westernjournal--2020-07-12--As Hagia Sophia Opens to Muslim Worshippers, Turkish President Vows To ‘Liberate’ Jerusalem Mosque

As he announced the conversion of the former Byzantine cathedral Hagia Sophia into a mosque , on Friday , Turkish President Recip Erdogan also called for the “ liberation ” of a mosque in Israel .
Erdogan announced that Hagia Sophia , which had been a museum since 1934 , will open for prayers on July 24 , according to NBC .
He also stressed that the structure , built in 537 A.D. , would still welcome all .
“ I underline that we will open Hagia Sophia to worship as a mosque by preserving its character of humanity ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a televised address to the nation , according to the network .
“ Like all of our other mosques , the doors of Hagia Sophia will be open to all , locals or foreigners , Muslims and non-Muslims.
” But elsewhere in the remarks came language that raised eyebrows in Israel , where the al-Aqsa mosque stands in the Old City of Jerusalem A report in the Jerusalem Post said the language was tweaked , depending on whether the speech was rendered in Turkish , English or Arabic .
The Arabic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom to al-Aqsa , ” the Jerusalem Post reported .
The Arabic version also discusses spreading Islam “ from Bukhara in Uzbekistan to Andalusia in Spain.
” No references to Spain are in the Turkish text , the Post reported .
“ This terminology , linking al-Aqsa in Jerusalem to Hagia Sophia and Spain , is a kind of coded terminology for a wider religious agenda , ” the Post reported .
The Jewish News Service , citing a pro-government Turkish publication , reported Erdogan as saying that the “ resurrection of Hagia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Masjid al-Aqsa [ Al-Aqsa Mosque ] and footsteps of Muslims ’ will to leave hard days behind.
” In an opinion piece for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz , Louis Fishman , an assistant professor at Brooklyn College , said Erdogan is trying to portray himself as a Muslim hero .
“ Among Islamist groups , the restoration of Hagia Sophia to a Muslim house of prayer is nothing less than proof that Islam is winning its ancient battle with the West , and that includes against the ‘ new Crusaders – Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote that the Turkish president ’ s focus on Muslim groups was “ made explicit by the wildly divergent official texts that Erdogan ’ s office put out in English ( determinedly pluralistic : ‘ Hagia Sophia ’ s doors will be…wide open to all , foreign or local , Muslim or non-Muslim ’ ) and Arabic ( more aspirationally militant : the ‘ Revival of Hagia Sophia is a sign of the return of freedom to the Al-Aqsa mosque.
’ ) ” The different words appeal to different groups Erdogan wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
RELATED : Built as a Massive Church Decades Before Islam , Famous Turkish Monument Will Be Converted into a Mosque “ Hardcore Islamists accept Erdogan maintaining relations with Israel as a necessary evil , a prelude to him marching into Jerusalem one day and liberating the Al-Aqsa mosque in person .
More moderate followers ’ more realistic scenario would have Erdogan as the key facilitator and mentor of a Palestinian state alongside Israel , with Jerusalem ’ s Al-Aqsa mosque under Palestinian sovereignty , ” he wrote .
The Hagia Sophia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that name , according to History.com .
The first was begun as a Christian basilica in the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantius in the year 360 .
The structure was burned to the ground in 404 and rebuilt in 415 under Emperor Theodosios II .
The current structure was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and is nearly 1,500 years old .
After the fall of Constantinople in 1453 , the Hagia Sophia became a mosque until 1934 , when it was converted into a museum .
We are committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As he announced the conversion of the former Byzantine cathedral Hagia Sophia into a mosque, on Friday, Turkish President Recip Erdogan also called for the “liberation” of a mosque in Israel.
Erdogan announced that Hagia Sophia, which had been a museum since 1934, will open for prayers on July 24, according to NBC.
He also stressed that the structure, built in 537 A.D., would still welcome all.
“I underline that we will open Hagia Sophia to worship as a mosque by preserving its character of humanity’s common cultural heritage,” he said in a televised address to the nation, according to the network. “Like all of our other mosques, the doors of Hagia Sophia will be open to all, locals or foreigners, Muslims and non-Muslims.”
But elsewhere in the remarks came language that raised eyebrows in Israel, where the al-Aqsa mosque stands in the Old City of Jerusalem
A report in the Jerusalem Post said the language was tweaked, depending on whether the speech was rendered in Turkish, English or Arabic.
The Arabic version talks of the “return of freedom to al-Aqsa,” the Jerusalem Post reported.
The Arabic version also discusses spreading Islam “from Bukhara in Uzbekistan to Andalusia in Spain.” No references to Spain are in the Turkish text, the Post reported.
“This terminology, linking al-Aqsa in Jerusalem to Hagia Sophia and Spain, is a kind of coded terminology for a wider religious agenda,” the Post reported.
Do you think this spells trouble for Israel? Yes No
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The Jewish News Service, citing a pro-government Turkish publication, reported Erdogan as saying that the “resurrection of Hagia Sophia was the harbinger of the liberation of Masjid al-Aqsa [Al-Aqsa Mosque] and footsteps of Muslims’ will to leave hard days behind.”
In an opinion piece for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Louis Fishman, an assistant professor at Brooklyn College, said Erdogan is trying to portray himself as a Muslim hero.
“Among Islamist groups, the restoration of Hagia Sophia to a Muslim house of prayer is nothing less than proof that Islam is winning its ancient battle with the West, and that includes against the ‘new Crusaders – Israel,'” he wrote.
He wrote that the Turkish president’s focus on Muslim groups was “made explicit by the wildly divergent official texts that Erdogan’s office put out in English (determinedly pluralistic: ‘Hagia Sophia’s doors will be…wide open to all, foreign or local, Muslim or non-Muslim’) and Arabic (more aspirationally militant: the ‘Revival of Hagia Sophia is a sign of the return of freedom to the Al-Aqsa mosque.’)”
The different words appeal to different groups Erdogan wants to support him as their hero, Fishman wrote.
“Hardcore Islamists accept Erdogan maintaining relations with Israel as a necessary evil, a prelude to him marching into Jerusalem one day and liberating the Al-Aqsa mosque in person. More moderate followers’ more realistic scenario would have Erdogan as the key facilitator and mentor of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, with Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque under Palestinian sovereignty,” he wrote.
The Hagia Sophia that stands today is the third by that name, according to History.com.
The first was begun as a Christian basilica in the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantius in the year 360. The structure was burned to the ground in 404 and rebuilt in 415 under Emperor Theodosios II. The current structure was built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and is nearly 1,500 years old.
After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the Hagia Sophia became a mosque until 1934, when it was converted into a museum.
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westernjournal--2020-07-12--Trump Puts His Foot Down, Promises ‘Automatic 10 Years in Prison’ for Even Trying To Vandalize a Fed

Trump Puts His Foot Down, Promises ‘Automatic 10 Years in Prison’ for Even Trying To Vandalize a Federal Monument

