westernjournal--2020-04-15--Op-Ed: COVID Pandemic Giving Americans a Taste of Authoritarianism

You like East Germany in 2020 ?
Bernie Sanders has left the presidential political stage , so we may never get to see his cranky blend of Soviet , Venezuelan and Vermonter statism up close .
But we may have found the next best thing .
The coronavirus pandemic is a real threat .
COVID-19 has become the leading cause of death in the United States .
I ’ m not and won ’ t minimize any of that .
But no one should minimize the lengths governments are now going to in the name of keeping us safe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ They didn ’ t result in the strong-arm Big Brother government we are subjected to now .
Welcome to your free 60-day trial of authoritarian government .
You have been compelled .
Some states have decided what you can buy , and what stores like Costco , Walmart and Target can sell .
Elizabeth , New Jersey , is deploying its own miniature air force to make sure its residents stay the appropriate social distance apart .
Five drones equipped with loudspeakers now shout at people to stay the hell away from each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 1000 if you don ’ t do what the drone orders you to do , so never forget to obey your drones .
In Brighton , Colorado , police arrested a man in a local park .
His crime ?
He went to the park near his house to play ball with his daughter .
In the days of lockdown , that earned him a humiliating handcuffing in front of his own kid .
The police later apologized , but the psychological damage was done .
In Florida , police arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Mississippi , police fined people $ 500 for attending a drive-in service .
A Boston suburb is making people go one-way on a city sidewalk — and threatening fines if pedestrians fail to comply .
Frisco , Texas , announced it was updating its city smartphone app to make it easier for people to snitch on their neighbors for not properly distancing themselves from others .
Salt Lake City set up a phone hotline for social distance snitches .
Philadelphia cops put their hands all over a man and dragged him off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a face mask .
Kentucky ’ s Democratic governor said those who attended Easter services will have their license plates recorded so they can be hunted down and put in mandatory quarantine .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom threatened to impose “ martial law ” back in March .
He hasn ’ t done that , but he did declare California a “ nation-state ” the other day , making it sound like he ’ s one step away from donning a hat and a military uniform with a chestful of medals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At the national level , President Trump has led the federal response and wisely left much of the response up to the states .
But that hasn ’ t stopped Dr. Anthony Fauci , his lead epidemiologist , from musing that the days of shaking hands are over .
Dr. Fauci has also suggested that America will transform into a “ papers , please ” nation in which we will have to carry proof of coronavirus antibodies in our blood .
An “ immunity passport ” may become something you have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home and live your life .
You excited yet ?
RELATED : Fred Weinberg : The Small Business Administration Can not Be Trusted “ It ’ s one of those things that we talk about when we want to make sure that we know who the vulnerable people are and not , ” Fauci said in an interview .
“ This is something that ’ s being discussed .
I think it might actually have some merit , under certain circumstances.
” So if you don ’ t have proof that you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in lockdown forever ?
Will a drone follow you home and report you to the Social Distance Enforcement Division of the State Police ?
Will the government use our cell phone location data to track us , just in case we get the virus ?
Do you have to expose yourself to the virus so you can go back to work ?
Is this where the Chinese virus is taking us ?
If so , then the Chinese virus is making us all Chinese in our politics .
Mao and his band of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war against the nationalists , led by Chiang Kai Shek , in 1949 and exiled freedom and liberty to the small island of Taiwan .
In the decades since , the communists have locked mainland China down under ever more draconian restrictions on its citizens ’ personal freedoms .
They ’ re using social media and CCTV cameras to track their citizens — and were doing that long before the pandemic sprung up out of Wuhan .
They have banned Christian churches and used secret police to smoke out and imprison dissidents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ communists lied about it , and people and millions of jobs died .
Bernie and his bros loved the Soviets and are sympatico with China .
They like a big , strong government telling everyone what to do .
New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman was once caught fantasizing what it would be like if the United States became “ China for a day.
” Now we know !
Here in the land of the free , we ’ re imposing curfews , shutting down churches , declaring businesses “ essential ” or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a lot of rhyme or reason , putting millions out of work — and then forcing them onto the government dole .
And authorities are turning friends and neighbors into snitches and informants .
Is there a badge for joining the Social Distance Secret Police ?
Do you get to jump to the front of the line to get your Immunity Passport ?
It ’ s possible to be worried about the threat of the virus , because it ’ s real , and at the same time be worried about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep its boot on our necks .
This 60-day trial of Super-Empowered Massive Government had better not last forever .
It ’ s shockingly obvious that too many of our mayors , police chiefs , county commissioners and governors really want it to .
If you want to truly be free , take a moment to act like Socrates and don ’ t let ten minutes go by without questioning someone or something .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

You like East Germany in 2020?
Bernie Sanders has left the presidential political stage, so we may never get to see his cranky blend of Soviet, Venezuelan and Vermonter statism up close. But we may have found the next best thing.
The coronavirus pandemic is a real threat. COVID-19 has become the leading cause of death in the United States. I’m not and won’t minimize any of that.
But no one should minimize the lengths governments are now going to in the name of keeping us safe. We’ve had pandemics before. They didn’t result in the strong-arm Big Brother government we are subjected to now. Welcome to your free 60-day trial of authoritarian government. You have been compelled.
Some states have decided what you can buy, and what stores like Costco, Walmart and Target can sell.
Elizabeth, New Jersey, is deploying its own miniature air force to make sure its residents stay the appropriate social distance apart.
Five drones equipped with loudspeakers now shout at people to stay the hell away from each other. You can be fined up to $1000 if you don’t do what the drone orders you to do, so never forget to obey your drones.
In Brighton, Colorado, police arrested a man in a local park. His crime? He went to the park near his house to play ball with his daughter. In the days of lockdown, that earned him a humiliating handcuffing in front of his own kid. The police later apologized, but the psychological damage was done.
In Florida, police arrested a pastor for holding church services. In Mississippi, police fined people $500 for attending a drive-in service. A Boston suburb is making people go one-way on a city sidewalk — and threatening fines if pedestrians fail to comply.
Are you concerned that the government is using the coronavirus pandemic to curtail our liberties? 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% (140 Votes) No: 3% (4 Votes)
Frisco, Texas, announced it was updating its city smartphone app to make it easier for people to snitch on their neighbors for not properly distancing themselves from others.
Salt Lake City set up a phone hotline for social distance snitches. Philadelphia cops put their hands all over a man and dragged him off a bus because he wasn’t wearing a face mask. Kentucky’s Democratic governor said those who attended Easter services will have their license plates recorded so they can be hunted down and put in mandatory quarantine.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom threatened to impose “martial law” back in March. He hasn’t done that, but he did declare California a “nation-state” the other day, making it sound like he’s one step away from donning a hat and a military uniform with a chestful of medals like Kim Jong Un or Muammar Gaddafi.
At the national level, President Trump has led the federal response and wisely left much of the response up to the states. But that hasn’t stopped Dr. Anthony Fauci, his lead epidemiologist, from musing that the days of shaking hands are over.
Dr. Fauci has also suggested that America will transform into a “papers, please” nation in which we will have to carry proof of coronavirus antibodies in our blood. An “immunity passport” may become something you have to carry around in order to leave your home and live your life. You excited yet?
“It’s one of those things that we talk about when we want to make sure that we know who the vulnerable people are and not,” Fauci said in an interview. “This is something that’s being discussed. I think it might actually have some merit, under certain circumstances.”
So if you don’t have proof that you’re immune, you have to stay in lockdown forever? Will a drone follow you home and report you to the Social Distance Enforcement Division of the State Police?
Will the government use our cell phone location data to track us, just in case we get the virus? Do you have to expose yourself to the virus so you can go back to work? Is this where the Chinese virus is taking us?
If so, then the Chinese virus is making us all Chinese in our politics.
Mao and his band of communist thugs won China’s civil war against the nationalists, led by Chiang Kai Shek, in 1949 and exiled freedom and liberty to the small island of Taiwan. In the decades since, the communists have locked mainland China down under ever more draconian restrictions on its citizens’ personal freedoms.
They’re using social media and CCTV cameras to track their citizens — and were doing that long before the pandemic sprung up out of Wuhan. They have banned Christian churches and used secret police to smoke out and imprison dissidents. When the virus popped up, the communists lied about it, and people and millions of jobs died.
Bernie and his bros loved the Soviets and are sympatico with China. They like a big, strong government telling everyone what to do.
