westernjournal--2020-11-21--Animal Rights Group Demands Court Declare an Elephant a ‘Person,’ Release It from Zoo

A New York state appeals court is being asked to release an elephant from the Bronx Zoo by declaring it to be legally a person .
Steven Wise , president of the Nonhuman Rights Project , is asking the Appellate Division of the state ’ s Supreme Court to grant “ Happy ” the Asian elephant freedom under habeas corpus , which would make her , legally , a person , according to the New York Post .
Wise wants the elephant transferred from the Bronx Zoo , where she has lived for more than 40 years , to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ During a virtual hearing Thursday , one of the five judges wondered whether the step might lead to the animal having the right to vote , according to the Times Union of Albany , New York .
“ Isn ’ t all this better suited for the Legislature to act on ?
” Judge Jeffrey Oing asked .
“ I ’ m very sympathetic to what you ’ re saying here , but I ’ m not so sure we ’ re equipped to handle these kind of [ matters ] .
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump Is Playing Politics with COVID , It Does n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done Wise said the issue isn ’ t animal welfare but the 49-year-old female elephant ’ s rights , making it a legal issue and not a legislative one .
Judge Ellen Gesmer asked Wise about the extent of the elephant ’ s rights .
“ Does that mean that she would have all the rights , if we decided in your favor … of personhood in our country — including , for example , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the Times Union .
Wise said the elephant would only have the right to liberty .
“ Why wouldn ’ t she have all the rights of a person once we decide she ’ s a person ?
” Gesmer asked .
“ Because there ’ s no such thing as having all the rights of a person , ” Wise said .
“ There ’ s many different kinds of persons , and they have different kinds of rights.
” The Nonhuman Rights Project first sued the Bronx Zoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Happy ’ s legal status as a person and her right to liberty .
In February , a state Supreme Court judge from Bronx County dismissed the group ’ s attempt to have the elephant freed through a writ of habeas corpus , according to the Gothamist .
Judge Alison Tuitt ruled that moving the elephant to a sanctuary might be a good idea , but she still tossed out the lawsuit .
RELATED : Dog Found Abandoned in Crate in Road with Bag of Food Beside Him , Woman Says “ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a legal thing , or property .
She is an intelligent , autonomous being who should be treated with respect and dignity , and who may be entitled to liberty , ” she ruled .
“ Nonetheless , we are constrained by the caselaw to find that Happy is not a ‘ person ’ and is not being illegally imprisoned.
” Jim Breheny , director of the Bronx Zoo , called the effort to free the elephant “ an ill-conceived attempt to have an elephant at the Bronx Zoo , Happy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protection under the writ of habeas corpus.
” Breheny said the group ’ s claims of the animal living in isolation were false .
“ In fact , Happy is not kept in isolation – she has contact with another elephant ; Happy is not languishing ; Happy is not kept indoors for half the year ; Happy is well-cared-for by professionals with decades of experience , ” Breheny said , according to the Gothamist .
“ The Bronx Zoo takes excellent care of Happy and will continue to do so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zoo .
“ Her well-being is assured by our dedicated staff and all the expertise they bring in providing excellent care for her for more than 40 years.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A New York state appeals court is being asked to release an elephant from the Bronx Zoo by declaring it to be legally a person.
Steven Wise, president of the Nonhuman Rights Project, is asking the Appellate Division of the state’s Supreme Court to grant “Happy” the Asian elephant freedom under habeas corpus, which would make her, legally, a person, according to the New York Post.
Wise wants the elephant transferred from the Bronx Zoo, where she has lived for more than 40 years, to a sanctuary in Tennessee as winter approaches.
During a virtual hearing Thursday, one of the five judges wondered whether the step might lead to the animal having the right to vote, according to the Times Union of Albany, New York.
“Isn’t all this better suited for the Legislature to act on?” Judge Jeffrey Oing asked. “I’m very sympathetic to what you’re saying here, but I’m not so sure we’re equipped to handle these kind of [matters].”
Wise said the issue isn’t animal welfare but the 49-year-old female elephant’s rights, making it a legal issue and not a legislative one.
Judge Ellen Gesmer asked Wise about the extent of the elephant’s rights.
“Does that mean that she would have all the rights, if we decided in your favor … of personhood in our country — including, for example, the right to vote?” she said, according to the Times Union.
Wise said the elephant would only have the right to liberty.
Does this idea have any merit? Yes No
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“Why wouldn’t she have all the rights of a person once we decide she’s a person?” Gesmer asked.
“Because there’s no such thing as having all the rights of a person,” Wise said. “There’s many different kinds of persons, and they have different kinds of rights.”
The Nonhuman Rights Project first sued the Bronx Zoo in 2018, calling for recognition of Happy’s legal status as a person and her right to liberty.
In February, a state Supreme Court judge from Bronx County dismissed the group’s attempt to have the elephant freed through a writ of habeas corpus, according to the Gothamist.
Judge Alison Tuitt ruled that moving the elephant to a sanctuary might be a good idea, but she still tossed out the lawsuit.
“This court agrees that Happy is more than just a legal thing, or property. She is an intelligent, autonomous being who should be treated with respect and dignity, and who may be entitled to liberty,” she ruled.
“Nonetheless, we are constrained by the caselaw to find that Happy is not a ‘person’ and is not being illegally imprisoned.”
Jim Breheny, director of the Bronx Zoo, called the effort to free the elephant “an ill-conceived attempt to have an elephant at the Bronx Zoo, Happy, declared a ‘person,’ entitled to protection under the writ of habeas corpus.”
Breheny said the group’s claims of the animal living in isolation were false.
“In fact, Happy is not kept in isolation – she has contact with another elephant; Happy is not languishing; Happy is not kept indoors for half the year; Happy is well-cared-for by professionals with decades of experience,” Breheny said, according to the Gothamist.
“The Bronx Zoo takes excellent care of Happy and will continue to do so, along with all animals here at the zoo.
“Her well-being is assured by our dedicated staff and all the expertise they bring in providing excellent care for her for more than 40 years.”
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--SCOTUS Circuit Assignments Rearranged, Look Who Is Now in Charge of MI, WI, PA and GA

The U.S. Supreme Court announced justices had received updated circuit assignments on Friday afternoon .
In order from Chief Justice John Roberts just weeks after the still-contested presidential election , associate justices were assigned new circuits .
Some conservative justices will now have jurisdiction in certain major states where the election is being contested .
TRENDING : Victor Davis Hanson : If Trump Is Playing Politics with COVID , It Does n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done Notably , Justice Clarence Thomas will preside over the Eleventh Circuit , which includes the state of Georgia .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both the Third Circuit and the Fifth Circuit .
The Third Circuit includes the hotly contested state of Pennsylvania .
Justice Brett Kavanaugh will preside over both the Sixth Circuit and the Eighth Circuit .
The Sixth Circuit includes the state of Michigan .
The court ’ s newest addition , Justice Amy Coney Barrett , will preside over the Seventh Circuit , which includes the state of Wisconsin .
Barett was a Seventh Circuit judge for three years .
Each of the states mentioned is currently linked to the fight for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s expected upcoming court battles .
Writing on SCOTUSBlog , Amy Howe noted , “ A circuit justice is primarily responsible for emergency requests ( for example , an application to block an execution or to allow it to go forward ) from the geographic area covered by his or her circuit , as well as more mundane matters , such as requests to extend filing deadlines.
” “ However , justices can and often do refer significant emergency requests to the full court , ” Howe added .
What the updated circuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the fight for the White House remains to be seen .
That did not stop people online from speculating : The updated assignments for each justice were effective Friday .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The U.S. Supreme Court announced justices had received updated circuit assignments on Friday afternoon.
In order from Chief Justice John Roberts just weeks after the still-contested presidential election, associate justices were assigned new circuits.
Some conservative justices will now have jurisdiction in certain major states where the election is being contested.
New: The Supreme Court has released new “circuit assignments.” Each justice initially handles emergency appeals that arise from the area covered by their assigned circuit(s). Barrett gets her old court: the 7th Circuit. Sotomayor takes over the 2nd Circuit (previously Ginsburg). pic.twitter.com/eF34IZQp67 — SCOTUSblog (@SCOTUSblog) November 20, 2020
Here’s a handy map showing the geographical areas covered by each of the circuits: pic.twitter.com/KQnGtZ06FR — SCOTUSblog (@SCOTUSblog) November 20, 2020
Notably, Justice Clarence Thomas will preside over the Eleventh Circuit, which includes the state of Georgia.
Meanwhile, Justice Samuel Alito will preside over both the Third Circuit and the Fifth Circuit.
The Third Circuit includes the hotly contested state of Pennsylvania.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh will preside over both the Sixth Circuit and the Eighth Circuit.
The Sixth Circuit includes the state of Michigan.
The court’s newest addition, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, will preside over the Seventh Circuit, which includes the state of Wisconsin.
Barett was a Seventh Circuit judge for three years.
Each of the states mentioned is currently linked to the fight for the White House in President Donald Trump’s expected upcoming court battles.
Writing on SCOTUSBlog, Amy Howe noted, “A circuit justice is primarily responsible for emergency requests (for example, an application to block an execution or to allow it to go forward) from the geographic area covered by his or her circuit, as well as more mundane matters, such as requests to extend filing deadlines.”
“However, justices can and often do refer significant emergency requests to the full court,” Howe added.
What the updated circuit assignments might mean, if anything, for the fight for the White House remains to be seen.
That did not stop people online from speculating:
Not everything is a conspiracy. Alito and Thomas were *already* assigned to the 3d and 11th Circuits; Barrett got the 7th because that’s where she was a judge; and Kavanaugh (who previously had the 7th) moved to the 6th to replace Sotomayor (who moved to the 2d to replace RBG). https://t.co/6OWpgUu52m — Steve Vladeck (@steve_vladeck) November 21, 2020
Allotment of Supreme Court justices to circuits occurs in emergencies. It’s clearly been done to ensure justice is done across all federal districts to ensure the integrity of our election system and the outcome which has clearly been corrupted for decades. — ???? ????? ℑ???????????? (@jng27) November 21, 2020
Re-assigning circuits is standard practice when a new Justice is added to the Supreme Court This is totally insignificant. Particularly when controversial applications are routinely referred to the full court https://t.co/MYR317ozgg — T. Greg Doucette (@greg_doucette) November 21, 2020
The updated assignments for each justice were effective Friday.
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--Tell a Teacher ‘Thank You’ for Free Courtesy of Hallmark

