westernjournal--2020-05-26--Battered Allen West Speaks Out for First Time Since Serious Motorcycle Crash

Former Florida Republican Rep. Allen West is at home and on the mend following a motorcycle accident , and says he credits God with saving his life .
West , who was involved in an accident Saturday that put him in a Texas hospital , spoke with reporters Monday as he was leaving the facility .
In his first media interview since the accident , he expressed his gratitude that God allowed him to walk away from the crash .
“ I shouldn ’ t be here , probably , but I thank Lord Almighty for allowing me to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that he will soon be back to work championing conservative causes in Texas .
“ [ We have to ] tell all of these progressive , socialist leftists that are coming in here , you can ’ t have Texas.
” TRENDING : COVID Survivor Was Banned from Flying Trump Flag To Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better West also posted a short video on his Facebook page Monday with an update about his recovery .
“ I ’ m back home now , I just want to thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel said .
“ I just thank God that I was able to make it through .
It ’ s going to be a little time to recover , but I ’ ll be back out there , ” added West , whose arm was in a sling and whose hands were bandaged .
In an an apparent reference to the lacerations on his face due to the accident , the conservative activist and former lawmaker put his sense of humor on display by joking that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star him .
“ Hopefully , I ’ ll be running at least a mile within a week , ” West joked .
“ But if y ’ all didn ’ t know , they ’ re making a new ‘ Scarface ’ movie and I ’ m going to be starring in it .
“ But thank you , we ’ ve got to continue to fight for Texas , we ’ ve got to continue to fight for America , ” he said .
“ This may slow me down a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to keep me from doing what God would have me to do , and that ’ s to protect this great state and this great country , ” West continued .
RELATED : Former Florida GOP Rep Airlifted to Hospital After Motorcycle Crash “ God bless you all and thank you again .
We ’ ll see you out there.
” The Dallas Morning News reported West was riding his motorcycle outside of Waco , Texas , on Saturday when the crash occurred .
According to a post on West ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off by a vehicle and collided with another motorcyclist .
Both motorcyclists were taken to the same hospital , the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — Hillcrest in Waco , and neither sustained any life-threatening injuries , the post said .
Prior to the accident , West had led a Texas Freedom Rally event in Austin , where he championed the further reopening of Texas amid the coronavirus outbreak .
West ’ s Twitter account shared images of him leaving the hospital Monday and going home to continue his recovery .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under me , from the rear , just going through the air and rolling around a lot , ” he told KWTX , referring to the moment the crash occurred .
“ I was blessed the first people to come up to me , one was a doctor , one was a nurse and one was an EMT , so they knew exactly what to do , ” West said .
“ I ’ m just glad to be alive , ” he added .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editorial standards .

Former Florida Republican Rep. Allen West is at home and on the mend following a motorcycle accident, and says he credits God with saving his life.
West, who was involved in an accident Saturday that put him in a Texas hospital, spoke with reporters Monday as he was leaving the facility.
In his first media interview since the accident, he expressed his gratitude that God allowed him to walk away from the crash.
“I shouldn’t be here, probably, but I thank Lord Almighty for allowing me to see another day,” he told KWTX, adding that he will soon be back to work championing conservative causes in Texas.
“[We have to] tell all of these progressive, socialist leftists that are coming in here, you can’t have Texas.”
West also posted a short video on his Facebook page Monday with an update about his recovery.
“I’m back home now, I just want to thank you all for all your prayers,” the retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel said.
“I just thank God that I was able to make it through. It’s going to be a little time to recover, but I’ll be back out there,” added West, whose arm was in a sling and whose hands were bandaged.
In an an apparent reference to the lacerations on his face due to the accident, the conservative activist and former lawmaker put his sense of humor on display by joking that the newly announced “Scarface” film will star him.
“Hopefully, I’ll be running at least a mile within a week,” West joked.
“But if y’all didn’t know, they’re making a new ‘Scarface’ movie and I’m going to be starring in it.
“But thank you, we’ve got to continue to fight for Texas, we’ve got to continue to fight for America,” he said.
“This may slow me down a little bit, but it’s not going to keep me from doing what God would have me to do, and that’s to protect this great state and this great country,” West continued.
Are you surprised to see Allen West in such good spirits after the accident? Yes No
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“God bless you all and thank you again. We’ll see you out there.”
The Dallas Morning News reported West was riding his motorcycle outside of Waco, Texas, on Saturday when the crash occurred. According to a post on West’s Facebook page, he was cut off by a vehicle and collided with another motorcyclist.
Both motorcyclists were taken to the same hospital, the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center — Hillcrest in Waco, and neither sustained any life-threatening injuries, the post said.
Prior to the accident, West had led a Texas Freedom Rally event in Austin, where he championed the further reopening of Texas amid the coronavirus outbreak.
West’s Twitter account shared images of him leaving the hospital Monday and going home to continue his recovery.
LTC West is leaving the hospital and heading home! To sign the virtual get well card, go to https://t.co/r5UqaaRhU6 pic.twitter.com/Ms3i0PU1hr — Allen West (@AllenWest) May 25, 2020
“I remember the motorcycle going out from under me, from the rear, just going through the air and rolling around a lot,” he told KWTX, referring to the moment the crash occurred.
“I was blessed the first people to come up to me, one was a doctor, one was a nurse and one was an EMT, so they knew exactly what to do,” West said.
“I’m just glad to be alive,” he added.
“God bless Texas and God bless America.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-26--Watch MI Barber Defy Gov’s Order, Continue Haircut While 2 Cops Confront Her

It ’ s strange days indeed when getting a haircut is a sign of defiance and freedom , but that ’ s where 2020 has brought us .
So we have a man draped in an American flag getting a haircut from a barber being harassed by two police officers on the lawn of the Michigan State Capitol .
That ’ s how we ’ re rolling nowadays .
The video comes from one of the more unusual protests against the lockdown .
In Michigan , hairdressers aren ’ t going to be back at work anytime soon , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unrest .
That ’ s sometimes hard to notice in a state where pretty much everyone is restive thanks to a lockdown order from Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer that goes beyond restrictive to the point of punitive .
I suppose if you need attention , however , putting on an event in front of the state legislature in which hairdressers gave free haircuts to whoever was willing to brave the ruckus is a pretty good way to do it .
And what a ruckus it was : TRENDING : COVID Survivor Was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better The clip is from the “ Operation Haircut ” protest Wednesday in front of the Capitol in Lansing .
As two officers got in the face of the hairdresser ( by the way , nice social distancing , fellas ) , our rather bald haircut subject gave a running commentary on how ridiculous this whole thing was .
“ The state of Michigan is going to go down because of this , ” the flag-draped man mused .
He told the officers they “ need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the governor .
I know you work for her.
” If they want to be of service , they should “ go to your chief and say , ‘ Hey , just put me on traffic duty today , ' ” the man advised .
“ Operation Haircut ” was a PR success , not in the least because of videos like this .
I have absolute respect for police officers and the work they do , but it ’ s a waste of resources and amazingly poor messaging to have two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inches from a hairdresser .
I don ’ t know what they were saying , but my assumption is that they weren ’ t offering advice .
“ You know , you really should take a little more off there — those sideburns are very 2003.
” RELATED : Whitmer Admits Trump Is in Her Head , Causing Her To Lose Sleep with His Tweets The act of haircutting has become a symbol of public defiance in Michigan in part because of Karl Manke , a 77-year-old barber in Owosso , 30 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to keep his shop open in spite of the fact that Michigan authorities have stripped him of his license .
Just in case you needed another reason to detest the state-sponsored scam that is occupational licensing , well , there you go .
His barbershop has become a cause célèbre for conservatives and the site of plenty of rallies .
That energy eventually morphed into “ Operation Haircut , ” an event organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition .
That ’ s the same group behind the in-car protest last month against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haircuts nor motorcades seem to have moved Whitmer in the direction of softening her dictum .
Polling , however , might eventually start convincing governors it ’ s time to seriously work on reopening .
A poll published Thursday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed that Americans were still afraid of the disease spreading once the country reopens .
The survey found that “ that 83 % of Americans are at least somewhat concerned that lifting restrictions in their area will lead to additional infections , with 54 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that such steps will result in a spike of COVID-19 cases.
” However , there was an interesting divide in terms of who believed the country needed to reopen .
“ Just 45 % of Republicans now say they favor stay-at-home orders , while about as many are opposed .
A month ago , 70 % of Republicans backed them .
Among Democrats , 78 % favor stay-at-home orders , down from 91 % in April , ” the AP reported .
