westernjournal--2020-12-26--Nashville Skies Declared National Defense Airspace, Deadly Force Authorized Against Aircraft Enterin

Nashville Skies Declared National Defense Airspace, Deadly Force Authorized Against Aircraft Entering No-Fly Zone

The skies over part of Nashville have been declared “ National Defense Airspace ” as the federal government reacts to the mysterious Christmas morning bombing in downtown Nashville .
At about 6:30 a.m. on Friday , an RV exploded in Nashville near an AT & T building .
Residents of the area were warned to evacuate prior to the explosion , and three people were injured in the blast , which disrupted telecommunications services around the city .
In the immediate aftermath of the bombing , the Federal Aviation Administration stopped all flights out of the city , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have resumed , the FAA is still prohibiting “ all aircraft flight operations ” over an area encompassing a 1-nautical-mile radius of the blast site and has declared those skies “ National Defense Airspace , ” WKRN-TV reported .
According to the warning posted on the FAA website , “ pilots who do not adhere to the following procedures may be intercepted , detained and interviewed by law enforcement/security personnel.
” The warning said the pilots can face “ administrative action , ” including civil penalties and the “ suspension or revocation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for violating the emergency declaration .
“ The United States government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft , if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat , ” the alert said .
The FAA alert is in effect through Wednesday .
Nashville Mayor John Cooper has issued a State of Civil Emergency for the area around the blast site , according to WZTV .
According to a statement from AT & T , communications outages may continue for some time .
“ Power is essential to restoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are working with law enforcement to get access to our equipment and make needed repair , ” the AT & T statement said , according to The Nashville Tennessean .
“ There are serious logistical challenges to working in a disaster area and we will make measurable progress in the hours and days ahead .
RELATED : Report : Person of Interest Identified in Nashville Bombing , FBI on Scene at Home in Tennessee Capital Neighborhood “ We ’ re grateful for the work of law enforcement as they investigate this event while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The skies over part of Nashville have been declared “National Defense Airspace” as the federal government reacts to the mysterious Christmas morning bombing in downtown Nashville.
At about 6:30 a.m. on Friday, an RV exploded in Nashville near an AT&T building. Residents of the area were warned to evacuate prior to the explosion, and three people were injured in the blast, which disrupted telecommunications services around the city.
In the immediate aftermath of the bombing, the Federal Aviation Administration stopped all flights out of the city, according to CNN.
While flights out of Nashville have resumed, the FAA is still prohibiting “all aircraft flight operations” over an area encompassing a 1-nautical-mile radius of the blast site and has declared those skies “National Defense Airspace,” WKRN-TV reported.
According to the warning posted on the FAA website, “pilots who do not adhere to the following procedures may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement/security personnel.”
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) classifies part of Nashville airspace as “National Defense Airspace” and warns of interrogation/detention if violated. Says the U.S. government may use deadly force against airborne aircraft if they pose an imminent security risk. pic.twitter.com/klGhZIoE5Q — Doge (@IntelDoge) December 26, 2020
The warning said the pilots can face “administrative action,” including civil penalties and the “suspension or revocation of airmen certificates,” or criminal charges for violating the emergency declaration.
Was the Nashville bombing an act of terrorism? 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: 92% (3168 Votes) No: 8% (291 Votes)
“The United States government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft, if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat,” the alert said.
The FAA alert is in effect through Wednesday.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper has issued a State of Civil Emergency for the area around the blast site, according to WZTV.
According to a statement from AT&T, communications outages may continue for some time.
“Power is essential to restoring wireless and wireline communications, and we are working with law enforcement to get access to our equipment and make needed repair,” the AT&T statement said, according to The Nashville Tennessean.
“There are serious logistical challenges to working in a disaster area and we will make measurable progress in the hours and days ahead.
“We’re grateful for the work of law enforcement as they investigate this event while enabling us to restore service for our customers.”
The area of the Nashville explosion “looked like a war zone,” Malory Luciane, who lives near the blast site, told WBIR-TV.
“I saw my wall and my window come into my apartment and I just screamed and called 911,” she said.
When she reached the street, “There were fires on the side of the street, debris all over. It was insane, glass all over the street,” Luciane said.
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--2020-12-26--Trump Eviscerates Congress’ $740 Billion Bill: ‘A Gift to China’

President Donald Trump lashed out at Congress in rejecting the National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress earlier this month .
“ Our $ 740 defense bill is a gift to China , Russia & Big Tech .
It fails to terminate the internationally dangerous Section 230 , won ’ t allow us to bring our troops back home ( where they belong ) , renames & destroys our forts & National Monuments , & makes 5G almost impossible !
” Trump tweeted Saturday .
Trump ’ s Wednesday veto is likely to be overridden next week when the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 4,517-page bill passed both houses of Congress with veto-proof majorities .
Trump outlined his objections further in a veto message to Congress , which was published on the White House website .
“ My Administration recognizes the importance of the Act to our national security .
Unfortunately , the Act fails to include critical national security measures , includes provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military ’ s history , and contradicts efforts by my Administration to put America first in our national security and foreign policy actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a ‘ gift ’ to China and Russia , ” Trump added .
Trump noted that he has increased military spending as president .
“ No one has worked harder , or approved more money for the military , than I have — over $ 2 trillion .
During my 4 years , with the support of many others , we have almost entirely rebuilt the United States military , which was totally depleted when I took office , ” he said .
But Big Tech dodges reforms in the bill that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Your failure to terminate the very dangerous national security risk of Section 230 will make our intelligence virtually impossible to conduct without everyone knowing what we are doing at every step , ” he wrote .
“ The Act fails even to make any meaningful changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act , despite bipartisan calls for repealing that provision .
Section 230 facilitates the spread of foreign disinformation online , which is a serious threat to our national security and election integrity .
It must be repealed.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ installations that are named for Confederate leaders .
“ Additionally , the Act includes language that would require the renaming of certain military installations .
Over the course of United States history , these locations have taken on significance to the American story and those who have helped write it that far transcends their namesakes , ” Trump said .
“ My Administration respects the legacy of the millions of American servicemen and women who have served with honor at these military bases , and who , from these locations , have fought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
From these facilities , we have won two World Wars .
I have been clear in my opposition to politically motivated attempts like this to wash away history and to dishonor the immense progress our country has fought for in realizing our founding principles.
” Trump further pointed out that the act as passed by Congress impedes America ’ s ability to respond to emergencies .
“ The Act also restricts the President ’ s ability to preserve our Nation ’ s security by arbitrarily limiting the amount of military construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a national emergency , ” he said .
“ In a time when adversaries have the means to directly attack the homeland , the President must be able to safeguard the American people without having to wait for congressional authorization .
The Act also contains an amendment that would slow down the rollout of nationwide 5G , especially in rural areas.
” The bill ’ s efforts to tie a president ’ s hands violate the Constitution , Trump added .
“ Numerous provisions of the Act directly contradict my Administration ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring our troops home .
I oppose endless wars , as does the American public .
Over bipartisan objections , however , this Act purports to restrict the President ’ s ability to withdraw troops from Afghanistan , Germany , and South Korea , ” he said .
“ Not only is this bad policy , but it is unconstitutional .
Article II of the Constitution makes the President the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States and vests in him the executive power .
“ Therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deploy and where , including in Afghanistan , Germany , and South Korea , rests with him .
The Congress may not arrogate this authority to itself directly or indirectly as purported spending restrictions.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump lashed out at Congress in rejecting the National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress earlier this month.
“Our $740 defense bill is a gift to China, Russia & Big Tech. It fails to terminate the internationally dangerous Section 230, won’t allow us to bring our troops back home (where they belong), renames & destroys our forts & National Monuments, & makes 5G almost impossible!” Trump tweeted Saturday.
Our $740 defense bill is a gift to China, Russia & Big Tech. It fails to terminate the internationally dangerous Section 230, won’t allow us to bring our troops back home (where they belong), renames & destroys our forts & National Monuments, & makes 5G almost impossible! https://t.co/txJle9Ezlg — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 26, 2020
Trump’s Wednesday veto is likely to be overridden next week when the House and Senate convene, according to CNBC. The 4,517-page bill passed both houses of Congress with veto-proof majorities.
Trump outlined his objections further in a veto message to Congress, which was published on the White House website.
“My Administration recognizes the importance of the Act to our national security. Unfortunately, the Act fails to include critical national security measures, includes provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military’s history, and contradicts efforts by my Administration to put America first in our national security and foreign policy actions,” he said.
“It is a ‘gift’ to China and Russia,” Trump added.
Trump noted that he has increased military spending as president.
Do you support the NDAA? 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: 18% (145 Votes) No: 82% (657 Votes)
“No one has worked harder, or approved more money for the military, than I have — over $2 trillion. During my 4 years, with the support of many others, we have almost entirely rebuilt the United States military, which was totally depleted when I took office,” he said.
But Big Tech dodges reforms in the bill that Congress has passed, the president added.
“Your failure to terminate the very dangerous national security risk of Section 230 will make our intelligence virtually impossible to conduct without everyone knowing what we are doing at every step,” he wrote.
“The Act fails even to make any meaningful changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, despite bipartisan calls for repealing that provision. Section 230 facilitates the spread of foreign disinformation online, which is a serious threat to our national security and election integrity. It must be repealed.”
Trump objected to efforts to rename defense installations that are named for Confederate leaders.
“Additionally, the Act includes language that would require the renaming of certain military installations. Over the course of United States history, these locations have taken on significance to the American story and those who have helped write it that far transcends their namesakes,” Trump said.
“My Administration respects the legacy of the millions of American servicemen and women who have served with honor at these military bases, and who, from these locations, have fought, bled, and died for their country. From these facilities, we have won two World Wars. I have been clear in my opposition to politically motivated attempts like this to wash away history and to dishonor the immense progress our country has fought for in realizing our founding principles.”
Trump further pointed out that the act as passed by Congress impedes America’s ability to respond to emergencies.
“The Act also restricts the President’s ability to preserve our Nation’s security by arbitrarily limiting the amount of military construction funds that can be used to respond to a national emergency,” he said.
“In a time when adversaries have the means to directly attack the homeland, the President must be able to safeguard the American people without having to wait for congressional authorization. The Act also contains an amendment that would slow down the rollout of nationwide 5G, especially in rural areas.”
The bill’s efforts to tie a president’s hands violate the Constitution, Trump added.
“Numerous provisions of the Act directly contradict my Administration’s foreign policy, particularly my efforts to bring our troops home. I oppose endless wars, as does the American public. Over bipartisan objections, however, this Act purports to restrict the President’s ability to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Germany, and South Korea,” he said.
“Not only is this bad policy, but it is unconstitutional. Article II of the Constitution makes the President the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States and vests in him the executive power.
“Therefore, the decision regarding how many troops to deploy and where, including in Afghanistan, Germany, and South Korea, rests with him. The Congress may not arrogate this authority to itself directly or indirectly as purported spending restrictions.”
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--2020-12-26--War on Christmas: Here’s What Biden’s Agriculture Secretary Pick Once Did to Christmas Trees

