westernjournal--2020-09-27--Op-Ed: Since I Became a Journalist in 1970, Reporters Have Abandoned the American People

For the past three and a half years , I , along with millions of other Americans , have watched the mainstream news media essentially self-destruct in their obsession to remove Donald Trump from the White House .
I saw glimmers of this kind of mania when George W. Bush was president from 2000 to 2008 .
But the rabid fixation was nowhere near the level it has been since 2016 when Donald Trump flummoxed the know-it-all eggheads who pass for pundits on television and cable networks — not to mention at once-esteemed newspapers such as The New York Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tribune and the Los Angeles Times .
According to recent polling , only 29 percent of the public trust the news media today , contrasted to the 76 percent who trusted the media in 1970 when I joined the Chicago Tribune .
As a result , establishment pundits and reporters have lost most of the moral authority and journalistic credibility they once had .
For two years as the Mueller investigation of collusion and obstruction of justice by the Trump campaign snaked its way into the collective national consciousness , I witnessed purportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s alleged guilt without displaying a single shred of evidence to back up those claims .
I have seen congressmen like Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell “ guarantee ” that Trump not only colluded with the Russians , he was actually working for them and was guilty of treason .
TRENDING : Oregon Governor Declares State of Emergency in Portland Only After Conservatives Plan To Rally Others , such as former CIA Director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper , echoed those charges as paid political contributors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
There wasn ’ t any , as the Mueller probe proved .
Meanwhile , reporters and pundits behaved like brainless bobbleheads , agreeing with every negative statement made about President Trump without doing the most fundamental reporting .
Where were the probing questions ?
Where was the healthy skepticism that all reporters used to have built into their DNA ?
Where were the concepts of fairness , balance and impartiality ?
Where was the honesty , the integrity , the decency ?
Sadly , none of these things were anywhere to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unlike they were when I became a reporter in the early 1970s , have fallen victim to groupthink .
The result is a compliant media in which zombie-like reporters adhere to the approved paradigm .
Those who don ’ t are , through dint of social and administrative forces , barred or banished .
The result of this media groupthink is reporting that continually commits bias of omission — that is , facts or information that may conflict or disprove an approved orthodoxy are conveniently omitted from stories .
This is selective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stories are reported and presented .
It also engenders inaccurate and false reporting — or as Donald Trump calls it , “ fake news.
” RELATED : Tim Graham : Biden 's Been Ditching His Press Pool at 9 or 10 AM and Nobody 's Saying a Word Think about Nicholas Sandmann , the Covington Catholic High School teenager wearing a red MAGA cap who was pilloried by the news media for his interaction with Native American activist Nathan Phillips at the National Mall in Washington , D.C. , in January 2019 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ country fiercely condemned the 16-year-old for “ attacking ” Phillips and uttering “ racist ” and “ offensive ” statements .
In fact , Sandmann did none of those things .
He simply stood his ground and tried to diffuse the situation .
Subsequently CNN and The Washington Post were hit with $ 275 million and $ 250 million libel suits .
CNN settled with Sandmann in January and The Post settled with him in July .
The details of the settlements were not disclosed .
The Sandmann incident demonstrates that rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the media seem to regard themselves as agents of positive change within the culture , direct from their groupthink perspective .
Therefore , any lie , no matter how big or small , is OK if it will denigrate Trump supporters and bring Democrats back to power .
Have you ever wondered why liberals and Democrats can run afoul of decency and the law with impunity , while the media demand that Republicans and conservatives respond to perceived misconduct and transgression by resigning , apologizing and , if the media hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and then going to jail ?
I have .
All the time .
And it makes me sick to see the news media refusing to perform its “ watchdog ” role evenhandedly .
Not only does it make me sick , but it also makes me ashamed — ashamed to tell anybody I meet that I am a former journalist for fear they will give me that piteous and doleful look as if to say : “ Uh huh — one of those !
” Yes , I am “ one of those.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on my body of work with pride and without shame .
During my 27-year career , I worked assiduously to keep my personal opinions , my biases and my predispositions out of my stories .
I wonder how many reporters today will be able to do the same when they finally hang up their reporters ’ notebooks and tape recorders ?
Not many , I wager .
Whatever happened to such bedrock democratic principles as equal protection under the law , the First Amendment and innocent until proven guilty ?
At this point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little more than quaint bygone concepts as far as our media are concerned .
As a result , our national culture , not to mention our national discourse and our media , are aligned with liberals , socialists and Democrats who loathe Republicans and conservatives .
When was the last time you watched or listened to a composed , reasoned and articulate debate about an issue without one side fulminating , talking over or shouting at the other ?
Can you recall such an occasion in the last four years ?
Our public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a UFC mixed martial arts competition with social media and mainstream news organizations acting as corrupt referees who are making sure the guy in the left corner always wins .
That means you can forget about enjoying a settled , unruffled culture until Democrats , liberals and foolish socialists regain total control of the government .
When he was 81 years old , Founding Father Benjamin Franklin once told a woman that the United States was “ a republic , if you can keep it.
” “ If you can keep it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The fact is , we may already have damaged our republic beyond repair by the silencing of dissent through despotic control of information and the instantaneous social thrashing of the non-compliant .
I worry that by embracing groupthink and discouraging independent thought on college campuses , by fostering a news media that deceives its citizens and by electing dumb people to Congress who are ignorant of our history and our political systems , we are dooming the republic that Ben Franklin helped create .
So I find myself asking the question again : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salvaged ?
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 .

For the past three and a half years, I, along with millions of other Americans, have watched the mainstream news media essentially self-destruct in their obsession to remove Donald Trump from the White House.
I saw glimmers of this kind of mania when George W. Bush was president from 2000 to 2008. But the rabid fixation was nowhere near the level it has been since 2016 when Donald Trump flummoxed the know-it-all eggheads who pass for pundits on television and cable networks — not to mention at once-esteemed newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times.
According to recent polling, only 29 percent of the public trust the news media today, contrasted to the 76 percent who trusted the media in 1970 when I joined the Chicago Tribune. As a result, establishment pundits and reporters have lost most of the moral authority and journalistic credibility they once had.
For two years as the Mueller investigation of collusion and obstruction of justice by the Trump campaign snaked its way into the collective national consciousness, I witnessed purportedly “objective” reporters blather on about Trump’s alleged guilt without displaying a single shred of evidence to back up those claims.
I have seen congressmen like Adam Schiff and Eric Swalwell “guarantee” that Trump not only colluded with the Russians, he was actually working for them and was guilty of treason.
Others, such as former CIA Director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, echoed those charges as paid political contributors to CNN.
Where was the evidence? There wasn’t any, as the Mueller probe proved.
Meanwhile, reporters and pundits behaved like brainless bobbleheads, agreeing with every negative statement made about President Trump without doing the most fundamental reporting.
Where were the probing questions? Where was the healthy skepticism that all reporters used to have built into their DNA? Where were the concepts of fairness, balance and impartiality? Where was the honesty, the integrity, the decency?
Do you think the establishment media can be salvaged? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 5% (30 Votes) No: 95% (633 Votes)
Sadly, none of these things were anywhere to be found.
Why? Because the media, unlike they were when I became a reporter in the early 1970s, have fallen victim to groupthink. The result is a compliant media in which zombie-like reporters adhere to the approved paradigm. Those who don’t are, through dint of social and administrative forces, barred or banished.
The result of this media groupthink is reporting that continually commits bias of omission — that is, facts or information that may conflict or disprove an approved orthodoxy are conveniently omitted from stories.
This is selective reporting. It taints how events and stories are reported and presented.
It also engenders inaccurate and false reporting — or as Donald Trump calls it, “fake news.”
Think about Nicholas Sandmann, the Covington Catholic High School teenager wearing a red MAGA cap who was pilloried by the news media for his interaction with Native American activist Nathan Phillips at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in January 2019. Just about every news outlet in the country fiercely condemned the 16-year-old for “attacking” Phillips and uttering “racist” and “offensive” statements.
In fact, Sandmann did none of those things. He simply stood his ground and tried to diffuse the situation. Subsequently CNN and The Washington Post were hit with $275 million and $250 million libel suits. CNN settled with Sandmann in January and The Post settled with him in July. The details of the settlements were not disclosed.
The Sandmann incident demonstrates that rather than attempting to report the news without prejudice, the media seem to regard themselves as agents of positive change within the culture, direct from their groupthink perspective. Therefore, any lie, no matter how big or small, is OK if it will denigrate Trump supporters and bring Democrats back to power.
Have you ever wondered why liberals and Democrats can run afoul of decency and the law with impunity, while the media demand that Republicans and conservatives respond to perceived misconduct and transgression by resigning, apologizing and, if the media hit the jackpot, testifying to a special counsel and then going to jail?
