westernjournal--2020-04-22--California City’s Attempt To Thwart Kids by Dumping Sand in Skatepark Backfires When Dirt Bike Rider

California City’s Attempt To Thwart Kids by Dumping Sand in Skatepark Backfires When Dirt Bike Riders Show Up

One California city ’ s attempt to keep kids from gathering in a skatepark by dumping sand into it backfired when dirt bike riders showed up to take advantage of the new dirt park .
San Clemente city officials had closed the skatepark to try and make sure skateboarders obeyed state and local social-distancing restrictions , but quickly noticed that the “ no trespassing ” signs were being ignored , KUSI News reported .
“ On April 1 , we kind of let it play out to see if users would abide by the closure , ” Samantha Wylie , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Beaches , Parks and Recreation Department , told the San Clemente Times .
“ During that [ two-week period ] , we saw people continue to skate the park , groups would gather , kids with their parents ; it became a regular [ occurrence ] .
It appeared the closure was not abided by.
” To try and enforce social-distancing measures at the park , the city decided on April 13 to dump 37 tons of sand into the park .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't Care Less About Us “ The sand was what other agencies were doing , ” Wylie said .
“ We ’ re doing what other parks have done to enforce that message of social distancing , ” she added .
The city had chosen sand because , unlike fencing and security , it was not expensive and the city is confident it won ’ t damage the park .
“ The sand , it cost us nothing to put in , [ and ] it ’ ll cost us nothing to remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city ’ s actions have drawn criticism from the community , especially from the San Clemente Skatepark Coalition , which has raised money in the past to support the park .
“ There ’ s a lot of people within our community who have put a lot of time and money , personal money … to the skatepark , ” coalition president Stephanie Aguilar told the San Clemente Times .
“ That visual representation of the city dumping sand into the skatepark , it almost feels like , when you look at it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I think it pains people to see it.
” Local skateboarders were also not pleased by the city ’ s actions .
RELATED : Mayor Who Resigned After Comparing Trump Supporters to KKK Members Dies in Crash “ We ’ ve been coming here for 15 years and now the city officials have taken the one thing we love to do , away , ” Steve Haring told KUSI .
“ This is our home and this is where we exercise .
We ’ re able to social distance while also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has kept some skateboarders away , dirt bikers have made the park their own .
He shared a video on social media of his dirt bike group taking advantage of the sand : Ericsson said as soon as a skateboarder showed up , the bikers helped him dig out the skatepark so he could do some “ social shredding ” of his own .
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Read our editorial standards .

One California city’s attempt to keep kids from gathering in a skatepark by dumping sand into it backfired when dirt bike riders showed up to take advantage of the new dirt park.
San Clemente city officials had closed the skatepark to try and make sure skateboarders obeyed state and local social-distancing restrictions, but quickly noticed that the “no trespassing” signs were being ignored, KUSI News reported.
“On April 1, we kind of let it play out to see if users would abide by the closure,” Samantha Wylie, the city’s recreation manager for the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department, told the San Clemente Times.
“During that [two-week period], we saw people continue to skate the park, groups would gather, kids with their parents; it became a regular [occurrence]. It appeared the closure was not abided by.”
To try and enforce social-distancing measures at the park, the city decided on April 13 to dump 37 tons of sand into the park.
“The sand was what other agencies were doing,” Wylie said.
“We’re doing what other parks have done to enforce that message of social distancing,” she added.
The city had chosen sand because, unlike fencing and security, it was not expensive and the city is confident it won’t damage the park.
“The sand, it cost us nothing to put in, [and] it’ll cost us nothing to remove it,” Wylie said.
Do you think the city went too far by dumping sand in the park? Yes No
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The city’s actions have drawn criticism from the community, especially from the San Clemente Skatepark Coalition, which has raised money in the past to support the park.
“There’s a lot of people within our community who have put a lot of time and money, personal money … to the skatepark,” coalition president Stephanie Aguilar told the San Clemente Times.
“That visual representation of the city dumping sand into the skatepark, it almost feels like, when you look at it, the city vandalized its own park, and I think it pains people to see it.”
Local skateboarders were also not pleased by the city’s actions.
“We’ve been coming here for 15 years and now the city officials have taken the one thing we love to do, away,” Steve Haring told KUSI.
“This is our home and this is where we exercise. We’re able to social distance while also seeing our friends.”
Although the sand has kept some skateboarders away, dirt bikers have made the park their own.
“It’s a big joke,” dirt biker Connor Ericsson said.
He shared a video on social media of his dirt bike group taking advantage of the sand:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_LuHaIFL_k/
Ericsson said as soon as a skateboarder showed up, the bikers helped him dig out the skatepark so he could do some “social shredding” of his own.
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--Trump Calls for Harvard To Return Coronavirus Relief Money, University Responds

President Donald Trump called for Harvard University to return the funds it received under the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act , but the university said that it had received the funds fairly and allocated them to provide assistance for its students .
The back and forth between the president and the university began during Tuesday ’ s coronavirus task force media briefing .
“ Harvard is going to pay back the money .
And they shouldn ’ t be taking it , ” Trump said .
“ I ’ m not going to mention any other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they have a — one of the largest endowments anywhere in the country , maybe in the world , I guess .
And they ’ re going to pay back that money.
” “ They shouldn ’ t have taken it , ” he added .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the intent of the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act was to help struggling small businesses , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to capital.
” “ And not for Harvard , you might say , Steve , ” Trump said .
In a statement Tuesday night , a Harvard spokesman said that the nearly $ 9 million the university received came from the CARES Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and not the PPP .
“ Harvard did not apply for , nor has it received any funds through the U.S. Small Administration ’ s Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses , ” Harvard spokesman Jason Newton said , according to Fox News .
“ Reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is right that it would not have been appropriate for our institution to receive funds that were designated for struggling small businesses.
” The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund includes $ 14 billion in aid for universities and at least 50 percent of the money received needs to be allocated to financial aid for students .
Newton said that Harvard is using “ 100 percent of these emergency higher education funds ” for financial assistance for its students .
“ This financial assistance will be on top of the support the University has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with travel , providing direct aid for living expenses to those with need , and supporting students ’ transition to online education , ” he said .
Trump fired back on Twitter , criticizing the university for taking the money even though it had an endowment of approximately $ 41 billion as of June 2019 .
RELATED : Police Union President Comes Out Firing Against 'Draconian ' Mask Order “ Harvard should give back the money now , ” Trump tweeted .
“ Their whole ‘ endowment ’ system should be looked at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university to receive money through the CARES Act Trump signed into law last month .
Based on the allocation formula released by the Department of Education , the schools with the largest student populations will receive the most money , Forbes reported .
Arizona State University received the largest allocation because it has 83,000 students , 40,000 of which are low-income students , according to The New York Times .
The amount of money Harvard received was comparable to other Ivy League schools .
Cornell and Columbia received about $ 12.8 million each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump called for Harvard University to return the funds it received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, but the university said that it had received the funds fairly and allocated them to provide assistance for its students.
The back and forth between the president and the university began during Tuesday’s coronavirus task force media briefing.
“Harvard is going to pay back the money. And they shouldn’t be taking it,” Trump said.
“I’m not going to mention any other names, but when I saw Harvard, they have a — one of the largest endowments anywhere in the country, maybe in the world, I guess. And they’re going to pay back that money.”
“They shouldn’t have taken it,” he added.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the intent of the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act was to help struggling small businesses, not “big public companies that have access to capital.”
“And not for Harvard, you might say, Steve,” Trump said.
In a statement Tuesday night, a Harvard spokesman said that the nearly $9 million the university received came from the CARES Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and not the PPP.
“Harvard did not apply for, nor has it received any funds through the U.S. Small Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses,” Harvard spokesman Jason Newton said, according to Fox News.
Do you think Harvard should give back the money? Yes No
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“Reports saying otherwise are inaccurate. President Trump is right that it would not have been appropriate for our institution to receive funds that were designated for struggling small businesses.”
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund includes $14 billion in aid for universities and at least 50 percent of the money received needs to be allocated to financial aid for students.
Newton said that Harvard is using “100 percent of these emergency higher education funds” for financial assistance for its students.
“This financial assistance will be on top of the support the University has already provided to students — including assistance with travel, providing direct aid for living expenses to those with need, and supporting students’ transition to online education,” he said.
Trump fired back on Twitter, criticizing the university for taking the money even though it had an endowment of approximately $41 billion as of June 2019.
“Harvard should give back the money now,” Trump tweeted. “Their whole ‘endowment’ system should be looked at!”
Harvard should give back the money now. Their whole “endowment” system should be looked at! https://t.co/LcjOcsnCWT — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2020
Harvard was not the only university to receive money through the CARES Act Trump signed into law last month.
Based on the allocation formula released by the Department of Education, the schools with the largest student populations will receive the most money, Forbes reported.
Arizona State University received the largest allocation because it has 83,000 students, 40,000 of which are low-income students, according to The New York Times.
The amount of money Harvard received was comparable to other Ivy League schools. Cornell and Columbia received about $12.8 million each and Yale received $6.8 million.
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--Days After Trump Cut WHO Funding, Michelle Helped Raise $55 Million for Incompetent Globalist Org

