westernjournal--2020-07-05--Virginia College May Change Mascot Because ‘Wasps’ Isn’t Inclusive

In the category of wokeness-run amok , southwest Virginia ’ s Emory & Henry College is reconsidering its Wasp mascot out of concern it is not inclusive enough .
The stinging insect seems acceptable as far as mascots go .
After all , a Marvel cartoon character is based on the wasp , as is a Navy amphibious assault ship .
However , in a recent email obtained by Young America ’ s Foundation , Emory & Henry President John Wells raised the possibility of the college getting rid of the mascot it ’ s had for nearly 100 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the school , founded in 1836 , is named for Bishop John Emory and Virginia ’ s first governor , Patrick Henry , both of whom were slaveholders .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate He wrote that in light of this fact , and that the institution also benefited from slave labor , “ Conversations must examine how Emory & Henry ’ s past has contributed to current and ongoing systemic oppression.
” “ For example , discussion should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wasp , and the impact of this mascot on inclusion and diversity on our campus , ” Wells said .
A subsequent email YAF obtained from Emory & Henry alumni director Monica Hoel explained the issue at hand .
“ The little wasp itself isn ’ t offensive , but the acronym WASP stands for White Anglo Saxon Protestant , ” Hoel wrote .
“ It stands to make us seem exclusive of those not in that category.
” Emory & Henry ’ s sports site , GoWasps.com , explains that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 1921 , when the school ’ s football team traveled to Knoxville to play the University of Tennessee .
“ Knoxville newspaper writers tagged Emory & Henry as the Wasps as its defense looked like Wasps swarming on defense and covering the ball , wearing their blue-gold striped socks , blue-gold striped jerseys with stripes on the chest and sleeves , ” the website says .
The name stuck , so there ’ s nothing WASP-y about it .
It would seem the college ’ s bigger problem , if it wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not with its mascot but with its name referencing Patrick Henry .
You know , the guy who gave the famous speech as Virginia debated whether to take up arms against Mother England : “ Give me liberty or give me death !
” The Founders , especially the ones who owned slaves , are out of vogue right now with the socially conscious crowd , despite that generation taking the first steps to end slavery .
As a brief historical review , slavery was introduced in the British colony of Virginia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the founding of the United States .
So slavery was not the country ’ s “ original sin , ” as many might like to think .
Further , contrary to what ’ s being taught in The New York Times ’ 1619 Project curriculum in 3,500 classrooms across 50 states , a primary cause of the Revolutionary War was not the colonists ’ desire to protect slavery .
The Declaration of Independence , which lists dozens of grievances the colonies had against the king and Parliament , makes just a passing reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s efforts to “ excite domestic insurrections.
” Also working against The Times ’ narrative , almost all the states north of the Mason-Dixon Line had voted to abolish slavery by the end of the war in 1783 .
By 1804 , all the Northern states had passed legislation ending slavery .
No other governments in the world were taking similar action at that time .
In other words , Americans led the way in the abolition movement .
Benjamin Franklin , one of the drafters of the declaration , became president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War .
While it is true that Virginians Thomas Jefferson — the primary drafter of the declaration — and George Washington were both slaveholders , they came out in opposition to the institution and took action against it .
Henry lamented the existence of slavery in Virginia , calling it an “ abominable practice ” in a 1773 letter to Robert Pleasants , a quaker minister and head of the Virginia Abolition Society .
Henry said he was astonished it could exist in such an enlightened age , as I chronicle in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Equally amazing is that such an evil should exist in Virginia at a time when the Rights of professing a Religion the most humane , mild , meek , gentle and generous ; adopting a Principle as repugnant to humanity as it is inconsistent with the Bible and destructive of Liberty , ” he wrote .
Henry regretted his own lack of moral courage in failing to take a stand on the issue , but he could foresee and hoped for a day when slavery would end .
“ I believe a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be offered to abolish this lamentable Evil , ” he wrote .
“ Every thing we can do is to improve it , if it happens in our day ; if not , let us transmit to our descendants together with our Slaves , a pity for their unhappy Lot , and an abhorrence of Slavery.
” So things are not always as cut-and-dry as they seem regarding the Founders and the topic of slavery .
While it is true that most of them were WASPs , they also laid the foundation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creeds and religions to thrive in America .
Emory & Henry College , lighten up : There is nothing wrong with your mascot .
People understand that a wasp is an insect and not some thinly veiled code signifying racial prejudice .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In the category of wokeness-run amok, southwest Virginia’s Emory & Henry College is reconsidering its Wasp mascot out of concern it is not inclusive enough.
The stinging insect seems acceptable as far as mascots go.
After all, a Marvel cartoon character is based on the wasp, as is a Navy amphibious assault ship.
However, in a recent email obtained by Young America’s Foundation, Emory & Henry President John Wells raised the possibility of the college getting rid of the mascot it’s had for nearly 100 years.
Wells began the correspondence by noting that the school, founded in 1836, is named for Bishop John Emory and Virginia’s first governor, Patrick Henry, both of whom were slaveholders.
He wrote that in light of this fact, and that the institution also benefited from slave labor, “Conversations must examine how Emory & Henry’s past has contributed to current and ongoing systemic oppression.”
“For example, discussion should be renewed regarding College’s mascot, the wasp, and the impact of this mascot on inclusion and diversity on our campus,” Wells said.
What?
A subsequent email YAF obtained from Emory & Henry alumni director Monica Hoel explained the issue at hand.
Is this college president reading too much into the Wasps mascot? Yes No
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“The little wasp itself isn’t offensive, but the acronym WASP stands for White Anglo Saxon Protestant,” Hoel wrote. “It stands to make us seem exclusive of those not in that category.”
Emory & Henry’s sports site, GoWasps.com, explains that the history of the wasp mascot dates back to 1921, when the school’s football team traveled to Knoxville to play the University of Tennessee.
“Knoxville newspaper writers tagged Emory & Henry as the Wasps as its defense looked like Wasps swarming on defense and covering the ball, wearing their blue-gold striped socks, blue-gold striped jerseys with stripes on the chest and sleeves,” the website says.
The name stuck, so there’s nothing WASP-y about it.
Very humbled and blessed to receive an offer from Emery and Henry. Go wasps! pic.twitter.com/fnaGYIujm0 — Derek whitaker (@dereksaccoccie) January 22, 2020
It would seem the college’s bigger problem, if it wants to be truly “woke,” is not with its mascot but with its name referencing Patrick Henry.
You know, the guy who gave the famous speech as Virginia debated whether to take up arms against Mother England: “Give me liberty or give me death!”
The Founders, especially the ones who owned slaves, are out of vogue right now with the socially conscious crowd, despite that generation taking the first steps to end slavery.
As a brief historical review, slavery was introduced in the British colony of Virginia in 1619, over 150 years before the founding of the United States.
So slavery was not the country’s “original sin,” as many might like to think.
Further, contrary to what’s being taught in The New York Times’ 1619 Project curriculum in 3,500 classrooms across 50 states, a primary cause of the Revolutionary War was not the colonists’ desire to protect slavery.
