westernjournal--2020-01-06--Nancy Pelosi Announces Attempt To Clamp Down on Trump with War Powers Resolution

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a Sunday letter to House Democrats wrote that a resolution will be introduced this week aimed at preventing President Donald Trump from taking further military action toward Iran without congressional authorization .
“ As Members of Congress , our first responsibility is to keep the American people safe , ” the letter reads , in part .
“ For this reason , we are concerned that the Administration took this action without the consultation of Congress and without respect for Congress ’ s war powers granted to it by the Constitution.
” “ This week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a War Powers Resolution to limit the President ’ s military actions regarding Iran , ” Pelosi added .
“ It reasserts Congress ’ s long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken , the Administration ’ s military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days.
” The speaker concluded , “ Thank you for your patriotic leadership during this difficult time.
” TRENDING : Comedian George Lopez on Iran ’ s ‘ Bounty ’ on Trump : ‘ We ’ ll Do It for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also known as the War Powers Act , passed in 1973 , requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours whenever military forces are brought “ into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances.
” The law also requires the president to end foreign military actions after 60 days unless Congress declares war or passes an authorization for use of military force .
Past presidents have not always complied with its provisions and have questioned its constitutionality .
Ronald Reagan deployed military personnel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorization , according to History.com .
Bill Clinton continued a bombing campaign in Kosovo in 1999 beyond the 60-day limit required by the statute .
Barack Obama initiated military action in Libya in 2011 without congressional approval .
The Supreme Court has yet to address the constitutionality of the War Powers Act .
The Associated Press reported that Trump met “ the 48-hour deadline required by the War Powers Act to notify Congress ” via a Saturday communication , following the deadly drone strike on Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani .
Pelosi responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news release on Saturday , stating , “ This classified War Powers Act notification delivered to Congress raises more questions than it answers.
” RELATED : Trump to Congress : 'Disproportionate ' Retaliation on Table To Counter Any Iranian Attack “ This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing , manner and justification of the Administration ’ s decision to engage in hostilities against Iran , ” she continued .
“ The highly unusual decision to classify this document in its entirety compounds our many concerns , and suggests that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left in the dark about our national security.
” “ The Trump Administration ’ s provocative , escalatory and disproportionate military engagement continues to put service members , diplomats and citizens of America and our allies in danger , ” Pelosi said .
“ The Administration must work with the Congress to advance a bonafide de-escalatory strategy that prevents further violence.
” Trump appeared to respond to the speaker ’ s complaint with a Sunday tweet stating that if Iran strikes again , the U.S. will hit back .
“ These Media Posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target , the United States will quickly & fully strike back , & perhaps in a disproportionate manner .
Such legal notice is not required , but is given nevertheless !
” Article I , Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the power to “ declare war ” and “ raise and support ” the armed forces .
However , Article II , Section 2 names the president as commander in chief of the military .
In a series of tweets on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike back at the U.S. , saying his administration has “ targeted 52 Iranian sites ( representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago ) , some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture , and those targets , and Iran itself , WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD .
The USA wants no more threats !
” In a Friday news conference , Trump said his order to kill Soleimani — whom he called the “ number-one terrorist anywhere in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a war , not start one .
“ Soleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel , but we caught him in the act and terminated him , ” the president said regarding the Iranian general who was taken out near the Baghdad International Airport , while meeting with Tehran back militia leaders in Iraq .
Trump added that Soleimani ’ s Quds Force “ has targeted , injured , and murdered hundreds of American civilians and servicemen.
” Most recently , the general orchestrated rocket attacks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the death of an American civilian and badly injured four U.S. servicemen .
“ We took action last night to stop a war , ” Trump said .
“ We did not take action to start a war.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in a Sunday letter to House Democrats wrote that a resolution will be introduced this week aimed at preventing President Donald Trump from taking further military action toward Iran without congressional authorization.
“As Members of Congress, our first responsibility is to keep the American people safe,” the letter reads, in part. “For this reason, we are concerned that the Administration took this action without the consultation of Congress and without respect for Congress’s war powers granted to it by the Constitution.”
“This week, the House will introduce and vote on a War Powers Resolution to limit the President’s military actions regarding Iran,” Pelosi added.
“It reasserts Congress’s long-established oversight responsibilities by mandating that if no further Congressional action is taken, the Administration’s military hostilities with regard to Iran cease within 30 days.”
The speaker concluded, “Thank you for your patriotic leadership during this difficult time.”
The War Powers Resolution, also known as the War Powers Act, passed in 1973, requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours whenever military forces are brought “into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances.”
The law also requires the president to end foreign military actions after 60 days unless Congress declares war or passes an authorization for use of military force.
Past presidents have not always complied with its provisions and have questioned its constitutionality.
Ronald Reagan deployed military personnel to El Salvador in 1981 without seeking congressional authorization, according to History.com.
Do you think Trump made the right call ordering the killing of Soleimani? Yes No
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Bill Clinton continued a bombing campaign in Kosovo in 1999 beyond the 60-day limit required by the statute.
Barack Obama initiated military action in Libya in 2011 without congressional approval.
The Supreme Court has yet to address the constitutionality of the War Powers Act.
The Associated Press reported that Trump met “the 48-hour deadline required by the War Powers Act to notify Congress” via a Saturday communication, following the deadly drone strike on Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani.
Pelosi responded to Trump’s notification in a news release on Saturday, stating, “This classified War Powers Act notification delivered to Congress raises more questions than it answers.”
“This document prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing, manner and justification of the Administration’s decision to engage in hostilities against Iran,” she continued. “The highly unusual decision to classify this document in its entirety compounds our many concerns, and suggests that the Congress and the American people are being left in the dark about our national security.”
“The Trump Administration’s provocative, escalatory and disproportionate military engagement continues to put service members, diplomats and citizens of America and our allies in danger,” Pelosi said. “The Administration must work with the Congress to advance a bonafide de-escalatory strategy that prevents further violence.”
Trump appeared to respond to the speaker’s complaint with a Sunday tweet stating that if Iran strikes again, the U.S. will hit back.
“These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner. Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless!”
These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner. Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2020
Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution gives Congress the power to “declare war” and “raise and support” the armed forces.
However, Article II, Section 2 names the president as commander in chief of the military.
In a series of tweets on Saturday, Trump warned Iran not to strike back at the U.S., saying his administration has “targeted 52 Iranian sites (representing the 52 American hostages taken by Iran many years ago), some at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats!”
In a Friday news conference, Trump said his order to kill Soleimani — whom he called the “number-one terrorist anywhere in the world” — was intended to prevent a war, not start one.
“Soleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel, but we caught him in the act and terminated him,” the president said regarding the Iranian general who was taken out near the Baghdad International Airport, while meeting with Tehran back militia leaders in Iraq.
Trump added that Soleimani’s Quds Force “has targeted, injured, and murdered hundreds of American civilians and servicemen.”
Most recently, the general orchestrated rocket attacks in northern Kirkuk, Iraq, that resulted in the death of an American civilian and badly injured four U.S. servicemen.
“We took action last night to stop a war,” Trump said. “We did not take action to start a war.”
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westernjournal--2020-01-06--Court Order Blocks Hospital from Cutting Baby’s Life Support Against Parents’ Wishes

Tinslee Lewis , 11 months old , remains connected to her life support after a Texas appeals court put the brakes on a lower court ruling that would have allowed a hospital to end her treatment and likely her life as well .
On Friday , the Fort Worth-based Second Court of Appeals ordered Cook Children ’ s Medical Center to continue to provide life support to the infant until it rules on the issue of whether the hospital can remove the child from life support , NBC reported .
The Friday ruling came one day after a lower court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tinslee ’ s mother , to issue an injunction blocking the hospital from taking action .
Doctors originally planned to remove the girl from life support in November and invoked the Texas “ 10-day rule ” allowing a facility to withdraw life support even over the objections of family members .
The law allows a facility to stop treatment after 10 days if another care provider can not be found .
The hospital said that it sought another facility for the girl , but without success .
Many on Twitter offered prayers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be kept alive .
TRENDING : Comedian George Lopez on Iran ’ s ‘ Bounty ’ on Trump : ‘ We ’ ll Do It for Half ’ Kimberlyn Schwartz , a spokeswoman for Texas Right to Life , said the group was “ grateful and relieved ” after the appeals court ruled against the hospital .
“ This gives us so much hope for Tinslee , ” Schwartz said .
“ This is a prayer answered.
” The girl has been at Cook Children ’ s since her premature birth with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lung disease and severe chronic high blood pressure .
She went into respiratory arrest in July and since then has been on full respiratory and cardiac support , according to KTVT .
After the Thursday ruling that gave the hospital the go-ahead to stop treatment , the facility outlined its position that the girl is in pain in a statement .
“ Today ’ s decision from Chief Justice Sandee B. Marion restores the ability of the Cook Children ’ s medical staff to make the most compassionate and medically appropriate decisions for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survive each day .
This is an emotional and difficult situation for everyone involved , especially for this family who had high hopes that Tinslee would get better , ” the hospital said in a statement , according to CBS News .
“ Cook Children ’ s has been devoted to this precious baby her entire life , providing compassionate , round-the-clock , intensive care and attention since she arrived at our hospital 11 months ago , ” the statement went on .
“ Her body is tired .
She is suffering .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycle because , tragically , none of these efforts will ever make her better.
