westernjournal--2020-02-28--Joe Biden Under Probe in Ukraine Over Top Prosecutor’s Firing: Report

On the eve of the South Carolina primary that is viewed as crucial to the presidential candidacy of former Vice President Joe Biden , a new report has revealed that Ukraine is opening an investigation into his conduct in 2016 , when he played a role in the dismissal of a Ukrainian prosecutor .
Government investigators have been ordered by a Ukrainian court to investigate the firing of Viktor Shokin as prosecutor general , according to The Washington Post .
Shokin ’ s dismissal is at the heart of claims by President Donald Trump that Biden , vice president at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the ouster of Shokin , who was investigating a Ukrainian energy company called Burisma on whose board Biden ’ s son Hunter served .
Trump raised the issue during a July 25 phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine .
The conversation between the two leaders in which Trump urged an investigation into corruption triggered an impeachment inquiry that eventually resulted in Trump being acquitted of two articles brought against him by House Democrats .
TRENDING : Republicans Celebrate After Special Election Flips Kentucky Seat Held by Democrats for 33 Years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions , with calls for investigations stalking his campaign and — with this announcement — likely to flare up as the Democratic presidential primaries move into the Super Tuesday contests next week .
Rudy Giuliani , now Trump ’ s personal attorney , has said that his investigations into the former vice president ’ s activities in Ukraine have revealed a pattern of wrongdoing .
Biden has never denied calling for Shokin ’ s ouster , and in fact bragged about it publicly in 2018 , but has painted himself as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Union and the International Monetary Fund , who wanted Shokin fired .
“ I said , ‘ I ’ m leaving in six hours .
If the prosecutor is not fired , you ’ re not getting the money , ' ” Biden quoted himself as saying to the Ukrainians .
RELATED : Joe Biden Admits He Was n't Actually Arrested on His Way To Meet Nelson Mandela Oleksandr Teleshetsky , Shokin ’ s lawyer , said the former prosecutor general had appealed for a review of his case .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the investigation be undertaken .
The Post reported that Ukraine ’ s State Bureau of Investigations confirmed a case had been opened .
Shokin has claimed his dismissal in 2016 was unfair .
“ They need to investigate this .
They have no other alternative .
They are required to do this by the decision of the court .
If they don ’ t , then they violate a whole string of procedural norms , ” Teleshetsky said .
In October , current Ukrainian prosecutor general Ruslan Ryaboshapka said a review of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conducted .
“ We are now reviewing all proceedings that were closed , fragmented or investigated earlier , in order to make a decision in cases where illegal procedural decisions were made and to review them , ” Ryaboshapka said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On the eve of the South Carolina primary that is viewed as crucial to the presidential candidacy of former Vice President Joe Biden, a new report has revealed that Ukraine is opening an investigation into his conduct in 2016, when he played a role in the dismissal of a Ukrainian prosecutor.
Government investigators have been ordered by a Ukrainian court to investigate the firing of Viktor Shokin as prosecutor general, according to The Washington Post.
Shokin’s dismissal is at the heart of claims by President Donald Trump that Biden, vice president at the time, acted inappropriately in calling for the ouster of Shokin, who was investigating a Ukrainian energy company called Burisma on whose board Biden’s son Hunter served.
Trump raised the issue during a July 25 phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.
The conversation between the two leaders in which Trump urged an investigation into corruption triggered an impeachment inquiry that eventually resulted in Trump being acquitted of two articles brought against him by House Democrats.
Biden has also faced scrutiny over his actions, with calls for investigations stalking his campaign and — with this announcement — likely to flare up as the Democratic presidential primaries move into the Super Tuesday contests next week.
Every day there is more and more evidence of #BurismaBiden corruption. The Senate should open an investigation into the Bidens’ deeply concerning activities with Burisma in Ukraine. https://t.co/fMnXjeP7Oe — Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) February 20, 2020
SBI opens case on Biden’s pressure on Shokin – lawyer. If you subscribe to https://t.co/OGyi1Jsz8j you will see how strong a case it is. And you can see the witnesses, documents and evidence. https://t.co/3TOhZMCMeY — Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) February 28, 2020
Rudy Giuliani, now Trump’s personal attorney, has said that his investigations into the former vice president’s activities in Ukraine have revealed a pattern of wrongdoing.
FOREIGN AID: No wonder there was only deterioration & growing corruption in Ukraine under Obama’s admin. While Biden was POINT MAN, the Audit Chamber revealed in 2017 that $5.3 BILLION was unaccounted for, and the Obama US embassy made sure it was never investigated. — Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) February 21, 2020
Biden has never denied calling for Shokin’s ouster, and in fact bragged about it publicly in 2018, but has painted himself as part of an international coalition of partners, including the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, who wanted Shokin fired.
“I said, ‘I’m leaving in six hours. If the prosecutor is not fired, you’re not getting the money,'” Biden quoted himself as saying to the Ukrainians.
Oleksandr Teleshetsky, Shokin’s lawyer, said the former prosecutor general had appealed for a review of his case. The Ukrainian court to which he appealed ordered that the investigation be undertaken. The Post reported that Ukraine’s State Bureau of Investigations confirmed a case had been opened.
Shokin has claimed his dismissal in 2016 was unfair.
Do you believe Joe Biden acted inappropriately in Ukraine in 2016? Yes No
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“They need to investigate this. They have no other alternative. They are required to do this by the decision of the court. If they don’t, then they violate a whole string of procedural norms,” Teleshetsky said.
In October, current Ukrainian prosecutor general Ruslan Ryaboshapka said a review of past cases related to Burisma would be conducted.
“We are now reviewing all proceedings that were closed, fragmented or investigated earlier, in order to make a decision in cases where illegal procedural decisions were made and to review them,” Ryaboshapka said.
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westernjournal--2020-02-28--CDC Official Helping Spook Trump’s Economy with Coronavirus Fears Is Rod Rosenstein’s Sister

