westernjournal--2020-01-12--Gaffe-Prone Biden Refers to Nonexistent Border Between Venezuela and Bolivia

Democratic presidential contender and former Vice President Joe Biden failed his geography lesson in a recent policy discussion about South America .
In a video-recorded interview last month with the editorial board of The Des Moines Register , Biden said that refugees from Venezuela are entering Bolivia .
In reality , about 700 miles worth of Brazil separates the two countries .
“ Look what ’ s going on in Venezuela right now , what are we doing ?
Being irresponsible , ” Biden said .
“ I ’ m the guy that put together the plan in Colombia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while .
Now what ’ s happening ?
Millions of people are crossing the border and destabilizing Bolivia .
Already destabilizing the Amazon , but , you know , Brazil .
Dealing with what ’ s going on in Colombia.
” TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East The Washington Examiner publicized the moment in a Twitter post .
The gaffe is Biden ’ s second major geo-political miscue in recent days .
Last week , he confused Iran and Iraq in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to boot American troops form the conflict-plagued nation .
During the Register interview , Biden attacked President Donald Trump ’ s policy in Venezuela as “ irresponsible , ” saying , “ We ’ re sitting here with our thumb in our ear.
” During September ’ s Democratic presidential primary debate in Miami , Biden boasted of getting tough with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro , who is clinging to power despite U.S. efforts to nudge him aside , according to the Miami Herald .
“ By the way , in Venezuela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come here from Venezuela , ” Biden said .
“ I know Maduro .
I ’ ve confronted Maduro.
“ That comment drew a tweet suggesting that photos from the time show something different .
RELATED : Trump Administration Wants Supreme Court To Stay Away from Obamacare for Now Even a liberal columnist like the Washington Post ’ s Dana Milbank , many gaffes ago , recorded some of his favorite Biden-isms .
“ He confused ‘ Margaret Thatcher ’ with Theresa May and Angela Merkel , referred to the Second Amendment as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casualties of the 1970 Kent State shooting and mixed up his campaign website with a text-message code .
At the Iowa State Fair , he thundered : ‘ We choose truth over facts ! '
” Milbank wrote .
He noted that Biden has been a gaffe machine for years .
“ Biden once said to a paralyzed man in a wheelchair : ‘ Stand up , Chuck.
’ He mourned one woman ( ‘ God rest her soul ’ ) who hadn ’ t died .
He described Obama as ‘ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bright and clean.
’ “ He disclosed that Franklin D. Roosevelt went on television in 1929 , before TV existed .
He predicted that if Obama were elected , ‘ we ’ re going to have an international crisis.
’ He declared that Hillary Clinton ‘ might have been a better pick than me ’ for vice president .
He reported that ‘ you can not go to a 7-Eleven .
.
.
unless you have a slight Indian accent.
’ He frankly told one audience : ‘ You all look dull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democratic presidential contender and former Vice President Joe Biden failed his geography lesson in a recent policy discussion about South America.
In a video-recorded interview last month with the editorial board of The Des Moines Register, Biden said that refugees from Venezuela are entering Bolivia.
In reality, about 700 miles worth of Brazil separates the two countries.
“Look what’s going on in Venezuela right now, what are we doing? Being irresponsible,” Biden said.
“I’m the guy that put together the plan in Colombia, straightening that government out for a long while. Now what’s happening? Millions of people are crossing the border and destabilizing Bolivia. Already destabilizing the Amazon, but, you know, Brazil. Dealing with what’s going on in Colombia.”
The Washington Examiner publicized the moment in a Twitter post.
“Look what’s going on in Venezuela right now… Millions of people are crossing the border destabilizing Bolivia.” – @JoeBiden Bolivia does not share a border with Venezuela, the two are separated by 700 miles of the Amazon rainforest. pic.twitter.com/l6bOssZKmT — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) January 10, 2020
The gaffe is Biden’s second major geo-political miscue in recent days. Last week, he confused Iran and Iraq in speaking about the Iraqi parliament’s decision to boot American troops form the conflict-plagued nation.
During the Register interview, Biden attacked President Donald Trump’s policy in Venezuela as “irresponsible,” saying, “We’re sitting here with our thumb in our ear.”
Having Venezuela as a neighbor I can say that Obama did literally nothing and the state of that country has gotten systematically worse over the years. Biden talking like this help no one. Wanna help? Donate supplies to the ongs helping immigrants in the borders and help Guaido — Sebastian Garcia (@Sebasgl1) January 10, 2020
During September’s Democratic presidential primary debate in Miami, Biden boasted of getting tough with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who is clinging to power despite U.S. efforts to nudge him aside, according to the Miami Herald.
“By the way, in Venezuela, we should be allowing people to come here from Venezuela,” Biden said. “I know Maduro. I’ve confronted Maduro.“
That comment drew a tweet suggesting that photos from the time show something different.
Joe Biden just claimed he “confronted” Maduro. This … doesn’t look like a confrontation. #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/VEOwv4RIhK — Trump War Room — Text FIGHT to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) September 13, 2019
Even a liberal columnist like the Washington Post’s Dana Milbank, many gaffes ago, recorded some of his favorite Biden-isms.
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“He confused ‘Margaret Thatcher’ with Theresa May and Angela Merkel, referred to the Second Amendment as the First, tripled the number of casualties of the 1970 Kent State shooting and mixed up his campaign website with a text-message code. At the Iowa State Fair, he thundered: ‘We choose truth over facts!'” Milbank wrote.
He noted that Biden has been a gaffe machine for years.
“Biden once said to a paralyzed man in a wheelchair: ‘Stand up, Chuck.’ He mourned one woman (‘God rest her soul’) who hadn’t died. He described Obama as ‘the first mainstream African American who is articulate and bright and clean.’
“He disclosed that Franklin D. Roosevelt went on television in 1929, before TV existed. He predicted that if Obama were elected, ‘we’re going to have an international crisis.’ He declared that Hillary Clinton ‘might have been a better pick than me’ for vice president. He reported that ‘you cannot go to a 7-Eleven . . . unless you have a slight Indian accent.’ He frankly told one audience: ‘You all look dull as hell,'” Milbank wrote.
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westernjournal--2020-01-12--California Extending Taxpayer-Funded Health Coverage to Even More Illegals

“ If you build it , they will come.
” If the old adage holds any water , it is no wonder Pew Research Center reported in 2019 that the state of California is home to the largest population of illegal immigrants in the United States , accounting for approximately one in five of nation ’ s estimated illegal migrants .
Liberal Gov .
Gavin Newsom and the Golden State ’ s radical left Democratic legislature have built just the type of ostentatious and inclusive welfare state to bring such a population .
And Newsom once again rang the metaphorical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 350-page 2020 state spending plan that will expand government health care coverage to more of California ’ s illegal immigrants than ever before .
TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East “ It ’ s often said that budgets are statements of values , ” Newsom wrote in a letter to the state legislature affixed to the plan .
“ In America ’ s most populous and productive state , our state Budget is more than that .
It is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and brighter future for millions of individuals striving and succeeding together.
” “ California is showing the nation and the world what big-hearted , effective governance looks like , ” the progressive governor later added .
According to The Associated Press , however , that “ big-hearted , effective governance ” includes blowing some of the state ’ s rainy day cash on full health care coverage for illegal immigrants 65 and older under the government-run Medi-Cal program .
This will reportedly add an estimated 27,000 people to the state ’ s Medicare-like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom has long championed the cause of illegal immigrants within the state , publicly decrying the president ’ s efforts to uphold federal immigration law and warning illegal residents within the state to “ know their rights ” as national Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids loomed large last summer .
In fact , Newsom and his Democratic coalition made California the first state in the country last year to provide full , tax-payer funded health care to illegal immigrants , adding more than 130,000 low-income migrants age 25 and younger to the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone is impressed .
RELATED : In Mississippi , People Who Steal Can Be Forced To Work Until Their Debt Is Paid Meanwhile , housing insecurity has “ ballooned ” within the state , according to NPR , with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suggesting more than 150,000 state residents are currently homeless .
Seventy-two percent of that homeless population also lacks any sufficient shelter to speak of and homeless encampments — and their myriad impacts on local communities — have begun to plague California ’ s major cities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ values , ” the California governor has forgotten the meaning of the word “ priorities ” — one he would do well to familiarize himself with as an elected official in the United States .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

“If you build it, they will come.”
If the old adage holds any water, it is no wonder Pew Research Center reported in 2019 that the state of California is home to the largest population of illegal immigrants in the United States, accounting for approximately one in five of nation’s estimated illegal migrants.
Liberal Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Golden State’s radical left Democratic legislature have built just the type of ostentatious and inclusive welfare state to bring such a population.
And Newsom once again rang the metaphorical dinner bell Friday, announcing a more than 350-page 2020 state spending plan that will expand government health care coverage to more of California’s illegal immigrants than ever before.
