westernjournal--2020-12-24--7-Year-Old Girl Raises $20,000 Crafting Bracelets for a Heartwarming Cause

Hayley Orlinsky has made so many bracelets , looping colorful rubber bands over her thumb and index finger again and again , that she no longer has to watch her hands .
The spunky 7-year-old from Chicago has spent most of the coronavirus pandemic crafting the bracelets as a fundraiser to buy personal protective equipment for a children ’ s hospital .
So far , the endeavor has generated nearly $ 20,000 for Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children ’ s Hospital , garnering praise and purchases from Chicago politicians , a Broadway actor and her beloved White Sox .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 , which she quickly surpassed , charging $ 3 a bracelet or $ 5 for an added charm .
It all started when she heard news stories about PPE shortages and was inspired to help .
The money Hayley raises goes directly to Lurie through a fundraising office .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report Lurie hasn ’ t had any problems getting gear and has used the money to pay for masks , goggles , face shields , gloves and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to Tracey McCusker , an associate director at the hospital ’ s foundation .
While many enterprising young people are raising funds , the amount Hayley has brought in is unusual .
“ Her fundraiser is exponentially more than our typical kid fundraiser , ” McCusker said .
Hayley spent her first days of life at Lurie ’ s neonatal intensive care unit after experiencing breathing problems .
She wanted the doctors , nurses and medical staff working with kids to “ protect themselves.
” Her mother , children ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort has created roughly 8,000 bracelets , most of them made by Hayley .
The fundraiser has been a family project : Her 4-year-old sister helps organize the bands by color and both parents help mail the finished products nationwide .
Family friend Alysson Bourque , who lives in Sunset , Louisiana , purchased some before joining the project , looping bracelets with her own children .
“ We were excited that bracelets were a symbol of hope and goodwill and brought people together in a time where people feel disconnected , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too .
RELATED : Pandemic Ca n't Break First Lady Tradition of Bringing Christmas Cheer to Children 's Hospital Over the summer , Hayley introduced the idea at Apachi Day Camp , a summer program she ’ s attended for years .
After Hayley ’ s pitch , campers of all ages were on board .
“ It just became a thing that everyone wanted to do , ” Beth Miller , a camp director , said .
“ It bonded the kids.
” Hayley , who loves gymnastics and dancing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while watching television or listening to Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson .
Her high-profile donors include Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and actor Miguel Cervantes , who played the lead role in the Chicago production of “ Hamilton ” and has appeared in plays on Broadway .
The White Sox recognized her at a game .
Hayley , whose experience in sales includes selling the most cookies in her Girl Scout troop , has no immediate plans to stop making bracelets .
The entrepreneur is continually dreaming up ways to bring in more money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sports teams colors and red and light blue bracelets to represent the Chicago flag .
“ I want to do it until coronavirus is over , ” she said .
“ It feels like I ’ m helping a lot of people.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Hayley Orlinsky has made so many bracelets, looping colorful rubber bands over her thumb and index finger again and again, that she no longer has to watch her hands.
The spunky 7-year-old from Chicago has spent most of the coronavirus pandemic crafting the bracelets as a fundraiser to buy personal protective equipment for a children’s hospital.
So far, the endeavor has generated nearly $20,000 for Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, garnering praise and purchases from Chicago politicians, a Broadway actor and her beloved White Sox.
Hayley’s initial goal was $200, which she quickly surpassed, charging $3 a bracelet or $5 for an added charm.
It all started when she heard news stories about PPE shortages and was inspired to help. The money Hayley raises goes directly to Lurie through a fundraising office.
Lurie hasn’t had any problems getting gear and has used the money to pay for masks, goggles, face shields, gloves and other items for medical workers and visitors, according to Tracey McCusker, an associate director at the hospital’s foundation.
While many enterprising young people are raising funds, the amount Hayley has brought in is unusual.
“Her fundraiser is exponentially more than our typical kid fundraiser,” McCusker said.
Hayley spent her first days of life at Lurie’s neonatal intensive care unit after experiencing breathing problems. She wanted the doctors, nurses and medical staff working with kids to “protect themselves.”
Her mother, children’s book author Lori Orlinsky, estimates the effort has created roughly 8,000 bracelets, most of them made by Hayley.
The fundraiser has been a family project: Her 4-year-old sister helps organize the bands by color and both parents help mail the finished products nationwide.
Family friend Alysson Bourque, who lives in Sunset, Louisiana, purchased some before joining the project, looping bracelets with her own children.
“We were excited that bracelets were a symbol of hope and goodwill and brought people together in a time where people feel disconnected,” Bourque said.
Others have pitched in, too.
Over the summer, Hayley introduced the idea at Apachi Day Camp, a summer program she’s attended for years. After Hayley’s pitch, campers of all ages were on board.
“It just became a thing that everyone wanted to do,” Beth Miller, a camp director, said. “It bonded the kids.”
Hayley, who loves gymnastics and dancing, makes bracelets throughout the day, often while watching television or listening to Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson.
Her high-profile donors include Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and actor Miguel Cervantes, who played the lead role in the Chicago production of “Hamilton” and has appeared in plays on Broadway. The White Sox recognized her at a game.
Hayley, whose experience in sales includes selling the most cookies in her Girl Scout troop, has no immediate plans to stop making bracelets.
The entrepreneur is continually dreaming up ways to bring in more money. She’s done holiday-themed bracelets, sports teams colors and red and light blue bracelets to represent the Chicago flag.
“I want to do it until coronavirus is over,” she said. “It feels like I’m helping a lot of people.”
[jwplayer I8YNwkoQ]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Australian Family Discovers Furry Impostor in Their Christmas Tree

Furry woodland creatures are spreading a little Christmas cheer this season , albeit inadvertently , as an Australian family found a koala bear nestled in the branches of their fake Christmas tree .
According to The Guardian , the McCormick family came home in Coromandel Valley , Adelaide , on Dec. 2 , only to find that something wasn ’ t quite right .
“ I think the dog went straight to the Christmas tree and was sniffing around and Mum thought that was a bit weird , ” 16-year-old Taylah McCormick said .
“ There [ were ] baubles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked up and there was a koala in the tree.
” TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report It was then that the family discovered the young marsupial tangled in lights and hugging the middle of their tree , having already attempted to eat a few fake leaves .
“ I saw her munch down on some , but she stopped when she realized it was plastic , ” Taylah recalled , according to The Guardian .
Amanda McCormick , Taylah ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been a toy placed there as a prank .
“ I thought , ‘ Is this a joke ? '
” she said .
“ I thought one of my kids may have put like a soft toy in there , but no , it was a live one.
” The surprised family called the Adelaide and Hills Koala Rescue to pick up the animal , but even the operator suspected she had received a prank call .
After some convincing , the operator dispatched a rescue crew to free the koala @ @ @ @ @ @ @ animal was a healthy female between the ages of 3 and 4 .
The McCormicks said they were told by rescue experts that the animal likely entered the house while the doors were open earlier that day and probably was there for about three hours .
After entering , the koala was drawn to the unusual brightness of the tree , Amanda said she was told .
“ It ’ s not actually that hot , so they wouldn ’ t be seeking shade , particularly at the moment , ” said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ They are curious , and they are in the suburbs , and if they see something that they want to have a look at , they ’ ll just drop in and have a look.
” The small marsupial lovingly was named “ Daphne ” by Taylah McCormick before it was escorted out of the home by the rescue team .
RELATED : If You Spot This Walnut-Sized Mass in Your Christmas Tree , Remove It from Your Home Immediately Remarkably , this is not the first time a small , fluffy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas tree this year .
On Nov. 16 , a tiny Saw-whet owl was discovered by a transport worker in the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas tree .
The man stumbled upon the small bird while securing the massive tree on site and immediately called his wife to tell her .
She relayed his call to the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties , New York .
The animal then was tucked in a box and sent to the wildlife center , where it was identified .
“ He/she was a little Saw-whet owl , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northeast , ” Ravensbeard staff wrote in an online statement .
“ Back at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center , we ’ ve given him fluids and are feeding him all the mice he will eat .
It had been three days since he ate or drank anything.
” After about a week of care , the owl — affectionately named Rockefeller , or “ Rocky ” for short — took to the skies on Nov. 24 , continuing his migration south .
Rockefeller and Daphne have been released into the wild to spend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Furry woodland creatures are spreading a little Christmas cheer this season, albeit inadvertently, as an Australian family found a koala bear nestled in the branches of their fake Christmas tree.
According to The Guardian, the McCormick family came home in Coromandel Valley, Adelaide, on Dec. 2, only to find that something wasn’t quite right.