Teachers have had to do a lot of pivoting this year , converting lesson plans and activities to meet the parameters of the classrooms they ’ re using .
Parents have had more time with their kids , and have either heard a lot more from their kids ’ teachers through their online classes or have come to deeply appreciate the in-class time teachers spend with their children .
Holidays are a time when many families recognize the efforts of the educators in their lives , and this year that will be no different — but many teachers could use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
World Teachers ‘ Day was in October , but Hallmark is offering yet another way to reach out and thank a teacher in a very tangible sort of way .
TRENDING : Victor Davis Hanson : If Trump Is Playing Politics with COVID , It Does n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done To that end , Hallmark is giving away free cards for people to send to teachers .
According to the company ’ s website , it has pledged to donate one million cards in sets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer , Lindsey Roy , said that the giveaway is intended to help encourage teachers in a time where they ’ ve been put to the test even more than usual .
“ For the past 110 years , Hallmark has helped people put more care in the world , and now it is more important than ever to show love for the incredible people who are teaching , coaching and caring for our children every day , ” she told People .
“ For many parents , navigating their children ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult challenge , ” she said .
“ We ’ ve all seen so many teachers and school staff members rise to the challenge , working long hours and using their imaginations to deliver the best education possible from a remote , hybrid or in-person learning environment.
” “ Despite these changes , one thing remains the same : the sincere connection between teachers and their students.
” “ We hope people will use this card giveaway as a tangible opportunity to recognize the vital role educators , administrators , school staff and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lives.
” The examples on People ’ s website show a cheery selection of cards including one that reads “ Teachers are a force for Good ” and one that says “ You make the World a Better Place.
” The story that People published helped bring awareness to this offer , and on Tuesday , Hallmark ’ s Facebook page shared the article .
RELATED : Police Officer Honored After Giving Away Own Vehicle for Heartwarming Reason “ A big thank you to People for featuring our latest initiative to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anyone making a difference in your life , ” they posted .
Is there a teacher in your life who could use a little kindness ?
Or maybe just a friend , family member or acquaintance who could use a thoughtful gesture ?
Then head over to Hallmark , claim your three-pack of cards and get to blessing others !
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Teachers have had to do a lot of pivoting this year, converting lesson plans and activities to meet the parameters of the classrooms they’re using.
Parents have had more time with their kids, and have either heard a lot more from their kids’ teachers through their online classes or have come to deeply appreciate the in-class time teachers spend with their children.
Holidays are a time when many families recognize the efforts of the educators in their lives, and this year that will be no different — but many teachers could use more encouragement than usual, given the times.
World Teachers‘ Day was in October, but Hallmark is offering yet another way to reach out and thank a teacher in a very tangible sort of way.
To that end, Hallmark is giving away free cards for people to send to teachers. According to the company’s website, it has pledged to donate one million cards in sets of three.
Hallmark’s chief marketing officer, Lindsey Roy, said that the giveaway is intended to help encourage teachers in a time where they’ve been put to the test even more than usual.
“For the past 110 years, Hallmark has helped people put more care in the world, and now it is more important than ever to show love for the incredible people who are teaching, coaching and caring for our children every day,” she told People.
“For many parents, navigating their children’s education amidst a pandemic has been a difficult challenge,” she said. “We’ve all seen so many teachers and school staff members rise to the challenge, working long hours and using their imaginations to deliver the best education possible from a remote, hybrid or in-person learning environment.”
“Despite these changes, one thing remains the same: the sincere connection between teachers and their students.”
“We hope people will use this card giveaway as a tangible opportunity to recognize the vital role educators, administrators, school staff and many others play in our children’s lives.”
The examples on People’s website show a cheery selection of cards including one that reads “Teachers are a force for Good” and one that says “You make the World a Better Place.”
The story that People published helped bring awareness to this offer, and on Tuesday, Hallmark’s Facebook page shared the article.
“A big thank you to People for featuring our latest initiative to show our gratitude to educators, school staff and anyone making a difference in your life,” they posted.
Is there a teacher in your life who could use a little kindness? Or maybe just a friend, family member or acquaintance who could use a thoughtful gesture? Then head over to Hallmark, claim your three-pack of cards and get to blessing others!
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--Moderna Vaccine Trial Participant Expresses Confidence, Says Side Effects Were Mild

A Moderna coronavirus vaccine trial participant said he experienced only mild side effects from the vaccine after the company announced its vaccine is nearly 95 percent effective .
Moderna announced its breakthrough results Monday , one week after similar results came from Pfizer and BioNTech .
Jack Morningstar , a volunteer from the University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill , told Fox News ’ “ Fox & Friends ” that the reported effectiveness puts it “ up there with some of the vaccines that we ’ re all accustomed to taking like mumps or measles and the vaccines that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer commonplace.
” The UNC junior said he didn ’ t think he received the placebo and described his side effects .
“ After the first vaccine , I had a little bit of fatigue and some arm pain that lingered for a couple of days , ” Morningstar said .
TRENDING : Victor Davis Hanson : If Trump Is Playing Politics with COVID , It Does n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done “ Nothing too intense , but sort of similar to like a tetanus shot , where you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punched in the arm when you wake up.
” The other side effect he experienced was “ a little bit of a fever the next day.
” “ That was telling to me that it was the real deal , ” he said .
Moderna ’ s most recent 30,000-participant trial reduced the risk of COVID-19 infection by 94.5 percent , Stat News reported .
Among patients who received the placebo in the study , there were 95 cases of infection .
Among patients who received Moderna ’ s mRNA-1273 vaccine , only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump announced “ Operation Warp Speed , ” a public-private partnership aiming to develop a vaccine by the end of the year .
“ That means big and it means fast — a massive scientific , industrial and logistical endeavor unlike anything our country has seen since the Manhattan Project , ” Trump said at the time .
Moderna received $ 1 billion in federal funds for the design and testing of its vaccine , and researchers at the National Institutes of Health oversaw much of the research , The New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carson 'Out of the Woods ' After Battling COVID-19 Meanwhile , Pfizer and German partner BioNTech announced this week that interim results from their ongoing vaccine study indicate the shots are 95 percent effective .
Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said the preliminary data from Moderna ’ s and Pfizer ’ s vaccines are better than he had expected .
“ I ’ d like to say I would have predicted it , but I would not have , ” Fauci told State News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears to protect important subsets of participants .
“ It wasn ’ t as if the only people who were protected were the young people , ” he said .
“ There were people in the elderly , there were people in the minorities.
” Morningstar also offered words of encouragement to people who are still concerned about how quickly the vaccine was developed .
“ Normally these clinical trials take so much money and so many resources to just get off their feet , but since the whole world and all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screeching halt with this pandemic , this has been the No .
1 priority for health institutions worldwide , so I would say that shouldn ’ t be a concern , ” Morningstar said .
He added , “ It does definitely come as some comfort knowing that the vaccine is that effective and I likely do have antibodies , but I think ultimately I ’ m not going to be 100 percent comfortable until the majority of the population has access to it and we can develop some sort of immunity.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Moderna coronavirus vaccine trial participant said he experienced only mild side effects from the vaccine after the company announced its vaccine is nearly 95 percent effective.
Moderna announced its breakthrough results Monday, one week after similar results came from Pfizer and BioNTech.
Jack Morningstar, a volunteer from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, told Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” that the reported effectiveness puts it “up there with some of the vaccines that we’re all accustomed to taking like mumps or measles and the vaccines that help eradicate serious diseases that are no longer commonplace.”
The UNC junior said he didn’t think he received the placebo and described his side effects.
“After the first vaccine, I had a little bit of fatigue and some arm pain that lingered for a couple of days,” Morningstar said.
“Nothing too intense, but sort of similar to like a tetanus shot, where you just sort of feel like you got punched in the arm when you wake up.”
The other side effect he experienced was “a little bit of a fever the next day.”
“That was telling to me that it was the real deal,” he said.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
Moderna’s most recent 30,000-participant trial reduced the risk of COVID-19 infection by 94.5 percent, Stat News reported.
Among patients who received the placebo in the study, there were 95 cases of infection. Among patients who received Moderna’s mRNA-1273 vaccine, only five developed COVID-19.
In May, President Donald Trump announced “Operation Warp Speed,” a public-private partnership aiming to develop a vaccine by the end of the year.
“That means big and it means fast — a massive scientific, industrial and logistical endeavor unlike anything our country has seen since the Manhattan Project,” Trump said at the time.
Moderna received $1 billion in federal funds for the design and testing of its vaccine, and researchers at the National Institutes of Health oversaw much of the research, The New York Times reported.
Will you get the vaccine as soon as it is available? 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: 47% (85 Votes) No: 53% (97 Votes)
Meanwhile, Pfizer and German partner BioNTech announced this week that interim results from their ongoing vaccine study indicate the shots are 95 percent effective.
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the preliminary data from Moderna’s and Pfizer’s vaccines are better than he had expected.
“I’d like to say I would have predicted it, but I would not have,” Fauci told State News, adding that Moderna’s vaccine appears to protect important subsets of participants.
“It wasn’t as if the only people who were protected were the young people,” he said. “There were people in the elderly, there were people in the minorities.”
Morningstar also offered words of encouragement to people who are still concerned about how quickly the vaccine was developed.
“Normally these clinical trials take so much money and so many resources to just get off their feet, but since the whole world and all of its operations have basically come to a screeching halt with this pandemic, this has been the No. 1 priority for health institutions worldwide, so I would say that shouldn’t be a concern,” Morningstar said.
He added, “It does definitely come as some comfort knowing that the vaccine is that effective and I likely do have antibodies, but I think ultimately I’m not going to be 100 percent comfortable until the majority of the population has access to it and we can develop some sort of immunity.”
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--California School District Bans Use of Classic Books in Classroom Over Racism Complaints

