westernjournal--2020-06-13--Author Says Decade-Long Hidden Treasure Worth $1M Has Been Found: ‘The Search Is Over’

A mysterious and deadly 21st-century crusade through the heart of the American West came to an end last week as millionaire Forrest Fenn ’ s hidden treasure was finally discovered .
Valued at more than $ 1 million and sought out for over a decade , the treasure chest was unearthed at an unknown location in the Rocky Mountains , the 89-year-old author and artifacts-dealer wrote in a brief announcement Sunday .
“ It was under a canopy of stars in the lush , forested vegetation of the Rocky Mountains and had not moved from the spot where I hid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Fenn said .
“ I do not know the person who found it , but the poem in my book led him to the precise spot .
“ I congratulate the thousands of people who participated in the search and hope they will continue to be drawn by the promise of other discoveries .
According to CNN , the hunt for Fenn ’ s treasure began with the appearance of a cryptic poem in his 2010 autobiography , “ The Thrill of the Chase.
” The 24-line riddle , also published on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many a modern adventurer , promising authentic buried treasure and a “ title to the gold ” for the first reader who could make heads or tails of several clues woven within the verse .
For Fenn , it was of philanthropic opportunity in more than one sense of the word .
The profound negative impacts of a global recession — not only on the marketplace but on the American morale — had inspired the artifacts dealer and antiquities collector to incentivize some good old-fashioned exploration .
The community at large needed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was going to give them one .
Over the course of two solo trips to the Rockies , Fenn would lug a 20-pound treasure chest and roughly 22 pounds loot to a location unknown to another living soul , The Santa Fe New Mexican reported .
The chest would serve as a powerful call to adventure , rallying an estimated 350,000 treasure hunters .
Given that no more than one explorer or team could possibly claim the treasure , however , the road to riches was anything but straightforward .
RELATED : 'Bee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hive ' He 'd Ever Seen In fact , it would instead leave many an explorer financially insecure , with reports suggesting some had even quit their jobs in order to make the hunt a full-time activity while others have been arrested for alleged illegal activity in their travels , according to The Associated Press .
The hazards of the road have proven less friendly still for others , as at least five individuals have lost their lives in pursuit of the treasure since 2016 .
According to The Denver Post , 53-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 52-year-old pastor Paris Wallace and 31-year-old Eric Ashby are among them , with relatives or traveling companions suggesting the treasure had been the main motivator for travel by the deceased in each case .
The Finder and the Fight Able to pinpoint Fenn ’ s hiding spot and defy the hazards , the explorer credited with discovering the treasure has chosen to remain nameless .
In an interview with The New Mexican , Fenn would only describe the lucky hunter as a man “ from back East.
” According to the outlet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discovery but “ declined to produce the photograph.
” The artifact-dealer ’ s unwillingness to turn over such evidence has led to skepticism regarding the fairness of the hunt , if not the existence of the treasure itself .
A treasure hunter of many years , Seth Wallack , told The New Mexican that Fenn ’ s story simply does not add up .
“ I think [ Fenn ’ s ] announcement is at least a few years , and a few lives , too late .
But he has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was over much earlier than today , ” Wallack said .
“ I think 2019 is the year he said was his last to do any interviews about the treasure , which I interpret as he lost interest because the hunt was no longer.
” “ In 2020 , he said the treasure was found , but doesn ’ t reveal any details so his narrative can ’ t be questioned , ” Wallack said .
Wallack is not the only adventurer to have raised questions regarding the fairness of the hunt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ native David Harold Hanson argued the artifact-dealer had crafted knowingly false clues and statements about the treasure , thus making the hunt impossible .
He sought $ 1.5 million in damages , but the case was thrown out by a judge .
Chicago lawyer Barbara Andersen more recently pursued legal action , filing an injunction in federal court this week that suggests she had solved the puzzle within Fenn ’ s poem when an unknown hacker stole her lead .
“ He stole my solve , ” Andersen said .
“ He followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The growing controversy has not seemed to phase Fenn , however .
Suggesting more details are yet to come , the artifact-collector ’ s website has not addressed the lawsuits or allegations , and holds that the treasure was discovered fairly at the time of this report .
As for his feelings regarding the hunt itself , Fenn has been less reserved , indicating the end to his hand-crafted exploratory era is a melancholy moment .
“ I don ’ t know , I feel halfway kind of glad , halfway kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he told The New Mexican .
The Western Journal has reached out to Fenn for comment but has not yet received a response .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A mysterious and deadly 21st-century crusade through the heart of the American West came to an end last week as millionaire Forrest Fenn’s hidden treasure was finally discovered.
Valued at more than $1 million and sought out for over a decade, the treasure chest was unearthed at an unknown location in the Rocky Mountains, the 89-year-old author and artifacts-dealer wrote in a brief announcement Sunday.
“It was under a canopy of stars in the lush, forested vegetation of the Rocky Mountains and had not moved from the spot where I hid it more than 10 years ago,” Fenn said. “I do not know the person who found it, but the poem in my book led him to the precise spot.
“I congratulate the thousands of people who participated in the search and hope they will continue to be drawn by the promise of other discoveries.
“So the search is over.”
Poetic Promises of Gold
According to CNN, the hunt for Fenn’s treasure began with the appearance of a cryptic poem in his 2010 autobiography, “The Thrill of the Chase.”
The 24-line riddle, also published on the author’s website, titillated many a modern adventurer, promising authentic buried treasure and a “title to the gold” for the first reader who could make heads or tails of several clues woven within the verse.
For Fenn, it was of philanthropic opportunity in more than one sense of the word. The profound negative impacts of a global recession — not only on the marketplace but on the American morale — had inspired the artifacts dealer and antiquities collector to incentivize some good old-fashioned exploration.
The community at large needed a reason to hope again — and he was going to give them one.
Over the course of two solo trips to the Rockies, Fenn would lug a 20-pound treasure chest and roughly 22 pounds loot to a location unknown to another living soul, The Santa Fe New Mexican reported.
A Rocky Road to Ruin
The chest would serve as a powerful call to adventure, rallying an estimated 350,000 treasure hunters.
Given that no more than one explorer or team could possibly claim the treasure, however, the road to riches was anything but straightforward.
In fact, it would instead leave many an explorer financially insecure, with reports suggesting some had even quit their jobs in order to make the hunt a full-time activity while others have been arrested for alleged illegal activity in their travels, according to The Associated Press.
The hazards of the road have proven less friendly still for others, as at least five individuals have lost their lives in pursuit of the treasure since 2016.
According to The Denver Post, 53-year-old Michael Wayne Sexson, 54-year-old Randy Bilyeu, 52-year-old pastor Paris Wallace and 31-year-old Eric Ashby are among them, with relatives or traveling companions suggesting the treasure had been the main motivator for travel by the deceased in each case.
The Finder and the Fight
Able to pinpoint Fenn’s hiding spot and defy the hazards, the explorer credited with discovering the treasure has chosen to remain nameless.
In an interview with The New Mexican, Fenn would only describe the lucky hunter as a man “from back East.”
According to the outlet, Fenn had received photographic confirmation of the discovery but “declined to produce the photograph.”
The artifact-dealer’s unwillingness to turn over such evidence has led to skepticism regarding the fairness of the hunt, if not the existence of the treasure itself.
A treasure hunter of many years, Seth Wallack, told The New Mexican that Fenn’s story simply does not add up.
“I think [Fenn’s] announcement is at least a few years, and a few lives, too late. But he has to live with that. I believe this was over much earlier than today,” Wallack said.
“I think 2019 is the year he said was his last to do any interviews about the treasure, which I interpret as he lost interest because the hunt was no longer.”
“In 2020, he said the treasure was found, but doesn’t reveal any details so his narrative can’t be questioned,” Wallack said.
Wallack is not the only adventurer to have raised questions regarding the fairness of the hunt.
In a lawsuit against Fenn, Colorado native David Harold Hanson argued the artifact-dealer had crafted knowingly false clues and statements about the treasure, thus making the hunt impossible. He sought $1.5 million in damages, but the case was thrown out by a judge.
Chicago lawyer Barbara Andersen more recently pursued legal action, filing an injunction in federal court this week that suggests she had solved the puzzle within Fenn’s poem when an unknown hacker stole her lead.
“He stole my solve,” Andersen said. “He followed and cheated me to get the chest.”
