westernjournal--2020-05-22--Church That Refused To Close Under Gov’t Order Burned to Ground in Suspected Arson

First Pentecostal Church in Holly Springs , Mississippi , which previously defied government orders to close , tragically burned to the ground in what investigators suspect is an act of arson .
Firefighters responded early Wednesday morning , according to WATN-TV , and what they found was a chilling indication of the possible motive in the spray-painted message left at the scene : “ Bet you stay at home now you hypokrits.
” Twitter user Rev .
Stephen M. Leach shared photos of the scrawled message along with the smoldering remains of the church building .
“ First # Pentecostal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to close due to # COVID19 restrictions and in retaliation the # Church was set ablaze today , ” Leach tweeted .
“ The Arsonists spray painted these words in the pavement , “ BET YOU STAY HOME NOW YOU HYPOKRITS.
” TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports Although Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves has urged churches to cancel services , he did not formally prohibit worship gatherings as other governors have done .
“ In America and Mississippi , we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government that shuts down worships , ” he said in April , according to WREG-TV .
The city of Holly Springs , however , initially made no such concessions for worship and imposed curfews except for “ essential ” activities , an order that was later amended to permit drive-thru services , according to WLBT .
The congregation continued to gather , and police cited First Pentecostal Church ’ s pastor Jerry Waldrop for holding Easter Sunday services and later disrupted a Bible study , prompting him to file suit against the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now it appears as though the congregation paid a high price for standing its ground , but Waldrop is undeterred .
“ We ’ re going to keep the faith , we ’ re going to keep doing what we ’ ve always done , maybe not on this location , ” Waldrop told WHBQ-TV .
“ I ’ ll get with our faithful people , and maybe rent a building or whatever we need to do for the time being , ” he said .
“ We have the means , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we will do , ” Waldrop said .
“ We have a tight group that ’ s been faithful , so whatever means are necessary , that ’ s what we ’ ll do.
” RELATED : Trump Issues Warning to Dem Governors Refusing To Allow Churches To Open Reeves also expressed his outrage and sadness at the turn of events .
“ I am heartbroken and furious , ” the GOP governor tweeted Thursday .
“ In Mississippi , a church was just burned to the ground .
They had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graffiti on the lot which read ‘ Bet you stay home now you hypocrites . '
” “ What is this pandemic doing to us ?
We need prayer for this country , ” Reeves said .
No arrests have been made in connection with the fire , although officials are still investigating .
This unspeakable act of violence highlights tensions between government overreach and religious liberty that have erupted throughout the coronavirus pandemic .
America itself seems to be split between one side which eagerly seeks to punish those who don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other side which seeks to resist the frightening proliferation of authoritarian rule .
As city and state governments issued lockdown orders nationwide , many did so on the subjective basis of whether the business or service was “ essential ” or not .
This has sparked many conflicts , as the orders were often at odds with First Amendment rights , with many prohibiting the freedoms of both religion and assembly .
At the very least , governments ignored the fact that to religious believers , worshiping God is the very definition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the conflicts have largely been nonviolent , this incident is not the first time a congregation has been hassled by police or faced possible acts of vandalism for standing its ground .
What is unfolding is the ultimate stress test for the United States Constitution , and only time will tell if the ideas laid out on age-worn parchment are strong enough to withstand the modern forces unleashed by fear of a global pandemic .
Until the investigation is complete , it will be impossible to know for sure if First Pentecostal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea — fueled by government and media alike — that allowing people to leave their house is dangerous and stopping them by any means necessary is the valiant thing to do .
What is certain , however , is that what was once a beloved house of worship is now nothing more than a smoldering pile of ruins .
If Americans aren ’ t vigilant , religious freedom itself will be next .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

First Pentecostal Church in Holly Springs, Mississippi, which previously defied government orders to close, tragically burned to the ground in what investigators suspect is an act of arson.
Firefighters responded early Wednesday morning, according to WATN-TV, and what they found was a chilling indication of the possible motive in the spray-painted message left at the scene: “Bet you stay at home now you hypokrits.”
Twitter user Rev. Stephen M. Leach shared photos of the scrawled message along with the smoldering remains of the church building.
“First #Pentecostal Church in Holly Springs, Mississippi, refused to close due to #COVID19 restrictions and in retaliation the #Church was set ablaze today,” Leach tweeted. “The Arsonists spray painted these words in the pavement, “BET YOU STAY HOME NOW YOU HYPOKRITS.”
First #Pentecostal Church in Holly Springs, Mississippi, refused to close due to #COVID19 restrictions and in retaliation the #Church was set ablaze today. The Arsonists spray painted these words in the pavement, “BET YOU STAY HOME NOW YOU HYPOKRITS”. pic.twitter.com/FjvrBTt1Qk — Rev. Stephen M Leach (@revstephenleach) May 20, 2020
Although Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has urged churches to cancel services, he did not formally prohibit worship gatherings as other governors have done.
“In America and Mississippi, we’re not going to be the kind of government that shuts down worships,” he said in April, according to WREG-TV.
The city of Holly Springs, however, initially made no such concessions for worship and imposed curfews except for “essential” activities, an order that was later amended to permit drive-thru services, according to WLBT.
Do you think this possible act of arson is an indication of a larger war on religious freedom? 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% (490 Votes) No: 3% (13 Votes)
The congregation continued to gather, and police cited First Pentecostal Church’s pastor Jerry Waldrop for holding Easter Sunday services and later disrupted a Bible study, prompting him to file suit against the city, The New York Times reported.
Now it appears as though the congregation paid a high price for standing its ground, but Waldrop is undeterred.
“We’re going to keep the faith, we’re going to keep doing what we’ve always done, maybe not on this location,” Waldrop told WHBQ-TV.
“I’ll get with our faithful people, and maybe rent a building or whatever we need to do for the time being,” he said.
“We have the means, so whatever it takes, that’s what we will do,” Waldrop said. “We have a tight group that’s been faithful, so whatever means are necessary, that’s what we’ll do.”
Reeves also expressed his outrage and sadness at the turn of events.
“I am heartbroken and furious,” the GOP governor tweeted Thursday. “In Mississippi, a church was just burned to the ground. They had been trying to open services. There was graffiti on the lot which read ‘Bet you stay home now you hypocrites.'”
“What is this pandemic doing to us? We need prayer for this country,” Reeves said.
I am heartbroken and furious. In Mississippi, a church was just burned to the ground. They had been trying to open services. There was graffiti on the lot which read “Bet you stay home now you hypocrites.” What is this pandemic doing to us? We need prayer for this country. pic.twitter.com/TdGHqs9evv — Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) May 21, 2020
No arrests have been made in connection with the fire, although officials are still investigating.
This unspeakable act of violence highlights tensions between government overreach and religious liberty that have erupted throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
America itself seems to be split between one side which eagerly seeks to punish those who don’t fall in with draconian rules and the other side which seeks to resist the frightening proliferation of authoritarian rule.
As city and state governments issued lockdown orders nationwide, many did so on the subjective basis of whether the business or service was “essential” or not.
This has sparked many conflicts, as the orders were often at odds with First Amendment rights, with many prohibiting the freedoms of both religion and assembly.
At the very least, governments ignored the fact that to religious believers, worshiping God is the very definition of an “essential” activity.
While the conflicts have largely been nonviolent, this incident is not the first time a congregation has been hassled by police or faced possible acts of vandalism for standing its ground.
What is unfolding is the ultimate stress test for the United States Constitution, and only time will tell if the ideas laid out on age-worn parchment are strong enough to withstand the modern forces unleashed by fear of a global pandemic.
Until the investigation is complete, it will be impossible to know for sure if First Pentecostal Church was a casualty of the hysterical idea — fueled by government and media alike — that allowing people to leave their house is dangerous and stopping them by any means necessary is the valiant thing to do.
What is certain, however, is that what was once a beloved house of worship is now nothing more than a smoldering pile of ruins.
If Americans aren’t vigilant, religious freedom itself will be next.
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westernjournal--2020-05-22--Ivanka Trump, All-Star Group Advise Aiding American Workers with ‘Unprecedented Investment’ in Techn

Ivanka Trump, All-Star Group Advise Aiding American Workers with ‘Unprecedented Investment’ in Technology