If you want to take down a federal statue or monument , be prepared to spend some time in prison — at least if President Donald Trump has anything to do with it .
In a tweet on Sunday morning , Trump implicitly threatened to invoke the Veterans ’ Memorial Preservation Act if any more statue-topplers decide to rip down more monuments .
“ No , Radical Left anarchists , agitators , looters or protesters will not be knocking down or harming the Washington Monument , the Lincoln or Jefferson Memorials , or just about any other Federal [ Monument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If they even try , an automatic 10 years in prison .
Sorry !
” Monuments and statues have become frequent targets in the protests that have erupted since the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25 .
While not “ automatic , ” the Veterans ’ Memorial Preservation Act does , according to Fox News , call for up to 10 years in jail as a punishment for damaging or attempting to damage “ any structure , plaque , statue , or other monument on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person or persons in the armed forces of the United States.
” This isn ’ t the first time that Trump has invoked the specter of the act , either .
In remarks at the White House as he was leaving on Marine One on June 26 , Trump — speaking one day after police stopped a crowd that had attempted to topple the statue of Andrew Jackson in Washington ’ s Lafayette Square , also threatened protesters with long jail sentences , “ Last night , we stopped an attack on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jackson in Lafayette Park .
And I just want to thank law enforcement .
They did a great job .
“ We were working very closely with the White House Secret Service and some of our executives .
It was really — they did a great job .
They stopped it cold , ” Trump said , according to a White House transcript .
“ Numerous people are in jail and going to jail today .
People are already there , but we ’ re looking at long-term sentences under the act .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And we are looking at long-term jail sentences for these vandals and these hoodlums and these anarchists and agitators , and call them whatever you want .
Some people don ’ t like that language , but that ’ s what they are .
“ They ’ re bad people .
They don ’ t love our country , and they ’ re not taking down our monuments .
I just want to make that clear.
” RELATED : 'This Hurts ' : Trump Family Tell-All Book Falsely Accused a Dead Man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a July 3 executive order on monuments and rebuilding them when and if they ’ re toppled .
“ To destroy a monument is to desecrate our common inheritance , ” that order states .
Obviously , you cheer any moment when one of the adults in the room — the adult in the room , actually — decides to prod people to enforce laws we ’ ve mostly given up enforcing , at least as it relates to the right kind of protester .
On the other hand , outside of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will in Washington at the moment to enforce these statutes .
At least at the top , however , there is some interest .
A June 26 executive order Trump signed directed Attorney General William Barr to “ prioritize ” prosecuting those who tear down — or attempt to tear down — our statues , according to The Hill .
The desire to tear down statues to achieve a political end doesn ’ t seem quite as great as it was just a few weeks ago , but if 2020 ’ s taught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ volatile the situation can be .
A serious deterrent to mob vandalism like we witnessed in Lafayette Square just a few weeks ago is in urgent need right now .
It ’ s time for the White House , Attorney General Barr and the Department of Justice to follow through .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If you want to take down a federal statue or monument, be prepared to spend some time in prison — at least if President Donald Trump has anything to do with it.
In a tweet on Sunday morning, Trump implicitly threatened to invoke the Veterans’ Memorial Preservation Act if any more statue-topplers decide to rip down more monuments.
“No, Radical Left anarchists, agitators, looters or protesters will not be knocking down or harming the Washington Monument, the Lincoln or Jefferson Memorials, or just about any other Federal [Monument] or Statue,” Trump wrote.
“If they even try, an automatic 10 years in prison. Sorry!”
No, Radical Left anarchists, agitators, looters or protesters will not be knocking down or harming the Washington Monument, the Lincoln or Jefferson Memorials, or just about any other Federal Monumrnt or Statue. If they even try, an automatic 10 years in prison. Sorry! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2020
Monuments and statues have become frequent targets in the protests that have erupted since the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25.
While not “automatic,” the Veterans’ Memorial Preservation Act does, according to Fox News, call for up to 10 years in jail as a punishment for damaging or attempting to damage “any structure, plaque, statue, or other monument on public property commemorating the service of any person or persons in the armed forces of the United States.”
This isn’t the first time that Trump has invoked the specter of the act, either.
Does the country need harsher laws to protect federal statues and other property? Yes No
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In remarks at the White House as he was leaving on Marine One on June 26, Trump — speaking one day after police stopped a crowd that had attempted to topple the statue of Andrew Jackson in Washington’s Lafayette Square, also threatened protesters with long jail sentences,
“Last night, we stopped an attack on a great monument — the monument of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Park. And I just want to thank law enforcement. They did a great job.
“We were working very closely with the White House Secret Service and some of our executives. It was really — they did a great job. They stopped it cold,” Trump said, according to a White House transcript.
“Numerous people are in jail and going to jail today. People are already there, but we’re looking at long-term sentences under the act. We have a very specific monuments act. And we are looking at long-term jail sentences for these vandals and these hoodlums and these anarchists and agitators, and call them whatever you want. Some people don’t like that language, but that’s what they are.
“They’re bad people. They don’t love our country, and they’re not taking down our monuments. I just want to make that clear.”
I have authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison, per the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act, or such other laws that may be pertinent….. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 23, 2020
He also signed a July 3 executive order on monuments and rebuilding them when and if they’re toppled.
“To destroy a monument is to desecrate our common inheritance,” that order states.
Obviously, you cheer any moment when one of the adults in the room — the adult in the room, actually — decides to prod people to enforce laws we’ve mostly given up enforcing, at least as it relates to the right kind of protester.
On the other hand, outside of the president, there’s little political will in Washington at the moment to enforce these statutes.
At least at the top, however, there is some interest. A June 26 executive order Trump signed directed Attorney General William Barr to “prioritize” prosecuting those who tear down — or attempt to tear down — our statues, according to The Hill.
The desire to tear down statues to achieve a political end doesn’t seem quite as great as it was just a few weeks ago, but if 2020’s taught us anything, it’s how volatile the situation can be. A serious deterrent to mob vandalism like we witnessed in Lafayette Square just a few weeks ago is in urgent need right now.
It’s time for the White House, Attorney General Barr and the Department of Justice to follow through.
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westernjournal--2020-07-12--Fed Up with Desecration of US Flag, Combat Vet Creates One That Won’t Burn

As flag burning and other attacks on American history continue to plague our nation , it ’ s hard to not want to get out and do something about it .
Thankfully , a combat veteran has invented an American flag that will frustrate and foil any punk trying to set it on fire .
Former Green Beret Kyle Daniels released his first design to the public on June 14 , Flag Day .
Considering it ’ s made from Kevlar and Nomex , rioters will have a hard time turning these flags to ash .
The flag ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he must find machines and material new to the flag-making world .
“ He understood that he ’ d been fighting for America ’ s freedom , including the important freedom to protest , ” Firebrand Flags ’ website explains about Daniels .
“ But he didn ’ t like seeing the American flag burned.
” The materials used by the combat veteran virtually guarantee that the average protester will find this flag to be a formidable foe .
Rioters armed with store-bought fire accelerants and a Bic lighter will be woefully outmatched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to melt Kevlar and Nomex .
According to the company , its purchase of Kevlar for flags was the largest acquisition of the fabric outside of the U.S. military .
Daniels and his company are more than ready to put fireproof flags on American homes and businesses .
Although attacks on the American flag have only recently started to become popular again among radicals , the veteran business owner ’ s love of Old Glory dates back years .
“ I got sick to my stomach watching the American flag being burned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daniels told The Veterans Project .
“ That flag means so much more to me now after seeing the sacrifice of my brothers and sisters in arms made to defend what it represents .
“ So , instead of sitting back and griping and moaning about people burning flags I decided to take action and make a change.
” This veteran ’ s ingenious idea is a perfectly legal way to defeat anti-flag protesters aiming to burn the American flag .
RELATED : VA Officials Cave to Liberal Mob , Order US Flag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments and businesses in the middle of riots and unrest rocking American cities , the fireproof flag presents an option to safeguard the values we hold dear while frustrating protesters .
As our own history falls under attack , it ’ s time for patriots to band together in defense of the flag .
This fireproof banner ’ s introduction to the market sends a signal to those standing against America that her flag won ’ t so easily fall .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism @ @ @ @ @ @

As flag burning and other attacks on American history continue to plague our nation, it’s hard to not want to get out and do something about it.
Thankfully, a combat veteran has invented an American flag that will frustrate and foil any punk trying to set it on fire.
Former Green Beret Kyle Daniels released his first design to the public on June 14, Flag Day.
Considering it’s made from Kevlar and Nomex, rioters will have a hard time turning these flags to ash. The flag’s design is so unique that Daniels knew he must find machines and material new to the flag-making world.
“He understood that he’d been fighting for America’s freedom, including the important freedom to protest,” Firebrand Flags’ website explains about Daniels. “But he didn’t like seeing the American flag burned.”
The materials used by the combat veteran virtually guarantee that the average protester will find this flag to be a formidable foe.
Rioters armed with store-bought fire accelerants and a Bic lighter will be woefully outmatched, completely unable to produce the heat required to melt Kevlar and Nomex.
According to the company, its purchase of Kevlar for flags was the largest acquisition of the fabric outside of the U.S. military.
Daniels and his company are more than ready to put fireproof flags on American homes and businesses.
Should burning the U.S. flag be illegal? 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: 96% (938 Votes) No: 4% (35 Votes)
Although attacks on the American flag have only recently started to become popular again among radicals, the veteran business owner’s love of Old Glory dates back years.
“I got sick to my stomach watching the American flag being burned as a means of protest,” Daniels told The Veterans Project. “That flag means so much more to me now after seeing the sacrifice of my brothers and sisters in arms made to defend what it represents.
“So, instead of sitting back and griping and moaning about people burning flags I decided to take action and make a change.”
This veteran’s ingenious idea is a perfectly legal way to defeat anti-flag protesters aiming to burn the American flag.
For local governments and businesses in the middle of riots and unrest rocking American cities, the fireproof flag presents an option to safeguard the values we hold dear while frustrating protesters.
As our own history falls under attack, it’s time for patriots to band together in defense of the flag.
This fireproof banner’s introduction to the market sends a signal to those standing against America that her flag won’t so easily fall.
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westernjournal--2020-07-12--Second GOP Senator Joins Mitt Romney in Denouncing Trump After Pardon of Roger Stone