Finder’s Keepers
The growing controversy has not seemed to phase Fenn, however.
Suggesting more details are yet to come, the artifact-collector’s website has not addressed the lawsuits or allegations, and holds that the treasure was discovered fairly at the time of this report.
As for his feelings regarding the hunt itself, Fenn has been less reserved, indicating the end to his hand-crafted exploratory era is a melancholy moment.
“I don’t know, I feel halfway kind of glad, halfway kind of sad because the chase is over,” he told The New Mexican.
The Western Journal has reached out to Fenn for comment but has not yet received a response.
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westernjournal--2020-06-13--Watch: Black Conservative Roasts White-Shaming Celebrities Over ‘I Take Responsibility’ Video

Finally , black people protesting the awful death of George Floyd can all just go home , because white Hollywood liberals have released a video fixing everything .
The video was ridiculed and parodied by many on social media , but conservative commentator and author Rob Smith perfectly skewered the virtue-signaling ridiculousness of it , while offering some great advice in the process .
In a star-studded public service announcement that is as tone-deaf as it is pandering nonsense , celebrities such as Aaron Paul , Bryce Dallas Howard , Debra Messing , Julianne Moore , Stanley Tucci and Kristen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scripted message about how they , the elite , take the blame for racism and pledge to “ stand against hate.
” Moore tweeted the PSA , titled “ I Take Responsibility ” and produced in conjunction with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People , along with a call to action .
“ Today , # ITakeResponsibility for my role in eradicating racism in America , ” she tweeted Thursday .
“ Unless white America acknowledges its privilege , systemic racism will persist .
Act Now .
What will you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two-minute video , shot in black and white ( so viewers know they ’ re super serious ) , cuts between celebrities as they apologized for jokes , stereotypes and the times they ignored or “ explained away police brutality.
” Without naming the victims , they appear to cite the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of black individuals such as Floyd , Ahmaud Arbery , Breonna Taylor and others .
“ And killer cops must be prosecuted , they are murderers .
We can turn the tide .
It is time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Step up .
And take action , ” Paul says in the most impassioned part of the video .
Besides the fact that these are all painfully out-of-touch liberal celebrities , the underlying assumption is offensive .
They presume that white people other than the rich and famous simply don ’ t care about violence against black people , especially if they do not support the radical Black Lives Matter movement .
The PSA implies that ordinary white people are just hate-filled racists , joking around about racial stereotypes while black people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” and that therefore , the celebrities must take it upon themselves to atone for the common people ’ s racism .
But Smith ’ s take on the video was incisive and spot on .
He parodied the PSA brilliantly , turning the celebrities ’ message on its head and serving it right back to them .
RELATED : Twitter Users Blast Terry Crews After He Issues Warning of 'Black Supremacy' “ I take responsibility for every black person in Hollywood that told you it ’ s a good idea to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you made apologizing for being white , ” he began , mimicking the PSA ’ s tone and black-and-white close-up format .
“ I take responsibility for that because — because they told you that it ’ s a good idea , ” Smith continued , his voice quivering with mock emotion .
“ They told you that this is what you need to do to prove that you ’ re not racist and I take responsibility for that .
“ You have been humiliated by this video , ” he continued .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ causes me physical pain to watch it and I take responsibility because somewhere , some black person told you that that is what you needed to do to prove that you ’ re not racist , and I take responsibility for that.
” “ It ’ s the most humiliating thing that I ’ ve ever seen on the internet and that ’ s saying a lot , ” he added .
“ And I have to take responsibility for the black people in Hollywood that told you to do that .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black friends for real because if you did , you ’ d have known that you shouldn ’ t humiliate yourself like that to prove that you ’ re not racist , ” Smith said .
“ You should just not be an a–hole .
Just don ’ t be an a–hole , ” Smith concluded , offering the best advice possible .
WARNING : The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers will find offensive .
Smith artfully parodied the preachy , race-shaming mea culpa and called it exactly what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-important that they assume their sham will affect actual change as if their words — written by someone else , of course , but apparently powerful because the actors can read with emotion — will heal all injustices .
But more than that , they trivialize the experience of those who have actually experienced racism or who are authentically outraged by unjustified killings of African-Americans .
“ There ’ s actually nothing more racist than saying what you are saying , ” singer Kaya Jones responded to Moore ’ s video and tweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saviors .
I ’ m biracial and I don ’ t see black or white but human beings .
“ Maybe if you just supported each other instead of this savior narrative we might actually get somewhere , ” Jones added .
Both Smith and Jones make a good case against the ridiculous trend which has white people kneeling or apologizing on behalf of their race — it is degrading for both parties and completely pointless .
This kind of thing comes mostly from those on the left — the same people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote for Democrats because , after all , it is only folks on the right who are capable of racism .
For some reason , liberal elitist celebrities think that if they say the right words and wear hangdog expressions , they will be absolved of all wrongdoing and fix the world with their star power alone .
While liberals trip over themselves in one ridiculous showing after another , most folks on the right will continue to respond with exactly the best remedy — to paraphrase Rob Smith , just don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Finally, black people protesting the awful death of George Floyd can all just go home, because white Hollywood liberals have released a video fixing everything.
The video was ridiculed and parodied by many on social media, but conservative commentator and author Rob Smith perfectly skewered the virtue-signaling ridiculousness of it, while offering some great advice in the process.
In a star-studded public service announcement that is as tone-deaf as it is pandering nonsense, celebrities such as Aaron Paul, Bryce Dallas Howard, Debra Messing, Julianne Moore, Stanley Tucci and Kristen Bell, among others, deliver a scripted message about how they, the elite, take the blame for racism and pledge to “stand against hate.”
Moore tweeted the PSA, titled “I Take Responsibility” and produced in conjunction with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, along with a call to action.
“Today, #ITakeResponsibility for my role in eradicating racism in America,” she tweeted Thursday. “Unless white America acknowledges its privilege, systemic racism will persist. Act Now. What will you commit to?” she wrote.
Today, #ITakeResponsibility for my role in eradicating racism in America. Unless white America acknowledges its privilege, systemic racism will persist. Act Now. What will you commit to? https://t.co/OjSR23y7lp. @NAACP @itakeresponsibility #itakeresponsibility #blacklivesmatter pic.twitter.com/NYH2WQyiKP — Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) June 11, 2020
The two-minute video, shot in black and white (so viewers know they’re super serious), cuts between celebrities as they apologized for jokes, stereotypes and the times they ignored or “explained away police brutality.”
Without naming the victims, they appear to cite the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of black individuals such as Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and others.
Do you think the celebrities' PSA was racist? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (1885 Votes) No: 3% (51 Votes)
“And killer cops must be prosecuted, they are murderers. We can turn the tide. It is time to take responsibility. Call out hate. Step up. And take action,” Paul says in the most impassioned part of the video.
Besides the fact that these are all painfully out-of-touch liberal celebrities, the underlying assumption is offensive.
They presume that white people other than the rich and famous simply don’t care about violence against black people, especially if they do not support the radical Black Lives Matter movement.
The PSA implies that ordinary white people are just hate-filled racists, joking around about racial stereotypes while black people are being “slaughtered in the streets,” and that therefore, the celebrities must take it upon themselves to atone for the common people’s racism.
But Smith’s take on the video was incisive and spot on. He parodied the PSA brilliantly, turning the celebrities’ message on its head and serving it right back to them.
“I take responsibility for every black person in Hollywood that told you it’s a good idea to humiliate yourselves in the cringey video that you made apologizing for being white,” he began, mimicking the PSA’s tone and black-and-white close-up format.
“I take responsibility for that because — because they told you that it’s a good idea,” Smith continued, his voice quivering with mock emotion. “They told you that this is what you need to do to prove that you’re not racist and I take responsibility for that.
“You have been humiliated by this video, ” he continued. “It’s cringey. It causes me physical pain to watch it and I take responsibility because somewhere, some black person told you that that is what you needed to do to prove that you’re not racist, and I take responsibility for that.”
“It’s the most humiliating thing that I’ve ever seen on the internet and that’s saying a lot,” he added.
“And I have to take responsibility for the black people in Hollywood that told you to do that.
“You probably don’t have any black friends for real because if you did, you’d have known that you shouldn’t humiliate yourself like that to prove that you’re not racist,” Smith said.
“You should just not be an a–hole. Just don’t be an a–hole,” Smith concluded, offering the best advice possible.
WARNING: The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers will find offensive.