An intriguing connection related to one of America ’ s top health officials at the center of the national discussion over the potential severity of the coronavirus in America has some wondering about a conspiracy , while others find only a coincidence .
Fears that the coronavirus will have devastating impacts beyond those already being registered around the globe have triggered a major Wall Street selloff .
President Donald Trump has pushed back against the culture of panic .
But is there a political tinge to the pronouncements ?
Speculation that there could be rose after it was discovered that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact of the coronavirus contrary to those offered by Trump is connected to another high-profile individual who was often at odds with the president — former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein .
Rosenstein , who played a role in the firing of former FBI Director James Comey , had a checkered relationship with Trump .
In 2018 , The New York Times linked Rosenstein to an internal administration plot to record Trump in secret and then invoke the 25th Amendment , under which a president can be removed for being unfit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the claim , the accusation cast a shadow over his final months as deputy attorney general .
During a hearing to be confirmed to that post , Rosenstein submitted written testimony saying that his sister was “ Dr .
Nancy Messonnier and that “ she is the Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
” TRENDING : Republicans Celebrate After Special Election Flips Kentucky Seat Held by Democrats for 33 Years This week , while the president was trying to reassure Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans , Messonnier was taking a different approach .
“ It ’ s not so much a question of if this will happen anymore , but more really a question of when it will happen , ” she said , according to NPR , adding that a “ significant disruption ” to Americans ’ daily lives is possible .
“ We are asking the American public to work with us to prepare with the expectation that this could be bad.
” The combination of her recent comments and her family connection has led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Messonnier might be pushing the panic button harder than necessary for motives that had nothing to do with health .
“ Rod Rosenstein as we all know definitely worked to undermine the Trump administration , which is oddly exactly what his sister is doing by undermining the more logical and calm message the president ’ s team has issued on the virus , ” an article on commentator Wayne Dupree ’ s website read .
The article contrasted the more dire comments voiced by Messonnier and Republican Sen. Mitt Romey of Utah with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alex Azar .
“ It ’ s interesting to see the contrast in statements from those that are clearly aligned with the president to those who are not , ” the article went on .
“ Looks like this is yet another instance of D.C. swamp creatures using any opportunity to undermine President Trump.
” Talk show host Rush Limbaugh has said that overhyped predictions about the virus are driven by politics and not medicine .
“ It looks like the coronavirus is being weaponized as yet another element to bring down Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent broadcast .
RELATED : Democratic Congressman Threatens Trump Jr. with a 'Serious Altercation ' Over Coronavirus Comments “ I ’ ve heard people jumping on Nancy Messonnier because she told us the truth : that it ’ s not a matter of if but when , ” Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma said , according to Politico .
“ Isn ’ t that what you want to hear instead of some pie in the sky ?
” Some took the approach that if conservative commentators were citing the connection , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , stuck to his guns and said that political motives should never be dismissed .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An intriguing connection related to one of America’s top health officials at the center of the national discussion over the potential severity of the coronavirus in America has some wondering about a conspiracy, while others find only a coincidence.
Fears that the coronavirus will have devastating impacts beyond those already being registered around the globe have triggered a major Wall Street selloff. President Donald Trump has pushed back against the culture of panic.
But is there a political tinge to the pronouncements? Speculation that there could be rose after it was discovered that the health official making dire pronouncements about the impact of the coronavirus contrary to those offered by Trump is connected to another high-profile individual who was often at odds with the president — former Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.
Rosenstein, who played a role in the firing of former FBI Director James Comey, had a checkered relationship with Trump. In 2018, The New York Times linked Rosenstein to an internal administration plot to record Trump in secret and then invoke the 25th Amendment, under which a president can be removed for being unfit to perform his duties. Although Rosenstein denied the claim, the accusation cast a shadow over his final months as deputy attorney general.
During a hearing to be confirmed to that post, Rosenstein submitted written testimony saying that his sister was Dr. Nancy Messonnier and that “she is the Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
This week, while the president was trying to reassure Americans that health officials were working to protect Americans, Messonnier was taking a different approach.
“It’s not so much a question of if this will happen anymore, but more really a question of when it will happen,” she said, according to NPR, adding that a “significant disruption” to Americans’ daily lives is possible.
“We are asking the American public to work with us to prepare with the expectation that this could be bad.”
The combination of her recent comments and her family connection has led some commentators to voice a concern that Messonnier might be pushing the panic button harder than necessary for motives that had nothing to do with health.
Do you think this family connection has any significance? 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% (2939 Votes) No: 3% (105 Votes)
“Rod Rosenstein as we all know definitely worked to undermine the Trump administration, which is oddly exactly what his sister is doing by undermining the more logical and calm message the president’s team has issued on the virus,” an article on commentator Wayne Dupree’s website read.
The article contrasted the more dire comments voiced by Messonnier and Republican Sen. Mitt Romey of Utah with others from Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.
“It’s interesting to see the contrast in statements from those that are clearly aligned with the president to those who are not,” the article went on. “Looks like this is yet another instance of D.C. swamp creatures using any opportunity to undermine President Trump.”
Talk show host Rush Limbaugh has said that overhyped predictions about the virus are driven by politics and not medicine.
“It looks like the coronavirus is being weaponized as yet another element to bring down Donald Trump,” he said on a recent broadcast.
Others have defended Messonnier.
“I’ve heard people jumping on Nancy Messonnier because she told us the truth: that it’s not a matter of if but when,” Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma said, according to Politico. “Isn’t that what you want to hear instead of some pie in the sky?”
Some took the approach that if conservative commentators were citing the connection, there must be nothing to it.
Rush Limbaugh and right-wing fringe sites are attacking Dr. Nancy Messonnier, a top CDC official handling the coronavirus response, because she is Rod Rosenstein’s sister. They’re spreading the lie that she’s part of the deep state and trying to tank the markets to weaken Trump. — Marshall Cohen (@MarshallCohen) February 26, 2020
Limbaugh, however, stuck to his guns and said that political motives should never be dismissed.
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westernjournal--2020-02-28--Roger Stone Judge Picks Fight with Tucker Carlson – Tucker Finishes It on National TV

Obama-appointed U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson teed off on Fox News host Tucker Carlson during a hearing Tuesday for Roger Stone , who requested a new trial .
Stone , a longtime friend of President Donald Trump , wants a new trial on the grounds that the jury forewoman was found to have been a virulent anti-Trumper on social media .
The forewoman , Tomeka Hart , outed herself after writing in defense of the prosecutors on Facebook , and internet sleuths soon found her anti-Trump posts .
It was no one ’ s fault but her own that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carlson for outing her — and now Carlson has fired back .
“ Tucker Carlson accused the foreperson of the jury of being an anti-Trump zealot , ” the judge said during the hearing .
TRENDING : Republicans Celebrate After Special Election Flips Kentucky Seat Held by Democrats for 33 Years “ Any attempts to invade the privacy of the jurors or to harass or intimidate them is completely antithetical to our system of justice , ” she said .
But Carlson was not wrong .
Hart was a Democratic congressional candidate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-Trump rhetoric .
The Fox host addressed Jackson ’ s comments on his show Tuesday night .
“ Last week on the show , we covered the sentencing of Roger Stone , who is perhaps the most undeserving of all the many casualties of the Russian collusion hysteria , ” Carlson said .
“ Stone received more than three years in prison .
He ’ ll be over 70 when he gets out .
“ Officially , his crime was ‘ lying about e-mails ’ — emails that were themselves entirely harmless .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s prosecution was a transparent political hit job .
Washington wanted him in prison because for 40 years he was Trump ’ s closest political adviser .
“ Amy Berman Jackson is the federal judge who oversaw the case .
She was appointed by Barack Obama .
She is an openly partisan Democrat .
She has made no attempt to hide that .
“ Jackson allowed the foreman of the jury to lie about her political background , which in a normal court of law would ’ ve disqualified her immediately .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
“ Then Jackson herself lied about the case .
She claimed that Stone had been prosecuted because he , quote , covered up for the president , when in fact , the charges had nothing to do that .
“ Amy Berman Jackson is a disgrace to the judiciary .
It ’ s frightening that in a country like ours she has power , and she does .
We said that on this show last week .
Today , during a hearing , Jackson attacked us .
And once again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Jackson accused the show of , quote , invading the privacy of the foreman of the jury , when in fact , the juror herself has spoken publicly and revealed her own identity .
Many media outlets published her name , including The New York Times , The Washington Post and CNN , all of which , of course , Jackson approves of because they ’ re on her side .
“ Then Jackson accused this show of , quote , harassing the jurors , even encouraging violence against them .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no such thing .
“ Finally , Jackson called our criticism of her , quote , antithetical to our system of justice , end quote .
“ Which proves that not only is Amy Berman Jackson corrupt , dishonest and authoritarian — and she is definitely all of those things — she also has no sense of self-awareness whatsoever.
” And that , ladies and gentlemen , is a knockout punch .
It certainly looks like Stone was railroaded by a partisan judge and jury forewoman .
If anyone deserves a new trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Obama-appointed U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson teed off on Fox News host Tucker Carlson during a hearing Tuesday for Roger Stone, who requested a new trial.
Stone, a longtime friend of President Donald Trump, wants a new trial on the grounds that the jury forewoman was found to have been a virulent anti-Trumper on social media.
The forewoman, Tomeka Hart, outed herself after writing in defense of the prosecutors on Facebook, and internet sleuths soon found her anti-Trump posts.
It was no one’s fault but her own that she was outed, but Jackson slammed Carlson for outing her — and now Carlson has fired back.
“Tucker Carlson accused the foreperson of the jury of being an anti-Trump zealot,” the judge said during the hearing.
“Any attempts to invade the privacy of the jurors or to harass or intimidate them is completely antithetical to our system of justice,” she said.
Judge Amy Berman Jackson: “Tucker Carlson accused the foreperson of the jury of being an anti-Trump zealot…Any attempts to invade the privacy of the jurors or to harass or intimidate them is completely antithetical to our system of justice.” Per @dnlbrns — Ken Dilanian (@KenDilanianNBC) February 25, 2020
But Carlson was not wrong. Hart was a Democratic congressional candidate in Tennessee whose social media is lined with anti-Trump rhetoric.
“Fox News keeps pushing excuses for Trump Jr.’s collusion with Russia that are just really, really bad.” https://t.co/JUA4TuWb2N — Tomeka Hart (@hartformemphis) July 14, 2017
“In case you’re wondering if President Trump inspires neo-nazis–this is from their publication The Daily Stormer:” https://t.co/lH5GJYK77E — Tomeka Hart (@hartformemphis) August 13, 2017
The Fox host addressed Jackson’s comments on his show Tuesday night.
“Last week on the show, we covered the sentencing of Roger Stone, who is perhaps the most undeserving of all the many casualties of the Russian collusion hysteria,” Carlson said. “Stone received more than three years in prison. He’ll be over 70 when he gets out.
“Officially, his crime was ‘lying about e-mails’ — emails that were themselves entirely harmless. From the first day, Stone’s prosecution was a transparent political hit job. Washington wanted him in prison because for 40 years he was Trump’s closest political adviser.
“Amy Berman Jackson is the federal judge who oversaw the case. She was appointed by Barack Obama. She is an openly partisan Democrat. She has made no attempt to hide that.
“Jackson allowed the foreman of the jury to lie about her political background, which in a normal court of law would’ve disqualified her immediately. But Jackson let her stay and then defended her.
“Then Jackson herself lied about the case. She claimed that Stone had been prosecuted because he, quote, covered up for the president, when in fact, the charges had nothing to do that.
“Amy Berman Jackson is a disgrace to the judiciary. It’s frightening that in a country like ours she has power, and she does. We said that on this show last week. Today, during a hearing, Jackson attacked us. And once again, she lied as she did it.
“Jackson accused the show of, quote, invading the privacy of the foreman of the jury, when in fact, the juror herself has spoken publicly and revealed her own identity. Many media outlets published her name, including The New York Times, The Washington Post and CNN, all of which, of course, Jackson approves of because they’re on her side.
“Then Jackson accused this show of, quote, harassing the jurors, even encouraging violence against them. That is insane. Of course we did no such thing.
“Finally, Jackson called our criticism of her, quote, antithetical to our system of justice, end quote.
“Which proves that not only is Amy Berman Jackson corrupt, dishonest and authoritarian — and she is definitely all of those things — she also has no sense of self-awareness whatsoever.”
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a knockout punch.
It certainly looks like Stone was railroaded by a partisan judge and jury forewoman. If anyone deserves a new trial, or a pardon, it is him.
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westernjournal--2020-03-01--Navy Equips Destroyer with New ‘Dazzler’ Laser Weapon