I have. All the time. And it makes me sick to see the news media refusing to perform its “watchdog” role evenhandedly.
Not only does it make me sick, but it also makes me ashamed — ashamed to tell anybody I meet that I am a former journalist for fear they will give me that piteous and doleful look as if to say: “Uh huh — one of those!”
Yes, I am “one of those.” But I can still look back on my body of work with pride and without shame. During my 27-year career, I worked assiduously to keep my personal opinions, my biases and my predispositions out of my stories.
I wonder how many reporters today will be able to do the same when they finally hang up their reporters’ notebooks and tape recorders? Not many, I wager.
Whatever happened to such bedrock democratic principles as equal protection under the law, the First Amendment and innocent until proven guilty? At this point, these underlying constitutional tenets seem like little more than quaint bygone concepts as far as our media are concerned.
As a result, our national culture, not to mention our national discourse and our media, are aligned with liberals, socialists and Democrats who loathe Republicans and conservatives.
When was the last time you watched or listened to a composed, reasoned and articulate debate about an issue without one side fulminating, talking over or shouting at the other? Can you recall such an occasion in the last four years?
Me neither.
Our public discourse has devolved into the verbal equivalent of a UFC mixed martial arts competition with social media and mainstream news organizations acting as corrupt referees who are making sure the guy in the left corner always wins.
That means you can forget about enjoying a settled, unruffled culture until Democrats, liberals and foolish socialists regain total control of the government.
When he was 81 years old, Founding Father Benjamin Franklin once told a woman that the United States was “a republic, if you can keep it.”
“If you can keep it,” are the operative words. The fact is, we may already have damaged our republic beyond repair by the silencing of dissent through despotic control of information and the instantaneous social thrashing of the non-compliant.
I worry that by embracing groupthink and discouraging independent thought on college campuses, by fostering a news media that deceives its citizens and by electing dumb people to Congress who are ignorant of our history and our political systems, we are dooming the republic that Ben Franklin helped create.
So I find myself asking the question again: Can America’s news media be salvaged?
I’m not holding my breath.
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--2020-09-27--Princeton Declares Itself Racist for PC Points, So Trump Admin Opens an Investigation

In the weeks and months following George Floyd ’ s death on May 25 , the presidents of America ’ s most prestigious colleges and universities have gone to their nearby tailors and all got fitted for a metaphorical hair shirt on race .
The itchier the shirt , the longer it was worn and the more publicly the wearer was in agony , the better .
It was like an expensive , bespoke suit if the purpose of the suit was self-flagellation .
If you were at the helm of any major institution of higher learning in these United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your colleagues by pointing out just how perfidious you and your university had been in sentences composed mostly out of stock phrases like “ systemic racism , ” “ embedded structures of hate ” and “ institutionalized bigotry.
” This is all so pro forma as to render the hair shirt wearer ’ s writhing and contorting meaningless , but they ’ re going to do it anyway , Take Christopher L. Eisgruber , president of Princeton University , for example .
Princeton is an ivory tower within an ivory tower , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-excoriation was going to be lacerating .
TRENDING : Oregon Governor Declares State of Emergency in Portland Only After Conservatives Plan To Rally It was so lacerating , in fact , that the Department of Education is now investigating the school for being racist because , well , it called itself racist to score points .
According to a letter obtained by the Washington Examiner , the investigation began after Eisgruber ’ s Sept. 2 letter to “ members of the Princeton community.
” The letter is an update from a June statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he “ charged my Cabinet … to develop plans to combat systemic racism at Princeton and beyond .
“ In my letter , I invited suggestions from all of you , and many individuals and groups responded , ” he wrote .
The conclusion he reached was that the university was a deeply racist place .
“ Racism and the damage it does to people of color nevertheless persist at Princeton as in our society , sometimes by conscious intention but more often through unexamined assumptions and stereotypes , ignorance or insensitivity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and policies , ” Eisgruber wrote .
“ Race-based inequities in America ’ s health care , policing , education , and employment systems affect profoundly the lives of our staff , students , and faculty of color .
“ Racist assumptions from the past also remain embedded in structures of the University itself .
For example , Princeton inherits from earlier generations at least nine departments and programs organized around European languages and culture , but only a single , relatively small program in African studies .
“ This summer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes and initiatives that we announced in June , ” he continued .
“ These included new funding for teaching , research , and service projects related to racial justice and the changes to the names of what are now the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and First College.
” RELATED : College Student Reportedly Suspended for Breaking COVID Guidelines Despite Not Stepping Foot on Campus This transitioned into a bullet-pointed action plan that the university may or may not follow through on .
There are few concrete goals there — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inadvisable to put those forward , given that concrete goals would be tantamount to a quota system , and that ’ s illegal for institutions which receive federal funding .
That being said , without those concrete goals , there ’ s not much aside from the president of Princeton wearing the hair shirt — which , in the end , might have been the entire point .
Under federal law , of course , schools that get financial assistance from the federal government can ’ t be racist .
If they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — one that the Department of Education should get involved in .
“ Since you became President in 2013 , and in exchange for well over $ 75 million in federal Title IV taxpayer funds alone , Princeton University ( ‘ Princeton ’ ) has repeatedly represented and warranted to the U.S. Department of Education ( ‘ Department ’ ) Princeton ’ s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 , ” the Sept. 16 letter read .
“ Title VI provides no person in the United States shall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color , or national origin , be excluded from participation in , be denied the benefits of , or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance .
Also , Princeton has made many material nondiscrimination and equal opportunity representations to students , parents , and consumers in the market for education certificates during this time.
” But of course , Eisgruber admitted that Princeton had been racist — exceptionally so , in fact .
“ Based on its admitted racism , the U.S. Department of Education ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s nondiscrimination and equal opportunity assurances in its Program Participation Agreements from at least 2013 to the present may have been false , ” the letter read .
“ The Department is further concerned Princeton perhaps knew or should have known , these assurances were false at the time they were made .
“ Finally , the Department is further concerned Princeton ’ s many nondiscrimination and equal opportunity claims to students , parents , and consumers in the market for education certificates may have been false , misleading , and actionable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
§ 1094 ( c ) ( 3 ) ( B ) and 34 CFR 668.71 ( c ) .
Therefore , the Department ’ s Office of Postsecondary Education , in consultation with the Department ’ s Office of the General Counsel , is opening this investigation.
” Now , Princeton probably isn ’ t any more or less racist than any other American school at present .
The school certainly said it was , however .
You can see this one of two ways : It was either a political move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or it was the natural result of a Department of Education that has an obligation to look into a school that admitted it was racist .
At least on the latter count , the government has fairly ample evidence to start an investigation .
Among the things the feds are looking for : “ records concerning , relating to , or referencing Princeton ’ s ‘ systemic ’ and/or ’ embedded ’ racism , as those terms are used in the President ’ s Letter , ” a “ spreadsheet identifying each person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race , color , or national origin , been excluded from participation in , been denied the benefits of , or been subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance as a result of the Princeton racism or ‘ damage ’ referenced in the President ’ s Letter ” and a “ spreadsheet of all Princeton employees and outside advisers or consultants … who were consulted regarding or who participated in collecting information for and drafting the President ’ s Letter and/or the Diversity Measures ” the university is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among other things .
Eisgruber will also have to sit for an interview under oath , along with a “ designated corporate representative.
” If Princeton is admitting that it acted discriminatorily , then it ’ s also admitting to breaking the law .
And making such an admission is exactly what Princeton did , even though it believed they was simply wearing the most ostentatious , itchy bespoke hair shirt in all of the Ivy Leagues .
This will be perceived by many as a knee-jerk points-scoring political reaction to a letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but not literally .
To say it wasn ’ t supposed to be taken literally , however , is to reduce it to meaningless posturing .
Which is basically what Princeton admitted it was the next day in a statement that seemed to indicate it meant to look at the wider issue of race in America , not to admit that the school itself was particularly racist .
In a short statement , the university said it “ stands by our statements about the prevalence of systemic racism and our commitment to reckon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial injustice and race-based inequities that persist throughout American society .
“ Attracting talent from every sector of society is crucial to our academic mission , and we will continue to lead on these issues .
“ The University will respond to the Department of Education ’ s letter in due course .
It is unfortunate that the Department appears to believe that grappling honestly with the nation ’ s history and the current effects of systemic racism runs afoul of existing law .
“ The University disagrees and looks forward to furthering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statements and actions are consistent not only with the law , but also with the highest ideals and aspirations of this country.
” Officials from other universities , meanwhile , began to pile on the Department of Education for even pursuing this .
“ Across the nation , individuals , families , communities , businesses , corporations , and educational institutions are coming to grips with the country ’ s legacies of slavery and racial oppression , ” read yet another hair-shirt letter signed by over 80 of America ’ s leading institutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post .
