westernjournal--2020-09-26--Breaking: Trump Nominates Amy Coney Barrett to US Supreme Court

President Donald Trump announced Saturday he was nominating Judge Amy Coney Barrett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to the Supreme Court .
The announcement came during an address from the White House Rose Garden , little more than one week after the unexpected passing of Democrat-nominated Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
“ Today it is my honor to nominate one of our nation ’ s most brilliant and gifted legal minds to the Supreme Court , ” Trump said .
“ She is a woman of unparalleled achievement , towering intellect , sterling credentials and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amy Coney Barrett.
” Barrett was raised by a lawyer and a stay-at-home mother in the New Orleans suburb of Metairie , Louisiana , NPR reported .
She became a household name throughout her 23-year law career , first cementing herself as a litigator with a sharp eye for the anatomy of a legal argument during a clerkship under the late Justice Antonin Scalia between 1998 and 1999 , according to SCOTUSblog .
When swing vote Anthony Kennedy retired in 2018 , the jurist was widely believed to be in consideration for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared on a long list of potential Trump nominees the year before .
Trump instead decided to pass her over , however , opting to go for a seasoned D.C .
Circuit Court of Appeals judge in Brett Kavanaugh , who was incorrectly believed to be a safer bet .
“ I ’ m saving her for Ginsburg , ” Trump privately said of Barrett , according to Axios .
The widely accepted favorite for the court this time around , Barrett expressed expressed grace in accepting the nomination Saturday .
“ Thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am deeply honored by the confidence that you have placed in me , ” she said .
“ If the Senate does me the honor of confirming me , I pledge to discharge the responsibilities of this job to the best of my ability .
I love the United States and I love the United States Constitution .
I am truly humbled by the prospect of serving on the Supreme Court.
” Barrett ’ s nomination more formally opens the door for the Supreme Court to operate under a 6-3 conservative majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Only 48 years old at the time of this potential lifetime appointment , Barrett stands to greatly shift the balance of the nation ’ s highest court , having already proven herself a stalwart on abortion , due process , the Second Amendment and the legal philosophy of strict constitutional originalism .
RELATED : A Look at Judge Amy Coney Barrett 's Opinions in Hot-Button Cases “ For the last three years , Judge Barrett has served with immense distinction on the federal bench , ” Trump said , adding that she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ text of the Constitution , as written .
As Amy has said : ‘ Being a judge takes courage .
You are not there to decide cases as you may prefer .
You are there to do your duty and to follow the law wherever it may take you .
That is exactly what Judge Barrett will do on the U.S. Supreme Court.
” The jurist has adamantly opposed notions the U.S. Constitution is a living document , expressing a firm belief in the original intent of the Founding Fathers as the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some respects we should look at that [ inflexibility ] as a good thing , ” she said during a 2018 lecture , according to The Observer , the student-run newspaper at Barrett ’ s alma mater of Notre Dame .
“ It ’ s a floor , we don ’ t want to go below this , ” Barrett added .
“ We don ’ t want an entirely flexible Constitution because then we would have no constitutional protection at all.
” According to NPR , however , this did not stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s devout Catholic faith as she ascended to the federal judiciary .
The circuit court confirmation hearing held for Barrett in 2017 grew tense more than once as Senate Democrats broached the topic , with Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois asking publicly whether the jurist was an “ orthodox ” Catholic and Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California suggesting , without substantiation , that there was a capacity for Barrett ’ s rulings to be informed by religious “ dogma.
” “ Whatever a religion is , it has its own dogma .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Feinstein said .
“ I think in your case , professor , when you read your speeches , the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you — and that ’ s of concern.
” Given the 53-47 Republican Senate majority , confirmation of Trump ’ s forthcoming nominee is well within reach — but it would seem no shortage of lobbying and horse trading will be required , as was the case with the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh just two years ago .
A simple majority vote remains the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2013 Democratic efforts to restrict the filibustering of most presidential nominees , as well as 2017 Republican efforts to extend the same standard to Supreme Court nominees .
Several center-right GOP senators have faced strong external pressure with regard to their votes on the matter .
Sens .
Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine were quick to oppose efforts to fill the vacancy , with both indicating they would not vote to confirm any nominee forwarded by the Trump administration prior to the Nov. 3 presidential election .
Murkowski , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial defection Tuesday , suggesting her opposition to nominating in an election year might not prevent her from supporting a sound jurist .
An early report also alleged Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah had decided against supporting the confirmation process until after Inauguration Day 2021 , though his communications director , Liz Johnson , called the rumor “ grossly false.
” Romney later put to rest any notion he would categorically oppose nominees forwarded before Election Day , saying in a Tuesday news release that he would “ follow the Constitution and precedent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If the nominee reaches the Senate floor , I intend to vote based upon their qualifications , ” he said .
The senator ’ s posture was matched by Sens .
Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of Iowa , Cory Gardner of Colorado , and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina — all of whom were initially deemed potential question marks as a result of their ongoing re-election efforts or previous remarks on election-year Supreme Court nominations .
Despite public political jockeying and uncertainty in light of Ginsburg ’ s passing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confident his caucus will be able to process Trump ’ s nominee before the presidential election , NPR reported .
“ The Senate has more than sufficient time to process the nomination .
History and precedent make that perfectly clear , ” McConnell said Monday on the Senate floor .
“ Perhaps more than any other single issue , the American people strengthened this Senate majority to keep confirming this president ’ s impressive judicial nominees who respect our Constitution and understand the proper role of a judge.
” We are committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump announced Saturday he was nominating Judge Amy Coney Barrett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to the Supreme Court.
The announcement came during an address from the White House Rose Garden, little more than one week after the unexpected passing of Democrat-nominated Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
“Today it is my honor to nominate one of our nation’s most brilliant and gifted legal minds to the Supreme Court,” Trump said. “She is a woman of unparalleled achievement, towering intellect, sterling credentials and unyielding loyalty to the Constitution: Judge Amy Coney Barrett.”
Barrett was raised by a lawyer and a stay-at-home mother in the New Orleans suburb of Metairie, Louisiana, NPR reported.
Trump: “Today it is my honor to nominate one of our nation’s most brilliant and gifted legal minds to the Supreme Court. She is a woman of unparalleled achievement, towering intellect, sterling credentials and unyielding loyalty to the Constitution, Judge Amy Coney Barrett.” #ACB pic.twitter.com/CkZb6gyEet — Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) September 26, 2020
She became a household name throughout her 23-year law career, first cementing herself as a litigator with a sharp eye for the anatomy of a legal argument during a clerkship under the late Justice Antonin Scalia between 1998 and 1999, according to SCOTUSblog.
When swing vote Anthony Kennedy retired in 2018, the jurist was widely believed to be in consideration for a seat on the Supreme Court, having appeared on a long list of potential Trump nominees the year before.
Trump instead decided to pass her over, however, opting to go for a seasoned D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals judge in Brett Kavanaugh, who was incorrectly believed to be a safer bet.
Do you think Barrett will be confirmed as a Supreme Court justice? 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% (1453 Votes) No: 1% (16 Votes)
“I’m saving her for Ginsburg,” Trump privately said of Barrett, according to Axios.
The widely accepted favorite for the court this time around, Barrett expressed grace in accepting the nomination Saturday.
“Thank you very much, Mr. President. I am deeply honored by the confidence that you have placed in me,” she said. “If the Senate does me the honor of confirming me, I pledge to discharge the responsibilities of this job to the best of my ability. I love the United States and I love the United States Constitution. I am truly humbled by the prospect of serving on the Supreme Court.”
Barrett’s nomination more formally opens the door for the Supreme Court to operate under a 6-3 conservative majority — and a strong one at that.
Only 48 years old at the time of this potential lifetime appointment, Barrett stands to greatly shift the balance of the nation’s highest court, having already proven herself a stalwart on abortion, due process, the Second Amendment and the legal philosophy of strict constitutional originalism.
“For the last three years, Judge Barrett has served with immense distinction on the federal bench,” Trump said, adding that she “will decide cases based on the text of the Constitution, as written. As Amy has said: ‘Being a judge takes courage. You are not there to decide cases as you may prefer. You are there to do your duty and to follow the law wherever it may take you. That is exactly what Judge Barrett will do on the U.S. Supreme Court.”
The jurist has adamantly opposed notions the U.S. Constitution is a living document, expressing a firm belief in the original intent of the Founding Fathers as the highest value when assessing constitutionality.
“In some respects we should look at that [inflexibility] as a good thing,” she said during a 2018 lecture, according to The Observer, the student-run newspaper at Barrett’s alma mater of Notre Dame.
“It’s a floor, we don’t want to go below this,” Barrett added. “We don’t want an entirely flexible Constitution because then we would have no constitutional protection at all.”
According to NPR, however, this did not stop the left from raising questions regarding Barrett’s devout Catholic faith as she ascended to the federal judiciary.
The circuit court confirmation hearing held for Barrett in 2017 grew tense more than once as Senate Democrats broached the topic, with Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois asking publicly whether the jurist was an “orthodox” Catholic and Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California suggesting, without substantiation, that there was a capacity for Barrett’s rulings to be informed by religious “dogma.”
“Whatever a religion is, it has its own dogma. The law is totally different,” Feinstein said. “I think in your case, professor, when you read your speeches, the conclusion one draws is that the dogma lives loudly within you — and that’s of concern.”
“The dogma lives loudly within you.” — Sen. Dianne Feinstein to Amy Coney Barrett, Sept. 6, 2017, nomination hearing for Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. pic.twitter.com/WpaWa8F809 — Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) September 21, 2020
Given the 53-47 Republican Senate majority, confirmation of Trump’s forthcoming nominee is well within reach — but it would seem no shortage of lobbying and horse trading will be required, as was the case with the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh just two years ago.
A simple majority vote remains the standard for Senate confirmation in light of 2013 Democratic efforts to restrict the filibustering of most presidential nominees, as well as 2017 Republican efforts to extend the same standard to Supreme Court nominees.
Several center-right GOP senators have faced strong external pressure with regard to their votes on the matter.
Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine were quick to oppose efforts to fill the vacancy, with both indicating they would not vote to confirm any nominee forwarded by the Trump administration prior to the Nov. 3 presidential election.
Murkowski, however, appeared to walk back her initial defection Tuesday, suggesting her opposition to nominating in an election year might not prevent her from supporting a sound jurist.
An early report also alleged Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah had decided against supporting the confirmation process until after Inauguration Day 2021, though his communications director, Liz Johnson, called the rumor “grossly false.”
Romney later put to rest any notion he would categorically oppose nominees forwarded before Election Day, saying in a Tuesday news release that he would “follow the Constitution and precedent in considering the president’s nominee.
“If the nominee reaches the Senate floor, I intend to vote based upon their qualifications,” he said.
The senator’s posture was matched by Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst of Iowa, Cory Gardner of Colorado, and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina — all of whom were initially deemed potential question marks as a result of their ongoing re-election efforts or previous remarks on election-year Supreme Court nominations.
Despite public political jockeying and uncertainty in light of Ginsburg’s passing, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has remained confident his caucus will be able to process Trump’s nominee before the presidential election, NPR reported.
“The Senate has more than sufficient time to process the nomination. History and precedent make that perfectly clear,” McConnell said Monday on the Senate floor.
“Perhaps more than any other single issue, the American people strengthened this Senate majority to keep confirming this president’s impressive judicial nominees who respect our Constitution and understand the proper role of a judge.”
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--‘Peaceful Transferal’ Fiasco Is Nothing More Than Mainstream Media’s Latest Boogeyman