Tom Vilsack , the man who presumptive president-elect Joe Biden has chosen to lead the Department of Agriculture , once implemented a tax on Christmas trees while working for the Obama-Biden administration .
Vilsack was chosen to head the department for a second time two weeks ago .
That decision has been panned by Democrats and others over apparent conflicts of interest between the former governor of Iowa and the new job .
Writing for The Guardian , activist George Goehl summarized the left ’ s gripe with Vilsack , who served as agriculture secretary from 2009 to 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ roundly rejected by some of the exact people who helped Biden defeat Trump : organizations representing Black people , progressive rural organizations , family farmers and environmentalists .
If the Biden team was looking for ways to unite the multi-racial working class , they have done so – in full-throated opposition to this pick , ” Goehl wrote .
“ We remember when Vilsack left his job at the USDA a week early to become a lobbyist as the chief executive of the US Dairy Export Council .
He was paid a million-dollar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his USDA tenure , carrying out the wishes of dairy monopolies .
Despite being nominated to lead the USDA again , he ’ s still collecting paychecks as a lobbyist , ” he added , It ’ s safe to say Biden and those who are around him are digging deep into the swamp when seeking people they think will help them to undo four years of policies which put Americans first .
Biden ’ s growing list of appointees are the kinds of people who have bounced around Washington for years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never really helping to move the needle for Americans .
But at least in Vilsack , there is a unifying issue for the country : Nobody likes him .
According to the Washington Free Beacon , Vilsack actually attempted to implement a tax on Christmas trees the last time he was running the USDA .
In November 2011 , he sought to impose the tax on all domestic and imported live trees .
“ The initial assessment rate will be $ 0.15 per Christmas tree domestically produced or imported into the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.20 per Christmas tree .
The purpose of the program will be to strengthen the position of fresh cut Christmas trees in the marketplace and maintain and expand markets for Christmas trees within the United States , ” stated a USDA proposal archived by the Federal Register regarding the so-called “ Christmas Tree Promotion , Research , and Information Order ; Referendum Procedures.
” Then-GOP Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina was arguably the most ardent critic of Vilsack ’ s bonkers Christmas tree tax , which would have affected Christmas tree producers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stupidest tax of all time.
” The Florida Times-Union quoted DeMint as asking , “ Does anyone in America — anyone ?
— believe that Christmas trees have a bad image that needs taxpayer-subsidized improvement ?
” GOP Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana was also particularly critical of the Christmas tree tax .
“ It is shocking that President Obama tried to sneak through this new tax on Christmas trees .
He might have thought nobody would realize what he did , but I will fight to prevent President Obama from becoming the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in 2011 , according to the Free Beacon .
“ This new tax is a smack in the face to each and every American who celebrates Christmas.
” RELATED : Feds Were Buying Cats from Chinese Wet Markets , Fed Them to American Cats for Research : Report The tax would have attempted to raise $ 2 million to advertise the benefits of live trees instead of artificial ones .
Politico reported at the time the Obama administration faced widespread criticism for attempting to play the Grinch while Americans were still pinned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic growth .
Vilsack was successful in getting the tax implemented , but his war on Christmas was short-lived .
After only a day , the Obama administration rescinded the unpopular tax , while denying that it was even a tax in the first place .
( The fact that even an establishment media outlet like Politico referred to it as a “ tax ” should tell you everything you need to know about how badly the Obama administration botched the entire affair . )
The idea of a Christmas tree tax was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proponent , Vilsack , continued working as agriculture secretary until he was replaced in 2017 by President Donald Trump ’ s pick , current USDA head Sonny Perdue .
But what kind of a guy wants to tax Christmas trees ?
The answer to that question , sadly , is the man who likely will soon once again lead the USDA back into the depths of the Washington swamp .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Tom Vilsack, the man who presumptive president-elect Joe Biden has chosen to lead the Department of Agriculture, once implemented a tax on Christmas trees while working for the Obama-Biden administration.
Vilsack was chosen to head the department for a second time two weeks ago. That decision has been panned by Democrats and others over apparent conflicts of interest between the former governor of Iowa and the new job.
Writing for The Guardian, activist George Goehl summarized the left’s gripe with Vilsack, who served as agriculture secretary from 2009 to 2017.
“Vilsack’s nomination has been roundly rejected by some of the exact people who helped Biden defeat Trump: organizations representing Black people, progressive rural organizations, family farmers and environmentalists. If the Biden team was looking for ways to unite the multi-racial working class, they have done so – in full-throated opposition to this pick,” Goehl wrote.
“We remember when Vilsack left his job at the USDA a week early to become a lobbyist as the chief executive of the US Dairy Export Council. He was paid a million-dollar salary to push the same failed policies of his USDA tenure, carrying out the wishes of dairy monopolies. Despite being nominated to lead the USDA again, he’s still collecting paychecks as a lobbyist,” he added,
It’s safe to say Biden and those who are around him are digging deep into the swamp when seeking people they think will help them to undo four years of policies which put Americans first. Biden’s growing list of appointees are the kinds of people who have bounced around Washington for years and decades — profiting from government while never really helping to move the needle for Americans.
But at least in Vilsack, there is a unifying issue for the country: Nobody likes him.
According to the Washington Free Beacon, Vilsack actually attempted to implement a tax on Christmas trees the last time he was running the USDA.
In November 2011, he sought to impose the tax on all domestic and imported live trees.
Do you think Democrats inherently have an issue with Christians? 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: 98% (1255 Votes) No: 2% (20 Votes)
“The initial assessment rate will be $0.15 per Christmas tree domestically produced or imported into the United States and could be increased up to $0.20 per Christmas tree. The purpose of the program will be to strengthen the position of fresh cut Christmas trees in the marketplace and maintain and expand markets for Christmas trees within the United States,” stated a USDA proposal archived by the Federal Register regarding the so-called “Christmas Tree Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Referendum Procedures.”
Then-GOP Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina was arguably the most ardent critic of Vilsack’s bonkers Christmas tree tax, which would have affected Christmas tree producers and importers, calling it “the stupidest tax of all time.”
The Florida Times-Union quoted DeMint as asking, “Does anyone in America — anyone? — believe that Christmas trees have a bad image that needs taxpayer-subsidized improvement?”
GOP Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana was also particularly critical of the Christmas tree tax.
“It is shocking that President Obama tried to sneak through this new tax on Christmas trees. He might have thought nobody would realize what he did, but I will fight to prevent President Obama from becoming the Grinch who taxed Christmas,” Scalise said in 2011, according to the Free Beacon. “This new tax is a smack in the face to each and every American who celebrates Christmas.”
The tax would have attempted to raise $2 million to advertise the benefits of live trees instead of artificial ones. Politico reported at the time the Obama administration faced widespread criticism for attempting to play the Grinch while Americans were still pinned down by the administration’s anemic economic growth.
Vilsack was successful in getting the tax implemented, but his war on Christmas was short-lived. After only a day, the Obama administration rescinded the unpopular tax, while denying that it was even a tax in the first place. (The fact that even an establishment media outlet like Politico referred to it as a “tax” should tell you everything you need to know about how badly the Obama administration botched the entire affair.)
The idea of a Christmas tree tax was retired quickly. Sadly, its chief proponent, Vilsack, continued working as agriculture secretary until he was replaced in 2017 by President Donald Trump’s pick, current USDA head Sonny Perdue.
But what kind of a guy wants to tax Christmas trees? The answer to that question, sadly, is the man who likely will soon once again lead the USDA back into the depths of the Washington swamp.
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--2020-12-26--Woman Charged for Allegedly Sending ‘Graphic and Extreme’ Message to Election Official Who Wouldn’t

