayed on the wall behind him .
Caserta added , “ It amazes me that people actually , like , believe that when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over again that he ’ s a tyrant .
Every single person that works for government is your enemy , dude.
” In another video shared by Starbuck , Caserta directly implicated police officers as “ order followers ” who are not looking to protect citizens .
Starbuck shared other videos posted by the alleged plot ringleader the media connected to Trump : The conservative commentator also unearthed videos he said were posted by other men arrested in the Michigan plot .
A Justice Department news release shows Caserta was arrested on federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Croft , Ty Garbin , Kaleb Franks and Daniel Harris .
Those facing state charges are Musico , Paul Bellar , Shawn Fix , Eric Molitor , Joseph Morrison , Michael Null and William Null , according to the Free Press .
The rhetoric of Conserta and Musico certainly doesn ’ t seem to align with the majority of those in Trump ’ s pro-law enforcement base , and the men , if it is them , even disavow the Trump doctrine for the entire world to see .
They appear to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , that doesn ’ t matter to Whitmer , her fellow Democrats and the establishment media as they are busy building another false case against Trump .
The president was forced by yet another bogus narrative to defend himself Thursday .
By now , we know that the establishment media and Democrats have no low with regard to where they ’ ll go to harm the president , but this one seems to be a real stretch .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump was immediately connected to an alleged criminal plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday by Democrats and the establishment media.
The establishment media has a tried-and-true formula for trying to link the president to controversies.
You knew they’d go there with this one.
Tresa Baldas and Paul Egan of the Detroit Free Press reported, “The Wolverine Watchmen militia group didn’t just plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but they were on a mission to attack the state Capitol and target police officers at their homes as part of a broader mission to instigate a civil war, authorities said Thursday in announcing felony charges against 13 militia members accused in a sensational case of domestic terrorism.”
That opening sentence was the first clue that the alleged plot to create chaos by using violence had nothing to do with the president or his supporters.
Trump supporters didn’t spend the summer shooting at police officers or charging public officials with defunding their agencies.
Still, the establishment media and even Whitmer blamed the president for the FBI arrests.
The Nation wrote a story in the wake of the alleged kidnapping attempt headlined, “Trump Keeps Inciting Domestic Terrorism.”
Esquire published a piece titled, “Donald Trump Is Ramping Up as a Public Menace,” in which the publication’s Jack Holmes concluded the president is “fueling a dangerous political environment.”
Do you think the establishment media has lost its credibility during the Trump presidency? 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% (1240 Votes) No: 0% (3 Votes)
The majority of the rest of the complicit media was more subtle, but the narrative was born: Trump was to blame for the plot to kidnap the governor.
Whitmer also blamed the president and used the establishment media’s false white supremacy narrative from last week’s fabricated Trump controversy following the debate debacle with moderator Chris Wallace.
“Just last week, the president of the United States stood before the American people and refused to condemn white supremacists and hate groups like these two Michigan militia groups,” Whitmer said at a news conference Thursday.
“‘Stand back and stand by,’ he told them. Stand back and stand by. Hate groups heard the president’s words not as a rebuke but as a rallying cry, as a call to action,” she said.
Join us live in Lansing. https://t.co/wftm2A3sDy — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) October 8, 2020
Of course, the pretext for Whitmer’s rambling statement was false, as was every other word she uttered afterward with regard to blaming the president.
Let’s take a look at one of the alleged Michigan plotters whom the media has connected to Trump.
Brandon Caserta was among those 13 men arrested in the alleged plot, the New York Post reported.
It doesn’t take a lot of digging to see that he is no fan of Trump.
In fact, Caserta seems to be an anarchist — and in a video reportedly posted by him online, he called the president a “tyrant.”
Conservative commentator Robby Starbuck shared the video clips on Twitter.
In one of them, the man identified as Caserta said of the president, “Trump is not your friend, dude.”
Wow! This is big. Brandon Caserta, one of the ringleaders of the group of men arrested for a plot where the group planned to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, hated President Trump too! “Trump is not your friend dude” He says Trump is “a tyrant” & calls President Trump an “enemy”. pic.twitter.com/T5paEeTkiJ — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) October 8, 2020
The words were uttered with an anarchist flag displayed on the wall behind him.
