westernjournal--2020-06-07--Invasive Fly Now Laying Eggs in Strawberries, But a 2-Ingredient Wash Flushes Them Out

An invasive fly is laying eggs in some of America ’ s favorite produce .
Thankfully , all it takes is a simple wash to flush most of these creepy-crawlies out .
Although the spotted wing drosophila flies have been in the United States for over a decade , social media posts recording wriggly maggots crawling from strawberries propelled the insects to internet stardom last month .
To goad the creatures out of their sugary homes , the strawberries must first be soaked in a solution of warm water and salt .
The wash flushes out the small white maggots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as any other bugs hitching a ride on the produce .
When this was discovered , the trend quickly went viral on TikTok , YouTube , and Facebook .
TRENDING : Candace Owens Exposes George Floyd 's Criminal Past , Says She Does Not Support Him as a Martyr The videos have racked up millions of views across multiple platforms .
For now , it seems this invasive pest might be an unavoidable problem in some areas .
Sriyanka Lahiri , an assistant professor at the University of Florida , says that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by even the sharpest farmers and grocers .
“ This species is able to make a very fine incision that can ’ t be seen with a naked eye and lays its eggs in there , ” Lahiri , a strawberry and small-crop entomologist , told USA Today .
“ When the picker gets the fruit , they can ’ t even see that there ’ s an egg because it ’ s deep in the fruit.
” The eggs survive with the help of a breathing tube that extends to the fruit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have to rely solely on strawberries either , but are able to lay the next generation of pests inside of a wide variety of produce .
But saltwater washes force any larvae inside the fruit to escape for fear of dehydration .
While these creepy insects might already be in your store-bought produce ( and possibly even your home garden ) , there ’ s little danger in accidentally consuming them .
Lahiri claimed it would be like “ having some extra animal protein in your diet.
” What should concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is any residual pesticide coating produce .
All it takes is water to wash these chemicals off , however .
So far , 2020 has been difficult enough with a plague , civil unrest , and murder hornets .
Having to worry about maggots in strawberries might be asking too much of some people .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An invasive fly is laying eggs in some of America’s favorite produce. Thankfully, all it takes is a simple wash to flush most of these creepy-crawlies out.
Although the spotted wing drosophila flies have been in the United States for over a decade, social media posts recording wriggly maggots crawling from strawberries propelled the insects to internet stardom last month.
To goad the creatures out of their sugary homes, the strawberries must first be soaked in a solution of warm water and salt.
The wash flushes out the small white maggots of the invasive flies, as well as any other bugs hitching a ride on the produce.
When this was discovered, the trend quickly went viral on TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.
The videos have racked up millions of views across multiple platforms.
For now, it seems this invasive pest might be an unavoidable problem in some areas.
Will you test your produce with this method? 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: 89% (270 Votes) No: 11% (34 Votes)
Sriyanka Lahiri, an assistant professor at the University of Florida, says that the tiny bugs’ eggs can escape detection by even the sharpest farmers and grocers.
“This species is able to make a very fine incision that can’t be seen with a naked eye and lays its eggs in there,” Lahiri, a strawberry and small-crop entomologist, told USA Today. “When the picker gets the fruit, they can’t even see that there’s an egg because it’s deep in the fruit.”
The eggs survive with the help of a breathing tube that extends to the fruit’s skin.
The flies don’t have to rely solely on strawberries either, but are able to lay the next generation of pests inside of a wide variety of produce.
But saltwater washes force any larvae inside the fruit to escape for fear of dehydration.
While these creepy insects might already be in your store-bought produce (and possibly even your home garden), there’s little danger in accidentally consuming them.
Lahiri claimed it would be like “having some extra animal protein in your diet.”
What should concern consumers more, according to Lahiri, is any residual pesticide coating produce. All it takes is water to wash these chemicals off, however.
So far, 2020 has been difficult enough with a plague, civil unrest, and murder hornets. Having to worry about maggots in strawberries might be asking too much of some people.
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westernjournal--2020-06-07--Dem Lawmaker Vows To Not Accept Donations from Police, But Lib Challenger Unsatisfied

In the politically polarized environment that has re-emerged in the aftermath of George Floyd ’ s death , a California state Senate contest between two Democrats has become a duel to see which candidate can best reject any taint of police support .
Jackie Fielder is seeking to unseat incumbent Democrat Scott Wiener in the 11th state Senate District , which covers San Francisco .
The two emerged as the top two candidates after a March primary knocked out the only Republican in other field .
Last week , Fielder — who portrays herself as a progressive alternative to Wiener @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all endorsements and money from police unions to prove that he really has credibility when it comes to opposing the police .
TRENDING : Candace Owens Exposes George Floyd 's Criminal Past , Says She Does Not Support Him as a Martyr “ A message for all politicians , especially Democratic ones : You can ’ t be in solidarity with the protestors demanding justice for George Floyd , Ahmaud Arbery , and countless murdered Black people when you ’ re bankrolled by the very organizations killing them , ” Fielder also tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wiener , who on Thursday said he would do what Fielder challenged him to do .
“ I ’ m donating all contributions to my reelection campaign from law enforcement unions to SF & Daly City nonprofits serving at-risk youth of color .
Our policing/criminal justice system is broken & needs drastic change .
I want to be very clear about where I stand in this fight , ” he tweeted .
“ I also won ’ t accept contributions from law enforcement unions going forward , ” he tweeted .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate fighting to change our broken criminal justice system , focusing on decarceration .
This system kills/harms countless people , esp people of color .
We need to do more & I ‘ m committed to this fight.
” But this failed to placate Fielder .
“ My opponent conceded to my challenge issued on Sunday , ” she tweeted .
“ However , this : 1 ) Doesn ’ t account for $ 45,000+ from your first State Senate campaign 2 ) Falls short of a commitment to reject contributions from PACs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
One commentator noted that the overriding issue is a change in political culture concerning support for law enforcement unions : Amid the back-and-forth , Wiener accused Fielder of benefiting from money from the San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs Association .
“ His campaign is trying to position me as someone who benefits from the deputy sheriffs and it makes no sense whatsoever , ” she told the Bay Area Reporter .
“ There ’ s not a word in his comments today apologizing.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our editorial standards .

In the politically polarized environment that has re-emerged in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, a California state Senate contest between two Democrats has become a duel to see which candidate can best reject any taint of police support.
Jackie Fielder is seeking to unseat incumbent Democrat Scott Wiener in the 11th state Senate District, which covers San Francisco.
The two emerged as the top two candidates after a March primary knocked out the only Republican in other field.
Last week, Fielder — who portrays herself as a progressive alternative to Wiener — challenged Wiener on Twitter to reject all endorsements and money from police unions to prove that he really has credibility when it comes to opposing the police.
I challenge my opponent @Scott_Wiener to reject police $ and donate upwards of $25k of that to bail funds and mutual aid orgs today https://t.co/uBHY9AMpXM pic.twitter.com/hRpWugRL0f — Jackie Fielder for CA Senate D-11 (@JackieFielder_) May 31, 2020
“A message for all politicians, especially Democratic ones: You can’t be in solidarity with the protestors demanding justice for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless murdered Black people when you’re bankrolled by the very organizations killing them,” Fielder also tweeted.
A message for all politicians, especially Democratic ones: You can’t be in solidarity with the protestors demanding justice for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless murdered Black people when you’re bankrolled by the very organizations killing them. pic.twitter.com/Jxq3a2aDE3 — Jackie Fielder for CA Senate D-11 (@JackieFielder_) June 1, 2020
Do you think there's anything wrong with receiving support from police unions? Yes No
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The shot provoked a reaction from Wiener, who on Thursday said he would do what Fielder challenged him to do.
“I’m donating all contributions to my reelection campaign from law enforcement unions to SF & Daly City nonprofits serving at-risk youth of color. Our policing/criminal justice system is broken & needs drastic change. I want to be very clear about where I stand in this fight,” he tweeted.
2/ I also won’t accept contributions from law enforcement unions going forward. I’m donating the funds to 3 community-based organizations that do amazing work to support/empower at-risk youth: Boys & Girls Club of SF, Larkin Street Youth Services, Daly City Youth Health Center. — Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) June 4, 2020
“I also won’t accept contributions from law enforcement unions going forward,” he tweeted.
“I’ve spent my time in the Senate fighting to change our broken criminal justice system, focusing on decarceration. This system kills/harms countless people, esp people of color. We need to do more & I‘m committed to this fight.”
3/ I’ve spent my time in the Senate fighting to change our broken criminal justice system, focusing on decarceration. This system kills/harms countless people, esp people of color. We need to do more & I‘m committed to this fight. I’ll release policy proposals in coming days. — Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) June 4, 2020
But this failed to placate Fielder.
“My opponent conceded to my challenge issued on Sunday,” she tweeted.
“However, this: 1) Doesn’t account for $45,000+ from your first State Senate campaign 2) Falls short of a commitment to reject contributions from PACs funded by law enforcement associations,” she said.
“No loopholes.”
My opponent @Scott_Wiener conceded to my challenge issued on Sunday. However, this: 1) Doesn’t account for $45,000+ from your first State Senate campaign 2) Falls short of a commitment to reject contributions from PACs funded by law enforcement associations No loopholes. — Jackie Fielder for CA Senate D-11 (@JackieFielder_) June 4, 2020
One commentator noted that the overriding issue is a change in political culture concerning support for law enforcement unions:
In California, a Democratic state senator from San Francisco is now lumping police unions in with the likes of Big Tabacco; Big Oil and PhRMA in what is becoming a major reordering of political alliances. https://t.co/Cb2EnNmtPV — Christopher Cadelago (@ccadelago) June 4, 2020
Amid the back-and-forth, Wiener accused Fielder of benefiting from money from the San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs Association.
2/ My opponent @JackieFielder_ was featured in mailers/fliers partly funded w $ from Deputy Sheriffs Assoc (law enforcement union). The Sheriffs donated to Fielder allies (Supervisors Hillary Ronen, Matt Haney, Gordon Mar) who then donated to help fund mailers featuring Fielder: pic.twitter.com/9thI6azQt3 — Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) June 4, 2020
Fielder said that’s inaccurate.
“His campaign is trying to position me as someone who benefits from the deputy sheriffs and it makes no sense whatsoever,” she told the Bay Area Reporter.
“There’s not a word in his comments today apologizing.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-08--Pregnant Elephant Dies After Reportedly Eating Fruit Filled with Fireworks