A California school district is being accused of censorship after it banned the teaching of five classic American novels , claiming they espoused “ racism.
” In a shocking irony , one of the banned books was written by Mildred D. Taylor , a black woman who ’ s the great-granddaughter of a former slave .
In September , the Burbank Unified School District temporarily barred the following novels from inclusion in its curriculum , according to Newsweek : • “ To Kill a Mockingbird ” by Harper Lee • “ The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ” by Mark Twain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by John Steinbeck • “ The Cay ” by Theodore Taylor • “ Roll of Thunder , Hear My Cry ” by Mildred D. Taylor Burbank Unified Superintendent Matt Hill is in the process of deciding whether to make that decision permanent , KTTV-TV in Los Angeles reported .
TRENDING : Victor Davis Hanson : If Trump Is Playing Politics with COVID , It Does n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done A 15-member review committee was assigned to look into the issue , and Hill met with the panel on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ could not come up with a consensus , ” according to KABC-TV .
The report said Hill would make a decision in two weeks .
The school district made its initial move after four parents , three of whom are black , complained that the books could harm the district ’ s 400 black students .
One of the parents , Carmenita Helligar , claimed that a white student had casually used the N-word while talking to her daughter , Newsweek reported .
When asked about the incident , the white student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reading “ Roll of Thunder , Hear My Cry , ” Taylor ’ s award-winning book .
“ My daughter was literally traumatized , ” she said .
“ These books are problematic.
” It ’ s unclear if Helligar or her daughter listens to rap music , where the N-word is a common refrain .
The school district ’ s removal of the classic literature from the required reading list led to a furious backlash from free-speech proponents , who argued that excluding the books on the ground that they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( an acronym for Poets , Essayists , Novelists ) launched a petition urging the Burbank School District to lift the ban .
The petition said the books are important and educational because they discuss racism .
“ Each of the books in question deal with difficult subject matter from our country ’ s complicated and painful history , including systemic racism , ” the petition reads .
“ It is crucial to bring these subjects into the classroom with care and sensitivity , which teachers are well-equipped to do … Book banning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great disservice to our educators , our communities , and most importantly to our children.
” Similarly , the National Coalition Against Censorship wrote to the school district , urging it to reinstate the books .
“ [ W ] e believe that the books … have a great pedagogical value and should be retained in the curriculum , ” the letter said .
High school student Sungjoo Yoon , 15 , also launched a Change.org petition urging the Burbank School District to lift its ban .
Yoon said the five banned books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In a time where racism has become more transparent than ever , we need to continue to educate students as to the roots of it ; to create anti-racist students , ” Yoon ’ s petition reads .
“ If you stand against censorship , and fight for virtue over comfort , we ask that you sign.
” As of Wednesday , his petition had just over 2,700 signatures .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A California school district is being accused of censorship after it banned the teaching of five classic American novels, claiming they espoused “racism.”
In a shocking irony, one of the banned books was written by Mildred D. Taylor, a black woman who’s the great-granddaughter of a former slave.
In September, the Burbank Unified School District temporarily barred the following novels from inclusion in its curriculum, according to Newsweek:
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain
• “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck
• “The Cay” by Theodore Taylor
• “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor
Burbank Unified Superintendent Matt Hill is in the process of deciding whether to make that decision permanent, KTTV-TV in Los Angeles reported.
A 15-member review committee was assigned to look into the issue, and Hill met with the panel on Nov. 13. However, the committee “could not come up with a consensus,” according to KABC-TV.
The report said Hill would make a decision in two weeks.
The school district made its initial move after four parents, three of whom are black, complained that the books could harm the district’s 400 black students.
One of the parents, Carmenita Helligar, claimed that a white student had casually used the N-word while talking to her daughter, Newsweek reported.
Do you think those books should be included in the district's curriculum? Yes No
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When asked about the incident, the white student said he had learned the word from reading “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,” Taylor’s award-winning book.
Helligar blamed the books for fomenting racism.
“My daughter was literally traumatized,” she said. “These books are problematic.”
It’s unclear if Helligar or her daughter listens to rap music, where the N-word is a common refrain.
The school district’s removal of the classic literature from the required reading list led to a furious backlash from free-speech proponents, who argued that excluding the books on the ground that they’re offensive is whitewashing history.
PEN America (an acronym for Poets, Essayists, Novelists) launched a petition urging the Burbank School District to lift the ban.
NEW: PEN America calls upon the Burbank Unified School district to lift the temporary ban on several books dealing with the subject of race in America and allow these books to be taught in Burbank classrooms. Sign our petition today: https://t.co/RQKsZynnu6. — PEN America (@PENamerica) October 14, 2020
The petition said the books are important and educational because they discuss racism.
“Each of the books in question deal with difficult subject matter from our country’s complicated and painful history, including systemic racism,” the petition reads. “It is crucial to bring these subjects into the classroom with care and sensitivity, which teachers are well-equipped to do … Book banning is a tactic that ultimately does a great disservice to our educators, our communities, and most importantly to our children.”
Similarly, the National Coalition Against Censorship wrote to the school district, urging it to reinstate the books. “[W]e believe that the books … have a great pedagogical value and should be retained in the curriculum,” the letter said.
High school student Sungjoo Yoon, 15, also launched a Change.org petition urging the Burbank School District to lift its ban.
Yoon said the five banned books are important because they impart valuable lessons.
“In a time where racism has become more transparent than ever, we need to continue to educate students as to the roots of it; to create anti-racist students,” Yoon’s petition reads.
“If you stand against censorship, and fight for virtue over comfort, we ask that you sign.”
As of Wednesday, his petition had just over 2,700 signatures.
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--‘Time To Fact-Check the Fact-Checkers’: Candace Owens Suing Facebook, Alleging Defamation