“I think the dog went straight to the Christmas tree and was sniffing around and Mum thought that was a bit weird,” 16-year-old Taylah McCormick said.
“There [were] baubles all over the floor … and she looked up and there was a koala in the tree.”
?Tis the season to be jolly
Koalalalala Lalalala ? This evening our hotline operator took a call. … Posted by 1300Koalaz on Wednesday, December 2, 2020
It was then that the family discovered the young marsupial tangled in lights and hugging the middle of their tree, having already attempted to eat a few fake leaves.
“I saw her munch down on some, but she stopped when she realized it was plastic,” Taylah recalled, according to The Guardian.
Amanda McCormick, Taylah’s mother, first thought the koala might have been a toy placed there as a prank.
“I thought, ‘Is this a joke?'” she said. “I thought one of my kids may have put like a soft toy in there, but no, it was a live one.”
Have you encountered any festive animals this Christmas season? 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: 25% (3 Votes) No: 75% (9 Votes)
The surprised family called the Adelaide and Hills Koala Rescue to pick up the animal, but even the operator suspected she had received a prank call.
After some convincing, the operator dispatched a rescue crew to free the koala from its entanglement. Officials determined the animal was a healthy female between the ages of 3 and 4.
The McCormicks said they were told by rescue experts that the animal likely entered the house while the doors were open earlier that day and probably was there for about three hours. After entering, the koala was drawn to the unusual brightness of the tree, Amanda said she was told.
“It’s not actually that hot, so they wouldn’t be seeking shade, particularly at the moment,” said the rescue’s co-founder Dee Hearne-Hellon. “They are curious, and they are in the suburbs, and if they see something that they want to have a look at, they’ll just drop in and have a look.”
The small marsupial lovingly was named “Daphne” by Taylah McCormick before it was escorted out of the home by the rescue team.
Remarkably, this is not the first time a small, fluffy animal has been found caught in a Christmas tree this year.
On Nov. 16, a tiny Saw-whet owl was discovered by a transport worker in the famed Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
The man stumbled upon the small bird while securing the massive tree on site and immediately called his wife to tell her. She relayed his call to the Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in Saugerties, New York.
A Secret in the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Ravensbeard is excited to share a rare Holiday story with you. … Posted by Ravensbeard Wildlife Center on Tuesday, November 17, 2020
The animal then was tucked in a box and sent to the wildlife center, where it was identified.
“He/she was a little Saw-whet owl, the smallest owls we have in the northeast,” Ravensbeard staff wrote in an online statement.
“Back at Ravensbeard Wildlife Center, we’ve given him fluids and are feeding him all the mice he will eat. It had been three days since he ate or drank anything.”
After about a week of care, the owl — affectionately named Rockefeller, or “Rocky” for short — took to the skies on Nov. 24, continuing his migration south.
Rockefeller and Daphne have been released into the wild to spend the Christmas season with their own families.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--They Played ‘Swan Lake’ for a Dementia-Stricken Ballerina, Her Reaction Will Blow You Away

Music has a power that can be hard to describe but instantly recognized .
We remember information better when it ’ s put to a tune .
When we learn songs written in other languages , we pronounce those words with less of our native accent .
Music is incredibly emotionally bound , and a snippet of a song can take us right back to specific times and places .
A simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking example of that has recently gone viral in a video originally shared by the Spanish organization Asociación Música para Despertar .
In the caption of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the woman had Alzheimer ’ s , and the video was an example of the power of music .
It was filmed in Valencia , Spain , in 2019 , shortly before the woman ’ s passing .
The YouTube version of the video opened to an elderly woman seated in a wheelchair , wearing a pair of headphones .
As music from Tchaikovsky ’ s “ Swan Lake ” played , the woman swept a hand feebly and then appeared to wave it off .
As the music continued , the woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spark snuck into her movements .
Her eyes bright , she moved her arms gracefully and appeared to be reliving a moment .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report “ The immense Marta C. González Saldaña ( Marta Cinta ) , may she Rest in Peace , She founded and directed her own ballet ensemble in New York called ‘ Rosamunda , ’ being the principal dancer , choreographer and director of it , ” the caption reads .
The Alzheimer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter .
“ Ballerina Marta C. Gonzalez — who lived with dementia — is taken back to her days dancing in Swan Lake thanks to the power of music , ” they wrote .
“ This clip shows what an important tool music can be for people with dementia .
So beautiful to see !
” Many have found the video touching and bittersweet .
Others — especially those with a deeper education on the topic — had some questions .
Most notably , Alastair Macaulay , writer and dance critic , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving video .
RELATED : Singer Reveals Truth All Christians Need To Hear : People Are Believing 'They Can Reach Heaven without Jesus ' Help' “ González ’ s movement therapist is to be congratulated : this is a touching video , ” he wrote in his own post .
“ Nonetheless , a few pedantic points should be made .
A : She isn ’ t remembering specific choreography from ‘ Swan Lake ’ ; she ’ s simply moving in a generalised ‘ Swan Lake ’ style to some of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t move to that ?
’ replied one of the former dancers to whom I sent this . )
“ B : It ’ s complicated to explain , but at the end we ’ re hearing the original 1877 version of the score , whereas most companies use the revised 1895 score , which excludes part of what we hear here and to which she goes on moving .
“ C : To make matters messier , the video is interleaved with footage of Yuliana Lopatkina dancing surely ‘ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different music by another composer .
“ D : Some of the commentary describes González as a NYC prima ballerina : so far I have found nobody who remembers a New York dancer named Marta C. González , and that name is not listed among New York City Ballet ’ s alumni.
” Macaulay also managed to track down a document from 1966 with Marta C. González ’ name , from “ The Higher School for Professional Studies , Nueva York ” that states that a 19-year-old González was given the title Prima @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” After that , the paper trail ran cold , and he was unable to find the actual school listed on the document , though with a little help he did manage to find photos from more recent years of González with young ballet dancers .
He made sure to include that “ If you ’ re moved by the video , as many are , then it ’ s actually more marvellous to find this glimpse of dance inspiration amid the dementia of a largely unknown dancer , ” as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( as both my parents did ) , I only hope I can move with half such refinement.
” While the clips of the young ballerina shown in the viral video may not be the same woman reminiscing in the wheelchair , and it ’ s unclear if or where González earned her title , it ’ s incredibly clear that , all else aside , she had an experience when that piece played , an experience that many viewers have felt touched by as they watched miles away and months later .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ music .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Music has a power that can be hard to describe but instantly recognized. We remember information better when it’s put to a tune. When we learn songs written in other languages, we pronounce those words with less of our native accent. Music is incredibly emotionally bound, and a snippet of a song can take us right back to specific times and places.
A simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking example of that has recently gone viral in a video originally shared by the Spanish organization Asociación Música para Despertar.
In the caption of the video, the organization explained that the woman had Alzheimer’s, and the video was an example of the power of music. It was filmed in Valencia, Spain, in 2019, shortly before the woman’s passing.
The YouTube version of the video opened to an elderly woman seated in a wheelchair, wearing a pair of headphones. As music from Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” played, the woman swept a hand feebly and then appeared to wave it off.
As the music continued, the woman seemed to sit a little taller and a spark snuck into her movements. Her eyes bright, she moved her arms gracefully and appeared to be reliving a moment.
“The immense Marta C. González Saldaña (Marta Cinta), may she Rest in Peace, She founded and directed her own ballet ensemble in New York called ‘Rosamunda,’ being the principal dancer, choreographer and director of it,” the caption reads.
The Alzheimer’s Society shared the clip on Twitter.
“Ballerina Marta C. Gonzalez — who lived with dementia — is taken back to her days dancing in Swan Lake thanks to the power of music,” they wrote.
“This clip shows what an important tool music can be for people with dementia. So beautiful to see!”
Ballerina Marta C. Gonzalez – who lived with dementia – is taken back to her days dancing in Swan Lake thanks to the power of music. This clip shows what an important tool music can be for people with dementia. So beautiful to see! ??@DespertarMusica pic.twitter.com/w6Y2W7Ee52 — Alzheimer’s Society (@alzheimerssoc) November 9, 2020
Many have found the video touching and bittersweet. Others — especially those with a deeper education on the topic — had some questions.
Most notably, Alastair Macaulay, writer and dance critic, has uncovered some fascinating information pertaining to the moving video.
“González’s movement therapist is to be congratulated: this is a touching video,” he wrote in his own post. “Nonetheless, a few pedantic points should be made. A: She isn’t remembering specific choreography from ‘Swan Lake’; she’s simply moving in a generalised ‘Swan Lake’ style to some of its most powerful music. (‘Who wouldn’t move to that?’ replied one of the former dancers to whom I sent this.)