If you ever wanted a study in contrasts , witness President Donald Trump vs. Michelle Obama .
Days after the president halted U.S. funding for the World Health Organization , the former first lady decided to help raise money for the WHO .
To be fair , it wasn ’ t just Michelle Obama .
Former first lady Laura Bush — also from a family that ’ s not a fan of Trump — joined her in helping raise funds for Global Citizen , the nongovernmental organization that put on the “ Together at Home ” virtual concert this past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donating a big chunk of the proceeds to the WHO .
“ Following One World : Together At Home , a historic global broadcasting event , Global Citizen together with Lady Gaga , announced $ 127 million in commitments to date in support of health care workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic , ” a news release from Global Citizen read .
According to the release , $ 55.1 million was set to go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO , and $ 72.8 million is being allocated for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us “ World leaders , corporate partners and philanthropists announced their support for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO , powered by the UN Foundation , during the One World : Together At Home global broadcast event .
Donations to the fund will also support the vaccine development alliance Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations ( CEPI ) and UNICEF , ” it continued .
“ The Together At Home effort will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charities that will also receive funds , including Education Can not Wait , Direct Care , Feeding America and United Way , among others .
Changemakers , investors , and foundation leaders came together to contribute quickly to related efforts , like strengthening health care systems and investing in vaccine development.
” And here was a video featuring Michelle Obama and Laura Bush : “ We ’ ve had the profound privilege of getting to know you and your families .
Your hopes , your struggles and your triumphs , ” Obama said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be easy , but this global family of ours is strong .
We will continue to be here for one another and we will get through this crisis together .
Thank you.
” “ The spirit and courage of the American people is most evident in times of crisis , and during this period of physical separation , we ’ ve never been closer .
Not just in our great country , but tonight we stand with the people of the world , ” Bush added .
Both thanked first responders and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which were sympathies we could disagree with .
Instead , our disagreement would be with the fact that they were helping to raise money for the World Health Organization — a bumbling , incompetent organization which covered for China despite the fact the Chinese government hid human-to-human transmission , despite the fact that they silenced whistleblower doctors and despite the fact that they ’ ve demanded everyone praise them for doing an awful job .
RELATED : Trump Links Weinstein to Michelle Obama in Reaction to Conviction To paraphrase Lizzo , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Home ” concert : Why dictatorial superpowers great ’ till they got ta be great ?
In all fairness , it ’ s not as if the former first ladies were alone .
Here were some of the non-Lizzo headliners of “ Together at Home ” who you ’ ve probably heard of .
For the parents , there were performers like Elton John , the Rolling Stones , Billy Ray Cyrus , Celine Dion , Michael Buble and Stevie Wonder .
For the kids , there was Billie Eilish , Sam Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ellie Goulding .
For the kids who hang out at record stores and read Pitchfork : Burna Boy , Kacey Musgraves , Christine and the Queens , and Black Coffee .
Here ’ s the thing with those bands , though : None of those performers are first ladies .
Michelle Obama and Laura Bush were willing to lend their imprimatur to an incompetent global organization that was willing to shill for China .
At the same time , Trump was willing to defund that organization for being willing to shill for China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better job standing up to China ?
Not so much of a spoiler alert here : President Trump .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If you ever wanted a study in contrasts, witness President Donald Trump vs. Michelle Obama.
Days after the president halted U.S. funding for the World Health Organization, the former first lady decided to help raise money for the WHO.
To be fair, it wasn’t just Michelle Obama. Former first lady Laura Bush — also from a family that’s not a fan of Trump — joined her in helping raise funds for Global Citizen, the nongovernmental organization that put on the “Together at Home” virtual concert this past weekend, and which said it was donating a big chunk of the proceeds to the WHO.
“Following One World: Together At Home, a historic global broadcasting event, Global Citizen together with Lady Gaga, announced $127 million in commitments to date in support of health care workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” a news release from Global Citizen read.
According to the release, $55.1 million was set to go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, and $72.8 million is being allocated for “local and regional responders.”
“World leaders, corporate partners and philanthropists announced their support for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, powered by the UN Foundation, during the One World: Together At Home global broadcast event. Donations to the fund will also support the vaccine development alliance Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and UNICEF,” it continued.
“The Together At Home effort will also aid over 100 additional local and regional charities that will also receive funds, including Education Cannot Wait, Direct Care, Feeding America and United Way, among others. Changemakers, investors, and foundation leaders came together to contribute quickly to related efforts, like strengthening health care systems and investing in vaccine development.”
And here was a video featuring Michelle Obama and Laura Bush:
Thank you to all the essential workers who are getting up every day and risking their lives on our behalf. @LauraWBush and I were honored to show our support for their heroic efforts during tonight’s @GlblCtzn’s One World: #TogetherAtHome Special. https://t.co/Q3saUkv36h — Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) April 19, 2020
“We’ve had the profound privilege of getting to know you and your families. Your hopes, your struggles and your triumphs,” Obama said.
“The coming days will not be easy, but this global family of ours is strong. We will continue to be here for one another and we will get through this crisis together. Thank you.”
“The spirit and courage of the American people is most evident in times of crisis, and during this period of physical separation, we’ve never been closer. Not just in our great country, but tonight we stand with the people of the world,” Bush added.
Both thanked first responders and those on the front lines — neither of which were sympathies we could disagree with.
Instead, our disagreement would be with the fact that they were helping to raise money for the World Health Organization — a bumbling, incompetent organization which covered for China despite the fact the Chinese government hid human-to-human transmission, despite the fact that they silenced whistleblower doctors and despite the fact that they’ve demanded everyone praise them for doing an awful job.
To paraphrase Lizzo, one of the headliners of the “Together at Home” concert: Why dictatorial superpowers great ’till they gotta be great?
In all fairness, it’s not as if the former first ladies were alone.
Here were some of the non-Lizzo headliners of “Together at Home” who you’ve probably heard of.
Is defunding the WHO the right move? Yes No
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For the parents, there were performers like Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Billy Ray Cyrus, Celine Dion, Michael Buble and Stevie Wonder. For the kids, there was Billie Eilish, Sam Smith, Camila Cabello, Lady Gaga and Ellie Goulding. For the kids who hang out at record stores and read Pitchfork: Burna Boy, Kacey Musgraves, Christine and the Queens, and Black Coffee.
?BIG NEWS: We’ve just announced MORE ARTISTS for One World: #TogetherAtHome, including @JLo, @Oprah, @taylorswift13, and more. Tune in on April 18 to join the fight against the COVID-19 crisis: https://t.co/UiNeGUFpKd pic.twitter.com/cIcDu6zsTd — Global Citizen (@GlblCtzn) April 14, 2020
Here’s the thing with those bands, though: None of those performers are first ladies.
Michelle Obama and Laura Bush were willing to lend their imprimatur to an incompetent global organization that was willing to shill for China.
At the same time, Trump was willing to defund that organization for being willing to shill for China.
Which one do you think did a better job standing up to China?
Not so much of a spoiler alert here: President Trump.
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Just Another Day