” Tinslee ’ s mother , however , disagreed in a Thursday statement issued through Texas Right to Life .
“ I am heartbroken over today ’ s decision because the judge basically said Tinslee ’ s life is NOT worth living .
I feel frustrated because anyone in that courtroom would want more time just like I do if Tinslee were their baby .
I hope that we can keep fighting through an appeal to protect Tinslee .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Please keep praying for Tinslee and thank you for supporting us during this difficult time , ” she said prior to the ruling that blocked the lower court ’ s ruling from taking effect .
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Gov .
Greg Abbott had urged the appeals court to delay the order that would stop the girl ’ s treatment .
“ I will continue to fight for Tinslee and my office will continue to use all necessary resources to ensure that she will not be deprived of her right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Tinslee Lewis, 11 months old, remains connected to her life support after a Texas appeals court put the brakes on a lower court ruling that would have allowed a hospital to end her treatment and likely her life as well.
On Friday, the Fort Worth-based Second Court of Appeals ordered Cook Children’s Medical Center to continue to provide life support to the infant until it rules on the issue of whether the hospital can remove the child from life support, NBC reported.
The Friday ruling came one day after a lower court rejected a request from Trinity Lewis, Tinslee’s mother, to issue an injunction blocking the hospital from taking action.
Doctors originally planned to remove the girl from life support in November and invoked the Texas “10-day rule” allowing a facility to withdraw life support even over the objections of family members. The law allows a facility to stop treatment after 10 days if another care provider cannot be found. The hospital said that it sought another facility for the girl, but without success.
Many on Twitter offered prayers, with some agreeing that the girl should be kept alive.
I am pro-choice BUT a child that has been born has a right to life, if her parents wants to continue life support Indefinitely they have a RIGHT too. #tinsleelewis should not be sentenced to death by a judge. Even the governor supports tinslee right to live…LET HER LIVE?❤ https://t.co/yFnlDtTZnh — ???? ???? ????? (@dongotthatsauce) January 2, 2020
I agree, I don’t know what the miracle would entail- an end to her pain & suffering, or healing & complete recovery. Either way, I am praying for #TinsleeLewis, her family and the medical team.
Peace
Healing
Prudence
Compassion
Anyone else willing/able 3:00pm? Matthew 18:20 https://t.co/qHGyOVMI8v pic.twitter.com/gUrAFhdOfo — LZBTH ⭐⭐⭐ (@baxter_lizzie) January 4, 2020
Kimberlyn Schwartz, a spokeswoman for Texas Right to Life, said the group was “grateful and relieved” after the appeals court ruled against the hospital.
“This gives us so much hope for Tinslee,” Schwartz said. “This is a prayer answered.”
The girl has been at Cook Children’s since her premature birth with a rare heart defect as well as chronic lung disease and severe chronic high blood pressure. She went into respiratory arrest in July and since then has been on full respiratory and cardiac support, according to KTVT.
After the Thursday ruling that gave the hospital the go-ahead to stop treatment, the facility outlined its position that the girl is in pain in a statement.
“Today’s decision from Chief Justice Sandee B. Marion restores the ability of the Cook Children’s medical staff to make the most compassionate and medically appropriate decisions for Tinslee as she struggles in pain to survive each day. This is an emotional and difficult situation for everyone involved, especially for this family who had high hopes that Tinslee would get better,” the hospital said in a statement, according to CBS News.
“Cook Children’s has been devoted to this precious baby her entire life, providing compassionate, round-the-clock, intensive care and attention since she arrived at our hospital 11 months ago,” the statement went on. “Her body is tired. She is suffering. It’s time to end this cycle because, tragically, none of these efforts will ever make her better.”
Tinslee’s mother, however, disagreed in a Thursday statement issued through Texas Right to Life.
“I am heartbroken over today’s decision because the judge basically said Tinslee’s life is NOT worth living. I feel frustrated because anyone in that courtroom would want more time just like I do if Tinslee were their baby. I hope that we can keep fighting through an appeal to protect Tinslee. She deserves the right to live. Please keep praying for Tinslee and thank you for supporting us during this difficult time,” she said prior to the ruling that blocked the lower court’s ruling from taking effect.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Gov. Greg Abbott had urged the appeals court to delay the order that would stop the girl’s treatment.
“I will continue to fight for Tinslee and my office will continue to use all necessary resources to ensure that she will not be deprived of her right to live,” Paxton said in a statement.
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westernjournal--2020-01-06--Harvey Weinstein Hit with New Sex Crime Indictments Just as Trial on Existing Charges Begins

Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on new sex crime charges in Los Angeles , just as his trial on separate rape and sexual assault charges in New York was poised to get underway , prosecutors announced Monday .
The Hollywood mogul has been charged with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents over a two-day period in 2013 , Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a news release .
“ We believe the evidence will show that the defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then commit violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
“ I want to commend the victims who have come forward and bravely recounted what happened to them .
It is my hope that all victims of sexual violence find strength and healing as they move forward.
” Weinstein allegedly raped a woman in a hotel room on Feb. 18 , 2013 , after he pushed his way inside her room , prosecutors said .
The next night , he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in a Beverly Hills hotel suite .
That woman is expected to testify at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
TRENDING : Comedian George Lopez on Iran ’ s ‘ Bounty ’ on Trump : ‘ We ’ ll Do It for Half ’ The Los Angeles district attorney ’ s task force is still investigating sex crime allegations against Weinstein from three women , Lacey said .
Prosecutors declined charges involving three other women because their cases were beyond the statute of limitations .
Weinstein faces up to 28 years in state prison if he is convicted of the charges filed in LA of forcible rape , forcible oral copulation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual battery by restraint .
His arraignment has not yet been scheduled , and prosecutors will recommend $ 5 million bail .
Weinstein is expected to appear in court in California after his trial in New York is finished , Lacey said .
Lawyers for Weinstein had no immediate response to the new charges .
The Manhattan district attorney ’ s office declined to comment on them .
The news came the same day that Weinstein and several of the women who have accused him of sexual misconduct converged Monday at the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his lawyers handled the final preparations for his high-stakes trial on charges of rape and assault .
Speaking at the Manhattan courthouse Monday prior to the announcement , Weinstein ’ s attorneys suggested they knew charges might be coming .
They asked the judge for potential jurors to be sequestered partly because of the possibility that charges could be brought elsewhere against Weinstein while the trial was ongoing .
The judge denied that request .
RELATED : Gervais Blasts Hollywood Elite to Their Faces at Golden Globes : 'You Know Nothing About the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LA situation going on , ” his lawyer , Donna Rotunno , told reporters after the hearing .
“ We don ’ t know what is going to happen .
We ’ re hoping not , ” another of his lawyers , Damon Cheronis , said .
“ We have no control over what happens in Los Angeles or anywhere else.
” Earlier Monday , Weinstein , 67 , entered the courthouse in New York leaning on a walker following a recent back surgery .
When asked outside the courtroom how his back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smile and a so-so gesture with his hand .
“ Not so good , ” he said .
“ Better.
” Inside , his lawyers and prosecutors spent the morning sparring about procedural matters , including how to keep publicity surrounding the trial from influencing the jury ’ s thinking .
In a brief hearing , the judge declined to gag Weinstein ’ s attorneys from speaking to the media , in addition to denying the motion to sequester jurors .
The judge also turned down a defense request to call as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused of mishandling part of the case .
Across the street , actresses and other women who say they were sexually harassed or assaulted by Weinstein dismissed him as a villain undeserving of anyone ’ s pity .
“ He looked cowardly .
He wouldn ’ t look at us .
He wouldn ’ t make eye contact , ” said Sarah Ann Masse , a performer and writer who said Weinstein once sexually harassed her in his underwear during a job interview .
“ This trial is a cultural reckoning regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jury selection in the trial will start Tuesday , more than two years since the allegations first came to widespread public attention and catalyzed the # MeToo movement .
Rotunno said she was hopeful a fair jury could be found for the case .
“ In this great country , you are innocent until proven guilty , ” she told reporters outside the courthouse .
Weinstein faces allegations that he raped one woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and performed a forcible sex act on a woman , Mimi Haleyi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film work in 2006 .
He has pleaded not guilty and says any sexual activity was consensual .
If he ’ s convicted of the most serious charges against him , two counts of predatory sexual assault , Weinstein faces a mandatory life sentence .
For that to happen , prosecutors must demonstrate Weinstein had a habit of violating women , beyond the two directly involved in the encounters in which he ’ s charged .
To that end , they plan to call actress Annabella Sciorra , who says Weinstein forced himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1994 and raped her after she starred in a film for his movie studio .
They also wanted jurors to hear from a few of the more than 75 women who have come forward publicly to accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to assault .
The first allegations were brought to light by The New York Times and The New Yorker in October 2017 .
Prosecutors got permission from the court to try to buttress their case with four other witnesses : Sciorra and three other accusers who haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she had an encounter with Weinstein at a Manhattan hotel in 2004 .
A second was to testify about an interaction with Weinstein at a SoHo apartment in 2005 .
A third was described in court papers as having had an incident with Weinstein at a hotel in Beverly Hills , California , in February 2013 .
Speaking outside the courthouse as proceedings began , a group of Weinstein ’ s accusers spoke with reporters , including Masse , actresses Rosanna Arquette , Dominique Huett and Rose McGowan , model Paula Williams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalist Lauren Sivan .
