westernjournal--2020-09-03--Larry Elder: Pro Athletes Live in a World of Stats and Hard Data – Unless They’re Talking About Poli

Larry Elder: Pro Athletes Live in a World of Stats and Hard Data – Unless They’re Talking About Police Shootings

Reacting to the shooting of a black man by a white Kenosha , Wisconsin , cop , a tearful Doc Rivers , the black coach of the NBA ’ s Los Angeles Clippers , held a postgame media conference .
Rivers said : “ All you hear is Donald Trump and all of them talking about fear .
We ’ re the ones getting killed .
We ’ re the ones getting shot .
We ’ re the ones that were denied to live in certain communities .
We ’ ve been hung .
We ’ ve been shot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about fear .
It ’ s amazing why we keep loving this country , and this country does not love us back .
It ’ s really so sad .
Like , I should just be a coach .
And I ’ m so often reminded of my color .
… It ’ s just really sad .
We got to do better .
But we got to demand better.
” “ We ’ re the ones getting killed ” ?
“ We ’ re the ones getting shot ” ?
“ And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear ” ?
NBA superstar LeBron James made a similar comment : “ I know people get tired of hearing me say it , but we are scared as black people in America .
Black men , black women , black kids , we are terrified .
Because you don ’ t know ; you have no idea .
You have no idea how that cop that day left the house .
You don ’ t know if he woke up on the good side of the bed .
You don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong side of the bed.
” Sports is a game of numbers , statistics and records .
It ’ s one of the many things we like about it .
TRENDING : As Trump Gains on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls Where are the numbers , stats and records that show the police engage in “ systemic ” brutality against black people ?
Why don ’ t the players and coaches who complain about police brutality employ the same use of numbers , stats , data , logic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the claim that cops are killing black people because they are black ?
We argue over whether this player is better than that player or whether this team is better than that team .
It ’ s fascinating to watch a coach of an NBA team dissect the game , stat sheet at his side , during the postgame media conference .
An ex-professional basketball player-turned-broadcaster responded to a critic ’ s complaint about the player ’ s “ disappointing ” NBA career .
Given the expectations coming out of college about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued that the player underperformed in his pro career .
The ex-player responded that such a comment can only come from somebody who ’ s never played basketball at the highest level .
Citing his career statistics , he surgically dismantled the critic ’ s case .
For each of the three teams he played for , he said , his role changed .
One team wanted him to be more of a scorer while another team wanted him to concentrate on defense , leaving the scoring to others .
On his third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position with entirely different expectations .
My career , said the ex-player , must be seen in this context .
When a player ’ s agent argues to management that his client deserves more money , the agent uses stats and data to make the case .
In turn , the team relies on stats and data to make their case .
Any analysis of whether cops are killing black people because they are black would begin with noting the approximately 50 million police-civilian interactions that occur every year .
Out of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are arrested .
In recent years , about 60,000 cops have been assaulted annually .
RELATED : Steve Baldwin : The Evidence Shows a Biden-Harris Win Will Lead America Into Socialism & We Will Probably Never Recover All of this resulted in about 1,000 people being killed by the police on average in recent years , with almost all suspects resisting with a weapon or resisting violently .
Of the 1,000 killed annually , approximately 250 were black and 500 white .
The percentage of police shootings that involve a white cop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 4 percent of the total .
The percentage of white cops killing unarmed black men who did not reasonably pose a threat is even smaller .
Recall that black suspect Michael Brown of Ferguson , Missouri , was “ unarmed , ” but his DNA was found on the officer ’ s gun , indicating that Brown was attempting to grab it .
For perspective , 27 Americans on average from 2009 to 2018 died annually after being struck by lightning .
And , as Manhattan Institute ’ s Heather Mac Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 1/2 times more likely to be killed by a black male than an unarmed black male is to be killed by a police officer.
” Is it too much to ask that sports celebrities , who parrot lines like “ systemic ” police brutality against black people , ask for facts first ?
Too much to ask them to then apply the same kind of logic and reason they must rely on in their own profession ?
If they did so , they would learn the good news — that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killings of black people and that the unfortunate instances should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis .
Can training be improved ?
Of course .
Would it be helpful if officers wore body cams ?
Absolutely .
Let ’ s focus our energy on these things and set the hysterics aside .
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 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and process here .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Reacting to the shooting of a black man by a white Kenosha, Wisconsin, cop, a tearful Doc Rivers, the black coach of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, held a postgame media conference.
Rivers said: “All you hear is Donald Trump and all of them talking about fear. We’re the ones getting killed. We’re the ones getting shot. We’re the ones that were denied to live in certain communities. We’ve been hung. We’ve been shot. And all you do is keep hearing about fear. It’s amazing why we keep loving this country, and this country does not love us back. It’s really so sad. Like, I should just be a coach. And I’m so often reminded of my color. … It’s just really sad. We got to do better. But we got to demand better.”
“We’re the ones getting killed”? “We’re the ones getting shot”? “And all you do is keep hearing about fear”?
NBA superstar LeBron James made a similar comment: “I know people get tired of hearing me say it, but we are scared as black people in America. Black men, black women, black kids, we are terrified. Because you don’t know; you have no idea. You have no idea how that cop that day left the house. You don’t know if he woke up on the good side of the bed. You don’t know if he woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”
Sports is a game of numbers, statistics and records. It’s one of the many things we like about it.
Where are the numbers, stats and records that show the police engage in “systemic” brutality against black people?
Why don’t the players and coaches who complain about police brutality employ the same use of numbers, stats, data, logic and reason to determine the truthfulness of the claim that cops are killing black people because they are black?
We argue over whether this player is better than that player or whether this team is better than that team. It’s fascinating to watch a coach of an NBA team dissect the game, stat sheet at his side, during the postgame media conference.
An ex-professional basketball player-turned-broadcaster responded to a critic’s complaint about the player’s “disappointing” NBA career.
Do you think pro athletes like LeBron are ignoring data about police officers? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (47 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
Given the expectations coming out of college about this player’s future, the critic argued that the player underperformed in his pro career. The ex-player responded that such a comment can only come from somebody who’s never played basketball at the highest level.
Citing his career statistics, he surgically dismantled the critic’s case. For each of the three teams he played for, he said, his role changed. One team wanted him to be more of a scorer while another team wanted him to concentrate on defense, leaving the scoring to others. On his third team, he played an entirely different position with entirely different expectations.
My career, said the ex-player, must be seen in this context.
When a player’s agent argues to management that his client deserves more money, the agent uses stats and data to make the case. In turn, the team relies on stats and data to make their case.
Any analysis of whether cops are killing black people because they are black would begin with noting the approximately 50 million police-civilian interactions that occur every year. Out of these 50 million interactions, about 11 million people are arrested. In recent years, about 60,000 cops have been assaulted annually.
All of this resulted in about 1,000 people being killed by the police on average in recent years, with almost all suspects resisting with a weapon or resisting violently.
Of the 1,000 killed annually, approximately 250 were black and 500 white. The percentage of police shootings that involve a white cop and an unarmed black suspect is less than 4 percent of the total.
The percentage of white cops killing unarmed black men who did not reasonably pose a threat is even smaller. Recall that black suspect Michael Brown of Ferguson, Missouri, was “unarmed,” but his DNA was found on the officer’s gun, indicating that Brown was attempting to grab it.
For perspective, 27 Americans on average from 2009 to 2018 died annually after being struck by lightning. And, as Manhattan Institute’s Heather Mac Donald explains, “A police officer is 18 1/2 times more likely to be killed by a black male than an unarmed black male is to be killed by a police officer.”
Is it too much to ask that sports celebrities, who parrot lines like “systemic” police brutality against black people, ask for facts first? Too much to ask them to then apply the same kind of logic and reason they must rely on in their own profession?
If they did so, they would learn the good news — that there is no evidence of “systemic” police killings of black people and that the unfortunate instances should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Can training be improved? Of course. Would it be helpful if officers wore body cams? Absolutely. Let’s focus our energy on these things and set the hysterics aside.
© 2020 CREATORS.COM
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.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-03--While Pelosi Breaks Rules To Visit Fancy Salon, This Is How Residents in Her District Live

