westernjournal--2020-06-28--Here Are the Most Federally Dependent States in 2020

As federal assistance for states struggling during the coronavirus pandemic has been recently scrutinized , researchers compared the amount of money each state receives from the federal government to create a list of states that are federally dependent .
The list was compiled by WalletHub in order to determine the difference in federal dependence from state to state .
“ While the government has shelled out around $ 750 billion total to states during this crisis , it faces questions about whether the distribution has been truly equitable and efficient , ” managing editor John Kiernan wrote .
The researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , U.S. Census Bureau , USAspending.gov and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compare the 50 states in twoareas : “ State Residents ’ Dependency ” and “ State Government ’ s Dependency.
” Each state was then weighted against three different metrics to calculate its overall score to rank it in order of dependence on federal funds .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame The metrics were Return on Taxes Paid to the Federal Government , Share of Federal Jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Revenue .
After each state was ranked , it was categorized into either a positive category , like the lowest amount of grants received , or a negative category , like the highest amount of other financial assistance received .
The five most dependent states are New Mexico , Kentucky , Mississippi , West Virginia and Montana .
The five least dependent states are Utah , Iowa , Delaware , New Jersey and Kansas .
To view the full list , follow this link to WalletHub .
Nebraska , New Jersey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lowest amount of grants while Montana , Mississippi , New Mexico , West Virginia and Alaska received the highest amount of grants .
The states that received the lowest amount of other financial assistance were Delaware , Massachusetts , New Jersey , Illinois and Maryland .
RELATED : After Trump 's Executive Order , Four Men Face Federal Charges for Andrew Jackson Statue Incident The states that received the highest amount of other financial assistance were West Virginia , Indiana , Kentucky , South Carolina and North Dakota .
The coronavirus stimulus package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money to be divided among the 50 states based on population , WalletHub reported .
However , the allocation of funds appeared to be backward as states with fewer virus cases received more money than those with a large number of cases .
For example , Alaska received nearly $ 3.4 million per positive test while New York received $ 24,000 per positive test , according to The Associated Press .
“ If there ’ s a fire , you don ’ t spray the whole neighborhood .
You spray the house that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hammond , director of public health policy at the Empire Center for Public Policy , told the AP .
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States , the number of individuals relying on government assistance had decreased under the Trump administration , according to WalletHub .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As federal assistance for states struggling during the coronavirus pandemic has been recently scrutinized, researchers compared the amount of money each state receives from the federal government to create a list of states that are federally dependent.
The list was compiled by WalletHub in order to determine the difference in federal dependence from state to state.
“While the government has shelled out around $750 billion total to states during this crisis, it faces questions about whether the distribution has been truly equitable and efficient,” managing editor John Kiernan wrote.
The researchers used data from the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Census Bureau, USAspending.gov and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to compare the 50 states in twoareas: “State Residents’ Dependency” and “State Government’s Dependency.”
Each state was then weighted against three different metrics to calculate its overall score to rank it in order of dependence on federal funds.
The metrics were Return on Taxes Paid to the Federal Government, Share of Federal Jobs and Federal Funding as a Share of State Revenue.
After each state was ranked, it was categorized into either a positive category, like the lowest amount of grants received, or a negative category, like the highest amount of other financial assistance received.
The five most dependent states are New Mexico, Kentucky, Mississippi, West Virginia and Montana.
The five least dependent states are Utah, Iowa, Delaware, New Jersey and Kansas.
To view the full list, follow this link to WalletHub.
Nebraska, New Jersey, Minnesota, Delaware and Illinois received the lowest amount of grants while Montana, Mississippi, New Mexico, West Virginia and Alaska received the highest amount of grants.
The states that received the lowest amount of other financial assistance were Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois and Maryland.
The states that received the highest amount of other financial assistance were West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina and North Dakota.
Were you surprised by where your state was ranked? Yes No
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The coronavirus stimulus package initially allocated $150 billion in federal money to be divided among the 50 states based on population, WalletHub reported.
However, the allocation of funds appeared to be backward as states with fewer virus cases received more money than those with a large number of cases.
For example, Alaska received nearly $3.4 million per positive test while New York received $24,000 per positive test, according to The Associated Press.
“If there’s a fire, you don’t spray the whole neighborhood. You spray the house that’s on fire,” Bill Hammond, director of public health policy at the Empire Center for Public Policy, told the AP.
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States, the number of individuals relying on government assistance had decreased under the Trump administration, according to WalletHub.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--New Zealand Gun Crime Hits 10-Year High After Strict Gun Confiscation

It ’ s been more than a year since New Zealand instituted strict gun confiscation in the wake of a mass shooting in Christchurch in March 2019 .
So according to liberal logic , gun crime in New Zealand should be at an all-time low now .
But that ’ s the opposite of what has happened .
According to figures obtained by Radio New Zealand , “ [ L ] ast year had the highest rates of gun crime and deaths involving firearms for nearly 10 years.
” The gun-control legislation implemented in New Zealand banned all “ military-style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rifles.
” In an effort to take those weapons out of circulation , the country established a mandatory “ gun buyback.
” In 2014 , before the implementation of gun control , New Zealand had a gun-related death rate of less than 1 per 1 million people .
According to Radio New Zealand , the nation recorded 2.4 gun-related deaths per million people in each of the past two years .
So if the goal is to reduce gun violence , gun control is an epic failure .
At the very least , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun crime .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame This should not come as much of a surprise .
A 2018 study by two pro-gun-control groups found no observable effect on gun homicides and suicide rates in California that could be linked to gun-control laws in the state .
Similarly , if gun control worked as well as liberals claim it does , Chicago would be a peaceful utopia .
Instead , the Windy City is an epicenter of gun violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims of gun violence in the nation ’ s third-largest city , with 14 losing their lives .
Perhaps it never occurred to gun-control advocates that criminals , who by definition do not obey laws , are not deterred by strict gun-control laws .
As a group of New Mexico sheriffs speaking out against proposed gun-control legislation in their state in 2019 explained , “ you ’ re just taking guns out of law-abiding citizens ’ hands.
” “ This is not going to affect the criminals out there .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they do not follow the law.
” In America , law-abiding citizens need guns more than ever as left-wing mobs push to “ defund the police ” and go on rampages of looting and destroying businesses .
This anarchistic unrest comes in the wake of the death of George Floyd in police custody a month ago .
Yet these arguments do not deter liberals .
Should Joe Biden win the presidency in November , he has promised to make anti-gun extremist Beto O ’ Rourke his gun-control czar .
Liberals would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in America that proved ineffective in New Zealand .
In light of the failure of gun-control measures to reduce gun violence in New Zealand , it might make sense for the nation to reconsider its “ assault weapons ” bans and gun confiscation program .
Instead , New Zealand is doubling down on its gun-control efforts .
According to Reuters , New Zealand implemented a gun registry earlier this month .
Residents will be required to update the registry as they buy or sell guns .
RELATED : Supreme Court Conservatives Blast Fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It might seem tempting to dismiss the idea of such wide-reaching gun control ever taking effect in the United States .
After all , the right to keep and bear arms is explicitly protected in the Second Amendment to the Constitution .
However , liberals have made it clear that they see abolishing the Second Amendment as part of their long-range plan .
The late Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens wrote as much in a 2018 New York Times Op-Ed titled “ Repeal the Second Amendment.
” Liberals and Democrats should look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here at home before moving ahead with their gun-control agenda — even though these statistics probably will have the New Zealand effect , causing liberals at home to push for more gun control , not less .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s been more than a year since New Zealand instituted strict gun confiscation in the wake of a mass shooting in Christchurch in March 2019. So according to liberal logic, gun crime in New Zealand should be at an all-time low now.
But that’s the opposite of what has happened. According to figures obtained by Radio New Zealand, “[L]ast year had the highest rates of gun crime and deaths involving firearms for nearly 10 years.”
The gun-control legislation implemented in New Zealand banned all “military-style” semi-automatic guns and so-called “assault rifles.” In an effort to take those weapons out of circulation, the country established a mandatory “gun buyback.”
In 2014, before the implementation of gun control, New Zealand had a gun-related death rate of less than 1 per 1 million people. According to Radio New Zealand, the nation recorded 2.4 gun-related deaths per million people in each of the past two years.
So if the goal is to reduce gun violence, gun control is an epic failure. At the very least, gun control does very little to reduce gun crime.
This should not come as much of a surprise. A 2018 study by two pro-gun-control groups found no observable effect on gun homicides and suicide rates in California that could be linked to gun-control laws in the state.
Similarly, if gun control worked as well as liberals claim it does, Chicago would be a peaceful utopia. Instead, the Windy City is an epicenter of gun violence. Last weekend, 104 people became victims of gun violence in the nation’s third-largest city, with 14 losing their lives.
Perhaps it never occurred to gun-control advocates that criminals, who by definition do not obey laws, are not deterred by strict gun-control laws.
As a group of New Mexico sheriffs speaking out against proposed gun-control legislation in their state in 2019 explained, “you’re just taking guns out of law-abiding citizens’ hands.”
Will Democrats implement New Zealand-style gun control if Biden wins the presidency? Yes No
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“This is not going to affect the criminals out there. They’re going to be able to get guns, and they do not follow the law.”
In America, law-abiding citizens need guns more than ever as left-wing mobs push to “defund the police” and go on rampages of looting and destroying businesses. This anarchistic unrest comes in the wake of the death of George Floyd in police custody a month ago.
Yet these arguments do not deter liberals. Should Joe Biden win the presidency in November, he has promised to make anti-gun extremist Beto O’Rourke his gun-control czar. Liberals would love to implement the same gun-control measures in America that proved ineffective in New Zealand.
In light of the failure of gun-control measures to reduce gun violence in New Zealand, it might make sense for the nation to reconsider its “assault weapons” bans and gun confiscation program. Instead, New Zealand is doubling down on its gun-control efforts.
According to Reuters, New Zealand implemented a gun registry earlier this month. Residents will be required to update the registry as they buy or sell guns.
It might seem tempting to dismiss the idea of such wide-reaching gun control ever taking effect in the United States. After all, the right to keep and bear arms is explicitly protected in the Second Amendment to the Constitution.
However, liberals have made it clear that they see abolishing the Second Amendment as part of their long-range plan. The late Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens wrote as much in a 2018 New York Times Op-Ed titled “Repeal the Second Amendment.”
Liberals and Democrats should look at the statistics in New Zealand and here at home before moving ahead with their gun-control agenda — even though these statistics probably will have the New Zealand effect, causing liberals at home to push for more gun control, not less.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--Son of Muhammad Ali: My Father Would Have Hated ‘Racist’ BLM, Supported Trump