The poll , sadly , didn ’ t include any opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which a hairdresser engaged in civil disobedience by giving an “ illegal ” haircut , two police officers who should have been doing something productive and a patriotic American giving a running commentary on how silly the whole thing was .
I suppose if this man gets COVID-19 , we ’ re all going to look like cavalier idiots .
However , that ’ s quite unlikely , and that ’ s the point .
We can help control the spread of the novel coronavirus without Wuhan-esque restrictions .
Michigan is quickly turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sitting on top of it — Gretchen “ Let Them Eat Gardening Supplies ” Whitmer — doesn ’ t seem to realize she ’ s perched atop a mound of explosives .
She ’ s made a few positive moves , mind you — reopening parts of the state with low infection rates and quickly reversing that silly gardening restriction — but Michigan still remains one of the most restrictive states when it comes to lockdowns .
Perhaps with a few more well-played acts of civil disobedience like this , that could start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s strange days indeed when getting a haircut is a sign of defiance and freedom, but that’s where 2020 has brought us. So we have a man draped in an American flag getting a haircut from a barber being harassed by two police officers on the lawn of the Michigan State Capitol. That’s how we’re rolling nowadays.
The video comes from one of the more unusual protests against the lockdown. In Michigan, hairdressers aren’t going to be back at work anytime soon, which has led to no small amount of unrest.
That’s sometimes hard to notice in a state where pretty much everyone is restive thanks to a lockdown order from Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that goes beyond restrictive to the point of punitive.
I suppose if you need attention, however, putting on an event in front of the state legislature in which hairdressers gave free haircuts to whoever was willing to brave the ruckus is a pretty good way to do it.
And what a ruckus it was:
State police issue a verbal warning to stylist Brenda Root,of Swartz Creek. @LSJNews pic.twitter.com/ORmGipCKdq — Nick King (@nickkingphoto) May 20, 2020
The clip is from the “Operation Haircut” protest Wednesday in front of the Capitol in Lansing.
As two officers got in the face of the hairdresser (by the way, nice social distancing, fellas), our rather bald haircut subject gave a running commentary on how ridiculous this whole thing was.
Should hairdressers be allowed to reopen? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (379 Votes) No: 1% (3 Votes)
“The state of Michigan is going to go down because of this,” the flag-draped man mused.
He told the officers they “need to get your priorities in line. Not with the governor. I know you work for her.”
If they want to be of service, they should “go to your chief and say, ‘Hey, just put me on traffic duty today,'” the man advised.
“Operation Haircut” was a PR success, not in the least because of videos like this.
I have absolute respect for police officers and the work they do, but it’s a waste of resources and amazingly poor messaging to have two law enforcement officers with their faces literally inches from a hairdresser. I don’t know what they were saying, but my assumption is that they weren’t offering advice. “You know, you really should take a little more off there — those sideburns are very 2003.”
The act of haircutting has become a symbol of public defiance in Michigan in part because of Karl Manke, a 77-year-old barber in Owosso, 30 miles northeast of Lansing. He’s managed to keep his shop open in spite of the fact that Michigan authorities have stripped him of his license. Just in case you needed another reason to detest the state-sponsored scam that is occupational licensing, well, there you go.
His barbershop has become a cause célèbre for conservatives and the site of plenty of rallies. That energy eventually morphed into “Operation Haircut,” an event organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition. That’s the same group behind the in-car protest last month against Whitmer’s lockdown order.
Neither haircuts nor motorcades seem to have moved Whitmer in the direction of softening her dictum. Polling, however, might eventually start convincing governors it’s time to seriously work on reopening.
A poll published Thursday by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed that Americans were still afraid of the disease spreading once the country reopens.
The survey found that “that 83% of Americans are at least somewhat concerned that lifting restrictions in their area will lead to additional infections, with 54% saying they are very or extremely concerned that such steps will result in a spike of COVID-19 cases.”
However, there was an interesting divide in terms of who believed the country needed to reopen.
“Just 45% of Republicans now say they favor stay-at-home orders, while about as many are opposed. A month ago, 70% of Republicans backed them. Among Democrats, 78% favor stay-at-home orders, down from 91% in April,” the AP reported.
The poll, sadly, didn’t include any opinion about this clip — a clip in which a hairdresser engaged in civil disobedience by giving an “illegal” haircut, two police officers who should have been doing something productive and a patriotic American giving a running commentary on how silly the whole thing was.
I suppose if this man gets COVID-19, we’re all going to look like cavalier idiots. However, that’s quite unlikely, and that’s the point. We can help control the spread of the novel coronavirus without Wuhan-esque restrictions.
Michigan is quickly turning into a powder-keg, and the official sitting on top of it — Gretchen “Let Them Eat Gardening Supplies” Whitmer — doesn’t seem to realize she’s perched atop a mound of explosives.
She’s made a few positive moves, mind you — reopening parts of the state with low infection rates and quickly reversing that silly gardening restriction — but Michigan still remains one of the most restrictive states when it comes to lockdowns.
Perhaps with a few more well-played acts of civil disobedience like this, that could start to change.
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westernjournal--2020-05-26--College Track Stars Urge Federal Judge To Stand Against Transgender Athletes in Female Sports

Two female athletes at Idaho State University want a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a new state law banning biological males who identify as transgender females from competing in women ’ s sports , the first such law in the nation .
Madison Kenyon , 19 , of Johnston , Colorado , and Mary Marshall , 20 , of Twin Falls , Idaho , run track and cross-country on scholarships at the university .
Each said they ’ ve lost to a transgender athlete from the University of Montana and contend that transgender athletes are unfair competition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two athletes .
They filed the request to side with the state of Idaho in fighting the lawsuit and are asking that the lawsuit be dismissed .
“ Female defeat by a male athlete is uniquely demoralizing due to the elemental inequity involved in being subjected to the match-up in the first place , ” court documents state .
“ Male intrusion represents the elimination from female sport of the relationship of effort to success that makes the draw of sport and competitive striving what it is.
” TRENDING : COVID Survivor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better Republican Gov .
Brad Little in May signed into law the measure that received overwhelming support in the Republican-dominated House and Senate , but was universally opposed by Democrats .
It takes effect July 1 .
The ban applies to all teams sponsored by public schools , colleges and universities .
A girls ’ or women ’ s team will not be open to transgender students who identify as female .
The American Civil Liberties Union and Legal Voice in mid-April filed the lawsuit contending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is discriminatory and an invasion of privacy .
The groups also said the law is a violation of Title IX , the 1972 law that bars sex discrimination in education .
The groups are asking the court to permanently prevent Idaho from enforcing the law .
Backers said the law , called the Fairness in Women ’ s Sports Act , is needed because male athletes who identify as female have physical advantages .
They also cite Title IX , contending that allowing transgender athletes on girls ’ and women ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress women have made since that law — which is credited with opening up sports to female athletes , and along with it scholarships and other opportunities — took effect .
Specifically , the lawsuit contends the law violates the 14th Amendment ’ s Equal Protection Clause because it is discriminatory and the 4th Amendment ’ s protections against invasion of privacy because of tests required should an athlete ’ s gender be challenged .
Two plaintiffs are bringing the lawsuit .
One is an unnamed Boise-area high school student who is cisgender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identity corresponds with the sex the person was identified as having at birth .
The other is Lindsay Hecox , 19 , who will be a sophomore this fall at Boise State University and hopes to qualify for the women ’ s cross-country team .
Hecox competed on the boys ’ team at a Moorpark , California , high school before transitioning after graduating .
The NCAA has a policy allowing transgender athletes to compete .
But the sponsor of the Idaho law , Republican Barbara Ehardt , has called the NCAA policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families of three Connecticut female high school runners filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block transgender athletes from participating in girls sports .
The families contend that allowing athletes with male anatomy to compete has deprived their daughters of track titles and scholarship opportunities .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Two female athletes at Idaho State University want a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a new state law banning biological males who identify as transgender females from competing in women’s sports, the first such law in the nation.
Madison Kenyon, 19, of Johnston, Colorado, and Mary Marshall, 20, of Twin Falls, Idaho, run track and cross-country on scholarships at the university. Each said they’ve lost to a transgender athlete from the University of Montana and contend that transgender athletes are unfair competition.
Attorneys with Alliance Defending Freedom are representing the two athletes. They filed the request to side with the state of Idaho in fighting the lawsuit and are asking that the lawsuit be dismissed.
“Female defeat by a male athlete is uniquely demoralizing due to the elemental inequity involved in being subjected to the match-up in the first place,” court documents state. “Male intrusion represents the elimination from female sport of the relationship of effort to success that makes the draw of sport and competitive striving what it is.”