McGowan thanked the women who will testify during the trial as alleged victims for representing many more women who may never get their day in court .
“ They are standing for us , and I am immensely proud of them , ” she said .
“ We didn ’ t have our day .
But hopefully they will .
Their victory will be our victory .
Their loss will be our loss.
” Rotunno has argued the case is weak and said she plans to aggressively cross-examine the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecutor Joan Illuzzi immediately set a combative tone by referring to Weinstein as a “ predator , ” drawing an objection from the defense table .
The lawyers also clashed after prosecutors asked the judge to bar all attorneys in the trial from speaking about the evidence outside court .
Illuzzi accused Rotunno of “ degrading and humiliating and putting down our witnesses ” in statements to the press leading up to the trial .
Judge James Burke refused to issue a gag order , but told both sides : “ Leave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t talk about them in any way.
” The judge also barred the defense from calling detective Nicholas DiGaudio as a witness .
DiGaudio was removed the investigation amid allegations he had withheld evidence that could have helped defend Weinstein .
Illuzzi revealed that prosecutors hope to use seven photographs from a trove of more than 70 images collected as evidence against the defendant .
It was unclear what the photos show , but the prosecutor said : “ We do think they ’ re very important for the jury to see.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more , in part because of immense media attention on the case could mean some potential jurors already have their minds made up .
Weinstein ’ s lawyers tried to get the trial moved out of Manhattan , but a court rejected that .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on new sex crime charges in Los Angeles, just as his trial on separate rape and sexual assault charges in New York was poised to get underway, prosecutors announced Monday.
The Hollywood mogul has been charged with raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents over a two-day period in 2013, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a news release.
“We believe the evidence will show that the defendant used his power and influence to gain access to his victims and then commit violent crimes against them,” Lacey said in a statement. “I want to commend the victims who have come forward and bravely recounted what happened to them. It is my hope that all victims of sexual violence find strength and healing as they move forward.”
Hollywood Producer Harvey Weinstein Charged With Sexually Assaulting Two Women in 2013 https://t.co/vWdZKpbWEh @LAPDHQ @BeverlyHillsPD #LADAOffice — Jackie Lacey (@LADAOffice) January 6, 2020
Weinstein allegedly raped a woman in a hotel room on Feb. 18, 2013, after he pushed his way inside her room, prosecutors said.
The next night, he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in a Beverly Hills hotel suite. That woman is expected to testify at Weinstein’s trial in New York.
The Los Angeles district attorney’s task force is still investigating sex crime allegations against Weinstein from three women, Lacey said. Prosecutors declined charges involving three other women because their cases were beyond the statute of limitations.
Weinstein faces up to 28 years in state prison if he is convicted of the charges filed in LA of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, sexual penetration by use of force and sexual battery by restraint.
Do you think Harvey Weinstein is guilty? Yes No
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His arraignment has not yet been scheduled, and prosecutors will recommend $5 million bail.
Weinstein is expected to appear in court in California after his trial in New York is finished, Lacey said.
Lawyers for Weinstein had no immediate response to the new charges. The Manhattan district attorney’s office declined to comment on them.
The news came the same day that Weinstein and several of the women who have accused him of sexual misconduct converged Monday at the New York City courthouse where a judge and his lawyers handled the final preparations for his high-stakes trial on charges of rape and assault.
Speaking at the Manhattan courthouse Monday prior to the announcement, Weinstein’s attorneys suggested they knew charges might be coming. They asked the judge for potential jurors to be sequestered partly because of the possibility that charges could be brought elsewhere against Weinstein while the trial was ongoing. The judge denied that request.
“There is a potential LA situation going on,” his lawyer, Donna Rotunno, told reporters after the hearing.
“We don’t know what is going to happen. We’re hoping not,” another of his lawyers, Damon Cheronis, said. “We have no control over what happens in Los Angeles or anywhere else.”
Earlier Monday, Weinstein, 67, entered the courthouse in New York leaning on a walker following a recent back surgery. When asked outside the courtroom how his back felt, Weinstein responded with a thin smile and a so-so gesture with his hand.
“Not so good,” he said. “Better.”
Inside, his lawyers and prosecutors spent the morning sparring about procedural matters, including how to keep publicity surrounding the trial from influencing the jury’s thinking.
In a brief hearing, the judge declined to gag Weinstein’s attorneys from speaking to the media, in addition to denying the motion to sequester jurors. The judge also turned down a defense request to call as a witness a police detective who had been accused of mishandling part of the case.
Across the street, actresses and other women who say they were sexually harassed or assaulted by Weinstein dismissed him as a villain undeserving of anyone’s pity.
“He looked cowardly. He wouldn’t look at us. He wouldn’t make eye contact,” said Sarah Ann Masse, a performer and writer who said Weinstein once sexually harassed her in his underwear during a job interview.
“This trial is a cultural reckoning regardless of its legal outcome,” she said.
Jury selection in the trial will start Tuesday, more than two years since the allegations first came to widespread public attention and catalyzed the #MeToo movement.
Rotunno said she was hopeful a fair jury could be found for the case.
“In this great country, you are innocent until proven guilty,” she told reporters outside the courthouse.
Weinstein faces allegations that he raped one woman in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and performed a forcible sex act on a woman, Mimi Haleyi, who had come to him seeking film work in 2006.
He has pleaded not guilty and says any sexual activity was consensual.
If he’s convicted of the most serious charges against him, two counts of predatory sexual assault, Weinstein faces a mandatory life sentence.
For that to happen, prosecutors must demonstrate Weinstein had a habit of violating women, beyond the two directly involved in the encounters in which he’s charged. To that end, they plan to call actress Annabella Sciorra, who says Weinstein forced himself inside her Manhattan apartment in 1993 or 1994 and raped her after she starred in a film for his movie studio.
They also wanted jurors to hear from a few of the more than 75 women who have come forward publicly to accuse Weinstein of sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to assault. The first allegations were brought to light by The New York Times and The New Yorker in October 2017.
Prosecutors got permission from the court to try to buttress their case with four other witnesses: Sciorra and three other accusers who haven’t been named.
One of those women said she had an encounter with Weinstein at a Manhattan hotel in 2004. A second was to testify about an interaction with Weinstein at a SoHo apartment in 2005. A third was described in court papers as having had an incident with Weinstein at a hotel in Beverly Hills, California, in February 2013.
Speaking outside the courthouse as proceedings began, a group of Weinstein’s accusers spoke with reporters, including Masse, actresses Rosanna Arquette, Dominique Huett and Rose McGowan, model Paula Williams, Louise Godbold and the actress and journalist Lauren Sivan.
“Harvey will be held accountable for his actions.” As Harvey Weinstein’s rape and sexual assault trial is set to begin, actress Rosanna Arquette speaks outside the New York courthouse in support his alleged victims pic.twitter.com/63bYaemZ9V — QuickTake by Bloomberg (@QuickTake) January 6, 2020
McGowan thanked the women who will testify during the trial as alleged victims for representing many more women who may never get their day in court.
“They are standing for us, and I am immensely proud of them,” she said. “We didn’t have our day. But hopefully they will. Their victory will be our victory. Their loss will be our loss.”
Rotunno has argued the case is weak and said she plans to aggressively cross-examine the accusers.
In court on Monday, prosecutor Joan Illuzzi immediately set a combative tone by referring to Weinstein as a “predator,” drawing an objection from the defense table.
The lawyers also clashed after prosecutors asked the judge to bar all attorneys in the trial from speaking about the evidence outside court. Illuzzi accused Rotunno of “degrading and humiliating and putting down our witnesses” in statements to the press leading up to the trial.
“I have not degraded anyone,” Rotunno responded.
Judge James Burke refused to issue a gag order, but told both sides: “Leave the witnesses alone, OK? Don’t talk about them in any way.”
The judge also barred the defense from calling detective Nicholas DiGaudio as a witness. DiGaudio was removed the investigation amid allegations he had withheld evidence that could have helped defend Weinstein.
Illuzzi revealed that prosecutors hope to use seven photographs from a trove of more than 70 images collected as evidence against the defendant. It was unclear what the photos show, but the prosecutor said: “We do think they’re very important for the jury to see.”
Jury selection could take two weeks or more, in part because of immense media attention on the case could mean some potential jurors already have their minds made up. Weinstein’s lawyers tried to get the trial moved out of Manhattan, but a court rejected that.
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--2020-01-06--Trump on War Crime Charges: If Iran Can Kill Our People, We Can Hit Iran Cultural Sites

President Donald Trump on Sunday urged the world to focus on the real atrocities in the Middle East instead of a tweet in which he taunted Iran .
Trump was pushing back against criticism of a tweet that implied cultural sites of significance within Iran could become fair game if Iran were to attack Americans in retaliation for the drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani .
For example , Andrea Prasow , acting Washington director at Human Rights Watch , accused Trump of planning war crimes by tweeting that cultural sites were not off limits .
“ President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran ’ s cultural property and make clear that he will not authorize nor order war crimes , ” she said in a statement on the group ’ s website .
“ The US Defense Department should publicly reaffirm its commitment to abide by the laws of war and comply only with lawful military orders , ” she said .
TRENDING : Comedian George Lopez on Iran 's 'Bounty ' on Trump : 'We 'll Do It for Half' “ They ’ re allowed to kill our people .
They ’ re allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ re allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people .
And we ’ re not allowed to touch their cultural sites .