Smith artfully parodied the preachy, race-shaming mea culpa and called it exactly what it is — humiliating.
Celebrities are so self-important that they assume their sham will affect actual change as if their words — written by someone else, of course, but apparently powerful because the actors can read with emotion — will heal all injustices.
But more than that, they trivialize the experience of those who have actually experienced racism or who are authentically outraged by unjustified killings of African-Americans.
“There’s actually nothing more racist than saying what you are saying,” singer Kaya Jones responded to Moore’s video and tweet.
“Insinuating black people need white saviors. I’m biracial and I don’t see black or white but human beings.
“Maybe if you just supported each other instead of this savior narrative we might actually get somewhere,” Jones added.
There’s actually nothing more racist than saying what you are saying. Insinuating black people need white saviors. I’m biracial and I don’t see black or white but human beings. Maybe if you just supported each other instead of this savior narrative we might actually get somewhere — Kaya Jones (@KayaJones) June 11, 2020
Both Smith and Jones make a good case against the ridiculous trend which has white people kneeling or apologizing on behalf of their race — it is degrading for both parties and completely pointless.
This kind of thing comes mostly from those on the left — the same people who think that all black people should automatically vote for Democrats because, after all, it is only folks on the right who are capable of racism.
For some reason, liberal elitist celebrities think that if they say the right words and wear hangdog expressions, they will be absolved of all wrongdoing and fix the world with their star power alone.
While liberals trip over themselves in one ridiculous showing after another, most folks on the right will continue to respond with exactly the best remedy — to paraphrase Rob Smith, just don’t be a jerk
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--2020-06-13--Radical Left, GOP ‘Establishment’ Alike in Crosshairs for Conservative AZ Congressional Candidate

With GOP sights set on reclaiming the House of Representatives in 2020 , hard-line conservative candidates in key districts across the nation are testing the political waters in an effort check progressive and establishment Republican agendas on Capitol Hill .
Nolan Reidhead , a Republican primary candidate for Arizona ’ s 1st Congressional District , is one such candidate .
Branding himself the “ conservative choice for Congress , ” Reidhead told The Western Journal in a Thursday interview that the broad government growth and elevated cultural tensions of recent years and decades have exposed a breach in America ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a return to values-based , local-first leadership .
“ We ’ re seeing it now .
We ’ re seeing a breakdown of of the constitutional values and rights that we have , ” Reidhead said .
“ When in our nation ’ s history have you had the opportunity to go out and get an abortion , yet you ’ re not able to go to church ?
When are you not able to go out and purchase a firearm , exercise your Second Amendment rights , yet you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street ?
” “ We ’ re seeing our right to assemble being attacked .
We ’ re seeing our right to exercise our freedom of religion being attacked.
” “ Those principles — principles of free enterprise economy , principles of limited government — those are the principles that we ’ ve seen through the Reagan era , we ’ re seeing through the Trump administration .
So that , to me , is conservatism and freedom : having the ability to make decisions based on our own conscience , based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ And that ’ s what I see as a true conservative .
Not just going to Washington to be a part of the establishment , be a part of the swamp , if you will .
But it ’ s taking the values of your roots and taking them to Washington to integrate proper legislation.
” A native Arizonan , Reidhead was born in Payson and spent his early years in the district , moving east with his family .
He would go on to learn the values of “ hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during an adolescence spent rising in the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America and laboring in the northern Arizona logging industry alongside his father , according to a bio released by his campaign .
These values , as well as a firm respect for the constitutional foundations of the United States , were cultivated further over the course of a legal education from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul , Minnesota , eventually allowing Reidhead to open his own practice in Tucson .
Campaigning in a district that extends from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rural industrial centers of the state ’ s northern and eastern sectors , Reidhead should benefit from this diverse resume — an edge he will need to capitalize on should he manage to secure the nomination .
Incumbent Rep. Tom O ’ Halleran , who was elected in 2016 , took office in the midst of a now-8-year Democratic streak for the district , which has a history of frequent partisan transitions .
A former Republican and currently a co-chair of the “ fiscally responsible ” Blue Dog Democrat Coalition , O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rogers by more than 7 percentage points in the 2018 midterm elections .
The Lugar Center ’ s 2019 congressional bipartisanship report ranked the representative at No .
21 in terms of his willingness to reach across the aisle .
RELATED : 7-Year-Old Boy Goes Viral for Inspiring Moments of Prayer with Local Cops According to Reidhead , however , O ’ Halleran “ has a voting record ” — one that stands to paint the representative in a far more radical light than he may like .
“ In previous elections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a moderate , ” Reidhead told The Western Journal .
“ And so a lot of independents in Arizona — independents play a huge role in [ congressional district 1 ] .
And so they see him as an independent .
They seen him as a person who would , I guess , work across the aisle.
” “ The problem is for Mr. O ’ Halleran , he has a voting record , and he voted to impeach our president .
He ’ s voted against the [ Born-Alive Abortion Survivors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voted against these free enterprise economic principles .
He ’ s voting against some of the principles that the president is trying to get out there , ” Reidhead added .
But sending just any Republican to the Hill in O ’ Halleran ’ s place was not going to cut it in 2020 , the candidate said .
Reidhead said fellow Republican primary candidate Tiffany Shedd , who garnered just 19 percent support in the 2018 Republican primary for the seat , is not dissimilar to those establishment Republican representatives in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump agenda accomplished following President Donald Trump ’ s inauguration , instead dragging their feet on failed health care legislation and tax cuts that only just skated by .
“ On one side you have my opponent , who is an establishment candidate in the likes of your John McCain ’ s , your Mitt Romney ’ s , your Jeff Flake ’ s — the establishment side — and is going to go to Washington in that vein.
” Avoiding the company of such establishment figures , Reidhead claimed he will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected .
Made up of roughly 30 members , the Freedom Caucus is a coalition of constitutionalist and libertarian-leaning representatives .
It is headed up by Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs and has a rocky reputation among more moderate members of the party .
“ We need better leadership .
We need leadership that ’ s going to stand up — and you see it throughout the country : Good leaders stand up .
They stand for their principles .
They don ’ t waffle based on the winds of change , ” Reidhead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stood up for President Trump during the impeachment process.
” “ They ’ ve stood up for economic values .
They stood up for our Constitution , ” he added .
“ And it ’ s a situation where that ’ s what Americans are looking for .
They ’ re looking for somebody who will bring those leadership values.
” The Republican primary for Arizona ’ s 1st Congressional District is scheduled for Aug. 4 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial @ @

With GOP sights set on reclaiming the House of Representatives in 2020, hard-line conservative candidates in key districts across the nation are testing the political waters in an effort check progressive and establishment Republican agendas on Capitol Hill.
Nolan Reidhead, a Republican primary candidate for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, is one such candidate.
Branding himself the “conservative choice for Congress,” Reidhead told The Western Journal in a Thursday interview that the broad government growth and elevated cultural tensions of recent years and decades have exposed a breach in America’s representative class — and the need for a return to values-based, local-first leadership.
“We’re seeing it now. We’re seeing a breakdown of of the constitutional values and rights that we have,” Reidhead said. “When in our nation’s history have you had the opportunity to go out and get an abortion, yet you’re not able to go to church? When are you not able to go out and purchase a firearm, exercise your Second Amendment rights, yet you’re able to go buy pot on the street?”
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“We’re seeing our right to assemble being attacked. We’re seeing our right to exercise our freedom of religion being attacked.”
“Those principles — principles of free enterprise economy, principles of limited government — those are the principles that we’ve seen through the Reagan era, we’re seeing through the Trump administration. So that, to me, is conservatism and freedom: having the ability to make decisions based on our own conscience, based on our own rights,” he added.
“And that’s what I see as a true conservative. Not just going to Washington to be a part of the establishment, be a part of the swamp, if you will. But it’s taking the values of your roots and taking them to Washington to integrate proper legislation.”
A native Arizonan, Reidhead was born in Payson and spent his early years in the district, moving east with his family.
He would go on to learn the values of “hard work, personal responsibility and integrity” during an adolescence spent rising in the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America and laboring in the northern Arizona logging industry alongside his father, according to a bio released by his campaign.
These values, as well as a firm respect for the constitutional foundations of the United States, were cultivated further over the course of a legal education from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, eventually allowing Reidhead to open his own practice in Tucson.
