westernjournal--2020-05-09--Huge Group of California Churches Announces Plan To Defy Governor Newsom’s Order

An evangelical church network in California will ignore Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s executive prohibitions this month , opening sanctuary doors for communal worship despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
According to Fox News , California Church United , representing roughly 3,000 churches and 2.5 million congregants statewide , announced Thursday that it will return to conducting in-person services by Pentecost on May 31 rather than await the third phase of planned societal reopening .
Newsom , the first governor to introduce a statewide executive stay-at-home order , finally pushed California into Phase 2 of its reopening effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on-site sales under substantial health and capacity restrictions , KABC-TV reported .
Newsom did not , however , definitively indicate when the “ Phase 3 ” reintroduction of public dining and in-person church services might come — and that left local church leaders unwilling to cooperate .
“ Our churches are part of the answer , not part of the problem , ” Water of Life Community Church senior pastor Danny Carroll said .
“ We ’ re an essential part of this whole journey and we ’ ve been bypassed … kicked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The decision was reportedly not easy for church leadership , leaving several pastors torn between extending more personal care to their local congregations and submitting to the authorities , who they conceded are doing their best to protect the health of the community .
When the former eventually won out , however , rebelliousness and defiance were not a part of the equation .
Instead , it was a Christian heart of service that informed the decision for Sandals Church pastor Matt Brown and Church United pastor Jim Domen .
“ My church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while practicing social distancing , ” Brown told The Sun of San Bernardino County .
“ We feed people and procure electronic devices for seniors who are isolated .
[ Newsom ] has no problem with all of that .
But when we want to gather to worship , he has a problem .
“ We have a pastor in the south , in Chula Vista feeding hungry people a mile long in cars , socially distancing , ” Domen said , according to Fox .
“ How can the church not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heart of Jesus to love and care for all people .
The heart of God supersedes government , ” he added .
Until recently , churches across the state have been steadfast in adhering to Newsom ’ s orders with few exceptions , conducting Sunday worship and other gatherings online .
With no end to the ongoing pandemic in sight , however , and with political leaders seemingly in no hurry to reopen places of worship , the church network saw no better time than Pentecost to revive in-person services .
Described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the Holy Spirit was bestowed , as promised , upon early Christ-followers in Jerusalem , Pentecost is an annual Christian celebration of God ’ s faithfulness and a believer ’ s rebirth .
According to an official statement publicized through the church network ’ s legal representatives at Tyler & Bursch , LLP , a symbolic Pentecost reopening may not in fact occur , with some churches seeking to get started even earlier .
RELATED : 'Man of God ' NFL Star Points Out Things To Be Grateful for During the Pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significance of in-person services , celebrations and community interaction have not swayed Newsom from his fears regarding increased viral transmission at larger gatherings , even after a Thursday meeting with local faith leaders .
“ Our fear is simply this , ” Newsom said .
“ Congregations of people from far and wide coming together in a closed space at a large scale remains a point of concern and anxiety for us .
We are working on guidelines for physical distancing and working with faith leaders talking about unique conditions in their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ I take very seriously those concerns about people of faith and I ’ m very sensitive to those who want to get back to church , ” he said .
“ But the health of those communities is foundational.
” Such a rationale does not seem , for some , to have taken the sting out of government officials classifying religious centers no differently than sporting stadiums and retail locations .
“ We are not the MLB or the NBA , ” Carroll said .
“ We are not a gathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bury these people .
We bleed with these people.
” “ We are a family , not a group of strangers.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An evangelical church network in California will ignore Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive prohibitions this month, opening sanctuary doors for communal worship despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
According to Fox News, California Church United, representing roughly 3,000 churches and 2.5 million congregants statewide, announced Thursday that it will return to conducting in-person services by Pentecost on May 31 rather than await the third phase of planned societal reopening.
Newsom, the first governor to introduce a statewide executive stay-at-home order, finally pushed California into Phase 2 of its reopening effort on Friday, allowing retailers to recommence on-site sales under substantial health and capacity restrictions, KABC-TV reported.
Newsom did not, however, definitively indicate when the “Phase 3” reintroduction of public dining and in-person church services might come — and that left local church leaders unwilling to cooperate.
“Our churches are part of the answer, not part of the problem,” Water of Life Community Church senior pastor Danny Carroll said. “We’re an essential part of this whole journey and we’ve been bypassed … kicked to the curb and deemed nonessential.”
The decision was reportedly not easy for church leadership, leaving several pastors torn between extending more personal care to their local congregations and submitting to the authorities, who they conceded are doing their best to protect the health of the community.
When the former eventually won out, however, rebelliousness and defiance were not a part of the equation. Instead, it was a Christian heart of service that informed the decision for Sandals Church pastor Matt Brown and Church United pastor Jim Domen.
“My church made 10,000 masks and gowns for doctors while practicing social distancing,” Brown told The Sun of San Bernardino County. “We feed people and procure electronic devices for seniors who are isolated. [Newsom] has no problem with all of that. But when we want to gather to worship, he has a problem.
“We have a pastor in the south, in Chula Vista feeding hungry people a mile long in cars, socially distancing,” Domen said, according to Fox. “How can the church not be essential?”
Do you think churches should begin re-opening? 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% (4323 Votes) No: 3% (130 Votes)
“It’s the heart of Jesus to love and care for all people. The heart of God supersedes government,” he added.
Until recently, churches across the state have been steadfast in adhering to Newsom’s orders with few exceptions, conducting Sunday worship and other gatherings online. With no end to the ongoing pandemic in sight, however, and with political leaders seemingly in no hurry to reopen places of worship, the church network saw no better time than Pentecost to revive in-person services.
Described in the Bible as the day on which the Holy Spirit was bestowed, as promised, upon early Christ-followers in Jerusalem, Pentecost is an annual Christian celebration of God’s faithfulness and a believer’s rebirth.
According to an official statement publicized through the church network’s legal representatives at Tyler & Bursch, LLP, a symbolic Pentecost reopening may not in fact occur, with some churches seeking to get started even earlier.
The religious significance of in-person services, celebrations and community interaction have not swayed Newsom from his fears regarding increased viral transmission at larger gatherings, even after a Thursday meeting with local faith leaders.
“Our fear is simply this,” Newsom said. “Congregations of people from far and wide coming together in a closed space at a large scale remains a point of concern and anxiety for us. We are working on guidelines for physical distancing and working with faith leaders talking about unique conditions in their own facilities. Nothing is etched in stone.”
“I take very seriously those concerns about people of faith and I’m very sensitive to those who want to get back to church,” he said. “But the health of those communities is foundational.”
Such a rationale does not seem, for some, to have taken the sting out of government officials classifying religious centers no differently than sporting stadiums and retail locations.
“We are not the MLB or the NBA,” Carroll said. “We are not a gathering of strangers. As pastors, we bury these people. We bleed with these people.”
“We are a family, not a group of strangers.”
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--2020-05-09--Virginia Imam: Allah Used COVID-19 To Punish Jews

Imam Shaker Elsayed offered an explanation for the coronavirus pandemic that is not surprising considering the source : He blamed the Jews .
The controversial imam didn ’ t stop there during his sermon at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center last month .
The Falls Church , Virginia , mosque has a history of ties to terrorism , according to the New York Post .
Beginning with the notion that the virus was a “ wake-up call , ” Elsayed preached that Allah sends the flu every year but has now sent the coronavirus to a world that is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ something is going on wrong that our hands are doing , and it is running out of control ” and began , of course , with what the Jews have supposedly done .
“ Because of injustices of the people of the Jewish community , we have made certain good things prohibited for them because of their turning away from the path of Allah a lot of people , ” Elsayed spoke , referencing the Quran .
He also accused the Jews of “ devouring the money of people by wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffer “ severe and painful torment , ” according to the Quran , while the “ obedient ” ones who follow Allah would not .
Elsayed went on to say that in the world today , corruption has become a problem “ not only by the … minor community in the Jewish people ” but that “ now it is practiced almost by every nation , every society , no exception.
” He also broadly indicted many ideas that the left holds dear , such as abortion on demand and gay marriage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in such sins .
“ Instead of correcting , we are legalizing what [ Allah ] prohibited , ” the imam said , adding that the world deserved chastisement for permitting “ abominations from Allah.
” Of course , this imam gets a pass from the establishment media , despite endorsing some of the same views many Christian organizations are routinely excoriated for espousing .
Recently , the Rev .
Franklin Graham ’ s humanitarian organization Samaritan ’ s Purse , which set up a field hospital to help New York City deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the organization ’ s statement of faith that includes its biblical view of marriage .
Corey Johnson , the Democratic speaker of New York City ’ s Common Council , shared his contempt for Graham ’ s organization in a lengthy Twitter thread , not because any patient was discriminated against , but simply because the organization rejects the homosexual agenda .
“ Mount Sinai must sever its relationship with Samaritan ’ s Purse .
Its leader calls the LGBTQ community ‘ detestable ’ and ‘ immoral.
’ He says being gay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ and refers to gay Christians as ‘ the enemy , ' ” Johnson wrote of Graham .
RELATED : Media Lies at Work : As NY Deaths Go Up , So Do Cuomo 's Polls - As FL Deaths Go Down , So Do DeSantis ' Polls “ Samaritan ’ s Purse requires its volunteers to agree to a written affirmation ‘ that marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female , ' ” Johnson wrote in a follow-up tweet .
“ Hate has no place in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is apparent that leftists are only interested in denouncing views that are contrary to their own when it is Christians who are making the argument .