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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--2020-04-22--Report: US Intelligence Says Chinese Agents Attempted To Stoke Coronavirus Panic via Social Media

U.S. intelligence officials believe that agents of the Chinese government helped boost fake claims through social media and text messages last month aimed at stoking panic about nationwide lockdowns over the coronavirus pandemic , according to a report from The New York Times .
The newspaper cited six intelligence officials , all in different agencies , who said Chinese agents helped spread messages claiming that the Trump administration was planning to impose curfews and would deploy troops to prevent widespread looting and rioting .
The officials are keenly interested in the operation because many of the messages were circulated through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times that they do not believe that Chinese operatives created the messages but helped spread them .
The messages , which circulated widely in mid-March , included vague claims of draconian nationwide lockdowns citing sources from the Pentagon , National Security Council or FBI .
Some urged recipients to take money out of their bank accounts and fill up on gas ahead of the purported lockdowns .
“ They will announce this as soon as they have troops in place to help prevent looters and rioters , ” read one message cited by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got the call last night and was told to pack and be prepared for the call today with his dispatch orders.
” “ Just a heads up , ” read one message received by The Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ Just got word from a friend who works for the FBI and National Security Council advising the president .
She says that tomorrow POTUS will announce a ‘ Stage 1 ’ government Lockdown.
” “ It will most likely be a domestic flight ban , and/or mandatory curfew.
” “ She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and its probably best to get some serious groceries before the afternoon announcement tomorrow.
” The Trump administration has offered guidelines urging Americans to curtail social gatherings and nonessential business activities but has not ended domestic flights or imposed curfews .
The National Security Council responded to the viral messages on March 15 , calling them “ FAKE.
” RELATED : Russia , China , Iran Acting in Tandem To Paint COVID-19 as an American Bioweapon , State Dept .
Suggests According to The Times , U.S. officials said that the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messaging platforms to circulate the messages .
One senior American official told the paper that intelligence officers were looking into whether Chinese diplomats in the U.S. helped disseminate the fake messages .
Zhao Lijian , the spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry , declined comment when asked about China ’ s possible involvement in the fake messages .
“ The relevant statements are complete nonsense and not worth refuting , ” he told The Times .
The Chinese government has also spread propaganda from its diplomats and government-controlled media outlets deflecting blame for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wuhan in mid-November 2019 .
Zhao got in on the act last month , tweeting that the “ US military brought the epidemic to Wuhan.
” A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

U.S. intelligence officials believe that agents of the Chinese government helped boost fake claims through social media and text messages last month aimed at stoking panic about nationwide lockdowns over the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report from The New York Times.
The newspaper cited six intelligence officials, all in different agencies, who said Chinese agents helped spread messages claiming that the Trump administration was planning to impose curfews and would deploy troops to prevent widespread looting and rioting.
The officials are keenly interested in the operation because many of the messages were circulated through text messages.
Two officials told The Times that they do not believe that Chinese operatives created the messages but helped spread them.
The messages, which circulated widely in mid-March, included vague claims of draconian nationwide lockdowns citing sources from the Pentagon, National Security Council or FBI.
Some urged recipients to take money out of their bank accounts and fill up on gas ahead of the purported lockdowns.
“They will announce this as soon as they have troops in place to help prevent looters and rioters,” read one message cited by The Times. “He said he got the call last night and was told to pack and be prepared for the call today with his dispatch orders.”
“Just a heads up,” read one message received by The Daily Caller News Foundation. “Just got word from a friend who works for the FBI and National Security Council advising the president. She says that tomorrow POTUS will announce a ‘Stage 1’ government Lockdown.”
“It will most likely be a domestic flight ban, and/or mandatory curfew.”
Has the Chinese government's recent behavior made you avoid products made in China? 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: 97% (465 Votes) No: 3% (15 Votes)
“She said things are going to be crazy tomorrow, and its probably best to get some serious groceries before the afternoon announcement tomorrow.”
The Trump administration has offered guidelines urging Americans to curtail social gatherings and nonessential business activities but has not ended domestic flights or imposed curfews.
The National Security Council responded to the viral messages on March 15, calling them “FAKE.”
Text message rumors of a national #quarantine are FAKE. There is no national lockdown. @CDCgov has and will continue to post the latest guidance on #COVID19. #coronavirus — NSC (@WHNSC) March 16, 2020
According to The Times, U.S. officials said that the Chinese agents likely used WhatsApp and other encrypted messaging platforms to circulate the messages.
One senior American official told the paper that intelligence officers were looking into whether Chinese diplomats in the U.S. helped disseminate the fake messages.
Zhao Lijian, the spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, declined comment when asked about China’s possible involvement in the fake messages.
“The relevant statements are complete nonsense and not worth refuting,” he told The Times.
The Chinese government has also spread propaganda from its diplomats and government-controlled media outlets deflecting blame for the coronavirus pandemic, which originated in Wuhan in mid-November 2019.
Zhao got in on the act last month, tweeting that the “US military brought the epidemic to Wuhan.”
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--2020-04-22--Media Spin Blames Coronavirus ‘Spike’ on Anti-Lockdown Protests

This is how the media spins a “ spike.
” With protests against the heavy-handed handling of the coronavirus crisis by state governments spreading across the country , media liberals decided to weigh in this week with the news that Kentucky ’ s governor had reported a sharp increase in coronavirus cases in the Bluegrass State .
And added a reminder that the rise followed a demonstration in the state capital by residents unhappy with lockdown orders .
The Hill headline said it all : TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For added emphasis , the words over The Hill ’ s story on Monday are written in foreboding black-on-white lettering : “ Kentucky sees highest spike in coronavirus cases after protests against lockdown.
” Other media outlets followed suit , including the U.K .
Independent and , sadly , even the normally reliable New York Post .
Naturally , the liberals at Newsweek got in on the act , too .
The implication , of course , is that the knuckle-dragging yokels in Kentucky , fired up about their rights and distrusting their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potentially fatal coronavirus by exercising their First Amendment rights .
The state has made enough news lately , what with Christians insisting on going to church on Easter and all .
Obviously , the barbarians were at the gate .
RELATED : Kentucky Church Arrives to Easter Services Greeted by Nails , Police in Parking Lot But the implication was misleading — to be charitable .
First of all , the protests in Frankfurt , Kentucky , took place on Wednesday and Friday , according to Fox News , and involved possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beshear , a Democrat , reported the rise in COVID-19 cases , the disease caused by the virus , at a news conference on Sunday .
Considering the incubation period for the coronavirus to go from infection to symptoms is generally understood to be 14 days , it ’ s unlikely that a protest on Wednesday involving a reported 100 demonstrators could account for the spike Beshear reported less than a week later .
And that doesn ’ t even count the days it would take for test results to come back .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in the “ spike ” wasn ’ t described , so there ’ s literally no way of knowing whether there was any connection — even coincidental — between the new cases and anyone who attended last week ’ s protest .
But details like that don ’ t make it into headlines .
And almost anyone seeing headlines that cover two events — a rise in coronavirus cases and a demonstration against coronavirus prevention efforts — would naturally draw the conclusion that the two are intertwined .
It ’ s impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t know that .
As the responses to The Hill tweet showed , a dismaying number of readers were happy to draw the conclusion that the headline conveyed .
Fortunately for the future of the Republic , though , many Americans are capable of applying a little more critical thinking to the information they ’ re being fed .
And in a social media world , as the conservative Twitter-watchdog website Twitchy.com pointed out Wednesday , they ’ re not shy about pointing out the real conclusions : “ Not even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of describing the mainstream media ’ s coverage of the coronavirus crisis – as an extension of its coverage of President Donald Trump ’ s entire time in office .
No intellectually honest consumer of modern news can believe that the mainstream media is presenting the facts fairly .
Whether it was the breathless , “ walls-are-closing-in ” coverage given to every meaningless twist in the Russia “ collusion ” investigation or the “ history-is-being-made ” false reverence that accompanied House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s impeachment sham , the news media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalistic profession in service to a political goal .
And as the bear-baiting nature of Trump ’ s daily news briefings has made clear , the figures in the American media that are as honestly interested in informing the American public as they are preening for publicity by attacking the president are too few , and too far between .
There ’ s no way to be certain yet whether the anti-lockdown protests are going to spread coronavirus infections .
It ’ s worth noting , though , not even the liberal USA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases in Wisconsin linked to the April 7 primary election there .
What is dismally certain , though , is that American journalism has compiled a pathetically poor record in recent years , and its handling of the coronavirus crisis isn ’ t helping .
The latest lesson in how to spin a “ spike ” is just another stake in journalism ’ s heart .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