The Declaration of Independence, which lists dozens of grievances the colonies had against the king and Parliament, makes just a passing reference to slavery by pointing to England’s efforts to “excite domestic insurrections.”
Also working against The Times’ narrative, almost all the states north of the Mason-Dixon Line had voted to abolish slavery by the end of the war in 1783.
By 1804, all the Northern states had passed legislation ending slavery.
No other governments in the world were taking similar action at that time. In other words, Americans led the way in the abolition movement.
Benjamin Franklin, one of the drafters of the declaration, became president of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society after the Revolutionary War.
While it is true that Virginians Thomas Jefferson — the primary drafter of the declaration — and George Washington were both slaveholders, they came out in opposition to the institution and took action against it.
Henry lamented the existence of slavery in Virginia, calling it an “abominable practice” in a 1773 letter to Robert Pleasants, a quaker minister and head of the Virginia Abolition Society.
Henry said he was astonished it could exist in such an enlightened age, as I chronicle in my book “We Hold These Truths.”
“Equally amazing is that such an evil should exist in Virginia at a time when the Rights of professing a Religion the most humane, mild, meek, gentle and generous; adopting a Principle as repugnant to humanity as it is inconsistent with the Bible and destructive of Liberty,” he wrote.
Henry regretted his own lack of moral courage in failing to take a stand on the issue, but he could foresee and hoped for a day when slavery would end.
“I believe a time will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable Evil,” he wrote.
“Every thing we can do is to improve it, if it happens in our day; if not, let us transmit to our descendants together with our Slaves, a pity for their unhappy Lot, and an abhorrence of Slavery.”
So things are not always as cut-and-dry as they seem regarding the Founders and the topic of slavery.
While it is true that most of them were WASPs, they also laid the foundation that would allow people of all nations, creeds and religions to thrive in America.
Emory & Henry College, lighten up: There is nothing wrong with your mascot.
People understand that a wasp is an insect and not some thinly veiled code signifying racial prejudice.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--Sioux Leaders Demand Destruction of Mount Rushmore

Powerful Native American leaders are calling for the destruction of Mount Rushmore ahead of President Donald Trump ’ s July 3 visit .
The Argus Leader documented one Sioux official ’ s desire for the monument to fall .
While Oglala Sioux President Julian Bear Runner told the South Dakota paper that he doesn ’ t want to see Mount Rushmore demolished with explosives , he stressed the mountain ’ s importance in his tribe ’ s culture .
“ I don ’ t believe it should be blown up , because it would cause more damage to the land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Removed but not blown up.
” According to the Argus Leader , the native president noted that important cultural relics and artifacts could potentially be harmed by any overly destructive removal .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate Bear Runner called the monument “ a great sign of disrespect ” over how Mount Rushmore was sculpted without the input of the surrounding Sioux .
But Bear Runner is not the only tribal leader calling for the dismantling of the American icon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Great Sioux Nation , ” Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Harold Frazier wrote in a news release , “ of a country that can not keep a promise or treaty then the faces carved into our sacred land on what the United States calls Mount Rushmore.
” Frazier demanded the removal of the monument , vowing to do it himself if need be .
Bear Running , Frazier and others intent on the removal of the stone presidents are facing some stiff opposition over their destructive plans .
South Dakota Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state and local leaders who have bowed to anti-monument protesters , vowed to protect Mount Rushmore with the power of her office .
Responding to conservative personality Ben Shapiro ’ s musings about if Mount Rushmore would be the next target for the radical left , Noem responded with four simple words : RELATED : Ted Cruz Takes Ilhan Omar to School After She Picks Fight Over Columbus Statue In other words , any attempt by protesters to destroy the monument will likely end in a swift response .
While it doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be falling anytime soon , the wave of renewed criticism over the monument hints that our nation ’ s struggle with the revisionist mob is far from over .
It ’ s unclear if shifting cultural tides will eventually lead to the monument ’ s destruction , but for now , Mount Rushmore appears to be secure .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Powerful Native American leaders are calling for the destruction of Mount Rushmore ahead of President Donald Trump’s July 3 visit.
The Argus Leader documented one Sioux official’s desire for the monument to fall.
While Oglala Sioux President Julian Bear Runner told the South Dakota paper that he doesn’t want to see Mount Rushmore demolished with explosives, he stressed the mountain’s importance in his tribe’s culture.
“I don’t believe it should be blown up, because it would cause more damage to the land,” Bear Runner said. “Removed but not blown up.”
According to the Argus Leader, the native president noted that important cultural relics and artifacts could potentially be harmed by any overly destructive removal.
Bear Runner called the monument “a great sign of disrespect” over how Mount Rushmore was sculpted without the input of the surrounding Sioux.
But Bear Runner is not the only tribal leader calling for the dismantling of the American icon.
“Nothing stands as a greater reminder to the Great Sioux Nation,” Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Harold Frazier wrote in a news release, “of a country that cannot keep a promise or treaty then the faces carved into our sacred land on what the United States calls Mount Rushmore.”
Frazier demanded the removal of the monument, vowing to do it himself if need be.
Bear Running, Frazier and others intent on the removal of the stone presidents are facing some stiff opposition over their destructive plans.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, bucking the trend of state and local leaders who have bowed to anti-monument protesters, vowed to protect Mount Rushmore with the power of her office.
Responding to conservative personality Ben Shapiro’s musings about if Mount Rushmore would be the next target for the radical left, Noem responded with four simple words:
“Not on my watch.”
In other words, any attempt by protesters to destroy the monument will likely end in a swift response.
Should Mount Rushmore be removed? Yes No
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While it doesn’t look like Mount Rushmore will be falling anytime soon, the wave of renewed criticism over the monument hints that our nation’s struggle with the revisionist mob is far from over.
It’s unclear if shifting cultural tides will eventually lead to the monument’s destruction, but for now, Mount Rushmore appears to be secure.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--South Dakota Citizens Emblazon Billboards with Touching Tribute to Cops

As vilification of the police has echoed from riots and protests across America , some South Dakota citizens decided they needed to send a different message .
The result : billboards that have popped up in Sioux Falls with a simple message .
“ THANK YOU LAW ENFORCEMENT , ” the billboards read , with a thin blue line across the middle of them .
The billboards say they are “ paid for by your law abiding citizens.
” TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate The displays are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sioux Falls businessmen , according to the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader .
Kirby Proehl said he at first wanted to act on his own , but then found others to work with him and share the cost of the billboards .
“ What compels me , and so many others working with me , is to say thank you to the overwhelming amount of ethical law enforcement out there , at a time when they need to hear it most , ” Proehl said .
“ Police have a very difficult job .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impossible job .
“ So , let ’ s offer some humanity when it seems to be in limited supply today because I believe it to be contagious.
” Proehl said there ’ s a positive in sending a message to police that the community is not against them .
“ And if law enforcement feels the compassion , I assure you that they will spread it too when they are out protecting our community , ” he said .
The pro-police slogan has been displayed as one message on rotating electronic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard billboards as well .