Four years after the death of boxer and activist Muhammad Ali , the legendary fighter ’ s son said he is confident his father would have supported President Donald Trump and opposed the Black Lives Matter movement .
Speaking with the New York Post , Muhammad Ali Jr. said , “ I think Trump ’ s a good president .
My father would have supported him .
Trump ’ s not a racist ; he ’ s for all the people .
Democrats are the ones who are racist and not for everybody.
” Regarding the Black Lives Matter movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said he believes his father would have described the BLM activists who have gone on rampages in major cities as “ devils.
” Ali Jr. said he believes BLM is “ racist.
” TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame The fact that Muhammad Ali ’ s son thinks his father would have supported Trump probably horrifies BLM activists , who want to portray themselves as civil rights protesters like Ali .
The fighter famously refused to be drafted during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beliefs .
However , Ali Jr. made it clear he does not classify the BLM protests in the same category as his father ’ s activism .
According to the younger Ali , the Black Lives Matter movement is “ no different from Muslim terrorists , ” adding “ they ’ re terrorizing the community.
” Ali Jr. also slammed the BLM anarchists for “ f—ing up businesses , beating up innocent people in the neighborhood , smashing up police stations and shops.
” Ali Jr. isn ’ t the first relative of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unease with the Black Lives Matter movement .
Alveda King , the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. , urged protesters to respond to the death of George Floyd with “ love , ” not violence .
As for the left-wing activists who see themselves as the freedom fighters of this generation , many of their objectives directly contradict what Dr. King stood for .
The “ autonomous zone ” protesters , who have created an enclave known as “ CHOP ” within the city of Seattle , have demanded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ King , on the other hand , had a different vision for America .
He dreamed about a country where people “ will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
” The fact that the anarchists populating “ CHOP ” would come up with such a ridiculous demand should not come as much of a surprise .
After all , these people don ’ t really seem to care about achieving racial equality .
Rather , they want to use that issue as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Part of that agenda involves defunding the police , a step that New York City already has partially taken .
Muhammad Ali Jr. strongly pushed back on the demonization of police : “ Not all the police are bad ; there ’ s just a few , ” he said .
“ There ’ s a handful of police that are crooked ; they should be locked up.
” RELATED : Race Stats for Protesters Finally Come Out , Destroy Leftist Narrative Regarding his own experiences with police , Ali Jr. said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a cop .
They ’ ve always been nice and protect me .
I don ’ t have a problem with them.
” Sadly , in the time since Ali ’ s death in June 2016 , the sports world has been hijacked by social justice warriors .
NFL great Brett Favre actually compared Colin Kaepernick — the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who took a knee during the national anthem and wore socks depicting police officers as pigs — to Pat Tillman .
Tillman gave up his NFL career to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorist attacks in 2001 .
He ended up losing his life to friendly fire three years later at the age of 27 .
Every entitled left-wing activist wants to portray themselves in the mold of Pat Tillman or Muhammad Ali , but they don ’ t come close .
The ESPN ESPY Awards , which took place June 21 , turned into a public service announcement for BLM .
After previously expressing disapproval of football players kneeling for the national anthem to protest police brutality , NFL quarterback Drew Brees caved to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points .
Ultimately , Americans will never know for sure how Muhammad Ali , formerly known as Cassius Clay , actually would feel about Trump and Black Lives Matter .
But based on the radical left going far off the deep end since Ali ’ s death , it seems logical that “ The Greatest ” might want to push back on snowflake culture and the regressive politics of the left .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Four years after the death of boxer and activist Muhammad Ali, the legendary fighter’s son said he is confident his father would have supported President Donald Trump and opposed the Black Lives Matter movement.
Speaking with the New York Post, Muhammad Ali Jr. said, “I think Trump’s a good president. My father would have supported him. Trump’s not a racist; he’s for all the people. Democrats are the ones who are racist and not for everybody.”
Muhammad Ali’s son says dad would have hated ‘racist’ Black Lives Matter https://t.co/HeCg2RgHqe pic.twitter.com/vuMkFRXkOW — New York Post (@nypost) June 20, 2020
Regarding the Black Lives Matter movement, Ali Jr. did not mince words. He said he believes his father would have described the BLM activists who have gone on rampages in major cities as “devils.” Ali Jr. said he believes BLM is “racist.”
The fact that Muhammad Ali’s son thinks his father would have supported Trump probably horrifies BLM activists, who want to portray themselves as civil rights protesters like Ali. The fighter famously refused to be drafted during the Vietnam War because of his religious beliefs.
However, Ali Jr. made it clear he does not classify the BLM protests in the same category as his father’s activism. According to the younger Ali, the Black Lives Matter movement is “no different from Muslim terrorists,” adding “they’re terrorizing the community.”
Ali Jr. also slammed the BLM anarchists for “f—ing up businesses, beating up innocent people in the neighborhood, smashing up police stations and shops.”
Ali Jr. isn’t the first relative of a deceased civil rights icon to express unease with the Black Lives Matter movement. Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., urged protesters to respond to the death of George Floyd with “love,” not violence.
Does the sports world's embrace of Black Lives Matter make you less likely to watch sports? Yes No
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As for the left-wing activists who see themselves as the freedom fighters of this generation, many of their objectives directly contradict what Dr. King stood for.
The “autonomous zone” protesters, who have created an enclave known as “CHOP” within the city of Seattle, have demanded the creation of racially segregated hospitals.
Dr. King, on the other hand, had a different vision for America. He dreamed about a country where people “will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
The fact that the anarchists populating “CHOP” would come up with such a ridiculous demand should not come as much of a surprise. After all, these people don’t really seem to care about achieving racial equality. Rather, they want to use that issue as an excuse to push a radical agenda.
Part of that agenda involves defunding the police, a step that New York City already has partially taken. Muhammad Ali Jr. strongly pushed back on the demonization of police: “Not all the police are bad; there’s just a few,” he said. “There’s a handful of police that are crooked; they should be locked up.”
Regarding his own experiences with police, Ali Jr. said, “I never had a bad scene with a cop. They’ve always been nice and protect me. I don’t have a problem with them.”
Sadly, in the time since Ali’s death in June 2016, the sports world has been hijacked by social justice warriors. NFL great Brett Favre actually compared Colin Kaepernick — the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who took a knee during the national anthem and wore socks depicting police officers as pigs — to Pat Tillman.
Tillman gave up his NFL career to serve in the U.S. Army after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. He ended up losing his life to friendly fire three years later at the age of 27. Every entitled left-wing activist wants to portray themselves in the mold of Pat Tillman or Muhammad Ali, but they don’t come close.
The ESPN ESPY Awards, which took place June 21, turned into a public service announcement for BLM. After previously expressing disapproval of football players kneeling for the national anthem to protest police brutality, NFL quarterback Drew Brees caved to the radical left and began reciting BLM talking points.
Ultimately, Americans will never know for sure how Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay, actually would feel about Trump and Black Lives Matter.
But based on the radical left going far off the deep end since Ali’s death, it seems logical that “The Greatest” might want to push back on snowflake culture and the regressive politics of the left.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--After Trump’s Executive Order, Four Men Face Federal Charges for Andrew Jackson Statue Incident