Governor @GavinNewsom‘s proposed 2020-21 budget addresses the affordability crisis, invests in emergency response to confront homelessness & wildfires, promotes opportunity & more, while continuing to build reserves. #CaliforniaForAll#CAbudget ▶ https://t.co/jhBB59NnD0 pic.twitter.com/SD65ppmXVp — Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) January 10, 2020
“It’s often said that budgets are statements of values,” Newsom wrote in a letter to the state legislature affixed to the plan. “In America’s most populous and productive state, our state Budget is more than that. It is a blueprint for a better quality of life and brighter future for millions of individuals striving and succeeding together.”
“California is showing the nation and the world what big-hearted, effective governance looks like,” the progressive governor later added.
According to The Associated Press, however, that “big-hearted, effective governance” includes blowing some of the state’s rainy day cash on full health care coverage for illegal immigrants 65 and older under the government-run Medi-Cal program.
This will reportedly add an estimated 27,000 people to the state’s Medicare-like programs.
A notable anti-Trump governor, Newsom has long championed the cause of illegal immigrants within the state, publicly decrying the president’s efforts to uphold federal immigration law and warning illegal residents within the state to “know their rights” as national Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids loomed large last summer.
In fact, Newsom and his Democratic coalition made California the first state in the country last year to provide full, tax-payer funded health care to illegal immigrants, adding more than 130,000 low-income migrants age 25 and younger to the same plan, according to NPR.
Not everyone is impressed.
Other than leaving 125,000+ homeless human beings out on the streets of California to suffer, what are these “Values” you speak of? Your policies are garbage and only hurt California.#RecallGavinNewsom pic.twitter.com/Rd5NShRfgV — Kevin Dalton (@NextLAMayor) January 1, 2020
THE REALITY OF HOMELESSNESS: California has completely disincentivized the homeless to get off the streets pic.twitter.com/I7gKnOgBFY — edmund dantes (@Edantes112) December 22, 2019
Meanwhile, housing insecurity has “ballooned” within the state, according to NPR, with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suggesting more than 150,000 state residents are currently homeless.
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Seventy-two percent of that homeless population also lacks any sufficient shelter to speak of and homeless encampments — and their myriad impacts on local communities — have begun to plague California’s major cities.
Perhaps with all this sanctimonious talk of “values,” the California governor has forgotten the meaning of the word “priorities” — one he would do well to familiarize himself with as an elected official in the United States.
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westernjournal--2020-01-12--Iranian Protesters Are Chanting the Regime Is Their Enemy, Not US: Iranian Journalist

The streets of Tehran were filled with marchers this weekend , but instead of citizens forced to participate in a state-orchestrated funeral for Gen. Quassem Soleimani , the protesters were calling for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khameini to quit .
Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad tweeted the vital difference in protests in a series of messages aimed at informing the world that the Iranian people are not the enemy of the West as much as are the nation ’ s leaders .
Her Twitter posts pushed back against the Western media narrative that the Iran people hate the U.S. — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Soleimani funeral were actually spontaneous outbreaks of emotion among the population , as they were reported in the West .
She wrote that the protests were against the government after it finally admitted that it had accidentally shot down a Ukrainian jetliner , killing all 176 people aboard .
TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East She also tweeted : “ Protests continue in Tehran .
Protesters are chanting many of the same slogans from # IranProtests of November 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regime told us our enemy is the US .
But actually , our enemy is right here ’ [ in reference to the regime itself ] .
” She then sought to make the point clear .
“ Iranians now chant slogans against # Soleimani and # Khamenei : ‘ Soleimani is a killer .
So is Khamenei ( Supreme Leader ) ’ To those who jumped the gun lately when the regime orchestrated pro-Soleimani protests and said Iranians were rallying around the flag : It ’ s not happening !
” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests to show that students were not anti-American .
RELATED : CNN Anchor : People Chanting 'Death to America ' Were Very Friendly to Me Her tweets echo a message sent Saturday by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani , who is also President Donald Trump ’ s personal attorney .
Giuliani appeared on the Fox News show “ Justice with Judge Jeanine , ” according to Fox News .
“ The desire for freedom in Iran is palpable .
It ’ s strong .
I ’ ve known this for four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These protests have been going on for two and a half to three years .
They ’ ve happened in 278 cities in Iran .
People have been killed and more people come back and protest.
” “ Nurses have protested .
Sanitation workers have protested .
Iran is on the brink of being overthrown , ” he said .
Giuliani said the time has come for dramatic action — more like President Ronald Reagan ’ s confrontation of the Soviet Union in the 1980s than President Barack Obama ’ s perceived passivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2009 .
“ We ’ ve got one of two ways of going here , ” he added .
“ We can go with Obama when they had the protests in Iran and he turned his back on it — or we can go with Ronald Reagan when he saw Poland and he said… ‘ I stand with you . '
” On Saturday , Trump tweeted two messages to Iran , using both English and Farsi .
“ To the brave , long-suffering people of Iran : I ’ ve stood with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and my Administration will continue to stand with you .
We are following your protests closely , and are inspired by your courage , ” Trump ’ s first tweet read .
Trump followed up by warning Iran that it can not massacre its own people with impunity .
“ The government of Iran must allow human rights groups to monitor and report facts from the ground on the ongoing protests by the Iranian people , ” Trump wrote .
“ There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters , nor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watching.
” The State Department issued a statement that said , “ The Iranian people continue their protests against the lies , incompetence , and cruelty of the ayatollah ’ s regime.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The streets of Tehran were filled with marchers this weekend, but instead of citizens forced to participate in a state-orchestrated funeral for Gen. Quassem Soleimani, the protesters were calling for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khameini to quit.
Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad tweeted the vital difference in protests in a series of messages aimed at informing the world that the Iranian people are not the enemy of the West as much as are the nation’s leaders.
Her Twitter posts pushed back against the Western media narrative that the Iran people hate the U.S. — and mocked the idea that the organized demonstrations at the Soleimani funeral were actually spontaneous outbreaks of emotion among the population, as they were reported in the West.
She wrote that the protests were against the government after it finally admitted that it had accidentally shot down a Ukrainian jetliner, killing all 176 people aboard.
Today all the videos from Iran show the scale of ongoing protests in Tehran. Iranian protesters are demanding Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei step down after the regime shot down a Ukrainian plane & killed 176 people. Are the US media and well known actresses covering this? pic.twitter.com/SLjnSK8408 — Masih Alinejad ? (@AlinejadMasih) January 11, 2020
Today’s anti-regime demonstrators are chanting in favour of 1500 people the regime killed in November during #IranProtests. Make no mistake. The West should listen to these people, not regime-orchestrated pro-Soleimani rallies. These people are Iran’s real face. pic.twitter.com/cVlRJerm4x — Masih Alinejad ? (@AlinejadMasih) January 11, 2020
She also tweeted: “Protests continue in Tehran. Protesters are chanting many of the same slogans from #IranProtests of November 2019 They’re chanting: ‘The regime told us our enemy is the US. But actually, our enemy is right here’ [in reference to the regime itself].”
Protests continue in Tehran. Protesters are chanting many of the same slogans from #IranProtests of November 2019 They’re chanting: “The regime told us our enemy is the US. But actually, our enemy is right here” [in reference to the regime itself]. pic.twitter.com/OjoMw2PMI2 — Masih Alinejad ? (@AlinejadMasih) January 11, 2020
She then sought to make the point clear.
“Iranians now chant slogans against #Soleimani and #Khamenei: ‘Soleimani is a killer. So is Khamenei (Supreme Leader)’ To those who jumped the gun lately when the regime orchestrated pro-Soleimani protests and said Iranians were rallying around the flag: It’s not happening!” she wrote, adding other images from the protests to show that students were not anti-American.
Iranians now chant slogans against #Soleimani and #Khamenei: “Soleimani is a killer. So is Khamenei (Supreme Leader)” To those who jumped the gun lately when the regime orchestrated pro-Soleimani protests and said Iranians were rallying around the flag: It’s not happening! pic.twitter.com/y4pKsE4CDd — Masih Alinejad ? (@AlinejadMasih) January 11, 2020
Watch how Iranian students refuse to step on American & the flag of Israel. This should embarrassed Iranian regime & their propaganda funeral for #Soleimani where people were told to chant “Death To America”.
Now people in Iran chanting “Death to Islamic Republic dictatorship.” pic.twitter.com/hTxDuxZeaB — Masih Alinejad ? (@AlinejadMasih) January 12, 2020
Iconic photo from today’s anti-regime protests in Iran: A brave woman challenges the riot police. Iranians take to the streets again tonight to protest the downing of a civilian airplane by the regime. People are furious & they’re NOT rallying around the flag for #Soleimani. pic.twitter.com/z7gZcVzAr5 — Masih Alinejad ? (@AlinejadMasih) January 12, 2020
Her tweets echo a message sent Saturday by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who is also President Donald Trump’s personal attorney.
Giuliani appeared on the Fox News show “Justice with Judge Jeanine,” according to Fox News.
Should the U.S. help topple Iran's leadership? Yes No
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“The desire for freedom in Iran is palpable. It’s strong. I’ve known this for four years,” he said. “These protests have been going on for two and a half to three years. They’ve happened in 278 cities in Iran. People have been killed and more people come back and protest.”