Campaigning in a district that extends from metropolitan Phoenix to the tribal lands and rural industrial centers of the state’s northern and eastern sectors, Reidhead should benefit from this diverse resume — an edge he will need to capitalize on should he manage to secure the nomination.
Incumbent Rep. Tom O’Halleran, who was elected in 2016, took office in the midst of a now-8-year Democratic streak for the district, which has a history of frequent partisan transitions.
A former Republican and currently a co-chair of the “fiscally responsible” Blue Dog Democrat Coalition, O’Halleran won re-election over Republican nominee Wendy Rogers by more than 7 percentage points in the 2018 midterm elections.
The Lugar Center’s 2019 congressional bipartisanship report ranked the representative at No. 21 in terms of his willingness to reach across the aisle.
Do you think Republicans will take back the House in 2020? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 94% (322 Votes) No: 6% (19 Votes)
According to Reidhead, however, O’Halleran “has a voting record” — one that stands to paint the representative in a far more radical light than he may like.
“In previous elections, Tom O’Halleran has run more as a moderate,” Reidhead told The Western Journal.
“And so a lot of independents in Arizona — independents play a huge role in [congressional district 1]. And so they see him as an independent. They seen him as a person who would, I guess, work across the aisle.”
“The problem is for Mr. O’Halleran, he has a voting record, and he voted to impeach our president. He’s voted against the [Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act]. He’s voted against these free enterprise economic principles. He’s voting against some of the principles that the president is trying to get out there,” Reidhead added.
But sending just any Republican to the Hill in O’Halleran’s place was not going to cut it in 2020, the candidate said.
Reidhead said fellow Republican primary candidate Tiffany Shedd, who garnered just 19 percent support in the 2018 Republican primary for the seat, is not dissimilar to those establishment Republican representatives in the 115th Congress who squandered opportunities to see the Trump agenda accomplished following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, instead dragging their feet on failed health care legislation and tax cuts that only just skated by.
“There’s a huge contrast,” Reidhead said.
“On one side you have my opponent, who is an establishment candidate in the likes of your John McCain’s, your Mitt Romney’s, your Jeff Flake’s — the establishment side — and is going to go to Washington in that vein.”
Avoiding the company of such establishment figures, Reidhead claimed he will be joining the House Freedom Caucus if elected.
Made up of roughly 30 members, the Freedom Caucus is a coalition of constitutionalist and libertarian-leaning representatives. It is headed up by Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs and has a rocky reputation among more moderate members of the party.
“We need better leadership. We need leadership that’s going to stand up — and you see it throughout the country: Good leaders stand up. They stand for their principles. They don’t waffle based on the winds of change,” Reidhead said.
“The Freedom Caucus individuals stood up for President Trump during the impeachment process.”
“They’ve stood up for economic values. They stood up for our Constitution,” he added. “And it’s a situation where that’s what Americans are looking for. They’re looking for somebody who will bring those leadership values.”
The Republican primary for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District is scheduled for Aug. 4.
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westernjournal--2020-06-13--Watch: Artist Drills Hole in Can of Paint To Create Mesmerizing Work of Art

Some artists pour hours into their creations , putting the finest details into every inch of canvas .
Others slop paint across their workspace , creating patterns just as intriguing off the canvas as on it .
Many people who wouldn ’ t consider themselves artists can still find ways to make their own creative mark in their homes .
One recent viral video illustrates a method that just about anyone can use .
For this painting , you don ’ t need a brush — but you will need a power drill , along with a length of rope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surface to paint and lots of plastic to protect the surfaces you do not want to paint .
Originally posted on “ The Ryan and Amber Show ” Facebook page on May 9 , the video was also shared by Rick Lax , where it got even more views .
The video shows Ryan drilling through the lid of a quart can of discounted ceiling paint after presumably having drilled a hole in the bottom as well .
The can of paint was tied to the ceiling somewhere out of view , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a spirograph with the pendulum setup .
As paint poured out the bottom of the can while it swung back and forth , a beautiful pattern began to appear on the canvas .
The white paint popped against the black material , and it ’ s difficult not to watch the lines appear against the black : It ’ s mesmerizing .
In this particular video , only one canvas was used , but in another video on “ The Craft Show ” Facebook page ( run by Ryan and Amber ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a can of red paint to create a similarly mesmerizing pattern across separate panels .
The videos have certainly gotten people ’ s attention , with a combined total of more than 290 million views and over 120,000 shares .
People have had mixed reactions to the end result , with some applauding the creativity and others questioning whether such pieces can be called “ art.
” “ Look up Foucault pendulum , ” one person commented on their video .
“ I applaud the artist for using known science that proves earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Art and science together make something we can all enjoy.
” “ The Windows 95 screensaver of the art world , ” commented another .
“ I feel like I just beat solitaire.
” While these paintings might not be everyone ’ s cup of tea , they could be just right for a fun experiment/project with kids , especially if you have an outdoor area you can use to spare your floors .
Or maybe you have some bare walls that could use a little brightening up with a few of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least , you can join in on the scintillating discussion of what counts as “ art ” in the comment sections of the videos .
Is this a project that you would try ?
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Some artists pour hours into their creations, putting the finest details into every inch of canvas. Others slop paint across their workspace, creating patterns just as intriguing off the canvas as on it.
Many people who wouldn’t consider themselves artists can still find ways to make their own creative mark in their homes.
One recent viral video illustrates a method that just about anyone can use.
For this painting, you don’t need a brush — but you will need a power drill, along with a length of rope, a quart of paint, a surface to paint and lots of plastic to protect the surfaces you do not want to paint.
Originally posted on “The Ryan and Amber Show” Facebook page on May 9, the video was also shared by Rick Lax, where it got even more views. The video shows Ryan drilling through the lid of a quart can of discounted ceiling paint after presumably having drilled a hole in the bottom as well.
The can of paint was tied to the ceiling somewhere out of view, and Ryan basically created a giant freeform version of a spirograph with the pendulum setup.
As paint poured out the bottom of the can while it swung back and forth, a beautiful pattern began to appear on the canvas. The white paint popped against the black material, and it’s difficult not to watch the lines appear against the black: It’s mesmerizing.
In this particular video, only one canvas was used, but in another video on “The Craft Show” Facebook page (run by Ryan and Amber), the two used four canvases and a can of red paint to create a similarly mesmerizing pattern across separate panels.
The videos have certainly gotten people’s attention, with a combined total of more than 290 million views and over 120,000 shares.
People have had mixed reactions to the end result, with some applauding the creativity and others questioning whether such pieces can be called “art.”
“Look up Foucault pendulum,” one person commented on their video. “I applaud the artist for using known science that proves earth’s rotation to produce art. Art and science together make something we can all enjoy.”
“The Windows 95 screensaver of the art world,” commented another. “I feel like I just beat solitaire.”
While these paintings might not be everyone’s cup of tea, they could be just right for a fun experiment/project with kids, especially if you have an outdoor area you can use to spare your floors. Or maybe you have some bare walls that could use a little brightening up with a few of your own original works.
At the very least, you can join in on the scintillating discussion of what counts as “art” in the comment sections of the videos.
Is this a project that you would try?
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-06-13--Soccer Player Released Over Wife’s ‘Racist’ Social Media Posts

The Los Angeles Galaxy released a midfielder from the team after the player ’ s wife shared what the organization called “ racist and violent ” posts on her personal social media .
The Major League Soccer team made the announcement on its Twitter account last week that it had “ mutually agreed to part ways with midfielder Aleksander Katai.
” The Serbian soccer player ’ s wife , Tea Katai , had posted photos from protests that erupted after George Floyd died on May 25 in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an New York City Police Department SUV , which would later drive into a crowd of protesters and knock people to the ground , facing the protesters , TheBlaze reported .
Tea Katai captioned the photo “ Ma pobij govna bre !
” — which translates to “ Kill the s—s !
” A separate post , consisting of a picture of a shoe store being looted , was captioned : “ Black Nikes Matter.
” She has since made her Instagram account private .
The LA Galaxy condemned her posts as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter .
“ The LA Galaxy stands firmly against racism of any kind , including that which suggests violence or seeks to demean the efforts of those in pursuit of racial equality , ” the statement read .
“ The LA Galaxy stands with communities of color , and especially the Black community , in the protests and fight against systemic racism , social inequality , bigotry and violence.