In the struggle for survival , people have found ways to protect themselves and their livelihoods .
For many farmers , that means they wage war daily against the animals that would destroy their fields and eat their crops .
From tiny insects to the greatest lumbering beasts , there are many animals looking to make a meal out of densely planted crops .
One way that some farmers in India have found to ward off the larger beasts is by filling fruit and other foods with firecrackers .
Obviously the damage that such a method causes for an animal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the method has been condemned , according to NDTV .
But that hasn ’ t stopped some people from using it .
In Kerala , India , a pregnant elephant died while standing in a river .
While she passed away on May 27 , she was initially wounded on or before May 23 and spent days in what must have been excruciating pain .
“ The postmortem report says that there was an explosion in the mouth , ” Ashique Ali , a local forest officer , said , according to CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sets Him on Fire as Unrest Spreads Across Globe “ We don ’ t know yet what caused the explosion.
” When the elephant was first spotted on May 23 and wildlife authorities tried to approach and tranquilize her , she escaped .
On May 25 , she was spotted in a river — but since she was in water , she couldn ’ t be safely tranquilized .
“ In order to give treatment , it has to be immobilized but we could not use a tranquilizer while it is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drown , ” Ali added .
Two other elephants were brought in to coax her out of the river , but she refused to be persuaded .
Some posited that she stood in the river in an attempt to soothe the pain , others suggested it was to keep flies from getting to her wounds .
Either way , the poor creature died two days later after reportedly inhaling water and experiencing respiratory failure , according to the Daily Mail .
“ ( The explosion ) fractured the bones and caused a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Surendra Kumar , the chief wildlife warden , said .
“ The animal could not eat and became weak .
And then died.
” While this kind of tragedy is not unheard of , this particular case is bringing a lot of attention to the inhumane practice and the need to crack down on offenders .
RELATED : Age 4 Boy Gets Stuck in Hollow Tree Until 'Hero ' Bystander Comes to the Rescue Prakash Javadekar , the Minister of Environment , Forest & Climate Change , said that the government would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government has taken a very serious note of the killing of an elephant in Mallapuram , # Kerala , ” he tweeted .
“ We will not leave any stone unturned to investigate properly and nab the culprit ( s ) .
This is not an Indian culture to feed fire crackers and kill.
” By June 5 , three suspects had been identified and one , a 40-year-old man , was arrested .
“ The arrested man is a rubber tapper , ” G Siva Vikram , the Palakkad district police chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is on for others.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In the struggle for survival, people have found ways to protect themselves and their livelihoods. For many farmers, that means they wage war daily against the animals that would destroy their fields and eat their crops.
From tiny insects to the greatest lumbering beasts, there are many animals looking to make a meal out of densely planted crops. One way that some farmers in India have found to ward off the larger beasts is by filling fruit and other foods with firecrackers.
Obviously the damage that such a method causes for an animal is catastrophic, and as such, the method has been condemned, according to NDTV. But that hasn’t stopped some people from using it.
In Kerala, India, a pregnant elephant died while standing in a river. While she passed away on May 27, she was initially wounded on or before May 23 and spent days in what must have been excruciating pain.
“The postmortem report says that there was an explosion in the mouth,” Ashique Ali, a local forest officer, said, according to CNN.
“We don’t know yet what caused the explosion.”
When the elephant was first spotted on May 23 and wildlife authorities tried to approach and tranquilize her, she escaped.
On May 25, she was spotted in a river — but since she was in water, she couldn’t be safely tranquilized.
“In order to give treatment, it has to be immobilized but we could not use a tranquilizer while it is in the water because then the animal can drown,” Ali added.
Two other elephants were brought in to coax her out of the river, but she refused to be persuaded.
Some posited that she stood in the river in an attempt to soothe the pain, others suggested it was to keep flies from getting to her wounds. Either way, the poor creature died two days later after reportedly inhaling water and experiencing respiratory failure, according to the Daily Mail.
“(The explosion) fractured the bones and caused a lot of damage to the mouth,” Surendra Kumar, the chief wildlife warden, said. “The animal could not eat and became weak. And then died.”
While this kind of tragedy is not unheard of, this particular case is bringing a lot of attention to the inhumane practice and the need to crack down on offenders.
Prakash Javadekar, the Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, said that the government would be seriously investigating the incident.
Central Government has taken a very serious note of the killing of an elephant in Mallapuram, #Kerala. We will not leave any stone unturned to investigate properly and nab the culprit(s). This is not an Indian culture to feed fire crackers and kill.@moefcc @PIB_India @PIBHindi — Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) June 4, 2020
“Central Government has taken a very serious note of the killing of an elephant in Mallapuram, #Kerala,” he tweeted. “We will not leave any stone unturned to investigate properly and nab the culprit(s). This is not an Indian culture to feed fire crackers and kill.”
By June 5, three suspects had been identified and one, a 40-year-old man, was arrested.
“The arrested man is a rubber tapper,” G Siva Vikram, the Palakkad district police chief, told NDTV. “A search is on for others.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-08--Dick Morris: The Truth Behind Police Killings

According to Heather Mac Donald , writing in The Wall Street Journal , “ [ t ] he police fatally shot nine unarmed blacks and 19 unarmed whites in 2019 , according to a Washington Post database.
” That number , while tragic , is down from 2015 when 38 unarmed black people were killed by police compared to 32 white people .
( “ Unarmed ” included examples where the victim had a gun in his car but not on his person . )
Overall , police fatally shot 1,004 people in 2019 .
About a quarter were African-Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitute 13 percent of America ’ s population , that ratio might seem excessive until one notes that 53 percent of homicide offenders are African-Americans .
TRENDING : Rioter Douses Police Officer , Sets Him on Fire as Unrest Spreads Across Globe Politically , the increasing stridency and vigor of protests against the police are leading the Democrats to consider a range of proposals to hobble the police .
Pelosi ’ s crew in Congress wants to drop the shield that protects police from liability for civil suits and strip them of military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Congress , protesters are calling for defunding police and diverting their appropriations to community , antipoverty , educational and youth groups .
Others are calling for reparations paid to African-Americans by the government to compensate them for the residual effects of slavery .
These and other radical proposals put Biden in a real bind .
If he supports them , he opens himself to a devastating counterattack from Trump .
But if he refuses to go along he will sap enthusiasm for his candidacy from African-American and white liberal voters .
Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden campaign .
In 2012 , African-Americans cast 13 percent of the vote nationally .
But only 12 percent of the 2016 electorate was black Since African-Americans voted 93 percent for Obama and 88 percent for Hillary , the decrease in turnout comes right off the Democratic vote share .
RELATED : Op-Ed : I ’ m Black and There ’ s No Way I ’ m Voting for Joe Biden Biden will not endear himself to black voters by waffling on the reform proposals of groups like Black Lives Matter .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their constituents , increasing their demands at each opportunity , they will pose a greater danger to Biden .
Having to run in an electorate that will be 70 percent white , he must modulate his positions , a stance guaranteed to drain the enthusiasm from his black support .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial @ @

Police do not disproportionately kill unarmed black men.
According to Heather Mac Donald, writing in The Wall Street Journal, “[t]he police fatally shot nine unarmed blacks and 19 unarmed whites in 2019, according to a Washington Post database.”
That number, while tragic, is down from 2015 when 38 unarmed black people were killed by police compared to 32 white people. (“Unarmed” included examples where the victim had a gun in his car but not on his person.)
Overall, police fatally shot 1,004 people in 2019. About a quarter were African-Americans, Mac Donald writes.
Since African-Americans constitute 13 percent of America’s population, that ratio might seem excessive until one notes that 53 percent of homicide offenders are African-Americans.
Politically, the increasing stridency and vigor of protests against the police are leading the Democrats to consider a range of proposals to hobble the police.
Pelosi’s crew in Congress wants to drop the shield that protects police from liability for civil suits and strip them of military equipment used by SWAT teams.
Outside of Congress, protesters are calling for defunding police and diverting their appropriations to community, antipoverty, educational and youth groups.
Others are calling for reparations paid to African-Americans by the government to compensate them for the residual effects of slavery.
Do you think the recent riots will harm Joe Biden's chances of winning the presidency in November? Yes No
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These and other radical proposals put Biden in a real bind. If he supports them, he opens himself to a devastating counterattack from Trump.
But if he refuses to go along he will sap enthusiasm for his candidacy from African-American and white liberal voters.
Black turnout is a major issue for the Biden campaign.
In 2012, African-Americans cast 13 percent of the vote nationally. But only 12 percent of the 2016 electorate was black
Since African-Americans voted 93 percent for Obama and 88 percent for Hillary, the decrease in turnout comes right off the Democratic vote share.
Biden will not endear himself to black voters by waffling on the reform proposals of groups like Black Lives Matter.
As African-American congressmen struggle to keep up with their constituents, increasing their demands at each opportunity, they will pose a greater danger to Biden.
Having to run in an electorate that will be 70 percent white, he must modulate his positions, a stance guaranteed to drain the enthusiasm from his black support.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-06-08--Prosecutors: Michael Avenatti May Have Violated Terms of Release

Celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti violated the terms of his temporary release from jail during the coronavirus pandemic by using a computer , federal prosecutors allege .
In a complaint obtained by CNN , a network Avenatti regularly appeared on before he was tried and convicted of attempting to extort Nike for millions of dollars , authorities say the celebrity lawyer used a computer to draft court documents to defend himself .
Avenatti ’ s release strictly prohibits him from using a computer with internet access .
According to federal prosecutors , the disgraced lawyer used the computer of his friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s third-party custodian upon his release from a New York federal jail , and those documents contain a digital footprint leading back to Avenatti .
“ [ T ] he government believes that defendant has likely violated the conditions of his temporary release by using his third-party custodian Jay Manheimer ’ s internet-accessible computer to draft his last five filings in this case .
At a minimum , defendant and his counsel have not been candid with this Court , ” a 33-page court filing read .
TRENDING : Rioter Douses Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unrest Spreads Across Globe The court filing states that on five occasions , documents crafted in Avenatti ’ s case were allegedly drafted by him .
“ On May 27 , 2020 , defendant , through counsel Mr .
Steward , filed a 72-page Status Report , which included as exhibits four news articles pulled from the internet , ” the document read .
“ The metadata for the Adobe PDF file that was submitted through the Court ’ s CM/ECF system ( CR 164 ) shows that the ‘ Author ’ of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custodian , ‘ JAY MANHEIMER , ’ and that the document was created using Microsoft Word and a Mac computer , ” the filing added .
Avenatti ’ s lawyer , Dean Steward , described the government ’ s evaluation of the metadata as “ inaccurate , ” according to CNN , and said the data does not point to Avenatti as the author of the documents .
“ There is also nothing prohibiting Mr. Manheimer from printing to PDF the final agreed-upon filing , ” Steward wrote in a court filing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center in New York for 90 days in April , NBC News reported .
The release came amid fears that the coronavirus might spread to inmate populations .
The former attorney for Stormy Daniels would have to report back to jail in July , but would remain under house arrest with strict conditions .
Avenatti was convicted in February of attempting to extort up to $ 25 million from Nike and was reported to be in millions of dollars in debt at the time .
The attorney is currently awaiting sentencing for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from Daniels , who catapulted her lawyer to fame when he represented her after she claimed she had previously had a sexual encounter with President Donald Trump , which Trump has denied .
Avenatti was previously touted as a potential 2020 Democrat presidential candidate by CNN ’ s Brian Stelter , as the Washington Examiner reported .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Celebrity attorney Michael Avenatti violated the terms of his temporary release from jail during the coronavirus pandemic by using a computer, federal prosecutors allege.
In a complaint obtained by CNN, a network Avenatti regularly appeared on before he was tried and convicted of attempting to extort Nike for millions of dollars, authorities say the celebrity lawyer used a computer to draft court documents to defend himself.
Avenatti’s release strictly prohibits him from using a computer with internet access.
According to federal prosecutors, the disgraced lawyer used the computer of his friend Jay Manheimer, who was named Avenatti’s third-party custodian upon his release from a New York federal jail, and those documents contain a digital footprint leading back to Avenatti.
“[T]he government believes that defendant has likely violated the conditions of his temporary release by using his third-party custodian Jay Manheimer’s internet-accessible computer to draft his last five filings in this case. At a minimum, defendant and his counsel have not been candid with this Court,” a 33-page court filing read.
The court filing states that on five occasions, documents crafted in Avenatti’s case were allegedly drafted by him.
“On May 27, 2020, defendant, through counsel Mr. Steward, filed a 72-page Status Report, which included as exhibits four news articles pulled from the internet,” the document read.
“The metadata for the Adobe PDF file that was submitted through the Court’s CM/ECF system (CR 164) shows that the ‘Author’ of the document was defendant’s third-party custodian, ‘JAY MANHEIMER,’ and that the document was created using Microsoft Word and a Mac computer,” the filing added.
Avenatti’s lawyer, Dean Steward, described the government’s evaluation of the metadata as “inaccurate,” according to CNN, and said the data does not point to Avenatti as the author of the documents.
Do you think President Trump will be re-elected? Yes No
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“There is also nothing prohibiting Mr. Manheimer from printing to PDF the final agreed-upon filing,” Steward wrote in a court filing.
Avenatti was released from the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York for 90 days in April, NBC News reported.
The release came amid fears that the coronavirus might spread to inmate populations.
The former attorney for Stormy Daniels would have to report back to jail in July, but would remain under house arrest with strict conditions.
Avenatti was convicted in February of attempting to extort up to $25 million from Nike and was reported to be in millions of dollars in debt at the time.
The attorney is currently awaiting sentencing for the extortion conviction.
Avenatti is also accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from Daniels, who catapulted her lawyer to fame when he represented her after she claimed she had previously had a sexual encounter with President Donald Trump, which Trump has denied.
Avenatti was previously touted as a potential 2020 Democrat presidential candidate by CNN’s Brian Stelter, as the Washington Examiner reported.
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westernjournal--2020-06-08--Mike Weinberger: President Trump, Bring the Boys Home and Get Re-Elected