President Donald J. Trump isn ’ t the only member of his family fighting to save the economy .
First daughter and senior White House adviser Ivanka Trump is aiding her father ’ s fight to improve the economy by emphasizing just how vital the American workforce is to economic success .
Ivanka Trump is co-chair of the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board , which , amid the current health crisis , aims to help “ build the technological infrastructure necessary for the future of work.
” Commerce Wilbur Ross is the other co-chair of the board , whose members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president and CEO Doug McMillon , and IBM Executive Director Ginni Rometty , along with various other government officials and influential business leaders .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports “ The nature of work and education is changing – and we must utilize every avenue possible to provide Americans with the most in-demand skills , in new and flexible ways , so that we re-emerge stronger than before , ” Ivanka Trump told Fox Business .
“ It is essential to connect displaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure they have access to the online tools and distance learning they will need to guide them toward good jobs in rebounding fields as the health crisis abates and the economy begins to recover , ” the task force said in a statement .
“ In response , immediate and unprecedented investments in American workers and the pathways necessary for them to get back to work are needed to expedite the U.S. economic recovery.
” The board voted Tuesday to adopt a “ call-to-action ” that aims “ to help the millions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build the resilient and agile workforce of the future powered by skilled American workers.
” Most of the goals and actions that the advisory board suggested involve funding and expanding online educational opportunities .
The idea is that by expanding online training and education , many Americans who might not have otherwise had the chance will be able to gain valuable skills that could allow them to enter the workplace and drastically increase their productivity .
Included in the board ’ s statement are three goals — “ investing in career pathways and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ ing ] obstacles to the modernization of American education and training ” and , most notably , “ build [ ing ] the technological infrastructure necessary for the future of work.
” Several specific actions are also listed in the statement regarding how to achieve the goal of building up the economy ’ s technological infrastructure .
RELATED : Elon Musk Ignites Firestorm with Cryptic Message Suggesting He 's Turning to the Right The first of these proposed actions is to “ initiate an unprecedented investment in digital infrastructure.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deploy a once-in-a-generation infrastructure campaign to provide all Americans with affordable , high-speed access to online healthcare , education , and retail , ” the statement said .
Moreover , the board proposes steps to make “ education-to-work ” opportunities more plentiful , giving more workers the opportunity to learn skills applicable in a variety of industries .
“ Such a system will align the skills and competencies needed to effectively connect education-to-work that does not exist today .
It will guide learners and workers to available opportunities and provide for lifelong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ The federal government , states , education providers , labor unions , and the private sector all have significant roles in advancing this system , including providing more expansive guidance and flexibilities on data sharing.
” Lastly , the advisory board proposes the development of a student-owned Interoperable Learning Record with the purpose of translating a “ worker ’ s full education , skills-based training , and work experience to a record of transferable skills that will open doors to opportunity.
” “ The mission of the board was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Ivanka Trump told Fox .
“ Now the challenge is different .
It ’ s reconnecting workers with the workforce.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald J. Trump isn’t the only member of his family fighting to save the economy.
First daughter and senior White House adviser Ivanka Trump is aiding her father’s fight to improve the economy by emphasizing just how vital the American workforce is to economic success.
Ivanka Trump is co-chair of the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, which, amid the current health crisis, aims to help “build the technological infrastructure necessary for the future of work.”
Commerce Wilbur Ross is the other co-chair of the board, whose members include Apple CEO Tim Cook, Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon, and IBM Executive Director Ginni Rometty, along with various other government officials and influential business leaders.
Yesterday, we virtually convened our 5th meeting and are continuing to put our Nation’s greatest asset FIRST – the American worker! ??#PledgetoAmericasWorkers
⬇⬇⬇https://t.co/kyekbjZQDl — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) May 20, 2020
“The nature of work and education is changing – and we must utilize every avenue possible to provide Americans with the most in-demand skills, in new and flexible ways, so that we re-emerge stronger than before,” Ivanka Trump told Fox Business.
“It is essential to connect displaced workers to upskilling and reskilling pathways and ensure they have access to the online tools and distance learning they will need to guide them toward good jobs in rebounding fields as the health crisis abates and the economy begins to recover,” the task force said in a statement.
“In response, immediate and unprecedented investments in American workers and the pathways necessary for them to get back to work are needed to expedite the U.S. economic recovery.”
Should actions be taken to drastically improve online career and educational opportunities? 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% (198 Votes) No: 3% (7 Votes)
The board voted Tuesday to adopt a “call-to-action” that aims “to help the millions of workers who need assistance now, and build the resilient and agile workforce of the future powered by skilled American workers.”
Most of the goals and actions that the advisory board suggested involve funding and expanding online educational opportunities.
The idea is that by expanding online training and education, many Americans who might not have otherwise had the chance will be able to gain valuable skills that could allow them to enter the workplace and drastically increase their productivity.
Included in the board’s statement are three goals — “investing in career pathways and implementing skills-based hiring,” “remov[ing] obstacles to the modernization of American education and training” and, most notably, “build[ing] the technological infrastructure necessary for the future of work.”
Several specific actions are also listed in the statement regarding how to achieve the goal of building up the economy’s technological infrastructure.
The first of these proposed actions is to “initiate an unprecedented investment in digital infrastructure.”
“The government and private sector must work collaboratively to deploy a once-in-a-generation infrastructure campaign to provide all Americans with affordable, high-speed access to online healthcare, education, and retail,” the statement said.
Moreover, the board proposes steps to make “education-to-work” opportunities more plentiful, giving more workers the opportunity to learn skills applicable in a variety of industries.
“Such a system will align the skills and competencies needed to effectively connect education-to-work that does not exist today. It will guide learners and workers to available opportunities and provide for lifelong learning and growth,” the statement said.
“The federal government, states, education providers, labor unions, and the private sector all have significant roles in advancing this system, including providing more expansive guidance and flexibilities on data sharing.”
Lastly, the advisory board proposes the development of a student-owned Interoperable Learning Record with the purpose of translating a “worker’s full education, skills-based training, and work experience to a record of transferable skills that will open doors to opportunity.”
“The mission of the board was to help more people come off the sidelines,” Ivanka Trump told Fox.
“Now the challenge is different. It’s reconnecting workers with the workforce.”
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--2020-05-22--Pastor Rips Up Cease-and-Desist Letter During Sermon, Says ‘We’re Gonna Do It God’s Way’