Catholics are called bigots because they do not wish to pay for artificial birth control , but when an Islamic leader such as Elsayed supports something as horrific as female genital mutilation of girls , the media ignore it .
Christians are derided for supporting a biblical conception of marriage , but when Elsayed called the coronavirus as a punishment to tolerance for homosexuality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of crickets .
Islam gets a pass every time , and if Elsayed ’ s mosque were an equally radical house of worship such as the Westboro Baptist Church claiming coronavirus was punishment from God , it would be front-page news .
The leftists ’ hypocrisy is fully apparent as they not only ignore Islam when it preaches the same “ hateful ” views on homosexuality as Christianity does , but they also look the other way when actual anti-Semitic hatred is spewed from the mouth of an imam .
We are committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Imam Shaker Elsayed offered an explanation for the coronavirus pandemic that is not surprising considering the source: He blamed the Jews.
The controversial imam didn’t stop there during his sermon at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center last month. The Falls Church, Virginia, mosque has a history of ties to terrorism, according to the New York Post.
Beginning with the notion that the virus was a “wake-up call,” Elsayed preached that Allah sends the flu every year but has now sent the coronavirus to a world that is still disobedient.
Elsayed said such trials mean that “something is going on wrong that our hands are doing, and it is running out of control” and began, of course, with what the Jews have supposedly done.
“Because of injustices of the people of the Jewish community, we have made certain good things prohibited for them because of their turning away from the path of Allah a lot of people,” Elsayed spoke, referencing the Quran.
He also accused the Jews of “devouring the money of people by wrong pretense” and said that they would suffer “severe and painful torment,” according to the Quran, while the “obedient” ones who follow Allah would not.
Elsayed went on to say that in the world today, corruption has become a problem “not only by the … minor community in the Jewish people” but that “now it is practiced almost by every nation, every society, no exception.”
He also broadly indicted many ideas that the left holds dear, such as abortion on demand and gay marriage, saying the whole world is caught up in such sins.
“Instead of correcting, we are legalizing what [Allah] prohibited,” the imam said, adding that the world deserved chastisement for permitting “abominations from Allah.”
Do you think the left turns a blind eye to the anti-Semitism of Muslim leaders like Elsayed? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 98% (403 Votes) No: 2% (9 Votes)
Of course, this imam gets a pass from the establishment media, despite endorsing some of the same views many Christian organizations are routinely excoriated for espousing.
Recently, the Rev. Franklin Graham’s humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse, which set up a field hospital to help New York City deal with the coronavirus, came under fire for the organization’s statement of faith that includes its biblical view of marriage.
Corey Johnson, the Democratic speaker of New York City’s Common Council, shared his contempt for Graham’s organization in a lengthy Twitter thread, not because any patient was discriminated against, but simply because the organization rejects the homosexual agenda.
“Mount Sinai must sever its relationship with Samaritan’s Purse. Its leader calls the LGBTQ community ‘detestable’ and ‘immoral.’ He says being gay is ‘an affront to God,’ and refers to gay Christians as ‘the enemy,'” Johnson wrote of Graham.
“Samaritan’s Purse requires its volunteers to agree to a written affirmation ‘that marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female,'” Johnson wrote in a follow-up tweet.
“Hate has no place in our beautiful city,” he concluded.
Samaritan’s Purse requires its volunteers to agree to a written affirmation “that marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female.” Hate has no place in our beautiful city. 6/6 — NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson (@NYCSpeakerCoJo) May 1, 2020
It is apparent that leftists are only interested in denouncing views that are contrary to their own when it is Christians who are making the argument.
Catholics are called bigots because they do not wish to pay for artificial birth control, but when an Islamic leader such as Elsayed supports something as horrific as female genital mutilation of girls, the media ignore it.
Christians are derided for supporting a biblical conception of marriage, but when Elsayed called the coronavirus as a punishment to tolerance for homosexuality, there’s nothing but the sound of crickets.
Islam gets a pass every time, and if Elsayed’s mosque were an equally radical house of worship such as the Westboro Baptist Church claiming coronavirus was punishment from God, it would be front-page news.
The leftists’ hypocrisy is fully apparent as they not only ignore Islam when it preaches the same “hateful” views on homosexuality as Christianity does, but they also look the other way when actual anti-Semitic hatred is spewed from the mouth of an imam.
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--2020-05-09--Obama Worried Over Dropped Flynn Case, Warns in Leaked Call ‘Rule of Law Is at Risk’

The Justice Department ’ s official dismissal of the federal case against former Trump administration National Security Advisor Michael Flynn is not sitting well with former President Barack Obama .
According to Yahoo !
News , Obama provided rare commentary on the matter Friday , referring to the decision as unprecedented and worrisome in a private online call with members of his former administration , now colloquially referred to as the Obama Alumni Association .
An audio recording of the call reveals the former president even alleged the “ rule of law is at risk.
” “ The news over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has been somewhat downplayed about the Justice Department dropping charges against Michael Flynn , ” Obama said .
“ The fact that there is no precedent that anybody can find for someone who has been charged with perjury just getting off scot-free .
“ That ’ s the kind of stuff where you begin to get worried that basic — not just institutional norms — but our basic understanding of rule of law is at risk .
TRENDING : Joe Biden Shredded for Blunder-Filled Virtual Rally : 'How Can a National Campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you start moving in those directions , it can accelerate pretty quickly as we ’ ve seen in other places , ” Obama added .
He went on to suggest the Flynn decision should underline for left-wing political operatives the importance of the upcoming 2020 election , in which his former vice president , Joe Biden , is now the presumptive Democratic nominee .
According to The Associated Press , the charges against Flynn were dramatically dropped in a Thursday court filing brought by the Justice Department after a lengthy investigative case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Amid then-special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election , Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to knowingly providing false statements in an interview with the FBI the previous January , Fox News reported .
Prior to President Donald Trump ’ s inauguration , the incoming national security advisor had been under scrutiny for alleged Logan Act violations resulting from foreign policy conversations with then-Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the transitionary period between the Obama and Trump administrations .
Despite his guilty plea , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal team over alleged potential evidentiary improprieties and prosecutorial misconduct prevented the courts from moving forward with sentencing — a matter further complicated by the subsequent withdrawal of the guilty plea after prosecutors retracted their recommendation that he serve no time behind bars .
( The leniency guarantee was part of the original plea deal . )
Increasingly relevant among the concerns raised by the defense were allegations the FBI had withheld from Flynn the knowledge that false statements would constitute criminal activity and further advised against the presence of White House counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week only served to further undermine the basis for the interview , indicating investigators had questioned whether their goal in interviewing him was to catch Flynn in a perjury trap .
“ What is our goal ?
” one of the notes read .
“ Truth/Admission or to get him to lie , so we can prosecute him or get him fired ?
” The bombshell disclosure and immaterial nature of Flynn ’ s false statements would in turn lead the Justice Department to conclude the interview was “ conducted without any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to , and unjustified by , the FBI ’ s counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn , ” according to The AP .
“ Through the course of my review of General Flynn ’ s case , I concluded the proper and just course was to dismiss the case , ” Jensen said in a statement .
“ I briefed Attorney General Barr on my findings , advised him on these conclusions , and he agreed.
” Brought about by Attorney General William Barr ’ s ordered investigation into the origins of the Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a series of revelations which seems to call into question the legitimacy of both the procedure and foundations of the probe .
Obama ’ s remarks on the decision come the same week that the investigation seems to have uncovered a baseline knowledge of the probe and its activities among members of the Obama administration .
According to Fox News , recently unsealed notes from then-Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates reveal Obama and his FBI director , James Comey , were aware intelligence agents had wiretapped Flynn ’ s conversations with Kislyak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Justice Department’s motion to dismiss the federal case against former Trump administration National Security Advisor Michael Flynn is not sitting well with former President Barack Obama.
According to Yahoo! News, Obama provided rare commentary on the matter Friday, referring to the decision as unprecedented and worrisome in a private online call with members of his former administration, now colloquially referred to as the Obama Alumni Association.
An audio recording of the call reveals the former president even alleged the “rule of law is at risk.”
“The news over the last 24 hours, I think, has been somewhat downplayed about the Justice Department dropping charges against Michael Flynn,” Obama said. “The fact that there is no precedent that anybody can find for someone who has been charged with perjury just getting off scot-free.
“That’s the kind of stuff where you begin to get worried that basic — not just institutional norms — but our basic understanding of rule of law is at risk.
“And when you start moving in those directions, it can accelerate pretty quickly as we’ve seen in other places,” Obama added.
He went on to suggest the Flynn decision should underline for left-wing political operatives the importance of the upcoming 2020 election, in which his former vice president, Joe Biden, is now the presumptive Democratic nominee.
OBAMA PHONE CALL: ‘Rule of law is at risk’ after Michael Flynn case was dropped. pic.twitter.com/skMuMRnT2U — Benny (@bennyjohnson) May 9, 2020
According to The Associated Press, the charges against Flynn were dramatically dropped in a Thursday court filing brought by the Justice Department after a lengthy investigative case review conducted by U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen.
Amid then-special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to knowingly providing false statements in an interview with the FBI the previous January, Fox News reported.
Prior to President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the incoming national security advisor had been under scrutiny for alleged Logan Act violations resulting from foreign policy conversations with then-Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the transitionary period between the Obama and Trump administrations.
Despite his guilty plea, however, arguments raised by Flynn’s legal team over alleged potential evidentiary improprieties and prosecutorial misconduct prevented the courts from moving forward with sentencing — a matter further complicated by the subsequent withdrawal of the guilty plea after prosecutors retracted their recommendation that he serve no time behind bars. (The leniency guarantee was part of the original plea deal.)
