westernjournal--2020-05-14--Fred Weinberg: Comey’s FBI Has Finally Been Exposed

And the president of the United States recognizes that .
He is absolutely correct .
If it ’ s one thing my neighbors and I hate , it ’ s anybody using their temporary control of a government agency to screw over a fellow citizen .
We didn ’ t like it when Richard Nixon had an “ enemies list ” and we certainly don ’ t like it a bit more when the entire deep state got caught piling on to anybody who has the nerve to support President Trump .
I sure wish the king of police procedurals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually true episode on the FBI on CBS about Michael Flynn .
As they used to promote “ Law and Order , ” “ ripped from the headlines.
” Of course , CBS might be the wrong network , but Wolf didn ’ t produce his various series for Fox .
And , after all , CBS is the home of “ Blue Bloods ” — a definitively conservative series which is so profitable that even Clinton Broadcasting System had to go with it .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own As Wolf once told The New York Times , “ we steal the headline and not the body copy.
” What better headline to steal than you can ’ t trust a soon-to-be-former president , his intel agencies and the FBI ?
For generations , children growing up were taught that the FBI was personified by the late Efrem Zimbalist Jr. That they were always on the side of good .
That they were incorruptible .
That reputation was carefully manicured by the Washington establishment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization with that reputation—to become prostitutes walking the streets of Washington , D.C. Now , in fairness , the FBI is roughly the size of the New York Police Department .
There are about 35,000 on its staff .
And we ’ re talking about a few at the top .
Most agents are , in real life , that portrayal of Efrem Zimbalist Jr .
But those few at the top wield outsized influence when it comes to screwing over a specific person or persons .
Especially when enabled by putzes like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Democratic Party .
The mere threat that the Department of Justice can throw the FBI at you has broken people .
This nation works on the principle of voluntary compliance .
Most people follow the law voluntarily .
We couldn ’ t exist any other way because we simply can not put a cop on every corner .
RELATED : Op-Ed : How Will COVID Impact the 2020 Election ?
In order for that to continue , people must have respect for the law and the system that creates and enforces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crap — even the Democrats who hate the president so much that they are willing to either engage in or overlook this behavior ?
Our respect for the system can only be restored if we take serious actions to correct it .
I ’ m not talking about blue-ribbon commissions and talking heads .
I ’ m talking about putting these clowns in prison for substantive terms .
Prosecuting and convicting a jerk like Comey would be a great start .
Putting a former FBI director in prison over this would tell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his little followers should accompany him .
If the evidence can convince a jury that Obama was involved , then him too .
And we should add that to what we teach children about law enforcement .
That ’ s a Dick Wolf show I ’ d like to see .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our @ @ @

James Comey, Andrew McCabe, Peter Strzok, Lisa Page, Adam Schiff, Eric Holder.
Bad actors, all.
And the president of the United States recognizes that. He is absolutely correct.
If it’s one thing my neighbors and I hate, it’s anybody using their temporary control of a government agency to screw over a fellow citizen. We didn’t like it when Richard Nixon had an “enemies list” and we certainly don’t like it a bit more when the entire deep state got caught piling on to anybody who has the nerve to support President Trump.
I sure wish the king of police procedurals, Dick Wolf, would do an actually true episode on the FBI on CBS about Michael Flynn. As they used to promote “Law and Order,” “ripped from the headlines.” Of course, CBS might be the wrong network, but Wolf didn’t produce his various series for Fox. And, after all, CBS is the home of “Blue Bloods” — a definitively conservative series which is so profitable that even Clinton Broadcasting System had to go with it.
As Wolf once told The New York Times, “we steal the headline and not the body copy.”
What better headline to steal than you can’t trust a soon-to-be-former president, his intel agencies and the FBI?
For generations, children growing up were taught that the FBI was personified by the late Efrem Zimbalist Jr. That they were always on the side of good. That they were incorruptible. That reputation was carefully manicured by the Washington establishment.
Comey allowed the FBI — the same organization with that reputation—to become prostitutes walking the streets of Washington, D.C.
Now, in fairness, the FBI is roughly the size of the New York Police Department. There are about 35,000 on its staff. And we’re talking about a few at the top. Most agents are, in real life, that portrayal of Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
But those few at the top wield outsized influence when it comes to screwing over a specific person or persons. Especially when enabled by putzes like Schiff, Holder and their political enablers in the Democratic Party.
The mere threat that the Department of Justice can throw the FBI at you has broken people.
This nation works on the principle of voluntary compliance.
Most people follow the law voluntarily. We couldn’t exist any other way because we simply cannot put a cop on every corner.
In order for that to continue, people must have respect for the law and the system that creates and enforces it.
How can anyone respect this crap — even the Democrats who hate the president so much that they are willing to either engage in or overlook this behavior?
Our respect for the system can only be restored if we take serious actions to correct it.
I’m not talking about blue-ribbon commissions and talking heads.
I’m talking about putting these clowns in prison for substantive terms. Prosecuting and convicting a jerk like Comey would be a great start. Putting a former FBI director in prison over this would tell the world we’re serious. And his little followers should accompany him.
If the evidence can convince a jury that Obama was involved, then him too.
And we should add that to what we teach children about law enforcement.
That’s a Dick Wolf show I’d like to see.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-05-14--Fired Officer Who Shirked Duty During Parkland Shooting Rehired with Full Back Pay

