westernjournal--2020-08-01--Officials Issue Warnings as Americans Around the Country Receive Strange Shipments from China

The seeds of concern are sprouting across the United States as homeowners receive unsolicited packages from China .
“ We don ’ t know what they are , and we can not risk any harm whatsoever to agricultural production in the United States , ” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said , according to CBS .
“ We have the safest , most abundant food supply in the world and we need to keep it that way.
” Kentucky has been among the states whose residents have been targeted with the mystery packages of seeds .
“ At this point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have enough information to know if this is a hoax , a prank , an internet scam or an act of agricultural bio-terrorism , ” Quarles said .
“ Unsolicited seeds could be invasive and introduce unknown diseases to local plants , harm livestock or threaten our environment.
” Kentucky is not alone .
Other states where residents have either received the packages or officials have issued warnings include Alabama , Arizona , Arkansas , Colorado , Delaware , Florida , Georgia , Iowa , Kentucky , Maryland , Minnesota , Michigan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , New Hampshire , New Jersey , North Carolina , North Dakota , Oklahoma , Oregon , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas , Utah , Virginia , Washington , West Virginia and Wyoming , according to The New York Times .
Add New Mexico to the list .
“ As of right now we had roughly 30 reports come in , we ’ re still calling some folks back , ” Katey Laney of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture said , according to KRQE-TV .
“ Their concerns are very similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know what they have gotten , they are apprehensive to plant seeds that has no indication as to what it is… What we have seen is , they arrive in undisclosed packaging sometimes labeled as jewelry or electronic components , ” Laney said , according to the station .
Some packages say “ China Post ” or have Chinese lettering .
Others are labeled that they contained jewelry or other items .
RELATED : Despite Ongoing Genocide , Feinstein Praises China as 'Growing Into a Respectable Nation' Michael Wallace , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Consumer Services , told The New York Times that his department received “ over 900 emails and several hundred telephone calls ” from recipients of the packages .
Carolee Bull , who heads the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at Penn State University , told The Times that planting unidentified seeds is a bad idea “ The reason that people are concerned is — especially if the seed is the seed of a similar crop that is grown for income and food , or food for animals — that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are harbored in the seed , ” she said .
According to The New York Times , Quarles , the Kentucky agriculture commissioner , had simple advice for anyone who does encounter the packages : “ Put the package and seeds in a zip lock bag and wash your hands immediately.
” The U.S. Department of Agriculture is so concerned about the growing trend that it posted a notice on its website saying that an investigation is underway and asking the public to alert authorities .
“ USDA is aware that people across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ packages of seed that appear to be coming from China .
USDA ’ s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ( APHIS ) is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security ’ s Customs and Border Protection , other federal agencies , and State departments of agriculture to investigate the situation , ” it said .
“ USDA urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to immediately contact their State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director .
Please hold onto the seeds and packaging , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions .
Do not plant seeds from unknown origins , ” the notice said .
The USDA said the episode could be part of what it termed “ a ‘ brushing scam ’ where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The seeds of concern are sprouting across the United States as homeowners receive unsolicited packages from China.
“We don’t know what they are, and we cannot risk any harm whatsoever to agricultural production in the United States,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said, according to CBS. “We have the safest, most abundant food supply in the world and we need to keep it that way.”
Kentucky has been among the states whose residents have been targeted with the mystery packages of seeds.
“At this point in time, we don’t have enough information to know if this is a hoax, a prank, an internet scam or an act of agricultural bio-terrorism,” Quarles said.
“Unsolicited seeds could be invasive and introduce unknown diseases to local plants, harm livestock or threaten our environment.”
Kentucky is not alone.
Other states where residents have either received the packages or officials have issued warnings include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, according to The New York Times.
Add New Mexico to the list.
“As of right now we had roughly 30 reports come in, we’re still calling some folks back,” Katey Laney of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture said, according to KRQE-TV.
Do you think these seeds are dangrous? Yes No
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“Their concerns are very similar to our concerns in that they don’t know what they have gotten, they are apprehensive to plant seeds that has no indication as to what it is… What we have seen is, they arrive in undisclosed packaging sometimes labeled as jewelry or electronic components,” Laney said, according to the station.
Some packages say “China Post” or have Chinese lettering. Others are labeled that they contained jewelry or other items.
Report Unsolicited Seeds: Anyone who has received unsolicited seeds in the mail from China or any other country is encouraged to contact the GDA Seed Lab at 229-386-3145 or e-mail SeedLab@agr.georgia.gov. The seed packages may appear similar to the photos below. pic.twitter.com/eMUVo0MVjM — Georgia Department of Agriculture (@GaDeptAg) July 27, 2020
I have received two of these packets of mystery seeds so far this year. Knowing that I did not order them, and not having any idea what they were, I discarded them. Now, people all across the country are receiving these “free” seeds from China. https://t.co/92fQFUikdb — GrumpyGoose (@FelicitousBS) July 25, 2020
We have received reports of people receiving seeds from China that they did not order. If you receive them – don’t plant them. Report to @USDA_APHIS at https://t.co/0U53rbAiHs pic.twitter.com/Y4yAKv5bk7 — WA St Dept of Agr (@WSDAgov) July 24, 2020
Michael Wallace, a spokesman for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, told The New York Times that his department received “over 900 emails and several hundred telephone calls” from recipients of the packages.
“It’s a widespread issue,” he said.
Carolee Bull, who heads the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at Penn State University, told The Times that planting unidentified seeds is a bad idea
“The reason that people are concerned is — especially if the seed is the seed of a similar crop that is grown for income and food, or food for animals — that there may be plant pathogens or insects that are harbored in the seed,” she said.
According to The New York Times, Quarles, the Kentucky agriculture commissioner, had simple advice for anyone who does encounter the packages:
“Put the package and seeds in a zip lock bag and wash your hands immediately.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is so concerned about the growing trend that it posted a notice on its website saying that an investigation is underway and asking the public to alert authorities.
“USDA is aware that people across the country have received suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed that appear to be coming from China. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, other federal agencies, and State departments of agriculture to investigate the situation,” it said.
“USDA urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to immediately contact their State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director. Please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from your State department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions. Do not plant seeds from unknown origins,” the notice said.
The USDA said the episode could be part of what it termed “a ‘brushing scam’ where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales.”
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Another NBA Player Stands Alone Amid a Sea of Anthem Kneelers