” RELATED : NFL Coach Announces He Will Kneel During the National Anthem On his own Instagram account , Aleksander Katai also apologized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called them “ unacceptable.
” “ I am sorry for the pain these posts have caused the LA Galaxy family and all allies in the fight against racism , ” he wrote .
The LA Galaxy ultimately reached a decision to buy out the remainder of Katai ’ s contract , according to the Los Angeles Times .
“ We believe strongly that we ’ re a club that represents our staff , represents our players , represents our fans and our community , ” team president Chris Klein told the Times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was not a difficult one .
We have to hold to those values .
This is not a soccer decision.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Los Angeles Galaxy released a midfielder from the team after the player’s wife shared what the organization called “racist and violent” posts on her personal social media.
The Major League Soccer team made the announcement on its Twitter account last week that it had “mutually agreed to part ways with midfielder Aleksander Katai.”
The LA Galaxy have parted ways with Aleksandar Katai. pic.twitter.com/mcu0fTreC8 — LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 5, 2020
The Serbian soccer player’s wife, Tea Katai, had posted photos from protests that erupted after George Floyd died on May 25 in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes during an arrest.
One picture showed an New York City Police Department SUV, which would later drive into a crowd of protesters and knock people to the ground, facing the protesters, TheBlaze reported.
Tea Katai captioned the photo “Ma pobij govna bre!” — which translates to “Kill the s—s!”
A separate post, consisting of a picture of a shoe store being looted, was captioned: “Black Nikes Matter.”
She has since made her Instagram account private.
Do you think the team went too far in releasing this player? 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: 93% (912 Votes) No: 7% (67 Votes)
The LA Galaxy condemned her posts as “racist and violent” in a statement on Twitter.
“The LA Galaxy stands firmly against racism of any kind, including that which suggests violence or seeks to demean the efforts of those in pursuit of racial equality,” the statement read.
A statement from the LA Galaxy on Tea Katai. pic.twitter.com/tfGDMUomIo — LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 4, 2020
“The LA Galaxy stands with communities of color, and especially the Black community, in the protests and fight against systemic racism, social inequality, bigotry and violence.”
On his own Instagram account, Aleksander Katai also apologized for his wife’s posts and called them “unacceptable.”
“I am sorry for the pain these posts have caused the LA Galaxy family and all allies in the fight against racism,” he wrote.
The LA Galaxy ultimately reached a decision to buy out the remainder of Katai’s contract, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“We believe strongly that we’re a club that represents our staff, represents our players, represents our fans and our community,” team president Chris Klein told the Times.
“The decision, in that respect, was not a difficult one. We have to hold to those values. This is not a soccer decision.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-13--7-Year-Old Boy Goes Viral for Inspiring Moments of Prayer with Local Cops

As racially charged protests and riots continued to rock the nation last week in light of the officer-involved death of George Floyd , one Oklahoma boy was hard at work helping to calm hearts and minds in his community .
Exposed to the turbulent nature of the current social climate when criminal justice reform protests took a turn for the destructive in his home town of Tulsa on June 1 , 7-year-old Trey Elliott felt compelled to pray for local law enforcement .
A brief personal or family prayer from home , however , was not the extent of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , running into a handful of law enforcement officers that same day at a local coffee shop with his mother , Trey decided to stop and pray over them directly , petitioning God to bless them , their families and the surrounding community with protection and healing .
“ Tulsa had a really big peaceful protest on Sunday , and then Sunday night it turned into rioting and businesses being destroyed — busted out windows , things like that in our area , ” Trey ’ s mother , Brittany , told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So , Monday I was telling Trey about it because we drive right through that area.
” “ I was just kind of explaining it to him and explaining to him what was going on and the difference between protesting and rioting , and what was happening with our police officers .
“ And so he said , ‘ I think I ’ d like to pray for the officers ’ … which is a lot coming from him because he does not enjoy praying out loud , ” she said .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video of Trey praying over scores more Tulsa Police Department officers would go viral on social media , leading officers to seek him out at public events and even at home .
As of Wednesday , the young prayer warrior had shared similar touching moments of faith with as many as 105 law enforcement officers , his mother told The Western Journal .
Among that laundry list of officers was Tulsa PD Chief Wendell Franklin , who made clear June 4 on Twitter that Trey ’ s series of small , loving gestures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department and officer morale .
“ Trey prayed for our community , police department and me today , ” Franklin wrote .
“ It was an honor to meet this young man involved in his own mission to bring our community together.
” “ He is that mustard seed planted which yields a tree used by all , ” the chief added , referring to the biblical parable of the mustard seed — a famous illustration from Jesus ’ Sermon on the Mount that ’ s included in three of the four Gospels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field .
It is the smallest of all seeds , but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree , so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches , ” Jesus tells the masses in Matthew 13:31-32 .
According to Trey and his mother , that ’ s exactly what his moments of prayer with Tulsa PD illustrate : the way a single servant-hearted act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and spread .
“ All he hopes is that other people think to pray for their own officers and their own towns .
That ’ s the whole idea behind Trey ’ s movement , ” Brittany Elliott said .
“ Get outside of your own head , get off social media for a little bit and if you see that officer at the coffee shop or at the gas station , just stop and ask them , ‘ Would you be OK if I prayed over you ?
’ ” “ Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them than you would even think , ” she added .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As racially charged protests and riots continued to rock the nation last week in light of the officer-involved death of George Floyd, one Oklahoma boy was hard at work helping to calm hearts and minds in his community.
Exposed to the turbulent nature of the current social climate when criminal justice reform protests took a turn for the destructive in his home town of Tulsa on June 1, 7-year-old Trey Elliott felt compelled to pray for local law enforcement.
A brief personal or family prayer from home, however, was not the extent of what Trey would do, though.
Instead, running into a handful of law enforcement officers that same day at a local coffee shop with his mother, Trey decided to stop and pray over them directly, petitioning God to bless them, their families and the surrounding community with protection and healing.
“Tulsa had a really big peaceful protest on Sunday, and then Sunday night it turned into rioting and businesses being destroyed — busted out windows, things like that in our area,” Trey’s mother, Brittany, told The Western Journal in an interview. “So, Monday I was telling Trey about it because we drive right through that area.”
“I was just kind of explaining it to him and explaining to him what was going on and the difference between protesting and rioting, and what was happening with our police officers.
“And so he said, ‘I think I’d like to pray for the officers’ … which is a lot coming from him because he does not enjoy praying out loud,” she said.
In the days that followed, photographs and video of Trey praying over scores more Tulsa Police Department officers would go viral on social media, leading officers to seek him out at public events and even at home.
As of Wednesday, the young prayer warrior had shared similar touching moments of faith with as many as 105 law enforcement officers, his mother told The Western Journal.
Among that laundry list of officers was Tulsa PD Chief Wendell Franklin, who made clear June 4 on Twitter that Trey’s series of small, loving gestures was having a massive impact on the department and officer morale.
“Trey prayed for our community, police department and me today,” Franklin wrote. “It was an honor to meet this young man involved in his own mission to bring our community together.”
Trey prayed for our community, police department and me today. It was an honor to meet this young man involved in his own mission to bring our community together. He is that mustard seed planted which yields a tree used by all. @TulsaPolice pic.twitter.com/o2YMoYMKdO — Tulsa Police Department Chief Franklin (@TPD_Franklin) June 4, 2020
“He is that mustard seed planted which yields a tree used by all,” the chief added, referring to the biblical parable of the mustard seed — a famous illustration from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount that’s included in three of the four Gospels.
Do you think this young man presents a good example of how to treat police officers? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (543 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
“The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches,” Jesus tells the masses in Matthew 13:31-32.
According to Trey and his mother, that’s exactly what his moments of prayer with Tulsa PD illustrate: the way a single servant-hearted act of faith can take root, grow and spread.
“All he hopes is that other people think to pray for their own officers and their own towns. That’s the whole idea behind Trey’s movement,” Brittany Elliott said.
“Get outside of your own head, get off social media for a little bit and if you see that officer at the coffee shop or at the gas station, just stop and ask them, ‘Would you be OK if I prayed over you?’”
“Because it probably means a lot more to them than you would even think,” she added.
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westernjournal--2020-06-13--Sen. Tim Scott Answers Liberal Critics Who Accuse GOP of Using Him as ‘Token’ Black Man

Republican Sen. Tim Scott pushed on Thursday at liberal claims that the Republican Party has used him as a token black legislator .