The Broward Sheriff ’ s Office sergeant who was fired for failing to immediately react to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018 will be reinstated to his position with full pay and seniority , according to the BSO Deputies Association .
Sgt .
Brian Miller and three other deputies were fired from their positions because of a “ neglect of duty ” during the Feb. 14 , 2018 , shooting in Parkland , Florida , in which 17 people were killed , the Miami Herald reported .
The arbitrator dismissed the case against Miller and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violated his due process rights by terminating Miller long after it was allowed to do so under state law , according to the police union , which backed Miller ’ s challenge of the decision to fire him .
Miller was fired in June 2019 , 16 months after the shooting , according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel .
The sergeant received a salary of over $ 137,000 in 2018 .
When he is reinstated , he will get roughly a year ’ s back pay as well as compensation for any overtime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accrual of time , paid holidays and time off .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own According to a report by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission , Miller was the first supervisor to respond to the shooting .
He got there in time to hear three or four shots , but instead of rushing to the scene , he took his time to put on a bulletproof vest , hid behind his car and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes , according to the report .
“ Miller failed to coordinate or direct deputies ’ actions and did not direct or coordinate an immediate response into the school , ” the report said , according to the Sun-Sentinel .
“ Sergeant Miller ’ s actions were ineffective and he did not properly supervise the scene.
” One member of the commission , Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd , said Miller was “ an absolute , total failure.
” The Professional Standards Commission , meanwhile , recommended that Miller be stripped of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony , who replaced Scott Israel , opted to fire him .
Deputies Edward Eason , Joshua Stambaugh and Scot Peterson were also fired for “ neglect of duty , ” according to the Herald .
According to the public safety commission ’ s report , Eason drove away from the sound of the gunshots to a different part of the campus to put his bulletproof vest on , and failed to activate his body camera .
He also told investigators he didn ’ t know where the shots were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nearby private school when he received the call for help .
He hid behind his police cruiser , but his body camera caught the sounds of the final gunshots .
It was unclear whether Eason and Stambaugh challenged their terminations .
Peterson was the school resource officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas , and was charged with 11 felony counts , including “ child neglect with bodily harm ” and “ culpable negligence , ” according to the Sun-Sentinel .
“ The charges stem from his actions ( and lack thereof ) during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ High School shooting in Parkland that claimed the lives of 17 students and staff and injured 17 more , and in the subsequent investigation , ” the Florida Department of Law Enforcement wrote in June .
His case is still pending .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Broward Sheriff’s Office sergeant who was fired for failing to immediately react to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018 will be reinstated to his position with full pay and seniority, according to the BSO Deputies Association.
Sgt. Brian Miller and three other deputies were fired from their positions because of a “neglect of duty” during the Feb. 14, 2018, shooting in Parkland, Florida, in which 17 people were killed, the Miami Herald reported.
The arbitrator dismissed the case against Miller and said the Broward Sheriff’s Office violated his due process rights by terminating Miller long after it was allowed to do so under state law, according to the police union, which backed Miller’s challenge of the decision to fire him.
Miller was fired in June 2019, 16 months after the shooting, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
The sergeant received a salary of over $137,000 in 2018. When he is reinstated, he will get roughly a year’s back pay as well as compensation for any overtime he would have received, medical reimbursements, accrual of time, paid holidays and time off.
According to a report by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission, Miller was the first supervisor to respond to the shooting.
He got there in time to hear three or four shots, but instead of rushing to the scene, he took his time to put on a bulletproof vest, hid behind his car and didn’t radio in for 10 minutes, according to the report.
“Miller failed to coordinate or direct deputies’ actions and did not direct or coordinate an immediate response into the school,” the report said, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
“Sergeant Miller’s actions were ineffective and he did not properly supervise the scene.”
Do you think the sergeant deserved to be reinstated? Yes No
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One member of the commission, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, said Miller was “an absolute, total failure.”
The Professional Standards Commission, meanwhile, recommended that Miller be stripped of his his sergeant’s rank, but Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony, who replaced Scott Israel, opted to fire him.
Deputies Edward Eason, Joshua Stambaugh and Scot Peterson were also fired for “neglect of duty,” according to the Herald.
According to the public safety commission’s report, Eason drove away from the sound of the gunshots to a different part of the campus to put his bulletproof vest on, and failed to activate his body camera. He also told investigators he didn’t know where the shots were coming from.
Stambaugh was working at a nearby private school when he received the call for help. He hid behind his police cruiser, but his body camera caught the sounds of the final gunshots.
It was unclear whether Eason and Stambaugh challenged their terminations.
Peterson was the school resource officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, and was charged with 11 felony counts, including “child neglect with bodily harm” and “culpable negligence,” according to the Sun-Sentinel.
“The charges stem from his actions (and lack thereof) during the February 14, 2018, MSD High School shooting in Parkland that claimed the lives of 17 students and staff and injured 17 more, and in the subsequent investigation,” the Florida Department of Law Enforcement wrote in June.
His case is still pending.
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westernjournal--2020-05-14--McConnell Mocks Democrats for ‘Totally Unserious’ Relief Bill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday branded House Democrats ’ $ 3 trillion economic relief bill a “ totally unserious effort ” to address the coronavirus pandemic .
Two days after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled what would be Congress ’ fifth and largest package for nursing the dormant economy through the emergency , McConnell said Democrats had produced a “ seasonal catalog of left-wing oddities and called it a coronavirus relief bill.
” Provisions he singled out for criticism included a rollback of GOP-passed tax increases on residents of states with high taxes , language making it easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what he called “ the cherry on top ” — provisions helping legal marijuana businesses .
“ This is a totally unserious effort , ” he said .
The House Democratic bill would provide nearly $ 1 trillion to help financially struggling state and local governments , extend special unemployment benefits and direct payments to individuals , and bolster spending for health care programs and essential workers .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own Senate Minority Leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying last week that Congress should “ pause ” before spending more money on the effort .
“ Time to press the pause button ?
When we have faced the greatest health and economic crisis since the Depression ?
” Schumer said .
House members scattered around the country because of the dangers of traveling and congregating in groups are returning to Washington .
The chamber is expected to approve Pelosi ’ s package Friday in a largely party-line vote .
The smaller Senate has been in session since last week .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans have applied for unemployment benefits since the virus hit the U.S..
In addition , 1.4 million people in the U.S. have confirmed cases of the virus and more than 84,000 have died .
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has said a painful , prolonged recession could take hold unless Congress provides fresh aid to bolster the all-but-dormant economy .
The bill unveiled by Pelosi has been seen as Democrats ’ opening bid in what seems likely to be negotiations with the GOP-led Senate and the Trump administration .
President Donald Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been unclear .
He ’ s pushed for a reduction of payroll taxes that ’ s gained little support in Congress .
Trump has also cautioned GOP lawmakers not to box themselves in by opposing aid for state and local governments , according to a top GOP congressional aide who described Trump ’ s view on condition of anonymity .
Many state and local officials of both parties have sought more federal aid as they face eroding revenue and growing costs for unemployment and health programs .
McConnell has already said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin considering additional legislation until after Memorial Day .
He ’ s left the door open to a “ narrowly targeted ” bill and reiterated Thursday a chief GOP demand — provisions that would protect reopening businesses from liability claims .
RELATED : Senate GOP Set To Get Back to Business , Confirm Another Trump-Appointed Judge Congress has already approved nearly $ 3 trillion this year to address the twin health and economic crises .
Along with top Trump administration officials , McConnell and other congressional leaders have expressed worries about burgeoning budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the initial dollars are being spent before moving fresh legislation .
They also want to see whether the economy begins to recover as some states begin easing restrictions that have kept many businesses shuttered .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Thursday branded House Democrats’ $3 trillion economic relief bill a “totally unserious effort” to address the coronavirus pandemic.
Two days after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveiled what would be Congress’ fifth and largest package for nursing the dormant economy through the emergency, McConnell said Democrats had produced a “seasonal catalog of left-wing oddities and called it a coronavirus relief bill.”
Provisions he singled out for criticism included a rollback of GOP-passed tax increases on residents of states with high taxes, language making it easier for people to vote by mail and what he called “the cherry on top” — provisions helping legal marijuana businesses.
“This is a totally unserious effort,” he said.
The House Democratic bill would provide nearly $1 trillion to help financially struggling state and local governments, extend special unemployment benefits and direct payments to individuals, and bolster spending for health care programs and essential workers.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized McConnell on Thursday for saying last week that Congress should “pause” before spending more money on the effort.
“Time to press the pause button? When we have faced the greatest health and economic crisis since the Depression?” Schumer said.
House members scattered around the country because of the dangers of traveling and congregating in groups are returning to Washington. The chamber is expected to approve Pelosi’s package Friday in a largely party-line vote. The smaller Senate has been in session since last week.
The House vote will come as 36 million Americans have applied for unemployment benefits since the virus hit the U.S.. In addition, 1.4 million people in the U.S. have confirmed cases of the virus and more than 84,000 have died.
Do you think Pelosi's bill has any chance of passing? Yes No
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has said a painful, prolonged recession could take hold unless Congress provides fresh aid to bolster the all-but-dormant economy.
The bill unveiled by Pelosi has been seen as Democrats’ opening bid in what seems likely to be negotiations with the GOP-led Senate and the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump’s views on what to do next have been unclear. He’s pushed for a reduction of payroll taxes that’s gained little support in Congress.
Trump has also cautioned GOP lawmakers not to box themselves in by opposing aid for state and local governments, according to a top GOP congressional aide who described Trump’s view on condition of anonymity. Many state and local officials of both parties have sought more federal aid as they face eroding revenue and growing costs for unemployment and health programs.
McConnell has already said he doesn’t expect the Senate to begin considering additional legislation until after Memorial Day. He’s left the door open to a “narrowly targeted” bill and reiterated Thursday a chief GOP demand — provisions that would protect reopening businesses from liability claims.
Congress has already approved nearly $3 trillion this year to address the twin health and economic crises.
Along with top Trump administration officials, McConnell and other congressional leaders have expressed worries about burgeoning budget deficits and said lawmakers should evaluate how the initial dollars are being spent before moving fresh legislation.
They also want to see whether the economy begins to recover as some states begin easing restrictions that have kept many businesses shuttered.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-05-14--Music Store Owner Weeps as Whitmer’s Lockdown Forces Him To Give Up His Dreams

