westernjournal--2020-05-26--Business Owner Accuses Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer’s Husband of Attempting To Get Preferential Tre

Business Owner Accuses Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer’s Husband of Attempting To Get Preferential Treatment

Only days after Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer said she had been talking to the Biden campaign about the possibility of being picked as former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s running mate , allegations are rocking Michigan that her husband tried to use her title to get preferential treatment .
The Democratic governor ’ s spokeswoman pooh-poohed the allegations , but on Monday , The Detroit News reported that a dock company owner stands by his story that Marc Mallory , Whitmer ’ s husband , tried to throw his weight around last week prior to Memorial Day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ backdrop of Whitmer ’ s continued lockdown orders in the state and her insistence last week , citing health concerns , that residents not flood northern Michigan ’ s recreational areas over the holiday weekend .
While Whitmer and her husband live in Michigan ’ s capital city , Lansing , they also own property in the Elk Rapids area .
The fur began to fly Thursday when Tad Dowker , who owns NorthShore Dock LLC , vented on Facebook in a post that has since been deleted , according to The Detroit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Banned from Flying Trump Flag To Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better “ This morning , I was out working when the office called me , there was a gentleman on hold who wanted his boat in the water before the weekend , ” Dowker posted .
“ Being memorial weekend and the fact that we started working 3 weeks late means there is no chance this is going to happen .
“ Well our office personnel had [ explained ] this to the man and he replied ‘ I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this make a difference ? '
” he added .
Dowker had more to say , according to a screenshot of the post saved by another Facebook user .
“ As you can imagine , it does make a difference , that would put you to the back of the line !
!
!
” the post concluded .
“ Needless to say , our Governor and her husband will not be getting their boat for memorial day .
To good not to share .
I love it when karma comes around , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted a message on its page Saturday as a follow-up .
“ After a long day of keeping crews running , adhering to the additional safety regulations that need to be in place to operate our small business and fielding calls from customers frustrated with our lagging installation schedule I was told the governor ’ s husband called asking for install availability , ” the company said in the post , which is no longer available for the public to see .
“ Up until this point we , as a company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or boat.
” RELATED : Before and After Photos Show Just How Much Broken Dam Drained Lake in Michigan The post said Mallory was respectful and understood when told no early installation was possible .
Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown would neither confirm nor deny the allegation .
“ Our practice is not to discuss the governor ’ s or her family ’ s personal calendar/schedules .
And we ’ re not going to make it a practice of addressing every rumor that is spread online , ” Brown said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of wild misinformation spreading online attacking the governor and her family , and the threats of violence against her personally are downright dangerous , ” she said .
The story angered many on Twitter : Republican state Sen. Tom Barrett noted that Whitmer told everyone else in Michigan not to “ descend ” on Traverse City , which is located about 25 minutes from the property she and her husband own in the northern part of the state .
“ Yet , what did her family try and do ?
” Barrett told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army , we have a tradition that the leaders get in line for chow last behind everyone else in the unit , ” he said .
“ Here is the leader of our state .
… Her family is trying to cut people in line.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

UPDATE, May 27, 2020: After the publication of this article, Gov. Whitmer held a news conference in which she addressed the allegations that her husband tried to use her name to get preferential treatment.
“My husband made a failed attempt at humor last week when checking in with a small business that helps with our boat and dock up north,” Whitmer said. “Knowing it wouldn’t make a difference, he jokingly asked if being married to me might move him up in the queue. Obviously with the motorized boating prohibition in our early days of COVID-19, he thought it might get a laugh. It didn’t.”
“To be honest, I wasn’t laughing either when it was relayed to me. Because I knew how it would be perceived. He regrets it. I wish it wouldn’t have happened. And that’s really all we have to say about it.”
This article appears as originally written.
Only days after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she had been talking to the Biden campaign about the possibility of being picked as former Vice President Joe Biden’s running mate, allegations are rocking Michigan that her husband tried to use her title to get preferential treatment.
The Democratic governor’s spokeswoman pooh-poohed the allegations, but on Monday, The Detroit News reported that a dock company owner stands by his story that Marc Mallory, Whitmer’s husband, tried to throw his weight around last week prior to Memorial Day.
Debate over the allegations comes against a backdrop of Whitmer’s continued lockdown orders in the state and her insistence last week, citing health concerns, that residents not flood northern Michigan’s recreational areas over the holiday weekend.
While Whitmer and her husband live in Michigan’s capital city, Lansing, they also own property in the Elk Rapids area.
The fur began to fly Thursday when Tad Dowker, who owns NorthShore Dock LLC, vented on Facebook in a post that has since been deleted, according to The Detroit News.
“This morning, I was out working when the office called me, there was a gentleman on hold who wanted his boat in the water before the weekend,” Dowker posted.
“Being memorial weekend and the fact that we started working 3 weeks late means there is no chance this is going to happen.
“Well our office personnel had [explained] this to the man and he replied ‘I am the husband to the Governor, will this make a difference?'” he added.
Dowker had more to say, according to a screenshot of the post saved by another Facebook user.
Should Michigan's governor face an investigation over this? 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: 88% (891 Votes) No: 12% (116 Votes)
“As you can imagine, it does make a difference, that would put you to the back of the line!!!” the post concluded.
“Needless to say, our Governor and her husband will not be getting their boat for memorial day. To good not to share. I love it when karma comes around, even in small doses.”
The company posted a message on its page Saturday as a follow-up.
“After a long day of keeping crews running, adhering to the additional safety regulations that need to be in place to operate our small business and fielding calls from customers frustrated with our lagging installation schedule I was told the governor’s husband called asking for install availability,” the company said in the post, which is no longer available for the public to see.
“Up until this point we, as a company, had no idea we installed their dock or boat.”
The post said Mallory was respectful and understood when told no early installation was possible.
Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown would neither confirm nor deny the allegation.
“Our practice is not to discuss the governor’s or her family’s personal calendar/schedules. And we’re not going to make it a practice of addressing every rumor that is spread online,” Brown said in a statement.
“There’s been a lot of wild misinformation spreading online attacking the governor and her family, and the threats of violence against her personally are downright dangerous,” she said.
The story angered many on Twitter:
“HERE’S SOMETHING THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST to the JOE BIDEN vetting squad: … Michigan Gov. GRETCHEN WHITMER’S husband pulling the “don’t-you-know-who-I-am” card with a vacation boat dock worker in the middle of a pandemic that has killed thousands of people in his state.” pic.twitter.com/w1z1kcZdsV — Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) May 26, 2020
Whitmer’s husband: “I am the husband to the governor, will this make a difference?” Employee: “As you can imagine, it does make a difference, that would put you to the back of the line!” This is just too good.https://t.co/yUsBFtzUZx — LawEnforcementToday (@LawEnforceToday) May 24, 2020
Republican state Sen. Tom Barrett noted that Whitmer told everyone else in Michigan not to “descend” on Traverse City, which is located about 25 minutes from the property she and her husband own in the northern part of the state.
“Yet, what did her family try and do?” Barrett told The Detroit News.
“In the Army, we have a tradition that the leaders get in line for chow last behind everyone else in the unit,” he said.
“Here is the leader of our state. … Her family is trying to cut people in line.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-26--NH Dem Hijacks Pledge of Allegiance, Makes Complete Mockery Out of It

Debora Pignatelli is a member of the New Hampshire Executive Council with some odd ideas about inequality , justice and the novel coronavirus .
On Wednesday , she decided to use the Pledge of Allegiance to express her frustrations .
According to WMUR-TV , the five-term Democrat decided to alter the end of the pledge to say , “ … with liberty and justice for some.
” The executive council is a five-member body that , with the state ’ s governor , acts as the executive branch of state government .
Its members recite the pledge at the beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meetings necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic .
The other four councilors — two Democrats and two Republicans — and Republican Gov .
Chris Sununu all said the pledge in the traditional fashion .
Pignatelli , however , felt it necessary to alter it .
Her explanation was that COVID-19 had exposed inequality ‘ n ’ stuff .
TRENDING : COVID Survivor Was Banned from Flying Trump Flag To Thank POTUS , New Tribute Is Much Better “ I don ’ t say it all the time , but it has been clear to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to make some more progress if we ’ re going to call ourselves a country with liberty and justice for all , ” Pignatelli said , according to WMUR .
She also tried to distance herself from the timing of a stunt that came just before the American holiday of remembrance for fallen heroes .
“ It had nothing to do with Memorial Day , ” Pignatelli told WMUR .
“ My father and my brother served honorably , and I honor them on Veterans Day and Memorial Day , along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service members .
“ The coronavirus has pointed out and made it clear that we are not a country where everyone is considered equal and we have a lot more work to do to make this country a place where liberty and justice can live up to its promise , ” she said .
“ This pandemic has shone a bright light for me about the inequities in our country .