On the same day President Donald Trump issued an executive order to crack down on vandals destroying statues and monuments that are part of America ’ s heritage , the Justice Department filed charges against four men in connection with an effort to topple a statue of former President Andrew Jackson .
Trump on Friday had also tweeted a composite of 15 individuals sought by the FBI after last Monday ’ s attempt to take down the statue of Jackson that stands in Lafayette Square across from the White House in Washington , D.C .
According to a Saturday news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four men facing charges are Lee Michael Cantrell , 47 , of Virginia ; Connor Matthew Judd , 20 , of D.C. ; Ryan Lane , 37 , of Maryland ; and Graham Lloyd , 37 , of Maine .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame They were charged with destruction of federal property , said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin , Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office ’ s Criminal Division James A. Dawson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park Police Gregory T. Monahan .
A criminal complaint claims video shows that on Monday , Cantrell attempted to “ pry the statue off its base with a wooden board ” and later tried to “ pull the statue down with the aid of a yellow strap , ” according to the news release .
The complaint said video evidence links Judd and Lane to unsuccessful efforts to pull down the statue .
Video evidence was also cited in the complaint ’ s claim that Lloyd broke off and destroyed wheels of cannons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in addition to attempting to pull down the statue , according to the release .
Judd was the only one arrested to date , the DOJ said Saturday .
The department indicated that officials are trying to track down others involved in the attempt to destroy the statue .
To that end , Trump on Friday tweeted a series of images released by authorities in an effort to identify individuals involved in trying to topple the statue : RELATED : Trump Expects Twitter Will Ban Him Shortly Before November Election Echoing the spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials involved in charging the four men said in Saturday ’ s statement that they would protect America ’ s heritage .
“ The United States Attorney ’ s Office for the District of Columbia will not stand idly by and allow our national monuments to be vandalized and destroyed , ” Sherwin said .
“ This Office remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the sacred First Amendment right of individuals to peacefully protest , but these charges should serve as a warning to those who choose to desecrate the statues and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital : your violent behavior and criminal conduct will not be tolerated.
” “ Members of the United States Park Police are working tirelessly to provide quality law enforcement , safeguard lives , protect our national treasures and symbols of democracy , and preserve the natural and cultural resources entrusted to its service , ” Monahan added .
“ We are committed to ensuring that citizens are able to freely exercise their constitutional rights in a safe and peaceful manner .
“ The deplorable acts of violence and destruction of property are unacceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing collaborative investigations and enforcement efforts.
” On Friday , the White House announced Trump had signed an executive order “ that ensures that any person or group that destroys or vandalizes a monument , memorial , or statue , ” as well as “ those who incite violence and illegal activity , ” are “ prosecuted to the fullest extent under the law.
” The White House noted that damaging federal property carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison .
The executive order , meanwhile , said that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fail to protect monuments , memorials , and statues will be subject to the withholding of federal support.
” The attorney general ’ s office will spearhead the prosecution of those who damage federal property , the order said .
“ They ’ re tearing down statues , desecrating monuments , and purging dissenters , ” Trump said in a statement .
“ It ’ s not the behavior of a peaceful political movement ; it ’ s the behavior of totalitarians and tyrants and people that don ’ t love our country.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On the same day President Donald Trump issued an executive order to crack down on vandals destroying statues and monuments that are part of America’s heritage, the Justice Department filed charges against four men in connection with an effort to topple a statue of former President Andrew Jackson.
Trump on Friday had also tweeted a composite of 15 individuals sought by the FBI after last Monday’s attempt to take down the statue of Jackson that stands in Lafayette Square across from the White House in Washington, D.C.
MANY people in custody, with many others being sought for Vandalization of Federal Property in Lafayette Park. 10 year prison sentences! @FBIWFO pic.twitter.com/mrLyxbWNvq — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2020
According to a Saturday news release from the Justice Department, the four men facing charges are Lee Michael Cantrell, 47, of Virginia; Connor Matthew Judd, 20, of D.C.; Ryan Lane, 37, of Maryland; and Graham Lloyd, 37, of Maine.
They were charged with destruction of federal property, said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael R. Sherwin, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division James A. Dawson, and Acting Chief of the United States Park Police Gregory T. Monahan.
President @realDonaldTrump is prosecuting individuals tearing down our statues to the fullest extent of the law! “Four Men Charged in Federal Court for Attempting to Tear Down Statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square Amid Protests” https://t.co/5XAhloZLG3 — Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) June 28, 2020
A criminal complaint claims video shows that on Monday, Cantrell attempted to “pry the statue off its base with a wooden board” and later tried to “pull the statue down with the aid of a yellow strap,” according to the news release.
Should those who vandalize statues be imprisoned for 10 years? Yes No
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The complaint said video evidence links Judd and Lane to unsuccessful efforts to pull down the statue.
Video evidence was also cited in the complaint’s claim that Lloyd broke off and destroyed wheels of cannons at the statue’s base, in addition to attempting to pull down the statue, according to the release.
Judd was the only one arrested to date, the DOJ said Saturday.
The department indicated that officials are trying to track down others involved in the attempt to destroy the statue.
To that end, Trump on Friday tweeted a series of images released by authorities in an effort to identify individuals involved in trying to topple the statue:
MANY people in custody, with many others being sought for Vandalization of Federal Property in Lafayette Park. 10 year prison sentences! @FBIWFO pic.twitter.com/mrLyxbWNvq — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2020
Echoing the spirit of Trump’s executive order, officials involved in charging the four men said in Saturday’s statement that they would protect America’s heritage.
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia will not stand idly by and allow our national monuments to be vandalized and destroyed,” Sherwin said.
“This Office remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the sacred First Amendment right of individuals to peacefully protest, but these charges should serve as a warning to those who choose to desecrate the statues and monuments that adorn our nation’s capital: your violent behavior and criminal conduct will not be tolerated.”
“Members of the United States Park Police are working tirelessly to provide quality law enforcement, safeguard lives, protect our national treasures and symbols of democracy, and preserve the natural and cultural resources entrusted to its service,” Monahan added. “We are committed to ensuring that citizens are able to freely exercise their constitutional rights in a safe and peaceful manner.
“The deplorable acts of violence and destruction of property are unacceptable and will continue to be pursued through ongoing collaborative investigations and enforcement efforts.”
On Friday, the White House announced Trump had signed an executive order “that ensures that any person or group that destroys or vandalizes a monument, memorial, or statue,” as well as “those who incite violence and illegal activity,” are “prosecuted to the fullest extent under the law.”
The White House noted that damaging federal property carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
The executive order, meanwhile, said that “state and local law enforcement agencies that fail to protect monuments, memorials, and statues will be subject to the withholding of federal support.”
The attorney general’s office will spearhead the prosecution of those who damage federal property, the order said.
“They’re tearing down statues, desecrating monuments, and purging dissenters,” Trump said in a statement.
“It’s not the behavior of a peaceful political movement; it’s the behavior of totalitarians and tyrants and people that don’t love our country.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--Minneapolis Spends $63,000 on Own City Council Members’ Private Security as They Move To Disband Pol