New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman was once caught fantasizing what it would be like if the United States became “China for a day.”
Now we know! Here in the land of the free, we’re imposing curfews, shutting down churches, declaring businesses “essential” or “nonessential” and closing them down without a lot of rhyme or reason, putting millions out of work — and then forcing them onto the government dole.
And authorities are turning friends and neighbors into snitches and informants. Is there a badge for joining the Social Distance Secret Police? Do you get to jump to the front of the line to get your Immunity Passport?
It’s possible to be worried about the threat of the virus, because it’s real, and at the same time be worried about the threat of a government flexing its muscles to keep its boot on our necks.
This 60-day trial of Super-Empowered Massive Government had better not last forever. It’s shockingly obvious that too many of our mayors, police chiefs, county commissioners and governors really want it to.
If you want to truly be free, take a moment to act like Socrates and don’t let ten minutes go by without questioning someone or something.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-04-15--Thousands Descend on Michigan Capitol To Protest Stay-at-Home Order

Thousands of protesters descended on Michigan ’ s capitol Wednesday to oppose Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ’ s extended stay-at-home order .
The protest , called “ Operation Gridlock , ” was organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition and the Michigan Freedom Fund .
While the gridlock was scheduled for 12 p.m. , protesters showed up in Lansing hours before and clogged traffic , WOOD reported .
Traffic on Allegan Street was at a standstill and the lanes of Capitol Avenue were congested with demonstrators .
Although the Facebook event told people to stay in their cars and protest with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the steps of the Michigan State Capitol building .
“ I came out here to support the Michigan businesses and stand up for the rights of Michiganders , ” protester Joseph Dickson said .
“ We believe the governor has overreached and overstepped her rights with our freedoms.
” On Thursday , Whitmer extended the state of Michigan ’ s stay-at-home order through April 30 .
As of Wednesday morning , there were 27,001 cases of COVID-19 in Michigan , according to Johns Hopkins .
Protesters say that the governor ’ s mandates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being told what they can and can ’ t buy at stores , ” Matt Seely with the Michigan Conservative Coalition told WOOD earlier this week .
“ Nothing makes sense .
You can buy a bottle of liquor , but you can ’ t buy a gallon of paint.
” RELATED : Three Men Arrested for Gathering at Private Residence State Rep. Michele Hoitenga showed up on Capitol Avenue to support the protesters .
“ I ’ m just here to support my people .
I have a lot of constituents down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WOOD .
“ They want to go back to work .
If they can ’ t access the website to get [ unemployment ] benefits , then they want to go back to work.
” She added , “ Nobody is suggesting we go back to work willy nilly , we are recommending we adopt the federal guidelines and do it safely.
” Video footage of the protest showed a large sign outside of the capitol building that read “ security without liberty is called prison.
” Republican Speaker of the House Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be responsible and reasonable at the exact same time.
” “ We have to ensure that people ’ s constitutional liberties are protected and that is what we are seeing today , ” he told WOOD .
“ People are coming to the state capitol to ensure their voices are heard and there is nothing more American than that.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Thousands of protesters descended on Michigan’s capitol Wednesday to oppose Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s extended stay-at-home order.
The protest, called “Operation Gridlock,” was organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition and the Michigan Freedom Fund.
While the gridlock was scheduled for 12 p.m., protesters showed up in Lansing hours before and clogged traffic, WOOD reported.
Traffic on Allegan Street was at a standstill and the lanes of Capitol Avenue were congested with demonstrators.
Although the Facebook event told people to stay in their cars and protest with signs, many people were gathered on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol building.
“I came out here to support the Michigan businesses and stand up for the rights of Michiganders,” protester Joseph Dickson said.
“We believe the governor has overreached and overstepped her rights with our freedoms.”
Do you think Michigan's governor has taken advantage of her constituents? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (319 Votes) No: 3% (10 Votes)
On Thursday, Whitmer extended the state of Michigan’s stay-at-home order through April 30.
As of Wednesday morning, there were 27,001 cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, according to Johns Hopkins.
Protesters say that the governor’s mandates are excessive.
“People are basically being told what they can and can’t buy at stores,” Matt Seely with the Michigan Conservative Coalition told WOOD earlier this week.
“Nothing makes sense. You can buy a bottle of liquor, but you can’t buy a gallon of paint.”
State Rep. Michele Hoitenga showed up on Capitol Avenue to support the protesters.
“I’m just here to support my people. I have a lot of constituents down here right now,” she told WOOD.
“They want to go back to work. If they can’t access the website to get [unemployment] benefits, then they want to go back to work.”
She added, “Nobody is suggesting we go back to work willy nilly, we are recommending we adopt the federal guidelines and do it safely.”
Video footage of the protest showed a large sign outside of the capitol building that read “security without liberty is called prison.”
Republican Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield said that he thinks “we can be responsible and reasonable at the exact same time.”
“We have to ensure that people’s constitutional liberties are protected and that is what we are seeing today,” he told WOOD. “People are coming to the state capitol to ensure their voices are heard and there is nothing more American than that.”
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westernjournal--2020-04-15--CNN’s Anchor Shredded for Comparing WHO to ‘Firefighters in the Aftermath of 9/11’

The Cruella de Vil of Capitol Hill , who ’ s already tried to turn the coronavirus pandemic into a political weapon , played true to form on Wednesday by attacking President Donald Trump ’ s decision to cut funding for the China-corrupted World Health Organization , calling it evidence of Trump ’ s “ weakness ” rather than the logical frustration of an American president with a United Nations agency that sides with any country but the one that pays its bills .
But Pelosi ’ s malicious prattle paled in comparison to a Twitter post by CNN ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s move to “ pulling the plug on firefighters in the aftermath of 9/11.
” It might have sounded smart in the offices of certain mainstream media executives ( Amanpour works for Jeff Zucker , after all ) but for normal , sane Americans – the kind who actually pay the taxes that pay the salaries of WHO nabobs like its director-general , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus – it was a revolting reminder of how little big media names actually understand the country .
It was also an example of the lengths liberals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service of a political goal .
WHO officials – notably the notorious Tedros — have established a record since the coronavirus crisis began of kowtowing to China by concealing the truth about the potentially catastrophic pandemic .
That ’ s not exactly the legacy of honor immortalized by the heroes of 9/11 , and Twitter users let Amanpour know it .
RELATED : Cruz Blasts Stelter 's Partisan Double Standard After Getting Mocked for Deleting Tweet As a matter of commentary , Amanpour ’ s take was even more ludicrous than Pelosi ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader managed to pack a statement about Trump ’ s decision full of lies about the current situation and the president himself .
“ We can only be successful in defeating this global pandemic through a coordinated international response with respect for science and data , ” she said in a statement , according to Fox News .
“ But sadly , as he has since Day One , the president is ignoring global health experts , disregarding science and undermining the heroes fighting on the frontline , at great risk to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world.
” Someone should alert the House speaker that “ respect for science and data ” would apparently be a novel concept in the time of the novel coronavirus , since China , the country that gave it birth , has been lying about the science and data from the get-go .
And it has been abetted in those lies by the WHO and Tedros .
Someone should also alert the speaker that Trump has had American health experts at his side since the crisis began , and even the Lilliputian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really only serve to emphasize the roles of infectious disease authorities like Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
It ’ s true that Fauci is not universally loved among conservatives and Trump ’ s supporters – and for good reason — but not even the most biased correspondent could claim Trump hasn ’ t had experts on his team from the beginning .
From Pelosi , though , that was just the usual sniping , aimed more at generating headlines and firing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth .
For a veteran journalist like Amanpour , a professional liberal propagandist who ’ s been part of mainstream media elite going back to before the first Gulf War , comparing any species of the corruptocrats in the U.N. to the literally death-defying heroes who rushed into the Twin Towers to save innocent lives after a savage terrorist attack is beyond appalling .
Nancy Pelosi ’ s persistence in poisoning American politics has been her chief selling point for the Democratic # Resistance since before Trump ’ s inauguration , but she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s stomach-turning , but sane Americans will see right through it .
If this is the kind of argument liberals hope to use to win the White House in November , the political future they ’ re poisoning is really their own .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It takes a pro to out-poison Nancy Pelosi.
The Cruella de Vil of Capitol Hill, who’s already tried to turn the coronavirus pandemic into a political weapon, played true to form on Wednesday by attacking President Donald Trump’s decision to cut funding for the China-corrupted World Health Organization, calling it evidence of Trump’s “weakness” rather than the logical frustration of an American president with a United Nations agency that sides with any country but the one that pays its bills.