Two Republican senators criticized President Donald Trump ’ s decision Friday to commute the sentence of Trump loyalist Roger Stone .
Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah raked Trump over the coals on Twitter .
“ Unprecedented , historic corruption : an American president commutes the sentence of a person convicted by a jury of lying to shield that very president , ” he tweeted .
Fellow Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania issued his opposition through a statement posted on Toomey ’ s website .
“ The president clearly has the legal and constitutional authority to grant clemency for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be used judiciously and very rarely by any president .
While I understand the frustration with the badly flawed Russia-collusion investigation , in my view , commuting Roger Stone ’ s sentence is a mistake , ” Toomey ’ s statement said .
“ He was duly convicted of lying to Congress , witness tampering , and obstructing a congressional investigation conducted by a Republican-led committee .
Earlier this week Attorney General Bill Barr stated he thought Mr. Stone ’ s prosecution was ‘ righteous ’ and ‘ appropriate ’ and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Any objections to Mr. Stone ’ s conviction and trial should be resolved through the appeals process , ” Toomey said .
Stone , who faced charges as part of the wide-ranging probe conducted by former special counsel Robert Mueller , was found guilty of lying to investigators and witness tampering last year .
After the trial was over , it was learned that jury forewoman Tomeka Hart had a history of Democratic activism and anti-Trump sentiments .
In February , Stone was sentenced to 40 months in prison , a term he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” according to NBC News .
His sentence was to have begun next week .
Some Republicans stood by the president .
Even before official word of Trump ’ s action was announced , Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said he was on board .
“ In my view it would be justified if President @ realDonaldTrump decided to commute Roger Stone ’ s prison sentence .
Mr. Stone is in his 70s and this was a non-violent , first-time offense , ” Graham tweeted .
“ Equally important : Over time we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Mueller probes were , ” he tweeted .
Mueller defended his actions in prosecuting Stone in a commentary piece in The Washington Post .
RELATED : Trump Weighing Pardon as High-Risk Roger Stone Only Days Away from Beginning of Prison Sentence “ I feel compelled to respond both to broad claims that our investigation was illegitimate and our motives were improper , and to specific claims that Roger Stone was a victim of our office .
The Russia investigation was of paramount importance .
Stone was prosecuted and convicted because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convicted felon , and rightly so , ” Mueller wrote .
“ We made every decision in Stone ’ s case , as in all our cases , based solely on the facts and the law and in accordance with the rule of law .
The women and men who conducted these investigations and prosecutions acted with the highest integrity .
Claims to the contrary are false , ” Mueller wrote .
The piece led to a response from Graham on Twitter .
“ Apparently Mr. Mueller is willing – and also capable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an oped in the Washington Post .
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have previously requested Mr. Mueller appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee to testify about his investigation .
That request will be granted , ” Graham tweeted .
A statement released Friday from White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany called Stone “ a victim of the Russia Hoax that the Left and its allies in the media perpetuated for years in an attempt to undermine the Trump Presidency.
” In the statement , McEnany said “ out-of-control Mueller prosecutors , desperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed investigation , set their sights on Mr. Stone.
” The statement also noted that “ if the Special Counsel had not been pursuing an absolutely baseless investigation , Mr. Stone would not be facing time in prison.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Two Republican senators criticized President Donald Trump’s decision Friday to commute the sentence of Trump loyalist Roger Stone.
Republican Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah raked Trump over the coals on Twitter.
“Unprecedented, historic corruption: an American president commutes the sentence of a person convicted by a jury of lying to shield that very president,” he tweeted.
Unprecedented, historic corruption: an American president commutes the sentence of a person convicted by a jury of lying to shield that very president. — Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) July 11, 2020
Fellow Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania issued his opposition through a statement posted on Toomey’s website.
“The president clearly has the legal and constitutional authority to grant clemency for federal crimes. However, this authority should be used judiciously and very rarely by any president. While I understand the frustration with the badly flawed Russia-collusion investigation, in my view, commuting Roger Stone’s sentence is a mistake,” Toomey’s statement said.
“He was duly convicted of lying to Congress, witness tampering, and obstructing a congressional investigation conducted by a Republican-led committee. Earlier this week Attorney General Bill Barr stated he thought Mr. Stone’s prosecution was ‘righteous’ and ‘appropriate’ and the sentence he received was ‘fair.’ Any objections to Mr. Stone’s conviction and trial should be resolved through the appeals process,” Toomey said.
Stone, who faced charges as part of the wide-ranging probe conducted by former special counsel Robert Mueller, was found guilty of lying to investigators and witness tampering last year. After the trial was over, it was learned that jury forewoman Tomeka Hart had a history of Democratic activism and anti-Trump sentiments. In February, Stone was sentenced to 40 months in prison, a term he has described as a “death penalty,” according to NBC News. His sentence was to have begun next week.
Do you agree with the president's action to free Roger Stone? Yes No
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Some Republicans stood by the president. Even before official word of Trump’s action was announced, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said he was on board.
“In my view it would be justified if President @realDonaldTrump decided to commute Roger Stone’s prison sentence. Mr. Stone is in his 70s and this was a non-violent, first-time offense,” Graham tweeted.
“Equally important: Over time we learn how biased and corrupt Crossfire Hurricane and the Mueller probes were,” he tweeted.
Equally important: Over time we learn how biased and corrupt Crossfire Hurricane and the Mueller probes were. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 10, 2020
Mueller defended his actions in prosecuting Stone in a commentary piece in The Washington Post.
“I feel compelled to respond both to broad claims that our investigation was illegitimate and our motives were improper, and to specific claims that Roger Stone was a victim of our office. The Russia investigation was of paramount importance. Stone was prosecuted and convicted because he committed federal crimes. He remains a convicted felon, and rightly so,” Mueller wrote.
“We made every decision in Stone’s case, as in all our cases, based solely on the facts and the law and in accordance with the rule of law. The women and men who conducted these investigations and prosecutions acted with the highest integrity. Claims to the contrary are false,” Mueller wrote.
The piece led to a response from Graham on Twitter.
“Apparently Mr. Mueller is willing – and also capable – of defending the Mueller investigation through an oped in the Washington Post. Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have previously requested Mr. Mueller appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee to testify about his investigation. That request will be granted,” Graham tweeted.
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have previously requested Mr. Mueller appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee to testify about his investigation. That request will be granted. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 12, 2020
A statement released Friday from White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany called Stone “a victim of the Russia Hoax that the Left and its allies in the media perpetuated for years in an attempt to undermine the Trump Presidency.”
In the statement, McEnany said “out-of-control Mueller prosecutors, desperate for splashy headlines to compensate for a failed investigation, set their sights on Mr. Stone.” The statement also noted that “if the Special Counsel had not been pursuing an absolutely baseless investigation, Mr. Stone would not be facing time in prison.”
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westernjournal--2020-07-12--Chinese Virologist Fled Country After COVID Cover-Up, Now She’s Telling the World What She Saw