Caserta added, “It amazes me that people actually, like, believe that when he’s shown over and over and over again that he’s a tyrant. Every single person that works for government is your enemy, dude.”
In another video shared by Starbuck, Caserta directly implicated police officers as “order followers” who are not looking to protect citizens.
This is a video of Brandon Caserta, one of the ringleaders of the group of men arrested for a plot where the group planned to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Caserta has an anarchist flag behind him and in YouTube videos trashes police. He’s not a Republican, he’s an anarchist. pic.twitter.com/J1vE2qGYL7 — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) October 8, 2020
Starbuck shared other videos posted by the alleged plot ringleader the media connected to Trump:
More on the ideology of one of the men who was busted by the FBI for a plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. In this video he poses in front of an anarchist flag to tell people that the Declaration of Independence is an anarchist document. Brandon Caserta is an anarchist. pic.twitter.com/7PgQkYrNIQ — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) October 8, 2020
The conservative commentator also unearthed videos he said were posted by other men arrested in the Michigan plot.
I was able to get video of another men arrested in the plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. This guy, Pete Musico, says races shouldn’t be fighting each other, we’re all the same, government is the real enemy and he attacks police just like Brandon Caserta. Similar ideology. pic.twitter.com/eRQ77p4NMl — Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) October 8, 2020
A Justice Department news release shows Caserta was arrested on federal charges along with Adam Fox, Barry Croft, Ty Garbin, Kaleb Franks and Daniel Harris.
Those facing state charges are Musico, Paul Bellar, Shawn Fix, Eric Molitor, Joseph Morrison, Michael Null and William Null, according to the Free Press.
The rhetoric of Conserta and Musico certainly doesn’t seem to align with the majority of those in Trump’s pro-law enforcement base, and the men, if it is them, even disavow the Trump doctrine for the entire world to see.
They appear to be little more than nihilistic anarchists.
Of course, that doesn’t matter to Whitmer, her fellow Democrats and the establishment media as they are busy building another false case against Trump.
The president was forced by yet another bogus narrative to defend himself Thursday.
…today that they foiled a dangerous plot against the Governor of Michigan. Rather than say thank you, she calls me a White Supremacist—while Biden and Democrats refuse to condemn Antifa, Anarchists, Looters and Mobs that burn down Democrat run cities… — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2020
…I do not tolerate ANY extreme violence. Defending ALL Americans, even those who oppose and attack me, is what I will always do as your President! Governor Whitmer—open up your state, open up your schools, and open up your churches! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 9, 2020
By now, we know that the establishment media and Democrats have no low with regard to where they’ll go to harm the president, but this one seems to be a real stretch.
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westernjournal--2020-10-09--The Upper Cut: The AP Is Covering Up the Truth on Riots & The Western Journal Will Not Cooperate

I hope you were sitting down for that .
Obviously , this is not news to anyone who follows the establishment media coverage of , well , anything .
But when the AP leans left , it brings a lot of other publications along with it .
That ’ s because lots of media outlets ( including The Western Journal ) publish content from the AP , and others use The Associated Press ’ guidance on style to a greater or lesser extent ( again , including The Western Journal ) .
In recent years , some of the entries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become increasingly agenda-driven .
In June , for example , the AP changed its style guide to including the capitalization of “ Black ” when referring to “ people in a racial , ethnic or cultural context , weighing in on a hotly debated issue.
” When an organization as large and as influential as the AP “ weighs in ” on a debate , it does so not to further the exchange of ideas ; it does so to end that exchange .
Almost exactly a month later , the organization announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ white ” in the same contexts , citing the “ fact ” that “ [ w ] hite people generally do not share the same history and culture , or the experience of being discriminated against because of skin color.
” So essentially , the AP believes all black people ( sorry , all Black people ) share a common history and culture , whereas whites are actually diverse .
Got it .
The Western Journal , which believes neither of those ideas , ignored that change to AP style .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
Full disclosure : The Western Journal uses our own House Style Guide to maintain consistent usage in all of our written material .
The House Style Guide is based largely upon The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law 2017 .