That ’ s what this is about .
Nothing more .
“ Some people may want to make it about more .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ But it ’ s not .
“ That ’ s why I ’ m in government , so I can try to make people ’ s lives a little bit better.
” Here ’ s a recording of Pignatelli ’ s version of the pledge published by the New Hampshire GOP , reminding those in the Granite State how Pignatelli is trying to make their lives a little bit better .
RELATED : Dem Official Threatens To Call Cops if Pledge of Allegiance Recited Many were not impressed .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this kind of disgraceful , radical behavior , ” GOP Senate Majority Leader Bob Clegg , who will be challenging Pignatelli for her seat on the council , told WMUR .
“ On the eve of Memorial Day , a holiday to celebrate and honor the fallen and injured members of the military that defended our country and our flag , Councilor Pignatelli chose to pull this disgusting stunt .
She owes New Hampshire veterans and veterans across our nation an apology.
” But ignore all of that regressive noise .
Thanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coronavirus have begun to disappear .
People ’ s lives are a little bit better because Pignatelli vulgarized the Pledge of Allegiance .
Finally , someone had the courage to change one word in the patriotic oath and the lives of the downtrodden got just a little bit brighter .
Apparently , people didn ’ t buy that explanation , so as WMUR reported , Pignatelli wrote an email that dug the ditch a little bit deeper .
“ This COVID-19 pandemic has shown a bright light on the inequities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the unfairness in the way some people are treated but now it is crystal clear .
We surely have much work to do to make it a more fair society , don ’ t you agree ?
” she wrote .
Yes , and that work begins with changing the words to the Pledge of Allegiance .
Don ’ t you agree ?
“ Perhaps that is why I got into public service in the first place – to make the lives of people a little easier and more fair .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and promise , ” Pignatelli wrote .
“ I believe we live in the best country on earth .
We have work to do and attitudes to change and thinking to do and decisions to make so that we can live up to our original purpose , this great experiment in democracy.
” I ’ m thankful that most state-level politicians like Pignatelli don ’ t have a phalanx of public relations people to protect them from writing emails like that .
No Kamala Harris or Adam Schiff — if they were ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as change the final words of the Pledge of Allegiance to “ … with liberty and justice for some ” — would write an email justifying themselves by saying an outrage like this was actually trying to “ make the lives of people a little easier and more fair ” and that it was “ why I got into public service in the first place.
” I ’ m thankful because it doesn ’ t obfuscate what this was all about in the first place : Debora Pignatelli is now a lot more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I suppose I ’ m playing into it by writing about her , but I think this kind of disgraceful behavior deserves to have a light shone upon it so that Pignatelli isn ’ t able to pass this off as an act of righteous disobedience .
Pignatelli wasn ’ t able to shed light on why these inequalities might exist or whether they ’ re an affront to justice .
The crux of her argument , inasmuch as she made one , appears to be that justice consists of total equality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has achieved that , nor should it try .
That ’ s not what America ’ s about .
We ’ re a land of opportunity — but that opportunity is available to those willing to work for it .
But then , I ’ m just guessing based on her language , which is vague enough to mean anything you want it to mean .
After scanning Pignatelli ’ s explanations several times to try and come up with a coherent argument for why she changed the words of the Pledge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up with was , “ Please pay attention to me , Debora Pignatelli .
I care about the disadvantaged .
Really !
” Well , we ’ re paying attention to her , all right — but her plan didn ’ t go off quite as she expected it would .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Debora Pignatelli is a member of the New Hampshire Executive Council with some odd ideas about inequality, justice and the novel coronavirus. On Wednesday, she decided to use the Pledge of Allegiance to express her frustrations.
According to WMUR-TV, the five-term Democrat decided to alter the end of the pledge to say, “… with liberty and justice for some.”
The executive council is a five-member body that, with the state’s governor, acts as the executive branch of state government. Its members recite the pledge at the beginning of every meeting, including the distance meetings necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The other four councilors — two Democrats and two Republicans — and Republican Gov. Chris Sununu all said the pledge in the traditional fashion. Pignatelli, however, felt it necessary to alter it.
Her explanation was that COVID-19 had exposed inequality ‘n’ stuff.
“I don’t say it all the time, but it has been clear to me since this coronavirus has started that we need to make some more progress if we’re going to call ourselves a country with liberty and justice for all,” Pignatelli said, according to WMUR.
She also tried to distance herself from the timing of a stunt that came just before the American holiday of remembrance for fallen heroes.
“It had nothing to do with Memorial Day,” Pignatelli told WMUR. “My father and my brother served honorably, and I honor them on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, along with all of our current and past service members.
“The coronavirus has pointed out and made it clear that we are not a country where everyone is considered equal and we have a lot more work to do to make this country a place where liberty and justice can live up to its promise,” she said.
Should this politician apologize for changing the Pledge of Allegiance? 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% (689 Votes) No: 1% (10 Votes)
“This pandemic has shone a bright light for me about the inequities in our country. That’s what this is about. Nothing more.
“Some people may want to make it about more. I see that now,” she said. “But it’s not.
“That’s why I’m in government, so I can try to make people’s lives a little bit better.”
Here’s a recording of Pignatelli’s version of the pledge published by the New Hampshire GOP, reminding those in the Granite State how Pignatelli is trying to make their lives a little bit better.
Many were not impressed.
“The Executive Council chamber is no place for this kind of disgraceful, radical behavior,” GOP Senate Majority Leader Bob Clegg, who will be challenging Pignatelli for her seat on the council, told WMUR.
“On the eve of Memorial Day, a holiday to celebrate and honor the fallen and injured members of the military that defended our country and our flag, Councilor Pignatelli chose to pull this disgusting stunt. She owes New Hampshire veterans and veterans across our nation an apology.”
But ignore all of that regressive noise. Thanks to Debora Pignatelli, the inequalities inherent in the coronavirus have begun to disappear. People’s lives are a little bit better because Pignatelli vulgarized the Pledge of Allegiance.
Finally, someone had the courage to change one word in the patriotic oath and the lives of the downtrodden got just a little bit brighter.
Apparently, people didn’t buy that explanation, so as WMUR reported, Pignatelli wrote an email that dug the ditch a little bit deeper.
“This COVID-19 pandemic has shown a bright light on the inequities in our society. We have always known about the unfairness in the way some people are treated but now it is crystal clear. We surely have much work to do to make it a more fair society, don’t you agree?” she wrote.
Yes, and that work begins with changing the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. Don’t you agree?
“Perhaps that is why I got into public service in the first place – to make the lives of people a little easier and more fair. I believe that my votes reflect that hope and promise,” Pignatelli wrote.
“I believe we live in the best country on earth. We have work to do and attitudes to change and thinking to do and decisions to make so that we can live up to our original purpose, this great experiment in democracy.”
I’m thankful that most state-level politicians like Pignatelli don’t have a phalanx of public relations people to protect them from writing emails like that.
No Kamala Harris or Adam Schiff — if they were ever to do something so tin-eared and unpatriotic as change the final words of the Pledge of Allegiance to “… with liberty and justice for some” — would write an email justifying themselves by saying an outrage like this was actually trying to “make the lives of people a little easier and more fair” and that it was “why I got into public service in the first place.”
I’m thankful because it doesn’t obfuscate what this was all about in the first place:
Debora Pignatelli is now a lot more famous than she was a week ago. I suppose I’m playing into it by writing about her, but I think this kind of disgraceful behavior deserves to have a light shone upon it so that Pignatelli isn’t able to pass this off as an act of righteous disobedience.
Pignatelli wasn’t able to shed light on why these inequalities might exist or whether they’re an affront to justice. The crux of her argument, inasmuch as she made one, appears to be that justice consists of total equality of outcome. No government on Earth has achieved that, nor should it try. That’s not what America’s about. We’re a land of opportunity — but that opportunity is available to those willing to work for it.
But then, I’m just guessing based on her language, which is vague enough to mean anything you want it to mean. After scanning Pignatelli’s explanations several times to try and come up with a coherent argument for why she changed the words of the Pledge of Allegiance, the only one I came up with was, “Please pay attention to me, Debora Pignatelli. I care about the disadvantaged. Really!”
Well, we’re paying attention to her, all right — but her plan didn’t go off quite as she expected it would.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-26--Video of Police Officer Kneeling on Motionless Man’s Neck Sparks Outrage

A man who died in police custody in Minneapolis was seen on a bystander ’ s video pleading that he could not breathe as an officer knelt on his neck during the arrest and kept his knee there for several minutes after the man stopped moving .
The death Monday night after a struggle with officers was under investigation by the FBI and state law enforcement authorities .
It drew comparisons to the case of Eric Garner , an unarmed black man who died in 2014 in New York after he was placed in a chokehold by police and pleaded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not breathe .
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey apologized to the black community Tuesday in a post on his Facebook page .