This just in : The sky is falling and President Donald Trump is finally making the fascist power grab we all knew was coming .
At least , that was the narrative this week in left-wing la la land after Trump spoke around a White House media corps question Wednesday regarding whether he would “ commit to making sure that there is a peaceful transferal of power ” if he loses the 2020 presidential election .
“ Well , we ’ re going to have to see what happens , ” Trump said .
“ I ’ ve been complaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ballots are a disaster.
” When asked once again , however , to speak to the importance of a peaceful transition process between administrations , Trump reoriented the discussion back to the increased potential for voter fraud this November given recent state expansions of mail-in voting .
“ We want to have — get rid of the ballots , you ’ ll have a very peaceful , there won ’ t be a transfer , frankly .
There ’ ll be a continuation , ” the president said .
“ The ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
And you know who knows it better than anybody else ?
The Democrats know better than anybody else.
” Trump would go on to clarify the remarks Friday night at a campaign rally in Virginia , saying , “ I want a smooth , beautiful transition , but they don ’ t add the other part : But it ’ s got to be an honest vote.
” “ We do want a very friendly transition , ” the president said .
“ But we don ’ t want to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Oh let ’ s trans– we ’ ll go and we ’ ll do a transition , ’ and we know that there were thousands and thousands of ballots that made the difference through cheating .
We ’ re not going to stand for it.
” Of course , the damage had already been done .
RELATED : Leftists Link Trump to Hitler for Saying 'Good Genes , ' but Obama Used the Same Exact Phrase It may well have all been avoided in the first place had the president simply committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the caveat that he would not concede the election until every last vote was properly authenticated and counted .
That , unfortunately , is not the way this president does things , however , as Trump is often inelegant in the way that he speaks .
But does anyone truly believe that means his attempts to gloss over the patently ridiculous question at hand in favor of his preferred topic was actually an allusion to some sick plan to maintain control of the White House with military force should he lose to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if you had a look at the news this week , you would know that some people actually do believe this insane premise — or , at least , want the American people to think that they do .
Every other headline from Wednesday to Friday was some tired iteration of The Washington Post ’ s “ Trump won ’ t commit to a ‘ peaceful transfer of power ’ if he loses.
” It reads like something off the pages of George Orwell ’ s “ 1984 ” or Aldous Huxley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It leads the mind to thoughts of deadly tinpot dictators from bygone decades .
More importantly , it sounds concerning enough that Trump ’ s opposition on both sides of the political aisle can not-so-coincidentally all be asked to breathlessly lambaste him for it on camera : Heck , even folks nobody actually asked ended up weighing in .
This includes folks like former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton , who tweeted , “ Trump ’ s refusal to commit to the peaceful transfer of power is the behavior of a desperate would-be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even if it meant destroying our democracy.
” “ It ’ s pathetic .
But because he is the president , we should take his threat seriously , ” she wrote .
Coming , however , from a political candidate who failed to publicly concede on election night in 2016 — a candidate who has since convinced almost her entire party to commit to accusing her successful opponent of colluding with a foreign government to steal the presidency — the warning rings hollow .
And that is exactly the point .
This whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American people .
Nobody actually believes Trump is gearing up to cling to the White House for dear life or gun down dissenters .
But it would be a lot better for the Democrats if you did — because maybe then you would unseat their most deeply despised rival for them .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

This just in: The sky is falling and President Donald Trump is finally making the fascist power grab we all knew was coming.
At least, that was the narrative this week in left-wing la la land after Trump spoke around a White House media corps question Wednesday regarding whether he would “commit to making sure that there is a peaceful transferal of power” if he loses the 2020 presidential election.
“Well, we’re going to have to see what happens,” Trump said.
“I’ve been complaining very strongly about the ballots, and the ballots are a disaster.”
When asked once again, however, to speak to the importance of a peaceful transition process between administrations, Trump reoriented the discussion back to the increased potential for voter fraud this November given recent state expansions of mail-in voting.
“We want to have — get rid of the ballots, you’ll have a very peaceful, there won’t be a transfer, frankly. There’ll be a continuation,” the president said.
Q: Will you commit to a peaceful transfer of power after the election? TRUMP: “We’re gonna have to see what happens.” pic.twitter.com/Dzj7Q9ZJqv — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 23, 2020
“The ballots are out of control. You know it. And you know who knows it better than anybody else? The Democrats know better than anybody else.”
Trump would go on to clarify the remarks Friday night at a campaign rally in Virginia, saying, “I want a smooth, beautiful transition, but they don’t add the other part: But it’s got to be an honest vote.”
“We do want a very friendly transition,” the president said.
“But we don’t want to be cheated and be stupid and say, ‘Oh let’s trans– we’ll go and we’ll do a transition,’ and we know that there were thousands and thousands of ballots that made the difference through cheating. We’re not going to stand for it.”
President Trump: “The only way we’re going to lose is if there’s mischief. Mischief. And it’ll have to be on a big scale. So be careful. And we do want a very friendly transition. But we don’t want to be cheated and be stupid.” pic.twitter.com/S8mUvIhEBo — The Hill (@thehill) September 26, 2020
Of course, the damage had already been done.
It may well have all been avoided in the first place had the president simply committed to a peaceful transfer of power, with the caveat that he would not concede the election until every last vote was properly authenticated and counted.
That, unfortunately, is not the way this president does things, however, as Trump is often inelegant in the way that he speaks.
Do you think the establishment media is intentionally overreacting to Trump's remark? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (535 Votes) No: 0% (2 Votes)
But does anyone truly believe that means his attempts to gloss over the patently ridiculous question at hand in favor of his preferred topic was actually an allusion to some sick plan to maintain control of the White House with military force should he lose to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden?
Well, if you had a look at the news this week, you would know that some people actually do believe this insane premise — or, at least, want the American people to think that they do.
Every other headline from Wednesday to Friday was some tired iteration of The Washington Post’s “Trump won’t commit to a ‘peaceful transfer of power’ if he loses.”
Sounds eerie, right?
It reads like something off the pages of George Orwell’s “1984” or Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World.”
It leads the mind to thoughts of deadly tinpot dictators from bygone decades.
More importantly, it sounds concerning enough that Trump’s opposition on both sides of the political aisle can not-so-coincidentally all be asked to breathlessly lambaste him for it on camera:
Pelosi on Trump declining to commit to peaceful transfer of power: “You are not in North Korea, you are not in Turkey, you are not in Russia, Mr. President … you are not in Saudi Arabia. You are in the United States of America. It is a democracy.“ https://t.co/mRWa6yO6vC pic.twitter.com/jlx0ijisW6 — ABC News (@ABC) September 24, 2020
A Republican governor who is as angry as every Republican should be right now who claims to be patriotic. pic.twitter.com/BuXCwlGQX6 — Mike Birbiglia (@birbigs) September 26, 2020
Heck, even folks nobody actually asked ended up weighing in.
This includes folks like former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, who tweeted, “Trump’s refusal to commit to the peaceful transfer of power is the behavior of a desperate would-be dictator who’d cling to office even if it meant destroying our democracy.”
“It’s pathetic. But because he is the president, we should take his threat seriously,” she wrote.
Coming, however, from a political candidate who failed to publicly concede on election night in 2016 — a candidate who has since convinced almost her entire party to commit to accusing her successful opponent of colluding with a foreign government to steal the presidency — the warning rings hollow.
And that is exactly the point.
Trump’s refusal to commit to the peaceful transfer of power is the behavior of a desperate would-be dictator who’d cling to office even if it meant destroying our democracy. It’s pathetic. But because he is the president, we should take his threat seriously. — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 24, 2020
This whole narrative is a boogeyman intended to scare the American people.
Nobody actually believes Trump is gearing up to cling to the White House for dear life or gun down dissenters.
But it would be a lot better for the Democrats if you did — because maybe then you would unseat their most deeply despised rival for them.
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--Statue of Iconic WWII Photograph May Remain in Place After GOP Lawmaker Steps In