Woman Charged for Allegedly Sending ‘Graphic and Extreme’ Message to Election Official Who Wouldn’t Certify Biden Win

A New Hampshire woman has been charged for allegedly sending “ graphic and extreme ” messages to one of two Michigan election officials who resisted certifying the presidential election results from Detroit last month .
Wayne County Republican canvasser Monica Palmer and her GOP colleague William Hartmann voted against certifying the election results showing Democratic Joe Biden won in the state ’ s most populous county two weeks after the election , citing glaring irregularities .
Both eventually voted in favor of certification , and reports make it increasingly clear why that might have happened .
The four-person Wayne County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2-2 along party lines on Nov. 17 .
Palmer and Hartmann were the holdouts , but they were each targeted in a smear campaign .
When Palmer objected to the Wayne County results , she was treated as a social pariah by fellow canvassers and other state Democrats .
Just take a look at some of the messages she received for having the audacity to question the election results .
According to the Justice Department , Palmer was also ruthlessly harassed privately by a woman in New Hampshire after she and Hartmann stood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corruption .
The DOJ announced on Wednesday that a woman named Katelyn Jones had been charged with threatening a female member of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers .
In a media release , the department accused Jones of sending Palmer , though not by name , threats and even images of dead women .
MLive reported the woman in the DOJ media release is confirmed to be Palmer .
“ According to the affidavit , on November 18 , 2020 , Jones is alleged to have knowingly and willfully transmitted communications containing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her family due to actions [ Palmer ] took in her official capacity at Chair of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers.The affidavit describes a series of threatening text messages that were sent from a phone alleged to be associated with Jones to [ Palmer ’ s ] phone , ” the department said .
“ In those texts Jones called [ Palmer ] a racist and a terrorist and used graphic and profane language .
It is also alleged that Jones sent [ Palmer ] two graphic photographs of a bloody , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ground .
Immediately following , Jones sent [ Palmer ] a photograph of AV-1 ’ s minor daughter .
[ Palmer ] also received similar threats on her Instagram account , ” the DOJ release added .
Jones was jailed following the complaint .
She faces up to 20 years behind bars and up to $ 250,000 in fines , if convicted .
The DOJ was clear that the threats weren ’ t taken lightly .
“ The allegations in this case should make all of us disgusted , ” U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is simply no place in Michigan , or in the United States , for chilling threats like this to people who are simply doing what they believe is correct.
” If the Jones indeed sent these messages , as is alleged by the DOJ , it certainly is no surprise at this point .
Democrats have tacitly supported political violence , or the threat thereof , all year .
But this is what Democrats have become in their quest to topple , delegitimize and even destroy President Donald Trump and those who support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since rioting and other political violence broke out nationwide in May .
Now , people are apparently so emboldened to use the threat of violence to have their goals met , that they will use that threat as a method for meeting their political ends elections .
In times of more lucidity , that was called terrorism .
Now , it ’ s simply how things are done .
Hartmann , for his part , announced last week that actually he went into hiding after the initial decision to vote against certification .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging the results in Detroit that he hid out at a friend ’ s home at the direction of police .
Hartmann cited no specific threat , but the one Palmer allegedly faced should disgust every voter in this country .
Democrats made clear in 2020 that it would sink to any low to defeat the president .
It was only a matter of time before that behavior resulted in what appear to be two brave whistleblowers being targeted by the threat of violence .
Jones is behind bars for her alleged crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and won ’ t restore the public ’ s faith in the integrity of our elections , nor can it reverse the prevalence of what is now a trend of using violence to stifle dissent .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A New Hampshire woman has been charged for allegedly sending “graphic and extreme” messages to one of two Michigan election officials who resisted certifying the presidential election results from Detroit last month.
Wayne County Republican canvasser Monica Palmer and her GOP colleague William Hartmann voted against certifying the election results showing Democratic Joe Biden won in the state’s most populous county two weeks after the election, citing glaring irregularities. Both eventually voted in favor of certification, and reports made it increasingly clear why that might have happened.
The four-person Wayne County Board of Canvassers ended up deadlocked at 2-2 along party lines on Nov. 17. Palmer and Hartmann were the holdouts, but they were each targeted in a smear campaign.
When Palmer objected to the Wayne County results, she was treated as a social pariah by fellow canvassers and other state Democrats. Just take a look at some of the messages she received for having the audacity to question the election results.
WAYNE COUNTY BOARD OF CANVASSERS – 2 Republican members voted not to certify the ballots- public comment is now open and it is intense. People calling board members racist. This is commenter Ned Staebler: pic.twitter.com/cEsDlxzVXT — Jennifer Ann Wilson WXYZ (@JennaWils) November 17, 2020
MICHIGAN.? WATCH as Democrat State Rep-Elect Abraham Aiyash threatens the children of Wayne County Board of Canvassers member Monica Palmer. “I want you to think about what this means for your kids, who probably go to [redacted]”… *CHILLING*? pic.twitter.com/uX3SRxct6a — Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) November 18, 2020
According to the Justice Department, Palmer was also ruthlessly harassed privately by a woman in New Hampshire after she and Hartmann stood up to what they apparently perceived as corruption.
Do you think prosecutors should make an example of the accused, if she is found guilty? 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% (1138 Votes) No: 3% (32 Votes)
The DOJ announced on Wednesday that a woman named Katelyn Jones had been charged with threatening a female member of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers. In a media release, the department accused Jones of sending Palmer, though not by name, threats and even images of dead women.
MLive reported the woman in the DOJ media release is confirmed to be Palmer.
WOMAN ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH MAKING THREATS AGAINST CHAIR OF WAYNE COUNTY BOARD OF CANVASERS https://t.co/cXlUBQeydR — U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider (@USAO_MIE) December 23, 2020
“According to the affidavit, on November 18, 2020, Jones is alleged to have knowingly and willfully transmitted communications containing threats to injure [Palmer] and her family due to actions [Palmer] took in her official capacity at Chair of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers.The affidavit describes a series of threatening text messages that were sent from a phone alleged to be associated with Jones to [Palmer’s] phone,” the department said.
“In those texts Jones called [Palmer] a racist and a terrorist and used graphic and profane language. It is also alleged that Jones sent [Palmer] two graphic photographs of a bloody, naked, mutilated, dead woman lying on the ground. Immediately following, Jones sent [Palmer] a photograph of AV-1’s minor daughter. [Palmer] also received similar threats on her Instagram account,” the DOJ release added.
Jones was jailed following the complaint. She faces up to 20 years behind bars and up to $250,000 in fines if convicted.
The DOJ was clear that the threats weren’t taken lightly.
“The allegations in this case should make all of us disgusted,” U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said. “There is simply no place in Michigan, or in the United States, for chilling threats like this to people who are simply doing what they believe is correct.”
If the Jones indeed sent these messages, as is alleged by the DOJ, it certainly is no surprise at this point. Democrats have tacitly supported political violence, or the threat thereof, all year.
But this is what Democrats have become in their quest to topple, delegitimize and even destroy President Donald Trump and those who support him. The party has been mum since rioting and other political violence broke out nationwide in May. Now, people are apparently so emboldened to use the threat of violence to have their goals met, that they will use that threat as a method for meeting their political ends elections.
In times of more lucidity, that was called terrorism. Now, it’s simply how things are done.
Hartmann, for his part, announced last week that actually he went into hiding after the initial decision to vote against certification. He said he felt so unsafe for challenging the results in Detroit that he hid out at a friend’s home at the direction of police. Hartmann cited no specific threat, but the one Palmer allegedly faced should disgust every voter in this country.
Democrats made clear in 2020 that it would sink to any low to defeat the president. It was only a matter of time before that behavior resulted in what appear to be two brave whistleblowers being targeted by the threat of violence.
Jones is behind bars for her alleged crimes. But the arrest can’t and won’t restore the public’s faith in the integrity of our elections, nor can it reverse the prevalence of what is now a trend of using violence to stifle dissent.
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--2020-12-26--China Threatens To Take Lead in 21st Century Space Race, Launching Independent Orbital Station: Repo

China Threatens To Take Lead in 21st Century Space Race, Launching Independent Orbital Station: Report

China is planning to launch the core module of its first space station in the first half of 2021 , according to the chief designer of the country ’ s manned space project .
Designer Zhou Jianping said Friday that after the core module enters orbit , cargo spacecraft Tianzhou 2 and manned spacecraft Shenzhou XII will be launched into space , according to Chinese state-owned media outlet China Daily .
The first crew will remain in space for several months before Tianzhou 3 and Shenzhou XIII will bring the second crew , he said .
“ During this period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the new technologies of the space station , including astronaut spacewalks , robotic arms and energy technologies , ” Zhou said .
After the first crews finish the verification work , researchers will begin to work on construction and technological components with the help of two more cargo and two more manned spacecraft , he added .
The space station is expected to be completed around 2022 , China Daily reported .
The International Space Station has been in orbit since 1998 , but is far more of an international effort than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ After that , it will enter operation and we will be able to use it to engage in space science research , ” Zhou said .
The details of China ’ s first space station were unveiled during a ceremony giving the re-entry capsule of China ’ s manned spacecraft Shenzhou X to the Hunan provincial government to be permanently exhibited at the Mao Zedong Memorial Museum .
The announcement comes on the heels of the return of China ’ s Chang ’ e-5 spacecraft from the moon , The New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as 4.4 pounds of lunar samples from a volcanic plain called Mons Rümker , and “ was China ’ s most successful mission to date , ” according to The Times .
Brendan Curry , chief of Washington , D.C. , operations at the Planetary Society , said while Beijing has not “ staked out some sort of declarative statement where they want to replace the United States as leader in space … they certainly want to be a major actor in space.
” The space race between China and the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battleground between the two countries in the coming years , The Times reported .
Vice President Mike Pence warned of China ’ s ambitions in a speech made in Alabama in March 2019 .
“ Last December , China became the first nation to land on the far side of the moon and revealed their ambition to seize the lunar strategic high ground and become the world ’ s preeminent spacefaring nation , ” Pence said .
RELATED : Oh , Deer : Furry Target Flips Script on Hunter , Steals Rifle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return Americans to the moon by 2024 .
Although some hope the competition between the two countries could lead to cooperation , NASA is currently limited from working directly with the Chinese National Space Administration or any other Chinese companies .
This could mean that U.S. scientists could be left out of the scientific research conducted from the rocks gathered by China ’ s mission to the moon .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