“Nurses have protested. Sanitation workers have protested. Iran is on the brink of being overthrown,” he said.
Giuliani said the time has come for dramatic action — more like President Ronald Reagan’s confrontation of the Soviet Union in the 1980s than President Barack Obama’s perceived passivity during the anti-regime protests in Iran in 2009.
“We’ve got one of two ways of going here,” he added. “We can go with Obama when they had the protests in Iran and he turned his back on it — or we can go with Ronald Reagan when he saw Poland and he said… ‘I stand with you.'”
On Saturday, Trump tweeted two messages to Iran, using both English and Farsi.
“To the brave, long-suffering people of Iran: I’ve stood with you since the beginning of my Presidency, and my Administration will continue to stand with you. We are following your protests closely, and are inspired by your courage,” Trump’s first tweet read.
To the brave, long-suffering people of Iran: I’ve stood with you since the beginning of my Presidency, and my Administration will continue to stand with you. We are following your protests closely, and are inspired by your courage. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2020
Trump followed up by warning Iran that it cannot massacre its own people with impunity.
“The government of Iran must allow human rights groups to monitor and report facts from the ground on the ongoing protests by the Iranian people,” Trump wrote. “There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching.”
The government of Iran must allow human rights groups to monitor and report facts from the ground on the ongoing protests by the Iranian people. There can not be another massacre of peaceful protesters, nor an internet shutdown. The world is watching. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2020
The State Department issued a statement that said, “The Iranian people continue their protests against the lies, incompetence, and cruelty of the ayatollah’s regime.”
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westernjournal--2020-01-12--In Mississippi, People Who Steal Can Be Forced To Work Until Their Debt Is Paid

Has Mississippi brought back debtor ’ s prison ?
That ’ s what critics are calling a restitution initiative in the Magnolia State , one which has attracted a lot of attention of late .
The spotlight is back on the program thanks to a long investigative piece published by USA Today and written by Anna Wolfe and Michelle Liu of MississippiToday and the Marshall Project , a nonprofit journalistic organization that deals with criminal justice issues .
The beginning of the story deals with Annita Husband , sentenced to one of these prisons for embezzling $ 13,000 from her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the piece , Husband was sentenced to “ the Flowood Restitution Center , a motel converted into a jail surrounded by razor wire , nestled among truck stops and an outlet mall .
Here , Husband slept in a room with seven other women , sharing a mirror to get ready in the mornings , enduring strip searches for contraband at night .
“ The corrections department would not release her until she earned enough money at her $ 7.25-an-hour part-time job to clear her debts and cover $ 11 a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Flowood .
“ TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East The state took all of her paycheck except for $ 10 , paid in quarters , which she could use for items like “ soap and deodorant , ” the article stated .
“ If I wasn ’ t at work , I was in prison , ” Husband told the reporters .
The opening of the piece leaves out several crucial parts of the story , however .
Husband had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stealing money from Sears .
After her embezzlement scheme was discovered , she was sentenced to seven years behind bars .
“ But the judge allowed her to serve five years of probation instead as long as she paid $ 50 a month to the corrections department for monitoring her , plus $ 200 a month toward her fines , fees and restitution , ” the story read .
She struggled to keep up due to the fact she was working menial jobs and caring for her dying husband .
When a judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next time she didn ’ t pay , she stopped reporting at all .
Between 2011 and 2015 , there was a cycle of probation violations that ended up with Husband at Flowood , working at places like Church ’ s Chicken for low wages until her restitution was paid .
The system , to many , seems unreasonably harsh .
It isn ’ t just debtors who are in there , mind you , but often people who can ’ t pay court costs and fines ; 20 percent of those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for drug possession convictions .
And , of course , the piece made sure to mention the state ’ s problematic history of racial issues .
“ The state has a long history of forcing prisoners — especially black men — to work , ” the article read .
“ After slavery was abolished , Mississippi leased a soaring number of prisoners to private industry .
Public outcry over deaths and mistreatment forced the state to end that program in 1890 .
Mississippi then founded the state penitentiary known as Parchman Farm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It still houses over 3,000 of the state ’ s 21,000 prisoners.
” RELATED : Man Allegedly Robs His Fifth Bank in 2 Weeks After NY No-Bail Law Lets Him Walk Most of this , mind you , took place well over a century ago .
Meanwhile , judges who sentenced individuals to the program defended it .
Clarksville circuit court Judge Charles Webster “ said that the program teaches them about responsibility by requiring them to show up for work and meet financial obligations.
” “ Going to the restitution center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I would think , ” Webster said .
Jones County Judge Dal Williamson , meanwhile , noted “ you ’ ve got a victim out there that needs to be made whole , ” adding that he wouldn ’ t send individuals to the minimum-security prisons unless they had refused to pay .
That ’ s now part of the law , too : As of 2018 , to be sentenced to the program , an individual has to show an unwillingness to pay as opposed to a lack of means .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t the only factor in getting sentenced to the program .
A review of 200 cases found that 80 percent of the individuals had been sentenced to it because of probation violations , with only 20 percent being sentenced for failing to pay restitution alone .
“ Almost all of the inmates were given a specific amount of money they must earn before their release , ” the article read .
“ In 15 cases we found , the judges sentenced defendants to the restitution centers for an amount of money and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three years.
” And then there ’ s the victim to consider .
Paul Goldman , who ran the payday loan provider Husband stole from , says he almost never receives full restitution from employee theft .
If they ’ re not repaying it , he says , he wants them in the program , “ Just for the sake of justice.
” Husband eventually broke out of the program and , when police caught up with her some time later , spent roughly 10 months in prison .
When she finished parole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 behind in restitution .
In addition to questions of whether Mississippi ’ s system is heavy-handed , there are also questions as to whether it ’ s constitutional .
A 1983 case , Bearden v. Georgia , made it clear that only individuals who chose willfully not to pay debts could be sentenced to prison .
It ’ s also worth noting that debtors prisons were outlawed by the federal government in 1833 — and while the government left the decision on debtors prisons to the states , it ’ s fair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plus , the article argues , states experimented with similar programs in the 1970s but found them “ expensive and ineffective.
” So , are these debtors prisons justice or remnants of a past that we don ’ t want to dredge up ?
The efficacy of Mississippi ’ s program is arguably going to come under greater scrutiny , if the piece published by USA Today is any indication .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Has Mississippi brought back debtor’s prison? That’s what critics are calling a restitution initiative in the Magnolia State, one which has attracted a lot of attention of late.
The spotlight is back on the program thanks to a long investigative piece published by USA Today and written by Anna Wolfe and Michelle Liu of MississippiToday and the Marshall Project, a nonprofit journalistic organization that deals with criminal justice issues.
The beginning of the story deals with Annita Husband, sentenced to one of these prisons for embezzling $13,000 from her employer, a payday loan supplier.
According to the piece, Husband was sentenced to “the Flowood Restitution Center, a motel converted into a jail surrounded by razor wire, nestled among truck stops and an outlet mall. Here, Husband slept in a room with seven other women, sharing a mirror to get ready in the mornings, enduring strip searches for contraband at night.
“The corrections department would not release her until she earned enough money at her $7.25-an-hour part-time job to clear her debts and cover $11 a day for ‘room and board’ at Flowood. “
The state took all of her paycheck except for $10, paid in quarters, which she could use for items like “soap and deodorant,” the article stated.
“If I wasn’t at work, I was in prison,” Husband told the reporters.
The opening of the piece leaves out several crucial parts of the story, however. Husband had previous convictions for writing bad checks and stealing money from Sears. After her embezzlement scheme was discovered, she was sentenced to seven years behind bars.
“But the judge allowed her to serve five years of probation instead as long as she paid $50 a month to the corrections department for monitoring her, plus $200 a month toward her fines, fees and restitution,” the story read.
Do you think making inmates work off their debts is a good idea? Yes No
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She struggled to keep up due to the fact she was working menial jobs and caring for her dying husband. When a judge told her she was going to jail the next time she didn’t pay, she stopped reporting at all. Between 2011 and 2015, there was a cycle of probation violations that ended up with Husband at Flowood, working at places like Church’s Chicken for low wages until her restitution was paid.
The system, to many, seems unreasonably harsh. It isn’t just debtors who are in there, mind you, but often people who can’t pay court costs and fines; 20 percent of those in the minimum-security facilities are in there for drug possession convictions.
And, of course, the piece made sure to mention the state’s problematic history of racial issues.
“The state has a long history of forcing prisoners — especially black men — to work,” the article read.
“After slavery was abolished, Mississippi leased a soaring number of prisoners to private industry. Public outcry over deaths and mistreatment forced the state to end that program in 1890. Mississippi then founded the state penitentiary known as Parchman Farm, which was modeled after a slave plantation. It still houses over 3,000 of the state’s 21,000 prisoners.”
Most of this, mind you, took place well over a century ago.
Meanwhile, judges who sentenced individuals to the program defended it.
Clarksville circuit court Judge Charles Webster “said that the program teaches them about responsibility by requiring them to show up for work and meet financial obligations.”