“I want to preserve the camaraderie and sisterhood that comes from competing with and against females only,” Mary Kate Marshall, a second Idaho collegiate runner and proposed intervenor, added. “I want other young women to benefit from sports as I did.” 3/3 pic.twitter.com/nhUPdFeNQU — AllianceDefends (@AllianceDefends) May 26, 2020
Republican Gov. Brad Little in May signed into law the measure that received overwhelming support in the Republican-dominated House and Senate, but was universally opposed by Democrats. It takes effect July 1.
The ban applies to all teams sponsored by public schools, colleges and universities. A girls’ or women’s team will not be open to transgender students who identify as female.
The American Civil Liberties Union and Legal Voice in mid-April filed the lawsuit contending the law violates the U.S. Constitution because it is discriminatory and an invasion of privacy.
Do you think men who identify as women should be allowed to compete in women's sports? 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: 1% (2 Votes) No: 99% (281 Votes)
The groups also said the law is a violation of Title IX, the 1972 law that bars sex discrimination in education. The groups are asking the court to permanently prevent Idaho from enforcing the law.
Backers said the law, called the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, is needed because male athletes who identify as female have physical advantages.
They also cite Title IX, contending that allowing transgender athletes on girls’ and women’s teams would negate nearly 50 years of progress women have made since that law — which is credited with opening up sports to female athletes, and along with it scholarships and other opportunities — took effect.
Specifically, the lawsuit contends the law violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause because it is discriminatory and the 4th Amendment’s protections against invasion of privacy because of tests required should an athlete’s gender be challenged.
Two plaintiffs are bringing the lawsuit. One is an unnamed Boise-area high school student who is cisgender. Cisgender refers to someone whose gender identity corresponds with the sex the person was identified as having at birth.
The other is Lindsay Hecox, 19, who will be a sophomore this fall at Boise State University and hopes to qualify for the women’s cross-country team. Hecox competed on the boys’ team at a Moorpark, California, high school before transitioning after graduating.
The NCAA has a policy allowing transgender athletes to compete. But the sponsor of the Idaho law, Republican Barbara Ehardt, has called the NCAA policy “permissive.”
In February, the families of three Connecticut female high school runners filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block transgender athletes from participating in girls sports.
The families contend that allowing athletes with male anatomy to compete has deprived their daughters of track titles and scholarship opportunities.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-05-26--Shutdown Likely To Have Long-Lasting Devastating Impact on Schools Around the Country

Schools across the country could face a financial crisis and feel a lasting impact from the business shutdowns in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
Nearly half of school funding comes from the state , but tax revenues have dropped recently in response to the pandemic and a high unemployment rate , NPR reported .
The CEO of EdBuild , a school finance advocacy organization , is now warning people about the potential financial devastation that could set back an entire generation .
“ I think we ’ re about to see a school funding crisis unlike anything we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO Rebecca Sibilia told NPR .
“ We are looking at devastation that we could not have imagined … a year ago.
” TRENDING : COVID Survivor Was Banned from Flying Trump Flag To Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better State governments are required to balance their budgets , unlike the federal government , so many governors and state lawmakers have to make budget cuts to stay afloat .
In Ohio , Gov .
Mike DeWine has planned to cut $ 300.4 million from public K-12 schools just through June 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes out to $ 304 per student for 20 Ohio school districts .
Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp is asking school districts to prepare for a 14 percent cut , which could tally up to $ 1.6 billion in cuts for the fiscal year starting in July , The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported .
These cuts will hit low-income communities in many states the hardest because school resources come almost evenly from state funding and local funding , with an emphasis on local funds .
“ [ W ] hen state funding starts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separation between the haves and have-nots , ” Michael Griffith of the Learning Policy Institute said to NPR .
Experts have said that the school cuts will mirror those made during the Great Recession with districts cutting staff , starting with librarians , nurses and counselors .
Districts will also cut spending on buildings , transportation , supplies and equipment .
“ From the numbers we ’ re looking at right now , this coming year could be maybe twice as bad , or more , than the worst year had during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RELATED : Rush Limbaugh Gives Update on Grueling Cancer Treatment : 'Just Waking Up Is a Blessing' The Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act provided $ 13 billion in emergency funding for K-12 schools , but there has been some confusion on how that money could be spent .
Dozens of organizations representing teachers , principals and parents across the country wrote a letter to congressional leaders requesting at least $ 175 billion more for schools .
“ While we don ’ t yet know what the full impact of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation will be , we do know that both the economic hardship and the grief and trauma that ensue from COVID-19 will be unprecedented for today ’ s school-age children , ” the letter read .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Schools across the country could face a financial crisis and feel a lasting impact from the business shutdowns in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nearly half of school funding comes from the state, but tax revenues have dropped recently in response to the pandemic and a high unemployment rate, NPR reported.
The CEO of EdBuild, a school finance advocacy organization, is now warning people about the potential financial devastation that could set back an entire generation.
“I think we’re about to see a school funding crisis unlike anything we have ever seen in modern history,” CEO Rebecca Sibilia told NPR.
“We are looking at devastation that we could not have imagined … a year ago.”
State governments are required to balance their budgets, unlike the federal government, so many governors and state lawmakers have to make budget cuts to stay afloat.
In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine has planned to cut $300.4 million from public K-12 schools just through June 30, according to cleveland.com.
That cut comes out to $304 per student for 20 Ohio school districts.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is asking school districts to prepare for a 14 percent cut, which could tally up to $1.6 billion in cuts for the fiscal year starting in July, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Do you think the federal government should provide more funds for schools? 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: 31% (123 Votes) No: 69% (271 Votes)
These cuts will hit low-income communities in many states the hardest because school resources come almost evenly from state funding and local funding, with an emphasis on local funds.
“[W]hen state funding starts to drop, what we see is a separation between the haves and have-nots,” Michael Griffith of the Learning Policy Institute said to NPR.
Experts have said that the school cuts will mirror those made during the Great Recession with districts cutting staff, starting with librarians, nurses and counselors.
Districts will also cut spending on buildings, transportation, supplies and equipment.
“From the numbers we’re looking at right now, this coming year could be maybe twice as bad, or more, than the worst year had during the Great Recession,” Griffith said.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act provided $13 billion in emergency funding for K-12 schools, but there has been some confusion on how that money could be spent.
Dozens of organizations representing teachers, principals and parents across the country wrote a letter to congressional leaders requesting at least $175 billion more for schools.
“While we don’t yet know what the full impact of the novel coronavirus that has spread across the nation will be, we do know that both the economic hardship and the grief and trauma that ensue from COVID-19 will be unprecedented for today’s school-age children,” the letter read.
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westernjournal--2020-05-26--Ret. Marine Stands for 24 Hours To Raise Awareness of Veteran Suicide

The message , delivered in silence , was loud and clear .
Starting Sunday afternoon , Tim Chambers , a retired U.S. Marines staff sergeant , stood on a concrete median at a busy intersection in Washington , D.C. , in his dress blues .
He did not stop standing for 24 hours .
He did not eat , drink water or take a bathroom break .
TRENDING : COVID Survivor Was Banned from Flying Trump Flag To Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better The 45-year-old California resident ’ s mission was to to bring attention this past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of military veteran suicides .
So he stood at attention where Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street meet for an entire day and honored those comrades who have taken their own lives over the years .
He started this tradition in 2002 , when he saluted members of a motorcycle group called “ Rolling Thunder ” participating in their annual Memorial Day tribute .
Chambers has never missed a year , according to WJLA , and decided this year to highlight veteran suicides with a 24-hour tribute .
Chambers ’ tribute is undoubtedly a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aware of a dire situation that needs to be addressed .
“ At the beginning of the first hour , he held a salute for 22 minutes to symbolize the 22 American veterans who take their life every day , on average , ” according to the outlet .
“ The salute drops by one minute each hour , ultimately working its way down to zero.
” RELATED : Dem Governor Reverses Course , Finally Allows Company To Distribute American Flags Still , statistics from the VA ’ s 2019 National Veteran Suicide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a serious issue .
In 2017 , for instance , 6,139 veterans took their own lives — an average of 16.8 per day .
So why are these numbers so high ?
A 2012 survey that asked 72 soldiers who tried to commit suicide why they attempted to do so reported that all of them cited “ a desire to end intense emotional distress , ” according to USA Today .
It ’ s undoubtedly tragic that so many soldiers who heroically volunteered to protect Americans ’ freedoms are left seeking to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their minds .
Chambers , meanwhile , runs a charity called Saluting Marine Cares , which helps veterans pay for medical bills not covered by the VA .
This Marine should not have to stand alone on the street in his his quest to stop veteran suicides .
Chambers deserves the nation ’ s support in working for the day when he doesn ’ t have to hold his salute for one minute more .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

The message, delivered in silence, was loud and clear.