“ As presidents of colleges and universities , we , too , acknowledge the ways that racism has affected and continues to affect the country ’ s institutions , including our own.
” However , in City Journal , Seth Barron put it best when he said that the Department of Education “ has executed a jiu-jitsu maneuver with the potential to neutralize the entire systemic racism narrative .
“ If racism is institutionally embedded somewhere , the United States has a juggernaut of laws , courts , investigators , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institution into shreds and pulverize its racism , ” Barron wrote .
If Princeton is racist in a specific sense , it should cooperate unfailingly .
If not , Eisgruber should retract his letter , which was bathed in meaninglessness from the beginning .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In the weeks and months following George Floyd’s death on May 25, the presidents of America’s most prestigious colleges and universities have gone to their nearby tailors and all got fitted for a metaphorical hair shirt on race.
The itchier the shirt, the longer it was worn and the more publicly the wearer was in agony, the better. It was like an expensive, bespoke suit if the purpose of the suit was self-flagellation.
If you were at the helm of any major institution of higher learning in these United States, the point was to outdo your colleagues by pointing out just how perfidious you and your university had been in sentences composed mostly out of stock phrases like “systemic racism,” “embedded structures of hate” and “institutionalized bigotry.”
This is all so pro forma as to render the hair shirt wearer’s writhing and contorting meaningless, but they’re going to do it anyway,
Take Christopher L. Eisgruber, president of Princeton University, for example. Princeton is an ivory tower within an ivory tower, so it’s probably unsurprising that its self-excoriation was going to be lacerating.
It was so lacerating, in fact, that the Department of Education is now investigating the school for being racist because, well, it called itself racist to score points.
According to a letter obtained by the Washington Examiner, the investigation began after Eisgruber’s Sept. 2 letter to “members of the Princeton community.”
The letter is an update from a June statement in which, as Eisgruber recalled, he “charged my Cabinet … to develop plans to combat systemic racism at Princeton and beyond.
“In my letter, I invited suggestions from all of you, and many individuals and groups responded,” he wrote.
The conclusion he reached was that the university was a deeply racist place.
“Racism and the damage it does to people of color nevertheless persist at Princeton as in our society, sometimes by conscious intention but more often through unexamined assumptions and stereotypes, ignorance or insensitivity, and the systemic legacy of past decisions and policies,” Eisgruber wrote.
“Race-based inequities in America’s health care, policing, education, and employment systems affect profoundly the lives of our staff, students, and faculty of color.
“Racist assumptions from the past also remain embedded in structures of the University itself. For example, Princeton inherits from earlier generations at least nine departments and programs organized around European languages and culture, but only a single, relatively small program in African studies.
“This summer’s effort to address systemic racism began with changes and initiatives that we announced in June,” he continued.
“These included new funding for teaching, research, and service projects related to racial justice and the changes to the names of what are now the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and First College.”
This transitioned into a bullet-pointed action plan that the university may or may not follow through on. There are few concrete goals there — and indeed, it’d be inadvisable to put those forward, given that concrete goals would be tantamount to a quota system, and that’s illegal for institutions which receive federal funding.
That being said, without those concrete goals, there’s not much aside from the president of Princeton wearing the hair shirt — which, in the end, might have been the entire point.
Under federal law, of course, schools that get financial assistance from the federal government can’t be racist. If they are, that’s a serious issue — one that the Department of Education should get involved in.
Lo and behold…
Princeton Letter 09.15.2020 by TJVD
“Since you became President in 2013, and in exchange for well over $75 million in federal Title IV taxpayer funds alone, Princeton University (‘Princeton’) has repeatedly represented and warranted to the U.S. Department of Education (‘Department’) Princeton’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” the Sept. 16 letter read.
“Title VI provides no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. Also, Princeton has made many material nondiscrimination and equal opportunity representations to students, parents, and consumers in the market for education certificates during this time.”
But of course, Eisgruber admitted that Princeton had been racist — exceptionally so, in fact.
“Based on its admitted racism, the U.S. Department of Education (‘Department’) is concerned Princeton’s nondiscrimination and equal opportunity assurances in its Program Participation Agreements from at least 2013 to the present may have been false,” the letter read.
“The Department is further concerned Princeton perhaps knew or should have known, these assurances were false at the time they were made.
“Finally, the Department is further concerned Princeton’s many nondiscrimination and equal opportunity claims to students, parents, and consumers in the market for education certificates may have been false, misleading, and actionable substantial misrepresentations in violation of 20 U.S.C. § 1094(c)(3)(B) and 34 CFR 668.71(c). Therefore, the Department’s Office of Postsecondary Education, in consultation with the Department’s Office of the General Counsel, is opening this investigation.”
Now, Princeton probably isn’t any more or less racist than any other American school at present. The school certainly said it was, however.
You can see this one of two ways: It was either a political move on the part of the Trump administration or it was the natural result of a Department of Education that has an obligation to look into a school that admitted it was racist. At least on the latter count, the government has fairly ample evidence to start an investigation.
Among the things the feds are looking for: “records concerning, relating to, or referencing Princeton’s ‘systemic’ and/or ’embedded’ racism, as those terms are used in the President’s Letter,” a “spreadsheet identifying each person who has, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, been excluded from participation in, been denied the benefits of, or been subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance as a result of the Princeton racism or ‘damage’ referenced in the President’s Letter” and a “spreadsheet of all Princeton employees and outside advisers or consultants … who were consulted regarding or who participated in collecting information for and drafting the President’s Letter and/or the Diversity Measures” the university is using to correct its supposed racism, among other things.
Eisgruber will also have to sit for an interview under oath, along with a “designated corporate representative.”
If Princeton is admitting that it acted discriminatorily, then it’s also admitting to breaking the law.
And making such an admission is exactly what Princeton did, even though it believed they was simply wearing the most ostentatious, itchy bespoke hair shirt in all of the Ivy Leagues.
This will be perceived by many as a knee-jerk points-scoring political reaction to a letter that was meant to be taken seriously but not literally.
Do you think Princeton is a racist institution? 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: 71% (260 Votes) No: 29% (108 Votes)
To say it wasn’t supposed to be taken literally, however, is to reduce it to meaningless posturing. Which is basically what Princeton admitted it was the next day in a statement that seemed to indicate it meant to look at the wider issue of race in America, not to admit that the school itself was particularly racist.
In a short statement, the university said it “stands by our statements about the prevalence of systemic racism and our commitment to reckon with its continued effects, including the racial injustice and race-based inequities that persist throughout American society.
“Attracting talent from every sector of society is crucial to our academic mission, and we will continue to lead on these issues.
“The University will respond to the Department of Education’s letter in due course. It is unfortunate that the Department appears to believe that grappling honestly with the nation’s history and the current effects of systemic racism runs afoul of existing law.
“The University disagrees and looks forward to furthering our educational mission by explaining why our statements and actions are consistent not only with the law, but also with the highest ideals and aspirations of this country.”
Officials from other universities, meanwhile, began to pile on the Department of Education for even pursuing this.
“Across the nation, individuals, families, communities, businesses, corporations, and educational institutions are coming to grips with the country’s legacies of slavery and racial oppression,” read yet another hair-shirt letter signed by over 80 of America’s leading institutions of higher learning, according to The Washington Post.
“As presidents of colleges and universities, we, too, acknowledge the ways that racism has affected and continues to affect the country’s institutions, including our own.”
However, in City Journal, Seth Barron put it best when he said that the Department of Education “has executed a jiu-jitsu maneuver with the potential to neutralize the entire systemic racism narrative.
“If racism is institutionally embedded somewhere, the United States has a juggernaut of laws, courts, investigators, and prosecutors that can tear the offending institution into shreds and pulverize its racism,” Barron wrote.
“This isn’t 1955 anymore.”
If Princeton is racist in a specific sense, it should cooperate unfailingly. If not, Eisgruber should retract his letter, which was bathed in meaninglessness from the beginning.
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--2020-09-27--NBA Great Barkley Obliterates Defunding Police: ‘Who Are Black People Supposed To Call? Ghostbusters

NBA Great Barkley Obliterates Defunding Police: ‘Who Are Black People Supposed To Call? Ghostbusters?’

NBA great Charles Barkley , who ’ s on TNT ’ s studio analyst team , is curious whom citizens — particularly those who live in poorer areas — are supposed to call when the police are defunded .
He ’ s now getting excoriated online , in part because of that and in part because he bothered to mention the facts in the Breonna Taylor case during the network ’ s Thursday coverage .
The comments came one night after violence gripped Louisville , Kentucky .
when a grand jury only returned one charge related to the March police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Two police officers were shot during the protests and 127 demonstrators were arrested , according to WLKY-TV .
“ We have to really be careful , ” Barkley said during the pregame show before the Boston Celtics-Miami Heat game .
“ I hear these fools on TV talking about ‘ defund the police ’ and things like that .