“Going to the restitution center’s better than going to prison, I would think,” Webster said.
Jones County Judge Dal Williamson, meanwhile, noted “you’ve got a victim out there that needs to be made whole,” adding that he wouldn’t send individuals to the minimum-security prisons unless they had refused to pay.
That’s now part of the law, too: As of 2018, to be sentenced to the program, an individual has to show an unwillingness to pay as opposed to a lack of means.
Furthermore, unwillingness to pay usually isn’t the only factor in getting sentenced to the program. A review of 200 cases found that 80 percent of the individuals had been sentenced to it because of probation violations, with only 20 percent being sentenced for failing to pay restitution alone.
“Almost all of the inmates were given a specific amount of money they must earn before their release,” the article read. “In 15 cases we found, the judges sentenced defendants to the restitution centers for an amount of money and a time limit of 90 days to three years.”
And then there’s the victim to consider. Paul Goldman, who ran the payday loan provider Husband stole from, says he almost never receives full restitution from employee theft. If they’re not repaying it, he says, he wants them in the program, “Just for the sake of justice.”
Husband eventually broke out of the program and, when police caught up with her some time later, spent roughly 10 months in prison. When she finished parole last September, she was still $10,000 behind in restitution.
In addition to questions of whether Mississippi’s system is heavy-handed, there are also questions as to whether it’s constitutional.
A 1983 case, Bearden v. Georgia, made it clear that only individuals who chose willfully not to pay debts could be sentenced to prison. It’s also worth noting that debtors prisons were outlawed by the federal government in 1833 — and while the government left the decision on debtors prisons to the states, it’s fair to say they’re anachronistic.
Plus, the article argues, states experimented with similar programs in the 1970s but found them “expensive and ineffective.”
So, are these debtors prisons justice or remnants of a past that we don’t want to dredge up?
The efficacy of Mississippi’s program is arguably going to come under greater scrutiny, if the piece published by USA Today is any indication.
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westernjournal--2020-01-12--Ricky Gervais Responds to Liberals Who Scolded Him for Embracing Conservative Fans

Comedian Ricky Gervais last week delivered a lesson in free speech to his critics .
Gervais went viral after his opening monologue at the Jan. 5 Golden Globes awards show suggested actors , whom Gervais mocked as knowing nothing about politics , keep their political opinions to themselves while accepting awards .
The British comedian on Friday replied to criticism he has received for accepting conservative Twitter followers .
TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East “ I ’ ve noticed a couple of tweets criticising me for ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ opposite ’ of me .
Christian , conservative , pro life , pro gun , reactionaries , ” Gervais tweeted .
“ Of course I accept them .
To err is human , to forgive divine .
It ’ s what Jesus would do .
Dog Bless all my followers.
” Then came the summary of what free speech is all about .
“ If you don ’ t believe in free speech for people who you disagree with , and even hate for what they stand for , then you don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he wrote .
During his monologue , Gervais derided the politics of the liberals who dominate Hollywood .
“ Apple roared into the TV game with ‘ The Morning Show , ’ a superb drama about the importance of dignity and doing the right thing , made by a company that runs sweatshops in China , ” he said toward the end of the monologues .
“ Well , you say you ’ re ‘ woke , ’ but the companies you work for in China — unbelievable .
Apple , Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streaming service you ’ d call your agent , wouldn ’ t you ?
” he said .
Gervais then called for the speeches to be devoid of politics .
“ So if you do win an award tonight , don ’ t use it as a platform to make a political speech .
You ’ re in no position to lecture the public about anything .
You know nothing about the real world .
Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg , ” Gervais said .
So if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your little award , thank your agent , and your God and f—off , ” he said .
Earlier in his monologue , Gervais reminded his audience to have a sense of humor about his humor .
“ Remember , they ’ re just jokes .
We ’ re all gon na die soon and there ’ s no sequel , so remember that , ” he said .
The monlogue brought out some howls — and not the laughing kind .
“ Gervais really did come across as an idiotic clapping monkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re not really sure , ” Jo Murch wrote for The Independent .
“ Presenting Gervais , like a teenager acting up to shock his parents , is a step in totally the wrong direction .
It sends out the message that Hollywood is a place with no morals or respect , where true talent can be exchanged for a few expletives and where the big issues hide in the corner while the village idiot dances under the big , bright spotlight , ” Murch wrote .
On Friday , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fuss netted him 500,000 new Twitter followers .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Comedian Ricky Gervais last week delivered a lesson in free speech to his critics.
Gervais went viral after his opening monologue at the Jan. 5 Golden Globes awards show suggested actors, whom Gervais mocked as knowing nothing about politics, keep their political opinions to themselves while accepting awards.
The British comedian on Friday replied to criticism he has received for accepting conservative Twitter followers.
I’ve noticed a couple of tweets criticising me for “accepting” new followers who are the “opposite” of me. Christian, conservative, pro life, pro gun, reactionaries. Of course I accept them. To err is human, to forgive divine. It’s what Jesus would do. Dog Bless all my followers. pic.twitter.com/25iufHbQjs — Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 10, 2020
“I’ve noticed a couple of tweets criticising me for ‘accepting’ new followers who are the ‘opposite’ of me. Christian, conservative, pro life, pro gun, reactionaries,” Gervais tweeted. “Of course I accept them. To err is human, to forgive divine. It’s what Jesus would do. Dog Bless all my followers.”
Then came the summary of what free speech is all about.
If you don’t believe in free speech for people who you disagree with, and even hate for what they stand for, then you don’t believe in free speech. — Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 10, 2020
“If you don’t believe in free speech for people who you disagree with, and even hate for what they stand for, then you don’t believe in free speech,” he wrote.
During his monologue, Gervais derided the politics of the liberals who dominate Hollywood.
“Apple roared into the TV game with ‘The Morning Show,’ a superb drama about the importance of dignity and doing the right thing, made by a company that runs sweatshops in China,” he said toward the end of the monologues.
“Well, you say you’re ‘woke,’ but the companies you work for in China — unbelievable. Apple, Amazon, Disney. If ISIS started a streaming service you’d call your agent, wouldn’t you?” he said.
Gervais then called for the speeches to be devoid of politics.
“So if you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech. You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. You know nothing about the real world. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg,” Gervais said.
Was Gervais effective at making the point about free speech? Yes No
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So if you win, come up, accept your little award, thank your agent, and your God and f—off,” he said.
Earlier in his monologue, Gervais reminded his audience to have a sense of humor about his humor.
“Remember, they’re just jokes. We’re all gonna die soon and there’s no sequel, so remember that,” he said.
The monlogue brought out some howls — and not the laughing kind.
Here’s my Ricky Gervais problem: The idea that celebrities are not only pampered babies but hypocrites who cause the problems they make speeches deploring and should therefore shut up and act/sing/be grateful is a right-wing talking point, and an especially stupid one. > — Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) January 6, 2020
“Gervais really did come across as an idiotic clapping monkey – grabbing your attention but for what you’re not really sure,” Jo Murch wrote for The Independent.
“Presenting Gervais, like a teenager acting up to shock his parents, is a step in totally the wrong direction. It sends out the message that Hollywood is a place with no morals or respect, where true talent can be exchanged for a few expletives and where the big issues hide in the corner while the village idiot dances under the big, bright spotlight,” Murch wrote.
Gervais replied online.
I always knew that there were morons in the world that took jokes seriously, but I’m surprised that some journalists do. Surely, understanding stuff is pretty fundamental to their job, isn’t it? Just makes it funnier though, I guess? — Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 7, 2020
1. Simply pointing out whether someone is left or right wing isn’t winning the argument.
2. If a joke is good enough, it can be enjoyed by anyone.
3. It’s not all about you.
4. Just because you’re offended, doesn’t mean you’re right. — Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 8, 2020
On Friday, he also posted his last laugh — all the fuss netted him 500,000 new Twitter followers.
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westernjournal--2020-01-12--Gun Grabbers Who Complained About Big Money Were Funded Almost Entirely by Big Money

If you go to the website for March for Our Lives — the supposedly student-run gun control organization that popped up in the aftermath of the 2018 Parkland school shooting — you can print out a price tag that says what the life of each student is worth by state .
Come again ?
Perhaps I should let them explain it : “ We ’ ve calculated the price of each student in states across the country , based on the millions of dollars politicians have accepted from the [ National Rifle Association ] .
Scroll through the options and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and share , ” the website states .
“ If your state doesn ’ t have a price tag , that ’ s good news .
It means that your politicians aren ’ t taking large sums of NRA money .
Instead , use the national average price tag to show your support for reforming our gun laws .
And then make a donation to help us change gun laws and beat the NRA.
” Those price tags featured prominently in the 2018 march : TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Middle East It ’ s not that March for Our Lives has any sort of issue with big money , however — just who ’ s giving and receiving it .
That ’ s the only takeaway from a just-released tax form that shows the group took in almost all of its money from donations that were over six figures .
“ The March For Our Lives Action Fund , a 501 ( c ) ( 4 ) ‘ social welfare ’ organization launched in the aftermath of the deadly 2018 shootings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High School , is bankrolled almost entirely by large donations in excess of $ 100,000 , ” The Washington Free Beacon reported Tuesday .