A Michigan man with a passion for music and teaching children has seen his life ’ s work wiped away with the stroke of a pen by Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer .
Steve Walker , the owner of Walker Music & Textiles Co. in Hastings , Michigan , wept as he spoke with WXMI-TV during a recent interview in which he said Michigan ’ s lockdown order had forced him and his wife out of business .
Walker puts a very human face on Whitmer ’ s broad lockdown order , and for him , Walker Music was more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dream come true .
Unfortunately , that dream is dead , at least for now .
Through tears , Walker told WXMI-TV that the closure of his business will have far-reaching implications for him and all those with whom he shared the gift of music .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own “ This is my dream .
Shutting it down .
Closing out this phase of my life , ” he said .
“ It won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it won ’ t be an inviting environment for kids to come and be loved and to learn music.
” Walker opened his music store 11 years ago and was well-liked in the small community of Hastings , which is about an hour west of Lansing , where Whitmer and other lawmakers reside and continue to draw their paychecks .
He lamented Michigan ’ s overreaching treatment of small business owners like himself .
Per the lockdown order , music stores have been deemed nonessential by Whitmer .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , know it is , ” Walker said .
“ If you look on Facebook and Instagram , you ’ ll see what this means to people .
And you ’ ll see what it means to me.
” “ I ’ ve been sitting here for 60 days watching my neighbors do business day in and day out , ” he said .
“ They aren ’ t thriving , but they are surviving .
There ’ s no reason in hell I couldn ’ t have done the same thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what makes me angry.
” Walker applied for grants from the state in an attempt to keep the business afloat , but that effort proved fruitless .
His landlord has agreed to release him from his lease and now he is liquidating his inventory .
RELATED : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own “ For our future , we ’ ve decided that the best thing for us is to close , ” Walker ’ s wife , Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So right now we ’ re having 20 percent sales off for the next two weeks , and then we ’ re only going to run our sales for about six weeks.
” “ I put the responsibility of that on the governor ’ s shoulders because if she had been reasonable , this would not be happening , ” he said .
“ But oh well .
That ’ s the way it is .
That ’ s life .
And I have to move on and deal with it.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear he never wanted anything from his government but his right to the pursuit of happiness , which he has been denied , thanks to Whitmer ’ s lockdown order .
“ I don ’ t want a stupid handout from the government , I want my hands untied so I can work , ” he said .
But Walker will be forced to find another way to earn a living , and Whitmer and other Democrats will apparently continue to go on deciding what is and isn ’ t essential — which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jefferson would probably disagree with any such assertion .
“ Do not neglect your music , it will be a companion which will sweeten many hours of life to you , ” the country ’ s third president wrote in a letter to his daughter Martha in 1790 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Michigan man with a passion for music and teaching children has seen his life’s work wiped away with the stroke of a pen by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Steve Walker, the owner of Walker Music & Textiles Co. in Hastings, Michigan, wept as he spoke with WXMI-TV during a recent interview in which he said Michigan’s lockdown order had forced him and his wife out of business.
Walker puts a very human face on Whitmer’s broad lockdown order, and for him, Walker Music was more than a business, it was a dream come true.
Unfortunately, that dream is dead, at least for now.
Through tears, Walker told WXMI-TV that the closure of his business will have far-reaching implications for him and all those with whom he shared the gift of music.
“This is my dream. Shutting it down. Closing out this phase of my life,” he said. “It won’t be a retail shop anymore, and it won’t be an inviting environment for kids to come and be loved and to learn music.”
Walker opened his music store 11 years ago and was well-liked in the small community of Hastings, which is about an hour west of Lansing, where Whitmer and other lawmakers reside and continue to draw their paychecks.
He lamented Michigan’s overreaching treatment of small business owners like himself.
Per the lockdown order, music stores have been deemed nonessential by Whitmer.
Do you think Democratic officials' lockdown orders will hurt them in the November elections? Yes No
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“This is who I am. People that know me, know it is,” Walker said. “If you look on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll see what this means to people. And you’ll see what it means to me.”
“I’ve been sitting here for 60 days watching my neighbors do business day in and day out,” he said. “They aren’t thriving, but they are surviving. There’s no reason in hell I couldn’t have done the same thing. None. And that’s what makes me angry.”
Walker applied for grants from the state in an attempt to keep the business afloat, but that effort proved fruitless.
His landlord has agreed to release him from his lease and now he is liquidating his inventory.
“For our future, we’ve decided that the best thing for us is to close,” Walker’s wife, Nancy, told the TV station. “So right now we’re having 20 percent sales off for the next two weeks, and then we’re only going to run our sales for about six weeks.”
Walker blamed Whitmer directly for killing his dream.
“I put the responsibility of that on the governor’s shoulders because if she had been reasonable, this would not be happening,” he said. “But oh well. That’s the way it is. That’s life. And I have to move on and deal with it.”
The musician and soon-to-be-former businessman also made it clear he never wanted anything from his government but his right to the pursuit of happiness, which he has been denied, thanks to Whitmer’s lockdown order.
“I don’t want a stupid handout from the government, I want my hands untied so I can work,” he said.
But Walker will be forced to find another way to earn a living, and Whitmer and other Democrats will apparently continue to go on deciding what is and isn’t essential — which apparently does not include music.
Thomas Jefferson would probably disagree with any such assertion.
“Do not neglect your music, it will be a companion which will sweeten many hours of life to you,” the country’s third president wrote in a letter to his daughter Martha in 1790.
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westernjournal--2020-05-14--Video Shows Real-Life Roadrunner Outsmart Hungry Coyote Chasing Him

This real-life viral video of a roadrunner evading a pursuing coyote is so satisfyingly similar to a “ Looney Tunes ” cartoon from your childhood that we recommend pouring yourself a bowl of sugary cereal and pretending it ’ s Saturday morning before you watch .
Michael Bogan , who holds a doctorate in zoology and is an assistant professor of aquatic ecology at the University of Arizona School of Natural Resources and the Environment , captured the footage from the Santa Cruz River Park in Tucson , Arizona .
Bogan shared the clip this week to his social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which normally features many beautifully photographed wildlife scenes rather than animated favorites come to life .
“ Roadrunner vs coyote in real life !
!
!
” he captioned the video .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own “ The Warner Brothers cartoon was art imitating life , but witnessing this scene on the Santa Cruz River today in downtown Tucson really felt like a case of life imitating art.
” He was referring to the delightfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roadrunner — chase between the classic Warner Brothers “ Looney Tunes ” animated characters Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner featured in their own cartoon shorts .
Judging from his narration , he was just as amused to see the scene unfold as we were to watch it .
“ There is literally the coyote chasing the roadrunner , ” Bogan said as the bird scurried across the rocky Arizona desert landscape with a coyote trotting behind it in pursuit .
“ I can ’ t believe it .
That is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the roadrunner took flight in its getaway .
The coyote appeared to even look at the camera in defeat .
No ACME products , anvils or rockets were used .
None of the old train-tunnel-painted-on-the-side-of-a-mountain tricks ( our personal favorite ) .
But just like in the cartoons , the roadrunner got away without a single scratch .
“ I don ’ t have a SoundCloud , ” Bogan tweeted , “ but I do see lots of roadrunners and coyotes on the Santa Cruz River , and I tweet a lot about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career that includes earning a doctorate as well as having numerous peer-reviewed works published , this is arguably his most amusing , if not most important , work .
His video had nearly 300,000 views on Twitter as of Thursday , and users had fun with their replies .
“ Meep meep !
” one user tweeted , along with many others who quoted the Road Runner ’ s only words used in the cartoon series .
Even the official “ Looney Tunes ” account got in on the fun , tweeting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break lol.
” This short but endearing video was undoubtedly a respite from a serious news cycle .
The only thing that could have improved this would have been a carrot-munching rabbit asking Michael Bogan , PhD : “ What ’ s up , Doc ?
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

This real-life viral video of a roadrunner evading a pursuing coyote is so satisfyingly similar to a “Looney Tunes” cartoon from your childhood that we recommend pouring yourself a bowl of sugary cereal and pretending it’s Saturday morning before you watch.
Michael Bogan, who holds a doctorate in zoology and is an assistant professor of aquatic ecology at the University of Arizona School of Natural Resources and the Environment, captured the footage from the Santa Cruz River Park in Tucson, Arizona.
Bogan shared the clip this week to his social media accounts, including his Instagram page, which normally features many beautifully photographed wildlife scenes rather than animated favorites come to life.
“Roadrunner vs coyote in real life!!!” he captioned the video.
“The Warner Brothers cartoon was art imitating life, but witnessing this scene on the Santa Cruz River today in downtown Tucson really felt like a case of life imitating art.”
He was referring to the delightfully unending cat-and-mouse — or rather coyote and roadrunner — chase between the classic Warner Brothers “Looney Tunes” animated characters Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner featured in their own cartoon shorts.
Judging from his narration, he was just as amused to see the scene unfold as we were to watch it.
“There is literally the coyote chasing the roadrunner,” Bogan said as the bird scurried across the rocky Arizona desert landscape with a coyote trotting behind it in pursuit.
Did you ever want to see the coyote actually catch the roadrunner? Yes No
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“I can’t believe it. That is a straight-up cartoon,” he said as the roadrunner took flight in its getaway.
The coyote appeared to even look at the camera in defeat.
No ACME products, anvils or rockets were used. None of the old train-tunnel-painted-on-the-side-of-a-mountain tricks (our personal favorite).
But just like in the cartoons, the roadrunner got away without a single scratch.
“I don’t have a SoundCloud,” Bogan tweeted, “but I do see lots of roadrunners and coyotes on the Santa Cruz River, and I tweet a lot about nerdy stuff!”
I don’t have a SoundCloud, but I do see lots of roadrunners and coyotes on the Santa Cruz River, and I tweet a lot about nerdy stuff! ? And if you want just photos, here’s my IG account: https://t.co/nslGmfuajV pic.twitter.com/cNiVzI5XXa — Michael Thomas Bogan (@mtbogan) May 10, 2020
In an accomplished career that includes earning a doctorate as well as having numerous peer-reviewed works published, this is arguably his most amusing, if not most important, work.
His video had nearly 300,000 views on Twitter as of Thursday, and users had fun with their replies.
Coyote: *looks at camera and holds up sign*
Wait, did he just…fly? *holds up another sign* That’s it, I’m done. — OctopusInTheNeighborhood (@InOctopus) May 10, 2020
there are fewer anvils and rocket-powered devices than expected… — flotsam and jetsam (@tgreseth) May 10, 2020
“Meep meep!”one user tweeted, along with many others who quoted the Road Runner’s only words used in the cartoon series.
Meep meep! — Ivan Ramirez (@astroChasqui) May 10, 2020
Even the official “Looney Tunes” account got in on the fun, tweeting, “these guys never give it a break lol.”
these guys never give it a break lol https://t.co/yDIHo2oIdh — Looney Tunes (@WBLooneyTunes) May 13, 2020
This short but endearing video was undoubtedly a respite from a serious news cycle.
The only thing that could have improved this would have been a carrot-munching rabbit asking Michael Bogan, PhD: “What’s up, Doc?”
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westernjournal--2020-05-14--Republican Congressman Breaks Ranks To Side with Pelosi