The South Carolina Republican was being interviewed Thursday on “ Today ” by Craig Melvin and Al Roker .
Scott appeared to talk about the progress being made in the Senate on the Justice Act , a landmark piece of legislation designed to address police reforms .
Calling police reform “ an issue whose time has come , ” Scott spoke about the far-reaching ramifications of the legislation .
“ We work on body cameras , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we see caught on videos , we look at the use of force .
We have a commission to study some of the issues .
We also talk about the duty to intervene , ” he said .
“ The three officers that were standing there as the one officer was on Mr. Floyd ’ s neck , we think that there should be a duty to intervene .
So we ’ re trying to provide the resources necessary to retrain these local departments , as well as provide more incentives for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that part , we will make a difference.
” But Melvin wanted to take the conversation in a different direction .
“ Senator , you have faced a fair amount of criticism , especially over the past few days , because you are the only black Republican senator .
Some have said that your party is using you , they ’ ve even thrown around the word ‘ token , ’ as well .
Your response to that criticism ?
” he said .
Scott noted that he has taken on a lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race .
“ Well , I am also the only person in my conference who has been racially profiled , driving while black .
I ’ m the only one in my conference that ’ s been stopped seven times in one year as an elected official , perhaps the only one in my conference wearing this Senate pin that was stopped from coming into the building .
So if there ’ s someone in the conference who understands discrimination and profiling , it ’ s me , ” Scott replied .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to lead this charge because it is a personal issue , it is the right issue .
And frankly , I think it helps to have someone who ’ s been a victim of this situation and who still has a tremendous respect for where our country can go together , ” he continued .
“ So I shrug those comments and criticisms off .
But you ’ ve got to know , when you ’ re a black Republican , you ’ re like a unicorn .
People are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you go to sleep .
If you say you like apple pie and football , there ’ s a lot of critics for that , too .
So God bless their souls.
” Roker then asked Scott to react to the fact that Trump is having in a rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , noting that race riots occurred in the city many decades ago and tossing in the fact that the rally date is “ Juneteenth , ” a day marked by some as the end of slavery .
RELATED : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comments About Black Voters The host also wanted Scott ’ s take on Trump ’ s resistance to renaming military installations that bear the names of former Confederate generals .
Scott said the issue if statues is important , but argued that other things are also vital to the nation .
“ I ’ d like to spend as much energy about monuments — that is an important conversation — I ’ d love to spend the equal amount of energy talking about school choice and public and charter schools .
I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about issues that make a better future , as much as we are looking in the past , ” Scott said .
Scott was asked about the calls in some communities to reduce or eliminate police funding .
“ I ’ d tap the brakes , ” Scott said .
“ You can do two things at one time .
One , you have to continue to provide necessary resources to our police departments , but we may need to take a look at what should be included in that funding.
” Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be really addressed by a law enforcement officer .
That needs to be addressed by a social worker or a mental health expert .
Perhaps there ’ s an opportunity for us to include , in police departments , more mental health experts.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Republican Sen. Tim Scott pushed on Thursday at liberal claims that the Republican Party has used him as a token black legislator.
The South Carolina Republican was being interviewed Thursday on “Today” by Craig Melvin and Al Roker.
Scott appeared to talk about the progress being made in the Senate on the Justice Act, a landmark piece of legislation designed to address police reforms.
Calling police reform “an issue whose time has come,” Scott spoke about the far-reaching ramifications of the legislation.
“We work on body cameras, more notification, grants on de-escalating the aggression that we see caught on videos, we look at the use of force. We have a commission to study some of the issues. We also talk about the duty to intervene,” he said.
“The three officers that were standing there as the one officer was on Mr. Floyd’s neck, we think that there should be a duty to intervene. So we’re trying to provide the resources necessary to retrain these local departments, as well as provide more incentives for policies to change. If we do that part, we will make a difference.”
But Melvin wanted to take the conversation in a different direction.
“Senator, you have faced a fair amount of criticism, especially over the past few days, because you are the only black Republican senator. Some have said that your party is using you, they’ve even thrown around the word ‘token,’ as well. Your response to that criticism?” he said.
Do you think leftists have unfairly attacked Sen. Scott? 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% (593 Votes) No: 0% (2 Votes)
Scott noted that he has taken on a lead on the legislation precisely because of his race.
“Well, I am also the only person in my conference who has been racially profiled, driving while black. I’m the only one in my conference that’s been stopped seven times in one year as an elected official, perhaps the only one in my conference wearing this Senate pin that was stopped from coming into the building. So if there’s someone in the conference who understands discrimination and profiling, it’s me,” Scott replied.
“It’s the reason why I asked to lead this charge because it is a personal issue, it is the right issue. And frankly, I think it helps to have someone who’s been a victim of this situation and who still has a tremendous respect for where our country can go together,” he continued.
“So I shrug those comments and criticisms off. But you’ve got to know, when you’re a black Republican, you’re like a unicorn. People are going to criticize you when you wake up, when you go to sleep. If you say you like apple pie and football, there’s a lot of critics for that, too. So God bless their souls.”
Roker then asked Scott to react to the fact that Trump is having in a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, noting that race riots occurred in the city many decades ago and tossing in the fact that the rally date is “Juneteenth,” a day marked by some as the end of slavery.
The host also wanted Scott’s take on Trump’s resistance to renaming military installations that bear the names of former Confederate generals.
Scott said the issue if statues is important, but argued that other things are also vital to the nation.
“I’d like to spend as much energy about monuments — that is an important conversation — I’d love to spend the equal amount of energy talking about school choice and public and charter schools. I’d love to spend more time talking about issues that make a better future, as much as we are looking in the past,” Scott said.
Scott was asked about the calls in some communities to reduce or eliminate police funding.
“I’d tap the brakes,” Scott said. “You can do two things at one time. One, you have to continue to provide necessary resources to our police departments, but we may need to take a look at what should be included in that funding.”
Scott noted that mental health issues “can’t be really addressed by a law enforcement officer. That needs to be addressed by a social worker or a mental health expert. Perhaps there’s an opportunity for us to include, in police departments, more mental health experts.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-13--Body Cam Videos Expected To Reveal Truth About Floyd Encounter

Video recorded by a bystander showed the world some of George Floyd ’ s horrifying last minutes , capturing his cries and pleas for air as a Minneapolis officer used his knee to pin down Floyd ’ s neck .
But the footage recorded by body cameras that officers wore on their chests as they were arresting Floyd is expected to show even more about what the officers and Floyd were doing and saying during that fateful encounter , and it could shape how the officers ’ cases play out in court .
“ A video camera , when properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It can testify , ” said Michael Primeau , an audio and video forensics expert at Michigan-based Primeau Forensics .
Floyd , a black man , died May 25 after Derek Chauvin , a white officer , used his knee to pin the handcuffed Floyd to the ground .
Chauvin , who kept his knee on Floyd ’ s neck even after Floyd stopped moving , has been charged with second-degree murder , third-degree murder and manslaughter .
The three other officers , Thomas Lane , J. Kueng and Tou Thao , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-degree murder and manslaughter .
All four officers were fired .
The widely seen video recorded by a bystander shows Chauvin ’ s actions and Floyd ’ s anguish as he gasps for air .
It also shows Thao , who was facing the bystanders .
Some surveillance videos that have been released show bits and pieces of what happened before Floyd ended up on the ground , but a complete video picture of what happened from start to finish hasn ’ t emerged .
Body camera videos are not expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cases are otherwise resolved .
Police spokesman John Elder said he was told that all four officers had their body cameras on , which is department policy .
Minneapolis police officers are required to activate their body cameras well before they arrive to a scene under rules put in place after the 2017 fatal shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond , an Australian native who called 911 to report hearing a possible sexual assault behind her home .
The two officers who responded to her call didn ’ t activate their body cameras @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the Floyd case , Bruce Gordon , a spokesman for the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension , confirmed that body camera video captured portions of the incident .
He said there is no squad car video that shows what happened .
John Stiles , a spokesman for Attorney General Keith Ellison , the lead prosecutor in the case , said prosecutors are reviewing all available evidence .
He said he couldn ’ t comment further .
Mel Reeves , a longtime community activist in Minneapolis , said he doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the bystander video should be enough to convict the officers .
“ We saw what we saw , ” Reeves said .
“ We don ’ t need any more evidence .
We saw a man murdered .