This is how the media spins a “spike.”
With protests against the heavy-handed handling of the coronavirus crisis by state governments spreading across the country, media liberals decided to weigh in this week with the news that Kentucky’s governor had reported a sharp increase in coronavirus cases in the Bluegrass State.
And added a reminder that the rise followed a demonstration in the state capital by residents unhappy with lockdown orders.
The Hill headline said it all:
Kentucky sees highest spike in coronavirus cases after protests against lockdown https://t.co/wKLuB6OQyb pic.twitter.com/iPYKg0zIxy — The Hill (@thehill) April 21, 2020
For added emphasis, the words over The Hill’s story on Monday are written in foreboding black-on-white lettering: “Kentucky sees highest spike in coronavirus cases after protests against lockdown.”
Other media outlets followed suit, including the U.K. Independent and, sadly, even the normally reliable New York Post.
Naturally, the liberals at Newsweek got in on the act, too.
Kentucky reports highest coronavirus infection increase after a week of protests to reopen state https://t.co/rXC7hFkofZ — Newsweek (@Newsweek) April 20, 2020
The implication, of course, is that the knuckle-dragging yokels in Kentucky, fired up about their rights and distrusting their superiors in state government, were spreading the potentially fatal coronavirus by exercising their First Amendment rights.
The state has made enough news lately, what with Christians insisting on going to church on Easter and all.
Obviously, the barbarians were at the gate.
Usually in a totalitarian state they first shut down dissent, then they shut down religion. Gov. Beshear did it backwards, but still the same result. Kentuckians plan COVID-19 restrictions protest at the Capitol https://t.co/juAF3DvlLn — Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) April 17, 2020
But the implication was misleading — to be charitable.
First of all, the protests in Frankfurt, Kentucky, took place on Wednesday and Friday, according to Fox News, and involved possibly 100 demonstrators.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, reported the rise in COVID-19 cases, the disease caused by the virus, at a news conference on Sunday.
Considering the incubation period for the coronavirus to go from infection to symptoms is generally understood to be 14 days, it’s unlikely that a protest on Wednesday involving a reported 100 demonstrators could account for the spike Beshear reported less than a week later. And that doesn’t even count the days it would take for test results to come back.
Second, the makeup of the patients involved in the “spike” wasn’t described, so there’s literally no way of knowing whether there was any connection — even coincidental — between the new cases and anyone who attended last week’s protest.
Do you think most Americans trust the media to report coronavirus news accurately? Yes No
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But details like that don’t make it into headlines. And almost anyone seeing headlines that cover two events — a rise in coronavirus cases and a demonstration against coronavirus prevention efforts — would naturally draw the conclusion that the two are intertwined.
It’s impossible to believe the editors behind the headlines wouldn’t know that.
As the responses to The Hill tweet showed, a dismaying number of readers were happy to draw the conclusion that the headline conveyed. Fortunately for the future of the Republic, though, many Americans are capable of applying a little more critical thinking to the information they’re being fed.
And in a social media world, as the conservative Twitter-watchdog website Twitchy.com pointed out Wednesday, they’re not shy about pointing out the real conclusions:
Correlation is not causation, you morons. — Michael Walsh (@dkahanerules) April 21, 2020
The protests were last week. The incubation period is 10-14 days. You stretch the limits of credibility by attempting to contend a correlation. — InkyD (@inkyd62) April 21, 2020
An infection spike would follow a 14-21 day curve this isn’t even a good lie. — Nikkidarkangel (@YAlabaster) April 21, 2020
“Not even a good lie” is an excellent way of describing the mainstream media’s coverage of the coronavirus crisis – as an extension of its coverage of President Donald Trump’s entire time in office.
No intellectually honest consumer of modern news can believe that the mainstream media is presenting the facts fairly.
Whether it was the breathless, “walls-are-closing-in” coverage given to every meaningless twist in the Russia “collusion” investigation or the “history-is-being-made” false reverence that accompanied House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s impeachment sham, the news media has shamelessly betrayed the principles of the journalistic profession in service to a political goal.
And as the bear-baiting nature of Trump’s daily news briefings has made clear, the figures in the American media that are as honestly interested in informing the American public as they are preening for publicity by attacking the president are too few, and too far between.
There’s no way to be certain yet whether the anti-lockdown protests are going to spread coronavirus infections. It’s worth noting, though, not even the liberal USA Today has found any upsurge in coronavirus cases in Wisconsin linked to the April 7 primary election there.
(Seven cases have been reported among those who’ve acknowledged participating in the election as either a voter or a poll worker, according to The Associated Press. But the AP also reported that there’s no way of knowing if those infections were related to the primary, and seven cases out of about 19,000 voters wouldn’t be a “spike” by anyone’s definition.)
What is dismally certain, though, is that American journalism has compiled a pathetically poor record in recent years, and its handling of the coronavirus crisis isn’t helping.
The latest lesson in how to spin a “spike” is just another stake in journalism’s heart.
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--To Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday, Royal Pastry Chefs Share Cupcake Recipe with Public

Queen Elizabeth II turned 94 on Tuesday , and well-wishes poured in from around the world .
While the queen was born on April 21 , her birthday is generally celebrated in June during an event called “ Trooping the Colour.
” According to The Telegraph , this year ’ s event was set to take place on June 13 — but that was before gatherings of people were banned for health and safety reasons .
“ In line with Government advice , it has been agreed that The Queen ’ s Birthday Parade , also known as Trooping the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its traditional form , ” Buckingham Palace said in a statement .
“ A number of other options are being considered , in line with relevant guidance.
” TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us But there ’ s no reason we can ’ t celebrate on our own , especially now that the royal pastry chefs have shared their chocolate cupcake recipe .
On April 21 , The Royal Family Instagram account shared photos of intricate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instructions .
“ Happy birthday to Her Majesty !
” the account shared on Tuesday .
“ To celebrate The Queen ’ s birthday we are sharing a chocolate cupcake recipe from The Royal Pastry Chefs.
” The post also invited brave bakers to share photos of their results .
“ If you or a loved one are celebrating a special occasion during isolation why not treat yourself to some # RoyalBakes ?
Remember to share your creations with us !
” they concluded before listing the ingredients .
The ingredients will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re all in metric form , and unless you have some expert-level decorating skills , emulating the royal cupcakes might be tricky , but it ’ s worth a try !
“ Happy Birthday , Your Majesty !
” The Royal Family account also shared , along with black-and-white footage of the queen herself as a girl .
“ Thank you for your messages today , on The Queen ’ s 94th birthday.
” RELATED : Chick-fil-A Announces $ 10.8 Million Relief Fund for Communities in Need “ In this private footage from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Queen ( then Princess Elizabeth ) playing with her family , including her younger sister Princess Margaret.
” “ Head of the Commonwealth , Head of the Armed Forces , Head of State in 16 countries and the longest reigning Monarch in British History .
Wife , mother , grandmother and great-grandmother .
Happy birthday , Your Majesty !
” According to Darren McGrady , the queen ’ s former chef , her favorite cake was a chocolate cake known simply as “ chocolate birthday cake.
” It was a staple in both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a recipe that dated back to Queen Victoria .
“ The queen ’ s a chocoholic , ” McGrady told Delish .
“ She loves chocolate .
Anything on the menu that we used to prepare at the palace that had chocolate in , she would always approve and it would go to the royal table.
” Delish did a video on the cake , so you can follow along and make it as well !
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial @ @

Queen Elizabeth II turned 94 on Tuesday, and well-wishes poured in from around the world.
While the queen was born on April 21, her birthday is generally celebrated in June during an event called “Trooping the Colour.”
According to The Telegraph, this year’s event was set to take place on June 13 — but that was before gatherings of people were banned for health and safety reasons.
“In line with Government advice, it has been agreed that The Queen’s Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, will not go ahead in its traditional form,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
“A number of other options are being considered, in line with relevant guidance.”
But there’s no reason we can’t celebrate on our own, especially now that the royal pastry chefs have shared their chocolate cupcake recipe.
Will you try this royal cupcake recipe? 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% (59 Votes) No: 58% (83 Votes)
On April 21, The Royal Family Instagram account shared photos of intricate, beautiful cupcakes along with the ingredients and instructions.
“Happy birthday to Her Majesty!” the account shared on Tuesday. “To celebrate The Queen’s birthday we are sharing a chocolate cupcake recipe from The Royal Pastry Chefs.”
The post also invited brave bakers to share photos of their results.
“If you or a loved one are celebrating a special occasion during isolation why not treat yourself to some #RoyalBakes? Remember to share your creations with us!” they concluded before listing the ingredients.
The ingredients will take a bit of translating as they’re all in metric form, and unless you have some expert-level decorating skills, emulating the royal cupcakes might be tricky, but it’s worth a try!
“Happy Birthday, Your Majesty!” The Royal Family account also shared, along with black-and-white footage of the queen herself as a girl. “Thank you for your messages today, on The Queen’s 94th birthday.”
“In this private footage from the @royalcollectiontrust, we see The Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) playing with her family, including her younger sister Princess Margaret.”
“Head of the Commonwealth, Head of the Armed Forces, Head of State in 16 countries and the longest reigning Monarch in British History. Wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Happy birthday, Your Majesty!”
According to Darren McGrady, the queen’s former chef, her favorite cake was a chocolate cake known simply as “chocolate birthday cake.” It was a staple in both her April 21 and June celebrations and was a recipe that dated back to Queen Victoria.
“The queen’s a chocoholic,” McGrady told Delish. “She loves chocolate. Anything on the menu that we used to prepare at the palace that had chocolate in, she would always approve and it would go to the royal table.”
Delish did a video on the cake, so you can follow along and make it as well!
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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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--2020-04-22--As Dems Blocked Cash Infusion, Shameless Biden Adviser Blamed Trump for Small Business Fund Running

As Dems Blocked Cash Infusion, Shameless Biden Adviser Blamed Trump for Small Business Fund Running Out

I don ’ t think I ’ m the bearer of bad news when I tell you that most of the money Congress set aside for small business in the wake of the stimulus package was , up until late Wednesday , exhausted .
It ’ s not that it ’ s not bad , it ’ s just that it ’ s not news .
Even the most desultory of politics-watchers is aware of the fact that the program ran out of cash and needed more money .
Republicans were trying to get things done for a while .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ priorities addressed along with the new round of stimulus , including money for state and local governments .
No money for that , no bill .
“ All of these requests are urgent , ” Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen told CNN , saying that these could be dealt with on “ a bipartisan basis.
” There ’ s some irony to this , considering that the Democrats walked away from the table if they didn ’ t get their way , which indicates this couldn ’ t necessarily be dealt with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were so urgent , too , it wouldn ’ t need to be dealt with as an add-on to another bill .
“ Let ’ s get it done and let ’ s get it done right , ” Van Hollen said , apparently unaware that this could be done right without it being added onto a small business recovery bill .
This also seemed to be entirely foreign to Symone D. Sanders .
a key adviser to presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee Joe Biden .
In fact , she didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played any role in the shutdown at all .
“ Let ’ s talk about how unacceptable it is that this administration has run out of money for small business loans , ” she tweeted Sunday .
“ It is the president and his administration ’ s job to make sure all Americans are taken care of during this time .
Leadership starts at the TOP.
” If Symone is so concerned about leadership , you know , her boss is able to provide it as easily as the president is .
RELATED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dismisses Their Visit with Pence as 'Photo Op' Now , granted , her boss isn ’ t an elected official who can get bills started .
Then again , when it comes to spending legislation , the same technically applies to President Donald Trump .
Yes , as difficult as it may be to imagine , the president doesn ’ t actually have the ability to start legislation in the lower house of Congress ( or upper house , for that matter ) .
And even if he did , that wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was that the Democrats refused to pass a clean bill .
What , then , are we supposed to say ?
The idea is that conservatives were supposed to just roll over and play as if we were in the wrong all along .
Yes , Symone , yes , Joe , we ’ re supposed to say .
We were wrong all along .
How can we ever make this up to the liberals ?
How can we genuflect before you ?
No .
That ’ s not how this works .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass in order to help our small businesses stay afloat and get back to work .
Anything else and we know who to blame .
In the end , there wasn ’ t a clean bill .
The total cost of this ended up being $ 480 billion , according to CNN .
There was money for hospitals and for local governments dealing with COVID-19 testing .
Whether this was the right decision will be a matter adjudged by history .
“ The virus bailouts have already cost over $ 2 trillion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said on the final bill .
“ We can ’ t continue on this course .
No amount of bailout dollars will stimulate an economy that is being strangled by quarantine .
It is not a lack of money that plagues us , but a lack of commerce .
This economic calamity only resolves when we begin to reopen the economy.
” That isn ’ t the point , however .
The point is that a clean bill would have gotten small businesses this money in an expedient manner that would have ensured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — currently at the point of collapse .
The Democrats have been slow at getting us back to work .
They ’ ve demanded that we fulfill a laundry list of liberal demands before we do under the false pretense that it ’ s necessary for America .
That ’ s not what we need .
We need relief and we need it now .
Anything less and what we are getting is pork — period .
Maybe , then , that ’ s what the Democrats wanted .
And perhaps they got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s small business owners .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