“ The group reported $ 17,879,150 in contributions and grants over the course of 2018 , its first year of operations .
Ninety-five percent of those contributions came from 36 donations between $ 100,000 and $ 3,504,717 — a grand total of $ 16,922,331.
” According to the tax document , $ 7.8 million went to the eponymous march in Washington two years ago , including $ 4.7 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Four million dollars , meanwhile , went to a summer tour to register voters and promote the organization ’ s mission .
There are several questions raised by the report , as the Free Beacon points out .
Only 0.5 percent of the group ’ s revenue in 2018 — inarguably its most fecund period , given how frequently it was in the news — came from donors who gave less than $ 5,000 .
It ’ s clear the group is entirely reliant on big money , which is a serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raises questions , however , about how the group was received back in 2018 .
I understand the difficulty of raising questions of how activists are funding their work when those activists are high school students who ’ ve been through an unspeakable tragedy .
Their policy prescriptions may have been controversial but their grief was hardly unearned .
That said , treating March for Our Lives with the kind of adulating copy it got was hardly appropriate , either .
Back when the march happened , media coverage pretended the organization and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of Zeus , fully formed out of the sorrow and drive of plucky teenagers .
We weren ’ t supposed to ask , for instance , whether what we were seeing was being astroturfed by other gun control groups .
Nobody raised concerns that large celebrity donors were using teenagers as avatars for their own political views .
Both of these were absolutely factual , mind you , and probably ought to have been covered more extensively .
The Michael Bloomberg-founded gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety pledged $ 2.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the weeks leading up to the protests — a fact that was covered in the media , if at all , in the manner of a news release .
A snippet from Reuters ’ report on Everytown ’ s involvement , for example : “ Gun-control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety said on Friday it will donate up to $ 2.5 million to support marches around the United States on March 24 , the date of a planned March For Our Lives in Washington to demand an end to school shootings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida shooting have emerged as prominent advocates for greater gun control .
They hope to tip the balance in a long-running national debate over how much regulation is permitted by the U.S. Constitution ’ s Second Amendment , which the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled guarantees an individual right to have guns.
” What wasn ’ t underwritten by gun control groups was covered by celebrities and deep-pocketed liberals .
According to Vanity Fair , George and Amal Clooney pledged $ 500,000 , as did Oprah Winfrey .
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million , Gucci pledged $ 500,000 , the Free Beacon reported .
Meanwhile , the amount pledged by small donors ?
Almost zilch .
Gun control apparently isn ’ t an issue that gets much play among the public at large , but six- and seven-figure donations abound to an organization that puts itself forward as a grassroots movement of teenagers — teenagers who are apparently very upset that politicians are taking money from the NRA .
Apparently , they can ’ t live up to their own standards .
We are committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If you go to the website for March for Our Lives — the supposedly student-run gun control organization that popped up in the aftermath of the 2018 Parkland school shooting — you can print out a price tag that says what the life of each student is worth by state.
Come again? Perhaps I should let them explain it: “We’ve calculated the price of each student in states across the country, based on the millions of dollars politicians have accepted from the [National Rifle Association]. Scroll through the options and print out a price tag to wear and share,” the website states.
“If your state doesn’t have a price tag, that’s good news. It means that your politicians aren’t taking large sums of NRA money. Instead, use the national average price tag to show your support for reforming our gun laws. And then make a donation to help us change gun laws and beat the NRA.”
Those price tags featured prominently in the 2018 march:
Student showing $1.05 price tag. Students divided the amount of money Marco Rubio got from the NRA, by those killed in gun violence, and see $1.05 as the price tag NRA-owned legislators are putting on our lives. #MarchForOurLives #Enough#WeCallBS#NeverAgain pic.twitter.com/TJgi7gChTQ — PassMeAPickle (@CeeLeeMusic) March 24, 2018
The price tag bracelets are up on the March for our lives website!!! https://t.co/h8j3yaopqG — Sarah Chadwick (@Sarahchadwickk) March 23, 2018
It’s not that March for Our Lives has any sort of issue with big money, however — just who’s giving and receiving it.
Do you think anti-gun activists are hypocrites? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (1511 Votes) No: 1% (9 Votes)
That’s the only takeaway from a just-released tax form that shows the group took in almost all of its money from donations that were over six figures.
“The March For Our Lives Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) ‘social welfare’ organization launched in the aftermath of the deadly 2018 shootings at Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, is bankrolled almost entirely by large donations in excess of $100,000,” The Washington Free Beacon reported Tuesday.
“The group reported $17,879,150 in contributions and grants over the course of 2018, its first year of operations. Ninety-five percent of those contributions came from 36 donations between $100,000 and $3,504,717 — a grand total of $16,922,331.”
That’s quite a price tag.
According to the tax document, $7.8 million went to the eponymous march in Washington two years ago, including $4.7 million to a D.C.-based marketing firm for production.
Four million dollars, meanwhile, went to a summer tour to register voters and promote the organization’s mission.
There are several questions raised by the report, as the Free Beacon points out. Only 0.5 percent of the group’s revenue in 2018 — inarguably its most fecund period, given how frequently it was in the news — came from donors who gave less than $5,000. It’s clear the group is entirely reliant on big money, which is a serious problem for sustainability purposes.
It also raises questions, however, about how the group was received back in 2018.
I understand the difficulty of raising questions of how activists are funding their work when those activists are high school students who’ve been through an unspeakable tragedy. Their policy prescriptions may have been controversial but their grief was hardly unearned.
That said, treating March for Our Lives with the kind of adulating copy it got was hardly appropriate, either. Back when the march happened, media coverage pretended the organization and march had sprung, like Athena from the head of Zeus, fully formed out of the sorrow and drive of plucky teenagers.
We weren’t supposed to ask, for instance, whether what we were seeing was being astroturfed by other gun control groups. Nobody raised concerns that large celebrity donors were using teenagers as avatars for their own political views.
Both of these were absolutely factual, mind you, and probably ought to have been covered more extensively. The Michael Bloomberg-founded gun control group Everytown for Gun Safety pledged $2.5 million to March for Our Lives in the weeks leading up to the protests — a fact that was covered in the media, if at all, in the manner of a news release.
A snippet from Reuters’ report on Everytown’s involvement, for example:
“Gun-control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety said on Friday it will donate up to $2.5 million to support marches around the United States on March 24, the date of a planned March For Our Lives in Washington to demand an end to school shootings. …
“Many student survivors of the Florida shooting have emerged as prominent advocates for greater gun control. They hope to tip the balance in a long-running national debate over how much regulation is permitted by the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment, which the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled guarantees an individual right to have guns.”
What wasn’t underwritten by gun control groups was covered by celebrities and deep-pocketed liberals.
According to Vanity Fair, George and Amal Clooney pledged $500,000, as did Oprah Winfrey.
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and billionaire Eli Broad both pledged $1 million, Gucci pledged $500,000, the Free Beacon reported.
Meanwhile, the amount pledged by small donors? Almost zilch.
Gun control apparently isn’t an issue that gets much play among the public at large, but six- and seven-figure donations abound to an organization that puts itself forward as a grassroots movement of teenagers — teenagers who are apparently very upset that politicians are taking money from the NRA.
Apparently, they can’t live up to their own standards.
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* Email
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westernjournal--2020-01-12--‘Joker’ Actor Joaquin Phoenix Blames Some Farmers for Climate Change After Getting Off a Plane

On Friday morning , Actor Joaquin Phoenix joined actress Jane Fonda for one of her weekly “ Fire Drill Friday ” protests on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington , D.C. , to speak out about the meat and dairy industry and the impact they supposedly have on climate change .
Fonda has been hosting these rallies every Friday since October 2019 in support of 17-year-old Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg .
This week , Fonda was joined by not only Phoenix , but Hollywood stars like Maggie Gyllenhaal and Martin Sheen as well .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked about in the environmental movement or in the conversation about climate change is that the meat and dairy industry is the third-leading cause of climate change , ” Phoenix said Friday .
“ I think sometimes we wonder , ‘ What can we do in this fight against climate change ?
’ And there is something you can do today , right now and tomorrow , by making a choice about what you consume.
” TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he claimed are the “ third-leading cause ” of climate change on blast , he also admitted that he has contributed to the environmental issue .
He acknowledged that he had flown on a plane to get to the protest , but claimed that this was not within his control .
“ I struggle so much with what I can do at times , ” the “ Joker ” actor said .
“ There are things that I can ’ t avoid — I flew a plane out here today , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I can do is change my eating habits.
” The Daily Wire reported that the Sunday before the rally , Phoenix was advocating for action on climate change during his Golden Globes acceptance speech by sporting a tuxedo that he will re-wear throughout the awards season .
He also thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for providing an all-vegan menu for the ceremony , according to CBS News .
“ It ’ s really nice that so many people come up and sent their well wishes , but we have to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said during his speech Sunday , referring to the recent Australia wildfires .