China is planning to launch the core module of its first space station in the first half of 2021, according to the chief designer of the country’s manned space project.
Designer Zhou Jianping said Friday that after the core module enters orbit, cargo spacecraft Tianzhou 2 and manned spacecraft Shenzhou XII will be launched into space, according to Chinese state-owned media outlet China Daily.
The first crew will remain in space for several months before Tianzhou 3 and Shenzhou XIII will bring the second crew, he said.
“During this period, we will carry out comprehensive verification of the new technologies of the space station, including astronaut spacewalks, robotic arms and energy technologies,” Zhou said.
After the first crews finish the verification work, researchers will begin to work on construction and technological components with the help of two more cargo and two more manned spacecraft, he added.
The space station is expected to be completed around 2022, China Daily reported. The International Space Station has been in orbit since 1998, but is far more of an international effort than China’s planned space station.
“After that, it will enter operation and we will be able to use it to engage in space science research,” Zhou said.
The details of China’s first space station were unveiled during a ceremony giving the re-entry capsule of China’s manned spacecraft Shenzhou X to the Hunan provincial government to be permanently exhibited at the Mao Zedong Memorial Museum.
The announcement comes on the heels of the return of China’s Chang’e-5 spacecraft from the moon, The New York Times reported.
Do you think this will lead to the second cold war? 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: 87% (79 Votes) No: 13% (12 Votes)
It returned with as much as 4.4 pounds of lunar samples from a volcanic plain called Mons Rümker, and “was China’s most successful mission to date,” according to The Times.
Brendan Curry, chief of Washington, D.C., operations at the Planetary Society, said while Beijing has not “staked out some sort of declarative statement where they want to replace the United States as leader in space … they certainly want to be a major actor in space.”
The space race between China and the United States could prove to be a major battleground between the two countries in the coming years, The Times reported.
Vice President Mike Pence warned of China’s ambitions in a speech made in Alabama in March 2019.
“Last December, China became the first nation to land on the far side of the moon and revealed their ambition to seize the lunar strategic high ground and become the world’s preeminent spacefaring nation,” Pence said.
He also announced plans to return Americans to the moon by 2024.
Although some hope the competition between the two countries could lead to cooperation, NASA is currently limited from working directly with the Chinese National Space Administration or any other Chinese companies.
This could mean that U.S. scientists could be left out of the scientific research conducted from the rocks gathered by China’s mission to the moon.
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--2020-12-26--Video Shows Homeless Man Stalking Governor’s Staffer Before Bashing Her Over the Head with Cinder Bl

Video Shows Homeless Man Stalking Governor’s Staffer Before Bashing Her Over the Head with Cinder Block

A staff member in Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ’ s New York City office was attacked Thursday by a man who hit her over the head with a cinder block , police say .
Surveillance video obtained by the New York Post shows Lisa Cavanaugh , 51 , walking along Third Avenue in Manhattan near East 48th Street at about 2:15 p.m. , roughly six blocks from Cuomo ’ s Midtown Manhattan office .
The video shows what Cavanaugh did not see — a man coming up behind her .
In the footage , the man can be seen coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her and following her .
The man appeared to be carrying a large cinder block .
With no obvious explanation from the video , the man then raised the cinderblock over his head .
What happened next was not caught on video , but the New York City Police Department told the Post that the man hit Cavanaugh over the head with the object .
Cavanaugh was knocked to the sidewalk by the blow , the Post reported .
The woman reportedly suffered a 2-inch-deep wound that required stitches .
She was hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life-threatening , according to the outlet .
Christopher Guzman , 28 , was later arrested .
He faces a charge of second-degree assault , police sources told the Post .
Police said Guzman told them he lives in a homeless shelter located on West 35th Street in Manhattan , the outlet reported .
The attack took place near a construction project .
One resident said she at first thought the object fell from a building .
RELATED : Report : Person of Interest Identified in Nashville Bombing , FBI on Scene at Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laying there .
It wasn ’ t covered in blood .
It was broken up , ” Linda Rosenberg told the New York Daily News .
“ I was so unnerved .
I thought something fell from the building .
I didn ’ t realize someone attacked her like that.
” “ It ’ s so scary , ” added Meriam Choubne , who works in a CVS store near the site of the attack .
“ I guess nobody is safe anymore.
” “ Lisa is a valued member of Team Cuomo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her and her family to make sure she has everything she needs in her recovery .
We thank the NYPD for their quick work in apprehending the person they believe attacked her , ” Rich Azzopardi , a senior adviser to Cuomo , told WCBS-TV .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A staff member in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s New York City office was attacked Thursday by a man who hit her over the head with a cinder block, police say.
Surveillance video obtained by the New York Post shows Lisa Cavanaugh, 51, walking along Third Avenue in Manhattan near East 48th Street at about 2:15 p.m., roughly six blocks from Cuomo’s Midtown Manhattan office.
The video shows what Cavanaugh did not see — a man coming up behind her.
In the footage, the man can be seen coming up beside Cavanaugh before dropping back behind her and following her.
The man appeared to be carrying a large cinder block.
With no obvious explanation from the video, the man then raised the cinderblock over his head.
What happened next was not caught on video, but the New York City Police Department told the Post that the man hit Cavanaugh over the head with the object.
Cavanaugh was knocked to the sidewalk by the blow, the Post reported.
Do you believe that liberal politicians like Andrew Cuomo and Bill de Blasio have made the streets of NYC less safe? 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: 96% (975 Votes) No: 4% (38 Votes)
The woman reportedly suffered a head wound that required stitches. She was hospitalized, but the injury was not considered life-threatening, according to the outlet.
Christopher Guzman, 28, was later arrested. He faces a charge of second-degree assault, police sources told the Post.
Police said Guzman told them he lives in a homeless shelter located on West 35th Street in Manhattan, the outlet reported.
The attack took place near a construction project.
One resident said she at first thought the object fell from a building.
“It was laying there. It wasn’t covered in blood. It was broken up,” Linda Rosenberg told the New York Daily News. “I was so unnerved. I thought something fell from the building. I didn’t realize someone attacked her like that.”
“It’s so scary,” added Meriam Choubne, who works in a CVS store near the site of the attack. “I guess nobody is safe anymore.”
“Lisa is a valued member of Team Cuomo and we have been in constant touch with her and her family to make sure she has everything she needs in her recovery. We thank the NYPD for their quick work in apprehending the person they believe attacked her,” Rich Azzopardi, a senior adviser to Cuomo, told WCBS-TV.
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--2020-12-26--Watch: Haunting Warning Broadcast in Downtown Nashville Moments Before Explosion