A Chinese virology expert says China ’ s government was well aware of the deadly nature of the coronavirus long before it admitted that it knew of human-to-human transmission , and that her efforts to blow the whistle were muzzled Dr. Li-Meng Yan , a specialist in virology and immunology at the Hong Kong School of Public Health , is now in hiding somewhere in the United States and in fear for her life , but told her story to Fox News .
“ I deliver the message of the truth of COVID-19 , ” she said in an interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave everyone she loved behind because “ if I tell it in Hong Kong , the moment I start to tell it I will be disappeared and killed .
No one can hear me , ” she said .
“ So for this purpose , I like to go to U.S. and tell the truth of the origins of COVID-19 to the world , ” she said .
Yan said her comments have nothing to do with sparring between the governments of the U.S. and China .
“ This is … about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can survive , ” she said .
She said that as news of the virus began to emerge , she was asked to quietly look into the matter “ The China government refused to let overseas experts , including Hong Kong ones , do research in China , ” she said .
“ So I turned to my friends to get more information.
” On Dec. 31 , she said , a contact in China told her that there were “ family cluster cases , so there should be human-to-human transmission.
” For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization downplayed the potential of human-to-human spread of the virus .
Yan said that in a conversation among doctors trying to get information about what was taking place in Wuhan , one doctor was warned “ don ’ t ask.
” The doctors said “ We can ’ t talk about it , but we need to wear masks , ' ” Yan said .
RELATED : Espionage Fears as China Buys Up US Land Just a Stone 's Throw from Major Air Base The more she probed , the more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many , many patients [ in Wuhan ] who don ’ t get treatment on time and diagnosis on time , ” Yan said .
“ Hospital doctors are scared , but they can not talk.
” On Jan. 16 , after she told her supervisor what she had learned he told her “ to keep silent , and be careful .
As he warned me before , ‘ Don ’ t touch the red line .
… We will get in trouble and we ’ ll be disappeared.
’ “ I thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public and it is very urgent information , ” she said .
“ This is a public health threat .
They should do the quick response to it .
“ They should have done many things .
There are so many choices they can do to control this outbreak , ” she said .
She blamed the failure to spread the alarm and her findings on “ the corruption among this kind of international organization like the W-H-O to China government , and to China Communist Party government.
” After trying and failing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she had to leave , because “ I know what will happen to me .
I know how they treat whistleblowers.
” When her husband refused to leave with her , she decided to go alone , she told Fox .
She flew to the United States on April 28 .
Since Yan left , her family has been harassed , according to Fox , and the University of Hong Kong took down her web page and sent Fox News a statement saying she is no longer part of the institution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a staff member of the University , ” the statement said , according to Fox .
“ Out of respect for our current and former employees , we don ’ t disclose personal information about her .
Your understanding is appreciated.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Chinese virology expert says China’s government was well aware of the deadly nature of the coronavirus long before it admitted that it knew of human-to-human transmission, and that her efforts to blow the whistle were muzzled
Dr. Li-Meng Yan, a specialist in virology and immunology at the Hong Kong School of Public Health, is now in hiding somewhere in the United States and in fear for her life, but told her story to Fox News.
“I deliver the message of the truth of COVID-19,” she said in an interview published Friday.
She said she had to leave everyone she loved behind because “if I tell it in Hong Kong, the moment I start to tell it I will be disappeared and killed. No one can hear me,” she said.
“So for this purpose, I like to go to U.S. and tell the truth of the origins of COVID-19 to the world,” she said.
Yan said her comments have nothing to do with sparring between the governments of the U.S. and China.
“This is … about whether all the human in the world can survive,” she said.
She said that as news of the virus began to emerge, she was asked to quietly look into the matter
“The China government refused to let overseas experts, including Hong Kong ones, do research in China,” she said. “So I turned to my friends to get more information.”
Should China pay for what it has done? Yes No
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On Dec. 31, she said, a contact in China told her that there were “family cluster cases, so there should be human-to-human transmission.”
For days after that, China and the World Health Organization downplayed the potential of human-to-human spread of the virus.
Yan said that in a conversation among doctors trying to get information about what was taking place in Wuhan, one doctor was warned “don’t ask.”
The doctors said “We can’t talk about it, but we need to wear masks,'” Yan said.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
The more she probed, the more fear she uncovered.
“There are many, many patients [in Wuhan] who don’t get treatment on time and diagnosis on time,” Yan said. “Hospital doctors are scared, but they cannot talk.”
On Jan. 16, after she told her supervisor what she had learned he told her “to keep silent, and be careful. As he warned me before, ‘Don’t touch the red line. … We will get in trouble and we’ll be disappeared.’
“I thought his information could be delivered to the public and it is very urgent information,” she said.
Later, she added:
“This is a public health threat. They should do the quick response to it.
“They should have done many things. There are so many choices they can do to control this outbreak,” she said.
She blamed the failure to spread the alarm and her findings on “the corruption among this kind of international organization like the W-H-O to China government, and to China Communist Party government.”
Dr. Li-Meng Yan Claimed That The Chinese Government Had Closed The Coronavirus Outbreak
A respected Chinese virologist claimed that the Chinese government had closed the coronavirus outbreak and said he had to flee Honk Kong because he “knew how to https://t.co/FuQYidVkVP pic.twitter.com/2fNG5xYUca — Trending News (@wikiagebio1) July 10, 2020
After trying and failing to get the information public, she said she had to leave, because “I know what will happen to me. I know how they treat whistleblowers.”
When her husband refused to leave with her, she decided to go alone, she told Fox. She flew to the United States on April 28.
Since Yan left, her family has been harassed, according to Fox, and the University of Hong Kong took down her web page and sent Fox News a statement saying she is no longer part of the institution.
“Dr Li-Meng Yan is no longer a staff member of the University,” the statement said, according to Fox. “Out of respect for our current and former employees, we don’t disclose personal information about her. Your understanding is appreciated.”
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westernjournal--2020-07-12--Ghislaine Maxwell Hopped Across US for the Past Year, a COVID Mask Helping Her Blend in Undetected:

Ghislaine Maxwell Hopped Across US for the Past Year, a COVID Mask Helping Her Blend in Undetected: Report

After Ghislaine Maxwell , the alleged procurer for deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was arrested earlier this month , most of the reporting claimed that the feds knew where she was the entire time : At a manse in New Hampshire that had been purchased through channels that assured no one knew who was moving in .
This was partially true , apparently .
Maxwell , an insider says , moved around frequently — particularly in the American West , where she visited several states .
“ I would say she moved around three times a month — 36 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sun .
“ She took flights as well.
” Not only that , she used mask-wearing during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic to evade detection .
After Epstein ’ s suicide last year , Maxwell pulled a Judge Crater and disappeared .
Shortly after Epstein was found hanged in his jail cell , Maxwell was allegedly photographed at an In-N-Out burger joint in Los Angeles , although there were questions as to whether that photo was staged or possibly photoshopped .
After that , Maxwell was somewhat like Carmen Sandiego if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the world ’ s most infamous sex offender .
Journalists followed any tip that might indicate where she was — and for the most part , they came up empty .
Among the places she visited , according to the Sun , were Idaho , Wyoming and Colorado .
The last one was probably an important visit , given that her lawyer is in Denver , according to the Sun .
“ Ghislaine has been constantly on the move throughout the last year , ” the source said , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properties for a few days or a week .
Security guards were by her side due to death threats .
“ She was never running from the feds .
She was running from journalists and crazy people who wanted to kill her .
It was a serious problem .
Her location was on a need-to-know basis.
” However , it was sadly fortuitous for Maxwell that the coronavirus has most of the population wearing masks .
“ She did go out , but not often , ” the source told the Sun .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were wearing masks — it made things easier for her.
” I wonder if Sinaloa cartel members are blending in with us on a daily basis these days .
If Ghislaine Maxwell can do it , anyone can .
Whether or not Maxwell is wearing a mask inside Brooklyn ’ s Metropolitan Detention Center , I have no idea .
It ’ d arguably the most luxurious thing inside her cell .
According to ABC News , Maxwell has been given paper clothes to avoid a repeat of what happened with Jeffrey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : They Did It 20-30 Times , Then Just Dumped Me , Naked “ Sources stressed to ABC News that it is standard procedure for high-profile inmates or new inmates , ” the network reported Friday .
“ However , one source told ABC News that the federal Bureau of Prisons has gone to ‘ great measures ’ to ensure Maxwell ’ s safety.
” Maxwell is now trying to convince a New York federal judge that she isn ’ t like the man for whom she ’ s accused of recruiting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not Jeffrey Epstein , ” her lawyers said in a court filing Thursday in which they asked for her to be released on a $ 5 million bond , according to The New York Times .
While prosecutors say she meant to evade authorities by changing her location frequently , she says it was for the reason the inside source claims : She wanted to avoid the press .
“ Far from ‘ hiding ’ , ” her lawyers wrote , according to The Times , “ Ms .
Maxwell had lived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not left the country since Mr. Epstein ’ s arrest last year , even though she was aware of the government ’ s highly publicized criminal investigation.
” The filing said she wanted to protect herself and those around her from an “ onslaught of press articles , television specials and social media posts painting her in the most damning light possible and prejudging her guilt.
” Whatever the case , Maxwell ’ s out of places to hide for now — and everyone ’ s going to know who she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask or not .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

After Ghislaine Maxwell, the alleged procurer for deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was arrested earlier this month, most of the reporting claimed that the feds knew where she was the entire time: At a manse in New Hampshire that had been purchased through channels that assured no one knew who was moving in.
This was partially true, apparently. Maxwell, an insider says, moved around frequently — particularly in the American West, where she visited several states.
“I would say she moved around three times a month — 36 times,” the source told the U.S. Sun. “She took flights as well.”
Not only that, she used mask-wearing during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic to evade detection.
After Epstein’s suicide last year, Maxwell pulled a Judge Crater and disappeared. Shortly after Epstein was found hanged in his jail cell, Maxwell was allegedly photographed at an In-N-Out burger joint in Los Angeles, although there were questions as to whether that photo was staged or possibly photoshopped.
After that, Maxwell was somewhat like Carmen Sandiego if the computer game icon was a suspected madam to the world’s most infamous sex offender. Journalists followed any tip that might indicate where she was — and for the most part, they came up empty.
Among the places she visited, according to the Sun, were Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado. The last one was probably an important visit, given that her lawyer is in Denver, according to the Sun.
“Ghislaine has been constantly on the move throughout the last year,” the source said, according to the newspaper. “She would stay in properties for a few days or a week. Security guards were by her side due to death threats.
“She was never running from the feds. She was running from journalists and crazy people who wanted to kill her. It was a serious problem. Her location was on a need-to-know basis.”
Do you think Ghislaine Maxwell will name names? Yes No
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However, it was sadly fortuitous for Maxwell that the coronavirus has most of the population wearing masks.
“She did go out, but not often,” the source told the Sun.
“Obviously, with the coronavirus, people were wearing masks — it made things easier for her.”
I wonder if Sinaloa cartel members are blending in with us on a daily basis these days. If Ghislaine Maxwell can do it, anyone can.
Whether or not Maxwell is wearing a mask inside Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, I have no idea. It’d arguably the most luxurious thing inside her cell. According to ABC News, Maxwell has been given paper clothes to avoid a repeat of what happened with Jeffrey Epstein.
“Sources stressed to ABC News that it is standard procedure for high-profile inmates or new inmates,” the network reported Friday.
“However, one source told ABC News that the federal Bureau of Prisons has gone to ‘great measures’ to ensure Maxwell’s safety.”
Maxwell is now trying to convince a New York federal judge that she isn’t like the man for whom she’s accused of recruiting and grooming underage girls.
“Ghislaine Maxwell is not Jeffrey Epstein,” her lawyers said in a court filing Thursday in which they asked for her to be released on a $5 million bond, according to The New York Times.
While prosecutors say she meant to evade authorities by changing her location frequently, she says it was for the reason the inside source claims: She wanted to avoid the press.
“Far from ‘hiding’,” her lawyers wrote, according to The Times, “Ms. Maxwell had lived in the United States since 1991 and had not left the country since Mr. Epstein’s arrest last year, even though she was aware of the government’s highly publicized criminal investigation.”
The filing said she wanted to protect herself and those around her from an “onslaught of press articles, television specials and social media posts painting her in the most damning light possible and prejudging her guilt.”
Whatever the case, Maxwell’s out of places to hide for now — and everyone’s going to know who she is when she enters a room, COVID mask or not.
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westernjournal--2020-07-12--Dad Arrested for What He Did After Finding a Man in His 14-Year-Old Daughter’s Bedroom