“ Being Black in America should not be a death sentence .
For five minutes , we watched a white officer press his knee into a Black man ’ s neck .
Five minutes .
When you hear someone calling for help , you ’ re supposed to help .
This officer failed in the most basic , human sense , ” Frey posted .
TRENDING : COVID Survivor Was Banned from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Tribute Is Much Better Police said the man matched the description of a suspect in a forgery case and resisted arrest .
The unidentified officer ignored his pleas .
“ Please , please , please , I can ’ t breathe .
Please , man , ” the man was heard telling the officer .
After several minutes , one of the officers told the man to “ relax.
” Minutes passed , and the man became motionless under the officer ’ s restraint .
The officer left his knee on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .
Several witnesses had gathered on a nearby sidewalk , with some recording the scene on their phones .
The bystanders became increasingly agitated as the man pleaded with police .
One bystander told officers they needed to let him breathe .
Another yelled at them to check the man ’ s pulse .
The man who died was identified as George Floyd by Ben Crump , a prominent civil rights and personal injury attorney who said he had been hired by Floyd ’ s family .
“ We all watched the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as witnesses begged the police officer to take him into the police car and get off his neck , ” Crump said in a statement .
“ This abusive , excessive and inhumane use of force cost the life of a man who was being detained by the police for questioning about a non-violent charge.
” Asked by reporters about the use of the knee on the man ’ s neck , Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the department has “ policies in place regarding placing someone under control ” that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll do internally.
” Two experts on police use of force said the officer clearly restrained the man for too long .
The man was under control and no longer fighting , said David A. Harris , a University of Pittsburgh law professor who specializes in police conduct .
RELATED : Hundreds of Doctors Sign Letter to Trump Warning of Consequences of Shutdown as 'Mass Casualty Incident' Andrew Scott , a former Boca Raton , Florida , police chief who now testifies as an expert witness in use-of-force cases , agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least rolled him on his side so he could breathe .
The death was “ a combination of not being trained properly or disregarding their training , ” Scott said .
“ He couldn ’ t move .
He was telling them he couldn ’ t breathe , and they ignored him .
I can ’ t even describe it .
It was difficult to watch.
” The New York City officer in the Garner case said he was using a legal maneuver called “ the seatbelt ” to bring down Garner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the medical examiner referred to it as a chokehold in the autopsy report and said it contributed to his death .
Chokehold maneuvers are banned under New York police policy .
A grand jury later decided against indicting the officers involved in Garner ’ s death , sparking protests around the country .
In Minneapolis , kneeling on a suspect ’ s neck is allowed under the department ’ s use-of-force policy for officers who have received training in how to compress a neck without applying direct pressure to the airway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force option , ” according to the department ’ s policy handbook .
A chokehold is considered a deadly force option and involves someone obstructing the airway .
According to the department ’ s use-of-force policy , officers are to use only an amount of force necessary that would be objectively reasonable .
The police union asked the public to wait for the investigation to take its course and not to “ rush to judgment and immediately condemn our officers.
” The Hennepin County Attorney ’ s Office , which would handle any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement that it was “ shocked and saddened ” by the video and pledged to handle the case fairly .
The U.S. Attorney ’ s Office in Minnesota declined comment .
The death came amid outrage over the death of Ahmaud Arbery , who was fatally shot Feb. 23 in Georgia after a white father and son pursued the 25-year-old black man they had spotted running in their subdivision .
More than two months passed before charges were brought .
Crump also represents Arbery ’ s father .
All body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been turned over to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension , and the agency asked to speak with anyone who saw the arrest or recorded video .
The officers involved have been put on paid administrative leave , per department protocol .
The agency said the officers ’ names will be released after initial interviews with the people involved and witnesses .
The FBI is conducting a separate federal civil rights investigation , at the request of Minneapolis police , the BCA said .
Messages left with the FBI were not immediately returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A man who died in police custody in Minneapolis was seen on a bystander’s video pleading that he could not breathe as an officer knelt on his neck during the arrest and kept his knee there for several minutes after the man stopped moving.
The death Monday night after a struggle with officers was under investigation by the FBI and state law enforcement authorities.
It drew comparisons to the case of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man who died in 2014 in New York after he was placed in a chokehold by police and pleaded for his life, saying he could not breathe.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey apologized to the black community Tuesday in a post on his Facebook page.
“Being Black in America should not be a death sentence. For five minutes, we watched a white officer press his knee into a Black man’s neck. Five minutes. When you hear someone calling for help, you’re supposed to help. This officer failed in the most basic, human sense,” Frey posted.
Police said the man matched the description of a suspect in a forgery case and resisted arrest. The unidentified officer ignored his pleas. “Please, please, please, I can’t breathe. Please, man,” the man was heard telling the officer.
After several minutes, one of the officers told the man to “relax.” Minutes passed, and the man became motionless under the officer’s restraint. The officer left his knee on the man’s neck for several minutes more.
Several witnesses had gathered on a nearby sidewalk, with some recording the scene on their phones. The bystanders became increasingly agitated as the man pleaded with police. One bystander told officers they needed to let him breathe. Another yelled at them to check the man’s pulse.
The man who died was identified as George Floyd by Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights and personal injury attorney who said he had been hired by Floyd’s family.
“We all watched the horrific death of George Floyd on video as witnesses begged the police officer to take him into the police car and get off his neck,” Crump said in a statement. “This abusive, excessive and inhumane use of force cost the life of a man who was being detained by the police for questioning about a non-violent charge.”
Asked by reporters about the use of the knee on the man’s neck, Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the department has “policies in place regarding placing someone under control” that “will be part of the full investigation we’ll do internally.”
Two experts on police use of force said the officer clearly restrained the man for too long.
The man was under control and no longer fighting, said David A. Harris, a University of Pittsburgh law professor who specializes in police conduct.
Andrew Scott, a former Boca Raton, Florida, police chief who now testifies as an expert witness in use-of-force cases, agreed, saying the officers should have at least rolled him on his side so he could breathe.
The death was “a combination of not being trained properly or disregarding their training,” Scott said. “He couldn’t move. He was telling them he couldn’t breathe, and they ignored him. I can’t even describe it. It was difficult to watch.”
The New York City officer in the Garner case said he was using a legal maneuver called “the seatbelt” to bring down Garner, whom police said had been resisting arrest.
But the medical examiner referred to it as a chokehold in the autopsy report and said it contributed to his death. Chokehold maneuvers are banned under New York police policy.
A grand jury later decided against indicting the officers involved in Garner’s death, sparking protests around the country.
In Minneapolis, kneeling on a suspect’s neck is allowed under the department’s use-of-force policy for officers who have received training in how to compress a neck without applying direct pressure to the airway. It is considered a “non-deadly force option,” according to the department’s policy handbook.
A chokehold is considered a deadly force option and involves someone obstructing the airway. According to the department’s use-of-force policy, officers are to use only an amount of force necessary that would be objectively reasonable.
The police union asked the public to wait for the investigation to take its course and not to “rush to judgment and immediately condemn our officers.”
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, which would handle any prosecution of police on state charges, said in a statement that it was “shocked and saddened” by the video and pledged to handle the case fairly.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota declined comment.
The death came amid outrage over the death of Ahmaud Arbery, who was fatally shot Feb. 23 in Georgia after a white father and son pursued the 25-year-old black man they had spotted running in their subdivision.
More than two months passed before charges were brought. Crump also represents Arbery’s father.
All body camera footage in the Minneapolis case has been turned over to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the agency asked to speak with anyone who saw the arrest or recorded video.
The officers involved have been put on paid administrative leave, per department protocol. The agency said the officers’ names will be released after initial interviews with the people involved and witnesses.
The FBI is conducting a separate federal civil rights investigation, at the request of Minneapolis police, the BCA said. Messages left with the FBI were not immediately returned.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-27--Report Shows Massive Number of Students Are Receiving No Online Instruction During Shutdown

The report card is in on Chicago ’ s remote learning efforts that began when schools closed in March due to the coronavirus .
The grade is an F. Less than 60 percent of Chicago Public Schools students connect to online remote learning three or more days per week , data unveiled Wednesday revealed , according to the Chicago Sun-Times .
That result comes despite a massive push to provide laptop computers to students that resulted in 93 percent of Chicago ’ s students having digital access to their lessons .
The report focused on the week of May 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all students were contacted by their schools at least once that week , whether for academic or emotional support reasons .
But among high school students , 25 percent had no contact whatsoever with their schools .
According to the report , students are connecting more now than when schools closed in March and fewer than half of the city ’ s students connected with their school three days a week at that time .
The report found that 87 percent of white and Asian students logged on to the district ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week of May 11 .
Black students logged in at a 70 percent rate , while Hispanic students connected at a rate of 78 percent .