For a Republican governor , Maryland ’ s Larry Hogan hasn ’ t exactly been at the tip of the spear when it comes to reopening .
This probably shouldn ’ t have surprised many .
Hogan is , to a certain extent , a liberal Republican out of necessity ; in a deep-blue state , a Republican politician in a statewide office is a profoundly endangered species , so it ’ s hardly surprising he ’ s not exactly Ron DeSantis .
One also suspects that ’ s not the only reason he ’ s that way , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a potential primary challenger to Donald Trump in this year ’ s election and he ’ s managed to spar not infrequently with the president over policy regarding the novel coronavirus .
Thus , it ’ s not particularly surprising that Maryland isn ’ t opening up quite as fast as other states with Republican governors .
Even still , as of May 13 , Hogan began allowing religious congregations to operate at 50 percent capacity so long as social distancing requirements are met .
However , he also left it up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not they wanted to allow congregations to reconvene .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump ’ s WH , According to Reports According to the Baltimore Sun , Baltimore County decided against it .
County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. said that even though there were declining hospitalizations due to the novel coronavirus throughout the state , there wasn ’ t enough testing in place to allow in-person religious services to resume .
The Rev .
Stacey Shiflett , pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Dundalk , wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement on his church ’ s website , Shiflett wrote that “ the Baltimore County Executive , without conferring with the other Council members and in direct opposition to the Governor ’ s Roadmap to Recovery press conference , shut the churches again.
” He added that he “ had no desire to repeat with the County Executive , that long process of letters and unanswered appeals that I had directed at the Governor .
“ I decided , along with the backing of our Deacon Board to abide by our announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 50 % capacity – per the Governor ’ s Phase 1 guidelines.
” This naturally had consequences ; his congregation received a cease-and-desist letter from the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services for holding services with more than 10 people .
So , he simply tore the letter up mid-sermon .
According to Fox News , Shiflett had been threatened with a $ 5,000 fine if he went ahead with in-person services in defiance of the Baltimore County order .
While his church was in compliance with Hogan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the congregation showed up to the Wednesday service even though the building can hold 600 — he made sure to make a point out Baltimore County ’ s decision to target his church .
RELATED : Trump Issues Warning to Dem Governors Refusing To Allow Churches To Open “ News flash : Pharaoh doesn ’ t get to dictate to God ’ s people how they worship their God , ” he said in a video of the sermon posted to Twitter .
“ God ’ s the one that defines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one that communicates His will and His plan for His church , not Egypt .
“ And I ’ m telling you right now — with this cease-and-desist letter in my hand , the Bible says to the New Testament church , ‘ Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together , as the manner of some is , but so much the more , as you see the day approaching.
’ “ And the closer we get to Jesus coming back , the more church we ought to be having , not less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s God ’ s parameters.
” Shiflett then tore the cease-and-desist order up .
“ So I ’ m tearing up this cease-and-desist order right here , and I ’ m telling you right now , we ’ re gon na do it God ’ s way !
God tells us how to worship Him , nobody else gets to do that.
” Shiflett told Fox News that if the decision to reopen is ceded to the government in this circumstance , it becomes a dangerous slippery slope .
“ Either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have permission to worship , ” Shiflett told Fox News .
“ It has become abundantly clear that if we settle for permission , we will never have liberty again.
” The viral video illustrates one of the great divides thus far regarding COVID-19 policy : Whether or not the right of religious congregations to meet under the First Amendment can be abrogated for an extended period of time because of a public health emergency .
At least in one of the first major test cases , the courts seem to have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Earlier this month , a federal court ruled that severe restrictions on in-person services in Kentucky violated the First Amendment .
“ A new virus sweeps the world , ravages our economy and threatens our health .
Public officials , including the defendants in this case , make minute by minute decisions with the best of intentions and the goal of saving the health and lives of our citizens , ” United States District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove wrote in his decision , according to WBKO-TV .
“ But what of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Does it mean something different because society is desperate for a cure or prescription ?
“ Simply put , that is the question presented here .
Tabernacle Baptist Church wants to gather for corporate worship .
They want to freely exercise their deeply held religious belief about what it means to be a faithful Christian .
For them , it is “ essential ” that they do so .
And they want to invoke the Constitution ’ s protection on this point .
“ But the governor , by executive order , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He can do that , but he must have a compelling reason for using his authority to limit a citizen ’ s right to freely exercise something we value greatly— the right of every American to follow their conscience on matters related to religion .
As explained below , despite an honest motive , it does not appear at this preliminary stage that reason exists.
” This is going to be something states will struggle with over the next few weeks and months — and it ’ s an issue , judging by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be on the losing end of .
Churches aren ’ t just nightclubs or restaurants , inasmuch as they enjoy robust protections under the aegis of the First Amendment .
Extended lockdown rules , some of which may last longer than a year , likely aren ’ t going to hold up to constitutional muster the same way they thus far haven ’ t in Kentucky .
For now , pastors like Shiflett will be the ones tearing up the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services ’ cease-and-desist orders .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chooses to continue to issue them , the courts will be the next ones ripping them up .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

For a Republican governor, Maryland’s Larry Hogan hasn’t exactly been at the tip of the spear when it comes to reopening.
This probably shouldn’t have surprised many. Hogan is, to a certain extent, a liberal Republican out of necessity; in a deep-blue state, a Republican politician in a statewide office is a profoundly endangered species, so it’s hardly surprising he’s not exactly Ron DeSantis.
One also suspects that’s not the only reason he’s that way, though. Hogan had been mentioned not infrequently as a potential primary challenger to Donald Trump in this year’s election and he’s managed to spar not infrequently with the president over policy regarding the novel coronavirus.
Thus, it’s not particularly surprising that Maryland isn’t opening up quite as fast as other states with Republican governors.
Even still, as of May 13, Hogan began allowing religious congregations to operate at 50 percent capacity so long as social distancing requirements are met. However, he also left it up to individual counties to determine whether or not they wanted to allow congregations to reconvene.
According to the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore County decided against it. County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. said that even though there were declining hospitalizations due to the novel coronavirus throughout the state, there wasn’t enough testing in place to allow in-person religious services to resume.
The Rev. Stacey Shiflett, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in Dundalk, wasn’t entirely impressed with that explanation.
In a statement on his church’s website, Shiflett wrote that “the Baltimore County Executive, without conferring with the other Council members and in direct opposition to the Governor’s Roadmap to Recovery press conference, shut the churches again.”
He added that he “had no desire to repeat with the County Executive, that long process of letters and unanswered appeals that I had directed at the Governor.
Should churches be able to meet in-person without restrictions? 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% (425 Votes) No: 5% (21 Votes)
“I decided, along with the backing of our Deacon Board to abide by our announcement to re-open our church on the 17th to 50% capacity – per the Governor’s Phase 1 guidelines.”
This naturally had consequences; his congregation received a cease-and-desist letter from the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services for holding services with more than 10 people.
So, he simply tore the letter up mid-sermon.
According to Fox News, Shiflett had been threatened with a $5,000 fine if he went ahead with in-person services in defiance of the Baltimore County order.
While his church was in compliance with Hogan’s order and socially distancing — only 100 members of the congregation showed up to the Wednesday service even though the building can hold 600 — he made sure to make a point out Baltimore County’s decision to target his church.
“News flash: Pharaoh doesn’t get to dictate to God’s people how they worship their God,” he said in a video of the sermon posted to Twitter.
“God’s the one that defines the parameters. God’s the one that communicates His will and His plan for His church, not Egypt.
“And I’m telling you right now — with this cease-and-desist letter in my hand, the Bible says to the New Testament church, ‘Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is, but so much the more, as you see the day approaching.’
“And the closer we get to Jesus coming back, the more church we ought to be having, not less church!” he continued. “That’s God’s parameters.”
Shiflett then tore the cease-and-desist order up.
“So I’m tearing up this cease-and-desist order right here, and I’m telling you right now, we’re gonna do it God’s way! God tells us how to worship Him, nobody else gets to do that.”
Shiflett told Fox News that if the decision to reopen is ceded to the government in this circumstance, it becomes a dangerous slippery slope.
“Either we have liberty to worship or we have permission to worship,” Shiflett told Fox News. “It has become abundantly clear that if we settle for permission, we will never have liberty again.”
The viral video illustrates one of the great divides thus far regarding COVID-19 policy: Whether or not the right of religious congregations to meet under the First Amendment can be abrogated for an extended period of time because of a public health emergency.
At least in one of the first major test cases, the courts seem to have come down on the side of the congregations.
Earlier this month, a federal court ruled that severe restrictions on in-person services in Kentucky violated the First Amendment.
“A new virus sweeps the world, ravages our economy and threatens our health. Public officials, including the defendants in this case, make minute by minute decisions with the best of intentions and the goal of saving the health and lives of our citizens,” United States District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove wrote in his decision, according to WBKO-TV.
“But what of that enduring Constitution in times like these? Does it mean something different because society is desperate for a cure or prescription?
“Simply put, that is the question presented here. Tabernacle Baptist Church wants to gather for corporate worship. They want to freely exercise their deeply held religious belief about what it means to be a faithful Christian. For them, it is “essential” that they do so. And they want to invoke the Constitution’s protection on this point.
“But the governor, by executive order, has put a stop to that. He can do that, but he must have a compelling reason for using his authority to limit a citizen’s right to freely exercise something we value greatly— the right of every American to follow their conscience on matters related to religion. As explained below, despite an honest motive, it does not appear at this preliminary stage that reason exists.”
This is going to be something states will struggle with over the next few weeks and months — and it’s an issue, judging by this ruling, that states will likely be on the losing end of.
Churches aren’t just nightclubs or restaurants, inasmuch as they enjoy robust protections under the aegis of the First Amendment. Extended lockdown rules, some of which may last longer than a year, likely aren’t going to hold up to constitutional muster the same way they thus far haven’t in Kentucky.
For now, pastors like Shiflett will be the ones tearing up the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services’ cease-and-desist orders.
One gets the feeling that if the county chooses to continue to issue them, the courts will be the next ones ripping them up.
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--2020-05-22--Trump Declares Houses of Worship Are ‘Essential,’ Will ‘Override’ Governors’ Orders

