westernjournal--2020-01-12--Report: US Cancer Death Rate Sees Largest Single-Year Drop in History

The death rate from cancer in the U.S. dropped by 2.2 percent from 2016 to 2017 , which was the largest single-year decline ever recorded , according to a new report by the American Cancer Society .
The overall drop from 1991 to 2017 has been 29 percent , which translates to about 2.9 million deaths avoided over the time period , the organization said in a news release on Wednesday .
“ The steady 26-year decline is driven by long-term drops in death rates for the four major cancers- lung , colorectal , breast , & prostate , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East Lung cancer remained the leading cause of cancer death in 2017 .
“ Almost one-quarter of all cancer deaths are due to lung cancer , more than breast , prostate , and colorectal cancers combined , ” the ACS news release said .
“ Progress in reducing lung cancer deaths has improved due to declines in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment .
However , progress in reducing colorectal , breast , and prostate cancers has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s findings .
Its “ Cancer Statistics 2020 ” noted that declines in lung cancer death accelerated from 3 percent annually between 2008 and 2013 to 5 percent from 2013 through 2017 .
The steepest decline in cancer death rates occurred for melanoma skin cancer , which the ACS attributed in part to new drug treatments the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2011 .
“ The overall melanoma death rate dropped by 7 % per year during 2013-2017 in people ages 20 to 64 , 1 % per year in people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % to 6 % in people 65 and older , ” the ACS reported .
“ Progress in the 65+ age group is especially significant , because rates before 2013 had been increasing.
” Dr. William G. Cance , chief medical and scientific officer for the ACS , pointed to improved treatments for both lung cancer and melanoma as contributing to the steeper declines in death rates seen .
“ The accelerated drops in lung cancer mortality as well as in melanoma that we ’ re seeing are likely due at least in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past decade , such as immunotherapy , ” Cance said in a statement .
RELATED : Justice Ginsburg Treated for Cancer at Center Partly Funded by David Koch 's $ 225 Million in Gifts “ They are a profound reminder of how rapidly this area of research is expanding , and now leading to real hope for cancer patients.
” Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States behind heart disease , with the ACS predicting there will be about 1.8 million new cases in 2020 and 606,000 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading causes of cancer death offers an encouraging picture .
Lung cancer death rates declined by 51 percent from 1990 to 2017 among men , and 26 percent from 2002 to 2017 among women .
Breast cancer death rates dropped 40 percent from 1989 to 2017 among women .
Prostate cancer death rates are down 52 percent among men from 1993 to 2017 .
Meanwhile , colorectal cancer death rates declined 53 percent from 1980 to 2017 among men , and 53 percent from 1969 to 2017 among women .
Rebecca Siegel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lead author of the organization ’ s report , told The New York Times , “ Every year that we see a decline in cancer mortality rate , it ’ s very good news.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The death rate from cancer in the U.S. dropped by 2.2 percent from 2016 to 2017, which was the largest single-year decline ever recorded, according to a new report by the American Cancer Society.
The overall drop from 1991 to 2017 has been 29 percent, which translates to about 2.9 million deaths avoided over the time period, the organization said in a news release on Wednesday.
“The steady 26-year decline is driven by long-term drops in death rates for the four major cancers- lung, colorectal, breast, & prostate,” the ACS tweeted.
#BREAKINGNEWS: The #cancer death rate declined by 29% from 1991-2017, including a 2.2% drop from 2016-2017. The steady 26-year decline is driven by long-term drops in death rates for the four major cancers- lung, colorectal, breast, & prostate. https://t.co/12voPxVd6N pic.twitter.com/N1UsAy8HIg — American Cancer Society (@AmericanCancer) January 8, 2020
Lung cancer remained the leading cause of cancer death in 2017.
“Almost one-quarter of all cancer deaths are due to lung cancer, more than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined,” the ACS news release said.
“Progress in reducing lung cancer deaths has improved due to declines in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment. However, progress in reducing colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers has slowed,” according to the ACS’s findings.
Its “Cancer Statistics 2020” noted that declines in lung cancer death accelerated from 3 percent annually between 2008 and 2013 to 5 percent from 2013 through 2017.
Do you find these new statistics encouraging? 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: 95% (180 Votes) No: 5% (10 Votes)
The steepest decline in cancer death rates occurred for melanoma skin cancer, which the ACS attributed in part to new drug treatments the Food and Drug Administration approved in 2011.
“The overall melanoma death rate dropped by 7% per year during 2013-2017 in people ages 20 to 64, 1% per year in people ages 50 to 64, and 5% to 6% in people 65 and older,” the ACS reported.
“Progress in the 65+ age group is especially significant, because rates before 2013 had been increasing.”
Dr. William G. Cance, chief medical and scientific officer for the ACS, pointed to improved treatments for both lung cancer and melanoma as contributing to the steeper declines in death rates seen.
“The accelerated drops in lung cancer mortality as well as in melanoma that we’re seeing are likely due at least in part to advances in cancer treatment over the past decade, such as immunotherapy,” Cance said in a statement.
“They are a profound reminder of how rapidly this area of research is expanding, and now leading to real hope for cancer patients.”
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States behind heart disease, with the ACS predicting there will be about 1.8 million new cases in 2020 and 606,000 deaths.
The longer view for the four leading causes of cancer death offers an encouraging picture.
Lung cancer death rates declined by 51 percent from 1990 to 2017 among men, and 26 percent from 2002 to 2017 among women.
Breast cancer death rates dropped 40 percent from 1989 to 2017 among women.
Prostate cancer death rates are down 52 percent among men from 1993 to 2017.
Meanwhile, colorectal cancer death rates declined 53 percent from 1980 to 2017 among men, and 53 percent from 1969 to 2017 among women.
Rebecca Siegel, director of surveillance research at the ACS and lead author of the organization’s report, told The New York Times, “Every year that we see a decline in cancer mortality rate, it’s very good news.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-12--Warren Says She’s Willing To Ban Construction of New Homes in America

If your home isn ’ t carbon neutral , Elizabeth Warren might not let you build it .
And if that means no new homes get built , she ’ s OK with that .
In an appearance on MSNBC ’ s “ Morning Joe ” on Wednesday , the Massachusetts senator and fading presidential candidate talked about her Thunberg-lite plan to help end climate change .
( Climate crisis ?
Catastrophe ?
What are we going with these days ? )
During her appearance , Warren was asked what she ’ d do to “ change the tide of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change ” and acted as if she ’ d been thrown the softball of all softballs .
She promised “ to do everything a president can do all by herself , that is , the things you don ’ t have to do by going to Congress.
” This includes putting an end to energy mining and drilling on federal lands or offshore and “ not having a coal lobbyist as head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
” You might not be surprised to learn that ’ s a dig at Andrew Wheeler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrator , who was previously an attorney representing a coal producer .
TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East Warren then moved on to her plan for housing , which she said was borne out of the dire predictions scientists have been making .
“ What scares me is every time you go back to the scientists , they tell you two things , ” the senator said .
“ It ’ s worse than we thought , and we have less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got to be willing to do things , for example , like regulation .
By 2028 , no new buildings , no new houses , without a zero carbon footprint.
” And she ’ s coming for your car and electricity bill , too .
“ By 2030 , trucks — light-duty trucks and cars , zero carbon footprint .
By 2035 , all production of electricity , zero carbon footprint , ” Warren said .
“ We do three regulations , we can cut our carbon footprint by 70 percent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was also talk of some vague idea of social justice — because schemes like this always need to be undergirded with some such vague idea .
“ We also need to make environmental justice really at the heart of our climate plan , ” Warren said .
“ A central part of the plan for me is I want to put a trillion dollars into cleaning up the places that collectively we have destroyed as a nation and bringing them back , ” she said .
RELATED : Buttigieg Suggests Trump Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 737 Just out of morbid curiosity , I looked at the section of Warren ’ s campaign website dealing with environmental justice and then rather wished I hadn ’ t .
“ We didn ’ t get here by accident .
Our crisis of environmental injustice is the result of decades of discrimination and environmental racism compounding in communities that have been overlooked for too long , ” Warren says on the site .
“ It is the result of multiple choices that put corporate profits before people , while our government looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it must change.
” Warren advocates a “ just transition ” for all Americans via her flavor of the Green New Deal , which should be interesting when the economically vulnerable and marginalized individuals she claims to care so much about see the price of an electric car or a carbon-neutral home .
That ’ s going to be especially true when you consider that the only reasonably cheap option for green energy is nuclear , and Elizabeth Warren will be having none of that .
“ We ’ re not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we ’ re going to start weaning ourselves off nuclear energy and replacing it with renewable fuels , ” she said during CNN ’ s mammoth climate town hall back in September .
I wonder how much of Warren ’ s bluster on the environment is naïveté and how much of it is cynicism .
On the naïve side , this isn ’ t affordable or practical .
It would lead to a mass voter revolt once the bills started coming due .
On the other hand , there ’ s also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no chance of happening on the timetable Warren is proposing — certainly not with congressional approval , given that there are even some Democrats who would blanch at such an obviously self-defeating suite of environmental laws .