An outgoing Republican lawmaker says he will buck his party to vote for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s coronavirus stimulus package , a bill that includes a slate of progressive measures .
New York Rep. Peter King confirmed to The Hill that he plans to vote for House Democrats ’ Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act , a $ 3 trillion package ostensibly designed to help Americans who are suffering financially from the coronavirus pandemic .
The bill has been criticized by some Republicans as a “ liberal wishlist ” that has no chance of passing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would make illegal aliens eligible for economic assistance and give protections to sanctuary cities , and it reportedly would pave the way for coronavirus funds to end up in Planned Parenthood ’ s coffers .
King , who represents a New York district hit hard by the viral outbreak , said he is looking past these GOP poison pills because his constituents stand to benefit from the bill .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough decision and in some ways it ’ s an easy decision , ” King told The Hill on Wednesday .
“ Look , I disagree with a lot of things that are in that bill : some of the provisions involving illegal immigrants , some of the absentee ballots , the mail , all that stuff .
But the fact is , to me , [ Senate Majority Leader Mitch ] McConnell sort of laid it down … he ’ s talking about no federal aid to state and local governments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to die , my county , Nassau County , [ and ] Suffolk County is also in my district ; not only are they running up tremendous cost , their revenue losses are unbelievable , ” King said .
Pelosi introduced her party ’ s coronavirus package Tuesday and scheduled it for a Friday vote in the House .
The $ 3 trillion bill allots $ 500 billion for state governments and $ 375 billion for local governments — something King feels is necessary .
However , the 1,815-page bill includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Such measures include allowing those who use Taxpayer Identification Numbers ( what many illegal aliens use in lieu of Social Security numbers ) eligible for relief , giving protections to cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and calling for a release of aliens in immigration detention .
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy called the package a “ liberal wishlist that has no chance of becoming law.
” King acknowledged that the bill has no chance of passing through the Republican-controlled Senate , but he said Pelosi ’ s bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I think the speaker is piling it in there to keep our left-wing base happy — I ’ m against all that , but [ if ] that ’ s the price I have to pay to get funding to keep New York and Nassau County and Suffolk County and New York City alive , then I ’ ll do that , ” King said .
King , who has been a member of Congress since 1993 , will retire at the end of his current term .
A version of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An outgoing Republican lawmaker says he will buck his party to vote for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s coronavirus stimulus package, a bill that includes a slate of progressive measures.
New York Rep. Peter King confirmed to The Hill that he plans to vote for House Democrats’ Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, a $3 trillion package ostensibly designed to help Americans who are suffering financially from the coronavirus pandemic.
The bill has been criticized by some Republicans as a “liberal wishlist” that has no chance of passing.
Pelosi’s legislation, for example, would make illegal aliens eligible for economic assistance and give protections to sanctuary cities, and it reportedly would pave the way for coronavirus funds to end up in Planned Parenthood’s coffers.
King, who represents a New York district hit hard by the viral outbreak, said he is looking past these GOP poison pills because his constituents stand to benefit from the bill.
“In some ways it’s a tough decision and in some ways it’s an easy decision,” King told The Hill on Wednesday.
“Look, I disagree with a lot of things that are in that bill: some of the provisions involving illegal immigrants, some of the absentee ballots, the mail, all that stuff. But the fact is, to me, [Senate Majority Leader Mitch] McConnell sort of laid it down … he’s talking about no federal aid to state and local governments,” he said.
“New York is going to die, my county, Nassau County, [and] Suffolk County is also in my district; not only are they running up tremendous cost, their revenue losses are unbelievable,” King said.
Pelosi introduced her party’s coronavirus package Tuesday and scheduled it for a Friday vote in the House.
Do you think this legislation is a bad idea? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (4770 Votes) No: 1% (60 Votes)
The $3 trillion bill allots $500 billion for state governments and $375 billion for local governments — something King feels is necessary.
However, the 1,815-page bill includes provisions that Republicans say are a no-go. Such measures include allowing those who use Taxpayer Identification Numbers (what many illegal aliens use in lieu of Social Security numbers) eligible for relief, giving protections to cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and calling for a release of aliens in immigration detention.
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy called the package a “liberal wishlist that has no chance of becoming law.”
King acknowledged that the bill has no chance of passing through the Republican-controlled Senate, but he said Pelosi’s bill is a good starting point for negotiations.
“I think the speaker is piling it in there to keep our left-wing base happy — I’m against all that, but [if] that’s the price I have to pay to get funding to keep New York and Nassau County and Suffolk County and New York City alive, then I’ll do that,” King said.
King, who has been a member of Congress since 1993, will retire at the end of his current term.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-05-14--Rogue Flynn Judge Goes Even Further, Appoints Anti-Trump Lawyer to Case DOJ Has Already Dropped

The federal judge hearing former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn ’ s case appointed a “ friend of the court ” Wednesday to present opposing arguments in response to the Justice Department ’ s motion to drop the case and consider if Flynn should be held in contempt of court for perjury .
Judge Emmet Sullivan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia appointed retired federal judge John Gleeson , a vocal critic of the Trump administration ’ s handling of the Flynn case , as the amicus curiae in this case .
Gleeson is a retired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently works as a partner at the international law firm Debevoise & Plimpton , Fox News reported .
He co-wrote an Op-Ed for The Washington Post this week saying that the Justice Department “ has made conflicting statements ” to Sullivan and arguing the move to dismiss the case “ is actually just a request.
” “ There has been nothing regular about the department ’ s effort to dismiss the Flynn case .
The record reeks of improper political influence , ” the Op-Ed read .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own “ Flynn ’ s guilt has already been adjudicated , ” it added .
“ So if the court finds dismissal would result in a miscarriage of justice , it can deny the motion , refuse to permit withdrawal of the guilty plea and proceed to sentencing.
” Gleeson said that although some documents have been made public , the transcripts that Flynn said he lied about have not been disclosed by the DOJ .
“ The department once argued that those conversations confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims those conversations were innocuous , ” he wrote .
Gleeson had also previously worked with former special counsel Robert Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissman , according to Twitter sleuth Techno Fog .
Sullivan has not yet appointed an amicus to counter Gleeson ’ s argument , Fox News reported .
This new order comes a day after Sullivan , who was appointed to the federal bench by former President Bill Clinton , said he would open up the process to hear “ friend-of-the-court ” submissions and effectively put the government ’ s effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A group called “ Watergate Prosecutors ” had sought to file such a submission , claiming it had a “ unique perspective on the need for independent scrutiny and oversight to ensure that crucial decisions about prosecutions of high-ranking government officials are made in the public interest.
” Flynn ’ s defense objected to the delay in dismissing the case , according to The Washington Post .
“ No rule allows this filing , ” attorney Sidney Powell wrote in her own court filing , noting that Sullivan would not accept outside groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This Court has consistently — on twenty-four ( 24 ) previous occasions — summarily refused to permit any third party to inject themselves or their views into this case , ” she said .
Powell said courts can not “ usurp the role of the government ’ s counsel.
” “ This travesty of justice has already consumed three or more years of an innocent man ’ s life — and that of his entire family , ” Powell wrote .
“ No further delay should be tolerated or any further expense caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The federal judge hearing former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn’s case appointed a “friend of the court” Wednesday to present opposing arguments in response to the Justice Department’s motion to drop the case and consider if Flynn should be held in contempt of court for perjury.
Judge Emmet Sullivan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia appointed retired federal judge John Gleeson, a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s handling of the Flynn case, as the amicus curiae in this case.
Gleeson is a retired New York federal district court judge who currently works as a partner at the international law firm Debevoise & Plimpton, Fox News reported.
He co-wrote an Op-Ed for The Washington Post this week saying that the Justice Department “has made conflicting statements” to Sullivan and arguing the move to dismiss the case “is actually just a request.”
“There has been nothing regular about the department’s effort to dismiss the Flynn case. The record reeks of improper political influence,” the Op-Ed read.
“Flynn’s guilt has already been adjudicated,” it added. “So if the court finds dismissal would result in a miscarriage of justice, it can deny the motion, refuse to permit withdrawal of the guilty plea and proceed to sentencing.”
Gleeson said that although some documents have been made public, the transcripts that Flynn said he lied about have not been disclosed by the DOJ.
“The department once argued that those conversations confirmed Flynn’s guilt. It now claims those conversations were innocuous,” he wrote.
Gleeson had also previously worked with former special counsel Robert Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissman, according to Twitter sleuth Techno Fog.
He will be known forever as a complete immoral hack if he goes through with it, presuming that he does so pursuant to the road map in his Op-Ed. This is an attempted judicial coup, there is no other way to describe it. @GenFlynn will be fine – we are all in very grave danger. — Ron Coleman (@RonColeman) May 14, 2020
Sullivan has not yet appointed an amicus to counter Gleeson’s argument, Fox News reported.
This new order comes a day after Sullivan, who was appointed to the federal bench by former President Bill Clinton, said he would open up the process to hear “friend-of-the-court” submissions and effectively put the government’s effort to drop the charges on hold.
A group called “Watergate Prosecutors” had sought to file such a submission, claiming it had a “unique perspective on the need for independent scrutiny and oversight to ensure that crucial decisions about prosecutions of high-ranking government officials are made in the public interest.”
Flynn’s defense objected to the delay in dismissing the case, according to The Washington Post.
Do you think the case should be dismissed? 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% (712 Votes) No: 1% (7 Votes)
“No rule allows this filing,” attorney Sidney Powell wrote in her own court filing, noting that Sullivan would not accept outside groups’ comments in the past.
“This Court has consistently — on twenty-four (24) previous occasions — summarily refused to permit any third party to inject themselves or their views into this case,” she said.
Powell said courts cannot “usurp the role of the government’s counsel.”
“This travesty of justice has already consumed three or more years of an innocent man’s life — and that of his entire family,” Powell wrote. “No further delay should be tolerated or any further expense caused to him and his defense.”
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Underwater

For more A.F .
Branco cartoons , go to WesternJournal.com/opinion/cartoons .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ our editorial standards .