“B: It’s complicated to explain, but at the end we’re hearing the original 1877 version of the score, whereas most companies use the revised 1895 score, which excludes part of what we hear here and to which she goes on moving.
“C: To make matters messier, the video is interleaved with footage of Yuliana Lopatkina dancing surely ‘The Dying Swan’, which has very different music by another composer.
“D: Some of the commentary describes González as a NYC prima ballerina: so far I have found nobody who remembers a New York dancer named Marta C. González, and that name is not listed among New York City Ballet’s alumni.”
Macaulay also managed to track down a document from 1966 with Marta C. González’ name, from “The Higher School for Professional Studies, Nueva York” that states that a 19-year-old González was given the title Prima Ballerina in “Ballet de las Américas.”
After that, the paper trail ran cold, and he was unable to find the actual school listed on the document, though with a little help he did manage to find photos from more recent years of González with young ballet dancers.
He made sure to include that “If you’re moved by the video, as many are, then it’s actually more marvellous to find this glimpse of dance inspiration amid the dementia of a largely unknown dancer,” as well as state, “When I get dementia (as both my parents did), I only hope I can move with half such refinement.”
While the clips of the young ballerina shown in the viral video may not be the same woman reminiscing in the wheelchair, and it’s unclear if or where González earned her title, it’s incredibly clear that, all else aside, she had an experience when that piece played, an experience that many viewers have felt touched by as they watched miles away and months later. And it’s all thanks to music.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--All Indications Point to Countless Small Toy Stores Closing Permanently After the Holidays

For most toy store owners , the holidays are the busiest and most successful season to do business — but fourth quarter 2020 may prove difficult for a number of small , independent shops .
According to CNN Business , Pufferbellies Toys & Books in Staunton , Virginia , is one such store , facing tough numbers in a season that typically brings in roughly 25 percent of annual sales .
Store owner Erin Blanton recently told the outlet she is more concerned this holiday season than she has ever been in 15 years operating the shop alongside her mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health protocol ramping back up in light of a viral transmission spike , Pufferbellies is no longer able to hold its highly lucrative holiday events , Blanton claims .
And she is far from the only shop owner impacted .
“ They just don ’ t have the room to have people in [ stores ] with six-foot social distancing , ” said Sue Warfield , interim president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association .
The organization represents more than 1,800 independent retailers and manufacturers within the toy industry .
TRENDING : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump Out of the White House : Report Extra costs are also associated with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , as many stores have been forced to buy extra hand sanitizers for guests and employees , install acrylic glass barriers at cash registers and hire an employee to enforce customer limits on-location .
Pufferbellies , for its part , has also seen a delay in merchandise reception , with suppliers unable to staff their warehouses to maximum capacity .
Fortune 500 companies like Amazon , Costco , Target and Walmart have made it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain open .
Throughout the pandemic , essential service providers like these were permitted to remain open and fully staffed due to their location sizes and big-box business model .
Meanwhile , small toy stores were forced to close their doors indefinitely this past spring .
“ I don ’ t have the technology resources that big stores do or Amazon , ” said Blanton .
“ I don ’ t have ability to make a super easy-to-use app .
We don ’ t have an IT department .
We don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website is a little clunky.
” While small toy businesses are struggling to keep their doors open , Amazon and its fellow big-box chains ’ have seen sales climb dramatically in recent months as shoppers turn to the internet to make their purchases .
Retail analyst Stephanie Wissink , who covers the toy industry , said that young parents purchasing gifts for their kids in the current generation grew up “ in a world where everything is available to them ” online .
According to a recent report from small business software company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hobby and game stores saw a 26 percent decline in sales from the previous year between March and October .
RELATED : Bank Announces It Will Be Paying Americans To Bring in Spare Change Small business social networking organization Alignable recently reported that more than half of the 1,800 independent toy stores polled suggest they may not survive through the winter .
An additional 36 percent suggested that they will barely live to see another year .
At Genuine Toy Company in Plymouth , Michigan , store owner Elle Dare said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shop stays afloat long enough to have a go of turning profits post-pandemic .
Right now , the idea of turning a profit is certainly up in the air , with owners like Dare worried they may be ordering more product than they can truly sell this holiday .
“ If we can just pay the bills , I think that we can get through this , ” Dare said .
The shop owner also voiced concern that reintroduction of public health restrictions stemming from a recent nationwide spike in coronavirus cases will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly impossible to pay out vendors .
She is not without hope , however , telling CNN Business she believes that Americans are starting to understand the pressure mom-and-pop shops are under right now .
“ People are realizing that if they want their local businesses around they are going to have to support them , especially during hard times.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

For most toy store owners, the holidays are the busiest and most successful season to do business — but fourth quarter 2020 may prove difficult for a number of small, independent shops.
According to CNN Business, Pufferbellies Toys & Books in Staunton, Virginia, is one such store, facing tough numbers in a season that typically brings in roughly 25 percent of annual sales.
Store owner Erin Blanton recently told the outlet she is more concerned this holiday season than she has ever been in 15 years operating the shop alongside her mother and five employees.
With state-ordered public health protocol ramping back up in light of a viral transmission spike, Pufferbellies is no longer able to hold its highly lucrative holiday events, Blanton claims. And she is far from the only shop owner impacted.
“They just don’t have the room to have people in [stores] with six-foot social distancing,” said Sue Warfield, interim president of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association. The organization represents more than 1,800 independent retailers and manufacturers within the toy industry.
Extra costs are also associated with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as many stores have been forced to buy extra hand sanitizers for guests and employees, install acrylic glass barriers at cash registers and hire an employee to enforce customer limits on-location.
Pufferbellies, for its part, has also seen a delay in merchandise reception, with suppliers unable to staff their warehouses to maximum capacity.
Fortune 500 companies like Amazon, Costco, Target and Walmart have made it all the more challenging for small toy stores to remain open.
Throughout the pandemic, essential service providers like these were permitted to remain open and fully staffed due to their location sizes and big-box business model. Meanwhile, small toy stores were forced to close their doors indefinitely this past spring.
Will you shop local this year for Christmas? 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: 88% (15 Votes) No: 12% (2 Votes)
“I don’t have the technology resources that big stores do or Amazon,” said Blanton.
“I don’t have ability to make a super easy-to-use app. We don’t have an IT department. We don’t have a delivery company. Our website is a little clunky.”
While small toy businesses are struggling to keep their doors open, Amazon and its fellow big-box chains’ have seen sales climb dramatically in recent months as shoppers turn to the internet to make their purchases.
Retail analyst Stephanie Wissink, who covers the toy industry, said that young parents purchasing gifts for their kids in the current generation grew up “in a world where everything is available to them” online.
According to a recent report from small business software company Womply, the country’s toy, hobby and game stores saw a 26 percent decline in sales from the previous year between March and October.
Small business social networking organization Alignable recently reported that more than half of the 1,800 independent toy stores polled suggest they may not survive through the winter. An additional 36 percent suggested that they will barely live to see another year.
At Genuine Toy Company in Plymouth, Michigan, store owner Elle Dare said she is simply trying to ensure her retro-themed shop stays afloat long enough to have a go of turning profits post-pandemic.
Right now, the idea of turning a profit is certainly up in the air, with owners like Dare worried they may be ordering more product than they can truly sell this holiday.
“If we can just pay the bills, I think that we can get through this,” Dare said.
The shop owner also voiced concern that reintroduction of public health restrictions stemming from a recent nationwide spike in coronavirus cases will further damage company sales, making it nearly impossible to pay out vendors.
She is not without hope, however, telling CNN Business she believes that Americans are starting to understand the pressure mom-and-pop shops are under right now.
“People are realizing that if they want their local businesses around they are going to have to support them, especially during hard times.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Woman at Work Looks Up, Sees Missing Family Member in Middle of Walmart

Everyone ends up at Walmart sooner or later .
But in Abby ’ s case , it was a little different .
The mixed-breed dog had been missing for three weeks before she materialized at the Walmart in Dothan , Alabama — the store where her owner works .
As owner June Rountree told The Washington Post , she had been looking for Abby ever since the night of Nov. 8 , when she found that the dog was not in the yard even though her collar and leash were still attached to a ground stake .
Weeks of looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28 , as Rountree was working the cash register at Walmart , she became aware of a commotion .
a dog had wandered in and was confounding the attempts of anyone to catch it .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report “ I was like , ‘ What in the world is happening ? '
” said Danielle Robinette , a customer service associate at the store who followed the dog as it came near Rountree ’ s register .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , ” Rountree said .
“ I bent over and hugged her .
I completely lost it then .
I couldn ’ t speak .
I was in complete shock and just couldn ’ t believe it.
” “ She looked up with tears streaming down her face , and said : ‘ This is Abby .