But Pelosi’s malicious prattle paled in comparison to a Twitter post by CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, who likened Trump’s move to “pulling the plug on firefighters in the aftermath of 9/11.”
Defunding @WHO in the middle of a pandemic is like pulling the plug on firefighters in the aftermath of 9/11. — Christiane Amanpour (@camanpour) April 15, 2020
It might have sounded smart in the offices of certain mainstream media executives (Amanpour works for Jeff Zucker, after all) but for normal, sane Americans – the kind who actually pay the taxes that pay the salaries of WHO nabobs like its director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus – it was a revolting reminder of how little big media names actually understand the country.
It was also an example of the lengths liberals will go to distort the truth in service of a political goal. WHO officials – notably the notorious Tedros — have established a record since the coronavirus crisis began of kowtowing to China by concealing the truth about the potentially catastrophic pandemic.
That’s not exactly the legacy of honor immortalized by the heroes of 9/11, and Twitter users let Amanpour know it.
Yes because international bureaucrats running antagonistic political interference are like firefighters — Sloth?Capital (@SlothCapital) April 15, 2020
If Muhammad Atta was a “firefighter” maybe. — Sam Spade Jr. (@MattLawmlb) April 15, 2020
If the firefighters during 9/11 had instead told everyone that they would be safe staying in the towers as they burned, then I would agree with you. — Mark Cancellieri (@MarkCancellieri) April 15, 2020
Only if the firefighters denied there was a fire in the first place, in agreement with the arsonist who started the fire. In that case, you’re spot on. — Ryan Schuiling (@RyanSchuiling) April 15, 2020
As a matter of commentary, Amanpour’s take was even more ludicrous than Pelosi’s.
The House Speaker and Democratic leader managed to pack a statement about Trump’s decision full of lies about the current situation and the president himself.
“We can only be successful in defeating this global pandemic through a coordinated international response with respect for science and data,” she said in a statement, according to Fox News.
“But sadly, as he has since Day One, the president is ignoring global health experts, disregarding science and undermining the heroes fighting on the frontline, at great risk to the lives and livelihoods of Americans and people around the world.”
Someone should alert the House speaker that “respect for science and data” would apparently be a novel concept in the time of the novel coronavirus, since China, the country that gave it birth, has been lying about the science and data from the get-go. And it has been abetted in those lies by the WHO and Tedros.
Someone should also alert the speaker that Trump has had American health experts at his side since the crisis began, and even the Lilliputian attacks of the White House press corps really only serve to emphasize the roles of infectious disease authorities like Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Do you think you can trust anything reported by CNN about the Trump administration? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (17 Votes) No: 99% (1692 Votes)
It’s true that Fauci is not universally loved among conservatives and Trump’s supporters – and for good reason — but not even the most biased correspondent could claim Trump hasn’t had experts on his team from the beginning.
From Pelosi, though, that was just the usual sniping, aimed more at generating headlines and firing up her base than making a stab at truth.
For a veteran journalist like Amanpour, a professional liberal propagandist who’s been part of mainstream media elite going back to before the first Gulf War, comparing any species of the corruptocrats in the U.N. to the literally death-defying heroes who rushed into the Twin Towers to save innocent lives after a savage terrorist attack is beyond appalling.
Nancy Pelosi’s persistence in poisoning American politics has been her chief selling point for the Democratic #Resistance since before Trump’s inauguration, but she’s finally been upstaged.
It’s stomach-turning, but sane Americans will see right through it. If this is the kind of argument liberals hope to use to win the White House in November, the political future they’re poisoning is really their own.
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westernjournal--2020-04-15--Two Doctors Arrested for Tearing Down Trump Flag as Their Child Begged Them To Stop

Two Florida doctors have been arrested for stealing their neighbor ’ s “ Trump 2020 ” flag on April 7 after video footage caught them in the act .
Geoffrey Michael Fraiche and Laura Ann Webb-Fraiche of Gulf Breeze , Florida , were charged with criminal mischief , trespassing , larceny and contributing to the delinquency of a minor , according to WKRG-TV .
Brannen said the couple ’ s actions cost him about $ 500 in damage to the flag pole and $ 200 for the flag .
He intends to press charges .
Ring surveillance video showed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a golf cart with two children in tow .
The eldest child cried and yelled , “ No , don ’ t do it !
You ’ re going to go to jail !
Stop it !
I don ’ t want you to go to jail.
” Fraiche and Webb-Fraiche ignored their child , pulled out a ladder and climbed up to grab the flag .
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz posted the video on his Twitter account .
“ Physician-Parents possessed w @ realDonaldTrump hatred so much that they steal a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids in tow , ” the GOP congressman tweeted .
“ The little boy is begging them to stop .
Apparently two medical degrees lack the decency & common sense of a child .
Despicable parenting !
” The Fraiches are gynecologists at neighboring hospitals in Pensacola , Florida .
They were released from the Santa Rosa County Jail 90 minutes after they were booked into it around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday .
This is only the most recent case of charges against people for criminal actions involving Trump flags .
A young couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a July incident in which they allegedly ran twin brothers who had Trump flags on their bikes off the road , The Associated Press reported .
Kyren Gregory Perry-Jones , 23 , and Cailyn Marie Smith , 18 , each face felony charges that include two counts of intimidation and two counts of criminal recklessness , along with single misdemeanor charges of theft and criminal mischief .
According to Breitbart News , as of Feb. 14 , there have been nearly 400 instances of politically motivated crimes against Trump supporters since September 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Two Florida doctors have been arrested for stealing their neighbor’s “Trump 2020” flag on April 7 after video footage caught them in the act.
Geoffrey Michael Fraiche and Laura Ann Webb-Fraiche of Gulf Breeze, Florida, were charged with criminal mischief, trespassing, larceny and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to WKRG-TV.
The flag belonged to 67-year-old David Brannen, South Santa Rosa News reported.
Brannen said the couple’s actions cost him about $500 in damage to the flag pole and $200 for the flag. He intends to press charges.
Ring surveillance video showed the couple driving up to the flag pole in a golf cart with two children in tow.
The eldest child cried and yelled, “No, don’t do it! You’re going to go to jail! Stop it! I don’t want you to go to jail.”
Fraiche and Webb-Fraiche ignored their child, pulled out a ladder and climbed up to grab the flag.
Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz posted the video on his Twitter account.
Do you think the vandals should serve time in jail? 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% (4770 Votes) No: 3% (173 Votes)
“Physician-Parents possessed w @realDonaldTrump hatred so much that they steal a senior citizen’s Trump flag w kids in tow,” the GOP congressman tweeted.
“The little boy is begging them to stop. Apparently two medical degrees lack the decency & common sense of a child. Despicable parenting!”
SHOCKING VIDEO! Physician-Parents possessed w @realDonaldTrump hatred so much that they steal a senior citizen’s Trump flag w kids in tow. The little boy is begging them to stop. Apparently two medical degrees lack the decency & common sense of a child. Despicable parenting! pic.twitter.com/nZsLA09ob6 — Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) April 14, 2020
The Fraiches are gynecologists at neighboring hospitals in Pensacola, Florida.
They were released from the Santa Rosa County Jail 90 minutes after they were booked into it around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
This is only the most recent case of charges against people for criminal actions involving Trump flags.
A young couple was facing felony charges in February after a July incident in which they allegedly ran twin brothers who had Trump flags on their bikes off the road, The Associated Press reported.
Kyren Gregory Perry-Jones, 23, and Cailyn Marie Smith, 18, each face felony charges that include two counts of intimidation and two counts of criminal recklessness, along with single misdemeanor charges of theft and criminal mischief.
According to Breitbart News, as of Feb. 14, there have been nearly 400 instances of politically motivated crimes against Trump supporters since September 2015.
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westernjournal--2020-04-15--Bob Ehrlich: Beware the Experts’ Coronavirus Predictions

Guy walks in to see his doctor .
The doctor tells him he has six months to live .
Patient responds that he can ’ t pay the bill .
Doctor gives him another six months !
– Henny Youngman This oldie but goodie from the “ master of the one-liners ” comes to mind as we attempt to digest the constantly fluctuating epidemiological charts that track the coronavirus .
The wide range of projections — often inaccurate — reminds us that the business of predicting future events is always subject to human error .