The U.S. Navy has deployed is first anti-drone laser “ dazzler ” as it moves to embrace new technology to protect ships from enemy drones .
The first of the new Optical Dazzling Interdictors was installed on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey , a news release from Naval Sea Systems Command said .
A Congressional Research Service report that discussed the Navy ’ s move to next-generation weapons said the ODIN is built to track and disable enemy drones , throwing them off course and jamming the sensors drones use to either track ships or lock on weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feed intelligence , surveillance and reconnaissance ( ISR ) data into the ship ’ s combat system and provide a counter-UAS ( C-UAS ) ISR dazzler capability .
The dazzler uses a lower power setting to confuse or reduce ISR capabilities of a hostile UAS , ” the report said , discussing both ODIN and the larger family of similar systems .
“ This is a great example of our organic talent at the warfare centers all working together with ship ’ s company to deliver a system which will provide game-changing capability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary of the Navy for research development and acquisition , said after touring the Dewey , praising all involved for “ delivering lethal capability to the warfighter.
” The Navy noted that the weapon went from concept to installation in just two and a half years .
“ The Pacific Fleet Commander identified this urgent Counter-Intelligence , Surveillance , and Reconnaissance need and the Chief of Naval Operations directed us to fill it as quickly as possible , ” Cmdr .
David Wolfe , a program executive with the project , said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ODIN on the Dewey to inform its plan to put similar systems on other ships .
The CRS report explained the rationale behind the Navy ’ s action .
“ Although Navy surface ships have a number of means for defending themselves against missiles and UAVs , some observers are concerned about the survivability of Navy surface ships in potential combat situations against adversaries , such as China , that are armed with large numbers of missiles , including advanced models , and large numbers of UAVs , ” the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has led some observers to conclude that the Navy ’ s surface fleet in coming years might need to avoid operating in waters that are within range of these weapons , or that the Navy might need to move toward a different and more distributed fleet architecture that relies less on larger surface ships and more on smaller surface ships , unmanned vehicles , and submarines .
“ Perspectives on whether it would be cost effective to spend money on the procurement and operation of larger surface ships might be influenced by views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves against enemy missiles and UAVs.
” The report noted that the Navy is developing multiple forms of laser systems .
“ Three new ship-based weapons being developed by the Navy — solid state lasers ( SSLs ) , the electromagnetic railgun ( EMRG ) , and the gun-launched guided projectile ( GLGP ) , also known as the hypervelocity projectile ( HVP ) — could substantially improve the ability of Navy surface ships to defend themselves against surface craft , unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs ) , and eventually anti-ship cruise missiles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ The Navy has been developing SSLs for several years , and in 2014 installed on a Navy ship a prototype SSL called the Laser Weapon System ( LaWS ) that was capable of countering surface craft and UAVs .
The Navy is now developing SSLs with improved capability for countering surface craft and UAVs , and eventually a capability for countering ASCMs.
” Ret .
Lt. Gen. Trey Obering praised the speed and efficiency of the new technology .
“ One of the greatest attributes of directed energy weapons is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light .
So , for a hypersonic weapon that is travelling at 25 times the speed of sound , a high- energy laser can engage it at roughly 35,000 times its speed .
This makes targeting and tracking easier as well , ” Obering wrote in the National Defense University journal PRISM .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The U.S. Navy has deployed is first anti-drone laser “dazzler” as it moves to embrace new technology to protect ships from enemy drones.
The first of the new Optical Dazzling Interdictors was installed on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey, a news release from Naval Sea Systems Command said.
A Congressional Research Service report that discussed the Navy’s move to next-generation weapons said the ODIN is built to track and disable enemy drones, throwing them off course and jamming the sensors drones use to either track ships or lock on weapons systems.
“The weapon will also feed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data into the ship’s combat system and provide a counter-UAS (C-UAS) ISR dazzler capability. The dazzler uses a lower power setting to confuse or reduce ISR capabilities of a hostile UAS,” the report said, discussing both ODIN and the larger family of similar systems.
“This is a great example of our organic talent at the warfare centers all working together with ship’s company to deliver a system which will provide game-changing capability,” James F. Geurts, assistant secretary of the Navy for research development and acquisition, said after touring the Dewey, praising all involved for “delivering lethal capability to the warfighter.”
The Navy noted that the weapon went from concept to installation in just two and a half years.
“The Pacific Fleet Commander identified this urgent Counter-Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance need and the Chief of Naval Operations directed us to fill it as quickly as possible,” Cmdr. David Wolfe, a program executive with the project, said.
The Navy plans to use the experience of the ODIN on the Dewey to inform its plan to put similar systems on other ships.
The Navy’s Optical Dazzling Interdictor ⬇
ODIN ? ? laser weapon
was installed on the USS Dewey guided missile destroyer
ODIN is among other things specifically configured to track & disable enemy drones throwing them off course and jamming its sensorshttps://t.co/BzNw9tYNzx pic.twitter.com/MATXjAANyl — MARINE 357 ⚡⚡ (@Sissy_USMC) February 27, 2020
The CRS report explained the rationale behind the Navy’s action.
“Although Navy surface ships have a number of means for defending themselves against missiles and UAVs, some observers are concerned about the survivability of Navy surface ships in potential combat situations against adversaries, such as China, that are armed with large numbers of missiles, including advanced models, and large numbers of UAVs,” the report said.
“Concern about this issue has led some observers to conclude that the Navy’s surface fleet in coming years might need to avoid operating in waters that are within range of these weapons, or that the Navy might need to move toward a different and more distributed fleet architecture that relies less on larger surface ships and more on smaller surface ships, unmanned vehicles, and submarines.
“Perspectives on whether it would be cost effective to spend money on the procurement and operation of larger surface ships might be influenced by views on whether such ships can adequately defend themselves against enemy missiles and UAVs.”
The report noted that the Navy is developing multiple forms of laser systems.
“Three new ship-based weapons being developed by the Navy — solid state lasers (SSLs), the electromagnetic railgun (EMRG), and the gun-launched guided projectile (GLGP), also known as the hypervelocity projectile (HVP) — could substantially improve the ability of Navy surface ships to defend themselves against surface craft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and eventually anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs),” the report said.
“The Navy has been developing SSLs for several years, and in 2014 installed on a Navy ship a prototype SSL called the Laser Weapon System (LaWS) that was capable of countering surface craft and UAVs. The Navy is now developing SSLs with improved capability for countering surface craft and UAVs, and eventually a capability for countering ASCMs.”
Ret. Lt. Gen. Trey Obering praised the speed and efficiency of the new technology.
“One of the greatest attributes of directed energy weapons is that they operate at the speed of light. So, for a hypersonic weapon that is travelling at 25 times the speed of sound, a high- energy laser can engage it at roughly 35,000 times its speed. This makes targeting and tracking easier as well,” Obering wrote in the National Defense University journal PRISM.
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westernjournal--2020-03-01--It’s Looking Like Bernie Sanders Will Sweep California

A new poll shows that the biggest Super Tuesday prize will likely go to Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont .
Sanders , the current front-running in the Democratic presidential race , holds a two-to-one edge of his nearest opponent in a University of California at Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll , according to the Los Angeles Times .
The poll comes as voters in South Carolina head to the polls in a Democratic contest that is seen as vital to the candidacy of former Vice President Joe Biden , who placed fifth in the California poll .
The poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 415 convention delegates at stake — the most of any state — Sanders has 34 percent support .
Second place went to Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts , who placed at 17 percent .
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was third at 12 percent , followed by former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg at 11 percent .
Biden came next at 8 percent .
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota polled at 6 percent support .
Billionaire Tom Steyer placed at 2 percent .
The poll has a margin of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll is similar to others with the exception of Biden ’ s place .
Other polls show him in double digits , and the RealClearPolitics average of polls shows Biden third with an average support of 11 percent , trailing Warren who is a distant second behind Sanders in the polling average .
Even so , because California only awards delegates to candidates who finish with more than 15 percent of the vote in any contest , Biden faces the prospect of picking up only scattered delegates , if the poll numbers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our poll showed Sanders with an outright lead in California .
Our latest shows that he ’ s been effective in consolidating that in the homestretch , while support for his rivals has become even more dispersed , ” Mark DiCamillo , the director of the poll , said .
“ The net effect could provide Sanders with a huge payday from the state on Super Tuesday.
” The poll found that Sanders is the top choice of roughly half of the respondents who identified themselves as very liberal and has the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders also received the support of more than 60 percent of voters under 30 and a majority of voters in their 30s .
Sanders also leads in Texas , which is the second-biggest prize on Super Tuesday .
The RealClearPolitics average of polls in Texas shows Sanders with 28.3 percent , Biden second at 20.3 percent and Bloomberg third at 19.7 percent .
Some said Biden has been out-hustled on the ground .
“ Bernie has a ground game because he naturally has a ground game ; his whole campaign is a grass-roots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Party chairman in Texas , said , according to The New York Times .
“ Bloomberg has funded a ground game .
Elizabeth Warren has a ground game because she started organizing in Texas a long time ago.
” In speaking of Biden , he said , “ I haven ’ t seen anything other than the events he ’ s had in Texas.
” Biden has also been out-gunned in terms of advertising , according to NPR .
Biden is spending $ 4,000 in digital ads in California , while Sanders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bloomberg has spent $ 78 million in advertising .
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Read our editorial standards .