It doesn ’ t work that way , ” Trump told reporters , referring to Iran , according to NBC .
Many veterans have said Trump was right to approve the attack the killed Soleimani .
“ If you ’ re in my community , it ’ s pretty safe to say that you ’ ve probably buried somebody who was killed by [ Soleimani ] , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a limb or been catastrophically wounded , and you know a Gold Star family who has been destroyed by this guy , ” retired Green Beret Master Sgt .
Terry Schappert told Fox News .
“ If you can ’ t care about that , you can care about all the people he ’ s killed over there … Iraq , Syria , Lebanon … his own country … he ’ s murdered and tortured people , ” he said .
During his return to Washington aboard Air Force One , Trump spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Iran ’ s threats of reprisals .
Trump was asked about the possibility of an Iranian attack .
“ If it happens , it happens .
If they do anything , there will be major retaliation , ” he said .
RELATED : Nancy Pelosi Announces Attempt To Clamp Down on Trump with War Powers Resolution Trump said American surveillance on Soleimani , an Iranian general who was the behind-the-scenes leader of pro-Iran militias in Iraq , dated back 18 months .
“ He was leading his country down a very bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Sunday , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sought to soothe feathers that were ruffled over Trump ’ s tweet .
“ The American people should know that we have prepared for this , that we are ready , that our responses are lawful , and that the president will take every action necessary to respond should Iran decide to escalate , ” Pompeo said on “ Meet the Press ” on Sunday .
During his Sunday night remarks to the media , Trump also said the U.S. has no plans to leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s parliament calling for that to happen .
“ We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that ’ s there .
It cost billions of dollars to build .
Long before my time , ” Trump said .
“ We ’ re not leaving unless they pay us back for it.
” If Iraq tries to oust the U.S. , Trump said , “ we will charge them sanctions like they ’ ve never seen before ever .
It ’ ll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame.
” “ If there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do anything we think is inappropriate , we are going to put sanctions on Iraq , very big sanctions on Iraq , ” Trump said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump on Sunday urged the world to focus on the real atrocities in the Middle East instead of a tweet in which he taunted Iran.
Trump was pushing back against criticism of a tweet that implied cultural sites of significance within Iran could become fair game if Iran were to attack Americans in retaliation for the drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
For example, Andrea Prasow, acting Washington director at Human Rights Watch, accused Trump of planning war crimes by tweeting that cultural sites were not off limits.
“President Trump should publicly reverse his threats against Iran’s cultural property and make clear that he will not authorize nor order war crimes,” she said in a statement on the group’s website.
“The US Defense Department should publicly reaffirm its commitment to abide by the laws of war and comply only with lawful military orders,” she said.
Trump stood by his words.
“They’re allowed to kill our people. They’re allowed to torture and maim our people. They’re allowed to use roadside bombs and blow up our people. And we’re not allowed to touch their cultural sites. It doesn’t work that way,” Trump told reporters, referring to Iran, according to NBC.
Many veterans have said Trump was right to approve the attack the killed Soleimani.
“If you’re in my community, it’s pretty safe to say that you’ve probably buried somebody who was killed by [Soleimani], you know someone who’s lost a limb or been catastrophically wounded, and you know a Gold Star family who has been destroyed by this guy,” retired Green Beret Master Sgt. Terry Schappert told Fox News.
“If you can’t care about that, you can care about all the people he’s killed over there … Iraq, Syria, Lebanon … his own country … he’s murdered and tortured people,” he said.
Soleimani led proxy wars resulting in the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition forces, including my friends and colleagues. Thank you, President @realDonaldTrump for your bold decision in fighting against our enemies #WI07 pic.twitter.com/PwtynIPTOW — Jason Church (@JasonChurchWI) January 3, 2020
During his return to Washington aboard Air Force One, Trump spoke with the media about the drone strike and Iran’s threats of reprisals.
Trump was asked about the possibility of an Iranian attack.
“If it happens, it happens. If they do anything, there will be major retaliation,” he said.
Trump said American surveillance on Soleimani, an Iranian general who was the behind-the-scenes leader of pro-Iran militias in Iraq, dated back 18 months.
“He was leading his country down a very bad dangerous path,” Trump said.
On Sunday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sought to soothe feathers that were ruffled over Trump’s tweet.
Do you think the media is more interested in covering Trump's tweets than covering the news? Yes No
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“The American people should know that we have prepared for this, that we are ready, that our responses are lawful, and that the president will take every action necessary to respond should Iran decide to escalate,” Pompeo said on “Meet the Press” on Sunday.
During his Sunday night remarks to the media, Trump also said the U.S. has no plans to leave Iraq, despite a resolution from Iraq’s parliament calling for that to happen.
“We have a very extraordinarily expensive air base that’s there. It cost billions of dollars to build. Long before my time,” Trump said. “We’re not leaving unless they pay us back for it.”
If Iraq tries to oust the U.S., Trump said, “we will charge them sanctions like they’ve never seen before ever. It’ll make Iranian sanctions look somewhat tame.”
“If there’s any hostility, that they do anything we think is inappropriate, we are going to put sanctions on Iraq, very big sanctions on Iraq,” Trump said.
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westernjournal--2020-01-06--Dan Crenshaw Blasts Dem Response to Soleimani Killing: ‘This is the Blame-America-First Crowd’

Since he arrived in Congress with the Class of 2019 , Rep. Dan Crenshaw has made a habit of crushing Democratic complaints about the Trump administration .
On Sunday , he outdid himself .
During an interview with The Daily Caller about last week ’ s targeted strike that took out Iranian terror mastermind Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad , the Texas Republican and former Navy SEAL outlined , in indisputable logic , why the strike on the general was justified .
And how wrong Democrat arguments are .
“ I understand there ’ s a feeling out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get into a fight , ’ ” Crenshaw said .
“ That ’ s fine , but they ’ re asking the wrong question .
TRENDING : Comedian George Lopez on Iran 's 'Bounty ' on Trump : 'We 'll Do It for Half' “ What they should be asking is , ‘ At what point do we actually draw a red line ?
’ ” To Crenshaw , ankle-biting attacks from leftists such as Rep. Ilhan Omar , the Minnesota Democrat who wasted no time coming out with criticism of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic logic at work .
“ And it seems to me that Rep. Ilhan Omar and many others basically have no red line .
They ’ ll continue to move those back just to avoid any kind of confrontation , and they ’ ll always blame America first , ” he said .
“ This is the ‘ blame-America-first ’ crowd , and they stick by their guns on that creed regularly .
“ It ’ s not a governing strategy .
It ’ s not a national security strategy by any means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for yourself .
You never stand up for yourself.
” Crenshaw pointed out that the Soleimani strike followed a series of Iranian provocations that had grown increasingly serious , from downing an American drone over the Persian Gulf ’ s Strait of Hormuz in June to the Dec. 29 missile attack on an Iraqi army base that killed an American contractor .
As ABC News reported , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iranian-backed militants for that attack .
“ And then they orchestrated an attack on our embassy with the help of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , referring to last week ’ s short-lived siege of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad .
“ We have to ask ourselves , ‘ At what point do we actually respond ?
” Crenshaw said .
“ ‘ At what point do we make it clear there are consequences when you mess with the USA ? '
” When President Donald Trump ordered the drone strike that killed Soleimani , Crenshaw said , he answered that question .
“ And I think that ’ s what the Trump administration did , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the right move.
” Making Soleimani ’ s moves more galling , Crenshaw said , was that the Iranian commander felt free to fly openly into Iraq ’ s airport to meet with Hezbollah commanders — likely to plot their anti-U.S. strategy .
“ At a certain point we have to say , ‘ Enough is enough , ' ” he said .
Now , Crenshaw knows more than most the direct cost of U.S. engagement in the Middle East — that eyepatch he wears is a testament to his willingness to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s uniform .
But he also clearly understands the cost of not engaging in the Middle East — which would be allowing the murderous mullahs of Iran and other bloody-minded U.S. foes to dictate conditions in the region on their terms .
That might be what Democratic rabble-rousers such as Omar and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez want .
It might even be what the party ’ s elders and presidential candidates want — after they disgraced themselves with attacking Trump ’ s decision to take out one of the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not a way for a serious country to make its way in the world , much less the world ’ s preeminent power to behave .
“ Thank God they ’ re not in power , because it ’ s a cowardly way to go about international affairs , ” Crenshaw said .
But it ’ s all the more crushing for being the truth .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Since he arrived in Congress with the Class of 2019, Rep. Dan Crenshaw has made a habit of crushing Democratic complaints about the Trump administration.
On Sunday, he outdid himself.
During an interview with The Daily Caller about last week’s targeted strike that took out Iranian terror mastermind Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, the Texas Republican and former Navy SEAL outlined, in indisputable logic, why the strike on the general was justified.
And how wrong Democrat arguments are.
“I understand there’s a feeling out there that ‘we don’t want to get into a fight,’” Crenshaw said. “That’s fine, but they’re asking the wrong question.
“What they should be asking is, ‘At what point do we actually draw a red line?’”
To Crenshaw, ankle-biting attacks from leftists such as Rep. Ilhan Omar, the Minnesota Democrat who wasted no time coming out with criticism of the Soleimani strike, were an example of Democratic logic at work.
“And it seems to me that Rep. Ilhan Omar and many others basically have no red line. They’ll continue to move those back just to avoid any kind of confrontation, and they’ll always blame America first,” he said.