“ I have not always been a virtuous man .
I ’ m learning so much — so many of you in this room have given me multiple opportunities to get it right.
” RELATED : Emissions Down : If Libs Really Care About Environment , They Should Support Trump People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has named the Hollywood star its 2019 “ Person of the Year ” because of “ his lifelong dedication to ending speciesism.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Phoenix was featured in an anti-speciesism billboard ad for PETA that was displayed on Times Square in New York City .
“ We Are All Animals .
End speciesism .
Live vegan , ” the ad said .
“ When we look at the world through another animal ’ s eyes , we see that inside we ’ re all the same — and that we all deserve to live free from suffering , ” Phoenix has said , according to PETA .
Citing police , People reported that during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both Phoenix and Sheen were arrested along with 145 others for either “ crowding , ” “ obstructing ” or “ incommoding.
” This is not the first time an arrest has been made during one of these protests , as Fonda herself has been detained on multiple occasions over the last few months for similar offenses .
The “ Fire Drill Friday ” protests ’ goal is to “ demand that action by our political leaders be taken to address the climate emergency we are in , ” the group ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On Friday morning, Actor Joaquin Phoenix joined actress Jane Fonda for one of her weekly “Fire Drill Friday” protests on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., to speak out about the meat and dairy industry and the impact they supposedly have on climate change.
Fonda has been hosting these rallies every Friday since October 2019 in support of 17-year-old Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg.
This week, Fonda was joined by not only Phoenix, but Hollywood stars like Maggie Gyllenhaal and Martin Sheen as well.
“Something I think isn’t oftentimes talked about in the environmental movement or in the conversation about climate change is that the meat and dairy industry is the third-leading cause of climate change,” Phoenix said Friday.
“I think sometimes we wonder, ‘What can we do in this fight against climate change?’ And there is something you can do today, right now and tomorrow, by making a choice about what you consume.”
While the actor had the industries that he claimed are the “third-leading cause” of climate change on blast, he also admitted that he has contributed to the environmental issue.
He acknowledged that he had flown on a plane to get to the protest, but claimed that this was not within his control.
“I struggle so much with what I can do at times,” the “Joker” actor said.
“There are things that I can’t avoid — I flew a plane out here today, or last night rather. But one thing that I can do is change my eating habits.”
Joaquin Phoenix: “I struggle so much with what I can do [to combat climate change] at times. There are things that I can’t avoid — I flew a plane out here today, or last night rather. But one thing that I can do is change my eating habits.” pic.twitter.com/RaZILYq0La — The Hill (@thehill) January 10, 2020
The Daily Wire reported that the Sunday before the rally, Phoenix was advocating for action on climate change during his Golden Globes acceptance speech by sporting a tuxedo that he will re-wear throughout the awards season.
He also thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for providing an all-vegan menu for the ceremony, according to CBS News.
“It’s really nice that so many people come up and sent their well wishes, but we have to do more than that, right?” he said during his speech Sunday, referring to the recent Australia wildfires.
“I have not always been a virtuous man. I’m learning so much — so many of you in this room have given me multiple opportunities to get it right.”
Would you go vegan to help address climate change? 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% (16 Votes) No: 98% (883 Votes)
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has named the Hollywood star its 2019 “Person of the Year” because of “his lifelong dedication to ending speciesism.”
Before the premier of “Joker,” Phoenix was featured in an anti-speciesism billboard ad for PETA that was displayed on Times Square in New York City.
“We Are All Animals. End speciesism. Live vegan,” the ad said.
“When we look at the world through another animal’s eyes, we see that inside we’re all the same — and that we all deserve to live free from suffering,” Phoenix has said, according to PETA.
Citing police, People reported that during the “Fire Drill Friday” protest, both Phoenix and Sheen were arrested along with 145 others for either “crowding,” “obstructing” or “incommoding.”
This is not the first time an arrest has been made during one of these protests, as Fonda herself has been detained on multiple occasions over the last few months for similar offenses.
The “Fire Drill Friday” protests’ goal is to “demand that action by our political leaders be taken to address the climate emergency we are in,” the group’s website says.
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westernjournal--2020-01-14--Rapinoe Signals She May Defy Olympic Rules & Kneel Anyway

Soccer star Megan Rapinoe suggested on Instagram this week she may defy Olympic rules and kneel or otherwise protest at this summer ’ s games in Tokyo , despite a ban by the International Olympic Committee on using the games to make political statements .
Her reasoning : “ We will not be silenced.
” It ’ s interesting how she says she ’ s being silenced .
You certainly couldn ’ t tell , given the kind of reporting a simple statement on social media generated .
Rapinoe , a striker on U.S. Women ’ s National Team , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s FIFA Women ’ s World Cup for reasons not necessarily connected to her playing acumen ( which was pretty spectacular , it must be said ) .
Rather , it was a never-ending fusillade of political statements of the liberal variety which made her a darling of # TheResistance .
TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East While most of her statements had to do with her position at the helm of a lawsuit demanding equal pay for the women ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were her statements regarding that Bad Orange Man — including a clip where she said “ I ’ m not going to the f—ing White House ” if the national team were to win .
Among her other statements was the decision to not participate in the national anthem during Women ’ s World Cup games — a move which seemed oddly self-defeating given the fact she would spend the next 90 minutes on the pitch wearing the uniform of the national team .
She ’ d started kneeling for the anthem in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying “ it is because of my utmost respect for the flag and the promise it represents that I have chosen to demonstrate in this way.
” It was primarily these acts of bravery , one could guess , that landed her the 2019 Sportsperson of the Year award from Sports Illustrated , among other honors .
The IOC seems to be less impressed with this kind of stuff , having banned forms of political protest at official venues — including on the medal stands — as “ divisive disruption ” under new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and must never be a platform to advance political or any other divisive ends , ” IOC President Thomas Bach said , according to Fox News .
“ Our political neutrality is undermined whenever organizations or individuals attempt to use the Olympic Games as a stage for their own agendas , as legitimate as they may be.
” The new guidelines were released last Thursday , according to NBC News .
They clarify the Olympic Charter ’ s Rule 50 , a long-standing stricture prohibiting political statements on the field or in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who Knelt During Medal Ceremony To Protest Trump The new guidelines stated this included hand gestures with political intent , disrespecting opponents on the medal stand or taking a knee .
“ We needed clarity and they wanted clarity on the rules , ” IOC Athletes ’ Commission chair Kirsty Coventry said .
“ The majority of athletes feel it is very important that we respect each other as athletes.
” The majority of news stories about the new guidelines mentioned the example of John Carlos and Tommie Smith , the two American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the podium after the 200-meter event at the 1968 Mexico City games .
In an Instagram story Friday , Rapinoe referenced it , too : “ So much for being done about the protests , ” Rapinoe said .
“ So little being done about what we are protesting about .
We will not be silenced.
” No matter how you feel about Carlos and Smith and their politicization of the Olympics , the salient points remain that no one would remember their names or their cause had they not raised their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they faced overwhelming criticism at home for what they did .
Rapinoe is one of the biggest sports stars in America and was almost universally celebrated by the media for her political statements during last summer ’ s World Cup .
If MSNBC ’ s Nicole Wallace were around in 1968 , for instance , it ’ d be difficult to imagine her calling Carlos and Smith “ chicken soup for your soul ” like she did with Rapinoe , and not just because that saccharine book of platitudes hadn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not as if Carlos and Smith could go on Instagram and rep black power to a few million followers — which is exactly how Rapinoe announced she wasn ’ t going to be silenced .
And , indeed , she ’ s not exactly being silenced .
Athletes are allowed to say whatever they want on social media or to traditional media .
If Rapinoe wants to spend her time in Japan telling everyone how oppressed she is , she ’ s free to do so .
No one ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IOC is merely saying the field of play isn ’ t the place for that sort of thing .
This is pretty much on-brand for Rapinoe , however .
She ’ s like the loose-cannon cop of sports-based social justice : She doesn ’ t play by your rules , boomer .
She ’ s not going to be silenced .
You want to tell her she ’ s free to state her political beliefs anywhere but the field of play ?
Silence !
If the raison d ’ être of Rapinoe ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Olympic games is to protest her country there , why bother showing up at all ?
Abnegation is the ultimate statement of protest in this station , after all .
Forget kneeling for the national anthem ; her refusal to wear the uniform of her nation would speak louder than anything she could do on the field or podium .
One needn ’ t think too hard why she wouldn ’ t want to do that , however .
For Megan Rapinoe and her generation of political activists , the rose of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of negative repercussions , no matter how mild they may be .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Soccer star Megan Rapinoe suggested on Instagram this week she may defy Olympic rules and kneel or otherwise protest at this summer’s games in Tokyo, despite a ban by the International Olympic Committee on using the games to make political statements.
Her reasoning: “We will not be silenced.”
It’s interesting how she says she’s being silenced. You certainly couldn’t tell, given the kind of reporting a simple statement on social media generated.
Rapinoe, a striker on U.S. Women’s National Team, shot to superstardom during last summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup for reasons not necessarily connected to her playing acumen (which was pretty spectacular, it must be said).