A new poll shows that the biggest Super Tuesday prize will likely go to Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
Sanders, the current front-running in the Democratic presidential race, holds a two-to-one edge of his nearest opponent in a University of California at Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The poll comes as voters in South Carolina head to the polls in a Democratic contest that is seen as vital to the candidacy of former Vice President Joe Biden, who placed fifth in the California poll.
The poll found that in California, which has 415 convention delegates at stake — the most of any state — Sanders has 34 percent support.
Second place went to Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who placed at 17 percent.
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was third at 12 percent, followed by former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg at 11 percent. Biden came next at 8 percent. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota polled at 6 percent support. Billionaire Tom Steyer placed at 2 percent.
The poll has a margin of error of two percentage points.
The poll is similar to others with the exception of Biden’s place. Other polls show him in double digits, and the RealClearPolitics average of polls shows Biden third with an average support of 11 percent, trailing Warren who is a distant second behind Sanders in the polling average.
Do you think Sen. Bernie Sanders will be the Democratic presidential nominee? 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: 44% (156 Votes) No: 56% (200 Votes)
Even so, because California only awards delegates to candidates who finish with more than 15 percent of the vote in any contest, Biden faces the prospect of picking up only scattered delegates, if the poll numbers are accurate.
“A month ago, our poll showed Sanders with an outright lead in California. Our latest shows that he’s been effective in consolidating that in the homestretch, while support for his rivals has become even more dispersed,” Mark DiCamillo, the director of the poll, said. “The net effect could provide Sanders with a huge payday from the state on Super Tuesday.”
The poll found that Sanders is the top choice of roughly half of the respondents who identified themselves as very liberal and has the same level of support among Hispanic voters.
Sanders also received the support of more than 60 percent of voters under 30 and a majority of voters in their 30s.
Sanders also leads in Texas, which is the second-biggest prize on Super Tuesday.
The RealClearPolitics average of polls in Texas shows Sanders with 28.3 percent, Biden second at 20.3 percent and Bloomberg third at 19.7 percent.
Some said Biden has been out-hustled on the ground.
“Bernie has a ground game because he naturally has a ground game; his whole campaign is a grass-roots campaign,” Gilberto Hinojosa, the Democratic Party chairman in Texas, said, according to The New York Times. “Bloomberg has funded a ground game. Elizabeth Warren has a ground game because she started organizing in Texas a long time ago.”
In speaking of Biden, he said, “I haven’t seen anything other than the events he’s had in Texas.”
Biden has also been out-gunned in terms of advertising, according to NPR.
Biden is spending $4,000 in digital ads in California, while Sanders has spent $7 million there and Bloomberg has spent $78 million in advertising.
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westernjournal--2020-03-01--AOC Wouldn’t Let Us Have School Choice but Once Said She Got Goddaughter into Charter School

On the far left , school choice is considered one of the biggest no-nos there is .
I mean , unless you ’ re the one who ’ s doing the choosing .
A few months back , Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts got herself into a bit of trouble because she sent her kid to private school .
Perfectly reasonable , you say ?
I ’ d say , too .
Unfortunately , the Democratic presidential candidate ’ s plan for national education was to all but paralyze school choice at the public funding level , instantly killing off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nonprofit charters , all to prostrate herself before the teachers unions .
Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has cheered those fighting to “ protect local public schools from privatization , ” and her fellow democratic socialists certainly disapprove of school choice .
That didn ’ t stop her from helping get her goddaughter into a charter school in the Bronx , the New York Post revealed .
This is based on a Facebook Live video obtained by the Post and published Feb. 22 .
In it , Ocasio-Cortez talks about how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charter school .
“ This area ’ s like a lot of where my family is from , ” Ocasio-Cortez said in the 2017 video , made before her run for Congress .
“ My goddaughter , I got her into a charter school like maybe a block or two down.
” The video was filmed as she walked along Hunts Point Avenue in the Bronx .
There aren ’ t many details in the video , for those of you trying to suss out how she pulled the favor or even which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There are at least five — including South Bronx Classical Charter School I and Bronx Charter School for the Arts — within walking distance of the Hunts Point subway station where the video cuts out , ” the Post notes .
It ’ s not as if this really matters , however , when you consider the fact that the first-term Democrat congresswoman and self-described socialist hasn ’ t been particularly complimentary toward charter schools in the past .
During a 2019 town hall in which she criticized the New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called public education “ one of the greatest gems of public good in the United States ” and lamented how Bronx students are being “ incentivized to enroll into a charter school.
” “ The moment we start feeling that way is when we should start fighting to improve them , ” Ocasio-Cortez said .
That same year , she tweeted her support for Los Angeles teachers and others who she said were “ on a historic strike to improve + protect local public schools from privatization.
” Meanwhile , the presidential candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for — Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders — also isn ’ t fond of charter schools .
“ Recognizing the problems in a one-size-fits-all model of education , teachers ’ unions and parent activists established alternative , experimental ‘ charter ’ schools to better serve kids struggling within the traditional system , ” Sanders ’ campaign website states .
“ But few charter schools have lived up to their promise .
Instead , billionaires like DeVos and the Waltons , together with private equity and hedge fund executives , have bankrolled their expansion and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other local elections with the hope of privatizing public schools .
Charter schools are led by unaccountable , private bodies , and their growth has drained funding from the public school system .
“ Moreover , the proliferation of charter schools has disproportionately affected communities of color — 17 percent of charter schools are 99 percent minority , compared to 4 percent of traditional public schools .
This has led the NAACP , the NEA , AFT and others to criticize the charter movement for intensifying racial segregation.
” Sanders also proposes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools “ until a national audit has been completed to determine the impact of charter growth in each state .
That means halting the use of public funds to underwrite new charter schools.
” “ We do not need two schools systems ; we need to invest in our public schools system , ” his website says .
You ’ ll also find no surprises in how the New York City Democratic Socialists , Ocasio-Cortez ’ s natural base , feel about charter schools .
“ Charter schools act as tools for privatizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers , ” the group ’ s platform on schools reads , calling for “ [ ending ] the creation of new charter schools , [ banning ] the expansion of existing charter schools , and transform [ ing ] existing charter schools into public schools.
” For all I know , Ocasio-Cortez has reevaluated her opinion on charter schools since 2017 .
It wouldn ’ t be the first time a socialist took advantage of free-market innovations and then railed against them .
Also , re-evaluating old positions seems to be popular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , and clearly this wouldn ’ t be a shift of Bloombergian proportions .
That said , Ray Domanico of the conservative Manhattan Institute may have put it best .
“ I am not surprised by the hypocrisy , ” the group ’ s director of education policy said .
“ Charter schools are incredibly popular with the communities and populations that a lot of these Democratic politicians claim to be representing .
… People in the Bronx can find a good school for their young ones now as the congresswoman apparently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for long , however , if AOC ’ s allies have their way .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On the far left, school choice is considered one of the biggest no-nos there is. I mean, unless you’re the one who’s doing the choosing.
A few months back, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts got herself into a bit of trouble because she sent her kid to private school.
Perfectly reasonable, you say? I’d say, too. Unfortunately, the Democratic presidential candidate’s plan for national education was to all but paralyze school choice at the public funding level, instantly killing off for-profit charter schools and pausing funding for nonprofit charters, all to prostrate herself before the teachers unions.
Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has cheered those fighting to “protect local public schools from privatization,” and her fellow democratic socialists certainly disapprove of school choice.
That didn’t stop her from helping get her goddaughter into a charter school in the Bronx, the New York Post revealed.
This is based on a Facebook Live video obtained by the Post and published Feb. 22. In it, Ocasio-Cortez talks about how she helped her goddaughter get into a charter school.
“This area’s like a lot of where my family is from,” Ocasio-Cortez said in the 2017 video, made before her run for Congress.
“My goddaughter, I got her into a charter school like maybe a block or two down.”
The video was filmed as she walked along Hunts Point Avenue in the Bronx.
There aren’t many details in the video, for those of you trying to suss out how she pulled the favor or even which charter school her goddaughter ended up attending.
“There are at least five — including South Bronx Classical Charter School I and Bronx Charter School for the Arts — within walking distance of the Hunts Point subway station where the video cuts out,” the Post notes.
It’s not as if this really matters, however, when you consider the fact that the first-term Democrat congresswoman and self-described socialist hasn’t been particularly complimentary toward charter schools in the past.
During a 2019 town hall in which she criticized the New York City public school system, she still called public education “one of the greatest gems of public good in the United States” and lamented how Bronx students are being “incentivized to enroll into a charter school.”
“The moment we start feeling that way is when we should start fighting to improve them,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
That same year, she tweeted her support for Los Angeles teachers and others who she said were “on a historic strike to improve + protect local public schools from privatization.”
“This is inspiring!” the congresswoman declared.
Tens of thousands of LA public school teachers, parents, and students are on a historic strike to improve + protect local public schools from privatization. This is inspiring! Let’s support the teachers & parents strike fund here: https://t.co/DwnDztTmpv https://t.co/mKl416nMf6 — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 18, 2019
Meanwhile, the presidential candidate she’s acting as a surrogate for — Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders — also isn’t fond of charter schools.
“Recognizing the problems in a one-size-fits-all model of education, teachers’ unions and parent activists established alternative, experimental ‘charter’ schools to better serve kids struggling within the traditional system,” Sanders’ campaign website states.
Do you support charter schools? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 94% (193 Votes) No: 6% (13 Votes)
“But few charter schools have lived up to their promise. Instead, billionaires like DeVos and the Waltons, together with private equity and hedge fund executives, have bankrolled their expansion and poured tens of millions into school board and other local elections with the hope of privatizing public schools. Charter schools are led by unaccountable, private bodies, and their growth has drained funding from the public school system.
“Moreover, the proliferation of charter schools has disproportionately affected communities of color — 17 percent of charter schools are 99 percent minority, compared to 4 percent of traditional public schools. This has led the NAACP, the NEA, AFT and others to criticize the charter movement for intensifying racial segregation.”
Sanders also proposes a freeze on new funding for charter schools “until a national audit has been completed to determine the impact of charter growth in each state. That means halting the use of public funds to underwrite new charter schools.”
“We do not need two schools systems; we need to invest in our public schools system,” his website says.
You’ll also find no surprises in how the New York City Democratic Socialists, Ocasio-Cortez’s natural base, feel about charter schools.
“Charter schools act as tools for privatizing education and weakening the power of unionized teachers,” the group’s platform on schools reads, calling for “[ending] the creation of new charter schools, [banning] the expansion of existing charter schools, and transform[ing] existing charter schools into public schools.”
Some Cabinet-level officials enjoyed the hypocrisy:
How nice that @AOC claims to have helped her goddaughter get into a public charter school. It’s a shame she works to deny that opportunity to every other disadvantaged family in America. “Good for me, but not for thee,” indeed. #EducationFreedomhttps://t.co/a2RhOEeU0o — Secretary Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED) February 24, 2020
For all I know, Ocasio-Cortez has reevaluated her opinion on charter schools since 2017. It wouldn’t be the first time a socialist took advantage of free-market innovations and then railed against them. Also, re-evaluating old positions seems to be popular among politicians from New York City these days, and clearly this wouldn’t be a shift of Bloombergian proportions.
That said, Ray Domanico of the conservative Manhattan Institute may have put it best.
“I am not surprised by the hypocrisy,” the group’s director of education policy said.
“Charter schools are incredibly popular with the communities and populations that a lot of these Democratic politicians claim to be representing. … People in the Bronx can find a good school for their young ones now as the congresswoman apparently did for her goddaughter.”
Perhaps not for long, however, if AOC’s allies have their way.
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westernjournal--2020-03-01--Laser Fired at US Navy Plane, China Suspected