Meyers Leonard has a brother who served two tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marines .
He carries a military-themed backpack , wears combat boots and is friends with Navy SEALs .
“ I absolutely believe black lives matter , ” he said .
But Leonard couldn ’ t bring himself to kneel for the national anthem .
Wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt , and as all other coaches and players around him knelt , Leonard stood for the playing of “ The Star-Spangled Banner ” on Saturday before the Heat restarted their season by facing the Denver Nuggets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the conversations I ’ ve had over the past three days , quite literally , have been the most difficult , ” Leonard told The Associated Press prior to the game .
“ I am with the Black Lives Matter movement and I love and support the military and my brother and the people who have fought to defend our rights in this country.
” Leonard agonized over the decision .
He explained his reasoning to current teammates and several former ones — then stood near midcourt , hand over his heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am a compassionate human being and I truly love all people , ” Leonard said .
“ I can ’ t fully comprehend how our world , literally and figuratively , has turned into black and white .
There ’ s a line in the sand , so to speak : ‘ If you ’ re not kneeling , you ’ re not with us.
’ And that ’ s not true.
” “ I will continue to use my platform , my voice and my actions to show how much I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone , ” he added .
“ I live my life to serve and impact others in a positive way.
” The focus of the restarted NBA season has been on the Black Lives Matter movement .
Teams are kneeling , often linking arms , for the national anthem along a sideline where “ Black Lives Matter ” is painted .
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac stood for the anthem before his team ’ s game on Friday and opted not to wear the Black Lives Matter shirt that players and coaches have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich and Spurs assistant Becky Hammon both stood for the anthem .
RELATED : Lone Player Kneels for Anthem as NHL Drops Puck on Playoffs Popovich , a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy , stood with arms at his side .
Hammon draped her arms over the shoulders of fellow assistant Will Hardy and Spurs guard Patty Mills .
“ I did feel a little bit of a load lifted off my shoulders when they did that , ” Leonard said .
“ Each of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just as I do.
” Heat forward Andre Iguodala , a member of the National Basketball Players Association ’ s executive committee , said he respected Leonard ’ s choice .
“ On the one hand , we ’ re saying , ‘ We want you to see things from our perspective , ’ ” Iguodala said .
“ But by saying that , I also have to see things from his perspective .
And I can see where he ’ s coming from.
” Heat captain Udonis Haslem had multiple conversations with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Haslem originally wished to see Leonard kneel , but after those talks he came away with understanding — and vowed the Heat would support their teammate .
“ His being out there with us , as our brother , it ’ s still showing strength , it ’ s still showing unity , it ’ s still showing that we ’ re coming together for a common cause , ” Haslem said .
“ People will question , ‘ Why isn ’ t he doing it their way ?
’ Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s supporting us .
He ’ s with us.
” Leonard raised $ 180,000 in April by streaming himself playing video games online ; that money went to causes such as Feeding South Florida , a group with which Haslem and the Heat work closely .
And Saturday , Leonard said he and his wife will donate $ 100,000 to a fund that helps pay the fees that Floridians leaving prisons must settle before they can vote .
Former teammates have warned Leonard that he may face criticism , possibly from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a few hours before the anthem , Bailey Leonard , the former Marine , texted his brother and said , “ Stay true to you .
Stay the course .
I love you .
Your family loves you .
Your community loves you.
” If Leonard had any doubt , it evaporated there .
“ I know he ’ s proud of me , ” Leonard said .
“ And if he ’ s proud of me , and if my brothers on this team are with me , then I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Meyers Leonard has a brother who served two tours in Afghanistan with the U.S. Marines. He carries a military-themed backpack, wears combat boots and is friends with Navy SEALs.
“I absolutely believe black lives matter,” he said.
But Leonard couldn’t bring himself to kneel for the national anthem.
Wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt, and as all other coaches and players around him knelt, Leonard stood for the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Saturday before the Heat restarted their season by facing the Denver Nuggets at Walt Disney World.
“Some of the conversations I’ve had over the past three days, quite literally, have been the most difficult,” Leonard told The Associated Press prior to the game.
“I am with the Black Lives Matter movement and I love and support the military and my brother and the people who have fought to defend our rights in this country.”
Leonard agonized over the decision. He explained his reasoning to current teammates and several former ones — then stood near midcourt, hand over his heart, as the anthem played.
“I am a compassionate human being and I truly love all people,” Leonard said.
“I can’t fully comprehend how our world, literally and figuratively, has turned into black and white. There’s a line in the sand, so to speak: ‘If you’re not kneeling, you’re not with us.’ And that’s not true.”
“I will continue to use my platform, my voice and my actions to show how much I care about the African-American culture and for everyone,” he added.
“I live my life to serve and impact others in a positive way.”
The focus of the restarted NBA season has been on the Black Lives Matter movement.
Teams are kneeling, often linking arms, for the national anthem along a sideline where “Black Lives Matter” is painted.
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac stood for the anthem before his team’s game on Friday and opted not to wear the Black Lives Matter shirt that players and coaches have donned for warm-ups.
Later Friday, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich and Spurs assistant Becky Hammon both stood for the anthem.
Popovich, a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, stood with arms at his side. Hammon draped her arms over the shoulders of fellow assistant Will Hardy and Spurs guard Patty Mills.
“I did feel a little bit of a load lifted off my shoulders when they did that,” Leonard said. “Each of those individuals had their own personal reasons, just as I do.”
Heat forward Andre Iguodala, a member of the National Basketball Players Association’s executive committee, said he respected Leonard’s choice.
Do you support Leonard's decision to stand during the anthem? Yes No
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“On the one hand, we’re saying, ‘We want you to see things from our perspective,’” Iguodala said.
“But by saying that, I also have to see things from his perspective. And I can see where he’s coming from.”
Heat captain Udonis Haslem had multiple conversations with Leonard in recent days about his decision.
Haslem originally wished to see Leonard kneel, but after those talks he came away with understanding — and vowed the Heat would support their teammate.
“His being out there with us, as our brother, it’s still showing strength, it’s still showing unity, it’s still showing that we’re coming together for a common cause,” Haslem said.
“People will question, ‘Why isn’t he doing it their way?’ Well, he’s standing by us. He’s supporting us. He’s with us.”
Leonard raised $180,000 in April by streaming himself playing video games online; that money went to causes such as Feeding South Florida, a group with which Haslem and the Heat work closely.
And Saturday, Leonard said he and his wife will donate $100,000 to a fund that helps pay the fees that Floridians leaving prisons must settle before they can vote.
Former teammates have warned Leonard that he may face criticism, possibly from fellow NBA players.
But Saturday morning, a few hours before the anthem, Bailey Leonard, the former Marine, texted his brother and said, “Stay true to you. Stay the course. I love you. Your family loves you. Your community loves you.”
If Leonard had any doubt, it evaporated there.
“I know he’s proud of me,” Leonard said. “And if he’s proud of me, and if my brothers on this team are with me, then I know this is what I have to do.”
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The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Only US City with Falling Unemployment Distills Bourbon, Grows Tobacco and Makes 1 Thing We Need Now

Only US City with Falling Unemployment Distills Bourbon, Grows Tobacco and Makes 1 Thing We Need Now More Than Ever

Unemployment in the United States is uncomfortably high , largely thanks to business-killing government lockdown orders and the coronavirus pandemic ’ s monumental impact on the economy .
While residents of American cities appear most damaged by the shifting tides , one heartland metropolitan area has managed not only to avoid a spiking unemployment rate but even to bring the number down .
Owensboro , Kentucky , is the only city listed on a United States Bureau of Labor Statistics report that managed to reduce its unemployment rate from June 2019 to June 2020 .
According to a data table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s unemployment rate dropped from 4.4 percent to 4.2 percent over the course of the last twelve months .
This happened as the local economies of other cities were gutted by the pandemic .
In Orlando , Florida , where tourism is king and airlines supply a constant flow of out-of-state money , coronavirus shutdowns and other restrictions saw the city ’ s unemployment rate jump to an astronomical 16.5 percent from 3.2 percent in June 2019 .
New York City residents are faring no better .
With a governor who thinks regulating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mayor who seems to only be focused on bashing his own police force , it doesn ’ t take an economist to figure out why the Big Apple boasts a shocking 17 percent unemployment rate .
In June 2019 , however , both of these cities had a lower unemployment rate than Owensboro .
The secret of this Kentucky city ’ s success is in the sauce , it seems .
Bourbon whiskey , to be exact .
According to CNN , Owensboro is home to several distilleries , including O.Z .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Company .
In addition to its booming booze business , the city is also home to tobacco producers .
At a stressful and uncertain time like the present , are there any better industries to have investments in ?
It turns out there is at least one , and Owensboro has that market cornered as well .
The city is home not only to bourbon and tobacco but also to Unifirst , a company that makes uniforms and personal protective equipment .
Supplies of this essential gear infamously failed to meet demand in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I Looked Up What Happened When Sweden Refused To Shut Down - They Were Right , We Were Wrong This drought of equipment led to counterfeits as scammers took full advantage of the panic but also secured jobs for hardworking Americans behind legitimate gear .
As liberal cities now struggle to bring their economies back to life , Owensboro is leading the way with booze , smokes and vital gear .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Unemployment in the United States is uncomfortably high, largely thanks to business-killing government lockdown orders and the coronavirus pandemic’s monumental impact on the economy.
While residents of American cities appear most damaged by the shifting tides, one heartland metropolitan area has managed not only to avoid a spiking unemployment rate but even to bring the number down.
Owensboro, Kentucky, is the only city listed on a United States Bureau of Labor Statistics report that managed to reduce its unemployment rate from June 2019 to June 2020.
According to a data table from the BLS, the city’s unemployment rate dropped from 4.4 percent to 4.2 percent over the course of the last twelve months.
This happened as the local economies of other cities were gutted by the pandemic.
In Orlando, Florida, where tourism is king and airlines supply a constant flow of out-of-state money, coronavirus shutdowns and other restrictions saw the city’s unemployment rate jump to an astronomical 16.5 percent from 3.2 percent in June 2019.
New York City residents are faring no better.
With a governor who thinks regulating chicken wings will end the pandemic and a mayor who seems to only be focused on bashing his own police force, it doesn’t take an economist to figure out why the Big Apple boasts a shocking 17 percent unemployment rate.
In June 2019, however, both of these cities had a lower unemployment rate than Owensboro.
Will Democratic mayors be able to fix their cities' astronomical unemployment rates? 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: 2% (14 Votes) No: 98% (786 Votes)
The secret of this Kentucky city’s success is in the sauce, it seems. Bourbon whiskey, to be exact.
According to CNN, Owensboro is home to several distilleries, including O.Z. Tyler and one belonging to the Sazerac Company.
In addition to its booming booze business, the city is also home to tobacco producers. At a stressful and uncertain time like the present, are there any better industries to have investments in?
It turns out there is at least one, and Owensboro has that market cornered as well.
The city is home not only to bourbon and tobacco but also to Unifirst, a company that makes uniforms and personal protective equipment. Supplies of this essential gear infamously failed to meet demand in America earlier this year.
This drought of equipment led to counterfeits as scammers took full advantage of the panic but also secured jobs for hardworking Americans behind legitimate gear.
As liberal cities now struggle to bring their economies back to life, Owensboro is leading the way with booze, smokes and vital gear.
God bless the great state of Kentucky.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Largest FL Police Union Votes Unanimously To Endorse Trump: Tired of Being a Punching Bag for the Le

Largest FL Police Union Votes Unanimously To Endorse Trump: Tired of Being a Punching Bag for the Left