RELATED : NFL Anthem-Kneeler Kenny Stills Blasts Dolphins Owner After He Donated To Fight Racism “ It ’ s pretty basic but it gets the point across , ” Rob Thurston , another businessman in the group funding the billboards , told the Argus-Leader .
The group said that as word spreads , more donations are coming , and there has been interest from other communities .
Thurston wants to see billboards like those in Sioux Falls across the Midwest .
The billboards supporting law enforcement come at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under fire over the recent arrest of a juvenile , during which community activists claim officers acted inappropriately .
Activists are demanding the release of official video of the arrest , though the department has thus far said it will not release the footage , the Argus-Leader reported .
The department has also been criticized after executing a search warrant at the home of a black teenager who was not connected to a May 31 riot that police were investigating , according to The Associated Press .
“ When police officers make mistakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revisit the responsibility and power that we invest in our law enforcement , ” said Laura Renée Chandler , spokeswoman for the South Dakota Coalition for Justice and Equity , a group of activists calling for changes to the police department .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As vilification of the police has echoed from riots and protests across America, some South Dakota citizens decided they needed to send a different message.
The result: billboards that have popped up in Sioux Falls with a simple message.
“THANK YOU LAW ENFORCEMENT,” the billboards read, with a thin blue line across the middle of them.
The billboards say they are “paid for by your law abiding citizens.”
The billboards that have been showing up in Sioux Falls have a simple message: We support law enforcement. https://t.co/FG0dZGPVWZ — ArgusLeader911 (@Argus911) June 30, 2020
The displays are the result of an effort funded by some Sioux Falls businessmen, according to the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader.
Kirby Proehl said he at first wanted to act on his own, but then found others to work with him and share the cost of the billboards.
“What compels me, and so many others working with me, is to say thank you to the overwhelming amount of ethical law enforcement out there, at a time when they need to hear it most,” Proehl said.
Do the police get enough help from their communities? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 3% (21 Votes) No: 97% (762 Votes)
“Police have a very difficult job. In the current environment, they have nearly an impossible job.
“So, let’s offer some humanity when it seems to be in limited supply today because I believe it to be contagious.”
Proehl said there’s a positive in sending a message to police that the community is not against them.
“And if law enforcement feels the compassion, I assure you that they will spread it too when they are out protecting our community,” he said.
The pro-police slogan has been displayed as one message on rotating electronic billboards, but will soon appear on standard billboards as well.
“It’s pretty basic but it gets the point across,” Rob Thurston, another businessman in the group funding the billboards, told the Argus-Leader.
The group said that as word spreads, more donations are coming, and there has been interest from other communities.
Thurston wants to see billboards like those in Sioux Falls across the Midwest.
“The goal,” he said, “is extremely large.”
The billboards supporting law enforcement come at a time when Sioux Falls police are under fire over the recent arrest of a juvenile, during which community activists claim officers acted inappropriately.
Activists are demanding the release of official video of the arrest, though the department has thus far said it will not release the footage, the Argus-Leader reported.
The department has also been criticized after executing a search warrant at the home of a black teenager who was not connected to a May 31 riot that police were investigating, according to The Associated Press.
“When police officers make mistakes, our community must fully understand and revisit the responsibility and power that we invest in our law enforcement,” said Laura Renée Chandler, spokeswoman for the South Dakota Coalition for Justice and Equity, a group of activists calling for changes to the police department.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--While Media Calls Trump Racist for Using ‘Kung Flu,’ Turns Out Obama-Era VA Used Term Before

The liberal media ’ s incredibly hypocrisy was put on display yet again this week .
After months of the media calling out Trump and other officials for using the term “ Kung Flu , ” it was revealed that the administration of former President Barack Obama had used the term previously .
Despite this , the left-wing media has yet to call out the Obama administration for using the supposedly racist term as they have done — repeatedly — to the Trump administration .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valley Healthcare System section of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website used the term repeatedly .
The website has since been taken down .
However , a copy of it remains on an online archival website .
The site had published promotional material of a martial arts fighter wearing a medical mask that read “ Become a Kung Flu Fighter !
Get Your Flu Shot !
” The site even urged users to “ click here to print Kung Flu Fighter poster !
” Since then , reporters ’ views have drastically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term .
Repeatedly , reporters have pressed the president on about his use of both “ Kung Flu ” and “ Chinese coronavirus , ” suggesting that the terms are racist even though the virus did , in fact , come from China .
PBS White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor was one of the first reporters to attack Trump for using the term during a March 18 media briefing , claiming that the terms may put “ Asian Americans at risk ” without providing any evidence .
“ And then the — my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — at least one White House official who used the term ‘ Kung flu , ’ referring to the fact that this virus started in China .
Is that acceptable ?
Is it wrong ?
” Yamiche asked the president .
“ Do you think that ’ s wrong ?
‘ Kung flu.
’ And do you think using the term ‘ Chinese virus ’ — that puts Asian Americans at risk , that people might target them ?
” RELATED : Famous Trump Hater Blasts NYT 's Claims About Trump Being Briefed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not at all , ” Trump responded .
“ I think they probably would agree with it 100 percent .
It comes from China .
There ’ s nothing not to agree on.
” During the very same news conference , Cecilia Vega of ABC News asked the president the same question , citing “ dozens of incidents of bias ” that she also failed to provide evidence of .
“ Why do you keep calling this the ‘ Chinese virus ’ ?
There are reports of dozens of incidents of bias against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own aide , Secretary Azar , says he does not use this term .
He says , ‘ Ethnicity does not cause the virus.
’ Why do you keep using this ?
” Vega asked .
“ People say it ’ s racist.
” “ It ’ s not racist at all .
No .
Not at all .
It comes from China .
That ’ s why .
It comes from China .
I want to be accurate , ” Trump said .
Despite the fact that Obama ’ s administration had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president claimed to be “ shocked ” by the term .
“ I don ’ t want a country in which the president of the United States is actively trying to promote anti-Asian sentiment and thinks it ’ s funny .
I don ’ t want that .
That still shocks and pisses me off , ” Obama said , according to a Monday report from The Hill .
If the term “ Kung Flu ” is racist now , it ’ s hard to see how it wasn ’ t when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one in the establishment media reported on it then , and no one in the establishment media is reporting on it now — yet again demonstrating the industry ’ s pro-Obama , anti-Trump bias .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The liberal media’s incredibly hypocrisy was put on display yet again this week.
After months of the media calling out Trump and other officials for using the term “Kung Flu,” it was revealed that the administration of former President Barack Obama had used the term previously.
Despite this, the left-wing media has yet to call out the Obama administration for using the supposedly racist term as they have done — repeatedly — to the Trump administration.
Different context than present day, but I found this from the US Dept of Veterans Affairs, September 2015: “Become a Kung Flu Fighter!”https://t.co/VBbHKpiuDi pic.twitter.com/6ESu8auIrm — jerylbier (@JerylBier) June 25, 2020
In 2015, the Tennesse Valley Healthcare System section of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website used the term repeatedly.
The website has since been taken down. However, a copy of it remains on an online archival website.