A United States Navy surveillance aircraft was targeted with a military-grade laser by a Chinese naval vessel while flying over the Philippine Sea , the Navy reported .
Navy officials from the U.S. Pacific Fleet first acknowledged the incident in a Friday statement , blaming a Chinese naval destroyer for the “ unsafe and unprofessional ” firing of the laser .
According to the Navy , the P-8A Poseidon was conducting a patrol in international airspace , above international waters roughly 380 miles west of Guam , on Feb. 17 when it was targeted by People ’ s Republic of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PRC navy destroyer ’ s actions were unsafe and unprofessional , ” the Navy statement reported .
“ Weapons-grade lasers could potentially cause serious harm to aircrew and mariners , as well as ship and aircraft systems.
” Not visible to the naked eye , the military-grade laser fired on the aircraft was reportedly picked up by on-board sensors .
According to CNN , similar lasers , colloquially referred to as “ dazzlers , ” have the power illuminate aircraft cockpits and cabins at long range , potentially blinding pilots for a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , such action is in violation of several regional naval safety and engagement agreements .
The Feb. 17 incident was not , however , the first time Chinese military forces have been suspected of antagonizing U.S. military craft .
As tensions have risen between the two world powers over the past decade , numerous naval stand-offs have been reported and the U.S. military indicated in 2018 that the People ’ s Liberation Army was responsible for another high-profile laser incident off the African coastal nation of Djibouti .
That incident , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patrolling C-130 aircraft , left two American service members with minor eye injuries , DefenseNews reported .
The U.S. filed a formal diplomatic complaint , known as a démarche , with the Chinese government in light of the incident , but Chinese officials from both the Foreign and Defense Ministries categorically denied the allegations .
A démarche is expected to be issued in the recent case as well , unnamed U.S. Department of Defense officials told CNN .
No material damage or service personnel injuries have been reported in light of the Feb. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force Base in Okinawa , Japan , from its home base in Jacksonville , Florida , the targeted squadron currently “ conducts routine operations , maritime patrol and reconnaissance in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
” And with a lengthy history of operations within the region , the Navy assured this recent incident will not serve to hinder further patrols from the Pacific Fleet .
“ U.S .
7th Fleet is the largest numbered fleet in the world , and with the help of 35 other maritime-nation allies and partners , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indo-Pacific region for more than a century , providing credible , ready forces to help preserve peace and prevent conflict , ” the Navy ’ s statement declared .
“ U.S .
Navy aircraft and ships will continue to fly , sail and operate anywhere international law allows.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A United States Navy surveillance aircraft was targeted with a military-grade laser by a Chinese naval vessel while flying over the Philippine Sea, the Navy reported.
Navy officials from the U.S. Pacific Fleet first acknowledged the incident in a Friday statement, blaming a Chinese naval destroyer for the “unsafe and unprofessional” firing of the laser.
According to the Navy, the P-8A Poseidon was conducting a patrol in international airspace, above international waters roughly 380 miles west of Guam, on Feb. 17 when it was targeted by People’s Republic of China navy destroyer 161.
“The PRC navy destroyer’s actions were unsafe and unprofessional,” the Navy statement reported. “Weapons-grade lasers could potentially cause serious harm to aircrew and mariners, as well as ship and aircraft systems.”
People’s Liberation Army Navy destroyer lased a #USNavy P-8A Poseidon aircraft in an unsafe, unprofessional manner. The incident took place Feb. 17 in the airspace above international waters 380 miles west of Guam. #FreeandOpenIndoPacific Read More: https://t.co/ogOCT9f9h3 pic.twitter.com/II5NaicQAw — U.S. Navy (@USNavy) February 28, 2020
Not visible to the naked eye, the military-grade laser fired on the aircraft was reportedly picked up by on-board sensors.
According to CNN, similar lasers, colloquially referred to as “dazzlers,” have the power illuminate aircraft cockpits and cabins at long range, potentially blinding pilots for a time.
As a result, Navy officials said, such action is in violation of several regional naval safety and engagement agreements.
The Feb. 17 incident was not, however, the first time Chinese military forces have been suspected of antagonizing U.S. military craft.
As tensions have risen between the two world powers over the past decade, numerous naval stand-offs have been reported and the U.S. military indicated in 2018 that the People’s Liberation Army was responsible for another high-profile laser incident off the African coastal nation of Djibouti.
That incident, which involved multiple lasers being fired at a patrolling C-130 aircraft, left two American service members with minor eye injuries, DefenseNews reported.
The U.S. filed a formal diplomatic complaint, known as a démarche, with the Chinese government in light of the incident, but Chinese officials from both the Foreign and Defense Ministries categorically denied the allegations.
Personnel at China’s military base in Djibouti have been aiming powerful lasers at American aircraft that also operate in or near the country. The lasers caused minor eye injuries to 2 American pilots, an official said. https://t.co/kjs8Id98tn — The New York Times (@nytimes) May 4, 2018
A démarche is expected to be issued in the recent case as well, unnamed U.S. Department of Defense officials told CNN.
No material damage or service personnel injuries have been reported in light of the Feb. 17 incident.
Deployed to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan, from its home base in Jacksonville, Florida, the targeted squadron currently “conducts routine operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.”
And with a lengthy history of operations within the region, the Navy assured this recent incident will not serve to hinder further patrols from the Pacific Fleet.
“U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest numbered fleet in the world, and with the help of 35 other maritime-nation allies and partners, the U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific region for more than a century, providing credible, ready forces to help preserve peace and prevent conflict,” the Navy’s statement declared.
“U.S. Navy aircraft and ships will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows.”
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westernjournal--2020-03-01--Liberal Denver Gives Mitt Romney a Standing Ovation