If I could have a chat with President Trump I would say this : Mr. President , the past few months have not been great for you or the country , but there is still time to turn things around and get re-elected .
You can do it by following your instincts and bringing “ the boys ” — our soldiers — home .
And I don ’ t mean just from Afghanistan or Germany .
Bring them home in general .
Not from everywhere and not all at once , but please start the process .
The nation will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be badly divided on race , socialism and police conduct , but the overwhelming majority of Americans want to end our involvement in foreign wars and are tired of being the world ’ s policeman .
I know that many swamp dwellers will scream that this is “ irresponsible ” and that we can not “ abandon our allies , ” but they are living in a fantasy world .
And let ’ s not forget that many of them earn their daily bread off of this fantasy .
Why do I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom and Dick wander onto a dangerous street and they get attacked by hooligans , but only Dick spills his blood and fights off the attackers while Tom watches , they are not allies .
TRENDING : Rioter Douses Police Officer , Sets Him on Fire as Unrest Spreads Across Globe When is the last time large numbers of German , Italian or French soldiers spilled their own blood fighting alongside boys from Pennsylvania and Idaho to protect Western interests ?
I know it wasn ’ t in February of this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounded in an attack in Afghanistan .
I didn ’ t read about any German , Italian or French casualties in that attack .
That ’ s because , with the possible exception of Britain , our Western “ allies ” are more like charity cases than comrades in arms .
They do not fight alongside us in numbers proportionate to their populations and they don ’ t contribute funds to our efforts , either — at least not in proportion to their wealth .
Instead , they depend on our charity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after World War II , when the United States produced almost half of all the industrial goods in the entire world , we no longer enjoy that kind of dominance .
The rest of the world has caught up to us .
We now produce only about 18 percent of the world ’ s manufactured goods , and a lot of what we make depends on parts and sub-assemblies that come from other countries .
So our economy does not dominate the globe the way it did in 1950 , when we sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world in Korea , and we can ’ t afford to do that today .
Instead , it ’ s high time for Koreans , Germans and others to start defending themselves instead of merely “ assisting ” us in their defense .
And here ’ s another point : In the long run , over the scope of history , it is foolish to think that American soldiers — even if their morale could remain high as their own country is falling apart — will be able to determine what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others .
Eventually , the local population in these places will determine their own fate .
We can ’ t impose our will on them any more than Hessian soldiers were able to tell us how to live during the Revolutionary War .
Eventually , the locals decide for themselves .
So it is time to follow your instincts and announce the Trump Doctrine .
Just as the Monroe Doctrine posited that European meddling was unwelcome in the Western Hemisphere , you can announce that American boys will no longer meddle in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The country will unite behind you on this and your re-election chances will soar .
Put the George Floyd riots and the lockdowns behind us and focus on a new narrative .
Let ’ s put America first again .
We need to get our own house in order , and bringing the boys home is a great way to start .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If I could have a chat with President Trump I would say this: Mr. President, the past few months have not been great for you or the country, but there is still time to turn things around and get re-elected.
You can do it by following your instincts and bringing “the boys” — our soldiers — home. And I don’t mean just from Afghanistan or Germany. Bring them home in general. Not from everywhere and not all at once, but please start the process.
The nation will unite behind you on this. We may be badly divided on race, socialism and police conduct, but the overwhelming majority of Americans want to end our involvement in foreign wars and are tired of being the world’s policeman.
I know that many swamp dwellers will scream that this is “irresponsible” and that we cannot “abandon our allies,” but they are living in a fantasy world. And let’s not forget that many of them earn their daily bread off of this fantasy.
Why do I call it a fantasy? Because when Tom and Dick wander onto a dangerous street and they get attacked by hooligans, but only Dick spills his blood and fights off the attackers while Tom watches, they are not allies.
When is the last time large numbers of German, Italian or French soldiers spilled their own blood fighting alongside boys from Pennsylvania and Idaho to protect Western interests?
I know it wasn’t in February of this year, when two Americans were killed and six wounded in an attack in Afghanistan. I didn’t read about any German, Italian or French casualties in that attack.
That’s because, with the possible exception of Britain, our Western “allies” are more like charity cases than comrades in arms.
They do not fight alongside us in numbers proportionate to their populations and they don’t contribute funds to our efforts, either — at least not in proportion to their wealth.
Do you think President Trump should bring our soldiers back from around the world? Yes No
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Instead, they depend on our charity. While this may have been justified right after World War II, when the United States produced almost half of all the industrial goods in the entire world, we no longer enjoy that kind of dominance.
The rest of the world has caught up to us. We now produce only about 18 percent of the world’s manufactured goods, and a lot of what we make depends on parts and sub-assemblies that come from other countries.
So our economy does not dominate the globe the way it did in 1950, when we sent American boys to fight and die halfway around the world in Korea, and we can’t afford to do that today. Instead, it’s high time for Koreans, Germans and others to start defending themselves instead of merely “assisting” us in their defense.
And here’s another point: In the long run, over the scope of history, it is foolish to think that American soldiers — even if their morale could remain high as their own country is falling apart — will be able to determine what happens in places like Syria, Taiwan and others.
Eventually, the local population in these places will determine their own fate. We can’t impose our will on them any more than Hessian soldiers were able to tell us how to live during the Revolutionary War. Eventually, the locals decide for themselves.
So it is time to follow your instincts and announce the Trump Doctrine. Just as the Monroe Doctrine posited that European meddling was unwelcome in the Western Hemisphere, you can announce that American boys will no longer meddle in the affairs of our so-called “allies.”
The country will unite behind you on this and your re-election chances will soar. Put the George Floyd riots and the lockdowns behind us and focus on a new narrative. Let’s put America first again.
We need to get our own house in order, and bringing the boys home is a great way to start.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-06-08--600 Cops Could Be Leaving NYPD Due to Violent George Floyd Riots

New Yorkers who have felt the wrath of angry mobs amid nationwide civil unrest over the death of George Floyd could soon feel the strain of fewer police officers patrolling their streets .
According to people with intimate knowledge of the law enforcement situation in the five boroughs , there could soon be a mass exodus of officers from the New York City Police Department , as city officials have chosen to side against them while the officers try to restore law and order .
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday that he would cut the police department ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when the ongoing chaos seems to indicate police in the city are needed now more than ever .
But according to WLNY-TV , de Blasio will shift funds away from the NYPD and toward funding youth and social services .
The decision to pull the rug out from under embattled officers comes a week after the failed Democratic presidential candidate criticized some of his own officers for using force to prevent looting , vandalism and other violence in the city .
TRENDING : Rioter Douses Police Officer , Sets Him on Fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are some ( officers ) who do not belong on this job .
There are some that use violence when they shouldn ’ t , ” de Blasio said on June , 1 according to CNBC .
Two days later , on June 3 , an officer was stabbed in the neck as he guarded a building while two other officers were shot moments later in Brooklyn , likely thanks in large part to continued anti-police rhetoric .
The mayor ’ s failure to lead has created disastrous consequences for officers who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least two high profile people with knowledge of the dynamics of the city and its police force have weighed in .
Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik and former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani joined Fox News over the weekend to discuss the strained relationship between the police and city leaders such as de Blasio .
On “ Justice with Judge Jeanine ” over the weekend , the two disclosed just how dire the situation is for cops on the ground , and also pushed back on a narrative that the NYPD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kerik also told Judge Jeanine Pirro that hundreds of NYPD officers have been injured during the riots .
RELATED : Official Says Antifa Has Been Planning Anti-Government Insurgency Long Before George Floyd Death “ You have some in the hospital .
But there were over 300 injuries .
And the thing that scares me , judge , ” he told Pirro .
Kerik added that hundreds more police officers in New York City are set to quit the force amid the city ’ s prioritization of violent rioters over those who have sworn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ m hearing close to 600 cops have either put in their papers , or they ’ re talking to the department about resigning or retiring , like this is insane , ” he said .
Kerik was also candid when asked by the host if the NYPD has handled the protests appropriately .
“ No , I don ’ t think they handled it well .
And I think they were following the direction of the Mayor , Mayor de Blasio , who told them initially he wanted them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , ” he said .
Giuliani , meanwhile , didn ’ t mince words when offering his opinion on de Blasio ’ s failed leadership .
The former mayor said he thinks New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo should take measures to remove de Blasio from office .
“ Absolutely .
I think he should remove him because he is a danger to the citizens of the city in his inability to make decisions .
Who you elect has consequences .
Sometimes they can be life and death consequences , ” Giuliani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservative Twitter commentator , journalist and former NYPD officer , also commented on the city ’ s treatment of officers on social media over the weekend .
Cardillo , though , was also willing to call out those who have protected de Blasio from criticism .
“ One thing I ’ ll give Bill de Blasio ; he never once hid his far left radicalism or hatred of America and law and order , ” Cardillo added .
“ Democrats downplayed it and told people they were nuts despite his words and actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s doing exactly what those of us paying attention knew he would do.
” Indeed , the writing was on the wall for what would lie ahead for the NYPD last summer as de Blasio hopelessly campaigned for the Democratic Party ’ s nomination for the White House .
Officers were targeted in broad daylight by having water thrown on them as they patrolled their communities , and were forced to take the assaults by retreating .
WARNING : the following video contains explicit language which some viewers will find offensive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but his words fell on deaf ears , as far-left de Blasio had as little concern for the rule of law then as he does now .
The mayor responded to the president with petty snark .
New York ’ s Police Benevolent Association slammed de Blasio in August , after three NYPD officers were attacked by “ Roving , cop-hating mobs , ” as The New York Post described them .
Police officers in de Blasio ’ s New York have never been shown the support or respect they deserve .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a little less safe , as hundreds of those officers are apparently preparing their resignation letters .
The chickens have come home to roost — which is perhaps what New York ’ s radical Democrat leaders wanted .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