She ’ s been missing for three weeks , ’ ” Robinette said .
“ I was just floored.
” “ I can ’ t express the feeling , ” Rountree said .
“ All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I couldn ’ t even talk to them.
” Robinette made the reunion famous after sharing it on Facebook .
“ Ok y ’ all so I work at Walmart at the service desk and today the most amazing thing happened !
I looked up and seen this black dog go running by she was looking at everyone like she was looking for someone I first thought she was dumped and she was looking for her people !
Well she was !
!
She ran right up too Mrs June one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started crying saying she had been missing for 3 weeks !
!
Her name is Abby !
I tell you what Abby is one smart girl she came to her mommies work to find her !
!
I ’ m so glad she found you Mrs June !
!
Such a wonderful story I just had to share with everyone , ” she said in her post .
She still has no idea where her dog was for three weeks .
“ She wasn ’ t skin and bones , ” Rountree said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she came upon that gave her something to eat.
” She had imagined that Abby might show up at her home .
“ Never in a million years did I think she would show up at Walmart , ” Rountree said , saying the only time Abby was near the store was when she was walked in the woods behind it or in the store ’ s parking lot .
“ How she knew I worked there , I do not know.
” She was even able to joke about something that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We kid at work that she must have known the weather was going to turn and wanted to find her way back so she could have her warm bed , ” Rountree said .
“ It really is just unbelievable , ” she said .
“ It ’ s like a dream .
You can ’ t make this stuff up.
” Clive Wynne , director of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University , said it is possible the dog knew she had been to the Walmart before .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ roaming around somewhere at random until it stumbled upon a familiar location , ” Wynne told The Post .
“ I think it is perfectly plausible and very likely that this dog was distressed and upset and trying to find home .
“ A dog ’ s navigation isn ’ t perfect , but it does recognize certain important , large landmarks.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Everyone ends up at Walmart sooner or later. But in Abby’s case, it was a little different.
The mixed-breed dog had been missing for three weeks before she materialized at the Walmart in Dothan, Alabama — the store where her owner works.
As owner June Rountree told The Washington Post, she had been looking for Abby ever since the night of Nov. 8, when she found that the dog was not in the yard even though her collar and leash were still attached to a ground stake.
Weeks of looking came up empty. Then on Nov. 28, as Rountree was working the cash register at Walmart, she became aware of a commotion. a dog had wandered in and was confounding the attempts of anyone to catch it.
“I said, ‘It can’t be,’” Rountree said.
“I was like, ‘What in the world is happening?'” said Danielle Robinette, a customer service associate at the store who followed the dog as it came near Rountree’s register.
“I called her name and she came to me,” Rountree said. “I bent over and hugged her. I completely lost it then. I couldn’t speak. I was in complete shock and just couldn’t believe it.”
“She looked up with tears streaming down her face, and said: ‘This is Abby. She’s been missing for three weeks,’” Robinette said. “I was just floored.”
“I can’t express the feeling,” Rountree said. “All these people were there around the dog and I couldn’t even talk to them.”
Robinette made the reunion famous after sharing it on Facebook.
“Ok y’all so I work at Walmart at the service desk and today the most amazing thing happened! I looked up and seen this black dog go running by she was looking at everyone like she was looking for someone I first thought she was dumped and she was looking for her people! Well she was!! She ran right up too Mrs June one of the cashiers she was so happy and started crying saying she had been missing for 3 weeks!! Her name is Abby! I tell you what Abby is one smart girl she came to her mommies work to find her!! I’m so glad she found you Mrs June!! Such a wonderful story I just had to share with everyone,” she said in her post.
She still has no idea where her dog was for three weeks.
“She wasn’t skin and bones,” Rountree said. “I want to thank whoever she came upon that gave her something to eat.”
She had imagined that Abby might show up at her home.
“Never in a million years did I think she would show up at Walmart,” Rountree said, saying the only time Abby was near the store was when she was walked in the woods behind it or in the store’s parking lot. “How she knew I worked there, I do not know.”
She was even able to joke about something that was no laughing matter until Abby showed up.
“We kid at work that she must have known the weather was going to turn and wanted to find her way back so she could have her warm bed,” Rountree said.
“It really is just unbelievable,” she said. “It’s like a dream. You can’t make this stuff up.”
Today’s (12/10) Drew Barrymore Show will feature an interview with June Rountree of Dothan. June’s rescue dog Abby found her at the Dothan Walmart where she works, 3 weeks after going missing. The Drew Barrymore Show airs weekdays at 2 PM CT on WRGX. pic.twitter.com/0UwwsiMm30 — Mariah Self (@mariahaself) December 10, 2020
Clive Wynne, director of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University, said it is possible the dog knew she had been to the Walmart before.
“I suspect that the dog was roaming around somewhere at random until it stumbled upon a familiar location,” Wynne told The Post. “I think it is perfectly plausible and very likely that this dog was distressed and upset and trying to find home.
“A dog’s navigation isn’t perfect, but it does recognize certain important, large landmarks.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Pandemic Can’t Break First Lady Tradition of Bringing Christmas Cheer to Children’s Hospital

Melania Trump didn ’ t let the coronavirus pandemic break a decades-long tradition of first ladies visiting a Washington children ’ s hospital at Christmas .
On Dec. 15 , she made her fourth holiday visit as first lady to Children ’ s National Hospital .
“ Wonderful to be here , ” she said .
“ This is one of my favorite events during the holiday season.
” During each of her visits , Mrs. Trump said she has seen that the spirit of Christmas is alive in each of the children .
“ Mrs .
Trump has our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Bess Truman in bringing holiday cheer to children who are hospitalized and can ’ t be home during this special time of the year , ” Dr. Kurt Newman , chief executive officer of the hospital , said .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report The first lady sat in a chair in front of a towering Christmas tree in the hospital ’ s atrium .
Two patients , 6-year-old Riley Whitney and 8-year-old Sofia Martinez , sat with pillows on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mrs. Trump read a book about holiday ornaments that come to life .
Her reading of the children ’ s Christmas story “ Oliver the Ornament Meets Marley & Joan and Abbey ” was broadcast over the hospital ’ s television system so patients could tune in from their rooms .
Todd Zimmerman , who is writing a series of children ’ s books featuring the Christmastime adventures of Oliver the Ornament , said the stories serve to teach children about kindness , especially in the face of bullying .
During her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has raised awareness about the harmful effects of bullying .
Zimmerman said he was glad Mrs. Trump ’ s visit would help take the children ’ s minds “ off of what they ’ re going through , if only for an hour.
” When the reading ended , the first lady went to call out numbers in a bingo game .
The children play the game twice a week .
The hospital marked 150 years of pediatric care and research this month .
Volunteers opened the hospital in 1870 with 12 beds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Did you know that The Western Journal now publishes some content in Spanish as well as English , for international audiences ?
Click here to read this article on The Western Journal en Español !
The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication .
Therefore , it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards .
It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards .

Melania Trump didn’t let the coronavirus pandemic break a decades-long tradition of first ladies visiting a Washington children’s hospital at Christmas.
On Dec. 15, she made her fourth holiday visit as first lady to Children’s National Hospital.
“Wonderful to be here,” she said. “This is one of my favorite events during the holiday season.”
During each of her visits, Mrs. Trump said she has seen that the spirit of Christmas is alive in each of the children.
“Mrs. Trump has our deep gratitude for joining every first lady since Bess Truman in bringing holiday cheer to children who are hospitalized and can’t be home during this special time of the year,” Dr. Kurt Newman, chief executive officer of the hospital, said.
The first lady sat in a chair in front of a towering Christmas tree in the hospital’s atrium.
Two patients, 6-year-old Riley Whitney and 8-year-old Sofia Martinez, sat with pillows on a red carpet in front to listen to Mrs. Trump read a book about holiday ornaments that come to life.
Her reading of the children’s Christmas story “Oliver the Ornament Meets Marley & Joan and Abbey” was broadcast over the hospital’s television system so patients could tune in from their rooms.
Todd Zimmerman, who is writing a series of children’s books featuring the Christmastime adventures of Oliver the Ornament, said the stories serve to teach children about kindness, especially in the face of bullying.
During her time as first lady, Mrs. Trump has raised awareness about the harmful effects of bullying.
Zimmerman said he was glad Mrs. Trump’s visit would help take the children’s minds “off of what they’re going through, if only for an hour.”
When the reading ended, the first lady went to call out numbers in a bingo game. The children play the game twice a week.
The hospital marked 150 years of pediatric care and research this month. Volunteers opened the hospital in 1870 with 12 beds for children displaced after the Civil War.