Mitt Romney was the subject of multiple ovations this week , with liberals cheering on the Republican senator from Utah for siding with Democrats during President Donald Trump ’ s Senate impeachment trial .
Conservatives ?
Not so much .
On Friday , Romney was cheered during an appearance at the University of Denver ’ s School of International Studies , according to The Denver Post .
Anders Fogh Rasmussen , Denmark ’ s former prime minister , introduced Romney as “ a true profile in courage.
” The remark brought the crowd of 300 to their feet to cheer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered a doom-and-gloom assessment of the Republican Party .
“ There has been a realignment , to a certain degree , of our [ political ] parties , ” Romney said , adding that many college-educated women had fled the GOP .
“ I think that ’ s difficult for my party because we ’ re not doing well with young people .
We ’ re not doing well with minorities .
We ’ re not doing well with women .
And if you ’ re not doing well with those groups , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term to be successful , ” he said .
The Denver appearance was Romney ’ s second ovation of the day , according to Deseret News .
Prior to his Colorado trip , Romney had met with Utah legislators in Salt Lake City .
Although the subject of his impeachment vote was not brought up in his meeting with Republican legislators , Democrats applauded Romney for his “ courage.
” Democratic State Rep. Marie Poulson said she had promised her family she would thank Romney for his vote against Trump , which drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Romney ’ s name also stirred passions of a different kind at the Conservative Political Action Conference , from which Romney was pointedly disinvited .
Charlie Kirk , the founder of Turning Point USA , had mentioned Romney ’ s name while speaking .
Booing ensued .
“ Correct answer , by the way , correct , ” Kirk said , according to The Hill .
“ Every time his name is mentioned , you should respond that way.
” Kirk said Romney “ lied to every single person in this room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , unconstitutional impeachment.
” RELATED : Joy Behar Claims Mitt Romney Is 'The Only Patriot on the Right ' and 'The Rest of Them Are Trash' Earlier at the event , American Conservative Union Chairman Matt Schlapp commented that not having Romney at the event had turned out “ just fine.
” That line drew applause , according to The Washington Times .
“ You mean you would rather have Donald Trump here than Mitt Romney ?
” asked Republican Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina .
We are committed to truth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read our editorial standards .

Mitt Romney was the subject of multiple ovations this week, with liberals cheering on the Republican senator from Utah for siding with Democrats during President Donald Trump’s Senate impeachment trial.
Conservatives? Not so much.
On Friday, Romney was cheered during an appearance at the University of Denver’s School of International Studies, according to The Denver Post.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Denmark’s former prime minister, introduced Romney as “a true profile in courage.” The remark brought the crowd of 300 to their feet to cheer Romney.
At the event, Romney offered a doom-and-gloom assessment of the Republican Party.
“There has been a realignment, to a certain degree, of our [political] parties,” Romney said, adding that many college-educated women had fled the GOP.
“I think that’s difficult for my party because we’re not doing well with young people. We’re not doing well with minorities. We’re not doing well with women. And if you’re not doing well with those groups, it’s going to be hard long-term to be successful,” he said.
The Denver appearance was Romney’s second ovation of the day, according to Deseret News.
Prior to his Colorado trip, Romney had met with Utah legislators in Salt Lake City. Although the subject of his impeachment vote was not brought up in his meeting with Republican legislators, Democrats applauded Romney for his “courage.”
Democratic State Rep. Marie Poulson said she had promised her family she would thank Romney for his vote against Trump, which drew applause from the Democrats meeting with Romney.
Romney’s name also stirred passions of a different kind at the Conservative Political Action Conference, from which Romney was pointedly disinvited.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, had mentioned Romney’s name while speaking. Booing ensued.
“Correct answer, by the way, correct,” Kirk said, according to The Hill. “Every time his name is mentioned, you should respond that way.”
Kirk said Romney “lied to every single person in this room,” by backing the “sham, unconstitutional impeachment.”
Earlier at the event, American Conservative Union Chairman Matt Schlapp commented that not having Romney at the event had turned out “just fine.”
That line drew applause, according to The Washington Times.
“You mean you would rather have Donald Trump here than Mitt Romney?” asked Republican Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina.
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westernjournal--2020-03-01--It Took Joe Biden 32 Years To Finally Win a Presidential Primary

Former Vice President Joe Biden has won South Carolina ’ s Democratic primary , multiple outlets are projecting .
It was his first victory in three tries at the Democratic nomination , and it came during the fourth Democratic primary contest of the 2020 election season .
Biden previously ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 and 2008 , but did not win any states .
Prior to being chosen as Barack Obama ’ s running mate in 2008 , Biden represented Delaware in the Senate for more than three decades .
This time around , the 77-year-old came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fifth in the New Hampshire primary and fourth in the Nevada caucuses .
Outlets began calling South Carolina for Biden just minutes after the polls closed in that state : RELATED : It 's Looking Like Bernie Sanders Will Sweep California Biden ’ s win could work to blunt front-runner Bernie Sanders ’ momentum heading into Super Tuesday , when 14 states and American Samoa weigh in on the race .
Only Biden and California billionaire Tom Steyer planned to mark primary night in the state , as the rest of the field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states that vote next week .
About 40 percent of voters in South Carolina picked health care as the top issue , while 22 percent said the economy and jobs are most important .
That ’ s according to an AP VoteCast survey of the electorate .
Close to 9 in 10 Democratic voters said it ’ s important for their nominee to be a strong leader .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

Former Vice President Joe Biden has won South Carolina’s Democratic primary, multiple outlets are projecting.
It was his first victory in three tries at the Democratic nomination, and it came during the fourth Democratic primary contest of the 2020 election season.
Biden previously ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 and 2008, but did not win any states.
After three presidential campaigns (1988, 2008, 2020) and four contests this year, South Carolina has delivered to Joe Biden the first presidential primary victory of his lengthy political career. pic.twitter.com/qHyf0n75ec — Matt Viser (@mviser) March 1, 2020
Prior to being chosen as Barack Obama’s running mate in 2008, Biden represented Delaware in the Senate for more than three decades.
This time around, the 77-year-old came in fourth in the Iowa caucuses, fifth in the New Hampshire primary and fourth in the Nevada caucuses.
Outlets began calling South Carolina for Biden just minutes after the polls closed in that state:
.@CNN projects @JoeBiden wins the South Carolina Primary right when the polls closed at 7pm ET. — Vanessa Yurkevich (@VanessaCNN) March 1, 2020
Join us NOW (7-9p ET) for a #SaturdaySpecial – where @FoxNews is projecting VP Biden to win South Carolina pic.twitter.com/HIgIDRLbGX — Shannon Bream (@ShannonBream) March 1, 2020
BREAKING: South Carolina is “the first primary contest the former vice president has ever won in this, his third run for the president,” @GStephanopoulos reports, “and it is a commanding win.” https://t.co/O1LJZZtmNN pic.twitter.com/0K23Hzwlk6 — ABC News (@ABC) March 1, 2020
CBS News projects @JoeBiden will win the South Carolina Primary. Listen: https://t.co/Dw0cHZqOf8 — CBS News Radio (@CBSNewsRadio) March 1, 2020
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) —
Former Vice President @JoeBiden wins the South Carolina presidential primary #APRaceCall pic.twitter.com/Rm48jv4ieF — Meg Kinnard (@MegKinnardAP) March 1, 2020
Biden’s win could work to blunt front-runner Bernie Sanders’ momentum heading into Super Tuesday, when 14 states and American Samoa weigh in on the race.
Will Joe Biden be the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee? 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: 19% (197 Votes) No: 81% (862 Votes)
Only Biden and California billionaire Tom Steyer planned to mark primary night in the state, as the rest of the field stumped across the spectrum of Super Tuesday states that vote next week.
About 40 percent of voters in South Carolina picked health care as the top issue, while 22 percent said the economy and jobs are most important. That’s according to an AP VoteCast survey of the electorate.
Fourteen percent of voters identified climate change.
Close to 9 in 10 Democratic voters said it’s important for their nominee to be a strong leader.
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--2020-02-29--First US Coronavirus Death Confirmed in Washington State