“This is the ‘blame-America-first’ crowd, and they stick by their guns on that creed regularly.
“It’s not a governing strategy. It’s not a national security strategy by any means, because you never set any parameters for yourself. You never stand up for yourself.”
Crenshaw pointed out that the Soleimani strike followed a series of Iranian provocations that had grown increasingly serious, from downing an American drone over the Persian Gulf’s Strait of Hormuz in June to the Dec. 29 missile attack on an Iraqi army base that killed an American contractor.
As ABC News reported, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo blamed Iranian-backed militants for that attack.
“And then they orchestrated an attack on our embassy with the help of Iraqi Shiite militias,” Crenshaw said, referring to last week’s short-lived siege of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
“We have to ask ourselves, ‘At what point do we actually respond?” Crenshaw said. “‘At what point do we make it clear there are consequences when you mess with the USA?'”
When President Donald Trump ordered the drone strike that killed Soleimani, Crenshaw said, he answered that question.
“And I think that’s what the Trump administration did,” he said. “I do think it was the right move.”
Making Soleimani’s moves more galling, Crenshaw said, was that the Iranian commander felt free to fly openly into Iraq’s airport to meet with Hezbollah commanders — likely to plot their anti-U.S. strategy.
“At a certain point we have to say, ‘Enough is enough,'” he said.
Now, Crenshaw knows more than most the direct cost of U.S. engagement in the Middle East — that eyepatch he wears is a testament to his willingness to give his life while wearing the country’s uniform.
But he also clearly understands the cost of not engaging in the Middle East — which would be allowing the murderous mullahs of Iran and other bloody-minded U.S. foes to dictate conditions in the region on their terms.
That might be what Democratic rabble-rousers such as Omar and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez want.
Do you think the Democratic vision of Middle East policy is "cowardly"? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (1166 Votes) No: 1% (6 Votes)
It might even be what the party’s elders and presidential candidates want — after they disgraced themselves with attacking Trump’s decision to take out one of the country’s most effective foes.
But it’s not a way for a serious country to make its way in the world, much less the world’s preeminent power to behave.
“Thank God they’re not in power, because it’s a cowardly way to go about international affairs,” Crenshaw said.
“Cowardly” is an ugly, crushing word.
But it’s all the more crushing for being the truth.
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westernjournal--2020-01-06--Steve Irwin’s Family Helps Save Over 90,000 Animals as Australia Wildfires Rage

Bindi Irwin and the staff at Australia Zoo have been working tirelessly to treat animals displaced by the wildfires burning across Australia .
Ecologists from the University of Sydney estimate that nearly half a billion mammals , birds and reptiles have died from the bushfires since September , according to news.com.au .
As fire crews continue to battle the flames , staff from wildlife sanctuaries and zoos around Australia have worked around the clock to protect their land and animals from the devastating fires that continue to rage out of control .
Irwin , 21 , wrote that she is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans that Australia Zoo and its surrounding properties are currently safe from the blaze .
“ With so many devastating fires within Australia , my heart breaks for the people and wildlife who have lost so much .
I wanted to let you know that we are SAFE , ” Irwin wrote on Instagram .
“ There are no fires near us @ AustraliaZoo or our conservation properties.
” TRENDING : Comedian George Lopez on Iran 's 'Bounty ' on Trump : 'We 'll Do It for Half' Safe from the flames , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as many wildlife patients as staff can handle .
“ My parents dedicated our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to my beautiful grandmother , ” Irwin continued .
“ We will continue to honour her by being Wildlife Warriors and saving as many lives as we can .
💙🙏🏼 ” Irwin , engaged to marry Chandler Powell this year , has posted several photos of wild animals who have been seriously injured or lost their lives because of the bushfires .
“ Blossom the possum was admitted to the # AustraliaZoo Wildlife Hospital after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burning in other parts of Queensland , ” she wrote .
“ We have such an incredible team who work day and night to protect gorgeous animals like Blossom .
Devastatingly this beautiful girl didn ’ t make it even after working so hard to save her life.
” This week , Australia Zoo treated its 90,000th patient , Irwin wrote , and is struggling to keep up with the influx of injured creatures .
RELATED : Alex Trebek Shares How His Final 'Jeopardy ! '
Episode Will End : 'Leave Me 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Want' “ To cope with so many animals being admitted to the hospital , in 2019 we opened a sea turtle rehabilitation centre , sea snake ward and are about to complete a new bird recovery area , but it ’ s still not enough to keep up , ” Irwin wrote .
“ We need to build a new ward for our patients.
” Irwin has encouraged readers from around the world to consider a monetary donation to help save Australia ’ s native wildlife .
We are committed to truth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read our editorial standards .

Bindi Irwin and the staff at Australia Zoo have been working tirelessly to treat animals displaced by the wildfires burning across Australia.
Ecologists from the University of Sydney estimate that nearly half a billion mammals, birds and reptiles have died from the bushfires since September, according to news.com.au.
As fire crews continue to battle the flames, staff from wildlife sanctuaries and zoos around Australia have worked around the clock to protect their land and animals from the devastating fires that continue to rage out of control.
Irwin, 21, wrote that she is heartbroken over the devastation and assured her fans that Australia Zoo and its surrounding properties are currently safe from the blaze.
“With so many devastating fires within Australia, my heart breaks for the people and wildlife who have lost so much. I wanted to let you know that we are SAFE,” Irwin wrote on Instagram. “There are no fires near us @AustraliaZoo or our conservation properties.”
Safe from the flames, Australia Zoo has committed to caring for as many wildlife patients as staff can handle.
“My parents dedicated our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to my beautiful grandmother,” Irwin continued. “We will continue to honour her by being Wildlife Warriors and saving as many lives as we can. ???”
Irwin, engaged to marry Chandler Powell this year, has posted several photos of wild animals who have been seriously injured or lost their lives because of the bushfires.
“Blossom the possum was admitted to the #AustraliaZoo Wildlife Hospital after being caught in one of the bushfires burning in other parts of Queensland,” she wrote.
“We have such an incredible team who work day and night to protect gorgeous animals like Blossom. Devastatingly this beautiful girl didn’t make it even after working so hard to save her life.”
This week, Australia Zoo treated its 90,000th patient, Irwin wrote, and is struggling to keep up with the influx of injured creatures.
“To cope with so many animals being admitted to the hospital, in 2019 we opened a sea turtle rehabilitation centre, sea snake ward and are about to complete a new bird recovery area, but it’s still not enough to keep up,” Irwin wrote. “We need to build a new ward for our patients.”
Irwin has encouraged readers from around the world to consider a monetary donation to help save Australia’s native wildlife.
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westernjournal--2020-01-06--Lindsey Graham Launches Plan To Cut Pelosi Out of Impeachment Entirely

Playtime is over , Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina is warning House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
Graham said on Fox News ’ “ Sunday Morning Futures ” that unless Pelosi formally releases the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate by the end of the week , the Senate should “ take matters in our own hands.
” After the Democrat-controlled House rushed to pass two articles of impeachment against Trump last month , Pelosi said she would not release them to the Senate , which is where a trial on the charges would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fairness of the Senate procedures .
Graham ’ s logic is simple : If the California Democrat wants to use the existing rules to game the system , the rules ought to be changed so she can ’ t get away with it .
“ What I would do , if she continues to refuse to send the articles as required by the Constitution , I would work with Senator McConnell to change the rules of the Senate so we could start the trial without her , if necessary , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch McConnell of Kentucky .
TRENDING : Comedian George Lopez on Iran ’ s ‘ Bounty ’ on Trump : ‘ We ’ ll Do It for Half ’ Graham said he would wait “ days , not weeks ” for Pelosi to end her “ political stunt.
” “ Well , we ’ re not going to let Nancy Pelosi use the rules of the Senate to her advantage , ” he said .
“ This is dangerous to the presidency as an institution.
” “ They impeached the president , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the articles back , trying to extort from the majority leader of the Senate a trial to her liking .
They ’ re trying to hold these articles over the head of the president .
“ I think the reason they ’ re not sending them is because they ’ re so weak and it ’ s a pathetic case , and they ’ re looking to add something .
“ So the sooner this trial is over , the better for the American people.
” Graham said his goal was to “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , not let Nancy Pelosi take over the Senate .
My No .
1 goal is not let the speaker of the House become the majority leader of the Senate.
” RELATED : GOP Reps Go Public After Overhearing ‘ Active Threats ’ from Dems on House Floor Graham said that in his version of what should be done , witnesses would be the last resort in a speedy process .
“ We ’ ll use the [ Bill ] Clinton model , ” he said , “ where you take the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House managers appointed by Pelosi make the argument , let the president make his argument why the two articles are flawed , and then we ’ ll decide whether we want witnesses .
“ But this should be done in a couple of weeks.
” Graham said impeachment ought to be dealt with in January so that Congress can address other issues impacting the country .
“ If we don ’ t get the articles this week , then we need to take matters in our own hands and change the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Senate so we can start the trial , invite the House over to participate if they would like , ” he said .
Graham also has a plan if Democrats refuse to cooperate .
“ If they don ’ t come , dismiss the case and get on with governing the country , ” he said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Playtime is over, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina is warning House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Graham said on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” that unless Pelosi formally releases the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate by the end of the week, the Senate should “take matters in our own hands.”