Black and Hispanic students make up 83 percent of the district .
“ Remote learning is not perfect , ” Chicago Public Schools Chief Education Officer LaTanya McDade said .
“ As an educator , I want to see all kids engaged .
Ultimately that ’ s what I would love to see .
But I know that remote learning is not perfect .
So my expectation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ disheartening but not surprising ” that black and Hispanic students lagged behind .
Andrea Parker , a teacher at Chicago ’ s Fulton Elementary School , said only 51 of her 84 students check in at least once a week , according to WLS-TV .
RELATED : Shutdown Likely To Have Long-Lasting Devastating Impact on Schools Around the Country “ We ’ re doing whatever we can to make sure that students are constantly learning but it is definitely heartbreaking and overwhelming to see the lack of participation , like do my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ All this lack of learning — it ’ s just too many different variables that can hinder a student ’ s learning progress.
” “ They ’ re starting to call it the COVID slide , ” Bill Curtin , of the teacher education group Teach Plus Illinois , said .
“ We know there ’ s going to be a huge achievement gap after this crisis passes and when students return to the classroom and then that ’ s going to disproportionately impact our neediest and most vulnerable students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McDade was upbeat about the district ’ s plan , according to WTTW .
“ We want to keep our teachers teaching and keep our students learning , ” McDade said .
“ We know that there is no way that we can replicate the educational experience that our students have in the classroom , but we also know that we have to keep engagement , we have to keep our students connected to their school communities and our remote learning plan is really seeking to do just that.
” “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our students to learn , whether it be directly through lessons that are streaming virtually , whether it be through enrichment projects and even daily independent reading , ” she added .
“ We know how important it is for our students not just to stay connected but we have to acknowledge the challenging times that we are in and how that plays a role in our students ’ ability to learn.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The report card is in on Chicago’s remote learning efforts that began when schools closed in March due to the coronavirus.
The grade is an F.
Less than 60 percent of Chicago Public Schools students connect to online remote learning three or more days per week, data unveiled Wednesday revealed, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
That result comes despite a massive push to provide laptop computers to students that resulted in 93 percent of Chicago’s students having digital access to their lessons.
The report focused on the week of May 11. On the upside, 85 percent of all students were contacted by their schools at least once that week, whether for academic or emotional support reasons. But among high school students, 25 percent had no contact whatsoever with their schools.
According to the report, students are connecting more now than when schools closed in March and fewer than half of the city’s students connected with their school three days a week at that time.
Student engagement varied by race.
The report found that 87 percent of white and Asian students logged on to the district’s learning site at least once the week of May 11. Black students logged in at a 70 percent rate, while Hispanic students connected at a rate of 78 percent. Black and Hispanic students make up 83 percent of the district.
“Remote learning is not perfect,” Chicago Public Schools Chief Education Officer LaTanya McDade said. “As an educator, I want to see all kids engaged. Ultimately that’s what I would love to see. But I know that remote learning is not perfect. So my expectation was growth.”
McDade said it was “disheartening but not surprising” that black and Hispanic students lagged behind.
From May 11 through May 16, 23% of Chicago Public Schools students failed to log on to an online classroom platform, and 16% did no graded work. https://t.co/PGSzAO4Rju — WBEZ (@WBEZ) May 27, 2020
Newly released and long-awaited data from Chicago Public Schools, the nation’s third-largest school system, show what many have suspected: Remote learning has been an uneven and dubious replacement for in-person instruction. https://t.co/gcCA4HdZWl — Nader Issa (@NaderDIssa) May 27, 2020
Andrea Parker, a teacher at Chicago’s Fulton Elementary School, said only 51 of her 84 students check in at least once a week, according to WLS-TV.
“We’re doing whatever we can to make sure that students are constantly learning but it is definitely heartbreaking and overwhelming to see the lack of participation, like do my students really love me?” she said.
“All this lack of learning — it’s just too many different variables that can hinder a student’s learning progress.”
“They’re starting to call it the COVID slide,” Bill Curtin, of the teacher education group Teach Plus Illinois, said.
“We know there’s going to be a huge achievement gap after this crisis passes and when students return to the classroom and then that’s going to disproportionately impact our neediest and most vulnerable students,” Curtin said.
In April, McDade was upbeat about the district’s plan, according to WTTW.
“We want to keep our teachers teaching and keep our students learning,” McDade said.
Have remote learning programs failed our children? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 94% (72 Votes) No: 6% (5 Votes)
“We know that there is no way that we can replicate the educational experience that our students have in the classroom, but we also know that we have to keep engagement, we have to keep our students connected to their school communities and our remote learning plan is really seeking to do just that.”
“We’ve also established multiple ways for our students to learn, whether it be directly through lessons that are streaming virtually, whether it be through enrichment projects and even daily independent reading,” she added.
“We know how important it is for our students not just to stay connected but we have to acknowledge the challenging times that we are in and how that plays a role in our students’ ability to learn.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-27--Kathy Griffin Advocates for Disturbing Physical Assault of President Trump

Some headlines about Kathy Griffin ’ s tweet on Tuesday about President Donald Trump don ’ t quite cover the magnitude of her remarks .
The Daily News : “ Kathy Griffin suggests Trump use a ‘ syringe with nothing but air ’ for diabetes , doesn ’ t back down from outcry.
” Variety : “ Kathy Griffin Gets Backlash for Tweet About Giving Trump Syringe Filled With Air.
” Newsweek : “ Kathy Griffin Criticized for Saying Trump Should Take Syringe ‘ With Nothing but Air Inside . '
” The words “ violent ” and “ assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s comments were disgusting and vile , and she advocated for an assault of a sitting president of the United States .
It all started Tuesday when Griffin responded to a tweet from CNN ’ s Jim Acosta .
“ Trump at diabetes event at WH : ‘ I don ’ t use insulin .
Should I be ? '
” the White House correspondent tweeted .
Griffin commented with “ Syringe with nothing but air inside it would do the trick , ” and then she followed with her trademark vulgar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet was removed by Twitter on Wednesday , Breitbart reported .
Twitter ’ s terms of service stipulate that “ you may not threaten violence against an individual or a group of people .
We also prohibit the glorification of violence.
” The company said it defines violent threats as “ statements of an intent to kill or inflict serious physical harm on a specific person or group of people.
” What Griffin suggested clearly could kill someone .
According to Healthline , “ [ w ] hen an air bubble enters a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venous air embolism .
When an air bubble enters an artery , it ’ s called an arterial air embolism .
These air bubbles can travel to your brain , heart , or lungs and cause a heart attack , stroke , or respiratory failure.
” Once again , Griffin has demonstrated her hatred for our commander in chief and feels she can get away with threatening his life .
In 2017 , she posted a picture of herself holding a fake severed head of Trump .
That post on Twitter was deleted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has lingered .
Perhaps she is trying to make herself relevant again , but this is not the way to revive her career .
She is facing well-deserved repercussions on social media .
Her response to Acosta was unacceptable , and her cavalier attitude is taunting the Secret Service to do something about it .
They should at least take Griffin in for questioning after making what many consider to be a veiled threat against the president .
She has demonstrated that she has zero class .
An example has to be set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away with their sick and juvenile remarks .
The time has come to send a stern message .
Calling for harm to come to anyone , let alone the leader of the free world , is never funny .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Some headlines about Kathy Griffin’s tweet on Tuesday about President Donald Trump don’t quite cover the magnitude of her remarks.
The Daily News: “Kathy Griffin suggests Trump use a ‘syringe with nothing but air’ for diabetes, doesn’t back down from outcry.”
Variety: “Kathy Griffin Gets Backlash for Tweet About Giving Trump Syringe Filled With Air.”
Newsweek: “Kathy Griffin Criticized for Saying Trump Should Take Syringe ‘With Nothing but Air Inside.'”
The words “violent” and “assault” are scarce among headlines.
Griffin’s comments were disgusting and vile, and she advocated for an assault of a sitting president of the United States.
It all started Tuesday when Griffin responded to a tweet from CNN’s Jim Acosta.
“Trump at diabetes event at WH: ‘I don’t use insulin. Should I be?'” the White House correspondent tweeted.
Trump at diabetes event at WH: “I don’t use insulin. Should I be?” — Jim Acosta (@Acosta) May 26, 2020
Griffin commented with “Syringe with nothing but air inside it would do the trick,” and then she followed with her trademark vulgar language: “F— TRUMP.”
Her tweet was removed by Twitter on Wednesday, Breitbart reported.
Twitter’s terms of service stipulate that “you may not threaten violence against an individual or a group of people. We also prohibit the glorification of violence.” The company said it defines violent threats as “statements of an intent to kill or inflict serious physical harm on a specific person or group of people.”
Do you think the Secret Service should question Kathy Griffin? 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% (4298 Votes) No: 1% (57 Votes)
What Griffin suggested clearly could kill someone.