New Yorkers who have felt the wrath of angry mobs amid nationwide civil unrest over the death of George Floyd could soon feel the strain of fewer police officers patrolling their streets.
According to people with intimate knowledge of the law enforcement situation in the five boroughs, there could soon be a mass exodus of officers from the New York City Police Department, as city officials have chosen to side against them while the officers try to restore law and order.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday that he would cut the police department’s budget. The decision came at a time when the ongoing chaos seems to indicate police in the city are needed now more than ever.
But according to WLNY-TV, de Blasio will shift funds away from the NYPD and toward youth and social services.
The decision to pull the rug out from under embattled officers comes a week after the failed Democratic presidential candidate criticized some of his own officers for using force to prevent looting, vandalism and other violence in the city.
“There are some (officers) who do not belong on this job. There are some that use violence when they shouldn’t,” de Blasio said on June 1, according to CNBC.
Two days later, on June 3, an officer was stabbed in the neck as he guarded a building while two other officers were shot moments later in Brooklyn, likely thanks in large part to continued anti-police rhetoric.
The mayor’s failure to lead has created disastrous consequences for officers who are defending a city from mobs.
At least two high-profile people with knowledge of the dynamics of the city and its police force have weighed in.
Do you think Democrats care about preserving law and order? 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% (33 Votes) No: 99% (5057 Votes)
Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani joined Fox News over the weekend to discuss the strained relationship between the police and city leaders such as de Blasio.
On “Justice with Judge Jeanine” over the weekend, the two disclosed just how dire the situation is for cops on the ground and pushed back on a narrative that the NYPD is inherently driven by racism.
[ic_rev] [firefly_embed_code]
Kerik also told Judge Jeanine Pirro that hundreds of NYPD officers have been injured during the riots.
“You have some in the hospital. But there were over 300 injuries,” he told Pirro.
Kerik added that hundreds more police officers in New York City are set to quit the force amid the city’s prioritization of violent rioters over those who have sworn to protect citizens and their property.
“And the thing that scares me, judge, I’m hearing close to 600 cops have either put in their papers, or they’re talking to the department about resigning or retiring, like, this is insane,” he said.
Kerik was also candid when asked if the NYPD has handled the protests appropriately.
“No, I don’t think they handled it well. And I think they were following the direction of the mayor, Mayor de Blasio, who told them initially he wanted them to take a light touch to dealing with this,” he said.
Giuliani, meanwhile, didn’t mince words when offering his opinion on de Blasio’s failed leadership.
The former mayor said he thinks New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo should take measures to remove de Blasio from office.
“Absolutely. I think he should remove him because he is a danger to the citizens of the city in his inability to make decisions. Who you elect has consequences. Sometimes they can be life and death consequences,” Giuliani said.
John Cardillo, a popular conservative Twitter commentator, journalist and former NYPD officer, also commented on the city’s treatment of officers on social media over the weekend.
de Blasio’s moves will be the final nails in NYPD’s coffin. NYC is about to go back to 1980s crime levels. — John Cardillo (@johncardillo) June 7, 2020
Cardillo, though, was also willing to call out those who have protected de Blasio from criticism.
“One thing I’ll give Bill de Blasio; he never once hid his far left radicalism or hatred of America and law and order,” Cardillo added.
“Democrats downplayed it and told people they were nuts despite his words and actions,” he wrote. “He’s doing exactly what those of us paying attention knew he would do.”
One thing I’ll give Bill de Blasio; he never once hid his far left radicalism or hatred of America and law and order. Democrats downplayed it and told people they were nuts despite his words and actions. He’s doing exactly what those of us paying attention knew he would do. — John Cardillo (@johncardillo) June 7, 2020
Indeed, the writing was on the wall for what would lie ahead for the NYPD last summer as de Blasio hopelessly campaigned for the Democratic Party’s nomination for the White House.
Officers were targeted in broad daylight by having water thrown on them as they patrolled their communities, and were forced to take the assaults by retreating.
WARNING: the following video contains explicit language which some viewers will find offensive.
The NYPD is asking the public to help identify a man who sprayed traffic officers with water- the latest in a string of incidents involving attacks on law enforcement. pic.twitter.com/qofnheOAto — Fox & Friends First (@FoxFriendsFirst) July 31, 2019
President Donald Trump commented on the attacks, but his words fell on deaf ears, as far-left de Blasio had as little concern for the rule of law then as he does now.
…What took place was completely unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. Bill de Blasio should act immediately! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 25, 2019
The mayor responded to the president with petty snark.
Crime’s gone down year after year in New York City and it’s not just because you finally left town. https://t.co/sJXqu6hRY5 — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) July 25, 2019
New York’s Police Benevolent Association slammed de Blasio in August after three NYPD officers were attacked by “Roving, cop-hating mobs,” as The New York Post described them.
How are cops supposed to do our job in this environment? When will @NYPDNews or @NYCMayor @BilldeBlasio stand up & say enough is enough? Chaos is running the streets. This is outrageous — we’re lucky it wasn’t worse. https://t.co/hL9EQnhTNX — NYC PBA (@NYCPBA) August 18, 2019
Police officers in de Blasio’s New York are rarely shown the support or respect they deserve.
As a result, New Yorkers might be a little less safe, as hundreds of those officers are apparently preparing their resignation letters.
The chickens are coming home to roost — which is perhaps what New York’s radical Democrat leaders wanted.
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westernjournal--2020-06-08--Democrats Introduce Broad Policing Legislation in Response to George Floyd’s Death

Democrats in the House and the Senate have introduced legislation that would limit the powers of police officers nationwide .
Following the death of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department on Memorial Day , and the ensuing protests across the nation — some of which have grown violent — Democrats introduced legislation Monday supported by the Congressional Black Caucus .
The Justice in Policing Act of 2020 , according to a summary listed on the House website , is a “ comprehensive approach to hold police accountable , change the culture of law enforcement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities.
” The Democrats ’ proposal would institute a federal ban on “ chokeholds ” in order for police to subdue suspects and would also make officers vulnerable to lawsuits .
Additionally , the bill , if it were made law , would mandate the use of body cameras and dashboard cameras by all officers across the country .
TRENDING : Rioter Douses Police Officer , Sets Him on Fire as Unrest Spreads Across Globe Law enforcement agencies would be required to record and report any encounter in which force was used by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their race , gender , disability , religion and age .
The Justice in Policing Act would further limit the possession of “ military-grade equipment ” by all state and local police agencies .
The legislation was unveiled after Democrats took a knee to honor Floyd while dressed in African kente cloths .
“ When George Floyd called out for his mother , when he was subjected to that knee in the neck , it was just a continuation of some horror that has existed in our country for a very long time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California said , according to The Hill .
Justice in Policing Act by The Western Journal on Scribd “ America has a serious and deadly problem when it comes to the discriminatory and excessive policing of communities of color – and that policing exists within a system that time and again refuses to hold police accountable for their brutality , ” New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker said in a statement of the Justice in Policing Act .
RELATED : As Left Pushes To Defund Police , Poll Reveals Only 16 % of Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also commented on the proposal , describing it as “ historic legislation that will get our country on a path forward.
” “ America ’ s sidewalks are stained with Black blood , ” she said in a statement .
“ In the wake of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor ’ s murders , we must ask ourselves : how many more times must our families and our communities be put through the trauma of an unarmed Black man or woman ’ s killing at the hands of the very police who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” As of Monday , there was no indication that the proposed legislation had bipartisan support .
The unveiling of the Justice in Policing Act came as calls to defund police departments have grown louder .
On Sunday , Minneapolis City Council members said they had a veto-proof majority to dismantle the city ’ s police department , KMSP-TV reported .
The Daily Caller reported Monday that it had contacted each Democrat in the Senate to inquire if there was any support among lawmakers for defunding the police , but no senators responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump has not commented directly on the Democrats ’ proposal , but he did accuse Democrats of attempting to “ abandon ” the country ’ s police officers .
“ This year has seen the lowest crime numbers in our Country ’ s recorded history , and now the Radical Left Democrats want to Defund and Abandon our Police .
Sorry , I want LAW & ORDER !
” he said Monday on Twitter .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

Democrats in the House and the Senate have introduced legislation that would limit the powers of police officers nationwide.
Following the death of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department on Memorial Day, and the ensuing protests across the nation — some of which have grown violent — Democrats introduced legislation Monday supported by the Congressional Black Caucus.
The Justice in Policing Act of 2020, according to a summary listed on the House website, is a “comprehensive approach to hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement and build trust between law enforcement and our communities.”
The Democrats’ proposal would institute a federal ban on “chokeholds” in order for police to subdue suspects and would also make officers vulnerable to lawsuits.
Additionally, the bill, if it were made law, would mandate the use of body cameras and dashboard cameras by all officers across the country.
Law enforcement agencies would be required to record and report any encounter in which force was used by tracking the demographics of suspected criminals by their race, gender, disability, religion and age.
The Justice in Policing Act would further limit the possession of “military-grade equipment” by all state and local police agencies.
The legislation was unveiled after Democrats took a knee to honor Floyd while dressed in African kente cloths.
Congressional Democrats take a knee as they observe a nearly nine minute moment of silence for George Floyd at Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol. https://t.co/JnqDlzMFDq pic.twitter.com/8CBdgtLUjz — ABC News (@ABC) June 8, 2020
“When George Floyd called out for his mother, when he was subjected to that knee in the neck, it was just a continuation of some horror that has existed in our country for a very long time,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California said, according to The Hill.
Justice in Policing Act by The Western Journal on Scribd
“America has a serious and deadly problem when it comes to the discriminatory and excessive policing of communities of color – and that policing exists within a system that time and again refuses to hold police accountable for their brutality,” New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker said in a statement of the Justice in Policing Act.
Democrats new Justice in Policing Act: • Bans chokeholds
• Bans no-knock warrants
• Requires bodycams
• Demilitarizes the police
• Ends racial profiling
• Limits qualified immunity
• Police misconduct database
• Lynching a federal crimepic.twitter.com/CjbZ7FBYcd — Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) June 8, 2020
California Sen. Kamala Harris also commented on the proposal, describing it as “historic legislation that will get our country on a path forward.”
“America’s sidewalks are stained with Black blood,” she said in a statement. “In the wake of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor’s murders, we must ask ourselves: how many more times must our families and our communities be put through the trauma of an unarmed Black man or woman’s killing at the hands of the very police who are sworn to protect and serve them?”
Do you think this legislation is a good idea? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 5% (69 Votes) No: 95% (1242 Votes)
As of Monday, there was no indication that the proposed legislation had bipartisan support.
The unveiling of the Justice in Policing Act came as calls to defund police departments have grown louder.
On Sunday, Minneapolis City Council members said they had a veto-proof majority to dismantle the city’s police department, KMSP-TV reported.
The Daily Caller reported Monday that it had contacted each Democrat in the Senate to inquire if there was any support among lawmakers for defunding the police, but no senators responded to the request for comment.
NEW: The @DailyCaller contacted EVERY Senate Democrat asking them if they would support defunding the police. Not one responded. Read more here:https://t.co/hAFrqlgpUq — Henry Rodgers (@henryrodgersdc) June 8, 2020
President Donald Trump has not commented directly on the Democrats’ proposal, but he did accuse Democrats of attempting to “abandon” the country’s police officers.
This year has seen the lowest crime numbers in our Country’s recorded history, and now the Radical Left Democrats want to Defund and Abandon our Police. Sorry, I want LAW & ORDER! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 8, 2020
“This year has seen the lowest crime numbers in our Country’s recorded history, and now the Radical Left Democrats want to Defund and Abandon our Police. Sorry, I want LAW & ORDER!” he said Monday on Twitter.
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westernjournal--2020-06-08--After Proving Themselves Incapable of Policing at City Level, Dems Move To Remake Entire Nation’s La