Minneapolis Spends $63,000 on Own City Council Members’ Private Security as They Move To Disband Police

I wonder if the members of the Minneapolis City Council realize the irony of the fact that their private security details are costing taxpayers a reported $ 4,500 per day .
Minneapolis , the city where George Floyd died after a police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes and where the protests which have swept the nation started , took the first steps toward disbanding their police department late last week .
According to WCCO-TV , a resolution authored by five of the council members seeks to change the city charter to make disbanding the police department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was unanimously approved Friday , represents the start of a process that , if successful , will result in a measure being put on the ballot in November that allows citizens to decide if they want to amend the charter .
The charter currently says there needs to be a police department in the city .
But the proposed amendment would replace the police department with “ a department of community safety and violence prevention , ” which is supposed to take “ a holistic , public-health-oriented approach.
” “ Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those situations that are difficult to de-escalate , but I think that it ’ s important for us to keep in perspective that most of what police do is not respond to violent situations , ” Councilman Jeremiah Ellison said .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame The police , mind you , will still be around for a while .
The city council has hedged its bets by placing in the ordinance a provision for “ a division of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace officers.
” Ellison says , for instance , that someone needed to deal with George Floyd allegedly passing counterfeit currency , but it wasn ’ t necessary for four armed police officers to respond .
“ It ’ s undemocratic for nine people to go and decide what a new system of public safety is going to look like in a back room , ” Ellison said .
“ I think it ’ s really going to require the voices of every single resident in our city.
” And you get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and every single citizen , preferably with each one giving a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation before the council about how they would like to see the police department disbanded and a new law enforcement entity brought forth .
Then , perhaps , the issue can be turned over to a blue-ribbon commission to study the subject .
In short , the odds that this is done in any sort of substantive manner , particularly after the protesters go home and the media pack up their satellite trucks and leave , are almost nil .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the fires of protest burned the hottest , the members of the city council made a promise they had no intention of keeping when they ’ re stoking the embers of apathy instead .
Unfortunately for the council members , there are some pretty angry people on the other side of the debate — and , according to KMSP-TV , some of the more degenerate members of this contingent are threatening three of them Andrea Jenkins , Phillipe Cunningham and Alondra Cano — all prominent proponents of defunding the department — say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unclear from the council members themselves , however , who these threats are coming from , how numerous they are or what they consist of .
There are also no police reports regarding threats against any of the council members , a Minneapolis police spokesperson told KMSP , although a report may have been filed confidentially .
RELATED : Leftist Neighborhood That Vowed To Not Call the Police Now Facing 300-Person Homeless Camp “ I don ’ t feel comfortable publicly discussing the death threats against me or the level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those threats , ” Cunningham said in a text to the outlet .
Jenkins , the city council ’ s vice president who has been asking for security since her swearing-in , said her threats , as per KMSP , “ have come in the form of emails , letters , and posts to social media.
” “ My concern is the large number of white nationalist [ s ] in our city and other threatening communications I ’ ve been receiving , ” she said .
Here , then , was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governmental arm that was trained to effectively provide protection to people who ’ ve been threatened .
I hope their security is taking “ a holistic , public-health-oriented approach.
” Anyhow , the private security — who took a holistic approach , doubtlessly — costs $ 4,500 a day , according to KMSP .
The taxpayers of Minneapolis have already paid $ 63,000 for this , a city spokesperson confirmed to the outlet .
People , you may not be surprised , had some opinions on this : Just so we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not providing security services to the three council members , a city spokesperson said MPD resources are needed in the community , ” KMSP reported .
“ The hourly cost of private security is similar to the cost for a police officer , the spokesperson added.
” The security measures are just intended as a bridge measure until council members can find other security measures , the spokesperson said .
Whatever the case may be , I hope they find holistic security that figures out what kind of anomie the people allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disbanding the police is a terrible idea — one which will likely never see the light of day .
Most of us will never need the kind of security these city council members apparently require .
If we did , however , the only way we ’ d be able to get it is through law enforcement — and probably police .
Social workers likely wouldn ’ t make the grade .
I ’ d like to think the three council members now finally realize why police are so important .
I doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

I wonder if the members of the Minneapolis City Council realize the irony of the fact that their private security details are costing taxpayers a reported $4,500 per day.
Minneapolis, the city where George Floyd died after a police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes and where the protests which have swept the nation started, took the first steps toward disbanding their police department late last week.
According to WCCO-TV, a resolution authored by five of the council members seeks to change the city charter to make disbanding the police department possible. Passage of the resolution, which was unanimously approved Friday, represents the start of a process that, if successful, will result in a measure being put on the ballot in November that allows citizens to decide if they want to amend the charter.
The charter currently says there needs to be a police department in the city. But the proposed amendment would replace the police department with “a department of community safety and violence prevention,” which is supposed to take “a holistic, public-health-oriented approach.”
“Of course we still have to have emergency response for those situations that are difficult to de-escalate, but I think that it’s important for us to keep in perspective that most of what police do is not respond to violent situations,” Councilman Jeremiah Ellison said.
The police, mind you, will still be around for a while. The city council has hedged its bets by placing in the ordinance a provision for “a division of law enforcement services, composed of licensed peace officers.”
Ellison says, for instance, that someone needed to deal with George Floyd allegedly passing counterfeit currency, but it wasn’t necessary for four armed police officers to respond.
“It’s undemocratic for nine people to go and decide what a new system of public safety is going to look like in a back room,” Ellison said. “I think it’s really going to require the voices of every single resident in our city.”
And you get the feeling Ellison really means hearing from each and every single citizen, preferably with each one giving a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation before the council about how they would like to see the police department disbanded and a new law enforcement entity brought forth. Then, perhaps, the issue can be turned over to a blue-ribbon commission to study the subject.
Should Minneapolis disband its police department? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 3% (105 Votes) No: 97% (2994 Votes)
In short, the odds that this is done in any sort of substantive manner, particularly after the protesters go home and the media pack up their satellite trucks and leave, are almost nil. Maybe then everyone will forget that, as the fires of protest burned the hottest, the members of the city council made a promise they had no intention of keeping when they’re stoking the embers of apathy instead.
Unfortunately for the council members, there are some pretty angry people on the other side of the debate — and, according to KMSP-TV, some of the more degenerate members of this contingent are threatening three of them
Andrea Jenkins, Phillipe Cunningham and Alondra Cano — all prominent proponents of defunding the department — say they’ve received threats.
It’s unclear from the council members themselves, however, who these threats are coming from, how numerous they are or what they consist of.
There are also no police reports regarding threats against any of the council members, a Minneapolis police spokesperson told KMSP, although a report may have been filed confidentially.
“I don’t feel comfortable publicly discussing the death threats against me or the level of security I currently have protecting me from those threats,” Cunningham said in a text to the outlet.
Jenkins, the city council’s vice president who has been asking for security since her swearing-in, said her threats, as per KMSP, “have come in the form of emails, letters, and posts to social media.”
“My concern is the large number of white nationalist[s] in our city and other threatening communications I’ve been receiving,” she said.
Here, then, was the answer:
Minneapolis Council members get private security after threats https://t.co/ZfCLUcLjvF — FOX 9 (@FOX9) June 27, 2020
If only there was a governmental arm that was trained to effectively provide protection to people who’ve been threatened. I hope their security is taking “a holistic, public-health-oriented approach.”
Anyhow, the private security — who took a holistic approach, doubtlessly — costs $4,500 a day, according to KMSP. The taxpayers of Minneapolis have already paid $63,000 for this, a city spokesperson confirmed to the outlet.
People, you may not be surprised, had some opinions on this:
Defund the police for our constituents but increase my personal security! — Goose (@goose_mn) June 27, 2020
So to be clear. Defund the police, but still collect taxpayer dollars to fund private armed men to protect our city council who abolished our police dept to help keep us safe. I see, they get the guys with guns, we get the guys with clipboards. Perfect! What a great city council! — James Madigan (@JamesMadigan) June 27, 2020
Rule of Law: all people are equal before the law. If citizens don’t get police protection, it is unlawful to provide security for city council members. It is a form of embezzlement, and they should go to jail. — Stephen L. Hall (@StephenLHall) June 27, 2020
Are they planning on doing the same for the people that elected them? — scott coleman (@bandphan) June 27, 2020
Minneapolis politicians who want to “defund the police” at a time when people are feeling unsafe in the city now have city-funded “private security.” Sounds about right. Protection for people in power while average citizens are left vulnerable. When are people going to wake up?? https://t.co/4jNvyWGmpc — Sister Toldjah ? (@sistertoldjah) June 27, 2020
Just so we’re clear: “Asked why Minneapolis Police are not providing security services to the three council members, a city spokesperson said MPD resources are needed in the community,” KMSP reported. “The hourly cost of private security is similar to the cost for a police officer, the spokesperson added.”
The security measures are just intended as a bridge measure until council members can find other security measures, the spokesperson said.
Whatever the case may be, I hope they find holistic security that figures out what kind of anomie the people allegedly making these threats are dealing with.
Disbanding the police is a terrible idea — one which will likely never see the light of day.
Most of us will never need the kind of security these city council members apparently require. If we did, however, the only way we’d be able to get it is through law enforcement — and probably police. Social workers likely wouldn’t make the grade.
I’d like to think the three council members now finally realize why police are so important. I doubt they do, though.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--Trump Expects Twitter Will Ban Him Shortly Before November Election