As authorities grapple with the mystery of a massive explosion that rocked downtown Nashville on Christmas morning , one local resident who lives near the explosion site is simply thankful to be alive .
Police have no suspects and no known motive for the blast , which took place in an RV parked on Second Avenue near Lower Broadway .
Police have found human remains near the site of the blast , but have not said that any residents were killed , according to The Nashville Tennessean .
“ This was a terrible day , but Nashville has faced other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can rebuild and get back to normal , ” Mayor John Cooper said following the explosion , which left three people injured .
“ This morning ’ s attack on our community was intended to create chaos and fear in this season of peace and hope , but the spirit of our city can not be broken.
” Betsy Williams , owner of the Melting Pot building on Second Avenue , recalled a Christmas morning that was like nothing she expected .
First came gunshots .
Williams , who lives in a third-floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 911 .
Then came the recording that she said gave a countdown to the explosion .
“ Evacuate now .
There is a bomb .
A bomb is in this vehicle and will explode , ” the warning said , according to Williams .
Parts of the eerie recorded warning , which officials believe came from the RV itself , can be heard in video footage taken just moments before the vehicle exploded .
“ Warning : This area must be evacuated now , ” a female voice said .
“ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ Whoever did it did give fair warning , ” Williams told The Tennessean .
RELATED : Report : Person of Interest Identified in Nashville Bombing , FBI on Scene at Home in Tennessee Capital Neighborhood Williams and her family fled in their pajamas , taking the family cat but no other valuables .
After going to Nissan Stadium to shelter , they waited , heard nothing and wanted to return .
So they did , only to end up near the blast site as they saw a massive fireball after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her apartment .
Williams could see into her apartment , where her Christmas tree was still lit .
“ We will find out who did this , ” FBI Special Agent in Charge Matt Foster said at a news conference Friday .
“ This is our city , too .
We ’ re putting everything we have into finding who was responsible for what happened here today.
” Metro Police Chief John Drake praised the work of six police officers who responded to the countdown by evacuating residents .
“ They immediately began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bomb was going to go off immediately .
They didn ’ t care about themselves , they didn ’ t think about that , they cared about the citizens of Nashville.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As authorities grapple with the mystery of a massive explosion that rocked downtown Nashville on Christmas morning, one local resident who lives near the explosion site is simply thankful to be alive.
Police have no suspects and no known motive for the blast, which took place in an RV parked on Second Avenue near Lower Broadway. Police have found human remains near the site of the blast, but have not said that any residents were killed, according to The Nashville Tennessean.
“This was a terrible day, but Nashville has faced other challenges, particularly this year. We can rebuild and get back to normal,” Mayor John Cooper said following the explosion, which left three people injured.
“This morning’s attack on our community was intended to create chaos and fear in this season of peace and hope, but the spirit of our city cannot be broken.”
Betsy Williams, owner of the Melting Pot building on Second Avenue, recalled a Christmas morning that was like nothing she expected.
First came gunshots. Williams, who lives in a third-floor loft near the blast site, called 911.
Betsy Williams said she awoke at about 4:30 a.m. Christmas morning after hearing what sounded like multiple rounds of loud, rapid-fire gunshots. Williams said she called 911. Then, she said, she heard a repeated warning from the RV. https://t.co/cq70DOoq32 — Jesse Rodriguez (@JesseRodriguez) December 25, 2020
Then came the recording that she said gave a countdown to the explosion.
Do you believe this was an act of terrorism? 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: 91% (2056 Votes) No: 9% (195 Votes)
“Evacuate now. There is a bomb. A bomb is in this vehicle and will explode,” the warning said, according to Williams.
Parts of the eerie recorded warning, which officials believe came from the RV itself, can be heard in video footage taken just moments before the vehicle exploded.
“Warning: This area must be evacuated now,” a female voice said. “If you can hear this message, evacuate now.”
“Whoever did it did give fair warning,” Williams told The Tennessean.
Williams and her family fled in their pajamas, taking the family cat but no other valuables.
After going to Nissan Stadium to shelter, they waited, heard nothing and wanted to return. So they did, only to end up near the blast site as they saw a massive fireball after the explosion that blew out the windows of her apartment.
Williams could see into her apartment, where her Christmas tree was still lit.
“We will find out who did this,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Matt Foster said at a news conference Friday. “This is our city, too. We’re putting everything we have into finding who was responsible for what happened here today.”
Metro Police Chief John Drake praised the work of six police officers who responded to the countdown by evacuating residents.
How great are these police officers ran into danger to evacuate people before the explosion in Nashville….#maga Great Americans ?? Officer Brenna Hosey
Officer James Luellen
Officer Michael Sipos
Officer Amanda Topping
Officer James Wells
Sergeant Timothy Miller. Ujmlg pic.twitter.com/eCxPOLZHMo — ?кєℓℓιє?I SEE DUMB PEOPLE ™ (@kelliekelly23) December 26, 2020
“Those officers saved lives today,” he said.
“They immediately began knocking on doors, not knowing if the bomb was going to go off immediately. They didn’t care about themselves, they didn’t think about that, they cared about the citizens of Nashville.”
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--2020-12-26--Teens Form Human Chain To Save Lives of Two Children Who Had Fallen Into Icy Pond

Five New Jersey teenagers are being hailed as heroes for rescuing two children who had fallen through the ice of a partially frozen pond .
Rescuer Kieran Foley , 14 , jumped into the frigid water , losing his snow boots and going barefoot while helping the children to safety , according to Patch .
Olivia Heid , 8 , and her brother , RJ , 4 , had been enjoying the snow in their Middletown , New Jersey , home on Dec. 17 when they decided to spend the afternoon sledding at nearby Beacon Hill Country Club .
Rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two children , packed them into the car , and off they went to sled for the first time ever .
On this day to enjoy rare snow , Foley , Joseph Dietrich , 14 , Drew Scalice , 14 , Ryan Day , 15 , and Tyler Armagan , 14 — all freshmen at Middletown High School North — were gathered at a pond near the hill , throwing rocks at the ice to see if the pond truly was frozen .
“ We heard this dad yelling , ‘ Hop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foley told Patch .
“ We turned around and see these kids coming down the hill .
They were going backwards.
” “ They were going fast , really fast , ” Dietrich said .
The inflatable sled the children were riding in went onto the pond and then cracked through the ice .
“ It kind of floated for a little bit , ” then began to slowly sink , said Irlbeck , the siblings ’ mother .
Foley immediately jumped into the water , according to his friends .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to do anything , so I just jumped in , ” Foley said .
“ I was like , whatever .
It wasn ’ t deep , so I could walk right over to them .
I picked them up , and my friends formed a chain and we got the boy first and handed him to my friends .
Then I got the girl.
” Four-year-old RJ was in misery from his wet , ice-cold boots and coat , Patch reported .
“ I hate seeing children have to cry and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who tried cheering up RJ by asking him what he wanted from Santa .
Day said the pond varies in depth from 3 to 5 feet .
“ It wasn ’ t how deep it was ; it was how cold , ” Scalice said .
“ I couldn ’ t get down the hill fast enough , ” Irlbeck said .
“ There were other families at the top of the hill , and we were all screaming .
What was amazing to me was to see the boys immediately know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know how they knew to do that .
The whole thing is incredible.
” Foley and Scalise belong to Boy Scout Troop 47 in Middletown .
“ Not only did they stop a potentially catastrophic situation , they didn ’ t even want anything in return , ” Irlbeck said , according to Fox News .
“ My husband took off his pants and gave Kieran his pants and his boots ; thankfully , he took those , ” Irlbeck told Patch .
“ My husband shook all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give them a ride home , but they said no , their mom was coming to pick them up in half an hour .
“ They were insanely humble .
They didn ’ t want anything ; they just wanted to make sure my kids were OK .
They kept saying to my kids , ‘ You ’ re safe now .
You ’ re going to get a hot chocolate and a warm bath at home.
’ “ We had to race to get the kids home because we didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Irlbeck said .
“ I didn ’ t cry ; I was just shaking .
I felt like I was going to throw up the entire ride home.
” Jason Foley , Kieran ’ s dad , voiced his pride in his son .
“ He and his friends are just like that , ” Foley said .
“ Just good , all-American kids.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Five New Jersey teenagers are being hailed as heroes for rescuing two children who had fallen through the ice of a partially frozen pond.
Rescuer Kieran Foley, 14, jumped into the frigid water, losing his snow boots and going barefoot while helping the children to safety, according to Patch.
Olivia Heid, 8, and her brother, RJ, 4, had been enjoying the snow in their Middletown, New Jersey, home on Dec. 17 when they decided to spend the afternoon sledding at nearby Beacon Hill Country Club.
Rich Heid and Stephanie Irlbeck, parents of the two children, packed them into the car, and off they went to sled for the first time ever.
On this day to enjoy rare snow, Foley, Joseph Dietrich, 14, Drew Scalice, 14, Ryan Day, 15, and Tyler Armagan, 14 — all freshmen at Middletown High School North — were gathered at a pond near the hill, throwing rocks at the ice to see if the pond truly was frozen.
Then came screaming.
“We heard this dad yelling, ‘Hop off, hop off!'” Foley told Patch. “We turned around and see these kids coming down the hill. They were going backwards.”
Are there heroes like this in every community? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 95% (208 Votes) No: 5% (11 Votes)
“They were going fast, really fast,” Dietrich said.
The inflatable sled the children were riding in went onto the pond and then cracked through the ice.
“It kind of floated for a little bit,” then began to slowly sink, said Irlbeck, the siblings’ mother.
Foley immediately jumped into the water, according to his friends.
“I didn’t see anyone else be able to do anything, so I just jumped in,” Foley said. “I was like, whatever. It wasn’t deep, so I could walk right over to them. I picked them up, and my friends formed a chain and we got the boy first and handed him to my friends. Then I got the girl.”
Four-year-old RJ was in misery from his wet, ice-cold boots and coat, Patch reported.
“I hate seeing children have to cry and suffer like that,” said Day, who tried cheering up RJ by asking him what he wanted from Santa.
Day said the pond varies in depth from 3 to 5 feet.
“It wasn’t how deep it was; it was how cold,” Scalice said.
“I couldn’t get down the hill fast enough,” Irlbeck said. “There were other families at the top of the hill, and we were all screaming. What was amazing to me was to see the boys immediately know how to form a human chain. I don’t know how they knew to do that. The whole thing is incredible.”
Foley and Scalise belong to Boy Scout Troop 47 in Middletown.
“Not only did they stop a potentially catastrophic situation, they didn’t even want anything in return,” Irlbeck said, according to Fox News.
“My husband took off his pants and gave Kieran his pants and his boots; thankfully, he took those,” Irlbeck told Patch. “My husband shook all the boys’ hands, and we wanted to give them a ride home, but they said no, their mom was coming to pick them up in half an hour.
“They were insanely humble. They didn’t want anything; they just wanted to make sure my kids were OK. They kept saying to my kids, ‘You’re safe now. You’re going to get a hot chocolate and a warm bath at home.’
“We had to race to get the kids home because we didn’t want them to get hypothermia,” Irlbeck said. “I didn’t cry; I was just shaking. I felt like I was going to throw up the entire ride home.”
Jason Foley, Kieran’s dad, voiced his pride in his son.
“He and his friends are just like that,” Foley said. “Just good, all-American kids.”
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--2020-12-26--Brave Firefighter Risks Life To Save Dog Trapped Inside Blazing Barn