After the Democrat-controlled House rushed to pass two articles of impeachment against Trump last month, Pelosi said she would not release them to the Senate, which is where a trial on the charges would be held, until she was satisfied with the fairness of the Senate procedures.
Graham’s logic is simple: If the California Democrat wants to use the existing rules to game the system, the rules ought to be changed so she can’t get away with it.
“What I would do, if she continues to refuse to send the articles as required by the Constitution, I would work with Senator McConnell to change the rules of the Senate so we could start the trial without her, if necessary,” he said, referring to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
Graham said he would wait “days, not weeks” for Pelosi to end her “political stunt.”
“Well, we’re not going to let Nancy Pelosi use the rules of the Senate to her advantage,” he said. “This is dangerous to the presidency as an institution.”
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
“They impeached the president, but the speaker of the House is holding the articles back, trying to extort from the majority leader of the Senate a trial to her liking. They’re trying to hold these articles over the head of the president.
“I think the reason they’re not sending them is because they’re so weak and it’s a pathetic case, and they’re looking to add something.
“So the sooner this trial is over, the better for the American people.”
Graham said his goal was to “start this trial in the next coming days, not let Nancy Pelosi take over the Senate. My No. 1 goal is not let the speaker of the House become the majority leader of the Senate.”
▶ When the Senate Minority Leader insists on denying President @realDonaldTrump the ability to go to court and exercise Executive Privilege regarding Senate Democrats’ witness lists. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 27, 2019
? @SpeakerPelosi end this debacle and send the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate. ? @SenSchumer stop playing games with the presidency. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 27, 2019
Graham said that in his version of what should be done, witnesses would be the last resort in a speedy process.
“We’ll use the [Bill] Clinton model,” he said, “where you take the record established in the House, let the House managers appointed by Pelosi make the argument, let the president make his argument why the two articles are flawed, and then we’ll decide whether we want witnesses.
“But this should be done in a couple of weeks.”
Should the Senate change its rules to begin the impeachment trial without waiting for Nancy Pelosi? 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% (3769 Votes) No: 3% (110 Votes)
Graham said impeachment ought to be dealt with in January so that Congress can address other issues impacting the country.
“If we don’t get the articles this week, then we need to take matters in our own hands and change the rules, deem them to be delivered to the Senate so we can start the trial, invite the House over to participate if they would like,” he said.
Graham also has a plan if Democrats refuse to cooperate.
“If they don’t come, dismiss the case and get on with governing the country,” he said.
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westernjournal--2020-01-06--After French Bulldog’s Heart Stops, Vets Work Tirelessly To Bring Him Back to Life

Many people spent Christmas morning either trying to sleep in or reveling in Christmas vibes and starting the party early .
Gerald Ford of White Springs , Florida , spent his Christmas morning sitting in a waiting room and praying that his dog would live .
It was business as usual when Ford let his 14-month-old French bulldog , Neo , outside to use the bathroom the night before .
Normally , Neo would mosey a bit on the 12 acre property , then come back when he was finished with business .
On Christmas Eve , Neo went out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t come back until around 2 a.m. Gerald told The Gainesville Sun that he realized his pup was back when he heard a thump outside and went to find a beaten and bruised Neo .
“ I ’ ll never forget the look on his face , ” Ford said .
“ It was like he was saying , ‘ Help me . '
” TRENDING : Comedian George Lopez on Iran 's 'Bounty ' on Trump : 'We 'll Do It for Half' The dog ’ s body was covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bleeding heavily .
While no one knows exactly what he got into it with , some guessed that Neo must have been attacked by a raccoon or another small dog .
It all proved too much for the poor bulldog , and his heart stopped .
Thankfully , Ford got Neo to the Small Animal Hospital at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine , where Dr. Bobbi Conner and at least six other veterinarians were ready to help .
They managed to stabilize the pup , but bringing him back was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical care and emergency medicine , even professor and veterinarian Conner was skeptical that Neo would be able to pop back to his usual self .
“ Typically when an animal passes and comes back , they have to be on a mechanical ventilator , a breathing machine , ” she told The Gainesville Sun , adding that resuscitated critters generally only have a 5 percent chance of living a fulfilling life afterwards .
Neo seemed to fall into that 5 percent .
While he survived his heart stopping , his front left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to be amputated — but Dr. Conner reassured Ford that that was no big deal for a young , lively dog .
“ Dogs just adapt , ” she explained .
“ If he goes to the dog park , no one ’ s going to make fun of him for having three limbs.
” The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine posted on Thursday to share their perspective on the story .
“ Miracles happen every day at our UF Veterinary Hospitals , ” the post began , “ but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saved the life of a much-loved French bulldog , named Neo , who arrived at our ER on Christmas Day with attack injuries … it was an especially meaningful holiday gift to his owner ( and to all who were involved in Neo ’ s care . )
.
” Ford is ecstatic to have his little buddy back , and will no doubt be a little more careful about unsupervised potty walks .
“ He ’ s going to be fine .
I ’ m the one that ’ s a wreck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got my miracle , my knucklehead back .
Neo ’ s got a purpose , a journey .
I wanted to do everything I could because he deserves a chance.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Many people spent Christmas morning either trying to sleep in or reveling in Christmas vibes and starting the party early. Gerald Ford of White Springs, Florida, spent his Christmas morning sitting in a waiting room and praying that his dog would live.
It was business as usual when Ford let his 14-month-old French bulldog, Neo, outside to use the bathroom the night before. Normally, Neo would mosey a bit on the 12 acre property, then come back when he was finished with business.
On Christmas Eve, Neo went out like he always did — but he didn’t come back until around 2 a.m.
Gerald told The Gainesville Sun that he realized his pup was back when he heard a thump outside and went to find a beaten and bruised Neo.
“I’ll never forget the look on his face,” Ford said. “It was like he was saying, ‘Help me.'”
The dog’s body was covered in nicks and wounds and he was bleeding heavily. While no one knows exactly what he got into it with, some guessed that Neo must have been attacked by a raccoon or another small dog.
It all proved too much for the poor bulldog, and his heart stopped.
Thankfully, Ford got Neo to the Small Animal Hospital at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, where Dr. Bobbi Conner and at least six other veterinarians were ready to help.
They managed to stabilize the pup, but bringing him back was only half the battle.
Specializing in critical care and emergency medicine, even professor and veterinarian Conner was skeptical that Neo would be able to pop back to his usual self.
“Typically when an animal passes and comes back, they have to be on a mechanical ventilator, a breathing machine,” she told The Gainesville Sun, adding that resuscitated critters generally only have a 5 percent chance of living a fulfilling life afterwards.
Neo seemed to fall into that 5 percent.
While he survived his heart stopping, his front left leg was damaged badly enough that it had to be amputated — but Dr. Conner reassured Ford that that was no big deal for a young, lively dog.
“Dogs just adapt,” she explained. “If he goes to the dog park, no one’s going to make fun of him for having three limbs.”
The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine posted on Thursday to share their perspective on the story.
“Miracles happen every day at our UF Veterinary Hospitals,” the post began, “but when our emergency & critical care team saved the life of a much-loved French bulldog, named Neo, who arrived at our ER on Christmas Day with attack injuries … it was an especially meaningful holiday gift to his owner (and to all who were involved in Neo’s care.).”
Ford is ecstatic to have his little buddy back, and will no doubt be a little more careful about unsupervised potty walks.
“He’s going to be fine. I’m the one that’s a wreck,” he said. “I got my miracle, my knucklehead back. Neo’s got a purpose, a journey. I wanted to do everything I could because he deserves a chance.”
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westernjournal--2020-01-06--1996 Video Shows Biden Defending Attack on Iran and ‘Whatever Action’ the US Deemed Appropriate

As a tough-talking U.S. senator from Delaware , Joe Biden said there should be no restraints on the U.S. taking action against Iran if it were proved to be complicit in the 1996 bombing of a barracks used by U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia at the time .
The Democrat called it an “ act of war ” that handed America carte blanche to do what needed to be done .
The June 1996 attack on the Khobar Towers complex in Saudi Arabia killed 19 American troops .
Iran and its Revolutionary Guard Corps were later blamed for the terrorist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully assessed when Biden joined Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah in an Aug. 4 , 1996 , interview with Sam Donaldson of ABC ’ s “ This Week.
” Biden at that time said the U.S. had the right to respond to the attack .
TRENDING : Comedian George Lopez on Iran ’ s ‘ Bounty ’ on Trump : ‘ We ’ ll Do It for Half ’ “ [ The United States ] could take whatever action it deems appropriate , ” Biden said at the time , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They yield their sovereignty [ if they are behind the attack ] … It ’ s an act of war , ” he said .
A far different attitude was in evidence when Biden , now a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president , issued a statement following the drone strike in Iraq that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani .
The strike followed an Iran-instigated attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad .
“ President Trump just tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox , and he owes the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to keep safe our troops and embassy personnel , our people and our interests , both here at home and abroad , and our partners throughout the region and beyond , ” Biden said in a statement , according to The Washington Free Beacon .
Biden was not the only Democrat to shift ground .
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts did so in less than a day , first referring to Soleimani as a “ murderer ” in one tweet but then slamming President Donald Trump for conducting an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Did n't Try To Stop bin Laden Raid , but That 's Not What He Said 8 Years Ago Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont has consistently opposed any military intervention , and he noted that Biden supported the Iraq War while he opposed it .