Another day , another example of a liberal politician deciding she doesn ’ t have to live by the rules she imposes on others .
This time , it ’ s Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , who visited a hair salon in San Francisco on Monday even though such salons were still closed to the public under the city ’ s coronavirus restrictions .
Meanwhile , many of her constituents are living in poverty and squalor .
Pelosi has been defending her visit to eSalon SF since security footage was released showing the speaker walking — sans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hair .
TRENDING : As Trump Gains on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls San Francisco hair salons were forced to close in March but were allowed to open Tuesday exclusively for outdoor appointments , according to KTVU-TV .
On Monday , while salons were still closed for all appointments , Pelosi made an indoor appointment for a wash and blowout .
After she was caught on camera flouting her city ’ s rules , she had the gall to blame the salon for what she claimed was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know or simply ignored San Francisco ’ s coronavirus restrictions .
Whatever the case , it ’ s clear she doesn ’ t think the rules apply to her .
The speaker is in good company ( and by good company , I mean surrounded by fellow hypocritical liberal elitists ) .
In April , Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also defied social distancing guidelines to get a haircut .
Her defense : “ I ’ m the public face of this city.
” Last month , Lightfoot banned protesters from the block @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run rampant in the rest of the city .
Just last weekend , Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney crossed state lines to dine indoors in Maryland even though he continues to ban indoor dining in his city .
Pelosi ’ s San Francisco is hounded by homelessness and unsanitary conditions on the streets .
TurningPoint USA ’ s Benny Johnson made the point emphatically in a video he shared Wednesday on Twitter .
“ While Nancy Pelosi is breaking the restrictions she put on her own district in order to get her hair done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , “ This is how her constituents live.
” While Pelosi breaks the rules to visit a salon and then returns to her gated home , many of her constituents live in filth , thanks to failed Democratic leadership .
She has been in Congress for over 30 years , and this is the state of her city .
Maya Angelou said , “ When people show you who they are , believe them.
” Pelosi ’ s actions show us who she is : a liberal elitist who cares more about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about her constituents .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Another day, another example of a liberal politician deciding she doesn’t have to live by the rules she imposes on others.
This time, it’s Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who visited a hair salon in San Francisco on Monday even though such salons were still closed to the public under the city’s coronavirus restrictions.
Meanwhile, many of her constituents are living in poverty and squalor.
Pelosi has been defending her visit to eSalon SF since security footage was released showing the speaker walking — sans mask — through the salon with wet hair.
San Francisco hair salons were forced to close in March but were allowed to open Tuesday exclusively for outdoor appointments, according to KTVU-TV.
On Monday, while salons were still closed for all appointments, Pelosi made an indoor appointment for a wash and blowout.
After she was caught on camera flouting her city’s rules, she had the gall to blame the salon for what she claimed was a “setup.”
Is Pelosi doing a good job of serving her constituents? 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: 0% (8 Votes) No: 100% (1786 Votes)
Pelosi either didn’t know or simply ignored San Francisco’s coronavirus restrictions. Whatever the case, it’s clear she doesn’t think the rules apply to her.
The speaker is in good company (and by good company, I mean surrounded by fellow hypocritical liberal elitists).
In April, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also defied social distancing guidelines to get a haircut. Her defense: “I’m the public face of this city.” Last month, Lightfoot banned protesters from the block where she lives while allowing them to run rampant in the rest of the city.
Just last weekend, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney crossed state lines to dine indoors in Maryland even though he continues to ban indoor dining in his city.
Meanwhile, everyday Americans are struggling.
Pelosi’s San Francisco is hounded by homelessness and unsanitary conditions on the streets.
TurningPoint USA’s Benny Johnson made the point emphatically in a video he shared Wednesday on Twitter.
“While Nancy Pelosi is breaking the restrictions she put on her own district in order to get her hair done at a fancy salon,” he said, “This is how her constituents live.”
While Nancy Pelosi is breaking the restrictions she put on her own district in order to get her hair done at a fancy salon, This is how her constituents live. pic.twitter.com/CtZqbELNoo — Benny (@bennyjohnson) September 2, 2020
While Pelosi breaks the rules to visit a salon and then returns to her gated home, many of her constituents live in filth, thanks to failed Democratic leadership.
She has been in Congress for over 30 years, and this is the state of her city.
Maya Angelou said, “When people show you who they are, believe them.”
Pelosi’s actions show us who she is: a liberal elitist who cares more about getting her hair done than she does about her constituents.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-03--Mike Huckabee: Dems Could Try To Steal the Election from Trump – Here’s How

It was awfully sporting of a Democratic data and analytics firm to tell us in advance how the Democrats plan to steal the presidential election .
According to them , Trump may “ appear ” to have won on election night , even by a landslide .
But that will just be a “ red mirage , ” because so many Democrats will vote by mail that days later , the race will shift to Biden .
Those of a more suspicious nature might read it as , “ We ’ ll find out on election night how many bogus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacture to overcome Trump ’ s lead.
” TRENDING : As Trump Gains on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls “ Then if anyone questions those ballots , we ’ ll accuse the Republicans of trying to ‘ suppress the minority vote ’ and send our antifa shock troops out to burn down cities unless Trump concedes and hands over the White House.
” Again , if you think this can ’ t happen , I ’ ll refer to you this story , in which a Democratic operative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections and how he ’ s been rigging them in New Jersey for years .
I hope the Republican National Committee is making plans to fight this since it ’ s been reported that the Democrats have already lined up at least 600 lawyers to challenge the vote .
This could be an open war , so our side had better be prepared .
Of course , the best way to ensure this doesn ’ t happen is to vote in massive numbers , far beyond the potential “ margin of fraud.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail-in ballots that can be intercepted ) and take everyone who would vote GOP with you .
I must be getting old .
I remember when people won elections by espousing policies that the majority of people agreed with .
I even recall when one Democratic presidential candidate called it appalling and un-American to refuse to accept the results of a presidential election – before she went on to spend the next four years refusing to accept the results of the presidential election .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It was awfully sporting of a Democratic data and analytics firm to tell us in advance how the Democrats plan to steal the presidential election.
According to them, Trump may “appear” to have won on election night, even by a landslide.
But that will just be a “red mirage,” because so many Democrats will vote by mail that days later, the race will shift to Biden.
That’s the innocent-sounding version.
Those of a more suspicious nature might read it as, “We’ll find out on election night how many bogus mail-in ballots we’ll need to manufacture to overcome Trump’s lead.”
“Then if anyone questions those ballots, we’ll accuse the Republicans of trying to ‘suppress the minority vote’ and send our antifa shock troops out to burn down cities unless Trump concedes and hands over the White House.”
Again, if you think this can’t happen, I’ll refer to you this story, in which a Democratic operative described how easy it is to steal elections and how he’s been rigging them in New Jersey for years.
I hope the Republican National Committee is making plans to fight this since it’s been reported that the Democrats have already lined up at least 600 lawyers to challenge the vote.
This could be an open war, so our side had better be prepared.
Do you think Democrats will accept the result of the election if President Trump wins? 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: 1% (1 Votes) No: 99% (94 Votes)
Of course, the best way to ensure this doesn’t happen is to vote in massive numbers, far beyond the potential “margin of fraud.”
Go vote in person (not by mail-in ballots that can be intercepted) and take everyone who would vote GOP with you.
I must be getting old.
I remember when people won elections by espousing policies that the majority of people agreed with.
I even recall when one Democratic presidential candidate called it appalling and un-American to refuse to accept the results of a presidential election – before she went on to spend the next four years refusing to accept the results of the presidential election.
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.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-03--Op-Ed: I Was at the RNC – Here’s What Happened to Me When I Left the White House