Increasingly relevant among the concerns raised by the defense were allegations the FBI had withheld from Flynn the knowledge that false statements would constitute criminal activity and further advised against the presence of White House counsel during the interview.
FBI notes unsealed last week only served to further undermine the basis for the interview, indicating investigators had questioned whether their goal in interviewing him was to catch Flynn in a perjury trap.
“What is our goal?” one of the notes read. “Truth/Admission or to get him to lie, so we can prosecute him or get him fired?”
“The White House is running this”
“The POTUS wants to know everything we’re doing.” #ObamaKnew pic.twitter.com/YfkHxfFGkF — Dan Bongino (@dbongino) May 8, 2020
The bombshell disclosure and immaterial nature of Flynn’s false statements would in turn lead the Justice Department to conclude the interview was “conducted without any legitimate investigative basis” and “untethered to, and unjustified by, the FBI’s counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn,” according to The AP.
“Through the course of my review of General Flynn’s case, I concluded the proper and just course was to dismiss the case,” Jensen said in a statement. “I briefed Attorney General Barr on my findings, advised him on these conclusions, and he agreed.”
Do you think General Flynn has been exonerated? 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: 94% (4718 Votes) No: 6% (275 Votes)
Brought about by Attorney General William Barr’s ordered investigation into the origins of the Russia probe, the development is yet another in a series of revelations which seems to call into question the legitimacy of both the procedure and foundations of the probe.
Obama’s remarks on the decision come the same week that the investigation seems to have uncovered a baseline knowledge of the probe and its activities among members of the Obama administration.
According to Fox News, recently unsealed notes from then-Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates reveal Obama and his FBI director, James Comey, were aware intelligence agents had wiretapped Flynn’s conversations with Kislyak in December 2016.
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--2020-05-09--With Single Executive Order, Newsom Turns California into Vote-by-Mail State

California became a vote-by-mail state Friday after Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that will automatically ship out ballots to everyone who can vote in November .
Although the order noted that in-person voting will still be allowed , it also said that “ every Californian who is eligible to vote in the November 3 , 2020 General Election shall receive a vote-by-mail ballot.
” “ Mail-in ballot is important but it ’ s not an exclusive substitute to physical locations , ” Newsom said Friday , according to CBS News .
He added that the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate number of physical sites for people to vote as well.
” In his order , Newsom explained that “ it is unknown to what degree COVID-19 will pose a threat to public health in November , and California and its counties must begin taking action now — to procure supplies , secure polling places , enlist volunteers , and draw up plans , among other steps — to ensure that the November 3 , 2020 General Election is held in a manner that is accessible , secure , and safe.
” California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but will now send them to all registered voters 29 days before the election — or 45 days ahead of the vote for members of the armed forces or Californians living out of the country .
TRENDING : Joe Biden Shredded for Blunder-Filled Virtual Rally : 'How Can a National Campaign Allow This To Happen ?
Newsom ’ s order means California is the first state to specifically “ call an all-mail ballot November election , ” according to Politico .
Registered voters in five other states , though , already receive ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
“ There is no safer , physically distancing , healthier way to exercise your right to vote than from the safety and convenience of your own home , ” California Secretary of State Alex Padilla said .
Return postage on all ballots will be prepaid , he said .
California ’ s counties have until May 30 to present their vote-by-mail plans to the state .
Not everyone agreed with Newsom ’ s edict : RELATED : Cyber Experts Warn of Major Election Vulnerabilities Going into 2020 Democrats have used the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embrace of voting by mail .
Republicans have pushed back , saying election security could be compromised .
Tim Murtaugh , communications director for the re-election campaign of President Donald Trump , said Newsom wanted to “ undermine election security ” and called the order a ” thinly-veiled political tactic.
” Murtaugh said sending ballots to everyone creates a “ wide open opportunity for fraud.
” “ Everyone is concerned about the safety of voters , but jeopardizing election security is the wrong way to go about it , ” he told CBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee chair Tom Emmer said Newsom “ continues to dodge questions about ballot harvesting posing an immediate threat to public health.
” Ballot harvesting takes place when an individual gathers ballots sent to other voters and then submits them , instead of voters sending them in themselves .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

California became a vote-by-mail state Friday after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that will automatically ship out ballots to everyone who can vote in November.
Although the order noted that in-person voting will still be allowed, it also said that “every Californian who is eligible to vote in the November 3, 2020 General Election shall receive a vote-by-mail ballot.”
“Mail-in ballot is important but it’s not an exclusive substitute to physical locations,” Newsom said Friday, according to CBS News. He added that the state is still working toward having “the appropriate number of physical sites for people to vote as well.”
In his order, Newsom explained that “it is unknown to what degree COVID-19 will pose a threat to public health in November, and California and its counties must begin taking action now — to procure supplies, secure polling places, enlist volunteers, and draw up plans, among other steps — to ensure that the November 3, 2020 General Election is held in a manner that is accessible, secure, and safe.”
California currently provides absentee ballots upon request, but will now send them to all registered voters 29 days before the election — or 45 days ahead of the vote for members of the armed forces or Californians living out of the country.
Newsom’s order means California is the first state to specifically “call an all-mail ballot November election,” according to Politico. Registered voters in five other states, though, already receive ballots for every election by mail, Vox reported.
“There is no safer, physically distancing, healthier way to exercise your right to vote than from the safety and convenience of your own home,” California Secretary of State Alex Padilla said.
Return postage on all ballots will be prepaid, he said.
California’s counties have until May 30 to present their vote-by-mail plans to the state.
Not everyone agreed with Newsom’s edict:
This is absurd. The governor has no data or science to suggest that going to the polls in November will be unsafe. He is ruling by fiat now.
MM https://t.co/E5NQN1ud0c — Melissa Melendez (@asmMelendez) May 9, 2020
Gov. Newsom boasts California is the “first state” to make this change. Perhaps that’s because other states are still functioning democracies, where new laws need to pass a Legislature.
https://t.co/jOz3UL2nkW — Kevin Kiley (@KevinKileyCA) May 8, 2020
.@HillaryClinton, of course you’d be for disenfranchising millions of voters with the democrats’ vote by mail scheme. Let’s take a look at what a disaster that’s been in the past. https://t.co/akTBEPrWOG — Glen Woodfin (@GlenWoodfin) May 9, 2020
Democrats have used the COVID-19 pandemic to call for a mammoth embrace of voting by mail.
Does this open the door for fraud? 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% (502 Votes) No: 0% (2 Votes)
Republicans have pushed back, saying election security could be compromised.
Tim Murtaugh, communications director for the re-election campaign of President Donald Trump, said Newsom wanted to “undermine election security” and called the order a”thinly-veiled political tactic.”
Murtaugh said sending ballots to everyone creates a “wide open opportunity for fraud.”
“Everyone is concerned about the safety of voters, but jeopardizing election security is the wrong way to go about it,” he told CBS in a statement.
National Republican Congressional Committee chair Tom Emmer said Newsom “continues to dodge questions about ballot harvesting posing an immediate threat to public health.”
Ballot harvesting takes place when an individual gathers ballots sent to other voters and then submits them, instead of voters sending them in themselves.
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--2020-05-09--Michael Moore Says Climate Change Is What Led to COVID: Mother Nature’s ‘Gentle Warning’

The coronavirus already has a place in the history books as one of the most defining events of the 21st century .
However , liberal activist and filmmaker Michael Moore warned this week that the pandemic is just the beginning of the “ Earth ’ s revenge , ” and things could get even worse .
“ If you think COVID-19 has been a bummer , well trust me , you literally can ’ t imagine just how awful Earth ’ s revenge is going to be against us for trying to choke it to f—ing death , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his “ Rumble with Michael Moore ” podcast .
Moore suggested that the coronavirus was a “ gentle warning ” from “ Mother Nature ” to humanity that something much worse is coming if environmental change doesn ’ t happen soon “ This current pandemic is simply Mother Nature giving us a gentle warning , ” he said .
TRENDING : Joe Biden Shredded for Blunder-Filled Virtual Rally : 'How Can a National Campaign Allow This To Happen ?
Moore insinuated that the Earth is somehow aware and has feelings , and insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of bitterness toward humanity .
“ I really want all of you to please take this moment , take this virus as Earth ’ s slap on our collective face , ” the filmmaker said .
“ Treat it as if nature is trying to tell our species to back off , slow down and change your ways.
” The filmmaker added to his alarmist narrative by slamming humans ’ “ nonsensical greed-induced behaviors.
” “ We are in a serious multi-level planetary emergency .
And that emergency , it involves climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over-consumption , species that have gone missing , our ocean life — what ’ s left of it — and humans , mostly humans .
And our human nonsensical greed-induced behaviors and systems , ” he later added .
He even went as far to compare the human race to a virus .
“ I believe that we are in a planetary emergency .
A planetary emergency , my friends .
And I ’ m not talking about the coronavirus .
Viruses are a part of nature .
This is their planet too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and like another species I know well , they are killers , ” he said .
RELATED : Dem Senators Stuck in DC for Impeachment Trial Put Their Hopes in Big-Name Surrogates in Iowa This is far from the first time that the filmmaker has expressed outlandish claims regarding humanity ’ s faults .
In December , Moore appeared on an episode of Rolling Stone ’ s “ Useful Idiots ” podcast and claimed that “ you should be afraid ” of white men .
“ Anytime you see three white guys walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , two of them voted for Trump .
You need to move over to the other sidewalk because these are not good people that are walking toward you .