I don’t think I’m the bearer of bad news when I tell you that most of the money Congress set aside for small business in the wake of the stimulus package was, up until late Wednesday, exhausted.
It’s not that it’s not bad, it’s just that it’s not news. Even the most desultory of politics-watchers is aware of the fact that the program ran out of cash and needed more money.
Republicans were trying to get things done for a while.
Democrats, however, wanted their legislative priorities addressed along with the new round of stimulus, including money for state and local governments. No money for that, no bill.
“All of these requests are urgent,” Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen told CNN, saying that these could be dealt with on “a bipartisan basis.”
There’s some irony to this, considering that the Democrats walked away from the table if they didn’t get their way, which indicates this couldn’t necessarily be dealt with on a bipartisan basis. If it were so urgent, too, it wouldn’t need to be dealt with as an add-on to another bill.
“Let’s get it done and let’s get it done right,” Van Hollen said, apparently unaware that this could be done right without it being added onto a small business recovery bill.
This also seemed to be entirely foreign to Symone D. Sanders. a key adviser to presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee Joe Biden.
In fact, she didn’t even acknowledge it was the Democrats who played any role in the shutdown at all.
Do you approve of the new small business loan package? 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: 80% (280 Votes) No: 20% (70 Votes)
“Let’s talk about how unacceptable it is that this administration has run out of money for small business loans,” she tweeted Sunday.
“It is the president and his administration’s job to make sure all Americans are taken care of during this time. Leadership starts at the TOP.”
Let’s talk about how unacceptable it is that this administration has run out of money for small business loans. It is the president and his administration’s job to make sure all Americans are taken care of during this time. Leadership starts at the TOP. — Symone D. Sanders (@SymoneDSanders) April 19, 2020
If Symone is so concerned about leadership, you know, her boss is able to provide it as easily as the president is.
Now, granted, her boss isn’t an elected official who can get bills started. Then again, when it comes to spending legislation, the same technically applies to President Donald Trump.
Yes, as difficult as it may be to imagine, the president doesn’t actually have the ability to start legislation in the lower house of Congress (or upper house, for that matter). And even if he did, that wasn’t the problem. The problem was that the Democrats refused to pass a clean bill.
What, then, are we supposed to say? The idea is that conservatives were supposed to just roll over and play as if we were in the wrong all along.
Yes, Symone, yes, Joe, we’re supposed to say. We were wrong all along. How can we ever make this up to the liberals? How can we genuflect before you?
No. That’s not how this works. What America needed was a clean bill to pass in order to help our small businesses stay afloat and get back to work. Anything else and we know who to blame.
In the end, there wasn’t a clean bill. The total cost of this ended up being $480 billion, according to CNN. There was money for hospitals and for local governments dealing with COVID-19 testing. Whether this was the right decision will be a matter adjudged by history.
I am encouraged that Democrats have finally agreed to reopen the Paycheck Protection Program and abandon a number of their unrelated demands. My full statement on Congress’s new bipartisan agreement to provide additional small-business support, more funding for testing, and more: pic.twitter.com/nDnhxbs9KB — Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) April 21, 2020
“The virus bailouts have already cost over $2 trillion,” Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky said on the final bill.
“We can’t continue on this course. No amount of bailout dollars will stimulate an economy that is being strangled by quarantine. It is not a lack of money that plagues us, but a lack of commerce. This economic calamity only resolves when we begin to reopen the economy.”
That isn’t the point, however. The point is that a clean bill would have gotten small businesses this money in an expedient manner that would have ensured the money would have reached small businesses — currently at the point of collapse.
The Democrats have been slow at getting us back to work. They’ve demanded that we fulfill a laundry list of liberal demands before we do under the false pretense that it’s necessary for America.
That’s not what we need. We need relief and we need it now. Anything less and what we are getting is pork — period.
Maybe, then, that’s what the Democrats wanted. And perhaps they got it — at the expense of America’s small business owners.
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--After Gov Admits Not Considering Bill of Rights, New Jersey Tulip Farmers Ordered To Cease Drive-Thr

After Gov Admits Not Considering Bill of Rights, New Jersey Tulip Farmers Ordered To Cease Drive-Thru Tours

The coronavirus pandemic has ushered in a time of fear and uncertainty , yet nature continues to show the promise and hope of better days to come in the blossoming of springtime flowers .
But for the people of New Jersey , even driving through a local tulip farm to take in the splendors of the season is apparently not allowed .
Up until Sunday , Dalton Farms in Swedesboro was selling tickets for drive-thru tours of their 252,000 tulips in full bloom , according to NJ.com .
Although patrons would stay in their cars , thus making the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farm was ordered by authorities to shut down the tours .
“ As of 7 pm we were ordered to cease all operations by an Assistant Prosecutor from the State of New Jersey , ” Dalton Farms posted to Facebook on Sunday .
“ For those who had purchased tickets for Monday-Wednesday we will be working to refund all tickets for those dates .
We ’ re heartbroken to get this news in the middle of the day and would like to thank all those who came out over the last few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us “ We hope to see everyone in Sept for Sunflowers.
” Authorities did not deny that they had shut down the tours .
“ We have been clear — in order to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus , events of any size can not take place , ” the New Jersey Attorney General ’ s Office said in a statement to The Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday .
“ Some businesses can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with the provisions set forth in the executive order that allows nurseries , garden centers , and farms that sell directly to customers to continue to operate.
” NJ.com also reported that Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge , New Jersey , was barred from hosting a similar drive-thru event as well after the owner said he spent $ 1 million planting flowers for Monmouth County ’ s tulip festival .
Late last month , Democratic Gov .
Phil Murphy issued an executive “ stay-at-home ” order that closed all “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop the spread of coronavirus .
A spokesman for the Gloucester County Prosecutor ’ s Office told the Cherry Hill Courier-Post that Dalton Farms ’ drive-thru tours violated Murphy ’ s order .
While farms are still permitted to sell flowers directly to customers , events and social gatherings are banned .
Murphy , for his part , has admitted that he “ wasn ’ t thinking of the Bill of Rights ” when drafting an executive order that impeded the freedoms of residents .
RELATED : In COVID Crisis , Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans ' Backyards -- And Give Orders “ So I wasn ’ t thinking of the Bill of Rights when we did this .
We went to all , first of all , we looked at the data and the science and it says people have to stay away from each other , ” he told Fox News host Tucker Carlson last week .
Preventing paying customers from driving through a farm in their own vehicles , presumably accompanied by people they already live with , defies logic if the rules are simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ user Kathy Balin , who identifies herself as an attorney , made an interesting point about the state ’ s uneven application of the rules , and speculated on a possible motive : Conservative radio show host Todd Starnes also weighed in on the state shutting down tulip farms , asking a poignant question : “ Is this the kind of America you want ?
” COVID-19 is absolutely a serious threat , and measures must certainly be taken to stop the spread of the often deadly virus .
However , for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an opportunity to get some sunshine and appreciate nature from the safe confines of their vehicles would no doubt lift their spirits , with very little health risks involved .
The purpose of the executive order was ostensibly to stop people from spreading coronavirus when congregating in large groups , yet it seems officials are eager to enforce rules that hinder basic constitutional rights with no regard for the actual risk of illness involved .
One begins to question whether enforcement of the executive order is as much about concern for citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power-hungry government eager to take away rights when it has the chance .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The coronavirus pandemic has ushered in a time of fear and uncertainty, yet nature continues to show the promise and hope of better days to come in the blossoming of springtime flowers.
But for the people of New Jersey, even driving through a local tulip farm to take in the splendors of the season is apparently not allowed.
Up until Sunday, Dalton Farms in Swedesboro was selling tickets for drive-thru tours of their 252,000 tulips in full bloom, according to NJ.com. Although patrons would stay in their cars, thus making the spread of COVID-19 highly unlikely, the 99-acre farm was ordered by authorities to shut down the tours.
“As of 7 pm we were ordered to cease all operations by an Assistant Prosecutor from the State of New Jersey,” Dalton Farms posted to Facebook on Sunday.
“For those who had purchased tickets for Monday-Wednesday we will be working to refund all tickets for those dates. We’re heartbroken to get this news in the middle of the day and would like to thank all those who came out over the last few weeks,” they added.
“We hope to see everyone in Sept for Sunflowers.”
Authorities did not deny that they had shut down the tours.
“We have been clear — in order to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, events of any size cannot take place,” the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office said in a statement to The Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday. “Some businesses can continue to accept online and pickup-only orders in accordance with the provisions set forth in the executive order that allows nurseries, garden centers, and farms that sell directly to customers to continue to operate.”
Do you think Gov. Murphy is using the coronavirus crisis as a power grab? 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% (362 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
NJ.com also reported that Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge, New Jersey, was barred from hosting a similar drive-thru event as well after the owner said he spent $1 million planting flowers for Monmouth County’s tulip festival.
Late last month, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy issued an executive “stay-at-home” order that closed all “nonessential” retail businesses in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.
A spokesman for the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office told the Cherry Hill Courier-Post that Dalton Farms’ drive-thru tours violated Murphy’s order.
While farms are still permitted to sell flowers directly to customers, events and social gatherings are banned.
Murphy, for his part, has admitted that he “wasn’t thinking of the Bill of Rights” when drafting an executive order that impeded the freedoms of residents.
“So I wasn’t thinking of the Bill of Rights when we did this. We went to all, first of all, we looked at the data and the science and it says people have to stay away from each other,” he told Fox News host Tucker Carlson last week.
Preventing paying customers from driving through a farm in their own vehicles, presumably accompanied by people they already live with, defies logic if the rules are simply meant to keep residents healthy.