Is the term 'Kung Flu' racist? Yes No
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The site had published promotional material of a martial arts fighter wearing a medical mask that read “Become a Kung Flu Fighter! Get Your Flu Shot!”
The site even urged users to “click here to print Kung Flu Fighter poster!”
Since then, reporters’ views have drastically changed regarding the now “racist” term. Repeatedly, reporters have pressed the president on about his use of both “Kung Flu” and “Chinese coronavirus,” suggesting that the terms are racist even though the virus did, in fact, come from China.
PBS White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor was one of the first reporters to attack Trump for using the term during a March 18 media briefing, claiming that the terms may put “Asian Americans at risk” without providing any evidence.
“And then the — my second question is, there are some — at least one White House official who used the term ‘Kung flu,’ referring to the fact that this virus started in China. Is that acceptable? Is it wrong?” Yamiche asked the president. “Do you think that’s wrong? ‘Kung flu.’ And do you think using the term ‘Chinese virus’ — that puts Asian Americans at risk, that people might target them?”
“No, not at all,” Trump responded. “I think they probably would agree with it 100 percent. It comes from China. There’s nothing not to agree on.”
During the very same news conference, Cecilia Vega of ABC News asked the president the same question, citing “dozens of incidents of bias” that she also failed to provide evidence of.
“Why do you keep calling this the ‘Chinese virus’? There are reports of dozens of incidents of bias against Chinese Americans in this country. Your own aide, Secretary Azar, says he does not use this term. He says, ‘Ethnicity does not cause the virus.’ Why do you keep using this?” Vega asked. “People say it’s racist.”
“It’s not racist at all. No. Not at all. It comes from China. That’s why. It comes from China. I want to be accurate,” Trump said.
Despite the fact that Obama’s administration had used the term before, the former president claimed to be “shocked” by the term.
“I don’t want a country in which the president of the United States is actively trying to promote anti-Asian sentiment and thinks it’s funny. I don’t want that. That still shocks and pisses me off,” Obama said, according to a Monday report from The Hill.
If the term “Kung Flu” is racist now, it’s hard to see how it wasn’t when the Obama administration used it. Yet no one in the establishment media reported on it then, and no one in the establishment media is reporting on it now — yet again demonstrating the industry’s pro-Obama, anti-Trump bias.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--As the Anti-Police Movement Intensifies, Gun and Ammo Sales Soar

While the late Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens may have wanted to abolish the Second Amendment , new gun and ammunition sales numbers prove that the American people strongly disagree with that sentiment .
It appears as if the two developments that have dominated 2020 , the coronavirus pandemic and the push to “ defund the police ” following the death of George Floyd , have motivated Americans to value their Second Amendment rights more than ever .
According to CNN , “ Background checks for firearms purchases reached an all-time high in March and maintained record highs for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compiled by the National Shooting Sports Foundation , there were “ more than 6.5 million NSSF-adjusted background checks in the first four months of 2020 , up 48 percent from 4.4 million during the same period in 2019.
” The surge in gun purchases is not limited to red states , extending into deep-blue California .
This has horrified a liberal writer for The Mercury News of San Jose , who penned an article with the headline “ Gun sales are up in California , but a pandemic is not a time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagree .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate Because the movement to defund the police has caught a lot of steam , another epidemic may be on the horizon : a crime wave .
In some parts of America , the breakdown of law and order is already painfully obvious .
For this reason , many Americans feel that they have no choice but to take matters into their own hands .
They have made the calculation that if they no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will have to serve as their own line of defense .
This has already played out in St. Louis .
Left-wing activists went on a rampage there over the weekend , targeting the statue of the city ’ s namesake for destruction and violently attacking Catholics gathered in the vicinity to pray for its protection .
The next day , another group of left-wing anarchists determined to go after the city ’ s mayor broke into a gated community .
As they marched toward the mayor ’ s home , they encountered Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerned because “ the group began yelling obscenities ” and threatened them both with physical harm .
After observing “ multiple suspects who were armed , ” the McCloskeys confronted the group of protesters with firearms as they walked by their home .
In perhaps the biggest irony of all , one of the protesters told the McCloskeys to “ call the [ expletive ] cops.
” In a world without police , which the most radical left-wing protesters want to create , the McCloskeys would have no such option .
While the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation unfolding in St. Louis , it is not hard to imagine similar scenarios playing out across the nation .
After all , by the time the police came , irrevocable damage could have already been done either to the McCloskeys ’ property or the couple themselves had they not responded the way they did .
Ultimately , the protesters may or may not have caused harm to the McCloskeys if the situation had played out differently .
But based on what has happened in other parts of the country , the couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left-wing protests have led to many lives lost and numerous businesses destroyed .
Other Americans seeking help from police in an effort to ward off left-wing protesters wreaking havoc have had no such luck .
Ken Schneider , a small business owner in Charleston , saw his wine bar vandalized during left-wing protests in the South Carolina city , WCSC-TV reported .
Schneider said he “ cried for help 10 times to the police department , 911 , and they showed up not a single time.
” No Americans want to find themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It makes sense that many have decided to purchase firearms to ensure that the worst-case scenario never does play out .
The surge in firearm sales has exposed a paradox that surely frightens those on the far left : Their demands to get rid of the police , whom they can not stand , have led more Americans to embrace guns , which they also can not stand .
It looks like liberals can have a police-free society or a gun-free society , but they can not have both .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

While the late Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens may have wanted to abolish the Second Amendment, new gun and ammunition sales numbers prove that the American people strongly disagree with that sentiment.
It appears as if the two developments that have dominated 2020, the coronavirus pandemic and the push to “defund the police” following the death of George Floyd, have motivated Americans to value their Second Amendment rights more than ever.
According to CNN, “Background checks for firearms purchases reached an all-time high in March and maintained record highs for April and May.”
According to data compiled by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, there were “more than 6.5 million NSSF-adjusted background checks in the first four months of 2020, up 48 percent from 4.4 million during the same period in 2019.” The surge in gun purchases is not limited to red states, extending into deep-blue California.
This has horrified a liberal writer for The Mercury News of San Jose, who penned an article with the headline “Gun sales are up in California, but a pandemic is not a time to buy firearms.” Clearly, many people disagree.
Because the movement to defund the police has caught a lot of steam, another epidemic may be on the horizon: a crime wave. In some parts of America, the breakdown of law and order is already painfully obvious.
For this reason, many Americans feel that they have no choice but to take matters into their own hands. They have made the calculation that if they no longer have access to the police, they will have to serve as their own line of defense.
This has already played out in St. Louis. Left-wing activists went on a rampage there over the weekend, targeting the statue of the city’s namesake for destruction and violently attacking Catholics gathered in the vicinity to pray for its protection.
The next day, another group of left-wing anarchists determined to go after the city’s mayor broke into a gated community. As they marched toward the mayor’s home, they encountered Mark and Patricia McCloskey.
The McCloskeys were concerned because “the group began yelling obscenities” and threatened them both with physical harm. After observing “multiple suspects who were armed,” the McCloskeys confronted the group of protesters with firearms as they walked by their home.