Steve Bannon argued on "War Room" that Fox News is doing everything that it can to create an anti-Trump narrative for the 2024 election.


westernjournal--2020-05-14--Rand Paul Insists Obama Is To Blame for ‘Undermining Democracy’ with Russia Probe

The conservative Republican has long been one of the most outspoken opponents of government limits on Americans ’ liberty — his Senate clash with coronavirus czar Dr. Anthony Fauci on Tuesday was a classic .
But the recent revelations about the extent of abuses against President Donald Trump ’ s presidential campaign and the Trump presidency have the Kentucky senator incensed at what he calls an “ abomination ” in the previous administration .
And he ’ s pointing the finger directly at former President Barack Obama .
In an interview with Stephanie Hamill of The Daily Caller posted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt who he thinks bears the ultimate responsibility for Operation Crossfire Hurricane — the FBI ’ s spying on the Trump campaign authorized by the secret court established by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own The decision to put surveillance on Trump campaign aide Carter Page , and by extension the rest of the Trump campaign , might have been made at the FBI ’ s level and approved by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been signed off on at the highest level , Paul said .
“ I think that the operation ‘ Crossfire Hurricane , ’ where they went after and used this dossier to go to the FISA court to investigate and do wiretaps on Carter Page , who had been part of Trump ’ s campaign , I think that was done with President Obama ’ s explicit permission , ” he said .
Check it out here .
It ’ s about five minutes long but well worth the time .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hamill .
“ You are the president of the United States and you ’ re going to allow your intelligence community , with all this secret , enormous surveillance power , this spy power , to spy on the opponent that is so sensitive , there ’ s no way it happened without President Obama being in charge of it .
“ But I think Obama in his own self-righteousness would look at us and say , ‘ But I was protecting the country and I was doing all this , you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of course , Obama would do exactly that .
Putting on his former law professor manner and arrogant tone , the former president has never been shy about lecturing the American people — and his sycophants in the national media have never been embarrassed about carrying his water .
The record of the media ’ s coverage of eight years of the Obama White House — which still laughably claims not to have had a “ whiff of scandal ” — shows how little liberal media outlets are interested in actual journalism when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In the end , he undermined it , ” Paul said .
“ It was undermining democracy , everything he did to usurp that power and go after a political opponent.
” He compared what he said Obama did with what Democrats claimed Trump did during the winter ’ s impeachment trial .
“ They kept saying , remember all this talk about President Trump ?
‘ Oh , he used government to go after an opponent with withholding aid to Ukraine.
’ Well , what do you think President Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the intelligence community , abused it , to go after a political opponent — in the middle of a campaign !
” Paul was pessimistic about any legal punishment for any of those involved in the travesty of the Trump investigation , but there are still potential political consequences that should come into play .
The revelations keep coming out : From the old , scandalous texts between FBI lovers Peter Strzok and Lisa Page , to the FBI ’ s faulty FISA warrants revealed by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to Wednesday ’ s news that former Vice President Joe Biden was among the Obama administration officials who sought “ unmasking ” information about Trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn in the waning days of the Obama White House .
And with each one , it becomes clearer just how badly the Obama presidency was an attack on the heart of the American political system .
Biden built his Democratic primary campaign around representing himself as a continuation of the Obama legacy .
He ’ s almost certainly going to do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he ever gets out of his basement to do it .
American voters need to remember that when November rolls around .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Sen. Rand Paul is on a roll.
The conservative Republican has long been one of the most outspoken opponents of government limits on Americans’ liberty — his Senate clash with coronavirus czar Dr. Anthony Fauci on Tuesday was a classic.
But the recent revelations about the extent of abuses against President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and the Trump presidency have the Kentucky senator incensed at what he calls an “abomination” in the previous administration.
And he’s pointing the finger directly at former President Barack Obama.
In an interview with Stephanie Hamill of The Daily Caller posted to YouTube on Wednesday, Paul left no doubt who he thinks bears the ultimate responsibility for Operation Crossfire Hurricane — the FBI’s spying on the Trump campaign authorized by the secret court established by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
The decision to put surveillance on Trump campaign aide Carter Page, and by extension the rest of the Trump campaign, might have been made at the FBI’s level and approved by the FISA court, but it had to have been signed off on at the highest level, Paul said.
“I think that the operation ‘Crossfire Hurricane,’ where they went after and used this dossier to go to the FISA court to investigate and do wiretaps on Carter Page, who had been part of Trump’s campaign, I think that was done with President Obama’s explicit permission,” he said.
Check it out here. It’s about five minutes long but well worth the time.
And Paul’s reasoning was solid.
“Think about it,” he told Hamill. “You are the president of the United States and you’re going to allow your intelligence community, with all this secret, enormous surveillance power, this spy power, to spy on the opponent that is so sensitive, there’s no way it happened without President Obama being in charge of it.
“But I think Obama in his own self-righteousness would look at us and say, ‘But I was protecting the country and I was doing all this, you know, to protect democracy.'”
Of course, Obama would do exactly that. Putting on his former law professor manner and arrogant tone, the former president has never been shy about lecturing the American people — and his sycophants in the national media have never been embarrassed about carrying his water.
The record of the media’s coverage of eight years of the Obama White House — which still laughably claims not to have had a “whiff of scandal” — shows how little liberal media outlets are interested in actual journalism when it comes to a Democratic White House.
“In the end, he undermined it,” Paul said. “It was undermining democracy, everything he did to usurp that power and go after a political opponent.”
He compared what he said Obama did with what Democrats claimed Trump did during the winter’s impeachment trial.
Do you think Barack Obama "explicitly" approved surveillance of the Trump presidential campaign? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (4866 Votes) No: 0% (19 Votes)
“They kept saying, remember all this talk about President Trump? ‘Oh, he used government to go after an opponent with withholding aid to Ukraine.’ Well, what do you think President Obama did?
“He used the apparatus of the intelligence community, abused it, to go after a political opponent — in the middle of a campaign!”
Paul was pessimistic about any legal punishment for any of those involved in the travesty of the Trump investigation, but there are still potential political consequences that should come into play.
The revelations keep coming out: From the old, scandalous texts between FBI lovers Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, to the FBI’s faulty FISA warrants revealed by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz in the “Russia collusion” probe, to Wednesday’s news that former Vice President Joe Biden was among the Obama administration officials who sought “unmasking” information about Trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn in the waning days of the Obama White House.
And with each one, it becomes clearer just how badly the Obama presidency was an attack on the heart of the American political system.
Biden built his Democratic primary campaign around representing himself as a continuation of the Obama legacy. He’s almost certainly going to do the same in the general election campaign, if he ever gets out of his basement to do it.
American voters need to remember that when November rolls around.
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westernjournal--2020-05-14--Ministry Launching Live, Interactive Virtual Summits To Take On Youths’ Most Challenging Faith Quest

Ministry Launching Live, Interactive Virtual Summits To Take On Youths’ Most Challenging Faith Questions