Starting Sunday afternoon, Tim Chambers, a retired U.S. Marines staff sergeant, stood on a concrete median at a busy intersection in Washington, D.C., in his dress blues.
He did not stop standing for 24 hours.
He did not eat, drink water or take a bathroom break.
Memorial Day Weekend Plan of Attack https://t.co/AUEtCnmshQ — The Saluting Marine (@SalutingMarine) May 24, 2020
The 45-year-old California resident’s mission was to to bring attention this past Memorial Day weekend to the high number of military veteran suicides.
So he stood at attention where Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street meet for an entire day and honored those comrades who have taken their own lives over the years.
He started this tradition in 2002, when he saluted members of a motorcycle group called “Rolling Thunder” participating in their annual Memorial Day tribute.
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Chambers has never missed a year, according to WJLA, and decided this year to highlight veteran suicides with a 24-hour tribute.
Chambers’ tribute is undoubtedly a patriotic and honorable way to make everyone aware of a dire situation that needs to be addressed.
“At the beginning of the first hour, he held a salute for 22 minutes to symbolize the 22 American veterans who take their life every day, on average,” according to the outlet.
“The salute drops by one minute each hour, ultimately working its way down to zero.”
(According to The Washington Post, that figure, which comes from a 2012 Department of Veterans Affairs report, may not be entirely accurate since “when it comes to veteran suicides, there is little reliable and comprehensive data.”)
Still, statistics from the VA’s 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report reveal that this is a serious issue.
In 2017, for instance, 6,139 veterans took their own lives — an average of 16.8 per day.
So why are these numbers so high?
A 2012 survey that asked 72 soldiers who tried to commit suicide why they attempted to do so reported that all of them cited “a desire to end intense emotional distress,” according to USA Today.
It’s undoubtedly tragic that so many soldiers who heroically volunteered to protect Americans’ freedoms are left seeking to put an end to the pain and suffering in their minds.
Chambers, meanwhile, runs a charity called Saluting Marine Cares, which helps veterans pay for medical bills not covered by the VA.
This Marine should not have to stand alone on the street in his his quest to stop veteran suicides. Chambers deserves the nation’s support in working for the day when he doesn’t have to hold his salute for one minute more.
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westernjournal--2020-05-26--NFL Owner Gives Definitive Answer on the Fate of the 2020 Season

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says he ’ s confident the NFL will play in 2020 , with or without spectators .
“ I think there definitely will be a football season this year , ” Ross said Tuesday during an interview on CNBC .
“ The real question is will there be fans in the stadiums ?
” The NFL has said it expects to play a full schedule beginning Sept. 10 but is preparing contingency plans in case the coronavirus pandemic makes venue changes or games without fans necessary .
“ Right now , today , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the stadiums , ” Ross said .
“ But I think the NFL is very flexible so that we will be able to start on time and bring that entertainment that is really so needed to all of us in this country.
” TRENDING : COVID Survivor Was Banned from Flying Trump Flag To Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better The league has kept to its offseason schedule of conducting free agency , the draft and the release of the schedule .
Some teams reopened training complexes on a limited basis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and MLB have been idled by the pandemic .
“ One thing we miss is our sports , ” Ross said .
“ I don ’ t think a lot of people realize it until they no longer have it .
“ Certainly the NFL , I think , will be ready to go .
I know we ’ re all looking forward to it .
I know I am.
” Earlier this month , the Dolphins said their stadium committed to becoming the first to receive accreditation from a cleaning industry association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Garfinkel said the team is considering social distancing proposals for games and perhaps limiting crowds to 15,000 .
“ We ’ ve done a lot of things down in Miami , ” Ross said .
“ We ’ re prepared either way , and hopefully there will be fans in the stadiums.
” Ross , a New York real estate developer and chairman of Related Companies , said the hotel and retail industries are being hit hardest by the pandemic .
“ You are going to have such a flood of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross says he’s confident the NFL will play in 2020, with or without spectators.
“I think there definitely will be a football season this year,” Ross said Tuesday during an interview on CNBC. “The real question is will there be fans in the stadiums?”
The NFL has said it expects to play a full schedule beginning Sept. 10 but is preparing contingency plans in case the coronavirus pandemic makes venue changes or games without fans necessary.
“Right now, today, we’re planning on having some fans in the stadiums,” Ross said. “But I think the NFL is very flexible so that we will be able to start on time and bring that entertainment that is really so needed to all of us in this country.”
The league has kept to its offseason schedule of conducting free agency, the draft and the release of the schedule.
Some teams reopened training complexes on a limited basis last week.
The NBA, NHL and MLB have been idled by the pandemic.
“One thing we miss is our sports,” Ross said. “I don’t think a lot of people realize it until they no longer have it.
Do you expect the NFL to play its full season as scheduled? Yes No
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“Certainly the NFL, I think, will be ready to go. I know we’re all looking forward to it. I know I am.”
Earlier this month, the Dolphins said their stadium committed to becoming the first to receive accreditation from a cleaning industry association for infectious disease prevention efforts.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross believes there will ‘definitely’ be NFL season https://t.co/Vcdej54cKz — Joe Schad (@schadjoe) May 26, 2020
CEO Tom Garfinkel said the team is considering social distancing proposals for games and perhaps limiting crowds to 15,000.
“We’ve done a lot of things down in Miami,” Ross said. “We’re prepared either way, and hopefully there will be fans in the stadiums.”
Ross, a New York real estate developer and chairman of Related Companies, said the hotel and retail industries are being hit hardest by the pandemic.
“You are going to have such a flood of cases going to the bankruptcy court,” he said.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-05-26--Owners of Restaurant Shut Down by Government Fight Back

The owners of a Colorado restaurant that staged a very public defiance of the state ’ s lockdown order on Mother ’ s Day have sued the state , saying that their rights were violated .
“ The matter before this honorable court is more than just a case of executive authority overreach and constitutional violations .
It implicates core principles of our nation ’ s founding and the rule of law , ” the lawsuit said .
C & C Breakfast & Korean Kitchen in Castle Rock became a lightning rod and a civil disobedience icon when pictures of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to KMGH-TV in Denver .
“ I joined most Coloradans in our frustration watching videos of people illegally packed into restaurants and thinking about all the moms and grandmothers and aunts and everyone who was put at increased risk of dying from this horrible virus , ” Democratic Gov .
Jared Polis said at the time , according to KCNC-TV in Denver .
As a result , the state acted to suspend the restaurant ’ s license indefinitely .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has that authority under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID Survivor Was Banned from Flying Trump Flag To Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better However , the lawsuit filed Friday in Douglas County District Court by attorney Randy Corporon on behalf of restaurant owners Jesse and April Arellano alleges that Polis and his administration exceeded their authority .
“ These small businesses , especially restaurants with small margins , simply can not survive waiting and waiting and waiting , ” Corporon said , according to KUSA-TV .
“ We ’ re starting with simply asking a judge to say enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s time to open Colorado.
” The lawsuit puts the state ’ s actions in the context of the government being brought to heel by the judicial branch to restrain the “ abuse of executive authority and declare null and void those actions which violate the rights and liberties guaranteed in the Constitution.
” The suit said the “ heavy-handed ” actions of the governor to shutter the restaurant came with the state ’ s understanding that the action would deprive the Arellanos “ of their livelihood and ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers onto their premises to serve food and beverages.
” The lawsuit said the restaurant was singled out for persecution , calling the decision to shut it down “ an unconscionable and malicious act designed with the specific intent to punish Plaintiffs rather than abate an ‘ imminent ’ health hazard.
” “ Certainly , the Plaintiffs opening their restaurant to customers , when so many other businesses are permitted to open their doors to customers , does not constitute an ‘ imminent health threat , ' ” the suit said .
Arellanos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lawsuit disputed how the state interpreted which businesses were essential and which were not in its actions under the Colorado Disaster Emergency Relief Act .
“ Nothing within the enabling legislation of the Act provides that the Governor may issue such comprehensive orders and regulations that discriminate between ‘ critical ’ and ‘ non-critical ’ services , dictate strict limitations on how businesses must operate , and/or selectively target certain businesses , or a single business , for enforcement or punishment , ” the lawsuit said .
“ At best , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a certain ‘ area ’ but not the type of intrusive micromanagement over the economy and individual business operations that the Governor seeks to impose , ” it said .
“ The practical consequence , as is the case with the Plaintiffs , is that the government ’ s arbitrary designation between ‘ critical ’ and ‘ non-critical ’ entities means the government is picking and choosing who has the opportunity to continue to remain open and potentially operate at a profit and those who will be doomed to bankruptcy and economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Last week , Polis amended his existing order to allow restaurants to open as of Wednesday as long as they limit seating to 50 percent of maximum occupancy or 50 people , whichever is fewer .