In the swing state of Florida , the state ’ s largest police union is throwing its heft behind President Donald Trump in a very big way .
In an interview Friday on Fox News , Florida Police Benevolent Association President John Kazanjian said his organization decided in a “ unanimous ” vote to endorse the president , something he said “ carried a lot of weight.
” “ We ’ re 30,000 strong .
We go from the panhandle to Daytona , to Tampa down to Miami and the Keys , ” Kazanjian said .
While the association hadn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight years , Kazanjian said recent events pushed him to act .
He recounted that he called an “ emergency meeting via conference phone ” about the issue last week .
“ I spelled it out what ’ s going on , ” Kazanjian said .
“ Not just in Florida but across this country — that , ‘ Hey , you know what , we ’ re getting beat up .
We ’ re being used like a punching bag and we ’ re tired of it and President Donald Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us . '
” And thus , he was able to get his fellow members on board .
“ I got a motion to endorse President Donald Trump for this 2020 presidential election , ” Kazanjian said .
In a close state , that might end up making a serious difference .
Kazanjian ended up noting the endorsement could affect the vote of “ [ n ] ot only the 30,000 members that we have down in Florida .
Don ’ t forget about our friends and families , retirees.
” “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put the president on top and guess what ?
We ’ re going to come out in force this time to get him over that top.
” As for those who would defund or otherwise tie the hands of police , Kazanjian said the union had an issue with this at the state level a few weeks ago .
The PBA revoked its endorsement of a Democratic candidate for state representative after he expressed dramatically different opinions in a questionnaire for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel than he did when he sought the union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Weinstein “ came into the screenings and , listen , he said all the buzzwords , how he supports police , this and that , ” Kazanjian said .
“ Last week , he did an interview with the local paper and he said just the opposite , how he wants to demilitarize the police , how he wants to take away our unmarked cars , how he wants to have civilian review boards .
“ So , you know what I did ?
I rescinded his endorsement , ” Kazanjian added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement to Fox News .
“ When Michael Weinstein came to the Palm Beach County PBA seeking our endorsement , he expressed to us that he supported and respected the police and law enforcement in general , ” he said .
“ He never expressed the view that the police are militarized , that unmarked police cars caused distrust , or called for more civilian review boards , all of which he later said to the Sun-Sentinel to perhaps win their endorsement .
Had we known he supported these drastic changes to policing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have never endorsed him.
” Kazanjian said in the Fox interview that he would be meeting Trump at the White House later in the day to hand him the endorsement letter : “ I ’ m proud to do it , ” he said .
Police unions aren ’ t necessarily Republican , even if law enforcement tends to be solidly red territory .
These are public sector unions , after all , and Democrats can be very kind to them when it comes to remuneration .
Consider the fact that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a popular choice among police organizations .
Times have changed , particularly with the au courant movement for liberal croupiers to move as many chips from law enforcement ’ s seat at the table and to distribute them among liberal causes .
The Florida PBA probably won ’ t be the only police union we ’ re going to see make a very public declaration like this .
In the nation ’ s most populous swing state , however , this is a big endorsement — particularly considering the power that police unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In the swing state of Florida, the state’s largest police union is throwing its heft behind President Donald Trump in a very big way.
In an interview Friday on Fox News, Florida Police Benevolent Association President John Kazanjian said his organization decided in a “unanimous” vote to endorse the president, something he said “carried a lot of weight.”
“We’re 30,000 strong. We go from the panhandle to Daytona, to Tampa down to Miami and the Keys,” Kazanjian said.
While the association hadn’t made a presidential endorsement in eight years, Kazanjian said recent events pushed him to act. He recounted that he called an “emergency meeting via conference phone” about the issue last week.
“I spelled it out what’s going on,” Kazanjian said.
“Not just in Florida but across this country — that, ‘Hey, you know what, we’re getting beat up. We’re being used like a punching bag and we’re tired of it and President Donald Trump has been there for us. He supported us.'”
And thus, he was able to get his fellow members on board.
“I got a motion to endorse President Donald Trump for this 2020 presidential election,” Kazanjian said.
Do you think President Trump will win the state of Florida in 2020? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (3539 Votes) No: 0% (17 Votes)
In a close state, that might end up making a serious difference.
Kazanjian ended up noting the endorsement could affect the vote of “[n]ot only the 30,000 members that we have down in Florida. Don’t forget about our friends and families, retirees.”
“I believe the last cycle, we also put the president on top and guess what? We’re going to come out in force this time to get him over that top.”
As for those who would defund or otherwise tie the hands of police, Kazanjian said the union had an issue with this at the state level a few weeks ago. The PBA revoked its endorsement of a Democratic candidate for state representative after he expressed dramatically different opinions in a questionnaire for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel than he did when he sought the union’s backing, Kazanjian said.
Michael Weinstein “came into the screenings and, listen, he said all the buzzwords, how he supports police, this and that,” Kazanjian said.
“Last week, he did an interview with the local paper and he said just the opposite, how he wants to demilitarize the police, how he wants to take away our unmarked cars, how he wants to have civilian review boards.
“So, you know what I did? I rescinded his endorsement,” Kazanjian added.
Kazanjian was more specific in a statement to Fox News.
“When Michael Weinstein came to the Palm Beach County PBA seeking our endorsement, he expressed to us that he supported and respected the police and law enforcement in general,” he said.
“He never expressed the view that the police are militarized, that unmarked police cars caused distrust, or called for more civilian review boards, all of which he later said to the Sun-Sentinel to perhaps win their endorsement. Had we known he supported these drastic changes to policing, which we strongly oppose, we would have never endorsed him.”
Kazanjian said in the Fox interview that he would be meeting Trump at the White House later in the day to hand him the endorsement letter: “I’m proud to do it,” he said.
Police unions aren’t necessarily Republican, even if law enforcement tends to be solidly red territory.
These are public sector unions, after all, and Democrats can be very kind to them when it comes to remuneration. Consider the fact that, until recently, Joe Biden was considered a popular choice among police organizations.
Times have changed, particularly with the au courant movement for liberal croupiers to move as many chips from law enforcement’s seat at the table and to distribute them among liberal causes.
The Florida PBA probably won’t be the only police union we’re going to see make a very public declaration like this.
In the nation’s most populous swing state, however, this is a big endorsement — particularly considering the power that police unions have.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Corruption? Ilhan Omar Has Paid Her Husband’s Firm $600,000 in 3 Weeks, $1.6 Million Overall