According to Healthline, “[w]hen an air bubble enters a vein, it’s called a venous air embolism. When an air bubble enters an artery, it’s called an arterial air embolism. These air bubbles can travel to your brain, heart, or lungs and cause a heart attack, stroke, or respiratory failure.”
After the Washington Examiner tweeted Wednesday evening claiming Griffin advocated “for someone to stab [President Trump] with a syringe full of air,” she confirmed the report with more of her signature vulgar language.
Once again, Griffin has demonstrated her hatred for our commander in chief and feels she can get away with threatening his life.
In 2017, she posted a picture of herself holding a fake severed head of Trump. That post on Twitter was deleted, but the damage to her career has lingered.
Perhaps she is trying to make herself relevant again, but this is not the way to revive her career.
She is facing well-deserved repercussions on social media.
.@KathyGriffin advocates for someone to stab @realDonaldTrump with syringe full of air. Air embolisms, caused by air getting into the bloodstream, can be fatal.https://t.co/KudXSOyFds — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) May 26, 2020
Everyone needs to report @kathygriffin for threatening messages — Brenda Ivey (@Bgivey) May 27, 2020
.@RealJamesWoods has had his Twitter account suspended for posting innocuous satire yet sodomitic anal pus, Kathy Griffin, remains immune from suspension despite advocating murder against the President of the United States repeatedly — ?? Tiff ?? (@LATiffani1) May 27, 2020
Her response to Acosta was unacceptable, and her cavalier attitude is taunting the Secret Service to do something about it. They should at least take Griffin in for questioning after making what many consider to be a veiled threat against the president.
She has demonstrated that she has zero class.
An example has to be set to stop leftists like Griffin from getting away with their sick and juvenile remarks. The time has come to send a stern message. Calling for harm to come to anyone, let alone the leader of the free world, is never funny.
CORRECTION, May 28, 2020: When originally published, the body of this article did not support the headline’s claim that Griffin advocated for someone to assault the president. We have updated this article with an additional tweet from Kathy Griffin in which she confirmed that she advocated “for someone to stab [President Trump] with a syringe full of air.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-27--Things Take Ugly Turn After Man Whose Fiancée Passed Away Asks Videography Company for Refund

Many weddings set for this spring and summer have been postponed or downsized drastically as people scramble to comply with social distancing guidelines .
For those people , it has been a challenge to try to move everything with as little wasted money and forfeited deposits as possible — but at least they will still have their wedding or got to have a small celebration .
Justin Montney , however , doesn ’ t get that luxury .
Montney ’ s fiancée , Alexis Wyatt , was killed in February in a car accident in Colorado Springs , Colorado .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ GoFundMe was started to help cover Wyatt ’ s service .
“ As most of you know , Jeremy and Dusty Black lost their amazing daughter Alexis in a car accident Monday afternoon , ” the GoFundMe reads .
“ She was such a sweet , kind hearted , gentle soul .
We , as a family , are so thankful she knew and loved Jesus and we will see her again someday.
” “ All the money raised will go directly to her parents to help pay for her funeral .
Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Imogen and Kylee and her fiancé Justin Montney in your prayers during this difficult time.
” To add insult to injury , Montney had to cancel all the services they ’ d planned on using for their wedding .
He hit a roadblock when he asked the videographer , Copper Stallion Media , if he could have his $ 1,800 deposit refunded .
Wyatt was killed on Feb. 4 , and according to KSAZ-TV , Montney emailed Copper Stallion Media on Feb. 17 .
The company said they couldn ’ t offer a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deposit was non-refundable .
“ We replied and expressed our sympathy and explained to him that all of our wedding contracts are non-refundable , ” the company stated , according to KSAZ-TV .
“ He kept emailing us trying to get a refund and we kept reiterating that the contract is non-refundable .
We eventually stopped responding since the issue was moot.
” Montney thought they could have made an exception , given the circumstances .
“ They should have been able to do ( that ) because they didn ’ t render @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s when things started to get really ugly .
Copper Stallion Media claimed Montney continued to ask for the $ 1,800 , wrote unfavorable reviews about the company and threatened to talk to news outlets about the issue .
He said the company told him they couldn ’ t refund the deposit but they could put it toward his next wedding , which he found insensitive .
RELATED : Wife Snaps Photos of Husband 's Attempts To Make the Bed for First Time in 45 Years “ I read your contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have you guys ever heard of decency at all ?
” Montney said in a voicemail , according to KSAZ-TV .
“ You guys are disgusting , I hope your company burns to the ground .
You go to hell , you f—ing disgusting people.
” Copper Stallion Media then purchased the domain name justinmontneywedding.com , claiming the money used to secure the domain name was the deposit that Montney had paid , according to KMGH-TV .
They allegedly posted their “ case ” against him , and called Montney ’ s attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign.
” “ In the news story he admits that the contract was non-refundable but says we should give the money back due to the circumstance .
Life is a b—- , Justin , ” the website previously said .
At this time , the only thing on justinmontneywedding.com is a YouTube embed of the song “ A Perfect Circle — Disillusioned.
” More people began leaving negative reviews , and the words began to grow harsher .
The final straw for many was what Copper Stallion Media posted on what would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Today would have been the day where we would have filmed Justin and Alexis ’ wedding , ” the post read , according to screen shots people snapped and shared .
“ After what Justin pulled with the media stunt to try and shake us down for a refund we hope you sob and cry all day for what would have been your wedding day.
” While the company ’ s Facebook page is still standing , a deluge of negative comments has hit the page .
While Montney may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flocked to the GoFundMe page for Alexis and donated to the tune of $ 15,000 , which helped cover the funeral and will now go toward more memorial plaques and pieces to honor Alexis ’ life .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Many weddings set for this spring and summer have been postponed or downsized drastically as people scramble to comply with social distancing guidelines.
For those people, it has been a challenge to try to move everything with as little wasted money and forfeited deposits as possible — but at least they will still have their wedding or got to have a small celebration.
Justin Montney, however, doesn’t get that luxury.
Montney’s fiancée, Alexis Wyatt, was killed in February in a car accident in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Montney and the family grieved and a GoFundMe was started to help cover Wyatt’s service.
“As most of you know, Jeremy and Dusty Black lost their amazing daughter Alexis in a car accident Monday afternoon,” the GoFundMe reads. “She was such a sweet, kind hearted, gentle soul. We, as a family, are so thankful she knew and loved Jesus and we will see her again someday.”
“All the money raised will go directly to her parents to help pay for her funeral. Please keep Jeremy, Dusty, her sisters Imogen and Kylee and her fiancé Justin Montney in your prayers during this difficult time.”
To add insult to injury, Montney had to cancel all the services they’d planned on using for their wedding. He hit a roadblock when he asked the videographer, Copper Stallion Media, if he could have his $1,800 deposit refunded.
Wyatt was killed on Feb. 4, and according to KSAZ-TV, Montney emailed Copper Stallion Media on Feb. 17. The company said they couldn’t offer a refund, citing their policy that the deposit was non-refundable.
“We replied and expressed our sympathy and explained to him that all of our wedding contracts are non-refundable,” the company stated, according to KSAZ-TV. “He kept emailing us trying to get a refund and we kept reiterating that the contract is non-refundable. We eventually stopped responding since the issue was moot.”
Montney thought they could have made an exception, given the circumstances.
“They should have been able to do (that) because they didn’t render any services,” he said.
That’s when things started to get really ugly. Copper Stallion Media claimed Montney continued to ask for the $1,800, wrote unfavorable reviews about the company and threatened to talk to news outlets about the issue.
He said the company told him they couldn’t refund the deposit but they could put it toward his next wedding, which he found insensitive.
“I read your contract and I understand its nonrefundable, but have you guys ever heard of decency at all?” Montney said in a voicemail, according to KSAZ-TV. “You guys are disgusting, I hope your company burns to the ground. You go to hell, you f—ing disgusting people.”
Copper Stallion Media then purchased the domain name justinmontneywedding.com, claiming the money used to secure the domain name was the deposit that Montney had paid, according to KMGH-TV. They allegedly posted their “case” against him, and called Montney’s attempts to bring them down a “smear campaign.”
“In the news story he admits that the contract was non-refundable but says we should give the money back due to the circumstance. Life is a b—-, Justin,” the website previously said.
At this time, the only thing on justinmontneywedding.com is a YouTube embed of the song “A Perfect Circle — Disillusioned.”
More people began leaving negative reviews, and the words began to grow harsher. The final straw for many was what Copper Stallion Media posted on what would have been the couple’s wedding day.
“Today would have been the day where we would have filmed Justin and Alexis’ wedding,” the post read, according to screen shots people snapped and shared. “After what Justin pulled with the media stunt to try and shake us down for a refund we hope you sob and cry all day for what would have been your wedding day.”