“ I feared that it would result in greater destabilization in that country and in the entire region , ” Sanders said , according to The Washington Post .
“ At that time , I warned about the deadly so-called unintended consequences of unilateral invasion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that fear has unfortunately turned out to be a truth.
” Biden , however , has defended his past foreign policy actions .
“ It ’ s not to suggest I haven ’ t made mistakes in my career , but I would put my record against anyone in public life in terms of foreign policy , ” Biden said Saturday at a rally in Iowa , according to Bloomberg .
A former Obama administration official said there are significant policy differences among the various candidates .
“ I think the basic choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recognizable , steady and robust American foreign policy or do you want a more wholesale rejection of the entire post-9/11 approach that Bernie and to some extent Warren are offering , ” said Ben Rhodes , a former deputy national security adviser .
“ The center of gravity has shifted.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As a tough-talking U.S. senator from Delaware, Joe Biden said there should be no restraints on the U.S. taking action against Iran if it were proved to be complicit in the 1996 bombing of a barracks used by U.S. forces in Saudi Arabia at the time.
The Democrat called it an “act of war” that handed America carte blanche to do what needed to be done.
The June 1996 attack on the Khobar Towers complex in Saudi Arabia killed 19 American troops. Iran and its Revolutionary Guard Corps were later blamed for the terrorist attack.
Blame had not yet been fully assessed when Biden joined Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah in an Aug. 4, 1996, interview with Sam Donaldson of ABC’s “This Week.”
Biden at that time said the U.S. had the right to respond to the attack.
“[The United States] could take whatever action it deems appropriate,” Biden said at the time, according to a video of the broadcast.
“They yield their sovereignty [if they are behind the attack] … It’s an act of war,” he said.
A far different attitude was in evidence when Biden, now a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president, issued a statement following the drone strike in Iraq that killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
Do you think Biden has been inconsistent in his views on responding to terrorism? 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% (351 Votes) No: 3% (12 Votes)
The strike followed an Iran-instigated attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
“President Trump just tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox, and he owes the American people an explanation of the strategy and plan to keep safe our troops and embassy personnel, our people and our interests, both here at home and abroad, and our partners throughout the region and beyond,” Biden said in a statement, according to The Washington Free Beacon.
Biden was not the only Democrat to shift ground. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts did so in less than a day, first referring to Soleimani as a “murderer” in one tweet but then slamming President Donald Trump for conducting an assassination.
Soleimani was a murderer, responsible for the deaths of thousands, including hundreds of Americans. But this reckless move escalates the situation with Iran and increases the likelihood of more deaths and new Middle East conflict. Our priority must be to avoid another costly war. — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) January 3, 2020
Donald Trump ripped up an Iran nuclear deal that was working. He’s repeatedly escalated tensions. Now he’s assassinated a senior foreign military official. He’s been marching toward war with Iran since his first days in office—but the American people won’t stand for it. — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) January 3, 2020
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont has consistently opposed any military intervention, and he noted that Biden supported the Iraq War while he opposed it.
“I feared that it would result in greater destabilization in that country and in the entire region,” Sanders said, according to The Washington Post. “At that time, I warned about the deadly so-called unintended consequences of unilateral invasion. Today, 17 years later, that fear has unfortunately turned out to be a truth.”
Biden, however, has defended his past foreign policy actions.
“It’s not to suggest I haven’t made mistakes in my career, but I would put my record against anyone in public life in terms of foreign policy,” Biden said Saturday at a rally in Iowa, according to Bloomberg.
As Sanders and Warren vow to block war with Iran, Biden and Buttigieg offer better-run wars. https://t.co/51GBgO7Xx5 — The Intercept (@theintercept) January 5, 2020
A former Obama administration official said there are significant policy differences among the various candidates.
“I think the basic choice is if you want a return to a recognizable, steady and robust American foreign policy or do you want a more wholesale rejection of the entire post-9/11 approach that Bernie and to some extent Warren are offering,” said Ben Rhodes, a former deputy national security adviser. “The center of gravity has shifted.”
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westernjournal--2020-01-06--Iran’s $80 Million Bounty on Trump Is Actually Just a GoFundMe-Style Gimmick

In the vast outpouring of anti-American hatred that accompanied the weekend funeral observances for Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , one funeral organizer decided that a sick version of GoFundMe would be an appropriate way to wage war on America .
In a video posted to social media , an organizer for a funeral procession for the general , who was killed last week in Iraq by a U.S. drone strike , called on all Iranians to donate $ 1 each in a fund drive to amass an $ 80 million bounty on the life of President Donald Trump , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request did not come about through official channels , many assumed the bounty offer was issued directly from Iran ’ s leaders .
The British newspaper The Express provided its translation of the man ’ s comments .
“ On behalf of all of Iran ’ s people — 80 million Iranians — and each puts aside one U.S. dollar , it would equal $ 80 million , ” the man called out .
TRENDING : Comedian George Lopez on Iran 's 'Bounty ' on Trump : 'We 'll Do It for Half' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 million , on our own behalf , as a gift to anyone who brings the head of the person who ordered the murder of the grand figure of our revolution , ” he said .
“ Anyone who brings us the head of this yellow-haired lunatic , we would give him $ 80 million on behalf of the great Iranian nation .
Chant if you agree , ” he said to the roar of the crowd .
It ’ s unclear whether any money had been contributed to the cause .
Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Trump , and many mentioned former President Barack Obama , who , as part of his ill-fated nuclear agreement with Iran , sent its leaders a planeload of cash .
RELATED : Nancy Pelosi Announces Attempt To Clamp Down on Trump with War Powers Resolution Some commented on social media that they thought the bounty was a great joke , or that they supported it .
This included anti-Trump actor and comedian George Lopez , who was then called out for his remarks .
Also Sunday , Abolfazl Abutorabi , a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take Iran ’ s revenge of Soleimani ’ s death to American soil .
“ We can attack the White House itself , we can respond to them on the American soil .
We have the power , and God willing we will respond in an appropriate time , ” he said .
“ This is a declaration of war , which means if you hesitate you lose .
When someone declares war do you want to respond to the bullets with flowers ?
They will shoot you in the head , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong response to any talk of Iranian retaliation .
“ These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target , the United States will quickly & fully strike back , & perhaps in a disproportionate manner , ” the president tweeted Sunday .
“ Such legal notice is not required , but is given nevertheless !
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In the vast outpouring of anti-American hatred that accompanied the weekend funeral observances for Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, one funeral organizer decided that a sick version of GoFundMe would be an appropriate way to wage war on America.
In a video posted to social media, an organizer for a funeral procession for the general, who was killed last week in Iraq by a U.S. drone strike, called on all Iranians to donate $1 each in a fund drive to amass an $80 million bounty on the life of President Donald Trump, according to the Daily Mail.
Although the request did not come about through official channels, many assumed the bounty offer was issued directly from Iran’s leaders.
OMG! Iran’s regime just announced an $80 million bounty for anyone who brings the head of @realDonaldTrump for killing Soleimani.
PS: Iran’s ppl however are overjoyed at Soleimani’s death. As the #IranProtests have shown, they long for an end to the mullahs’ tyranny #FreeIran2020 pic.twitter.com/uB3zOG5EKA — M. Hanif Jazayeri (@HanifJazayeri) January 5, 2020
The British newspaper The Express provided its translation of the man’s comments.
“On behalf of all of Iran’s people — 80 million Iranians — and each puts aside one U.S. dollar, it would equal $80 million,” the man called out.
“And we would give this $80 million, on our own behalf, as a gift to anyone who brings the head of the person who ordered the murder of the grand figure of our revolution,” he said.
Then he added a condition.
“Anyone who brings us the head of this yellow-haired lunatic, we would give him $80 million on behalf of the great Iranian nation. Chant if you agree,” he said to the roar of the crowd.
It’s unclear whether any money had been contributed to the cause.
Twitter was ablaze with discussion over the bounty on Trump, and many mentioned former President Barack Obama, who, as part of his ill-fated nuclear agreement with Iran, sent its leaders a planeload of cash.
Iran put an $80 million bounty on @realDonaldTrump head for killing Soleimani. And where do you think that cash came from? Barack Hussein Obamahttps://t.co/ZI95J7WWgm — Joseph (@Brent95166815) January 5, 2020
Although this is probably our money sent on pallets to them by Obama! Please pray for God’s hand of protection over our president his family and his administration! https://t.co/smjDK1yaGB — Suni Perkins (@SuniPerkins) January 5, 2020
If the Islamic Republic of Iran officially put a bounty on the head of ANY @POTUS ( and I don’t care If you like Trump or not) & it’s not immediately retracted SERIOUS military consequences should be used. You don’t threaten the life of the POTUS- ever. #glass factory — Terry Waldrop (@TerryWaldrop) January 5, 2020
Some commented on social media that they thought the bounty was a great joke, or that they supported it. This included anti-Trump actor and comedian George Lopez, who was then called out for his remarks.
George Lopez just said he’d assassinate President Trump for half of the $80 million dollar bounty.@SecretService should take a look at this. The Left is sick. pic.twitter.com/hNCsMwOTrV — Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) January 5, 2020
Also Sunday, Abolfazl Abutorabi, a member of Iran’s parliament, vowed to take Iran’s revenge of Soleimani’s death to American soil.
“We can attack the White House itself, we can respond to them on the American soil. We have the power, and God willing we will respond in an appropriate time,” he said.