However , when you consider how serious of a candidate Elizabeth Warren is , consider that this is a woman who wants to ban regular old buildings in favor of carbon-neutral ones , all while solving serious social issues — one of which presumably is homelessness .
Good luck .
We are committed to truth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read our editorial standards .

If your home isn’t carbon neutral, Elizabeth Warren might not let you build it. And if that means no new homes get built, she’s OK with that.
In an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Jan. 8, the Massachusetts senator and fading presidential candidate talked about her Thunberg-lite plan to help end climate change. (Climate crisis? Catastrophe? What are we going with these days?)
During her appearance, Warren was asked what she’d do to “change the tide of U.S. policy on the issue of climate change” and acted as if she’d been thrown the softball of all softballs.
She promised “to do everything a president can do all by herself, that is, the things you don’t have to do by going to Congress.” This includes putting an end to energy mining and drilling on federal lands or offshore and “not having a coal lobbyist as head of the Environmental Protection Agency.”
You might not be surprised to learn that’s a dig at Andrew Wheeler, President Donald Trump’s EPA administrator, who was previously an attorney representing a coal producer.
Warren then moved on to her plan for housing, which she said was borne out of the dire predictions scientists have been making.
“What scares me is every time you go back to the scientists, they tell you two things,” the senator said. “It’s worse than we thought, and we have less time.
“That means we’ve got to be willing to do things, for example, like regulation. By 2028, no new buildings, no new houses, without a zero carbon footprint.”
And she’s coming for your car and electricity bill, too.
“By 2030, trucks — light-duty trucks and cars, zero carbon footprint. By 2035, all production of electricity, zero carbon footprint,” Warren said.
“We do three regulations, we can cut our carbon footprint by 70 percent,” she said.
Oh, and there was also talk of some vague idea of social justice — because schemes like this always need to be undergirded with some such vague idea.
“We also need to make environmental justice really at the heart of our climate plan,” Warren said.
“A central part of the plan for me is I want to put a trillion dollars into cleaning up the places that collectively we have destroyed as a nation and bringing them back,” she said.
Just out of morbid curiosity, I looked at the section of Warren’s campaign website dealing with environmental justice and then rather wished I hadn’t.
Do you think Elizabeth Warren will get the Democratic nomination? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 2% (72 Votes) No: 98% (3663 Votes)
“We didn’t get here by accident. Our crisis of environmental injustice is the result of decades of discrimination and environmental racism compounding in communities that have been overlooked for too long,” Warren says on the site.
“It is the result of multiple choices that put corporate profits before people, while our government looked the other way. It is unacceptable, and it must change.”
Warren advocates a “just transition” for all Americans via her flavor of the Green New Deal, which should be interesting when the economically vulnerable and marginalized individuals she claims to care so much about see the price of an electric car or a carbon-neutral home.
That’s going to be especially true when you consider that the only reasonably cheap option for green energy is nuclear, and Elizabeth Warren will be having none of that.
“We’re not going to build any nuclear power plants and we’re going to start weaning ourselves off nuclear energy and replacing it with renewable fuels,” she said during CNN’s mammoth climate town hall back in September.
I wonder how much of Warren’s bluster on the environment is naïveté and how much of it is cynicism.
On the naïve side, this isn’t affordable or practical. It would lead to a mass voter revolt once the bills started coming due.
On the other hand, there’s also the element of cynicism. This has no chance of happening on the timetable Warren is proposing — certainly not with congressional approval, given that there are even some Democrats who would blanch at such an obviously self-defeating suite of environmental laws.
However, when you consider how serious of a candidate Elizabeth Warren is, consider that this is a woman who wants to ban regular old buildings in favor of carbon-neutral ones, all while solving serious social issues — one of which presumably is homelessness. Good luck.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-12--Jillian Michaels Labeled a ‘Bully’ for Daring To Ask ‘Why are We Celebrating’ Pop Star Lizzo’s Body?

Jillian Michaels , a famous fitness and life coach , came under fire on Twitter after she asked the host of Buzzfeed News ’ live morning show “ AM to DM ” why people are celebrating the body of pop star Lizzo .
On Wednesday , “ AM to DM ” host Alex Berg interviewed Michaels about a variety of topics including political correctness , body positivity and healthy living .
Berg mentioned Michaels ’ previous comments about how political correctness has gone too far in the health and fitness industry .
“ I think it ’ s insane , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes that PC culture has led to extremes in body image .
“ ‘ Oh , she ’ s too fat to be a pop star.
’ … You should never be able to say things like that , ” Michaels said .
“ But for years people were .
They could fat-shame and they could exclude people and they could make people feel less than in all forms of media , and we should always be inclusive.
” “ But you can not glorify obesity .
It ’ s dangerous .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East “ So there ’ s a middle ground here .
Now it ’ s like , ‘ Oh , that woman is 250 pounds .
Good for her ! '
” Michaels continued .
“ It shouldn ’ t be one way or the other .
It ’ s really no one ’ s business to comment .
It ’ s not something you should judge , it ’ s not something you should celebrate.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s health is determined by her alone , but a woman that is 250 pounds will end up with “ heart disease , cancer , diabetes , autoimmune issues , [ and ] an early death.
” Berg praised rapper Lizzo for preaching self-acceptance , adding that she loved seeing images of bodies like Lizzo ’ s that aren ’ t usually celebrated .
Michaels said she loved Lizzo ’ s music and that she was sure Lizzo was an “ awesome ” person , but she took issue with celebrating the singer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we celebrating her body ?
Why does it matter ?
… Why aren ’ t we celebrating her music ?
Cause it isn ’ t gon na be awesome if she gets diabetes , ” Michaels said .
“ I ’ m just being honest .
I love her music , my kid loves her music , but there ’ s never a moment where I ’ m like , ‘ And I ’ m so glad she ’ s overweight.
’ Why do I even care ?
Why is it my job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she went on .
“ I ’ m not saying , and never have I said , that we shouldn ’ t be inclusive and accepting .
I ’ m saying that I don ’ t love Lizzo because she ’ s overweight , I like her because of her music.
” Twitter users were horrified with what Michaels had to say about Lizzo , calling her a “ bully.
” RELATED : Famous Faces Who Passed Away in December 2019 “ Jillian Michaels has always been a bully and a sell out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her voice is deep and her facial structure to me looks like she ’ s used steroids for years.
” “ Have you ever seen Jillian Michaels work ?
Empathy is not part of the equation , ” another person tweeted .
“ She ’ s a bully who puts being skinny before being healthy.
” “ Jillian Michaels is a bully who hates herself , ” another Twitter user wrote .
Later that day , Michaels tweeted out a statement .
“ As I ’ ve stated repeatedly , we are all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she wrote .
“ I also feel strongly that we love ourselves enough to acknowledge there are serious health consequences that come with obesity – heart disease , diabetes , cancer to name only a few .
I would never wish these for ANYONE and I would hope we prioritize our health because we LOVE ourselves and our bodies.
” On the flip side , many people who commented on the “ AM to DM ” video on YouTube were supportive of Michaels .
“ I don ’ t understand why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She wasn ’ t being a ‘ bully ’ or anything .
She was just being honest , ” a YouTube commenter wrote .
“ And sometimes the truth can ’ t be sugar coated.
” “ I ’ ve worked various hospitals for almost 30 years .
Patients have gotten bigger every year , ” another YouTube commenter posted .
“ Obese patients come in more often , do worse , require more resources , and don ’ t follow up as directed way more than normal weighted patients .
Obesity is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain , suffering and death in existence .
She ’ s completely right.
” Brad Polumbo , a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner , shared his perspective on the situation as someone who had been admittedly been overweight in his early life .
“ It is not compassion , but cruelty , to pretend that obesity is perfectly fine , let alone worthy of celebration , ” Polumbo wrote.
” Whether we like it or not , pop stars such as Lizzo are role models for millions of young people .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a problem or bizarrely delude ourselves into saying it ’ s ‘ beautiful , ’ it only encourages an entire generation of kids like me to grow up and never make the tough choices they need to make to be healthy.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Jillian Michaels, a famous fitness and life coach, came under fire on Twitter after she asked the host of Buzzfeed News’ live morning show “AM to DM” why people are celebrating the body of pop star Lizzo.
On Wednesday, “AM to DM” host Alex Berg interviewed Michaels about a variety of topics including political correctness, body positivity and healthy living.
Berg mentioned Michaels’ previous comments about how political correctness has gone too far in the health and fitness industry. “I think it’s insane,” Michaels said. She said she believes that PC culture has led to extremes in body image.
“‘Oh, she’s too fat to be a pop star.’ … You should never be able to say things like that,” Michaels said. “But for years people were. They could fat-shame and they could exclude people and they could make people feel less than in all forms of media, and we should always be inclusive.”
“But you cannot glorify obesity. It’s dangerous. It kills people,” Michaels said.
“So there’s a middle ground here. Now it’s like, ‘Oh, that woman is 250 pounds. Good for her!'” Michaels continued. “It shouldn’t be one way or the other. It’s really no one’s business to comment. It’s not something you should judge, it’s not something you should celebrate.”