While the company’s Facebook page is still standing, a deluge of negative comments has hit the page.
While Montney may not have gotten his deposit back, people flocked to the GoFundMe page for Alexis and donated to the tune of $15,000, which helped cover the funeral and will now go toward more memorial plaques and pieces to honor Alexis’ life.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-27--Ex-CBS Pres Issues Scathing Comments: Establishment Media Is Wildly Liberal and Anti-Trump

The former president of CBS News launched an all-out assault against establishment media outlets this week in a scathing Op-Ed that decried their far-left turn in recent decades .
Van Gordon Sauter , who helmed the network during two separate stints in the 1980s , called out two of the country ’ s cable news outlets , describing them as “ unrelentingly liberal.
” “ On the home screen , the three broadcast network divisions still have their liberal tilt .
Two of the three leading cable news sources are unrelentingly liberal in their fear and loathing of President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Op-Ed for The Wall Street Journal .
The former CBS News president was likely referring to MSNBC and CNN in citing “ [ t ] wo of the three leading cable news sources.
” Sauter also had harsh words for some of the country ’ s prominent newspapers .
“ The highly influential daily newspapers in New York , Washington , Los Angeles and Boston are now decidedly liberal , ” Sauter wrote .
He also touched on the unwatchable spectacle that late night TV has become .
“ The news media is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professoriate , the entertainment industry , upscale magazines and the literary world .
Recent arrivals are the late-night TV hosts who have broken the boundaries of what was considered acceptable political humor for networks , ” Sauter added .
Sauter then asked reporters how they intend to redeem the loss of their credibility and journalistic integrity , and cover the next four years should Trump win a second term in November .
“ To the journalists , including more than a few Republicans , [ the president ] is a blatant vulgarian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader who should be ousted next January , if not sooner , ” he wrote .
But , he asked , “ How will a large segment of the public ever put stock in journalism it considers hostile to the country ’ s best interests ?
” If you ’ ve been paying attention , it ’ s not breaking news that the national media is tilted to the left , but the admission from a media insider such as Sauter is a welcome confirmation of what so many conservative Americans already know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media outlets is out in the open , as the media ’ s 24/7 assault on President Trump and his supporters has continued unabated for five years .
RELATED : Trump Blows the Media Out of the Water with Epic Message After Finishing Hydroxychloroquine Treatments While Sauter may not be a supporter of the president , he is an experienced media veteran , and his perspective is both welcome and credible .
The days of Walter Cronkite narrating events in the evenings are gone , and they aren ’ t coming back .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s legacy media outlets to find a middle ground between objectivity and shilling all day , every day , for Democrats on television and online .
A sensible person would find that request to be reasonable .
If Trump is indeed re-elected , it is hard to imagine the establishment media to which Sauter is referring will relent and give a lame duck president a fair shake .
The activist reporting will probably turn farther to the left .
( Democrats and the media have barely handled four years of Trump , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gleefully accepting four more . )
But at least the media is being called out by one of its own ; that is a win for those who simply ask for objectivity in news reporting .
While Sauter may not be a Trump supporter , he deserves credit for asking the media to hold itself accountable for its slanted coverage and the damage it is doing to the American people .
The former executive took a bold step by standing up to the media ’ s pro-Democrat dogma , and that warrants the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ability to disagree with people and still have a basic level of respect for them is the very virtue our country needs to recover after years of divisive , inflammatory and outright false reporting .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The former president of CBS News launched an all-out assault against establishment media outlets this week in a scathing Op-Ed that decried their far-left turn in recent decades.
Van Gordon Sauter, who helmed the network during two separate stints in the 1980s, called out two of the country’s cable news outlets, describing them as “unrelentingly liberal.”
“On the home screen, the three broadcast network divisions still have their liberal tilt. Two of the three leading cable news sources are unrelentingly liberal in their fear and loathing of President Trump,” he wrote in a Monday Op-Ed for The Wall Street Journal.
The former CBS News president was likely referring to MSNBC and CNN in citing “[t]wo of the three leading cable news sources.”
Sauter also had harsh words for some of the country’s prominent newspapers.
“The highly influential daily newspapers in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and Boston are now decidedly liberal,” Sauter wrote.
He also touched on the unwatchable spectacle that late night TV has become.
“The news media is catching up with the liberalism of the professoriate, the entertainment industry, upscale magazines and the literary world. Recent arrivals are the late-night TV hosts who have broken the boundaries of what was considered acceptable political humor for networks,” Sauter added.
Sauter then asked reporters how they intend to redeem the loss of their credibility and journalistic integrity, and cover the next four years should Trump win a second term in November.
Do you think Sauter's Op-Ed will lead to a broader discussion about the media's biased reporting? 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: 38% (920 Votes) No: 62% (1475 Votes)
“To the journalists, including more than a few Republicans, [the president] is a blatant vulgarian, an incessant prevaricator, and a dangerous leader who should be ousted next January, if not sooner,” he wrote.
But, he asked, “How will a large segment of the public ever put stock in journalism it considers hostile to the country’s best interests?”
If you’ve been paying attention, it’s not breaking news that the national media is tilted to the left, but the admission from a media insider such as Sauter is a welcome confirmation of what so many conservative Americans already know.
The media, including Sauter’s former employer, CBS News, abandoned objectivity long ago.
The disdain for conservatives among establishment media outlets is out in the open, as the media’s 24/7 assault on President Trump and his supporters has continued unabated for five years.
While Sauter may not be a supporter of the president, he is an experienced media veteran, and his perspective is both welcome and credible.
The days of Walter Cronkite narrating events in the evenings are gone, and they aren’t coming back.
Sauter is essentially asking the country’s legacy media outlets to find a middle ground between objectivity and shilling all day, every day, for Democrats on television and online.
A sensible person would find that request to be reasonable.
Don’t count on it happening.
If Trump is indeed re-elected, it is hard to imagine the establishment media to which Sauter is referring will relent and give a lame duck president a fair shake.
The activist reporting will probably turn farther to the left. (Democrats and the media have barely handled four years of Trump, so it’s hard to image them gleefully accepting four more.)
But at least the media is being called out by one of its own; that is a win for those who simply ask for objectivity in news reporting.
While Sauter may not be a Trump supporter, he deserves credit for asking the media to hold itself accountable for its slanted coverage and the damage it is doing to the American people.
The former executive took a bold step by standing up to the media’s pro-Democrat dogma, and that warrants the respect of conservatives.
After all, the ability to disagree with people and still have a basic level of respect for them is the very virtue our country needs to recover after years of divisive, inflammatory and outright false reporting.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-27--NBC Accidentally Revives Jimmy Fallon Blackface Clip by Promoting Old SNL Skit

Jimmy Fallon , the host of NBC ’ s “ The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon , ” has been canceled .
Well , not really , and that ’ s what makes it such an important story .
While the hashtag # jimmyfallonisoverparty trended on Twitter , neither social media nor NBC are actually making too much of a clip showing Fallon as black comedian Chris Rock , complete with face-darkening makeup .
The “ Saturday Night Live ” sketch from 2000 recently began making the rounds again on social media , but since Fallon is a left-leaning celebrity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The original sketch was promoted on NBC ’ s website as a featured clip titled “ Regis co-host auditions.
” In the skit , Darrell Hammond as Regis Philbin “ auditioned ” various celebrities , played by the SNL cast , to replace co-host Kathie Lee on ABC ’ s “ Live !
with Regis and Kathie Lee.
” It featured the likes of Tracy Morgan as Star Jones and Cheri Oteri as Barbara Walters , both of whom were original co-hosts of ABC ’ s “ The View , ” as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
Notably , Fallon is listed in the credits on the network ’ s official page with the clip , but his performance was completely scrubbed from the sketch .
But since the internet is forever , the clip was posted on YouTube in February 2019 with the subtitle , “ NBC fired Megan Kelly for mentioning blackface .
Jimmy Fallon performed on NBC in blackface.
” After a Twitter user shared the clip Tuesday , the hashtag began to trend on Twitter .
“ I ’ ve seen ‘ Who Wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guess what ?
Not a lot of black folks on the show , ” Fallon said in the scripted skit .
“ Know why ?
Because black folks don ’ t like to answer questions , ” he continued .
“ Oh , they want to be millionaires , but you got to ask their kind of question , like , ‘ In 1981 , how many grams of crack did Rick James smoke when he recorded ‘ Super Freak ? '
” RELATED : Watch Jimmy Fallon Laugh Hysterically as Smollett Gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you think the only way to get a brother on the show is to name it ‘ Who Wants $ 50 Cash and a Pair of Pumas . '
” Another YouTube user posted an astonishing side-by-side comparison of the original broadcast and edited clip on NBC ’ s website .