After Proving Themselves Incapable of Policing at City Level, Dems Move To Remake Entire Nation’s Law Enforcement

Following the death of George Floyd , a black man who died in police custody last month in Minneapolis , the Democratic Party is greedily mining the tragedy and subsequent protests for political gold .
The latest attempt comes by way of the Justice in Policing Act of 2020 , a proposal led by the Congressional Black Caucus that includes sweeping national changes to policing policies , according to CBS News .
It was unveiled Monday .
The Democratic Party and other leftists , who for generations have run major cities where the policing polices are often under scrutiny , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incompetence to the federal level .
TRENDING : Rioter Douses Police Officer , Sets Him on Fire as Unrest Spreads Across Globe Some of the proposals would change the way street policing is conducted , such as banning chokeholds and changing the way the use of force is evaluated as allowable from “ reasonable ” to “ necessary.
” The legislation also would prohibit no-knock drug crime warrants , meaning instead of officers forcing their way into a home with the element of surprise , criminals would have the opportunity to flush drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers wait patiently on the welcome mat .
The bill would require federal law enforcement officers to wear body cameras and would restrict military-grade equipment transfers to state and local departments .
In addition , the Justice in Policing Act would create a National Police Misconduct Registry to track officers ’ use of force against individuals according to gender , disability , age , race and religion , and it would lift qualified immunity provisions meant to protect police officers from personal liability for incidents that happen in the course of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Western Journal on Scribd The measures also would attempt to change police culture by requiring bias training for police departments .
Officers could face prosecution by their state attorney general for constitutional rights violations , changing from the current standard of “ willfully depriving ” a person of those rights to more broadly include “ knowingly with reckless disregard , ” according to Politico .
Lynching , a practice that is a relic of the past but is invoked for its heavy emotional weight , also would become a federal crime under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill ’ s rollout included congressional Democrats such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , California Sen. Kamala Harris and New Jersey Sen. Cory “ Spartacus ” Booker , but the main attraction was a visual spectacle with lawmakers draped in African kente cloth .
ABC News tweeted the footage , saying , “ Congressional Democrats take a knee as they observe a nearly nine minute moment of silence for George Floyd at Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol.
” RELATED : 600 Cops Could Be Leaving NYPD Due to Violent George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silence as the Democrats used Floyd ’ s death for an opportunistic media stunt to unveil the legislation .
But the fact that Democrats used such pandering optics and are advancing this agenda just as the 2020 presidential election season is winding up makes it appear as though they ’ re attempting to rack up points even as policing problems are centered ins Democrat-controlled cities .
After all , Minneapolis , where Floyd ’ s death occurred and where the widespread rioting began before spreading throughout the country , is run by progressives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota Gov .
Tim Walz to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to current Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman ( and probably even the dog catcher ) , it is supposedly a bastion of leftist good-will run by progressives .
Even both of the state ’ s U.S. senators are Democrats : Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar , who , as Hennepin County attorney , declined to bring charges in more than 24 cases of alleged excessive force by officers — including Derek Chauvin , the man who knelt on Floyd ’ s neck for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the main problems coming from a policy favored by the left is that law enforcement officials have powerful protections thanks to their strong public-sector unions .
According to The New York Times , police unions have shielded officers guilty of the worst offenses , even in progressive cities such as Chicago and New York .
It is an undeniable truth that good employees don ’ t need unions , and therefore labor unions tend to protect the worst in their ranks .
No doubt conservatives loyally support the police , especially in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismantle police departments in places such Minneapolis , but unions with unchecked power have a home on the left side of the political aisle .
It is those on the political right who warn against the problem of public-sector unions , which inevitably convey lopsided power and protections organized to the detriment of the public they supposedly serve .
But even as violent protests against police broke out , it is notable that they were mainly in cities controlled by leftist regimes for decades : Los Angeles ; Philadelphia ; Portland , Oregon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just to name a few .
Liberal politicians act as if they ’ ve never had the ability to influence the police in their jurisdiction , and yet they ’ ve had the reins of power all along .
Bad police officers certainly should be held accountable for their actions , but it is absurd to assert that the party that botched its own cities and rigged the system with unions can somehow correct the problem at the highest level of government .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards .

Following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody last month in Minneapolis, the Democratic Party is greedily mining the tragedy and subsequent protests for political gold.
The latest attempt comes by way of the Justice in Policing Act of 2020, a proposal led by the Congressional Black Caucus that includes sweeping national changes to policing policies, according to CBS News. It was unveiled Monday.
The time for change is NOW. Led by @TheBlackCaucus, House and Senate Democrats have been working tirelessly to develop bold, historic legislation to: ?Hold police accountable
❌End police brutality
☀Improve transparency
?Enact structural changes
✅Protect our communities pic.twitter.com/BLK45PbDRY — The Black Caucus (@TheBlackCaucus) June 8, 2020
The Democratic Party and other leftists, who for generations have run major cities where the policing polices are often under scrutiny, are now seeking to scale up their incompetence to the federal level.
Some of the proposals would change the way street policing is conducted, such as banning chokeholds and changing the way the use of force is evaluated as allowable from “reasonable” to “necessary.”
The legislation also would prohibit no-knock drug crime warrants, meaning instead of officers forcing their way into a home with the element of surprise, criminals would have the opportunity to flush drugs and other paraphernalia down the toilet as police officers wait patiently on the welcome mat.
The bill would require federal law enforcement officers to wear body cameras and would restrict military-grade equipment transfers to state and local departments.
In addition, the Justice in Policing Act would create a National Police Misconduct Registry to track officers’ use of force against individuals according to gender, disability, age, race and religion, and it would lift qualified immunity provisions meant to protect police officers from personal liability for incidents that happen in the course of their duty.
Justice in Policing Act by The Western Journal on Scribd
The measures also would attempt to change police culture by requiring bias training for police departments. Officers could face prosecution by their state attorney general for constitutional rights violations, changing from the current standard of “willfully depriving” a person of those rights to more broadly include “knowingly with reckless disregard,” according to Politico.
Lynching, a practice that is a relic of the past but is invoked for its heavy emotional weight, also would become a federal crime under the bill.
A news conference announcing the bill’s rollout included congressional Democrats such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Sen. Kamala Harris and New Jersey Sen. Cory “Spartacus” Booker, but the main attraction was a visual spectacle with lawmakers draped in African kente cloth.
ABC News tweeted the footage, saying, “Congressional Democrats take a knee as they observe a nearly nine minute moment of silence for George Floyd at Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol.”
Congressional Democrats take a knee as they observe a nearly nine minute moment of silence for George Floyd at Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol. https://t.co/JnqDlzMFDq pic.twitter.com/8CBdgtLUjz — ABC News (@ABC) June 8, 2020
The sycophantic establishment media also observed silence as the Democrats used Floyd’s death for an opportunistic media stunt to unveil the legislation.
But the fact that Democrats used such pandering optics and are advancing this agenda just as the 2020 presidential election season is winding up makes it appear as though they’re attempting to rack up points even as policing problems are centered ins Democrat-controlled cities.
After all, Minneapolis, where Floyd’s death occurred and where the widespread rioting began before spreading throughout the country, is run by progressives at every level of government.
From Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to current Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman (and probably even the dog catcher), it is supposedly a bastion of leftist good-will run by progressives.
Even both of the state’s U.S. senators are Democrats: Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar, who, as Hennepin County attorney, declined to bring charges in more than 24 cases of alleged excessive force by officers — including Derek Chauvin, the man who knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes.
Do you think this new legislation is more about political posturing than police reform? Yes No
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But one of the main problems coming from a policy favored by the left is that law enforcement officials have powerful protections thanks to their strong public-sector unions.
According to The New York Times, police unions have shielded officers guilty of the worst offenses, even in progressive cities such as Chicago and New York.
It is an undeniable truth that good employees don’t need unions, and therefore labor unions tend to protect the worst in their ranks.
No doubt conservatives loyally support the police, especially in the face of ridiculous calls to defund or dismantle police departments in places such Minneapolis, but unions with unchecked power have a home on the left side of the political aisle.
It is those on the political right who warn against the problem of public-sector unions, which inevitably convey lopsided power and protections organized to the detriment of the public they supposedly serve.
But even as violent protests against police broke out, it is notable that they were mainly in cities controlled by leftist regimes for decades: Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Portland, Oregon; Washington, D.C.; and Boston, just to name a few.
Liberal politicians act as if they’ve never had the ability to influence the police in their jurisdiction, and yet they’ve had the reins of power all along.
Bad police officers certainly should be held accountable for their actions, but it is absurd to assert that the party that botched its own cities and rigged the system with unions can somehow correct the problem at the highest level of government.
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westernjournal--2020-06-08--Bonnie Pointer, of ‘The Pointer Sisters,’ Dead at Age 69