You should be afraid of them , ” he said .
During an interview on MSNBC ’ s “ Hardball with Chris Matthews ” in October , the activist compared white Trump supporters to those who supported the South African apartheid laws .
“ I think that there is some level of fear about [ demographic shifts ] , probably in the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid what ’ s going to happen with Mandela and the black majority , ” he said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The coronavirus already has a place in the history books as one of the most defining events of the 21st century.
However, liberal activist and filmmaker Michael Moore warned this week that the pandemic is just the beginning of the “Earth’s revenge,” and things could get even worse.
“If you think COVID-19 has been a bummer, well trust me, you literally can’t imagine just how awful Earth’s revenge is going to be against us for trying to choke it to f—ing death,” he said during Tuesday’s edition of his “Rumble with Michael Moore” podcast.
Moore suggested that the coronavirus was a “gentle warning” from “Mother Nature” to humanity that something much worse is coming if environmental change doesn’t happen soon
“This current pandemic is simply Mother Nature giving us a gentle warning,” he said.
On today’s Rumble podcast I lay it all out—my radical environmental manifesto: We are in a planetary emergency and no amount of collaborating with the enemy – capitalism/profit motive/greed – will save us. We need a new way, new leadership. Time to fight. https://t.co/Ow2h7OevUs — Michael Moore (@MMFlint) May 5, 2020
Moore insinuated that the Earth is somehow aware and has feelings, and insisted that it will retaliate out of some sort of bitterness toward humanity.
“I really want all of you to please take this moment, take this virus as Earth’s slap on our collective face,” the filmmaker said.
Do you think that the coronavirus is Mother Nature's "gentle warning"? 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: 3% (7 Votes) No: 97% (206 Votes)
“Treat it as if nature is trying to tell our species to back off, slow down and change your ways.”
The filmmaker added to his alarmist narrative by slamming humans’ “nonsensical greed-induced behaviors.”
“We are in a serious multi-level planetary emergency. And that emergency, it involves climate, water, food, topsoil, over-consumption, species that have gone missing, our ocean life — what’s left of it — and humans, mostly humans. And our human nonsensical greed-induced behaviors and systems,” he later added.
He even went as far to compare the human race to a virus.
“I believe that we are in a planetary emergency. A planetary emergency, my friends. And I’m not talking about the coronavirus. Viruses are a part of nature. This is their planet too, they are a form of life and like another species I know well, they are killers,” he said.
This is far from the first time that the filmmaker has expressed outlandish claims regarding humanity’s faults.
In December, Moore appeared on an episode of Rolling Stone’s “Useful Idiots” podcast and claimed that “you should be afraid” of white men.
“Anytime you see three white guys walking at you, down the street toward you, two of them voted for Trump. You need to move over to the other sidewalk because these are not good people that are walking toward you. You should be afraid of them,” he said.
During an interview on MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews” in October, the activist compared white Trump supporters to those who supported the South African apartheid laws.
“I think that there is some level of fear about [demographic shifts], probably in the way that white people in South Africa were afraid what’s going to happen with Mandela and the black majority,” he said.
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--2020-05-09--Police in India Debut Alarming Contraption To Detain Lockdown Violators Without Contact

This isn ’ t the easiest time to be a police officer .
I get that .
One of my good friends is married to a police officer in a state that ’ s emerged as a coronavirus hot spot .
Not only does she have to pray that her husband comes home safely after every shift , she has to pray that he doesn ’ t bring a deadly virus home with him .
It can ’ t be the best feeling in the world .
However , it ’ s not a reason to start dehumanizing people as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance yourself from them .
But in India , that ’ s exactly what they ’ re doing thanks to a device with frightening implications .
Chandigarh is a city of a little over a million people in the northern part of the country , capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana .
Currently , an area containing 60,000 residents is under extreme lockdown , according to the Indian Express , because of coronavirus cases ; no one can enter or leave the colony .
TRENDING : Joe Biden Shredded for Blunder-Filled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Campaign Allow This To Happen ?
Again , I get the sensitivity of the situation .
I question what situation , however , would necessitate this : “ VIP Security wing of Chandigarh Police has devised this unique way of tackling non-cooperating corona suspects and curfew breakers , ” a tweet late last month announced while showing off the demonstration of a device more appropriate for dogs .
“ Great equipment , great drill !
!
!
” the department wrote .
“ Way to go @ ssptfcchd and Insp Manjit , HCt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” I furthermore get the idea that American notions of liberty don ’ t necessarily travel as well as they should , but there are several things about this display that should still frighten the heck out of you .
For one thing , this assumes a compliant individual .
If the person is non-compliant , you ’ re not going to get the person involved to raise their hands above their head or assume a stance that makes this device particularly usable .
If you have a compliant individual , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can get the person to socially distance on their own .
Thus , there ’ s not a particularly good reason to use this — unless , essentially , part of this is to degrade people who dared cross the government .
All this proves is that the Chandigarh Police feel themselves at liberty to treat their subjects like they ’ re involved in animal control once they track the lockdown-evading miscreants down .
The problem is that they ’ re dealing with human beings .
They might not know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
All of this didn ’ t escape Twitter commenters .
Part of the problem , however , is that we ’ re now entering a unique and troubling period in modern history where basic concepts of humanity , dignity and logic have gone out the window : Yeah , I wouldn ’ t want anyone to make any untoward assumptions or anything .
The likelihood this comes to the United States is probably minimal for all of the reasons I ’ ve listed .
The likelihood something like it comes to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep our country locked down for longer and if someone invents a more foolproof version of this before they invent a vaccine , that we can ’ t be as certain about .
Personal freedoms should be universal freedoms .
When they aren ’ t , you get devices like this .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

This isn’t the easiest time to be a police officer. I get that.
One of my good friends is married to a police officer in a state that’s emerged as a coronavirus hot spot. Not only does she have to pray that her husband comes home safely after every shift, she has to pray that he doesn’t bring a deadly virus home with him. It can’t be the best feeling in the world.
However, it’s not a reason to start dehumanizing people as you arrest them in order to socially distance yourself from them.
But in India, that’s exactly what they’re doing thanks to a device with frightening implications.
Chandigarh is a city of a little over a million people in the northern part of the country, capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. Currently, an area containing 60,000 residents is under extreme lockdown, according to the Indian Express, because of coronavirus cases; no one can enter or leave the colony.
Again, I get the sensitivity of the situation. I question what situation, however, would necessitate this:
VIP Security wing of Chandigarh Police has devised this unique way of tackling non-cooperating corona suspects and curfew breakers.
Great equipment, great drill !!!
Way to go @ssptfcchd and Insp Manjit, HCt Gurdeep, HCt Pawan and Ct Usha pic.twitter.com/oTLsGoe6yt — DGP Chandigarh Police (@DgpChdPolice) April 25, 2020
“VIP Security wing of Chandigarh Police has devised this unique way of tackling non-cooperating corona suspects and curfew breakers,” a tweet late last month announced while showing off the demonstration of a device more appropriate for dogs.
Should this device be employed on lockdown evaders? 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: 11% (66 Votes) No: 89% (519 Votes)
“Great equipment, great drill !!!” the department wrote. “Way to go @ssptfcchd and Insp Manjit, HCt Gurdeep, HCt Pawan and Ct Usha.”
I furthermore get the idea that American notions of liberty don’t necessarily travel as well as they should, but there are several things about this display that should still frighten the heck out of you.
For one thing, this assumes a compliant individual. If the person is non-compliant, you’re not going to get the person involved to raise their hands above their head or assume a stance that makes this device particularly usable.
If you have a compliant individual, however, you don’t need this device. You can get the person to socially distance on their own.
Thus, there’s not a particularly good reason to use this — unless, essentially, part of this is to degrade people who dared cross the government.
All this proves is that the Chandigarh Police feel themselves at liberty to treat their subjects like they’re involved in animal control once they track the lockdown-evading miscreants down. The problem is that they’re dealing with human beings. They might not know that, but yes, they still are.
All of this didn’t escape Twitter commenters.
This is not done ..These type of equipments are used for animal catch…
It’s better to educate people..
And in Chandigarh people are cooperating with the officials…
यह इंसानियत के खिलाफ है..यह तो हथकड़ी से भी ज़्यादा है।@vpsbadnore @KirronKherBJP @pawanbansal_chd @HMOIndia — इण्डिया Insider (@InsiderInd) April 25, 2020
Simply unnecessary and stupid.good luck catching with that ??? — Ajai joy (@Ajaijoy2) April 26, 2020
Ingenious! Similar to tongs that is used to catch SNAKES. — Vasudha (@WordsSlay) April 26, 2020
What unique way? Looks like kids made something for playing with. Unless the suspect cooperates, this won’t work. — Murali Aiyer (@Murali_Aiyer) April 26, 2020
Part of the problem, however, is that we’re now entering a unique and troubling period in modern history where basic concepts of humanity, dignity and logic have gone out the window:
Nice to see innovation! I know this is a demo; I will assume #CoronaVirus patients will be taken in an ambulance and not this truck ?. Tweets are international and I don’t want non Chandigarh resident to make an assumption. — Rohit Prabhakar #Digital (@rohitprabhakar) April 25, 2020
Yeah, I wouldn’t want anyone to make any untoward assumptions or anything.
The likelihood this comes to the United States is probably minimal for all of the reasons I’ve listed.
The likelihood something like it comes to the United States? If we want to keep our country locked down for longer and if someone invents a more foolproof version of this before they invent a vaccine, that we can’t be as certain about.
Personal freedoms should be universal freedoms. When they aren’t, you get devices like this.