A couple pointed guns at protesters in St. Louis as a group marched toward the mayor’s home to demand her resignation. https://t.co/5EqDd43QCd pic.twitter.com/KWNaif77ch — ABC News (@ABC) June 29, 2020
In perhaps the biggest irony of all, one of the protesters told the McCloskeys to “call the [expletive] cops.” In a world without police, which the most radical left-wing protesters want to create, the McCloskeys would have no such option.
While the police did in fact respond to the situation unfolding in St. Louis, it is not hard to imagine similar scenarios playing out across the nation.
After all, by the time the police came, irrevocable damage could have already been done either to the McCloskeys’ property or the couple themselves had they not responded the way they did.
Does the unrest in America right now make you more likely to buy a gun? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 96% (478 Votes) No: 4% (19 Votes)
Ultimately, the protesters may or may not have caused harm to the McCloskeys if the situation had played out differently. But based on what has happened in other parts of the country, the couple definitely had cause for concern. Similar left-wing protests have led to many lives lost and numerous businesses destroyed.
Other Americans seeking help from police in an effort to ward off left-wing protesters wreaking havoc have had no such luck.
Ken Schneider, a small business owner in Charleston, saw his wine bar vandalized during left-wing protests in the South Carolina city, WCSC-TV reported.
Schneider said he “cried for help 10 times to the police department, 911, and they showed up not a single time.”
No Americans want to find themselves in a situation like Schneider’s. It makes sense that many have decided to purchase firearms to ensure that the worst-case scenario never does play out.
The surge in firearm sales has exposed a paradox that surely frightens those on the far left: Their demands to get rid of the police, whom they cannot stand, have led more Americans to embrace guns, which they also cannot stand.
It looks like liberals can have a police-free society or a gun-free society, but they cannot have both.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--Study Finds the Least Patriotic States, the Bottom 3 Are Telling

WalletHub recently released a study ranking the 50 states from the most patriotic to the least patriotic .
While the three least patriotic states should not come as a surprise to anyone who follows politics , the list did have a handful of surprises .
According to WalletHub , “ In order to determine where Americans have the most red , white and blue pride , WalletHub compared the states across 13 key indicators of patriotism .
Our data set ranges from the state ’ s military enlistees and veterans to the share of adults who voted in the 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Broadly , the study classified the “ key indicators of patriotism ” into two main categories : military engagement and civic engagement .
A state ’ s score on civic engagement played a much higher role in determining its rank on the list of most patriotic states .
Contrary to what Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan believes , creating an anarchistic autonomous zone in downtown Seattle is not a characteristic most people associate with patriotism .
Instead , the protesters populating the enclave known as “ CHOP ” that have demanded the fundamental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exact opposite of patriots .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate At a time when kneeling for the national anthem and embracing far-left ideology parroted by the Black Lives Matter movement have come to define the modern left , it should not come as a surprise that the three least patriotic states are the deep blue states of New Jersey , New York and California .
All three states voted for Hillary Clinton by double digits in the 2016 presidential election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Union may come as a bit of a surprise .
Texas has seemed synonymous with American conservatism and patriotism for many years , although the state did trend left in the 2016 presidential election .
Yet the state still came in at # 47 on the list .
Another big surprise was the presence of deep-red West Virginia in the bottom five .
Looking at the methodology , there appears to be a reason that both states did not score so well .
Both the Mountain State and the Lone Star State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to the share of adults who voted in the 2016 presidential election Besides Texas and West Virginia , all of the other states in the bottom ten were either blue or purple states .
As a whole , the study found that red states are slightly more patriotic than blue states .
The study did not classify the swing states as purple states .
The patriotism scores in the bottom 10 ranged from a low of 22.12 to a high of 32.38 with a maximum possible score of 100 .
As for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly found in the red enclaves in the nation .
This should not come as a shock .
As an article for the University of Virginia ’ s Center for Politics pointed out , areas of the country with a high “ military influence ” tend to lean conservative .
However , the most patriotic state , according to WalletHub , is New Hampshire , a purple state that Hillary Clinton won by a razor-thin margin in 2016 .
New Hampshire had the fourth-highest share of adults who voted in the 2016 presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high patriotism score .
RELATED : Buzz Aldrin Reminds a Divided America What the Flag Stands for Coming in at # 2 on the list was one of the reddest states in the union : Wyoming .
With the exception of blue Maryland , all of the other states in the top 10 were either red or purple states .
Maryland ’ s presence in the top 10 was likely influenced by its high share of peace corps volunteers per capita .
The patriotism scores in the top 10 ranged from a high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of a maximum possible score of 100 .
Even the most patriotic state did not come close to receiving a perfect score .
America would be a better place if more people embraced the “ key indicators of patriotism , ” which include volunteering , enlisting in the military , joining the Peace Corps , voting and volunteering .
An increasing level of patriotism is a rising tide that truly can lift all boats .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

WalletHub recently released a study ranking the 50 states from the most patriotic to the least patriotic. While the three least patriotic states should not come as a surprise to anyone who follows politics, the list did have a handful of surprises.
According to WalletHub, “In order to determine where Americans have the most red, white and blue pride, WalletHub compared the states across 13 key indicators of patriotism. Our data set ranges from the state’s military enlistees and veterans to the share of adults who voted in the 2016 presidential election to AmeriCorps volunteers per capita.”
Broadly, the study classified the “key indicators of patriotism” into two main categories: military engagement and civic engagement. A state’s score on civic engagement played a much higher role in determining its rank on the list of most patriotic states.
Contrary to what Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan believes, creating an anarchistic autonomous zone in downtown Seattle is not a characteristic most people associate with patriotism.
Instead, the protesters populating the enclave known as “CHOP” that have demanded the fundamental transformation of America come across as the exact opposite of patriots.
At a time when kneeling for the national anthem and embracing far-left ideology parroted by the Black Lives Matter movement have come to define the modern left, it should not come as a surprise that the three least patriotic states are the deep blue states of New Jersey, New York and California.
All three states voted for Hillary Clinton by double digits in the 2016 presidential election.
However, the fourth-least patriotic state in the Union may come as a bit of a surprise.
Texas has seemed synonymous with American conservatism and patriotism for many years, although the state did trend left in the 2016 presidential election. Yet the state still came in at #47 on the list.
Is widespread patriotism essential to the health and stability of America? 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% (943 Votes) No: 1% (5 Votes)
Another big surprise was the presence of deep-red West Virginia in the bottom five. Looking at the methodology, there appears to be a reason that both states did not score so well. Both the Mountain State and the Lone Star State score in the bottom five when it comes to the share of adults who voted in the 2016 presidential election
Besides Texas and West Virginia, all of the other states in the bottom ten were either blue or purple states. As a whole, the study found that red states are slightly more patriotic than blue states. The study did not classify the swing states as purple states.
The patriotism scores in the bottom 10 ranged from a low of 22.12 to a high of 32.38 with a maximum possible score of 100.
As for the most patriotic states, they are mostly found in the red enclaves in the nation. This should not come as a shock. As an article for the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics pointed out, areas of the country with a high “military influence” tend to lean conservative.