Michaels said that a woman’s health is determined by her alone, but a woman that is 250 pounds will end up with “heart disease, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune issues, [and] an early death.”
Berg praised rapper Lizzo for preaching self-acceptance, adding that she loved seeing images of bodies like Lizzo’s that aren’t usually celebrated.
Michaels said she loved Lizzo’s music and that she was sure Lizzo was an “awesome” person, but she took issue with celebrating the singer’s body.
Do you agree with Michaels' comments? 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: 93% (53 Votes) No: 7% (4 Votes)
“Why are we celebrating her body? Why does it matter? … Why aren’t we celebrating her music? Cause it isn’t gonna be awesome if she gets diabetes,” Michaels said.
“I’m just being honest. I love her music, my kid loves her music, but there’s never a moment where I’m like, ‘And I’m so glad she’s overweight.’ Why do I even care? Why is it my job to care about her weight?” she went on.
“I’m not saying, and never have I said, that we shouldn’t be inclusive and accepting. I’m saying that I don’t love Lizzo because she’s overweight, I like her because of her music.”
Twitter users were horrified with what Michaels had to say about Lizzo, calling her a “bully.”
“Jillian Michaels has always been a bully and a sell out,” one user wrote. “Her voice is deep and her facial structure to me looks like she’s used steroids for years.”
“Have you ever seen Jillian Michaels work? Empathy is not part of the equation,” another person tweeted. “She’s a bully who puts being skinny before being healthy.”
“Jillian Michaels is a bully who hates herself,” another Twitter user wrote.
Later that day, Michaels tweeted out a statement.
“As I’ve stated repeatedly, we are all beautiful, worthy, and equally deserving,” she wrote.
“I also feel strongly that we love ourselves enough to acknowledge there are serious health consequences that come with obesity – heart disease, diabetes, cancer to name only a few. I would never wish these for ANYONE and I would hope we prioritize our health because we LOVE ourselves and our bodies.”
On the flip side, many people who commented on the “AM to DM” video on YouTube were supportive of Michaels.
“I don’t understand why she is getting so much criticism? She wasn’t being a ‘bully’ or anything. She was just being honest,” a YouTube commenter wrote. “And sometimes the truth can’t be sugar coated.”
“I’ve worked various hospitals for almost 30 years. Patients have gotten bigger every year,” another YouTube commenter posted. “Obese patients come in more often, do worse, require more resources, and don’t follow up as directed way more than normal weighted patients. Obesity is one of the most preventable causes of pain, suffering and death in existence. She’s completely right.”
Brad Polumbo, a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner, shared his perspective on the situation as someone who had been admittedly been overweight in his early life.
“It is not compassion, but cruelty, to pretend that obesity is perfectly fine, let alone worthy of celebration,” Polumbo wrote.”Whether we like it or not, pop stars such as Lizzo are role models for millions of young people.
“When we pretend that their obesity is not a problem or bizarrely delude ourselves into saying it’s ‘beautiful,’ it only encourages an entire generation of kids like me to grow up and never make the tough choices they need to make to be healthy.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-12--Miami Super Bowl Organizers Bring Death to Area Pythons

Miami ’ s upcoming Super Bowl will mean death for dozens of invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades — and wildlife officials say that ’ s a good thing .
The game ’ s organizing committee is working with Florida to promote the Python Bowl , a 10-day contest that began Friday that will give out all-terrain vehicles and cash to the hunters who kill the most and biggest of these non-native snakes .
The pythons , which can grow to 20 feet , are descended from pets released starting five decades ago .
TRENDING : During Obama Years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More Power in Middle East The big serpents have been devouring native mammal and bird populations .
Kristen Sommers , a wildlife impact manager for the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission , said officials understand the number of pythons caught during the contest won ’ t even make a dent in the population , which might exceed 100,000 .
But the goal is to raise the public ’ s awareness of the problem .
“ We hope we can minimize the python ’ s impact until some time in the future when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available , ” she said .
At Friday ’ s kickoff event , commission biologist Robert Edman cleared a 25-foot circle and then brought out a white bag , dumping a 12-foot female python onto the ground .
Each adult female lays between 60 and 100 eggs per year .
Once the snakes reach adulthood in about five years , they have no Florida predators besides armed humans and the occasional sawgrass death match with an adult alligator .
Demonstrating proper hunting technique , Edman poked at the tan-and-black spotted snake with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He then crept behind it to avoid its fangs , which can inflict a painful but not deadly bite .
Pythons wrap around their prey and squeeze it to death .
Edman then used a hook on the end of the rod to clamp down at the base of the snake ’ s skull and pin it in place , using his knee to pin its body .
He didn ’ t kill it , but during an actual hunt , the snake would then be dispatched with a bolt gun or bullet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Python trapper Tom Rahill said the next 10 days might make for a slow hunt because of the moderate expected temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees .
Pythons are more likely to leave the brush and water and go into the open when it is especially hot or cold .
One advantage is that it is mating season , so males will travel for miles if they smell an eager female in the distance , said Rahill , who helps run Swamp Apes , an organization that assists military veterans cope with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rahill , who has caught almost 800 pythons , said the key to success is persistence : Every eight hours of hunting averages one snake caught .
It takes a keen eye , looking for a telltale glistening under the water or in the bush during the day or staking out levees at night , waiting for one to appear .
“ It is a certain amount of luck , but it is being in the right place at the right time , ” he said .
The Associated Press contributed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Miami’s upcoming Super Bowl will mean death for dozens of invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades — and wildlife officials say that’s a good thing.
The game’s organizing committee is working with Florida to promote the Python Bowl, a 10-day contest that began Friday that will give out all-terrain vehicles and cash to the hunters who kill the most and biggest of these non-native snakes.
We can’t wait to see how many of you come out and participate in the Python Challenge! #LIVEITMIAMI #O2E @O2EMiami https://t.co/kLLaqZoI3m — Miami Super Bowl LIV (@MIASBLIV) January 10, 2020
The pythons, which can grow to 20 feet, are descended from pets released starting five decades ago.
The big serpents have been devouring native mammal and bird populations.
Kristen Sommers, a wildlife impact manager for the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said officials understand the number of pythons caught during the contest won’t even make a dent in the population, which might exceed 100,000. But the goal is to raise the public’s awareness of the problem.
“We hope we can minimize the python’s impact until some time in the future when some sort of silver bullet will be available,” she said.
At Friday’s kickoff event, commission biologist Robert Edman cleared a 25-foot circle and then brought out a white bag, dumping a 12-foot female python onto the ground.
Each adult female lays between 60 and 100 eggs per year. Once the snakes reach adulthood in about five years, they have no Florida predators besides armed humans and the occasional sawgrass death match with an adult alligator.
Demonstrating proper hunting technique, Edman poked at the tan-and-black spotted snake with a metal rod to make it uncoil.
He then crept behind it to avoid its fangs, which can inflict a painful but not deadly bite. Pythons wrap around their prey and squeeze it to death.
Edman then used a hook on the end of the rod to clamp down at the base of the snake’s skull and pin it in place, using his knee to pin its body.
He didn’t kill it, but during an actual hunt, the snake would then be dispatched with a bolt gun or bullet to the brain or by decapitation.
Kickoff Event: 2020 Python Bowl https://t.co/yHxMSmpKAC — South Florida Water Management District (@SFWMD) January 10, 2020
Python trapper Tom Rahill said the next 10 days might make for a slow hunt because of the moderate expected temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees. Pythons are more likely to leave the brush and water and go into the open when it is especially hot or cold.
One advantage is that it is mating season, so males will travel for miles if they smell an eager female in the distance, said Rahill, who helps run Swamp Apes, an organization that assists military veterans cope with combat trauma by teaching them python hunting.
Rahill, who has caught almost 800 pythons, said the key to success is persistence: Every eight hours of hunting averages one snake caught. It takes a keen eye, looking for a telltale glistening under the water or in the bush during the day or staking out levees at night, waiting for one to appear.
“It is a certain amount of luck, but it is being in the right place at the right time,” he said.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-12--Ex-NFL Player Trades in Football Uniform for Army Uniform, Lives Out Childhood Dream

Former Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jimmy Legree has put a halt on his career as a professional athlete to enlist in the U.S. Army .
Like many boys , Legree knew from a young age that he wanted to serve in the military , but his plans changed when he began his football career at the University of South Carolina .
Legree graduated from the university in 2013 and began playing professional football for the Arizona Cardinals over two seasons in 2014 and 2015 , Fox News reported .
The trainee had also been signed briefly in 2014 by the Seattle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route by going to college and playing football , but once that window was closed I reverted back to my Plan A , which was joining the military , ” Legree said in an interview with the Army .
TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East The 28-year-old Legree began Basic Combat Training in early December at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and is currently assigned to D Battery , 1st Battalion and 19th Field Artillery .
He told KSAZ-TV “ I just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunity closed , I wanted to take advantage of it , so I just decided to jump up and get on it.
” Most would assume the transition from playing professional football to becoming a soldier would be somewhat difficult , but Legree didn ’ t appear to have an issue .
“ You have your head coaches and that ’ s similar to drill sergeants who are correcting any mistakes that you make , ” he said to the Army .
