westernjournal--2020-07-19--Poll: Some PA Residents Think ‘Secret Trump’ Voters Could Help Him Win the State

Will “ secret Trump voters ” end up making for a surprise result in the state of Pennsylvania come November ?
Many Pennsylvanians think so , according to a new poll .
The Monmouth University survey , released Wednesday , showed former Vice President Joe Biden with a 13-point lead over Trump .
That was cut to 7 to 10 percentage points when you looked at the expected turnout .
In the poll of 401 registered voters conducted in the Keystone State from July 9 to 13 , 53 percent supported Biden while 40 percent supported President Trump .
Independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of push Trump might make to capture Pennsylvania again , favored Biden 54 to 43 percent .
The poll had a margin of error of 4.9 percent .
“ Even taking into account any polling error from four years ago , Biden is clearly doing well in swing areas .
The Democrat has roots in this region which may be helping him , but there seems to be an overall erosion of support for Trump compared to 2016 , ” Monmouth University Polling Institute Director Patrick Murray said in the news release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn out show Biden with a smaller lead — but a lead nonetheless .
One model gave him a 10-point lead , 52 to 42 percent .
Another had him at 7 points , 51 percent to 44 percent .
TRENDING : Look on MSNBC Host 's Face Is Priceless as Experts Unanimously Agree US Should Reopen Schools There were two bits of good news for members of the Trump campaign team , however .
The first was that they ’ ve been here before : “ Comparing the current results to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Biden ’ s likely voter position is similar to Clinton ’ s summer standing in the swing counties , where she led Trump by 50 % to 40 % , ” the media release from Monmouth University stated .
“ Interestingly , Trump is doing slightly better now in core Clinton counties than four years ago , when he was polling at 21 % to 67 % for Clinton .
Biden , however , is currently stronger than Clinton was in the president ’ s base counties , where she was polling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump.
” The second is that Pennsylvanians polled don ’ t necessarily think Biden is a lock to win .
In fact , slightly more of those polled think that the president will take the state .
“ Most registered voters ( 54 % ) say they were surprised in 2016 when Trump ended up winning Pennsylvania ’ s electoral votes .
They are evenly divided on whether they expect Trump ( 46 % ) or Biden ( 45 % ) to win the commonwealth this time around , ” the release stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be that most voters ( 57 % ) believe there are a number of so-called secret voters in their communities who support Trump but won ’ t tell anyone about it .
Less than half that number ( 27 % ) believe there are secret voters for Biden .
The suspicion that a secret Trump vote exists is slightly higher in swing counties ( 62 % ) and Clinton counties ( 61 % ) than in Trump counties ( 51 % ) .
The belief in a secret Biden vote is somewhat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % ) than Clinton counties ( 23 % ) and swing counties ( 23 % ) .
” “ The media consistently reports that Biden is in the lead , but voters remember what happened in 2016 .
The specter of a secret Trump vote looms large in 2020 , ” Murray said in the release .
The existence of the “ shy Trump voter ” remains a debatable one , four years after the current president scored the biggest political upset in recent memory .
Some dismiss the theory outright , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The 2016 polling nationally did a good job of capturing the results of the race , ” he wrote in a May 13 piece .
“ That Trump overperformed in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania was obviously hugely significant for the outcome of the election , but that was far more a function of flaws in how the polls were conducted than any ‘ shy voters.
’ ” RELATED : Gang Member-Turned-Activist Credits Trump with Turning His Life Around Politico ’ s Steven Shepard , however , noted those flaws were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In a June 17 piece , he wrote that “ some pollsters , especially the relatively few who conduct surveys in battleground states , are still grappling with the problems that plagued those polls four years ago .
In fact , most pollsters believe that , on balance , state polls are overstating the scale of Biden ’ s advantage.
” “ That was precisely the problem in 2016 : The national polls were largely accurate , to within the margin of error .
But there were too few state polls , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to collect accurate data , especially from white voters without college degrees in key swing states , ” he continued .
To the extent that shy Trump voters can be proved to exist , the battleground state polling problems are key .
Notice the fact that the national polls were accurate .
If Trump voters are “ shy , ” one might assume the reason for their electoral bashfulness might result from the social stigma of being labeled a MAGA type when a pollster asks which candidate they support .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you don ’ t live in a state where the vote is competitive — particularly in deep-blue states like New York , California or Washington — and you have a psychological aversion to considering yourself as being That Type of Person — there ’ s no incentive to vote Trump even if your ballot is secret .
If you ’ re in Florida or Ohio , however , the situation is markedly different .
You may present yourself to the neighbors as the kind of person who listens to NPR and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pollster that yes , you ’ re a good Hillary/Biden voter like every other kind , tolerant person in the nation .
When the curtain closes in that booth , however , you ’ re a lot more likely to make a choice in line with your political values than one that feels socially desirable .
This is mere conjecture , though — and the point is that swing state polls remain problematic .
“ I think some of the fundamental , structural challenges that came to a head in 2016 are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Courtney Kennedy told Shepard for his Politico piece .
She ’ s the director of research at the Pew Research Center .
She also authored a postmortem on how pollsters got 2016 so wrong .
Apparently , they can still get it wrong .
Shepard noted : “ Biden ’ s current lead over Trump is so large — over 8 percentage points in the national RealClearPolitics polling average , and an average advantage of 3 points or greater in Arizona , Florida , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — that a 2016-level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A lead that large would probably guarantee Trump would be denied a second term , and even a polling miss on par with 2016 wouldn ’ t be enough to overcome it.
” While some of those numbers have changed since the June piece , they haven ’ t moved much .
The president , in other words , can ’ t tarry if he wants a second term .
It ’ s also worth noting that despite Pennsylvanians ’ belief in the prevalence of “ shy Trump voters ” , might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time .
Biden has strong roots in the area and his brand of faux-blue collar bluster can play well .
When it comes to states like Wisconsin , Michigan , North Carolina and Florida , however , the “ shy Trump voter ” could play a major role , particularly if the numbers begin to close .
If that ’ s the case , there remains the possibility this could end up looking a lot like 2016 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read @ @ @ @

Will “secret Trump voters” end up making for a surprise result in the state of Pennsylvania come November? Many Pennsylvanians think so, according to a new poll.
The Monmouth University survey, released Wednesday, showed former Vice President Joe Biden with a 13-point lead over Trump. That was cut to 7 to 10 percentage points when you looked at the expected turnout.
In the poll of 401 registered voters conducted in the Keystone State from July 9 to 13, 53 percent supported Biden while 40 percent supported President Trump. Independent voters, who would likely drive any sort of push Trump might make to capture Pennsylvania again, favored Biden 54 to 43 percent. The poll had a margin of error of 4.9 percent.
“Even taking into account any polling error from four years ago, Biden is clearly doing well in swing areas. The Democrat has roots in this region which may be helping him, but there seems to be an overall erosion of support for Trump compared to 2016,” Monmouth University Polling Institute Director Patrick Murray said in the news release.
Models that project who will actually turn out show Biden with a smaller lead — but a lead nonetheless. One model gave him a 10-point lead, 52 to 42 percent. Another had him at 7 points, 51 percent to 44 percent.
There were two bits of good news for members of the Trump campaign team, however. The first was that they’ve been here before: “Comparing the current results to a Monmouth University Poll taken in August 2016, Biden’s likely voter position is similar to Clinton’s summer standing in the swing counties, where she led Trump by 50% to 40%,” the media release from Monmouth University stated.
“Interestingly, Trump is doing slightly better now in core Clinton counties than four years ago, when he was polling at 21% to 67% for Clinton. Biden, however, is currently stronger than Clinton was in the president’s base counties, where she was polling at 27% to 60% for Trump.”
The second is that Pennsylvanians polled don’t necessarily think Biden is a lock to win. In fact, slightly more of those polled think that the president will take the state.
“Most registered voters (54%) say they were surprised in 2016 when Trump ended up winning Pennsylvania’s electoral votes. They are evenly divided on whether they expect Trump (46%) or Biden (45%) to win the commonwealth this time around,” the release stated.
Do you think Donald Trump will win a second time? Yes No
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“One reason for this seems to be that most voters (57%) believe there are a number of so-called secret voters in their communities who support Trump but won’t tell anyone about it. Less than half that number (27%) believe there are secret voters for Biden. The suspicion that a secret Trump vote exists is slightly higher in swing counties (62%) and Clinton counties (61%) than in Trump counties (51%). The belief in a secret Biden vote is somewhat more prevalent in Trump counties (32%) than Clinton counties (23%) and swing counties (23%).”
“The media consistently reports that Biden is in the lead, but voters remember what happened in 2016. The specter of a secret Trump vote looms large in 2020,” Murray said in the release.
The existence of the “shy Trump voter” remains a debatable one, four years after the current president scored the biggest political upset in recent memory.
Some dismiss the theory outright, like The Washington Post’s Philip Bump.
“The 2016 polling nationally did a good job of capturing the results of the race,” he wrote in a May 13 piece. “That Trump overperformed in states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania was obviously hugely significant for the outcome of the election, but that was far more a function of flaws in how the polls were conducted than any ‘shy voters.’”
Politico’s Steven Shepard, however, noted those flaws were still there, four years later.