It ’ s easy for dads to understand why 41-year-old Ismael Casillas followed Keywontrezes Humphries into his yard with a gun after he found the man in his 14-year-old daughter ’ s bedroom .
It ’ s a lot more difficult for the courts in Coweto County , Georgia , to understand , apparently .
Casillas , according to WAGA-TV , found Humphries in his house early on the morning of July 4 .
According to WAGA , authorities have said the 20-year-old Humphries was in a relationship with the daughter — though he ’ s been charged with child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girl ’ s status as a minor , the station reported .
But for most men with female offspring , any circumstance in which a 20-year-old man is with your 14-year-old daughter is usually a good reason for a freakout .
And , at first , Casillas ’ actions were legally solid — if violent .
The father choked and beat Humphries so severely that the younger man lost a few teeth and chipped some others , police say “ If it had stopped there , investigators say they might not have charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It didn ’ t stop there .
Casillas asked his wife for a gun .
Humphries , also known as “ Man Man , ” according to WAGA , exited by jumping out a window , but Casillas wasn ’ t finished yet .
The father came out into the front yard , continuing to assault him .
He beat him some more — and then fired shots throughout the neighborhood as Humphries fled .
That ’ s a problem as far as Georgia law goes .
While Humphries has been charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reason under Georgia law for Casillas to follow him out into the yard and to fire a few rounds off into the night .
Under the law , once an intruder is no longer a threat , you can no longer engage him in “ defensive ” actions .
WAGA reported that “ investigators say they understand Casillas rage.
” Don ’ t we all .
However , self-defense is about protecting yourself ( or loved ones ) , not about taking it out on someone who no longer presents a threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges here .
And he should be .
Check out the WAGA report here .
I understand the desire to see this guy walk off scot-free .
Some scumbag was in his daughter ’ s bedroom .
Not only did he beat that scumbag up , he managed to chase him outside and continue the fight there .
He got off a few bullets as part of the deal .
That ’ s why we have the rule of law , though .
There ’ s a reason why we say a gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yes , Casillas ’ daughter was allegedly molested by Keywontrezes Humphries , and yes , they ’ re pursuing a sex crimes investigation against him .
But once he ’ s in a position where he ’ s no longer a threat , the social contract demands that the case be turned over to the police .
Vigilante justice is never an acceptable solution to anything — and , at a certain point , this turned from neutralizing a man who allegedly molested a child to taking it out on him .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for , though .
If the facts are true , Casillas took the law into his own hands .
Now , he ’ ll have to contend with the law himself .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s easy for dads to understand why 41-year-old Ismael Casillas followed Keywontrezes Humphries into his yard with a gun after he found the man in his 14-year-old daughter’s bedroom.
It’s a lot more difficult for the courts in Coweto County, Georgia, to understand, apparently.
Casillas, according to WAGA-TV, found Humphries in his house early on the morning of July 4. According to WAGA, authorities have said the 20-year-old Humphries was in a relationship with the daughter — though he’s been charged with child molestation because of his age and the girl’s status as a minor, the station reported.
But for most men with female offspring, any circumstance in which a 20-year-old man is with your 14-year-old daughter is usually a good reason for a freakout.
And, at first, Casillas’ actions were legally solid — if violent.
The father choked and beat Humphries so severely that the younger man lost a few teeth and chipped some others, police say
“If it had stopped there, investigators say they might not have charged the dad,” WAGA reported.
It didn’t stop there. Casillas asked his wife for a gun.
Humphries, also known as “Man Man,” according to WAGA, exited by jumping out a window, but Casillas wasn’t finished yet.
Should this father have been charged? Yes No
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The father came out into the front yard, continuing to assault him. He beat him some more — and then fired shots throughout the neighborhood as Humphries fled.
That’s a problem as far as Georgia law goes.
While Humphries has been charged with sex offenses — that wasn’t a reason under Georgia law for Casillas to follow him out into the yard and to fire a few rounds off into the night.
Under the law, once an intruder is no longer a threat, you can no longer engage him in “defensive” actions.
WAGA reported that “investigators say they understand Casillas rage.” Don’t we all.
However, self-defense is about protecting yourself (or loved ones), not about taking it out on someone who no longer presents a threat.
Casillas will likely be facing some charges here. And he should be.
Check out the WAGA report here.
I understand the desire to see this guy walk off scot-free. Some scumbag was in his daughter’s bedroom. Not only did he beat that scumbag up, he managed to chase him outside and continue the fight there. He got off a few bullets as part of the deal.
That’s why we have the rule of law, though. There’s a reason why we say a gun is for self-defense, not self-offense. Yes, Casillas’ daughter was allegedly molested by Keywontrezes Humphries, and yes, they’re pursuing a sex crimes investigation against him.
But once he’s in a position where he’s no longer a threat, the social contract demands that the case be turned over to the police.
Vigilante justice is never an acceptable solution to anything — and, at a certain point, this turned from neutralizing a man who allegedly molested a child to taking it out on him.
That’s what we have the police for, though. If the facts are true, Casillas took the law into his own hands.
Now, he’ll have to contend with the law himself.
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westernjournal--2020-07-12--88-Year-Old Woman Could Lose Her Gun for 2 Years After Shooting Alleged Shoplifter

An 88-year-old liquor store owner was charged with aggravated assault and had her gun confiscated by police after she shot an alleged shoplifter .
May Boyce has owned Murfreesboro Road Liquor and Wines in Nashville , Tennessee , since 1994 .
She opens and closes the store six days a week by herself , the New York Post reported .
She had been robbed in the past and said that she has often been scared when she is alone .
“ I did what I had to do , and I hope word gets out on the street that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not taking it anymore , ” Boyce told the Post following the incident .
She told police that on the evening of June 16 , two men came into her store and approached the counter in a way that she felt they might try to steal from her store .
Boyce said she knew “ based on the victim ’ s demeanor that he was going to steal the liquor , ” according to Nashville Tennessean .
She placed her .38 Smith & Wesson snub nose revolver on the counter and unwrapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the victim , identified as Ramon Fisher , “ lunged ” at her after picking up a bottle and headed for the exit .
Boyce allegedly fired one shot as Fisher was leaving , but she told the Post she didn ’ t mean to hit the man .
“ I never shot a gun before , but I guess it ’ s something that comes natural , ” she said .
“ I aimed at the floor to scare him.
” Authorities said in the affidavit obtained by the Charlotte Observer that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been shot and fell into a stack of bottles.
” The other man helped him out of the store .
Fisher originally told police that he and his friend had intended to steal from Boyce ’ s store , but later amended his story and said they had planned to pay for it .
“ I did what I had to do , ” Boyce said .
RELATED : St. Louis Police Seize Gun Seen in Viral Standoff with Protesters “ After you ’ ve been played for a fool by people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you get fed up.
” She added , “ And don ’ t put me in the category of a little old lady .
I know how to take care of myself.
” Nashville police confiscated her gun as part of the investigation and told her it might be two years before she can get it back .
“ I told ’ em , s— I might be dead by then , ” Boyce said .
“ But the law ’ s the law.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editorial standards .