“ In football you wear a helmet and shoulder pads , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Advanced Combat Helmet ) and all your equipment.
” Legree ’ s parents never served in the military , but some of his extended family did .
However , that is not where the bulk of his motivation comes from .
His biggest inspiration has been former Cardinals player and Army Ranger Cpl .
Pat Tillman .
Legree told the Army that Tillman “ is definitely inspiring — his passion for the game and his passion for the country was motivation for me.
” In his interview with KSAZ , he said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and “ every day it is a mental challenge , and every day you have to remind yourself why you joined , why you ’ re here and get through the day the best way you can.
” RELATED : Famous Faces Who Passed Away in December 2019 His former teammates gave him their full support once he made the decision to enlist , and the recruiters were excited to get him in once they found out he played in the NFL .
The Army reported that Legree was described by Senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , humble and positive trainee .
Once he graduates from Basic Combat Training on Feb. 21 , Legree will be sent to Fort Gordon in Georgia , where he will be training to make a career as a communications specialist .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Former Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jimmy Legree has put a halt on his career as a professional athlete to enlist in the U.S. Army.
Like many boys, Legree knew from a young age that he wanted to serve in the military, but his plans changed when he began his football career at the University of South Carolina.
Legree graduated from the university in 2013 and began playing professional football for the Arizona Cardinals over two seasons in 2014 and 2015, Fox News reported.
The trainee had also been signed briefly in 2014 by the Seattle Seahawks.
“I went a different route by going to college and playing football, but once that window was closed I reverted back to my Plan A, which was joining the military,” Legree said in an interview with the Army.
The 28-year-old Legree began Basic Combat Training in early December at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and is currently assigned to D Battery, 1st Battalion and 19th Field Artillery.
He told KSAZ-TV “I just felt myself getting older and before this opportunity closed, I wanted to take advantage of it, so I just decided to jump up and get on it.”
Most would assume the transition from playing professional football to becoming a soldier would be somewhat difficult, but Legree didn’t appear to have an issue.
“You have your head coaches and that’s similar to drill sergeants who are correcting any mistakes that you make,” he said to the Army.
“In football you wear a helmet and shoulder pads, and here you wear your ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet) and all your equipment.”
Legree’s parents never served in the military, but some of his extended family did. However, that is not where the bulk of his motivation comes from.
His biggest inspiration has been former Cardinals player and Army Ranger Cpl. Pat Tillman.
Legree told the Army that Tillman “is definitely inspiring — his passion for the game and his passion for the country was motivation for me.”
In his interview with KSAZ, he said that he is proud to serve his country, and “every day it is a mental challenge, and every day you have to remind yourself why you joined, why you’re here and get through the day the best way you can.”
His former teammates gave him their full support once he made the decision to enlist, and the recruiters were excited to get him in once they found out he played in the NFL.
The Army reported that Legree was described by Senior Drill Sergeant Jason Aqui as a mature, humble and positive trainee.
Once he graduates from Basic Combat Training on Feb. 21, Legree will be sent to Fort Gordon in Georgia, where he will be training to make a career as a communications specialist.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-12--NY Politician Allegedly Blames Wife Before DWI Arrest: ‘You Know How Women Drive’

The politician who was formerly the top Republican in the New York State Assembly allegedly told a tow truck operator that his wife was driving his state-issued car when it went into a ditch on New Year ’ s Eve .
The New York Post reported that in a witness statement , AAA employee Michael Scoville said when he arrived at the scene of the accident in the Ontario County town of Victor in western New York , Kolb ’ s 2018 GMC Acadia was “ down in the ditch , backed into the guide wire of a telephone pole.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s side of the car was open “ and a white male was leaning into the vehicle , ” Scoville said in the statement .
“ I saw the vehicle was running .
The male stood up and put his hands up and said ‘ My wife was driving !
’ he then said ‘ You know how women drive , ’ ” Scoville said .
Scoville , who did not use Kolb ’ s name in the statement , said the man claimed “ his wife was up in the house.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East The AAA employee said in his statement that he called police because the vehicle hit the wire , thus turning it into a reportable accident , according to the Democrat and Chronicle .
Police said when they reached the scene , Kolb , 67 , was in the driver ’ s seat but was “ unsteady on his feet as he exited.
” Kolb showed “ significant signs of intoxication after a series of field test that were administered roadside , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level was reported at .16 — twice the legal limit of .08 — and he was arrested for driving while intoxicated .
Court documents said that when police interviewed Kolb , he had “ glassy bloodshot eyes , slurred speech , strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath , unsteady on his feet , and an oral admission of operating the motor vehicle.
” Kolb had reportedly been trying to turn into a driveway when he slid off the road and down an embankment .
On Jan. 3 , Kolb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state assembly .
He also issued a statement saying he made “ a terrible lapse in judgment , one I have urged others not to make , and I take full responsibility for it.
” Not long before the accident , Kolb had written an Op-Ed on the subject of drinking and driving that was published by the Daily Messenger in Canandaigua , New York .
RELATED : Man Allegedly Robs His Fifth Bank in 2 Weeks After NY No-Bail Law Lets Him Walk “ As we prepare to revel in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to remember to do so safely , ” he wrote .
“ Many of our holiday traditions , especially our New Year ’ s Eve celebrations , involve indulging in spirits .
Done safely , and in moderation , these can be wonderful holiday experiences .
However , tragedy can be only one bad decision away.
” “ December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month , and its message is important : do not operate a vehicle if your ability to do so is impaired .
Drunk driving is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vehicle passengers , bystanders and other drivers .
Please consider the ramifications of impaired driving , especially as we prepare to close out 2019 and welcome in a new decade , ” Kolb added .
“ There is no excuse for impaired driving .
Here in New York , we have taxis , ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft and a robust public transportation system .
Please , use these services , or a sober , reliable designated driver when making your way about town , ” he wrote .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The politician who was formerly the top Republican in the New York State Assembly allegedly told a tow truck operator that his wife was driving his state-issued car when it went into a ditch on New Year’s Eve.
The New York Post reported that in a witness statement, AAA employee Michael Scoville said when he arrived at the scene of the accident in the Ontario County town of Victor in western New York, Kolb’s 2018 GMC Acadia was “down in the ditch, backed into the guide wire of a telephone pole.”
The door to the driver’s side of the car was open “and a white male was leaning into the vehicle,” Scoville said in the statement.
“I saw the vehicle was running. The male stood up and put his hands up and said ‘My wife was driving!’ he then said ‘You know how women drive,’” Scoville said.
Scoville, who did not use Kolb’s name in the statement, said the man claimed “his wife was up in the house.”
The AAA employee said in his statement that he called police because the vehicle hit the wire, thus turning it into a reportable accident, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.
Police said when they reached the scene, Kolb, 67, was in the driver’s seat but was “unsteady on his feet as he exited.”
Kolb showed “significant signs of intoxication after a series of field test that were administered roadside,” court documents said.
His blood alcohol level was reported at .16 — twice the legal limit of .08 — and he was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Do you think Kolb should resign from his assembly seat altogether? 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: 84% (173 Votes) No: 16% (33 Votes)
Court documents said that when police interviewed Kolb, he had “glassy bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath, unsteady on his feet, and an oral admission of operating the motor vehicle.”
Kolb had reportedly been trying to turn into a driveway when he slid off the road and down an embankment.
On Jan. 3, Kolb resigned his post as minority leader of the state assembly.
He also issued a statement saying he made “a terrible lapse in judgment, one I have urged others not to make, and I take full responsibility for it.”
Not long before the accident, Kolb had written an Op-Ed on the subject of drinking and driving that was published by the Daily Messenger in Canandaigua, New York.
“As we prepare to revel in the upcoming holiday celebrations, it is especially important to remember to do so safely,” he wrote. “Many of our holiday traditions, especially our New Year’s Eve celebrations, involve indulging in spirits. Done safely, and in moderation, these can be wonderful holiday experiences. However, tragedy can be only one bad decision away.”
“December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, and its message is important: do not operate a vehicle if your ability to do so is impaired. Drunk driving is not only dangerous to the driver, but to vehicle passengers, bystanders and other drivers. Please consider the ramifications of impaired driving, especially as we prepare to close out 2019 and welcome in a new decade,” Kolb added.
“There is no excuse for impaired driving. Here in New York, we have taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft and a robust public transportation system. Please, use these services, or a sober, reliable designated driver when making your way about town,” he wrote.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-12--103-Year-Old WWII Combat Vet Finally Receives His Medals

A WWII veteran from Massachusetts finally received medals for his service nearly 75 years after he returned home .
Peter Fantasia was awarded his medals by Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton during a ceremony on Monday in Reading , Massachusetts .
The 103-year-old veteran served as an Army medic with Lima Company , of the 3rd Battalion , of the 104th Regiment of the 26th Infantry Division , according to WCVB-TV .
Fantasia was captured while tending to soldiers in Rodalbe , France , on Nov. 12 , 1944 .
He was held as a prisoner of war for over five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Russian troops on April 28 , 1945 .
TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East Moulton , who worked with the military to ensure Fantasia received his medals , is a former Marine Corps officer .
Fantasia received eight medals , including the Bronze Star , the Good Conduct Medal and the American Defense Service Medal , CNN reported .
“ It ’ s a true example to the rest of the country and the community what American heroism is all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to WHDH .
His family said the values that earned the long-awaited recognition as a solider are the same values that made him a great father .
“ To us , he ’ s Dad .
And he ’ s always put other people first , ” his daughter Martha Mesiti said .
“ But , to have other people realize how special he is — that ’ s amazing.
” Despite the high honors he received this week , Fantasia remained humble and remembered his fellow soldiers who helped him along the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just myself , ” he said .
“ I had help one way or another.
” RELATED : Famous Faces Who Passed Away in December 2019 “ God has been good .
I don ’ t know what to say , ” he added .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A WWII veteran from Massachusetts finally received medals for his service nearly 75 years after he returned home.
Peter Fantasia was awarded his medals by Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton during a ceremony on Monday in Reading, Massachusetts.
The 103-year-old veteran served as an Army medic with Lima Company, of the 3rd Battalion, of the 104th Regiment of the 26th Infantry Division, according to WCVB-TV.
Fantasia was captured while tending to soldiers in Rodalbe, France, on Nov. 12, 1944.
He was held as a prisoner of war for over five months until he was finally set free by Russian troops on April 28, 1945.
Moulton, who worked with the military to ensure Fantasia received his medals, is a former Marine Corps officer.
Fantasia received eight medals, including the Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal and the American Defense Service Medal, CNN reported.
“It’s a true example to the rest of the country and the community what American heroism is all about,” Moulton said, according to WHDH.
His family said the values that earned the long-awaited recognition as a solider are the same values that made him a great father.
Do you think Fantasia received the recognition he deserves? 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: 95% (20 Votes) No: 5% (1 Votes)
“To us, he’s Dad. And he’s always put other people first,” his daughter Martha Mesiti said.
“But, to have other people realize how special he is — that’s amazing.”
Despite the high honors he received this week, Fantasia remained humble and remembered his fellow soldiers who helped him along the way.
“It wasn’t just myself,” he said. “I had help one way or another.”
Fantasia also credited a higher power.
“God has been good. I don’t know what to say,” he added.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-12--CNN Anchor: People Chanting ‘Death to America’ Were Very Friendly to Me

A stray comment from a CNN reporter is emerging as a possible window into the mindset of the Iranian people amid growing anti-government protests .
CNN ’ s Erin Burnett was talking with Republican Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio about recent developments in Iran when she said there was a dissonance in Iran between public actions and private comments .
Turner had noted that the chant “ death to America ” is even used in Iran ’ s parliament , according to The Daily Wire , when Burnett replied .
“ I will say , I was in Tehran when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ once .
I was at a rally , the people couldn ’ t have been more friendly to me personally as an American .
It sort of felt like a thing and a trope as opposed to anything that was actually seriously meant and considered .
I understand your point , but my experience was different , ” she said .
TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East Turner agreed that the leadership and people in Iran could be on different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Iranian government toward the United States have made themselves obvious over the 40 years since the Islamic Revolution of 1979 — something the 43-year-old Burnett should be aware of , he said .
“ Erin , your entire life , Iran — pretty much your entire life , just by a few years , has chanted death to America and they have taken actions against Americans and American interests and in ways that are lethal killings of Americans , given weaponry to people who do kill Americans , ” Turner said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a slogan .
This obviously is something that Iran has systematically continued to do … “ These are real threats from the leadership of Iran , even though and I ’ m glad you had a safe and warm response , the people on the street may be different than those who are controlling their military , ” Turner said .
See more of the interview here .
The “ death to America ” exchange starts about the 30-second mark : Some questioned Burnett ’ s comments , coming as they did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed to President Donald Trump and his policies .
RELATED : Iranian Protesters Are Chanting the Regime Is Their Enemy , Not US : Iranian Journalist Plumbing the depths of anti-government attitudes in Iran became a major concern after protests that broke out Saturday in Tehran following Iran ’ s admission that it accidentally shot down a Ukrainian jetliner , killing all 176 people aboard .
Initially , Iran ’ s government had claimed the plane suffered technical problems .
As reported by the Voice of America , Iranian students called for Supreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also criticized Gen. Qassem Soleimani , whose recent funeral filled the streets of Tehran .
“ Soleimani is a murderer , his leader a traitor , ” the protesters chanted .
Protesters refused to step on U.S. and Israeli flags painted on the street and called out , “ Our enemy is right here , they lie saying it ’ s America.
” Iran deployed riot police and tear gas to disperse the protesters , according to The Guardian .
President Donald Trump tweeted a reminder to Iran that the nation is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders respond to the protests .
“ To the leaders of Iran – DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS .
Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you , and the World is watching .
More importantly , the USA is watching .
Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free !
Stop the killing of your great Iranian people !
” Trump wrote .
One commentator said Iran could be at a crossroads .
“ This is an unprecedented moment in the history of the Islamic Republic , ” Milad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Los Angeles Times .
“ Traditionally it uses external threats to create national unity and push away dissent .
“ Now , [ Iran ] has to play a tightrope , and is unable to gain the trust of the public and gather legitimacy .
Its ability to draw on international hostility to create a national front is radically limited , ” he said .
Iran had just been recovering from a wave of anti-government protests in November .
The U.S.-based Center for Human Rights in Iran estimated that in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed , with up to 7,000 people arrested .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A stray comment from a CNN reporter is emerging as a possible window into the mindset of the Iranian people amid growing anti-government protests.
CNN’s Erin Burnett was talking with Republican Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio about recent developments in Iran when she said there was a dissonance in Iran between public actions and private comments.
Turner had noted that the chant “death to America” is even used in Iran’s parliament, according to The Daily Wire, when Burnett replied.
“I will say, I was in Tehran when they were chanting ‘death to America’ once. I was at a rally, the people couldn’t have been more friendly to me personally as an American. It sort of felt like a thing and a trope as opposed to anything that was actually seriously meant and considered. I understand your point, but my experience was different,” she said.
THIS IS CNN The people chanting “Death to America” “couldn’t have been more friendly”. pic.twitter.com/ou2y3mB5G4 — Benny (@bennyjohnson) January 11, 2020
Turner agreed that the leadership and people in Iran could be on different wavelengths. But the deadly intentions of the Iranian government toward the United States have made themselves obvious over the 40 years since the Islamic Revolution of 1979 — something the 43-year-old Burnett should be aware of, he said.
“Erin, your entire life, Iran — pretty much your entire life, just by a few years, has chanted death to America and they have taken actions against Americans and American interests and in ways that are lethal killings of Americans, given weaponry to people who do kill Americans,” Turner said.
“So, it’s not just a slogan. This obviously is something that Iran has systematically continued to do …
“These are real threats from the leadership of Iran, even though and I’m glad you had a safe and warm response, the people on the street may be different than those who are controlling their military,” Turner said.
See more of the interview here. The “death to America” exchange starts about the 30-second mark:
Some questioned Burnett’s comments, coming as they did from CNN, which has been stoutly opposed to President Donald Trump and his policies.
After hearing Iranians chanting “DEATH to America” @CNN‘s @ErinBurnett says they were “friendly” and didn’t mean it. WHAT?!? And some wonder why people don’t trust the media? pic.twitter.com/WRI7aibOwO — Mary Vought (@MaryVought) January 11, 2020
Plumbing the depths of anti-government attitudes in Iran became a major concern after protests that broke out Saturday in Tehran following Iran’s admission that it accidentally shot down a Ukrainian jetliner, killing all 176 people aboard. Initially, Iran’s government had claimed the plane suffered technical problems.
As reported by the Voice of America, Iranian students called for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to step down and also criticized Gen. Qassem Soleimani, whose recent funeral filled the streets of Tehran.
“Soleimani is a murderer, his leader a traitor,” the protesters chanted.
Protesters refused to step on U.S. and Israeli flags painted on the street and called out, “Our enemy is right here, they lie saying it’s America.”
Large crowds are gathering on Tehran’s Azadi Street on this second day of anti-regime protests in Iran. Iranians are furious with their government for downing a civilian aircraft, which killed 176 people aboard.#IranProtests2020 pic.twitter.com/0Thea330gp — Masih Alinejad ? (@AlinejadMasih) January 12, 2020
The terrorist Qasem Soleimani is only loved by democrats & Mullahs in Iran, NOT even by the real Iranian people. A fearless woman protester ripped off Soleimani’s banner over the pole. Protests following the shooting of the Ukrainian plane in Iran, #PS572 pic.twitter.com/Pzu2XkPzB1 — Iranian American (@IranLionness) January 12, 2020
The people of Iran are aware of the corruption of their Ayatollah’s regime. They have taken to the streets in protest chanting “death to liars”. Meanwhile: radically left American psychopaths have spent the last two weeks pleading & apologizing. https://t.co/Vpwe3daRE1 — Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) January 11, 2020
Iran deployed riot police and tear gas to disperse the protesters, according to The Guardian.