KCNC-TV said it reached out to the governor for comment on the Arellanos ’ lawsuit and was told by a spokesman that “ his office will not comment on pending litigation.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The owners of a Colorado restaurant that staged a very public defiance of the state’s lockdown order on Mother’s Day have sued the state, saying that their rights were violated.
“The matter before this honorable court is more than just a case of executive authority overreach and constitutional violations. It implicates core principles of our nation’s founding and the rule of law,” the lawsuit said.
C&C Breakfast & Korean Kitchen in Castle Rock became a lightning rod and a civil disobedience icon when pictures of its crowded dining room went viral, according to KMGH-TV in Denver.
“I joined most Coloradans in our frustration watching videos of people illegally packed into restaurants and thinking about all the moms and grandmothers and aunts and everyone who was put at increased risk of dying from this horrible virus,” Democratic Gov. Jared Polis said at the time, according to KCNC-TV in Denver.
As a result, the state acted to suspend the restaurant’s license indefinitely. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has that authority under the Colorado Food Protection Act.
However, the lawsuit filed Friday in Douglas County District Court by attorney Randy Corporon on behalf of restaurant owners Jesse and April Arellano alleges that Polis and his administration exceeded their authority.
“These small businesses, especially restaurants with small margins, simply cannot survive waiting and waiting and waiting,” Corporon said, according to KUSA-TV.
“We’re starting with simply asking a judge to say enough is enough,” he said. “It’s time to open Colorado.”
NEW: Castle Rock restaurant shuttered by state health department sues Gov. Polis, others. (via @KKTV11News) https://t.co/ZOgJB0Qhlt #COVID19Colorado — The Gazette (@csgazette) May 26, 2020
The lawsuit puts the state’s actions in the context of the government being brought to heel by the judicial branch to restrain the “abuse of executive authority and declare null and void those actions which violate the rights and liberties guaranteed in the Constitution.”
Do you support the owners of this restaurant? Yes No
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The suit said the “heavy-handed” actions of the governor to shutter the restaurant came with the state’s understanding that the action would deprive the Arellanos “of their livelihood and ability to operate their business after they simply allowed customers onto their premises to serve food and beverages.”
The lawsuit said the restaurant was singled out for persecution, calling the decision to shut it down “an unconscionable and malicious act designed with the specific intent to punish Plaintiffs rather than abate an ‘imminent’ health hazard.”
“Certainly, the Plaintiffs opening their restaurant to customers, when so many other businesses are permitted to open their doors to customers, does not constitute an ‘imminent health threat,'” the suit said.
Arellanos Lawsuit by The Western Journal on Scribd
The lawsuit disputed how the state interpreted which businesses were essential and which were not in its actions under the Colorado Disaster Emergency Relief Act.
“Nothing within the enabling legislation of the Act provides that the Governor may issue such comprehensive orders and regulations that discriminate between ‘critical’ and ‘non-critical’ services, dictate strict limitations on how businesses must operate, and/or selectively target certain businesses, or a single business, for enforcement or punishment,” the lawsuit said.
“At best, the legislation allows for rules of general applicability over a certain ‘area’ but not the type of intrusive micromanagement over the economy and individual business operations that the Governor seeks to impose,” it said.
Good! Enough is enough! — Christopher Dawkins (@Christo18891211) May 26, 2020
“The practical consequence, as is the case with the Plaintiffs, is that the government’s arbitrary designation between ‘critical’ and ‘non-critical’ entities means the government is picking and choosing who has the opportunity to continue to remain open and potentially operate at a profit and those who will be doomed to bankruptcy and economic ruin,” the lawsuit said.
Last week, Polis amended his existing order to allow restaurants to open as of Wednesday as long as they limit seating to 50 percent of maximum occupancy or 50 people, whichever is fewer.
KCNC-TV said it reached out to the governor for comment on the Arellanos’ lawsuit and was told by a spokesman that “his office will not comment on pending litigation.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-26--ESPN Chooses Megan Rapinoe To Co-Host ESPYs Celebrating ‘Heroism’

It ’ s a way different kind of year , and so The ESPYs will be , too .
For the first time , the show will feature three hosts in remote settings and a changed focus .
Instead of honoring the past year ’ s top athletes and moments in sports , the show is celebrating heroism and humanitarian aid .
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson , soccer star Megan Rapinoe and three-time WNBA champion Sue Bird will preside over the two-hour broadcast airing June 21 on ESPN .
All three live in the Seattle area .
“ We liked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports that represent something for every fan , ” show producer Jeff Smith said by phone .
“ We ’ re finding ways to make this feel really connected to the audience .
They ’ re so ready to reach out to this community.
” It ’ s quite a departure from the red carpet strutting and 5,000 audience members at the show ’ s longtime home in Los Angeles .
TRENDING : COVID Survivor Was Banned from Flying Trump Flag To Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better Instead of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All-Star break , the show has been rescheduled and re-imagined as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
Smith said there ’ s been a lot to learn in assembling a pre-produced show with everyone in different locations .
“ Typically , we are all shoulder to shoulder and looking through cuts and arguing through story ideas , ” he said .
“ We found a different way to connect with each other.
” Shortly before the U.S. shut down because of the coronavirus , the show suffered a blow when longtime executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 53 on Feb. 28 .
“ I wish we could have done this show together because she would have a really interesting perspective on how we ’ re doing this , ” said Smith , who worked with Mandt at her production company .
“ This is the first one of its kind .
Maura ’ s signature will always be on this show.
” The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage , the Pat Tillman Award for Service and Jimmy V Award for Perseverance are among the honors to be presented .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long acceptance speeches read off the teleprompter .
The producers hope to show the winners getting a call informing them of the honor at the same time the audience finds out .
That involves colluding with family and team members to lure them to a video screen at the appropriate moment .
“ We really love this sort of pure reaction , ” Smith said .
“ We found ways to really be able to capture it.
” The ESPYs are typically defined by viral moments rather than viewers remembering who won what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he still aims to mine those nuggets .
RELATED : College Track Stars Urge Federal Judge To Stand Against Transgender Athletes in Female Sports “ We ’ re finding access to athletes and celebrities that in some way will surprise the audience , ” he said .
Comedy and music are always part of the show , and Wilson , Rapinoe and Bird will get a chance to show off a sense of humor .
However , the host ’ s usual opening monologue poking fun at athletes and controversy doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s theme .
In a different time , the Houston Astros cheating scandal would have been ripe for the picking .
“ On this side of the pandemic , it ’ s hard to really care about that , ” said Rob King , ESPN senior vice president and editor at large .
The show is taking a forward-looking approach rather than lament what the world has endured during the COVID-19 crisis .
“ In the not-too-distant future after the show airs , we ’ ll see a return to live sports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” King said .
“ We hope to have this show be really reflective of that.
” The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s a way different kind of year, and so The ESPYs will be, too.
For the first time, the show will feature three hosts in remote settings and a changed focus. Instead of honoring the past year’s top athletes and moments in sports, the show is celebrating heroism and humanitarian aid.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, soccer star Megan Rapinoe and three-time WNBA champion Sue Bird will preside over the two-hour broadcast airing June 21 on ESPN. All three live in the Seattle area.
“We liked the idea of having athletes from diverse sports that represent something for every fan,” show producer Jeff Smith said by phone. “We’re finding ways to make this feel really connected to the audience. They’re so ready to reach out to this community.”
It’s quite a departure from the red carpet strutting and 5,000 audience members at the show’s longtime home in Los Angeles.
Instead of its usual July date during baseball’s All-Star break, the show has been rescheduled and re-imagined as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Smith said there’s been a lot to learn in assembling a pre-produced show with everyone in different locations.
“Typically, we are all shoulder to shoulder and looking through cuts and arguing through story ideas,” he said. “We found a different way to connect with each other.”
Shortly before the U.S. shut down because of the coronavirus, the show suffered a blow when longtime executive producer Maura Mandt died unexpectedly at age 53 on Feb. 28.
Will you watch The ESPYs? Yes No
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“I wish we could have done this show together because she would have a really interesting perspective on how we’re doing this,” said Smith, who worked with Mandt at her production company. “This is the first one of its kind. Maura’s signature will always be on this show.”
The Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, the Pat Tillman Award for Service and Jimmy V Award for Perseverance are among the honors to be presented. But there won’t be the usual long acceptance speeches read off the teleprompter.
The producers hope to show the winners getting a call informing them of the honor at the same time the audience finds out. That involves colluding with family and team members to lure them to a video screen at the appropriate moment.