… If the system that we live under — if this so-called democracy — can ’ t find a way to punish people that caused a human being ’ s death , we will have to pack up our bags and try something else.
” But the truth is that body camera videos are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , particularly in the cases of Kueng and Lane , whose actions are not seen in the bystander video because they are obscured by a squad car .
“ From the one bystander video … you see Chauvin , which is obviously very damning , but you don ’ t see what the other two are doing , or hear what they are saying , ” said Mike Brandt , a Minneapolis-area defense attorney who is not involved in the case .
“ I think all the body cameras are going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what was done.
” Lane ’ s attorney , Earl Gray , said he has seen his client ’ s body camera video and in his view , “ it pretty much exonerates him.
” Without getting into detail about what it shows , Gray said the recorded audio and video is favorable to his client and reaffirms what is outlined in the criminal complaint : that Lane raised concern and suggested rolling Floyd onto his side .
Attorneys for Chauvin and Kueng said they weren ’ t making statements or answering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Thao didn ’ t respond to messages seeking comment .
According to the criminal complaints , the officers were arresting Floyd for suspicion of passing a counterfeit $ 20 bill at a nearby store .
At one point , they struggled to get him into a squad car , Chauvin pulled him out and Floyd “ went to the ground face down and still handcuffed.
” Brandt said body camera video will be key in showing what happened in the squad car .
If Floyd was agitated or acting out , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erratically and the officers ’ actions were reasonable .
But even if that ’ s the case , he said , that argument is problematic because once Floyd is subdued , prosecutors can point to the bystander video and make the argument that there was no longer a threat and that Chauvin crossed the line .
Andrew M. Stroth , a Chicago civil rights attorney , said video evidence , no matter the source , is critical in any case because it tells a story objectively and plays a role in getting officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police initially said Floyd “ appeared to be suffering medical distress ” after he resisted arrest and was handcuffed , but police realized that was wrong after they saw the video , which sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis and beyond .
“ But for the ( bystander ) video , there ’ s no way all those officers would ’ ve been charged that swiftly , ” Stroth said .
Primeau , the forensics experts , cautioned that video needs to be properly analyzed and sometimes supported by other evidence .
For example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of force on Floyd ’ s neck is going to be imperative to determine whether Chauvin ’ s act was deadly , and autopsy reports will need to back those claims up .
“ Your moral perspective wants to say that ” it was deadly , he said .
“ Your bias wants to say that … but we don ’ t know how much force was used … there ’ s no numerical value that pops up on the screen that says , ’ That ’ s 20 pounds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that ’ s what it was ( that killed him ) .
” The county ’ s autopsy shows Floyd ’ s heart stopped while he was being restrained ; an autopsy commissioned by the family shows he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
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Video recorded by a bystander showed the world some of George Floyd’s horrifying last minutes, capturing his cries and pleas for air as a Minneapolis officer used his knee to pin down Floyd’s neck.
But the footage recorded by body cameras that officers wore on their chests as they were arresting Floyd is expected to show even more about what the officers and Floyd were doing and saying during that fateful encounter, and it could shape how the officers’ cases play out in court.
“A video camera, when properly authenticated, is an eye witness. It can testify,” said Michael Primeau, an audio and video forensics expert at Michigan-based Primeau Forensics.
Floyd, a black man, died May 25 after Derek Chauvin, a white officer, used his knee to pin the handcuffed Floyd to the ground. Chauvin, who kept his knee on Floyd’s neck even after Floyd stopped moving, has been charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter.
The three other officers, Thomas Lane, J. Kueng and Tou Thao, have been charged with aiding and abetting both second-degree murder and manslaughter. All four officers were fired.
The widely seen video recorded by a bystander shows Chauvin’s actions and Floyd’s anguish as he gasps for air. It also shows Thao, who was facing the bystanders. Some surveillance videos that have been released show bits and pieces of what happened before Floyd ended up on the ground, but a complete video picture of what happened from start to finish hasn’t emerged.
Body camera videos are not expected to be made public until a trial or until the cases are otherwise resolved.
Police spokesman John Elder said he was told that all four officers had their body cameras on, which is department policy.
Minneapolis police officers are required to activate their body cameras well before they arrive to a scene under rules put in place after the 2017 fatal shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, an Australian native who called 911 to report hearing a possible sexual assault behind her home. The two officers who responded to her call didn’t activate their body cameras until after one of them shot her.
Do you think any of the four officers involved will be exonerated by the body cam videos? Yes No
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In the Floyd case, Bruce Gordon, a spokesman for the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, confirmed that body camera video captured portions of the incident. He said there is no squad car video that shows what happened.
John Stiles, a spokesman for Attorney General Keith Ellison, the lead prosecutor in the case, said prosecutors are reviewing all available evidence. He said he couldn’t comment further.
Mel Reeves, a longtime community activist in Minneapolis, said he doesn’t think the body camera video will matter because the bystander video should be enough to convict the officers.
“We saw what we saw,” Reeves said. “We don’t need any more evidence. We saw a man murdered. … If the system that we live under — if this so-called democracy — can’t find a way to punish people that caused a human being’s death, we will have to pack up our bags and try something else.”
But the truth is that body camera videos are expected to give a more complete picture, particularly in the cases of Kueng and Lane, whose actions are not seen in the bystander video because they are obscured by a squad car.
“From the one bystander video … you see Chauvin, which is obviously very damning, but you don’t see what the other two are doing, or hear what they are saying,” said Mike Brandt, a Minneapolis-area defense attorney who is not involved in the case. “I think all the body cameras are going to be key in explicating exactly what was said and what was done.”
Lane’s attorney, Earl Gray, said he has seen his client’s body camera video and in his view, “it pretty much exonerates him.”
Without getting into detail about what it shows, Gray said the recorded audio and video is favorable to his client and reaffirms what is outlined in the criminal complaint: that Lane raised concern and suggested rolling Floyd onto his side.
Attorneys for Chauvin and Kueng said they weren’t making statements or answering questions about the case. An attorney for Thao didn’t respond to messages seeking comment.
According to the criminal complaints, the officers were arresting Floyd for suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a nearby store. At one point, they struggled to get him into a squad car, Chauvin pulled him out and Floyd “went to the ground face down and still handcuffed.”
Brandt said body camera video will be key in showing what happened in the squad car. If Floyd was agitated or acting out, the defense could argue that Floyd was acting erratically and the officers’ actions were reasonable.
But even if that’s the case, he said, that argument is problematic because once Floyd is subdued, prosecutors can point to the bystander video and make the argument that there was no longer a threat and that Chauvin crossed the line.
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Andrew M. Stroth, a Chicago civil rights attorney, said video evidence, no matter the source, is critical in any case because it tells a story objectively and plays a role in getting officers charged in the first place.
Minneapolis police initially said Floyd “appeared to be suffering medical distress” after he resisted arrest and was handcuffed, but police realized that was wrong after they saw the video, which sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis and beyond.
“But for the (bystander) video, there’s no way all those officers would’ve been charged that swiftly,” Stroth said.
Primeau, the forensics experts, cautioned that video needs to be properly analyzed and sometimes supported by other evidence.
For example, he said, additional information about the use of force on Floyd’s neck is going to be imperative to determine whether Chauvin’s act was deadly, and autopsy reports will need to back those claims up.
“Your moral perspective wants to say that” it was deadly, he said. “Your bias wants to say that … but we don’t know how much force was used … there’s no numerical value that pops up on the screen that says, ’That’s 20 pounds of pressure on his neck for eight minutes and that’s what it was (that killed him).”
The county’s autopsy shows Floyd’s heart stopped while he was being restrained; an autopsy commissioned by the family shows he died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-06-13--Kim Jong Un’s Sister Issues New Threat Against South Korea

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un threatened military action against South Korea as she bashed Seoul on Saturday over declining bilateral relations and its inability to stop activists from floating anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border .
Describing South Korea as an “ enemy , ” Kim Yo Jong repeated an earlier threat she had made by saying Seoul will soon witness the collapse of a “ useless ” inter-Korean liaison office in the border town of Kaesong .
Kim , who is first vice department director of the ruling Workers ’ Party ’ s Central Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Korea ’ s military leaders to carry out the next step of retaliation against the South .
“ By exercising my power authorized by the supreme leader , our party and the state , I gave an instruction to the arms of the department in charge of the affairs with enemy to decisively carry out the next action , ” she said in a statement carried by the North ’ s official Korean Central News Agency .