Colorado-based Summit Ministries is taking its Christian worldview course online to answer some of American youths ’ most challenging questions about God and culture .
Because of the coronavirus outbreak , it is unclear how many of the celebrated two-week long , in-person summer sessions will occur , hence the shift to the virtual format .
Normally , about eight sessions attended by 180-200 students each take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day , either at Summit Ministries headquarters at the base of the Rockies near Colorado Springs or at Covenant College near Lookout Mountain , Georgia .
Summit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled for June , but is hopeful the others will happen later in the summer .
The ministry will conduct multiple 5-day online events during the early weeks of summer .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own “ We have started a Summit Virtual , ” Jeff Myers , president of Summit Ministries told The Western Journal .
“ So for the first time , Summit is wide open to lots of people .
It usually sells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fast-paced kind of thing , where there are raffles and quizzes and questions , and quick transitions between one thing and another and surprise guests … [ to ] keep it as a very vibrant learning environment.
” The sessions , both in-person and online , are for young adults ages 16-to-25 .
Olivia Brown , a recent college graduate , couldn ’ t say enough about her experience attending Summit ’ s summer sessions , when she was in high school .
“ I enjoyed it so much that I went 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could soak up as much knowledge as possible , ” Brown told The Western Journal in a text message .
“ I learned how world-views impact culture from a Christian-based perspective , ” she added , “ while we also had fun activities like going into local places in town.
” Myers affirmed the goal of Summit ’ s sessions is “ to help equip and support young adults in embracing God ’ s truth and championing the biblical worldview.
” When asked the areas students get most challenged in their faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Myers said there are really three .
RELATED : Tebow , Strobel and Other Christians Pay Powerful Tribute to Beloved Evangelist Ravi Zacharias “ They come back from the classroom pretty sure , No .
1 , that nobody really knows what is true .
And No .
2 , that God is not relevant to anything that ’ s important , ” he explained .
The final issue , he said , is that their “ Christian morality isolates them from their friends and from the kinds of things they would like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other issues with the help of top Christian apologists and speakers about faith and culture .
Myers said some of the questions addressed include , “ How do we know there is a God ?
How do we know the Bible is true ?
Should I be pro-life or pro-abortion ?
What should I think about sexuality ?
Does the Bible say anything about marriage and man-woman , or man-man , or woman-woman ?
What does the Bible say about gender ?
” “ Is there anything in the Bible that can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends ?
” “ It ’ s a wide range , ” Myers said .
“ From sociology to economics to philosophy to theology.
” Students also engage in small group discussions to further dig into the material presented .
Summit Ministries will be conducting a Facebook Live online preview of the sessions on Thursday at 6 p.m. Mountain Time ( 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time ) .
“ This will be the kind of thing that can give parents some hope for this summer and give students something productive to do , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If they begin the summer this way , then it could change the course of the rest of the summer , which will help them be better prepared to go back to school in the fall.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Colorado-based Summit Ministries is taking its Christian worldview course online to answer some of American youths’ most challenging questions about God and culture.
Because of the coronavirus outbreak, it is unclear how many of the celebrated two-week long, in-person summer sessions will occur, hence the shift to the virtual format.
Normally, about eight sessions attended by 180-200 students each take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day, either at Summit Ministries headquarters at the base of the Rockies near Colorado Springs or at Covenant College near Lookout Mountain, Georgia.
Summit has canceled its first two in-person courses scheduled for June, but is hopeful the others will happen later in the summer.
The ministry will conduct multiple 5-day online events during the early weeks of summer.
“We have started a Summit Virtual,” Jeff Myers, president of Summit Ministries told The Western Journal. “So for the first time, Summit is wide open to lots of people. It usually sells out.”
“It’s live, interactive,” he explained and “gamified.”
“It’s a fast-paced kind of thing, where there are raffles and quizzes and questions, and quick transitions between one thing and another and surprise guests … [to] keep it as a very vibrant learning environment.”
The sessions, both in-person and online, are for young adults ages 16-to-25.
Olivia Brown, a recent college graduate, couldn’t say enough about her experience attending Summit’s summer sessions, when she was in high school.
“I enjoyed it so much that I went 2 years in a row … so that I could soak up as much knowledge as possible,” Brown told The Western Journal in a text message.
“I learned how world-views impact culture from a Christian-based perspective,” she added, “while we also had fun activities like going into local places in town.”
Myers affirmed the goal of Summit’s sessions is “to help equip and support young adults in embracing God’s truth and championing the biblical worldview.”
When asked the areas students get most challenged in their faith when they go off to college, Myers said there are really three.
“They come back from the classroom pretty sure, No. 1, that nobody really knows what is true. And No. 2, that God is not relevant to anything that’s important,” he explained.
The final issue, he said, is that their “Christian morality isolates them from their friends and from the kinds of things they would like to do.”
Summit takes on these and other issues with the help of top Christian apologists and speakers about faith and culture.
Sean McDowell explains that biblical faith goes beyond evidence, but that it is not opposed to evidence. https://t.co/R0qvDGfTlx pic.twitter.com/PBQYFvb4mX — Summit Ministries (@summitmn) April 29, 2020
Myers said some of the questions addressed include, “How do we know there is a God? How do we know the Bible is true? Should I be pro-life or pro-abortion? What should I think about sexuality? Does the Bible say anything about marriage and man-woman, or man-man, or woman-woman? What does the Bible say about gender?”
Do you think America's youth are facing greater challenges to religious beliefs than previous generations? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 96% (45 Votes) No: 4% (2 Votes)
“Is there anything in the Bible that can guide me in talking to my socialist friends?”
“It’s a wide range,” Myers said. “From sociology to economics to philosophy to theology.”
Students also engage in small group discussions to further dig into the material presented.
Summit Ministries will be conducting a Facebook Live online preview of the sessions on Thursday at 6 p.m. Mountain Time (8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time).
“This will be the kind of thing that can give parents some hope for this summer and give students something productive to do,” Myers said of the virtual programs.
“If they begin the summer this way, then it could change the course of the rest of the summer, which will help them be better prepared to go back to school in the fall.”
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* Email
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-14--NYC Health Chief to NYPD: ‘I Don’t Give Two Rats’ A***s About Your Cops,’ Report Says

When New York City ’ s police sought help to protect themselves in the early days of the city ’ s COVID-19 crisis , its health commissioner denigrated the NYPD in rejecting the request , according to a published report .
According to the New York Post , NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan asked Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot for 500,000 surgical masks for the rank and file .
The request took place during a late March phone call , the Post said , attributing the information to sources it did not name Monahan asked for 500,000 masks ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police 50,000 masks .
“ I don ’ t give two rats ’ a—s about your cops , ” Barbot said , according to the Post ’ s sources .
“ I need them for others.
” Although the NYPD did not offer an official comment , Patrick Lynch , president of the Police Benevolent Association , said Barbot must be fired over her “ despicable and unforgivable ” comments .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look in the eye of every police family who lost a hero to this virus .
Look them in the eye and tell them they aren ’ t worth a rat ’ s a– , ” Lynch said .
Department of Health press secretary Patrick Gallahue tried to downplay the incident .
“ During the height of COVID , while our hospitals were battling to keep patients alive , there was a heated exchange between the two where things were said out of frustration but no harm was wished on anyone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The Commissioner apologized for her contribution to the exchange , the apology was accepted and agreement was arrived between the two to ensure that respirators were delivered to members of the force .
This has always been about saving the lives of our healthcare workers , police officers and every New Yorker who is fighting through this pandemic , ” the Health Department statement added , according to WNBC .
“ A so-called city leader , Dr. Barbot showed her true colors as a cop-hater .
Five brave NYPD Detectives died as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase for our members while we waited for the city to distribute masks , ” the group ’ s statement said .
“ Dr .
Oxiris Barbot ’ s shameful behavior likely contributed to the further spread of this deadly virus .
She has brought great shame to New York City government and every medical professional who is courageously fighting the Coronavirus pandemic alongside our cops.
” Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins said he was “ not surprised by such vile words coming from an appointee of Mayor de Blasio , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ [ H ] er attitude places police officers in great jeopardy and makes her unfit for the job , ” he said , according to WNBC .
The Post reported that police were able to get about 250,000 masks from the Health Department , which had them in storage in a New Jersey warehouse .
Through Wednesday , the NYPD recorded 5,490 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 41 deaths .
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Read our editorial standards .

When New York City’s police sought help to protect themselves in the early days of the city’s COVID-19 crisis, its health commissioner denigrated the NYPD in rejecting the request, according to a published report.
According to the New York Post, NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan asked Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot for 500,000 surgical masks for the rank and file. The request took place during a late March phone call, the Post said, attributing the information to sources it did not name
Monahan asked for 500,000 masks; Barbot reportedly said she could give the police 50,000 masks.
“I don’t give two rats’ a—s about your cops,” Barbot said, according to the Post’s sources. “I need them for others.”
Although the NYPD did not offer an official comment, Patrick Lynch, president of the Police Benevolent Association, said Barbot must be fired over her “despicable and unforgivable” comments.
“Dr. Barbot should be forced to look in the eye of every police family who lost a hero to this virus. Look them in the eye and tell them they aren’t worth a rat’s a–,” Lynch said.
Department of Health press secretary Patrick Gallahue tried to downplay the incident.
“During the height of COVID, while our hospitals were battling to keep patients alive, there was a heated exchange between the two where things were said out of frustration but no harm was wished on anyone,” he said in a statement.
“The Commissioner apologized for her contribution to the exchange, the apology was accepted and agreement was arrived between the two to ensure that respirators were delivered to members of the force. This has always been about saving the lives of our healthcare workers, police officers and every New Yorker who is fighting through this pandemic,” the Health Department statement added, according to WNBC.
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However, the Detective’s Endowment Association slammed Barbot.
“A so-called city leader, Dr. Barbot showed her true colors as a cop-hater. Five brave NYPD Detectives died as the DEA searched for protective equipment to purchase for our members while we waited for the city to distribute masks,” the group’s statement said. “Dr. Oxiris Barbot’s shameful behavior likely contributed to the further spread of this deadly virus. She has brought great shame to New York City government and every medical professional who is courageously fighting the Coronavirus pandemic alongside our cops.”
“The DEA is calling on @NYCMayor de Blasio to immediately fire Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot for not only her despicable remarks, but for endangering our men and women in blue who are tirelessly protecting New Yorkers during this pandemic… https://t.co/i5Px84dGJ0 — Detectives’ Endowment Association (@NYCPDDEA) May 14, 2020
Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins said he was “not surprised by such vile words coming from an appointee of Mayor de Blasio, whose disdain for law enforcement is legendary.”
“[H]er attitude places police officers in great jeopardy and makes her unfit for the job,” he said, according to WNBC.
This kind of attitude explains so much about City Hall’s overall response to this crisis. Dr. Barbot shouldn’t resign, she should be fired @NYCMayor.https://t.co/kAiRsEs2oO — Max Rose (@MaxRose4NY) May 14, 2020
The Post reported that police were able to get about 250,000 masks from the Health Department, which had them in storage in a New Jersey warehouse.
Through Wednesday, the NYPD recorded 5,490 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 41 deaths.
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westernjournal--2020-05-14--State Supreme Court Crushes Stay-at-Home Order