President Donald Trump proclaimed Friday that churches and other houses of worship are “ essential ” and called on governors who have shut them down amid the coronavirus pandemic to allow them to reopen this weekend .
“ Today I ’ m identifying houses of worship — churches , synagogues and mosques — as essential places that provide essential services , ” Trump announced at the White House .
He said if governors don ’ t abide by his request , he will “ override ” them .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had prepared a draft of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of worship weeks ago that included measures such as maintaining distance between parishioners and limiting the size of gatherings .
But that guidance had been delayed for more than a month until the president abruptly reversed course Thursday .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports “ I said , ‘ You better put it out.
’ And they ’ re doing it , ” Trump said Thursday at a Ford Motor Co. plant repurposed to make ventilators in Michigan .
“ And they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or tomorrow on churches .
We ’ ve got to get our churches open.
” It is unclear what the final guidelines will say , but public health agencies have generally advised people to avoid large gatherings and remain 6 feet away from others when possible .
Trump on Friday stressed the importance of churches in many communities and took issue with other businesses and services that have been allowed to continue to operate .
“ Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential ” but not churches , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not right .
So I ’ m correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential.
” “ These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united , ” he said .
Dr. Deborah Birx , the coordinator for the White House ’ s coronavirus task force , said faith community leaders should be in touch with their local health departments and can take steps to mitigate risks , including making sure those who are at high risk of severe complications remain protected .
“ There ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have social distancing and safety for people so we decrease the amount of exposure that anyone would have to an asymptomatic , ” she said .
Churches around the country have filed legal challenges to their closure by government officials , arguing those actions violate the First Amendment ’ s protections of freedom of religion and assembly .
In Minnesota , after Democratic Gov .
Tim Walz this week declined to lift restrictions on churches , Roman Catholic and Lutheran leaders said they would defy his ban and resume worship services .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants , malls and bars were allowed limited reopening .
The CDC more than a month ago sent the Trump administration documents the agency had drafted outlining specific steps various kinds of organizations could follow as they work to reopen safely .
The administration first shelved the documents but eventually released guidance for six other types of organizations , but not houses of worship .
A Trump administration official had said there had been concerns about the propriety of the government interfering with the operation of places of worship .
Roger Severino , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Department of Health and Human Services , argued that “ protections against religious discrimination aren ’ t suspended during an emergency.
” The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump proclaimed Friday that churches and other houses of worship are “essential” and called on governors who have shut them down amid the coronavirus pandemic to allow them to reopen this weekend.
“Today I’m identifying houses of worship — churches, synagogues and mosques — as essential places that provide essential services,” Trump announced at the White House.
He said if governors don’t abide by his request, he will “override” them.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had prepared a draft of reopening guidelines for churches and other houses of worship weeks ago that included measures such as maintaining distance between parishioners and limiting the size of gatherings.
But that guidance had been delayed for more than a month until the president abruptly reversed course Thursday.
“I said, ‘You better put it out.’ And they’re doing it,” Trump said Thursday at a Ford Motor Co. plant repurposed to make ventilators in Michigan. “And they’re going to be issuing something today or tomorrow on churches. We’ve got to get our churches open.”
It is unclear what the final guidelines will say, but public health agencies have generally advised people to avoid large gatherings and remain 6 feet away from others when possible.
Trump on Friday stressed the importance of churches in many communities and took issue with other businesses and services that have been allowed to continue to operate.
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“Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential” but not churches, the president said. “It’s not right. So I’m correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential.”
“These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united,” he said.
Dr. Deborah Birx, the coordinator for the White House’s coronavirus task force, said faith community leaders should be in touch with their local health departments and can take steps to mitigate risks, including making sure those who are at high risk of severe complications remain protected.
“There’s a way for us to work together to have social distancing and safety for people so we decrease the amount of exposure that anyone would have to an asymptomatic,” she said.
Churches around the country have filed legal challenges to their closure by government officials, arguing those actions violate the First Amendment’s protections of freedom of religion and assembly.
In Minnesota, after Democratic Gov. Tim Walz this week declined to lift restrictions on churches, Roman Catholic and Lutheran leaders said they would defy his ban and resume worship services.
They called the restrictions unconstitutional and unfair since restaurants, malls and bars were allowed limited reopening.
The CDC more than a month ago sent the Trump administration documents the agency had drafted outlining specific steps various kinds of organizations could follow as they work to reopen safely.
The administration first shelved the documents but eventually released guidance for six other types of organizations, but not houses of worship.
A Trump administration official had said there had been concerns about the propriety of the government interfering with the operation of places of worship.
Roger Severino, director of the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services, argued that “protections against religious discrimination aren’t suspended during an emergency.”
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-05-22--Trump Returns Fire After Michigan Official Labels Him a ‘Petulant Child’

President Donald Trump fired back after Michigan ’ s attorney general attacked him for not wearing a mask while touring an auto facility in the state Thursday .
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel launched an attack against the president on Thursday while appearing on CNN , saying , among other things , that Trump is not welcome back in Michigan .
“ This is not a joke .
He ’ s conveying the worst possible message to people who can not afford to be on the receiving end of terrible misinformation , ” the Democrat said of Trump not wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a petulant child who refuses to follow the rules and I have to say , this is no joke.
” TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump ’ s WH , According to Reports Trump , who was visiting a Ford facility in Ypsilanti , Michigan , that is building ventilators amid the coronavirus pandemic , fired back in a pair of tweets hours later .
“ The Wacky Do Nothing Attorney General of Michigan , Dana Nessel , is viciously threatening Ford Motor Company for the fact that I inspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he wrote .
“ Not their fault , & I did put on a mask .
No wonder many auto companies left Michigan , until I came along !
” “ Do nothing A.G. of the Great State of Michigan , Dana Nessel , should not be taking her anger and stupidity out on Ford Motor – they might get upset with you and leave the state , like so many other companies have – until I came along and brought business back to Michigan .
JOBS !
” Trump tweeted Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear a mask while visiting Michigan on CNN before he toured the Ford plant Thursday .
She told the network Michigan required auto plants to prohibit “ outsiders ” from entering but said it was making an exception for Trump .
The AG said that people are required to wear a mask while inside of auto plants , and warned of consequences if Trump did not comply .
“ We are just asking that President Trump comply with the law of our state , ” she said while criticizing the president .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t “ follow the law ” by wearing a face covering , Michigan would “ take action ” against companies he visited while not wearing a mask .
Trump wore a mask for a portion of his tour of the Ford facility , but later took it off , the Detroit Free Press reported .
The Hill shared a video on Twitter of the president in the facility without a mask .
Ford told the Free Press that William Clay Ford Jr. , the company ’ s executive chairman , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had urged Trump to wear a mask before the visit .
“ Bill Ford encouraged President Trump to wear a mask when he arrived , ” the company said in a statement .
“ He wore a mask during a private viewing of three Ford GTs from over the years .
The President later removed the mask for the remainder of the visit.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump fired back after Michigan’s attorney general attacked him for not wearing a mask while touring an auto facility in the state Thursday.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel launched an attack against the president on Thursday while appearing on CNN, saying, among other things, that Trump is not welcome back in Michigan.
“This is not a joke. He’s conveying the worst possible message to people who cannot afford to be on the receiving end of terrible misinformation,” the Democrat said of Trump not wearing a mask.
“The president is a petulant child who refuses to follow the rules and I have to say, this is no joke.”
ICYMI: Michigan AG @DanaNessel joined @CNN to talk about President Trump’s visit to Michigan and the importance of taking safety precautions, like wearing a mask in public spaces. pic.twitter.com/rgimLfYjCY — Democratic AGs (@DemocraticAGs) May 21, 2020
Trump, who was visiting a Ford facility in Ypsilanti, Michigan, that is building ventilators amid the coronavirus pandemic, fired back in a pair of tweets hours later.
“The Wacky Do Nothing Attorney General of Michigan, Dana Nessel, is viciously threatening Ford Motor Company for the fact that I inspected a Ventilator plant without a mask,” he wrote. “Not their fault, & I did put on a mask. No wonder many auto companies left Michigan, until I came along!”
The Wacky Do Nothing Attorney General of Michigan, Dana Nessel, is viciously threatening Ford Motor Company for the fact that I inspected a Ventilator plant without a mask. Not their fault, & I did put on a mask. No wonder many auto companies left Michigan, until I came along! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 22, 2020
“Do nothing A.G. of the Great State of Michigan, Dana Nessel, should not be taking her anger and stupidity out on Ford Motor – they might get upset with you and leave the state, like so many other companies have – until I came along and brought business back to Michigan. JOBS!” Trump tweeted Thursday evening.
Do nothing A.G. of the Great State of Michigan, Dana Nessel, should not be taking her anger and stupidity out on Ford Motor – they might get upset with you and leave the state, like so many other companies have – until I came along and brought business back to Michigan. JOBS! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 22, 2020
Nessel publicly called on Trump to wear a mask while visiting Michigan on CNN before he toured the Ford plant Thursday.
She told the network Michigan required auto plants to prohibit “outsiders” from entering but said it was making an exception for Trump.
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The AG said that people are required to wear a mask while inside of auto plants, and warned of consequences if Trump did not comply.
“We are just asking that President Trump comply with the law of our state,” she said while criticizing the president.
Nessel further said that if the president didn’t “follow the law” by wearing a face covering, Michigan would “take action” against companies he visited while not wearing a mask.
I joined @CNN this morning to discuss President Trump’s visit to the Ypsilanti Ford plant today and my letter that asks he adheres to safety guidelines and wear a mask during his visit.pic.twitter.com/A8rWGgeLnE — Dana Nessel (@dananessel) May 21, 2020
Trump wore a mask for a portion of his tour of the Ford facility, but later took it off, the Detroit Free Press reported.
The Hill shared a video on Twitter of the president in the facility without a mask.
HAPPENING NOW: President Trump tours Ford plant in Michigan without a mask, while Ford employees wear masks. pic.twitter.com/NnJRGm5UnX — The Hill (@thehill) May 21, 2020
Ford told the Free Press that William Clay Ford Jr., the company’s executive chairman, who is the great-grandson of Henry Ford, had urged Trump to wear a mask before the visit.
“Bill Ford encouraged President Trump to wear a mask when he arrived,” the company said in a statement.
“He wore a mask during a private viewing of three Ford GTs from over the years. The President later removed the mask for the remainder of the visit.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-22--Trump Irate Over Disturbing Footage of Elderly Man Being Brutally Beaten at Care Home