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--2020-05-09--Even This CNN Anchor Was Stunned When Obama’s China Ambassador Made Outrageous Nazi Claim

It takes a practiced vulgarian to make a sailor blush .
Likewise , it takes a truly outrageous remark by an Obama administration official to dumbfound a CNN anchor .
Max Baucus , once Obama ’ s ambassador to China , is just such a man .
Baucus served in that position from 2014 until 2017 and had previously been a long-serving senator from Montana .
He ’ s also now gone viral .
Generally speaking , if politicians go viral , it ’ s either because they ’ ve done something heartwarming , said something stirring or they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t feature Baucus with a puppy or giving an inspirational speech to some first responders , so you guess which one it is .
Baucus was appearing on CNN International Wednesday when he compared the current administration ’ s rhetoric on China with the incipient years of the Nazi regime or McCarthyism in Washington , D.C. TRENDING : Joe Biden Shredded for Blunder-Filled Virtual Rally : 'How Can a National Campaign Allow This To Happen ?
“ The administration ’ s rhetoric is so strong against China , it ’ s over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an era which is similar to Joe McCarthy back when he was red-baiting in the State Department and attacking communism , and a little bit like Hitler in the ’ 30s , ” Baucus said during the interview .
Maybe that was a one-off , right ?
Nope .
“ Now in the United States , if anybody says anything reasonable about China , he or she feels intimidated , worried his head is going to be chopped off , ” Baucus continued .
“ Back in the ’ 30s in Germany , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from CNN ’ s Hala Gorani should say it all .
I know certain verbal miscues should be left out of quotes for obvious reasons , but in this case , they ’ re really necessary to understand the discomfort level here : “ OK , I , uh , be- be- before I go , in the comparison you ’ re making here between th- the current U.S. , uh , atmosphere in Washington and , uh , Germany in the ’ 30s , I mean that — that ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you know , kind of — is it , is it , are you being provocative , or do you really believe that there are parallels ?
” But no , Obama ’ s ambassador to China would not yield on the point or admit hyperbole .
He meant all that in poker-faced seriousness .
“ I think we ’ re moving in that direction .
I ’ m not saying we ’ re there yet , ” Baucus said .
“ But there are a lot of very responsible people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irresponsible and we ’ re going to pay a price the more it continues.
” RELATED : New Study Confirms We Were Right : Reading , Math Scores Have Collapsed Thanks to Obama , Common Core Irresponsible .
As this rhetoric clearly isn ’ t .
In the interest of full disclosure , there ’ s a blurring of lines here as to who ’ s going to end up paying the price if this keeps on .
The Washington Free Beacon pointed out that “ after Trump ’ s election , [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He sits on the board of advisers for the Alibaba Group , one of China ’ s largest technology firms , and is also on the board of directors of Ingram Micro , which was purchased by a Chinese company in 2016.
” In an appearance on MSNBC in March , he — somewhat unsurprisingly — praised China ’ s response to coronavirus .
“ I think that the big lesson here [ is ] that when you take charge and when you tell the entire country , Wuhan , other provinces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gear and get the job done , ” Baucus said .
“ I take my hat off to China for doing so.
” This is a time where someone who went from being the ambassador to China to sitting on the board of one of China ’ s biggest companies is less unctuous to some than holding China accountable for its botched and dissembling response to the novel coronavirus .
Granted , it takes the man who made the move from ambassador to the corporate boardroom at Alibaba to actually compare holding China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany , but there you have it .
It might end up being the elected Democrats in Baucus ’ state who have to answer to this in any serious way .
In an email on Thursday , the state GOP called for Montana Gov .
Steve Bullock and Sen. Jon Tester , both Democrats , to denounce Baucus .
In the email , according to the Great Falls Tribune , MTGOP executive director Spenser Merwin said the two should “ condemn this indefensible statement and Ambassador Baucus should apologize for making such appalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tester wants to let this one slide , he probably can , given the fact he ’ s not up for re-election until 2024 .
He ’ d probably do Gov .
Bullock a favor if he were willing to help him out on this one , though .
Bullock , who ran for president with a profound lack of effect , is now seeking to unseat GOP Sen. Steve Daines in one of the few Great Plains states where , as you can probably guess from the fact he ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Democrats can still win statewide office .
I don ’ t think standing up against rhetoric like this , particularly from someone who makes all these statements while sitting on the board of Alibaba , should be all that difficult .
It also won ’ t help when Baucus ’ remarks were amplified in a piece published in Chinese propaganda mill Xinhua with these two paragraphs adjacent to each other : “ Baucus served as U.S .
Ambassador to China under the Obama administration from 2014 to 2017 .
Before that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 36 years .
“ As COVID-19 deaths continue to increase in the United States , some individuals in the Trump administration have tried desperately to deflect criticisms about their blunders by blaming China.
” So , what did they all have to say for themselves ?
Here ’ s the trifecta of answers , courtesy of the Great Falls Tribune : “ Baucus , who served as ambassador to China under President Barack Obama could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday .
Tester was unavailable for comment .
Bullock did not immediately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At least the befuddlement of a CNN anchor is something that indeed speaks volumes — and could end up hurting Montana Democrats this November at the ballot box .
Baucus has indeed made the sailor blush .
Hope that Alibaba remuneration is worth it , ambassador .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It takes a practiced vulgarian to make a sailor blush. Likewise, it takes a truly outrageous remark by an Obama administration official to dumbfound a CNN anchor.
Max Baucus, once Obama’s ambassador to China, is just such a man.
Baucus served in that position from 2014 until 2017 and had previously been a long-serving senator from Montana. He’s also now gone viral.
Generally speaking, if politicians go viral, it’s either because they’ve done something heartwarming, said something stirring or they’ve embarrassed themselves. This video doesn’t feature Baucus with a puppy or giving an inspirational speech to some first responders, so you guess which one it is.
Baucus was appearing on CNN International Wednesday when he compared the current administration’s rhetoric on China with the incipient years of the Nazi regime or McCarthyism in Washington, D.C.
“The administration’s rhetoric is so strong against China, it’s over the top. We’re entering an era which is similar to Joe McCarthy back when he was red-baiting in the State Department and attacking communism, and a little bit like Hitler in the ’30s,” Baucus said during the interview.
Maybe that was a one-off, right? Nope.
“Now in the United States, if anybody says anything reasonable about China, he or she feels intimidated, worried his head is going to be chopped off,” Baucus continued. “Back in the ’30s in Germany, it was very similar.”
The reaction from CNN’s Hala Gorani should say it all. I know certain verbal miscues should be left out of quotes for obvious reasons, but in this case, they’re really necessary to understand the discomfort level here:
Did Max Baucus' rhetoric go too far? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 95% (2568 Votes) No: 5% (136 Votes)
“OK, I, uh, be- be- before I go, in the comparison you’re making here between th- the current U.S., uh, atmosphere in Washington and, uh, Germany in the ’30s, I mean that — that’s a very — that’s a very, you know, kind of — is it, is it, are you being provocative, or do you really believe that there are parallels?”
But no, Obama’s ambassador to China would not yield on the point or admit hyperbole. He meant all that in poker-faced seriousness.
“I think we’re moving in that direction. I’m not saying we’re there yet,” Baucus said.
“But there are a lot of very responsible people in America who know that this China-bashing is irresponsible and we’re going to pay a price the more it continues.”
Irresponsible. As this rhetoric clearly isn’t.
In the interest of full disclosure, there’s a blurring of lines here as to who’s going to end up paying the price if this keeps on.
The Washington Free Beacon pointed out that “after Trump’s election, [Baucus] established business ties to China. He sits on the board of advisers for the Alibaba Group, one of China’s largest technology firms, and is also on the board of directors of Ingram Micro, which was purchased by a Chinese company in 2016.”
In an appearance on MSNBC in March, he — somewhat unsurprisingly — praised China’s response to coronavirus.
“I think that the big lesson here [is] that when you take charge and when you tell the entire country, Wuhan, other provinces what to do, they get in gear and get the job done,” Baucus said. “I take my hat off to China for doing so.”
This is a time where someone who went from being the ambassador to China to sitting on the board of one of China’s biggest companies is less unctuous to some than holding China accountable for its botched and dissembling response to the novel coronavirus.
Granted, it takes the man who made the move from ambassador to the corporate boardroom at Alibaba to actually compare holding China accountable to McCarthyism or Hitler’s Germany, but there you have it.
It might end up being the elected Democrats in Baucus’ state who have to answer to this in any serious way. In an email on Thursday, the state GOP called for Montana Gov. Steve Bullock and Sen. Jon Tester, both Democrats, to denounce Baucus.
In the email, according to the Great Falls Tribune, MTGOP executive director Spenser Merwin said the two should “condemn this indefensible statement and Ambassador Baucus should apologize for making such appalling and beyond inappropriate remarks.”
If Sen. Tester wants to let this one slide, he probably can, given the fact he’s not up for re-election until 2024. He’d probably do Gov. Bullock a favor if he were willing to help him out on this one, though.
Bullock, who ran for president with a profound lack of effect, is now seeking to unseat GOP Sen. Steve Daines in one of the few Great Plains states where, as you can probably guess from the fact he’s the only Republican I’m mentioning here, Democrats can still win statewide office.
I don’t think standing up against rhetoric like this, particularly from someone who makes all these statements while sitting on the board of Alibaba, should be all that difficult.
It also won’t help when Baucus’ remarks were amplified in a piece published in Chinese propaganda mill Xinhua with these two paragraphs adjacent to each other:
“Baucus served as U.S. Ambassador to China under the Obama administration from 2014 to 2017. Before that he was a Senator from Montana for nearly 36 years.