My name is Lori Klein Corbin and I ’ m currently serving on the board of the Republican National Committee as the Arizona national committeewoman .
I was so proud to be invited to attend the acceptance speech by our president , Donald J. Trump , along with our Arizona delegation while at the Republican National Committee ’ s meeting in Charlotte , North Carolina , on Aug. 23 .
Our whole delegation immediately changed our return home date to attend this most historic event on the White House lawn .
After spending two nights at one of my girlfriend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought it wise to book myself at a hotel across from the White House , and since The Willard , one of my favorite hotels , had a smoking deal to stay , I booked two nights , coming in on Wednesday and leaving Friday .
Little did I know that upon leaving the White House grounds around midnight , I along with three other couples would be surrounded and verbally and physically accosted by an angry mob of violent thugs screaming the vilest and most obscene names at me and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gains on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls No police were there between us and the angry mob .
Since we tried to stay together and I was holding up the rear of the group , we had to divert ourselves to The Washington , which was a little closer than The Willard , which was completely blocked by so-called protesters , although it was only a block from the White House exit on Hamilton street on 15th Avenue and Pennsylvania .
One of the men in our group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mob member .
I don ’ t want to call them protesters as they were not protesting : They were vile and acting like monsters and animals , not peaceful protesters but leftist agitators .
They got right in my face , spitting and calling me every name in the book because I love my country , have been a conservative activist for over 40 years and was supporting freedom and my president by attending a White House event .
These radical leftist so-called protesters were not only screaming hate at me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even threatening physical violence to my person , but they were also threatening to burn down and destroy my beloved country that they claim to revile and hate .
I was sickened and have never been more afraid of being attacked physically .
I realized there was no reasoning with this wall of hatred , so I did not look any of them in the eye , nor did I utter a word but kept moving forward with our surrounded small group until we made it into the lobby of The Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Upon feeling relatively safe at The Washington , the two remaining couples and I asked for help from the front desk to get to our respective hotels .
Unfortunately , the hotel staff were rude and unhelpful when I asked if there was any way I could go underground to my hotel on the corner or get escorted to my hotel .
They refused any assistance .
The other two couples were staying at the Sofitel and Trump International .
So we planned to camp out in the lobby until we could get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man came in and said that there was a driver out front who would take us to our hotels for $ 50 each , to which we all said “ yes !
” It turned out to be a very nice man who was the driver for Karl Rove .
He had seen us being accosted and asked if he could help us .
So he drove the couple from Queen Creek to the Sofitel and then the driver let me off on 14th Street and kindly escorted me to the entrance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was a lifesaver and a very kind man .
RELATED : Tim Graham : Reporters Use 'Without Evidence ' Claim To Discredit Anything Trump Says That They Do n't Like After this , I was informed by the front desk that the area around our hotel would be blocked off for about seven blocks unless I wanted to leave at 6:00 a.m. — and I had a 3:00 p.m. flight on Friday .
I opted to leave when we could get a taxi and at least felt safe at the airport until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I never in my life thought that angry mobs comprised of radical leftists who hate America would be allowed to openly threaten to violate our rights to freely assemble without fear of violence .
This happens in third-world countries where the rule of law is not upheld and you have radical factions that use fear and violence to take power .
I never thought the communist factions in our country would come out of the shadows and be so emboldened by the Democratic Party and leftist media to actually terrorize cities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Democratic Party has been taken over by these radicals who are using antifa , BLM and other Marxist groups to divide and take power .
It isn ’ t really about black lives , although I agree all black lives matter and all of us are God ’ s children and God is colorblind as we all should be .
I must say that the vilest person attacking me on my way to the hotel was not black but a white agitator who — had he damaged me physically — would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bail .
This is clearly a violent mob using terrorist tactics to generate fear to stop Trump supporters and those who clearly don ’ t buy into their Marxist ideals and revolutionary tactics to tear down a great nation that our Founding Fathers built upon the idea that all men are endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights to life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness .
It seems there is no regard for those hallowed ideals and the left is using race to divide this nation when , as Martin Luther @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin .
The violent rioters out for political power by force obviously never got the memo .
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 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

My name is Lori Klein Corbin and I’m currently serving on the board of the Republican National Committee as the Arizona national committeewoman.
I was so proud to be invited to attend the acceptance speech by our president, Donald J. Trump, along with our Arizona delegation while at the Republican National Committee’s meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Aug. 23.
Our whole delegation immediately changed our return home date to attend this most historic event on the White House lawn.
After spending two nights at one of my girlfriend’s homes in Pentagon City, I thought it wise to book myself at a hotel across from the White House, and since The Willard, one of my favorite hotels, had a smoking deal to stay, I booked two nights, coming in on Wednesday and leaving Friday.
Little did I know that upon leaving the White House grounds around midnight, I along with three other couples would be surrounded and verbally and physically accosted by an angry mob of violent thugs screaming the vilest and most obscene names at me and our little group.
No police were there between us and the angry mob. Since we tried to stay together and I was holding up the rear of the group, we had to divert ourselves to The Washington, which was a little closer than The Willard, which was completely blocked by so-called protesters, although it was only a block from the White House exit on Hamilton street on 15th Avenue and Pennsylvania.
One of the men in our group was hit in the face by a mob member. I don’t want to call them protesters as they were not protesting: They were vile and acting like monsters and animals, not peaceful protesters but leftist agitators.
They got right in my face, spitting and calling me every name in the book because I love my country, have been a conservative activist for over 40 years and was supporting freedom and my president by attending a White House event.
These radical leftist so-called protesters were not only screaming hate at me, commenting on my race and my sex and even threatening physical violence to my person, but they were also threatening to burn down and destroy my beloved country that they claim to revile and hate.
Are you surprised to hear about the shocking behavior of these "protesters"? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 2% (2 Votes) No: 98% (87 Votes)
I was sickened and have never been more afraid of being attacked physically. I realized there was no reasoning with this wall of hatred, so I did not look any of them in the eye, nor did I utter a word but kept moving forward with our surrounded small group until we made it into the lobby of The Washington — which was not my destination.
Upon feeling relatively safe at The Washington, the two remaining couples and I asked for help from the front desk to get to our respective hotels.
Unfortunately, the hotel staff were rude and unhelpful when I asked if there was any way I could go underground to my hotel on the corner or get escorted to my hotel. They refused any assistance.
The other two couples were staying at the Sofitel and Trump International. So we planned to camp out in the lobby until we could get help going to our hotel when a man came in and said that there was a driver out front who would take us to our hotels for $50 each, to which we all said “yes!”
It turned out to be a very nice man who was the driver for Karl Rove. He had seen us being accosted and asked if he could help us. So he drove the couple from Queen Creek to the Sofitel and then the driver let me off on 14th Street and kindly escorted me to the entrance of my hotel at approximately 1:00 a.m. He was a lifesaver and a very kind man.
After this, I was informed by the front desk that the area around our hotel would be blocked off for about seven blocks unless I wanted to leave at 6:00 a.m. — and I had a 3:00 p.m. flight on Friday. I opted to leave when we could get a taxi and at least felt safe at the airport until I boarded my flight to return home.
I never in my life thought that angry mobs comprised of radical leftists who hate America would be allowed to openly threaten to violate our rights to freely assemble without fear of violence.
This happens in third-world countries where the rule of law is not upheld and you have radical factions that use fear and violence to take power. I never thought the communist factions in our country would come out of the shadows and be so emboldened by the Democratic Party and leftist media to actually terrorize cities and towns as they are doing now.
The Democratic Party has been taken over by these radicals who are using antifa, BLM and other Marxist groups to divide and take power. It isn’t really about black lives, although I agree all black lives matter and all of us are God’s children and God is colorblind as we all should be.
I must say that the vilest person attacking me on my way to the hotel was not black but a white agitator who — had he damaged me physically — would have been let out of jail and garnered bail.
This is clearly a violent mob using terrorist tactics to generate fear to stop Trump supporters and those who clearly don’t buy into their Marxist ideals and revolutionary tactics to tear down a great nation that our Founding Fathers built upon the idea that all men are endowed by their Creator with inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
It seems there is no regard for those hallowed ideals and the left is using race to divide this nation when, as Martin Luther King famously said, all men are to be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.
The violent rioters out for political power by force obviously never got the memo.
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.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-03--Trump Gets Battleground State Ad Buy from Pro-Life Group