A talented vocalist who got her musical start in her dad ’ s church has died .
Bonnie Pointer , 69 , died Monday morning after battling cancer .
Bonnie and her sisters June , Anita and Ruth were exposed to music through their dad ’ s church , West Oakland Church of God in Oakland , California .
In 1969 , Bonnie and June started performing , and two members soon grew to four .
They were unstoppable and became well known around the world .
“ They went on to achieve world-wide fame and have secured a place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bio on their website reads .
“ In 2017 , Billboard listed them as one of the Top 5 female groups of all time.
” TRENDING : Rioter Douses Police Officer , Sets Him on Fire as Unrest Spreads Across Globe The Grammy-Award-winning group produced hits like “ Yes We Can Can ” and “ Fairytale , ” but in 1977 Bonnie left her sisters to pursue a solo career .
The three remaining sisters continued to record hits , topping charts and making history .
Bonnie had her own successes , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Have Sent You ” in 1978 , which made it to number 11 on the charts .
She also created a total of four albums during her time as a solo artist .
In 1978 she married Motown Records producer Jeffrey Bowen .
The couple divorced in 2016 after being separated over a decade .
The 90s saw Bonnie playing shows in Atlantic City and Las Vegas .
One of the last songs she recorded , according to what one spokesperson told Variety , was alongside sister Anita in memory of their sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2006 .
The song , “ Feels Like June , ” was released earlier this year .
When it was time for Bonnie to leave this world , she was surrounded by her surviving siblings : sisters Anita and Ruth and brothers Aaron and Fritz .
According to the U.K. Daily Mail , the type of cancer she had has not been revealed .
Anita told TMZ that the family is grieving and would appreciate prayers .
“ It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died this morning , ” she said .
“ Our family is devastated , on behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family , we ask for your prayers at this time.
” “ Bonnie was my best friend and we talked every day , we never had a fight in our life , I already miss her and I will see her again one day.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A talented vocalist who got her musical start in her dad’s church has died. Bonnie Pointer, 69, died Monday morning after battling cancer.
Bonnie and her sisters June, Anita and Ruth were exposed to music through their dad’s church, West Oakland Church of God in Oakland, California.
In 1969, Bonnie and June started performing, and two members soon grew to four. They were unstoppable and became well known around the world.
“They went on to achieve world-wide fame and have secured a place in pop music history,” the bio on their website reads. “In 2017, Billboard listed them as one of the Top 5 female groups of all time.”
The Grammy-Award-winning group produced hits like “Yes We Can Can” and “Fairytale,” but in 1977 Bonnie left her sisters to pursue a solo career. The three remaining sisters continued to record hits, topping charts and making history.
Bonnie had her own successes, including her disco cover of “Heaven Must Have Sent You” in 1978, which made it to number 11 on the charts. She also created a total of four albums during her time as a solo artist.
In 1978 she married Motown Records producer Jeffrey Bowen. The couple divorced in 2016 after being separated over a decade.
The 90s saw Bonnie playing shows in Atlantic City and Las Vegas.
One of the last songs she recorded, according to what one spokesperson told Variety, was alongside sister Anita in memory of their sister June, who died of cancer in 2006. The song, “Feels Like June,” was released earlier this year.
When it was time for Bonnie to leave this world, she was surrounded by her surviving siblings: sisters Anita and Ruth and brothers Aaron and Fritz. According to the U.K. Daily Mail, the type of cancer she had has not been revealed.
Anita told TMZ that the family is grieving and would appreciate prayers.
“It is with great sadness that I have to announce to the fans of The Pointer Sisters that my sister, Bonnie died this morning,” she said. “Our family is devastated, on behalf of my siblings and I and the entire Pointer family, we ask for your prayers at this time.”
“Bonnie was my best friend and we talked every day, we never had a fight in our life, I already miss her and I will see her again one day.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-08--WHO: It’s ‘Very Rare’ for People Without Symptoms To Spread COVID-19

At a briefing Monday in Geneva , a top World Health Organization official said the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 from individuals who aren ’ t showing symptoms of illness is now considered “ very rare.
” “ From the data we have , it still seems to be rare that an asymptomatic person actually transmits onward to a secondary individual , ” Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove , head of WHO ’ s emerging diseases and zoonosis unit , told reporters in Geneva , according to CNBC .
“ We have a number of reports from countries who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
“ They ’ re following asymptomatic cases .
They ’ re following contacts .
And they ’ re not finding secondary transmission onward .
It ’ s very rare.
” Considering it was largely the fear of the contagion being spread by carriers who were themselves asymptomatic behind the lockdowns that stifled the American economy – and economies around the world – that ’ s a huge shift in perspective .
It has even raised the question of whether the lockdowns were necessary in the first place .
TRENDING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Him on Fire as Unrest Spreads Across Globe At a March 19 news briefing at the White House , for instance , Dr. Deborah Birks , coordinator of the Trump administration ’ s coronavirus response task force , said the risk of transmission by unknowing carriers was simply too great to chance .
“ Until you really understand how many people are asymptomatic and asymptomatically passing the virus on , we think it ’ s better for the entire American public to know that the risk of serious illness may be low , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus to others , ” Birks said , according to CNN .
“ That ’ s why we ’ re asking every American to take personal responsibility to prevent that spread.
” As the CNBC report pointed out , “ if asymptomatic spread proves to not be a main driver of coronavirus transmission , the policy implications could be tremendous .
A report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published on April 1 cited the ‘ potential for presymptomatic transmission ’ as a reason for the importance of social distancing.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointed out , that would mean an entire regimen of measures that have become part of the American landscape in a few short months could be open to even greater questions than those raised by a series of lockdown protests around the country .
RELATED : Satellite Data Shows Coronavirus May Have Hit China Sooner Than Originally Reported It ’ s important to note that the new WHO stance is not that asymptomatic transmission is impossible , or that it never happens .
However , the fact that it is now considered extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions that are made across the country about reopening the economy .
The unexpected news from Friday , which showed the U.S. economy had gained 2.5 million jobs in May with an unemployment rate of about 13.3 percent was far better than most economists — and the mainstream media — had forecast .
If the news announced Monday is as big as it appears , that could just be the beginning of an economic comeback .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

CORRECTION, June 21, 2020: After this article was published, the WHO published a clarification of the meaning of the term “asymptomatic” as used by WHO official Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove during a June 8 news conference. The scientific definition of the term includes only those individuals who never display symptoms of the infection, not individuals who are infected but have not yet displayed symptoms. This is an important distinction in scientific jargon that Van Kerkhove failed to make clear during her presentation. Asymptomatic individuals, under this definition, may be responsible for up to 40 percent of virus transmissions, the WHO said.
Therefore, The Western Journal has changed the headline of this article and made several changes to the article itself in light of the WHO’s clarifying statement. In addition, the piece was labeled “news” and should have been labeled “commentary.” We have corrected that error as well.
At a briefing Monday in Geneva, a top World Health Organization official said the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 from infected individuals who never develop symptoms of the illness is now considered “very rare.”
“From the data we have, it still seems to be rare that an asymptomatic person actually transmits onward to a secondary individual,” Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, head of WHO’s emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, told reporters in Geneva, according to CNBC.
“We have a number of reports from countries who are doing very detailed contact tracing,” she said. “They’re following asymptomatic cases. They’re following contacts. And they’re not finding secondary transmission onward. It’s very rare.”
It was largely the fear of the contagion being spread by carriers who did not show any symptoms of the virus behind the lockdowns that stifled the American economy – and economies around the world.
Of course, even before this news conference, many had already raised the question of whether the lockdowns were necessary in the first place.
Bigest news of the last 3 months! #COVID19 https://t.co/oyzZufajiO — The 12th Man?? (@joe_ridley) June 8, 2020
At a March 19 news briefing at the White House, Dr. Deborah Birks, coordinator of the Trump administration’s coronavirus response task force, said the risk of transmission by unknowing carriers was simply too great to chance.
“Until you really understand how many people are asymptomatic and asymptomatically passing the virus on, we think it’s better for the entire American public to know that the risk of serious illness may be low, but they could be potentially spreading the virus to others,” Birks said, according to CNN. “That’s why we’re asking every American to take personal responsibility to prevent that spread.”
Do you think lockdowns were a good idea? 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: 16% (540 Votes) No: 84% (2758 Votes)
CNBC report pointed out, “if asymptomatic spread proves to not be a main driver of coronavirus transmission, the policy implications could be tremendous. A report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published on April 1 cited the ‘potential for presymptomatic transmission’ as a reason for the importance of social distancing.”
And as numerous social media users pointed out after her news conference, that would mean an entire regimen of measures that have become part of the American landscape in a few short months could be open to new questions than those raised by a series of lockdown protests around the country.
We keep hearing coronavirus carriers without symptoms are driving the spread of the virus, but today the World Health Organization is saying it only accounts for 6% of spread. https://t.co/K3wTXG5HWm — KHOU 11 News Houston (@KHOU) June 8, 2020
That’s right! Stop the paranoia. If there is no break out after mass protests in NYC and Hollywood. Then stop the insanity and political agendas! #coronavirus https://t.co/0sE1IGGADT — Barb Boschetto (@BarbBoschetto1) June 8, 2020
The WHO changing their stance on catching covid-19 from an asymptomatic person. Horton no longer knows what to believe. pic.twitter.com/8frMJEMlih — Eric Cohen (@ebcinpa) June 8, 2020
It’s important to note that the new WHO stance is not that asymptomatic transmission is impossible, or that it never happens.
However, the fact that it is now considered extremely rare will definitely play a role in decisions that are made across the country about reopening the economy.
The unexpected news from Friday, which showed the U.S. economy had gained 2.5 million jobs in May with an unemployment rate of about 13.3 percent was far better than most economists — and the mainstream media — had forecast.
If the news announced Monday is as big as it appears, that could just be the beginning of an economic comeback.
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westernjournal--2020-06-08--GoFundMe Turns Its Back on Candace Owens While Allowing Funds To Be Raised for Looters