Washington state health officials have reportedly confirmed the first U.S. death due to coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) .
According to The Associated Press , the death of an unnamed King County man was officially revealed Saturday morning in a brief Washington Department of Health news release .
“ The Washington State Department of Health confirms the first U.S. death from COVID-19 has occurred here in the state of Washington , ” state officials tweeted as the news broke .
No further information was provided on the deceased patient ; however , the department did announce a formal news conference regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One of several West Coast communities impacted by the sparse stateside spread of the SARS-like novel coronavirus , which originated in China late last month , King County had announced one of the state ’ s two latest cases of the disease just one day prior to the development .
The two new cases were referred to Friday in a Washington State Department of Health news release as “ presumptive positives , ” confirmed by local health public health laboratories but pending further evaluation from the Centers for Disease Control , emerging in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ child .
Currently at home in isolation , the 50-year-old infected woman , a King County resident , is believed to have traveled to Daegu , South Korea , recently — where confirmed coronavirus cases spiked by a dramatic 813 cases this week , according to The Guardian .
No travel confirmations have been made , however , in the case of the Snohomish County boy , leading local health officials to consider the possibility he may have been infected by community spread .
Dangerous and untraceable , community spread occurs when individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traveled to regions where the disease is common or come into contact with individuals believed to be carrying the disease .
Confirmed cases of coronavirus are still in the double digits stateside , CBS News reported , but a Wednesday announcement from the CDC that first cases of potential community spread had been discovered in California served to exacerbate panic surrounding coronavirus within the U.S .
According to The New York Times , recent remarks from agency officials also betrayed the sentiments of some federal health officials who feel a wider outbreak within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
“ It ’ s not so much of a question of if this will happen anymore but rather more of a question of exactly when this will happen , ” Dr. Nancy Messonnier , director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases , told reporters Tuesday .
RELATED : Democratic Congressman Threatens Trump Jr. with a 'Serious Altercation ' Over Coronavirus Comments “ We are asking the American public to work with us to prepare , in the expectation that this could be bad , ” Messonnier added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , global coronavirus cases are currently estimated as exceeding 83,000 , leading the World Health Organization to declare the disease a public health emergency of international concern , according to CNN .
Democratic Gov .
Jay Inslee addressed Washington residents in a Saturday statement prior to his Health Department ’ s 1 p.m. news conference , expressing condolences to the family the unnamed first American casualty of coronavirus .
“ It is a sad day in our state as we learn that a Washingtonian has died from COVID-19 .
Our hearts go out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inlee said .
“ We will continue to work toward a day where no one dies from this virus.
” “ In partnership with the Washington State Department of Health , the Washington State Department of Emergency Management and local and community health partners , we are strengthening our preparedness and response efforts , ” the governor added .
“ I am committed to keeping Washingtonians healthy , safe and informed.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Washington state health officials have reportedly confirmed the first U.S. death due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
According to The Associated Press, the death of an unnamed King County man was officially revealed Saturday morning in a brief Washington Department of Health news release.
“The Washington State Department of Health confirms the first U.S. death from COVID-19 has occurred here in the state of Washington,” state officials tweeted as the news broke.
No further information was provided on the deceased patient; however, the department did announce a formal news conference regarding the situation for 1 p.m. PST.
The Washington State Department of Health confirms the first U.S. death from COVID-19 has occurred here in the state of Washington. We will share more information at a media briefing today at 1pm. Information to watch via livestream will be shared here. #COVID19 — WA Dept. of Health (@WADeptHealth) February 29, 2020
One of several West Coast communities impacted by the sparse stateside spread of the SARS-like novel coronavirus, which originated in China late last month, King County had announced one of the state’s two latest cases of the disease just one day prior to the development.
The two new cases were referred to Friday in a Washington State Department of Health news release as “presumptive positives,” confirmed by local health public health laboratories but pending further evaluation from the Centers for Disease Control, emerging in a middle-aged woman and a Snohomish County child.
Currently at home in isolation, the 50-year-old infected woman, a King County resident, is believed to have traveled to Daegu, South Korea, recently — where confirmed coronavirus cases spiked by a dramatic 813 cases this week, according to The Guardian.
No travel confirmations have been made, however, in the case of the Snohomish County boy, leading local health officials to consider the possibility he may have been infected by community spread.
Dangerous and untraceable, community spread occurs when individuals begin contracting a virus despite not having traveled to regions where the disease is common or come into contact with individuals believed to be carrying the disease.
Confirmed cases of coronavirus are still in the double digits stateside, CBS News reported, but a Wednesday announcement from the CDC that first cases of potential community spread had been discovered in California served to exacerbate panic surrounding coronavirus within the U.S.
According to The New York Times, recent remarks from agency officials also betrayed the sentiments of some federal health officials who feel a wider outbreak within the U.S. is only a matter of time.
“It’s not so much of a question of if this will happen anymore but rather more of a question of exactly when this will happen,” Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, told reporters Tuesday.
“We are asking the American public to work with us to prepare, in the expectation that this could be bad,” Messonnier added.
Following a sizable spike this past week, global coronavirus cases are currently estimated as exceeding 83,000, leading the World Health Organization to declare the disease a public health emergency of international concern, according to CNN.
Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee addressed Washington residents in a Saturday statement prior to his Health Department’s 1 p.m. news conference, expressing condolences to the family the unnamed first American casualty of coronavirus.
“It is a sad day in our state as we learn that a Washingtonian has died from COVID-19. Our hearts go out to their family and friends,” Inlee said. “We will continue to work toward a day where no one dies from this virus.”
“In partnership with the Washington State Department of Health, the Washington State Department of Emergency Management and local and community health partners, we are strengthening our preparedness and response efforts,” the governor added.
“I am committed to keeping Washingtonians healthy, safe and informed.”
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westernjournal--2020-02-29--Dick Morris: Sanders, Biden Grow in Super Tuesday States

While we all await the results of the South Carolina primary , let ’ s take an early peek at the polling in the states that vote on March 3 .
Overall , Sanders has gained materially in almost all states .
Biden has his good spots — he ’ s on track to win North Carolina — but is likely to do very poorly in California and Texas , which account for half of the Super Tuesday states — and 16 percent of the convention delegates .
The real casualties have been among the second tier candidates .
Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa and New Hampshire far behind as they sink down in the polls .
Bloomberg has used his massive advertising to remain competitive , but he isn ’ t blowing anyone out anywhere .
Here it is state by state based on the polls reported by RealClearPolitics .
( Speaking of which , President Donald Trump has continued to post historic highs in job approval , today averaging 45.9 percent .
His vault from the low-40s to the upper-mid-40s sustained during impeachment and good economic news appears to be real ) .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broke out of the high-20s into the mid-30s on the strength of his debate performance .
His gains came largely at Biden ’ s expense as he widened his lead over him from single digits to the high teens .
Warren has run a consistent second place as Biden dropped to third .
Despite his massive spending , Michael Bloomberg has never caught on in California and is mired at about 10 percent .
Ditto for Buttigieg .
Klobuchar is well below 10 and always has been .
California , by itself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote .
Sanders ’ dominating performance here will be very hard to overcome .
Warren , who is not doing very well anyplace else , can count on California to keep her alive ( even if she loses her home state of Massachusetts ) .
Even if Biden surges in SC today , his poor performance in California will be an anchor on his candidacy .
Sanders has steadily increased his margin over Biden .
At the end of January , he replaced the former VP in first place in Texas and on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With 6 percent of the delegates coming from Texas , Sanders ’ performance — coupled with that in California — makes his lead insurmountable .
RELATED : Dick Morris : What Does SC Mean for Biden ?
Not Much After falling from the 30s to 20 percent in mid-February , Biden has never recovered .
Unless South Carolina gives him a tremendous boost , he could finish third in Texas .
That ’ s partially because Bloomberg is coming on strong .
Texas is the second most expensive state in which to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his money talks loudly here .
Nobody else can compete with his airtime .
In Texas , Bloomberg soared rapidly into the high teens and low 20s , but has stalled out there .
Warren is in the mid teens , Buttigieg at about 10 , and Klobuchar at 5 , and they have always been at about those levels .
Between California and Texas , Dems should stop taking Buttigieg or Klobuchar seriously .
Perhaps impelled by his momentum in South Carolina , Biden has just wrestled the lead here away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it stands .
Sanders has moved up smartly here .
The media says Amy Klobuchar will have to drop out if she loses her home state .
She ’ ll probably win Minnesota but have to pull out anyway .
By the same logic as Klobuchar faces in Minnesota , the media wants Elizabeth Warren to pull to if she loses Massachusetts , as appears likely .
But her showing in California , where she is running second , should keep her in .
So Sanders should emerge as the clear Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasingly assured of a strong plurality , he is still short of a majority .
California will help equip Warren with enough votes to deal with Sanders exchanging a majority for the VP slot , although they both have a ways to go .
Biden ’ s dismal performance in California should sap whatever momentum he ’ ll get from South Carolina .
Bloomberg is not sweeping all before him as he spends enormous sums of money , but he is buying himself a solid third place behind Sanders and Biden .
Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