The pro-life Susan B. Anthony List is highlighting Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s radical abortion stances in a six-figure newspaper ad buy , the group announced Thursday .
The group announced the ad buy ahead of a Sep. 9 event with Vice President Mike Pence in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania — part of its multi-state Life Wins !
tour pushing voters to examine where the Biden ticket stands on abortion .
“ Which will your conscience allow you to choose ?
” the advertisement asks , adding that the Democratic Party supports abortion up until birth , leaving “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to die and funding late-term abortions with taxpayer dollars .
The ad will be placed in Pennsylvania newspapers , according to a news release .
TRENDING : As Trump Gains on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls “ Life is winning across the nation , ” SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation .
“ It is an honor to partner with the Vice President to shine a spotlight on the Pennsylvania communities working hard to build up pro-life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mothers and their children.
” Biden has changed his position on abortion .
As early as 1973 , a 30-year-old Biden said that the Supreme Court ’ s ruling on Roe v. Wade had gone “ too far.
” He said a year later that a woman should not have the “ sole right to say what should happen to her body ” and repeatedly voted for pro-life legislation as a senator .
It was not until June 2019 that the former vice president flipped his stance on the Hyde Amendment , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortions except in cases of rape , incest or if the mother ’ s life is in danger .
Biden ’ s running mate , Democratic California Sen. Kamala Harris , promised as a presidential candidate to codify Roe v. Wade , require judicial nominees to support Roe v. Wade , repeal the Hyde Amendment , require private insurers to cover abortion and contraception , make abortion drugs and birth control available over the counter , preserve funding for Planned Parenthood and much more .
Harris has a long history of advocating for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against abortion bills protecting the unborn after 20 weeks of pregnancy and babies born alive after failed abortions .
Pro-life groups have condemned the Biden-Harris ticket as the “ most pro-abortion presidential ticket in American history.
” RELATED : RNC Speaker : Trump Valued My Son After Doctor Said His Life Was n't Worth Living A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The pro-life Susan B. Anthony List is highlighting Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s radical abortion stances in a six-figure newspaper ad buy, the group announced Thursday.
The group announced the ad buy ahead of a Sep. 9 event with Vice President Mike Pence in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — part of its multi-state Life Wins! tour pushing voters to examine where the Biden ticket stands on abortion.
“Which will your conscience allow you to choose?” the advertisement asks, adding that the Democratic Party supports abortion up until birth, leaving “a baby born alive after attempted abortion” to die and funding late-term abortions with taxpayer dollars.
The ad will be placed in Pennsylvania newspapers, according to a news release.
“Life is winning across the nation,” SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation.
“It is an honor to partner with the Vice President to shine a spotlight on the Pennsylvania communities working hard to build up pro-life resources to provide for the needs of mothers and their children.”
Biden has changed his position on abortion.
As early as 1973, a 30-year-old Biden said that the Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe v. Wade had gone “too far.” He said a year later that a woman should not have the “sole right to say what should happen to her body” and repeatedly voted for pro-life legislation as a senator.
It was not until June 2019 that the former vice president flipped his stance on the Hyde Amendment, which bans the use of federal funding for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or if the mother’s life is in danger.
Biden’s running mate, Democratic California Sen. Kamala Harris, promised as a presidential candidate to codify Roe v. Wade, require judicial nominees to support Roe v. Wade, repeal the Hyde Amendment, require private insurers to cover abortion and contraception, make abortion drugs and birth control available over the counter, preserve funding for Planned Parenthood and much more.
Harris has a long history of advocating for increased abortion access. She has voted against abortion bills protecting the unborn after 20 weeks of pregnancy and babies born alive after failed abortions.
Pro-life groups have condemned the Biden-Harris ticket as the “most pro-abortion presidential ticket in American history.”
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-03--Agent Says Chadwick Boseman’s Mother Inspired Him To Keep Cancer a Secret

When actor Chadwick Boseman passed away on Aug. 28 from stage four colon cancer , it was a shock to many .
He was young , and the world hadn ’ t even known the superhero was battling a life-threatening disease .
But that ’ s exactly what he wanted .
He kept his condition a secret , preferring to divulge his diagnosis to a select few and keep it out of the public eye .
He told some friends and family , as well as his producing partner Logan Coles , agent Michael Greene and trainer Addison Henderson .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Black Bottom , ” Greene noticed Boseman was suffering , but the actor powered on and “ felt that being able to be with [ co-star ] Denzel [ Washington ] and to launch this cycle of [ playwright ] August Wilson at Netflix was so exciting to him , ” according to The Hollywood Reporter .
TRENDING : As Trump Gains on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls Greene also recalled how Boseman always conscientiously selected the projects he would involve himself in and even got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role that involved a negative scenario .
“ Chad always made sure of the integrity , the ethics , the morals , ” Greene said , according to Essence .
“ I ’ ve represented a lot of clients , and started a lot of clients .
His commitment and loyalty was amazing.
” Boseman ’ s trainer was impressed with his client ’ s resolve , and likened him to his own father , who ’ d beaten cancer multiple times .
“ I used to tell Chad , ‘ Man , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ” Henderson recalled .
“ ‘ You guys are fighters , and you never stop moving forward.
’ For us , it was just like , ‘ Let ’ s keep going , let ’ s keep doing what you want to do , let ’ s keep training.
’ And then , me and Logan and his family , his wife [ Taylor Simone Ledward ] , we were always just here to support him.
” “ He was just living his artistic life to the fullest and using his time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Some of those not part of the inner circle of confidence noticed something was up , like Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick , Howard University president , who saw that Boseman had slimmed down a bit and assumed it was for a role .
“ In his usual style , he gave a long , detailed answer , explaining that he was a vegetarian and was exercising and trying to take care of himself and do what he had to do , ” Frederick told The Hollywood Reporter .
“ It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that anything else was happening.
” As others noted , Boseman didn ’ t let his troubles get in the way of throwing himself wholeheartedly into his work and tending to those around him .
“ One of his greatest attributes was never burdening anyone else , but being there to shoulder everyone else ’ s burdens , ” Frederick said .
Boseman ’ s agent , Greene , also said that at least some of Boseman ’ s decision to keep silent about the cancer was due to his mother .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to have people fuss over him , ” Greene said .
“ He also felt in this business that people trip out about things , and he was a very , very private person.
” Though he was taken far too soon , the actor will be remembered for his positive work , both on the screen and in his friends ’ lives .
“ Some people wait a lifetime to get the opportunity that he had , ” Henderson said , “ and Chad had so much wisdom , so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he wasn ’ t going to let this disease stop him from telling these amazing stories and showing his art in the prime of his life.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When actor Chadwick Boseman passed away on Aug. 28 from stage four colon cancer, it was a shock to many. He was young, and the world hadn’t even known the superhero was battling a life-threatening disease.
But that’s exactly what he wanted. He kept his condition a secret, preferring to divulge his diagnosis to a select few and keep it out of the public eye.
He told some friends and family, as well as his producing partner Logan Coles, agent Michael Greene and trainer Addison Henderson.
On the set of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” Greene noticed Boseman was suffering, but the actor powered on and “felt that being able to be with [co-star] Denzel [Washington] and to launch this cycle of [playwright] August Wilson at Netflix was so exciting to him,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Greene also recalled how Boseman always conscientiously selected the projects he would involve himself in and even got fired over his refusal to play a role that involved a negative scenario.
“Chad always made sure of the integrity, the ethics, the morals,” Greene said, according to Essence. “I’ve represented a lot of clients, and started a lot of clients. His commitment and loyalty was amazing.”
Boseman’s trainer was impressed with his client’s resolve, and likened him to his own father, who’d beaten cancer multiple times.
“I used to tell Chad, ‘Man, you remind me of my dad,'” Henderson recalled. “‘You guys are fighters, and you never stop moving forward.’ For us, it was just like, ‘Let’s keep going, let’s keep doing what you want to do, let’s keep training.’ And then, me and Logan and his family, his wife [Taylor Simone Ledward], we were always just here to support him.”
“He was just living his artistic life to the fullest and using his time and his moment to really affect people.”
Some of those not part of the inner circle of confidence noticed something was up, like Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, Howard University president, who saw that Boseman had slimmed down a bit and assumed it was for a role.
“In his usual style, he gave a long, detailed answer, explaining that he was a vegetarian and was exercising and trying to take care of himself and do what he had to do,” Frederick told The Hollywood Reporter. “It was a very thoughtful response, never letting on that anything else was happening.”
As others noted, Boseman didn’t let his troubles get in the way of throwing himself wholeheartedly into his work and tending to those around him.
“One of his greatest attributes was never burdening anyone else, but being there to shoulder everyone else’s burdens,” Frederick said.
Boseman’s agent, Greene, also said that at least some of Boseman’s decision to keep silent about the cancer was due to his mother.
“[She] always taught him not to have people fuss over him,” Greene said. “He also felt in this business that people trip out about things, and he was a very, very private person.”
Though he was taken far too soon, the actor will be remembered for his positive work, both on the screen and in his friends’ lives.
“Some people wait a lifetime to get the opportunity that he had,” Henderson said, “and Chad had so much wisdom, so much knowledge, so much inside of him that he wasn’t going to let this disease stop him from telling these amazing stories and showing his art in the prime of his life.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-03--Des Moines Black Lives Matter Organizer Arrested on 9 Felony Counts