On to the matter at hand : On Sept. 30 , the latest guidance from the AP suggested that journalists avoid using the term “ riot ” in most cases , defining it as “ a wild or violent disturbance of the peace involving a group of people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemonium.
” You know — like all the “ mostly peaceful ” protests that have been occurring throughout the country this year , particularly in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death .
For the masochists reading this , here is the entire tweet thread in which the AP announced this latest change : RELATED : NYT 's Attempt to Smear The Western Journal 's Credibility Fails Even the Most Basic Fact Checks This is probably true , at least to a degree .
The problem is that doing the opposite — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the rioting and property destruction — tends to legitimize the violence , as if the underlying grievance somehow justifies violence and destruction of property owned by individuals who are not guilty of , and in fact have little or no connection at all to , the underlying grievance .
And that ’ s assuming the grievance has any legitimacy at all .
The belief that black Americans are killed by police disproportionately to white Americans , for example , is not the basis of a legitimate grievance , because it has proven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any good writing teacher will tell you — writing is better when it ’ s as vague as possible .
So use “ unrest ” when you ’ re trying to enhance your vagueness .
I hope the AP recognizes the sarcasm in those last sentences .
I can only assume it will , since “ The Associated Press Guide to Good Writing , 3rd Edition ” argues strongly against the use of abstract nouns : “ Besides being stuffy , these nouns are vague , ” Rene J. Cappon complained there ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , the AP apparently wants to encourage vagueness .
And why would it want to do that ?
Because when a word or phrase is “ not clearly , precisely , or definitely expressed or stated , ” it serves to hide , rather than uncover , the truth .
The AP , therefore , is working to alter English usage in journalism so as to obscure truth — the very opposite of what journalism is supposed to do .
Truth also happens to be one of the most important core @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can not follow this new guidance .
Neither , in good conscience , can any publication that claims to support Truth .
To give leftist writers in the establishment media even more cover , the AP now defines “ protests ” and “ demonstrations ” as “ peaceful or violent.
” Thus , acts of violence can be written off , with the full blessing of the Associated Press , ” as mere “ demonstrations.
” Peaceful protesters everywhere should be offended .
They should , in fact , buy as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stylebook ” as they can find — and burn them in the streets .
Heck , soak them in gasoline , set them on fire and throw them into The Associated Press ’ headquarters building , for all the AP cares .
It ’ s not like they ’ d be rioting or anything .
Finally , the AP ended its tweet thread with a couple of definitions we can agree with : Seemingly lost on the organization , however , is the fact that the AP itself , with these tweets and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transformed itself into one of the very “ powerful groups or governing systems ” that revolts and uprisings should legitimately target .
No , of course I ’ m not advocating violence — not under any definition .
With changes like this , the AP will render itself irrelevant to all but the wokest of the woke within a couple more years anyway .
That ’ ll be another 400 or so “ new or revised entries ” designed ( a ) to move the language further left , and ( b ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 35 or so annually to learn how to keep your language acceptable to BLM rioters and beta males in vagina hats .
Visa and Mastercard accepted , of course .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Here’s a shock: The Associated Press leans left.
I hope you were sitting down for that.
Obviously, this is not news to anyone who follows the establishment media coverage of, well, anything. But when the AP leans left, it brings a lot of other publications along with it. That’s because lots of media outlets (including The Western Journal) publish content from the AP, and others use The Associated Press’ guidance on style to a greater or lesser extent (again, including The Western Journal).
In recent years, some of the entries in AP style, however, have become increasingly agenda-driven.
In June, for example, the AP changed its style guide to including the capitalization of “Black” when referring to “people in a racial, ethnic or cultural context, weighing in on a hotly debated issue.”
When an organization as large and as influential as the AP “weighs in” on a debate, it does so not to further the exchange of ideas; it does so to end that exchange.
Almost exactly a month later, the organization announced that it would not require the capitalization of “white” in the same contexts, citing the “fact” that “[w]hite people generally do not share the same history and culture, or the experience of being discriminated against because of skin color.”
So essentially, the AP believes all black people (sorry, all Black people) share a common history and culture, whereas whites are actually diverse. Got it.