In a June 17 piece, he wrote that “some pollsters, especially the relatively few who conduct surveys in battleground states, are still grappling with the problems that plagued those polls four years ago. In fact, most pollsters believe that, on balance, state polls are overstating the scale of Biden’s advantage.”
“That was precisely the problem in 2016: The national polls were largely accurate, to within the margin of error. But there were too few state polls, and many of those that were conducted failed to collect accurate data, especially from white voters without college degrees in key swing states,” he continued.
“And those issues haven’t been fixed.”
To the extent that shy Trump voters can be proved to exist, the battleground state polling problems are key. Notice the fact that the national polls were accurate. If Trump voters are “shy,” one might assume the reason for their electoral bashfulness might result from the social stigma of being labeled a MAGA type when a pollster asks which candidate they support. It’s the “Bradley effect” in reverse.
If you don’t live in a state where the vote is competitive — particularly in deep-blue states like New York, California or Washington — and you have a psychological aversion to considering yourself as being That Type of Person — there’s no incentive to vote Trump even if your ballot is secret.
If you’re in Florida or Ohio, however, the situation is markedly different. You may present yourself to the neighbors as the kind of person who listens to NPR and frequents the gastropub and you may tell the pollster that yes, you’re a good Hillary/Biden voter like every other kind, tolerant person in the nation. When the curtain closes in that booth, however, you’re a lot more likely to make a choice in line with your political values than one that feels socially desirable.
This is mere conjecture, though — and the point is that swing state polls remain problematic.
“I think some of the fundamental, structural challenges that came to a head in 2016 are still in place in 2020,” Courtney Kennedy told Shepard for his Politico piece.
She’s the director of research at the Pew Research Center. She also authored a postmortem on how pollsters got 2016 so wrong. Apparently, they can still get it wrong.
Shepard noted: “Biden’s current lead over Trump is so large — over 8 percentage points in the national RealClearPolitics polling average, and an average advantage of 3 points or greater in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — that a 2016-level polling error wouldn’t matter. A lead that large would probably guarantee Trump would be denied a second term, and even a polling miss on par with 2016 wouldn’t be enough to overcome it.”
While some of those numbers have changed since the June piece, they haven’t moved much.
The president, in other words, can’t tarry if he wants a second term.
It’s also worth noting that despite Pennsylvanians’ belief in the prevalence of “shy Trump voters”, might be unlikely he’ll carry that state this time. Biden has strong roots in the area and his brand of faux-blue collar bluster can play well.
When it comes to states like Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina and Florida, however, the “shy Trump voter” could play a major role, particularly if the numbers begin to close. If that’s the case, there remains the possibility this could end up looking a lot like 2016.
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westernjournal--2020-07-19--Police Union Building Torched as Portland Riots Stretch Into 52nd Day

As Portland officials insisted that they had everything under control and had no need of federal assistance , rioters in the Oregon city on Saturday torched the Portland Police Association building .
Rioters also destroyed fences and barricaded the city ’ s Justice Center during the city ’ s 52nd straight night of upheaval in the city overnight Saturday and into Sunday .
The Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front led the action to demand the abolition of Portland ’ s police department , according to Oregon Live .
TRENDING : Look on MSNBC Host 's Face Is Priceless as Experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial demonstrations outside the North Police Precinct , unrest shifted to the site of the Portland Police Association , where dumpsters were set on fire after being tipped on their sides onto the street .
Portland police declared the event a riot and ordered protesters to leave .
Several rioters evaded a charge made by the police and entered the building , setting it on fire .
Several people were taken into custody .
In late June , according to KGW-TV , rioters set fire to Portland ’ s North Precinct , damaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle in the streets has been accompanied by one on social media in which Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler sparred with President Donald Trump .
RELATED : Missouri Governor Will Consider Pardon if Viral Gun-Toting Couple Face Charges The presence of Department of Homeland Security agents in Portland has been a bone of contention with Wheeler , who insists that stopping the arson and rioting is tantamount to a violation of the rights of those protesting .
“ Earlier today I directed that staff who are part of federal agency operations are no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s incident command .
While sharing a space helped facilitate clear communication , based on recent actions by federal law enforcement officers I am not comfortable having them in our space , ” he wrote in a Twitter post .
He later wrote that sending federal agents to curb violence was “ a blatant abuse of power by President Trump.
” Trump , however , countered in his own Twitter post that Portland is suffering from a leadership vacuum .
“ We are trying to help Portland , not hurt it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost control of the anarchists and agitators .
They are missing in action .
We must protect Federal property , AND OUR PEOPLE .
These were not merely protesters , these are the real deal !
” Trump wrote .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As Portland officials insisted that they had everything under control and had no need of federal assistance, rioters in the Oregon city on Saturday torched the Portland Police Association building.
Rioters also destroyed fences and barricaded the city’s Justice Center during the city’s 52nd straight night of upheaval in the city overnight Saturday and into Sunday.
The Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front led the action to demand the abolition of Portland’s police department, according to Oregon Live.
The Portland Police union in north Portland was broken into and set on fire by antifa rioters. A riot has been declared. pic.twitter.com/kp9JucufA3 — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 19, 2020
After initial demonstrations outside the North Police Precinct, unrest shifted to the site of the Portland Police Association, where dumpsters were set on fire after being tipped on their sides onto the street.
Portland police declared the event a riot and ordered protesters to leave.
Several rioters evaded a charge made by the police and entered the building, setting it on fire.
Several people were taken into custody.
This is how large the antifa mob was who started fires both inside and outside the Portland Police union hall. @tedwheeler has prohibited local police from cooperating with federal law enforcement in riot policing. pic.twitter.com/K889cy1xG6 — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 19, 2020
Antifa started fires in the street outside the Portland police union hall before breaking inside and setting it on fire. #PortlandRiots pic.twitter.com/Ksw1uTp2v1 — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 19, 2020
In late June, according to KGW-TV, rioters set fire to Portland’s North Precinct, damaging the building and nearby businesses.
The battle in the streets has been accompanied by one on social media in which Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler sparred with President Donald Trump.
Should the federal government move into Portland in force? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 95% (2094 Votes) No: 5% (101 Votes)
The presence of Department of Homeland Security agents in Portland has been a bone of contention with Wheeler, who insists that stopping the arson and rioting is tantamount to a violation of the rights of those protesting.
“Earlier today I directed that staff who are part of federal agency operations are no longer allowed to co-locate with the police bureau’s incident command. While sharing a space helped facilitate clear communication, based on recent actions by federal law enforcement officers I am not comfortable having them in our space,” he wrote in a Twitter post.
based on recent actions by federal law enforcement officers I am not comfortable having them in our space. — Mayor Ted Wheeler (@tedwheeler) July 19, 2020
He later wrote that sending federal agents to curb violence was “a blatant abuse of power by President Trump.”
This is a blatant abuse of power by President Trump. https://t.co/eSobcfVQj9 — Mayor Ted Wheeler (@tedwheeler) July 19, 2020
Trump, however, countered in his own Twitter post that Portland is suffering from a leadership vacuum.
We are trying to help Portland, not hurt it. Their leadership has, for months, lost control of the anarchists and agitators. They are missing in action. We must protect Federal property, AND OUR PEOPLE. These were not merely protesters, these are the real deal! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 19, 2020
“We are trying to help Portland, not hurt it. Their leadership has, for months, lost control of the anarchists and agitators. They are missing in action. We must protect Federal property, AND OUR PEOPLE. These were not merely protesters, these are the real deal!” Trump wrote.
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westernjournal--2020-07-19--A Future Confrontation with China Looks Inevitable as Country Begins Mass Production of Game-Changer

Yang Pang / Ministry of National Defense of the People 's Republic of China China ’ s all-consuming drive to become a world superpower made a massive leap recently as the communist giant began mass production of a game-changing piece of equipment .
Worst of all , this weapon further closes the arms gap between the Asian power and the United States , meaning American interests in the Pacific might soon be in jeopardy .
China ’ s significant advancement began July 8 as mass production of the J-20B stealth fighter started , according to The South China Morning Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy entry into the family of fifth-generation fighters , which previously included only the small number of original J-20 fighters the country produced as well as America ’ s many F-22 and F-35 jets .
The new J-20B comes with thrust vector control , something its predecessor did not have .
TRENDING : Look on MSNBC Host 's Face Is Priceless as Experts Unanimously Agree US Should Reopen Schools Thrust vector control gives aircraft greater maneuverability in the air , which in turn could lend a winning edge in confrontations .
With the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other upgrades , this J-20 iteration is now an undisputed fifth-generation fighter .
The cutting-edge fighters are a must for air superiority against a modern power , something the United States holds a near-monopoly on when it comes to world air forces .
Now , the tide is shifting .
China ’ s growing military-industrial capacity means the country can now crank out four of the fighters every month .
While this might seem minor , it ’ s unlikely the communist government will be content with so few of the superior aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese creation , also signals a shift away from shoddy copycat designs that dominated the country ’ s military for much of the 20th century .
Photos of the jets appear to show many hallmarks of a modern stealth fighter , from the sweeping angles meant to muddy its signature on surveillance equipment to gray paint with a dull sheen formulated to absorb incoming radar waves .
The announcement of the J-20B comes as China strengthens its position in the South China Sea .