A Black Lives Matter organizer was arrested in Johnston County , Iowa , on Tuesday .
University of Iowa police arrested the organizer , Matthew Bruce , 24 , and charged him with nine felony counts of assault with intent to injure a peace officer and one count of interfering with official acts .
The assaults occurred during a demonstration outside the university president ’ s residence .
According to criminal complaints acquired by KCRG-TV , Bruce pointed a laser beam light into the eyes of multiple police officers during the demonstration .
Several officers needed medical treatment following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls When officers approached Bruce and asked him to stop , the Black Lives Matter organizer ran away , according to the report .
He was arrested later that night .
This was the fourth time in recent months that Bruce has been arrested , according to the Iowa City Press-Citizen .
In June , he was accused of vandalizing a police patrol car and later voluntarily turned himself into Des Moines police on first-degree criminal mischief charges .
In July , Bruce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with bodily injury , two counts of assault of a peace officer and disorderly conduct .
In August , the BLM organizer was again charged with interfering with official acts when he allegedly ordered a group of followers to block off police detectives who were assigned to monitor a protest against a Des Moines City Council member .
On Tuesday , after Bruce ’ s latest arrest , Des Moines Black Lives Matter asked its Facebook followers to donate to the group ’ s bail fund .
“ Free all political prisoners .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the post said , providing links for contributions .
RELATED : Student Journalist Told To Resign from Management Position After Jacob Blake Tweet Black Lives Matter groups and supporters have been criticized for bailing out rioters , looters and other individuals committing criminal acts during the nationwide demonstrations that followed the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody .
The Black Lives Matter protests were reignited following the Aug. 23 police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A Black Lives Matter organizer was arrested in Johnson County, Iowa, on Tuesday.
University of Iowa police arrested the organizer, Matthew Bruce, 24, and charged him with nine felony counts of assault with intent to injure a peace officer and one count of interfering with official acts.
The assaults occurred during a demonstration outside the university president’s residence.
According to criminal complaints acquired by KCRG-TV, Bruce pointed a laser beam light into the eyes of multiple police officers during the demonstration.
Several officers needed medical treatment following the incident.
When officers approached Bruce and asked him to stop, the Black Lives Matter organizer ran away, according to the report. He was arrested later that night.
24-year-old Matthew Bruce faces nine charges of assault of a peace officer with intent of injury and one charge of interference with official acts. https://t.co/QrHb45Dzqd — We Are Iowa Local 5 (@weareiowa5news) September 1, 2020
This was the fourth time in recent months that Bruce has been arrested, according to the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
Is Black Lives Matter a violent movement? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (4557 Votes) No: 0% (17 Votes)
In June, he was accused of vandalizing a police patrol car and later voluntarily turned himself into Des Moines police on first-degree criminal mischief charges.
In July, Bruce was charged with interference of official acts with bodily injury, two counts of assault of a peace officer and disorderly conduct.
In August, the BLM organizer was again charged with interfering with official acts when he allegedly ordered a group of followers to block off police detectives who were assigned to monitor a protest against a Des Moines City Council member.
On Tuesday, after Bruce’s latest arrest, Des Moines Black Lives Matter asked its Facebook followers to donate to the group’s bail fund.
“Free all political prisoners. Donate to the bail fund,” the post said, providing links for contributions.
Black Lives Matter groups and supporters have been criticized for bailing out rioters, looters and other individuals committing criminal acts during the nationwide demonstrations that followed the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.
The Black Lives Matter protests were reignited following the Aug. 23 police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-03--DC Police Release Body Cam Footage of Deon Kay Shooting That Has Sparked Protests

Police have released body camera footage from Wednesday ’ s fatal shooting of 18-year-old Deon Kay in Washington , D.C. Kay was shot by an officer following a chase , and later died , according to WTTG-TV .
The news that Kay , who was black , died following the officer-involved shooting quickly motivated protestors to take to the streets of the country ’ s capital Wednesday night .
TRENDING : As Trump Gains on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls Many of those protestors called for the city to defund the police department .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser , and shouted phrases such as , “ Say his name , ” and “ Fire Newsham ” in reference to police chief Peter Newsham , WTTG-TV reported .
The Metropolitan Police Department quickly released body camera footage of the shooting early Thursday in an apparent attempt to get ahead of the narrative surrounding the incident .
The video shows the public a clearer picture of what they say happened leading up to the fatal shooting .
The video released by police leaves no doubt that the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pistol when he was shot once in the chest by a D.C. police officer .
WARNING : the following video is graphic in nature and might be offensive for some viewers .
Police stated Wednesday that Kay pulled a gun right before he was shot .
Police identified the officer who shot Kay as Alexander Alvarez .
RELATED : Student Journalist Told To Resign from Management Position After Jacob Blake Tweet In the video released by police , officers say only one shot was fired because Kay threw the weapon to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released seems to support the sequence of events described by police In a statement shared with WJZ-TV Wednesday , police said , “ During the foot pursuit , one of the suspects brandished a firearm .
In response , an officer discharged their firearm one time , striking the suspect.
” Another man who had been with Kay prior to the shooting was identified as 19-year-old Marcyelle Smith and was charged with carrying a pistol without a license .
Another man , 18-year-old Deonte Brown , was also arrested .
Police were called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the altercation occurred after receiving reports that a man in the area had been brandishing a firearm .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Police have released body camera footage from Wednesday’s fatal shooting of 18-year-old Deon Kay in Washington, D.C.
Kay was shot by an officer following a chase, and later died, according to WTTG-TV.
The news that Kay, who was black, died following the officer-involved shooting quickly motivated protestors to take to the streets of the country’s capital Wednesday night.
Police officers in Washington, D.C., fatally shot Deon Kay, an 18-year-old Black man who the department said had “brandished a firearm.” The killing prompted a late-night face-off between police and dozens of protesters outside a city police station. https://t.co/z68BpnYXl2 pic.twitter.com/q9ChW8es6O — ABC News (@ABC) September 3, 2020
Demonstration with over 100 people outside MPD’s 7th district station in DC after an officer shot and killed Deon Kay, a Black teenager who just turned 18 on August 10. Calls to defund MPD and invest in Black communities, housing, and health care instead. pic.twitter.com/vU6UZLBVdY — Abdallah Fayyad (@abdallah_fayyad) September 3, 2020
Many of those protestors called for the city to defund the police department.
One group of demonstrators gathered outside the home of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and shouted phrases such as, “Say his name,” and “Fire Newsham” in reference to police chief Peter Newsham, WTTG-TV reported.
The Metropolitan Police Department quickly released body camera footage of the shooting early Thursday in an apparent attempt to get ahead of the narrative surrounding the incident. The video shows the public a clearer picture of what they say happened leading up to the fatal shooting.
The video released by police leaves no doubt that the man identified on camera as Kay was holding a pistol when he was shot once in the chest by a D.C. police officer.
WARNING: the following video is graphic in nature and might be offensive for some viewers.
Police stated Wednesday that Kay pulled a gun right before he was shot.
Police identified the officer who shot Kay as Alexander Alvarez.
In the video released by police, officers say only one shot was fired because Kay threw the weapon to the side after he was shot.
Video released seems to support the sequence of events described by police
In a statement shared with WJZ-TV Wednesday, police said, “During the foot pursuit, one of the suspects brandished a firearm. In response, an officer discharged their firearm one time, striking the suspect.”
Do you think people are too quick to react to officer-involved shootings without waiting for any facts to be released? 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% (1701 Votes) No: 1% (10 Votes)
Another man who had been with Kay prior to the shooting was identified as 19-year-old Marcyelle Smith and was charged with carrying a pistol without a license.
Another man, 18-year-old Deonte Brown, was also arrested.
Police were called to a scene in the city where the altercation occurred after receiving reports that a man in the area had been brandishing a firearm.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-03--Right-Wing Firebrand Lauren Southern Is Back – Here’s How She Will Share Truth