“This is a declaration of war, which means if you hesitate you lose. When someone declares war do you want to respond to the bullets with flowers? They will shoot you in the head,” Abutorabi said.
Trump issued a strong response to any talk of Iranian retaliation.
These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner. Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2020
“These Media Posts will serve as notification to the United States Congress that should Iran strike any U.S. person or target, the United States will quickly & fully strike back, & perhaps in a disproportionate manner,” the president tweeted Sunday. “Such legal notice is not required, but is given nevertheless!”
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westernjournal--2020-01-06--Obama DHS Secretary Agrees with Trump Over Dems and Media, Says Soleimani Was Lawful Target

There ’ s this searching moment after almost any politicized victory in America where the other side tries to discover the best line to blunt the force of that victory .
In terms of the death of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani , head of a terrorist organization , one of the lines the Democrats seem to be settling into is that President Donald Trump required authorization to kill Soleimani under U.S. law .
“ The administration did not consult [ with Congress ] in this case , and I fear that very serious questions have not been answered and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Friday from the Senate floor , according to The New York Times .
“ Among those questions , what was the legal basis for conducting this operation ?
And how far does that legal basis extend ?
“ It is my view that the president does not have the authority for a war with Iran .
If he plans a large increase in troops and potential hostility over a longer time , the administration will require congressional approval and the approval of the American people , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implied as much when she said in a statement shortly after the attack that the administration “ has conducted tonight ’ s strikes in Iraq targeting high-level Iranian military officials and killing Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani without an Authorization for Use of Military Force ( AUMF ) against Iran .
Further , this action was taken without the consultation of the Congress.
” TRENDING : Comedian George Lopez on Iran 's 'Bounty ' on Trump : 'We 'll Do It for Half' Democrat Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut , meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of the Quds Force “ was an enemy of the United States ” but raised questions as to whether this was an assassination and compatible with U.S. law .
One need not question how Murphy would answer that question .
One also need not question where these “ reports ” are coming from : Democrat leadership and the media .
At the moment , this argument seems to be running roughly equal with questioning the Trump administration ’ s claim that Soleimani was planning an attack against U.S. diplomats and military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack on Soleimani makes us less safe .
At least in terms of the first count , Obama-era DHS head Jeh Johnson , who was once general counsel of the Defense Department , doesn ’ t think the Democrats have much of a case .
Johnson was on NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press ” on Sunday where Chuck Todd asked him , somewhat pointedly , a question about how the Trump administration was referring to the dead general .
Todd ’ s insinuation was that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo referred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the “ legal distinction ” makes it so that he can be taken out without congressional authorization .
“ If you believe everything our government is saying about Gen. Soleimani , he was a lawful military objective , ” he responded .
RELATED : Obama 's DHS Secretary Stands with Trump : 'We Simply Have To Enforce the Law ' with ICE Raids “ The president , under his constitutional authority as commander in chief , had ample domestic legal authority to take him out without additional congressional authorization , ” Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist or a general in a military force that was engaged in armed attacks against our people , he was a lawful military objective.
” No matter what your impression is of the administration ’ s contention that Soleimani and those in his orbit were plotting an immediate attack against the interests of the United States , there was little doubt that he had a hand in plotting these actions , both in the recent and not-too-recent past .
Soleimani ’ s trail of innocent bodies has been well-documented , if mostly elided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death .
Is this really what the Democrats want to argue against ?
That Soleimani posed a unique danger to the United States and that the danger had amplified in recent weeks and months ?
The attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad was carried out by an Iranian-backed militia as retribution for an airstrike against another Iranian-backed militia that had killed an American citizen .
Soleimani ’ s role in the insurgency in Iraq killed hundreds of U.S. soldiers .
Soleimani wasn ’ t picking up his stakes in the country and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his handiwork .
Reuters reported in the wake of the strike that Soleimani had “ instructed his top ally in Iraq , Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , and other powerful militia leaders to step up attacks on U.S. targets in the country using sophisticated new weapons provided by Iran ” at a meeting in October , held in the shadow of the U.S. embassy in Baghdad .
This doesn ’ t invalidate the fact that Soleimani was still a terrorist .
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , in which Soleimani was a commander , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the United States and other countries well before he was killed , and not without good reason .
That said , the designation of the IRGC as a terror group or Soleimani as a terrorist isn ’ t particularly important , per se , in terms of the president ’ s legal authority to dispatch him .
It won ’ t do Jeh Johnson any favors to publicly point this out , nor is it the first time he has made the mistake of saying obvious things Democrats shouldn ’ t say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply have to enforce the law ” on enforcing immigration law and that decriminalizing illegal border crossings , as several Democratic presidential candidates had proposed doing , was “ tantamount to declaring publicly that we have open borders.
” He survived those incidents of accidental truth-telling .
We ’ ll see how many more he can withstand .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

There’s this searching moment after almost any politicized victory in America where the other side tries to discover the best line to blunt the force of that victory. In terms of the death of Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, head of a terrorist organization, one of the lines the Democrats seem to be settling into is that President Donald Trump required authorization to kill Soleimani under U.S. law.
“The administration did not consult [with Congress] in this case, and I fear that very serious questions have not been answered and may not be fully considered,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Friday from the Senate floor, according to The New York Times. “Among those questions, what was the legal basis for conducting this operation? And how far does that legal basis extend?
“It is my view that the president does not have the authority for a war with Iran. If he plans a large increase in troops and potential hostility over a longer time, the administration will require congressional approval and the approval of the American people,” he added.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi implied as much when she said in a statement shortly after the attack that the administration “has conducted tonight’s strikes in Iraq targeting high-level Iranian military officials and killing Iranian Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani without an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iran. Further, this action was taken without the consultation of the Congress.”
Democrat Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, meanwhile, gave the administration the benefit of admitting the head of the Quds Force “was an enemy of the United States” but raised questions as to whether this was an assassination and compatible with U.S. law.
Soleimani was an enemy of the United States. That’s not a question. The question is this – as reports suggest, did America just assassinate, without any congressional authorization, the second most powerful person in Iran, knowingly setting off a potential massive regional war? — Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) January 3, 2020
One need not question how Murphy would answer that question. One also need not question where these “reports” are coming from: Democrat leadership and the media.
At the moment, this argument seems to be running roughly equal with questioning the Trump administration’s claim that Soleimani was planning an attack against U.S. diplomats and military personnel, and the contention that the attack on Soleimani makes us less safe.
Do you think the killing of Qassem Soleimani was legal? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (1062 Votes) No: 1% (7 Votes)
At least in terms of the first count, Obama-era DHS head Jeh Johnson, who was once general counsel of the Defense Department, doesn’t think the Democrats have much of a case.
Johnson was on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday where Chuck Todd asked him, somewhat pointedly, a question about how the Trump administration was referring to the dead general.
Todd’s insinuation was that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo referred to Soleimani as a “terrorist” because the “legal distinction” makes it so that he can be taken out without congressional authorization.
Johnson said there wasn’t a distinction.
“If you believe everything our government is saying about Gen. Soleimani, he was a lawful military objective,” he responded.
“The president, under his constitutional authority as commander in chief, had ample domestic legal authority to take him out without additional congressional authorization,” Johnson said. “Whether he was a terrorist or a general in a military force that was engaged in armed attacks against our people, he was a lawful military objective.”
This morning, Obama DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson debunked Democrats’ claim that Congress needed to approve Soleimani strike Johnson: Soleimani was a “lawful military objective” & the President had “ample domestic legal authority to take him out” pic.twitter.com/1LUqYAwm9j — Zach Parkinson (@AZachParkinson) January 5, 2020
No matter what your impression is of the administration’s contention that Soleimani and those in his orbit were plotting an immediate attack against the interests of the United States, there was little doubt that he had a hand in plotting these actions, both in the recent and not-too-recent past. Soleimani’s trail of innocent bodies has been well-documented, if mostly elided over, in the wake of his death.
Is this really what the Democrats want to argue against? That Soleimani posed a unique danger to the United States and that the danger had amplified in recent weeks and months?
The attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad was carried out by an Iranian-backed militia as retribution for an airstrike against another Iranian-backed militia that had killed an American citizen. Soleimani’s role in the insurgency in Iraq killed hundreds of U.S. soldiers.
Soleimani wasn’t picking up his stakes in the country and dusting off his hands, content with his handiwork. Reuters reported in the wake of the strike that Soleimani had “instructed his top ally in Iraq, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, and other powerful militia leaders to step up attacks on U.S. targets in the country using sophisticated new weapons provided by Iran” at a meeting in October, held in the shadow of the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
This doesn’t invalidate the fact that Soleimani was still a terrorist. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in which Soleimani was a commander, had been designated as a terror group by the United States and other countries well before he was killed, and not without good reason. That said, the designation of the IRGC as a terror group or Soleimani as a terrorist isn’t particularly important, per se, in terms of the president’s legal authority to dispatch him.
It won’t do Jeh Johnson any favors to publicly point this out, nor is it the first time he has made the mistake of saying obvious things Democrats shouldn’t say. He previously noted that “we simply have to enforce the law” on enforcing immigration law and that decriminalizing illegal border crossings, as several Democratic presidential candidates had proposed doing, was “tantamount to declaring publicly that we have open borders.”
He survived those incidents of accidental truth-telling. We’ll see how many more he can withstand.
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