Ladies , get you a man who loves you as much as Rep. Ilhan Omar loves spending money on her man ’ s firm .
The spigot at the Minnesota Democrat campaign ’ s headquarters continues to flow to the E Street Group , a Washington , D.C.-based consulting firm that raked in a remarkable 77 percent of the Omar campaign ’ s disbursements for the first three weeks of July .
Federal Election Commission records released Thursday show that the E Street Group received $ 606,000 from Omar ’ s campaign during that period .
The E Street Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s third husband .
This curious financial relationship began in August 2018 , back when Omar and Mynett were both married to other people .
They weren ’ t open polyamorists or anything , so one assumes the relationship at that point was , at least officially , a professional one .
Money changed hands , young wonk love began to bud , Omar ’ s husband said he found the congresswoman in a compromising position with Mynett while they were in their PJs , Mynett ’ s ex-wife Beth said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s “ travel and long work hours now appear to be more related to his affair with Rep. Omar than with his actual work commitments , ” yadda yadda yadda , now Omar and Mynett are married .
You ’ d think that maybe Rep. Omar — a member of “ the squad , ” that quartet of young leftist firebrands ostensibly dedicated to tearing down the kind of moneyed Washington scotch-quaffing establishment that enriches itself by operating on the fringes of the rulebook — might have flipped through the Justice Democrats Rolodex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to handle the kind of amorphous things Omar ’ s campaign is paying the E Street Group to do .
After all , there are plenty of firms in Washington that are set up to handle “ digital consulting , ” “ fundraising consulting ” and “ mail production and postage ” — three things the Omar campaign paid the E Street Group to do in July — that aren ’ t run by people who enjoy intimate relations with the candidate .
In fact , it ’ s an entire city where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t get elected or get jobs in the halls of power who provide those services to those who can .
If the flow of money to this hive of well-remunerated hackery were to somehow magically disappear , the District of Columbia would resemble nothing so much as “ Harlan County , USA ” with a lot of monuments and cherry blossoms .
Nah , though .
Omar ’ s spent a total of $ 1.6 million with Mynett ’ s firm this election cycle .
Your campaign donations to Omar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into her husband ’ s firm .
That ’ s almost half of the $ 3.4 million she ’ s spent this election cycle , according to the Washington Free Beacon .
This is technically legal , by the way .
As the New York Post reported when the outlet examined Omar ’ s curious relationship with her new husband ’ s firm in a July 7 article , while spouses and other family members can ’ t be hired for jobs in federal offices , they can be hired to work on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you have a safe seat and you happen to be married or immediately related to someone who can plausibly be called a campaign consultant , this is one weird trick to turn campaign donations into household income .
Of course , what makes the continuation of this relationship a bit stranger is that Omar ’ s seat is now only safe-ish .
Granted , the district is a Democratic stronghold and Omar is a star , but she ’ s also a target .
Attorney Antone Melton-Meaux has made news by outraising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rake in $ 3.2 million last quarter , six times what Omar did .
Melton-Meaux is unlikely to win — according to Newsweek , recent polling has him down 66 percent to 29 percent .
However , anything short of the kind of beatdown major college football programs put on the sad-sack third-rate teams they schedule for homecoming is going to look like a dent to Omar ’ s national profile , proof to many in the media and Democratic establishment she ’ s too divisive for prime time .
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the genesis of a massive unforced error for the Omar campaign when they put out a mailer criticizing her challenger ’ s prominent fundraisers .
It named four of them : three Jewish executives and “ Michael , a donor from Scarsdale , New York.
” ( For those of you unfamiliar with the New York City area , Scarsdale is a wealthy , heavily Jewish suburb . )
It ’ s unclear whether the E Street Group was responsible for the mailer , but maybe a more , say , assiduous outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ought to be particularly circumspect around anything regarding people of Jewish descent , given the candidate ’ s problematic history with anti-Semitism .
They also might have been able to guard against a perfectly reasonable response from Melton-Meaux : Omar may have a problem with where his campaign contributions are coming from , but there are likely more voters who would be worried about where her campaign contributions are going .
Well , whatever .
The point is that I don ’ t think Omar ’ s relationship with the E Street Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This relationship has been under question ever since it emerged Omar and Mynett may be sharing more than campaign strategy — and that , back in 2018 , she spent most of her money with the E Street Group after the primary .
She didn ’ t care then .
She doesn ’ t seem to care now .
This is going to continue as long as she ’ s in the seat and is legally allowed to do this .
Here ’ s your anti-establishment outsider , progressives .
We are committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Ladies, get you a man who loves you as much as Rep. Ilhan Omar loves spending money on her man’s firm.
The spigot at the Minnesota Democrat campaign’s headquarters continues to flow to the E Street Group, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm that raked in a remarkable 77 percent of the Omar campaign’s disbursements for the first three weeks of July.
Federal Election Commission records released Thursday show that the E Street Group received $606,000 from Omar’s campaign during that period.
The E Street Group is run by Tim Mynett, Omar’s third husband.
This curious financial relationship began in August 2018, back when Omar and Mynett were both married to other people. They weren’t open polyamorists or anything, so one assumes the relationship at that point was, at least officially, a professional one.
Money changed hands, young wonk love began to bud, Omar’s husband said he found the congresswoman in a compromising position with Mynett while they were in their PJs, Mynett’s ex-wife Beth said in divorce documents that her former husband’s “travel and long work hours now appear to be more related to his affair with Rep. Omar than with his actual work commitments,” yadda yadda yadda, now Omar and Mynett are married.
You’d think that maybe Rep. Omar — a member of “the squad,” that quartet of young leftist firebrands ostensibly dedicated to tearing down the kind of moneyed Washington scotch-quaffing establishment that enriches itself by operating on the fringes of the rulebook — might have flipped through the Justice Democrats Rolodex and found any other left-leaning consultancy group to handle the kind of amorphous things Omar’s campaign is paying the E Street Group to do.
After all, there are plenty of firms in Washington that are set up to handle “digital consulting,” “fundraising consulting” and “mail production and postage” — three things the Omar campaign paid the E Street Group to do in July — that aren’t run by people who enjoy intimate relations with the candidate.
In fact, it’s an entire city where the economy is built on people who can’t get elected or get jobs in the halls of power who provide those services to those who can. If the flow of money to this hive of well-remunerated hackery were to somehow magically disappear, the District of Columbia would resemble nothing so much as “Harlan County, USA” with a lot of monuments and cherry blossoms.
Is this unethical behavior on the part of Rep. Omar? Yes No
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Nah, though. Omar’s spent a total of $1.6 million with Mynett’s firm this election cycle. Your campaign donations to Omar, in other words, are going directly into her husband’s firm.
That’s almost half of the $3.4 million she’s spent this election cycle, according to the Washington Free Beacon.
This is technically legal, by the way. As the New York Post reported when the outlet examined Omar’s curious relationship with her new husband’s firm in a July 7 article, while spouses and other family members can’t be hired for jobs in federal offices, they can be hired to work on campaigns, all with campaign money. If you have a safe seat and you happen to be married or immediately related to someone who can plausibly be called a campaign consultant, this is one weird trick to turn campaign donations into household income.
Of course, what makes the continuation of this relationship a bit stranger is that Omar’s seat is now only safe-ish.
Granted, the district is a Democratic stronghold and Omar is a star, but she’s also a target. Attorney Antone Melton-Meaux has made news by outraising Omar in the race; he managed to rake in $3.2 million last quarter, six times what Omar did.
Melton-Meaux is unlikely to win — according to Newsweek, recent polling has him down 66 percent to 29 percent. However, anything short of the kind of beatdown major college football programs put on the sad-sack third-rate teams they schedule for homecoming is going to look like a dent to Omar’s national profile, proof to many in the media and Democratic establishment she’s too divisive for prime time.
It also didn’t help that Melton-Meaux was the genesis of a massive unforced error for the Omar campaign when they put out a mailer criticizing her challenger’s prominent fundraisers. It named four of them: three Jewish executives and “Michael, a donor from Scarsdale, New York.” (For those of you unfamiliar with the New York City area, Scarsdale is a wealthy, heavily Jewish suburb.)
It’s unclear whether the E Street Group was responsible for the mailer, but maybe a more, say, assiduous outside consultancy might have reminded the campaign it ought to be particularly circumspect around anything regarding people of Jewish descent, given the candidate’s problematic history with anti-Semitism.
They also might have been able to guard against a perfectly reasonable response from Melton-Meaux: Omar may have a problem with where his campaign contributions are coming from, but there are likely more voters who would be worried about where her campaign contributions are going.
Well, whatever. The point is that I don’t think Omar’s relationship with the E Street Group is about getting value for money.
This relationship has been under question ever since it emerged Omar and Mynett may be sharing more than campaign strategy — and that, back in 2018, she spent most of her money with the E Street Group after the primary.
She didn’t care then. She doesn’t seem to care now. This is going to continue as long as she’s in the seat and is legally allowed to do this. Here’s your anti-establishment outsider, progressives.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Netflix Celebrates New Children’s Show for Including a Transgender Kid

Netflix is promoting its supposedly kid-friendly 2020 take on the 1990 TV series “ The Baby-Sitters Club ” — particularly Episode 4 , where the storyline follows a young boy who identifies as a girl and feels humiliated when he is “ misgendered ” at the hospital .
From Episode 1 , it ’ s obvious that the Netflix version of the show , based on the popular book series , comes with a heavy leftist agenda .
It is chock-full of LGBTQ themes , modern forms of dating , online bullying , eating disorders and just about everything else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” 12-year-old girl .
The unfortunate fact is that it is nothing compared with what it was to be a preteen 30 or 40 years ago .
Netflix took to Twitter to promote the new show — specifically , the episode where Kai Shappley , a transgender 9-year-old from Pearland , Texas , plays Bailey , also a transgender youth who develops a high fever and is rushed to the hospital by his babysitter , Mary Anne .
During the episode , Mary Anne realizes that the little “ girl ” she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her the drawers in his dresser that hold all of his “ old clothes.
” Shortly after , Bailey strikes a high fever and is rushed to the hospital , where the nurse refers to her as a boy and hands her a blue gown .
Bailey refuses the gown , wanting a pink one instead .
The doctor then comes in and also addresses Bailey as a boy .
This is when Mary Anne takes them outside and gives them a talking to .
She explains how they ’ re humiliating and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see that she ’ s dressed as a girl , and claims they are “ robbing ” her of her identity .
Anyone who has seen the TV series or read the books by Ann .
M Martin can very quickly recognize that these characters , while having the same names from the books , are nothing like they used to be .
The Netflix show carries a TV-G rating , which has some parents rightfully questioning what “ G ” even stands for anymore .
Elisha Krauss , mother of four and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one episode that her girls wouldn ’ t be allowed to watch the show .
In a July 15 article for The Federalist , Krauss expressed her deep concern for the direction the show has taken .
She said she was excited when she first heard of the show ’ s reboot , as she loved the books and TV series when she was young — but the excitement didn ’ t last long .
“ Betrayal , internet shaming , eating disorders , menstruation sculptures , feminism , gay dads , divorced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Krauss wrote .
“ Nope , this isn ’ t the second season of Netflix ’ s ‘ The Politician , ’ it ’ s season one of the ‘ kid friendly ’ show ‘ The Baby-Sitters Club . '
” She was especially concerned about the many leftist talking points inserted into each episode .
“ I was awed at how expertly the writers weaved in feminist lingo and preteen angst while also being slightly scared that this wasn ’ t an anomaly , but what my girls are growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propaganda under the guise of cute and entertaining television , ” Krauss said .
All four of her daughters are under the age of 11 , so typically that “ G ” rating would deem this an appropriate show for them .
However , Krauss has learned that she underestimated the modern-day ratings that are being assigned to children ’ s programs .
” They ’ re far too young to be watching 12-year-olds kissing at camp , expertly wearing blue glitter liner , or back talking their parents on TV , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t let these babysitters watch our girls in real life , so why would I let my girls watch them ?
” Now more than ever , it ’ s crucial that parents check out the TV shows and movies presented to their children .
It ’ s no longer enough to trust that a “ G ” rating means “ appropriate for all ages.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Netflix is promoting its supposedly kid-friendly 2020 take on the 1990 TV series “The Baby-Sitters Club” — particularly Episode 4, where the storyline follows a young boy who identifies as a girl and feels humiliated when he is “misgendered” at the hospital.
From Episode 1, it’s obvious that the Netflix version of the show, based on the popular book series, comes with a heavy leftist agenda. It is chock-full of LGBTQ themes, modern forms of dating, online bullying, eating disorders and just about everything else that comes with being a “modern-day” 12-year-old girl.
The unfortunate fact is that it is nothing compared with what it was to be a preteen 30 or 40 years ago.
Netflix took to Twitter to promote the new show — specifically, the episode where Kai Shappley, a transgender 9-year-old from Pearland, Texas, plays Bailey, also a transgender youth who develops a high fever and is rushed to the hospital by his babysitter, Mary Anne.
The Baby-Sitters Club is a smart, sweet, and self-aware update of the beloved book series about preteen BFFs who start a childcare service — literal girlbosses! This generation’s BSC handle the same dramas as their original incarnations, with the circumstances updated for 2020. — Netflix (@netflix) July 23, 2020
During the episode, Mary Anne realizes that the little “girl” she is watching is a boy when Bailey shows her the drawers in his dresser that hold all of his “old clothes.”
Ready for an outfit change, Bailey explains that the closet is full of her “old clothes,” while her new clothes are much more sparkly — taste! Mary Anne understands immediately that Bailey knows who she is & has supportive parents who trust their daughter and want her to be happy pic.twitter.com/836AujhVHx — Netflix (@netflix) July 23, 2020
Shortly after, Bailey strikes a high fever and is rushed to the hospital, where the nurse refers to her as a boy and hands her a blue gown. Bailey refuses the gown, wanting a pink one instead.
The doctor then comes in and also addresses Bailey as a boy. This is when Mary Anne takes them outside and gives them a talking to. She explains how they’re humiliating and embarrassing Bailey, as they can plainly see that she’s dressed as a girl, and claims they are “robbing” her of her identity.
When Bailey comes down with a fever, Mary Anne rushes her to the hospital, where two doctors misgender her. Mary Anne firmly corrects them. Misgendering is traumatic. This is one of the baseline ways cisgender people can show up for the trans people in their life pic.twitter.com/EyrenC5QDK — Netflix (@netflix) July 23, 2020
Anyone who has seen the TV series or read the books by Ann. M Martin can very quickly recognize that these characters, while having the same names from the books, are nothing like they used to be.
The Netflix show carries a TV-G rating, which has some parents rightfully questioning what “G” even stands for anymore.
Elisha Krauss, mother of four and conservative commentator, was certain after witnessing one episode that her girls wouldn’t be allowed to watch the show.
In a July 15 article for The Federalist, Krauss expressed her deep concern for the direction the show has taken. She said she was excited when she first heard of the show’s reboot, as she loved the books and TV series when she was young — but the excitement didn’t last long.
“Betrayal, internet shaming, eating disorders, menstruation sculptures, feminism, gay dads, divorced families, transgender issues, and Tinder,” Krauss wrote. “Nope, this isn’t the second season of Netflix’s ‘The Politician,’ it’s season one of the ‘kid friendly’ show ‘The Baby-Sitters Club.'”
Would you let your child or grandchild watch Netflix's "The Baby-Sitters Club"? 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: 0% (0 Votes) No: 100% (50 Votes)
She was especially concerned about the many leftist talking points inserted into each episode.
“I was awed at how expertly the writers weaved in feminist lingo and preteen angst while also being slightly scared that this wasn’t an anomaly, but what my girls are growing up with all around them: leftist propaganda under the guise of cute and entertaining television,” Krauss said.
All four of her daughters are under the age of 11, so typically that “G” rating would deem this an appropriate show for them. However, Krauss has learned that she underestimated the modern-day ratings that are being assigned to children’s programs.
”They’re far too young to be watching 12-year-olds kissing at camp, expertly wearing blue glitter liner, or back talking their parents on TV,” she wrote. “I wouldn’t let these babysitters watch our girls in real life, so why would I let my girls watch them?”
Now more than ever, it’s crucial that parents check out the TV shows and movies presented to their children.
It’s no longer enough to trust that a “G” rating means “appropriate for all ages.”
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--After Little Boy Has Bike Stolen, Local Police Plan Stunning Birthday Surprise