President Donald Trump tweeted a reminder to Iran that the nation is being judged as the world watches how its leaders respond to the protests.
“To the leaders of Iran – DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people!” Trump wrote.
To the leaders of Iran – DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020
One commentator said Iran could be at a crossroads.
Are the Iranian people prisoners of their leaders? 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: 98% (83 Votes) No: 2% (2 Votes)
“This is an unprecedented moment in the history of the Islamic Republic,” Milad Odabaei of McGill University said, according to the Los Angeles Times. “Traditionally it uses external threats to create national unity and push away dissent.
“Now, [Iran] has to play a tightrope, and is unable to gain the trust of the public and gather legitimacy. Its ability to draw on international hostility to create a national front is radically limited,” he said.
Iran had just been recovering from a wave of anti-government protests in November. The U.S.-based Center for Human Rights in Iran estimated that in November protests, at least 304 people were killed, with up to 7,000 people arrested.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-12--Socialists Humiliated When Capitalist Hospital They Criticized Turns Out to Be Socialist

The Socialist Party of Great Britain doesn ’ t do much business at the polls these days .
After all , up until getting demolished by voters in December , the Labour Party ’ s Jeremy Corbyn was socialist enough for anyone who cared about these sorts of things , and a whole lot more electable .
However , what the Socialist Party lacks in support at the ballot box it makes up for in memes .
While its webpage is a mess of 2012-ish proportions , its Twitter account is full of political cartoons and other images you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for instance , this very scientific diagram showing exactly how you ’ re being exploited by the system , wage-slave : TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East Color me changed .
I ’ m just going to step away for a second so I can donate to Bernie ’ s campaign .
It ’ s not just wage slavery that the Socialist Party is against , of course .
It ’ s also against the capitalist health care system .
Thanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market , you ’ re being kept from the utopia of socialist medicine .
Thank God for that , I say , but the socialists have a different take — one which they unwisely decided to put into meme form .
“ Capitalism ’ s admirers really don ’ t like its failure to provide decent health care for all being exposed , nor how this would be a basic human right in the class-free state-free money-free future socialist society , ” the Thursday post read .
“ Capitalism ’ s admirers really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this meme.
” Actually , they rather would , although for reasons that may not be entirely apparent at first glance : The provenance of those pictures would immediately prove tricky for the Socialist Party .
First , the long line — or queue , as the Britishers might say — doesn ’ t come from a “ capitalist ” hospital .
It ’ s from the Sunbury Health Centre in Surrey , United Kingdom , courtesy of Britain ’ s own state-run National Health Service .
The problem with the center is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the 2014 U.K. Daily Mail article where the picture in question originated explains : RELATED : The Queen Gives 72-Hour Deadline To Solve Harry and Meghan 's Exit Dispute : Report “ The fact remains that more patients equals more money — for GPs [ physicians ] .
As its patient roll has increased , so has the NHS money flowing in to the surgery , which , like other practices , is paid £73.56 [ $ 96.10 ] per patient a year , ” the Daily Mail reported “ Or , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients means £441,360 [ $ 576,614 ] , for Sunbury , but 19,000 patients means £1,397,640 [ $ 1,825,946 ] .
Nor is this the full extent of the financial incentives for GPs “ Under the latest GP contracts , they are also paid £7.64 [ $ 9.98 ] for vaccinations such as flu and MMR jabs and £55 [ $ 71.85 ] for every patient diagnosed with dementia ; GPs qualify for the payment if they diagnose the patients themselves ( with no checks as to whether their assessment is right ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when their patients receive diagnosis in hospital.
” So , about that picture in the party ’ s tweet of what “ socialist ” medicine looks like ?
You probably guessed it ’ s from a capitalist hospital — in this case , St. Luke ’ s University Hospital in Bethlehem , Pennsylvania .
In a report on St. Luke ’ s , the newsletter of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation identifies the modernistic equipment pictured as a Discovery IGS 730 Hybrid OR , a mobile operating theater that “ gives physicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which means having complete access to the patient while helping maintain sterility in the OR environment , and allows the doctor to move the unit completely out of the way during surgery.
” You never get anywhere in the political sphere by apologizing for accidentally telling the truth , which the Socialist Party of Great Britain realized .
Their explanation for the meme : the NHS isn ’ t really socialism , and capitalism now will be socialism when it ’ s implemented .
“ Some people want an apology for this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t true ’ they say , ” the party ’ s account tweeted on Saturday .
“ YES IT IS .
We know the queue is in Britain .
Guess what : BRITAIN HAS CAPITALISM !
The NHS is dependent on capitalism for its state funding .
And as socialism is yet to exist , the other photo is merely representative.
” Except the NHS is … oh , why bother with the facts ?
They didn ’ t .
The sad thing is that , even in spite of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually be sure this isn ’ t a parody account .
After all , what to say about tweets like this ?
On balance , the fact that the Socialist Party of Great Britain hasn ’ t challenged the page and had it taken down for impersonation should probably be a sign that this , sadly , is actually how daft socialists really are .
However , the British socialists are still canny enough to have £1.3 million in property and cash reserves despite only having 300 members , according to a BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party wants to abolish private property and money .
“ We live in a capitalist society and you need money to survive in a capitalist society , ” spokesman Adam Buick said at the time .
“ We are not a charity , we are not giving it away to the poor , we are using it to propagate the case for socialism.
” Considering the relative success of party ’ s efforts on social media , perhaps it ’ s time to consider that whole “ giving it away to the poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Socialist Party of Great Britain doesn’t do much business at the polls these days. After all, up until getting demolished by voters in December, the Labour Party’s Jeremy Corbyn was socialist enough for anyone who cared about these sorts of things, and a whole lot more electable.
However, what the Socialist Party lacks in support at the ballot box it makes up for in memes. While its webpage is a mess of 2012-ish proportions, its Twitter account is full of political cartoons and other images you can share with your comrades.
Take, for instance, this very scientific diagram showing exactly how you’re being exploited by the system, wage-slave:
Those preoccupied with how much tax the government takes from their income, should be focusing on how much unpaid wealth they create gets taken by their employers. Capitalists will always want workers’ taxes cut because higher income taxes pressure employers to pay higher wages. pic.twitter.com/Lrfu2olSml — The Socialist Party (@OfficialSPGB) January 6, 2020
Color me changed. I’m just going to step away for a second so I can donate to Bernie’s campaign.
It’s not just wage slavery that the Socialist Party is against, of course. It’s also against the capitalist health care system. Thanks to the running dogs of the free market, you’re being kept from the utopia of socialist medicine. Thank God for that, I say, but the socialists have a different take — one which they unwisely decided to put into meme form.
“Capitalism’s admirers really don’t like its failure to provide decent health care for all being exposed, nor how this would be a basic human right in the class-free state-free money-free future socialist society,” the Thursday post read.
“Capitalism’s admirers really wouldn’t like you to share this meme.”
Actually, they rather would, although for reasons that may not be entirely apparent at first glance:
Capitalism’s admirers really don’t like its failure to provide decent health care for all being exposed, nor how this would be a basic human right in the class-free state-free money-free future socialist society. Capitalism’s admirers really wouldn’t like you to share this meme. pic.twitter.com/X0Ec6IwrXM — The Socialist Party (@OfficialSPGB) January 9, 2020
The provenance of those pictures would immediately prove tricky for the Socialist Party.
First, the long line — or queue, as the Britishers might say — doesn’t come from a “capitalist” hospital. It’s from the Sunbury Health Centre in Surrey, United Kingdom, courtesy of Britain’s own state-run National Health Service.
The problem with the center is the incentive system in the NHS, as the 2014 U.K. Daily Mail article where the picture in question originated explains:
“The fact remains that more patients equals more money — for GPs [physicians]. As its patient roll has increased, so has the NHS money flowing in to the surgery, which, like other practices, is paid £73.56 [$96.10] per patient a year,” the Daily Mail reported
“Or, to put it another way, 6,000 patients means £441,360 [$576,614], for Sunbury, but 19,000 patients means £1,397,640 [$1,825,946]. Nor is this the full extent of the financial incentives for GPs
“Under the latest GP contracts, they are also paid £7.64 [$9.98] for vaccinations such as flu and MMR jabs and £55 [$71.85] for every patient diagnosed with dementia; GPs qualify for the payment if they diagnose the patients themselves (with no checks as to whether their assessment is right), or if they update their records when their patients receive diagnosis in hospital.”
So, about that picture in the party’s tweet of what “socialist” medicine looks like? You probably guessed it’s from a capitalist hospital — in this case, St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
In a report on St. Luke’s, the newsletter of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation identifies the modernistic equipment pictured as a Discovery IGS 730 Hybrid OR, a mobile operating theater that “gives physicians flexibility during even the most complex procedures, which means having complete access to the patient while helping maintain sterility in the OR environment, and allows the doctor to move the unit completely out of the way during surgery.”
You never get anywhere in the political sphere by apologizing for accidentally telling the truth, which the Socialist Party of Great Britain realized. Their explanation for the meme: the NHS isn’t really socialism, and capitalism now will be socialism when it’s implemented.
“Some people want an apology for this. [laughing emoji] ‘It isn’t true’ they say,” the party’s account tweeted on Saturday.