Wisconsin ’ s Democratic administration usurped the powers of the state legislature in issuing a lockdown order that called for criminal charges to be filed against anyone who broke it , according to a state Supreme Court decision issued Wednesday .
The court ruling , which offered a powerful summation of the rights of citizens against authoritarian governments , said the administration of Democratic Gov .
Tony Evers left state lawmakers out of the loop while imposing restrictions on Wisconsin residents , according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel .
The suit was brought by Republican legislators .
The 4-3 ruling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focused on the actions of Andrea Palm , an Evers appointee who serves as the state ’ s health services secretary .
Palm worked in the Obama administration and for Hillary Clinton during Clinton ’ s tenure as a U.S. senator representing New York .
Palm issued Order 28 , titled “ Safer at Home , ” which was designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and proposed criminal penalties for anyone breaking the order .
The court , however , said the issue is not prevention but power .
TRENDING : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own “ This case is about the assertion of power by one unelected official , Andrea Palm , and her order to all people within Wisconsin to remain in their homes , not to travel and to close all businesses that she declares are not ‘ essential ’ in Emergency Order 28 , ” the justices said in their ruling .
“ Because Palm did not follow the law in creating Order 28 , there can be no criminal penalties for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruling said , noting that Wisconsin law required Palm to undergo a process that gives legislators veto power over agency policies .
“ We do not conclude that Palm was without any power to act in the face of this pandemic .
However , Palm must follow the law that is applicable to state-wide emergencies .
We further conclude that Palm ’ s order confining all people to their homes , forbidding travel and closing businesses exceeded the statutory authority of Wis. Stat .
§ 252.02 upon which Palm claims to rely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stressed that the rights of the people of Wisconsin can not be easily abrogated .
“ The people consent to the Legislature making laws because they have faith that the procedural hurdles required to pass legislation limit the ability of the Legislature to infringe on their rights , ” the justices said , adding that “ Palm can not point to any procedural safeguards on the power she claims.
” Calling the order an “ obvious overreach , ” the court ruled that “ clearly Order 28 went too far.
” Justice Rebecca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quoted Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson , wrote , “ Under the Wisconsin Constitution , all governmental power derives from ‘ the consent of the governed ’ and government officials may act only within the confines of the authority the people give them.
” “ The people of Wisconsin never consented to any elected official , much less an unelected cabinet secretary , having the power to create law , execute it , and enforce it , ” Bradley wrote .
“ However well-intentioned , the secretary-designee of the Department of Health Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Wisconsin to follow her commands or face imprisonment for noncompliance .
In issuing her order , she arrogated unto herself the power to make the law and the power to execute it , excluding the people from the lawmaking process altogether.
” “ Endowing one person with the sole power to create , execute , and enforce the law contravenes the structural separation of powers established by the people , ” the justice wrote , later adding , “ Preserving the perimeters of power constitutionally conferred on each branch of government is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people.
” “ Although consolidation of power in one person may be tempting in times of exigency , for purposes of expeditiously producing an efficient and effective response to emergencies like a pandemic , history informs of the perils of the consolidation of power , and not merely through the exhortations of the Founders and philosophers , ” she wrote .
Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling by The Western Journal on Scribd Bradley noted that the state insisted it had the power to arrest Wisconsin citizens .
“ In a particularly chilling exchange with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney for the state representing the DHS secretary-designee claimed the authoritarian power to authorize the arrest and imprisonment of the people of Wisconsin for engaging in lawful activities proscribed by the DHS secretary-designee in her sole discretion , ” she wrote .
“ In Wisconsin , as in the rest of America , the Constitution is our king — not the governor , not the legislature , not the judiciary , and not a cabinet secretary .
We can never ‘ allow fundamental freedoms to be sacrificed in the name of real or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights of the people to ‘ the mercy of wicked rulers , or the clamor of an excited people.
’ Fear never overrides the Constitution .
Not even in times of public emergencies , not even in a pandemic , ” the justice wrote .
The ruling meant that all statewide restrictions in place banning gatherings were null and void .
However , the ruling did not address local orders , meaning that restrictions in some communities remained in place .
Evers attacked the ruling , saying in a statement that “ Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our state into chaos.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Wisconsin’s Democratic administration usurped the powers of the state legislature in issuing a lockdown order that called for criminal charges to be filed against anyone who broke it, according to a state Supreme Court decision issued Wednesday.
The court ruling, which offered a powerful summation of the rights of citizens against authoritarian governments, said the administration of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers left state lawmakers out of the loop while imposing restrictions on Wisconsin residents, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The suit was brought by Republican legislators.
The 4-3 ruling, written by Chief Justice Patience Roggensack, focused on the actions of Andrea Palm, an Evers appointee who serves as the state’s health services secretary. Palm worked in the Obama administration and for Hillary Clinton during Clinton’s tenure as a U.S. senator representing New York.
Palm issued Order 28, titled “Safer at Home,” which was designed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and proposed criminal penalties for anyone breaking the order.
The court, however, said the issue is not prevention but power.
“This case is about the assertion of power by one unelected official, Andrea Palm, and her order to all people within Wisconsin to remain in their homes, not to travel and to close all businesses that she declares are not ‘essential’ in Emergency Order 28,” the justices said in their ruling.
“Because Palm did not follow the law in creating Order 28, there can be no criminal penalties for violations of her order,” the ruling said, noting that Wisconsin law required Palm to undergo a process that gives legislators veto power over agency policies.
“We do not conclude that Palm was without any power to act in the face of this pandemic. However, Palm must follow the law that is applicable to state-wide emergencies. We further conclude that Palm’s order confining all people to their homes, forbidding travel and closing businesses exceeded the statutory authority of Wis. Stat. § 252.02 upon which Palm claims to rely,” the court said.
The ruling stressed that the rights of the people of Wisconsin cannot be easily abrogated.
Do you agree with the court's decision? Yes No
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“The people consent to the Legislature making laws because they have faith that the procedural hurdles required to pass legislation limit the ability of the Legislature to infringe on their rights,” the justices said, adding that “Palm cannot point to any procedural safeguards on the power she claims.”
Calling the order an “obvious overreach,” the court ruled that “clearly Order 28 went too far.”
Justice Rebecca Bradley, in a concurring opinion that quoted Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson, wrote, “Under the Wisconsin Constitution, all governmental power derives from ‘the consent of the governed’ and government officials may act only within the confines of the authority the people give them.”
“The people of Wisconsin never consented to any elected official, much less an unelected cabinet secretary, having the power to create law, execute it, and enforce it,” Bradley wrote.
“However well-intentioned, the secretary-designee of the Department of Health Services exceeded her powers by ordering the people of Wisconsin to follow her commands or face imprisonment for noncompliance. In issuing her order, she arrogated unto herself the power to make the law and the power to execute it, excluding the people from the lawmaking process altogether.”
“Endowing one person with the sole power to create, execute, and enforce the law contravenes the structural separation of powers established by the people,” the justice wrote, later adding, “Preserving the perimeters of power constitutionally conferred on each branch of government is essential for securing the liberty of the people.”
Bradley said expediency cannot trample rights.
“Although consolidation of power in one person may be tempting in times of exigency, for purposes of expeditiously producing an efficient and effective response to emergencies like a pandemic, history informs of the perils of the consolidation of power, and not merely through the exhortations of the Founders and philosophers,” she wrote.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Ruling by The Western Journal on Scribd
Bradley noted that the state insisted it had the power to arrest Wisconsin citizens.
“In a particularly chilling exchange with this court during oral arguments, the attorney for the state representing the DHS secretary-designee claimed the authoritarian power to authorize the arrest and imprisonment of the people of Wisconsin for engaging in lawful activities proscribed by the DHS secretary-designee in her sole discretion,” she wrote.
“In Wisconsin, as in the rest of America, the Constitution is our king — not the governor, not the legislature, not the judiciary, and not a cabinet secretary. We can never ‘allow fundamental freedoms to be sacrificed in the name of real or perceived exigency’ nor risk subjecting the rights of the people to ‘the mercy of wicked rulers, or the clamor of an excited people.’ Fear never overrides the Constitution. Not even in times of public emergencies, not even in a pandemic,” the justice wrote.
The ruling meant that all statewide restrictions in place banning gatherings were null and void. However, the ruling did not address local orders, meaning that restrictions in some communities remained in place.
Evers attacked the ruling, saying in a statement that “Republican legislators have convinced 4 justices to throw our state into chaos.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-14--Some Schools Are Pulling the Plug on Distance Learning as Students Suffer During Lockdown