For many people , pets are family .
That ’ s what firefighter Ryan Balmer had in mind last weekend when battling a huge blaze and finding out a dog was trapped inside .
The fire broke out on Dec. 19 shortly before midnight at a barn on Erbs Quarry Road in Warwick Township , Pennsylvania , according to WPMT-TV .
When the Lititz Fire Company arrived , 25-year-old Balmer was told that a dog was trapped in one of the lower rooms .
In one of the videos , you can see the owner run up and tell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then wait anxiously a short distance from the building .
Video from the scene clearly shows the top of the barn engulfed in flames .
The situation didn ’ t look good .
But Balmer had to try .
“ If that ’ s my dog in there I would want someone to go in and try to get it out , ” he told WPMT .
“ We have a saying in the fire service , ‘ risk a lot to save a lot.
’ For that family I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He approached the building and tried to coax the dog out through the window .
The large dog — which appeared to be a black labrador named Sambo , according to comments on the post — was wagging but clearly nervous , and he backed away from the window .
“ I was hoping it was going to jump out the window , ” Balmer explained .
“ It didn ’ t want to .
It kinda got scared and ran back in .
“ So at that point then I made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climb in , and help the dog out.
” It took some work to break the window out so the fireman could get into the room , but eventually , he managed to clear the way , climb in and hoist the large pup out through the window .
Once the dog was out , he took off running toward the crowd gathered at a safe distance .
He landed on glass and while he may have gotten hurt , he was able to get to his people and avoid a fiery end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 shared video of the nerve-wracking event , both from a spectator position and later from the helmet cam that Balmer was wearing .
Many have commented that they were on the edge of their seats watching the footage .
“ Typically when we arrive at a Barn Fire , especially when [ it ’ s ] fully involved when we arrive , we treat the situation as a ‘ surround and drown ’ which means we surround the structure , protect any nearby exposures , and put massive amounts of water on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the fire company posted .
“ First in crews are responsible for stretching handlines , establishing water , etc… its not often a Barn fire is a rescue situation , but in this instance , it clearly was .
“ We ’ re thankful for the quick actions of Firefighter Ryan Balmer on that day to save the life of the Pup !
” “ Being a dog owner , ” Balmer added , “ being Christmas time , it would ’ ve been a huge damper on the holidays to not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out.
” Thanks to Balmer ’ s willingness to enter the burning building and rescue the pup , the family will still be complete this Christmas .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

For many people, pets are family. That’s what firefighter Ryan Balmer had in mind last weekend when battling a huge blaze and finding out a dog was trapped inside.
The fire broke out on Dec. 19 shortly before midnight at a barn on Erbs Quarry Road in Warwick Township, Pennsylvania, according to WPMT-TV. When the Lititz Fire Company arrived, 25-year-old Balmer was told that a dog was trapped in one of the lower rooms.
In one of the videos, you can see the owner run up and tell the firefighter that his dog is still inside, then wait anxiously a short distance from the building.
Video from the scene clearly shows the top of the barn engulfed in flames. The situation didn’t look good.
But Balmer had to try.
“If that’s my dog in there I would want someone to go in and try to get it out,” he told WPMT. “We have a saying in the fire service, ‘risk a lot to save a lot.’ For that family I’m sure that dog means a lot.”
He approached the building and tried to coax the dog out through the window.
The large dog — which appeared to be a black labrador named Sambo, according to comments on the post — was wagging but clearly nervous, and he backed away from the window.
“I was hoping it was going to jump out the window,” Balmer explained. “It didn’t want to. It kinda got scared and ran back in.
“So at that point then I made the decision to bust the window out, climb in, and help the dog out.”
It took some work to break the window out so the fireman could get into the room, but eventually, he managed to clear the way, climb in and hoist the large pup out through the window.
Once the dog was out, he took off running toward the crowd gathered at a safe distance.
He landed on glass and while he may have gotten hurt, he was able to get to his people and avoid a fiery end.
The Lititz Fire Company No. 1 shared video of the nerve-wracking event, both from a spectator position and later from the helmet cam that Balmer was wearing. Many have commented that they were on the edge of their seats watching the footage.
“Typically when we arrive at a Barn Fire, especially when [it’s] fully involved when we arrive, we treat the situation as a ‘surround and drown’ which means we surround the structure, protect any nearby exposures, and put massive amounts of water on the fire until it goes out,” the fire company posted.
“First in crews are responsible for stretching handlines, establishing water, etc… its not often a Barn fire is a rescue situation, but in this instance, it clearly was.
“We’re thankful for the quick actions of Firefighter Ryan Balmer on that day to save the life of the Pup!”
“Being a dog owner,” Balmer added, “being Christmas time, it would’ve been a huge damper on the holidays to not have been able to get that dog out.”
Thanks to Balmer’s willingness to enter the burning building and rescue the pup, the family will still be complete this Christmas.
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--2020-12-26--New Poll Delivers Bad News to Socialists

A vast majority of American likely voters have an unfavorable view of socialism , and a plurality view Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York unfavorably , according to a new poll .
A survey conducted earlier this month by Rasmussen Reports and The Heartland Institute , a conservative think tank , found that the kinds of policies touted by Democrats such as Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont are not popular among a majority of voters .
Unpopular , in fact , might be an understatement .
Socialism is actually less popular than Congress , which currently enjoys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the most recent Gallup survey on the matter .
In asking the question , “ Which is better — a free-market economic system or socialism ?
, ” Rasmussen/Heartland found that only 11 percent of likely voters preferred socialism .
Of those polled , 75 percent said they preferred a “ free-market economic system.
” All told , this means 89 percent of likely voters can not get onboard 100 percent with a system that places a balanced outcome over the American dream of endless prosperity .
The fact that three-quarters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system in and of itself is actually quite surprising .
The country has been through a nightmare of a year , and many people have looked to the government for a helping hand .
Still , the poll signals that those in favor of receiving that help from the government aren ’ t ready to crown their lawmakers as the overseers of their lives .
If there is one silver lining in watching the fledgling Congress attempt this year to find common ground in an attempt to help struggling Americans , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be very bad at their jobs .
Why give them even more power to influence our lives ?
The poll also asked respondents , “ Do you have a very favorable , somewhat favorable , somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable impression of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ?
” [ O ] nly 18 % said ‘ very favorable , ’ while 19 % said ‘ somewhat favorable.
’ On the other hand , 38 % of likely voters said they have a ‘ very unfavorable ’ impression of AOC , and 20 % said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impression of her .
About 15 % said they are not sure , ” the poll noted .
Simply put , 63 percent of Americans couldn ’ t tell the pollsters that they viewed AOC favorably .
RELATED : Bill de Blasio Says NYC Schools ' Goal Is To 'Redistribute Wealth' This is great news for a number of reasons .
Chiefly , it shows that Americans have overall not been swayed by Democrats who champion surrendering economic and individual liberties in favor of blanket protection from the government .
Additionally , numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Democrats , should they seize control of the Congress and the White House next month , the latter of which they are widely projected to do , as presumptive president-elect Joe Biden is expected to be inaugurated on Jan. 20 .
The Rasmussen/Heartland poll found that 51 percent of those polled viewed Biden favorably , while 47 percent viewed him unfavorably .
Another 2 percent of respondents didn ’ t have an opinion one way or another — which means at best , Biden would step into the role of president with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Should Biden be inaugurated , and should GOP Sens .
Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue each lose their respective runoff races in Georgia in two weeks , then Democrats would control the House , the Senate — assuming a Vice President Kamala Harris breaks the tie on most votes — and the White House .
In such a scenario , public sentiment against big government policies might sway Democrats to govern with a more centrist approach .
While not ideal when compared to four more years of President Donald Trump , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country could soon be led by Democrats , they at least might be inclined to court a favorable public opinion to keep power .
But the message is loud and clear , despite what half of respondents might feel about Biden as a person .
The Democratic Party ’ s ideas , at least those of the party ’ s radical wing , are not popular .
The poll showing socialism in such an unfavorable light surely only raises more questions than answers when it comes to how Democrats supposedly toppled the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The party , after all , lost Florida and Texas after they turned off Hispanic voters in part by embracing Marxist ideals all year .
It still hasn ’ t been explained how that messaging win for Trump didn ’ t translate to victories in the Rust Belt .
With that being said , we can only evaluate the information we ’ ve been given , and right now , that information tells us that while Biden is expected to take over , he and his party ’ s loudest ideas could certainly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sweeping overhaul of the federal government .
Biden is not popular with half of voters , while three-quarters of voters oppose the policies which his party ’ s rising stars champion with a great deal of regularity .
The Rasmussen/Heartland poll was conducted Dec. 6-7 among 1,000 likely U.S. voters .
The survey reported a margin of error of plus- or minus-3 percentage points .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A vast majority of American likely voters have an unfavorable view of socialism, and a plurality view Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York unfavorably, according to a new poll.
A survey conducted earlier this month by Rasmussen Reports and The Heartland Institute, a conservative think tank, found that the kinds of policies touted by Democrats such as Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont are not popular among a majority of voters.
Unpopular, in fact, might be an understatement.
Socialism is actually less popular than Congress, which currently enjoys an approval rating of 15 percent, according to the most recent Gallup survey on the matter.
In asking the question, “Which is better — a free-market economic system or socialism?,” Rasmussen/Heartland found that only 11 percent of likely voters preferred socialism.
Of those polled, 75 percent said they preferred a “free-market economic system.”
All told, this means 89 percent of likely voters cannot get onboard 100 percent with a system that places a balanced outcome over the American dream of endless prosperity.
The fact that three-quarters of those polled openly supported a free-market system in and of itself is actually quite surprising. The country has been through a nightmare of a year, and many people have looked to the government for a helping hand.
Do you think most Americans will ever embrace socialist ideas? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 3% (150 Votes) No: 97% (4153 Votes)
Still, the poll signals that those in favor of receiving that help from the government aren’t ready to crown their lawmakers as the overseers of their lives.
If there is one silver lining in watching the fledgling Congress attempt this year to find common ground in an attempt to help struggling Americans, it’s that most lawmakers have shown themselves to be very bad at their jobs.
Why give them even more power to influence our lives?
The poll also asked respondents, “Do you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable impression of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?”
[O]nly 18% said ‘very favorable,’ while 19% said ‘somewhat favorable.’ On the other hand, 38% of likely voters said they have a ‘very unfavorable’ impression of AOC, and 10% said they have a ‘somewhat unfavorable’ impression of her. About 15% said they are not sure,” the poll noted.
Simply put, 63 percent of Americans couldn’t tell the pollsters that they viewed AOC favorably.
This is great news for a number of reasons. Chiefly, it shows that Americans have overall not been swayed by Democrats who champion surrendering economic and individual liberties in favor of blanket protection from the government.
Additionally, numbers such as these might help to rein in Democrats, should they seize control of the Congress and the White House next month, the latter of which they are widely projected to do, as presumptive president-elect Joe Biden is expected to be inaugurated on Jan. 20.
The Rasmussen/Heartland poll found that 51 percent of those polled viewed Biden favorably, while 47 percent viewed him unfavorably. Another 2 percent of respondents didn’t have an opinion one way or another — which means at best, Biden would step into the role of president with voters split on their opinions of him.
Should Biden be inaugurated, and should GOP Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue each lose their respective runoff races in Georgia in two weeks, then Democrats would control the House, the Senate — assuming a Vice President Kamala Harris breaks the tie on most votes — and the White House.
In such a scenario, public sentiment against big government policies might sway Democrats to govern with a more centrist approach. While not ideal when compared to four more years of President Donald Trump, it is highly likely that even though the country could soon be led by Democrats, they at least might be inclined to court a favorable public opinion to keep power.
But the message is loud and clear, despite what half of respondents might feel about Biden as a person.
The Democratic Party’s ideas, at least those of the party’s radical wing, are not popular.
The poll showing socialism in such an unfavorable light surely only raises more questions than answers when it comes to how Democrats supposedly toppled the president in last month’s election. The party, after all, lost Florida and Texas after they turned off Hispanic voters in part by embracing Marxist ideals all year. It still hasn’t been explained how that messaging win for Trump didn’t translate to victories in the Rust Belt.
With that being said, we can only evaluate the information we’ve been given, and right now, that information tells us that while Biden is expected to take over, he and his party’s loudest ideas could certainly torpedo any chance he has at enacting a sweeping overhaul of the federal government.
Biden is not popular with half of voters, while three-quarters of voters oppose the policies which his party’s rising stars champion with a great deal of regularity.
The Rasmussen/Heartland poll was conducted Dec. 6-7 among 1,000 likely U.S. voters. The survey reported a margin of error of plus- or minus-3 percentage points.
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--2020-12-26--Former NY Politician Who Dodged Jail Sentencing Found Limping on Roadside in Ohio