In a separate incident , NBC famously ripped Megyn Kelly off air and ultimately canceled her show “ Megyn Kelly Today ” after she discussed the use of blackface as part of a Halloween costume , though clearly not defending it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in an October 23 , 2018 broadcast .
She apologized on her show the following day , but the damage was done , and so was her career at NBC .
Fallon , who actually wore blackface for a sketch , tweeted an apology only after the performance was resurrected on Twitter decades later .
“ In 2000 , while on SNL , I made a terrible decision to do an impersonation of Chris Rock while in blackface , ” Fallon wrote Tuesday .
“ There is no excuse for this .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable.
” It doesn ’ t appear NBC is at all interested in holding him accountable as the only action the network has taken so far was to make sure the performance was simply cut out with the hopes it would be forgotten .
Unlike Kelly , Fallon has yet to face major fallout and even had actor Jamie Foxx come to his defense on an E !
News Instagram post .
“ We comedians I know it ’ s a tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a stretch .
On a show called in living color we played every race Let this one go .
We got bigger fish to fry , ” he wrote , according to Entertainment Tonight .
Apparently , Hollywood suddenly knows the distinction between offensive stereotyping and convincing character portrayal .
The double standard did not escape Twitter users .
“ Jimmy Fallon is being cancelled by the Twitter mob because he once put on blackface to play Chris Rock in a Saturday Night Live skit twenty years ago , ” one user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trudeau and Ralph Northam get a pass , ” the tweet went on , referring to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Democratic Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam , both of whom have been photographed wearing offensive costumes but suffered few consequences .
It ’ s doubtful that NBC will discard Fallon the way it did Kelly because it was never really about racism in the first place , but more about who Kelly was and the conservative viewpoint she represented .
Instead , the usual suspects will circle the wagons for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made an example of for defending the use of makeup in a Halloween costume .
The only silver lining is that with the rise of social media and platforms like YouTube , there is no hiding liberals ’ hypocrisy .
America is watching .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Jimmy Fallon, the host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” has been canceled.
Well, not really, and that’s what makes it such an important story.
While the hashtag #jimmyfallonisoverparty trended on Twitter, neither social media nor NBC are actually making too much of a clip showing Fallon as black comedian Chris Rock, complete with face-darkening makeup.
The “Saturday Night Live” sketch from 2000 recently began making the rounds again on social media, but since Fallon is a left-leaning celebrity, he mostly gets a pass.
The original sketch was promoted on NBC’s website as a featured clip titled “Regis co-host auditions.”
In the skit, Darrell Hammond as Regis Philbin “auditioned” various celebrities, played by the SNL cast, to replace co-host Kathie Lee on ABC’s “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee.”
It featured the likes of Tracy Morgan as Star Jones and Cheri Oteri as Barbara Walters, both of whom were original co-hosts of ABC’s “The View,” as well as Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer and others.
Notably, Fallon is listed in the credits on the network’s official page with the clip, but his performance was completely scrubbed from the sketch.
But since the internet is forever, the clip was posted on YouTube in February 2019 with the subtitle, “NBC fired Megan Kelly for mentioning blackface. Jimmy Fallon performed on NBC in blackface.”
After a Twitter user shared the clip Tuesday, the hashtag began to trend on Twitter.
#jimmyfallonisoverparty if ur trying to see what he did pic.twitter.com/5K2eAH7Vjn — s?m? (@chefboyohdear) May 26, 2020
“I’ve seen ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,’ and guess what? Not a lot of black folks on the show,” Fallon said in the scripted skit.
“Know why? Because black folks don’t like to answer questions,” he continued.
“Oh, they want to be millionaires, but you got to ask their kind of question, like, ‘In 1981, how many grams of crack did Rick James smoke when he recorded ‘Super Freak?'”
“Regis, you think the only way to get a brother on the show is to name it ‘Who Wants $50 Cash and a Pair of Pumas.'”
Another YouTube user posted an astonishing side-by-side comparison of the original broadcast and edited clip on NBC’s website.
In a separate incident, NBC famously ripped Megyn Kelly off air and ultimately canceled her show “Megyn Kelly Today” after she discussed the use of blackface as part of a Halloween costume, though clearly not defending it in the historical context of perpetuating racial stereotypes, in an October 23, 2018 broadcast.
She apologized on her show the following day, but the damage was done, and so was her career at NBC.
Fallon, who actually wore blackface for a sketch, tweeted an apology only after the performance was resurrected on Twitter decades later.
“In 2000, while on SNL, I made a terrible decision to do an impersonation of Chris Rock while in blackface,” Fallon wrote Tuesday.
“There is no excuse for this. I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable.”
In 2000, while on SNL, I made a terrible decision to do an impersonation of Chris Rock while in blackface. There is no excuse for this. I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision and thank all of you for holding me accountable. — jimmy fallon (@jimmyfallon) May 26, 2020
It doesn’t appear NBC is at all interested in holding him accountable as the only action the network has taken so far was to make sure the performance was simply cut out with the hopes it would be forgotten.
Unlike Kelly, Fallon has yet to face major fallout and even had actor Jamie Foxx come to his defense on an E! News Instagram post.
Do you think Jimmy Fallon will get a pass from comrades in the establishment media? 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% (203 Votes) No: 1% (3 Votes)
“We comedians I know it’s a tough time right now. But this one is a stretch. On a show called in living color we played every race Let this one go. We got bigger fish to fry,” he wrote, according to Entertainment Tonight.
Apparently, Hollywood suddenly knows the distinction between offensive stereotyping and convincing character portrayal.
The double standard did not escape Twitter users.
“Jimmy Fallon is being cancelled by the Twitter mob because he once put on blackface to play Chris Rock in a Saturday Night Live skit twenty years ago,” one user pointed out.
“Meanwhile, Justin Trudeau and Ralph Northam get a pass,” the tweet went on, referring to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, both of whom have been photographed wearing offensive costumes but suffered few consequences.
Jimmy Fallon is being cancelled by the Twitter mob because he once put on blackface to play Chris Rock in a Saturday Night Live skit twenty years ago. Meanwhile, Justin Trudeau and Ralph Northam get a pass.#jimmyfallonisoverparty pic.twitter.com/PWY5GNvmgw — Possum Reviews (@ReviewsPossum) May 26, 2020
It’s doubtful that NBC will discard Fallon the way it did Kelly because it was never really about racism in the first place, but more about who Kelly was and the conservative viewpoint she represented.
Instead, the usual suspects will circle the wagons for their liberal media comrade while conservative Kelly was made an example of for defending the use of makeup in a Halloween costume.
The only silver lining is that with the rise of social media and platforms like YouTube, there is no hiding liberals’ hypocrisy. America is watching.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-27--Bob Ehrlich: Biden’s ‘You Ain’t Black’ Comment Wasn’t a Mistake – It’s What He Believes

Joe Biden ’ s faux pas on race ( “ If you have a problem figuring out whether you ’ re for me or Trump , then you ain ’ t black ” ) dominated cable news in recent days .
Republicans were more than happy to throw a truly ludicrous and pompously belittling statement back into the presumptive nominee ’ s face , while Democrats quickly circled the wagons and tried to change the subject .
Biden himself sought to stop the bleeding by declaring , “ I shouldn ’ t have been such a wise guy.
” His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to characterize the incident as “ a mistake.
” But underlying the entire episode is an uncomfortable fact of public life : The former vice president was simply repeating what he and so many folks on the left believe .
To wit : Any person of color who votes for Mr. Trump ( or any Republican for that matter ) is a traitor to his race , not a real African-American .
For those of you inclined to see this as a one-off , forget it .
Recall Mr. Biden ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience in Virginia that Mitt Romney ’ s financial plans would “ put y ’ all back in chains.
” The line was accompanied by the now customary “ Southern black pastor drawl ” — a clumsy and demeaning identification tactic borrowed from the master of the art , Hillary Clinton .
Perhaps the single worst example in this fear-inducing race-based genre was the infamous 2002 commercial in which Renee Mullins , the daughter of James Byrd ( the black man dragged to his death while chained to a pickup truck ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a hate crime bill is akin to killing her father “ all over again.
” So Amtrak Joe is not alone in playing the race card front and center .
Indeed , my African American ticket-mate in the 2002 Maryland gubernatorial race , Michael Steele , had to confront charges of “ Uncle Tom ” and “ token ” from elected Democrats .
One African-American member of the legislature went so far as to assure black voters that “ party trumps race.
” Such is the price for acting outside of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a fact of life well known to other prominent black conservatives including South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson .
Still , stereotyping is not confined to race .
Similar ire is directed at members of other minority groups who have had the audacity to act ( and vote ) outside of their “ assigned ” party .
Geez , one of my Democratic opponents once wondered aloud how any Jewish Marylander could vote for little ole me .
This despite a strong pro-Israel record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities while a member of the state legislature .