A controversial statue in Florida depicting the iconic photograph of a Navy sailor kissing a dental assistant taken on Aug. 15 , 1945 , in Times Square to celebrate the Allies ’ World War II victory in Japan will reportedly remain in place after a Republican representative urged city officials to let it stay .
“ Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin just told me the ‘ Unconditional Surrender ’ statue will remain at the Bayfront , ” Rep. Vern Buchanan said in a statement Tuesday .
“ That ’ s what the people of our community wanted overwhelmingly.
” TRENDING @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He Claims To Have 'Started Out ' There The Republican representative had sent a letter to city officials as they discussed moving or removing the statue .
“ The statue is a prominent and popular landmark of Sarasota ’ s Bayfront , ” Buchanan wrote in his letter , according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune .
“ I ’ ve spoken with many people in our region , especially veterans , who feel strongly about keeping the statue in its current location.
” The 25-foot statue , as well as the photograph it depicts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Greta Zimmer Friedman , the dental assistant , said she did not give consent when George Mendonsa kissed her .
The backlash over the statue stems from a 2005 interview Friedman gave to the Veterans History Project .
“ OK .
Let ’ s get back to the kissing sailor .
When he grabbed you and gave you a kiss , what did you feel like ?
” the interviewer , Patricia Redmond , asked .
“ I felt he was very strong , he was just holding me tight , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the kiss because , you know , it was just somebody really celebrating .
But it wasn ’ t a romantic event .
It was just an event of ‘ thank God the war is over ’ kind of thing because it was right in front of the sign , ” Friedman said .
“ He just grabbed you , gave you a kiss , and then was gone ?
” Redmond went on to ask .
“ Oh , yeah , we both — we both left , went on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Following Mendonsa ’ s death in 2019 , vandals spray-painted “ # MeToo ” on the sculpture , the Sarasota Police Department wrote in a news release .
Members of Sarasota ’ s Public Arts Committee unanimously recommended in August to relocate the statue to the Sarasota Sahib Shriners ’ campus , the Herald-Tribune reported .
Although Buchanan ’ s tweet seemed to indicate the decision to keep the statue at the Bayfront was final , commissioners have yet to make a formal vote — though many have expressed a desire to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve consistently stated I ’ ll vote to keep the statue on the Bayfront , and I ’ m sure that ’ s where it will end up staying , ” Commissioner Hagen Brody said .
“ I wish the congressman would focus his efforts on passing a federal infrastructure bill to put Floridians back to work and ease utility rates for our residents .
We ’ ll handle the big public art decisions from here.
” Buchanan said he was told the statue may be temporarily moved during the construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returned to the Bayfront when it is complete .
“ The statue holds special importance to our veterans because it celebrates the joyous end of World War II , ” Buchanan said in his statement .
“ This is a win-win for our residents and all of the visitors who come to the great city of Sarasota.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A controversial statue in Florida depicting the iconic photograph of a Navy sailor kissing a dental assistant taken on Aug. 15, 1945, in Times Square to celebrate the Allies’ World War II victory in Japan will reportedly remain in place after a Republican representative urged city officials to let it stay.
“Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin just told me the ‘Unconditional Surrender’ statue will remain at the Bayfront,” Rep. Vern Buchanan said in a statement Tuesday.
“That’s what the people of our community wanted overwhelmingly.”
The Republican representative had sent a letter to city officials as they discussed moving or removing the statue.
“The statue is a prominent and popular landmark of Sarasota’s Bayfront,” Buchanan wrote in his letter, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
“I’ve spoken with many people in our region, especially veterans, who feel strongly about keeping the statue in its current location.”
The 25-foot statue, as well as the photograph it depicts, has become controversial in recent years after Greta Zimmer Friedman, the dental assistant, said she did not give consent when George Mendonsa kissed her.
The backlash over the statue stems from a 2005 interview Friedman gave to the Veterans History Project.
“OK. Let’s get back to the kissing sailor. When he grabbed you and gave you a kiss, what did you feel like?” the interviewer, Patricia Redmond, asked.
“I felt he was very strong, he was just holding me tight, and I’m not sure I — about the kiss because, you know, it was just somebody really celebrating. But it wasn’t a romantic event. It was just an event of ‘thank God the war is over’ kind of thing because it was right in front of the sign,” Friedman said.
“He just grabbed you, gave you a kiss, and then was gone?” Redmond went on to ask.
“Oh, yeah, we both — we both left, went on our own way,” Friedman replied.
Following Mendonsa’s death in 2019, vandals spray-painted “#MeToo” on the sculpture, the Sarasota Police Department wrote in a news release.
At approximately 12:53 am, our Officers were dispatched to the intersection of N Gulfstream Ave & Bayfront Dr reference to an unknown individual spray painting ‘# MeToo’ on the Unconditional Surrender statue. Additional information is at https://t.co/gv10lGhcja pic.twitter.com/JakU8aI7QY — Sarasota Police Department (@SarasotaPD) February 19, 2019
Members of Sarasota’s Public Arts Committee unanimously recommended in August to relocate the statue to the Sarasota Sahib Shriners’ campus, the Herald-Tribune reported.
Do you think the statue honors veterans? 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% (138 Votes) No: 1% (1 Votes)
Although Buchanan’s tweet seemed to indicate the decision to keep the statue at the Bayfront was final, commissioners have yet to make a formal vote — though many have expressed a desire to keep the sculpture on the bayfront.
“I’ve consistently stated I’ll vote to keep the statue on the Bayfront, and I’m sure that’s where it will end up staying,” Commissioner Hagen Brody said.
“I wish the congressman would focus his efforts on passing a federal infrastructure bill to put Floridians back to work and ease utility rates for our residents. We’ll handle the big public art decisions from here.”
Buchanan said he was told the statue may be temporarily moved during the construction of a new roundabout but will be returned to the Bayfront when it is complete.
“The statue holds special importance to our veterans because it celebrates the joyous end of World War II,” Buchanan said in his statement.
“This is a win-win for our residents and all of the visitors who come to the great city of Sarasota.”
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--Watch: Kamala Harris Exposes Herself as a Fraud When Asked To Name ‘Best Rapper Alive’

In American politics , it is not out of the ordinary for news media personalities to prop up their favored partisan on the campaign trail , lobbing a few softball pop culture questions over the plate in hopes of giving candidates a grand slam opportunity to appear relatable .
The paradigm is one that the Democratic Party knows all too well , what with the establishment media ’ s overwhelming left-wing bias .
For the party ’ s affiliated voters , however , one small problem exists : Their candidates are now too entitled , out of practice and inauthentic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the folks doing the questioning .
Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris , for example , missed the underhand toss Friday in a virtual question-and-answer session during the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ’ s national convention , telling CNN commentator Angela Rye the “ best rapper alive ” was the late West Coast hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur .
TRENDING : Historically Black University Humiliates Biden After He Claims To Have 'Started Out ' There Despite widespread conspiracy theories , official reports indicate Shakur died of injures sustained during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7 , 1996 , according to The Undefeated .
“ Not alive , I know , ” the California senator said after Rye reminded the California senator that Tupac is deceased .
“ I keep doing that.
” Rye still made an effort to cover for Harris , saying , “ Listen , West Coast girls think Tupac lives on — I ’ m with you , ” after the two shared an uncomfortable laugh .
Immediately given another opportunity to choose from the wealth of rappers currently alive and touring , Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean , there ’ s so many , ” Harris said , adding that “ there are some that I would not mention right now because they should stay in their lane.
” It was , of course , an embarrassing non-answer ( though some believed she was taking a shot at Kanye West ’ s presidential candidacy ) , stemming almost exclusively from the fact that Harris is inauthentic .
Regardless of what her Timberlands may have to say about it , the California senator is anything but the down-to-earth everywoman who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be .
She is an unlikable attorney who supported the over-prosecution of people of color and women over nonviolent drug possession or their children ’ s truancy , and she is desperate to be seen otherwise .
RELATED : Kamala Harris , Gavin Newsom Accused of Trespassing on Burned-Down Property for Photo Op To give credit where it is due , Harris was able to name at least two current rappers during an interview last February on the popular entertainment radio show “ The Breakfast Club ” in which she also giddily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When asked “ what did you listen to when you was high , ” Harris claimed she enjoyed Tupac and Snoop Dogg .
“ Oh yeah , definitely Snoop , ” Harris said .
“ Tupac , for sure.
” Harris said she also liked the artist Cardi B , particularly the rapper ’ s song “ Be Careful of Me.
” The only problem ?
The name of the song is actually just “ Be Careful ” — but at least it ’ s an apt anthem for Harris , given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for things she now laughs about having done .
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Read our editorial standards .