President Donald Trump expressed outrage over a video of a 75-year-old Michigan care home patient being beaten that surfaced on social media on Thursday .
“ Is this even possible to believe ?
Can this be for real ?
” Trump tweeted .
“ Where is this nursing home , how is the victim doing ?
” Trump was responding to a video showing a brutal beating at the Westwood Nursing Center in Detroit , Fox News reported .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump ’ s WH , According to Reports In the graphic video , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punching an elderly man in the face .
Both men are believed to be patients in the nursing home .
WARNING : The following video contains graphic violence and language that some viewers will find offensive .
“ It absolutely shattered my heart .
It just broke my heart how anyone could be capable of this kind of brutality , ” Jo Ann Uhler told WJBK .
Uhler had spotted the video on social media and contacted the authorities .
“ How does this guy have free rein to just go into other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and no one is aware of it ?
” It is unclear if the nursing home knew about the brutal beating with WJBK reporting that Ann Arbor police were told the staff knew .
According to WDIV-TV , however , staff told police they had not seen the video .
“ Why has this been covered up because they are responsible for the care of these patients whether it be this young man if he has a mental issue or these elderly patients who can ’ t defend themselves , ” Uhler said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the elderly man was taken to the hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries .
Police believe the incident took place on May 15 as the nursing home remains locked down in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Westwood has been cooperating with the police and will continue to do so , ” Saif Kasmikha , an attorney representing the home , said in a statement .
“ The safety , health , and well-being of our residents remains a top priority of Westwood .
We will continue to monitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have happened if the nursing home had not been on lockdown and loved ones had been allowed inside .
“ Honestly I think that if they were receiving visitors and family members , that this would have been addressed a lot quicker than something like this having to evolve on Twitter , ” she said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump expressed outrage over a video of a 75-year-old Michigan care home patient being beaten that surfaced on social media on Thursday.
“Is this even possible to believe? Can this be for real?” Trump tweeted. “Where is this nursing home, how is the victim doing?”
Is this even possible to believe? Can this be for real? Where is this nursing home, how is the victim doing? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 22, 2020
Trump was responding to a video showing a brutal beating at the Westwood Nursing Center in Detroit, Fox News reported.
In the graphic video, a younger man can be seen relentlessly punching an elderly man in the face. Both men are believed to be patients in the nursing home.
WARNING: The following video contains graphic violence and language that some viewers will find offensive.
He is talking about this video. NEW: Police have arrested a man for allegedly beating an elderly man in a nursing home in Detroit, Michigan, after videos of the incident surfaced online. ***Warning: Graphic Content***#homenursingpic.twitter.com/ZlOGHgsQAd — Ben Suliman (@mgotoo16) May 22, 2020
“It absolutely shattered my heart. It just broke my heart how anyone could be capable of this kind of brutality,” Jo Ann Uhler told WJBK. Uhler had spotted the video on social media and contacted the authorities.
“How does this guy have free rein to just go into other patients’ rooms and physically abuse them and no one is aware of it?”
It is unclear if the nursing home knew about the brutal beating with WJBK reporting that Ann Arbor police were told the staff knew. According to WDIV-TV, however, staff told police they had not seen the video.
“Why has this been covered up because they are responsible for the care of these patients whether it be this young man if he has a mental issue or these elderly patients who can’t defend themselves,” Uhler said.
Detroit Police arrested the 20-year-old patient and the elderly man was taken to the hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Police believe the incident took place on May 15 as the nursing home remains locked down in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Westwood has been cooperating with the police and will continue to do so,” Saif Kasmikha, an attorney representing the home, said in a statement.
“The safety, health, and well-being of our residents remains a top priority of Westwood. We will continue to monitor the situation.”
Uhler wondered what would have happened if the nursing home had not been on lockdown and loved ones had been allowed inside.
“Honestly I think that if they were receiving visitors and family members, that this would have been addressed a lot quicker than something like this having to evolve on Twitter,” she said.
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westernjournal--2020-05-22--Biden Tells Black Host: ‘If You Have a Problem Figuring Out Whether You’re for Me or Trump Then You

Biden Tells Black Host: ‘If You Have a Problem Figuring Out Whether You’re for Me or Trump Then You Ain’t Black’

Former Vice President Joe Biden defended his relationship with the back community and questioned the blackness of African-American voters during a Friday morning interview with a popular black radio host .
Biden appeared to suggest on the radio program “ The Breakfast Club ” that black people “ ain ’ t black ” if they aren ’ t planning to vote for him in November .
The statement came after the radio host , a man who goes by the name Charlamagne tha God , insisted that Biden earn the vote of black Americans .
Near the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be heard attempting to stop the interview after Charlamagne pressed Biden on whether he is considering a black woman to be his running mate .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports “ That ’ s really our time .
I apologize , ” the aide said .
But the radio host was not pleased with the interview ending so abruptly .
“ You can ’ t do that to black media , ” Charlamagne said .
“ I do that to white media and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go on at [ 6 a.m. ] , ” the presumptive Democratic nominee responded .
Biden then looked at his watch and said , “ Oh , uh oh , I ’ m in trouble.
” The radio host signaled that he and other black voters will need to hear more from Biden before he earns their vote , which seemed to irk the former vice president .
Charlamagne asked Biden to visit him in New York , and added : “ It ’ s a long way until November .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have a problem figuring out whether you ’ re for me or Trump , then you ain ’ t black , ” Biden said .
RELATED : Senator Tim Scott Rips Into Biden Over Comments About Black Voters Reaction to the interview was swift online , and “ # YouAintBlack ” began trending on Twitter : Trump campaign senior adviser Katrina Pierson described Biden ’ s comments as “ racist and dehumanizing ” in a statement from “ Black Voices for Trump ” posted to Twitter .
“ White liberal elitists have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come to the table and have a voice , ” Pierson said .
“ It is clear now more than ever , following these racist and dehumanizing remarks , that Joe Biden believes black men and women are incapable of being independent or free thinking .
He truly believes that he , a 77-year-old white man , should dictate how black people should behave , ” she said .
“ Biden has a history of racial condescension and today he once again proved what a growing number of black Americans and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not deserve our votes.
” Biden made the “ you ain ’ t black ” comments after defending his record on crime legislation during his time as a senator from Delaware , which critics have said led to the disproportionate incarceration of black Americans .
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton similarly made negative headlines when she joined “ The Breakfast Club ” during the 2016 election .
Clinton was asked by the black radio show hosts to name an item which she always carries with her .
Her response to the question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused Clinton of pandering to the black community .
The Atlantic reported the lyrics “ I got hot sauce in my bag , ” from a popular Beyoncé song called “ Formation , ” became a popular statement at the time in black culture , “ espousing a worldview that proudly embraces certain stereotypes and characteristics that were once deemed ‘ too black ’ for polite society or undesirable.
” Vann Newkirk , writing for The Atlantic , commented on the backlash Clinton received .
“ But it does make sense , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be upset by a white politician claiming to love hot sauce in an interview that was clearly targeted towards them and their vote , ” Newkirk wrote .
UPDATE , May 22 , 2020 : Several hours after this interview , Joe Biden apologized for his comments during a call with black business leaders , according to Business Insider .
“ ( I ) shouldn ’ t have been so cavalier , ” Biden said , according to the report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism @ @ @ @ @ @

Former Vice President Joe Biden defended his relationship with the back community and questioned the blackness of African-American voters during a Friday morning interview with a popular black radio host.
Biden appeared to suggest on the radio program “The Breakfast Club” that black people “ain’t black” if they aren’t planning to vote for him in November.
The statement came after the radio host, a man who goes by the name Charlamagne tha God, insisted that Biden earn the vote of black Americans.
Near the end of the 18-minute segment, a Biden aide can be heard attempting to stop the interview after Charlamagne pressed Biden on whether he is considering a black woman to be his running mate.
.@JoeBiden: “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.” @cthagod: “It don’t have nothing to do with Trump, it has to do with the fact — I want something for my community.” @breakfastclubam pic.twitter.com/endvWnOIV2 — America Rising (@AmericaRising) May 22, 2020
“That’s really our time. I apologize,” the aide said.
But the radio host was not pleased with the interview ending so abruptly.
“You can’t do that to black media,” Charlamagne said.
Do you think Joe Biden will defeat President Trump in November? Yes No
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“I do that to white media and black media because my wife has to go on at [6 a.m.],” the presumptive Democratic nominee responded.
Biden then looked at his watch and said, “Oh, uh oh, I’m in trouble.”
The radio host signaled that he and other black voters will need to hear more from Biden before he earns their vote, which seemed to irk the former vice president.
Charlamagne asked Biden to visit him in New York, and added: “It’s a long way until November. We’ve got more questions.”
“If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black,” Biden said.
Reaction to the interview was swift online, and “#YouAintBlack” began trending on Twitter:
Somebody needs to tell Joe Biden that this comment to Charlamagne was a mistake. Yes, Biden is a much better choice for black people than racist Trump. But white people don’t get to tell black people what is black. Biden still has to EARN our vote.pic.twitter.com/TPEV5ZpEYi — Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) May 22, 2020
Joe Biden is a racist. — Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) May 22, 2020
Joe Biden does not get to determine who is black and who isn’t. He is not entitled to the votes of black people and after this racist comment, he should not get any votes from the black community. pic.twitter.com/f5gZ8WwMYq — Errol Webber For Congress (CA-37) (@ErrolWebber) May 22, 2020
Joe Biden, who helped imprison thousands of black youngsters with 5 & 10 year mandatory prison sentences through his 1994 Crime Law. Yet, he seems to think he owns our votes. Why? pic.twitter.com/83NjoqdtpI — Garry Cobb (@GarryCobb) May 22, 2020
Trump campaign senior adviser Katrina Pierson described Biden’s comments as “racist and dehumanizing” in a statement from “Black Voices for Trump” posted to Twitter.
“White liberal elitists have continuously dictated which black Americans are allowed to come to the table and have a voice,” Pierson said.
“It is clear now more than ever, following these racist and dehumanizing remarks, that Joe Biden believes black men and women are incapable of being independent or free thinking. He truly believes that he, a 77-year-old white man, should dictate how black people should behave,” she said.
“Biden has a history of racial condescension and today he once again proved what a growing number of black Americans and I have always known — Joe Biden does not deserve our votes.”
Biden made the “you ain’t black” comments after defending his record on crime legislation during his time as a senator from Delaware, which critics have said led to the disproportionate incarceration of black Americans.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton similarly made negative headlines when she joined “The Breakfast Club” during the 2016 election.
Clinton was asked by the black radio show hosts to name an item which she always carries with her.
Her response to the question was “hot sauce.”
Critics swiftly accused Clinton of pandering to the black community.
The Atlantic reported the lyrics “I got hot sauce in my bag,” from a popular Beyoncé song called “Formation,” became a popular statement at the time in black culture, “espousing a worldview that proudly embraces certain stereotypes and characteristics that were once deemed ‘too black’ for polite society or undesirable.”
Vann Newkirk, writing for The Atlantic, commented on the backlash Clinton received.
“But it does make sense, then, that many young black people might be upset by a white politician claiming to love hot sauce in an interview that was clearly targeted towards them and their vote,” Newkirk wrote.
UPDATE, May 22, 2020: Several hours after this interview, Joe Biden apologized for his comments during a call with black business leaders, according to Business Insider. “(I) shouldn’t have been so cavalier,” Biden said, according to the report.
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westernjournal--2020-05-22--Swamp Exposed: Lead Mueller Prosecutor Now Headlining Biden Fundraiser