As the Trump administration ratchets up the pressure on big technology , President Donald Trump said he expects that Twitter will strike back .
Trump sounded off about Twitter in the course of an interview Friday with Ben Domenech , publisher of The Federalist .
In recent weeks , Twitter has become aggressive in its handling of Trump ’ s tweets , posting warnings on one tweet about rioters breaking the law and on another in which Trump mocked CNN .
That led to Domenech asking the president if he expects Twitter will follow up by placing a ban on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame Trump said he expects the ax will fall this autumn , as the presidential election nears .
“ Some people say I should join Parler , ” Trump said , referring to the platform that touts itself as “ an unbiased social media focused on real user experiences and engagement.
” “ Maybe .
We do have over 194 million followers , though , across multiple sites , ” the president added .
John Daniel Davidson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar sentiments regarding Twitter in an Op-Ed published on the site .
“ Twitter ’ s criteria for what ’ s misleading , abusive , or harassing , or what ‘ glorifies violence , ’ is entirely one-sided and almost always enforced against conservatives and Republicans but never against leftists or Democrats .
Don ’ t hold your breath waiting for Twitter to ban videos of rioters beating up passersby and torching storefronts , or Democrats lying , or left-wing accounts abusing copyrights .
It ’ s not going to happen , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other hand , you can be sure that before we get too much closer to the November election , Twitter will drop any pretense about being a neutral platform and ban Trump outright.
” In the interview with Domenech , Trump contrasted Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook to Twitter , saying Facebook was less biased .
He also predicted that if Twitter bans him , “ I expect it will hurt them more than they realize.
” The Trump administration has been looking closely at America ’ s giant technology companies , with various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considering a possible antitrust lawsuit against Google .
RELATED : Barr 's DOJ Is Stockpiling Ammunition for Possible Massive Action Against Google Trump said reform of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act , which provides some lawsuit protection for big technology companies , could be necessary .
However , he said that reform can not amount to government smothering the tech giants .
“ Section 230 is a double-edged sword , ” Trump said , but “ would be a much bigger problem for these companies than even just breaking them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fighting lawsuits all the time .
And believe me , I know a little about that.
” “ But I want these companies to be successful , and to be based here in America because if you go too far , they end up looking at what is being offered by China instead , ” he added .
Trump also noted that his Republican allies “ need to be stronger ” in defending statues and monuments targeted by rioters .
“ They ’ ve got to get much tougher , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stronger , have to come together , ” Trump added , or find themselves losing political ground .
“ Republicans need to be fighting , ” the president said , arguing that radicals who have hijacked the protest movement that began after the death of George Floyd are not seeking just equality .
“ You see their leaders on TV saying ‘ give us what we want , or we ’ ll burn down this system and replace it , ' ” he added .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editorial standards .

As the Trump administration ratchets up the pressure on big technology, President Donald Trump said he expects that Twitter will strike back.
Trump sounded off about Twitter in the course of an interview Friday with Ben Domenech, publisher of The Federalist.
In recent weeks, Twitter has become aggressive in its handling of Trump’s tweets, posting warnings on one tweet about rioters breaking the law and on another in which Trump mocked CNN.
That led to Domenech asking the president if he expects Twitter will follow up by placing a ban on his personal Twitter account.
“Yes, I do,” the president replied.
Trump said he expects the ax will fall this autumn, as the presidential election nears.
“Some people say I should join Parler,” Trump said, referring to the platform that touts itself as “an unbiased social media focused on real user experiences and engagement.”
“Maybe. We do have over 194 million followers, though, across multiple sites,” the president added.
John Daniel Davidson, political editor for The Federalist, expressed similar sentiments regarding Twitter in an Op-Ed published on the site.
Do you think Twitter would ban the president? 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: 84% (2330 Votes) No: 16% (431 Votes)
“Twitter’s criteria for what’s misleading, abusive, or harassing, or what ‘glorifies violence,’ is entirely one-sided and almost always enforced against conservatives and Republicans but never against leftists or Democrats. Don’t hold your breath waiting for Twitter to ban videos of rioters beating up passersby and torching storefronts, or Democrats lying, or left-wing accounts abusing copyrights. It’s not going to happen,” he wrote Thursday.
“On the other hand, you can be sure that before we get too much closer to the November election, Twitter will drop any pretense about being a neutral platform and ban Trump outright.”
In the interview with Domenech, Trump contrasted Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook to Twitter, saying Facebook was less biased.
He also predicted that if Twitter bans him, “I expect it will hurt them more than they realize.”
The Trump administration has been looking closely at America’s giant technology companies, with various reports indicating that Attorney General William Barr is considering a possible antitrust lawsuit against Google.
Trump said reform of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides some lawsuit protection for big technology companies, could be necessary.
However, he said that reform cannot amount to government smothering the tech giants.
“Section 230 is a double-edged sword,” Trump said, but “would be a much bigger problem for these companies than even just breaking them up … because you would have to be fighting lawsuits all the time. And believe me, I know a little about that.”
“But I want these companies to be successful, and to be based here in America because if you go too far, they end up looking at what is being offered by China instead,” he added.
“And I don’t want that.”
Trump also noted that his Republican allies “need to be stronger” in defending statues and monuments targeted by rioters.
“They’ve got to get much tougher,” he said.
“They have to be stronger, have to come together,” Trump added, or find themselves losing political ground.
“Republicans need to be fighting,” the president said, arguing that radicals who have hijacked the protest movement that began after the death of George Floyd are not seeking just equality.
“You see their leaders on TV saying ‘give us what we want, or we’ll burn down this system and replace it,'” he added.
“That’s almost terrorism.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--‘Occupy City Hall’ Grows as Protesters Call for Extreme NYPD Budget Cuts