In American politics, it is not out of the ordinary for news media personalities to prop up their favored partisan on the campaign trail, lobbing a few softball pop culture questions over the plate in hopes of giving candidates a grand slam opportunity to appear relatable.
The paradigm is one that the Democratic Party knows all too well, what with the establishment media’s overwhelming left-wing bias.
For the party’s affiliated voters, however, one small problem exists: Their candidates are now too entitled, out of practice and inauthentic to capitalize on even straightforward support from the folks doing the questioning.
Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris, for example, missed the underhand toss Friday in a virtual question-and-answer session during the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s national convention, telling CNN commentator Angela Rye the “best rapper alive” was the late West Coast hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur.
Kamala Harris asked, who’s the best rapper alive? She answers @2PAC Then says “Not alive, I know, I keep doing that.” Tries to think of another living rapper. “There’s some I would not mention right now because they should stay in their lane.” pic.twitter.com/MZJ5FZC4qP — Emily Larsen (@emilyelarsen) September 25, 2020
Despite widespread conspiracy theories, official reports indicate Shakur died of injures sustained during a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on Sept. 7, 1996, according to The Undefeated.
“Not alive, I know,” the California senator said after Rye reminded the California senator that Tupac is deceased. “I keep doing that.”
Rye still made an effort to cover for Harris, saying, “Listen, West Coast girls think Tupac lives on — I’m with you,” after the two shared an uncomfortable laugh.
Do you think Harris is inauthentic? Yes No
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Immediately given another opportunity to choose from the wealth of rappers currently alive and touring, Harris again came up short.
“I mean, there’s so many,” Harris said, adding that “there are some that I would not mention right now because they should stay in their lane.”
It was, of course, an embarrassing non-answer (though some believed she was taking a shot at Kanye West’s presidential candidacy), stemming almost exclusively from the fact that Harris is inauthentic.
Regardless of what her Timberlands may have to say about it, the California senator is anything but the down-to-earth everywoman who establishment media outlets are making her out to be.
She is an unlikable attorney who supported the over-prosecution of people of color and women over nonviolent drug possession or their children’s truancy, and she is desperate to be seen otherwise.
To give credit where it is due, Harris was able to name at least two current rappers during an interview last February on the popular entertainment radio show “The Breakfast Club” in which she also giddily admitted to having smoked marijuana years ago.
When asked “what did you listen to when you was high,” Harris claimed she enjoyed Tupac and Snoop Dogg.
“Oh yeah, definitely Snoop,” Harris said. “Tupac, for sure.”
Harris said she also liked the artist Cardi B, particularly the rapper’s song “Be Careful of Me.”
The only problem? The name of the song is actually just “Be Careful” — but at least it’s an apt anthem for Harris, given her track record of locking folks up for things she now laughs about having done.
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--SEC Football Kicks Off with Florida and Ole Miss Players Kneeling, But There’s a Catch

College football got a boost on Saturday with the return of the Southeastern Conference and a slate of exciting matchups to go along with it .
The SEC ’ s two early games featured three teams ranked in the top 25 : Florida , Kentucky and Auburn .
While the game between Kentucky and Auburn was more competitive , it was the Florida-Ole Miss contest that garnered more attention before a single snap was played .
That ’ s because , similar to what other sports leagues like the NFL and NBA have opted to do , the coaches and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what ESPN called a “ showing of unity ” by kneeling before kickoff .
TRENDING : Historically Black University Humiliates Biden After He Claims To Have 'Started Out ' There The clip also shows Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney raising his fist .
The Gators and Rebels ’ “ showing of unity ” certainly echoes the displays exhibited by some of their professional counterparts , but there is one catch worth noting — the Florida and Ole Miss players and coaches did not kneel during the national anthem .
( “ College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room during the song , ” according to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger . )
While the social justice sentiments are likely similar , not kneeling for the anthem itself is still a stark difference between how the college athletes demonstrated and how the professional athletes demonstrated .
Even given that significant difference , the overwhelming response on social media seemed to be negative : RELATED : Charles Barkley Comes Under Attack for Giving the Real Facts of the Breonna Taylor Case Despite the negative response and , in the NFL ’ s case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there doesn ’ t appear to be an end in sight when it comes to these social justice demonstrations .
Given the riotous social unrest in America currently , that ’ s not a particularly huge surprise .
Unfortunately for college football fans hoping for a reprieve from the constant reminders about said social unrest , this particular game didn ’ t give it to them .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

College football got a boost on Saturday with the return of the Southeastern Conference and a slate of exciting matchups to go along with it.
The SEC’s two early games featured three teams ranked in the top 25: Florida, Kentucky and Auburn.
While the game between Kentucky and Auburn was more competitive, it was the Florida-Ole Miss contest that garnered more attention before a single snap was played.
That’s because, similar to what other sports leagues like the NFL and NBA have opted to do, the coaches and players of Florida and Ole Miss decided on what ESPN called a “showing of unity” by kneeling before kickoff.
Take a look:
A showing of unity ❤ Players and coaches on both teams took a knee ahead of Florida vs. Ole Miss. pic.twitter.com/cKqCJkorpy — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 26, 2020
The clip also shows Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney raising his fist.
The Gators and Rebels’ “showing of unity” certainly echoes the displays exhibited by some of their professional counterparts, but there is one catch worth noting — the Florida and Ole Miss players and coaches did not kneel during the national anthem. (“College football players customarily remain in the locker room during the song,” according to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger.)
Are kneeling protests any better if they don't occur during the anthem? Yes No
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While the social justice sentiments are likely similar, not kneeling for the anthem itself is still a stark difference between how the college athletes demonstrated and how the professional athletes demonstrated.
Even given that significant difference, the overwhelming response on social media seemed to be negative:
Keep politics out of football pls. I just want to escape for one day!! — WickedAfterlife (@WAServers) September 26, 2020
I just turned on college…both teams in SEc taking a knee for social injustice. I’m taking my knee and turning it off. They used their platform and I’m using mine. Boycott college football …added to my list…NCAA , NFL, MLB,NHL, NBA..ratings all down. — BTO (@toverdrive_m) September 26, 2020
??♂ bet the cops that work the game security feel great about this political scam. Enough already. — Zach Primavera (@z_preams) September 26, 2020
That’s why I won’t be watching — Martin M (@Gonagen1) September 26, 2020
Despite the negative response and, in the NFL’s case, a hit to the ratings, there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight when it comes to these social justice demonstrations.
Given the riotous social unrest in America currently, that’s not a particularly huge surprise.
Unfortunately for college football fans hoping for a reprieve from the constant reminders about said social unrest, this particular game didn’t give it to them.
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--FBI: BLM Activist Spent Over $200,000 in Donations on Tailored Suits, Property Purchases

An Atlanta activist is facing charges of wire fraud and money laundering after misappropriating $ 200,000 in Black Lives Matter donations for personal expenses , the FBI announced on Friday .
Tyree Conyers-Page accepted more than $ 430,000 in donations through his Facebook page Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta in July and August , according to an affidavit filed in federal district court on Thursday .
Although Page represented the group as a nonprofit to Facebook , allowing it to accept donations through the social media platform , its nonprofit status was revoked in 2019 after failing to file @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TRENDING : Historically Black University Humiliates Biden After He Claims To Have 'Started Out ' There Page claimed that all funds donated to the group would be used to support the Black Lives Matter movement , but he spent hundreds of thousands in donated money on personal expenses including tailored suits and property purchases , according to the affidavit .
Page does not appear to have been affiliated with the official Black Lives Matter organization .
The national arm of Black Lives Matter chose not to recognize Page ’ s group as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 .
Page has been active in protests against police brutality .
He was arrested multiple times on charges of impersonating a police officer , WAGA reported in August 2016 .
Page did not immediately return the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s email seeking comment .
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An Atlanta activist is facing charges of wire fraud and money laundering after misappropriating $200,000 in Black Lives Matter donations for personal expenses, the FBI announced on Friday.
Tyree Conyers-Page accepted more than $430,000 in donations through his Facebook page Black Lives Matter of Greater Atlanta in July and August, according to an affidavit filed in federal district court on Thursday.
Although Page represented the group as a nonprofit to Facebook, allowing it to accept donations through the social media platform, its nonprofit status was revoked in 2019 after failing to file tax documents for three consecutive years.
#BREAKING: Atlanta-based activist Sir Maejor Page allegedly used BLM group to launder more than $200K for personal purchases, FBI says: https://t.co/5r92Kkh1TC pic.twitter.com/PrccYdN5rx — WSB-TV (@wsbtv) September 25, 2020
Page claimed that all funds donated to the group would be used to support the Black Lives Matter movement, but he spent hundreds of thousands in donated money on personal expenses including tailored suits and property purchases, according to the affidavit.
Page does not appear to have been affiliated with the official Black Lives Matter organization. The national arm of Black Lives Matter chose not to recognize Page’s group as an official chapter, NPR affiliate WABE reported in 2016.
Page has been active in protests against police brutality. He was arrested multiple times on charges of impersonating a police officer, WAGA reported in August 2016.
Page did not immediately return the Daily Caller News Foundation’s email seeking comment.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--Biden Compares Trump to Infamous Nazi Official as MSNBC Interviewer Lobs Him Softballs