Thanks to various left-wing-biased “ fact checkers , ” the left has established a monopoly on “ truth ” when it comes to social media .
Well , the left ’ s version of the truth , anyway .
Now , conservative activist and BLEXIT founder Candace Owens said she has had enough of one-sided fact checking , and she ’ s fighting back .
In a Nov. 5 video released on Twitter , Owens announced she was working with big-name lawyers to sue Facebook fact-checkers , alleging defamation for what she said is their one-sided treatment of political news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hanson : If Trump Is Playing Politics with COVID , It Does n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done “ It is time to fact-check the fact-checkers , ” Owens said in the video , calling them “ activists.
” … “ I ’ m going to put these suckers through discovery and figure out what the relationship is that they have with Facebook.
” Among the lawyers Owens said she is working with is Todd McMurtry , one of the attorneys who represented Nicholas Sandmann , a student at Covington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sued The Washington Post , CNN and various other left-wing media outlets , alleging defamation , after he claimed they mischaracterized his role in a politically controversial incident .
CNN and The Washington Post settled their lawsuits with the teen .
Additionally , Owens published a website to raise funds for the ongoing legal battle , appropriately titled factcheckzuck.com , with “ zuck ” referring to Facebook co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg .
All things considered , Owens is in great position to hold Facebook accountable for its “ fact-checking ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media censorship on sites such as Facebook and Twitter has been used only on stories that run counter to the left ’ s prevailing narratives .
The most recent example of one-sided social media came when The New York Post published articles containing a 2015 email from a laptop that once belonged to Hunter Biden .
RELATED : Candace Owens Schools Obama Over Claim That Trump Election Was Racist The laptop reportedly contained an email showing that Biden introduced his father to a top executive of a Ukrainian energy firm when Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Twitter and Facebook blocked The New York Post from sharing the story , with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey later acknowledging that his company ’ s decision to do so was “ wrong.
” These social media companies need to be held accountable for pretending to stand for the truth , when in reality all they care about is furthering the left ’ s social agenda .
Hopefully , following legal action , Facebook finally will be put in its place .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Thanks to various left-wing-biased “fact checkers,” the left has established a monopoly on “truth” when it comes to social media.
Well, the left’s version of the truth, anyway.
Now, conservative activist and BLEXIT founder Candace Owens said she has had enough of one-sided fact checking, and she’s fighting back.
In a Nov. 5 video released on Twitter, Owens announced she was working with big-name lawyers to sue Facebook fact-checkers, alleging defamation for what she said is their one-sided treatment of political news and opinions.
Guess what?! I am OFFICIALLY suing the “Fact-Checkers” who are really just activists. https://t.co/nvLBLZaQEH https://t.co/UGbJzMrMk0 — Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) November 5, 2020
“It is time to fact-check the fact-checkers,” Owens said in the video, calling them “activists.” … “I’m going to put these suckers through discovery and figure out what the relationship is that they have with Facebook.”
Among the lawyers Owens said she is working with is Todd McMurtry, one of the attorneys who represented Nicholas Sandmann, a student at Covington Catholic High School in Kentucky.
Sandmann sued The Washington Post, CNN and various other left-wing media outlets, alleging defamation, after he claimed they mischaracterized his role in a politically controversial incident.
Is Facebook politically biased? Yes No
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CNN and The Washington Post settled their lawsuits with the teen.
Additionally, Owens published a website to raise funds for the ongoing legal battle, appropriately titled factcheckzuck.com, with “zuck” referring to Facebook co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg.
All things considered, Owens is in great position to hold Facebook accountable for its “fact-checking” schemes.
In numerous instances, social media censorship on sites such as Facebook and Twitter has been used only on stories that run counter to the left’s prevailing narratives.
The most recent example of one-sided social media came when The New York Post published articles containing a 2015 email from a laptop that once belonged to Hunter Biden.
The laptop reportedly contained an email showing that Biden introduced his father to a top executive of a Ukrainian energy firm when Joe Biden was vice president in the Obama administration.
Twitter and Facebook blocked The New York Post from sharing the story, with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey later acknowledging that his company’s decision to do so was “wrong.”
These social media companies need to be held accountable for pretending to stand for the truth, when in reality all they care about is furthering the left’s social agenda.
Hopefully, following legal action, Facebook finally will be put in its place.
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--Report: Biden Considering Merrick Garland for Attorney General Role

Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden is reportedly considering former Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland for the position of Attorney general , in the event he is sworn in as president in January .
While the election is still hotly-contested by President Donald Trump , whose attorneys are preparing for the legal battle of the century alleging widespread election fraud , Biden has embraced being named president-elect by the establishment media .
Biden ’ s team is reportedly hard at work choosing cabinet members and making other moves in preparation for a transition to the White House .
NPR reported Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garland on a short list of potential nominees to run the Justice Department .
TRENDING : Victor Davis Hanson : If Trump Is Playing Politics with COVID , It Does n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done According to NPR , citing two individuals reportedly close to Biden , Garland is being floated as a potential replacement for current Attorney General William Barr .
The outlet reported , “ Garland joins a number of other department veterans on the Biden short list for attorney general.
” Others linked to the position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and former civil rights chief Deval Patrick .
Former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones is also reported to be on that list , as are unnamed others .
He was nominated by former President Barack Obama to replace late Justice Antonin Scalia on the high court in 2016 .
That of course never came to pass , as the GOP-controlled Senate did not consider confirming a justice nominated to replace Scalia from then-lame duck Obama .
Garland has since become viewed as being mistreated by many on the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Referral After Allegedly Uncovering Thousands of Instances of Voter Fraud in Undecided State His name has been cited often in recent months after President Trump nominated Justice Amy Coney Barrett to replace late justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in September .
The establishment media and Democrats have called the Senate ’ s confirmation of Barrett a double standard with regard to confirming a justice in an election year .
Republicans have argued that the situations were not similar , as Obama did not have the legislative backing for a high court nominee close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support of the Senate .
Before , during and after Barrett ’ s confirmation , numerous Democrats threatened to retaliate by “ packing ” the high court with additional justices .
Both Biden and his running mate , Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California , spent the entirety of the campaign refusing to answer questions about adding additional justices to the Supreme Court .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden is reportedly considering former Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland for the position of Attorney general, in the event he is sworn in as president in January.
While the election is still hotly-contested by President Donald Trump, whose attorneys are preparing for the legal battle of the century alleging widespread election fraud, Biden has embraced being named president-elect by the establishment media.
Biden’s team is reportedly hard at work choosing cabinet members and making other moves in preparation for a transition to the White House.
NPR reported Friday that Biden’s team has placed Garland on a short list of potential nominees to run the Justice Department.
Merrick Garland, a federal appeals court judge and onetime Supreme Court nominee, is being considered as a candidate for attorney general in the incoming Biden administration, NPR has learned. https://t.co/MvoK0McsfU — NPR Politics (@nprpolitics) November 20, 2020
According to NPR, citing two individuals reportedly close to Biden, Garland is being floated as a potential replacement for current Attorney General William Barr.
The outlet reported, “Garland joins a number of other department veterans on the Biden short list for attorney general.”
Others linked to the position by NPR include former Obama administration U.S. Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates and former civil rights chief Deval Patrick.
Do you think President Trump will prevail in court? Yes No
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Former U.S. Attorney Doug Jones is also reported to be on that list, as are unnamed others.
Garland is currently a federal appeals court judge.
He was nominated by former President Barack Obama to replace late Justice Antonin Scalia on the high court in 2016.
That of course never came to pass, as the GOP-controlled Senate did not consider confirming a justice nominated to replace Scalia from then-lame duck Obama.
Garland has since become viewed as being mistreated by many on the American left.
His name has been cited often in recent months after President Trump nominated Justice Amy Coney Barrett to replace late justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in September.
The establishment media and Democrats have called the Senate’s confirmation of Barrett a double standard with regard to confirming a justice in an election year.
Republicans have argued that the situations were not similar, as Obama did not have the legislative backing for a high court nominee close to an election, while first-term Trump had the support of the Senate.
Before, during and after Barrett’s confirmation, numerous Democrats threatened to retaliate by “packing” the high court with additional justices.
Both Biden and his running mate, Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California, spent the entirety of the campaign refusing to answer questions about adding additional justices to the Supreme Court.
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--Astonishing News: New COVID Vaccine May Be Available Sooner Than People Thought

A COVID-19 vaccine may be available to Americans by the end of this year as part of the United States government ’ s Operation Warp Speed .
Army Gen. Gustave Perna , the chief operating officer of Operation Warp Speed , spoke Friday on ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America ” about the implications of Pfizer ’ s plans to file for emergency use authorization for its vaccine with the Food and Drug Administration , which would allow distribution in the coming weeks if approved .
“ So we have about 40 million doses of vaccine , give or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And what we ’ re going to do is we ’ re going to execute fair and equitable distribution based on the population of the jurisdictions — jurisdictions identified as the 50 states , eight territories and six metropolitan cities , ” Perna said .
“ So coupled with working with the states and the [ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] , we ’ ve developed a very extensive plan on how to distribute the vaccine , ” he continued .
TRENDING : Victor Davis Hanson : If Trump Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done “ States are going to tell us exactly where they want it to be … and as soon as they figure out their distribution plan across their states , we will ensure that the vaccine gets there in a timely manner.
” Pfizer and its partner BioNTech have determined that their vaccine is 95 percent effective based on clinical trials .
The FDA ’ s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee is scheduled to review the emergency request on Dec. 10 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s unclear how long the FDA ’ s review will take , though Dr. Moncef Slaoui , co-lead of Operation Warp Speed , said last week that 20 million people could receive the vaccine next month .
Meanwhile , another major pharmaceutical company , Moderna , has discovered that its COVID-19 vaccine is 94.5 percent effective .
Perna also mentioned that CVS and Walgreens will be major vaccine distributors to the general public , though the vaccines will be heavily rationed early on .
Front-line health care workers , the elderly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly more likely to get their hands on the vaccine before the general public .
Vaccines are expected to be widely available “ as soon as ” next April , President Donald Trump said last week .
Operation Warp Speed is bound for the history books given the remarkably quick timing to get a vaccine to distribution so quickly .
RELATED : 'Extraordinarily Impressive ' : Dr. Fauci Rips Dem Narrative on Vaccines , Sticks Up for Trump Admin Many underestimate the power of public-private partnerships to solve issues , usually out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an impressive accomplishment .
The operation started in May as a way to bypass the normal government regulation that comes with a new vaccine or medication .
Vaccines can take more than 10 years to be developed , go through clinical trials and gain government approval .
While there have been many instances of government overreach throughout the pandemic , the possible creation of an effective vaccine by private companies is a huge victory for free market values .
Hopefully , the vaccine will be available to the general public in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on track .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A COVID-19 vaccine may be available to Americans by the end of this year as part of the United States government’s Operation Warp Speed.
Army Gen. Gustave Perna, the chief operating officer of Operation Warp Speed, spoke Friday on ABC’s “Good Morning America” about the implications of Pfizer’s plans to file for emergency use authorization for its vaccine with the Food and Drug Administration, which would allow distribution in the coming weeks if approved.
“So we have about 40 million doses of vaccine, give or take exactly when the EUA comes out. And what we’re going to do is we’re going to execute fair and equitable distribution based on the population of the jurisdictions — jurisdictions identified as the 50 states, eight territories and six metropolitan cities,” Perna said.
“So coupled with working with the states and the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], we’ve developed a very extensive plan on how to distribute the vaccine,” he continued.
“States are going to tell us exactly where they want it to be … and as soon as they figure out their distribution plan across their states, we will ensure that the vaccine gets there in a timely manner.”
Pfizer and its partner BioNTech have determined that their vaccine is 95 percent effective based on clinical trials.
The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee is scheduled to review the emergency request on Dec. 10, according to the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society. It’s unclear how long the FDA’s review will take, though Dr. Moncef Slaoui, co-lead of Operation Warp Speed, said last week that 20 million people could receive the vaccine next month.
Meanwhile, another major pharmaceutical company, Moderna, has discovered that its COVID-19 vaccine is 94.5 percent effective.
Do you plan on taking the coronavirus vaccine? Yes No
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Perna also mentioned that CVS and Walgreens will be major vaccine distributors to the general public, though the vaccines will be heavily rationed early on.
Front-line health care workers, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are significantly more likely to get their hands on the vaccine before the general public. Vaccines are expected to be widely available “as soon as” next April, President Donald Trump said last week.
The 4 phases in the new #COVID19 #VaccineFramework from NAM and @theNASEM first emphasize prevention of severe illness & death and maintenance of emergency services, and then shifts toward reducing transmission. https://t.co/EQHsysaiAS pic.twitter.com/IjVGzMQemT — National Academy of Medicine (@theNAMedicine) November 19, 2020
Operation Warp Speed is bound for the history books given the remarkably quick timing to get a vaccine to distribution so quickly.
Many underestimate the power of public-private partnerships to solve issues, usually out of distrust for private companies, so this is an impressive accomplishment.
The operation started in May as a way to bypass the normal government regulation that comes with a new vaccine or medication. Vaccines can take more than 10 years to be developed, go through clinical trials and gain government approval.
While there have been many instances of government overreach throughout the pandemic, the possible creation of an effective vaccine by private companies is a huge victory for free market values.
Hopefully, the vaccine will be available to the general public in the coming months so the world can get back on track.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--Kyle Rittenhouse Walks Free After Massive $2 Million Bail Posted, Huge Conservative Name Helped Fund