RELATED : 'Soviet-Style ' Punishment Imposed on College Student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Navy now rules the waves in the area , keeping China ’ s ambitions in check , decades of preparation by the communist juggernaut might mean the two powers are barreling toward a violent confrontation .
To combat America ’ s unmatched naval power , which is centered around aircraft carriers and projection of power , China simply designed and built hypersonic missiles that our ships currently have no effective defense against .
Additionally , a shift away from aircraft carriers seems all but inevitable in the 21st century .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology , the slow , lumbering ships make for easy targets .
Even if the Navy develops a counter against the missiles , China can build the ship-killers faster than America can replace what they sink .
As China rattles its saber and threatens to conquer the island of Taiwan , finally closing the book on the Chinese Civil War and ensuring communist hegemony over all of the middle kingdom , it ’ s clear we need a renewed focus on the region .
Closer military relations with Taiwan , Japan and Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , giving the country more nations to contend with in the disputed South China Sea .
Ordering more freedom of navigation exercises in the region will also put China in an uncomfortable position as it works to build a military that can compete with America ’ s .
For now , China ’ s military advances are in the fledgling stages .
Given time and the complacency of the free world , this could soon become a major and unavoidable threat to world peace .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editorial standards .

China’s all-consuming drive to become a world superpower made a massive leap recently as the communist giant began mass production of a game-changing piece of equipment.
Worst of all, this weapon further closes the arms gap between the Asian power and the United States, meaning American interests in the Pacific might soon be in jeopardy.
China’s significant advancement began July 8 as mass production of the J-20B stealth fighter started, according to The South China Morning Post.
This marks China’s first heavy entry into the family of fifth-generation fighters, which previously included only the small number of original J-20 fighters the country produced as well as America’s many F-22 and F-35 jets.
The new J-20B comes with thrust vector control, something its predecessor did not have.
Thrust vector control gives aircraft greater maneuverability in the air, which in turn could lend a winning edge in confrontations. With the addition of the TVC system and several other upgrades, this J-20 iteration is now an undisputed fifth-generation fighter.
The cutting-edge fighters are a must for air superiority against a modern power, something the United States holds a near-monopoly on when it comes to world air forces.
Now, the tide is shifting.
China’s growing military-industrial capacity means the country can now crank out four of the fighters every month.
Will the United States ever enter an open war with China? 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: 64% (401 Votes) No: 36% (226 Votes)
While this might seem minor, it’s unlikely the communist government will be content with so few of the superior aircraft being produced.
The fighter, a Chinese creation, also signals a shift away from shoddy copycat designs that dominated the country’s military for much of the 20th century.
Photos of the jets appear to show many hallmarks of a modern stealth fighter, from the sweeping angles meant to muddy its signature on surveillance equipment to gray paint with a dull sheen formulated to absorb incoming radar waves.
The announcement of the J-20B comes as China strengthens its position in the South China Sea.
While the U.S. Navy now rules the waves in the area, keeping China’s ambitions in check, decades of preparation by the communist juggernaut might mean the two powers are barreling toward a violent confrontation.
To combat America’s unmatched naval power, which is centered around aircraft carriers and projection of power, China simply designed and built hypersonic missiles that our ships currently have no effective defense against.
Additionally, a shift away from aircraft carriers seems all but inevitable in the 21st century. With the advent of advanced computing and missile technology, the slow, lumbering ships make for easy targets.
Even if the Navy develops a counter against the missiles, China can build the ship-killers faster than America can replace what they sink.
As China rattles its saber and threatens to conquer the island of Taiwan, finally closing the book on the Chinese Civil War and ensuring communist hegemony over all of the middle kingdom, it’s clear we need a renewed focus on the region.
Closer military relations with Taiwan, Japan and Australia would ramp up the pressure on China, giving the country more nations to contend with in the disputed South China Sea.
Ordering more freedom of navigation exercises in the region will also put China in an uncomfortable position as it works to build a military that can compete with America’s.
For now, China’s military advances are in the fledgling stages. Given time and the complacency of the free world, this could soon become a major and unavoidable threat to world peace.
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-19--Sciascia: 6-Year-Old Hero in Brutal Dog Mauling Is Epitome of Traditional Masculinity

With talk of toxic masculinity growing more pervasive in the culture , the idea of a brave man heralded for protecting a young lady in need seems almost a taboo fairy tale at this point .
According to New York Times writer Maya Salam , too many modern American boys have been indoctrinated with the idea that men “ can ’ t express emotion openly ; that they have to be ‘ tough all the time ’ ; that anything other than that makes them ‘ feminine ’ or weak.
” It ’ s an epidemic , leftists like Salam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Psychological Association to cite it as a cause of male “ aggression and violence ” — one that puts males at “ disproportionate risk for school discipline , academic challenges and health disparities.
” Heck , even chivalrous male actions have taken on a dark identity in social justice culture , with third-wave feminists and left-wing media culture warriors coming to know things like holding the door or complimenting a woman ’ s maternal instincts as insulting forms of “ benevolent sexism.
” So , when a young man made headlines this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line to protect his sister from a brutal dog mauling , you can bet I did a double take .
TRENDING : Look on MSNBC Host 's Face Is Priceless as Experts Unanimously Agree US Should Reopen Schools Of course , that man was a lot younger than I ’ m letting on — elementary school-age , in fact — and you have probably already heard of him .
Six-year-old Wyoming native Bridger Walker went viral last week when proud aunt Nicole Walker posted to Instagram describing the boy ’ s heroism alongside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack — which resulted in roughly 90 stitches .
“ On July 9th , my six year old nephew Bridger saved his little sister ’ s life by standing between her and a charging dog , ” Walker wrote .
“ After getting bit several times on the face and head , he grabbed his sister ’ s hand and ran with her to keep her safe .
“ He later said , ‘ If someone had to die , I thought it should be me.
’ After receiving 90 stitches ( give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surgeon , he ’ s finally resting at home , ” she added .
The touching post was quick to make the rounds on social media , garnering more than 1.4 million likes and thousands more well wishes in the comments section .
As establishment media outlets picked up the incident for coverage , a couple of Bridger ’ s own personal heroes even ended up stumbling upon the news .
Hollywood actors Chris Evans and Tom Holland , who portray Captain American and Spider-Man , respectively , in the blockbuster Marvel Cinematic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reward his bravery .
Evans hooked the boy up with an authentic replica of Captain America ’ s signature shield , while Holland invited him to the filming of the yet unnamed third installment in the latest “ Spider-Man ” movie series .
“ You ’ re a hero , ” Evans told youngster in a video message .
“ What you did was so brave , so selfless .
Your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother .
Your parents must be so proud of you.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Declares 'Hell No !
Hell No ! '
I Wo n't Apologize for Pro-Trump Comments And proud they should be .
Not only did Bridger potentially save a life ( given the relative frequency of dog bite-related fatalities in the United States and abroad ) , but he also provided the world with a flawless picture of traditional masculinity .
That may sound extreme — but it most certainly is not .
Look at the images provided by Bridger ’ s aunt .
Behind 90 stitches on the smiling face of a young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , what do you see ?
Behind the words “ If someone had to die , I thought it should be me , ” what do you hear ?
Woven deep in the fabric of those words and that picture , an astute observer will find true courage , sacrificial love and a protector ’ s heart — all characteristics once deemed inherent to the traditional male figure and worthy of celebration .
Now , this is not to say these characteristics are absent in femininity or rare in women .
Mothers unable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the face of threat to self or family are few and far between .
Nor is it to say that Bridger had any intention of expressing or representing such characteristics when he acted in defense of his sister .
In fact , quite the opposite .
Chances are , Bridger did not have so much of an inkling with regard to these topics at the time of the mauling and , if he did , likely could not articulate them .
But that is exactly the point .
Bridger Walker did not need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to put them on display .
They were , in some way , embedded in his character , waiting to manifest themselves in action .
According to widely held Christian thought , Bridger Walker , as a young man , was designed by God to represent those characteristics .
Like Jesus , the men of the world are called by God to protect the ones they love , living for them sacrificially .
For those who do not connect with this idea , think biologically .
Men — who tend to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than women , at least statistically speaking — still seem in some way designed to serve in the role of a protective caretaker .
No matter how you slice it , Biblical and biological realities point to protectiveness and sacrificial love as the better angels of the male character , regardless of what you may be hearing about the supposedly inherent brutishness and oppressive sexuality of male culture .
An innocent and unsuspecting young man , Bridger Walker is , once again , a flawless representation of these realities .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you might say — and perhaps the toxic layabout men of the modern culture should take notes .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

With talk of toxic masculinity growing more pervasive in the culture, the idea of a brave man heralded for protecting a young lady in need seems almost a taboo fairy tale at this point.
According to New York Times writer Maya Salam, too many modern American boys have been indoctrinated with the idea that men “can’t express emotion openly; that they have to be ‘tough all the time’; that anything other than that makes them ‘feminine’ or weak.”
It’s an epidemic, leftists like Salam argue, that has led even the American Psychological Association to cite it as a cause of male “aggression and violence” — one that puts males at “disproportionate risk for school discipline, academic challenges and health disparities.”
Heck, even chivalrous male actions have taken on a dark identity in social justice culture, with third-wave feminists and left-wing media culture warriors coming to know things like holding the door or complimenting a woman’s maternal instincts as insulting forms of “benevolent sexism.”