One former right-wing firebrand known for her incendiary rhetoric is making a comeback with the intention of introducing nuance to the political dialogue .
Independent author and filmmaker Lauren Southern ended an unexplained year-long hiatus on June 19 , releasing an official video on her departure and current plans to fight the culture of “ hot-take politics ” by returning to long-form documentary production .
In an interview with The Western Journal , Southern assured audiences she has not parted ways with conservatism but is now determined to break from the “ tribalistic ” and hyperpartisan nature of the modern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ atmosphere some claim she had a hand in fostering .
“ Saying that I want to step away from any sort of groups online wasn ’ t me saying I disavow everything I ’ ve done or I ’ m not a conservative anymore , ” Southern said .
“ It was me saying I don ’ t want , in any work going forward , to be beholden to coming to a certain conclusion because people have told me that ’ s the conclusion I have to come to .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nuanced perspective and my views , I didn ’ t say anything about them having changed in my return video .
All I said was I ’ m open to being wrong .
I ’ m open to listening to other people , ” she added .
TRENDING : As Trump Gains on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls “ This should not be a controversial statement.
” The surprise return sparked no shortage of controversy , prompting negative headlines from across the aisle as well as attacks from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul Joseph Watson .
A young , blond Canadian woman with a penchant for blunt words and cutting verbal jabs , Southern first began turning heads within conservative circles in the mid-2010s .
Her public opposition to left-wing positions on sensitive subjects like feminism , modern gender theory , illegal immigration and Islamic culture catapulted the personality into a standard-bearing role on the cultural right .
A series of controversial political stunts , however , landed Southern in more than her fair share of precarious situations with her frequent incendiary sloganeering on-scene at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in turn led hard-line conservatives and left-wing establishment media publications alike to label Southern fringe and “ alt-right , ” while opposition activists stooped to outright threats and even physical violence against her .
The way of life was unsustainable , Southern told The Western Journal .
And the resulting content was anything but unproductive .
“ It was just chaotic doing this , going to protests and p—ing people off for a living , quite frankly , ” Southern said .
“ It was fun in the sense that I got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creative ways , but almost getting arrested every second week isn ’ t necessarily a sustainable living model.
” RELATED : Student Journalist Told To Resign from Management Position After Jacob Blake Tweet “ Have you ever had your mind changed by someone on the other side of the political spectrum that you got into an argument with on Twitter that instantly called you a name ?
… Has that person ever changed your mind ?
If anything , actually , they probably made you more invigorated to support your cause , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had to sit and think , ‘ OK , but am I doing that to other people ?
’ Am I doing that to people in the center or the left that could be curious to hear my ideas , that could be curious to actually go down this path of thinking and explore a conservative view of the world ?
” An uphill climb remains in order for Southern to ditch the polarizing image , however .
Her strong reservations regarding mass migration from the undeveloped world to Europe and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks , with one particular YouTube video on the topic drawing criticism well into 2020 , according to The New Zealand Herald .
The 2017 video , which has long since been deleted , saw Southern speaking at length on Western migration data and the “ Great Replacement ” — a conspiracy theory that suggests the global elite is committing a “ genocide by substitution ” against white Europeans by supporting mass immigration .
White supremacist terrorists like Brenton Tarrant , who killed 51 people in a mass shooting at two New Zealand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their subscription to the theory .
In a Friday statement to The Western Journal following her interview , Southern stood by previous claims that immigration without cultural assimilation damages the culture but explicitly distanced herself from the base “ Great Replacement ” theory and any violence committed in its name .
“ I have nothing but contempt for the Christchurch shooter and violent extremists of all kinds , ” Southern said .
“ I never had , nor do have any desire to rationalize the actions of such barbaric animals.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the result of a failure of research .
I should have done much more research on the origins and nuances of the ‘ Great Replacement ’ theory before using that term as the title for my video , ” Southern continued .
“ What I did not know , and should have taken the time to learn , is that the originator of the ‘ Great Replacement ’ theory , Renaud Camus , was not simply talking about population statistics , but was going into further theory about responsibilities for the alleged decline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigrant birth rates .
I was not commenting on any such theories , and did not want to be mistaken as doing such.
” “ Especially when the Christchurch shooter had used the theory to name his own twisted manifesto , I did not want to be associated with his repugnant madness and so deleted my video , ” she added .
Southern ’ s proposed solution to the often radical and hyperpartisan modern political discourse is not one with which the filmmaker is unfamiliar .
Before her 2019 departure from public life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful long-form documentary projects .
From “ Farmlands ” in 2018 to “ Borderless ” in 2019 , Southern introduced to the mainstream dialogue a wide variety of expert opinions and firsthand testimonials on the long-running South African farm attacks and the European migrant crisis .
With her newly announced project , “ Crossfire , ” Southern told The Western Journal she intends to do the same , detailing ongoing civil unrest in the United States as well as presenting the perspectives and policy solutions forwarded by law enforcement , social justice activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of police reform .
Southern later detailed the lengths to which her team went on previous projects in order to obtain an honest look at all sides of the topics presented , reporting from a crime-ridden South Africa and facing lengthy imprisonment in North Africa and the Middle East as they braved the dangerous conditions refugee Muslim migrants face on the road to Europe .
The foreign field experiences only seemed to solidify in Southern a belief that avoiding “ dicey situations ” and unnecessary controversy was the straightest route to a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report on South Africa , I probably could have hired 10 guys with guns and huge muscles to come with me , ” Southern said .
“ And that actually would not have been as helpful as just one person who understands South Africa.
” “ One thing that I learned very quickly traveling is you need to actually listen to the people who live there and listen to the people who are involved in the situations , first and foremost , ” Southern said .
“ So going into communities in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into policing situations , having someone who understands that environment and someone who lives in that environment rather than just striding in and being like , ‘ Hi , I ’ m a random blond girl .
Tell me your stories , ’ you have to actually lean on the people who understand the situation better than you.
” She went on to rebuke establishment media figures and political commentators for frequent failure to patiently listen , instead catering to a political landscape that “ rewards quick , quick content ” and shallow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too often forget as pundits is the listening part for sure — actually listening to what the other person says , ” she said .
“ You find , if you do — even if you ’ re in a debate that ’ s supposed to be heated and incensed and fun — if you listen , not only can you come up with better arguments against them , but if they are right , you can be corrected.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
@ @ @ @ @