“We really love this sort of pure reaction,” Smith said. “We found ways to really be able to capture it.”
The ESPYs are typically defined by viral moments rather than viewers remembering who won what. Without a live show, Smith said he still aims to mine those nuggets.
“We’re finding access to athletes and celebrities that in some way will surprise the audience,” he said.
Comedy and music are always part of the show, and Wilson, Rapinoe and Bird will get a chance to show off a sense of humor.
However, the host’s usual opening monologue poking fun at athletes and controversy doesn’t quite fit with this year’s theme. In a different time, the Houston Astros cheating scandal would have been ripe for the picking.
“On this side of the pandemic, it’s hard to really care about that,” said Rob King, ESPN senior vice president and editor at large.
The show is taking a forward-looking approach rather than lament what the world has endured during the COVID-19 crisis.
“In the not-too-distant future after the show airs, we’ll see a return to live sports that will drive a sense of hope,” King said.
“We hope to have this show be really reflective of that.”
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-05-26--‘Like the Soviet-Styled KGB,’ Armed Police Sent To Shut Down Black Baptist Church, Pastor Says

The amount of obloquy heaped upon religious congregations that insist on exercising their First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion is , quite frankly , one of the most baffling aspects of the coronavirus lockdown to this writer .
In New York City , for instance , millennials and other social drinkers are gathering outside bars — many without masks — sipping their “ takeaway ” drinks and mingling in a way that doesn ’ t exactly evince social distancing .
In response , New York City launched the “ Take Out , Don ’ t Hang Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pleasant , hands-off way of dealing with the problem .
When religious congregations said they might continue meeting in person earlier in the spring , however , New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio actually threatened to shutter those congregations permanently .
Apparently , NYC skipped right over the “ Pray , Don ’ t Stay ” campaign .
More ’ s the pity , because the slogan just suggests itself .
Dealing with churches , synagogues and mosques almost exclusively with the heavy hand of the law isn ’ t exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Amendment protections afforded to religious congregations .
Already , a ban on in-person church gatherings in Kentucky has been struck down by a federal court , a clear sign that perhaps state and local jurisdictions should tread carefully when it comes to faith .
Don ’ t tell that to Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her city ’ s law enforcement , which allegedly tried to shut down a Baptist church service with armed police in a manner the pastor described as “ like the Soviet styled KGB.
” TRENDING : COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better It ’ s worth noting there ’ s some question as to how much Chicago police interfered with services at two separate churches in recent weeks .
The most serious allegation comes from Cornerstone Baptist Church in the Woodlawn area of South Chicago .
According to a letter from Pastor Courtney Lewis , Chicago sent three squad cars with armed policemen to interrupt their service this past Sunday .
“ Like the Soviet styled KGB they knocked on our locked doors ; the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet ’ is beat the doors down and arrest our members , ” Lewis wrote in a letter to U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois John Lausch .
“ Thankfully our doors were locked as a normal safety precaution we take each service to protect our members from the escalating gun violence in Chicago .
“ Mayor Lightfoot is defiant of the US Constitution and our freedom to worship.
” Illinois Gov .
J.B. Pritzker introduced a five-phase plan for reopening Illinois which wouldn ’ t allow large gatherings — including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — until “ a vaccine or highly effective treatment [ is ] widely available or ” there is “ the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period.
” Given the timelines experts have given , that target could be at least a year off .
That didn ’ t fly with churches in the Chicago area ; according to the Hyde Park Herald , several churches have announced their intention to reopen .
Lightfoot said she would “ rather be in conversation than conflict , ” although she also said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church that held in-person services in violation of the lockdown .
Work that one out for yourself .
In the case of Cornerstone Baptist Church , the Hyde Park Herald reported the congregation ’ s May 17 service went off without interference from the fuzz .
However , in the Albany Park neighborhood , Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church had “ no parking ” signs in front of it that were put up by the city .
This Sunday , however , things allegedly took a turn at Cornerstone Baptist .
According to Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attendees ” at the church , far more than are currently allowed under the state ’ s ban on religious gatherings of more than 10 people .
Lewis told conservative radio host Todd Starnes that an usher spotted the police and took pictures of them .
Meanwhile , here ’ s a small sample of where the media stands on the issue from a May 11 headline in the Chicago Sun-Times : “ Lightfoot hopes to educate defiant church into compliance , avoiding mass arrests.
” “ We ’ re not gon na @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People are exercising their faith , and I understand that , ” she said .
Her idea of education may not match yours , however .
The Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church faced fines of up to $ 1,500 for holding three in-person services , according to a May 17 article from Block Club Chicago .
This , of course , is in addition to the “ no-parking ” signs .
The optics of harassing two minority congregations — one black and one Romanian — apparently isn ’ t a problem for Lightfoot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nor , apparently , is the attention and resources being used on two small congregations that , from all appearances , have implemented social distancing best practices .
Now , is this wise ?
I ’ m in no position to judge .
Most congregations , including my own , have moved to online services for the time being .
I ’ m no epidemiologist , but common sense tells me it ’ s a safer alternative .
However , that ’ s not the point .
For Lewis , keeping his church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — an obligation protected by the Bill of Rights .
“ We are trying to follow the laws of man as much as reasonably possible but when the laws of man conflict with the laws of God I as a pastor have a duty to follow the laws of God , ” he wrote in his letter .
“ We will not be intimidated by this overhanded government bully but we are requesting the assistance of our president and our justice department in correcting the grave miscarriage of the law.
” And as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been to work , to the grocery store , to any other business that has been open , then you should attend [ church ] .
The church building will be no less safe than any of those places , ” Lewis wrote in a separate letter to parishioners earlier this month .
“ A week ago , I went to Walgreens with my daughter and I saw that 109 people are allowed in the store at a time .
I think we will have a few less than that in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit more neatly for Starnes : “ All we are seeking is the same consideration and trust that is being tendered toward the liquor stores , abortion clinics and Walmart.
” And that ’ s the thing : Neither liquor stores nor Walmart are protected under the Constitution .
It ’ s right up front in the First Amendment : “ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion , or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
” Yes , these are trying times — but if churches are practicing social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be harassing them .
That ’ ll likely put them in public conflict with the Trump administration , if not legal conflict with the Justice Department .
The president has made clear that he believes religious congregations have the right to reopen and the DOJ has openly sided with congregations pursuing legal action against states and local jurisdictions .
“ I call on governors to allow our churches and places of worship to open right now , ” the president said in remarks at the White House Friday .
“ These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and keep our people united , ” he added .
“ The people are demanding to go to church and synagogue and to their mosque.
” Lewis ’ claims , it ’ s worth noting , have yet to be fully corroborated .
What ’ s clear , though , is that Chicago is engaged in a problematic pattern of targeting churches without regard for the constitutional protections afford them .
They ’ re far from the only jurisdiction doing so , but the reports seem to indicate they ’ re one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precedent and the Trump administration ’ s focus on protecting the right to worship freely , however , that could change very quickly .
In other words , maybe sticking with a “ Pray , Don ’ t Stay ” campaign might have been a better alternative for Mayor Lightfoot and the city of Chicago .
It ’ s slightly too late for that now , though .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The amount of obloquy heaped upon religious congregations that insist on exercising their First Amendment right to the free exercise of religion is, quite frankly, one of the most baffling aspects of the coronavirus lockdown to this writer.
In New York City, for instance, millennials and other social drinkers are gathering outside bars — many without masks — sipping their “takeaway” drinks and mingling in a way that doesn’t exactly evince social distancing. In response, New York City launched the “Take Out, Don’t Hang Out” campaign, according to Gothamist — a pleasant, hands-off way of dealing with the problem.
When religious congregations said they might continue meeting in person earlier in the spring, however, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio actually threatened to shutter those congregations permanently. Apparently, NYC skipped right over the “Pray, Don’t Stay” campaign. More’s the pity, because the slogan just suggests itself.
Dealing with churches, synagogues and mosques almost exclusively with the heavy hand of the law isn’t exactly a good look, particularly given the First Amendment protections afforded to religious congregations. Already, a ban on in-person church gatherings in Kentucky has been struck down by a federal court, a clear sign that perhaps state and local jurisdictions should tread carefully when it comes to faith.
Don’t tell that to Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her city’s law enforcement, which allegedly tried to shut down a Baptist church service with armed police in a manner the pastor described as “like the Soviet styled KGB.”
It’s worth noting there’s some question as to how much Chicago police interfered with services at two separate churches in recent weeks.
The most serious allegation comes from Cornerstone Baptist Church in the Woodlawn area of South Chicago.