Rather, it was a never-ending fusillade of political statements of the liberal variety which made her a darling of #TheResistance.
While most of her statements had to do with her position at the helm of a lawsuit demanding equal pay for the women’s national team, what everyone heard were her statements regarding that Bad Orange Man — including a clip where she said “I’m not going to the f—ing White House” if the national team were to win.
Among her other statements was the decision to not participate in the national anthem during Women’s World Cup games — a move which seemed oddly self-defeating given the fact she would spend the next 90 minutes on the pitch wearing the uniform of the national team.
She’d started kneeling for the anthem in in 2016 to support Colin Kaepernick, saying “it is because of my utmost respect for the flag and the promise it represents that I have chosen to demonstrate in this way.”
It was primarily these acts of bravery, one could guess, that landed her the 2019 Sportsperson of the Year award from Sports Illustrated, among other honors.
Do you think Megan Rapinoe should be able to kneel during the national anthem at the Olympics? Yes No
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The IOC seems to be less impressed with this kind of stuff, having banned forms of political protest at official venues — including on the medal stands — as “divisive disruption” under new guidelines.
The Olympics “are not and must never be a platform to advance political or any other divisive ends,” IOC President Thomas Bach said, according to Fox News.
“Our political neutrality is undermined whenever organizations or individuals attempt to use the Olympic Games as a stage for their own agendas, as legitimate as they may be.”
The new guidelines were released last Thursday, according to NBC News.
They clarify the Olympic Charter’s Rule 50, a long-standing stricture prohibiting political statements on the field or in the arena.
The new guidelines stated this included hand gestures with political intent, disrespecting opponents on the medal stand or taking a knee.
“We needed clarity and they wanted clarity on the rules,” IOC Athletes’ Commission chair Kirsty Coventry said. “The majority of athletes feel it is very important that we respect each other as athletes.”
The majority of news stories about the new guidelines mentioned the example of John Carlos and Tommie Smith, the two American runners who raised the black power salute on the podium after the 200-meter event at the 1968 Mexico City games.
In an Instagram story Friday, Rapinoe referenced it, too:
Megan Rapinoe responds to the IOC banning protests at the Olympics: “We will not be silenced” pic.twitter.com/69PljKC8u5 — Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 10, 2020
“So much for being done about the protests,” Rapinoe said. “So little being done about what we are protesting about. We will not be silenced.”
Right.
No matter how you feel about Carlos and Smith and their politicization of the Olympics, the salient points remain that no one would remember their names or their cause had they not raised their fists during the medal ceremony, and that they faced overwhelming criticism at home for what they did.
Rapinoe is one of the biggest sports stars in America and was almost universally celebrated by the media for her political statements during last summer’s World Cup.
If MSNBC’s Nicole Wallace were around in 1968, for instance, it’d be difficult to imagine her calling Carlos and Smith “chicken soup for your soul” like she did with Rapinoe, and not just because that saccharine book of platitudes hadn’t been written yet.
Furthermore, it’s not as if Carlos and Smith could go on Instagram and rep black power to a few million followers — which is exactly how Rapinoe announced she wasn’t going to be silenced.
And, indeed, she’s not exactly being silenced.
Athletes are allowed to say whatever they want on social media or to traditional media.
If Rapinoe wants to spend her time in Japan telling everyone how oppressed she is, she’s free to do so.
No one’s silencing her there, either — the IOC is merely saying the field of play isn’t the place for that sort of thing.
This is pretty much on-brand for Rapinoe, however.
She’s like the loose-cannon cop of sports-based social justice: She doesn’t play by your rules, boomer.
She’s not going to be silenced. You want to tell her she’s free to state her political beliefs anywhere but the field of play? Silence!
If the raison d’être of Rapinoe’s decision to represent her country at the Olympic games is to protest her country there, why bother showing up at all?
Abnegation is the ultimate statement of protest in this station, after all.
Forget kneeling for the national anthem; her refusal to wear the uniform of her nation would speak louder than anything she could do on the field or podium.
One needn’t think too hard why she wouldn’t want to do that, however.
For Megan Rapinoe and her generation of political activists, the rose of self-expression must always come without the thorn of negative repercussions, no matter how mild they may be.
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* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-14--Leftists Target Star Actor Vince Vaughn After He’s Spotted Talking with Trump at College Football Ch

Leftists Target Star Actor Vince Vaughn After He’s Spotted Talking with Trump at College Football Championship Game

Actor Vince Vaughn was trashed on social media Monday night after a video clip made the rounds showing him talking with President Donald Trump at the College Football Playoff championship game in New Orleans .
Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the game , in which LSU defeated Clemson 42-25 .
Vaughn — who styles himself as a libertarian — was captured on video in the luxury box occupied by the Trumps talking to the president as the first lady sat between them .
As the “ DodgeBall ” and “ Swingers ” star departed , he was seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Liberals on Twitter were aghast , starting with former Deadspin employee Timothy Burke .
TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East “ I ’ m very sorry to have to share this video with you , ” he said .
“ All of it , every part of it.
” As the outrage mounted , others pushed back at the cancel culture that would ordain punishment for the alleged sin of talking to a president , with some likening what was happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeGeneres when she was spotted sharing a luxury box with former President George W. Bush during a Dallas Cowboys game .
Vaughn put a huge gulf between himself and the Hollywood left in a 2015 interview with GQ when he shared his views on gun rights .
“ I support people having a gun in public full stop , not just in your home , ” he said .
“ We don ’ t have the right to bear arms because of burglars ; we have the right to bear arms to resist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abusive government .
It ’ s not about duck hunting ; it ’ s about the ability of the individual .
It ’ s the same reason we have freedom of speech .
It ’ s well known that the greatest defense against an intruder is the sound of a gun hammer being pulled back .
“ All these gun shootings that have gone down in America since 1950 , only one or maybe two have happened in non-gun-free zones .
Take mass shootings .
They ’ ve only happened in places that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These people are sick in the head and are going to kill innocent people .
They are looking to slaughter defenseless human beings .
They do not want confrontation .
In all of our schools it is illegal to have guns on campus , so again and again these guys go and shoot up these f—ing schools because they know there are no guns there .
They are monsters killing six-year-olds .
… “ Banning guns is like banning forks in an attempt to stop making people fat .
Taking away guns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it won ’ t rid the world of criminality.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Actor Vince Vaughn was trashed on social media Monday night after a video clip made the rounds showing him talking with President Donald Trump at the College Football Playoff championship game in New Orleans.
Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the game, in which LSU defeated Clemson 42-25.
Vaughn — who styles himself as a libertarian — was captured on video in the luxury box occupied by the Trumps talking to the president as the first lady sat between them.
As the “DodgeBall” and “Swingers” star departed, he was seen shaking the president’s hand.
Liberals on Twitter were aghast, starting with former Deadspin employee Timothy Burke.
“I’m very sorry to have to share this video with you,” he said. “All of it, every part of it.”
I’m very sorry to have to share this video with you. All of it, every part of it. pic.twitter.com/ELMbDHZbZq — Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) January 14, 2020
Whelp… that tells me all I need to know about Vince Vaughn. ? — Bree Darling (@BJJJunebug13) January 14, 2020
Sad. Vince Vaughn is one of my favorites. I always knew he was Republican but this, so gross. I don’t need a Wedding Crashers sequal anymore. https://t.co/QaNcNb889s — Aaron (@TheSarcasmShow) January 14, 2020
I’m not angry about Vince Vaughn, just profoundly disappointed. And I want nothing more to do with him. Once upon a time I found him quite entertaining. Not anymore. pic.twitter.com/vB5pDCFcbA — Stephanie Kennedy (@WordswithSteph) January 14, 2020
I used to have a massive crush on Vince Vaughn. Now I just want to barf ? — SantaMonica403 ?? (@SantaMonica403) January 14, 2020
Vince Vaugh: explain yourself. — Kelly Kenneally (@KellyKenneally) January 14, 2020
As the outrage mounted, others pushed back at the cancel culture that would ordain punishment for the alleged sin of talking to a president, with some likening what was happening to Vaughn to the trashing of Ellen DeGeneres when she was spotted sharing a luxury box with former President George W. Bush during a Dallas Cowboys game.
I see the lefty idiots are upset with Vince Vaughn and want to go all cancel culture on him for shaking the President’s hand. Vince is like the honey badger- he don’t care! AND Trump gets cheers at the NCAA college championship game on monday! Horrors! https://t.co/K6bua36SES — GrrrGraphics Cartoons (@GrrrGraphics) January 14, 2020
So do Swingers and Wedding Crashers get taken off the air for all of eternity now after Vince Vaughn had a civilized conversation with the president at the Superdome tonight? — Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) January 14, 2020
Ellen thought she had it rough… Keep Vince Vaughn in your prayers tonight. pic.twitter.com/5MPeO6Znc6 — Alex Salvi (@alexsalvinews) January 14, 2020
Vaughn put a huge gulf between himself and the Hollywood left in a 2015 interview with GQ when he shared his views on gun rights.