So, when a young man made headlines this week for putting his life on the line to protect his sister from a brutal dog mauling, you can bet I did a double take.
Of course, that man was a lot younger than I’m letting on — elementary school-age, in fact — and you have probably already heard of him.
Six-year-old Wyoming native Bridger Walker went viral last week when proud aunt Nicole Walker posted to Instagram describing the boy’s heroism alongside photographs revealing the aftermath of the dog attack — which resulted in roughly 90 stitches.
“On July 9th, my six year old nephew Bridger saved his little sister’s life by standing between her and a charging dog,” Walker wrote. “After getting bit several times on the face and head, he grabbed his sister’s hand and ran with her to keep her safe.
“He later said, ‘If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.’ After receiving 90 stitches (give or take) from a skilled plastic surgeon, he’s finally resting at home,” she added.
The touching post was quick to make the rounds on social media, garnering more than 1.4 million likes and thousands more well wishes in the comments section.
As establishment media outlets picked up the incident for coverage, a couple of Bridger’s own personal heroes even ended up stumbling upon the news.
Hollywood actors Chris Evans and Tom Holland, who portray Captain American and Spider-Man, respectively, in the blockbuster Marvel Cinematic Universe, both contacted Bridger to celebrate and reward his bravery.
Evans hooked the boy up with an authentic replica of Captain America’s signature shield, while Holland invited him to the filming of the yet unnamed third installment in the latest “Spider-Man” movie series.
“You’re a hero,” Evans told youngster in a video message. “What you did was so brave, so selfless. Your sister is so lucky to have you as a big brother. Your parents must be so proud of you.”
6-year-old Bridger receives a commendation for bravery from Captain America himself after saving his little sister from a dog attack.pic.twitter.com/0mzLk7OVZ0 — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 16, 2020
And proud they should be. Not only did Bridger potentially save a life (given the relative frequency of dog bite-related fatalities in the United States and abroad), but he also provided the world with a flawless picture of traditional masculinity.
That may sound extreme — but it most certainly is not.
Look at the images provided by Bridger’s aunt.
Behind 90 stitches on the smiling face of a young boy holding tight to his younger sister, what do you see?
Behind the words “If someone had to die, I thought it should be me,” what do you hear?
Woven deep in the fabric of those words and that picture, an astute observer will find true courage, sacrificial love and a protector’s heart — all characteristics once deemed inherent to the traditional male figure and worthy of celebration.
Now, this is not to say these characteristics are absent in femininity or rare in women. Mothers unable or unwilling to muster such characteristics in the face of threat to self or family are few and far between.
Nor is it to say that Bridger had any intention of expressing or representing such characteristics when he acted in defense of his sister.
In fact, quite the opposite. Chances are, Bridger did not have so much of an inkling with regard to these topics at the time of the mauling and, if he did, likely could not articulate them.
But that is exactly the point.
Bridger Walker did not need to understand or articulate those characteristics in order to put them on display. They were, in some way, embedded in his character, waiting to manifest themselves in action.
According to widely held Christian thought, Bridger Walker, as a young man, was designed by God to represent those characteristics.
Like Jesus, the men of the world are called by God to protect the ones they love, living for them sacrificially.
Do you think the modern man could learn a thing or two from Bridger? 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% (1503 Votes) No: 0% (5 Votes)
For those who do not connect with this idea, think biologically. Men — who tend to be stronger, larger and more psychologically defensive than women, at least statistically speaking — still seem in some way designed to serve in the role of a protective caretaker.
No matter how you slice it, biblical and biological realities point to protectiveness and sacrificial love as the better angels of the male character, regardless of what you may be hearing about the supposedly inherent brutishness and oppressive sexuality of male culture.
An innocent and unsuspecting young man, Bridger Walker is, once again, a flawless representation of these realities.
It’s fundamental truth from the mouths of babes, you might say — and perhaps the toxic layabout men of the modern culture should take notes.
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westernjournal--2020-07-19--‘Jewish Privilege’ Is Newest Display of Unchecked Anti-Semitism from the American Left

The recent surge of anti-Semitic rhetoric coming from left-wing voices is highlighting a startling reality of the American left — a strain of anti-Semitism has been growing within the progressive left for quite some time .
Various left-wing celebrities , politicians and activists have all voiced bigoted rhetoric against Jewish people , often without the appropriate backlash from other left-wing voices .
The most recent example of anti-Semitic rhetoric coming from the left has been shown in the idea of “ Jewish privilege ” and is quickly gaining momentum .
An extension of the neo-Marxist idea of “ white privilege @ @ @ @ @ @ @ startling parallels to Jewish canards used in Nazi propaganda , such as the conspiracy that the wealth of Jewish people has been unfairly acquired due to Jewish influence over various institutions .
Both leftists and white-nationalists utilized the trending hashtag # JewishPrivilege to push their anti-Semitic views on Twitter Sunday .
A series of Jewish celebrities led by Hen Mazzig , an Israeli writer and senior fellow at the Tel Aviv Institute , then turned the term on its head , using the hashtag in tweets that debunk the notion of Jewish privilege @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Face Is Priceless as Experts Unanimously Agree US Should Reopen Schools In an Op-Ed for NBC News , Mazzig pointed out how white supremacists utilized the hashtag to promote anti-Semitism .
He then went a step further , pointing out one truth that many on the left refuse to acknowledge .
“ Leftist voices soon joined in , perhaps because the hashtag had co-opted the term of ‘ white privilege ’ that is used in the social justice movement .
Seemingly progressive Twitter users soon piled on with false claims that Jews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while also suggesting they are responsible for the discrimination and other ills many minorities face , ” Mazzig wrote .
“ While I ’ ve seen countless ignorant ideas spread on Twitter , # JewishPrivilege uniquely terrified me .
Unlike the random pockets of online hate speech that I ’ m used to , this felt like an organized attack — as if everyone , from left to right , was in agreement that Jewish people are to be blamed for all that is wrong in the world.
” There is , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is handled on the left and the right that Mazzig fails to address .
While Republicans roundly condemn anti-Semitism from white supremacists and white nationalists of alt-right groups , Democrats have a storied history of failing to call out the very same bigotry coming from their own party .
The most obvious examples are in the actions of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan , who have found themselves in hot water for anti-Semitic remarks and association with anti-Semitic organizations .
RELATED : Charles Barkley Calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm So Disappointed in These Men' In 2019 , Omar was declared StopAntisemitism.org ’ s anti-Semite of the year for pushing the anti-Semitic trope that the Jewish state of Israel manipulated the world stage through bribery and other schemes , saying it was “ all about the Benjamins baby ” and that Israel had “ hypnotized the world.
” Her fellow “ Squad ” member Tlaib has connections to several anti-Semites and anti-Israel terrorist groups .
Both women support “ Boycott , Divestment , Sanctions , ” a movement whose advocates the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employing “ anti-Semitic rhetoric and narratives to isolate and demonize Israel.
” Perhaps the most virulent anti-Semite of all is Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan , who has been defended on multiple occasions by left-wing politicians and media in spite of his inflammatory rhetoric .
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson promoted Farrakhan and conspiracy theories about Jewish people and the coronavirus vaccine to his 1.3 million followers on Instagram just last week .
Also in recent news , celebrity Nick Cannon said black people are the true Hebrews and that Jewish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also referenced various anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about “ the Rothschilds , centralized banking , the 13 families , the bloodlines that control everything even outside of America.
” Rapper Charlamagne Tha God defended Cannon on Wednesday , saying , “ Listen , Nick is my guy .
I hate it had to be him , but that ’ s what you can do when you have the power .
And if there ’ s one thing Jewish people have showed us , it ’ s they have the power .
I can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are able to fire people for saying things about us that we deem racist.
” There are many more examples of left-wing anti-Semitism , but perhaps even more troubling is this idea of “ Jewish Privilege ” is being pushed by the neo-Marxist Black Lives Matter crowd .
While neo-Nazis of the alt-right claim to have reasons for promoting anti-Semitism , far-left neo-Marxists have an equally appalling rationalization .
If the left is going to argue for white privilege — the idea that whites are an oppressive class based solely on their over-representation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more oppressive and more privileged class .
The very same arguments were made by anti-Semites in Nazi Germany .
The Nazis believed that the disproportionate economic success of the Jewish people was due to unfair business practices .
Strangely , many of these very same leftists are accusing those who disagree with their anti-Semitic beliefs of being Nazis .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The recent surge of anti-Semitic rhetoric coming from left-wing voices is highlighting a startling reality of the American left — a strain of anti-Semitism has been growing within the progressive left for quite some time.
Various left-wing celebrities, politicians and activists have all voiced bigoted rhetoric against Jewish people, often without the appropriate backlash from other left-wing voices. The most recent example of anti-Semitic rhetoric coming from the left has been shown in the idea of “Jewish privilege” and is quickly gaining momentum.
An extension of the neo-Marxist idea of “white privilege,” “Jewish privilege” has startling parallels to Jewish canards used in Nazi propaganda, such as the conspiracy that the wealth of Jewish people has been unfairly acquired due to Jewish influence over various institutions.
Both leftists and white-nationalists utilized the trending hashtag #JewishPrivilege to push their anti-Semitic views on Twitter Sunday.