[jwplayer pLmaDkRJ]
Did you know that The Western Journal now publishes some content in Spanish as well as English, for international audiences? Click here to read this article on The Western Journal en Español!
The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Andrew Yang Files Paperwork To Run for Mayor of New York City

Andrew Yang , whose call for universal basic income brought him national attention in the crowded 2020 Democratic presidential field , appears to be running for mayor of New York City .
Current Mayor Bill de Blasio is term-limited and unable to run again .
Yang filed his official forms Wednesday , according to the New York Daily News .
City Comptroller Scott Stringer , Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams , former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan and former Citigroup executive Ray McGuire are among the names already in the November 2021 contest .
A report in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make his final decision next month .
The tech entrepreneur did not make any public statements about his candidacy , but offered a comment on Twitter that next year would be “ epic.
” TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report Even before filing , Yang appeared to be popular with New Yorkers .
A poll from Education Reform Now Advocacy released Monday put Yang at the top with 17 percent support , one percentage point ahead of Adams .
Other candidates were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted among 755 likely Democratic primary voters and has a margin of error of +/- 3.6 percentage points .
Yang also topped a Slingshot Strategies survey of 1,000 Democratic voters who said they are likely to vote in the mayoral primary in June , according to the New York Post .
The survey , which had a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points , put Yang at the top with 20 percent support and Adams second at 14 percent .
Yang “ has a lot of name recognition , so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , Fordham University political scientist Christina Greer told the Daily News .
RELATED : Olympics Adds First 'Urban Event ' as Games Try To Diversify He recently said the Democratic Party needs to focus less on cultural issues and more on economic ones , according to Fox News .
“ I would say , ‘ Hey !
I ’ m running for president !
’ to a truck driver , retail worker , waitress in a diner .
And they would say , ‘ What party ?
’ And I ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flinch like I said something really negative or I had just turned another color or something like that , ” Yang said in November .
“ And there ’ s something deeply wrong when working-class Americans have that response to a major party that theoretically is supposed to be fighting for them , ” he went on .
“ So you have to ask yourself , what has the Democratic Party been standing for in their minds ?
“ And in their minds , the Democratic Party , unfortunately , has taken on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are more concerned about policing various cultural issues than improving their way of life that has been declining for years.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Andrew Yang, whose call for universal basic income brought him national attention in the crowded 2020 Democratic presidential field, appears to be running for mayor of New York City.
Current Mayor Bill de Blasio is term-limited and unable to run again.
Yang filed his official forms Wednesday, according to the New York Daily News.
City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan and former Citigroup executive Ray McGuire are among the names already in the November 2021 contest.
A report in the New York Post said Yang would make his final decision next month. The tech entrepreneur did not make any public statements about his candidacy, but offered a comment on Twitter that next year would be “epic.”
2021 is going to be epic. — Andrew Yang??? (@AndrewYang) December 23, 2020
Even before filing, Yang appeared to be popular with New Yorkers.
A poll from Education Reform Now Advocacy released Monday put Yang at the top with 17 percent support, one percentage point ahead of Adams. Other candidates were in single digits.
Would Andrew Yang be a good mayor? 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: 14% (7 Votes) No: 86% (42 Votes)
The poll was conducted among 755 likely Democratic primary voters and has a margin of error of +/- 3.6 percentage points.
Yang also topped a Slingshot Strategies survey of 1,000 Democratic voters who said they are likely to vote in the mayoral primary in June, according to the New York Post.
The survey, which had a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points, put Yang at the top with 20 percent support and Adams second at 14 percent.
Yang “has a lot of name recognition, so it makes it more difficult for people without that, Fordham University political scientist Christina Greer told the Daily News.
Yang’s universal basic income plan proposed sending Americans $1,000 a month.
He recently said the Democratic Party needs to focus less on cultural issues and more on economic ones, according to Fox News.
“I would say, ‘Hey! I’m running for president!’ to a truck driver, retail worker, waitress in a diner. And they would say, ‘What party?’ And I’d say ‘Democrat’ and they would flinch like I said something really negative or I had just turned another color or something like that,” Yang said in November.
“And there’s something deeply wrong when working-class Americans have that response to a major party that theoretically is supposed to be fighting for them,” he went on. “So you have to ask yourself, what has the Democratic Party been standing for in their minds?
“And in their minds, the Democratic Party, unfortunately, has taken on this role of the coastal urban elites who are more concerned about policing various cultural issues than improving their way of life that has been declining for years.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Doctor Fired After Writing Letter Criticizing Lockdown Orders

A doctor in Northern California has been fired from his job after he co-authored a letter that questioned the science behind his county ’ s lockdown order .
Dr. Michael deBoisblanc was working as the trauma medical director for John Muir Health in Contra Costa County , California , until last Friday , after he questioned the scientific basis for again locking down citizens of the area .
KNTV reported that deBoisblanc wrote a letter to the county health director and board of supervisors voicing his concern regarding the continued lockdown policies prior to his dismissal .
The former medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a parent , expressing his apprehension that Bay Area students were not being allowed to attend in-person classes , according to KTVU-TV .
Along with doctors Pete Mazolewski and Brian Hopkins , deBoisblanc wrote that there were “ deep concerns regarding more lockdown measures.
” TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report “ The science is clear , ” the letter continued , “ that more lockdowns lead to much more non COVID morbidity and mortality.
” “ Public policy is being based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The trauma physician said “ we ’ re worried some of the actions the county and government is taking can definitely have negative impacts on the public health , ” according to KTVU .
DeBoisblanc ’ s letter seemed to ruffle the feathers of those at the county health department and other San Francisco Bay area officials .
John Gioia , the District 1 Supervisor for Contra Costa County , defended the California lockdown , which is based largely on a reported shortage of hospital beds .
“ All of these orders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good data , ” Gioia said .
“ They are citing data that our health department believes is not reflective of accurate current thinking [ in the letter ] .
” But another area leader said that more transparency is needed from health officials during the pandemic .
“ That only engenders trust and leads people to understand why we ’ re making these decisions and why we need them to behave in certain ways , ” San Francisco District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney said .
DeBoisblanc seemingly had merely sought for clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including embattled small business owners .
“ We felt these were important questions that the people who are affected by these measures deserved answers to , ” he said .
But deBoisblanc has now been moved to the back of California ’ s large unemployment line .
His employment at the hospital in Walnut Creek was terminated last week with little explanation from superiors .
“ The Medical Director of Trauma and Regional Transfer Services is a contracted position and , after careful consideration , John Muir Health is not continuing with Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement issued by John Muir Health read .
Dr. deBoisblanc spoke to Fox News on Wednesday regarding his termination of employment , as well as the lockdown ’ s effects on school children who are being kept out of classrooms .
“ All the data that I am aware of , looking at children and the virus , shows that it ’ s safe , ” he told the network .
“ There are many other states now that have months of track records showing that it ’ s safe for their kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the state of California and the county is just not making that possible.
” The doctor also defended restaurants and small businesses , which have been intensely struggling during the pandemic .
“ These are restaurants that are just trying to survive , and keep their doors open , ” he said .
“ It ’ s been very difficult for them.
” DeBoisblanc later revealed that he was not fired from his job solely because of the letter , but he said it was “ clearly related to the letter.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a regional stay-at-home order on Dec. 3 , which urged most residents of the state to stay home during the Christmas month , citing the shortage of hospital beds and rising number of cases .
Contra Costa Health Services echoed this request in a media release on Dec. 16 .
“ Due to the dwindling supply of hospital beds for patients who need intensive care in the Bay Area , the state will apply a regional stay-at-home order across the nine-county region to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the region ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the release stated .
“ Now more than ever , Contra Costa Health Services ( CCHS ) urges everyone who lives or works in the county to follow the health advice within the law to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during the holiday season.
” The order , among other recommendations , urged people to avoid “ in-person gatherings with people who do not live in your household , especially indoors.
” Despite his termination , deBoisblanc had only kind words for health care workers at his former hospital attempting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s a great hospital , they are doing amazing things , ” he told Fox .
“ The doctors and nurses there taking care of COVID patients are risking their health every day .
They just got the first round of the vaccine .
And let me tell you , it ’ s a big relief for them.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A doctor in Northern California has been fired from his job after he co-authored a letter that questioned the science behind his county’s lockdown order.
Dr. Michael deBoisblanc was working as the trauma medical director for John Muir Health in Contra Costa County, California, until last Friday, after he questioned the scientific basis for again locking down citizens of the area.
KNTV reported that deBoisblanc wrote a letter to the county health director and board of supervisors voicing his concern regarding the continued lockdown policies prior to his dismissal.
The former medical director spoke from his own experience as a parent, expressing his apprehension that Bay Area students were not being allowed to attend in-person classes, according to KTVU-TV.