In a move that looks not in the least bit sketchy , the former lead prosecutor for special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s investigation will be the head fundraiser of a campaign event for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden .
Fox News reported Thursday that Andrew Weissmann , previously a Mueller deputy and currently a New York University law professor , will be headlining a “ virtual fireside chat ” on June 2 .
The event will be moderated by former New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram .
According to the New York Post , Milgram is also an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the less-concerning felicitous coincidences surrounding the event .
It ’ ll be taking place on Zoom , as so much of our cultural life does nowadays .
An invitation from Biden ’ s “ Victory Fund ” said “ guests who RSVP by making a contribution … will be sent instructions for how to join via Zoom.
” TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump 's WH , According to Reports Leaving aside the problematic angle of having a “ fireside chat ” on June 2 ( if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June , we really ought to consider our dogma surrounding global warming ) , there ’ s a lot to unpack here , none of which is good .
Weissman was never a favorite of conservatives , particularly when you consider aggressive tactics in special counsel cases that seemed dangerously political .
Of course , being part of the special counsel operation , Weissman ’ s only job was to get to the truth , the whole truth and nothing but the truth .
He was completely nonpartisan when he was with Mueller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you forgot the kind of fawning coverage this got 18 months ago , remember that Mueller was portrayed as Captain America and Weissman was his top deputy .
Think of him as the Bucky Barnes of the operation , fearlessly going after Paul Manafort for some iffy dealings in Ukraine while Steve Rogers went after Russian collusion that didn ’ t actually exist .
Well , at least we know Bucky ’ s politics .
The apolitical Weissman — who was supposed to be doing his duty within the federal government without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration — is now lending his efforts to the Biden campaign .
RELATED : Watch Biden Get Away with Comparing Trump Taking Prescription to Telling People To Inject Bleach And yet that ’ s still not touching on the major problem with this .
In any functional democracy , we wouldn ’ t have to worry about a prosecutor ’ s political inclinations , and not just because they would put them aside for the greater good .
The problem is that we ’ re not in a functional democracy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government of , by and for the elites .
The biggest issue with the Mueller investigation wasn ’ t the seeming focus on delegitimizing President Donald Trump .
It was why they wanted to delegitimize the Trump administration in the first place .
Weissman is indicative of the incestuous nature of Washington ’ s politics .
He ’ s worked with Republican and Democrat presidents , but he ’ s always a man who ’ s colored inside the Beltway ’ s lines .
He ’ s a consummate careerist — and four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of four more years in exile in Greenwich Village teaching law to NYU students .
Trump ’ s campaign was thoroughly unsurprised at the fact Weissman ended up on the bill for a Biden fundraiser .
“ It ’ s no surprise that a guy who tried to take down the president through the sham impeachment would also help Joe Biden ’ s campaign , ” Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh told Fox News .
“ It doesn ’ t get any swampier than this : trying to stage a partisan coup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his political opponent.
” So , here we go .
If you give Joe Biden enough of your cash , you too can spend a bit more of your week on Zoom , asking bland questions of a bland careerist whose primary claim to fame , at least at the moment , is that he once put Paul Manafort behind bars and tried to find evidence that the president colluded with the Russians .
( In a completely nonpartisan way , of course ) .
If this is the kind of thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , well , you ’ re doubtlessly the Biden type to begin with .
If you think this reeks of the swamp that got Donald Trump elected in the first place — well , you ’ re right .
No matter how much money they end up raising , the stench isn ’ t going to go away .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In a move that looks not in the least bit sketchy, the former lead prosecutor for special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation will be the head fundraiser of a campaign event for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
Fox News reported Thursday that Andrew Weissmann, previously a Mueller deputy and currently a New York University law professor, will be headlining a “virtual fireside chat” on June 2.
The event will be moderated by former New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram.
According to the New York Post, Milgram is also an NYU law professor, although this is one of the less-concerning felicitous coincidences surrounding the event.
It’ll be taking place on Zoom, as so much of our cultural life does nowadays. An invitation from Biden’s “Victory Fund” said “guests who RSVP by making a contribution … will be sent instructions for how to join via Zoom.”
Andrew Weissmann, former lead prosecutor on Mueller’s special counsel team, is headlining a June 2nd virtual fundraiser for Biden. pic.twitter.com/3lq7ld5m0u — Ken Thomas (@KThomasDC) May 21, 2020
Leaving aside the problematic angle of having a “fireside chat” on June 2 (if you need a fire at the beginning of June, we really ought to consider our dogma surrounding global warming), there’s a lot to unpack here, none of which is good.
Weissman was never a favorite of conservatives, particularly when you consider aggressive tactics in special counsel cases that seemed dangerously political.
Should there be a probe into political bias within the special counsel investigation? Yes No
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Of course, being part of the special counsel operation, Weissman’s only job was to get to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. He was completely nonpartisan when he was with Mueller’s investigation, of course.
If you forgot the kind of fawning coverage this got 18 months ago, remember that Mueller was portrayed as Captain America and Weissman was his top deputy.
Think of him as the Bucky Barnes of the operation, fearlessly going after Paul Manafort for some iffy dealings in Ukraine while Steve Rogers went after Russian collusion that didn’t actually exist.
Well, at least we know Bucky’s politics. The apolitical Weissman — who was supposed to be doing his duty within the federal government without prejudice or concern to what happened to the Trump administration — is now lending his efforts to the Biden campaign.
As if we didn’t already know, Andrew Weissmann’s politics are officially unmasked https://t.co/qW3CfTN8Ar — Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) May 21, 2020
And yet that’s still not touching on the major problem with this.
In any functional democracy, we wouldn’t have to worry about a prosecutor’s political inclinations, and not just because they would put them aside for the greater good. The problem is that we’re not in a functional democracy. We’ve long been in a government of, by and for the elites.
The biggest issue with the Mueller investigation wasn’t the seeming focus on delegitimizing President Donald Trump. It was why they wanted to delegitimize the Trump administration in the first place.
Weissman is indicative of the incestuous nature of Washington’s politics. He’s worked with Republican and Democrat presidents, but he’s always a man who’s colored inside the Beltway’s lines.
He’s a consummate careerist — and four more years of Trump means the possibility of four more years in exile in Greenwich Village teaching law to NYU students.
Trump’s campaign was thoroughly unsurprised at the fact Weissman ended up on the bill for a Biden fundraiser.
“It’s no surprise that a guy who tried to take down the president through the sham impeachment would also help Joe Biden’s campaign,” Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh told Fox News.
“It doesn’t get any swampier than this: trying to stage a partisan coup against the president and then raising money for his political opponent.”
So, here we go. If you give Joe Biden enough of your cash, you too can spend a bit more of your week on Zoom, asking bland questions of a bland careerist whose primary claim to fame, at least at the moment, is that he once put Paul Manafort behind bars and tried to find evidence that the president colluded with the Russians. (In a completely nonpartisan way, of course).
If this is the kind of thing that’s worth money to you, well, you’re doubtlessly the Biden type to begin with.
If you think this reeks of the swamp that got Donald Trump elected in the first place — well, you’re right.
No matter how much money they end up raising, the stench isn’t going to go away.
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westernjournal--2020-05-22--Suspect in Shooting at Texas Military Base Identified as FBI Declares Incident ‘Terrorism-Related’

The Thursday morning shooting at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is being treated as an act of terrorism , according to FBI officials .
“ We have determined that the incident this morning at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is terrorism-related , ” FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Leah Greeves said in a Thursday media conference .
At about 6:15 a.m. , security forces responded to an active shooter at the Texas base , and he was quickly neutralized .
FBI agents confirmed that the shooter had been shot at the scene .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to Reports “ The subject is deceased , the scene is still being processed , ” Greeves said .
Although the agency declined to identify the shooter , two law enforcement sources familiar with the ongoing investigation identified him as a 20-year-old man named Adam Alsahli , according to CNN .
A preliminary investigation identified him as a U.S. resident born in Syria who is likely a supporter of Salafi-jihadist ideology , one of the sources said .
He reportedly drove to the base ’ s north gate , shot a female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chest and then began shooting before he was fatally shot by naval security forces .
Officials told The Associated Press that the security officer was able to roll over and hit a switch to raise a barrier and prevent Alsahli from getting further on the base .
She has since been discharged from the hospital , where she was treated for minor injuries .
In a tweet Thursday evening , the FBI said they “ are not ruling out any possible motives [ for the shooting ] and continue to investigate all leads.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any information about today ’ s shooting to please call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
” Greeves said in the media conference that there might be a second suspect still at large in the community .
“ We may have a potential second related person of interest at large in the community , ” she said .
“ But we would encourage the public to remain calm , and if you see something , say something.
” Naval Air Station Corpus Christi has supported pilot training and operations since 1941 , according to its website .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aviation depot maintenance for Department of Defense rotary-wing aircraft , is also located on the base .
Greeves said that investigation is ongoing and that the FBI is “ working diligently with our state , local and federal partners on this investigation , which is fluid and evolving.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Thursday morning shooting at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is being treated as an act of terrorism, according to FBI officials.
“We have determined that the incident this morning at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi is terrorism-related,” FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Leah Greeves said in a Thursday media conference.
At about 6:15 a.m., security forces responded to an active shooter at the Texas base, and he was quickly neutralized.
FBI agents confirmed that the shooter had been shot at the scene.
“The subject is deceased, the scene is still being processed,” Greeves said.
Although the agency declined to identify the shooter, two law enforcement sources familiar with the ongoing investigation identified him as a 20-year-old man named Adam Alsahli, according to CNN.
A preliminary investigation identified him as a U.S. resident born in Syria who is likely a supporter of Salafi-jihadist ideology, one of the sources said.
Do you think air bases need to have better security measures for situations like this? 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% (853 Votes) No: 6% (52 Votes)
He reportedly drove to the base’s north gate, shot a female security officer wearing body armor in the chest and then began shooting before he was fatally shot by naval security forces.
Officials told The Associated Press that the security officer was able to roll over and hit a switch to raise a barrier and prevent Alsahli from getting further on the base.
She has since been discharged from the hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries.
In a tweet Thursday evening, the FBI said they “are not ruling out any possible motives [for the shooting] and continue to investigate all leads.”
We are not ruling out any possible motives and continue to investigate all leads. When we are able to release additional information, we will do so. We are asking anyone with any information about today’s shooting to please call 1-800-CALL-FBI. (3 of 3) — FBI Houston (@FBIHouston) May 22, 2020
“We are asking anyone with any information about today’s shooting to please call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”
Greeves said in the media conference that there might be a second suspect still at large in the community.
“We may have a potential second related person of interest at large in the community,” she said.
“But we would encourage the public to remain calm, and if you see something, say something.”
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi has supported pilot training and operations since 1941, according to its website.
The Corpus Christi Army Depot, the primary aviation depot maintenance for Department of Defense rotary-wing aircraft, is also located on the base.
Greeves said that investigation is ongoing and that the FBI is “working diligently with our state, local and federal partners on this investigation, which is fluid and evolving.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-22--Family Runs Over Bag in Middle of Road, Opens It To Find $1 Million Inside