Kyle Rittenhouse Walks Free After Massive $2 Million Bail Posted, Huge Conservative Name Helped Fund It

Kyle Rittenhouse , the teen charged with murder after shooting three alleged rioters in August , was released from jail in Wisconsin Friday with the help of a big-name conservative .
Wood , on social media , stated that MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell contributed to the fund to defend and release Rittenhouse , as did numerous other individuals .
Wood posted on Twitter , “ In the midst of battles of 20/20 , The People needed & deserved some good news .
That news was received today with release of Kyle Rittenhouse.
” TRENDING : Victor Davis Hanson : If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It Does n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done “ I thank members of my 501 ( c ) ( 4 ) foundation , # FightBack for their long hours & dedication .
We could not have done it without The People.
” Wood then posted an image of the teen out of jail .
With Rittenhouse in the photo were attorney John Pierce and actor Ricky Schroder , Wood said .
“ Thank you , All Donors .
Thank you , All Patriots .
Thank God Almighty , ” the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who donated to help # FightBack raise required $ 2M cash bail .
Special thanks to Actor Ricky Schroder @ rickyshroder1 & Mike Lindell @ realMikeLindell for putting us over the top .
Kyle is SAFE .
Thanks to ALL who helped this boy , ” he tweeted .
Rittenhouse is charged with killing Anthony M. Huber and Joseph Rosenbaum during the chaotic rioting in Kenosha , Wisconsin , in August following the aftermath of the police shooting of Jacob Blake .
Rittenhouse is alleged to have wounded a third man named Gaige @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death of Huber , the teen is charged with first-degree intentional homicide , while he faces a charge of first-degree reckless homicide for the death of Rosenbaum .
Wood has maintained that Rittenhouse was defending himself .
Multiple viral online videos from the time appear to back up the teen ’ s story that he was retreating from aggressive adults when he was surrounded by them during the riot .
Rittenhouse , a lifeguard , contended he was in Kenosha the night of the shootings to defend private property and to offer aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The August shootings occurred amid months of civil unrest which saw portions of many of the country ’ s cities helplessly embroiled by violence .
Wood described his client as a “ political prisoner ” online Friday .
“ Kyle Rittenhouse is 17 years old .
Since August 25 , he has been a political prisoner .
All Kyle did was try to help others & defend himself when attacked , ” wrote wood .
“ We The People did not let him down .
We raised over $ 2M for his bail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We will keep fighting , ” the attorney added .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Kyle Rittenhouse, the teen charged with murder after shooting three alleged rioters in August, was released from jail in Wisconsin Friday with the help of a big-name conservative.
WTMJ-TV reported the 17-year-old left the Kenosha County Jail Friday afternoon.
Rittenhouse posted $2 million bail through his attorney, Lin Wood.
Wood, on social media, stated that MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell contributed to the fund to defend and release Rittenhouse, as did numerous other individuals.
Wood posted on Twitter, “In the midst of battles of 20/20, The People needed & deserved some good news. That news was received today with release of Kyle Rittenhouse.”
“I thank members of my 501(c)(4) foundation, #FightBack for their long hours & dedication. We could not have done it without The People.”
In the midst of battles of 20/20, The People needed & deserved some good news. That news was received today with release of Kyle Rittenhouse. I thank members of my 501(c)(4) foundation, #FightBack for their long hours & dedication. We could not have done it without The People. — Lin Wood (@LLinWood) November 20, 2020
Wood then posted an image of the teen out of jail.
FREE AT LAST!!! From L to R: Attorney John Pierce @CaliKidJMP THE KYLE RITTENHOUSE Actor Ricky Schroder @rickyschroder13 Thank you, All Donors.
Thank you, All Patriots.
Thank God Almighty.#FightBack pic.twitter.com/37Ly66itT8 — Lin Wood (@LLinWood) November 21, 2020
“FREE AT LAST!!!” he wrote.
With Rittenhouse in the photo were attorney John Pierce and actor Ricky Schroder, Wood said.
“Thank you, All Donors. Thank you, All Patriots. Thank God Almighty,” the attorney wrote.
“God bless ALL who donated to help #FightBack raise required $2M cash bail. Special thanks to Actor Ricky Schroder @rickyshroder1 & Mike Lindell @realMikeLindell for putting us over the top. Kyle is SAFE. Thanks to ALL who helped this boy,” he tweeted.
KYLE RITTENHOUSE IS OUT OF JAIL. God bless ALL who donated to help #FightBack raise required $2M cash bail. Special thanks to Actor Ricky Schroder @rickyshroder1 & Mike Lindell @realMikeLindell for putting us over the top. Kyle is SAFE. Thanks to ALL who helped this boy. — Lin Wood (@LLinWood) November 20, 2020
Rittenhouse is charged with killing Anthony M. Huber and Joseph Rosenbaum during the chaotic rioting in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in August following the aftermath of the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
Rittenhouse is alleged to have wounded a third man named Gaige Grosskreutz amid the rioting.
For the death of Huber, the teen is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, while he faces a charge of first-degree reckless homicide for the death of Rosenbaum.
For allegedly wounding Grosskreutz, Rittenhouse faces a charge of attempted first-degree intentional homicide.
Wood has maintained that Rittenhouse was defending himself.
Are you glad to see that Kyle Rittenhouse has been released from jail? Yes No
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Multiple viral online videos from the time appear to back up the teen’s story that he was retreating from aggressive adults when he was surrounded by them during the riot.
Rittenhouse, a lifeguard, contended he was in Kenosha the night of the shootings to defend private property and to offer aid to those injured during the violence.
The August shootings occurred amid months of civil unrest which saw portions of many of the country’s cities helplessly embroiled by violence.
Wood described his client as a “political prisoner” online Friday.
“Kyle Rittenhouse is 17 years old. Since August 25, he has been a political prisoner. All Kyle did was try to help others & defend himself when attacked,” wrote wood.
Kyle Rittenhouse is 17 years old. Since August 25, he has been a political prisoner. All Kyle did was try to help others & defend himself when attacked. We The People did not let him down. We raised over $2M for his bail & a portion of his defense costs. We will keep fighting. pic.twitter.com/VliTQCtsWC — Lin Wood (@LLinWood) November 20, 2020
“We The People did not let him down. We raised over $2M for his bail & a portion of his defense costs. We will keep fighting,” the attorney added.
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--Ben Carson ‘Out of the Woods’ After Battling COVID-19

Housing Secretary Ben Carson says he has recovered after becoming “ desperately ill ” with COVID-19 .
A retired neurosurgeon , Carson said Friday that he believes he ’ s “ out of the woods.
” He disclosed that his wife , Candy , also had COVID-19 .
In a statement posted on Facebook , Carson said he was “ extremely sick ” but saw “ dramatic improvement ” after taking a botanical treatment derived from the oleander plant .
Carson said he has underlying conditions , which he did not specify , “ and after a brief period when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms accelerated and I became desperately ill. ” TRENDING : Victor Davis Hanson : If Trump Is Playing Politics with COVID , It Does n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done Carson said President Donald Trump was aware of his condition and “ cleared me for the monoclonal antibody therapy that he had previously received , which I am convinced saved my life.
” “ I do believe I am out of the woods at this point , ” Carson said , giving credit to Trump , the White House medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military hospital .
Trump spent three days at Walter Reed after his infection in early October , where he received a variety of treatments , including an antibody therapy from Regeneron .
Trump later credited the drug therapy with aiding his recovery .
In his statement , Carson acknowledged having access to a level of medical care that is unavailable to most Americans .
He said priority must be placed on getting comparable treatments and care to the general population as quickly as possible .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editorial standards .