“As COVID-19 deaths continue to increase in the United States, some individuals in the Trump administration have tried desperately to deflect criticisms about their blunders by blaming China.”
So, what did they all have to say for themselves? Here’s the trifecta of answers, courtesy of the Great Falls Tribune:
“Baucus, who served as ambassador to China under President Barack Obama could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday. Tester was unavailable for comment. Bullock did not immediately return a query seeking comment.”
Perfect. At least the befuddlement of a CNN anchor is something that indeed speaks volumes — and could end up hurting Montana Democrats this November at the ballot box.
Baucus has indeed made the sailor blush. Hope that Alibaba remuneration is worth it, ambassador.
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--2020-05-09--News Editor Gets Blasted After Video of Sick Way He Treated Ice Cream Man Goes Viral

Many years ago , CBS newsman Mike Wallace perfected what was known as the “ ambush interview , ” where he would would track down a subject who didn ’ t want to talk to him on the sidewalk or as they were getting into their car and pepper them with a slew of questions .
Years later , Wallace would tell CNN ’ s Howard Kurtz that he and “ 60 Minutes ” executive producer Don Hewitt “ came to the conclusion that there was more heat than light that came out of that .
We weren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so-called ambushes .
So we quit … I have no doubt that what we started has become a plague.
” A metaphorical plague during a literal one is pretty meta stuff , but it ’ s something that we should have seen coming .
After all , people were bound to break the rules in the social distancing gospel , and the ambush interview lives on nowhere if not on local news telecasts .
Reporters for WBBM-TV in Chicago , however , found out this doesn ’ t work quite as well when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same way Mike Wallace used to treat tobacco executives .
The segment , which involved assignment desk editor Greg Kelly squaring off against an ice cream truck guy in the village of Hoffman Estates who was selling his wares in a converted school bus , combined the ambush interview with the kind of local TV reporting which takes the familiar tonality of : “ Tonight , why your next drink of water … may be your last !
“ TRENDING : Joe Biden Shredded for Blunder-Filled Virtual Rally : 'How Can a National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ segment began with those familiar chimes of the ice cream truck — but in the time of coronavirus , the next time you hear them may be your last !
“ That iconic music screams summer , and we all scream for ice cream , ” the voiceover said , before warning that thanks to the pandemic , “ getting close to the ice cream man could mean getting something else.
” Flash to the confrontation with the driver : “ Yet here is Mr .
Freeze – not his name – in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ungloved , taking cash for cones , ” he says .
Here ’ s the segment , tweeted out by investigative reporter Brad Edwards with similarly subtle copy : “ No gloves ?
No Mask ?
No problem .
This ice cream man is not only ignoring COVID-19 protocol , but he ’ s breaking the law .
Such trucks are forbidden Hoffman Estates .
The Village Manager says if you see him , call 9-1-1 .
“ This confrontation between Kelly — described as a “ dad , biker and journalist ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sounding an awful lot like whatever the male version of a Karen is — and Mr .
Freeze involved Kelly asking him variations on the question , “ Do you think it ’ s good to be doing this with the stay-at-home order ?
” Mr .
Freeze , for his part , responded with , “ Why are you trying to take ice cream out of the hands of children ?
” After a bit of this high-minded dialogue on social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic , this ice cream truck driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and whether or not the parents of these children should be able to decide whether they can get ice cream for themselves — or just a bit of bickering for the camera , one or the other — Mr .
Freeze ( not his real name , just in case you hadn ’ t gotten the message ) drove off .
The end of the segment involved Edwards talking about how these sorts of ice cream trucks aren ’ t allowed in Hoffman Estates and that , if you see Mr .
Freeze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : MSNBC Hosts , Biden Director and Dem Rep All Spread Deceptively Edited Pence Video in Brazen Fake News Scandal One of the more glorious aspects of the social media age is that the shamer can often become the shamed .
You can see where this is going : Edwards ’ tweet wasn ’ t just “ ratioed ” — defined as when the comments vastly outnumber the likes or retweets on Twitter , indicating a wildly unpopular post .
The totals , as of Saturday morning , were over 14,000 comments compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why not ?
This is journalism in the time of COVID .
A singular ice cream truck on a street in a suburb is tracked down by a news assignment editor — his actions apparently justified by Brad Edwards because he was a dad and a journalist — and harassed on camera .
It ’ s important to stress the harassment aspect here .
Does this show up on the news without the “ Mr .
Freeze ” video ?
Does it show up without endlessly shaming an ice cream guy for not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works , both in the video and in studio ?
Is there any reason for a single ice cream truck going around a suburban community to end up on the news if it weren ’ t for the snark and two-minutes hate against this guy ?
He wasn ’ t wearing gloves or a mask and was selling ice cream .
Heaven forfend .
By the way , it ’ s almost certain these children were out there with the permission of their parents .
Are we to assume they can no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and can ’ t do ?
Is that the kind of life we live now ?
And for that matter , was this driver engaging in illegal behavior ?
Yes , Edwards said : Mike Wallace is gone , having passed on in 2012 at the age of 93 .
His metaphorical plague is still with us .
In the social media age , at least , we can push back .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Many years ago, CBS newsman Mike Wallace perfected what was known as the “ambush interview,” where he would would track down a subject who didn’t want to talk to him on the sidewalk or as they were getting into their car and pepper them with a slew of questions.
Years later, Wallace would tell CNN’s Howard Kurtz that he and “60 Minutes” executive producer Don Hewitt “came to the conclusion that there was more heat than light that came out of that. We weren’t getting a lot of information from those so-called ambushes. So we quit … I have no doubt that what we started has become a plague.”
A metaphorical plague during a literal one is pretty meta stuff, but it’s something that we should have seen coming. After all, people were bound to break the rules in the social distancing gospel, and the ambush interview lives on nowhere if not on local news telecasts.
Reporters for WBBM-TV in Chicago, however, found out this doesn’t work quite as well when you treat an ice cream guy the same way Mike Wallace used to treat tobacco executives.
The segment, which involved assignment desk editor Greg Kelly squaring off against an ice cream truck guy in the village of Hoffman Estates who was selling his wares in a converted school bus, combined the ambush interview with the kind of local TV reporting which takes the familiar tonality of: “Tonight, why your next drink of water … may be your last!“
The segment began with those familiar chimes of the ice cream truck — but in the time of coronavirus, the next time you hear them may be your last!
“That iconic music screams summer, and we all scream for ice cream,” the voiceover said, before warning that thanks to the pandemic, “getting close to the ice cream man could mean getting something else.”
Flash to the confrontation with the driver: “Yet here is Mr. Freeze – not his name – in his truck of treats, unmasked, ungloved, taking cash for cones,” he says.
Here’s the segment, tweeted out by investigative reporter Brad Edwards with similarly subtle copy: “No gloves? No Mask? No problem. This ice cream man is not only ignoring COVID-19 protocol, but he’s breaking the law. Such trucks are forbidden Hoffman Estates. The Village Manager says if you see him, call 9-1-1. “
No gloves? No Mask? No problem. This ice cream man is not only ignoring COVID-19 protocol, but he’s breaking the law. Such trucks are forbidden Hoffman Estates. The Village Manager says if you see him, call 9-1-1. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/ebQftLpCUD — Brad Edwards (@tvbrad) May 8, 2020
This confrontation between Kelly — described as a “dad, biker and journalist” but who came off in the segment sounding an awful lot like whatever the male version of a Karen is — and Mr. Freeze involved Kelly asking him variations on the question, “Do you think it’s good to be doing this with the stay-at-home order?”
Mr. Freeze, for his part, responded with, “Why are you trying to take ice cream out of the hands of children?”
After a bit of this high-minded dialogue on social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, this ice cream truck driver’s ability to earn a living and whether or not the parents of these children should be able to decide whether they can get ice cream for themselves — or just a bit of bickering for the camera, one or the other — Mr. Freeze (not his real name, just in case you hadn’t gotten the message) drove off.
The end of the segment involved Edwards talking about how these sorts of ice cream trucks aren’t allowed in Hoffman Estates and that, if you see Mr. Freeze, you should call 911.
One of the more glorious aspects of the social media age is that the shamer can often become the shamed. You can see where this is going:
He’s trying to make an honest living. Call 911? What the hell is wrong with you? — Jordan Schachtel (@JordanSchachtel) May 8, 2020
“Hello, police? Yeah, it’s Brad. I seen the ice cream man.” pic.twitter.com/lgdiapW32V — The Partyman (@PartymanRandy) May 8, 2020
53 people killed in Chicago the month of April and you hunt ice cream man. Sit. — Kambree (@KamVTV) May 8, 2020
How many journalists show up at the presser without mask or gloves? Do you try to destroy their lives, too? — Dan Gainor (@dangainor) May 8, 2020
This is a story Brian Stelter would do thinking he’s saving the world. — Mark Dice (@MarkDice) May 8, 2020
He sure showed that elderly ice cream man! — JoeyJoeJoeJrShabadoo (@SideshowJon36) May 8, 2020
What is wrong with you? — Cernovich (@Cernovich) May 8, 2020
Edwards’ tweet wasn’t just “ratioed” — defined as when the comments vastly outnumber the likes or retweets on Twitter, indicating a wildly unpopular post. The totals, as of Saturday morning, were over 14,000 comments compared to 2,500 likes and retweets.