If you see cars ahead of you swerving while you ’ re driving , your anxiety shoots through the roof as you wait for the way to clear so you can see what ’ s going on and avoid any obstruction .
Sometimes it ’ s debris , sometimes it ’ s pieces of a blown tire , and on a bad day it ’ s some sort of critter dodging traffic .
When the Schantz family in Caroline County , Virginia , hit the road on Saturday , it wasn ’ t long before they hit something else , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was driving , saw the car in front of her swerve to avoid what looked like a bag of trash in the road .
Schantz hit it and told WTVR-TV “ it made a huge clunk noise.
” TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump ’ s WH , According to Reports Apparently , the family thought it was garbage , but they stopped to pick it up — ostensibly so someone else wouldn ’ t hit it , too .
They also found an identical bag about 15 feet away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the truck .
When they later examined the contents of the “ trash , ” however , they were surprised to find treasure : around $ 1 million in cash .
“ Inside of the bag , there were plastic baggies and they were addressed with something that said ‘ vault , ' ” Schantz told the news outlet .
While it ’ s unclear how the cash found its way to the road , it couldn ’ t have been stumbled upon by a more honest person .
While many would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money , Schantz , a teacher , decided to do the right thing and make use of the teachable moment with her sons .
“ Do the right thing and return it , ” she said .
“ Because it didn ’ t belong to us.
” When they realized what they ’ d stumbled upon , they called the authorities to turn over the find .
To Maj. Scott Moser of the Caroline County Sheriff ’ s Office , the good deed deserved recognition .
“ They came back to Caroline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been riding around with almost a million dollars in the truck , ” he said .
“ For someone so honest and willing to give that almost a million dollars back , it ’ s exceptional on their part.
” Moser also visited the Schantz home and put on a show for the two Schantz boys .
“ Their two sons were there , so I put the lights on for them , but we are proud and they represented this county well by being so honest , ” he said .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If you see cars ahead of you swerving while you’re driving, your anxiety shoots through the roof as you wait for the way to clear so you can see what’s going on and avoid any obstruction.
Sometimes it’s debris, sometimes it’s pieces of a blown tire, and on a bad day it’s some sort of critter dodging traffic.
When the Schantz family in Caroline County, Virginia, hit the road on Saturday, it wasn’t long before they hit something else, too.
Mom Emily Schantz, who was driving, saw the car in front of her swerve to avoid what looked like a bag of trash in the road. Schantz hit it and told WTVR-TV “it made a huge clunk noise.”
Apparently, the family thought it was garbage, but they stopped to pick it up — ostensibly so someone else wouldn’t hit it, too. They also found an identical bag about 15 feet away and threw both bags into the back of the truck.
When they later examined the contents of the “trash,” however, they were surprised to find treasure: around $1 million in cash.
“Inside of the bag, there were plastic baggies and they were addressed with something that said ‘vault,'” Schantz told the news outlet.
While it’s unclear how the cash found its way to the road, it couldn’t have been stumbled upon by a more honest person.
While many would have been very tempted to abscond with the money, Schantz, a teacher, decided to do the right thing and make use of the teachable moment with her sons.
“Do the right thing and return it,” she said. “Because it didn’t belong to us.”
When they realized what they’d stumbled upon, they called the authorities to turn over the find.
To Maj. Scott Moser of the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, the good deed deserved recognition.
“They came back to Caroline, and found out they’d been riding around with almost a million dollars in the truck,” he said. “For someone so honest and willing to give that almost a million dollars back, it’s exceptional on their part.”
Moser also visited the Schantz home and put on a show for the two Schantz boys.
“Their two sons were there, so I put the lights on for them, but we are proud and they represented this county well by being so honest,” he said.
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westernjournal--2020-05-22--Majority of States Now Taking a Page from Communist China, Doing This When You Test Positive for COV

Majority of States Now Taking a Page from Communist China, Doing This When You Test Positive for COVID

For years , communist China has served as a prime example of what governments shouldn ’ t do when it comes to the freedom and liberty of citizens .
Now , instead of seeing the People ’ s Republic as a cautionary tale , 35 states are apparently using the haunting actions of the Communist Party of China as a playbook .
That ’ s because if you test positive for COVID-19 in this majority of states , you ’ ll find your name in a government database .
The shocking revelation comes as part of an Associated Press investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which includes your positive status , home address and sometimes your name , is forwarded to first responders .
TRENDING : Obama Portrait Will Never Hang in Trump ’ s WH , According to Reports Firefighters , emergency medical technicians and even police officers receive the data from local governments .
The AP found that the positive test results are relayed to dispatch offices by health departments across the country , where the information then percolates to cops and firefighters .
The report listed 10 states that share people ’ s names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Iowa , Louisiana , Nevada , New Hampshire , New Jersey , North Dakota , Ohio , South Dakota and Tennessee .
Proponents of the system say first responders need the information for their own safety .
While masks are encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in all circumstances , knowingly interacting with an infected person could warrant extra precautions .
Although tracing methods can be effective in identifying and stamping out instances of COVID-19 infections , the methods being used by these states are causing some concern for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up on a government database solely for having a virus seems antithetical to American ideals millions hold dear .
This doesn ’ t appear to be a solely conservative issue , either .
Advocates for black and Hispanic communities worry that the information could bring unfair prejudice against their areas , and there ’ s even concern about what could happen if immigration enforcement officers acquire the data .
“ We should question why the information needs to be provided to law enforcement , whether there is that danger of misuse , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Legal Defense and Educational Fund , told the AP .
RELATED : Inmates Hit Payday in Pandemic , Study Shows Jaw-Dropping Numbers Are Being Set Free A counterargument from those looking out for law enforcement and other first responders is that the public servants have already experienced coronavirus-related deaths in their own ranks , something agencies are now working to avoid .
“ Many agencies before having this information had officers down , and now they ’ ve been able to keep that to a minimum , ” said Maggi Duncan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chiefs of Police .
While some states erase the information completely after a set period of time , the many hands this data passes through virtually ensures some citizens ’ private medical data will slip through the cracks of the bureaucracy .
With the pandemic far from over , conflicting concerns over personal privacy and public safety are sure to continue to clash .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

For years, communist China has served as a prime example of what governments shouldn’t do when it comes to the freedom and liberty of citizens.
Now, instead of seeing the People’s Republic as a cautionary tale, 35 states are apparently using the haunting actions of the Communist Party of China as a playbook.
That’s because if you test positive for COVID-19 in this majority of states, you’ll find your name in a government database.
The shocking revelation comes as part of an Associated Press investigation published Tuesday.
The personal medical information, which includes your positive status, home address and sometimes your name, is forwarded to first responders.
Firefighters, emergency medical technicians and even police officers receive the data from local governments.
The AP found that the positive test results are relayed to dispatch offices by health departments across the country, where the information then percolates to cops and firefighters.
The report listed 10 states that share people’s names in addition to other information: Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Tennessee.
Proponents of the system say first responders need the information for their own safety. While masks are encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in all circumstances, knowingly interacting with an infected person could warrant extra precautions.
Should first responders have access to this information? 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: 18% (188 Votes) No: 82% (847 Votes)
Although tracing methods can be effective in identifying and stamping out instances of COVID-19 infections, the methods being used by these states are causing some concern for citizens’ liberty and privacy.
Ending up on a government database solely for having a virus seems antithetical to American ideals millions hold dear.
This doesn’t appear to be a solely conservative issue, either.
Advocates for black and Hispanic communities worry that the information could bring unfair prejudice against their areas, and there’s even concern about what could happen if immigration enforcement officers acquire the data.
“We should question why the information needs to be provided to law enforcement, whether there is that danger of misuse,” Thomas Saenz, president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, told the AP.
A counterargument from those looking out for law enforcement and other first responders is that the public servants have already experienced coronavirus-related deaths in their own ranks, something agencies are now working to avoid.
“Many agencies before having this information had officers down, and now they’ve been able to keep that to a minimum,” said Maggi Duncan, executive director of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police.
While some states erase the information completely after a set period of time, the many hands this data passes through virtually ensures some citizens’ private medical data will slip through the cracks of the bureaucracy.
With the pandemic far from over, conflicting concerns over personal privacy and public safety are sure to continue to clash.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.