According to a letter from Pastor Courtney Lewis, Chicago sent three squad cars with armed policemen to interrupt their service this past Sunday.
“Like the Soviet styled KGB they knocked on our locked doors; the only thing she hasn’t done ‘yet’ is beat the doors down and arrest our members,” Lewis wrote in a letter to U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois John Lausch.
Should churches be able to meet in-person without restrictions? Yes No
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“Thankfully our doors were locked as a normal safety precaution we take each service to protect our members from the escalating gun violence in Chicago.
“Mayor Lightfoot is defiant of the US Constitution and our freedom to worship.”
It’s not just Lightfoot, it’s worth noting.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker introduced a five-phase plan for reopening Illinois which wouldn’t allow large gatherings — including church services of more than 50 people — until “a vaccine or highly effective treatment [is] widely available or” there is “the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period.”
Given the timelines experts have given, that target could be at least a year off. That didn’t fly with churches in the Chicago area; according to the Hyde Park Herald, several churches have announced their intention to reopen.
Lightfoot said she would “rather be in conversation than conflict,” although she also said the city would be issuing citations to any church that held in-person services in violation of the lockdown. Work that one out for yourself.
In the case of Cornerstone Baptist Church, the Hyde Park Herald reported the congregation’s May 17 service went off without interference from the fuzz. However, in the Albany Park neighborhood, Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church had “no parking” signs in front of it that were put up by the city.
This Sunday, however, things allegedly took a turn at Cornerstone Baptist.
According to Lewis’ letter, there were “45 attendees” at the church, far more than are currently allowed under the state’s ban on religious gatherings of more than 10 people.
Lewis told conservative radio host Todd Starnes that an usher spotted the police and took pictures of them.
Meanwhile, here’s a small sample of where the media stands on the issue from a May 11 headline in the Chicago Sun-Times: “Lightfoot hopes to educate defiant church into compliance, avoiding mass arrests.”
“We’re not gonna send in the police to arrest parishioners. People are exercising their faith, and I understand that,” she said.
Her idea of education may not match yours, however.
The Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church faced fines of up to $1,500 for holding three in-person services , according to a May 17 article from Block Club Chicago. This, of course, is in addition to the “no-parking” signs.
The optics of harassing two minority congregations — one black and one Romanian — apparently isn’t a problem for Lightfoot or anyone else in the city. Nor, apparently, is the attention and resources being used on two small congregations that, from all appearances, have implemented social distancing best practices.
Now, is this wise? I’m in no position to judge.
Most congregations, including my own, have moved to online services for the time being. I’m no epidemiologist, but common sense tells me it’s a safer alternative.
However, that’s not the point. For Lewis, keeping his church open is a matter of religious obligation — an obligation protected by the Bill of Rights.
“We are trying to follow the laws of man as much as reasonably possible but when the laws of man conflict with the laws of God I as a pastor have a duty to follow the laws of God,” he wrote in his letter.
“We will not be intimidated by this overhanded government bully but we are requesting the assistance of our president and our justice department in correcting the grave miscarriage of the law.”
And as for the danger?
“If you have been to work, to the grocery store, to any other business that has been open, then you should attend [church]. The church building will be no less safe than any of those places,” Lewis wrote in a separate letter to parishioners earlier this month.
“A week ago, I went to Walgreens with my daughter and I saw that 109 people are allowed in the store at a time. I think we will have a few less than that in the building.”
He summed it up a bit more neatly for Starnes: “All we are seeking is the same consideration and trust that is being tendered toward the liquor stores, abortion clinics and Walmart.”
And that’s the thing: Neither liquor stores nor Walmart are protected under the Constitution. It’s right up front in the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
Yes, these are trying times — but if churches are practicing social distancing guidelines, Chicago officialdom doesn’t need to be harassing them.
That’ll likely put them in public conflict with the Trump administration, if not legal conflict with the Justice Department. The president has made clear that he believes religious congregations have the right to reopen and the DOJ has openly sided with congregations pursuing legal action against states and local jurisdictions.
“I call on governors to allow our churches and places of worship to open right now,” the president said in remarks at the White House Friday.
“These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united,” he added. “The people are demanding to go to church and synagogue and to their mosque.”
Lewis’ claims, it’s worth noting, have yet to be fully corroborated. What’s clear, though, is that Chicago is engaged in a problematic pattern of targeting churches without regard for the constitutional protections afford them.
They’re far from the only jurisdiction doing so, but the reports seem to indicate they’re one of the most aggressive. Given federal court precedent and the Trump administration’s focus on protecting the right to worship freely, however, that could change very quickly.
In other words, maybe sticking with a “Pray, Don’t Stay” campaign might have been a better alternative for Mayor Lightfoot and the city of Chicago. It’s slightly too late for that now, though.
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westernjournal--2020-05-26--Elizabeth Warren Shows Her True Colors in Push for Biden VP Spot

When it comes to Elizabeth Warren , money changes everything .
The Massachusetts senator and erstwhile contender for the Democratic presidential nomination used to take a principled stand against courting big-dollar campaign contributions .
But with the possibility in sight of a vice presidential slot on a Democratic ticket headed by presumptive candidate Joe Biden , it turns out her principles when it comes to raising money are as weak as her claim to Indian ancestry .
According to The New York Times , Warren is scheduled to host a private June 15 gathering of high-spending Democratic donors online to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her back on her nomination campaign pledges to turn her back on big money .
Back in the early months of 2019 , as The Times reported at the time , Warren announced that “ her bid for the Democratic nomination will forgo traditional fund-raising methods meant to cultivate a candidate ’ s relationships with the wealthy.
“ TRENDING : COVID Survivor Was Banned from Flying Trump Flag To Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better “ That means no fancy receptions or big money fund-raisers only with people who can write @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a February email , according to The Times .
“ It means that wealthy donors won ’ t be able to purchase better seats or one-on-one time with me at our events .
And it means I won ’ t be doing ‘ call time , ’ which is when candidates take hours to call wealthy donors to ask for their support.
” That was then , as the saying goes , and this is now .
And now Warren is a potential running mate for a man who will be turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would make him older on Inauguration Day than former President Ronald Reagan was on the day he left office .
At 70 , of course , Warren is no spring chicken herself , and Biden ’ s advanced age doesn ’ t mean anything for sure .
But actuarial tables exist for a reason .
It ’ s a safe bet that a Vice President Warren would have a better chance of assuming the Oval Office through a sudden vacancy than , say , former Vice President Biden did when he served under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his junior .
And there ’ s growing speculation that Warren – once considered a better fit for a potential Bernie Sanders-led ticket — is a contender for the Democratic second-banana slot with Biden as the nominee .
That was the take from a CNN piece published Sunday .
“ Biden and his team have said that the decision will ultimately turn on two key wagers : that he can foresee a partnership , in the White House , that has the potential to mirror the close relationship he shared with President Barack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to ascend and lead , if necessary , with little or no on-the-job training , ” CNN reporters Gregory Krieg and Dan Merica wrote .
“ Warren ’ s ability to step seamlessly into the role — and take the step up if necessary — is unquestioned by most Democrats.
” The key words there are “ most Democrats.
” For sane Americans , Warren ’ s ability to “ step seamlessly ” into the role of president of the United States shouldn ’ t just be questionable , it should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life are limited to academia and politics – if Americans want to see a return of the fecklessness of the Obama presidency , that would be a good start .
But if Americans had wanted that , Hillary Clinton would have won the 2016 presidential election .
Warren ’ s personal honesty has been shown to fall short by a DNA test she commissioned herself , which proved her decades-long claim to have Cherokee ancestry ( a claim that no doubt helped her considerably in the ethnicity-obsessed atmosphere of higher education ) was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Warren ’ s DNA test saga ended with her apologizing to the Cherokee Nation .
Her reach for the mantle of female victimhood by claiming to have been fired from a teaching job in 1971 for being pregnant turned out to be even more questionable than her “ Cherokee ” heritage .
And now , her high-profile pledge to avoid the kind financial courtship that plays such a huge role in American politics is proving to be just as empty as Warren ’ s claims of Indian ancestry and gender discrimination .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now — she ’ s not raising the cash for herself , she ’ s raising it for Biden !
She ’ s raising it for the cause !
For Elizabeth Warren , obviously , money changes everything .
And a shot at being vice president doesn ’ t hurt at all .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When it comes to Elizabeth Warren, money changes everything.
The Massachusetts senator and erstwhile contender for the Democratic presidential nomination used to take a principled stand against courting big-dollar campaign contributions.
But with the possibility in sight of a vice presidential slot on a Democratic ticket headed by presumptive candidate Joe Biden, it turns out her principles when it comes to raising money are as weak as her claim to Indian ancestry.