As the time for adopting the city ’ s annual budget nears , protesters are putting pressure on leaders to take $ 1 billion away from the New York City Police Department ’ s $ 6 billion budget .
Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio has said that he will reduce police funding , but he has not quoted a figure .
Last week , an encampment that ’ s being termed “ Occupy City Hall ” sprang up at City Hall Park in lower Manhattan , with demonstrators demanding reduced spending on the NYPD .
The protest has continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight day that demonstrators camped out in the park , Fox News reported .
“ Strong communities make safe communities , and police don ’ t , and so that ’ s what we ’ re fighting for , ” protester Charles Khan told WCBS-TV .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame “ We ’ re fighting for a drastic change to the way that this city says that it ’ s providing safety but hasn ’ t provided safety.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NYPD does not keep us more safe .
They actually put us in more harm and more danger , ” protester Jonathan Lykes added .
One protest leader dangled the threat of something more than occupying a park if the budget cut demand is not met .
“ The occupation is planning on staying here until June 30th , calling for at least $ 1 billion [ in cuts ] and to reinvest the money into communities , ” Jawanza Williams , director of organizing for VOCAL-NY , said in a statement to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cuts aren ’ t included in the budget , there is no telling what the masses of people who have been mobilized by this movement will do , ” he said .
The call to cut police funding comes at a time when New York City is experiencing a spike in gun violence .
The city has seen 125 shooting incidents this month , WCBS reported Wednesday , which is more than in any June since 1996 .
RELATED : After Trump 's Executive Order , Four Men Face Federal Charges for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not keep people safe without keeping bad , dangerous people off the streets , ” NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said , citing the so-called bail reform policy that sends many of those arrested back onto the streets and a justice system that was hobbled during the current health crisis .
“ We have thousands of cases where people have been arrested and not even charges brought up against them because they ’ ve been deferred , ” Shea said .
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and seven other council members support the $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Post .
“ We believe that we can and should work to get to $ 1 billion in cuts to New York City ’ s police spending in the Fiscal 2021 budget , an unprecedented reduction that would not only limit the scope of the NYPD , but also show our commitment towards moving away from the failed policing policies of the past , ” Johnson said earlier this month .
“ I am still trying to figure out how cutting uniformed headcount changes any police accountability policy , or ends racism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanding , ” he told the Post .
“ It ’ s reducing the number of new hires , the majority of whom will statistically be people of color.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As the time for adopting the city’s annual budget nears, protesters are putting pressure on leaders to take $1 billion away from the New York City Police Department’s $6 billion budget.
Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio has said that he will reduce police funding, but he has not quoted a figure.
Last week, an encampment that’s being termed “Occupy City Hall” sprang up at City Hall Park in lower Manhattan, with demonstrators demanding reduced spending on the NYPD.
The protest has continued to grow, with Sunday marking the sixth straight day that demonstrators camped out in the park, Fox News reported.
“Strong communities make safe communities, and police don’t, and so that’s what we’re fighting for,” protester Charles Khan told WCBS-TV.
“We’re fighting for a drastic change to the way that this city says that it’s providing safety but hasn’t provided safety.”
“If anything, we know that NYPD does not keep us more safe. They actually put us in more harm and more danger,” protester Jonathan Lykes added.
The crowd occupying NYC City Hall park and demanding that the NYPD budget be cut by $1 BILLION is gigantic now. ?: @IssaKhari pic.twitter.com/eko3akzFHK — Joshua Potash (@JoshuaPotash) June 27, 2020
Do you think cutting the NYPD's budget is a good idea? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 2% (4 Votes) No: 98% (217 Votes)
One protest leader dangled the threat of something more than occupying a park if the budget cut demand is not met.
“The occupation is planning on staying here until June 30th, calling for at least $1 billion [in cuts] and to reinvest the money into communities,” Jawanza Williams, director of organizing for VOCAL-NY, said in a statement to the New York Post.
“If the cuts aren’t included in the budget, there is no telling what the masses of people who have been mobilized by this movement will do,” he said.
The call to cut police funding comes at a time when New York City is experiencing a spike in gun violence.
The city has seen 125 shooting incidents this month, WCBS reported Wednesday, which is more than in any June since 1996.
“You cannot keep people safe without keeping bad, dangerous people off the streets,” NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said, citing the so-called bail reform policy that sends many of those arrested back onto the streets and a justice system that was hobbled during the current health crisis.
“We have thousands of cases where people have been arrested and not even charges brought up against them because they’ve been deferred,” Shea said.
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and seven other council members support the $1 billion in cuts, according to the Post.
“We believe that we can and should work to get to $1 billion in cuts to New York City’s police spending in the Fiscal 2021 budget, an unprecedented reduction that would not only limit the scope of the NYPD, but also show our commitment towards moving away from the failed policing policies of the past,” Johnson said earlier this month.
City Councilman Joe Borelli, a Republican who represents parts of Staten Island, disagreed.
“I am still trying to figure out how cutting uniformed headcount changes any police accountability policy, or ends racism, or does anything the protesters were demanding,” he told the Post.
“It’s reducing the number of new hires, the majority of whom will statistically be people of color.”
The city’s budget deadline is July 1.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--Even China Is Realizing Total Lockdowns Don’t Work. Will Democrats Get It Too?

China is , quite expectedly , dealing with another outbreak of the novel coronavirus .
Somewhat unexpectedly , however , they ’ re realizing that totally locking down an entire region simply doesn ’ t work .
According to The New York Times , the latest hot spot for the virus is in Beijing .
It would of course be quite difficult and inconvenient to lock down the massive Chinese capital — but not impossible , given that China locked down other areas for months .
This time , however , they ’ re doing it a bit differently .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Beijing ’ s leaders are trying to stamp out the latest outbreak , now at 183 infections after 25 more were announced on Friday morning .
But they are not crushing the entire city , and its nascent economic revival , with heavy-handed restrictions .
“ The approach contrasts with China ’ s earlier efforts to contain the virus in the central province of Hubei and its capital city , Wuhan , where the epidemic broke out late last year .
For over two months , the city of 11 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support from tens of thousands of doctors , party officials and security personnel .
The lockdown helped control the outbreak but also stalled the economy.
” TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame Yes , the Chinese Communist Party will still be the Chinese Communist Party .
Looser restrictions don ’ t necessarily mean that this is the kind of place where there ’ s a robust debate over whether a mask order should be obeyed .
They tell you to , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact tracing and testing , they ’ ve decided against a total lockdown of Beijing — even as they ’ ve conducted more than a million tests in the city .
Council on Foreign Relations senior fellow for global health Yanzhong Huang told The Times that China simply can ’ t afford to do things the way it used to do .
“ You can not expect people to accept the pain for too long , ” he said .
“ Because then you have unemployment problems and even emotional stresses that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political stability.
” “ With a war , you can fight it once and people go all out for it .
But the second , third and fourth time , it drains people out , and its traction diminishes over time , ” Lynette Ong , a University of Toronto political scientist who studies China , told The Times .
“ That is very much the risk .
For subsequent waves , it has to be a more inclusive approach .
It has already drained people.
” Granted , there have been sacrifices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a major commercial hub in the city and the locus of the infections , has been shuttered .
Half the flights out of the capital and almost all buses traveling to other provinces are canceled , and there aren ’ t as many people taking public transit in the city .
Plus , half a million people in a province surrounding Beijing were placed in lockdown Sunday , AFP reported .
However , there ’ s general agreement that the draconian policies that China used to control the outbreak in Wuhan simply won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a massive scale .
While local officials and the general manager of the food market were dismissed , China still seems bent on reopening .
“ That sends a signal to local officials , ” Huang said .
“ Even if you were told to accelerate the reopening , still the top priority is keeping the number at zero , and that can be mission impossible.
” RELATED : Dog Meat Is Back on the Menu in China The question raises itself , then : As America faces another spike in cases of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — especially the Democratic governors in states where restrictions were most stringent , like New York , California and Michigan — think it ’ s possible to contain the virus with more total lockdowns ?
Again , lockdown in the United States doesn ’ t exactly look like lockdown in China , which is still fairly draconian compared to what we saw in our own country .
Both types of lockdowns , however , have had a similar impact on their respective countries ’ economies .
This time around , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go about one ’ s business without even knowing there ’ s an outbreak of the coronavirus in the capital .
Beijing resident Mu Xicheng , who lives on the other side of the city from the market , wasn ’ t concerned .
“ We are not worried , no one in our neighborhood is worried or scared , because it is in Xinfadi , ” the retired construction worker told The Times .
“ We all wear masks because the government asks us to wear them — it ’ s good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country.
” Meanwhile , we ’ re wondering whether states in the U.S. will reimpose lockdowns after a case spike in the United States .
Florida and Texas , for instance , are pushing back their reopening after both states saw spikes in cases , according to the Financial Times .
Some of the measures might work .
For instance , Texas Republican Gov .
Greg Abbott of Texas has called for all bars to close and restaurants to operate at half capacity .
Of course , there ’ s also the usual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Democratic Gov .
Jay Inslee in Washington state .
All of this is relatively difficult if just because , well , doing it for the second or third time is going to wear on the populace .
We already saw how much of an impact the first wave of lockdowns , particularly in Democratic-run states and cities , had on the people of the United States .
Is doing that a second time going to work ?
Considering the fact that we ’ ve seen anti-lockdown protests on the right and protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd on the left , are we going to reimpose stay-at-home orders that ended up failing the first time ?
Do politicians who were quick to restrict people ’ s freedoms the first time get that this will fail again ?
Emptying the streets and shops of Wuhan didn ’ t work to rid China of the disease .
This time , the Chinese government is taking a different tack .
It ’ s unusual we get to say this : Maybe it ’ s time we look to China ’ s direction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in going forward .
America can ’ t take any more fits and starts .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