Should this ice cream man have been shamed? 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% (18 Votes) No: 98% (843 Votes)
And why not? This is journalism in the time of COVID. A singular ice cream truck on a street in a suburb is tracked down by a news assignment editor — his actions apparently justified by Brad Edwards because he was a dad and a journalist — and harassed on camera.
It’s important to stress the harassment aspect here.
Does this show up on the news without the “Mr. Freeze” video? Does it show up without endlessly shaming an ice cream guy for not wearing a mask or gloves as he works, both in the video and in studio? Is there any reason for a single ice cream truck going around a suburban community to end up on the news if it weren’t for the snark and two-minutes hate against this guy?
He wasn’t wearing gloves or a mask and was selling ice cream. Heaven forfend.
By the way, it’s almost certain these children were out there with the permission of their parents. Are we to assume they can no longer make decisions about what their children can and can’t do? Is that the kind of life we live now?
And for that matter, was this driver engaging in illegal behavior? Yes, Edwards said:
Ice cream trucks aren’t allowed in Hoffman Estates. — Brad Edwards (@tvbrad) May 8, 2020
Local journalism at work.
Mike Wallace is gone, having passed on in 2012 at the age of 93. His metaphorical plague is still with us. In the social media age, at least, we can push back.
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--2020-05-09--Senators Reveal Plan for Huge Monthly Payments to Most Americans

Three senators , including two whose ideas were rejected by voters in the Democratic presidential primary process , are jumping on the bandwagon to give monthly checks to Americans for the duration of the economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus and the lockdowns imposed to slow the spread of the disease .
Sens .
Kamala Harris of California , Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Ed Markey of Massachusetts have proposed the Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act , which goes far beyond the initial $ 1,200 checks sent to tens of millions of Americans in the “ phase three ” coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The legislation would send $ 2,000 a month to single individuals who make under $ 120,000 a year .
Married couples who file their taxes jointly and earn less than $ 120,000 a year each could get up to $ 4,000 .
The bill also would provide another $ 2,000 monthly payment for each child for families with three children or less , according to a news release from Harris ’ office .
The money would keep flowing until three months after the Department of Health and Human Services makes an official declaration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRENDING : Joe Biden Shredded for Blunder-Filled Virtual Rally : 'How Can a National Campaign Allow This To Happen ?
A similar proposal was put forth in the House last month , with Democratic Reps. Ro Khanna of California and Tim Ryan of Ohio proposing the Emergency Money for People Act .
The House Democrats ’ legislation would give $ 2,000 a month to every American age 16 and above with an annual income of under $ 130,000 , according to Fox Business .
The House bill would up the ante by paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to three children , and would be in effect for six months .
“ The government has told people we need to shelter in place to keep safe .
So it ’ s the government ’ s obligation to provide for basic expenses while we ’ re telling people not to work .
It ’ s really that simple , ” Khanna told The Hill .
Some pushed back against the proposed spending spree : Although the White House has said there will be more legislation to address the impact of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cards , according to USA Today .
“ I think there ’ s a pause in the formal negotiations .
We ’ re going to take a look at things at the end of May and early June and see where we are in the economy , ” White House Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said Friday on Fox Business .
RELATED : New York Cancels Presidential Primary Despite Objections from Sanders Campaign Senate Republicans have been cool to another immediate round of direct payments .
“ The real stimulus that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re on is going to be the economy , not government checks , ” Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said , according to The Hill .
“ So I doubt there will be another payment , ” he said .
Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming said Congress has to play a waiting game , but be ready to act if further direct payments are needed .
“ We ’ re at a point where it ’ s going to be a discussion point .
Because in Wyoming , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are .
It ’ s just a matter of how long it takes to really get the economy open again .
If it takes too long , then we ’ re likely to have to do that , ” he said .
Republican Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana said the March legislation needs time to percolate through the economy .
“ I ’ m probably not going to be interested in doing anything for a while , ” Braun said .
“ Whether it ’ s the payroll tax cut , a round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking $ 3 trillion has been a pretty good wallop .
We need to see how that ’ s working before , you know , I ’ m going to be interested in doing anything else.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Three senators, including two whose ideas were rejected by voters in the Democratic presidential primary process, are jumping on the bandwagon to give monthly checks to Americans for the duration of the economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus and the lockdowns imposed to slow the spread of the disease.
Sens. Kamala Harris of California, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Ed Markey of Massachusetts have proposed the Monthly Economic Crisis Support Act, which goes far beyond the initial $1,200 checks sent to tens of millions of Americans in the “phase three” coronavirus relief legislation, according to Politico.
The legislation would send $2,000 a month to single individuals who make under $120,000 a year. Married couples who file their taxes jointly and earn less than $120,000 a year each could get up to $4,000.
The bill also would provide another $2,000 monthly payment for each child for families with three children or less, according to a news release from Harris’ office.
The money would keep flowing until three months after the Department of Health and Human Services makes an official declaration that the current emergency is over.
A similar proposal was put forth in the House last month, with Democratic Reps. Ro Khanna of California and Tim Ryan of Ohio proposing the Emergency Money for People Act.
The House Democrats’ legislation would give $2,000 a month to every American age 16 and above with an annual income of under $130,000, according to Fox Business. The House bill would up the ante by paying families $500 per child for up to three children, and would be in effect for six months.
“The government has told people we need to shelter in place to keep safe. So it’s the government’s obligation to provide for basic expenses while we’re telling people not to work. It’s really that simple,” Khanna told The Hill.
Some pushed back against the proposed spending spree:
no self respecting American should accept a “relief check” that their grandchildren will have to pay the bill for… Democrats rally behind monthly $2,000 relief checks https://t.co/TOpg25HYs0 — Ed Matricardi (@EMatricardi) May 9, 2020
Democrats rally behind monthly $2,000 relief checks: Talk about buying elections. I’d like $2,000 but not at the expense the damage it would cost America if Biden gets elected, Keep your money and fire Pelosi… — Del Henry (@DelHenry6) May 9, 2020
Although the White House has said there will be more legislation to address the impact of the coronavirus, immediate action is not in the cards, according to USA Today.
“I think there’s a pause in the formal negotiations. We’re going to take a look at things at the end of May and early June and see where we are in the economy,” White House Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said Friday on Fox Business.
Do you think sending $2,000 monthly payments to most Americans would be a good idea? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 56% (1282 Votes) No: 44% (994 Votes)
Senate Republicans have been cool to another immediate round of direct payments.
“The real stimulus that’s going to change the trajectory that we’re on is going to be the economy, not government checks,” Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said, according to The Hill.
“So I doubt there will be another payment,” he said.
Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming said Congress has to play a waiting game, but be ready to act if further direct payments are needed.
“We’re at a point where it’s going to be a discussion point. Because in Wyoming, we’re opening again, many communities are. It’s just a matter of how long it takes to really get the economy open again. If it takes too long, then we’re likely to have to do that,” he said.
Republican Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana said the March legislation needs time to percolate through the economy.
“I’m probably not going to be interested in doing anything for a while,” Braun said.
“Whether it’s the payroll tax cut, a round of stimulus checks, I’m thinking $3 trillion has been a pretty good wallop. We need to see how that’s working before, you know, I’m going to be interested in doing anything else.”
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--2020-05-09--‘Enough Is Enough’: Fed-Up Business Owners Defy Governor’s Orders, Open Shop

The spirit of defiance is building in Pennsylvania , where some businesses are opening up regardless of what Gov .
Tom Wolf ’ s shutdown orders say and some county leaders have telegraphed their intentions to disregard Wolf ’ s reopening timetable .
“ I had to save my business , ” Julie Potter of East Freedom , Pennsylvania , told WCAU .
Potter has operated the Tame Your Mane salon for 25 years .
“ I couldn ’ t let it end like that , ” she said .
Customer John Black , 70 , said that despite his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to venture forth in the COVID-19 world for a haircut .
“ You got to get on with your life and get the country opened up , ” Black said .
“ As long as you watch what you ’ re doing.
” ’ TRENDING : Joe Biden Shredded for Blunder-Filled Virtual Rally : 'How Can a National Campaign Allow This To Happen ?
Potter said customers have to wear face coverings and undergo temperature checks .
Equipment and chairs are cleaned down often , she said .
At the Gorilla House Gym @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had waited all he was going to wait .
“ We just decided to do it .
We didn ’ t ask permission to do it .
We just did it , and we ’ re going to keep doing it , ” he told the Altoona Mirror .
“ Someone had to take a stand .
Enough is enough.
” Wolf is easing restrictions in some parts of the state , but even that is being criticized as too little .
Dauphin County Commissioner Jeff Haste wrote a letter protesting Wolf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to PennLive.com .
“ Data shows that COVID-19 is a critical issue in confined living areas and with our elderly and immunity-impaired populations .
The general population can continue to work and function within the ‘ new normal.
’ Our businesses and citizens have learned this ; however , the governor and his health secretary have not , ” he wrote .
Lebanon County said that regardless of what Wolf wants , it is moving to “ yellow ” status from the current red as of next Friday .
Dauphin County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing the same .
“ The residents of our county have heeded your instructions to practice social distancing and other mitigation efforts , and as a result , our local health care facilities do not lack the capacity to effectively treat these patients going forward , ” Lebanon County said in its letter to Wolf .
“ Both PPE supply and the availability of COVID-19 tests have increased since mid-March .
These factors have provided our local health care facilities with the confidence to address any upcoming concerns as Lebanon County moves to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the local elected officials , have a vested interest in keeping our community safe and free from disease , and not over-burdening the health care facilities in the county , ” the letter said “ We have heard the pleas of our residents who desire the ability to safely reopen their businesses and safely return to work .