According to The New York Times, Warren is scheduled to host a private June 15 gathering of high-spending Democratic donors online to benefit the Biden-for-president effort – basically turning her back on her nomination campaign pledges to turn her back on big money.
Back in the early months of 2019, as The Times reported at the time, Warren announced that “her bid for the Democratic nomination will forgo traditional fund-raising methods meant to cultivate a candidate’s relationships with the wealthy.“
“That means no fancy receptions or big money fund-raisers only with people who can write the big checks,” Warren wrote in a February email, according to The Times. “It means that wealthy donors won’t be able to purchase better seats or one-on-one time with me at our events. And it means I won’t be doing ‘call time,’ which is when candidates take hours to call wealthy donors to ask for their support.”
That was then, as the saying goes, and this is now.
And now Warren is a potential running mate for a man who will be turning 78 years old in November, which would make him older on Inauguration Day than former President Ronald Reagan was on the day he left office.
At 70, of course, Warren is no spring chicken herself, and Biden’s advanced age doesn’t mean anything for sure. But actuarial tables exist for a reason.
Do you think Elizabeth Warren would help a Biden presidential ticket? Yes No
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It’s a safe bet that a Vice President Warren would have a better chance of assuming the Oval Office through a sudden vacancy than, say, former Vice President Biden did when he served under Barack Obama – a man 20 years his junior.
And there’s growing speculation that Warren – once considered a better fit for a potential Bernie Sanders-led ticket — is a contender for the Democratic second-banana slot with Biden as the nominee. That was the take from a CNN piece published Sunday.
Democrats see Elizabeth Warren as a rising VP contender as coronavirus reshuffles the 2020 race https://t.co/tBaxttqkSF pic.twitter.com/3ZJBjD2rcm — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) May 25, 2020
“Biden and his team have said that the decision will ultimately turn on two key wagers: that he can foresee a partnership, in the White House, that has the potential to mirror the close relationship he shared with President Barack Obama. And that his choice be ready to ascend and lead, if necessary, with little or no on-the-job training,” CNN reporters Gregory Krieg and Dan Merica wrote.
“Warren’s ability to step seamlessly into the role — and take the step up if necessary — is unquestioned by most Democrats.”
The key words there are “most Democrats.”
For sane Americans, Warren’s ability to “step seamlessly” into the role of president of the United States shouldn’t just be questionable, it should be non-existent.
The experiences of her adult life are limited to academia and politics – if Americans want to see a return of the fecklessness of the Obama presidency, that would be a good start. But if Americans had wanted that, Hillary Clinton would have won the 2016 presidential election.
Warren’s personal honesty has been shown to fall short by a DNA test she commissioned herself, which proved her decades-long claim to have Cherokee ancestry (a claim that no doubt helped her considerably in the ethnicity-obsessed atmosphere of higher education) was an illusion.
Instead of a triumph, Warren’s DNA test saga ended with her apologizing to the Cherokee Nation.
Her reach for the mantle of female victimhood by claiming to have been fired from a teaching job in 1971 for being pregnant turned out to be even more questionable than her “Cherokee” heritage.
And now, her high-profile pledge to avoid the kind financial courtship that plays such a huge role in American politics is proving to be just as empty as Warren’s claims of Indian ancestry and gender discrimination.
The cries of Warren defenders are predictable right now — she’s not raising the cash for herself, she’s raising it for Biden! She’s raising it for the cause!
Right.
For Elizabeth Warren, obviously, money changes everything.
And a shot at being vice president doesn’t hurt at all.
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westernjournal--2020-05-26--Watch: Joe Biden Tells Voters That He Is Going To Beat Himself in the 2020 Election

I don ’ t need to tell you it ’ s been an unusual election year .
Beyond the extraneous circumstances surrounding the 2020 presidential campaign , however , here ’ s a curious thought : One of the two major candidates just went on network TV and said that he was going to beat himself in November .
And beyond that , it ’ s difficult to say he was even wrong .
Let me explain .
Joe Biden emerged from his basement in Wilmington , Delaware , on Friday to appear on CNBC ’ s “ Squawk Box.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that means we get two more weeks of quarantine .
As usual , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee engaged in a bit of verbal infelicity , telling America he was going to beat himself come election time .
TRENDING : COVID Survivor Was Banned from Flying Trump Flag To Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better The answer came in response to a question about whether he could unite the party , given that a segment of it has broken off and drifted well to the left ( supporting the likes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts ) .
“ Are you prepared now to say you ’ re going to govern as a progressive and enact programs in the mold of Sanders and Warren , and if so , what does that say to either moderate Democrats or independents or even some Republicans dissatisfied with President Trump ?
” co-host Joe Kernen asked the former vice president .
“ I ’ m prepared to say that I have a record of over 40 years , ” Biden said .
“ And that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Look at my record .
The fact is that some areas that I think , for example , I think health care is a right , not a privilege .
I do not support ‘ Medicare for all.
’ I will not support ‘ Medicare for all.
’ But I do support making sure that Obamacare is around as a public option.
” This is all pretty accurate , just not the way Biden intended .
His record stretches back a little longer than he wants to admit ; it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this point .
That ’ s a problem for him , especially considering his interesting alliances with arch-segregationists in the 1970s and other positions that are considered faux pas in a Democratic Party that assumes history began yesterday and anyone who ever held positions contrary to liberal gospel at present is even worse than a Republican .
That ’ s a problem for Biden , but he doesn ’ t seem to know it .
But yeah , that ’ s not what you ’ re focusing on : “ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It looks like a gaffe .
I ’ d argue it ’ s more of a Freudian slip .
Yes , Joe Biden will beat Joe Biden .
He ’ s going to do it by saying stuff like “ I ’ m going to beat Joe Biden.
” He ’ s going to beat himself by forgetting who he is .
And he ’ s going to do it by not being leftist enough for the progressives and being too far left for the rest of America .
Take , for instance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RELATED : Politico Report Puts Spotlight on How Democrats Really Look at an Economic Turnaround “ I do not support a , you know , forgiving debt loan for every single solitary person no matter where you went to school , ” Biden told Kernan .
“ But I do support the idea , if , in fact , you have student debt as a consequence of going to a public university and your income is under $ 125,000 , it should be forgiven .
I do believe that anyone going to school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university and/or community college , they should be able to go for free if income is under $ 125,000.
” Have fun getting those Bard College votes , Uncle Joe .
This is the Catch-22 of the Biden campaign .
If you keep him at home and limit his media appearances , it allows President Donald Trump to suck up all the air in the campaign room .
That kind of , sort of worked for Biden when the coronavirus panic was mounting and Trump ’ s media briefings were perceived in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the period where everything seemed to be hitting us all at once is over ; we ’ re starting to live with the disease , strange and restrictive as “ the new normal ” may be .
Trump never made as many unforced errors as Biden believed he would , and hiding the Democratic nominee in his basement until November isn ’ t going to work .
So now he makes media appearances — and they go a little bit like this : But at least he knows that you need more education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whichever one we ’ re in .
Did we get that Y2K problem fixed yet ?
Or , hey , how about a blast from the recent past when he was asked about those who say the cure can ’ t be worse than the disease ?
I understand that Biden has never been nimble on his feet .
He was always able to deliver soaring rhetoric off a teleprompter ( particularly if that rhetoric was from Neil Kinnock ) , but ask Biden a question he wasn ’ t expecting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on end .
This is different ; I can ’ t think of any situation where these answers aren ’ t indicative of someone who lacks the cognitive faculty to become commander in chief .
There ’ s never a lack of speculation around this time of an election year as to who the nominee or nominees will pick for a running mate .
In this case , it ’ s different .
One gets the feeling whoever gets picked will be , for all intents and purposes , the 46th president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She ( Biden has promised to choose a woman ) will be doing the heavy lifting while Biden talks about “ Wool War II ” : But then , it ’ ll hardly matter .
For once , the presumptive Democrat nominee got it right : Joe Biden is going to defeat Joe Biden .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

RETRACTED, June 2, 2020: The Western Journal has retracted this article after the wording of the statement made by former Vice President Joe Biden was called into question. According to the Biden campaign, the candidate said that he would “be Joe Biden,” not that he would “beat Joe Biden.” The transcript of the CNBC video on YouTube indicated that Biden had said “I’m going to beat Joe Biden,” but the explanation from the Biden campaign makes sense in context, though it’s difficult to determine exactly what he said even after repeated viewings of the video. However, even if Biden did say “beat,” it would appear to be nothing more than a slip of the tongue in this instance, and not worthy of coverage by The Western Journal. We apologize to our readers and to Mr. Biden for the error.
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