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Saturday compared President Donald Trump to Joseph Goebbels , the head of Nazi Germany ’ s propaganda efforts .
“ He ’ s sort of like Goebbels , ” the former vice president said in an interview on MSNBC .
“ You say the lie long enough , keep repeating it , repeating it , repeating it , it becomes common knowledge.
” Biden was responding to a question from host Stephanie Ruhle about Trump ’ s allegations that he is a socialist .
“ One of the things he says over and over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda , ” Ruhle said .
She defended Biden against the accusation and asked him how he planned to combat Trump ’ s remarks .
TRENDING : Historically Black University Humiliates Biden After He Claims To Have 'Started Out ' There “ You ’ ve said it very clearly , you are not a socialist .
And you actually have a record to prove that you ’ re not .
But what the president does , he says you are , he says it twice as often and twice as loud , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat that lie when he keeps pushing it , and some voters start to believe it ?
” Ruhle did not push back against Biden ’ s comparison of Trump to the infamous Nazi official .
Numerous MSNBC hosts and guests have compared Trump to Nazis and Adolf Hitler .
Donny Deutsch , an MSNBC contributor , drew a comparison between Trump and Hitler on the network on Wednesday .
“ And what is the difference between Adolf Hitler and Donald Trump ?
” he asked on the show “ Morning Joe.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Saturday compared President Donald Trump to Joseph Goebbels, the head of Nazi Germany’s propaganda efforts.
“He’s sort of like Goebbels,” the former vice president said in an interview on MSNBC. “You say the lie long enough, keep repeating it, repeating it, repeating it, it becomes common knowledge.”
Biden was responding to a question from host Stephanie Ruhle about Trump’s allegations that he is a socialist.
“One of the things he says over and over is that you will push a socialist agenda,” Ruhle said.
She defended Biden against the accusation and asked him how he planned to combat Trump’s remarks.
“You’ve said it very clearly, you are not a socialist. And you actually have a record to prove that you’re not. But what the president does, he says you are, he says it twice as often and twice as loud,” she said. “How do you combat that lie when he keeps pushing it, and some voters start to believe it?”
Ruhle did not push back against Biden’s comparison of Trump to the infamous Nazi official.
Numerous MSNBC hosts and guests have compared Trump to Nazis and Adolf Hitler.
Do you believe that Joe Biden would push a socialist agenda? Yes No
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Donny Deutsch, an MSNBC contributor, drew a comparison between Trump and Hitler on the network on Wednesday.
“And what is the difference between Adolf Hitler and Donald Trump?” he asked on the show “Morning Joe.”
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--Little Boy with Cystic Fibrosis Became Garbage Man for Day Thanks to 1 Wish

Many boys gravitate toward heavy machinery from a young age .
Tractors , trucks , planes and trains — anything with oomph and power is a popular choice for starry-eyed young ones .
In 2016 , 6-year-old Ethan from Rancho Cordova , California , had a fascination with a very particular kind of vehicle : garbage trucks .
It ’ s a shared interest , with many children developing a passion for them thanks to the weekly appearance of the large , loud trucks .
Ethan ’ s situation was a little different than many children ’ s , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old , he has been undergoing treatment for cystic fibrosis , a disease that gives its sufferers a median life expectancy of just 44 years .
“ I want him to have fun and not have to worry about the day-to-day , ” his dad , Ken Dean , told Fox News four years ago .
“ It ’ s all about him.
” At the time , the Make-A-Wish Foundation helped arrange a special treat for the garbage-truck-obsessed kiddo , and what followed was a day that brought joy to more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his wish , one in particular stood out to him — to be a garbage man !
” the Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northeastern Nevada website shared .
“ He is a big fan of the garbage man , and loves to watch them come to pick up his trash.
” “ We pretty much knew it was going to be about garbage trucks , ” Dean said .
“ He ’ s been watching them come down the street since he first learned how to crawl.
” So the date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ethan a wonderful day .
He showed up on a Tuesday at his elementary school , and from there he experienced five stops to give him a taste of that garbage man life , breaking for a news conference and lunch at the state capitol .
“ On July 26 , 2016 Ethan was surprised at school when he was picked up in his very own garbage truck , ” the Make-A-Wish website continued .
“ He received his own Waste Management uniform and name tag that he got wear all day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ cleaning up ’ Sacramento with the help of Waste Management and his Adopt-A-Wish sponsor , Randle Communications , in a garbage truck fittingly labeled ‘ Ethan ’ s Garbage Truck.
’ Superheroes welcomed Ethan at each stop where he learned the importance of recycling , reducing and reusing.
” John deBerge with Make-A-Wish pointed out that anyone can help make a child ’ s dreams come true .
“ Ethan ’ s wish to be a garbage man for a day is a perfect example that anyone and everyone has the ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told ABC News .
“ Today we saw a local garbage man alongside thousands from the community of Sacramento , join together to make a 6-year-old boy ’ s wish come true.
” The photos say it all : Ethan ’ s day as a garbage man will certainly stick with him for the rest of his life .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Many boys gravitate toward heavy machinery from a young age. Tractors, trucks, planes and trains — anything with oomph and power is a popular choice for starry-eyed young ones.
In 2016, 6-year-old Ethan from Rancho Cordova, California, had a fascination with a very particular kind of vehicle: garbage trucks. It’s a shared interest, with many children developing a passion for them thanks to the weekly appearance of the large, loud trucks.
Ethan’s situation was a little different than many children’s, though.
Since he was just 8 weeks old, he has been undergoing treatment for cystic fibrosis, a disease that gives its sufferers a median life expectancy of just 44 years.
“I want him to have fun and not have to worry about the day-to-day,” his dad, Ken Dean, told Fox News four years ago. “It’s all about him.”
At the time, the Make-A-Wish Foundation helped arrange a special treat for the garbage-truck-obsessed kiddo, and what followed was a day that brought joy to more than just the recipient.
“When selecting his wish, one in particular stood out to him — to be a garbage man!” the Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northeastern Nevada website shared. “He is a big fan of the garbage man, and loves to watch them come to pick up his trash.”
Ethan’s dad confirmed his son’s obsession.
On our way to pick-up Ethan in his very own garbage truck! Hope he’s surprised! #EthanCleansUp pic.twitter.com/ZxlxdhedUF — Make-A-Wish CA NV (@MakeAWishCANV) July 26, 2016
“We pretty much knew it was going to be about garbage trucks,” Dean said. “He’s been watching them come down the street since he first learned how to crawl.”
So the date and the scene were set to give Ethan a wonderful day.
He showed up on a Tuesday at his elementary school, and from there he experienced five stops to give him a taste of that garbage man life, breaking for a news conference and lunch at the state capitol.
“On July 26, 2016 Ethan was surprised at school when he was picked up in his very own garbage truck,” the Make-A-Wish website continued. “He received his own Waste Management uniform and name tag that he got wear all day.
“Ethan spent the next few hours ‘cleaning up’ Sacramento with the help of Waste Management and his Adopt-A-Wish sponsor, Randle Communications, in a garbage truck fittingly labeled ‘Ethan’s Garbage Truck.’ Superheroes welcomed Ethan at each stop where he learned the importance of recycling, reducing and reusing.”
John deBerge with Make-A-Wish pointed out that anyone can help make a child’s dreams come true.
“Ethan’s wish to be a garbage man for a day is a perfect example that anyone and everyone has the ability to grant a wish,” deBerge told ABC News.
“Today we saw a local garbage man alongside thousands from the community of Sacramento, join together to make a 6-year-old boy’s wish come true.”
The photos say it all: Ethan’s day as a garbage man will certainly stick with him for the rest of his life.
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--DOJ Sends Scathing Letter Demanding San Francisco Lift ‘Draconian’ Church Restrictions