One former right-wing firebrand known for her incendiary rhetoric is making a comeback with the intention of introducing nuance to the political dialogue.
Independent author and filmmaker Lauren Southern ended an unexplained year-long hiatus on June 19, releasing an official video on her departure and current plans to fight the culture of “hot-take politics” by returning to long-form documentary production.
In an interview with The Western Journal, Southern assured audiences she has not parted ways with conservatism but is now determined to break from the “tribalistic” and hyperpartisan nature of the modern political climate — an “unhelpful” atmosphere some claim she had a hand in fostering.
“Saying that I want to step away from any sort of groups online wasn’t me saying I disavow everything I’ve done or I’m not a conservative anymore,” Southern said. “It was me saying I don’t want, in any work going forward, to be beholden to coming to a certain conclusion because people have told me that’s the conclusion I have to come to.
“I want to look at things from a nuanced perspective and my views, I didn’t say anything about them having changed in my return video. All I said was I’m open to being wrong. I’m open to listening to other people,” she added.
“This should not be a controversial statement.”
[jwplayer 9noXlZ8i]
The surprise return sparked no shortage of controversy, prompting negative headlines from across the aisle as well as attacks from former right-wing allies like Milo Yiannopoulos and Paul Joseph Watson.
A young, blond Canadian woman with a penchant for blunt words and cutting verbal jabs, Southern first began turning heads within conservative circles in the mid-2010s.
Do you agree the political dialogue has become too partisan? 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% (178 Votes) No: 6% (11 Votes)
Her public opposition to left-wing positions on sensitive subjects like feminism, modern gender theory, illegal immigration and Islamic culture catapulted the personality into a standard-bearing role on the cultural right.
A series of controversial political stunts, however, landed Southern in more than her fair share of precarious situations with her frequent incendiary sloganeering on-scene at radical-left demonstrations and rallies.
Such displays in turn led hard-line conservatives and left-wing establishment media publications alike to label Southern fringe and “alt-right,” while opposition activists stooped to outright threats and even physical violence against her.
The way of life was unsustainable, Southern told The Western Journal. And the resulting content was anything but unproductive.
“It was just chaotic doing this, going to protests and p—ing people off for a living, quite frankly,” Southern said. “It was fun in the sense that I got to challenge a lot of popular narratives in creative ways, but almost getting arrested every second week isn’t necessarily a sustainable living model.”
“Have you ever had your mind changed by someone on the other side of the political spectrum that you got into an argument with on Twitter that instantly called you a name? … Has that person ever changed your mind? If anything, actually, they probably made you more invigorated to support your cause,” she later added.
“And then I had to sit and think, ‘OK, but am I doing that to other people?’ Am I doing that to people in the center or the left that could be curious to hear my ideas, that could be curious to actually go down this path of thinking and explore a conservative view of the world?”
An uphill climb remains in order for Southern to ditch the polarizing image, however. Her strong reservations regarding mass migration from the undeveloped world to Europe and the Americas have often resulted in left-wing media attacks, with one particular YouTube video on the topic drawing criticism well into 2020, according to The New Zealand Herald.
The 2017 video, which has long since been deleted, saw Southern speaking at length on Western migration data and the “Great Replacement” — a conspiracy theory that suggests the global elite is committing a “genocide by substitution” against white Europeans by supporting mass immigration.
White supremacist terrorists like Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people in a mass shooting at two New Zealand mosques last year, have been known for their subscription to the theory.
In a Friday statement to The Western Journal following her interview, Southern stood by previous claims that immigration without cultural assimilation damages the culture but explicitly distanced herself from the base “Great Replacement” theory and any violence committed in its name.
“I have nothing but contempt for the Christchurch shooter and violent extremists of all kinds,” Southern said. “I never had, nor do have any desire to rationalize the actions of such barbaric animals.”
“As for my video, it was the result of a failure of research. I should have done much more research on the origins and nuances of the ‘Great Replacement’ theory before using that term as the title for my video,” Southern continued. “What I did not know, and should have taken the time to learn, is that the originator of the ‘Great Replacement’ theory, Renaud Camus, was not simply talking about population statistics, but was going into further theory about responsibilities for the alleged decline in European birth rates and increase in immigrant birth rates. I was not commenting on any such theories, and did not want to be mistaken as doing such.”
“Especially when the Christchurch shooter had used the theory to name his own twisted manifesto, I did not want to be associated with his repugnant madness and so deleted my video,” she added.
Southern’s proposed solution to the often radical and hyperpartisan modern political discourse is not one with which the filmmaker is unfamiliar.
Before her 2019 departure from public life, Southern was heavily involved in two successful long-form documentary projects.
From “Farmlands” in 2018 to “Borderless” in 2019, Southern introduced to the mainstream dialogue a wide variety of expert opinions and firsthand testimonials on the long-running South African farm attacks and the European migrant crisis.
With her newly announced project, “Crossfire,” Southern told The Western Journal she intends to do the same, detailing ongoing civil unrest in the United States as well as presenting the perspectives and policy solutions forwarded by law enforcement, social justice activists and affected community members on the issue of police reform.
CROSSFIRE: Documentary Announcement Crossfire is my third documentary film project focusing on the issues surrounding policing, brutality, race, law and order. Visit https://t.co/V1YZy53bwC to support. https://t.co/ZPRRCogqNy — Lauren Southern (@Lauren_Southern) August 20, 2020
Southern later detailed the lengths to which her team went on previous projects in order to obtain an honest look at all sides of the topics presented, reporting from a crime-ridden South Africa and facing lengthy imprisonment in North Africa and the Middle East as they braved the dangerous conditions refugee Muslim migrants face on the road to Europe.
The foreign field experiences only seemed to solidify in Southern a belief that avoiding “dicey situations” and unnecessary controversy was the straightest route to a good story.
“When I went to report on South Africa, I probably could have hired 10 guys with guns and huge muscles to come with me,” Southern said. “And that actually would not have been as helpful as just one person who understands South Africa.”
“One thing that I learned very quickly traveling is you need to actually listen to the people who live there and listen to the people who are involved in the situations, first and foremost,” Southern said.
“So going into communities in the states that have been affected, going into policing situations, having someone who understands that environment and someone who lives in that environment rather than just striding in and being like, ‘Hi, I’m a random blond girl. Tell me your stories,’ you have to actually lean on the people who understand the situation better than you.”
She went on to rebuke establishment media figures and political commentators for frequent failure to patiently listen, instead catering to a political landscape that “rewards quick, quick content” and shallow discourse.
“The part that people too often forget as pundits is the listening part for sure — actually listening to what the other person says,” she said.
“You find, if you do — even if you’re in a debate that’s supposed to be heated and incensed and fun — if you listen, not only can you come up with better arguments against them, but if they are right, you can be corrected.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-03--Pelosi, Trump Admin Reach Deal To Head Off Impending Gov’t Shutdown

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Trump administration have informally agreed to a stopgap government-wide funding bill needed to avert a shutdown at the end of this month .
The accord is aimed at keeping any possibility of a government shutdown off the table amid ongoing battles over coronavirus relief legislation .
That ’ s according to Democratic and GOP aides on Capitol Hill who have been briefed on a Wednesday conversation between Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
“ House Democrats are for a clean continuing resolution , ” Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammil said .
“ We do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get funding to avoid a shutdown , ” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Thursday .
TRENDING : As Trump Gains on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls The duration of the temporary funding measure or what items might ride along haven ’ t been settled , aides say , and the Pelosi spokesman declined to further characterize the agreement .
The development comes as lawmakers are absent from Washington but are preparing to return for a brief pre-election session .
We are committed to truth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read our editorial standards .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Trump administration have informally agreed to a stopgap government-wide funding bill needed to avert a shutdown at the end of this month.
The accord is aimed at keeping any possibility of a government shutdown off the table amid ongoing battles over coronavirus relief legislation.
That’s according to Democratic and GOP aides on Capitol Hill who have been briefed on a Wednesday conversation between Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
“House Democrats are for a clean continuing resolution,” Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammil said.
“We do believe that we’ll be able to get funding to avoid a shutdown,” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Thursday.
The duration of the temporary funding measure or what items might ride along haven’t been settled, aides say, and the Pelosi spokesman declined to further characterize the agreement.
The development comes as lawmakers are absent from Washington but are preparing to return for a brief pre-election session.
[jwplayer IejgK3zS]
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.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-03--Woman Viciously Assaults Child Over His Trump Sign, Police Say