Twitter user Kathy Balin, who identifies herself as an attorney, made an interesting point about the state’s uneven application of the rules, and speculated on a possible motive:
Farm says state shut down drive-thru tulip festival due to coronavirus gathering rules: Yet people can physically go in a store and buy liquor…Arbitrary and capricious gov action (Could it be tax revenue?????) https://t.co/rg2v022wgQ — Kathy Balin (@BalinKathy) April 20, 2020
Conservative radio show host Todd Starnes also weighed in on the state shutting down tulip farms, asking a poignant question: “Is this the kind of America you want?”
New Jersey’s governor shuts down a drive-thru tulip farm and threatens to have the owner arrested. Is this the kind of America you want? https://t.co/NwCTwldKId via @toddstarnes — toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) April 21, 2020
COVID-19 is absolutely a serious threat, and measures must certainly be taken to stop the spread of the often deadly virus.
However, for people who have been sheltered in their homes, an opportunity to get some sunshine and appreciate nature from the safe confines of their vehicles would no doubt lift their spirits, with very little health risks involved.
The purpose of the executive order was ostensibly to stop people from spreading coronavirus when congregating in large groups, yet it seems officials are eager to enforce rules that hinder basic constitutional rights with no regard for the actual risk of illness involved.
One begins to question whether enforcement of the executive order is as much about concern for citizens’ health as it is about a power-hungry government eager to take away rights when it has the chance.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-04-22--‘View’ Host Behar Compares Protesters Wanting To Get Back to Work to Terrorists

The totalitarian worldview of leftist hosts in the mainstream media was on full display Monday on ABC ’ s “ The View ” when co-host Joy Behar labeled those protesting coronavirus shutdown orders as “ terrorists.
” “ A lot of people are going to die because of this behavior , ” Behar said of Americans rallying for their states to reopen as unemployment skyrockets and businesses close their doors forever .
“ These people are being egged on by right-wing media , ” she said , insinuating that the protesters can not think for themselves .
Apparently , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests erupting in multiple states across the nation are the result of a deep economic pain that is no longer bearable for millions of Americans .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us From her comfy perch as a multimillionaire with a steady income , it might be difficult for Behar to empathize with citizens who live paycheck to paycheck ; many are so distressed they are heading to food banks .
These people don ’ t need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to voice their desperation .
Their protests are a straightforward cry for help .
Only the tone-deaf can not hear their pleas .
“ And why are you bringing guns to a rally ?
” Behar said , further stoking the culture wars .
“ You want to call yourself protesters , leave your guns home , ” she said .
“ Those are terrorists who bring guns to things .
To rallies .
I don ’ t trust that at all .
And don ’ t listen to these people.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens are free to bring their guns to protests .
To assail these peaceful Americans as “ terrorists ” simply for asserting their democratic rights is preposterous .
Merely carrying a gun does not a terrorist make .
It is how the gun is used that matters .
Many terrorists wear masks .
Does it follow that those currently wearing masks are terrorists ?
The Tsarnaev brothers carried backpacks to conduct their heinous bombing of the Boston Marathon in 2013 .
Is everyone carrying a backpack a terrorist ?
The 9/11 hijackers used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ box cutters terrorists ?
Of course they are not , unless they commit a terrorist act with their weapon of choice .
Behar ’ s co-host , Sunny Hostin , went even further , accusing President Donald Trump of deliberately trying to provoke an insurrection .
“ What really disturbed me was the president ’ s tweets , you know , you have the president saying things like ‘ Liberate Virginia ’ and then also , in the same sentence , bringing up the Second Amendment , ” Hostin said .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed the protests erupting in Minnesota , Michigan and Virginia .
“ And , to Joy ’ s point , you saw protesters with guns , and I think , you know , he ’ s in a sense , implying an incited insurrection , ” she said .
“ I think the argument can be made that he is inciting violence by these tweets .
He ’ s inciting government insurrection.
” Behar and Hostin thus engaged in irresponsible and foolish chatter .
Between the two of them , they concluded that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests are the first signs of an insurrection , and radio hosts and the president are like puppeteers pulling people ’ s strings .
It would surely be quite a surprise to Jones , Limbaugh and Trump that they have this kind of hypnotic sway over others .
Instead , it is the other way around : Many Americans are revolting , and some media and political leaders are listening while others are not .
The ladies on “ The View ” are , in fact , blind to the reality around them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s history , we should be able to show sympathy and solidarity both for those grappling directly with the coronavirus and those whose cupboards are bare .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The totalitarian worldview of leftist hosts in the mainstream media was on full display Monday on ABC’s “The View” when co-host Joy Behar labeled those protesting coronavirus shutdown orders as “terrorists.”
“A lot of people are going to die because of this behavior,” Behar said of Americans rallying for their states to reopen as unemployment skyrockets and businesses close their doors forever.
“These people are being egged on by right-wing media,” she said, insinuating that the protesters cannot think for themselves.
“People like Alex Jones and Rush Limbaugh.”
Apparently, it does not occur to her that the protests erupting in multiple states across the nation are the result of a deep economic pain that is no longer bearable for millions of Americans.
From her comfy perch as a multimillionaire with a steady income, it might be difficult for Behar to empathize with citizens who live paycheck to paycheck; many are so distressed they are heading to food banks.
These people don’t need anyone “egging them on” in order to voice their desperation. Their protests are a straightforward cry for help. Only the tone-deaf cannot hear their pleas.
“And why are you bringing guns to a rally?” Behar said, further stoking the culture wars.
Do you think the protesters are similar to terrorists? Yes No
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“You want to call yourself protesters, leave your guns home,” she said.
“Those are terrorists who bring guns to things. To rallies. I don’t trust that at all. And don’t listen to these people.”
Thanks to the Second Amendment, law-abiding citizens are free to bring their guns to protests. To assail these peaceful Americans as “terrorists” simply for asserting their democratic rights is preposterous.
Merely carrying a gun does not a terrorist make. It is how the gun is used that matters.
Many terrorists wear masks. Does it follow that those currently wearing masks are terrorists?
The Tsarnaev brothers carried backpacks to conduct their heinous bombing of the Boston Marathon in 2013. Is everyone carrying a backpack a terrorist?
The 9/11 hijackers used box cutters. Are all people holding box cutters terrorists?
Of course they are not, unless they commit a terrorist act with their weapon of choice.
Behar’s co-host, Sunny Hostin, went even further, accusing President Donald Trump of deliberately trying to provoke an insurrection.
“What really disturbed me was the president’s tweets, you know, you have the president saying things like ‘Liberate Virginia’ and then also, in the same sentence, bringing up the Second Amendment,” Hostin said. In a series of tweets on Friday, Trump backed the protests erupting in Minnesota, Michigan and Virginia.
“And, to Joy’s point, you saw protesters with guns, and I think, you know, he’s in a sense, implying an incited insurrection,” she said. “I think the argument can be made that he is inciting violence by these tweets. He’s inciting government insurrection.”
Behar and Hostin thus engaged in irresponsible and foolish chatter. Between the two of them, they concluded that people with guns are terrorists, the protests are the first signs of an insurrection, and radio hosts and the president are like puppeteers pulling people’s strings.
It would surely be quite a surprise to Jones, Limbaugh and Trump that they have this kind of hypnotic sway over others.
Instead, it is the other way around: Many Americans are revolting, and some media and political leaders are listening while others are not.
The ladies on “The View” are, in fact, blind to the reality around them.
At this critical moment in the nation’s history, we should be able to show sympathy and solidarity both for those grappling directly with the coronavirus and those whose cupboards are bare.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--MSNBC Runs Hate Segment Claiming Protesters Wanting Freedom Actually Want Minorities to Die