However, the most patriotic state, according to WalletHub, is New Hampshire, a purple state that Hillary Clinton won by a razor-thin margin in 2016. New Hampshire had the fourth-highest share of adults who voted in the 2016 presidential election, which likely contributed to its high patriotism score.
Coming in at #2 on the list was one of the reddest states in the union: Wyoming. With the exception of blue Maryland, all of the other states in the top 10 were either red or purple states. Maryland’s presence in the top 10 was likely influenced by its high share of peace corps volunteers per capita.
The patriotism scores in the top 10 ranged from a high of 63.97 to a low of 56.57 out of a maximum possible score of 100. Even the most patriotic state did not come close to receiving a perfect score.
America would be a better place if more people embraced the “key indicators of patriotism,” which include volunteering, enlisting in the military, joining the Peace Corps, voting and volunteering. An increasing level of patriotism is a rising tide that truly can lift all boats.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--Pedophile’s Heinous Crimes Earned Him 1,000 Years Behind Bars, But State Law Is Allowing Him To Walk

Pedophile’s Heinous Crimes Earned Him 1,000 Years Behind Bars, But State Law Is Allowing Him To Walk Early

A pedophile seven years into a seemingly inescapable 1,000-year prison sentence is now walking free thanks to a state law on consecutive sentences .
Peter Mallory , convicted in Georgia in 2012 after investigators seized tens of thousands of child pornography files , was paroled on May 27 , according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
The shocking reversal of fortune is made worse by the sheer number of times Mallory committed his heinous crimes , which landed him with a whopping 60 sexual exploitation of children convictions .
The initial investigation into a suspected case of child pornography began in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus .
Authorities zeroed in on a television station operated by Mallory in LaGrange , Georgia , and the discovery of more than 26,000 pieces of the sickening material virtually sealed the pedophile ’ s fate .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate According to District Attorney Herb Cranford , Mallory “ knowingly and intentionally ” hunted down child pornography that included images of rape and torture .
When the original sentencing of Mallory was handed down , the LaGrange Police Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
News of the pedophile ’ s lengthy sentence was celebrated in the post ’ s comments .
Unfortunately , it looks like Mallory ’ s release is a feature , not an error , of Georgia ’ s justice system .
According to the Southern Center for Human Rights , the release was made possible thanks to the consecutive nature of the sentences .
“ People serving sentences aggregating 21 years or more become eligible for parole consideration upon completion of 7 years of the sentence , ” the SCHR explains .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear the prison system of small-time offenders who rack up multiple minor charges , it ’ s helping a man who ’ s been founded guilty of one of the most despicable crimes to go free .
RELATED : Punk Threatening Group of Cops Does n't Sound So Tough When They Call His Bluff The state ’ s system , as it now stands , is able to release a gross offender like Mallory despite the obvious message sent at his sentencing .
Mallory ’ s many victims have it even worse thanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue living knowing their abuser is walking free .
Cranford told the the Journal-Constitution , two of those victims actively opposed Mallory ’ s release .
The final decision was made by Georgia ’ s State Board of Pardons and Paroles .
Cranford told the Journal-Constitution he was “ powerless ” to stop it .
While Mallory appears to have bested Georgia ’ s criminal justice system , his heinous crimes will never be forgotten by his community and his victims .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A pedophile seven years into a seemingly inescapable 1,000-year prison sentence is now walking free thanks to a state law on consecutive sentences.
Peter Mallory, convicted in Georgia in 2012 after investigators seized tens of thousands of child pornography files, was paroled on May 27, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The shocking reversal of fortune is made worse by the sheer number of times Mallory committed his heinous crimes, which landed him with a whopping 60 sexual exploitation of children convictions.
The initial investigation into a suspected case of child pornography began in 2011, and Mallory soon became the focus.
Authorities zeroed in on a television station operated by Mallory in LaGrange, Georgia, and the discovery of more than 26,000 pieces of the sickening material virtually sealed the pedophile’s fate.
According to District Attorney Herb Cranford, Mallory “knowingly and intentionally” hunted down child pornography that included images of rape and torture.
When the original sentencing of Mallory was handed down, the LaGrange Police Department took to Facebook to spread the information. News of the pedophile’s lengthy sentence was celebrated in the post’s comments.
Unfortunately, it looks like Mallory’s release is a feature, not an error, of Georgia’s justice system.
Should Mallory be allowed to walk free? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (19 Votes) No: 99% (2540 Votes)
According to the Southern Center for Human Rights, the release was made possible thanks to the consecutive nature of the sentences.
“People serving sentences aggregating 21 years or more become eligible for parole consideration upon completion of 7 years of the sentence,” the SCHR explains.
While this setup was likely intended to clear the prison system of small-time offenders who rack up multiple minor charges, it’s helping a man who’s been founded guilty of one of the most despicable crimes to go free.
Mallory released on parole, despite opposition of district attorney’s office – LaGrange Daily News Peter Mallory, who was sentenced to 1,000 years in prison in February 2013 for multiple counts of possession of child pornography has been released on paro… https://t.co/tWNfVFLrIx — The LaGrange Daily News (@LagrangeNews) June 30, 2020
The state’s system, as it now stands, is able to release a gross offender like Mallory despite the obvious message sent at his sentencing.
Mallory’s many victims have it even worse thanks to this law, and now have to continue living knowing their abuser is walking free. Cranford told the the Journal-Constitution, two of those victims actively opposed Mallory’s release.
The final decision was made by Georgia’s State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Cranford told the Journal-Constitution he was “powerless” to stop it.
While Mallory appears to have bested Georgia’s criminal justice system, his heinous crimes will never be forgotten by his community and his victims.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--TX Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Father Forced To Share Custody of Daughter with Non-Relative

The Texas Supreme Court put to rest last month the long and grueling custody battle of local father Chris Clay .
On June 26 , the court , by unanimous nine-vote decision , reversed lower court rulings holding that Clay must share custody of his 5-year-old biological daughter , Ann , with an associated non-relative .
Clay had previously received sole conservatorship of his daughter following the tragic death of her mother in a 2018 accident .
Matters were immediately complicated when the mother ’ s short-term fiancé , referred to in court filings as J.D.
, successfully sued for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Credited as a “ fit parent ” by all involved parties , however , Clay held that his constitutional right to parent had been violated and fought to bring his case before the state ’ s highest court .
“ The question presented in this case is whether the presumption that fit parents act according to the best interest of their children applies when modifying an existing order that names a parent as the child ’ s managing conservator , ” Justice Jane Bland wrote in her majority opinion .
“ Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best interest of his or her child and has a ‘ fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care , custody , and control ’ of that child , we hold that it does.
” TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate “ The trial court ’ s decision in the case reflects ‘ exactly the opposite ’ of a parental presumption , ” the opinion read .
“ When a nonparent requests conservatorship or possession of a child , the child ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presumption that it is the fit parent — not a court — who makes the determination whether to allow that request.
” Argued before the state Supreme Court in early April , the controversial case had garnered the attention of many local parents and pro-family interest groups and homeschooling advocates on its way up the legal ladder .