Housing Secretary Ben Carson says he has recovered after becoming “desperately ill” with COVID-19.
A retired neurosurgeon, Carson said Friday that he believes he’s “out of the woods.” He disclosed that his wife, Candy, also had COVID-19.
Carson tested positive earlier this month.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Carson said he was “extremely sick” but saw “dramatic improvement” after taking a botanical treatment derived from the oleander plant.
Carson said he has underlying conditions, which he did not specify, “and after a brief period when I only experienced minor discomfort, the symptoms accelerated and I became desperately ill.”
Carson said President Donald Trump was aware of his condition and “cleared me for the monoclonal antibody therapy that he had previously received, which I am convinced saved my life.”
“I do believe I am out of the woods at this point,” Carson said, giving credit to Trump, the White House medical team and doctors at the Walter Reed military hospital.
Trump spent three days at Walter Reed after his infection in early October, where he received a variety of treatments, including an antibody therapy from Regeneron.
Trump later credited the drug therapy with aiding his recovery.
In his statement, Carson acknowledged having access to a level of medical care that is unavailable to most Americans.
He said priority must be placed on getting comparable treatments and care to the general population as quickly as possible.
[jwplayer DsCol5Rz]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--General Flynn Slams Tucker Carlson After Fox Host Doubts Sidney Powell: ‘You Sit on High and Pontifi

General Flynn Slams Tucker Carlson After Fox Host Doubts Sidney Powell: ‘You Sit on High and Pontificate’

Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn lambasted prominent Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Friday night , defending his personal lawyer Sidney Powell against disparaging remarks pertaining to her work on Trump campaign litigation related to the 2020 presidential election .
Powell was part of a Thursday news conference in which prominent members of the Trump legal team laid out their less-than-substantive “ opening statement ” in a multi-pronged attempt to challenge swing-state election results with sworn statements regarding mass voter fraud — an exercise that has invited no shortage of establishment media criticism .
Much to the chagrin of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the loudest critics , joining with left-wing media peers to suggest Powell and her colleagues ought to go public with the evidence they claim to possess .
“ Come on @ TuckerCarlson you ’ re still not being genuine .
@ SidneyPowell1 is slaying dragons with her small team and you sit on high and pontificate , ” Flynn tweeted Friday .
“ Go do some street journalism and ask the tough questions yourself .
Why the hell not !
?
” the retired Army lieutenant general added .
TRENDING : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Playing Politics with COVID , It Does n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done The verbal onslaught came after Carlson had attempted to nuance earlier statements made on-air , suggesting he would also be one of the loudest supporters were the Trump legal team to expose widespread voter fraud in court while remaining realistic about the fast-closing window of opportunity .
With some states already moving to certify their election results and the Electoral College set to confirm a president-elect come Dec. 14 , little time remains for Powell and her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 7 million ballot alterations that she has alleged .
As of yet , no such proof has been provided to the public , though much ado has been made about the reliability of evidence found in the hundreds of affidavits apparently assembled by the Trump team in recent weeks .
Powell told Fox Business on Friday morning that it would not be long before the proof was made public , however .
In fact , proof could come “ within the next two weeks , ” the lawyer claimed .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and seen little follow-up .
The air raid sirens have been sounding since election night and , yet , little has come in the way of a major bombshell .
Not even Trump administration officials seem to have seen the proof Powell claims to have , Carlson reported Friday evening .
RELATED : Remember Michael Flynn ?
Obama Hack Admits Biden Is 'Having Phone Calls ' with Foreign Countries “ In the last 24 hours … we ’ ve heard from a lot of people about that segment , including people in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president .
Like us , they have concluded this election was not fair .
Like us , they are willing to believe any explanation for what happened , ” Carlson said .
“ Like us , they have not seen a single piece of evidence showing that software changed votes .
“ It doesn ’ t mean it didn ’ t happen .
It might have happened .
It means they haven ’ t seen any evidence that it happened .
And by ‘ they , ’ we are including other members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the host added .
None of this is to say the truth should not be sought or election integrity fought for .
Quite the opposite .
As Carlson noted , the revelation of definitive proof would transform these allegations into “ the greatest crime in the history of this country.
” The host was also right to argue in his initial remarks , however , that Powell and her colleagues would need to provide that proof quickly and publicly , if they want honest members of the conservative punditry to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all , we aren ’ t the left-wing establishment media , who unfairly destroyed men like Brett Kavanaugh and Carter Page without the proof to convict and went along with FBI efforts to hang Flynn in the court of public opinion on improperly collected evidence .
Powell claims that this is different , that the evidence is coming and that she simply rejected Carlson ’ s pressing information requests out of hand as “ insulting , demanding and rude.
” But unprofessional information request or not , the point remains that if conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hitch their wagon to Trump campaign voter fraud claims , they deserve a taste of what ’ s to come .
We know far too much to have blind faith in political claims , campaign promises and bureaucratic institutions , no matter what side they ’ re on .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn lambasted prominent Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Friday night, defending his personal lawyer Sidney Powell against disparaging remarks pertaining to her work on Trump campaign litigation related to the 2020 presidential election.
Powell was part of a Thursday news conference in which prominent members of the Trump legal team laid out their less-than-substantive “opening statement” in a multi-pronged attempt to challenge swing-state election results with sworn statements regarding mass voter fraud — an exercise that has invited no shortage of establishment media criticism.
Much to the chagrin of some conservative audiences members, Carlson was one of the loudest critics, joining with left-wing media peers to suggest Powell and her colleagues ought to go public with the evidence they claim to possess.
“Come on @TuckerCarlson you’re still not being genuine. @SidneyPowell1 is slaying dragons with her small team and you sit on high and pontificate,” Flynn tweeted Friday.
“Go do some street journalism and ask the tough questions yourself. Why the hell not!?” the retired Army lieutenant general added.
Come on @TuckerCarlson you’re still not being genuine. @SidneyPowell1 is slaying dragons with her small team and you sit on high and pontificate. Go do some street journalism and ask the tough questions yourself. Why the hell not!?@DineshDSouza
Joshua 1:9 https://t.co/3Lzk2xgFwj — General Flynn (@GenFlynn) November 21, 2020
The verbal onslaught came after Carlson had attempted to nuance earlier statements made on-air, suggesting he would also be one of the loudest supporters were the Trump legal team to expose widespread voter fraud in court while remaining realistic about the fast-closing window of opportunity.
With some states already moving to certify their election results and the Electoral College set to confirm a president-elect come Dec. 14, little time remains for Powell and her colleagues to turn up definitive proof of the 7 million ballot alterations that she has alleged.
Who do you agree with here? Flynn Carlson
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 Flynn: 93% (4672 Votes) Carlson: 7% (344 Votes)
As of yet, no such proof has been provided to the public, though much ado has been made about the reliability of evidence found in the hundreds of affidavits apparently assembled by the Trump team in recent weeks.
Powell told Fox Business on Friday morning that it would not be long before the proof was made public, however. In fact, proof could come “within the next two weeks,” the lawyer claimed.
Of course, we have heard many such claims and seen little follow-up. The air raid sirens have been sounding since election night and, yet, little has come in the way of a major bombshell.
Not even Trump administration officials seem to have seen the proof Powell claims to have, Carlson reported Friday evening.
“In the last 24 hours … we’ve heard from a lot of people about that segment, including people in the White House and people close to the president. Like us, they have concluded this election was not fair. Like us, they are willing to believe any explanation for what happened,” Carlson said.
“Like us, they have not seen a single piece of evidence showing that software changed votes.
“It doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. It might have happened. It means they haven’t seen any evidence that it happened. And by ‘they,’ we are including other members of Donald Trump’s own legal team,” the host added.
None of this is to say the truth should not be sought or election integrity fought for. Quite the opposite.
As Carlson noted, the revelation of definitive proof would transform these allegations into “the greatest crime in the history of this country.”
An update on our reporting on Sidney Powell’s voter fraud investigation. Watch. pic.twitter.com/ho6Dkv0IXf — Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) November 21, 2020
The host was also right to argue in his initial remarks, however, that Powell and her colleagues would need to provide that proof quickly and publicly, if they want honest members of the conservative punditry to continue giving credence to their claims.
Tucker Carlson calls out Sidney Powell, saying he asked her for evidence to support her election fraud claims, but “she never sent us any evidence despite a lot of requests, polite requests, not a page.” “When we kept pressing she got angry and told us to stop contacting her.” pic.twitter.com/IOlOdhp6MJ — Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) November 20, 2020
After all, we aren’t the left-wing establishment media, who unfairly destroyed men like Brett Kavanaugh and Carter Page without the proof to convict and went along with FBI efforts to hang Flynn in the court of public opinion on improperly collected evidence.
Powell claims that this is different, that the evidence is coming and that she simply rejected Carlson’s pressing information requests out of hand as “insulting, demanding and rude.”
But unprofessional information request or not, the point remains that if conservative pundits and heartland American voters are expected to hitch their wagon to Trump campaign voter fraud claims, they deserve a taste of what’s to come.
We know far too much to have blind faith in political claims, campaign promises and bureaucratic institutions, no matter what side they’re on.
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--Dominion Voting Systems Lawyers Up, Backs out of Oversight Hearing at Last Minute