In laymen ’ s terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garbage in , garbage out .
This , of course , is not to argue that scientific models are useless — far from it .
But accurate forecasting is a function of vetted data , not opportunistic forecasting .
Unfortunately , such opportunism is difficult to escape , as models are sometimes negligently used to support apocalyptic political narratives , especially where the narrative concerns a progressive sweet spot .
Recall , for example , former Vice President Al Gore ’ s 2006 prediction that unless “ drastic measures ” to reduce greenhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach a “ point of no return ” in a mere ten years , or his 2009 warning that “ models suggest … that there is a 75 percent chance that the entire north polar ice cap , during the summer months , could be completely ice-free within five to seven years.
” In a similar vein , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has more recently ( 2019 ) warned that Miami will be gone “ in a few years , ” and even , with awe-inspiring specificity , claimed that “ the world is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we don ’ t address climate change.
” And then there was the U.N. environmental program director ’ s 1989 claim that the world had a clear window to solve the greenhouse effect before it reached a point of no return , and that if rising sea levels were not checked by 2000 , entire countries would wash away .
Note that a quick Google search reveals numerous dire global cooling predictions from the 1960s , ’ 70s and ’ 80s .
What to think ?
Climate change is real and ongoing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ warming phase .
It ’ s a scientific fact .
But questions concerning the speed of temperature changes and the relative role of mankind ’ s contribution remains subject to further exploration .
Yet balanced debate on these last points is difficult to find .
And it does not take a scientist to figure out what makes for such strident true believers .
Enter the always-effective accelerant : ideology .
Here , data points can be made to fit a political agenda , contrary science notwithstanding .
The fact that the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CO2 emissions is accordingly too “ inconvenient ” ( excuse the pun ) , too counterintuitive , for the narrative pushers .
They would silence climate contrarians .
Ideological influence is bad enough , but the left vs. right debate proceeds from bad to worse when personal animus is added to the mix .
And no politician of recent vintage produces as much animus in the loyal opposition as Donald J. Trump .
He triggers very smart people to promote apocalyptic endgames .
A quick glance at the intellectual temper tantrums registered in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is revealing .
Witness the brilliant but judgment-challenged economics professor and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman : “ If the question is when markets will recover , a first-pass answer is never .
… [ W ] e are very probably looking at a global recession , with no end in sight.
” Not to be outdone , the left-wing Brookings Institution predicted a market crash of ten to fifteen percent while an opinion column in the trade journal Market Watch predicted both a stock market crash and a worldwide recession .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of American prosperity — indeed the world — was now supposedly at hand .
The American economy will be toast .
“ Just believe us , ” said the really smart people .
I could fill my next fifty columns with similar anecdotes ( Oprah ’ s 1987 opining that 20 percent of the heterosexual world would fall victim to AIDS within the next three years comes to mind ) .
But you get the point .
Philosophically driven opinion-makers use fear of the unknown — and often bogus models — to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today ’ s doomsdayers benefit from vastly shortened public attention spans in this era of social media .
So what is one supposed to think and do when confronted with truly scary scenarios pushed by the political intelligentsia ?
Here ’ s an idea : Why not step back , examine other informed opinions , maybe even buy some more time like that patient in Mr. Youngman ’ s joke ?
Above all , do not let the opposition manipulate the evidence and get away with their erroneous predictions .
And do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surefire way free people lose their rights .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Guy walks in to see his doctor. The doctor tells him he has six months to live. Patient responds that he can’t pay the bill. Doctor gives him another six months! – Henny Youngman
This oldie but goodie from the “master of the one-liners” comes to mind as we attempt to digest the constantly fluctuating epidemiological charts that track the coronavirus. The wide range of projections — often inaccurate — reminds us that the business of predicting future events is always subject to human error.
In laymen’s terms: science in, science out; garbage in, garbage out.
This, of course, is not to argue that scientific models are useless — far from it. But accurate forecasting is a function of vetted data, not opportunistic forecasting. Unfortunately, such opportunism is difficult to escape, as models are sometimes negligently used to support apocalyptic political narratives, especially where the narrative concerns a progressive sweet spot.
Recall, for example, former Vice President Al Gore’s 2006 prediction that unless “drastic measures” to reduce greenhouse gases were taken, the world would reach a “point of no return” in a mere ten years, or his 2009 warning that “models suggest … that there is a 75 percent chance that the entire north polar ice cap, during the summer months, could be completely ice-free within five to seven years.”
In a similar vein, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has more recently (2019) warned that Miami will be gone “in a few years,” and even, with awe-inspiring specificity, claimed that “the world is going to end in twelve years if we don’t address climate change.”
And then there was the U.N. environmental program director’s 1989 claim that the world had a clear window to solve the greenhouse effect before it reached a point of no return, and that if rising sea levels were not checked by 2000, entire countries would wash away.
Note that a quick Google search reveals numerous dire global cooling predictions from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. What to think?
Climate change is real and ongoing. Today, the world has entered a warming phase. It’s a scientific fact. But questions concerning the speed of temperature changes and the relative role of mankind’s contribution remains subject to further exploration.
Do you trust the predictions of experts regarding the coronavirus? 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: 5% (9 Votes) No: 95% (178 Votes)
Yet balanced debate on these last points is difficult to find. And it does not take a scientist to figure out what makes for such strident true believers.
Enter the always-effective accelerant: ideology. Here, data points can be made to fit a political agenda, contrary science notwithstanding.
The fact that the United States leads the world in the reduction of CO2 emissions is accordingly too “inconvenient” (excuse the pun), too counterintuitive, for the narrative pushers. They would silence climate contrarians.
Ideological influence is bad enough, but the left vs. right debate proceeds from bad to worse when personal animus is added to the mix. And no politician of recent vintage produces as much animus in the loyal opposition as Donald J. Trump. He triggers very smart people to promote apocalyptic endgames.
A quick glance at the intellectual temper tantrums registered in the wake of Nov. 8, 2016 is revealing.
Witness the brilliant but judgment-challenged economics professor and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman: “If the question is when markets will recover, a first-pass answer is never. … [W]e are very probably looking at a global recession, with no end in sight.”
Not to be outdone, the left-wing Brookings Institution predicted a market crash of ten to fifteen percent while an opinion column in the trade journal Market Watch predicted both a stock market crash and a worldwide recession. Many similar predictions followed suit.
The end of American prosperity — indeed the world — was now supposedly at hand. The American economy will be toast. “Just believe us,” said the really smart people.
I could fill my next fifty columns with similar anecdotes (Oprah’s 1987 opining that 20 percent of the heterosexual world would fall victim to AIDS within the next three years comes to mind).
But you get the point. Philosophically driven opinion-makers use fear of the unknown — and often bogus models — to drive their agendas. To boot: Today’s doomsdayers benefit from vastly shortened public attention spans in this era of social media.
So what is one supposed to think and do when confronted with truly scary scenarios pushed by the political intelligentsia?
Here’s an idea: Why not step back, examine other informed opinions, maybe even buy some more time like that patient in Mr. Youngman’s joke?
Above all, do not let the opposition manipulate the evidence and get away with their erroneous predictions. And do not be silenced.
That’s one surefire way free people lose their rights.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-04-15--Nashville Predators Collect, Donate $2.7 Million for Tornado and COVID-19 Relief

Between the COVID-19 outbreak and tornadoes wreaking havoc on the southeast region , Middle Tennesseans are trying to find the silver lining in such a strange and dark time .
After the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the NHL ’ s 2019-20 season was put on hold , the Nashville Predators decided to reach out to help their local community .
In the last six weeks since disaster swept across the state , the Predators , their partners and their fans banded together to raise relief funds for the locals .
In total , the Predators , the Predator ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arena were able to raise $ 2.7 million .
The money that was raised will be donated to Tennesseans who are facing what the tornadoes left behind and to those who have been impacted by COVID-19 .
“ A community ’ s strength comes through during and after misfortune and the response in the last 45 days has spoken volumes about our Middle Tennessee community , ” Predators President and CEO Sean Henry said in a news release .
“ Commitment to our community has been a cornerstone of our franchise and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help rebuild neighborhoods and provide resources and assistance that will allow all of us to return to a sense of normalcy as quickly and safely as possible.
” According to the National Weather Service , seven tornadoes that touched down the night of March 2 and into the early morning of March 3 devastated the community and left 25 dead .