A series of Jewish celebrities led by Hen Mazzig, an Israeli writer and senior fellow at the Tel Aviv Institute, then turned the term on its head, using the hashtag in tweets that debunk the notion of Jewish privilege.
I want all my Jewish followers to share the “Jewish Privilege” them and their families experienced. — Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) July 12, 2020
In an Op-Ed for NBC News, Mazzig pointed out how white supremacists utilized the hashtag to promote anti-Semitism. He then went a step further, pointing out one truth that many on the left refuse to acknowledge.
“Leftist voices soon joined in, perhaps because the hashtag had co-opted the term of ‘white privilege’ that is used in the social justice movement. Seemingly progressive Twitter users soon piled on with false claims that Jews don’t face any discrimination, while also suggesting they are responsible for the discrimination and other ills many minorities face,” Mazzig wrote.
Should anti-Semitic rhetoric be roundly condemned by both parties? 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% (311 Votes) No: 1% (3 Votes)
“While I’ve seen countless ignorant ideas spread on Twitter, #JewishPrivilege uniquely terrified me. Unlike the random pockets of online hate speech that I’m used to, this felt like an organized attack — as if everyone, from left to right, was in agreement that Jewish people are to be blamed for all that is wrong in the world.”
There is, however, a difference between the ways anti-Semitism is handled on the left and the right that Mazzig fails to address.
While Republicans roundly condemn anti-Semitism from white supremacists and white nationalists of alt-right groups, Democrats have a storied history of failing to call out the very same bigotry coming from their own party.
The most obvious examples are in the actions of Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, who have found themselves in hot water for anti-Semitic remarks and association with anti-Semitic organizations.
Mazal Tov to #IlhanOmar on being named 2019’s Antisemite of the Year! Thousands voted & the Freshmen Congresswoman came out on top as the most vile Jew hater! America cannot afford leadership that perpetuates hatred against the #Jewish people! https://t.co/hrRKRxoYuo @Ilhan pic.twitter.com/NJFE3rcM9B — StopAntisemitism.org (@StopAntisemites) January 6, 2020
In 2019, Omar was declared StopAntisemitism.org’s anti-Semite of the year for pushing the anti-Semitic trope that the Jewish state of Israel manipulated the world stage through bribery and other schemes, saying it was “all about the Benjamins baby” and that Israel had “hypnotized the world.”
Her fellow “Squad” member Tlaib has connections to several anti-Semites and anti-Israel terrorist groups.
Both women support “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions,” a movement whose advocates the Anti-Defamation League describes as all too often employing “anti-Semitic rhetoric and narratives to isolate and demonize Israel.”
Perhaps the most virulent anti-Semite of all is Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has been defended on multiple occasions by left-wing politicians and media in spite of his inflammatory rhetoric.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson promoted Farrakhan and conspiracy theories about Jewish people and the coronavirus vaccine to his 1.3 million followers on Instagram just last week.
Also in recent news, celebrity Nick Cannon said black people are the true Hebrews and that Jewish people have usurped their identity. He also referenced various anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about “the Rothschilds, centralized banking, the 13 families, the bloodlines that control everything even outside of America.”
Rapper Charlamagne Tha God defended Cannon on Wednesday, saying, “Listen, Nick is my guy. I hate it had to be him, but that’s what you can do when you have the power. And if there’s one thing Jewish people have showed us, it’s they have the power. I can’t wait until the day black people are able to fire people for saying things about us that we deem racist.”
There are many more examples of left-wing anti-Semitism, but perhaps even more troubling is this idea of “Jewish Privilege” is being pushed by the neo-Marxist Black Lives Matter crowd.
While neo-Nazis of the alt-right claim to have reasons for promoting anti-Semitism, far-left neo-Marxists have an equally appalling rationalization.
If the left is going to argue for white privilege — the idea that whites are an oppressive class based solely on their over-representation — Jews would have to be an even more oppressive and more privileged class.
The very same arguments were made by anti-Semites in Nazi Germany.
The Nazis believed that the disproportionate economic success of the Jewish people was due to unfair business practices.
Strangely, many of these very same leftists are accusing those who disagree with their anti-Semitic beliefs of being Nazis.
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--2020-07-19--Missouri Governor Will Consider Pardon if Viral Gun-Toting Couple Face Charges

Missouri ’ s governor on Friday said that even if a St. Louis couple who held off a mob by brandishing their legally owned weapons was ever convicted on charges , he would strongly consider a pardon for them .
In June , Mark and Patricia McCloskey received extensive attention after video was shared of the armed couple confronting protesters outside their home .
The pair ’ s original lawyer , Al Watkins , alleged the unruly group tore down a gate that led to the McCloskey ’ s private community , according to Fox News .
St. Louis Circuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued a statement saying she deplored the fact that “ peaceful protesters were met by guns and a violent assault , ” according to KDSK-TV .
As part of that investigation , St. Louis police executed a search on the McCloskey home and left the property with the AR-15 that Mark McCloskey is seen carrying in the viral video .
TRENDING : Look on MSNBC Host 's Face Is Priceless as Experts Unanimously Agree US Should Reopen Schools The pistol Patricia McCloskey was holding was later turned in to police .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the pistol was inoperable , and had been for some time before the confrontation .
In an interview Saturday on Fox News “ Watters ’ World , ” Mark McCloskey said he expects to be indicted — and slammed mainstream media coverage of the case .
“ The St. Louis media has been slandering and maligning us , ” he said .
But at least his governor , Republican Mike Parson , is sympathetic .
During an interview on KFTK-FM a day before the McCloskey “ Watters ’ World ” appearance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Regardless of what the people ’ s last name are , you ’ re talking the law to stand your ground , ” Parson said , also citing “ the castle doctrine , which I helped write in the state of Missouri.
” “ They did what they legally should do , ” he said .
“ A mob does not have the right to charge your property or come on your property not knowing what the intent is , ” he said .
“ They had every right to protect themselves.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spared further investigation .
“ What Kim Gardner is doing is just by far making the situation worse , making it more political by just attempting to file charges against them ” he said , saying that the situation had grown “ out of control.
” When asked directly if he would pardon the couple should they be convicted , Parson said he was definitely leaning in that direction .
“ Right now , this is all about going after them because they did a lawful act , ” he said .
Parson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pardon the couple if they were tried and convicted .
“ Oh by all means I would , ” he said .
“ I think that ’ s exactly what would happen , ” Parson said , adding that if the couple were convicted “ I don ’ t think they ’ re going to spend any time in jail.
” Parson on Saturday retweeted a link to the interview on his personal Twitter page .
Gardner , for her part , has publicly resisted pressure from Republicans such as Missouri Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will pursue the investigation despite calls to end it .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Missouri’s governor on Friday said that even if a St. Louis couple who held off a mob by brandishing their legally owned weapons was ever convicted on charges, he would strongly consider a pardon for them.
In June, Mark and Patricia McCloskey received extensive attention after video was shared of the armed couple confronting protesters outside their home. The pair’s original lawyer, Al Watkins, alleged the unruly group tore down a gate that led to the McCloskey’s private community, according to Fox News.
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner, a Democrat, issued a statement saying she deplored the fact that “peaceful protesters were met by guns and a violent assault,” according to KDSK-TV.
As part of that investigation, St. Louis police executed a search on the McCloskey home and left the property with the AR-15 that Mark McCloskey is seen carrying in the viral video.
BREAKING: I just got off the phone with Mark McCloskey. He confirms that a warrant was executed at his St. Louis home. Police took his gun. https://t.co/UgHtyJj6dw — toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) July 11, 2020
The pistol Patricia McCloskey was holding was later turned in to police. According to a separate KSDK-TV report, the McCloskeys say the pistol was inoperable, and had been for some time before the confrontation.
In an interview Saturday on Fox News “Watters’ World,” Mark McCloskey said he expects to be indicted — and slammed mainstream media coverage of the case.
“The St. Louis media has been slandering and maligning us,” he said.
Do you think the McCloskeys will face criminal charges? 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: 41% (131 Votes) No: 59% (191 Votes)
But at least his governor, Republican Mike Parson, is sympathetic.
During an interview on KFTK-FM a day before the McCloskey “Watters’ World” appearance, Parson was asked about the case.
“Regardless of what the people’s last name are, you’re talking the law to stand your ground,” Parson said, also citing “the castle doctrine, which I helped write in the state of Missouri.”
“They did what they legally should do,” he said.
“A mob does not have the right to charge your property or come on your property not knowing what the intent is,” he said. “They had every right to protect themselves.”
Parson said the couple should be spared further investigation.
“What Kim Gardner is doing is just by far making the situation worse, making it more political by just attempting to file charges against them” he said, saying that the situation had grown “out of control.”
When asked directly if he would pardon the couple should they be convicted, Parson said he was definitely leaning in that direction.
“Right now, this is all about going after them because they did a lawful act,” he said.
Parson was asked if he had the power to pardon the couple if they were tried and convicted.
“Oh by all means I would,” he said.
“I think that’s exactly what would happen,” Parson said, adding that if the couple were convicted “I don’t think they’re going to spend any time in jail.”
We will not allow law-abiding citizens to be targeted for exercising their constitutional rights. https://t.co/6t5dUxdVgp — Mike Parson (@mikeparson) July 18, 2020
Parson on Saturday retweeted a link to the interview on his personal Twitter page.
Gardner, for her part, has publicly resisted pressure from Republicans such as Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley.