The Justice Department is attacking San Francisco ’ s “ draconian ” restrictions on the number of people allowed at one time into houses of worship .
The city currently allows no more than one congregant at a time in any church , synagogue , mosque or other place of worship , regardless of its size .
“ No government in this free country can attack religion by transforming a house of worship arbitrarily into a place for solitary confinement , ” said Eric Dreiband , assistant attorney general for the Justice Department ’ s Civil Rights Division , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ People of faith go to churches , synagogues , mosques , and other places to worship with their fellow believers , and they can do so lawfully because the First Amendment to the United States Constitution makes illegal any effort by government to prohibit the free exercise of religion , ” Dreiband said .
“ That we are dealing with a very serious public health crisis does not permit government to discriminate against religious worshipers by imposing a one-person-per-house-of-worship rule while permitting larger numbers of people to gather in tattoo parlors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other places , ” he added .
“ There is no pandemic exception to the United States Constitution and its Bill of Rights.
” In contrast to the limit of one congregant per house of worship , gyms , tattoo parlors , hair salons , massage studios and daycare centers can have multiple people present at any one time , as the DOJ pointed out .
A Friday letter to Democratic San Francisco Mayor London Breed from Dreiband and U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California David Anderson said that “ San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worship raises serious concerns about religious freedom .
“ In particular , the limitation of indoor worship to one congregant without regard to the size of the place of worship is draconian , out of step with the treatment afforded other similar indoor activities in San Francisco , wholly at odds with this Nation ’ s traditional understanding of religious liberty , and may violate the First Amendment to the Constitution , ” the letter said .
The letter tried to educate San Francisco about the Constitution .
“ The First Amendment protects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it said .
“ Government may not discriminate against religious gatherings compared to other nonreligious gatherings that have the same effect on the government ’ s public health interest , absent compelling reasons.
” “ The Health Order provides no reasoned explanation why its one-size-fits-all limit on indoor religious gatherings , regardless of size , is necessary or appropriate .
This policy is not equal treatment , ” the letter said , adding that “ this restriction suggests hostility to religious people and the free exercise of religion.
” The letter noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , massage locations and tattoo parlors allow them to accommodate more people at one time than houses of worship .
RELATED : Federal Government Files Suit After Kroger Allegedly Fires 2 Women Who Refused To Wear LGBT-Linked Symbol “ These rules plainly discriminate against people of faith and their ability to gather and practice their faith at churches , synagogues , mosques , and other houses of worship , ” the letter said .
“ Put simply , there is no scientific or legal justification for permitting a 20,000 square foot synagogue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tattoo parlor to accommodate as many patrons as it can fit so long as they are six feet apart .
This is not the kind of reasonable , temporary , and narrowly tailored regulation to protect public health and safety that can justify infringements on fundamental rights such as religious freedom.
” The city ’ s goal of upping the limit to 25 people as of the end of the month “ would also continue to disadvantage religious exercise compared to the permitted secular indoor activities described above , ” Dreiband and Anderson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city to “ change its current standards to bring them in line with the Constitution and our nation ’ s best traditions of free religious exercise.
” San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera was unmoved , pointing to the low coronavirus infection rate in the city .
“ We must be doing something right , ” he said , according to Fox News .
Herrera said the federal government “ should focus on an actual pandemic response instead of lobbing careless legal threats .
San Francisco is opening up at the speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Justice Department is attacking San Francisco’s “draconian” restrictions on the number of people allowed at one time into houses of worship.
The city currently allows no more than one congregant at a time in any church, synagogue, mosque or other place of worship, regardless of its size.
“No government in this free country can attack religion by transforming a house of worship arbitrarily into a place for solitary confinement,” said Eric Dreiband, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, according to a Friday DOJ news release.
“People of faith go to churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places to worship with their fellow believers, and they can do so lawfully because the First Amendment to the United States Constitution makes illegal any effort by government to prohibit the free exercise of religion,” Dreiband said.
“That we are dealing with a very serious public health crisis does not permit government to discriminate against religious worshipers by imposing a one-person-per-house-of-worship rule while permitting larger numbers of people to gather in tattoo parlors, hair salons, massage studios, and other places,” he added.
“There is no pandemic exception to the United States Constitution and its Bill of Rights.”
In contrast to the limit of one congregant per house of worship, gyms, tattoo parlors, hair salons, massage studios and daycare centers can have multiple people present at any one time, as the DOJ pointed out.
A Friday letter to Democratic San Francisco Mayor London Breed from Dreiband and U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California David Anderson said that “San Francisco’s treatment of places of worship raises serious concerns about religious freedom.
Do you think San Francisco's restrictions on houses of worship violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (296 Votes) No: 0% (1 Votes)
“In particular, the limitation of indoor worship to one congregant without regard to the size of the place of worship is draconian, out of step with the treatment afforded other similar indoor activities in San Francisco, wholly at odds with this Nation’s traditional understanding of religious liberty, and may violate the First Amendment to the Constitution,” the letter said.
The letter tried to educate San Francisco about the Constitution.
“The First Amendment protects religious observers against unequal treatment,” it said.
“Government may not discriminate against religious gatherings compared to other nonreligious gatherings that have the same effect on the government’s public health interest, absent compelling reasons.”
“The Health Order provides no reasoned explanation why its one-size-fits-all limit on indoor religious gatherings, regardless of size, is necessary or appropriate. This policy is not equal treatment,” the letter said, adding that “this restriction suggests hostility to religious people and the free exercise of religion.”
The letter noted that rules for barber shops, nail salons, massage locations and tattoo parlors allow them to accommodate more people at one time than houses of worship.
“These rules plainly discriminate against people of faith and their ability to gather and practice their faith at churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship,” the letter said.
“Put simply, there is no scientific or legal justification for permitting a 20,000 square foot synagogue to admit only one worshipper while allowing a tattoo parlor to accommodate as many patrons as it can fit so long as they are six feet apart. This is not the kind of reasonable, temporary, and narrowly tailored regulation to protect public health and safety that can justify infringements on fundamental rights such as religious freedom.”
The city’s goal of upping the limit to 25 people as of the end of the month “would also continue to disadvantage religious exercise compared to the permitted secular indoor activities described above,” Dreiband and Anderson wrote.
The letter closed by asking the city to “change its current standards to bring them in line with the Constitution and our nation’s best traditions of free religious exercise.”
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera was unmoved, pointing to the low coronavirus infection rate in the city.
“We must be doing something right,” he said, according to Fox News.
Herrera said the federal government “should focus on an actual pandemic response instead of lobbing careless legal threats. San Francisco is opening up at the speed of safety.”
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--Trump: ‘I Want a Smooth, Beautiful Transition,’ But It Must Be After an ‘Honest Vote’

President Donald Trump said Friday he will respect the results of an “ honest vote ” and vowed to support a “ smooth , beautiful transition , ” while also indicating he does not expect one will be necessary .
Trump ’ s comments came two days after he said , when asked about the possibility of a loss to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and whether he would commit to a peaceful transferal of power , that “ we ’ re going to have to see what happens.
” The remark was attacked by Democrats who claimed it meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people .
During a rally Friday night in Newport News , Virginia , Trump predicted that mass mail-in voting is “ a disaster waiting to happen.
” “ I want a smooth , beautiful transition , but they don ’ t add the other part .
But it ’ s got to be an honest vote , ” Trump said .
“ Look at Iowa .
Look what happened .
Just take a look at that .
They still don ’ t know who won .
They didn ’ t know weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when New Hampshire declared a winner .
And essentially they don ’ t know what happened in Iowa , except the difference is we ’ re doing the same thing , but with tens of millions of ballots , ” he added .
Trump said there is a difference between the time-honored system of absentee voting and the mass mailing of ballots to people who have not requested them .
“ This is a disaster waiting to happen , and they shouldn ’ t let this system go , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballot , it ’ s called solicited , you solicit , you want the ballot , it comes in , you sign it , you send it back , that ’ s OK .
But where they send millions and millions of unsolicited ballots , people get ballots , they didn ’ t even know they were getting them.
” Third parties trying to sign ballots for others or persuade them to vote one way is “ called harvesting , ” Trump said .
“ They ’ re going to harvest ballots , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in most cases , it ’ s illegal , it ’ s illegal as hell , and it should be illegal.
” He suggested mail-in ballots could keep coming for days after the polls close .
“ I could be leading , and then they ’ ll just keep getting ballots and ballots and ballots and ballots , ” Trump said .
RELATED : Biden Compares Trump to Infamous Nazi Official as MSNBC Interviewer Lobs Him Softballs “ So this is a disaster waiting to happen , and the only hope we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long , unbelievable litigation at the end after it ’ s over — because we ’ re going to win , we ’ re not going to lose this , except if they cheat , ” he added .
“ That ’ s the way I look at it .
We can ’ t let them cheat .
We can ’ t let them , ” the president said .
“ Our country is at stake , ” Trump said , “ because these people will destroy our country .
We can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a scam .
“ They know it .
The media knows it , but the media doesn ’ t want to cover it .
They know exactly what ’ s going to happen , and so do I , but the Democrats know better than all of us what ’ s going to happen.
” Trump said his supporters need to be vigilant for irregularities in voting .
“ If you see anything , you just have to report it and everything .
We ’ re all watching , law enforcement ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s very hard to watch , ” he said .
The president said that he expects to win .
“ That ’ s the only way we ’ re going to lose is if there ’ s mischief , mischief , and it ’ ll have to be on a big scale , so be careful , and we do want a very friendly transition , but we don ’ t want to be cheated and be stupid , ” he said .
Trump added that he would conduct an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , but said “ we know that there were thousands and thousands of ballots that made the difference through cheating .
“ We ’ re not going to stand for it.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump said Friday he will respect the results of an “honest vote” and vowed to support a “smooth, beautiful transition,” while also indicating he does not expect one will be necessary.
Trump’s comments came two days after he said, when asked about the possibility of a loss to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and whether he would commit to a peaceful transferal of power, that “we’re going to have to see what happens.”
The remark was attacked by Democrats who claimed it meant Trump would not heed the will of the people.
During a rally Friday night in Newport News, Virginia, Trump predicted that mass mail-in voting is “a disaster waiting to happen.”
“I want a smooth, beautiful transition, but they don’t add the other part. But it’s got to be an honest vote,” Trump said.
“Look at Iowa. Look what happened. Just take a look at that. They still don’t know who won. They didn’t know weeks later.
“Remember, New Hampshire, when New Hampshire declared a winner. And essentially they don’t know what happened in Iowa, except the difference is we’re doing the same thing, but with tens of millions of ballots,” he added.
Do you expect mail-in voter fraud to play a major role in the upcoming November election? 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% (30 Votes) No: 3% (1 Votes)
Trump said there is a difference between the time-honored system of absentee voting and the mass mailing of ballots to people who have not requested them.
“This is a disaster waiting to happen, and they shouldn’t let this system go,” he said.
“If you ask for a ballot, it’s called solicited, you solicit, you want the ballot, it comes in, you sign it, you send it back, that’s OK. But where they send millions and millions of unsolicited ballots, people get ballots, they didn’t even know they were getting them.”
Third parties trying to sign ballots for others or persuade them to vote one way is “called harvesting,” Trump said. “They’re going to harvest ballots, even though, in some cases, in most cases, it’s illegal, it’s illegal as hell, and it should be illegal.”
He suggested mail-in ballots could keep coming for days after the polls close.
“I could be leading, and then they’ll just keep getting ballots and ballots and ballots and ballots,” Trump said.
“So this is a disaster waiting to happen, and the only hope we have really, other than going through a long, unbelievable litigation at the end after it’s over — because we’re going to win, we’re not going to lose this, except if they cheat,” he added.
“That’s the way I look at it. We can’t let them cheat. We can’t let them,” the president said.
“Our country is at stake,” Trump said, “because these people will destroy our country. We can’t let this happen, and this is a scam.
“They know it. The media knows it, but the media doesn’t want to cover it. They know exactly what’s going to happen, and so do I, but the Democrats know better than all of us what’s going to happen.”
Trump said his supporters need to be vigilant for irregularities in voting.
The Unsolicited Mail In Ballot Scam is a major threat to our Democracy, & the Democrats know it. Almost all recent elections using this system, even though much smaller & with far fewer Ballots to count, have ended up being a disaster. Large numbers of missing Ballots & Fraud! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 12, 2020
“If you see anything, you just have to report it and everything. We’re all watching, law enforcement’s watching all over the place, but it’s very hard to watch,” he said.
The president said that he expects to win.
“That’s the only way we’re going to lose is if there’s mischief, mischief, and it’ll have to be on a big scale, so be careful, and we do want a very friendly transition, but we don’t want to be cheated and be stupid,” he said.
Trump added that he would conduct an orderly transition if he loses a fair election, but said “we know that there were thousands and thousands of ballots that made the difference through cheating.
“We’re not going to stand for it.”
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--‘Scared to Death To Teach:’ USC Faculty Lash Out After Professor Forced Out for Using Chinese Word