Along with doctors Pete Mazolewski and Brian Hopkins, deBoisblanc wrote that there were “deep concerns regarding more lockdown measures.”
“The science is clear,” the letter continued, “that more lockdowns lead to much more non COVID morbidity and mortality.”
“Public policy is being based on erroneous assumptions,” it added.
The trauma physician said “we’re worried some of the actions the county and government is taking can definitely have negative impacts on the public health,” according to KTVU.
DeBoisblanc’s letter seemed to ruffle the feathers of those at the county health department and other San Francisco Bay area officials.
John Gioia, the District 1 Supervisor for Contra Costa County, defended the California lockdown, which is based largely on a reported shortage of hospital beds.
“All of these orders have been based on strong science and good data,” Gioia said. “They are citing data that our health department believes is not reflective of accurate current thinking [in the letter].”
But another area leader said that more transparency is needed from health officials during the pandemic.
“That only engenders trust and leads people to understand why we’re making these decisions and why we need them to behave in certain ways,” San Francisco District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney said.
DeBoisblanc seemingly had merely sought for clear answers regarding those affected by lockdowns, including embattled small business owners.
“We felt these were important questions that the people who are affected by these measures deserved answers to,” he said.
But deBoisblanc has now been moved to the back of California’s large unemployment line.
His employment at the hospital in Walnut Creek was terminated last week with little explanation from superiors.
“The Medical Director of Trauma and Regional Transfer Services is a contracted position and, after careful consideration, John Muir Health is not continuing with Dr. deBoisblanc in that position,” a statement issued by John Muir Health read.
Dr. deBoisblanc spoke to Fox News on Wednesday regarding his termination of employment, as well as the lockdown’s effects on school children who are being kept out of classrooms.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
“All the data that I am aware of, looking at children and the virus, shows that it’s safe,” he told the network. “There are many other states now that have months of track records showing that it’s safe for their kids to go back to school.
“And the state of California and the county is just not making that possible.”
The doctor also defended restaurants and small businesses, which have been intensely struggling during the pandemic.
“These are restaurants that are just trying to survive, and keep their doors open,” he said. “It’s been very difficult for them.”
DeBoisblanc later revealed that he was not fired from his job solely because of the letter, but he said it was “clearly related to the letter.”
Do you believe that public health officials are following the science with regard to COVID lockdowns? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 2% (1 Votes) No: 98% (49 Votes)
The California Department of Public Health announced a regional stay-at-home order on Dec. 3, which urged most residents of the state to stay home during the Christmas month, citing the shortage of hospital beds and rising number of cases. Contra Costa Health Services echoed this request in a media release on Dec. 16.
“Due to the dwindling supply of hospital beds for patients who need intensive care in the Bay Area, the state will apply a regional stay-at-home order across the nine-county region to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the region’s hospitals from becoming overwhelmed,” the release stated.
“Now more than ever, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) urges everyone who lives or works in the county to follow the health advice within the law to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during the holiday season.”
The order, among other recommendations, urged people to avoid “in-person gatherings with people who do not live in your household, especially indoors.”
Despite his termination, deBoisblanc had only kind words for health care workers at his former hospital attempting to navigate the difficulties of the pandemic.
“That’s a great hospital, they are doing amazing things,” he told Fox.
“The doctors and nurses there taking care of COVID patients are risking their health every day. They just got the first round of the vaccine. And let me tell you, it’s a big relief for them.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Court Hands Defiant Gym Owner a Huge Win Over Cuomo’s Restrictions

Santa came a bit early for Western New York gym owner Robbie Dinero in the form of a preliminary injunction from a state judge that allows him to reopen his gym at full capacity .
The oral ruling Wednesday by State Supreme Court Judge Judge Paul B. Wojtaszek said the state ’ s order closing gyms was arbitrary and capricious , attorney Paul Cambria said , WGRZ-TV reported .
Dinero ’ s Athletes Unleashed gym , located in the Buffalo suburb of Orchard Park , will now be able to open at 100 percent capacity .
“ It was unsupported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cambria said , according to WBEN-AM .
“ Would it apply to other gyms ?
That ’ s something they will have to discuss with their legal advisers .
It seems obvious to me this precedent is such that if others filed , they would get a similar result.
” TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report Wojtaszek said his ruling was not intended to minimize the danger of COVID-19 but to support a “ right to normalcy ” even amid the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dinero has been battling against lockdown edicts imposed by the state and Erie County .
He became a symbol of rebellion last month while , during a live interview , he ripped up a notice fining him $ 15,000 for COVID-19 violations .
“ Come and get it , ” Dinero , who spent 14 years with the Marines , told WBEN .
The fine came after a protest at the gym , which has been closed along with all other gyms in the region after a rise in positive coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Andrew Cuomo .
In the video posted by Fox News , a group of protesters confronted deputies who had come to the protest .
One dared the deputies to put him behind bars .
In an interview on “ The Story ” Dinero spoke about the principles behind his protest .
“ Any infringement on our liberty goes too far .
We were born with inalienable rights bestowed upon us by our Creator .
They are guaranteed by the Constitution , specifically the Bill of Rights , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason is too far .
Our freedom can not end where people ’ s fear starts.
” “ They found out they messed with the wrong bunch of patriots , ” Dinero told WKBW-TV .
“ I ’ m not here to argue with the Governor or the County Executive about spike rates—I don ’ t care .
“ Freedom can never be subjugated to fear.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Santa came a bit early for Western New York gym owner Robbie Dinero in the form of a preliminary injunction from a state judge that allows him to reopen his gym at full capacity.
The oral ruling Wednesday by State Supreme Court Judge Judge Paul B. Wojtaszek said the state’s order closing gyms was arbitrary and capricious, attorney Paul Cambria said, WGRZ-TV reported.
Dinero’s Athletes Unleashed gym, located in the Buffalo suburb of Orchard Park, will now be able to open at 100 percent capacity.
“It was unsupported by anything the state submitted,” Cambria said, according to WBEN-AM.
“Would it apply to other gyms? That’s something they will have to discuss with their legal advisers. It seems obvious to me this precedent is such that if others filed, they would get a similar result.”
Wojtaszek said his ruling was not intended to minimize the danger of COVID-19 but to support a “right to normalcy” even amid the disease’s grip on New York state.
BREAKING: The owner of Athlete’s Unleashed in Orchard Park will be allowed to reopen his gym at 100% capacity after NYS Supreme Court Justice Paul Wojtaszek ruled that the 25% capacity restriction could not be imposed by the state. pic.twitter.com/0bY8Zzc6dd — Mike Baggerman (@MikeBaggerman) December 23, 2020
Dinero has been battling against lockdown edicts imposed by the state and Erie County.
Will these lockdown rules crumble soon? 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: 92% (778 Votes) No: 8% (66 Votes)
He became a symbol of rebellion last month while, during a live interview, he ripped up a notice fining him $15,000 for COVID-19 violations.
“Come and get it,” Dinero, who spent 14 years with the Marines, told WBEN.
The fine came after a protest at the gym, which has been closed along with all other gyms in the region after a rise in positive coronavirus cases brought about new restrictions imposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
In the video posted by Fox News, a group of protesters confronted deputies who had come to the protest. One dared the deputies to put him behind bars.
In an interview on “The Story” Dinero spoke about the principles behind his protest.
“Any infringement on our liberty goes too far. We were born with inalienable rights bestowed upon us by our Creator. They are guaranteed by the Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights,” he said.
“Any infringement on our freedom for any reason is too far. Our freedom cannot end where people’s fear starts.”
“They found out they messed with the wrong bunch of patriots,” Dinero told WKBW-TV. “I’m not here to argue with the Governor or the County Executive about spike rates—I don’t care.
“Freedom can never be subjugated to fear.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-24--Judge Rules Ohio Must Allow ‘Corrections’ on Birth Certificates To Reflect Preferred Gender

Radical gender ideology is a harbinger of the fall of Western civilization .
If that sounds overly dramatic , consider that Tennessee is the only remaining state that doesn ’ t allow individuals who identify as a gender other than their sex to “ correct ” their birth certificate to the lie they ’ re living .
Tennessee became the last holdout after the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio struck down an attempt to preserve the Buckeye State ’ s rule against changing the sex designation on the official document , Mahoning Matters reported .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birth certificates would compromise the record-keeping and historical purposes of the document , Judge Michael Watson , a President George W. Bush appointee , called Ohio ’ s arguments “ nothing more than thinly veiled post-hoc rationales to deflect from the discriminatory impact of the policy.
” The decision on Dec. 16 favored the four plaintiffs , who filed suit against a 2016 policy change from the Ohio Department of Health that instituted the prohibition under then-Gov .