Baseless. Our office will continue to investigate this matter, and will not be bullied by a sitting U.S. Senator or anyone else. https://t.co/IWhHD8RaxG — Circuit Attorney (@stlcao) July 16, 2020
Gardner has said she will pursue the investigation despite calls to end it.
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westernjournal--2020-07-19--‘Black Guns Matter’ Group Teaches Responsible Gun Ownership, Advocates for More Guns

“ I believe that more black people would be alive if they were armed .
So , when I hear ‘ unarmed black man , ’ I ’ m sad because there should be no such thing , ” Maj Toure told Business Insider .
According to the outlet , Toure , a black Philadelphia native with a healthy love of firearms , has dedicated years of his life to traveling the nation with his Second Amendment advocacy organization , Black Guns Matter , in an effort to inform Americans from the inner-city about their constitutional right and responsibility to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when another series of widely publicized officer-involved killings prompted nationwide riots and widespread calls for radical criminal justice reform , Business Insider reported , you can bet Toure was on the next flight out of town , preparing to present a unique general safety solution to the black community : Responsible gun ownership .
“ If you would like a free basic firearm safety class , you can get it right here , ” Toure said told passersby in the BI story , which described an unspecified day in late May , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firearm safety lesson on the streets of Minneapolis .
“ The police , as we see , will leave .
They will not come to save you .
They will not save our businesses .
So if you want that , I ’ ll do that here .
Anyone can come .
It is completely free.
” TRENDING : Look on MSNBC Host 's Face Is Priceless as Experts Unanimously Agree US Should Reopen Schools The results of the learning session were apparently astounding .
More observers than one might expect reportedly stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some interested in learning about firearms firsthand , others ready to debate the activist on his gun control position .
Unfortunately , however , those who do stop to listen , learn and debate are often far less informed on their constitutional rights than civically engaged citizens might hope the average would be .
But then again , that is what Black Guns Matter is there for — to educate and encourage .
“ We saw so much ignorance going on , ” Toure said .
“ Guys that lived in rough neighborhoods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to carry a firearm on their person .
“ So what we in essence did was we created the space to let people know what was their process and what process it was of getting a firearm , lawfully carrying it on their person if they chose to , while being safe and responsible , ” he added .
Since its founding in 2016 , Toure ’ s organization has also led the charge in educating black Americans and firearms-averse individuals about the racist underpinnings of modern gun control policy .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All gun control is racist , ” Toure said .
“ Whether they change it to make it look like you got to pay a fee , you got to do this , you do that … Gun control in America was initially created to stop melanated beings from having arms.
” On a bipartisan basis , high-profile legal studies experts have long pointed to the Southern Democratic strategy of black disarmament during Reconstruction as the origin for modern gun-control literature and common law .
In an August 2017 piece for The Hill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Institute and Joseph Greenlee of the pro-Second Amendment Firearms Policy Coalition cited the post-Civil War South as the “ racist origin of gun control laws.
” RELATED : Police Describe How 'Victim Three ' Turned Tables on Gunman with a Firearm of His Own At the other end of the political spectrum , the liberal website Slate in February 2018 published a piece by Fordham University professor Nicholas Johnson on “ The Arming and Disarming of Black America , ” which again cited laws in Southern states aimed at keeping blacks from owning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control laws .
Crafted explicitly for purpose of keeping freed slaves unarmed , gun control laws left an untold number of Southern blacks entirely at the mercy of the Ku Klux Klan .
As decades passed and overt legal discrimination was done away with , however , strict firearm licensing and registration laws deeply restricted legal firearm access in America ’ s largest metropolitan areas and made the process of procuring a firearm more expensive — policies the experts argued hit hardest among black supporters of the Second Amendment .
Despite the hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guns Matter , however , who teach this history , the problem of discriminatory gun control only seems to be getting worse as leftist politicians feed their constituents anti-gun propaganda in order to garner support for expanding “ gun-free zones , ” increasing after-purchase waiting periods and wider bans on particular firearm models .
“ People somehow forget that we have the right to defend our lives with firearms , ” Toure told Business Insider .
“ A lot of times in our community , we have a lot of our politicians , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have a gun .
You don ’ t need a gun , ' ” he told Business Insider .
“ Well , I pushed back on that and say , that ’ s the very thing that we do need.
” He could not be more right .
Hundreds of millions of dollars woth of property was destroyed in the Floyd riots nationally , and that ’ s just the financial costs .
In terms of human lives lost , unofficial tallies indicate at least 17 people — the majority of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests and riots , Fox News reported .
A number of majority-black communities have also seen major spikes in violent crime since the unrest began .
According to WMAQ-TV , Chicago has seen shootings increase by approximately 75 percent over the past month and the city is now on track to record a 34 percent increase in homicides this year over 2019 .
Of course , metropolitan Democratic leaders refuse to accept help from federal law enforcement agencies or tamp down on the crime problem themselves , unwilling to cooperate with the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the suggestion that law and order matter .
Thankfully , there are still folks like Toure out there .
You know , men and women who actually care about the black community for more than just the votes it ’ s worth come election season .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

“I believe that more black people would be alive if they were armed. So, when I hear ‘unarmed black man,’ I’m sad because there should be no such thing,” Maj Toure told Business Insider.
According to the outlet, Toure, a black Philadelphia native with a healthy love of firearms, has dedicated years of his life to traveling the nation with his Second Amendment advocacy organization, Black Guns Matter, in an effort to inform Americans from the inner-city about their constitutional right and responsibility to keep and bear arms.
So, when another series of widely publicized officer-involved killings prompted nationwide riots and widespread calls for radical criminal justice reform, Business Insider reported, you can bet Toure was on the next flight out of town, preparing to present a unique general safety solution to the black community: Responsible gun ownership.
“If you would like a free basic firearm safety class, you can get it right here,” Toure said told passersby in the BI story, which described an unspecified day in late May, as he set up tables for an impromptu firearm safety lesson on the streets of Minneapolis.
“The police, as we see, will leave. They will not come to save you. They will not save our businesses. So if you want that, I’ll do that here. Anyone can come. It is completely free.”
The results of the learning session were apparently astounding.
More observers than one might expect reportedly stopped by when Toure stepped into action; some interested in learning about firearms firsthand, others ready to debate the activist on his gun control position.
Unfortunately, however, those who do stop to listen, learn and debate are often far less informed on their constitutional rights than civically engaged citizens might hope the average would be. But then again, that is what Black Guns Matter is there for — to educate and encourage.
“We saw so much ignorance going on,” Toure said. “Guys that lived in rough neighborhoods may have been missing some information in order to carry a firearm on their person.
“So what we in essence did was we created the space to let people know what was their process and what process it was of getting a firearm, lawfully carrying it on their person if they chose to, while being safe and responsible,” he added.
Can we get 50 retweets on this Solutionarys? Historical reasons. Self defense reasons. Home defense reasons. Investment reasons. Sport reasons. Check the fucking government reasons.
Whatever your reason, it’s YOUR reason. Support:https://t.co/riuZuC2Cdq pic.twitter.com/89Zxm24lZg — Maj Toure (@MAJTOURE) February 14, 2020
Since its founding in 2016, Toure’s organization has also led the charge in educating black Americans and firearms-averse individuals about the racist underpinnings of modern gun control policy.
“I pick my words very carefully: All gun control is racist,” Toure said. “Whether they change it to make it look like you got to pay a fee, you got to do this, you do that … Gun control in America was initially created to stop melanated beings from having arms.”
On a bipartisan basis, high-profile legal studies experts have long pointed to the Southern Democratic strategy of black disarmament during Reconstruction as the origin for modern gun-control literature and common law. In an August 2017 piece for The Hill, David Kopel of the conservative Cato Institute and Joseph Greenlee of the pro-Second Amendment Firearms Policy Coalition cited the post-Civil War South as the “racist origin of gun control laws.”
At the other end of the political spectrum, the liberal website Slate in February 2018 published a piece by Fordham University professor Nicholas Johnson on “The Arming and Disarming of Black America,” which again cited laws in Southern states aimed at keeping blacks from owning guns as the source of current gun control laws.
Crafted explicitly for purpose of keeping freed slaves unarmed, gun control laws left an untold number of Southern blacks entirely at the mercy of the Ku Klux Klan.
As decades passed and overt legal discrimination was done away with, however, strict firearm licensing and registration laws deeply restricted legal firearm access in America’s largest metropolitan areas and made the process of procuring a firearm more expensive — policies the experts argued hit hardest among black supporters of the Second Amendment.
Do you think gun control is racist? Yes No
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Despite the hard work being done by organizations like Black Guns Matter, however, who teach this history, the problem of discriminatory gun control only seems to be getting worse as leftist politicians feed their constituents anti-gun propaganda in order to garner support for expanding “gun-free zones,” increasing after-purchase waiting periods and wider bans on particular firearm models.
“People somehow forget that we have the right to defend our lives with firearms,” Toure told Business Insider.
Philip Smith, founder of the National African American Gun Association, agreed.
“A lot of times in our community, we have a lot of our politicians, unfortunately, say, ‘Don’t have a gun. You don’t need a gun,'” he told Business Insider. “Well, I pushed back on that and say, that’s the very thing that we do need.”
He could not be more right.