Lebanon County plans to move forward and will require businesses who are ready to reopen to follow CDC guidelines including requirements such as hand washing , social distancing , and masks until further guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the green phase.
” Wolf said Friday some counties are making a mistake by going too fast .
“ But again , the frustration has to be directed at the real enemy here .
It ’ s the virus .
It ’ s not the regulation .
And anything we do to bring people together , whether it ’ s employees or customers or both , we ’ re making it easier for that virus to actually attack and infect people and we ’ re jeopardizing their health , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faster than he has ordained could be “ jeopardizing lives ” and added , “ If they go ahead and do that they ’ re taking a chance , and I think I ’ d be a little careful in doing that.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The spirit of defiance is building in Pennsylvania, where some businesses are opening up regardless of what Gov. Tom Wolf’s shutdown orders say and some county leaders have telegraphed their intentions to disregard Wolf’s reopening timetable.
“I had to save my business,” Julie Potter of East Freedom, Pennsylvania, told WCAU.
Potter has operated the Tame Your Mane salon for 25 years. “I couldn’t let it end like that,” she said.
Customer John Black, 70, said that despite his past heart attack, he was willing to venture forth in the COVID-19 world for a haircut.
“You got to get on with your life and get the country opened up,” Black said. “As long as you watch what you’re doing.”’
Potter said customers have to wear face coverings and undergo temperature checks. Equipment and chairs are cleaned down often, she said.
At the Gorilla House Gym in Altoona, co-owner Ray Ross said he had waited all he was going to wait.
“We just decided to do it. We didn’t ask permission to do it. We just did it, and we’re going to keep doing it,” he told the Altoona Mirror. “Someone had to take a stand. Enough is enough.”
Wolf is easing restrictions in some parts of the state, but even that is being criticized as too little.
Do you think these business owners were right to reopen? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 98% (1080 Votes) No: 2% (20 Votes)
Dauphin County Commissioner Jeff Haste wrote a letter protesting Wolf’s pace for reopening the state, according to PennLive.com.
“Data shows that COVID-19 is a critical issue in confined living areas and with our elderly and immunity-impaired populations. The general population can continue to work and function within the ‘new normal.’ Our businesses and citizens have learned this; however, the governor and his health secretary have not,” he wrote.
Lebanon County said that regardless of what Wolf wants, it is moving to “yellow” status from the current red as of next Friday.
Dauphin County Commissioner Mike Pries said his county is doing the same.
BREAKING NEWS: Dauphin County will be joining Lebanon County and move to Phase Yellow of #COVIDー19 Phased Reopening Plan on May 15, 2020. https://t.co/hGb3zJYi1N — Mike Pries (@PriesMike) May 8, 2020
“The residents of our county have heeded your instructions to practice social distancing and other mitigation efforts, and as a result, our local health care facilities do not lack the capacity to effectively treat these patients going forward,” Lebanon County said in its letter to Wolf. “Both PPE supply and the availability of COVID-19 tests have increased since mid-March. These factors have provided our local health care facilities with the confidence to address any upcoming concerns as Lebanon County moves to the yellow phase.”
“We, as the local elected officials, have a vested interest in keeping our community safe and free from disease, and not over-burdening the health care facilities in the county,” the letter said
“We have heard the pleas of our residents who desire the ability to safely reopen their businesses and safely return to work. Lebanon County plans to move forward and will require businesses who are ready to reopen to follow CDC guidelines including requirements such as hand washing, social distancing, and masks until further guidance is received for the county to move to the green phase.”
Wolf said Friday some counties are making a mistake by going too fast.
“I understand the frustration,” Wolf said.
“But again, the frustration has to be directed at the real enemy here. It’s the virus. It’s not the regulation. And anything we do to bring people together, whether it’s employees or customers or both, we’re making it easier for that virus to actually attack and infect people and we’re jeopardizing their health,” he said.
The governor said counties that move faster than he has ordained could be “jeopardizing lives” and added, “If they go ahead and do that they’re taking a chance, and I think I’d be a little careful in doing that.”
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--2020-05-09--Sen. Feinstein Criticizes Tara Reade Allegation, Slams ‘Absolutely Ridiculous’ Attack

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California , who was one of the harshest critics of then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh when he was accused of improper sexual conduct in 2018 , said Tara Reade ’ s accusations against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden are entirely different .
Kavanaugh had been accused of sexual misconduct by Christine Blasey Ford based on an incident that Ford claimed took place in the 1980s , but which Kavanaugh denied .
Reade has accused the former vice president of sexually assaulting her in 1993 while Biden was a U.S. senator representing Delaware .
Reade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and has said Biden kissed , groped and digitally penetrated her during an unwanted sexual advance .
Biden claims the incident never happened .
In a series of tweets , CNN reporter Manu Raju relayed Feinstein ’ s comments regarding the matter on Thursday .
TRENDING : Joe Biden Shredded for Blunder-Filled Virtual Rally : 'How Can a National Campaign Allow This To Happen ?
Feinstein said the two cases were “ totally different , ” he tweeted .
“ Kavanuagh was under the harshest inspection that we give people over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , according to his tweets .
“ And I don ’ t know this person at all who has made the allegations .
She came out of nowhere .
Where has she been all these years ?
He was vice president , ” Feinstein added .
Feinstein , who was one of the first officials contacted by Ford in 2018 , said that “ to attack [ Biden ] this way to me is absolutely ridiculous.
” “ Why didn ’ t she say something — you know when he was chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” Feinstein said .
She said there was no double standard and that Reade ’ s claims are not “ comparable ” to those against Kavanaugh .
RELATED : Report : DOJ Launches Probe of Senators Who Dumped Stocks Before Coronavirus Crash Feinstein ’ s comments rubbed some the wrong way : Feinstein on Thursday also cited her long friendship with Biden as a reason not to believe his former aide .
“ I ’ ve known Biden , he was the one that put me on the Judiciary Committee as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago and worked with him ever since on assault weapons and a lot of things , ” she said , according to The Hill .
“ And I have a great respect for his integrity , for his fidelity to his family his friends .
And so these accusations are very disturbing because they do have an impact on an individual , and every indication I would have is that they would be false until I was shown otherwise.
” When asked whether she believed Reade , Feinstein replied : “ No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, who was one of the harshest critics of then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh when he was accused of improper sexual conduct in 2018, said Tara Reade’s accusations against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden are entirely different.
Kavanaugh had been accused of sexual misconduct by Christine Blasey Ford based on an incident that Ford claimed took place in the 1980s, but which Kavanaugh denied.
Reade has accused the former vice president of sexually assaulting her in 1993 while Biden was a U.S. senator representing Delaware.
Reade worked for Biden from 1992 to 1993, and has said Biden kissed, groped and digitally penetrated her during an unwanted sexual advance. Biden claims the incident never happened.
In a series of tweets, CNN reporter Manu Raju relayed Feinstein’s comments regarding the matter on Thursday.
Feinstein said the two cases were “totally different,” he tweeted.
“Kavanuagh was under the harshest inspection that we give people over a substantial period of time,” Feinstein said, according to his tweets.
“And I don’t know this person at all who has made the allegations. She came out of nowhere. Where has she been all these years? He was vice president,” Feinstein added.
Feinstein, who was one of the first officials contacted by Ford in 2018, said that “to attack [Biden] this way to me is absolutely ridiculous.”
Is this the same old Democratic double standard at work? 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% (1641 Votes) No: 0% (7 Votes)
“Why didn’t she say something — you know when he was chairman of the Judiciary Committee or after that?” Feinstein said.
She said there was no double standard and that Reade’s claims are not “comparable” to those against Kavanaugh.
Dianne Feinstein, ranking Democrat on Senate Judiciary, argued to us that the Kavanuagh situation is “totally different” than the Tara Reade allegations against Biden. “Kavanuagh was under the harshest inspection that we give people over a substantial period of time.” — Manu Raju (@mkraju) May 7, 2020
“And I don’t know this person at all who has made the allegations. She came out of nowhere. Where has she been all these years? He was Vice President,” Feinstein said. She touted his record and then said “to attack him this way to me is absolutely ridiculous.” — Manu Raju (@mkraju) May 7, 2020
“Why didn’t she say something — you know when he was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee or after that?” Feinstein rejected the notion of a Dem double standard and argued the situation isn’t “comparable” to Kavanaugh — Manu Raju (@mkraju) May 7, 2020
Feinstein’s comments rubbed some the wrong way:
A leading Democrat uses classic anti-survivor talking points:@DianneFeinstein says of #TaraReade: “Where has she been all these years?” I guess that discredits every survivor who doesn’t report immediately. So much for #MeToo.https://t.co/4CLyjQb69m — Peter Daou (@peterdaou) May 7, 2020
As a professional and expert in the field of sexual violence/trauma, I can say that Sen Feinstein has demeaned herself and the Dem Party by engaging in rape denial and showing that she has no understanding of how victims disclose. She needs to be quiet. https://t.co/BVDsXWxuzQ — Prof Zenkus (@anthonyzenkus) May 8, 2020
Feinstein on Thursday also cited her long friendship with Biden as a reason not to believe his former aide.
“I’ve known Biden, he was the one that put me on the Judiciary Committee as the first woman back in, well 26 years ago and worked with him ever since on assault weapons and a lot of things,” she said, according to The Hill.
“And I have a great respect for his integrity, for his fidelity to his family his friends. And so these accusations are very disturbing because they do have an impact on an individual, and every indication I would have is that they would be false until I was shown otherwise.”
When asked whether she believed Reade, Feinstein replied: “No, I do not.”
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.