The Predators immediately welcomed those impacted by the storm into Bridgestone Arena and served them pizza .
The Predators and Bridgestone Arena quickly raised $ 250,000 in relief funds for Middle Tennessee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fritch and his wife Barbara , the NHL , the Minnesota Wild , the Dallas Stars , St. Louis Blues , Chicago Blackhawks , Florida Panthers , Florida Everblades , Milwaukee Admirals and other members of the NHL community .
In addition to the generous donations made by the hockey community , the team organized a “ Nashville Strong ” donation page for the areas of the community that are still in need .
RELATED : Three Men Arrested for Gathering at Private Residence Only days after the twisters left a path of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus made its way into the area .
On March 12 , the NHL put the 2019-20 season on hold to slow the spread of the virus ; on top of the season suspension , Bridgestone Arena also canceled or postponed upcoming events .
According to the Predators ’ news release , players , owners , coaches and management pooled $ 1 million in an effort to pay the Bridgestone Arena event staff who would have worked the canceled and postponed events .
“ Through these initiatives and partnerships , we are able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who make Bridgestone Arena so successful , provide financial resources to hundreds of organizations that provide critical services throughout our market , show our appreciation to the essential operations and personnel during a crisis and help rebuild neighborhoods and communities in Middle Tennessee , ” Henry said .
“ We hope and encourage others to join in offering resources and assistance as our community shows we truly are ‘ Nashville Strong . '
” The team also saw a unique opportunity to serve the community after almost 2,700 blood drives across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , resulting in a shortage of nearly 86,000 fewer donations than normal .
On April 1 , the Predators decided to organize a blood drive , following the Red Cross ’ safety protocols , that acquired 113 units of blood which will go to help 339 people that have been impacted by COVID-19 .
Some of the players have also gone above and beyond , with the team ’ s captain Roman Josi and his wife Ellie making a $ 20,000 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and another $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based in Nashville .
Josi , along with three other teammates , Pekka Rinne , Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene partnered with two Nashville Dunkin ’ Donuts locations on April 8 to give front-line healthcare workers who show their badge free coffee .
Additionally , the Predators Foundation plans to donate $ 700,000 from its annual grant program to 168 different charity organizations in the area for both tornado and COVID-19 relief .
Another $ 200,000 for relief will also be distributed on a later date .
We are committed to truth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read our editorial standards .

Between the COVID-19 outbreak and tornadoes wreaking havoc on the southeast region, Middle Tennesseans are trying to find the silver lining in such a strange and dark time.
After the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the NHL’s 2019-20 season was put on hold, the Nashville Predators decided to reach out to help their local community.
In the last six weeks since disaster swept across the state, the Predators, their partners and their fans banded together to raise relief funds for the locals.
In total, the Predators, the Predator’s Foundation, Ford Ice Centers and Bridgestone Arena were able to raise $2.7 million.
The money that was raised will be donated to Tennesseans who are facing what the tornadoes left behind and to those who have been impacted by COVID-19.
“A community’s strength comes through during and after misfortune and the response in the last 45 days has spoken volumes about our Middle Tennessee community,” Predators President and CEO Sean Henry said in a news release.
“Commitment to our community has been a cornerstone of our franchise and we are focused on doing everything possible to help rebuild neighborhoods and provide resources and assistance that will allow all of us to return to a sense of normalcy as quickly and safely as possible.”
According to the National Weather Service, seven tornadoes that touched down the night of March 2 and into the early morning of March 3 devastated the community and left 25 dead.
The Predators immediately welcomed those impacted by the storm into Bridgestone Arena and served them pizza.
Dear Smashville Fam, We love you and we want to help. We will be serving pizza at @BrdgstoneArena beginning at 11 a.m. for all those affected by last night’s storm. Please feel welcome to come and bring anyone who needs it. ?? Love, Us — Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) March 3, 2020
The Predators and Bridgestone Arena quickly raised $250,000 in relief funds for Middle Tennessee residents from donations made by Chairman Herb Fritch and his wife Barbara, the NHL, the Minnesota Wild, the Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Florida Everblades, Milwaukee Admirals and other members of the NHL community.
In addition to the generous donations made by the hockey community, the team organized a “Nashville Strong” donation page for the areas of the community that are still in need.
If you are able and willing, please consider donating to those still struggling in our community. For information: https://t.co/lb4zUp8Fj0 pic.twitter.com/eVI6izlCcu — Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 3, 2020
Only days after the twisters left a path of destruction through Middle Tennessee, the novel coronavirus made its way into the area.
On March 12, the NHL put the 2019-20 season on hold to slow the spread of the virus; on top of the season suspension, Bridgestone Arena also canceled or postponed upcoming events.
According to the Predators’ news release, players, owners, coaches and management pooled $1 million in an effort to pay the Bridgestone Arena event staff who would have worked the canceled and postponed events.
“Through these initiatives and partnerships, we are able to assist the hundreds of event-staff members who make Bridgestone Arena so successful, provide financial resources to hundreds of organizations that provide critical services throughout our market, show our appreciation to the essential operations and personnel during a crisis and help rebuild neighborhoods and communities in Middle Tennessee,” Henry said.
“We hope and encourage others to join in offering resources and assistance as our community shows we truly are ‘Nashville Strong.'”
Do you think other professional sports teams should be making similar efforts? 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% (66 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
The team also saw a unique opportunity to serve the community after almost 2,700 blood drives across the country were canceled due to growing coronavirus concerns, resulting in a shortage of nearly 86,000 fewer donations than normal.
On April 1, the Predators decided to organize a blood drive, following the Red Cross’ safety protocols, that acquired 113 units of blood which will go to help 339 people that have been impacted by COVID-19.
Our friends at @RedCrossTN need our help. The need for blood donations is increasing every day. Please consider signing up for our April 1 blood drive at one of these locations! Sign up: https://t.co/E7jEa2qOO1
Use sponsor code for location of your choice. pic.twitter.com/tPy1dsA7lA — Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) March 26, 2020
Some of the players have also gone above and beyond, with the team’s captain Roman Josi and his wife Ellie making a $20,000 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and another $20,000 donation to Home Street Home Ministries based in Nashville.
Josi, along with three other teammates, Pekka Rinne, Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene partnered with two Nashville Dunkin’ Donuts locations on April 8 to give front-line healthcare workers who show their badge free coffee.
To all healthcare workers, thank you. Let us get your @dunkindonuts coffee this morning. The first 100 healthcare workers with ID at either the 21st or Elliston Dunkin’ locations will receive a free coffee courtesy of @rjosi90, @Matt9Duchene, @RyanJohansen19, & Pekka Rinne. — Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 8, 2020
Additionally, the Predators Foundation plans to donate $700,000 from its annual grant program to 168 different charity organizations in the area for both tornado and COVID-19 relief.
Another $200,000 for relief will also be distributed on a later date.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
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westernjournal--2020-04-15--Hours After Being Released Due to COVID Fears, Former Inmate Murders Man: Police

The humane nature of releasing someone from jail because of COVID-19 concerns assumes they won ’ t commit another crime .
In the case of Joseph Edward Williams , that alleged crime involves taking someone ’ s life .
According to the Hillsborough County , Florida , Sheriff ’ s Office , the 26-year-old Williams murdered someone after he was let out of custody on March 19 .
The Tampa Bay Times reported that Williams was one of 164 county jail inmates “ accused of low-level , non-violent crimes ” who were released that day .
He was considered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was in on drug charges .
“ Williams was booked into Orient Road Jail on March 13 for possession of heroin ( less than four grams ) , a third-degree felony , and possession drug paraphernalia , a first-degree misdemeanor , ” the Hillsborough Sheriff ’ s Office said in a news release .
“ Williams was one of more than 100 inmates released from custody until trial on March 19 following the issuance of Administrative Order 2020-018 .
The order was drafted in an effort to lower the risk of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detention facilities and to protect the inmates , deputies and civilian staff working within the jails.
” He was back pretty quickly — although not quickly enough , given the fact he allegedly killed an individual the day after he got out of prison .
According to the sheriff ’ s office , Williams was the triggerman in a March 20 killing in Progress Village , a 20-minute drive southeast of Tampa .
He was arrested on Monday .
“ Williams was issued a bond of $ 2,500 for the drug charges and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrative order .
He is currently back in jail on a no bond status , ” the news release said .
Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister — best known at the moment as the lawman who ’ s “ suspicious ” that “ Tiger King ” star Carole Baskin killed her husband — was also unhappy that Williams had been let out of prison .