“ If I drop a hint of our next plan the ( South Korean ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to taking the next action against the enemy will be entrusted to the General Staff of our army , ” she said .
“ Our army , too , will determine something for cooling down our people ’ s resentment and surely carry out it , I believe.
” Kim ’ s harsh rhetoric demonstrates her elevated status in North Korea ’ s leadership .
Already seen as the most powerful woman in the country and her brother ’ s closest confidant , state media recently confirmed that she is now in charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liaison office in Kaesong , which has been shut since January due to coronavirus concerns , was set up as a result of one of the main agreements reached in three summits between Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in 2018 .
Moon ’ s government had lobbied hard to set up nuclear summits between Kim and President Donald Trump , who have met three times since 2018 .
At the same time , Moon also worked to improve inter-Korean relations .
But North Korea in recent months has suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressing frustration over the lack of progress in its nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration .
Over the past week , the North declared that it would cut off all government and military communication channels with the South and threatened to abandon key inter-Korean peace agreements reached by their leaders in 2018 .
They include a military agreement in which the Koreas committed to jointly take steps to reduce conventional military threats , such as establishing border buffers and no-fly zones .
They also removed some front-line guard posts and jointly surveyed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unrealized plan to allow freer civilian navigation .
In an earlier statement last week , Kim Yo Jong said that the North would scrap the military agreement , “ which is hardly of any value , ” while calling North Korean defectors who send leaflets from the South “ human scum ” and “ mongrel dogs.
” Her comments on Saturday came hours after a senior North Korean Foreign Ministry official said that Seoul should drop “ nonsensical ” talk about the North ’ s denuclearization , and that his country would continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it perceives as threats from the United States .
In response to North Korea ’ s anger over the leaflets , South Korea ’ s government has said it would press charges against two defector groups that have been carrying out border protests .
RELATED : South Korea Points Finger at North Korea as Gunfire Breaks Out at Heavily Fortified Border The South also said it would push new laws to ban activists from flying the leaflets across the border , but there ’ s been criticism over whether Moon ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alive his ambitions for inter-Korean engagement .
For years , activists have floated huge balloons into North Korea carrying leaflets criticizing Kim Jong Un over his nuclear ambitions and dismal human rights record .
The leafleting has sometimes triggered a furious response from North Korea , which bristles at any attempt to undermine its leadership .
While Seoul has sometimes sent police officers to block the activists during sensitive times , it had previously resisted North Korea ’ s calls to fully ban them , saying they were exercising their freedom .
Activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launches .
But it ’ s unlikely that North Korea ’ s belligerence is about just the leaflets , analysts say .
The North has a long track record of dialing up pressure on the South when it doesn ’ t get what it wants from the United States .
Its threats to abandon inter-Korean agreements came after months of frustration over Seoul ’ s refusal to defy U.S.-led sanctions and restart joint economic projects .
Some experts say North Korea , which has mobilized people for massive demonstrations condemning defectors , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public and shift attention away from a bad economy , which likely has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic .
It ’ s unclear what kind of military action the North would take against the South , although weapons tests are an easy guess .
Kim Dong-yub , an analyst from Seoul ’ s Institute for Far Eastern Studies , said North Korea could also be “ planning something ” near the countries ’ disputed western maritime border , which has occasionally been the scene of bloody clashes over the years .
Nuclear talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second summit with Trump in Vietnam in February last year after the United States rejected North Korea ’ s demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities .
Trump and Kim met for a third time that year in June at the border between North and South Korea and agreed to resume talks .
But an October working-level meeting in Sweden broke down over what the North Koreans described as the Americans ’ “ old stance and attitude.
” On the two-year anniversary of the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ri Son Gwon said Friday that the North would never again gift Trump with high-profile meetings he could boast as foreign policy achievements unless it gets something substantial in return .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un threatened military action against South Korea as she bashed Seoul on Saturday over declining bilateral relations and its inability to stop activists from floating anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border.
Describing South Korea as an “enemy,” Kim Yo Jong repeated an earlier threat she had made by saying Seoul will soon witness the collapse of a “useless” inter-Korean liaison office in the border town of Kaesong.
Kim, who is first vice department director of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Central Committee, said she would leave it to North Korea’s military leaders to carry out the next step of retaliation against the South.
“By exercising my power authorized by the supreme leader, our party and the state, I gave an instruction to the arms of the department in charge of the affairs with enemy to decisively carry out the next action,” she said in a statement carried by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency.
“If I drop a hint of our next plan the (South Korean) authorities are anxious about, the right to taking the next action against the enemy will be entrusted to the General Staff of our army,” she said. “Our army, too, will determine something for cooling down our people’s resentment and surely carry out it, I believe.”
Kim’s harsh rhetoric demonstrates her elevated status in North Korea’s leadership. Already seen as the most powerful woman in the country and her brother’s closest confidant, state media recently confirmed that she is now in charge of relations with South Korea.
The liaison office in Kaesong, which has been shut since January due to coronavirus concerns, was set up as a result of one of the main agreements reached in three summits between Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in 2018.
Moon’s government had lobbied hard to set up nuclear summits between Kim and President Donald Trump, who have met three times since 2018. At the same time, Moon also worked to improve inter-Korean relations.
But North Korea in recent months has suspended virtually all cooperation with the South while expressing frustration over the lack of progress in its nuclear negotiations with the Trump administration.
Do you think the Trump administration is doing enough to hold North Korea in check? 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: 70% (170 Votes) No: 30% (74 Votes)
Over the past week, the North declared that it would cut off all government and military communication channels with the South and threatened to abandon key inter-Korean peace agreements reached by their leaders in 2018.
They include a military agreement in which the Koreas committed to jointly take steps to reduce conventional military threats, such as establishing border buffers and no-fly zones. They also removed some front-line guard posts and jointly surveyed a waterway near their western border in an unrealized plan to allow freer civilian navigation.
In an earlier statement last week, Kim Yo Jong said that the North would scrap the military agreement, “which is hardly of any value,” while calling North Korean defectors who send leaflets from the South “human scum” and “mongrel dogs.”
Her comments on Saturday came hours after a senior North Korean Foreign Ministry official said that Seoul should drop “nonsensical” talk about the North’s denuclearization, and that his country would continue to expand its military capabilities to counter what it perceives as threats from the United States.
In response to North Korea’s anger over the leaflets, South Korea’s government has said it would press charges against two defector groups that have been carrying out border protests.
The South also said it would push new laws to ban activists from flying the leaflets across the border, but there’s been criticism over whether Moon’s government is sacrificing democratic principles to keep alive his ambitions for inter-Korean engagement.
For years, activists have floated huge balloons into North Korea carrying leaflets criticizing Kim Jong Un over his nuclear ambitions and dismal human rights record. The leafleting has sometimes triggered a furious response from North Korea, which bristles at any attempt to undermine its leadership.
While Seoul has sometimes sent police officers to block the activists during sensitive times, it had previously resisted North Korea’s calls to fully ban them, saying they were exercising their freedom.
Activists have vowed to continue with the balloon launches.
But it’s unlikely that North Korea’s belligerence is about just the leaflets, analysts say.
The North has a long track record of dialing up pressure on the South when it doesn’t get what it wants from the United States. Its threats to abandon inter-Korean agreements came after months of frustration over Seoul’s refusal to defy U.S.-led sanctions and restart joint economic projects.
Some experts say North Korea, which has mobilized people for massive demonstrations condemning defectors, is deliberately censuring the South to rally its public and shift attention away from a bad economy, which likely has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It’s unclear what kind of military action the North would take against the South, although weapons tests are an easy guess.
Kim Dong-yub, an analyst from Seoul’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said North Korea could also be “planning something” near the countries’ disputed western maritime border, which has occasionally been the scene of bloody clashes over the years.
Nuclear talks faltered at Kim Jong Un’s second summit with Trump in Vietnam in February last year after the United States rejected North Korea’s demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities.
Trump and Kim met for a third time that year in June at the border between North and South Korea and agreed to resume talks.
But an October working-level meeting in Sweden broke down over what the North Koreans described as the Americans’ “old stance and attitude.”
On the two-year anniversary of the first Kim-Trump meeting, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Son Gwon said Friday that the North would never again gift Trump with high-profile meetings he could boast as foreign policy achievements unless it gets something substantial in return.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.