The Western Journal, which believes neither of those ideas, ignored that change to AP style. Now, we’re doing it again.
Do you consider The Associated Press a trustworthy news source? Yes No
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Full disclosure: The Western Journal uses our own House Style Guide to maintain consistent usage in all of our written material. The House Style Guide is based largely upon The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law 2017.
(We’re in the process of updating to the 55th edition — we intentionally stay a couple of years behind so that freelance writers don’t have to purchase the current version, which is almost $30, and can instead get used copies of the previous year’s edition online for five or 10 bucks. The idea that we need to re-purchase the newest edition annually so that we’re up to date on each year’s “more than 200 new or revised entries” is an ancient and lucrative grift, but not one The Western Journal is interested in supporting.)
On to the matter at hand: On Sept. 30, the latest guidance from the AP suggested that journalists avoid using the term “riot” in most cases, defining it as “a wild or violent disturbance of the peace involving a group of people. The term riot suggests uncontrolled chaos and pandemonium.”
You know — like all the “mostly peaceful” protests that have been occurring throughout the country this year, particularly in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
For the masochists reading this, here is the entire tweet thread in which the AP announced this latest change:
New guidance on AP Stylebook Online: Use care in deciding which term best applies:
A riot is a wild or violent disturbance of the peace involving a group of people. The term riot suggests uncontrolled chaos and pandemonium. (1/5) — APStylebook (@APStylebook) September 30, 2020
Focusing on rioting and property destruction rather than underlying grievance has been used in the past to stigmatize broad swaths of people protesting against lynching, police brutality or for racial justice, going back to the urban uprisings of the 1960s. (2/5) — APStylebook (@APStylebook) September 30, 2020
This is probably true, at least to a degree. The problem is that doing the opposite — focusing on the underlying grievance as opposed to the rioting and property destruction — tends to legitimize the violence, as if the underlying grievance somehow justifies violence and destruction of property owned by individuals who are not guilty of, and in fact have little or no connection at all to, the underlying grievance.
And that’s assuming the grievance has any legitimacy at all. The belief that black Americans are killed by police disproportionately to white Americans, for example, is not the basis of a legitimate grievance, because it has proven untrue again and again.
Unrest is a vaguer, milder and less emotional term for a condition of angry discontent and protest verging on revolt. (3/5) — APStylebook (@APStylebook) September 30, 2020
One thing any good writing teacher will tell you — writing is better when it’s as vague as possible. So use “unrest” when you’re trying to enhance your vagueness.
I hope the AP recognizes the sarcasm in those last sentences. I can only assume it will, since “The Associated Press Guide to Good Writing, 3rd Edition” argues strongly against the use of abstract nouns: “Besides being stuffy, these nouns are vague,” Rene J. Cappon complained there (emphasis mine), and rightly so.
Now, the AP apparently wants to encourage vagueness.
And why would it want to do that? Because when a word or phrase is “not clearly, precisely, or definitely expressed or stated,” it serves to hide, rather than uncover, the truth.
(That definition of “vague,” by the way, is quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 5th Edition — the official dictionary of The Associated Press Stylebook. The Cambridge Dictionary says vague expressions are useful for “making things sound less factual.”)
The AP, therefore, is working to alter English usage in journalism so as to obscure truth — the very opposite of what journalism is supposed to do. Truth also happens to be one of the most important core values of The Western Journal, so we cannot follow this new guidance. Neither, in good conscience, can any publication that claims to support Truth.
To give leftist writers in the establishment media even more cover, the AP now defines “protests” and “demonstrations” as “peaceful or violent.” Thus, acts of violence can be written off, with the full blessing of the Associated Press,” as mere “demonstrations.”
Protest and demonstration refer to specific actions such as marches, sit-ins, rallies or other actions meant to register dissent. They can be legal or illegal, organized or spontaneous, peaceful or violent, and involve any number of people. (4/5) — APStylebook (@APStylebook) September 30, 2020
Peaceful protesters everywhere should be offended. They should, in fact, buy as many used copies of “The Associated Press Stylebook” as they can find — and burn them in the streets. Heck, soak them in gasoline, set them on fire and throw them into The Associated Press’ headquarters building, for all the AP cares. It’s not like they’d be rioting or anything.