After the school district in Chattahoochee County , Georgia , called an early end to the school year , seniors lined up one day last week to complete their graduation paperwork .
Students who hadn ’ t seen one another since in-person classes ended abruptly in March amid the coronavirus outbreak commiserated over all they ’ ve missed out on , including the prom and a senior class trip .
Some also wondered about what they may have lost academically .
“ Honestly , remote learning , I don ’ t think was my favorite thing , ” 18-year-old Isabella @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of hard to stay motivated when you don ’ t have anything to look forward to and you don ’ t see your friends.
” The small rural district is among many around the U.S. that have pulled the plug on distance learning , all citing familiar reasons .
It ’ s too stressful , the lack of devices and internet access is too much to overcome , and what students get from it just isn ’ t worth the struggle .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Orders of Their Own In Georgia , where the school year is ending early for one of every 10 students , many district leaders say the final weeks of the school year would have been dedicated anyway to preparing for and taking standardized tests that are now canceled .
The governor and state schools superintendent who have moved to dismantle parts of Georgia ’ s high-stakes testing system have said they are not opposed to fewer instructional days .
“ We didn ’ t cut any class time out , ” Chattahoochee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There was no reason to pile more on our parents and students.
” But Kemp and others also acknowledge that there was material that wasn ’ t covered and that teachers will have to find a way to fold it in next year for returning students .
“ They weren ’ t able to get all the standards , ” said Tammy Bailey , the science department chairwoman at the high school .
“ I think there will be a gap.
” Classes had been scheduled to run through May 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an end March 8 in the Chattahoochee County school district .
A majority of the high school ’ s 450 students live on the U.S. Army ’ s sprawling Fort Benning , while a minority live around the small town of Cusseta .
Only 59 percent of households in the district have access to broadband internet at home .
Other districts around the country that are ending the school year early including Omaha and some nearby suburban districts in Nebraska , Washington , D.C. , and some in New Hampshire .
Officials say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ease problems for students without internet access , and focus on preparing for a fresh start in the fall .
RELATED : Montana School Will Be Among the First in the Country To Reopen This Week The last three weeks of school is “ probably not prime instructional time , ” said Andrew McEachin , an education policy researcher at RAND Corp .
But he said that kids in struggling households may suffer most from being cut off from the normalcy of a school routine .
“ I think the biggest thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not what it does on average , but what it does on equity , ” McEachin said .
“ Even if school isn ’ t working as well as we want it to be , that may be the best access low-income students have to learning.
” Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp , a Republican , said on April 16 that he trusted schools to set their calendars , and the following day , state Superintendent Richard Woods wrote that schools ’ focus during the pandemic should “ not be on test scores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ healthy , safe and nurtured.
” But Michael O ’ Sullivan , executive director of GeorgiaCAN , a group that supports Georgia ’ s testing system , says this spring has been a preview of a “ zero-accountability world.
” “ It ’ s the easy way out of a very difficult situation , but that doesn ’ t mean it ’ s going to be good for kids , ” O ’ Sullivan said .
Some schools in Georgia are making plans to combat academic losses from the year , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charter Academy in Valdosta is aiming to start the next school year on July 23 , to make up the time it lost when it ended on April 30 .
Scintilla Dean of School Mandy Avera said her families were “ stressed and overwhelmed ” by online learning .
The school covers kindergarten through sixth grade , and Avera is among educators who question whether younger children can successfully acquire critical skills such as learning to read without a face-to-face interaction with a teacher .
“ It just created a situation where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we like to be at Scintilla , ” Avera said .
“ Kindergartners don ’ t understand why they ’ re at home .
They don ’ t understand why they can ’ t go back to school and see their friends and see their teachers.
” Back in Cusseta , some seniors were stressed about being able to bring only four guests to a socially distant graduation ceremony , while others were disregarding imposed distance to hug and gossip .
But Chattahoochee County Superintendent Kristi Brooks was already trying to think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertainty on whether in-person classes will resume .
“ They ’ re going to have missed 60 days of instruction , ” Brooks said .
“ When we come back for the fall , we ’ re going to have to pick up in some basic areas.
” The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

After the school district in Chattahoochee County, Georgia, called an early end to the school year, seniors lined up one day last week to complete their graduation paperwork.
Students who hadn’t seen one another since in-person classes ended abruptly in March amid the coronavirus outbreak commiserated over all they’ve missed out on, including the prom and a senior class trip.
Some also wondered about what they may have lost academically.
“Honestly, remote learning, I don’t think was my favorite thing,” 18-year-old Isabella Branson said. “It’s kind of hard to stay motivated when you don’t have anything to look forward to and you don’t see your friends.”
The small rural district is among many around the U.S. that have pulled the plug on distance learning, all citing familiar reasons. It’s too stressful, the lack of devices and internet access is too much to overcome, and what students get from it just isn’t worth the struggle.
In Georgia, where the school year is ending early for one of every 10 students, many district leaders say the final weeks of the school year would have been dedicated anyway to preparing for and taking standardized tests that are now canceled.
The governor and state schools superintendent who have moved to dismantle parts of Georgia’s high-stakes testing system have said they are not opposed to fewer instructional days.
“We didn’t cut any class time out,” Chattahoochee County High School Principal Josh Kemp said. “There was no reason to pile more on our parents and students.”
But Kemp and others also acknowledge that there was material that wasn’t covered and that teachers will have to find a way to fold it in next year for returning students.
“They weren’t able to get all the standards,” said Tammy Bailey, the science department chairwoman at the high school. “I think there will be a gap.”
Classes had been scheduled to run through May 21, but remote instruction instead came to an end March 8 in the Chattahoochee County school district.
A majority of the high school’s 450 students live on the U.S. Army’s sprawling Fort Benning, while a minority live around the small town of Cusseta.
Only 59 percent of households in the district have access to broadband internet at home.
Other districts around the country that are ending the school year early including Omaha and some nearby suburban districts in Nebraska, Washington, D.C., and some in New Hampshire. Officials say they want to relieve stress on families, ease problems for students without internet access, and focus on preparing for a fresh start in the fall.
The last three weeks of school is “probably not prime instructional time,” said Andrew McEachin, an education policy researcher at RAND Corp. But he said that kids in struggling households may suffer most from being cut off from the normalcy of a school routine.
“I think the biggest thing about cutting a school year short is not what it does on average, but what it does on equity,” McEachin said. “Even if school isn’t working as well as we want it to be, that may be the best access low-income students have to learning.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, said on April 16 that he trusted schools to set their calendars, and the following day, state Superintendent Richard Woods wrote that schools’ focus during the pandemic should “not be on test scores” but on making sure children are “healthy, safe and nurtured.”
But Michael O’Sullivan, executive director of GeorgiaCAN, a group that supports Georgia’s testing system, says this spring has been a preview of a “zero-accountability world.”
“It’s the easy way out of a very difficult situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be good for kids,” O’Sullivan said.
Some schools in Georgia are making plans to combat academic losses from the year, such as beefed-up summer sessions. The Scintilla Charter Academy in Valdosta is aiming to start the next school year on July 23, to make up the time it lost when it ended on April 30.
Scintilla Dean of School Mandy Avera said her families were “stressed and overwhelmed” by online learning.
The school covers kindergarten through sixth grade, and Avera is among educators who question whether younger children can successfully acquire critical skills such as learning to read without a face-to-face interaction with a teacher.
“It just created a situation where we just can’t be as interactive as we like to be at Scintilla,” Avera said. “Kindergartners don’t understand why they’re at home. They don’t understand why they can’t go back to school and see their friends and see their teachers.”
Back in Cusseta, some seniors were stressed about being able to bring only four guests to a socially distant graduation ceremony, while others were disregarding imposed distance to hug and gossip.
But Chattahoochee County Superintendent Kristi Brooks was already trying to think about the next school year, despite uncertainty on whether in-person classes will resume.
“They’re going to have missed 60 days of instruction,” Brooks said. “When we come back for the fall, we’re going to have to pick up in some basic areas.”
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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