We need police reform , prison reform , and things like that .
Because you know who ain ’ t going to defund the cops ?
White neighborhoods and rich neighborhoods .
TRENDING : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portland Only After Conservatives Plan To Rally “ So , that notion , they keep saying that , ” Barkley continued .
“ I ’ m like , wait a minute , who are black people supposed to call ?
Ghostbusters ?
” And then there was the matter of the Breonna Taylor shooting , in which we ’ re supposed to be outraged without actually considering the facts of the case — that Taylor ’ s boyfriend fired at police , which is why none of the police officers involved in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This one , I don ’ t think it was like George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery and things like that , ” Barkley said .
“ I feel bad this young lady lost her life .
But , you know , we do have to take into account her boyfriend did shoot at the cops and shot a cop.
” “ So , like I say , even though I am really sorry she lost her life , I just don ’ t think we can put this in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he added .
According to The Hill , Shaquille O ’ Neal — another analyst on the TNT team — also criticized the knee-jerk reaction to the Taylor case .
RELATED : Charles Barkley Comes Under Attack for Giving the Real Facts of the Breonna Taylor Case “ I have to agree with Charles , this one is sort of lumped in .
You have to get a warrant signed , and some states do allow no-knock warrants , ” said O ’ Neal , who has been named an auxiliary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Florida , according to Fox News .
“ And everyone was asking for murder charges .
When you talk about murder , you have to show intent .
A homicide occurred , and we ’ re sorry a homicide occurred .
When you have a warrant signed by the judge , you are doing your job , and I would imagine that you would fire back.
” Twitter officially lost its mind .
For instance , this gentleman suddenly didn ’ t think that athletes and entertainers were worth listening to : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ex-boyfriend , Jamarcus Gl0ver , who was the target of the investigation , was the subject of a near-simultaneous raid .
According to the Louisville Courier-Journal , there were several raids being executed by Louisville police , who believed Glover was receiving packages of illegal drugs through Taylor .
Even defunding the police was problematic to many of the denizens of social media .
Americans aren ’ t in favor of defunding the police , despite what liberals and the mainstream media want you might think .
According to a Gallup poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 61 percent of black Americans wanted the police to maintain their presence , with only 19 percent wanting less policing in their communities .
Twenty percent actually wanted the police to spend more time there .
In at least one major city that defunded and neutered its police in the febrile days after George Floyd ’ s death , they want the police back now .
Minneapolis , the place where Floyd died and the epicenter of the early demonstrating , has also experienced a huge spike in crime .
City council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are .
A few months ago , they were looking to disband their department , something that may still happen .
Reality is a harsh drug .
In the early days of the protests , the left envisioned a world where police were glorified social workers .
They didn ’ t just want reform to law enforcement , they wanted to dismantle it .
When it came to causes célèbres like Breonna Taylor , the facts didn ’ t matter .
When someone dropped reality on them , the reaction was practically anaphylactic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Furthermore , doing it in the name of Breonna Taylor is an inherently flawed idea .
Yes , her death was a tragedy .
It could have been averted if her boyfriend didn ’ t shoot at police officers , a fact that ’ s rarely discussed because it ’ s considered impolite .
We simply expect people to virtue-signal on the matter by sacrificing the police officers to mob justice .
Sadly , there are plenty of people who still think calling Ghostbusters is better than calling the police .
Charles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s mind immediately , but he was one of the few people speaking in the media speaking truthfully about what defunding the police will really do .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s not a bad question.
NBA great Charles Barkley, who’s on TNT’s studio analyst team, is curious whom citizens — particularly those who live in poorer areas — are supposed to call when the police are defunded. He’s now getting excoriated online, in part because of that and in part because he bothered to mention the facts in the Breonna Taylor case during the network’s Thursday coverage.
The comments came one night after violence gripped Louisville, Kentucky. when a grand jury only returned one charge related to the March police raid that ended with Taylor dead. Two police officers were shot during the protests and 127 demonstrators were arrested, according to WLKY-TV.
“We have to really be careful,” Barkley said during the pregame show before the Boston Celtics-Miami Heat game.
“I hear these fools on TV talking about ‘defund the police’ and things like that. We need police reform, prison reform, and things like that. Because you know who ain’t going to defund the cops? White neighborhoods and rich neighborhoods.
“So, that notion, they keep saying that,” Barkley continued.
“I’m like, wait a minute, who are black people supposed to call? Ghostbusters?”
Charles Barkley on defunding the police “Who are black people supposed to call Ghost Busters when we have crime in our neighborhood? We need to stop the defund or abolish the police crap” pic.twitter.com/uEIsnX729g — gifdsports (@gifdsports) September 25, 2020
And then there was the matter of the Breonna Taylor shooting, in which we’re supposed to be outraged without actually considering the facts of the case — that Taylor’s boyfriend fired at police, which is why none of the police officers involved in the raid was charged directly in her death.
“This one, I don’t think it was like George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery and things like that,” Barkley said. “I feel bad this young lady lost her life. But, you know, we do have to take into account her boyfriend did shoot at the cops and shot a cop.”
“So, like I say, even though I am really sorry she lost her life, I just don’t think we can put this in the same situation as George Floyd or Ahmaud Arbery,” he added.
God bless Barkley. He also is the only NBA commentator willing to point out that Brianna Taylor’s boyfriend fired first and hit a cop before they returned fire at him. The lack of basic factual understanding in this case is staggering. pic.twitter.com/2DFIs1XjNn — Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 25, 2020
According to The Hill, Shaquille O’Neal — another analyst on the TNT team — also criticized the knee-jerk reaction to the Taylor case.
“I have to agree with Charles, this one is sort of lumped in. You have to get a warrant signed, and some states do allow no-knock warrants,” said O’Neal, who has been named an auxiliary sheriff’s deputy in Broward County, Florida, according to Fox News.
“And everyone was asking for murder charges. When you talk about murder, you have to show intent. A homicide occurred, and we’re sorry a homicide occurred. When you have a warrant signed by the judge, you are doing your job, and I would imagine that you would fire back.”
Twitter officially lost its mind. For instance, this gentleman suddenly didn’t think that athletes and entertainers were worth listening to:
This why I dislike entertainers and athletes. Barkley and Shaq just told half the story. The girl boyfriend was already in jail. so why were they going to Breonna Taylor house if the person they were looking for was already in custody? — ThisMemphisGuyIsAlwaysStandUp (@MemphisThis) September 25, 2020
To be clear, Breonna Taylor’s ex-boyfriend, Jamarcus Gl0ver, who was the target of the investigation, was the subject of a near-simultaneous raid. According to the Louisville Courier-Journal, there were several raids being executed by Louisville police, who believed Glover was receiving packages of illegal drugs through Taylor.
Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal just defended the police killing Breonna Taylor on national television. And you wonder why we keep saying NO ONE cares about black women. Not even these black men with these prominent platforms can think beyond their paychecks. — ✨10k Hours✨ (@pen_and_a_lens) September 25, 2020
Even defunding the police was problematic to many of the denizens of social media.
Lord, I know everyone is able to have an opinion but I wish people like the @NBAonTNT would do more researching before speaking about things about their pay grade. Charles Barkley sounds like an entire idiot talking about defund the police. He doesn’t even understand what it — Goldburn P. Maynard Jr. (@deathntaxesprof) September 25, 2020
Americans aren’t in favor of defunding the police, despite what liberals and the mainstream media want you might think. According to a Gallup poll taken between June 23 and July 6, 61 percent of black Americans wanted the police to maintain their presence, with only 19 percent wanting less policing in their communities. Twenty percent actually wanted the police to spend more time there.
In at least one major city that defunded and neutered its police in the febrile days after George Floyd’s death, they want the police back now. Minneapolis, the place where Floyd died and the epicenter of the early demonstrating, has also experienced a huge spike in crime. City council members are openly asking where the police are. A few months ago, they were looking to disband their department, something that may still happen.
Reality is a harsh drug. In the early days of the protests, the left envisioned a world where police were glorified social workers.
They didn’t just want reform to law enforcement, they wanted to dismantle it. When it came to causes célèbres like Breonna Taylor, the facts didn’t matter. When someone dropped reality on them, the reaction was practically anaphylactic.
Do you think Barkley's question summed up the problem? 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% (626 Votes) No: 2% (14 Votes)
Cutting police funding hurts black communities. Furthermore, doing it in the name of Breonna Taylor is an inherently flawed idea.
Yes, her death was a tragedy. It could have been averted if her boyfriend didn’t shoot at police officers, a fact that’s rarely discussed because it’s considered impolite. We simply expect people to virtue-signal on the matter by sacrificing the police officers to mob justice.
Sadly, there are plenty of people who still think calling Ghostbusters is better than calling the police. Charles Barkley may not have changed anyone’s mind immediately, but he was one of the few people speaking in the media speaking truthfully about what defunding the police will really do.