“ There is no question Joseph Williams took advantage of this health emergency to commit crimes while he was out of jail awaiting resolution of a low-level , non-violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
“ As a result , I call on the State Attorney to prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law .
Every murder , every violent crime , especially those involving a gun , is a sickening example of the worst in our community , especially at a time when our community is working relentlessly to fight against the spread of this deadly COVID-19 .
“ Judges , prosecutors , and Sheriffs around the country are facing difficult decisions during this health crisis with respect to balancing public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and throughout our country have released non-violent , low-level offenders to protect our deputies and the jail population from an outbreak .
“ Our commitment as an agency is to keep this community safe and enforce the law.
” If that were the case , releasing Williams might not have been the best idea in the first place .
RELATED : Pelosi Rages at Trump 's 'Illegal ' Decision To Defund WHO Yes , he ’ d been booked for a nonviolent crime .
However , he had a past criminal record that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the news release , Williams “ was previously convicted of two felony offenses including burglary of an unoccupied conveyance in 2012 and felon in possession of a firearm in 2018 , in addition to five misdemeanor convictions .
Throughout the course of his criminal history , Williams has been arrested for 35 charges in total.
” He now faces charges of second-degree murder , being a felon in possession of a firearm , resisting an officer with violence , possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia .
Jails have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in light of the coronavirus pandemic and how easily it spreads behind bars .
This isn ’ t to necessarily question this practice ; even Attorney General William Barr , not known to be soft on crime , has been pushing to get low-risk individuals out of the federal system .
But that wasn ’ t enough for congressional Democrats .
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York and California Rep. Karen Bass sent a letter to Barr saying that they “ urge that you use every tool at your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible , to protect them from COVID-19.
” To do this , they urged Barr not to include the prisoners ’ risk assessment scores and also wondered why he was only considering prisoners from low- and minimum-security prisons .
If this is what some are seriously advocating regarding our federal prisons , you can imagine what ’ s going on at the county level .
Yes , I understand the humanitarian goals here , and I don ’ t wish COVID-19 upon any prisoners .
That said , the vast majority of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got railroaded .
There has to be a balance between maintaining public safety and preventing COVID-19 deaths , and one that errs heavily on the side of public safety .
Unfortunately , I can ’ t see a situation in which Joseph Edward Williams is the last man charged with a serious felony — or even murder — after being let out for COVID-19-related reasons .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The humane nature of releasing someone from jail because of COVID-19 concerns assumes they won’t commit another crime. In the case of Joseph Edward Williams, that alleged crime involves taking someone’s life.
According to the Hillsborough County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office, the 26-year-old Williams murdered someone after he was let out of custody on March 19.
The Tampa Bay Times reported that Williams was one of 164 county jail inmates “accused of low-level, non-violent crimes” who were released that day. He was considered a low-level offender due to the fact that he was in on drug charges.
“Williams was booked into Orient Road Jail on March 13 for possession of heroin (less than four grams), a third-degree felony, and possession drug paraphernalia, a first-degree misdemeanor,” the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
“Williams was one of more than 100 inmates released from custody until trial on March 19 following the issuance of Administrative Order 2020-018. The order was drafted in an effort to lower the risk of the spread of COVID-19 within the Hillsborough County detention facilities and to protect the inmates, deputies and civilian staff working within the jails.”
He was back pretty quickly — although not quickly enough, given the fact he allegedly killed an individual the day after he got out of prison.
According to the sheriff’s office, Williams was the triggerman in a March 20 killing in Progress Village, a 20-minute drive southeast of Tampa. He was arrested on Monday.
“Williams was issued a bond of $2,500 for the drug charges and was eligible for release prior to the administrative order. He is currently back in jail on a no bond status,” the news release said.
Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister — best known at the moment as the lawman who’s “suspicious” that “Tiger King” star Carole Baskin killed her husband — was also unhappy that Williams had been let out of prison.
Should jails release more prisoners due to COVID-19? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (19 Votes) No: 99% (1356 Votes)
“There is no question Joseph Williams took advantage of this health emergency to commit crimes while he was out of jail awaiting resolution of a low-level, non-violent offense,” Chronister said in a statement.
“As a result, I call on the State Attorney to prosecute this defendant to the fullest extent of the law. Every murder, every violent crime, especially those involving a gun, is a sickening example of the worst in our community, especially at a time when our community is working relentlessly to fight against the spread of this deadly COVID-19.
“Judges, prosecutors, and Sheriffs around the country are facing difficult decisions during this health crisis with respect to balancing public health and public safety. Sheriffs in Florida and throughout our country have released non-violent, low-level offenders to protect our deputies and the jail population from an outbreak.
“Our commitment as an agency is to keep this community safe and enforce the law.”
If that were the case, releasing Williams might not have been the best idea in the first place.
Yes, he’d been booked for a nonviolent crime. However, he had a past criminal record that might have caused other officials some pause.
According to the news release, Williams “was previously convicted of two felony offenses including burglary of an unoccupied conveyance in 2012 and felon in possession of a firearm in 2018, in addition to five misdemeanor convictions. Throughout the course of his criminal history, Williams has been arrested for 35 charges in total.”
He now faces charges of second-degree murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, resisting an officer with violence, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jails have been releasing as many prisoners as possible in light of the coronavirus pandemic and how easily it spreads behind bars. This isn’t to necessarily question this practice; even Attorney General William Barr, not known to be soft on crime, has been pushing to get low-risk individuals out of the federal system.
But that wasn’t enough for congressional Democrats.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York and California Rep. Karen Bass sent a letter to Barr saying that they “urge that you use every tool at your disposal to release as many prisoners as possible, to protect them from COVID-19.”
To do this, they urged Barr not to include the prisoners’ risk assessment scores and also wondered why he was only considering prisoners from low- and minimum-security prisons.
If this is what some are seriously advocating regarding our federal prisons, you can imagine what’s going on at the county level.
Yes, I understand the humanitarian goals here, and I don’t wish COVID-19 upon any prisoners.
That said, the vast majority of them aren’t behind bars because they got railroaded. There has to be a balance between maintaining public safety and preventing COVID-19 deaths, and one that errs heavily on the side of public safety.
Unfortunately, I can’t see a situation in which Joseph Edward Williams is the last man charged with a serious felony — or even murder — after being let out for COVID-19-related reasons.
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--2020-04-15--Op-Ed: China’s Ambition Demands the U.S. Maintain Its Presence in Africa

Back in January , Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , was talking openly of the need to rebalance the allocation of U.S. forces around the world .
As he explained it , the need to address potential military threats from Russia and Chinese expansionism in the Pacific Basin may have to be given precedence over American commitments elsewhere .
Gen. Milley ’ s remarks were footnoted by the suggestion any changes were , at that point at least , notional and would be presented to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and through him to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nonetheless , many see his comments as foreshadowing a major change in the importance the U.S. has assigned the war on terror .
President Trump entered office vowing to bring home many of the U.S. troops pursuing terrorists and prosecuting “ unwinnable ” wars .
He can take pride in the fact he is keeping those promises , having successfully subdued if not eliminated ISIS , entered into continuing negotiations aimed at allowing the U.S. to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and , by using a drone strike to take out Iranian Revolutionary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , perhaps turned an important corner in Iraq .
None of that justifies a U.S. withdrawal from its commitments in the Middle East or North Africa .
Both regions are rife with the kind of radical Islamic extremism from which anti-U.S. terror cells develop .
The raging conflagrations in these regions , feared by many , may have cooled to embers — but extinguishing those embers will take time and is linked inexorably to the same future conflicts to which Gen. Milley suggests the U.S. may need to shift its focus .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there in the fight against extremism .
The nations of North Africa have moved in our direction .
Mauritania , Algeria and Morocco have vanquished terrorists within their borders and , with U.S. training and logistical support , proven themselves invaluable in the fight against those threatening the entire region .
To abandon them would be a mistake that would be , ironically , to Beijing ’ s benefit .
The Chinese , as we ’ ve most recently seen in the way they have conducted themselves through the coronavirus crisis , can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own rules when it suits them , no matter what .
In many ways , they are economic partners with the West .
They trade with us and we with them , but they are not our allies and can not be treated as such .
From a national security perspective , we must remain vigilant – which is why reducing the limited U.S. troop commitments in North Africa would be a major mistake .