Another Maryland memory : a liberal state senator assuring me that the GOP candidate for governor ( my friend and mutual political supporter , Ellen Sauerbrey ) was not a “ real ” woman .
Ms. Sauerbrey was , after all , pro-life .
It is an unfortunate part of today ’ s politics that none of this shocks the conscience of the left .
Conservative members of minority groups who fail to fit the progressive definition of what a Republican must be ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight ) are regularly and viciously ostracized by the practitioners of identity politics .
RELATED : Bob Ehrlich : COVID & China Have Exposed How Globalism 's Virtues Were Exaggerated All Along Yes , even in the year 2020 , it is seemingly impossible for some folks to accept the reality of black Republicans , Hispanic Republicans , Jewish Republicans , Muslim Republicans , pro-choice Republicans and gay Republicans — especially when the object of the GOP support is none other than Donald J. Trump .
These so-called outliers remain too inconvenient , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the purveyors of such nonsense have stayed in their basements for too long , in the process conjuring up requirements of how a “ real ” minority must vote .
There remains an uncomfortable bottom line to this latest outburst from Joe Biden .
Do not be swayed by the mea culpas , crocodile-teared apologies or attempts to minimize the afront or change the subject .
Those who live and breathe identity politics are imprisoned by it ; it limits their ability to think outside the box and encourages embarrassingly deep dives into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another Trump win — with a measurable uptick in minority support — will finally put a dagger into such thought .
One can only hope .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Joe Biden’s faux pas on race (“If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black”) dominated cable news in recent days.
Republicans were more than happy to throw a truly ludicrous and pompously belittling statement back into the presumptive nominee’s face, while Democrats quickly circled the wagons and tried to change the subject.
Biden himself sought to stop the bleeding by declaring, “I shouldn’t have been such a wise guy.” His enablers in the media and leading Democrats sought to characterize the incident as “a mistake.”
But underlying the entire episode is an uncomfortable fact of public life: The former vice president was simply repeating what he and so many folks on the left believe. To wit: Any person of color who votes for Mr. Trump (or any Republican for that matter) is a traitor to his race, not a real African-American.
For those of you inclined to see this as a one-off, forget it. Recall Mr. Biden’s 2008 performance when he assured an African-American audience in Virginia that Mitt Romney’s financial plans would “put y’all back in chains.” The line was accompanied by the now customary “Southern black pastor drawl” — a clumsy and demeaning identification tactic borrowed from the master of the art, Hillary Clinton.
Perhaps the single worst example in this fear-inducing race-based genre was the infamous 2002 commercial in which Renee Mullins, the daughter of James Byrd (the black man dragged to his death while chained to a pickup truck), says George W. Bush’s opposition to a hate crime bill is akin to killing her father “all over again.”
So Amtrak Joe is not alone in playing the race card front and center.
Indeed, my African American ticket-mate in the 2002 Maryland gubernatorial race, Michael Steele, had to confront charges of “Uncle Tom” and “token” from elected Democrats.
One African-American member of the legislature went so far as to assure black voters that “party trumps race.” Such is the price for acting outside of the left’s racist and racial caricature — a fact of life well known to other prominent black conservatives including South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson.
Do you think the Democratic Party's obsession with identity politics has led it into outright racism? 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% (219 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
Still, stereotyping is not confined to race.
Similar ire is directed at members of other minority groups who have had the audacity to act (and vote) outside of their “assigned” party. Geez, one of my Democratic opponents once wondered aloud how any Jewish Marylander could vote for little ole me. This despite a strong pro-Israel record in Congress and representation of prominent Jewish communities while a member of the state legislature.
Another Maryland memory: a liberal state senator assuring me that the GOP candidate for governor (my friend and mutual political supporter, Ellen Sauerbrey) was not a “real” woman. Ms. Sauerbrey was, after all, pro-life.
It is an unfortunate part of today’s politics that none of this shocks the conscience of the left.
Conservative members of minority groups who fail to fit the progressive definition of what a Republican must be (presumably white, male, Protestant, straight) are regularly and viciously ostracized by the practitioners of identity politics.
Yes, even in the year 2020, it is seemingly impossible for some folks to accept the reality of black Republicans, Hispanic Republicans, Jewish Republicans, Muslim Republicans, pro-choice Republicans and gay Republicans — especially when the object of the GOP support is none other than Donald J. Trump.
These so-called outliers remain too inconvenient, too unsettling. It is as if the purveyors of such nonsense have stayed in their basements for too long, in the process conjuring up requirements of how a “real” minority must vote.
There remains an uncomfortable bottom line to this latest outburst from Joe Biden. Do not be swayed by the mea culpas, crocodile-teared apologies or attempts to minimize the afront or change the subject. Those who live and breathe identity politics are imprisoned by it; it limits their ability to think outside the box and encourages embarrassingly deep dives into condescension.
Maybe, just maybe, another Trump win — with a measurable uptick in minority support — will finally put a dagger into such thought. One can only hope.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-27--After Party Puts Bar at Center of Virus Fear Firestorm, Owner Refuses To Back Down in Epic Statement

A Missouri bar found itself at the center of a firestorm after video of a party at the establishment went viral .
Now , the owner is firing back at critics with a defiant statement of his own .
According to KMOV-TV in St. Louis , the Memorial Day weekend party was held at Backwater Jack ’ s Bar and Grill in Missouri .
In the clip , nearly every patron is seen without a face mask and not practicing much social distancing during a party at the Lake of the Ozarks tourist destination .
The media and those fearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus cases were quick to criticize both the bar ’ s owner and those attending the party .
“ This day at the pool will kill 10,000 , ” one user wrote .
Speculation about the bar ’ s flippant attitude toward the spread of COVID-19 was virtually demolished by Gary Prewitt , the owner of Backwater Jack ’ s .
“ No laws were broken , ” Prewitt wrote in a Facebook post , citing the Camden County Sheriff ’ s assertion that those attending were responsible enough to make their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the bar wasn ’ t exactly letting just anyone in , instead denying access to those who could be carrying the virus .
“ Non-contact thermal checks were conducted at both entrances to the pool by medical staff hired for the event , ” Prewitt explained .
Although this upset some customers , the staff turned away anyone running a high temperature .
While this measure might have prevented a few individuals with symptoms from entering , transmission by symptomless carriers remains a concern .
RELATED : Joe Biden Repeats His Haunting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were also given hand sanitizer by the bar , free of charge .
The bar ’ s owner emphasized that his business is seasonal and the early stages of the American outbreak have already cost him a third of his season .
With lockdown measures enforced across several states and many afraid to leave their communities , Prewitt was facing potentially devastating losses .
Despite the make-or-break nature of this season , the bar says it didn ’ t force workers to come in for their shifts .
With America ’ s outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen if events like those held at the Lake of the Ozarks will spark hotspots of their own over time .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Missouri bar found itself at the center of a firestorm after video of a party at the establishment went viral.
Now, the owner is firing back at critics with a defiant statement of his own.
According to KMOV-TV in St. Louis, the Memorial Day weekend party was held at Backwater Jack’s Bar and Grill in Missouri.
In the clip, nearly every patron is seen without a face mask and not practicing much social distancing during a party at the Lake of the Ozarks tourist destination.
The media and those fearing that this could herald a second wave of coronavirus cases were quick to criticize both the bar’s owner and those attending the party.
No covid concerns at the lake of the ozarks? #loto pic.twitter.com/Yrb4UNM64u — Scott Pasmore (@scottpasmoretv) May 24, 2020
“This day at the pool will kill 10,000,” one user wrote.
Speculation about the bar’s flippant attitude toward the spread of COVID-19 was virtually demolished by Gary Prewitt, the owner of Backwater Jack’s.
Will this pool party spawn more hotspots? 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: 13% (46 Votes) No: 87% (309 Votes)
“No laws were broken,” Prewitt wrote in a Facebook post, citing the Camden County Sheriff’s assertion that those attending were responsible enough to make their own decisions.
Next, it appears that the bar wasn’t exactly letting just anyone in, instead denying access to those who could be carrying the virus.
“Non-contact thermal checks were conducted at both entrances to the pool by medical staff hired for the event,” Prewitt explained.
Although this upset some customers, the staff turned away anyone running a high temperature.
While this measure might have prevented a few individuals with symptoms from entering, transmission by symptomless carriers remains a concern.
Those attending were also given hand sanitizer by the bar, free of charge.
The bar’s owner emphasized that his business is seasonal and the early stages of the American outbreak have already cost him a third of his season.
With lockdown measures enforced across several states and many afraid to leave their communities, Prewitt was facing potentially devastating losses.
Despite the make-or-break nature of this season, the bar says it didn’t force workers to come in for their shifts.
With America’s outbreak still ongoing, it remains to be seen if events like those held at the Lake of the Ozarks will spark hotspots of their own over time.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.