The University of Southern California is under fire after caving in to students ’ demands that an instructor be punished for using a Chinese word that sounds like the n-word .
During a recent Zoom course , professor Greg Patton was teaching the class about filler words — those things we mumble when we are unsure what to say — and said that the Chinese word used to fill the space was the word for “ that.
” Unfortunately for him , the word is pronounced “ ne ga. ” That led to students reporting him to Geoffrey Garrett , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to InsideHigherEd .
“ The way we heard it in class was indicative of a much more hurtful word with tremendous implications for the Black community , ” a letter signed “ Black MBA candidates c/o 2022 ” said .
“ There are over 10,000 characters in the Chinese written language and to use this phrase , a clear synonym with this derogatory N-Word term , is hurtful and unacceptable to our USC Marshall community .
The negligence and disregard displayed by our professor was very clear in today ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chinese expression wrong and said he used it in a following class after he was asked by the students not to do so .
The students wrote that “ We are burdened to fight with our existence in society , in the workplace , and in America .
We should not be made to fight for our sense of peace and mental well-being at Marshall.
” “ Professor Greg Patton repeated several times a Chinese word that sounds very similar to a vile racial slur in English , ” Garrett wrote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this caused great pain and upset among students , and for that I am deeply sorry.
” “ It is simply unacceptable for faculty to use words in class that can marginalize , hurt and harm the psychological safety of our students , ” he wrote .
Over 25,000 people have since signed a petition objecting to Patton ’ s dismissal .
“ For him to be censored simply because a Chinese word sounds like an English pejorative term is a mistake and is not appropriate , especially given the educational setting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faculty survey showed the depth of faculty disgust with the action , according to the Chronicle of Higher Education .
One professor wrote : “ I ’ m scared to death to teach in this environment .
Any innocent phrase can be turned around on you.
” Another noted that “ Faculty will have to walk on egg shells all the time — anyone can be accused of being a racist , bigoted , insensitive , biased , etc.
” ‘ “ [ I ] fear that if things are left as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very chilling effect on the faculty , ” one wrote , with another adding , “ Makes me not want to teach.
” Twitter felt the shock waves of the incident Matthew Simmons , a spokesperson for the business school , said that Patton wasn ’ t “ suspended from teaching .
He is taking a pause while another professor teaches that one course , but he continues to teach his others.
” Faculty , however , have a different opinion about what it means .
“ After the initial shock , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” one professor wrote in the survey .
“ I feel fear for myself , for my colleagues , and frankly for students who run the risk of inadvertently trivializing the importance of the monumental reckoning on racial injustice that our country is , I hope , experiencing at long last.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The University of Southern California is under fire after caving in to students’ demands that an instructor be punished for using a Chinese word that sounds like the n-word.
During a recent Zoom course, professor Greg Patton was teaching the class about filler words — those things we mumble when we are unsure what to say — and said that the Chinese word used to fill the space was the word for “that.”
Unfortunately for him, the word is pronounced “ne ga.” That led to students reporting him to Geoffrey Garrett, dean of the Marshall School of Business, according to InsideHigherEd.
“The way we heard it in class was indicative of a much more hurtful word with tremendous implications for the Black community,” a letter signed “Black MBA candidates c/o 2022” said. “There are over 10,000 characters in the Chinese written language and to use this phrase, a clear synonym with this derogatory N-Word term, is hurtful and unacceptable to our USC Marshall community. The negligence and disregard displayed by our professor was very clear in today’s class.”
The students claimed Patton pronounced the Chinese expression wrong and said he used it in a following class after he was asked by the students not to do so.
The students wrote that “We are burdened to fight with our existence in society, in the workplace, and in America. We should not be made to fight for our sense of peace and mental well-being at Marshall.”
Garrett swiftly removed Patton from the class.
“Professor Greg Patton repeated several times a Chinese word that sounds very similar to a vile racial slur in English,” Garrett wrote in a mass email. “Understandably, this caused great pain and upset among students, and for that I am deeply sorry.”
“It is simply unacceptable for faculty to use words in class that can marginalize, hurt and harm the psychological safety of our students,” he wrote.
Do you think this professor should face consequences for teaching students this Chinese word? 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: 4% (14 Votes) No: 96% (342 Votes)
Over 25,000 people have since signed a petition objecting to Patton’s dismissal.
“For him to be censored simply because a Chinese word sounds like an English pejorative term is a mistake and is not appropriate, especially given the educational setting,” the petition said.
An anonymous faculty survey showed the depth of faculty disgust with the action, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.
One professor wrote: “I’m scared to death to teach in this environment. Any innocent phrase can be turned around on you.”
Another noted that “Faculty will have to walk on egg shells all the time — anyone can be accused of being a racist, bigoted, insensitive, biased, etc.”‘
“[I] fear that if things are left as they stand now, this will have a very chilling effect on the faculty,” one wrote, with another adding, “Makes me not want to teach.”
Twitter felt the shock waves of the incident
Unbelievable. I’ll say this ten thousand times, but if anyone thinks they’re helping the cause of racial equality by engaging in absurd, over-the-top speech policing of innocent people, then they’re sadly mistaken. https://t.co/K5q5PN4jSy — David French (@DavidAFrench) September 3, 2020
Has political correctness killed free speech on college campuses? https://t.co/XnnAFBcyN1 — Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) September 17, 2020
The @USCTrojans students should be expelled. They’ll never make it in business. Their reaction is also overtly racist: Chronicle of Higher Education on the Greg Patton / USC / “Neige” Matter – https://t.co/x9hWtuHgrD https://t.co/Nddbpe5k9q — Oderint, dum mutuant (@NakatomiXmas) September 17, 2020
Matthew Simmons, a spokesperson for the business school, said that Patton wasn’t “suspended from teaching. He is taking a pause while another professor teaches that one course, but he continues to teach his others.”
Faculty, however, have a different opinion about what it means.
“After the initial shock, my overwhelming reaction now is simple: fear,” one professor wrote in the survey. “I feel fear for myself, for my colleagues, and frankly for students who run the risk of inadvertently trivializing the importance of the monumental reckoning on racial injustice that our country is, I hope, experiencing at long last.”
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--House Votes To Edit VA’s Abraham Lincoln Quote Motto