If America leaves , China moves in – as it has been doing all over the developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The current troop levels are small as such things go , fewer than 10,000 spread out among different countries on different missions .
Merely by being there , however , the American military prevents the creation of a vacuum into which China would be glad to move to increase its economic and military presence on the continent .
This would fit perfectly into Beijing ’ s long-term strategic plans .
Through its trillion-dollar “ Belt and Road ” initiative , the Chinese have been “ helping ” the developing world build commercial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting as a predatory lender , China has gotten its hooks into nearly 70 counties and international organizations , saddling them with projects so expensive that the money borrowed can not possibly be repaid .
The U.S. Agency for International Development has been pushing back against this initiative by sending teams of advisers into countries to demonstrate that anyone considering saying “ yes ” to China is making a bad deal .
But that ’ s not enough .
To prevent the creation of satellite outposts available to further Beijing ’ s global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorneys .
Any hopes we once had of the world becoming a safer place with the fall of the Berlin Wall must now , unfortunately , be held in abeyance .
A new global order is forming , something President Trump rightly recognizes and is preparing for militarily as well as economically .
Pulling out of commitments that don ’ t make sense and asking our allies to shoulder a greater burden of the cost of those that do are steps in the right direction .
Pulling out of commitments that do make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities in North Africa , would be folly and we ’ d regret it later if we do .
According to the AFP , Gen. Milley said “ economy of forces does not mean zero ” and that Washington was not pulling out of Africa completely .
Let ’ s hope Secretary Esper and the president affirm this soon .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read our editorial standards .

Back in January, Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was talking openly of the need to rebalance the allocation of U.S. forces around the world.
As he explained it, the need to address potential military threats from Russia and Chinese expansionism in the Pacific Basin may have to be given precedence over American commitments elsewhere.
Gen. Milley’s remarks were footnoted by the suggestion any changes were, at that point at least, notional and would be presented to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and through him to the president as options for the future. Nonetheless, many see his comments as foreshadowing a major change in the importance the U.S. has assigned the war on terror.
President Trump entered office vowing to bring home many of the U.S. troops pursuing terrorists and prosecuting “unwinnable” wars.
He can take pride in the fact he is keeping those promises, having successfully subdued if not eliminated ISIS, entered into continuing negotiations aimed at allowing the U.S. to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan and, by using a drone strike to take out Iranian Revolutionary Guard leader and terrorist mastermind Qassem Soleimani, perhaps turned an important corner in Iraq.
None of that justifies a U.S. withdrawal from its commitments in the Middle East or North Africa. Both regions are rife with the kind of radical Islamic extremism from which anti-U.S. terror cells develop.
The raging conflagrations in these regions, feared by many, may have cooled to embers — but extinguishing those embers will take time and is linked inexorably to the same future conflicts to which Gen. Milley suggests the U.S. may need to shift its focus.
In Africa, we have assisted our allies there in the fight against extremism. The nations of North Africa have moved in our direction. Mauritania, Algeria and Morocco have vanquished terrorists within their borders and, with U.S. training and logistical support, proven themselves invaluable in the fight against those threatening the entire region.
To abandon them would be a mistake that would be, ironically, to Beijing’s benefit.
Do you think the U.S. should keep its forces in North Africa? Yes No
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The Chinese, as we’ve most recently seen in the way they have conducted themselves through the coronavirus crisis, cannot be trusted. They operate by their own rules when it suits them, no matter what.
In many ways, they are economic partners with the West. They trade with us and we with them, but they are not our allies and cannot be treated as such.
From a national security perspective, we must remain vigilant – which is why reducing the limited U.S. troop commitments in North Africa would be a major mistake. If America leaves, China moves in – as it has been doing all over the developing world while engaging in rapprochement with Washington.
The current troop levels are small as such things go, fewer than 10,000 spread out among different countries on different missions. Merely by being there, however, the American military prevents the creation of a vacuum into which China would be glad to move to increase its economic and military presence on the continent.
This would fit perfectly into Beijing’s long-term strategic plans. Through its trillion-dollar “Belt and Road” initiative, the Chinese have been “helping” the developing world build commercial and civil infrastructure since 2013.
By acting as a predatory lender, China has gotten its hooks into nearly 70 counties and international organizations, saddling them with projects so expensive that the money borrowed cannot possibly be repaid.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has been pushing back against this initiative by sending teams of advisers into countries to demonstrate that anyone considering saying “yes” to China is making a bad deal. But that’s not enough.
To prevent the creation of satellite outposts available to further Beijing’s global ambitions requires something more than accountants and attorneys.
Any hopes we once had of the world becoming a safer place with the fall of the Berlin Wall must now, unfortunately, be held in abeyance.
A new global order is forming, something President Trump rightly recognizes and is preparing for militarily as well as economically.
Pulling out of commitments that don’t make sense and asking our allies to shoulder a greater burden of the cost of those that do are steps in the right direction. Pulling out of commitments that do make sense, like our limited but successful activities in North Africa, would be folly and we’d regret it later if we do.
According to the AFP, Gen. Milley said “economy of forces does not mean zero” and that Washington was not pulling out of Africa completely. Let’s hope Secretary Esper and the president affirm this soon.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-04-15--MLB All-Star Wants To Fight NASCAR’s Kyle Larson Over Racial Slur: ‘He Needs His A** Beat’

New York Mets star pitcher Marcus Stroman wants to fight NASCAR driver Kyle Larson after the auto racer was recorded using a racial slur while competing in a live-streamed video game tournament Sunday .
Stroman took to Twitter to announced his displeasure with Larson , who he also said he should be permanently banned from racing .
Responding to a WZTV tweet reporting Larson had been suspended from racing over the incident , Stroman unleashed on the popular driver .
“ He should never be allowed to race again in @ NASCAR .
Said that derogatory word so nonchalantly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he tweeted .
“ Post-career…I ’ ll fight this man in a @ ufc event for charity .
He needs his a– beat .
Would love to hear him say that word in the octagon !
” Stroman wrote .
Stroman also shared video of Larson ’ s use of the racial slur and commented , “ Racism still prospering in society .
This is way more common than any of y ’ all know !
” WARNING : The following video contains the use of a racial slur that some viewers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtually Sunday on the popular video game streaming platform Twitch when he appeared to be under the impression he had lost the audio connection to his teammates .
“ You can ’ t hear me ?
” he said , followed by the N-word .
Another iRacing player quickly told the driver , “ Kyle , you ’ re talking to everyone , bud.
” Another player on the video was heard saying , “ No way did that just happen.
” Larson , 27 , issued a video apology for his use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that he feels the damage done to his reputation is “ probably unrepairable.
” “ I just want to say I ’ m sorry .
Last night I made a mistake and said the word that should never , ever be said , and there ’ s no excuse for that .
I wasn ’ t raised that way .
You know , it ’ s just an awful thing to say , ” he said in the video .
“ I feel very sorry for my family , my friends , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially the African-American community .
I understand the damage is probably unrepairable .
And I own up to that , ” Larson continued .
“ But I just wanted to let you all know how sorry I am .
And I hope everybody is staying safe during these crazy times .
Thank you , ” the driver concluded in his apology .
The New York Post reported that Larson , who is part Japanese and is widely considered one of the greatest sprint car drivers in the nation , was quickly dropped by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was later fired by Chip Ganassi Racing on Tuesday and stands to lose at least an eight-figure income over the incident , according to ESPN .
“ After much consideration , Chip Ganassi Racing has determined that it will end its relationship with driver Kyle Larson , ” the team said in a statement .
“ As we said before , the comments that Kyle made were both offensive and unacceptable especially given the values of our organization .
As we continued to evaluate the situation with all the relevant parties , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appropriate course of action to take.
” Ganassi team owner Chip Ganassi told The Associated Press he shared an “ emotional ” call with Larson to inform him he was being terminated .
“ I told Kyle he can come back from this ; he can even come back from this with our team , ” Ganassi told the AP .
“ But there really wasn ’ t any choice.
” Larson has also been suspended from future iRacing events online , USA Today reported .
Larson has seemingly lost a career that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of such a terrible word .
The anger that Stroman and no doubt many other are feeling is justified , but calling for violence seems like an overreaction to a situation that is already bad enough .
It won ’ t happen immediately , but perhaps Larson can redeem himself in the eyes of those he hurt through acts of kindness and goodwill .