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--2020-09-27--Sarah Palin Shreds Lisa Murkowski, Then Threatens Primary Run Against Her

Former Alaska Gov .
Sarah Palin dared Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska to “ do the right thing ” in terms of the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court , and said there could be consequences in 2022 , including a challenge from Palin herself Palin made her comments in videos released on Instagram Saturday and also shared on YouTube .
After the Sept. 18 death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , Murkowski said she opposed filling Ginsburg ’ s seat before the November elections .
TRENDING : Oregon Governor Declares State of Emergency in Portland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday gave herself some wiggle room .
“ I know everybody wants to ask the question , ‘ Will you confirm the nominee ?
’ We don ’ t have a nominee yet .
You and I don ’ t know who that is .
And so I can ’ t confirm whether or not I can confirm a nominee when I don ’ t know who the nominee is , ” Murkowski said Tuesday , according to the Washington Examiner .
Palin then said , in her unique style , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Murkowski fails to support President Donald Trump ’ s nomination of Barrett .
“ So , you should walk back .
We ’ ll forgive you .
If you can ’ t do that , remember my house ?
I can see a lot of things from my house .
… Lisa , I can see 2022 from my house , ” Palin said .
Playing on the “ Saturday Night Live ” joke from 2008 , when comedian Tina Fey impersonated Palin and delivered the fictional quote , “ I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palin delivered a message that wasn ’ t joking around .
“ Lisa Murkowski , this is my house , ” the 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate said at one point .
“ I ’ m willing to give it up for the greater good of this country … if you can ’ t find it within yourself to do the right thing this time and at least give a fair shake to the Supreme Court nominee that your president will be bringing before you , ” she said .
Palin told Murkowski @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans want you to do , what you were sent to Washington , D.C. to do.
” On Saturday , Murkowski issued yet another statement on the vacancy .
“ For weeks I have stated that I do not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to an election .
But today the president exercised his constitutional authority to nominate an individual to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court left by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 , ” she said .
Although Murkowski is on the record as voting “ present ” during the 2018 confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh , that vote was cast in a maneuver to avoid making a colleague travel to Washington to offset what would have been her vote against Kavanaugh .
“ I believe that Judge Kavanaugh is a good man .
He ’ s a good man , ” she said at the time , according to CNN .
“ He ’ s clearly a learned judge .
But in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have to vote , the end of the day , is with my conscience — I could not conclude that he was the right person for the court at this time , and this has been agonizing for me.
” Palin at the time suggested she might run in 2022 .
Trump said , in speaking of Murkowski after her vote , that Alaska “ will not forget .
They will never forget .
What she did was unacceptable .
Really unacceptable , ” according to The Washington Post .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin dared Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska to “do the right thing” in terms of the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, and said there could be consequences in 2022, including a challenge from Palin herself
Palin made her comments in videos released on Instagram Saturday and also shared on YouTube.
RT If You Would Like to See Sarah Palin Take Over Lisa Murkowski’s Senate Seat in 2022 Palin: I Can See 2022 From My House pic.twitter.com/9mRN4I3PKb — WINNING??AMERICA Under SIEGE 2020 (@TrumpLadyFran) September 27, 2020
After the Sept. 18 death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Murkowski said she opposed filling Ginsburg’s seat before the November elections.
Murkowski on Tuesday gave herself some wiggle room.
“I know everybody wants to ask the question, ‘Will you confirm the nominee?’ We don’t have a nominee yet. You and I don’t know who that is. And so I can’t confirm whether or not I can confirm a nominee when I don’t know who the nominee is,” Murkowski said Tuesday, according to the Washington Examiner.
Palin then said, in her unique style, that she might take on Murkowski in 2022 if Murkowski fails to support President Donald Trump’s nomination of Barrett.
“So, you should walk back. We’ll forgive you. If you can’t do that, remember my house? I can see a lot of things from my house. … Lisa, I can see 2022 from my house,” Palin said.
Would you like to see Sarah Palin in the Senate? 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% (4352 Votes) No: 2% (78 Votes)
Playing on the “Saturday Night Live” joke from 2008, when comedian Tina Fey impersonated Palin and delivered the fictional quote, “I can see Russia from my house,” Palin delivered a message that wasn’t joking around.
“Lisa Murkowski, this is my house,” the 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate said at one point.
“I’m willing to give it up for the greater good of this country … if you can’t find it within yourself to do the right thing this time and at least give a fair shake to the Supreme Court nominee that your president will be bringing before you,” she said.
Palin told Murkowski to “do what the majority of Americans want you to do, what you were sent to Washington, D.C. to do.”
Murkowski, AK Sen (R): I cannot support voting on Ginsburg replacement this close to election. Sarah Palin, former Gov. AK : I can see 2022 from my house. Sarah, you rock @SarahPalinUSA — Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) September 25, 2020
On Saturday, Murkowski issued yet another statement on the vacancy.
“For weeks I have stated that I do not support taking up a potential Supreme Court vacancy this close to an election. But today the president exercised his constitutional authority to nominate an individual to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court left by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Supreme Court nominee, just as I did in 2016,” she said.
My statement after President Trump nominated U.S. Circuit Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court: pic.twitter.com/zZyymMmuDm — Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) September 27, 2020
Although Murkowski is on the record as voting “present” during the 2018 confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, that vote was cast in a maneuver to avoid making a colleague travel to Washington to offset what would have been her vote against Kavanaugh.
“I believe that Judge Kavanaugh is a good man. He’s a good man,” she said at the time, according to CNN. “He’s clearly a learned judge. But in my conscience — because that’s how I have to vote, the end of the day, is with my conscience — I could not conclude that he was the right person for the court at this time, and this has been agonizing for me.”
Palin at the time suggested she might run in 2022.
Hey @LisaMurkowski – I can see 2022 from my house… — Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) October 5, 2018
Trump said, in speaking of Murkowski after her vote, that Alaska “will not forget. They will never forget. What she did was unacceptable. Really unacceptable,” according to The Washington Post.
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--2020-09-27--New York Times Claims POTUS Paid Only $750 in Taxes During First Year in Office, Trump Lawyer Says N

New York Times Claims POTUS Paid Only $750 in Taxes During First Year in Office, Trump Lawyer Says NYT Facts Are ‘Inaccurate”

President Donald Trump paid just $ 750 in federal income taxes the year he ran for president and in his first year in the White House , according to a report Sunday in The New York Times .
Trump , who has fiercely guarded his tax filings and is the only president in modern times not to make them public , paid no federal income taxes in 10 of the past 15 years .
The details of the tax filings complicate Trump ’ s description of himself as a shrewd and patriotic businessman , revealing instead a series of financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come into conflict with his responsibilities as president .
The president ’ s financial disclosures indicated he earned at least $ 434.9 million in 2018 , but the tax filings reported a $ 47.4 million loss .
The disclosure , which the Times said comes from tax return data it obtained extending over two decades , comes at a pivotal moment ahead of the first presidential debate Tuesday and weeks before a divisive election against Democrat Joe Biden .
Speaking at a news conference Sunday at the White House , Trump dismissed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he has paid taxes , though he gave no specifics .
He also vowed that information about his taxes “ will all be revealed , ” but he offered no timeline for the disclosure and made similar promises during the 2016 campaign .
TRENDING : Oregon Governor Declares State of Emergency in Portland Only After Conservatives Plan To Rally The president has fielded court challenges against those seeking access to his returns , including the U.S. House , which is suing for access to Trump ’ s tax returns as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years as president , Trump received $ 73 million from foreign operations , which in addition to his golf properties in Scotland and Ireland included $ 3 million from the Philippines , $ 2.3 million from India and $ 1 million from Turkey .
The president in 2017 paid $ 145,400 in taxes in India and $ 156,824 in the Philippines , compared to just $ 750 in U.S. income taxes .
Trump has taken tax deductions on personal expenses such as housing , aircraft and $ 70,000 in haircare .
Losses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Trump appear to have offset income from his stake in the television show “ The Apprentice ” and other entities with multiple owners .
During the first two years of his presidency , Trump relied on business tax credits to reduce his tax obligations .
The Times said $ 9.7 million worth of business investment credits that were submitted after Trump requested an extension to file his taxes allowed him to reduce his income and pay just $ 750 each in 2016 and 2017 .
Trump , starting in 2010 , claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totaled $ 72.9 million , which the Times said was at the core of an ongoing audit by the IRS .
The president has declined to release his taxes because of the audit .
A lawyer for the Trump Organization , Alan Garten , and a spokesperson for the Trump Organization did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press on the report .
Garten told the Times that “ most , if not all , of the facts appear to be inaccurate.