While we all await the results of the South Carolina primary, let’s take an early peek at the polling in the states that vote on March 3.
Overall, Sanders has gained materially in almost all states. Biden has his good spots — he’s on track to win North Carolina — but is likely to do very poorly in California and Texas, which account for half of the Super Tuesday states — and 16 percent of the convention delegates.
The real casualties have been among the second tier candidates. Buttigieg and Klobuchar have left their heydays in Iowa and New Hampshire far behind as they sink down in the polls.
Bloomberg has used his massive advertising to remain competitive, but he isn’t blowing anyone out anywhere.
Here it is state by state based on the polls reported by RealClearPolitics.
(Speaking of which, President Donald Trump has continued to post historic highs in job approval, today averaging 45.9 percent. His vault from the low-40s to the upper-mid-40s sustained during impeachment and good economic news appears to be real).
California (415 delegates)
Sanders 35
Warren 17
Biden 11
Bloomberg 10
Buttigieg 10
In California, on Feb. 20, Bernie broke out of the high-20s into the mid-30s on the strength of his debate performance. His gains came largely at Biden’s expense as he widened his lead over him from single digits to the high teens.
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Warren has run a consistent second place as Biden dropped to third. Despite his massive spending, Michael Bloomberg has never caught on in California and is mired at about 10 percent. Ditto for Buttigieg. Klobuchar is well below 10 and always has been.
California, by itself, accounts for 10 percent of the convention vote. Sanders’ dominating performance here will be very hard to overcome. Warren, who is not doing very well anyplace else, can count on California to keep her alive (even if she loses her home state of Massachusetts).
Even if Biden surges in SC today, his poor performance in California will be an anchor on his candidacy.
Texas (228 delegates)
Sanders 28
Biden 20
Bloomberg 19
Warren 13
Sanders has steadily increased his margin over Biden. At the end of January, he replaced the former VP in first place in Texas and on Feb. 20 began to lengthen his lead.
With 6 percent of the delegates coming from Texas, Sanders’ performance — coupled with that in California — makes his lead insurmountable.
After falling from the 30s to 20 percent in mid-February, Biden has never recovered. Unless South Carolina gives him a tremendous boost, he could finish third in Texas.
That’s partially because Bloomberg is coming on strong. Texas is the second most expensive state in which to buy television (after California) and his money talks loudly here. Nobody else can compete with his airtime. In Texas, Bloomberg soared rapidly into the high teens and low 20s, but has stalled out there.
Warren is in the mid teens, Buttigieg at about 10, and Klobuchar at 5, and they have always been at about those levels.
Between California and Texas, Dems should stop taking Buttigieg or Klobuchar seriously.
North Carolina (110 delegates)
Biden 33
Sanders 25
Bloomberg 17
Warren 11
Perhaps impelled by his momentum in South Carolina, Biden has just wrestled the lead here away from Sanders, a key win for Joe if it stands.
Virginia (99 delegates)
Sanders 25
Biden 20
Bloomberg 20
Buttigieg 11
Warren 10
Sanders has moved up smartly here.
Minnesota (75 delegates)
Klobuchar 29
Sanders 23
Warren 11
The media says Amy Klobuchar will have to drop out if she loses her home state. She’ll probably win Minnesota but have to pull out anyway.
Massachusetts (91 delegates)
Sanders 25
Warren 20
Buttigieg 14
Bloomberg 11
Biden 11
By the same logic as Klobuchar faces in Minnesota, the media wants Elizabeth Warren to pull to if she loses Massachusetts, as appears likely. But her showing in California, where she is running second, should keep her in.
So Sanders should emerge as the clear Super Tuesday winner. But while he is increasingly assured of a strong plurality, he is still short of a majority.
California will help equip Warren with enough votes to deal with Sanders exchanging a majority for the VP slot, although they both have a ways to go.
Biden’s dismal performance in California should sap whatever momentum he’ll get from South Carolina.
Bloomberg is not sweeping all before him as he spends enormous sums of money, but he is buying himself a solid third place behind Sanders and Biden.
Buttigieg and Klobuchar should pull out entirely.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-02-29--Swing State Judges Reverse Purge, Will Keep 200k Suspect Voters on Rolls

A Wisconsin appeals court Friday reversed an Ozaukee County judge ’ s ruling to quickly remove thousands of people from the swing state ’ s voter rolls because they are believed to have moved recently .
The decision affects over 200,000 who were ordered to be removed from the voter rolls until they re-register to vote to reflect their believed move or confirmed their current address , the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported .
The appeals court also overturned a contempt order against the Wisconsin Board of Elections for not removing the voter registrations .
The board faced a $ 50-a-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be fined $ 250 a day until the voters were removed from the rolls , CNN reported .
The thousands of voters in question will stay on the rolls for the state ’ s April 7 presidential primary .
“ We appreciate the Court of Appeals decision and will move forward with the process approved by the members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission in June 2019 for handling mailings sent to potential movers , ” Meagan Wolfe , the director of the Wisconsin Elections Commission , said in a statement on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 232,000 people in October to update their voter registrations or they would be removed in 2021 .
Three voters represented by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed a lawsuit in November asking for an Ozaukee County judge to force the commission to remove the voters sooner with the upcoming election year , the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported at the time .
The lawsuit was based on a law that said voters should be removed if they haven ’ t responded to notifications within 30 days and there is reliable information that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled that the law only applied to local clerks , not the state commission .
“ Today ’ s decision is a win not only for the Wisconsinites who were nearly purged from the voter rolls , but also for our democracy , ” he tweeted .
Wolfe said that while she agreed with the ruling , people need to make sure they update their voter registrations .
“ The important thing for voters to know is that if you have moved , you need to be registered at your current address before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the statement .
“ No voters have been deactivated if they did not respond to the Wisconsin Elections Commission ’ s mailing in October 2019 to voters who may have moved .
The mailing was to make sure that voters who have moved know how to reregister at their current address and to encourage them to do that before the election or on election day.
” RELATED : It 's Looking Like Bernie Sanders Will Sweep California After the appeals court ’ s decision , the people who filed the lawsuit will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the president of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty , Rick Esenberg .
“ Wisconsin deserves clean elections in 2020 , ” Esenberg said in a statement .
“ It is our intent to seek review in the Wisconsin Supreme Court to ensure that the Wisconsin Elections Commission complies with state law.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Wisconsin appeals court Friday reversed an Ozaukee County judge’s ruling to quickly remove thousands of people from the swing state’s voter rolls because they are believed to have moved recently.
The decision affects over 200,000 who were ordered to be removed from the voter rolls until they re-register to vote to reflect their believed move or confirmed their current address, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
The appeals court also overturned a contempt order against the Wisconsin Board of Elections for not removing the voter registrations.
The board faced a $50-a-day fine and three Democratic commissioners were also to be fined $250 a day until the voters were removed from the rolls, CNN reported.
The thousands of voters in question will stay on the rolls for the state’s April 7 presidential primary.
“We appreciate the Court of Appeals decision and will move forward with the process approved by the members of the Wisconsin Elections Commission in June 2019 for handling mailings sent to potential movers,” Meagan Wolfe, the director of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, said in a statement on Friday.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission notified about 232,000 people in October to update their voter registrations or they would be removed in 2021.
Three voters represented by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed a lawsuit in November asking for an Ozaukee County judge to force the commission to remove the voters sooner with the upcoming election year, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported at the time.
The lawsuit was based on a law that said voters should be removed if they haven’t responded to notifications within 30 days and there is reliable information that they have moved. The appeals court ruled that the law only applied to local clerks, not the state commission.
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Attorney General Josh Kaul, a Democrat, applauded the appeals court’s decision.
“Today’s decision is a win not only for the Wisconsinites who were nearly purged from the voter rolls, but also for our democracy,” he tweeted.
Wolfe said that while she agreed with the ruling, people need to make sure they update their voter registrations.
“The important thing for voters to know is that if you have moved, you need to be registered at your current address before you can vote,” she said in the statement.
“No voters have been deactivated if they did not respond to the Wisconsin Elections Commission’s mailing in October 2019 to voters who may have moved. The mailing was to make sure that voters who have moved know how to reregister at their current address and to encourage them to do that before the election or on election day.”
After the appeals court’s decision, the people who filed the lawsuit will try again in the Supreme Court, according to the president of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, Rick Esenberg.
“Wisconsin deserves clean elections in 2020,” Esenberg said in a statement. “It is our intent to seek review in the Wisconsin Supreme Court to ensure that the Wisconsin Elections Commission complies with state law.”
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