Candace Owens ’ fight to help a business owner who supported her opinion was stopped when GoFundMe officials pulled the plug .
Why ?
They disagreed with her opinion .
The popular conservative black female commentator and political activist came to the defense of a bar and restaurant owner in Birmingham , Alabama , who backed her opinion about people protesting the death of George Floyd .
Owens raised more than $ 200,000 in 24 hours to help the businessman through a GoFundMe account , but the campaign was suspended by the fundraising company after it ruled that the cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Douses Police Officer , Sets Him on Fire as Unrest Spreads Across Globe The owner of Parkside Cafe , Michael Dykes , said he was inspired after Owens posted a Facebook Live video in which she shared her views of the protesters and Floyd , who died May 25 in Minneapolis after since-fired police officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd ’ s neck for nearly nine minutes .
Chauvin and his fellow officers face charges in connection with Floyd ’ s death .
Since video of the incident went viral on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out across the nation and world .
However , there have also been riots in which businesses were looted , cities set ablaze and citizens killed .
Owens said in her post that Floyd did not deserve to die but she does not consider him to be a martyr because of his criminal history .
“ I am not going to play a part of the broken black culture that always wants to martyr criminals , to pretend that they were upstanding human beings that just wanted to help society , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dykes referred to Floyd as a “ thug ” and called the protesters “ idiots , ” Al.com reported .
He sent a text message to co-owner Robert Bagwell and an employee Friday saying they should consider raising prices at the bar as a protest tax and encouraging employees who took part in the Birmingham protest to resign .
Dykes added in the text that “ Mr .
Floyd was a thug , didn ’ t deserve to die but honoring a thug is irresponsible.
” The message was circulated to other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He apologized for the comments , but fuel was thrown on the fire when Owens opened the GoFundMe account to raise money for the business .
After Dykes posted on Twitter and tagged Owens , the backlash grew .
He was called a racist , and John Carvalho , a journalism professor at Auburn University , tweeted that Dykes ’ apology was overshadowed by his support for Owens .
Owens responded by calling the professor “ trash ” for siccing a “ leftist mob ” on Dykes , and she informed him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help the restaurant owner .
Within a day , however , the account was shut down , and Owens was informed that the inspiration behind the account violated the terms of the agreement .
The Hill reported a response from officials with the fundraising company : “ GoFundMe has suspended the account associated with Candace Owens , and the GoFundMe campaign has been removed because of a repeated pattern of inflammatory statements that spread hate , discrimination , intolerance , and falsehoods against the black community at a time of profound national crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service.
” What apparently doesn ’ t violate its terms of service ?
Helping rioters and looters get out of jail .
GoFundMe has provided a venue for multiple accounts raising money to pay the bail of people arrested in the violent protests over Floyd ’ s death .
In fact , it promotes those funds on a page labeled “ We Stand Together : Supporting Justice + Equality.
” “ Join us to support organizations focused on bail reform , racial justice , and law enforcement reform , ” the company says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a black conservative woman who wanted to help a business owner through tough times , but it welcomes those who want to get criminals back on the street as soon as possible .
That ’ s something to remember the next time you ’ re looking for a venue to raise money for a cause you hold dear .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Candace Owens’ fight to help a business owner who supported her opinion was stopped when GoFundMe officials pulled the plug.
Why? They disagreed with her opinion.
The popular conservative black female commentator and political activist came to the defense of a bar and restaurant owner in Birmingham, Alabama, who backed her opinion about people protesting the death of George Floyd.
Owens raised more than $200,000 in 24 hours to help the businessman through a GoFundMe account, but the campaign was suspended by the fundraising company after it ruled that the cause was “intolerant.”
After raising $205,000 in a few hours @gofundme decided to halt my campaign for the Parkside Cafe in Alabama. At their discretion, they deemed that funds raised for a conservative business constitutes “intolerance”
They WILL however give the funds raised thus far to the cafe… pic.twitter.com/Mfw88iDKRi — Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) June 7, 2020
The owner of Parkside Cafe, Michael Dykes, said he was inspired after Owens posted a Facebook Live video in which she shared her views of the protesters and Floyd, who died May 25 in Minneapolis after since-fired police officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.
Chauvin and his fellow officers face charges in connection with Floyd’s death.
Since video of the incident went viral on social media, peaceful protests have broken out across the nation and world. However, there have also been riots in which businesses were looted, cities set ablaze and citizens killed.
Should GoFundMe have stopped Candace Owens' fundraiser? 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% (12 Votes) No: 99% (1132 Votes)
Owens said in her post that Floyd did not deserve to die but she does not consider him to be a martyr because of his criminal history.
“I am not going to play a part of the broken black culture that always wants to martyr criminals, to pretend that they were upstanding human beings that just wanted to help society,” she said.
Motivated by Owens’ post, Dykes referred to Floyd as a “thug” and called the protesters “idiots,” Al.com reported.
He sent a text message to co-owner Robert Bagwell and an employee Friday saying they should consider raising prices at the bar as a protest tax and encouraging employees who took part in the Birmingham protest to resign.
Dykes added in the text that “Mr. Floyd was a thug, didn’t deserve to die but honoring a thug is irresponsible.”
The message was circulated to other Parkside employees and shared on social media.
He apologized for the comments, but fuel was thrown on the fire when Owens opened the GoFundMe account to raise money for the business.
Business owner in Birmingham, Alabama is under attack because in a *private* text leaked by his employee— he agreed with the sentiments of a Candace Owens video. Left is calling for boycotts of his struggling business, so I created a fundraiser for him. https://t.co/Gchcu7PKm2 — Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) June 6, 2020
After Dykes posted on Twitter and tagged Owens, the backlash grew. He was called a racist, and John Carvalho, a journalism professor at Auburn University, tweeted that Dykes’ apology was overshadowed by his support for Owens.
The part where Michael Dykes describes himself as “inspired” by the “amazing” @RealCandaceO basically undercuts the entire apology. He didn’t insert his foot in his mouth; he spoke what was and remains on his heart. — John Carvalho (@John_P_Carvalho) June 6, 2020
Owens responded by calling the professor “trash” for siccing a “leftist mob” on Dykes, and she informed him she had established a GoFundMe account to help the restaurant owner.
Thank you for being a trash enough human being to let me know about the leftist mob attacking this business owner. I have now created a fundraiser for Michael Dykes. https://t.co/Gchcu7PKm2 https://t.co/rvoCxTtAJV — Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) June 6, 2020
Within a day, however, the account was shut down, and Owens was informed that the inspiration behind the account violated the terms of the agreement.
The Hill reported a response from officials with the fundraising company: “GoFundMe has suspended the account associated with Candace Owens, and the GoFundMe campaign has been removed because of a repeated pattern of inflammatory statements that spread hate, discrimination, intolerance, and falsehoods against the black community at a time of profound national crisis. These actions violate our terms of service.”
What apparently doesn’t violate its terms of service? Helping rioters and looters get out of jail.
GoFundMe has provided a venue for multiple accounts raising money to pay the bail of people arrested in the violent protests over Floyd’s death.
In fact, it promotes those funds on a page labeled “We Stand Together: Supporting Justice + Equality.”
In response to the current outpouring of support for causes focused on racial justice & equality, we’ve compiled a list of campaigns from across the US that you can share or support right now to make a difference: https://t.co/pUobhcG67O — GoFundMe (@gofundme) June 5, 2020
“Join us to support organizations focused on bail reform, racial justice, and law enforcement reform,” the company says.
The fundraising platform has no use for a black conservative woman who wanted to help a business owner through tough times, but it welcomes those who want to get criminals back on the street as soon as possible.
That’s something to remember the next time you’re looking for a venue to raise money for a cause you hold dear.
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