China is, quite expectedly, dealing with another outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Somewhat unexpectedly, however, they’re realizing that totally locking down an entire region simply doesn’t work.
According to The New York Times, the latest hot spot for the virus is in Beijing. It would of course be quite difficult and inconvenient to lock down the massive Chinese capital — but not impossible, given that China locked down other areas for months.
This time, however, they’re doing it a bit differently.
As The Times reported on June 19, “Beijing’s leaders are trying to stamp out the latest outbreak, now at 183 infections after 25 more were announced on Friday morning. But they are not crushing the entire city, and its nascent economic revival, with heavy-handed restrictions.
“The approach contrasts with China’s earlier efforts to contain the virus in the central province of Hubei and its capital city, Wuhan, where the epidemic broke out late last year. For over two months, the city of 11 million was under a tight lockdown that required support from tens of thousands of doctors, party officials and security personnel. The lockdown helped control the outbreak but also stalled the economy.”
Yes, the Chinese Communist Party will still be the Chinese Communist Party. Looser restrictions don’t necessarily mean that this is the kind of place where there’s a robust debate over whether a mask order should be obeyed. They tell you to, and you obey.
However, with contact tracing and testing, they’ve decided against a total lockdown of Beijing — even as they’ve conducted more than a million tests in the city.
Council on Foreign Relations senior fellow for global health Yanzhong Huang told The Times that China simply can’t afford to do things the way it used to do.
“You cannot expect people to accept the pain for too long,” he said. “Because then you have unemployment problems and even emotional stresses that could all have huge implications for social and political stability.”
Is it time for America to get back to work? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (1122 Votes) No: 1% (13 Votes)
“With a war, you can fight it once and people go all out for it. But the second, third and fourth time, it drains people out, and its traction diminishes over time,” Lynette Ong, a University of Toronto political scientist who studies China, told The Times.
“That is very much the risk. For subsequent waves, it has to be a more inclusive approach. It has already drained people.”
Granted, there have been sacrifices. The Xinfadi wholesale food market, a major commercial hub in the city and the locus of the infections, has been shuttered. Half the flights out of the capital and almost all buses traveling to other provinces are canceled, and there aren’t as many people taking public transit in the city. Plus, half a million people in a province surrounding Beijing were placed in lockdown Sunday, AFP reported.
However, there’s general agreement that the draconian policies that China used to control the outbreak in Wuhan simply won’t work this time on such a massive scale. While local officials and the general manager of the food market were dismissed, China still seems bent on reopening.
“That sends a signal to local officials,” Huang said. “Even if you were told to accelerate the reopening, still the top priority is keeping the number at zero, and that can be mission impossible.”
The question raises itself, then: As America faces another spike in cases of the novel coronavirus, will U.S. politicians — especially the Democratic governors in states where restrictions were most stringent, like New York, California and Michigan — think it’s possible to contain the virus with more total lockdowns?
Again, lockdown in the United States doesn’t exactly look like lockdown in China, which is still fairly draconian compared to what we saw in our own country. Both types of lockdowns, however, have had a similar impact on their respective countries’ economies.
This time around, it’s possible in certain parts of Beijing to go about one’s business without even knowing there’s an outbreak of the coronavirus in the capital.
Beijing resident Mu Xicheng, who lives on the other side of the city from the market, wasn’t concerned.
“We are not worried, no one in our neighborhood is worried or scared, because it is in Xinfadi,” the retired construction worker told The Times. “We all wear masks because the government asks us to wear them — it’s good for us and also good for our country.”
Meanwhile, we’re wondering whether states in the U.S. will reimpose lockdowns after a case spike in the United States.
Florida and Texas, for instance, are pushing back their reopening after both states saw spikes in cases, according to the Financial Times.
Some of the measures might work. For instance, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas has called for all bars to close and restaurants to operate at half capacity.
Of course, there’s also the usual flurry of activity like the mask order from Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee in Washington state.
All of this is relatively difficult if just because, well, doing it for the second or third time is going to wear on the populace.
We already saw how much of an impact the first wave of lockdowns, particularly in Democratic-run states and cities, had on the people of the United States.
Is doing that a second time going to work? Considering the fact that we’ve seen anti-lockdown protests on the right and protests touched off by the death of George Floyd on the left, are we going to reimpose stay-at-home orders that ended up failing the first time?
Do politicians who were quick to restrict people’s freedoms the first time get that this will fail again?
Emptying the streets and shops of Wuhan didn’t work to rid China of the disease. This time, the Chinese government is taking a different tack.
It’s unusual we get to say this: Maybe it’s time we look to China’s direction, if not their exact strategies, in going forward. America can’t take any more fits and starts.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--Dog Meat Is Back on the Menu in China