Ultimately , it ’ s up to the talented driver to decide how he wishes to approach the situation and how he intends to gain back the trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

New York Mets star pitcher Marcus Stroman wants to fight NASCAR driver Kyle Larson after the auto racer was recorded using a racial slur while competing in a live-streamed video game tournament Sunday.
Stroman took to Twitter to announced his displeasure with Larson, who he also said he should be permanently banned from racing.
Responding to a WZTV tweet reporting Larson had been suspended from racing over the incident, Stroman unleashed on the popular driver.
“He should never be allowed to race again in @NASCAR. Said that derogatory word so nonchalantly. Your apology doesn’t matter,” he tweeted.
“Post-career…I’ll fight this man in a @ufc event for charity. He needs his a– beat. Would love to hear him say that word in the octagon!” Stroman wrote.
He should never be allowed to race again in @NASCAR. Said that derogatory word so nonchalantly. Your apology doesn’t matter. Post-career…I’ll fight this man in a @ufc event for charity. He needs his ass beat. Would love to hear him say that word in the octagon! https://t.co/lZ4Hg1fxsw — Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 14, 2020
Stroman also shared video of Larson’s use of the racial slur and commented, “Racism still prospering in society. This is way more common than any of y’all know!”
WARNING: The following video contains the use of a racial slur that some viewers will find offensive.
Racism still prospering in society. This is way more common than any of y’all know! https://t.co/bBTg16bv3A — Marcus Stroman (@STR0) April 14, 2020
Larson was racing virtually Sunday on the popular video game streaming platform Twitch when he appeared to be under the impression he had lost the audio connection to his teammates.
“You can’t hear me?” he said, followed by the N-word.
Another iRacing player quickly told the driver, “Kyle, you’re talking to everyone, bud.”
Another player on the video was heard saying, “No way did that just happen.”
Do you think Kyle Larson should face a lifetime NASCAR ban for using a racial slur? 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: 7% (24 Votes) No: 93% (341 Votes)
Larson, 27, issued a video apology for his use of the word on Twitter, and said that he feels the damage done to his reputation is “probably unrepairable.”
“I just want to say I’m sorry. Last night I made a mistake and said the word that should never, ever be said, and there’s no excuse for that. I wasn’t raised that way. You know, it’s just an awful thing to say,” he said in the video.
“I feel very sorry for my family, my friends, my partners, the NASCAR community and especially the African-American community. I understand the damage is probably unrepairable. And I own up to that,” Larson continued.
“But I just wanted to let you all know how sorry I am. And I hope everybody is staying safe during these crazy times. Thank you,” the driver concluded in his apology.
The New York Post reported that Larson, who is part Japanese and is widely considered one of the greatest sprint car drivers in the nation, was quickly dropped by a number of his sponsors.
Larson was later fired by Chip Ganassi Racing on Tuesday and stands to lose at least an eight-figure income over the incident, according to ESPN.
“After much consideration, Chip Ganassi Racing has determined that it will end its relationship with driver Kyle Larson,” the team said in a statement. “As we said before, the comments that Kyle made were both offensive and unacceptable especially given the values of our organization. As we continued to evaluate the situation with all the relevant parties, it became obvious that this was the only appropriate course of action to take.”
Ganassi team owner Chip Ganassi told The Associated Press he shared an “emotional” call with Larson to inform him he was being terminated.
“I told Kyle he can come back from this; he can even come back from this with our team,” Ganassi told the AP. “But there really wasn’t any choice.”
Larson has also been suspended from future iRacing events online, USA Today reported.
Larson has seemingly lost a career that he spent his life building over his use of such a terrible word.
The anger that Stroman and no doubt many other are feeling is justified, but calling for violence seems like an overreaction to a situation that is already bad enough.
A lifetime ban also seems harsh.
It won’t happen immediately, but perhaps Larson can redeem himself in the eyes of those he hurt through acts of kindness and goodwill.
Ultimately, it’s up to the talented driver to decide how he wishes to approach the situation and how he intends to gain back the trust of the people he let down.
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westernjournal--2020-04-15--IRS Launches Website That Allows Users To Track Coronavirus Relief Payment Status

The Internal Revenue Service started sending out federal coronavirus crisis relief payments this week , but for those who have not yet received the money , the government has launched a tracking tool called “ Get My Payment.
” Over 80 million taxpayers have received the money — formally known as an Economic Impact Payment — since the IRS began sending it out over the weekend , but Get My Payment will help answer common questions of those who have not received their payment , according to an IRS media release .
( Make sure you have your 2018 filing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The site was under heavy demand early Wednesday afternoon . )
The new tool will show a projected date for receiving payment and allows users to provide their bank information if they did not use direct deposit on their last tax return .
“ Get My Payment will offer people with a quick and easy way to find the status of their payment and , where possible , provide their bank account information if we don ’ t already have it , ” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said .
“ Our IRS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Economic Impact Payments to help taxpayers in need .
In addition to successfully generating payments to more than 80 million people , IRS teams throughout the country proudly worked long days and weekend to quickly deliver Get My Payment ahead of schedule.
” The online tracking tool is updated once a day , according to the IRS .
The Economic Impact Payments are part of the $ 2 trillion economic relief package signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 27 .
The Coronavirus Aird , Relief , and Economic Security Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,200 per adult for individuals with income less than $ 99,000 and $ 500 per child under 17 years old , according to the Treasury Department .
The payments will start phasing out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes over $ 75,000 .
CNN released a calculator in March to determine how much a specific household can expect to receive .
Americans who filed 2018 or 2019 federal tax returns were expected to receive their direct deposit by Wednesday .
Checks will take longer to reach people in the mail .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments within the next two weeks .
“ We are pleased that many Americans are receiving their Economic Impact Payments , ” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a news release .
“ This administration is delivering fast and direct economic assistance to hardworking Americans , and we hope these payments will bring them much-needed relief.
” RELATED : Three Men Arrested for Gathering at Private Residence Labor Department numbers show that over 6.6 million filed for unemployment benefits last week .
Over 16 million workers have lost their jobs since mid-February , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to data from Johns Hopkins University , as of Wednesday morning , there were over 600,000 cases of coronavirus in the United States .
There have been 24,429 fatalities from the virus , but 43,482 people have recovered .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Internal Revenue Service started sending out federal coronavirus crisis relief payments this week, but for those who have not yet received the money, the government has launched a tracking tool called “Get My Payment.”
Over 80 million taxpayers have received the money — formally known as an Economic Impact Payment — since the IRS began sending it out over the weekend, but Get My Payment will help answer common questions of those who have not received their payment, according to an IRS media release. (Make sure you have your 2018 filing information available and be prepared to wait. The site was under heavy demand early Wednesday afternoon.)
The new tool will show a projected date for receiving payment and allows users to provide their bank information if they did not use direct deposit on their last tax return.
“Get My Payment will offer people with a quick and easy way to find the status of their payment and, where possible, provide their bank account information if we don’t already have it,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said.
“Our IRS employees have been working non-stop on the Economic Impact Payments to help taxpayers in need. In addition to successfully generating payments to more than 80 million people, IRS teams throughout the country proudly worked long days and weekend to quickly deliver Get My Payment ahead of schedule.”
The online tracking tool is updated once a day, according to the IRS.
The Economic Impact Payments are part of the $2 trillion economic relief package signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 27.
The Coronavirus Aird, Relief, and Economic Security Act will provide American households with up to $1,200 per adult for individuals with income less than $99,000 and $500 per child under 17 years old, according to the Treasury Department.
The payments will start phasing out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes over $75,000.
Do you think these payments are a good idea? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 85% (658 Votes) No: 15% (112 Votes)
CNN released a calculator in March to determine how much a specific household can expect to receive.
Americans who filed 2018 or 2019 federal tax returns were expected to receive their direct deposit by Wednesday. Checks will take longer to reach people in the mail.
The Treasury expects most eligible Americans to receive payments within the next two weeks.
“We are pleased that many Americans are receiving their Economic Impact Payments,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a news release.
“This administration is delivering fast and direct economic assistance to hardworking Americans, and we hope these payments will bring them much-needed relief.”
Labor Department numbers show that over 6.6 million filed for unemployment benefits last week. Over 16 million workers have lost their jobs since mid-February, The New York Times reported.
According to data from Johns Hopkins University, as of Wednesday morning, there were over 600,000 cases of coronavirus in the United States.
There have been 24,429 fatalities from the virus, but 43,482 people have recovered.
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