Police in Boulder , Colorado , are searching for a woman who allegedly assaulted a child during an altercation over a sign in support of President Donald Trump .
The reported crime occurred earlier this week when a 12-year-old was riding his bicycle while carrying a Trump campaign sign .
KMGH-TV in Denver reported the boy was attacked while riding the bike near the intersection of Folsom Street and Glenwood Drive in the city .
The boy ’ s father , Jesse Rosales , told police his son was riding with the sign when the woman turned around in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You want something to look at ?
” That ’ s when police say the woman became violent , per a report obtained by the outlet .
TRENDING : As Trump Gains on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls Police said the suspect began punching the boy in the back of the head and on his arms with a closed fist .
She also allegedly scratched him .
Per the police report , the woman then attempted to steal the Trump sign , which the child was using as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the boy told police , the woman stared and laughed at him .
In an interview with KMGH , the 12-year-old expressed fear and disappointment at being attacked by an adult over a political sign .
“ I didn ’ t want any conflict , anything , ” the child said .
“ I just wanted to show what I believe in.
” The boy added , “ Just don ’ t attack people , ’ cause what she did to me — that ’ s not OK. ” He told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his support for the president , but never by an adult .
Rosales told KMGH he would like to locate the woman so he can file criminal charges against her .
The alleged attacker was described as a white woman in her late 20s to mid-30s with blondish-brown shoulder-length hair .
The boy said she was riding a gray/blue moped and wearing a tan jacket and blue jeans .
The Republican National Committee issued a statement about the reported attack Wednesday .
The party asked Democrat presidential nominee Joe Biden to “ disavow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a child.
” The statement was also directed at Colorado Democrats .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Police in Boulder, Colorado, are searching for a woman who allegedly assaulted a child during an altercation over a sign in support of President Donald Trump.
The reported crime occurred earlier this week when a 12-year-old was riding his bicycle while carrying a Trump campaign sign.
KMGH-TV in Denver reported the boy was attacked while riding the bike near the intersection of Folsom Street and Glenwood Drive in the city.
The boy’s father, Jesse Rosales, told police his son was riding with the sign when the woman turned around in her vehicle and told the boy, “You want something to look at?”
That’s when police say the woman became violent, per a report obtained by the outlet.
Police said the suspect began punching the boy in the back of the head and on his arms with a closed fist.
She also allegedly scratched him.
Per the police report, the woman then attempted to steal the Trump sign, which the child was using as a shield.
Have you ever been violently confronted over your political views? 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% (508 Votes) No: 81% (2169 Votes)
Prior to the attack, the boy told police, the woman stared and laughed at him.
In an interview with KMGH, the 12-year-old expressed fear and disappointment at being attacked by an adult over a political sign.
“I didn’t want any conflict, anything,” the child said. “I just wanted to show what I believe in.”
The boy added, “Just don’t attack people, ’cause what she did to me — that’s not OK.”
He told the outlet he has been attacked before over his support for the president, but never by an adult.
Rosales told KMGH he would like to locate the woman so he can file criminal charges against her.
More Joe Biden voters terrorizing kids… this is becoming far too common of an occurrence. Sick. Boulder police: Woman assaults 12-year-old boy for carrying Trump campaign sign, tries to steal it | FOX31 Denver https://t.co/bbfR3ZSs24 — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 2, 2020
The alleged attacker was described as a white woman in her late 20s to mid-30s with blondish-brown shoulder-length hair.
The boy said she was riding a gray/blue moped and wearing a tan jacket and blue jeans.
The Republican National Committee issued a statement about the reported attack Wednesday.
The party asked Democrat presidential nominee Joe Biden to “disavow this act of hatred and violence on a child.”
The statement was also directed at Colorado Democrats.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-03--District Attorney Under Fire for Policy That Considers Looters’ ‘Needs’ When Determining Charges

A California district attorney wants prosecutors to consider the “ personal need [ s ] ” of people arrested for alleged looting when determining how to charge them .
The mandate from District Attorney Diana Becton of Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area does not let suspected looters off the hook entirely .
However , it does give prosecutors several factors to consider in deciding whether a person should be charged with burglary , petty theft or grand theft , or with “ looting.
” “ In order to promote consistent and equitable filing practices the follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consideration to filing of PC 463 , ” according to a copy of the guidelines released to East County Today .
When evaluating someone suspected of looting , a government attorney must ask the question : “ Was this theft offense substantially motivated by the state of emergency , or simply a theft offense which occurred contemporaneous to the declared state of emergency ?
” TRENDING : As Trump Gains on Biden , Rasmussen Uncovers Massive 'Suppression ' of National Polls Among the factors to be considered in answering this question are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open or closed to the public during the state of emergency ?
” and “ What was the manner and means by which the suspect gained entry to the target business ?
” Other factors include , “ What was the nature/quantity/value of the goods targeted ?
” and “ Was the theft was committed for financial gain or personal need ?
” The final factor , according to Becton ’ s office , reads : “ Is there an articulable reason why another statute wouldn ’ t adequately address the particular incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the mayor of Antioch , which is one of the county ’ s biggest cities .
“ When I read the policy , it was disturbing , ” Antioch Mayor Sean Wright told East County Today .
“ I understand the difference between protesting and looting .
Peaceful protesting is OK , looting is not .
For the district attorney to put out that kind of plan is irresponsible and where do you exactly draw the line on need because these are people ’ s businesses that are being impacted and livelihoods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Steve Aiello , president of the Antioch Police Officers Association , also panned the county ’ s guidelines , which , according to Snopes , were issued in June .
“ It ’ s reckless for the district attorney ’ s office to have this type of policy because it hurts the community , local business and business owners .
It shows the district attorney ’ s office is picking and choosing the types of crimes it will prosecute versus just following the laws on the books , ” Aiello told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , does our district attorney ’ s office advocate for the victims .
RELATED : In 'Gut Punch ' RNC Moment , Slain Officer 's Wife Nearly Weeps Reliving Night Looters Murdered Her Husband “ If it ’ s not the district attorney ’ s office , who then becomes the advocate and safety net for the victims and ensuring restitution is made , ” he added .
Becton ’ s spokesman , Scott Alonso , defended the DA ’ s new stance on suspected looting crimes .
“ The guidelines were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her senior leadership team because of the pandemic .
It is really important to underscore these guidelines are because of the COVID-19 shelter in place , ” he told East County Today .
“ We look at if the theft is because there is a state of emergency — or is this simply an offense contemporaneous to the state of emergency .
We wanted to ensure consistency across the office in considering any criminal charges for alleged violations of PC 463 , ” Alonso added .
PC 463 is a reference to California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitions and punishments for the crime of looting .
The statue states : “ Every person who violates Section 459 , punishable as a second-degree burglary pursuant to subdivision ( b ) of Section 461 , during and within an affected county in a ‘ state of emergency ’ or a ‘ local emergency , ’ or under an ‘ evacuation order , ’ resulting from an earthquake , fire , flood , riot , or other natural or manmade disaster shall be guilty of the crime of looting.
” The section adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a county jail for one year.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A California district attorney wants prosecutors to consider the “personal need[s]” of people arrested for alleged looting when determining how to charge them.
The mandate from District Attorney Diana Becton of Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area does not let suspected looters off the hook entirely.
However, it does give prosecutors several factors to consider in deciding whether a person should be charged with burglary, petty theft or grand theft, or with “looting.”
“In order to promote consistent and equitable filing practices the follow analysis is to be applied when giving consideration to filing of PC 463,” according to a copy of the guidelines released to East County Today.
When evaluating someone suspected of looting, a government attorney must ask the question: “Was this theft offense substantially motivated by the state of emergency, or simply a theft offense which occurred contemporaneous to the declared state of emergency?”
Among the factors to be considered in answering this question are the following: “Was the target business open or closed to the public during the state of emergency?” and “What was the manner and means by which the suspect gained entry to the target business?”
Other factors include, “What was the nature/quantity/value of the goods targeted?” and “Was the theft was committed for financial gain or personal need?”
The final factor, according to Becton’s office, reads: “Is there an articulable reason why another statute wouldn’t adequately address the particular incident?”
The policy is taking flak from the mayor of Antioch, which is one of the county’s biggest cities.
Do you think this policy will lead to more looting? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (388 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
“When I read the policy, it was disturbing,” Antioch Mayor Sean Wright told East County Today.
“I understand the difference between protesting and looting. Peaceful protesting is OK, looting is not. For the district attorney to put out that kind of plan is irresponsible and where do you exactly draw the line on need because these are people’s businesses that are being impacted and livelihoods that are being destroyed,” Wright said.
Steve Aiello, president of the Antioch Police Officers Association, also panned the county’s guidelines, which, according to Snopes, were issued in June.
“It’s reckless for the district attorney’s office to have this type of policy because it hurts the community, local business and business owners. It shows the district attorney’s office is picking and choosing the types of crimes it will prosecute versus just following the laws on the books,” Aiello told the local outlet.
“At what point, does our district attorney’s office advocate for the victims.
“If it’s not the district attorney’s office, who then becomes the advocate and safety net for the victims and ensuring restitution is made,” he added.
Becton’s spokesman, Scott Alonso, defended the DA’s new stance on suspected looting crimes.
“The guidelines were put in place by DA Becton and her senior leadership team because of the pandemic. It is really important to underscore these guidelines are because of the COVID-19 shelter in place,” he told East County Today.
“We look at if the theft is because there is a state of emergency — or is this simply an offense contemporaneous to the state of emergency. We wanted to ensure consistency across the office in considering any criminal charges for alleged violations of PC 463,” Alonso added.
PC 463 is a reference to California Penal Code Section 463, which outlines definitions and punishments for the crime of looting.
The statue states: “Every person who violates Section 459, punishable as a second-degree burglary pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 461, during and within an affected county in a ‘state of emergency’ or a ‘local emergency,’ or under an ‘evacuation order,’ resulting from an earthquake, fire, flood, riot, or other natural or manmade disaster shall be guilty of the crime of looting.”
The section adds looting is “punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for one year.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.