Hundreds of millions of dollars woth of property was destroyed in the Floyd riots nationally, and that’s just the financial costs.
In terms of human lives lost, unofficial tallies indicate at least 17 people — the majority of them black — have been killed during the protests and riots, Fox News reported.
A number of majority-black communities have also seen major spikes in violent crime since the unrest began. According to WMAQ-TV, Chicago has seen shootings increase by approximately 75 percent over the past month and the city is now on track to record a 34 percent increase in homicides this year over 2019.
Of course, metropolitan Democratic leaders refuse to accept help from federal law enforcement agencies or tamp down on the crime problem themselves, unwilling to cooperate with the Trump administration or, worse, give in to the suggestion that law and order matter.
Thankfully, there are still folks like Toure out there. You know, men and women who actually care about the black community for more than just the votes it’s worth come election season.
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westernjournal--2020-07-19--Biden’s Family Members Have a Long History of Crime, But Serve No Jail Time

Following President Donald Trump ’ s commutation of supporter Roger Stone ’ s prison sentence , Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff went on Twitter to complain that “ there are now two systems of justice in America : One for Trump ’ s criminal friends and one for everyone else.
” As it turns out , Schiff could have made that statement more accurate by replacing “ Trump ’ s criminal friends ” with “ Joe Biden ’ s criminal relatives.
” According the New York Post , members of the former vice president ’ s family have served no jail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRENDING : Look on MSNBC Host 's Face Is Priceless as Experts Unanimously Agree US Should Reopen Schools Biden ’ s daughter Ashley has had multiple run-ins with the law over the years .
In 1999 , when Ashley was a college student ( and Biden an influential senator ) , she was arrested for marijuana possession .
As the Post reported , “ no conviction was recorded in court records.
” Ashley Biden was arrested again in 2002 “ after she allegedly attempted to obstruct a police officer–making ‘ intimidating statements ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bar.
” Once again , she faced no legal consequences for her actions .
Biden ’ s niece Caroline has also committed quite a few crimes over the years , the Post reported , including hitting a police officer ( 2013 , while Biden was then-President Barck Obama ’ s No .
2 man ) and spending more than $ 100,000 on a stolen credit card ( 2017 , the year after Biden left the vice presidency ) .
In 2019 , according to the Post , she was arrested for driving under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So far , she has not been sentenced to any time behind bars .
Biden ’ s brother Frank was arrested in a Pompano Beach , Florida , Blockbuster video store in 2003 after trying to leave with two DVDs stuffed down his pants , according to Miami New Times .
He also has been charged with driving drunk and driving with a suspended license , the Post reported .
While he did face some consequences for his crimes , jail time was not one of them .
Last and certainly not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The younger Biden has made headlines for refusing to pay child support for a child he fathered out of wedlock , citing bankruptcy .
Hunter ’ s shady past dates goes at least as far back as 1988 , when he was arrested for drug possession in Stone Harbor , New Jersey , the Washington Examiner reported .
Now 50 , Biden was 18 at the time .
As Hunter Biden explained on a 2006 application to serve on the Amtrak Reform Board , “ There was a pre-trial intervention and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to struggle with drug abuse over the years .
He was kicked out of the Navy in 2014 for using cocaine and is suspected of smoking crack in 2018 at a strip club in the nation ’ s capital .
RELATED : Poll : Some PA Residents Think 'Secret Trump ' Voters Could Help Him Win the State While Joe Biden obviously does not have the luxury of choosing his family members , the fact that his relatives have faced no jail time for crimes they have committed over the years as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prestige definitely raises eyebrows .
The fact that the former vice president bragged about threatening to withhold $ 1 billion in U.S. aid to Ukraine if a prosecutor looking into an energy company that Hunter served on the board of was not fired only adds to the perception that Biden is willing to intervene on behalf of his family members .
Fortunately for Biden , he can always count on the establishment media to refrain from giving the stories surrounding his relatives ’ criminal acts the coverage they deserve .
One can only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mouth if President Donald Trump ’ s family members had the criminal histories that Joe Biden ’ s do .
The media are going to come up short if they try looking into the pasts of Trump ’ s children for criminal activity .
Even Hillary Clinton , his opponent in the 2016 presidential election , admitted that “ his children are incredibly able and devoted , ” adding “ I think that says a lot about Donald.
” If we use Clinton ’ s standards — and that ’ s not something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surely the Democratic nominee ’ s children also say a lot about him , don ’ t they ?
As the Democrats truthfully reminded the American people incessantly during the President ’ s impeachment , “ No one is above the law.
” As long as members of the Biden family continue to face no jail time for crimes that would result in prison sentences for anyone not related to Joe Biden , Americans will have a hard time taking the Democrats seriously when they say that they care much about “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Following President Donald Trump’s commutation of supporter Roger Stone’s prison sentence, Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff went on Twitter to complain that “there are now two systems of justice in America: One for Trump’s criminal friends and one for everyone else.”
Trump just commuted Roger Stone’s sentence. Stone lied and intimidated witnesses to hide Trump’s exploitation of the Russian hack of his opponent’s campaign. With Trump there are now two systems of justice in America: One for Trump’s criminal friends and one for everyone else. — Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) July 11, 2020
As it turns out, Schiff could have made that statement more accurate by replacing “Trump’s criminal friends” with “Joe Biden’s criminal relatives.”
According the New York Post, members of the former vice president’s family have served no jail time for crimes they have committed.
Biden’s daughter Ashley has had multiple run-ins with the law over the years. In 1999, when Ashley was a college student (and Biden an influential senator), she was arrested for marijuana possession. As the Post reported, “no conviction was recorded in court records.”
Ashley Biden was arrested again in 2002 “after she allegedly attempted to obstruct a police officer–making ‘intimidating statements’–after a bottle-throwing brawl outside a Chicago bar.” Once again, she faced no legal consequences for her actions.
Biden’s niece Caroline has also committed quite a few crimes over the years, the Post reported, including hitting a police officer (2013, while Biden was then-President Barack Obama’s No. 2 man) and spending more than $100,000 on a stolen credit card (2017, the year after Biden left the vice presidency). In 2019, according to the Post, she was arrested for driving under the influence and driving without a license.
So far, she has not been sentenced to any time behind bars.
Do you think Joe Biden's influence in the Senate and the White House has protected his family members from the legal consequences of their actions? 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% (3780 Votes) No: 0% (12 Votes)
Biden’s brother Frank was arrested in a Pompano Beach, Florida, Blockbuster video store in 2003 after trying to leave with two DVDs stuffed down his pants, according to Miami New Times. He also has been charged with driving drunk and driving with a suspended license, the Post reported. While he did face some consequences for his crimes, jail time was not one of them.
Last and certainly not least is Biden’s son Hunter. The younger Biden has made headlines for refusing to pay child support for a child he fathered out of wedlock, citing bankruptcy.
Hunter’s shady past dates goes at least as far back as 1988, when he was arrested for drug possession in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, the Washington Examiner reported. Now 50, Biden was 18 at the time.
As Hunter Biden explained on a 2006 application to serve on the Amtrak Reform Board, “There was a pre-trial intervention and the record was expunged.”
Hunter Biden has continued to struggle with drug abuse over the years. He was kicked out of the Navy in 2014 for using cocaine and is suspected of smoking crack in 2018 at a strip club in the nation’s capital.
While Joe Biden obviously does not have the luxury of choosing his family members, the fact that his relatives have faced no jail time for crimes they have committed over the years as he has held positions of power and prestige definitely raises eyebrows.
The fact that the former vice president bragged about threatening to withhold $1 billion in U.S. aid to Ukraine if a prosecutor looking into an energy company that Hunter served on the board of was not fired only adds to the perception that Biden is willing to intervene on behalf of his family members.
Fortunately for Biden, he can always count on the establishment media to refrain from giving the stories surrounding his relatives’ criminal acts the coverage they deserve. One can only imagine the establishment media foaming at the mouth if President Donald Trump’s family members had the criminal histories that Joe Biden’s do.
The media are going to come up short if they try looking into the pasts of Trump’s children for criminal activity. Even Hillary Clinton, his opponent in the 2016 presidential election, admitted that “his children are incredibly able and devoted,” adding “I think that says a lot about Donald.”
If we use Clinton’s standards — and that’s not something we’d generally recommend — then surely the Democratic nominee’s children also say a lot about him, don’t they?
As the Democrats truthfully reminded the American people incessantly during the President’s impeachment, “No one is above the law.”
That includes Joe Biden’s relatives.
As long as members of the Biden family continue to face no jail time for crimes that would result in prison sentences for anyone not related to Joe Biden, Americans will have a hard time taking the Democrats seriously when they say that they care much about “the rule of law.”
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westernjournal--2020-07-19--Pentagon’s Overzealous Confederate Flag Order Appears To Have Banned the Jolly Roger as Well

As an inveterate Yank who still thinks William Tecumseh Sherman showed a bit too much restraint for my tastes , I ’ m not particularly sad to see the Confederate flag being taken down from anywhere .
Thus , when the Pentagon decided last week it should no longer be flown or displayed at U.S. military installations , I wasn ’ t exactly outraged .
“ Flags are powerful symbols , particularly in the military community for whom flags embody common mission , common histories , and the special timeless bond of warriors , ” Defense Secretary Mark Esper wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Confederate flag , according to Fox News .