An 88-year-old liquor store owner was charged with aggravated assault and had her gun confiscated by police after she shot an alleged shoplifter.
May Boyce has owned Murfreesboro Road Liquor and Wines in Nashville, Tennessee, since 1994. She opens and closes the store six days a week by herself, the New York Post reported.
She had been robbed in the past and said that she has often been scared when she is alone.
“I did what I had to do, and I hope word gets out on the street that I’m fed up and I’m not taking it anymore,” Boyce told the Post following the incident.
She told police that on the evening of June 16, two men came into her store and approached the counter in a way that she felt they might try to steal from her store.
Boyce said she knew “based on the victim’s demeanor that he was going to steal the liquor,” according to Nashville Tennessean.
She placed her .38 Smith & Wesson snub nose revolver on the counter and unwrapped it from its covering.
She said the victim, identified as Ramon Fisher, “lunged” at her after picking up a bottle and headed for the exit.
Boyce allegedly fired one shot as Fisher was leaving, but she told the Post she didn’t mean to hit the man.
May Boyce is free on $10,000 bond on a charge of aggravated assault for shooting a man Tuesday night who she thought was a thief in her Murfreesboro Pike liquor store. The victim is recovering. pic.twitter.com/WUnZYZ6z80 — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) June 18, 2020
“I never shot a gun before, but I guess it’s something that comes natural,” she said. “I aimed at the floor to scare him.”
Authorities said in the affidavit obtained by the Charlotte Observer that “the victim yelled out that he had been shot and fell into a stack of bottles.” The other man helped him out of the store.
Fisher originally told police that he and his friend had intended to steal from Boyce’s store, but later amended his story and said they had planned to pay for it.
“I did what I had to do,” Boyce said.
“After you’ve been played for a fool by people stealin’ from you for years, you get fed up.”
Do you think May Boyce's gun should have been confiscated? Yes No
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She added, “And don’t put me in the category of a little old lady. I know how to take care of myself.”
Nashville police confiscated her gun as part of the investigation and told her it might be two years before she can get it back.
“I told ’em, s— I might be dead by then,” Boyce said. “But the law’s the law.”
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westernjournal--2020-07-12--Scrabble Players Call for Changes to Official Dictionary, Offensive Words Now Banned

The seven-letter word explains just where the Scrabble world has found itself as some words become too volatile for even Scrabble to use , according to Reuters .
Front and center is the so-called “ N-word , ” the saying of which is often equated with a “ hate crime ” in some jurisdictions .
The North American Scrabble Players Association has been debating how to best police the use of racist and homophobic terms in what is a collision with long-standing tradition , according to NASPA chief executive John Chew .
“ We are told when we get for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or tournament that words have no meaning on a Scrabble board .
Most people accept that without question , ” he told Reuters .
“ Some people find they can not accept … the ‘ N-word ’ being treated as though it has no meaning , ” said Chew , who is Canadian .
“ Those people end up not being part of our community , which is the fundamental problem we ’ re trying to address.
” A decision on the matter was made this week by Hasbro , which has the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hasbro said in a news release Wednesday that the players association had “ agreed to remove all slurs from their word list for Scrabble tournament play , which is managed solely by NASPA and available only to members.
” And Hasbro said it would amend the game ’ s official rules “ to make clear that slurs are not permissible in any form of the game.
” “ It is the right thing to do , ” Chew added to The The New York Times .
“ As people have said across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the very least that we can do to make our association more inclusive .
I will be reaching out to the community with suggestions and for suggestions in coming months , and look forward to working with everyone to make our community a larger and happier one , ” he said in a statement .
About 15,000 people in North America play competitive Scrabble , Chew said .
Millions more play the game for fun .
“ The game that Hasbro sells in retail stores has not included slurs in its dictionary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the most prominent governing bodies in competitive Scrabble , had still allowed them .
The agreement could also affect what words may be played in online versions of the game , ” The Times reported .
“ Technically , Hasbro has no control over the 192,111 playable words on the word list used by the players ’ association , but it does license the organization to use the name Scrabble , and it is not eager to see slurs associated with its brand.
” The World English Language Scrabble Players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Collins , which publishes its official dictionary , over whether to remove racial slurs .
“ These are terrible words and you don ’ t want people coming in to be exposed to them if necessary , ” WESPA chairman Chris Lipe told Reuters .
However , he noted that some say banning words is an artificial approach that ignores the real problem .
“ There are real issues about diversity and representation within the Scrabble community and they mainly have to do with issues in society , ” said Lipe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the word list doesn ’ t actually address any of those issues.
” Nigerian Scrabble player Wellington Jighere , the 2015 world champion , said a word remains only a word .
“ It ’ s just a word .
Playing it on the board doesn ’ t mean that the person is being offensive , ” he told Reuters .
But Josephine Flowers , also a competitive Scrabble player , said use of the N-word was troubling .
“ You could be sitting there for a 45-minute game just looking at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And if you don ’ t know the person who played it , then you wonder , was it put down as a slight , or was it the first word that came to their mind ?
” Chew said some action was necessary .
“ When people are dying in the streets over racial tensions and this word still has so much power , ” he added to The Times , “ you have to tell yourself this is just a game we are playing and we have to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just in our little corner of the world.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

D-I-L-E-M-M-A.
The seven-letter word explains just where the Scrabble world has found itself as some words become too volatile for even Scrabble to use, according to Reuters.
Front and center is the so-called “N-word,” the saying of which is often equated with a “hate crime” in some jurisdictions.
The North American Scrabble Players Association has been debating how to best police the use of racist and homophobic terms in what is a collision with long-standing tradition, according to NASPA chief executive John Chew.
“We are told when we get for the first time to a Scrabble club or tournament that words have no meaning on a Scrabble board. Most people accept that without question,” he told Reuters.
But life is changing.
“Some people find they cannot accept … the ‘N-word’ being treated as though it has no meaning,” said Chew, who is Canadian. “Those people end up not being part of our community, which is the fundamental problem we’re trying to address.”
A decision on the matter was made this week by Hasbro, which has the rights to the game in North America.
Hasbro said in a news release Wednesday that the players association had “agreed to remove all slurs from their word list for Scrabble tournament play, which is managed solely by NASPA and available only to members.”
Do you think this is an instance of political correctness going too far? 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: 96% (218 Votes) No: 4% (10 Votes)
And Hasbro said it would amend the game’s official rules “to make clear that slurs are not permissible in any form of the game.”
“It is the right thing to do,” Chew added to The The New York Times.
“As people have said across the spectrum of responses, removing slurs is the very least that we can do to make our association more inclusive. I will be reaching out to the community with suggestions and for suggestions in coming months, and look forward to working with everyone to make our community a larger and happier one,” he said in a statement.
About 15,000 people in North America play competitive Scrabble, Chew said. Millions more play the game for fun.
“The game that Hasbro sells in retail stores has not included slurs in its dictionary since 1994. But the players association, one of the most prominent governing bodies in competitive Scrabble, had still allowed them. The agreement could also affect what words may be played in online versions of the game,” The Times reported.
“Technically, Hasbro has no control over the 192,111 playable words on the word list used by the players’ association, but it does license the organization to use the name Scrabble, and it is not eager to see slurs associated with its brand.”
The World English Language Scrabble Players Association, meanwhile, is in talks with Collins, which publishes its official dictionary, over whether to remove racial slurs.
“These are terrible words and you don’t want people coming in to be exposed to them if necessary,” WESPA chairman Chris Lipe told Reuters.
However, he noted that some say banning words is an artificial approach that ignores the real problem.
“There are real issues about diversity and representation within the Scrabble community and they mainly have to do with issues in society,” said Lipe, an American. “Removing words from the word list doesn’t actually address any of those issues.”
Nigerian Scrabble player Wellington Jighere, the 2015 world champion, said a word remains only a word.
“It’s just a word. Playing it on the board doesn’t mean that the person is being offensive,” he told Reuters.
But Josephine Flowers, also a competitive Scrabble player, said use of the N-word was troubling.
“You could be sitting there for a 45-minute game just looking at that word,” she told The Times.
“And if you don’t know the person who played it, then you wonder, was it put down as a slight, or was it the first word that came to their mind?”
Chew said some action was necessary.
“When people are dying in the streets over racial tensions and this word still has so much power,” he added to The Times, “you have to tell yourself this is just a game we are playing and we have to do what we can to make things right, just in our little corner of the world.”
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westernjournal--2020-07-12--Students Push To Eliminate Free Speech, Create Black-Only Council To Fire ‘Racist’ Profs