Finally, the AP ended its tweet thread with a couple of definitions we can agree with:
Revolt and uprising both suggest a broader political dimension or civil upheavals, a sustained period of protests or unrest against powerful groups or governing systems. (5/5) — APStylebook (@APStylebook) September 30, 2020
Seemingly lost on the organization, however, is the fact that the AP itself, with these tweets and its leftward lurch in general, has transformed itself into one of the very “powerful groups or governing systems” that revolts and uprisings should legitimately target.
No, of course I’m not advocating violence — not under any definition. With changes like this, the AP will render itself irrelevant to all but the wokest of the woke within a couple more years anyway.
That’ll be another 400 or so “new or revised entries” designed (a) to move the language further left, and (b) to get you to cough up another $35 or so annually to learn how to keep your language acceptable to BLM rioters and beta males in vagina hats.
Visa and Mastercard accepted, of course.
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westernjournal--2020-10-09--Punishment Announced After Army Reserve Soldiers Appeared at Democratic Convention

The supervisor of the two Army Reserve Soldiers who appeared in uniform at the Democratic National Convention in August will be punished instead of the unidentified soldiers .
“ The investigation found their supervisor violated a Department of Defense directive and an Army regulation that governs soldier political activities , ” Lt. Col. Simon Flake , chief of media relations for Army Reserve Strategic Communications , said in a statement to the Military Times .
“ The supervisor at fault will receive the appropriate level of disciplinary action for violating the governing standards.
” Two uniformed soldiers from the 9th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the DNC as American Samoa Democratic Party leaders Aliitama Sotoa and Patti Matila voiced their support for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
Army officials began an investigation into the incident after it drew immediate attention for allegedly violating Defense Department rules .
According to an official 2019 statement from the Department of Defense , American service members are encouraged to engage politically — particularly in the act of voting .
They are , however , expressly prohibited by Directive 1344.10 from directly associating the U.S. armed forces with their own personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of long-standing policy , military service members and federal employees acting in their official capacity may not engage in activities that associate the DOD with any partisan political campaign or elections , candidate , cause or issue , ” the Department of Defense website reads .
“ In addition , all military members , including National Guard and Reserve forces , are prohibited from wearing military uniforms at political campaign events.
” The rules are in place to keep the military neutral in the democratic process , according to the Military Times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ soldiers were not at fault for the mistake .
“ The investigation determined the two soldiers who appeared on television were not at fault , ” Flake told The Hill .
He added to the Military Times that Army Reserve leaders “ continue to provide all soldiers and civilian employees training and the latest information on DOD Directives and Army Policies pertaining to political activities.
” Flake did not expand on how the supervisor will be disciplined .
Democratic Party officials said the appearance of the soldiers was designed to “ celebrate American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” but conceded that the inclusion of troops in uniform was “ an oversight.
” Other people pointed to a similar segment during the Republican National Convention where two uniformed Marines were shown while on duty at the White House and opened a door for President Donald Trump .
Officials ruled that these service members were “ at their assigned place of duty ” and were not violating the rules .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The supervisor of the two Army Reserve Soldiers who appeared in uniform at the Democratic National Convention in August will be punished instead of the unidentified soldiers.
“The investigation found their supervisor violated a Department of Defense directive and an Army regulation that governs soldier political activities,” Lt. Col. Simon Flake, chief of media relations for Army Reserve Strategic Communications, said in a statement to the Military Times.
“The supervisor at fault will receive the appropriate level of disciplinary action for violating the governing standards.”
Two uniformed soldiers from the 9th Mission Support Command based in Hawaii appeared during the DNC as American Samoa Democratic Party leaders Aliitama Sotoa and Patti Matila voiced their support for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
American Samoa delivers its delegate votes at the #DNCConvention with what appears to be two uniformed service members in the background, which is potentially a problem. pic.twitter.com/RG581SWZTo — Leo Shane III (@LeoShane) August 19, 2020
Army officials began an investigation into the incident after it drew immediate attention for allegedly violating Defense Department rules.
According to an official 2019 statement from the Department of Defense, American service members are encouraged to engage politically — particularly in the act of voting.