“YES IT IS. We know the queue is in Britain. Guess what: BRITAIN HAS CAPITALISM! The NHS is dependent on capitalism for its state funding. And as socialism is yet to exist, the other photo is merely representative.”
Some people want an apology for this ?. “It isn’t true” they say. YES IT IS. We know the queue is in Britain. Guess what: BRITAIN HAS CAPITALISM! The NHS is dependent on capitalism for its state funding. And as socialism is yet to exist, the other photo is merely representative. pic.twitter.com/BLvl51Bx7d — The Socialist Party (@OfficialSPGB) January 11, 2020
Except the NHS is … oh, why bother with the facts? They didn’t.
The sad thing is that, even in spite of the blue checkmark, you can’t actually be sure this isn’t a parody account.
This is a satire account, right? I mean… Even socialists can’t be this stupid. https://t.co/1pBdjafh55 — Pradheep J. Shanker (@Neoavatara) January 10, 2020
After all, what to say about tweets like this?
Are you about to tell us “Socialism was tried in Russia” or “Look at Venezuela” etc? It has NEVER EXISTED! It comes AFTER global capitalism! pic.twitter.com/Rr1Ra0ugbE — The Socialist Party (@OfficialSPGB) November 16, 2016
On balance, the fact that the Socialist Party of Great Britain hasn’t challenged the page and had it taken down for impersonation should probably be a sign that this, sadly, is actually how daft socialists really are.
Do you support free market health care? 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: 85% (566 Votes) No: 15% (99 Votes)
However, the British socialists are still canny enough to have £1.3 million in property and cash reserves despite only having 300 members, according to a BBC report from 2015, even though the party wants to abolish private property and money.
“We live in a capitalist society and you need money to survive in a capitalist society,” spokesman Adam Buick said at the time.
“We are not a charity, we are not giving it away to the poor, we are using it to propagate the case for socialism.”
Considering the relative success of party’s efforts on social media, perhaps it’s time to consider that whole “giving it away to the poor” thing.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-12--News Cameraman Fired After Posting Meme Critical of Ilhan Omar Is Now Suing

A former cameraman for a New York City TV station who was fired for alleged racism and Islamophobia is fighting back , according to a new report .
Ken Evseroff , 52 , has filed suit against WPIX , according to the New York Post .
“ I feel heartbroken and morally and professionally violated , ” Evseroff told the newspaper .
Evseroff was fired in the fall of 2019 after he shared a meme on Facebook concerning Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar and her comment that “ some people did something ” in the Sept. 11 , 2001 , terror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down New York City ’ s World Trade Center .
The meme used the words “ ‘ Never Forget ’ – You said ” over a picture of the burning World Trade Center .
It also included an image of Omar with the words “ I am the proof – You have forgotten.
” TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped Soleimani , Iran Gain More Power in Middle East After being alerted to the post by a co-worker of Evseroff , the station booted him .
The station ruled that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying it damaged Tribune Media , which owns WPIX , because it could be “ perceived ” as racist .
Evseroff insisted he expressed no opinion , but was only sharing a news story .
“ I love my job .
I am good at my job .
I love telling stories to change lives .
I was honest , upfront , and open as sharing the meme as a news story .
I told the truth and when they didn ’ t like my truth they invented their own , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims that although WPIX axed Evseroff for sharing a post “ on his own time , from his own computer , and from his own home , ” WPIX took no action against a Hispanic reporter who , in a tweet , “ threatened violence against President Trump , ” according to the Post .
He said Evseroff was never given a copy of the social media policy used against him , and that there was “ no basis ” for bias complaints against Evseroff .
RELATED : Man Allegedly Robs His Fifth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Law Lets Him Walk However , the Post ’ s report noted that Evseroff had run afoul of reporter Narmeen Choudhury , a Muslim Bangladeshi-American who had complained about Evseroff in October 2018 .
She claimed he made “ rude , racist and/or sexist comments.
” The Post reported that she accused Evseroff of making “ rude remarks ” about “ black people and poor people.
” “ I never said anything racist or sexist to [ Choudhury ] or online , ” he said .
Choudhury claimed Evseroff was making a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial sector , in which her husband works .
He denied the allegations .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A former cameraman for a New York City TV station who was fired for alleged racism and Islamophobia is fighting back, according to a new report.
Ken Evseroff, 52, has filed suit against WPIX, according to the New York Post.
“I feel heartbroken and morally and professionally violated,” Evseroff told the newspaper.
Evseroff was fired in the fall of 2019 after he shared a meme on Facebook concerning Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar and her comment that “some people did something” in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attack that damaged the Pentagon and brought down New York City’s World Trade Center.
The meme used the words “‘Never Forget’ – You said” over a picture of the burning World Trade Center. It also included an image of Omar with the words “I am the proof – You have forgotten.”
She should not even be allowed in the People’s House. This poster showing the muhammadan murder of thousands of innocent Americans on 9/11 with the caption ” Never Forget” along with her in your face arrogant and hateful comment , : I Am the Proof You Have Forgotten” pic.twitter.com/d8LrqwHqon — will rodgers (@willrodgers2) March 4, 2019
After being alerted to the post by a co-worker of Evseroff, the station booted him.
The station ruled that the post violated its social media policy, saying it damaged Tribune Media, which owns WPIX, because it could be “perceived” as racist.
Has the media totally caved to liberals? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (3650 Votes) No: 0% (13 Votes)
Evseroff insisted he expressed no opinion, but was only sharing a news story.
“I love my job. I am good at my job. I love telling stories to change lives. I was honest, upfront, and open as sharing the meme as a news story. I told the truth and when they didn’t like my truth they invented their own,” Evseroff said.
The lawsuit against WPIX claims that although WPIX axed Evseroff for sharing a post “on his own time, from his own computer, and from his own home,” WPIX took no action against a Hispanic reporter who, in a tweet, “threatened violence against President Trump,” according to the Post.
The actions show “clear disparity,” Evseroff’s attorney, Andrew Laufer, told the newspaper.
He said Evseroff was never given a copy of the social media policy used against him, and that there was “no basis” for bias complaints against Evseroff.
However, the Post’s report noted that Evseroff had run afoul of reporter Narmeen Choudhury, a Muslim Bangladeshi-American who had complained about Evseroff in October 2018.
She claimed he made “rude, racist and/or sexist comments.” The Post reported that she accused Evseroff of making “rude remarks” about “black people and poor people.”
Evseroff denied the allegations.
“I never said anything racist or sexist to [Choudhury] or online,” he said.
Choudhury claimed Evseroff was making a video game targeting Muslims and people in the financial sector, in which her husband works. He denied the allegations.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-01-12--PETA Feuding with AOC for Setting Bad Example by Getting French Bulldog

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals v. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the useless cultural battle America didn ’ t know it needed until this past week .
And make no mistake — we needed it .
Between Iran and impeachment , we required a bit of levity , a cute French bulldog and liberals eating their own .
So , here ’ s the setup , in case you haven ’ t heard : In arguably her least controversial move ever , Rep. Ocasio-Cortez got an adorable puppy .
“ He doesn ’ t have a name yet !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Instagram Story , according to People .
“ We are thinking something Star Trek related or Bronx/Queens/NYC/social good related.
” So , a ) I didn ’ t know she was a Trekkie , but it pretty much confirms everything else I ’ ve thought about her ( $ 50 says she ’ s a “ Charmed ” fan , too ) ; and b ) judging by your concept of “ social good , ” may I recommend Fido-el ?
Bark-shevik ?
TRENDING : During Obama Years , Biden Reportedly Helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middle East “ The goal is to train him to be a community pup , ” she later tweeted .
“ Ideally we want to work to the point where he can enjoy town halls , be an Amtrak pup , come to the office , etc .
But first , naps.
” Who ’ s a good boy ?
Who ’ s a very good boy who doesn ’ t believe in redistribution like his pawrent does ?
Well , anyhow , I have to admit that ’ s pretty darn cute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this ended up triggering an entity I actually hold in lower regard than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — PETA , which is angry that the New York Democrat didn ’ t pick a rescue dog .
“ After Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced her new purebred French bulldog puppy on social media , PETA sent the lawmaker a letter urging her to visit a New York City animal shelter to see the scores of wonderful dogs there who desperately need homes , ” the group said in a Thursday news release .
“ The group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her next animal companion ( or to adopt a second one now so that the two can keep each other company while she ’ s busy on Capitol Hill ) and to ask her followers to do the same and save a life.
” “ AOC had a chance to set a compassionate , responsible example in the face of the homeless-animal crisis , but instead , she apparently inadvertently contributed to the problem , ” Newkirk said in the release .
“ PETA is urging her supporters not to follow her lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the underdog by choosing to give a lovable mutt a new lease on life.
” RELATED : Ocasio-Cortez Goes After Biden , Complains Democratic Party Is Too Inclusive See , you can tell Newkirk is taking this really seriously because she ’ s using dog puns .
If that quote sounds out of touch to you , wait until you read the paragraph that followed .