John Kasich , CNN reported .
TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Report The American Civil Liberties Union celebrated the ruling , tweeting , “ VICTORY !
A federal court has struck down Ohio ’ s anti-trans birth certificate policy.
” “ Trans people are the experts on our own genders , lives , and needs .
We will keep fighting until we get rid of all discriminatory and burdensome requirements for ID changes around the country.
” “ Finally , transgender people from Ohio will be able to correct their birth certificates so that this necessary identity document is consistent with their gender identities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the pro-LGBT Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund , said .
“ Accurate birth certificates are essential .
They are foundational to our ability to access a variety of benefits such as employment and housing , and to navigate the world freely and safely , as who we truly are.
” Inglehart is right about the purpose of birth certificates , but her conclusion is wrong when twisted to favor changing the document to suit someone ’ s chosen identity .
For instance , being classified as female on a birth certificate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to compete in female sports , attend an all-girls ’ school , use female bathrooms and locker rooms , be admitted to a women ’ s shelter for domestic abuse victims and even end up in a women ’ s correctional facility if arrested .
Women in all of those scenarios would now be at the mercy of any man who decided to bother with changing his birth certificate to gain access .
RELATED : Judge Rules Convicted Rapist Has Right to Taxpayer-Funded Sex Change , Spot in Women 's Prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex on a birth certificate becomes impossible and makes the document completely irrelevant .
Even more troubling than these practical ramifications , however , is what this madness means for society .
Leftists always scream about how much they believe in science while they seem to care very little about it in any context that doesn ’ t support their twisted agenda .
Their disregard for science or even the most basic objective reality is what ’ s disturbing .
If people can change the way their births are recorded because of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then truth is meaningless .
Once they ’ ve won the right to change their gender on a birth certificate , why not change their birth date to reflect how young someone feels rather than their real age ?
If a grown man is attracted to children , he could certainly identify as an 13-year-old and make his molestation of a teenage girl a non-issue .
That may sound crazy , but so does changing the sex designation on an official form — or at least it should to anyone interested in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no longer based in reality , and it ’ s hard to find common ground or discuss issues rationally if the other side is all make-believe wishes .
Although disguised as a move toward civil rights , changing the sex on people ’ s birth certificates is really a move toward literal insanity .
If a country divided over political issues seems hard enough to keep together , what will become of a nation that can ’ t even agree on objective reality ?
The answer is it won ’ t , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the collapse of Western civilization .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Radical gender ideology is a harbinger of the fall of Western civilization.
If that sounds overly dramatic, consider that Tennessee is the only remaining state that doesn’t allow individuals who identify as a gender other than their sex to “correct” their birth certificate to the lie they’re living.
Tennessee became the last holdout after the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio struck down an attempt to preserve the Buckeye State’s rule against changing the sex designation on the official document, Mahoning Matters reported.
Despite Ohio’s cogent argument that changing birth certificates would compromise the record-keeping and historical purposes of the document, Judge Michael Watson, a President George W. Bush appointee, called Ohio’s arguments “nothing more than thinly veiled post-hoc rationales to deflect from the discriminatory impact of the policy.”
The decision on Dec. 16 favored the four plaintiffs, who filed suit against a 2016 policy change from the Ohio Department of Health that instituted the prohibition under then-Gov. John Kasich, CNN reported.
The American Civil Liberties Union celebrated the ruling, tweeting, “VICTORY! A federal court has struck down Ohio’s anti-trans birth certificate policy.”
“Trans people are the experts on our own genders, lives, and needs. We will keep fighting until we get rid of all discriminatory and burdensome requirements for ID changes around the country.”
VICTORY! A federal court has struck down Ohio’s anti-trans birth certificate policy. Trans people are the experts on our own genders, lives, and needs. We will keep fighting until we get rid of all discriminatory and burdensome requirements for ID changes around the country. — ACLU (@ACLU) December 16, 2020
“Finally, transgender people from Ohio will be able to correct their birth certificates so that this necessary identity document is consistent with their gender identities,” Kara Inglehart, staff attorney at the pro-LGBT Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, said.
“Accurate birth certificates are essential. They are foundational to our ability to access a variety of benefits such as employment and housing, and to navigate the world freely and safely, as who we truly are.”
Inglehart is right about the purpose of birth certificates, but her conclusion is wrong when twisted to favor changing the document to suit someone’s chosen identity.
For instance, being classified as female on a birth certificate despite being male means that man would be able to compete in female sports, attend an all-girls’ school, use female bathrooms and locker rooms, be admitted to a women’s shelter for domestic abuse victims and even end up in a women’s correctional facility if arrested.
Women in all of those scenarios would now be at the mercy of any man who decided to bother with changing his birth certificate to gain access.
Suddenly, verifying the individual’s sex on a birth certificate becomes impossible and makes the document completely irrelevant.
Even more troubling than these practical ramifications, however, is what this madness means for society.
Leftists always scream about how much they believe in science while they seem to care very little about it in any context that doesn’t support their twisted agenda.
Their disregard for science or even the most basic objective reality is what’s disturbing. If people can change the way their births are recorded because of how they feel about themselves later in life, then truth is meaningless.
Once they’ve won the right to change their gender on a birth certificate, why not change their birth date to reflect how young someone feels rather than their real age?
If a grown man is attracted to children, he could certainly identify as an 13-year-old and make his molestation of a teenage girl a non-issue.
That may sound crazy, but so does changing the sex designation on an official form — or at least it should to anyone interested in reality.
There views of the left are no longer based in reality, and it’s hard to find common ground or discuss issues rationally if the other side is all make-believe wishes.
Although disguised as a move toward civil rights, changing the sex on people’s birth certificates is really a move toward literal insanity.
If a country divided over political issues seems hard enough to keep together, what will become of a nation that can’t even agree on objective reality?
The answer is it won’t, and this move is one step closer to the collapse of Western civilization.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-23--Joe Biden Issues Dark COVID Warning Even with Vaccine Rollout

Even when it seems like Joe Biden can ’ t make things look any worse , he does .
Looking beyond the still-contested presidential election to actually being sworn into office , the former vice president took to a stage in Wilmington , Delaware , on Tuesday to warn his countrymen and women that they ’ ve nothing to look forward to in the foreseeable future when it comes to the coronavirus crisis .
This is pretty much exactly what Americans don ’ t need to hear as the new year of 2021 beckons .
Some might remember way back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ flatten-the-curve ” situation , with two weeks of shutdowns expected to make sure the coronavirus didn ’ t overwhelm the medical system .
Now , a man who ’ s at least pretending to the presidency is making speeches that raise the specter of nationwide lockdowns — exactly the kind that aren ’ t working so well now in California and other Democratic-run states .
Biden and his boot-lickers in the establishment media tried to play it off as a politician leveling with the public , but for conservative critics , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRENDING : Pelosi Reveals Her Bizarre Plan To Get Trump Out of the White House : Report “ One thing I promise you about my leadership during this crisis : I ’ m going to tell it to you straight .
I ’ m going to tell you the truth .
And here ’ s the simple truth : Our darkest days in the battle against COVID are ahead of us , not behind us , ” Biden said , according to Fox News .
“ As frustrating as it is to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patience , persistence and determination to beat this virus , ” Biden said .
“ There will be no time to waste in taking the steps we need to turn this crisis around.
” Maybe it ’ s escaped the doddering Democrat ’ s notice , but the current White House resident , President Donald Trump , has already taken a considerable number of those steps we need to “ turn this crisis around.
” It ’ s thanks in large part to Trump ’ s Operation Warp Speed — and over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but two vaccinations have received emergency use authorization for the coronavirus that ’ s plagued the world and global economies since apparently being unleashed by China in late 2019 .
That ’ s a bona fide reason for at least some optimism in the dwindling days of December 2020 , but acknowledging that might actually raise American expectations for the future .
And above all else , Biden and his supporters don ’ t want to raise expectations .
Any prospective Biden presidency is going to have a tough enough time meeting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even leaving aside the growing scandal surrounding Biden ’ s son Hunter and the mounting evidence that the former vice president himself is almost certainly corrupt , any honest appraisal would have to conclude that Biden simply doesn ’ t have a lot to offer that his country needs , or wants .
After all , this is a lifelong political hack whose career was probably best summed up by former Defense Secretary Robert Gates as having been ” wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential prospect whose time on the campaign trail was ludicrously limited , ostensibly by fears of the coronavirus but much more likely by aides petrified that the gaffe machine that is Joe Biden would finally say something so over the top that even an establishment media devoted to ousting Trump from the White House wouldn ’ t be able to cover it up .