The company that makes many of the voting machines used in this year ’ s controversial election said yes and then no when asked to sit down with Pennsylvania lawmakers to answer questions about the company ’ s machines .
Dominion ’ s machines , which have a history of concerns , were used in many counties in Pennsylvania .
President Donald Trump has questioned whether the machines were a factor in the apparent election of Democrat Joe Biden .
TRENDING : Victor Davis Hanson : If Trump Is Playing Politics with COVID , It Does n't Hold a Candle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been multiple alleged instances of voting irregularities in multiple states , proof has yet to surface of widespread nefarious activity that affected the final results of the presidential election .
To get to the bottom of the issue , Republican state Rep. Seth Grove , acting chairman of the State Government Committee , said the company had pulled out of a scheduled appearance before his panel .
“ The members of the state government committee were looking forward to publicly addressing the plethora of accusations of Dominion Voting Systems in a format @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dialogue .
I was impressed at what appeared to be the willingness of Dominion Voting Systems to address accusations , and it would have put the 1.3 million Pennsylvanians who used their machines at ease , including myself , ” he said Friday , according to The Epoch Times .
“ Unfortunately , last evening , Dominion Voting Systems lawyered up and backed out of their commitment , ” he said .
Grove said the turnabout does not look good for the embattled company .
“ Instead of running towards the light of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retreated to the darkness .
Why ?
Why would a vendor of public goods fear discussing their products sold to the public for the public good ?
” Grove said .
“ If Dominion ’ s products were successful and operated as they were supposed to , why wouldn ’ t Dominion take the opportunity to publicly review its success ?
How hard is it to say , ‘ our ballot machines worked exactly as promised , and they are 100 percent accurate ?
’ ” In a video posted to his Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been looking forward to what he called an “ open forum discussion ” to discuss the veracity of claims that the machines themselves might be part of the widespread irregularities noted in the election .
“ They walked away from the table .
There was no reason for them to do that , ” he said , noting that no legal action against the coming is on the horizon .
“ If you ’ re not litigated , and we ask you to come before us , we expect you to fulfill your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the questions that people have , ” he said .
“ It ’ s not going to change the outcome , but we need to know what happened .
Dominion is part of that .
There are broad accusations , I didn ’ t say they were true .
I didn ’ t validate any of those accusations .
We wanted to give them the opportunity to address them .
They chose not to .
Why ?
” “ It adds more skeptical issues with our constituents moving forward , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice president of government affairs , explained the change in a statement , saying the company did at first agree to the hearing .
“ However , that conversation was overshadowed yesterday by threats of litigation coming towards our company during a national press conference , ” she said .
“ As we await the opportunity to debunk the baseless conspiracy theories being offered about Dominion and its voting systems in a court of law , we had to ask for a postponement of the discussion .
Notably , our company doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the other jurisdictions being targeted by attorneys in their remarks.
” Republican state Rep .
Dawn Keefer said Dominion was offered a chance “ to demonstrate who they were , the services they were providing , the products that they were selling us and how they were being utilized , and give the voters the confidence that they ’ re looking for.
” RELATED : Michigan Republicans Meet with Trump , Say Election Result Likely To Stand “ My job is to figure out what happened and how we do it better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Beaver County Times .
“ If they have nothing to hide , why are they hiding from us ?
” Grove said that he was “ mad and frustrated ” the panel could not put any allegations to rest .
“ I want it off the table so we can focus on the actual election process administration and laws of the commonwealth , ” Grove said .
“ That ’ s my focus .
I can ’ t get there with all this other noise and sound out there.
” We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The company that makes many of the voting machines used in this year’s controversial election said yes and then no when asked to sit down with Pennsylvania lawmakers to answer questions about the company’s machines.
Dominion’s machines, which have a history of concerns, were used in many counties in Pennsylvania. President Donald Trump has questioned whether the machines were a factor in the apparent election of Democrat Joe Biden.
People are not going to stand for having this Election stolen from them by a privately owned Radical Left company, Dominion, and many other reasons! https://t.co/RMOa4jKZwA — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 14, 2020
Now it is learned that the horrendous Dominion Voting System was used in Arizona (and big in Nevada). No wonder the result was a very close loss! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 13, 2020
While there have been multiple alleged instances of voting irregularities in multiple states, proof has yet to surface of widespread nefarious activity that affected the final results of the presidential election.
To get to the bottom of the issue, Republican state Rep. Seth Grove, acting chairman of the State Government Committee, said the company had pulled out of a scheduled appearance before his panel.
“The members of the state government committee were looking forward to publicly addressing the plethora of accusations of Dominion Voting Systems in a format which would have allowed open and honest dialogue. I was impressed at what appeared to be the willingness of Dominion Voting Systems to address accusations, and it would have put the 1.3 million Pennsylvanians who used their machines at ease, including myself,” he said Nov. 20, according to The Epoch Times.
“Unfortunately, last evening, Dominion Voting Systems lawyered up and backed out of their commitment,” he said.
Video of today’s #PAHouse State Govt Cmte press conference after Dominion Voting Systems abruptly canceled its appearance at a hearing planned for this AM. ? WATCH: https://t.co/yHaJabKp2Z pic.twitter.com/kN9WGuFalX — PA House Republicans (@PAHouseGOP) November 20, 2020
Grove said the turnabout does not look good for the embattled company.
“Instead of running towards the light of honesty and integrity, Dominion Voting Systems retreated to the darkness. Why? Why would a vendor of public goods fear discussing their products sold to the public for the public good?” Grove said.
“If Dominion’s products were successful and operated as they were supposed to, why wouldn’t Dominion take the opportunity to publicly review its success? How hard is it to say, ‘our ballot machines worked exactly as promised, and they are 100 percent accurate?’”
Does this sound like the company wants to hide? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (5312 Votes) No: 1% (31 Votes)
In a video posted to his Facebook page, Grove said that he had been looking forward to what he called an “open forum discussion” to discuss the veracity of claims that the machines themselves might be part of the widespread irregularities noted in the election.
“They walked away from the table. There was no reason for them to do that,” he said, noting that no legal action against the coming is on the horizon.
“If you’re not litigated, and we ask you to come before us, we expect you to fulfill your promise and come before us to address the questions that people have,” he said.
“It’s not going to change the outcome, but we need to know what happened. Dominion is part of that. There are broad accusations, I didn’t say they were true. I didn’t validate any of those accusations. We wanted to give them the opportunity to address them. They chose not to. Why?”
“It adds more skeptical issues with our constituents moving forward,” he said.
Kay Stimson, Dominion’s vice president of government affairs, explained the change in a statement, saying the company did at first agree to the hearing.
“However, that conversation was overshadowed yesterday by threats of litigation coming towards our company during a national press conference,” she said. “As we await the opportunity to debunk the baseless conspiracy theories being offered about Dominion and its voting systems in a court of law, we had to ask for a postponement of the discussion. Notably, our company doesn’t even support Philadelphia, or some of the other jurisdictions being targeted by attorneys in their remarks.”
Republican state Rep. Dawn Keefer said Dominion was offered a chance “to demonstrate who they were, the services they were providing, the products that they were selling us and how they were being utilized, and give the voters the confidence that they’re looking for.”
“My job is to figure out what happened and how we do it better,” Grove said, according to the Beaver County Times. “If they have nothing to hide, why are they hiding from us?”
Grove said that he was “mad and frustrated” the panel could not put any allegations to rest.
“I want it off the table so we can focus on the actual election process administration and laws of the commonwealth,” Grove said.
“That’s my focus. I can’t get there with all this other noise and sound out there.”
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westernjournal--2020-11-21--‘Extraordinarily Impressive’: Dr. Fauci Rips Dem Narrative on Vaccines, Sticks Up for Trump Admin