” He said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ has paid tens of millions of dollars in personal taxes to the federal government , including paying millions in personal taxes since announcing his candidacy in 2015.
” The New York Times said it declined Garten ’ s request for the tax filings in order to protect its sources .
RELATED : Biden Compares Trump to Infamous Nazi Official as MSNBC Interviewer Lobs Him Softballs During his first general election debate against Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 , Clinton said that perhaps Trump wasn ’ t releasing his tax returns because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump interrupted her to say , “ That makes me smart.
” The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication .
Therefore , it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards .
It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump is disputing a New York Times report that he paid just $750 in federal income taxes the year he ran for president and in his first year in the White House.
Trump, who has fiercely guarded his tax filings and is the only president in modern times not to make them public, paid no federal income taxes in 10 of the past 15 years, The Times reported Sunday.
More recently, the president’s financial disclosures indicated he earned at least $434.9 million in 2018, but the tax filings reported a $47.4 million loss.
The report, which the Times said comes from tax return data it obtained extending over two decades, comes at a pivotal moment ahead of the first presidential debate Tuesday and weeks before a divisive election against Democrat Joe Biden.
Speaking at a news conference Sunday at the White House, Trump dismissed the report as “fake news” and said he has paid taxes, though he gave no specifics. He also vowed that information about his taxes “will all be revealed,” but he offered no timeline for the disclosure and made similar promises during the 2016 campaign.
The president has fielded court challenges against those seeking access to his returns, including the U.S. House, which is suing for access to Trump’s tax returns as part of congressional oversight.
During his first two years as president, Trump received $73 million from foreign operations, which in addition to his golf properties in Scotland and Ireland included $3 million from the Philippines, $2.3 million from India and $1 million from Turkey, The Times reported. The president in 2017 paid $145,400 in taxes in India and $156,824 in the Philippines, compared to just $750 in U.S. income taxes, according to The Times.
Trump has taken tax deductions on personal expenses such as housing, aircraft and $70,000 in haircare. Losses in the property businesses solely owned and managed by Trump appear to have offset income from his stake in the television show “The Apprentice” and other entities with multiple owners.
During the first two years of his presidency, Trump relied on business tax credits to reduce his tax obligations, according to the report. The Times said $9.7 million worth of business investment credits that were submitted after Trump requested an extension to file his taxes allowed him to reduce his income and pay just $750 each in 2016 and 2017.
Do you think this Times story was deliberately released just ahead of the Tuesday presidential debate? 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% (1054 Votes) No: 1% (9 Votes)
Trump, starting in 2010, claimed and received an income tax refund that totaled $72.9 million, which The Times said was at the core of an ongoing audit by the IRS. The president has declined to release his taxes because of the audit.
A lawyer for the Trump Organization, Alan Garten, told The Times that “most, if not all, of the facts appear to be inaccurate.”
He said in a statement to the news organization that the president “has paid tens of millions of dollars in personal taxes to the federal government, including paying millions in personal taxes since announcing his candidacy in 2015.”
The New York Times said it declined Garten’s request for the tax filings in order to protect its sources.
During his first general election debate against Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016, Clinton said that perhaps Trump wasn’t releasing his tax returns because he had paid nothing in federal taxes.
Trump interrupted her to say, “That makes me smart.”
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.
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--2020-09-27--College Student Reportedly Suspended for Breaking COVID Guidelines Despite Not Stepping Foot on Camp

The ivory tower of higher education has finally gone too far .
Or maybe this is just another example of the disease of political correctness that has infected our colleges and universities for far too long .
Or , perhaps this is an example of our worst fear : Higher education in American is not about independent thought and freedom of expression , but it is about teaching correct behavior — at least , correct behavior in the eyes of those in power .
New York University , located in New York City , apparently sanctions snitching — and gleefully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies , according to Reason .
The outlet reported that based on a video provided to the school by a fellow attendee , a senior was suspended for attending an off-campus party last month that allegedly violated the school ’ s COVID-19 policy .
NYU ’ s reported actions here are particularly egregious because the student in question , Andy ( a pseudonym adopted to protect his identity ) , apparently complied with New York City COVID-19 guidelines .
“ The party was consistent with New York City ’ s Phase 4 COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 50 people .
Many attendees went mask-less , but Andy says he didn ’ t stand in close proximity to anyone other than his roommates — who are also students — and they left after a short while , ” according to Reason .
TRENDING : Oregon Governor Declares State of Emergency in Portland Only After Conservatives Plan To Rally Moreover , Andy does not attend classes on-campus .
“ I am not a student who will be staying at or near NYU housing , nor will I be entering Campus Grounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enrolled in all online courses , ” he wrote in appealing the school ’ s decision to suspend him .
Maybe things would be different if the party were held in a cramped on-campus dorm room .
But it wasn ’ t .
It occurred on a rooftop awash in open air .
Moreover , Andy ’ s assurances to NYU that he regrets attending the party was ignored .
“ While it may not appear this way , I have been attempting to stay safe as best I can , ” his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seek some feeling of normalcy was nothing more than a snap decision and I can not emphasize how much I have learned from this process.
” According to Reason , his appeal was rejected , despite the dire implications that the suspension could have for his future .
“ To return to campus in 2021 , Andy will need to write a reflection paper and beg for readmission .
Resuming his education might be impossible , anyway , since he relies on a full-tuition scholarship that is now threatened by his disciplinary status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disturbing that NYU reportedly relied on information provided by a snitch to act against Andy .
Is snitching the kind of behavior we want our colleges and universities to encourage , especially when the alleged violation of school policy was not a violation at all ?
“ The University shall not use its powers to interfere with the rights of a student beyond the University environment .
Conduct that occurs off-campus , online , over social media , or outside the context of a University program or activity , should generally be subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority and/or public opinion .
Notwithstanding , the University may take student disciplinary action for conduct occurring outside the University context which substantially disrupts the regular operation of the University or threatens the health , safety , or security of the University community .
When conduct constitutes violations of both University policy and public law , a student may be subject to both University student conduct action as well as public sanctions.
” How did the conduct that took place “ outside the University context … substantially [ disrupt ] the regular operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health , safety , or security of the University community ?
” The school does have a specific COVID-19 policy as well , but it only applies to “ Members of the NYU Community who may be in NYU Buildings and on Campus Grounds in New York.
” Considering Andy is an online student who attended an off-campus party , the COVID-19 policy should not have applied to him .
NYU appears to have its priorities sickeningly out of order .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The ivory tower of higher education has finally gone too far. Or maybe this is just another example of the disease of political correctness that has infected our colleges and universities for far too long.
Or, perhaps this is an example of our worst fear: Higher education in American is not about independent thought and freedom of expression, but it is about teaching correct behavior — at least, correct behavior in the eyes of those in power.
New York University, located in New York City, apparently sanctions snitching — and gleefully so — in order to enforce flawed policies, according to Reason. The outlet reported that based on a video provided to the school by a fellow attendee, a senior was suspended for attending an off-campus party last month that allegedly violated the school’s COVID-19 policy.
NYU’s reported actions here are particularly egregious because the student in question, Andy (a pseudonym adopted to protect his identity), apparently complied with New York City COVID-19 guidelines.
“The party was consistent with New York City’s Phase 4 COVID-19 guidelines, which allow events of up to 50 people. Many attendees went mask-less, but Andy says he didn’t stand in close proximity to anyone other than his roommates — who are also students — and they left after a short while,” according to Reason.
Moreover, Andy does not attend classes on-campus.
“I am not a student who will be staying at or near NYU housing, nor will I be entering Campus Grounds or NYU buildings as I am currently enrolled in all online courses,” he wrote in appealing the school’s decision to suspend him.
Maybe things would be different if the party were held in a cramped on-campus dorm room.
But it wasn’t. It occurred on a rooftop awash in open air.
Was Andy wrongfully suspended? 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% (191 Votes) No: 1% (1 Votes)
Moreover, Andy’s assurances to NYU that he regrets attending the party was ignored.
“While it may not appear this way, I have been attempting to stay safe as best I can,” his appeal read. “My attempt to seek some feeling of normalcy was nothing more than a snap decision and I cannot emphasize how much I have learned from this process.”
According to Reason, his appeal was rejected, despite the dire implications that the suspension could have for his future.
“To return to campus in 2021, Andy will need to write a reflection paper and beg for readmission. Resuming his education might be impossible, anyway, since he relies on a full-tuition scholarship that is now threatened by his disciplinary status,” Reason reported.
It is disturbing that NYU reportedly relied on information provided by a snitch to act against Andy. Is snitching the kind of behavior we want our colleges and universities to encourage, especially when the alleged violation of school policy was not a violation at all?