It ’ s safe to say not even Trump ’ s biggest haters have very high expectations of a potential Biden presidency as a good thing for the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realistically is a bigger slice of the grievance pie for themselves and their particular tribe – whether that ’ s defined by race , sex , sexuality or some other put-upon sector of the population .
But Biden is aiming lower anyway .
As Twitchy pointed out , Biden was singing a different tune in late October , when he vowed in a Twitter post to “ shut down the virus , not the country.
” Conservative author and radio and TV host Mark Levin has an explanation for the change that matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but also with intelligent observation of the senator-turned-vice-president-turned-potential president : “ 1 .
Joe Biden wants you to think our darkest days are before us so if he slithers into the Oval Office he will abuse his powers in the name of a medical emergency ; and when the Trump vaccines wind up saving millions , Biden will claim his brilliant leadership saved the day , ” Levin wrote .
“ 2 .
Biden is and always has been a fraud and empty suit .
“ As usual in the social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but he had plenty of supporters too .
That last tweet just about sums up any realistic expectations of a potential Biden presidency , but it ’ s likely much too optimistic : “ The only thing he can do now is screw it up — and he will — not in huge ways.
” It ’ s a pretty good rule of political life that committed liberals , or politicians beholden to committed liberals , can and will screw up in precise proportion to the power they wield .
Rep. Alexandria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vocal and just as annoying , but realistically speaking , it weren ’ t for the fact that she ’ s a good deal more physically attractive than , say , Jerry Nadler , she ’ d be ignored .
She ’ s basically a nonentity where real power is concerned .
She can say a lot , but she can ’ t screw up much ( at the moment ) .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , on the other hand , is in a position of enormous power , and one where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do enormous wrong to the entire country — the Obamacare disaster that passed during her speakership in the 111th Congress and her leadership of the impeachment fraud at the end of 2019 going into 2020 , to name just two .
In the post of president , Biden would essentially be hostage to a Democratic left wing longing for the day when the radical Kamala Harris might step into Biden ’ s shoes .
He ’ s in a position to do unspeakable harm to the American political system — if only by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his party .
Should Democrats pull off upsets in the Georgia Senate runoff elections on Jan. 5 , and should Biden in fact accede to the presidency later that month , the United States will be in for dark , dark days indeed , and they ’ ll have nothing to do with the coronavirus .
Because even if it ’ ll look like Joe Biden couldn ’ t make things worse , he will .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

Even when it seems like Joe Biden can’t make things look any worse, he does.
Looking beyond the still-contested presidential election to actually being sworn into office, the former vice president took to a stage in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday to warn his countrymen and women that they’ve nothing to look forward to in the foreseeable future when it comes to the coronavirus crisis.
This is pretty much exactly what Americans don’t need to hear as the new year of 2021 beckons. Some might remember way back when the coronavirus crisis was just a “flatten-the-curve” situation, with two weeks of shutdowns expected to make sure the coronavirus didn’t overwhelm the medical system.
Now, a man who’s at least pretending to the presidency is making speeches that raise the specter of nationwide lockdowns — exactly the kind that aren’t working so well now in California and other Democratic-run states.
Biden and his boot-lickers in the establishment media tried to play it off as a politician leveling with the public, but for conservative critics, it came across as something different entirely.
“One thing I promise you about my leadership during this crisis: I’m going to tell it to you straight. I’m going to tell you the truth. And here’s the simple truth: Our darkest days in the battle against COVID are ahead of us, not behind us,” Biden said, according to Fox News.
“As frustrating as it is to hear, it’s going to take patience, persistence and determination to beat this virus,” Biden said. “There will be no time to waste in taking the steps we need to turn this crisis around.”
Maybe it’s escaped the doddering Democrat’s notice, but the current White House resident, President Donald Trump, has already taken a considerable number of those steps we need to “turn this crisis around.”
It’s thanks in large part to Trump’s Operation Warp Speed — and over the skepticism of liberals — that not one but two vaccinations have received emergency use authorization for the coronavirus that’s plagued the world and global economies since apparently being unleashed by China in late 2019.
Do you think vaccinations will end the coronavirus crisis in 2021? 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: 42% (864 Votes) No: 58% (1202 Votes)
That’s a bona fide reason for at least some optimism in the dwindling days of December 2020, but acknowledging that might actually raise American expectations for the future. And above all else, Biden and his supporters don’t want to raise expectations.
Any prospective Biden presidency is going to have a tough enough time meeting the dismal ones that are in place now.
Even leaving aside the growing scandal surrounding Biden’s son Hunter and the mounting evidence that the former vice president himself is almost certainly corrupt, any honest appraisal would have to conclude that Biden simply doesn’t have a lot to offer that his country needs, or wants.
After all, this is a lifelong political hack whose career was probably best summed up by former Defense Secretary Robert Gates as having been ”wrong on nearly every major foreign policy and national security issue over the past four decades.”
This is a presidential prospect whose time on the campaign trail was ludicrously limited, ostensibly by fears of the coronavirus but much more likely by aides petrified that the gaffe machine that is Joe Biden would finally say something so over the top that even an establishment media devoted to ousting Trump from the White House wouldn’t be able to cover it up.
(They knew they didn’t have to worry about something as routine as, say, a sexual assault allegation that could be buried. But they had real reason to wonder what Biden would do to himself.)
It’s safe to say not even Trump’s biggest haters have very high expectations of a potential Biden presidency as a good thing for the country. The best they can hope for realistically is a bigger slice of the grievance pie for themselves and their particular tribe – whether that’s defined by race, sex, sexuality or some other put-upon sector of the population.
But Biden is aiming lower anyway.
As Twitchy pointed out, Biden was singing a different tune in late October, when he vowed in a Twitter post to “shut down the virus, not the country.”
Conservative author and radio and TV host Mark Levin has an explanation for the change that matches perfectly with tenor of the Biden campaign, but also with intelligent observation of the senator-turned-vice-president-turned-potential president:
1. Joe Biden wants you to think our darkest days are before us so if he slithers into the Oval Office he will abuse his powers in the name of a medical emergency; and when the Trump vaccines wind up saving millions, Biden will claim his brilliant leadership saved the day. — Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) December 23, 2020
2. Biden is and always has been a fraud and empty suit.https://t.co/RN6opV3fP2 — Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) December 23, 2020
“1. Joe Biden wants you to think our darkest days are before us so if he slithers into the Oval Office he will abuse his powers in the name of a medical emergency; and when the Trump vaccines wind up saving millions, Biden will claim his brilliant leadership saved the day,” Levin wrote.
“2. Biden is and always has been a fraud and empty suit. “
As usual in the social media world, liberals swarmed to attack Levin, but he had plenty of supporters too.
If he gets in office it will be Americas darkest days — We the People (@justadeployable) December 23, 2020
Also, when his policies fail, he will claim that things would be much darker if he had not implemented them. That he would claim it is almost as sad as the fact that others would believe and repeat the claim, or repeat it even though they see it for a lie. — David Lindstrom (@DLandTheBeard) December 23, 2020
Honestly, all he has to do now is “nothing” for 6 months, when the vaccines have snuffed out the pandemic, & the economy will be roaring. Then take credit for being a genius. The only thing he can do is screw it up – and he will – not in huge ways, but he’ll screw things up — Squiddy McCephalopod (@squiddy61) December 23, 2020
That last tweet just about sums up any realistic expectations of a potential Biden presidency, but it’s likely much too optimistic:
“The only thing he can do now is screw it up — and he will — not in huge ways.”
It’s a pretty good rule of political life that committed liberals, or politicians beholden to committed liberals, can and will screw up in precise proportion to the power they wield.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, for instance, is extremely vocal and just as annoying, but realistically speaking, it weren’t for the fact that she’s a good deal more physically attractive than, say, Jerry Nadler, she’d be ignored. She’s basically a nonentity where real power is concerned. She can say a lot, but she can’t screw up much (at the moment).
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, on the other hand, is in a position of enormous power, and one where she’s used it repeatedly to do enormous wrong to the entire country — the Obamacare disaster that passed during her speakership in the 111th Congress and her leadership of the impeachment fraud at the end of 2019 going into 2020, to name just two.
In the post of president, Biden would essentially be hostage to a Democratic left wing longing for the day when the radical Kamala Harris might step into Biden’s shoes. He’s in a position to do unspeakable harm to the American political system — if only by going along with the wilder elements of his party.
Should Democrats pull off upsets in the Georgia Senate runoff elections on Jan. 5, and should Biden in fact accede to the presidency later that month, the United States will be in for dark, dark days indeed, and they’ll have nothing to do with the coronavirus.
Because even if it’ll look like Joe Biden couldn’t make things worse, he will.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.