Weeks before the election , presumptive President-elect Joe Biden made sure that you didn ’ t trust any good vaccine news you may hear in the last days of the campaign , criticizing the president ’ s remarks that we were getting close to a breakthrough as irresponsible .
“ I trust vaccines .
I trust scientists .
But I don ’ t trust Donald Trump , ” Biden said during an October town hall meeting .
“ And at this moment the American people can ’ t either.
” The subtext was that a vaccine could be rushed through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-election chances — something that should have been treated as farcical conspiracy theorizing on its face but , instead , was taken seriously by the left .
Even after the election , Democratic New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo — whose state has been hit harder than any other by COVID-19 — intimated he might block distribution of an effective vaccine simply because Trump was still in the White House .
“ The vaccine plan is very important and it ’ s probably the most ambitious undertaking since COVID began .
… And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccination plan and I believe it ’ s flawed , ” Cuomo told “ Good Morning America ” anchor George Stephanopoulos , adding that “ when you deny a problem the way Trump did , you can never solve it and that ’ s true in life.
” TRENDING : Victor Davis Hanson : If Trump Is Playing Politics with COVID , It Does n't Hold a Candle to What Dems Have Done I don ’ t expect the Democrats to suddenly put their trust in President Trump , but they ought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact , they already do — whenever the nation ’ s leading infectious disease expert has an opinion that differs slightly from every Republicans , watch every elected Democrat tumble over one another to put a clip of his advice out over Twitter .
It ’ s a grimly entertaining spectacle .
Fauci ’ s appearance at Thursday ’ s White House Coronavirus Task Force media briefing didn ’ t find its way into as many liberal Twitter feeds , however , if just because he took aim at the Democratic narrative surrounding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop and deliver a coronavirus vaccine in record time .
According to Fauci , there weren ’ t any corners being cut , either by the Trump administration or the developers of two potentially breakthrough COVID-19 vaccines .
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were found to be 94.5 percent and 95 percent efficacious , respectively , in phase 3 clinical trials , with Fauci calling the progress made on them “ extraordinarily impressive.
” “ For those of you not acquainted with the field of vaccinology , that is extraordinary , ” Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the level of what we see with measles , which is 98 percent effective .
So that ’ s what we ’ re dealing with .
The question is , what about how that is going to be rolled out ?
” Fauci noted “ the only way you can get an effective program is when people take the vaccine , and we ’ re going to be talking to you about that .
And I hear a lot now when we made these announcements this past Monday , and then two Mondays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : ‘ Well , did you rush this ?
Was this too fast ?
Is it really safe , and is it really efficacious ? '
” “ The process of the speed did not compromise at all safety , ” Fauci continued , “ nor did it compromise scientific integrity .
“ It was a reflection of the extraordinary scientific advances in these types of vaccines , which allowed us to do things in months that actually took years before .
So I really want to settle that concern that people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision of the data ?
Who looked at the data ?
Was that some force that was maybe trying to put something over on you ?
’ No , it was actually an independent body of people who have no allegiance to anyone , not to the administration , not to me , not to the companies , that looked at the data and deemed it to be sound.
” RELATED : Astonishing News : New COVID Vaccine May Be Available Sooner Than People Thought “ So we need to put to rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inappropriate way , ” he added .
“ This is really solid .
The Trump administration has signaled that 20 million Americans could receive coronavirus vaccines in December , which , of course , is before presumptive President-elect Joe Biden would be taking office — and before , one presumes , the second wave of COVID-19 currently hitting Andrew Cuomo ’ s state will have subsided .
Is Cuomo not going to allow distribution of the vaccine to those who need it most , particularly front-line workers ?
We live in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few weeks ago that Trump could ram through approval for an inefficacious vaccine to help his chances at re-election .
Barring a series of victories in court , Biden would be set to take the Oval Office on Jan. 20 .
Yet , Cuomo apparently believes Trump might somehow rush or jeopardize the vaccine roll-out to do … what ?
Cuomo didn ’ t actually give a coherent reason for this , which ought to worry New Yorkers given this was the man who sent COVID-positive patients back into New York ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Biden , he ’ s gone from saying he would be wary of a vaccine released under a Trump administration to grousing that Trump ’ s refusal to concede hasn ’ t given him the keys to Operation Warp Speed yet and warning that it could jeopardize lives .
( Two months ago , Biden promised he wouldn ’ t declare victory — therefore starting an official transition — until the results of the election were “ independently certified.
” I ’ m sure you can count on that level of assiduous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden administration . )
Any suggestion that Operation Warp Speed was a rush job that could endanger American lives to get Trump re-elected was always fear-mongering .
Worse , it ’ s fear-mongering that could hinder uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine , all because it planted the idea the Trump administration had the authority to fudge or ignore clinical data and improperly pressure pharmaceutical companies into delivering an unsafe inoculation .
The Democrats have spent the last four years condemning “ irresponsible rhetoric ” at every turn .
It ’ s worth noting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this scare-tactic narrative will leave potentially deadly scars that long outlive whatever temporal electoral benefit that might have derived from it , undermining vaccines not only for the deadliest global pandemic of the past century but for other diseases , as well .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Weeks before the election, presumptive President-elect Joe Biden made sure that you didn’t trust any good vaccine news you may hear in the last days of the campaign, criticizing the president’s remarks that we were getting close to a breakthrough as irresponsible.
“I trust vaccines. I trust scientists. But I don’t trust Donald Trump,” Biden said during an October town hall meeting. “And at this moment the American people can’t either.”
The subtext was that a vaccine could be rushed through to appease the president and improve his re-election chances — something that should have been treated as farcical conspiracy theorizing on its face but, instead, was taken seriously by the left.
Even after the election, Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo — whose state has been hit harder than any other by COVID-19 — intimated he might block distribution of an effective vaccine simply because Trump was still in the White House.
“The vaccine plan is very important and it’s probably the most ambitious undertaking since COVID began. … And the Trump administration is rolling out the vaccination plan and I believe it’s flawed,” Cuomo told “Good Morning America” anchor George Stephanopoulos, adding that “when you deny a problem the way Trump did, you can never solve it and that’s true in life.”
!@NYGovCuomo says it’s “bad news” Pfizer’s Covid vaccine came during the Trump Admin; says he’s going to work w/ other governors to “stop” distribution “before it does damage” pic.twitter.com/ULembNWokW — Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) November 9, 2020
I don’t expect the Democrats to suddenly put their trust in President Trump, but they ought to consider trusting Dr. Anthony Fauci. In fact, they already do — whenever the nation’s leading infectious disease expert has an opinion that differs slightly from every Republicans, watch every elected Democrat tumble over one another to put a clip of his advice out over Twitter. It’s a grimly entertaining spectacle.
Fauci’s appearance at Thursday’s White House Coronavirus Task Force media briefing didn’t find its way into as many liberal Twitter feeds, however, if just because he took aim at the Democratic narrative surrounding Operation Warp Speed, the program to develop and deliver a coronavirus vaccine in record time. According to Fauci, there weren’t any corners being cut, either by the Trump administration or the developers of two potentially breakthrough COVID-19 vaccines.
Do you plan on taking the COVID-19 vaccine? 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: 50% (1705 Votes) No: 50% (1734 Votes)
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were found to be 94.5 percent and 95 percent efficacious, respectively, in phase 3 clinical trials, with Fauci calling the progress made on them “extraordinarily impressive.”
“For those of you not acquainted with the field of vaccinology, that is extraordinary,” Fauci said. “That is almost to the level of what we see with measles, which is 98 percent effective. So that’s what we’re dealing with. The question is, what about how that is going to be rolled out?”
Fauci noted “the only way you can get an effective program is when people take the vaccine, and we’re going to be talking to you about that. And I hear a lot now when we made these announcements this past Monday, and then two Mondays ago, about some reticence of people: ‘Well, did you rush this? Was this too fast? Is it really safe, and is it really efficacious?'”
“The process of the speed did not compromise at all safety,” Fauci continued, “nor did it compromise scientific integrity.
“It was a reflection of the extraordinary scientific advances in these types of vaccines, which allowed us to do things in months that actually took years before. So I really want to settle that concern that people have about that. ‘What about the decision of the data? Who looked at the data? Was that some force that was maybe trying to put something over on you?’ No, it was actually an independent body of people who have no allegiance to anyone, not to the administration, not to me, not to the companies, that looked at the data and deemed it to be sound.”
“So we need to put to rest any concept that this was rushed in an inappropriate way,” he added. “This is really solid.
The Trump administration has signaled that 20 million Americans could receive coronavirus vaccines in December, which, of course, is before presumptive President-elect Joe Biden would be taking office — and before, one presumes, the second wave of COVID-19 currently hitting Andrew Cuomo’s state will have subsided. Is Cuomo not going to allow distribution of the vaccine to those who need it most, particularly front-line workers?
We live in a strange world where people believed just a few weeks ago that Trump could ram through approval for an inefficacious vaccine to help his chances at re-election. Barring a series of victories in court, Biden would be set to take the Oval Office on Jan. 20. Yet, Cuomo apparently believes Trump might somehow rush or jeopardize the vaccine roll-out to do … what?
Cuomo didn’t actually give a coherent reason for this, which ought to worry New Yorkers given this was the man who sent COVID-positive patients back into New York’s nursing homes for spurious reasons.
As for Biden, he’s gone from saying he would be wary of a vaccine released under a Trump administration to grousing that Trump’s refusal to concede hasn’t given him the keys to Operation Warp Speed yet and warning that it could jeopardize lives. (Two months ago, Biden promised he wouldn’t declare victory — therefore starting an official transition — until the results of the election were “independently certified.” I’m sure you can count on that level of assiduous promise-keeping for the rest of any potential Biden administration.)
Any suggestion that Operation Warp Speed was a rush job that could endanger American lives to get Trump re-elected was always fear-mongering. Worse, it’s fear-mongering that could hinder uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine, all because it planted the idea the Trump administration had the authority to fudge or ignore clinical data and improperly pressure pharmaceutical companies into delivering an unsafe inoculation.
The Democrats have spent the last four years condemning “irresponsible rhetoric” at every turn. It’s worth noting, then, that the legacy of this scare-tactic narrative will leave potentially deadly scars that long outlive whatever temporal electoral benefit that might have derived from it, undermining vaccines not only for the deadliest global pandemic of the past century but for other diseases, as well.
Nice work.
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