When the establishment media ’ s talking heads aren ’ t pushing fear and misinformation , they ’ re apparently quite adept at reading minds .
According to a lineup of mentalists at MSNBC , Americans who want their rights and jobs preserved during the nation ’ s lockdowns are acting out because they want racial minorities to die .
How did these clairvoyants come to such a grand hypothesis ?
It is because an plurality of people protesting for their jobs are “ overwhelmingly white , ” according to one panelist .
A panel of far-left pundits joined MSNBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests by citizens who are ready to get back to work , according to the Media Research Center .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us Peaceful protests have taken place from California to New Jersey — and many places in between — where demonstrators have demanded their governors loosen draconian lockdown restrictions and allow them to return to work .
According to Boston Globe columnist Renee Graham , Americans who have the audacity to demand their voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temper tantrum ” and are driven by a desire to see minorities die from the coronavirus .
“ One thing I think is really interesting is how these protests have started after all the headlines the last week or so about the disproportionate effect the virus is having in communities of color , ” Graham said on MSNBC ’ s “ AM Joy.
” “ And so when I look at these protests , what I see are a bunch of white people essentially saying , ‘ Oh , it ’ s affecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to change my life for them ?
’ ” she added .
Graham further complained that protestors have been “ overwhelmingly white , ” Trump supporters who she said “ don ’ t care about America ” or minorities .
What an absurd statement .
Does Graham believe that Americans are checking their phones to look at racial statistics every hour ?
Outside of the liberal media echo chamber , Americans are desperate to salvage their livelihoods in the face of a virus and an economic crisis that will not discriminate against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skin color .
Michael Harriot , senior writer for The Root , a leftist magazine geared toward blacks , further fanned the flames of racial division when he described the country as belonging to white people who he says want to sacrifice the lives of black and brown Americans for “ their society.
” RELATED : Poll : Turns Out White Dems Are More Bothered by Biden 's Race Than Minorities Are “ If you want the government to open up , then you want more black and brown people to die , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see it happening in real time .
We see it in Donald Trump ’ s tweets .
We see it in the data .
there can be no other outcome if you open up what they call their society — their business or their country , unless you see more black and brown people die , ” he added .
Sports writer Dave Zirin , who also writes for the far-left publication The Nation , described protestors as “ Nazis , ” among using other unsavory adjectives .
“ They ’ ve gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter .
These folks are , let ’ s be honest of what they are , they are the Fox News , Nazi , Confederate death cult rump of the Republican Party , ” Zirin said .
“ Their very existence is a slap in the face , ” he said .
The argument made by the MSNBC panel is that the coronavirus has disproportionately affected minority communities .
There have been numerous reports that the disease has indeed hit black and Hispanic Americans harder , but those reports are not entirely conclusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive for , or died from the coronavirus , have not had their ethnicity tracked , Politico reported .
But regardless of patient demographics , to brand working Americans as racists and assign them sinister motives for petitioning their leaders to reopen their economies is abhorrent .
Say what you will about the effectiveness of social distancing , but what can also easily be gathered from watching the protests is that Americans don ’ t want to lose everything they have worked for , and that sentiment probably crosses all racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When the establishment media’s talking heads aren’t pushing fear and misinformation, they’re apparently quite adept at reading minds.
According to a lineup of mentalists at MSNBC, Americans who want their rights and jobs preserved during the nation’s lockdowns are acting out because they want racial minorities to die.
How did these clairvoyants come to such a grand hypothesis? It is because an plurality of people protesting for their jobs are “overwhelmingly white,” according to one panelist.
A panel of far-left pundits joined MSNBC host Joy Reid Sunday to discuss ongoing protests by citizens who are ready to get back to work, according to the Media Research Center.
Peaceful protests have taken place from California to New Jersey — and many places in between — where demonstrators have demanded their governors loosen draconian lockdown restrictions and allow them to return to work.
According to Boston Globe columnist Renee Graham, Americans who have the audacity to demand their voices be heard are simply throwing a “temper tantrum” and are driven by a desire to see minorities die from the coronavirus.
“One thing I think is really interesting is how these protests have started after all the headlines the last week or so about the disproportionate effect the virus is having in communities of color,” Graham said on MSNBC’s “AM Joy.”
“And so when I look at these protests, what I see are a bunch of white people essentially saying, ‘Oh, it’s affecting those people, so why do I have to change my life for them?’” she added.
Do you think establishment media reporters would be happy to see a total economic collapse? 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: 97% (699 Votes) No: 3% (18 Votes)
Graham further complained that protestors have been “overwhelmingly white,” Trump supporters who she said “don’t care about America” or minorities.
“This isn’t a protest, it’s a temper tantrum,” she said.
What an absurd statement. Does Graham believe that Americans are checking their phones to look at racial statistics every hour?
Outside of the liberal media echo chamber, Americans are desperate to salvage their livelihoods in the face of a virus and an economic crisis that will not discriminate against potential victims on the basis of their skin color.
Michael Harriot, senior writer for The Root, a leftist magazine geared toward blacks, further fanned the flames of racial division when he described the country as belonging to white people who he says want to sacrifice the lives of black and brown Americans for “their society.”
“If you want the government to open up, then you want more black and brown people to die,” Harrriot told MSNBC.
“We see it happening in real time. We see it in Donald Trump’s tweets. We see it in the data. there can be no other outcome if you open up what they call their society — their business or their country, unless you see more black and brown people die,” he added.
.@michaelharriot adds: “What they’re saying, quite clearly [is], ‘I want more black and brown people to die.’” pic.twitter.com/SgE5I54GwV — Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) April 19, 2020
Sports writer Dave Zirin, who also writes for the far-left publication The Nation, described protestors as “Nazis,” among using other unsavory adjectives.
“They’ve gone from all lives matter to no lives matter. These folks are, let’s be honest of what they are, they are the Fox News, Nazi, Confederate death cult rump of the Republican Party,” Zirin said.
“Their very existence is a slap in the face,” he said.
MSNBC guest Dave Zirin (@edgeofsports) on protests calling for reopening the economy: “They’ve gone from all lives matter to no lives matter. These folks are — let’s be honest of what they are. They are the Fox News, Nazi, confederate death cult of the Republican Party.” pic.twitter.com/IviYiqdXmY — Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) April 19, 2020
The argument made by the MSNBC panel is that the coronavirus has disproportionately affected minority communities.
There have been numerous reports that the disease has indeed hit black and Hispanic Americans harder, but those reports are not entirely conclusive, as a majority of Americans who have tested positive for, or died from the coronavirus, have not had their ethnicity tracked, Politico reported.
But regardless of patient demographics, to brand working Americans as racists and assign them sinister motives for petitioning their leaders to reopen their economies is abhorrent.
Say what you will about the effectiveness of social distancing, but what can also easily be gathered from watching the protests is that Americans don’t want to lose everything they have worked for, and that sentiment probably crosses all racial and ideological lines.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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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.