“ The flags we fly must accord with the military imperatives of good order and discipline , treating all our people with dignity and respect , and rejecting divisive symbols.
” Unfortunately , this was government work , and even as much as I generally like Defense Secretary Esper , he fell into the bureaucrat ’ s trap and managed to screw it all up .
The text of the memo doesn ’ t just ban the Confederate flag or anything associated with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been too easy .
Instead of a list of exclusion , it ’ s a list of inclusion .
TRENDING : Look on MSNBC Host 's Face Is Priceless as Experts Unanimously Agree US Should Reopen Schools You can still fly or display flags that represent states , U.S. territories and Washington , D.C. ; military service flags ; general officer flags ; flags of U.S. allies ; flags of organizations the United States takes part in , like NATO ; the POW/MIA flag and several other types of flags .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as opposed to exclusion is that you ’ re bound to miss something .
In this case , it ’ s the Jolly Roger .
The Washington Post noted in 2017 that the use of the pirate flag on Navy submarines goes back more than a century .
“ The Jolly Roger ’ s presence on the conning tower of submarines goes back to 1914 , at the beginning of World War I , when a British submarine , HMS E-9 , commanded by Lt. Cmdr .
Max Horton , sank the German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Compton-Hall in his book ‘ Submarines at War 1939-45 , ’ ” the newspaper reported .
“ Upon his return to port , Horton raised the iconic pirate flag , signaling he had sunk an enemy warship .
As Horton ’ s kills accumulated , he began denoting them by affixing bars to the flag.
” RELATED : CNN Floats 5 New Designs for the Mississippi Flag Task & Purpose tried to wade through the new flag regulations to figure out whether the triumphant Jolly Roger would still be permitted .
“ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jolly Roger on returning from missions , Pentagon spokeswoman Lisa Lawrence told Task & Purpose : ‘ The memorandum does not authorize public display of unlisted flags in the Department of Defense , ' ” the publication reported on Friday .
“ However , the Defense Department policy does allow services and units to fly ceremonial flags , though it ’ s unclear whether the Jolly Roger might be considered one of them.
” Esper ’ s decision to only allow flags approved by the Pentagon had a certain warped logic to it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rationale behind banning the Confederate flag is that divisive flags aren ’ t conducive to the kind of unity necessary to keep operational focus — and there are plenty of other flags that fit the bill .
Not only did the order avoid the thorny prospect of culturally relitigating , for the millionth time , the meaning of the Confederate flag , it also precluded other divisive banners like Black Lives Matter flags from being displayed .
That also brings up other issues on the left , though .
LGBT groups were particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t included in the order .
“ It ’ s absolutely outrageous that Defense Secretary Mark Esper would ban the Pride flag — the very symbol of inclusion and diversity , ” Jennifer Dane , the interim executive director for the Modern Military Association of America , told The New York Times .
“ In what universe is it OK to turn an opportunity to ban a racist symbol like the Confederate flag into an opportunity to ban the symbol of diversity ?
This decision sends an alarming message to LGBTQ service members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” It ’ s a strange day when I find myself on the side of Jennifer Dane , if not for the same reasons she enumerated .
( Dane apparently lives in a bubble where the Pride flag doesn ’ t carry implicit connotations that certain religious beliefs are bigoted on their face — which doesn ’ t necessarily make it “ the very symbol of inclusion and diversity.
” ) Esper ’ s order was a way to get rid of the Confederate flag without saying the words “ Confederate flag.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realize there were numerous flags not covered under the order that have a significant part in the history and lore of the U.S. Armed Forces , an oversight that makes the order look overzealous .
Task & Purpose noted the Army ’ s guidance on flags was that “ individuals are authorized to display or depict representational flags that promote unity and esprit de corps.
” This should have been the guiding spirit of the document Esper issued .
Instead , we got this .
The Jolly Roger doesn ’ t need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Confederate flag in the military .
This is the kind of cancel-culture solution you would expect from a Democratic administration .
Unless the Pentagon wants to constantly keep amending this so as to not look ridiculous , it ’ s time to scrap this memorandum and go back to the drawing board .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As an inveterate Yank who still thinks William Tecumseh Sherman showed a bit too much restraint for my tastes, I’m not particularly sad to see the Confederate flag being taken down from anywhere. Thus, when the Pentagon decided last week it should no longer be flown or displayed at U.S. military installations, I wasn’t exactly outraged.
“Flags are powerful symbols, particularly in the military community for whom flags embody common mission, common histories, and the special timeless bond of warriors,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper wrote in a July 16 memo effectively banning the Confederate flag, according to Fox News.
“The flags we fly must accord with the military imperatives of good order and discipline, treating all our people with dignity and respect, and rejecting divisive symbols.”
Unfortunately, this was government work, and even as much as I generally like Defense Secretary Esper, he fell into the bureaucrat’s trap and managed to screw it all up.
The text of the memo doesn’t just ban the Confederate flag or anything associated with the Confederacy from being displayed, because that would have been too easy. Instead of a list of exclusion, it’s a list of inclusion.
You can still fly or display flags that represent states, U.S. territories and Washington, D.C.; military service flags; general officer flags; flags of U.S. allies; flags of organizations the United States takes part in, like NATO; the POW/MIA flag and several other types of flags.
Today I issued a memorandum to the force on the display of flags at @DeptofDefense facilities. With this change in policy, we will further improve the morale, cohesion, and readiness of the force in defense of our great Nation. pic.twitter.com/YQPc3kxf4V — Dr. Mark T. Esper (@EsperDoD) July 17, 2020
The problem with an order of inclusion as opposed to exclusion is that you’re bound to miss something. In this case, it’s the Jolly Roger.
It’s not just the Confederate flag: the Pentagon’s new ban may apply to the Jolly Roger https://t.co/r4MTMKchTA via @jaredbkeller — Paul Szoldra (@PaulSzoldra) July 17, 2020
The Washington Post noted in 2017 that the use of the pirate flag on Navy submarines goes back more than a century.
“The Jolly Roger’s presence on the conning tower of submarines goes back to 1914, at the beginning of World War I, when a British submarine, HMS E-9, commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Max Horton, sank the German battle cruiser Hela, according to Richard Compton-Hall in his book ‘Submarines at War 1939-45,’” the newspaper reported.
“Upon his return to port, Horton raised the iconic pirate flag, signaling he had sunk an enemy warship. As Horton’s kills accumulated, he began denoting them by affixing bars to the flag.”
The tradition didn’t end with Horton:
USS Jimmy Carter, 1 of the most secretive subs in the USN, returns to home port flying the Jolly Roger flag – indicating operational action. pic.twitter.com/vpMYZ9xqki — Ian Keddie (@IanJKeddie) September 13, 2017
Task & Purpose tried to wade through the new flag regulations to figure out whether the triumphant Jolly Roger would still be permitted.
“When asked if submariners could still fly the Jolly Roger on returning from missions, Pentagon spokeswoman Lisa Lawrence told Task & Purpose: ‘The memorandum does not authorize public display of unlisted flags in the Department of Defense,'” the publication reported on Friday.
“However, the Defense Department policy does allow services and units to fly ceremonial flags, though it’s unclear whether the Jolly Roger might be considered one of them.”
Esper’s decision to only allow flags approved by the Pentagon had a certain warped logic to it, it should be noted. The rationale behind banning the Confederate flag is that divisive flags aren’t conducive to the kind of unity necessary to keep operational focus — and there are plenty of other flags that fit the bill.
Not only did the order avoid the thorny prospect of culturally relitigating, for the millionth time, the meaning of the Confederate flag, it also precluded other divisive banners like Black Lives Matter flags from being displayed.
That also brings up other issues on the left, though. LGBT groups were particularly rankled that the Pride flag wasn’t included in the order.
“It’s absolutely outrageous that Defense Secretary Mark Esper would ban the Pride flag — the very symbol of inclusion and diversity,” Jennifer Dane, the interim executive director for the Modern Military Association of America, told The New York Times.
“In what universe is it OK to turn an opportunity to ban a racist symbol like the Confederate flag into an opportunity to ban the symbol of diversity? This decision sends an alarming message to LGBTQ service members, their families, and future recruits.”
Should the military have banned the Confederate flag? 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: 6% (6 Votes) No: 94% (88 Votes)
It’s a strange day when I find myself on the side of Jennifer Dane, if not for the same reasons she enumerated. (Dane apparently lives in a bubble where the Pride flag doesn’t carry implicit connotations that certain religious beliefs are bigoted on their face — which doesn’t necessarily make it “the very symbol of inclusion and diversity.”)
Esper’s order was a way to get rid of the Confederate flag without saying the words “Confederate flag.” In doing so, he neglected to realize there were numerous flags not covered under the order that have a significant part in the history and lore of the U.S. Armed Forces, an oversight that makes the order look overzealous.
Task & Purpose noted the Army’s guidance on flags was that “individuals are authorized to display or depict representational flags that promote unity and esprit de corps.” This should have been the guiding spirit of the document Esper issued. Instead, we got this.
The Jolly Roger doesn’t need to be banned to get rid of the Confederate flag in the military. This is the kind of cancel-culture solution you would expect from a Democratic administration.
Unless the Pentagon wants to constantly keep amending this so as to not look ridiculous, it’s time to scrap this memorandum and go back to the drawing board.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.