“ PETA — whose motto reads , in part , that ‘ animals are not ours to abuse in any way ’ and which opposes speciesism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 6 million lost , abandoned , or unwanted dogs and cats enter shelters every year and that many are euthanized for lack of enough good homes.
” Does this mean that AOC is a human-supremacist ?
Is that like the alt-right of the animal world ?
I don ’ t think Newkirk quite understood what she ’ s asking Ocasio-Cortez to do here .
Given her legislative responsibilities , one would assume AOC is a one-dog woman .
So , in order to pick a rescue dog , she ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somehow — which means it would either be returned to the breeder , sold or passed on to someone else , or get put into a shelter .
A three-paragraph news release would have sufficed , but the lecture continued in the form of a letter from Newkirk to Ocasio-Cortez personally that accompanied the news release .
This time , it centered on the travesty of getting a French bulldog in the first place .
“ French bulldogs are inbred in order to produce ‘ breed-specific traits , ’ which cause health problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by your purchase won ’ t be able to afford to address , ” the letter continued .
( Emphasis in the original . )
“ They are particularly at risk because their ‘ cute ’ features plague them with a lifetime of breathing problems ( you may have seen the media uproar this week after a disturbing photo of a pug ’ s MRI went viral ) , ear and eye infections , skin irritation , a weak stomach , and other issues—all ‘ man-made . '
” I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because a ) there wasn ’ t one and b ) she ’ s a busy woman .
Newkirk really hammered home her belief that AOC desperately needed to get another dog from a shelter — not just for herself but to set the right example for her followers .
“ On behalf of the more than 6 million lost , abandoned , or unwanted dogs and cats who enter shelters every year and the people who care for them , we ’ re asking that you please be a part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis and consider setting the right example for your millions of followers by adopting a mutt and encouraging them to do the same , ” Newkirk wrote .
“ Not only will you be saving another dog ’ s life , the new dog will also provide your puppy with the companionship he desperately needs as your busy schedule takes you around the country .
We ’ re also sending you a copy of the book Dogs Hate Crates , which explains why crate training is not humane or effective.
” Oh , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to the New York Post , this was likely in reaction to an Instagram video in which Ocasio-Cortez ’ s dog was shown in a cage , whimpering .
Just in case you didn ’ t get the point , this was the tweet PETA sent out to really hammer it home : As always , the nags from PETA believe they ’ re the arbiters of what you can and can not do in terms of animals .
You want to eat chicken ?
Well , here ’ s a 53-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in graphic detail !
Are you not entertained ?
Are you not ready for some tempeh ?
I ’ m the proud owner of two rescue dogs .
One of them had been abandoned in a warehouse district , the other was a breeder dog in a puppy mill that was never given a name in the three years she was kept in a cage out in the blazing sun .
Am I happy that my wife and I were able to give them a chance to laze about on the couch with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putter around on my MacBook and watch football ?
Absolutely .
Am I going to work myself into some kind of towering rage if you decide to go for a French bulldog or whatever breed your little heart desires ?
Absolutely not .
That ’ s your choice .
Ocasio-Cortez got the dog she wanted , not the dog PETA wanted her to get .
And , thus far , she hasn ’ t apologized or even acknowledged PETA ’ s letter .
I almost hate to say it , but good for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals v. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the useless cultural battle America didn’t know it needed until this past week.
And make no mistake — we needed it. Between Iran and impeachment, we required a bit of levity, a cute French bulldog and liberals eating their own.
So, here’s the setup, in case you haven’t heard: In arguably her least controversial move ever, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez got an adorable puppy.
“He doesn’t have a name yet!” she wrote in a Tuesday update via an Instagram Story, according to People. “We are thinking something Star Trek related or Bronx/Queens/NYC/social good related.”
So, a) I didn’t know she was a Trekkie, but it pretty much confirms everything else I’ve thought about her ($50 says she’s a “Charmed” fan, too); and b) judging by your concept of “social good,” may I recommend Fido-el? Bark-shevik?
“The goal is to train him to be a community pup,” she later tweeted.
“Ideally we want to work to the point where he can enjoy town halls, be an Amtrak pup, come to the office, etc. But first, naps.”
Yes! ? the goal is to train him to be a community pup. Ideally we want to work to the point where he can enjoy town halls, be an Amtrak pup, come to the office, etc. But first, naps ? pic.twitter.com/ec8beJTrmZ — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 7, 2020
Who’s a good boy? Who’s a very good boy who doesn’t believe in redistribution like his pawrent does?
Well, anyhow, I have to admit that’s pretty darn cute. What’s even better is that this ended up triggering an entity I actually hold in lower regard than Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — PETA, which is angry that the New York Democrat didn’t pick a rescue dog.
“After Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced her new purebred French bulldog puppy on social media, PETA sent the lawmaker a letter urging her to visit a New York City animal shelter to see the scores of wonderful dogs there who desperately need homes,” the group said in a Thursday news release.
“The group also urged her to pledge to adopt her next animal companion (or to adopt a second one now so that the two can keep each other company while she’s busy on Capitol Hill) and to ask her followers to do the same and save a life.”
“AOC had a chance to set a compassionate, responsible example in the face of the homeless-animal crisis, but instead, she apparently inadvertently contributed to the problem,” Newkirk said in the release.
“PETA is urging her supporters not to follow her lead in this case and to stick up for the underdog by choosing to give a lovable mutt a new lease on life.”
See, you can tell Newkirk is taking this really seriously because she’s using dog puns. If that quote sounds out of touch to you, wait until you read the paragraph that followed.
Do you think AOC should have adopted a rescue dog? 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: 71% (290 Votes) No: 29% (118 Votes)
“PETA — whose motto reads, in part, that ‘animals are not ours to abuse in any way’ and which opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview — notes that more than 6 million lost, abandoned, or unwanted dogs and cats enter shelters every year and that many are euthanized for lack of enough good homes.”
Does this mean that AOC is a human-supremacist? Is that like the alt-right of the animal world?
I don’t think Newkirk quite understood what she’s asking Ocasio-Cortez to do here. Given her legislative responsibilities, one would assume AOC is a one-dog woman. So, in order to pick a rescue dog, she’d have to abandon this French bulldog puppy somehow — which means it would either be returned to the breeder, sold or passed on to someone else, or get put into a shelter.
A three-paragraph news release would have sufficed, but the lecture continued in the form of a letter from Newkirk to Ocasio-Cortez personally that accompanied the news release.
This time, it centered on the travesty of getting a French bulldog in the first place.
“French bulldogs are inbred in order to produce ‘breed-specific traits,’ which cause health problems that many people who will be influenced by your purchase won’t be able to afford to address,” the letter continued. (Emphasis in the original.)
“They are particularly at risk because their ‘cute’ features plague them with a lifetime of breathing problems (you may have seen the media uproar this week after a disturbing photo of a pug’s MRI went viral), ear and eye infections, skin irritation, a weak stomach, and other issues—all ‘man-made.'”
I don’t think she saw the media uproar, because a) there wasn’t one and b) she’s a busy woman.
Newkirk really hammered home her belief that AOC desperately needed to get another dog from a shelter — not just for herself but to set the right example for her followers.
“On behalf of the more than 6 million lost, abandoned, or unwanted dogs and cats who enter shelters every year and the people who care for them, we’re asking that you please be a part of the solution to ending the cat- and dog-overpopulation crisis and consider setting the right example for your millions of followers by adopting a mutt and encouraging them to do the same,” Newkirk wrote.
“Not only will you be saving another dog’s life, the new dog will also provide your puppy with the companionship he desperately needs as your busy schedule takes you around the country. We’re also sending you a copy of the book Dogs Hate Crates, which explains why crate training is not humane or effective.”
Oh, well, thank God for that. According to the New York Post, this was likely in reaction to an Instagram video in which Ocasio-Cortez’s dog was shown in a cage, whimpering.
Just in case you didn’t get the point, this was the tweet PETA sent out to really hammer it home:
With millions of dogs, including Frenchies, homeless in shelter cages waiting for homes, @AOC’s choice to publicize getting a purebred puppy is disappointing.
As a person who fights for justice, we doubt she could’ve realized the implications. Adoption is the ONLY option. pic.twitter.com/CiptDEaZmu — PETA (@peta) January 10, 2020
As always, the nags from PETA believe they’re the arbiters of what you can and cannot do in terms of animals. You want to eat chicken? Well, here’s a 53-minute video showing the death of your chicken in graphic detail! Are you not entertained? Are you not ready for some tempeh?
I’m the proud owner of two rescue dogs. One of them had been abandoned in a warehouse district, the other was a breeder dog in a puppy mill that was never given a name in the three years she was kept in a cage out in the blazing sun. Am I happy that my wife and I were able to give them a chance to laze about on the couch with me, absentmindedly licking themselves as I putter around on my MacBook and watch football? Absolutely.
Am I going to work myself into some kind of towering rage if you decide to go for a French bulldog or whatever breed your little heart desires? Absolutely not. That’s your choice.
Ocasio-Cortez got the dog she wanted, not the dog PETA wanted her to get. And, thus far, she hasn’t apologized or even acknowledged PETA’s letter.
I almost hate to say it, but good for her.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.