They are, however, expressly prohibited by Directive 1344.10 from directly associating the U.S. armed forces with their own personal political activity.
Do you think that this punishment was fair? 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: 75% (295 Votes) No: 25% (96 Votes)
“As a matter of long-standing policy, military service members and federal employees acting in their official capacity may not engage in activities that associate the DOD with any partisan political campaign or elections, candidate, cause or issue,” the Department of Defense website reads.
“In addition, all military members, including National Guard and Reserve forces, are prohibited from wearing military uniforms at political campaign events.”
The rules are in place to keep the military neutral in the democratic process, according to the Military Times.
Army officials said Thursday that the two soldiers were not at fault for the mistake.
“The investigation determined the two soldiers who appeared on television were not at fault,” Flake told The Hill.
He added to the Military Times that Army Reserve leaders “continue to provide all soldiers and civilian employees training and the latest information on DOD Directives and Army Policies pertaining to political activities.”
Flake did not expand on how the supervisor will be disciplined.
Democratic Party officials said the appearance of the soldiers was designed to “celebrate American Samoa’s legacy of military service” but conceded that the inclusion of troops in uniform was “an oversight.”
Other people pointed to a similar segment during the Republican National Convention where two uniformed Marines were shown while on duty at the White House and opened a door for President Donald Trump.
Officials ruled that these service members were “at their assigned place of duty” and were not violating the rules.
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westernjournal--2020-10-09--US Officials Warn of China-Backed Programs Spreading Communist Propaganda in American Schools

The Trump administration on Friday encouraged U.S. schools and colleges to rethink their ties to the Confucius Institute , a program that brings Chinese language classes to America but , according to federal officials , also invites a “ malign influence ” from China .
In letters to universities and state education officials , the State Department and Education Department said the program gives China a foothold on U.S. soil and poses a threat to free speech .
Schools are being advised to examine the program ’ s activities and “ take action to safeguard your educational environments.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our campuses has never been more concerning , nor more consequential , ” officials wrote in the letters , which were signed by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos .
More than 60 U.S. universities host Confucius Institute programs through partnerships with an affiliate of China ’ s Ministry of Education .
China provides teachers and textbooks and typically splits the cost with the university .
The program also brings Chinese language classes to about 500 elementary and secondary classrooms .
The program has drawn scrutiny from U.S. officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August , the State Department labeled the program ’ s national office as a foreign mission of the Chinese Communist Party , which requires the program to submit reports about its operations and spending in the United States .
In Friday ’ s letters , U.S. officials drew attention to China ’ s strict new national security law in Hong Kong .
The letters cite recent reports that some U.S. college professors are allowing students to opt out of discussions on Chinese politics amid fears that students from Hong Kong or China could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are “ well justified , ” officials said , adding that at least one student from China was recently jailed by Chinese authorities over tweets he posted while studying at a U.S. university .
The Confucius Institute U.S. Center did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment .
DeVos and Pompeo echoed longstanding complaints from academic groups that say schools give China too much control over what ’ s taught in Confucius Institute classes .
Teachers who are vetted and paid by the Chinese government “ can be expected to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and religious and ethnic minorities , ” the officials wrote .
RELATED : Spy Sentenced to Prison for Duping Americans , Passing Valuable Intelligence to China “ Confucius Institutes are branded as Chinese language and cultural learning centers , but there is increasing evidence that they are also tools of malign PRC influence and dissemination of CCP propaganda on U.S. campuses , ” officials said , referring to the People ’ s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party .
The letters do not explicitly urge schools to cut ties with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid problems .
Officials said many schools have built “ excellent Chinese language and culture programs ” without the Chinese government .
The move marks the Trump administration ’ s latest attempt to curb China ’ s presence in the U.S .
Authorities have also asked universities to help stop the theft of trade secrets by scholars tapped by the Chinese government .
Once hosted at more than 100 universities , the Confucius Institute has been closed on many campuses amid criticism .
At least 39 universities have announced plans to shutter programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a log published by the National Association of Scholars , a conservative nonprofit group .
Some of the closures were prompted by a 2018 defense bill that barred universities from using Defense Department money to support Chinese language programs if they also hosted a Confucius Institute .