On March 4 , 1865 , President Abraham Lincoln addressed a nation in the final days of America ’ s divisive Civil War .
With the war nearly won , the president turned his speech to confront the difficult process of recovering from such a bitter feud .
“ With malice toward none , with charity for all , with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right , ” Lincoln told the crowd , “ let us strive on to finish the work we are in , to bind up the nation ’ s wounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have borne the battle and for his widow , and his orphan , to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.
” In 1959 , the Civil War-era affirmation of the government ’ s role in caring for veterans and the loved ones they leave behind was made into the motto of the Veterans Administration , now called the Department of Veterans Affairs .
Plaques with Lincoln ’ s promise “ to care for him who shall have borne the battle and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” were promptly installed on the department ’ s buildings , where they remain to this day .
After surviving decades , the motto could soon be gutted under a bill passed by the Democrat-led House of Representatives .
H.R .
3010 , the Honoring All Veterans Act , was passed Sept. 22 .
Under the act , introduced by Democratic Rep. Kathleen Rice of New York , the VA ’ s mission statement would be : “ To fulfill President Lincoln ’ s promise to care for those ‘ who shall have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families , caregivers , and survivors.
” It ’ s unclear what impact , if any , this legislation would have on the problems America ’ s veterans currently face .
As it stands , veteran suicides are uncomfortably high .
Exacerbated by a bureaucratic VA and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , the deaths of former servicemembers shows no sign of slowing .
According to The Connecticut Mirror , the suicide rate for veterans is 24.8 per 100,000 , nearly twice the national rate .
While the bill would make the VA ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to confront dire leadership and spending problems faced by the department .
A slew of other veteran-related bills passed by the House on the same day as the Honoring All Veterans Act seem to offer only minor changes to the department , such as pilot programs for information handouts and medical billing .
One act , H.R .
6092 , appears to be on the right track .
This bill , the Veteran ’ s Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act , would cut through much of the red tape involved in getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The legislation would open a clinical pathway for sufferers of the disease , which according to the bill is the “ number one cancer diagnosed in the Veterans Health Administration.
” RELATED : Watch What Happens When a Veteran Cop Notices a Damaged American Flag on the Ground The cancer , it was discovered , can be caused by exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange .
While this bill is welcome news for those suffering from prostate cancer , those with other diseases will apparently have to wait for legislation that will help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the VA. With a growing generation of veterans suffering from physical and psychological wounds at the hands of a brutal and unconventional war on terror , a solution to the VA ’ s larger shortcomings will be needed sooner rather than later .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On March 4, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln addressed a nation in the final days of America’s divisive Civil War.
With the war nearly won, the president turned his speech to confront the difficult process of recovering from such a bitter feud.
“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right,” Lincoln told the crowd, “let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”
In 1959, the Civil War-era affirmation of the government’s role in caring for veterans and the loved ones they leave behind was made into the motto of the Veterans Administration, now called the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Plaques with Lincoln’s promise “to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan” were promptly installed on the department’s buildings, where they remain to this day.
After surviving decades, the motto could soon be gutted under a bill passed by the Democrat-led House of Representatives.
H.R. 3010, the Honoring All Veterans Act, was passed Sept. 22. Under the act, introduced by Democratic Rep. Kathleen Rice of New York, the VA’s mission statement would be: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those ‘who shall have borne the battle’ and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.”
It’s unclear what impact, if any, this legislation would have on the problems America’s veterans currently face.
As it stands, veteran suicides are uncomfortably high. Exacerbated by a bureaucratic VA and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the deaths of former servicemembers shows no sign of slowing.
Does the VA's current motto need to change? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 2% (18 Votes) No: 98% (1002 Votes)
According to The Connecticut Mirror, the suicide rate for veterans is 24.8 per 100,000, nearly twice the national rate.
While the bill would make the VA’s motto more inclusive, it fails to confront dire leadership and spending problems faced by the department.
A slew of other veteran-related bills passed by the House on the same day as the Honoring All Veterans Act seem to offer only minor changes to the department, such as pilot programs for information handouts and medical billing.
One act, H.R. 6092, appears to be on the right track.
This bill, the Veteran’s Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act, would cut through much of the red tape involved in getting prostate cancer treatment from the VA. The legislation would open a clinical pathway for sufferers of the disease, which according to the bill is the “number one cancer diagnosed in the Veterans Health Administration.”
The cancer, it was discovered, can be caused by exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange.
While this bill is welcome news for those suffering from prostate cancer, those with other diseases will apparently have to wait for legislation that will help them in getting fast and effective treatment from the VA.
With a growing generation of veterans suffering from physical and psychological wounds at the hands of a brutal and unconventional war on terror, a solution to the VA’s larger shortcomings will be needed sooner rather than later.
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westernjournal--2020-09-26--Oregon Governor Declares State of Emergency in Portland Only After Conservatives Plan To Rally

After more than 100 nights of unrest , Democratic Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown has decided to declare an emergency for the city of Portland .
However , Brown made it clear Friday that she was acting only because the Proud Boys , a controversial conservative group , had said they intended to hold a rally in the city on Saturday .
The Proud Boys were planning an “ End Domestic Terrorism ” demonstration , despite the city ’ s rejection of a permit for the event , according to The Oregonian .
Counterprotesters were planning a simultaneous event , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Calling All Everyday Antifascists : Join Us At Bloom … No Proud Boys in the Rose City.
” A report from the Portland Tribune earlier this month estimated than more than 1,000 people have been arrested in the protests that have taken place in Portland since May .
However , Brown said that the Proud Boys are the real threat .
“ We are aware that white supremacist groups from out of town , including the Proud Boys , are planning a rally , ” Brown said , according to Willamette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patriot Prayer groups have come to Portland time and time again from out of state looking for a fight and the results are always tragic , ” she also said , according to Fox News .
On Aug. 29 , Patriot Prayer member Aaron Danielson was gunned down in Portland .
The antifa supporter who allegedly killed him later died in a shootout when police tried to arrest him .
“ Let me be perfectly clear : We will not tolerate any kind of violence this weekend .
Those stoking the flames of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a fight will be held accountable , ” Brown said .
RELATED : Watch : Man Rides Horse Down Highway in Chicago , Later Arrested Brown issued an order on Friday to put the Oregon State Police and Multnomah County Sheriff ’ s Office in charge of crowd management .
State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton said authorities would try to keep the groups separate to keep a lid on violence .
He added that the arrangement allows the use of tear gas on protesters — something that Portland banned for the antifa-fueled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city for weeks .
Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio told The Washington Post that the group is making a stand in a city he called “ the epicenter for all this.
” “ It goes beyond free speech right now .
Portland has franchised these riots across the country , ” Tarrio said .
“ Other cities see these things happening , and they ’ re like : ‘ We can do this here , too.
’ Portland leads by example.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @

After more than 100 nights of unrest, Democratic Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has decided to declare an emergency for the city of Portland.
However, Brown made it clear Friday that she was acting only because the Proud Boys, a controversial conservative group, had said they intended to hold a rally in the city on Saturday.
The Proud Boys were planning an “End Domestic Terrorism” demonstration, despite the city’s rejection of a permit for the event, according to The Oregonian.
Counterprotesters were planning a simultaneous event, according to an online flyer that reads: “Calling All Everyday Antifascists: Join Us At Bloom … No Proud Boys in the Rose City.”
Tomorrow (9/26)! 12 to 3pm! Join us at #BloomPDX w/ @PortlandDSA, @RoseCityAntifa, & so many other #EverydayAntifascist partners to celebrate community & show that fascists are not welcome in #PDX! Bring a buddy, prepare for rain, and let’s do this thing!#S26 #NoPBsInPDX pic.twitter.com/6K4fuApauR — PopMob (Popular Mobilization) (@PopMobPDX) September 25, 2020
A report from the Portland Tribune earlier this month estimated than more than 1,000 people have been arrested in the protests that have taken place in Portland since May.
Watch: A rioter at the BLM-antifa Portland riot throws a large Molotov cocktail at @PortlandPolice. #PortlandRiots #antifa pic.twitter.com/mRGCAbFOQe — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) September 24, 2020
However, Brown said that the Proud Boys are the real threat.
“We are aware that white supremacist groups from out of town, including the Proud Boys, are planning a rally,” Brown said, according to Willamette Week.
“The Proud Boys and Patriot Prayer groups have come to Portland time and time again from out of state looking for a fight and the results are always tragic,” she also said, according to Fox News.
Do you think there is a double standard when it comes to Brown's treatment of conservative vs. liberal protesters? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (6558 Votes) No: 0% (9 Votes)
On Aug. 29, Patriot Prayer member Aaron Danielson was gunned down in Portland. The antifa supporter who allegedly killed him later died in a shootout when police tried to arrest him.
“Let me be perfectly clear: We will not tolerate any kind of violence this weekend. Those stoking the flames of violence, those coming to Portland looking for a fight will be held accountable,” Brown said.
Brown issued an order on Friday to put the Oregon State Police and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in charge of crowd management.
State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton said authorities would try to keep the groups separate to keep a lid on violence. He added that the arrangement allows the use of tear gas on protesters — something that Portland banned for the antifa-fueled riots that have inflicted damage on the city for weeks.
Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio told The Washington Post that the group is making a stand in a city he called “the epicenter for all this.”
We will be peaceful unless provoked. I encourage people to protest us. What we won’t condone or tolerate is violence towards attendees. And as for the homeless population….We will be handing out White Claws and Budweiser. They’re in good hands. https://t.co/i5j3YAk5EB — Enrique Tarrio (@enrique_tarrio) September 24, 2020
“It goes beyond free speech right now. Portland has franchised these riots across the country,” Tarrio said.
“Other cities see these things happening, and they’re like: ‘We can do this here, too.’ Portland leads by example.”
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