Perhaps taking a page out of the playbook of the left-wing anarchists who populated the short-lived “ nation ” of Seattle ’ s “ CHOP , ” a group of college students have put together a list of demands for the leadership at the University of Pittsburgh to follow .
This radical list of prescriptions essentially mandates that the college transform itself into a social justice activist organization where the First Amendment is an afterthought .
As the Washington Free Beacon reported , “ Black Pitt , a coalition of black student groups , is demanding that the university fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black-only student council and end employee speech immunity , a core principle of academic freedom and First Amendment protections for academics at public universities.
” The “ black-only student council ” proposed by the students , formally referred to as the People ’ s Voice Committee , would actually include African-American staff , faculty and alumni as well , according to Black Pitt ’ s list of demands .
The fact that a black-only council would even be considered in the first place illustrates just how regressive the far left has become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the student activists outlined an “ action plan ” designed to address “ the University ’ s failures at combating racism on campus , in the classroom , and amongst students.
” In addition to demanding that the university “ transform the mission of the focus of our academic curriculum to be inclusive and comprehensive regarding the plight and triumphs of Black people , ” the letter urges officials to “ terminate the employment of racist and/or discriminatory employees on campus.
” According to the letter , “ Students should be allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial bias by University of Pittsburgh faculty and staff.
” The letter calls for “ faculty and staff with one ( 1 ) incident or complaint of racial bias , excessive force , or unlawful arrest/detainment ” to be immediately “ terminated and banned ” from campus if found at fault .
Furthermore , “ during the time of the investigation , the faculty/staff should be disclosed by name and banned from the University campus until its completion.
” In other words , even if a professor or staff member is found innocent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her reputation will have already been irredeemably dragged through the gutter .
So much for the idea of innocent until proven guilty .
The list of demands clearly runs afoul of the First Amendment , according to Katlyn Patton , spokeswoman for the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education .
“ As a public institution , the University of Pittsburgh is bound by the First Amendment in its decisions concerning when to discipline a professor , ” Patton told the Free Beacon .
“ While these students are free to express their concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any public college or university , must consider the protections afforded to professors by the First Amendment and the principles of academic freedom in evaluating allegations of racial bias based on speech.
” The far-left student activists also called on the University of Pittsburgh to “ create a space … on campus solely for Black students to congregate.
” Sadly , this troubling phenomenon of demands for segregation is hardly a new development .
RELATED : Marquette University Threatens To Revoke Admission of Pro-Trump Student Over TikTok Video As black economist Walter Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Western Journal , “ Harvard University , Yale University , UCLA , and many other universities , including George Mason , have black graduation ceremonies ” while “ Cal State Los Angeles , the University of Connecticut , UC Davis , and UC Berkeley , among others , offer racially segregated housing for black students.
” This latest development at the University of Pittsburgh , as well as the atmosphere in academia in general , makes it seem like actor Terry Crews had it right when he warned on Twitter that “ if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to work together — bad attitudes and resentments can create a dangerous self-righteousness.
” The brains behind the list of demands definitely have all three of those things , but their far-left demands didn ’ t pop up out of nowhere .
As Spencer Brown , spokesman for Young America ’ s Foundation , told the Washington Examiner when discussing the results of a survey measuring the patriotism of high school and college students , “ It ’ s clear that leftist orthodoxy has a comfy home in higher education.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling for extreme changes have taken this “ leftist orthodoxy ” to the extreme .
It should scare Americans that someday , the students responsible for crafting this long and unconstitutional list of demands will be in charge .
If these regressive leftists still hold those toxic views when they obtain power in society , then America is headed for a constitutional crisis , where the First Amendment and other inherently American values are overruled by the desire to create a liberal utopia that is actually a dystopian nightmare .
We are committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Perhaps taking a page out of the playbook of the left-wing anarchists who populated the short-lived “nation” of Seattle’s “CHOP,” a group of college students have put together a list of demands for the leadership at the University of Pittsburgh to follow.
This radical list of prescriptions essentially mandates that the college transform itself into a social justice activist organization where the First Amendment is an afterthought.
As the Washington Free Beacon reported, “Black Pitt, a coalition of black student groups, is demanding that the university fire any employee dubbed ‘racist’ by a black-only student council and end employee speech immunity, a core principle of academic freedom and First Amendment protections for academics at public universities.”
The “black-only student council” proposed by the students, formally referred to as the People’s Voice Committee, would actually include African-American staff, faculty and alumni as well, according to Black Pitt’s list of demands.
The fact that a black-only council would even be considered in the first place illustrates just how regressive the far left has become. In a letter dated June 18, the student activists outlined an “action plan” designed to address “the University’s failures at combating racism on campus, in the classroom, and amongst students.”
In addition to demanding that the university “transform the mission of the focus of our academic curriculum to be inclusive and comprehensive regarding the plight and triumphs of Black people,” the letter urges officials to “terminate the employment of racist and/or discriminatory employees on campus.”
According to the letter, “Students should be allowed to submit formal complaints when they experience racial bias by University of Pittsburgh faculty and staff.”
The letter calls for “faculty and staff with one (1) incident or complaint of racial bias, excessive force, or unlawful arrest/detainment” to be immediately “terminated and banned” from campus if found at fault.
Furthermore, “during the time of the investigation, the faculty/staff should be disclosed by name and banned from the University campus until its completion.”
Do left-wing activists represent an existential threat to American society? Yes No
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In other words, even if a professor or staff member is found innocent of charges of racism, his or her reputation will have already been irredeemably dragged through the gutter. So much for the idea of innocent until proven guilty.
The list of demands clearly runs afoul of the First Amendment, according to Katlyn Patton, spokeswoman for the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education.
“As a public institution, the University of Pittsburgh is bound by the First Amendment in its decisions concerning when to discipline a professor,” Patton told the Free Beacon.
“While these students are free to express their concerns and propose ideas, Pitt, like any public college or university, must consider the protections afforded to professors by the First Amendment and the principles of academic freedom in evaluating allegations of racial bias based on speech.”
The far-left student activists also called on the University of Pittsburgh to “create a space … on campus solely for Black students to congregate.” Sadly, this troubling phenomenon of demands for segregation is hardly a new development.
As black economist Walter Williams explained in a 2018 Op-Ed for The Western Journal, “Harvard University, Yale University, UCLA, and many other universities, including George Mason, have black graduation ceremonies” while “Cal State Los Angeles, the University of Connecticut, UC Davis, and UC Berkeley, among others, offer racially segregated housing for black students.”
This latest development at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as the atmosphere in academia in general, makes it seem like actor Terry Crews had it right when he warned on Twitter that “if both Black and Whites don’t continue to work together — bad attitudes and resentments can create a dangerous self-righteousness.”
The brains behind the list of demands definitely have all three of those things, but their far-left demands didn’t pop up out of nowhere.
As Spencer Brown, spokesman for Young America’s Foundation, told the Washington Examiner when discussing the results of a survey measuring the patriotism of high school and college students, “It’s clear that leftist orthodoxy has a comfy home in higher education.”
July 4th poll: College spoils patriotism in high schoolers. @itsSpencerBrown of @yaf ‘Leftist orthodoxy has a comfy home in higher ed. Biased or incomplete lessons on America’s history go unchallenged because conservative ideas are not welcomed.’ https://t.co/MWZ8ZUkejy pic.twitter.com/rGKijwt4p5 — Paul Bedard (@SecretsBedard) July 1, 2020
The student groups at the University of Pittsburgh calling for extreme changes have taken this “leftist orthodoxy” to the extreme. It should scare Americans that someday, the students responsible for crafting this long and unconstitutional list of demands will be in charge.
If these regressive leftists still hold those toxic views when they obtain power in society, then America is headed for a constitutional crisis, where the First Amendment and other inherently American values are overruled by the desire to create a liberal utopia that is actually a dystopian nightmare.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
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westernjournal--2020-07-12--Cop Hate Reaches South Texas as Two Officers Are Murdered in Brazen Ambush