Seven-year-old Bryan from Conway , Arkansas , had no idea what was in store for him on Saturday .
He had a party planned , with a bounce house , inflatable slide and a Batman cake — but the community had something more in mind .
According to a post by the Conway Police Department , the young man ’ s bike had been taken while he was at Walmart with his sister .
Seeing an opportunity to right a wrong , the police department swept in .
 ” Tissue Alert , ” the Conway Police Department shared on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about this and wanted to help him out .
Today your Conway Police Department presented Bryan with a new bike and some safety gear .
Happy 7th birthday Bryan.
” Not only did the police department bring him a new bike ; they held a parade , too , according to KTHV-TV .
The video the police department posted shows Bryan ’ s eyes widen in surprise before he collapses into tears , realizing what was happening .
The birthday boy was so overwhelmed that he was still in tears in the photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ My baby was still trying to smile while crying , ” Carmen A. Campbell wrote on Facebook .
“ Thank you all once again for making his day CPD , Detective Gray , Jay Runyon Dj at 107.1 and SpaceWalk of Conway Arkansas as well as my lovely friend Antrese Willis and her family and my family and friend , as well as everyone who showed they cared about my son for his birthday .
You guys are great !
!
” Campbell also chimed in on the police department ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Omg , you all made my son day so bright and now he can ride his bike again , ” she wrote .
“ I really thank you all , no words can explain the way you all made my son face light up.
” “ Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes , for the effort each one put into making this birthday really a # littlesuperhero moment.
” “ Conway Police Department your amazing and 107.1 Radio DJ thank you , as well as family and friend .
Detective Gray , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and considered my son for a whole day.
” “ You played with him , laughed , cried ( as you say the wind blew in your eyes ) and ate with him .
He says Mom how did this happen , all these people , i said there is still love in people hearts baby !
!
Thank you again !
!
Have a blessed night everyone !
!
” The Conway police department replied , saying that Bryan was “ a wonderful kiddo ” and that they were honored to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gray , who wheeled the bike to Bryan , spent time with him and at one point donned a Batman mask also replied , thankful for the opportunity .
“ I thoroughly enjoyed myself and getting to add to Bryan ’ s birthday !
” he said .
“ Your family is amazing and thank you for your hospitality !
I think I enjoyed myself more than Bryan !
It was a wonderful Saturday !
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

Seven-year-old Bryan from Conway, Arkansas, had no idea what was in store for him on Saturday. He had a party planned, with a bounce house, inflatable slide and a Batman cake — but the community had something more in mind.
According to a post by the Conway Police Department, the young man’s bike had been taken while he was at Walmart with his sister. Seeing an opportunity to right a wrong, the police department swept in.
”Tissue Alert,” the Conway Police Department shared on Saturday. “So many people heard about this and wanted to help him out. Today your Conway Police Department presented Bryan with a new bike and some safety gear. Happy 7th birthday Bryan.”
Not only did the police department bring him a new bike; they held a parade, too, according to KTHV-TV. The video the police department posted shows Bryan’s eyes widen in surprise before he collapses into tears, realizing what was happening.
The birthday boy was so overwhelmed that he was still in tears in the photos his mom took and posted online.
“My baby was still trying to smile while crying,” Carmen A. Campbell wrote on Facebook. “Thank you all once again for making his day CPD, Detective Gray, Jay Runyon Dj at 107.1 and SpaceWalk of Conway Arkansas as well as my lovely friend Antrese Willis and her family and my family and friend, as well as everyone who showed they cared about my son for his birthday. You guys are great!!”
Campbell also chimed in on the police department’s post to personally thank them.
“Omg, you all made my son day so bright and now he can ride his bike again,” she wrote. “I really thank you all, no words can explain the way you all made my son face light up.”
“Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes, for the effort each one put into making this birthday really a #littlesuperhero moment.”
“Conway Police Department your amazing and 107.1 Radio DJ thank you, as well as family and friend. Detective Gray, I really applaud every step you took and considered my son for a whole day.”
“You played with him, laughed, cried ( as you say the wind blew in your eyes) and ate with him. He says Mom how did this happen, all these people, i said there is still love in people hearts baby!! Thank you again!! Have a blessed night everyone!!”
The Conway police department replied, saying that Bryan was “a wonderful kiddo” and that they were honored to be involved in his big day.
Detective Gray, who wheeled the bike to Bryan, spent time with him and at one point donned a Batman mask also replied, thankful for the opportunity.
“I thoroughly enjoyed myself and getting to add to Bryan’s birthday!” he said. “Your family is amazing and thank you for your hospitality! I think I enjoyed myself more than Bryan! It was a wonderful Saturday!”
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--He Splits $22 Million with Best Friend After Winning Lottery, Keeping Promise Made 20+ Years Ago