The Texas Home School Coalition was one such group , filing supplementary amicus briefs with the court alongside Clay ’ s lawyers in an attempt to fight the creation of precedent that would strip fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arbiter over the best interests of their children .
“ It ’ s not like we got up to the courts and the court was trying to decide , ‘ OK , this is a bad parent , but are they too bad or are they just good enough to keep their daughter ? '
” THSC public policy director Jeremy Newman told The Western Journal .
“ The argument being made was that , even though [ Clay is ] a good father , still , this unrelated man has just as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That ’ s kind of a novel , scary concept legally because it means you don ’ t have to do anything wrong to lose your child .
Someone else just has to want your child more than you do , or as much as you do , ” Newman said .
“ And they get to request custody , and they can actually receive custody.
” Despite feelings the case was “ clean from a legal perspective ” given Clay ’ s parental fitness , J.D.
’ s legal argument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s life , albeit short-lived , had earned him legal standing to pursue custody apparently rang true in lower level courts .
According to the 2018 Texas Supreme Court case “ In the Interest of H.S.
, ” the Texas Family Code does recognize that “ a narrow class of nonparents , who have served in a parent-like role to a child over an extended period of time , may come to court and seek to preserve that relationship , over a parent ’ s objections ” in certain cases .
The fear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents , Newman said , was that the higher courts , trying to avoid controversy , would issue a ruling on procedural grounds that left unanswered the “ main question ” of whether parental unfitness needs be proven for such non-relatives to be recognized , Newman said .
The court ’ s willingness to overwhelmingly and directly rule in favor of parent presumption was a major victory , according to Newman .
“ The decision itself was really phenomenal , ” Newman said .
“ The net result of it is going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection for Texas families that they get out of this .
Because basically what the court said was , ‘ hey , all throughout the family code , the family code requires judges to make decisions based on what is in the best interests of the child .
“ But , whenever , there ’ s a suit between a parent and a nonparent , the court has to determine what is in the best interest of the child by basically by taking the recommendation of the parent .
“ In other words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unless you can overcome the presumption in their favor through some type of evidence that ’ s presented showing they ’ re an unfit parent.
” In contact with Clay shortly after decision was delivered , Newman also told The Western Journal the father was ecstatic , describing himself as “ the luckiest dad in the world.
” Clay ’ s fight , however , is not entirely over , as he will now have to return to the trial court in an effort to recoup roughly $ 250,000 in legal fees accrued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle , Newman said .
With J.D.
’ s case never directly dismissed by the state Supreme Court , Clay will also have to worry that another suit for custody may come later , Newman said .
As of yet , no such action is expected .
“ They might try something , but I think it would probably be short-lived if they did , ” Newman said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Texas Supreme Court put to rest last month the long and grueling custody battle of local father Chris Clay.
On June 26, the court, by unanimous nine-vote decision, reversed lower court rulings holding that Clay must share custody of his 5-year-old biological daughter, Ann, with an associated non-relative.
Clay had previously received sole conservatorship of his daughter following the tragic death of her mother in a 2018 accident. Matters were immediately complicated when the mother’s short-term fiancé, referred to in court filings as J.D., successfully sued for partial custody in a Texas trial court.
Credited as a “fit parent” by all involved parties, however, Clay held that his constitutional right to parent had been violated and fought to bring his case before the state’s highest court.
“The question presented in this case is whether the presumption that fit parents act according to the best interest of their children applies when modifying an existing order that names a parent as the child’s managing conservator,” Justice Jane Bland wrote in her majority opinion. “Because a fit parent presumptively acts in the best interest of his or her child and has a ‘fundamental right to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control’ of that child, we hold that it does.”
“The trial court’s decision in the case reflects ‘exactly the opposite’ of a parental presumption,” the opinion read.
“When a nonparent requests conservatorship or possession of a child, the child’s best interest is embedded with the presumption that it is the fit parent — not a court — who makes the determination whether to allow that request.”
Argued before the state Supreme Court in early April, the controversial case had garnered the attention of many local parents and pro-family interest groups and homeschooling advocates on its way up the legal ladder.
The Texas Home School Coalition was one such group, filing supplementary amicus briefs with the court alongside Clay’s lawyers in an attempt to fight the creation of precedent that would strip fit Texan parents of their role as final arbiter over the best interests of their children.
“It’s not like we got up to the courts and the court was trying to decide, ‘OK, this is a bad parent, but are they too bad or are they just good enough to keep their daughter?'” THSC public policy director Jeremy Newman told The Western Journal.
“The argument being made was that, even though [Clay is] a good father, still, this unrelated man has just as much right to custody as Chris has.
“That’s kind of a novel, scary concept legally because it means you don’t have to do anything wrong to lose your child. Someone else just has to want your child more than you do, or as much as you do,” Newman said. “And they get to request custody, and they can actually receive custody.”
Despite feelings the case was “clean from a legal perspective” given Clay’s parental fitness, J.D.’s legal argument that his pseudo-parental role in Ann’s life, albeit short-lived, had earned him legal standing to pursue custody apparently rang true in lower level courts.
According to the 2018 Texas Supreme Court case “In the Interest of H.S.,” the Texas Family Code does recognize that “a narrow class of nonparents, who have served in a parent-like role to a child over an extended period of time, may come to court and seek to preserve that relationship, over a parent’s objections” in certain cases.
Do you believe blood relatives should be first in line for custody? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 98% (758 Votes) No: 2% (12 Votes)
The fear for THSC and other interested groups and parents, Newman said, was that the higher courts, trying to avoid controversy, would issue a ruling on procedural grounds that left unanswered the “main question” of whether parental unfitness needs be proven for such non-relatives to be recognized, Newman said.
The court’s willingness to overwhelmingly and directly rule in favor of parent presumption was a major victory, according to Newman.
“The decision itself was really phenomenal,” Newman said. “The net result of it is going to be, I think, decades of protection for Texas families that they get out of this. Because basically what the court said was, ‘hey, all throughout the family code, the family code requires judges to make decisions based on what is in the best interests of the child.
“But, whenever, there’s a suit between a parent and a nonparent, the court has to determine what is in the best interest of the child by basically by taking the recommendation of the parent.
“In other words, the parent decides best interests, unless you can overcome the presumption in their favor through some type of evidence that’s presented showing they’re an unfit parent.”
In contact with Clay shortly after decision was delivered, Newman also told The Western Journal the father was ecstatic, describing himself as “the luckiest dad in the world.”
Clay’s fight, however, is not entirely over, as he will now have to return to the trial court in an effort to recoup roughly $250,000 in legal fees accrued as a result of the drawn-out custody battle, Newman said.
With J.D.’s case never directly dismissed by the state Supreme Court, Clay will also have to worry that another suit for custody may come later, Newman said.
As of yet, no such action is expected.