Would you be outraged if an actor you like shook hands with a president you dislike? Yes No
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“I support people having a gun in public full stop, not just in your home,” he said. “We don’t have the right to bear arms because of burglars; we have the right to bear arms to resist the supreme power of a corrupt and abusive government. It’s not about duck hunting; it’s about the ability of the individual. It’s the same reason we have freedom of speech. It’s well known that the greatest defense against an intruder is the sound of a gun hammer being pulled back.
“All these gun shootings that have gone down in America since 1950, only one or maybe two have happened in non-gun-free zones. Take mass shootings. They’ve only happened in places that don’t allow guns.
“These people are sick in the head and are going to kill innocent people. They are looking to slaughter defenseless human beings. They do not want confrontation. In all of our schools it is illegal to have guns on campus, so again and again these guys go and shoot up these f—ing schools because they know there are no guns there. They are monsters killing six-year-olds. …
“Banning guns is like banning forks in an attempt to stop making people fat. Taking away guns, taking away drugs, the booze, it won’t rid the world of criminality.”
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westernjournal--2020-01-14--Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar Help Promote Iranian Propaganda by Blaming Trump for Downed Passenger Jet

When Democrats really want to smear President Donald Trump , “ The View ” is the place to do it .
The ABC daytime gabfest , starring a cast of virulently anti-Trump celebrities , has established itself as one of the most outspoken outposts of criticism for the administration on the media landscape – no mean feat in a landscape loaded with loathing for the president .
But co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar took the show ’ s stance against Trump to a new low on Monday by implicitly blaming his administration for the fact that the Iranian military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , killing 176 passengers and crew on board .
To an American not afflicted by Trump Derangement Syndrome , it might not make sense .
But for Goldberg and Behar , when it comes to Trump , making sense isn ’ t always an issue .
TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East The moment came when the harpies of “ The View ” were conducting a remote interview with House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff , a creature of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrated he has no problems toying with the truth if it means hurting Donald Trump .
During the interview , Schiff had just told “ The View ” panel that he had heard nothing in an intelligence briefing to back up Trump ’ s decision Jan. 2 to kill Iranian terror general Qassem Soleimani with a drone strike in Baghdad .
The Soleimani killing led to a retaliatory missile strike from Iran on American bases Wednesday .
The Ukrainian plane was shot down over Tehran in the hours after that attack was launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike prevented future “ imminent ” attacks on U.S. interests , but Schiff disagreed .
“ I don ’ t think the evidence , the intelligence , justifies the targeted killing of a loathsome and , yes , bloodthirsty person , ” Schiff told “ The View.
” “ The missile attacks that Iran took as a result of that strike could have killed dozens of our service members and thank God that didn ’ t happen .
But the risk , I think , to our personnel has gone up , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it was justified by the intelligence , at least not the intelligence that I ’ ve seen.
” As though trained to applaud at any liberal point , the audience clapped at Schiff ’ s conclusion , then Goldberg and Behar jumped in .
RELATED : Audience of 'The View ' Literally Cheers White Supremacist Because He 's Anti-Trump “ That Ukrainian plane would still be alive , ” Goldberg said .
“ The people on that plane would still be alive today , ” Behar added .
It ’ s worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applaud , which might mean Goldberg went too far even for them .
Check out the exchange here : The view from “ The View ” did not go over well with conservatives on social media .
That last one makes a great point — it ’ s pure “ propaganda ” masquerading as a TV talk show .
In fact , it specifically echoes propaganda from Iranian Hassan Rouhani .
Rouhani released a statement Friday , according to Business Insider , that accepted Iranian responsibility for downing the plane , but said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of threats and intimidation by the aggressive American regime against the Iranian nation following the martyrdom of general Qassem Soleimani and with the aim of defending against possible U.S. Army attacks , the Islamic Republic of Iran ’ s Armed forces were on full alert.
” Strictly speaking , it might be true that if Trump had not ordered the Soleimani strike , that Ukraine Airlines Flight 752 would never have been shot down , but implicitly blaming the president of the United States of America for the apparently accidental destruction of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tehran should be too poisonous even for the scorpions on “ The View.
” The incident occurred after a series of increasingly serious provocations by the Iranian government , including the U.S. Embassy under siege in Baghdad pro-Iranian militants only days before the Soleimani strike .
Why don ’ t Goldberg and Behar blame that for the Ukraine plane tragedy ?
It wasn ’ t Trump who made the Iranian military incompetent enough to shoot down an outgoing jet over the country ’ s capital .
And it wasn ’ t Trump who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelming evidence proved they were lying .
But anti-Trump propaganda has been a purview of “ The View ” since well before the 2016 election , and it hasn ’ t missed a beat since then .
And when Democrats like Adam Schiff need a place they can really smear the president without fear of contradiction , they know “ The View ” is the place to do it , even it means pushing Iranian propaganda in the process .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
@ @ @ @ @

When Democrats really want to smear President Donald Trump, “The View” is the place to do it.
The ABC daytime gabfest, starring a cast of virulently anti-Trump celebrities, has established itself as one of the most outspoken outposts of criticism for the administration on the media landscape — no mean feat in a landscape loaded with loathing for the president.
But co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar took the show’s stance against Trump to a new low on Monday by implicitly blaming his administration for the fact that the Iranian military shot down a Ukraine passenger jet last week, killing 176 passengers and crew on board.
To an American not afflicted by Trump Derangement Syndrome, it might not make sense.
But for Goldberg and Behar, when it comes to Trump, making sense isn’t always an issue.
The moment came when the “The View” co-hosts were conducting a remote interview with House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a creature of the Washington “swamp” who has already demonstrated he has no problems toying with the truth if it means hurting Donald Trump.
During the interview, Schiff had just told “The View” panel that he had heard nothing in an intelligence briefing to back up Trump’s decision Jan. 2 to kill Iranian terror general Qassem Soleimani with a drone strike in Baghdad.
The Soleimani killing led to a retaliatory missile strike Wednesday from Iran on bases in Iraq that house U.S. troops. The Ukrainian plane was shot down over Tehran in the hours after that attack was launched.
Trump has since said the Soleimani strike prevented future “imminent” attacks on U.S. interests, but Schiff disagreed.
Do you think Iran is solely to blame for downing the Ukrainian passenger jet? Yes No
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“I don’t think the evidence, the intelligence, justifies the targeted killing of a loathsome and, yes, bloodthirsty person,” the California Democrat told “The View.”
“The missile attacks that Iran took as a result of that strike could have killed dozens of our service members and thank God that didn’t happen,” he said. “But the risk, I think, to our personnel has gone up, not down, and I don’t think it was justified by the intelligence, at least not the intelligence that I’ve seen.”
As though trained to applaud at any liberal point, the audience clapped at Schiff’s conclusion, and then Goldberg and Behar jumped in.
“That Ukrainian plane would still be alive,” Goldberg said.
“The people on that plane would still be alive today,” Behar added.
It’s worth noting here that the audience did not applaud, which might mean Goldberg went too far even for them.
The view from “The View” did not go over well with conservatives on social media.
This is the insanity of the left. They will blame everything on Trump, not matter how stupid it is. pic.twitter.com/y3LihO3jwJ — The Most Revered Loose Ocasio-Cannon (@LooseCannonInAz) January 13, 2020
It is sadly not surprising to see those on the left use the death of a terrorist who killed Americans, to attack America. It is not really the president they are attacking. This is just an excuse to attack and weaken our nation and get one step closer to destroying her. — jcope (@jtcope4) January 13, 2020
Kinda disgusting how they feed this propaganda on daytime television — rob (@RobbHinojosa) January 13, 2020
That last one makes a great point — it’s pure propaganda masquerading as a TV talk show.
In fact, it specifically echoes propaganda from Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
Rouhani released a statement Friday that accepted Iranian responsibility for downing the plane but said it occurred because in “an atmosphere of threats and intimidation by the aggressive American regime against the Iranian nation following the martyrdom of general Qassem Soleimani and with the aim of defending against possible U.S. Army attacks, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Armed forces were on full alert.”
Strictly speaking, it might be true that if Trump had not ordered the Soleimani strike, that Ukraine Airlines Flight 752 would never have been shot down, but implicitly blaming the president of the United States for the apparently accidental destruction of a passenger jet over the Iranian capital of Tehran should be too poisonous even for the scorpions on “The View.”
The incident occurred after a series of increasingly serious provocations by the Iranian government, including the U.S. Embassy siege in Baghdad by pro-Iranian militants only days before the Soleimani strike. Why don’t Goldberg and Behar blame that for the Ukraine plane tragedy?
It wasn’t Trump who made the Iranian military incompetent enough to shoot down an outgoing jet over the country’s capital.
And it wasn’t Trump who made the Iranians lie about it until overwhelming evidence proved they were lying.
But anti-Trump propaganda has been a purview of “The View” since well before the 2016 election, and it hasn’t missed a beat since then.
And when Democrats like Adam Schiff need a place they can really smear the president without fear of contradiction, they know “The View” is the place to do it, even it means pushing Iranian propaganda in the process.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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