At the University of Maryland , which founded the nation ’ s first Confucius Institute in 2004 , officials cited the bill in their decision to end the program this year .
Last year , a bipartisan Senate report encouraged all universities to cut ties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided more transparency around the program and offered the U.S. equal opportunities for cultural outreach in China .
Soon after , DeVos launched a crackdown on foreign gifts and contracts to U.S. universities , often focusing on financial ties to China .
Other nations have also sought to curb China ’ s influence in their schools .
In August , Australia ’ s most populous state , New South Wales , cut ties with the Confucius Institute and replaced the program with one funded by the state government .
Canada ’ s New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end the program in its public schools .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Trump administration on Friday encouraged U.S. schools and colleges to rethink their ties to the Confucius Institute, a program that brings Chinese language classes to America but, according to federal officials, also invites a “malign influence” from China.
In letters to universities and state education officials, the State Department and Education Department said the program gives China a foothold on U.S. soil and poses a threat to free speech.
Schools are being advised to examine the program’s activities and “take action to safeguard your educational environments.”
“The presence of this authoritarian influence on our campuses has never been more concerning, nor more consequential,” officials wrote in the letters, which were signed by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
More than 60 U.S. universities host Confucius Institute programs through partnerships with an affiliate of China’s Ministry of Education. China provides teachers and textbooks and typically splits the cost with the university.
The program also brings Chinese language classes to about 500 elementary and secondary classrooms.
The program has drawn scrutiny from U.S. officials amid mounting tensions with China.
In August, the State Department labeled the program’s national office as a foreign mission of the Chinese Communist Party, which requires the program to submit reports about its operations and spending in the United States.
In Friday’s letters, U.S. officials drew attention to China’s strict new national security law in Hong Kong.
Do you think American schools should cut ties with the Confucius Institute? 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% (48 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
The letters cite recent reports that some U.S. college professors are allowing students to opt out of discussions on Chinese politics amid fears that students from Hong Kong or China could be prosecuted at home.
Such fears are “well justified,” officials said, adding that at least one student from China was recently jailed by Chinese authorities over tweets he posted while studying at a U.S. university.
The Confucius Institute U.S. Center did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
DeVos and Pompeo echoed longstanding complaints from academic groups that say schools give China too much control over what’s taught in Confucius Institute classes.
Teachers who are vetted and paid by the Chinese government “can be expected to avoid discussing China’s treatment of dissidents and religious and ethnic minorities,” the officials wrote.
“Confucius Institutes are branded as Chinese language and cultural learning centers, but there is increasing evidence that they are also tools of malign PRC influence and dissemination of CCP propaganda on U.S. campuses,” officials said, referring to the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party.
The letters do not explicitly urge schools to cut ties with the Confucius Institute but say the measure could avoid problems.
Officials said many schools have built “excellent Chinese language and culture programs” without the Chinese government.
The move marks the Trump administration’s latest attempt to curb China’s presence in the U.S. Authorities have also asked universities to help stop the theft of trade secrets by scholars tapped by the Chinese government.
Once hosted at more than 100 universities, the Confucius Institute has been closed on many campuses amid criticism. At least 39 universities have announced plans to shutter programs since the start of 2019, according to a log published by the National Association of Scholars, a conservative nonprofit group.
Some of the closures were prompted by a 2018 defense bill that barred universities from using Defense Department money to support Chinese language programs if they also hosted a Confucius Institute.
At the University of Maryland, which founded the nation’s first Confucius Institute in 2004, officials cited the bill in their decision to end the program this year.
Last year, a bipartisan Senate report encouraged all universities to cut ties with the Confucius Institute unless Chinese officials provided more transparency around the program and offered the U.S. equal opportunities for cultural outreach in China.
Soon after, DeVos launched a crackdown on foreign gifts and contracts to U.S. universities, often focusing on financial ties to China.
Other nations have also sought to curb China’s influence in their schools.
In August, Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales, cut ties with the Confucius Institute and replaced the program with one funded by the state government. Canada’s New Brunswick province has also announced it will end the program in its public schools.
[jwplayer qiswPSaR]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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