When true friends make a pact , they follow through with it , no matter how difficult or impossible it might seem .
In 1992 , two genuine friends made a deal : Joseph Feeney and Thomas Cook decided that if either one of them ever won the Powerball jackpot , they ’ d split it with the other .
They shook on it .
They bought tickets often , but they didn ’ t expect to win .
Many people like to daydream about what they ’ d do if they won the lottery , but Cook knew exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 22 million in the June 10 drawing .
He called Feeney .
“ He called me and I said , ‘ are you jerking my bobber ? '
” Feeney told the Wisconsin Lottery .
Feeney , who has spent much of his retirement fishing , formerly worked at a fire department .
Cook , realizing what his winnings meant , promptly submitted his two-weeks notice .
“ Congratulations to Tom , Joe , and their families , ” Wisconsin Lottery Director Cindy Polzin said .
“ The power of friendship and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m thrilled for them—their lucky day has arrived !
” The win came as a shock to Cook , who handed the ticket off to his wife when the numbers started matching up .
“ It was quite an experience when I read them first two , three numbers and I kinda froze and handed them to her , and she froze , ” he explained in a Wisconsin Lottery video , laughing .
Cook and Feeney plan to travel more , thanks to this financial windfall .
The two couples have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they plan on traveling together again — but in higher style .
“ We can pursue what we feel comfortable with , ” Cook said .
“ I can ’ t think of a better way to retire.
” Cook also looks forward to spending more time with family now that he ’ s able to retire .
Of course , the two men didn ’ t walk away with the full listed amount .
They opted for cash , and each ended up taking about $ 5.7 million home after taxes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sneeze at , and will certainly afford them a more enjoyable retirement .
And Cook doesn ’ t seem to have any regrets over splitting the win .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When true friends make a pact, they follow through with it, no matter how difficult or impossible it might seem.
In 1992, two genuine friends made a deal: Joseph Feeney and Thomas Cook decided that if either one of them ever won the Powerball jackpot, they’d split it with the other. They shook on it.
They bought tickets often, but they didn’t expect to win.
Many people like to daydream about what they’d do if they won the lottery, but Cook knew exactly what to do when he won the $22 million in the June 10 drawing. He called Feeney.
“He called me and I said, ‘are you jerking my bobber?'” Feeney told the Wisconsin Lottery.
Feeney, who has spent much of his retirement fishing, formerly worked at a fire department. Cook, realizing what his winnings meant, promptly submitted his two-weeks notice.
“Congratulations to Tom, Joe, and their families,” Wisconsin Lottery Director Cindy Polzin said. “The power of friendship and a handshake has paid off. I’m thrilled for them—their lucky day has arrived!”
The win came as a shock to Cook, who handed the ticket off to his wife when the numbers started matching up.
“It was quite an experience when I read them first two, three numbers and I kinda froze and handed them to her, and she froze,” he explained in a Wisconsin Lottery video, laughing.
Cook and Feeney plan to travel more, thanks to this financial windfall. The two couples have traveled together in the past, and they plan on traveling together again — but in higher style.
“We can pursue what we feel comfortable with,” Cook said. “I can’t think of a better way to retire.”
Cook also looks forward to spending more time with family now that he’s able to retire.
Of course, the two men didn’t walk away with the full listed amount. They opted for cash, and each ended up taking about $5.7 million home after taxes. Still, that’s nothing to sneeze at, and will certainly afford them a more enjoyable retirement.
And Cook doesn’t seem to have any regrets over splitting the win.
“A handshake’s a handshake, man,” he said.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Tucker Carlson Shreds Obama for Funeral Political Stunt, Calls Him a ‘Greasy Politician’

On the very minute chance I become famous , when I die , please don ’ t invite my favorite politician to give a campaign speech at my funeral and to disguise it as a eulogy .
I know , chances of this are probably infinitesimal .
However , when I die , I ’ d like to be remembered for the person I was , not what my death can do for someone else .
I also concede my makeup is somewhat different than that of John Lewis , the recently deceased Democratic representative from Georgia and civil rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after all — and more than just that .
I disagreed vehemently with his policy prescriptions , but there was little doubt he was a man who was the vanguard of a movement that stared down violent racist iniquity — and won .
His funeral on Thursday was an opportunity to look back on a life well-lived .
It wasn ’ t a moment for a former president to call for the elimination of the Senate filibuster because it could theoretically serve Democratic public policy goals in the near future .
It also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call out those who try to enforce the law in the midst of violent protests specifically aimed at destroying property and looting businesses , and compare them to George Wallace and Bull Connor .
That ’ s what Barack Obama did Thursday in a speech that was only a eulogy in name .
As a matter of fact , it was a campaign speech .
And it was proof to Fox News ’ Tucker Carlson that the former president is “ greasy politician ” and “ one of the sleaziest and most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics.
” Harsh words , yes .
Not inaccurate ones .
Watching Thursday , however , you got the impression Obama ’ s address should have been preceded by the words , “ I ’ m Joe Biden , and I approved this message.
” The last eulogy I remember designed to have the kind of political effect Obama ’ s did began with , “ I come to bury Caesar , not to praise him.
” ( That one wasn ’ t televised , alas . )
What was most galling about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of entrants in the shamelessness sweepstakes .
All of them had one thing in common , however : a sickening attempt to tie the brutality of the South during Jim Crow ’ s dying thrashes to this modern moment .
“ Bull Connor may be gone , but today we witness with our own eyes police officers kneeling on the necks of black Americans , ” Obama said .
“ George Wallace may be gone , but we can witness our federal government sending agents to use tear gas and batons against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connor shocks us now because atavistic , bigoted functionaries like him were the norm in the civil rights-era South .
George Floyd ’ s death shocks us because it is the exception , even if it ’ s an exception many choose to find symbolic of a wider trend .
RELATED : Tucker Carlson Digs Up Don Lemon Comments That Would Get Lemon Canceled Today George Wallace employed state violence to circumvent federal law .
Tear gas and batons , meanwhile , are generally deployed against demonstrators breaking the law , and rarely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manner .
Obama also said new voting rights legislation had to be passed by Congress — in Lewis ’ memory , of course — and that “ [ i ] f all this takes eliminating the filibuster , another Jim Crow relic , in order to secure the God-given rights of every American , then that ’ s what we should do.
” One senses a certain political cupidity in that remark which doesn ’ t have much to do with securing voting rights legislation .
On his Thursday show , Carlson blasted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — particularly Obama ’ s tendency to use the Jim Crow South as a touchstone .
“ Barack Obama , one of the sleaziest and most dishonest figures in the history of American politics , used George Floyd ’ s death at a funeral to attack the police , ” Carlson said before playing Obama ’ s remarks .
“ Bull Connor ?
” he said .
“ The country falling apart , riven by racial strife and tribalism , and one of the most respected people in the whole country decides to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police to Bull Connor ?
As if America or Minneapolis is like Birmingham , Alabama , in 1963 ?
It ’ s insane .
It ’ s reckless.
” “ Of course , Obama doesn ’ t care .
It ’ s only about November and the coming election , ” Carlson said .
As for the filibuster , Carlson stated the obvious , as The Hill reported : It was unseemly to use a funeral for “ stupid partisan talking points about Senate procedure.
” “ Imagine if some greasy politician showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funeral and started throwing around stupid partisan talking points about Senate procedure .
Can you imagine that ?
” Carlson said .
And he called out the scene for what it was : “ Obama gave a divisive and deeply dishonest campaign speech , in church.
” And not just any church .
This was Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta — a church where the co-pastors were , at one point , Martin Luther King Sr. and Martin Luther King Jr .
The church undoubtedly has a political history , but there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulpit at a hallowed place of worship and landmark in the civil rights movement , during the funeral of one of the last of the civil rights movement ’ s giants , for a stump speech with a dead body as a soapbox .
John Lewis was a politician — and one who would have doubtlessly approved of the policies Barack Obama was pushing for on Thursday .
Maybe I ’ m reading Lewis wrong , but he was a man with an understanding of dignity and decorum , of time and place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man personally , but I ’ ve certainly seen interviews with him .
I get the feeling his wishes , when it came to politicized eulogies , were likely closer to mine .
If a corpse could blush , Lewis ’ may well have .
This was a man whose memory was done a profound disservice by a speech designed to vitiate the occasion and divide the electorate .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On the very minute chance I become famous, when I die, please don’t invite my favorite politician to give a campaign speech at my funeral and to disguise it as a eulogy.
I know, chances of this are probably infinitesimal. However, when I die, I’d like to be remembered for the person I was, not what my death can do for someone else.
I also concede my makeup is somewhat different than that of John Lewis, the recently deceased Democratic representative from Georgia and civil rights icon.
He was a politician, after all — and more than just that. I disagreed vehemently with his policy prescriptions, but there was little doubt he was a man who was the vanguard of a movement that stared down violent racist iniquity — and won.
His funeral on Thursday was an opportunity to look back on a life well-lived.
It wasn’t a moment for a former president to call for the elimination of the Senate filibuster because it could theoretically serve Democratic public policy goals in the near future.
It also wasn’t the time for him to call out those who try to enforce the law in the midst of violent protests specifically aimed at destroying property and looting businesses, and compare them to George Wallace and Bull Connor.
That’s what Barack Obama did Thursday in a speech that was only a eulogy in name. As a matter of fact, it was a campaign speech.
And it was proof to Fox News’ Tucker Carlson that the former president is “greasy politician” and “one of the sleaziest and most dishonest figures in the history of American politics.”
Was Barack Obama's eulogy divisive and dishonest? Yes No
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Harsh words, yes. Not inaccurate ones.
Watching Thursday, however, you got the impression Obama’s address should have been preceded by the words, “I’m Joe Biden, and I approved this message.” The last eulogy I remember designed to have the kind of political effect Obama’s did began with, “I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.” (That one wasn’t televised, alas.)
What was most galling about the “eulogy?” There were plenty of entrants in the shamelessness sweepstakes. All of them had one thing in common, however: a sickening attempt to tie the brutality of the South during Jim Crow’s dying thrashes to this modern moment.
“Bull Connor may be gone, but today we witness with our own eyes police officers kneeling on the necks of black Americans,” Obama said. “George Wallace may be gone, but we can witness our federal government sending agents to use tear gas and batons against peaceful demonstrators.”
Of course, Bull Connor shocks us now because atavistic, bigoted functionaries like him were the norm in the civil rights-era South. George Floyd’s death shocks us because it is the exception, even if it’s an exception many choose to find symbolic of a wider trend.
George Wallace employed state violence to circumvent federal law. Tear gas and batons, meanwhile, are generally deployed against demonstrators breaking the law, and rarely doing so in a “peaceful” manner.
Obama also said new voting rights legislation had to be passed by Congress — in Lewis’ memory, of course — and that “[i]f all this takes eliminating the filibuster, another Jim Crow relic, in order to secure the God-given rights of every American, then that’s what we should do.”
One senses a certain political cupidity in that remark which doesn’t have much to do with securing voting rights legislation.
On his Thursday show, Carlson blasted the speech and the motives behind it — particularly Obama’s tendency to use the Jim Crow South as a touchstone.
“Barack Obama, one of the sleaziest and most dishonest figures in the history of American politics, used George Floyd’s death at a funeral to attack the police,” Carlson said before playing Obama’s remarks.
Tucker Carlson: “Barack Obama one of the sleaziest and most dishonest figures in the history of American politics use of George Floyd’s death at a funeral to attack the police.” pic.twitter.com/UXNI84GSKP — nikki mccann ramírez (@NikkiMcR) July 31, 2020
“Bull Connor?” he said. “The country falling apart, riven by racial strife and tribalism, and one of the most respected people in the whole country decides to pour gasoline on that and compare the police to Bull Connor? As if America or Minneapolis is like Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963? It’s insane. It’s reckless.”
“Of course, Obama doesn’t care. It’s only about November and the coming election,” Carlson said.
As for the filibuster, Carlson stated the obvious, as The Hill reported: It was unseemly to use a funeral for “stupid partisan talking points about Senate procedure.”
“Imagine if some greasy politician showed up at your loved one’s funeral and started throwing around stupid partisan talking points about Senate procedure. Can you imagine that?” Carlson said.
And he called out the scene for what it was: “Obama gave a divisive and deeply dishonest campaign speech, in church.”
And not just any church. This was Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta — a church where the co-pastors were, at one point, Martin Luther King Sr. and Martin Luther King Jr.
The church undoubtedly has a political history, but there’s something grotesquely unseemly about using the pulpit at a hallowed place of worship and landmark in the civil rights movement, during the funeral of one of the last of the civil rights movement’s giants, for a stump speech with a dead body as a soapbox.
John Lewis was a politician — and one who would have doubtlessly approved of the policies Barack Obama was pushing for on Thursday.
Maybe I’m reading Lewis wrong, but he was a man with an understanding of dignity and decorum, of time and place.
I didn’t know the man personally, but I’ve certainly seen interviews with him. I get the feeling his wishes, when it came to politicized eulogies, were likely closer to mine.
If a corpse could blush, Lewis’ may well have.
This was a man whose memory was done a profound disservice by a speech designed to vitiate the occasion and divide the electorate.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Fauci Shreds Media Narrative, Admits President Trump’s COVID Response Saved Lives

Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease expert , testified Friday before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis , wrapping up a week of high-profile hearings on Capitol Hill .
The big news from Friday ’ s hearing was that Fauci said he was “ cautiously optimistic ” the United States could have a vaccine ready by the “ end of this year and as we go into 2021.
” If you were going to take one thing away from Friday ’ s testimony , that probably should have been it .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ timeline is accurate , it ’ s a testimony to human ingenuity and resilience .
However , that doesn ’ t mean you should bury the other stuff — particularly the inconvenient fact that Fauci agrees the Trump administration ’ s COVID-19 policy decisions saved lives and that he was actively involved with many of the more controversial ones .
During questioning by House Minority Whip Steve Scalise , a Louisiana Republican , Fauci praised the administration ’ s moves to largely ban travel from China and Europe — both of which were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media at the time .
And , as it turns out , he was involved in the decision-making behind both travel bans .
“ Do you think that decision saved lives , Dr. Fauci ?
” Scalise asked about the China travel ban .
The head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said the same thing about the European travel ban .
As for the “ 15 Days to Slow the Spread ” — the initial March guidelines from the White House Coronavirus Task Force — Fauci said he “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and “ I believe it did ” save lives .
When it came to extending the guidelines another 30 days ?
“ Yes , I was very much involved , and I agree with it , ” Fauci said .
“ So , I know we ’ ve heard a lot about disagreements , ” Scalise said .
“ Clearly there are many decisions made .
In fact , there are many very internationally respected doctors that are involved in each of those decisions .
Is that correct ?
” RELATED : Portland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Until Fence Protecting Fed Courthouse Is Removed “ By and large , would you say that you and President Trump have been in agreement on most of those decisions ?
” Scalise asked .
“ We were in agreement on virtually all of those , ” Fauci said .
The Trump team made sure this clip got amplified : Again , this wasn ’ t bound to make any headlines .
Vaccine news is more important .
For diversions , we had the contentious lines of questioning from both Democrats and Republicans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House hearing and all , where donor clips and storylines are more important than actual news .
However , let ’ s not forget that the Trump administration ’ s reaction to the coronavirus saved lives .
Democrats would love to pretend they would have had done something different .
In truth , many on the left were perfectly happy to heavily imply that the travel bans were xenophobic .
Biden ’ s plan to deal with the coronavirus has consistently been similar to President Donald Trump ’ s , although he swears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the China travel ban didn ’ t do much and could have been stricter — but , when asked if she supported the ban , said , “ let ’ s go into the future.
” Yes , let ’ s .
And , if the Democrats are constantly telling us that listening to Dr. Fauci saves lives , we know what leadership we ought to be going into the future with .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
@ @ @ @ @

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, testified Friday before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, wrapping up a week of high-profile hearings on Capitol Hill.
The big news from Friday’s hearing was that Fauci said he was “cautiously optimistic” the United States could have a vaccine ready by the “end of this year and as we go into 2021.”
If you were going to take one thing away from Friday’s testimony, that probably should have been it. It’s tremendous news and, if his timeline is accurate, it’s a testimony to human ingenuity and resilience.
However, that doesn’t mean you should bury the other stuff — particularly the inconvenient fact that Fauci agrees the Trump administration’s COVID-19 policy decisions saved lives and that he was actively involved with many of the more controversial ones.
During questioning by House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, Fauci praised the administration’s moves to largely ban travel from China and Europe — both of which were widely questioned by both Democrats and the media at the time.
And, as it turns out, he was involved in the decision-making behind both travel bans.
“Do you think that decision saved lives, Dr. Fauci?” Scalise asked about the China travel ban.
“Yes, I do,” Fauci responded.
The head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said the same thing about the European travel ban.
Did President Trump's travel bans save lives? Yes No
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As for the “15 Days to Slow the Spread” — the initial March guidelines from the White House Coronavirus Task Force — Fauci said he “was very much involved in that” and “I believe it did” save lives.
When it came to extending the guidelines another 30 days? “Yes, I was very much involved, and I agree with it,” Fauci said.
“So, I know we’ve heard a lot about disagreements,” Scalise said. “Clearly there are many decisions made. In fact, there are many very internationally respected doctors that are involved in each of those decisions. Is that correct?”
“Yes,” Fauci responded.
“Yes I do” — Dr. Anthony Fauci says President Trump’s response to the coronavirus saved lives pic.twitter.com/oYRASP4148 — Matt Wolking (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@MattWolking) July 31, 2020
“By and large, would you say that you and President Trump have been in agreement on most of those decisions?” Scalise asked.
“We were in agreement on virtually all of those,” Fauci said.
The Trump team made sure this clip got amplified:
The fake news media doesn’t want you to see this clip, so let’s drive them crazy and make it go viral!!! https://t.co/nKtoOQxxcY — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 31, 2020
Again, this wasn’t bound to make any headlines.
Vaccine news is more important. For diversions, we had the contentious lines of questioning from both Democrats and Republicans to keep us occupied — this being a House hearing and all, where donor clips and storylines are more important than actual news.
However, let’s not forget that the Trump administration’s reaction to the coronavirus saved lives.
Democrats would love to pretend they would have had done something different. In truth, many on the left were perfectly happy to heavily imply that the travel bans were xenophobic.
Biden’s plan to deal with the coronavirus has consistently been similar to President Donald Trump’s, although he swears things would have been different.
In April, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the China travel ban didn’t do much and could have been stricter — but, when asked if she supported the ban, said, “let’s go into the future.”
Yes, let’s. And, if the Democrats are constantly telling us that listening to Dr. Fauci saves lives, we know what leadership we ought to be going into the future with.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Brees Doubles Down: ‘I’ll Always Stand for the Flag’

Saints quarterback Drew Brees says he will continue to stand for the American flag but respects and supports any form of peaceful demonstration , including kneeling during the national anthem .
“ I ’ ll always stand for the flag because of what it means to me and to honor all those who have sacrificed , who have served and died for our country , and all those who have struggled to move this country forward , ” Brees said Saturday in a conference call with media to discuss the beginning of training camp .
“ I acknowledge and respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other form of peaceful protest to bring attention to social injustice and system racism that so many have endured and continue to endure in our country , ” Brees continued , adding that he “ always will support and advocate for black and brown communities in the fight for social justice.
” The 41-year-old Brees , who is the NFL ’ s all-time leader in passing yards , completions and touchdowns , is entering his 20th NFL season and 15th with the New Orleans Saints .
Brees faced backlash when he reiterated his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anthem , saying he would never approve of anyone disrespecting the flag .
His comments came as protests and riots were erupting across the country in response to the death of George Floyd .
Brees apologized soon afterward and said that kneeling during the anthem was “ never about the flag.
” “ To think for a second that New Orleans or the state of Louisiana , or the black community would think I was not standing with them for social justice , that completely broke my heart .
It was crushing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ way , ” Brees said on Saturday .
“ I recognize that I missed an opportunity that day .
I had an opportunity to talk about and emphasize the social injustices that exist for our black community and our need as a country to support them and advocate for systemic change .
And my lack of awareness in that moment hurt a lot of people.
” Brees added that he has had many conversation with teammates since then and particularly in recent days and that they have “ reconciled and put closure on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are moving forward to focusing on the issues of social justice that face really our entire country.
” Brees singled out safety Malcolm Jenkins , who had been among his harshest critics on social media before Brees ’ public apology , saying , “ I am a friend of Malcolm , I am his teammate and I am his ally .
There are many things that we ’ re having a conversation about working on together .
All of our goals are aligned.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards .

Saints quarterback Drew Brees says he will continue to stand for the American flag but respects and supports any form of peaceful demonstration, including kneeling during the national anthem.
“I’ll always stand for the flag because of what it means to me and to honor all those who have sacrificed, who have served and died for our country, and all those who have struggled to move this country forward,” Brees said Saturday in a conference call with media to discuss the beginning of training camp.
“I acknowledge and respect anyone who chooses to kneel or any other form of peaceful protest to bring attention to social injustice and system racism that so many have endured and continue to endure in our country,” Brees continued, adding that he “always will support and advocate for black and brown communities in the fight for social justice.”
The 41-year-old Brees, who is the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards, completions and touchdowns, is entering his 20th NFL season and 15th with the New Orleans Saints.
Brees faced backlash when he reiterated his long-held opposition to kneeling during the national anthem, saying he would never approve of anyone disrespecting the flag.
His comments came as protests and riots were erupting across the country in response to the death of George Floyd.
Brees apologized soon afterward and said that kneeling during the anthem was “never about the flag.”
“To think for a second that New Orleans or the state of Louisiana, or the black community would think I was not standing with them for social justice, that completely broke my heart. It was crushing. Never, ever would I feel that way,” Brees said on Saturday.
“I recognize that I missed an opportunity that day. I had an opportunity to talk about and emphasize the social injustices that exist for our black community and our need as a country to support them and advocate for systemic change. And my lack of awareness in that moment hurt a lot of people.”
Should athletes be allowed to kneel for the national anthem? Yes No
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Brees added that he has had many conversation with teammates since then and particularly in recent days and that they have “reconciled and put closure on anything from the past, and we are moving forward to focusing on the issues of social justice that face really our entire country.”
Brees singled out safety Malcolm Jenkins, who had been among his harshest critics on social media before Brees’ public apology, saying, “I am a friend of Malcolm, I am his teammate and I am his ally. There are many things that we’re having a conversation about working on together. All of our goals are aligned.”
[jwplayer pJ1ST4Q6]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-08-02--Actor Wilford Brimley Dead at Age 85: ‘He Was One of a Kind’

Wilford Brimley , who worked his way up from movie stunt rider to an indelible character actor who brought gruff charm , and sometimes menace , to a range of films that included “ Cocoon , ” “ The Natural ” and “ The Firm , ” has died .
He was 85 .
Brimley ’ s manager , Lynda Bensky , said the actor died Saturday morning in a Utah hospital .
He was on dialysis and had several medical ailments , she said .
The mustached Brimley was a familiar face for a number of roles , often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in “ The Natural ” opposite Robert Redford , who played a baseball phenomenon with a mystery in his past .
He also worked with Redford in “ Brubaker ” and “ The Electric Horseman.
” Brimley ’ s best-known work was in “ Cocoon , ” in which he was part of a group of seniors who discover an alien pod that rejuvenates them .
The 1985 film by Ron Howard won two Oscars , including a supporting actor honor for Don Ameche .
Brimley also starred in “ Cocoon : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For years , he was pitchman for Quaker Oats and in recent years appeared in a series of diabetes spots that turned him at one point into a social media sensation .
“ Wilford Brimley was a man you could trust , ” Bensky said in a statement .
“ He said what he meant and he meant what he said .
He had a tough exterior and a tender heart .
I ’ m sad that I will no longer get to hear my friend ’ s wonderful stories .
He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who met Brimley on 1995′s “ Last of the Dogmen , ” called him “ a wonderful man and actor .
… He always made me laugh.
” Though never nominated for an Oscar or Emmy , Brimley amassed an impressive list of credits .
In 1993 ’ s adaptation of John Grisham ’ s “ The Firm , ” Brimley starred opposite Tom Cruise as a tough-nosed investigator who deploys ruthless tactics to keep his law firm ’ s secrets safe .
John Woo , who directed Brimley as Uncle Douvee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018 that the part was “ the main great thing from the film .
I was overjoyed making those scenes and especially working with Wilford Brimley.
” A Utah native who grew up around horses , Brimley spent two decades traveling around the West and working at ranches and race tracks .
He drifted into movie work during the 1960s , riding in such films as “ True Grit , ” and appearing in TV series such as “ Gunsmoke.
” He forged a friendship with Robert Duvall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent acting roles , according to a biography prepared by Turner Classic Movies .
Brimley , who never trained as an actor , saw his career take off after he won an important role as a nuclear power plant engineer in “ The China Syndrome.
” “ Training ?
I ’ ve never been to acting classes , but I ’ ve had 50 years of training , ” he said in a 1984 Associated Press interview .
“ My years as an extra were good background for learning about camera techniques and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have had that experience ; a lot of newcomers don ’ t. ” RELATED : Fisherman Saves 4 Kids from Submerged Car After Mom Was Shot and Killed While Driving “ Basically my method is to be honest , ” Brimley said told AP .
“ The camera photographs the truth — not what I want it to see , but what it sees .
The truth.
” Brimley had a recurring role as a blacksmith on “ The Waltons ” and the 1980s prime-time series “ Our House.
” Another side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As a vocalist , he made albums including “ This Time the Dream ’ s On Me ” and “ Wilford Brimley with the Jeff Hamilton Trio.
” In 1998 , he opposed an Arizona referendum to ban cockfighting , saying that he was “ trying to protect a lifestyle of freedom and choice for my grandchildren.
” In recent years , Brimley ’ s pitchwork for Liberty Mutual had turned him into an internet sensation for his drawn out pronunciation of diabetes as “ diabeetus.
” He owned the pronunciation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of likes earlier this year .
Brimley is survived by his wife , Beverly , and three sons .
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 .

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Wilford Brimley, who worked his way up from movie stunt rider to an indelible character actor who brought gruff charm, and sometimes menace, to a range of films that included “Cocoon,” “The Natural” and “The Firm,” has died. He was 85.
Brimley’s manager Lynda Bensky said the actor died Saturday morning in a Utah hospital. He was on dialysis and had several medical ailments, she said.
The mustached Brimley was a familiar face for a number of roles, often playing characters like his grizzled baseball manager in “The Natural” opposite Robert Redford’s bad-luck phenomenon. He also worked with Redford in “Brubaker” and “The Electric Horseman.”
Brimley’s best-known work was in “Cocoon,” in which he was part of a group of seniors who discover an alien pod that rejuvenates them. The 1985 Ron Howard film won two Oscars, including a supporting actor honor for Don Ameche.
Brimley also starred in “Cocoon: The Return,” a 1988 sequel.
For years he was pitchman for Quaker Oats and in recent years appeared in a series of diabetes spots that turned him at one point into a social media sensation.
“Wilford Brimley was a man you could trust,” Bensky said in a statement. “He said what he meant and he meant what he said. He had a tough exterior and a tender heart. I’m sad that I will no longer get to hear my friend’s wonderful stories. He was one of a kind.”
Barbara Hershey, who met Brimley on 1995′s “Last of the Dogmen,” called him “a wonderful man and actor. … He always made me laugh.”
Though never nominated for an Oscar or Emmy Award, Brimley amassed an impressive list of credits. In 1993’s John Grisham adaptation “The Firm,” Brimley starred opposite Tom Cruise as a tough-nosed investigator who deployed ruthless tactics to keep his law firm’s secrets safe.
John Woo, who directed Brimley as Uncle Douvee in 1993′s “Hard Target,” told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018 that the part was “the main great thing from the film. I was overjoyed making those scenes and especially working with Wilford Brimley.”
A Utah native who grew up around horses, Brimley spent two decades traveling around the West and working at ranches and race tracks. He drifted into movie work during the 1960s, riding in such films as “True Grit,” and appearing in TV series such as “Gunsmoke.”
He forged a friendship with Robert Duvall, who encouraged him to seek more prominent acting roles, according to a biography prepared by Turner Classic Movies.
Brimley, who never trained as an actor, saw his career take off after he won an important role as a nuclear power plant engineer in “The China Syndrome.”
“Training? I’ve never been to acting classes, but I’ve had 50 years of training,” he said in a 1984 Associated Press interview. “My years as an extra were good background for learning about camera techniques and so forth. I was lucky to have had that experience; a lot of newcomers don’t.”
“Basically my method is to be honest,” Brimley said told AP. “The camera photographs the truth — not what I want it to see, but what it sees. The truth.”
Brimley had a recurring role as a blacksmith on “The Waltons” and the 1980s prime-time series “Our House.”
Another side of the actor was his love of jazz. As a vocalist, he made albums including “This Time the Dream’s On Me” and “Wilford Brimley with the Jeff Hamilton Trio.”
In 1998, he opposed an Arizona referendum to ban cockfighting, saying that he was “trying to protect a lifestyle of freedom and choice for my grandchildren.”
In recent years, Brimley’s pitchwork for Liberty Medical had turned him into an internet sensation for his drawn out pronunciation of diabetes as “diabeetus.” He owned the pronunciation in a tweet that drew hundreds of thousands of likes earlier this year.
Brimley is survived by his wife Beverly and three sons.
___
AP Entertainment Writer Anthony McCartney contributed to this report.
___
This story has corrected a reference to Liberty Medical.
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.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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