Twenty-three years after a former New York state town official failed to show up for sentencing on a gun charge , he was discovered by accident and later arrested in Ohio .
William Jones , 71 , had been the town supervisor of Mentz , according to Syracuse.com .
Mentz is a town located in the Finger Lakes region of western New York .
In 1996 , he spent eight months in prison after being convicted on a charge of official misconduct .
According to the New York Post , Jones had disappeared for a short time before starting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the law even after he served his sentence .
“ He was charged in a separate incident in 1997 with Criminal Sale of a firearm after he refused to relinquish his pistol permit and 8 handguns when his pistol permit was suspended by County Court Judge Peter Corning , ” Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck posted Tuesday on his department ’ s Facebook page .
“ Jones sold the guns instead .
Jones was convicted on the Criminal Sale of a Firearm change and was out on $ 20,000 bail when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he wrote .
On Dec. 20 , a patrol officer in Waverly , Ohio , saw a man limping down a road and took him to the hospital .
Waverly is about 30 miles north of Ohio ’ s border with Kentucky .
“ He brought him to a local hospital but became concerned when the man did not have any photo identification and was unable to properly identify himself , ” Schenk wrote .
“ Eventually the officer was able to get enough information to be able to determine that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New York State.
” Schenk said there were parts of the story police have yet to fill in .
RELATED : NYC Bridge Closed ; Crazy Video Showed Why It Was the Right Decision “ He has been living in Ohio for an [ undetermined ] amount of time under [ an ] assumed identity , ” Schenk said .
“ The Cayuga County District Attorney ’ s Office is arranging for Jones ’ return to Cayuga County to be sentenced on his outstanding conviction , ” he wrote .
The sheriff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Twenty-three years after a former New York state town official failed to show up for sentencing on a gun charge, he was discovered by accident and later arrested in Ohio.
William Jones, 71, had been the town supervisor of Mentz, according to Syracuse.com.
Mentz is a town located in the Finger Lakes region of western New York.
In 1996, he spent eight months in prison after being convicted on a charge of official misconduct.
According to the New York Post, Jones had disappeared for a short time before starting that sentence.
But Jones soon ran afoul of the law even after he served his sentence.
“He was charged in a separate incident in 1997 with Criminal Sale of a firearm after he refused to relinquish his pistol permit and 8 handguns when his pistol permit was suspended by County Court Judge Peter Corning,” Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck posted Tuesday on his department’s Facebook page.
“Jones sold the guns instead. Jones was convicted on the Criminal Sale of a Firearm change and was out on $20,000 bail when he failed to appear for his sentencing,” he wrote.
Do you think it is possible to truly disappear in today's day and age? 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: 42% (427 Votes) No: 58% (595 Votes)
On Dec. 20, a patrol officer in Waverly, Ohio, saw a man limping down a road and took him to the hospital.
Waverly is about 30 miles north of Ohio’s border with Kentucky.
“He brought him to a local hospital but became concerned when the man did not have any photo identification and was unable to properly identify himself,” Schenk wrote.
“Eventually the officer was able to get enough information to be able to determine that the man was William Jones, Wanted out of New York State.”
Schenk said there were parts of the story police have yet to fill in.
“He has been living in Ohio for an [undetermined] amount of time under [an] assumed identity,” Schenk said.
“The Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office is arranging for Jones’ return to Cayuga County to be sentenced on his outstanding conviction,” he wrote.
The sheriff said the investigation is still ongoing.
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--2020-12-27--Study Finds ‘No Statistically Significant’ Link Between Gyms and COVID Cases