Dog Meat Is Back on the Menu in China

Despite efforts by the central government to curb the disturbing trend , the consumption of dog meat in the People ’ s Republic of China is set to continue with a festival celebrating the sickening food .
The Lychee and Dog Meat Festival , a 10-day celebration centered around sweet stone fruit and the flesh of man ’ s best friend , kicked off Sunday in the city of Yulin , according to the New York Post .
The cultural celebration is happening seemingly in defiance of an April order from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture that reclassified dogs as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s abrupt about-face on dog meat appears to be driven more by criticism of the communist nation rather than any compassion for the animals .
The order reclassifying dogs came after early speculation identified a Wuhan wet market as a possible source for the coronavirus pandemic that paralyzed the world .
TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame More recent evidence suggests the virus could have leaked from a research laboratory instead of jumping from bushmeat to humans .
Still , wet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China are under intense scrutiny over ethical and health concerns .
This shouldn ’ t come as a surprise to organizers of the dog meat event .
The Yulin festival has been the focus of several social media campaigns in the past seeking to shut down the celebration .
Those opposing the event point to countless reports of cruelty and torture inflicted on the dogs being sold as meat .
Some of the vendors behind the festival defend the barbaric treatment , saying it improves the flavor of the meat .
Video of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find on the internet , but it is too gruesome to even describe .
The festival is not the only place dog meat has been traded in mainland China .
Dog , sometimes referred to as “ fragrant meat ” in Mandarin , became a popular alternative to pork after African swine fever decimated pig herds and sent hog prices skyrocketing .
Shoppers would often avoid purchasing pork altogether , as the pricey cut of meat made them an easy mark for thieves .
Even restaurants once offered dog as an inexpensive substitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even China Is Realizing Total Lockdowns Do n't Work .
Will Democrats Get It Too ?
Thankfully , it looks like this barbaric practice is on the way out in China .
The number of people attending the Yulin festival reportedly has dropped dramatically this year .
Some activists believe this could even be the final year of the festival .
Facing increased scrutiny from the central government and much of the world , it seems that the practice of eating dog meat is finally destined for history books .
We are committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Despite efforts by the central government to curb the disturbing trend, the consumption of dog meat in the People’s Republic of China is set to continue with a festival celebrating the sickening food.
The Lychee and Dog Meat Festival, a 10-day celebration centered around sweet stone fruit and the flesh of man’s best friend, kicked off Sunday in the city of Yulin, according to the New York Post.
The cultural celebration is happening seemingly in defiance of an April order from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture that reclassified dogs as pets instead of livestock.
China’s abrupt about-face on dog meat appears to be driven more by criticism of the communist nation rather than any compassion for the animals.
The order reclassifying dogs came after early speculation identified a Wuhan wet market as a possible source for the coronavirus pandemic that paralyzed the world.
More recent evidence suggests the virus could have leaked from a research laboratory instead of jumping from bushmeat to humans.
Still, wet markets and the wild meat trade in China are under intense scrutiny over ethical and health concerns.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to organizers of the dog meat event. The Yulin festival has been the focus of several social media campaigns in the past seeking to shut down the celebration.
Those opposing the event point to countless reports of cruelty and torture inflicted on the dogs being sold as meat. Some of the vendors behind the festival defend the barbaric treatment, saying it improves the flavor of the meat.
Should the Chinese government stop the Yulin festival? Yes No
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Video of the grisly preparation process is easy to find on the internet, but it is too gruesome to even describe.
The festival is not the only place dog meat has been traded in mainland China.
Dog, sometimes referred to as “fragrant meat” in Mandarin, became a popular alternative to pork after African swine fever decimated pig herds and sent hog prices skyrocketing.
Shoppers would often avoid purchasing pork altogether, as the pricey cut of meat made them an easy mark for thieves.
Even restaurants once offered dog as an inexpensive substitution for pork in dishes.
Thankfully, it looks like this barbaric practice is on the way out in China. The number of people attending the Yulin festival reportedly has dropped dramatically this year.
Some activists believe this could even be the final year of the festival.
Facing increased scrutiny from the central government and much of the world, it seems that the practice of eating dog meat is finally destined for history books.
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westernjournal--2020-06-28--Former Chess Official Scoffs at Media Notion That Game Is Racist

When asked to appear on a radio show to discuss the proposition that racism is prevalent in the game of chess because the white side traditionally moves first , former Australian chess representative John Adams became furious .
Adams , now an economist , tweeted that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation had invited him to discuss the proposition that having the white side move first might trigger feelings of racism and could spur a change in the game ’ s rules .
The idea triggered some tweets instead .
Adams declined the interview offer , according to Yahoo .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t interested in discussing the “ irrelevant ” topic with ABC .
“ I just received a phone call from an ABC Sydney based producer seeking a comment about the game of chess !
The ABC have taken the view that chess is RACIST given that white always go first !
They are seeking comment from a chess official as to whether the rules of chess need to be altered !
” he tweeted .
“ Trust the taxpayer funded national broadcaster to apply ideological Marxist frameworks to anything & everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resulting from COVID-19 , I am amazed that the ABC is broadcasting on irrelevant topics !
” TRENDING : Polish President Quietly Visits Vandalized DC Statue , His Next Move Puts Disrespectful Protesters to Shame Adams tweeted that he was happy to see former star player Garry Kasparov “ take aim ” at ABC over “ their nonsense.
” ABC Radio Sydney host James Valentine later said the idea was to have a discussion , not brand chess as racist , according to Yahoo .
Kevin Bonham , a member of the Australian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ place , explained that the concept of having white move first was developed in the mid-19th century as a way of standardizing the international sport .
“ In 19th century the player who had the right to go first could choose which colour they went first with , but analysts for some time had been publishing games as if white moved first whether this was actually true or not , ” Bonham wrote on an internet chess forum , according to Yahoo .
“ There are benefits to standardizing it , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chessboard , because when you … play with black moving first , it effectively mirror-images which way round you have your pieces , ” he added on the show .
Bonham said white and black do not represent races .
“ The pieces themselves don ’ t represent racial teams , they just represent the sort of combatants in a battle wearing different coloured uniforms if you want , ” he said .
Many on Twitter thought raising the issue was absurd .
For the casual chess player , Bonham said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The funny thing is that at social to even lower club level , having white or black makes zero difference to average results , ” he said , according to the Australian outlet OverSixty .
“ The advantage starts kicking in around middling club level and becomes stronger at the highest levels.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When asked to appear on a radio show to discuss the proposition that racism is prevalent in the game of chess because the white side traditionally moves first, former Australian chess representative John Adams became furious.
Adams, now an economist, tweeted that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation had invited him to discuss the proposition that having the white side move first might trigger feelings of racism and could spur a change in the game’s rules.
The idea triggered some tweets instead. Adams declined the interview offer, according to Yahoo. In a tweet, he made it clear he wasn’t interested in discussing the “irrelevant” topic with ABC.
“I just received a phone call from an ABC Sydney based producer seeking a comment about the game of chess! The ABC have taken the view that chess is RACIST given that white always go first! They are seeking comment from a chess official as to whether the rules of chess need to be altered!” he tweeted.
“Trust the taxpayer funded national broadcaster to apply ideological Marxist frameworks to anything & everything in Australia! With all the drama resulting from COVID-19, I am amazed that the ABC is broadcasting on irrelevant topics!”
the rules of chess need to be altered! Trust the taxpayer funded national broadcaster to apply ideological Marxist frameworks to anything & everything in Australia! With all the drama resulting from COVID-19, I am amazed that the ABC is broadcasting on irrelevant topics! — John Adams (@adamseconomics) June 23, 2020
Adams tweeted that he was happy to see former star player Garry Kasparov “take aim” at ABC over “their nonsense.”
WOW! ? Good to see former world chess champion @Kasparov63 take aim at the @ABCaustralia over their NONSENSE coverage of the game of chess! Common sense can prevail across the world! https://t.co/hJKVvuNd3m — John Adams (@adamseconomics) June 23, 2020
DEVASTATED! ? Tonight @DFA_Analyst informed me that he has received several e-mails & DMs suggesting that he needs to cease all communication & activity with me IMMEDIATELY! Why? Because I am apparently a RACIST given that I didn’t support the ABC’s narrative on chess & race! — John Adams (@adamseconomics) June 24, 2020
ABC Radio Sydney host James Valentine later said the idea was to have a discussion, not brand chess as racist, according to Yahoo.
Kevin Bonham, a member of the Australian Chess Federation committee who appeared in Adams’ place, explained that the concept of having white move first was developed in the mid-19th century as a way of standardizing the international sport.
“In 19th century the player who had the right to go first could choose which colour they went first with, but analysts for some time had been publishing games as if white moved first whether this was actually true or not,” Bonham wrote on an internet chess forum, according to Yahoo.
Is everything racist to the left? 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% (387 Votes) No: 0% (1 Votes)
“There are benefits to standardizing it, in terms of things like publishing diagrams of the chessboard, because when you … play with black moving first, it effectively mirror-images which way round you have your pieces,” he added on the show.
Bonham said white and black do not represent races.
“The pieces themselves don’t represent racial teams, they just represent the sort of combatants in a battle wearing different coloured uniforms if you want,” he said.
Many on Twitter thought raising the issue was absurd.
Black people didn’t invent chess. It has nothing to do with racism. It’s just the rules like wtf is wrong with people??? — Rachel (@rachelsirotic) June 25, 2020
I am no chess expert but ultimately it doesn’t matter, because it is ludicrous now their racism shines brightly with that bs and they have no right to deny it. Racism towards white people is all I see from this. White people can’t get anything, or it’s problematic, I’m so done!? — RecaWronghouse (@TheWrongCrafter) June 26, 2020
For the casual chess player, Bonham said, either color can go first.
“The funny thing is that at social to even lower club level, having white or black makes zero difference to average results,” he said, according to the Australian outlet OverSixty.
“The advantage starts kicking in around middling club level and becomes stronger at the highest levels.”
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