Two McAllen , Texas , police officers were killed Saturday in what police are calling ambush after the officers responded to a call of a domestic disturbance .
Officers Edelmiro Garza , 45 , and Ismael Chavez , 39 , were killed , according to the McKallen-based newspaper The Monitor .
Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said that the officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the south Texas community about 3:30 p.m. , The Monitor reported .
According to KTRK , Rodiguez said they were not wearing bodycams , leaving some details of what happened next unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disturbance had been reported , Garza and Chavez met two people who had reported assaults , Rodriquez said .
When they tried to enter the home , they were gunned down , he said .
TRENDING : Under Cover of COVID , Medical Team Euthanizes Disabled Man Against Wife 's Wishes “ The officers never had a chance to suspect deadly assault on them , much less death , ” he said , according to The Monitor .
Garza had almost nine years experience , Rodriguez said , while Chavez had about two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Monitor reported .
“ They were doing their job , ” Rodriguez said , according to The Monitor .
“ That is what they were supposed to do .
The person was a suspect of the incident , met our officers at the door , and shot at both officers .
Both officers suffered fatal wounds , they have both passed away as a result.
” Police said the shooter was Audon Ignacio Camarillo , 23 .
Camarillo hid behind a vehicle as other officers responded , and later killed himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history of previous charges including driving under the influence , fleeing police , assault and marijuana possession , Rodriguez said .
Rodriguez said the ambush was so quick that police responding in support of the officers did not know Chavez and Garza had been killed until they reached the area of the shooting .
RELATED : 88-Year-Old Woman Could Lose Her Gun for 2 Years After Shooting Alleged Shoplifter Rodriguez said investigators are still trying to piece together the events that led to the deaths of the officers .
Chavez ’ s daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her father : “ words can not describe the pain I ’ m in , but I ’ m glad my dad is at peace .
you were an amazing man and anyone who ever came across you knew that .
I ’ m going to miss you so much .
you died doing what you loved most , you died a hero .
i love you daddy , see you soon.
” According to the Gateway Pundit , it was attacked by anti-cop social media users .
She deleted her original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Others also took to social media to mourn the officers , including Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott .
Rodriguez said the police department and the community has been wounded .
“ The next few days for us , moving forward as well , will be very , very difficult , for ourselves at the department and at the city of McAllen , but our strength will get us through , ” he said , according to The Monitor .
“ We gather our strength from our police officers , and we gather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can see here.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Two McAllen, Texas, police officers were killed Saturday in what police are calling ambush after the officers responded to a call of a domestic disturbance.
Officers Edelmiro Garza, 45, and Ismael Chavez, 39, were killed, according to the McKallen-based newspaper The Monitor.
Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said that the officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the south Texas community about 3:30 p.m., The Monitor reported. According to KTRK, Rodiguez said they were not wearing bodycams, leaving some details of what happened next unclear.
Before entering the residence where the disturbance had been reported, Garza and Chavez met two people who had reported assaults, Rodriquez said.
When they tried to enter the home, they were gunned down, he said.
“The officers never had a chance to suspect deadly assault on them, much less death,” he said, according to The Monitor.
Garza had almost nine years experience, Rodriguez said, while Chavez had about two and a half years on the job, The Monitor reported.
“They were doing their job,” Rodriguez said, according to The Monitor. “That is what they were supposed to do. The person was a suspect of the incident, met our officers at the door, and shot at both officers. Both officers suffered fatal wounds, they have both passed away as a result.”
Police said the shooter was Audon Ignacio Camarillo, 23.
Audon Ignacio Camarillo Suspect Killed Himself After Firing On Officers
Camarillo shot and killed himself shortly after firing on officers, He was 23 years old. https://t.co/6gpjiAlYlz pic.twitter.com/C1QbLrpUNW — Trending News (@wikiagebio1) July 12, 2020
Camarillo hid behind a vehicle as other officers responded, and later killed himself, Rodriguez said.
Camarillo had a history of previous charges including driving under the influence, fleeing police, assault and marijuana possession, Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said the ambush was so quick that police responding in support of the officers did not know Chavez and Garza had been killed until they reached the area of the shooting.
Procession for Fallen McAllen police officers via FB live pic.twitter.com/k6DuphfmUx — SacKat (@sachibub10) July 12, 2020
Rodriguez said investigators are still trying to piece together the events that led to the deaths of the officers.
Has hate for the police reached a crisis? Yes No
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Chavez’s daughter, Savannah, posted a Twitter tribute to her father: “words cannot describe the pain I’m in, but I’m glad my dad is at peace. you were an amazing man and anyone who ever came across you knew that. I’m going to miss you so much. you died doing what you loved most, you died a hero. i love you daddy, see you soon.”
According to the Gateway Pundit, it was attacked by anti-cop social media users.
She deleted her original tweet, but posted another late Saturday.
i miss you dad https://t.co/s5Yl89GTmB — Savannah (@sweeetsav) July 12, 2020
Others also took to social media to mourn the officers, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Two of our finest were killed in the line of duty while working to protect residents in their community. I’ve spoken with McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez and offered the full support of the State of Texas. We unite to #BackTheBlue.#RGVhttps://t.co/lm5DWQJSVC — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 11, 2020
Prayers sent for Ofc Garza, Jr, @CityofMcAllen PD, his family, friends and Blue family. Domestic disturbance; ambush; gunfire. POS died of self-inflicted gsw. ? ? ~M https://t.co/FRcbouXiGI https://t.co/ednXAI06aT pic.twitter.com/0IBMBP65zr — Walk With Blue (@BlueWalkPoconos) July 12, 2020
Rodriguez said the police department and the community has been wounded.
“The next few days for us, moving forward as well, will be very, very difficult, for ourselves at the department and at the city of McAllen, but our strength will get us through,” he said, according to The Monitor.
“We gather our strength from our police officers, and we gather our strengths from our colleagues, as you can see here.”
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westernjournal--2020-07-12--House Dems Trying To Undo Trump Economy with Obama-Era Reg That Cost Thousands of Jobs

An Obama-era regulation that one study said cost the nation more than 300,000 jobs is being brought out of mothballs by House Democrats .
The 2015 regulation , which made parent companies liable for labor violations that franchisees or contractors committed , was killed off by the Trump administration when the National Labor Relations Board and the Department of Labor revised the joint employer rule earlier this year .
On Monday , Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut , who chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor , Health and Human Services , Education and Related Agencies , essentially called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in legislation that would fund education and job training programs in the 2021 fiscal year .
“ The bill includes new provisions prohibiting funds from implementing Department of Labor and National Labor Relation Board rules that allow corporations not to be liable for wages and working conditions at their franchisees or contractors , ” a description of the bill on DeLauro ’ s website reads .
But going back to the way the Obama administration viewed employers is bad news for the economy , said Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education and Labor .
“ The Obama administration ’ s overly broad and confusing joint employer guidance deprived millions of Americans of entrepreneurial opportunities , ” Foxx told the Washington Free Beacon .
“ If successful , this ploy from the Democrats will be bad news for everyone who hopes to own a small business and pursue the American dream , ” she said .
Foxx had hailed the revised rule in April .
“ Since 2015 , the confusion and uncertainty created by the Obama administration ’ s extreme joint employer standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees and employers alike .
We consistently hear from job creators that the Obama-era scheme is impacting their ability to grow their businesses , ” she said in a statement at the time .
The International Franchise Association is also opposed to the Democratic proposal .
An IFA study published in January 2019 said that the Obama approach had “ led to 376,000 fewer job opportunities ” since 2015 .
Restoring that rule could be worse this time around due to the fragile economy , IFA senior vice president Matthew Haller said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been serving as modern-day ‘ Good Samaritans ’ ; feeding essential workers , sanitizing businesses , caring for the sick , elderly and vulnerable , and providing groceries , hardware , supplies and other critical products and services throughout the pandemic , ” Haller told the Free Beacon .
“ Given the historic response by Congress and the Administration to keep the economy afloat right now , it would be devastating to have these same small franchise employers face costly new regulations at a time of economic uncertainty for small businesses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RELATED : Trump Rolls Back 'One of the Most Ridiculous Regulations of All ' from Obama Era The new Trump administration rule is the subject of a lawsuit by the state of New York , joined by other states , which seeks to block it .
However , multiple business group support the rule , according to a June news release on the IFA website .
The groups include the IFA , U.S. Chamber of Commerce , National Retail Federation , American Hotel & Lodging Association , Associated Builders and Contractors , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s new joint employer rule is well reasoned , grounded in sound legal principles , and provides needed certainty to complex legal issues relevant to franchising , ” Haller said in June .
“ It ’ s unfortunate that these attorneys general have chosen to focus their mid-pandemic time , energy , and taxpayer money into a lawsuit that will hurt business reopening and economic growth in their states .
IFA is proud to defend this important rule on behalf of America ’ s 733,000 franchise businesses and their employees.
” We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An Obama-era regulation that one study said cost the nation more than 300,000 jobs is being brought out of mothballs by House Democrats.
The 2015 regulation, which made parent companies liable for labor violations that franchisees or contractors committed, was killed off by the Trump administration when the National Labor Relations Board and the Department of Labor revised the joint employer rule earlier this year.
On Monday, Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, who chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, essentially called for a return of the former rule in legislation that would fund education and job training programs in the 2021 fiscal year.
“The bill includes new provisions prohibiting funds from implementing Department of Labor and National Labor Relation Board rules that allow corporations not to be liable for wages and working conditions at their franchisees or contractors,” a description of the bill on DeLauro’s website reads.
But going back to the way the Obama administration viewed employers is bad news for the economy, said Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, the ranking Republican on the House Committee on Education and Labor.
“The Obama administration’s overly broad and confusing joint employer guidance deprived millions of Americans of entrepreneurial opportunities,” Foxx told the Washington Free Beacon.
“If successful, this ploy from the Democrats will be bad news for everyone who hopes to own a small business and pursue the American dream,” she said.
Foxx had hailed the revised rule in April.
“Since 2015, the confusion and uncertainty created by the Obama administration’s extreme joint employer standard has threatened American job creation and hurt employees and employers alike. We consistently hear from job creators that the Obama-era scheme is impacting their ability to grow their businesses,” she said in a statement at the time.
Do you think House Democrats will succeed in reimposing this regulation? 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: 6% (28 Votes) No: 94% (443 Votes)
The International Franchise Association is also opposed to the Democratic proposal.
An IFA study published in January 2019 said that the Obama approach had “led to 376,000 fewer job opportunities” since 2015.
Restoring that rule could be worse this time around due to the fragile economy, IFA senior vice president Matthew Haller said.
“America’s 730,000 franchise businesses have been serving as modern-day ‘Good Samaritans’; feeding essential workers, sanitizing businesses, caring for the sick, elderly and vulnerable, and providing groceries, hardware, supplies and other critical products and services throughout the pandemic,” Haller told the Free Beacon.
“Given the historic response by Congress and the Administration to keep the economy afloat right now, it would be devastating to have these same small franchise employers face costly new regulations at a time of economic uncertainty for small businesses and their employees,” he said.
The new Trump administration rule is the subject of a lawsuit by the state of New York, joined by other states, which seeks to block it.
However, multiple business group support the rule, according to a June news release on the IFA website. The groups include the IFA, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Retail Federation, American Hotel & Lodging Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, and HR Policy Association.
“The DOL’s new joint employer rule is well reasoned, grounded in sound legal principles, and provides needed certainty to complex legal issues relevant to franchising,” Haller said in June. “It’s unfortunate that these attorneys general have chosen to focus their mid-pandemic time, energy, and taxpayer money into a lawsuit that will hurt business reopening and economic growth in their states. IFA is proud to defend this important rule on behalf of America’s 733,000 franchise businesses and their employees.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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