In the Philadelphia suburb of Bellmawr , New Jersey , the owners of Atilis Gym are currently facing over $ 1 million in fines .
Why ?
They stayed open when the state has decreed gyms must be closed .
Also , let ’ s be clear : It ’ s not as if they stayed open and New Jersey officialdom just sighed , shrugged and began issuing pro forma fines .
The gym has been boarded up and padlocked ; the owners had to break in to their own business .
They ’ ve also been arrested .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet , after all this , the state of New Jersey has linked not a single case to the gym .
“ We can pretty much guarantee Governor Murphy has had contract tracers for us , ” Atilis Gym co-owner Frank Trumbetti told The Western Journal earlier this month , referring to the state ’ s lockdown-imposing chief executive Phil Murphy .
“ We ’ ve had people who ’ ve had it , but it didn ’ t come from us.
” It turns out their experience isn ’ t just anecdotal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a University of Oregon study in Colorado found that no outbreaks could be traced to gyms , despite 8.5 million check-ins by gym patrons in the state over a 32-week period .
The study , which looked at Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment statistics , found that 59 outbreaks reported by CDPHE had nothing to do with places of workout .
“ Available data suggests that compared to other settings , gyms are not a prevalent source of COVID-19 outbreaks , ” the study stated .
“ There were no outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Gyms , in fact , were safer than bars , restaurants and grocery stores .
More than half of the outbreaks that were reported — an outbreak defined as transmission between two or more people in a facility or workplace — took place in “ health care settings.
” The International Health , Racquet & Sportsclub Association — which commissioned the report — had already conducted its own study , which found that there had been 1,155 infections out of over 49 million check-ins nationally .
That ’ s an infection rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be irrelevant .
“ Opposing views from the media and uncertainty in the scientific community create ambiguity for gym-goers , club operators , and legislators about the safety of gyms during the COVID-19 pandemic , ” Megan Evans , senior manager for the University of Oregon ’ s Consulting Group , which conducted the study , said in an IHRSA news release .
“ What can we learn from the data ?
” Callum Kuo , president of the Oregon Consulting Group , had an answer .
“ If we look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — events in which two or more people have contracted COVID — gyms haven ’ t made the list up to this point , but bars and restaurants certainly have , ” Cuo said in the news release .
“ What if we investigate further and compare what we know about gyms in Colorado ?
” RELATED : Dr. Fauci Admits He 's Been Moving the Goalposts on COVID on Purpose The lesson , he said later in the release , is clear .
“ We need to be reasonable and critical when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And based on what we see in Colorado , gyms do not belong in the same risk category as bars and restaurants , ” he said .
“ We believe states need to examine their data more closely before hastily closing down gyms and instead making decisions based on what they are seeing in their respective states.
” According to the IHRSA , data also showed that there was no real connection between gym visits and COVID cases .
“ By examining the correlation between weekly gym attendance data with the following week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a non-statistically significant correlation between COVID-19 case rates and gym attendance , ” the news release stated .
Unlike New Jersey and its governor , the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment decided against closing gyms .
“ We have been talking to stakeholders , and we do not feel this is one of the higher risk settings because people are wearing masks at the gym .
Gyms are ensuring social distancing and also cleaning their equipment .
So we are comfortable allowing it , ” said Jill Ryan , the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the IHRSA news release .
And yet , there are still serious gym restrictions in Colorado , including a 10 percent capacity limit .
“ The Colorado Fitness Coalition , which was created in August to speak for the industry with one voice , said the state is facing the loss of an estimated 200 gyms , 22,000 jobs and $ 12 million in payroll taxes if restrictions aren ’ t eased soon , ” The Denver Post reported .
“ In a typical year , the Colorado fitness industry generates $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gym industry activists described the ramifications in another Denver Post report .
“ The state is clear that 10 percent is not sustainable for our businesses , no matter if you ’ re a small player or Colorado Athletic Clubs , ” JoAnna Masloski , a member of the advisory board for the Colorado Fitness Coalition , told the newspaper .
“ One of the things we talked to the governor ’ s team about is economic recovery and being involved in the bills that come up that give an opportunity for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
No matter how big or small you are as a club , this 10b percent isn ’ t sustainable .
The state recognizes that , they told us that , and they are working to get us involved in an economic package that can help our clubs.
” “ Gyms are continuing to struggle at a dramatic rate and we are losing more and more gyms , ” said Masloski , also the CEO of the Colorado Athletic Club ’ s seven facilities .
She said the company is trying to qualify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star ” program , a designation that would allow 25 percent capacity , according to The Denver Post .
“ We need to get to a higher capacity to survive .
We ’ re not spreaders .
We ’ re working as hard as we can to get this Five Star certification .
“ But either way , we ’ re not spreaders and we are being punished , unlike malls — uncontrolled environments , uncontrolled people walking around and touching each other , ” she continued .
“ They ’ re not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in dire straits .
We ’ re going to malls and saying , ‘ Oh , my God , our businesses are about to die , and you ’ re not controlling them.
’ “ We don ’ t want to harm any industry , we just want people to know we are safe , ” she concluded .
“ We are a controlled environment .
It ’ s now proven that is the case .
We need to get our capacity increased.
” This isn ’ t just what needs to happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to happen across the country .
According to Healthline , Dr. Len Horowitz of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City says the average patient he ’ s seen has gained “ anywhere from 3 to 15 pounds ” during the pandemic .
“ My patients will often recount how it is they got that way , ” he told the newsletter .
“ They ’ ll say they got into Oreos or ice cream and knew they were bingeing.
” It ’ s not just that this creates problems down the road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the key risk factors for COVID-19 complications .
It ’ s about doing right thing , the smart thing , in the present .
If gyms aren ’ t responsible for transmission of the disease , they ’ re helping save us from its ravages .
They don ’ t need millions in fines .
They need to be open .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In the Philadelphia suburb of Bellmawr, New Jersey, the owners of Atilis Gym are currently facing over $1 million in fines. Why? They stayed open when the state has decreed gyms must be closed.
Also, let’s be clear: It’s not as if they stayed open and New Jersey officialdom just sighed, shrugged and began issuing pro forma fines. The gym has been boarded up and padlocked; the owners had to break in to their own business. They’ve also been arrested. The police have been frequent visitors. And yet, after all this, the state of New Jersey has linked not a single case to the gym.
“We can pretty much guarantee Governor Murphy has had contract tracers for us,” Atilis Gym co-owner Frank Trumbetti told The Western Journal earlier this month, referring to the state’s lockdown-imposing chief executive Phil Murphy. “We’ve had people who’ve had it, but it didn’t come from us.”
It turns out their experience isn’t just anecdotal.
According to The Denver Post, a University of Oregon study in Colorado found that no outbreaks could be traced to gyms, despite 8.5 million check-ins by gym patrons in the state over a 32-week period.
The study, which looked at Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment statistics, found that 59 outbreaks reported by CDPHE had nothing to do with places of workout.
“Available data suggests that compared to other settings, gyms are not a prevalent source of COVID-19 outbreaks,” the study stated.
“There were no outbreaks reported in gyms or comparable athletic facilities.”
Gyms, in fact, were safer than bars, restaurants and grocery stores.
Should gyms be allowed to open? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (1300 Votes) No: 1% (9 Votes)
More than half of the outbreaks that were reported — an outbreak defined as transmission between two or more people in a facility or workplace — took place in “health care settings.”
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association — which commissioned the report — had already conducted its own study, which found that there had been 1,155 infections out of over 49 million check-ins nationally. That’s an infection rate of 0.0023 percent — so negligible as to be irrelevant.
“Opposing views from the media and uncertainty in the scientific community create ambiguity for gym-goers, club operators, and legislators about the safety of gyms during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Megan Evans, senior manager for the University of Oregon’s Consulting Group, which conducted the study, said in an IHRSA news release. “What can we learn from the data?”
Callum Kuo, president of the Oregon Consulting Group, had an answer.
“If we look at Colorado’s record of self-reported outbreak — events in which two or more people have contracted COVID — gyms haven’t made the list up to this point, but bars and restaurants certainly have,” Cuo said in the news release. “What if we investigate further and compare what we know about gyms in Colorado?”
The lesson, he said later in the release, is clear.
“We need to be reasonable and critical when it comes to evaluating relative risk. And based on what we see in Colorado, gyms do not belong in the same risk category as bars and restaurants,” he said.
“We believe states need to examine their data more closely before hastily closing down gyms and instead making decisions based on what they are seeing in their respective states.”
According to the IHRSA, data also showed that there was no real connection between gym visits and COVID cases.
“By examining the correlation between weekly gym attendance data with the following week of positive COVID-19 rates, researchers found a non-statistically significant correlation between COVID-19 case rates and gym attendance,” the news release stated.
Unlike New Jersey and its governor, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment decided against closing gyms.
“We have been talking to stakeholders, and we do not feel this is one of the higher risk settings because people are wearing masks at the gym. Gyms are ensuring social distancing and also cleaning their equipment. So we are comfortable allowing it,” said Jill Ryan, the health department’s executive director, said in the IHRSA news release.
And yet, there are still serious gym restrictions in Colorado, including a 10 percent capacity limit.
“The Colorado Fitness Coalition, which was created in August to speak for the industry with one voice, said the state is facing the loss of an estimated 200 gyms, 22,000 jobs and $12 million in payroll taxes if restrictions aren’t eased soon,” The Denver Post reported. “In a typical year, the Colorado fitness industry generates $695 million, the coalition said.”
Gym industry activists described the ramifications in another Denver Post report.
“The state is clear that 10 percent is not sustainable for our businesses, no matter if you’re a small player or Colorado Athletic Clubs,” JoAnna Masloski, a member of the advisory board for the Colorado Fitness Coalition, told the newspaper.
“One of the things we talked to the governor’s team about is economic recovery and being involved in the bills that come up that give an opportunity for some of our businesses to stay in business. No matter how big or small you are as a club, this 10b percent isn’t sustainable. The state recognizes that, they told us that, and they are working to get us involved in an economic package that can help our clubs.”
“Gyms are continuing to struggle at a dramatic rate and we are losing more and more gyms,” said Masloski, also the CEO of the Colorado Athletic Club’s seven facilities.
She said the company is trying to qualify in the state’s “Five Star” program, a designation that would allow 25 percent capacity, according to The Denver Post.
“We need to get to a higher capacity to survive. We’re not spreaders. We’re working as hard as we can to get this Five Star certification.
“But either way, we’re not spreaders and we are being punished, unlike malls — uncontrolled environments, uncontrolled people walking around and touching each other,” she continued. “They’re not getting punished, and our gyms are in dire straits. We’re going to malls and saying, ‘Oh, my God, our businesses are about to die, and you’re not controlling them.’
“We don’t want to harm any industry, we just want people to know we are safe,” she concluded. “We are a controlled environment. It’s now proven that is the case. We need to get our capacity increased.”
This isn’t just what needs to happen in Colorado, however. It needs to happen across the country. According to Healthline, Dr. Len Horowitz of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City says the average patient he’s seen has gained “anywhere from 3 to 15 pounds” during the pandemic.
“My patients will often recount how it is they got that way,” he told the newsletter. “They’ll say they got into Oreos or ice cream and knew they were bingeing.”
It’s not just that this creates problems down the road — although it will. Obesity is one of the key risk factors for COVID-19 complications.
It’s about doing right thing, the smart thing, in the present. If gyms aren’t responsible for transmission of the disease, they’re helping save us from its ravages. They don’t need millions in fines. They need to be open.
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.