NYU’s University Student Conduct Policy states the following:
“The University shall not use its powers to interfere with the rights of a student beyond the University environment. Conduct that occurs off-campus, online, over social media, or outside the context of a University program or activity, should generally be subject only to the consequences of the applicable authority and/or public opinion. Notwithstanding, the University may take student disciplinary action for conduct occurring outside the University context which substantially disrupts the regular operation of the University or threatens the health, safety, or security of the University community. When conduct constitutes violations of both University policy and public law, a student may be subject to both University student conduct action as well as public sanctions.”
How did the conduct that took place “outside the University context … substantially [disrupt] the regular operation of the University or [threaten] the health, safety, or security of the University community?”
Answer: It didn’t.
The school does have a specific COVID-19 policy as well, but it only applies to “Members of the NYU Community who may be in NYU Buildings and on Campus Grounds in New York.” Considering Andy is an online student who attended an off-campus party, the COVID-19 policy should not have applied to him.
NYU appears to have its priorities sickeningly out of order.
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.
Mark Weissmann Contributor, Commentary Summary More Biographical Information Recent Posts Contact Mark Weissmann hails from New Jersey and now resides in Texas. He is the proud father of three extraordinary children. Mark studied political science at George Washington University and received a law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Mark practiced law for 32 years, starting his legal career as an assistant district attorney. Mark Weissmann hails from New Jersey and now resides in Texas. He is the proud father of three extraordinary children. Mark studied political science at George Washington University and received a law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Mark practiced law for 32 years, starting his legal career as an assistant district attorney. Birthplace New Jersey Education George Washington University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law Location Texas Topics of Expertise Law College Student Reportedly Suspended for Breaking COVID Guidelines Despite Not Stepping Foot on Campus Watch What Happens When a Veteran Cop Notices a Damaged American Flag on the Ground See more...


westernjournal--2020-09-27--Church Ransacked and Robbed, ‘Sleeping Madonna’ Left Broken and Desecrated

The violence and hate faced by Christians took an ugly turn for one church as vandals ransacked the house of worship , destroying sacred objects and looting goods .
Unfortunately for the church , this was the second vicious act in less than a month .
The most recent vandalism happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Caltanissetta , Italy , according to the Italian-language La Sicilia .
Relics were demolished at the church of Sant ’ Agata al Collegio with no apparent reason other than for the sake of destruction .
Photos from the scene show broken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objects strewn about .
A sleeping Madonna figure had its glass door shattered and its arm broken off and was robbed of a gold brooch by the vandals .
Pictures show the religious icon spilling out of its case .
TRENDING : Oregon Governor Declares State of Emergency in Portland Only After Conservatives Plan To Rally “ Unscrupulous people … have meddled in the Church and parish premises ravaging everything they could , desecrating the Lord ’ s House .
The Nazarene Jesus Association is tightening around Father Sergio and the Friars who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole city for years , ” the local Nazarene Jesus Association said in Italian on a Facebook post .
“ We ask the city to make its voice and condemnation heard loudly for these cowardly acts.
” Accompanying the post , the religious organization provided photographs of the desecration .
Luckily , it seems these vandals didn ’ t make a clean getaway .
According to La Sicilia , 20-year-old Salvatore Giannone and 25-year-old Alessio Pio Raul Naselli were intercepted hurrying away from the direction of the church .
Italian police gave chase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fled .
An envelope abandoned by the alleged vandals was recovered .
Inside , police say , they found seemingly damning evidence of the criminal acts against the church .
Alongside over 150 euros was a container of holy oil and the brooch from the sleeping Madonna .
Police were seeking two others in connection with the crime .
RELATED : Reuters Sets Up Amy Coney Barrett as Extremist , Links Her to Group Ex-Member Calls a 'Cult' After combing through the facts , police said the vandals entered through a school library @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money from vending machines in the facility before heading into the sanctuary .
The owners of the recovered vending machine money donated it to the church to help it recover from the destruction .
Giannone and Naselli are now awaiting trial and possible time in an Italian prison .
If convicted , they ’ ll surely regret their decision to tear apart a small-town church .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The violence and hate faced by Christians took an ugly turn for one church as vandals ransacked the house of worship, destroying sacred objects and looting goods.
Unfortunately for the church, this was the second vicious act in less than a month.
The most recent vandalism happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Caltanissetta, Italy, according to the Italian-language La Sicilia.
Relics were demolished at the church of Sant’Agata al Collegio with no apparent reason other than for the sake of destruction. Photos from the scene show broken artifacts and icons, with other church objects strewn about.
A sleeping Madonna figure had its glass door shattered and its arm broken off and was robbed of a gold brooch by the vandals. Pictures show the religious icon spilling out of its case.
“Unscrupulous people … have meddled in the Church and parish premises ravaging everything they could, desecrating the Lord’s House. The Nazarene Jesus Association is tightening around Father Sergio and the Friars who have been serving the Community and the whole city for years,” the local Nazarene Jesus Association said in Italian on a Facebook post.
“We ask the city to make its voice and condemnation heard loudly for these cowardly acts.”
Accompanying the post, the religious organization provided photographs of the desecration.
Luckily, it seems these vandals didn’t make a clean getaway.
According to La Sicilia, 20-year-old Salvatore Giannone and 25-year-old Alessio Pio Raul Naselli were intercepted hurrying away from the direction of the church.
Italian police gave chase after the men entered a car and fled.
An envelope abandoned by the alleged vandals was recovered. Inside, police say, they found seemingly damning evidence of the criminal acts against the church. Alongside over 150 euros was a container of holy oil and the brooch from the sleeping Madonna.
Police were seeking two others in connection with the crime.
Should destruction of a church be considered a hate crime? 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% (966 Votes) No: 1% (5 Votes)
After combing through the facts, police said the vandals entered through a school library attached to the church. They stole money from vending machines in the facility before heading into the sanctuary.
The owners of the recovered vending machine money donated it to the church to help it recover from the destruction.
Giannone and Naselli are now awaiting trial and possible time in an Italian prison. If convicted, they’ll surely regret their decision to tear apart a small-town church.
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--2020-09-27--Driver Who Allegedly Rammed Pro-Trump Crowd Prayed To Go Out a Martyr, Posts Link Her to ‘Caravan 4

Driver Who Allegedly Rammed Pro-Trump Crowd Prayed To Go Out a Martyr, Posts Link Her to ‘Caravan 4 Peace’ Group

Casual readers taking in the first few paragraphs of the story of a vehicle attacking protesters in Southern California would already think they know the kind of person the perpetrator is : “ A vehicle struck at least two people in Yorba Linda on Saturday during a Black Lives Matter protest and counter-protest , marking the second incident in three days involving vehicles careening through protesting crowds in the Southland , ” KCBS-TV in Los Angeles reported .
“ The BLM march was going along Imperial Highway with the counter-protesters holding pro-President Donald Trump signs on the other side , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrations.
” For most readers , the impression is clear : Another racist ran a vehicle through the Black Lives Matter protesters .
This is just sick , they might think , absolutely sick — and it ’ s got to be the pro-Trump fringe .
However , the more perceptive might notice something strange about the KCBS coverage : The station is a bit cagey about who committed this act and what the motive was .
If this was a snarling mask-hater in a MAGA hat and a Ram pickup trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usually mentioned straight off the bat .
( Particularly the MAGA hat , which is the definitive sign of any political villain . )
Instead , silence .
TRENDING : Oregon Governor Declares State of Emergency in Portland Only After Conservatives Plan To Rally Readers who go down a little further would learn that just after 3 p.m. , a woman injured two people when her vehicle ran through the crowd .
The report doesn ’ t say which crowd .
“ A male adult suffered two broken legs and one female adult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheriff ’ s Department Sgt .
Dennis Breckner told reporters , according to KCBS .
The car was caught on video and officials eventually surrounded the vehicle of 40-year-old Tatiana Turner of Long Beach , who was taken into custody , the report stated .
Again , no indication of motive .
The article touches on other protesters being arrested at the event on Saturday and how Turner was booked into jail on charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon .
In paragraph nine — nine !
— it finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Caravan 4 Justice.
” There ’ s your first hint about the political leanings of the suspected assailant .
What is “ Caravan 4 Justice ?
” I ’ m glad you asked , because KCBS clearly thought this wasn ’ t worth exploring .
The Long Beach Press-Telegram barely touched on it , either , in its write-up of the event , simply saying Turner was a supporter and that the group “ campaigns against police violence.
” ABC News mentioned the group in the first paragraph of its coverage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group did .
RELATED : NBA Great Barkley Obliterates Defunding Police : 'Who Are Black People Supposed To Call ?
Ghostbusters ? '
ABC was a bit more explicit about what had happened , noting that Turner allegedly “ drove through a group of protesters , many waving Trump flags , outside the Yorba Linda Public Library at about 3 p.m. local time .
Two people , a man and a woman , were hit by the car , with both suffering ‘ major injuries.
’ Both are expected to survive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media is an unsettling look at an individual wholly envenomed by the less savory aspects of the current protest movement .
Turner , whose Facebook profile was under the name “ Tia Turner , ” wasn ’ t just involved with the Caravan 4 Justice group ; as of Sunday afternoon , she was still an admin on its Facebook page .
Other media reports about Caravan 4 Justice identify her as a “ protest organizer.
” The group hosts socially distanced protests using cars — an issue when those cars are turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — which really seems like a counter-counter-protest aimed at fighting the conservatives and Trump supporters in attendance — was widely advertised on Caravan 4 Justice Instagram page with the caption : “ Today is the main event !
Help us combat racism !
!
These racist are on full alert .
Please do the same .
Please be careful !
!
” As it turns out , it should have been the Caravan 4 Justice opponents who were on alert .
Turner ’ s individual posts were also eerily telling .
Here ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which didn ’ t exactly evince a rational person : WARNING : The following video contains graphic language that some viewers will find offensive .
“ What ’ s being put in handcuffs and being detained for a little while and getting a ticket over saving the lives of my future nieces and nephews ?
” Turner said , about the 2:45 mark in the video .
After invoking Rosa Parks , she said that “ everybody wants to talk about Malcolm X — what Malcolm X did with his peacefulness … @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes to go against the grain.
” I suppose if your idea of peaceful protest is Malcolm X , there are much deeper issues at play .
Turner ’ s Facebook profile is filled with pictures of her with a megaphone leading protests .
One particularly graphic post showed an image of a women who had been hit in the head with some projectile .
Turner described the incident as a “ protest , ” but didn ’ t include information about where or when the photo was taken .
She wrote “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of martyr like this.
” An extremist with an expressed wish for martyrdom would be a national story if Turner had the MAGA hat , the truck and the conservative agenda .
In fact , much of the coverage of the incident and Tatiana Turner ’ s subsequent arrest focused on another incident during a protest in Hollywood ; this one involved a truck , so of course it merited more reportage .
( In fact , KCBS ’ headline was .
“ Vehicle Hits Protesters Again : 2 Hospitalized After Driver Speeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This isn ’ t a well individual .
Drape her in the American flag , she ’ d become the symbol of bigotry , fear and rage overnight .
She ’ d be an adult Nick Sandmann — and this time , she ’ d allegedly committed a serious crime .
In this case , readers have to wait until the ninth paragraph of the KCBS story to find out the group she was active in — and the fact that it wasn ’ t , by any stretch of the imagination , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need much imagination to figure out why this was .
Tatiana Turner will dissipate into the background with all due rapidity .
There ’ s no lesson about How Divided We Are Right Now to be grokked from her alleged crime , even though she should , by rights , be the symbol of the kind of out-of-control rage these protests engender .
Attempted murder , all from a woman determined to become a “ martyr.
” That ’ s how far political divisiveness on the left has allegedly gone .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignore it .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Casual readers taking in the first few paragraphs of the story of a vehicle attacking protesters in Southern California would already think they know the kind of person the perpetrator is:
“A vehicle struck at least two people in Yorba Linda on Saturday during a Black Lives Matter protest and counter-protest, marking the second incident in three days involving vehicles careening through protesting crowds in the Southland,” KCBS-TV in Los Angeles reported.
“The BLM march was going along Imperial Highway with the counter-protesters holding pro-President Donald Trump signs on the other side, and about 200 officers were monitoring the demonstrations.”
For most readers, the impression is clear: Another racist ran a vehicle through the Black Lives Matter protesters. This is just sick, they might think, absolutely sick — and it’s got to be the pro-Trump fringe. However, the more perceptive might notice something strange about the KCBS coverage: The station is a bit cagey about who committed this act and what the motive was.
If this was a snarling mask-hater in a MAGA hat and a Ram pickup trying to hit antiracist demonstrators, that’s usually mentioned straight off the bat. (Particularly the MAGA hat, which is the definitive sign of any political villain.) Instead, silence.
Readers who go down a little further would learn that just after 3 p.m., a woman injured two people when her vehicle ran through the crowd. The report doesn’t say which crowd.
“A male adult suffered two broken legs and one female adult suffered moderate injuries,” Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Dennis Breckner told reporters, according to KCBS.
The car was caught on video and officials eventually surrounded the vehicle of 40-year-old Tatiana Turner of Long Beach, who was taken into custody, the report stated. Again, no indication of motive.
The article touches on other protesters being arrested at the event on Saturday and how Turner was booked into jail on charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
In paragraph nine — nine! — it finally mentions that Turner was a member of “Caravan 4 Justice.” There’s your first hint about the political leanings of the suspected assailant.
A car just drove through a crowd. The crowd then chased after the white sedan. This person was hurt. pic.twitter.com/0iAhWkcRnu — Brian Rokos (@Brian_Rokos) September 26, 2020
What is “Caravan 4 Justice?” I’m glad you asked, because KCBS clearly thought this wasn’t worth exploring. The Long Beach Press-Telegram barely touched on it, either, in its write-up of the event, simply saying Turner was a supporter and that the group “campaigns against police violence.”
ABC News mentioned the group in the first paragraph of its coverage, but there was little exploration of what the group did.
Will the mainstream media downplay this this attack? 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% (2496 Votes) No: 1% (24 Votes)
ABC was a bit more explicit about what had happened, noting that Turner allegedly “drove through a group of protesters, many waving Trump flags, outside the Yorba Linda Public Library at about 3 p.m. local time. Two people, a man and a woman, were hit by the car, with both suffering ‘major injuries.’ Both are expected to survive, officials said.”
Turner’s social media is an unsettling look at an individual wholly envenomed by the less savory aspects of the current protest movement.
Turner, whose Facebook profile was under the name “Tia Turner,” wasn’t just involved with the Caravan 4 Justice group; as of Sunday afternoon, she was still an admin on its Facebook page.
Other media reports about Caravan 4 Justice identify her as a “protest organizer.”
The group hosts socially distanced protests using cars — an issue when those cars are turned into weapons.
Saturday’s protest — which really seems like a counter-counter-protest aimed at fighting the conservatives and Trump supporters in attendance — was widely advertised on Caravan 4 Justice Instagram page with the caption:
“Today is the main event! Help us combat racism!! These racist are on full alert. Please do the same. Please be careful!!”
As it turns out, it should have been the Caravan 4 Justice opponents who were on alert.
Turner’s individual posts were also eerily telling. Here’s a livestream from Taylor in June, which didn’t exactly evince a rational person:
WARNING: The following video contains graphic language that some viewers will find offensive.
Posted by Tia Turner on Thursday, June 4, 2020
“What’s being put in handcuffs and being detained for a little while and getting a ticket over saving the lives of my future nieces and nephews?” Turner said, about the 2:45 mark in the video.
After invoking Rosa Parks, she said that “everybody wants to talk about Malcolm X — what Malcolm X did with his peacefulness … people don’t understand what it takes to go against the grain.” I suppose if your idea of peaceful protest is Malcolm X, there are much deeper issues at play.
Turner’s Facebook profile is filled with pictures of her with a megaphone leading protests. One particularly graphic post showed an image of a women who had been hit in the head with some projectile. Turner described the incident as a “protest,” but didn’t include information about where or when the photo was taken.
She wrote “I can only pray to go out of martyr like this.”
An extremist with an expressed wish for martyrdom would be a national story if Turner had the MAGA hat, the truck and the conservative agenda. In fact, much of the coverage of the incident and Tatiana Turner’s subsequent arrest focused on another incident during a protest in Hollywood; this one involved a truck, so of course it merited more reportage. (In fact, KCBS’ headline was. “Vehicle Hits Protesters Again: 2 Hospitalized After Driver Speeds Through Crowd In Yorba Linda.”)
This isn’t a well individual. Drape her in the American flag, she’d become the symbol of bigotry, fear and rage overnight. She’d be an adult Nick Sandmann — and this time, she’d allegedly committed a serious crime. In this case, readers have to wait until the ninth paragraph of the KCBS story to find out the group she was active in — and the fact that it wasn’t, by any stretch of the imagination, conservative. I don’t think you need much imagination to figure out why this was.
Tatiana Turner will dissipate into the background with all due rapidity. There’s no lesson about How Divided We Are Right Now to be grokked from her alleged crime, even though she should, by rights, be the symbol of the kind of out-of-control rage these protests engender.
Attempted murder, all from a woman determined to become a “martyr.” That’s how far political divisiveness on the left has allegedly gone. And the mainstream media is just going to ignore it.
CORRECTION, Sept. 29, 2020: This story’s headline previously identified the group that Tatiana Turner is affiliated with as “Caravan 4 Peace.” In fact, the group’s name is “Caravan 4 Justice,” and the headline has been updated to note as much. We apologize for the error.
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.