“They might try something, but I think it would probably be short-lived if they did,” Newman said.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--Ghislaine Rape Accuser: They Did It 20-30 Times, Then Just Dumped Me, Naked

If you even needed a reminder of the multitudinous evils Ghislaine Maxwell is accused of — and not just that she happened to be the “ gal pal ” of Jeffrey Epstein , the most notorious child sex abuser in recent history — you need only to look at the accusation leveled by a woman simply known as Jane Doe .
Doe is one of the women who filed suit against Epstein ’ s estate last year .
In an interview with Fox News , she detailed a pattern of misconduct by Maxwell that involved more than just grooming .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would say it ’ s more than 20 or 30 times , ” Doe said in the interview .
“ She is just as evil as Jeffrey Epstein … She is a rapist.
” “ She is an evil person .
I don ’ t believe that Jeffrey Epstein could have obtained the magnitude of victims that he had had it not been for her , ” she added .
“ She destroyed what was supposed to be the best years of my life , being a teenager and being a cheerleader.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida in 1991 , when she was only 14 .
It ended when she was 16 — but not before she was forced to have an abortion because Epstein had impregnated her .
She also said she was brutally beaten and raped by both Epstein and Maxwell because they feared she ’ d told her grandparents , who were raising her .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate According to Doe , the abuse began where so many stories surrounding the financier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend into Epstein ’ s orbit .
The girl says she was given a pager and Maxwell would go on shopping trips with her , buying her luxury goods .
This went in the same , enraging direction ; the woman says she was sexually assaulted .
But not just by Epstein , she says .
She was also penetrated with sex toys and fingers by Maxwell .
“ When this started , she told me that Epstein was getting upset because I kept bleeding , and that she was helping so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it should be satisfying , ” Doe said .
She said that Maxwell was often in the room with Epstein instructing her in how to pleasure the financier .
“ It was her more or less , coaching , ” Doe said .
“ Do it this way and do it that way , because once you become a model , this is what they ’ re going to expect from you.
” This was decidedly similar to the story of one of the three minor victims described in the indictment against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears not to be Jane Doe ’ s story , since the abuse in that case began three years later than Doe alleges .
“ Maxwell met Minor Victim-1 when Minor Victim-1 was approximately 14 years old .
Maxwell subsequently interacted with Minor Victim-1 on multiple occasions at Epstein ’ s residences , knowing that Minor Victim-1 was under the age of 18 at the time , ” the indictment read .
“ During these interactions , which took place between approximately 1994 and 1997 , Maxwell groomed Minor Victim-1 to engage in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
First , Maxwell and Epstein attempted to befriend Minor Victim-1 , taking her to the movies and on shopping trips .
Maxwell also asked Minor Victim-1 about school , her classes , her family , and other aspects of her life .
RELATED : Bill Clinton Denied Going to Epstein 's Island , Now a Witness Says Otherwise “ Maxwell then sought to normalize inappropriate and abusive conduct by , among other things , undressing in front of Minor Victim-1 and being present when Minor Victim-1 undressed in front of Epstein .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Epstein met Minor Victim-1 , Epstein began sexually abusing Minor Victim-1 .
Maxwell was present for and involved in some of this abuse .
In particular , Maxwell involved Minor Victim-1 in group sexualized massages of Epstein .
During those group sexualized massages , Maxwell and/or Minor Victim-1 would engage in sex acts with Epstein.
” Jane Doe ’ s story manages to get even darker , however .
After she had the abortion at 16 , Epstein and Maxwell allegedly suspected she had told her grandparents .
So , they sexually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her and sending her home with a driver who had a gun .
“ Ghislaine was a part of it , ” Doe told Fox .
“ I was drugged.
” “ I was dumped off in my grandparents yard naked , and was told that I wouldn ’ t come back alive the next time.
” “ I had never been with anyone except for him [ Epstein ] , ” she added .
“ The fact that I had to kill my child really affected me and my family.
” Doe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” willing to take the stand if and when Maxwell gets to trial .
“ I would definitely take the stand and testify because I believe she deserves to be where she is today and she deserves to stay there for the rest of her life , ” Doe said .
“ I hope by me coming forward , it encourages other victims.
” Of course , this is also a matter of “ if.
” Jeffrey Epstein died in what has been ruled a suicide in his Manhattan jail cell and Maxwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if law enforcement makes the same mistake twice .
Epstein ’ s associate in a Ponzi scheme told the U.K. Sun that he thought jail would break the 58-year-old Maxwell .
“ If they keep her in prison , she ’ ll crack in two seconds .
She ’ s not able to take that sort of cruel punishment , prison is too tough and hard , she ’ ll have to be in solitary confinement , and she ’ ll snap , ” Steven Hoffenberg , who served 18 years in prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newspaper .
( Epstein , of course , escaped punishment . )
“ I know the confinement and I know how hard it is for people to adjust , it ’ s too painful , very psychologically painful , and she ’ ll never be able to take it.
” Hoffenberg said it in the context of Maxwell cooperating with federal officials and making a case against high-profile individuals who may have been provided with groomed , underage girls by Maxwell and Epstein .
“ She ’ s going to cooperate and be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ [ Prince ] Andrew may be very concerned , and there ’ s a lot of people very worried , a lot of powerful people been named [ in the scandal ] , and she knows everything.
” That ’ s likely not going to change whether or not she ends up in prison , however — not if Maxwell confesses to sexually assaulting young girls .
Thus , she might look for an out , either of the suicidal variety or another , more earthly form of escape .
“ She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Jane Doe said of Maxwell in the Fox interview .
“ I just feel like if for any reason she could have her way out of jail she would be gone and nobody would find her.
” That ’ s why she supports prosecutors in their decision to ask the judge to deny Maxwell bail .
“ As a result of her disturbing and callous conduct , Maxwell now faces the very real prospect of serving many years in prison , ” prosecutors argued in a memo .
“ The strength @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the substantial prison term the defendant would face upon conviction all create a strong incentive for the defendant to flee .
That risk is only amplified by the defendant ’ s extensive international ties , her citizenship in two foreign countries , her wealth , and her lack of meaningful ties to the United States.
” Could this be the thread that causes the entire Epstein case to unravel ?
One has reason to hope — but then , one had reason to hope when Epstein was arrested , too .
We know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t make the same mistakes this time — if not just for the sake of the truth , then for the sake of the victims .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If you even needed a reminder of the multitudinous evils Ghislaine Maxwell is accused of — and not just that she happened to be the “gal pal” of Jeffrey Epstein, the most notorious child sex abuser in recent history — you need only to look at the accusation leveled by a woman simply known as Jane Doe.
Doe is one of the women who filed suit against Epstein’s estate last year. In an interview with Fox News, she detailed a pattern of misconduct by Maxwell that involved more than just grooming.
“She did rape me. I would say it’s more than 20 or 30 times,” Doe said in the interview. “She is just as evil as Jeffrey Epstein … She is a rapist.”
“She is an evil person. I don’t believe that Jeffrey Epstein could have obtained the magnitude of victims that he had had it not been for her,” she added. “She destroyed what was supposed to be the best years of my life, being a teenager and being a cheerleader.”
Doe told Fox the abuse began in Florida in 1991, when she was only 14. It ended when she was 16 — but not before she was forced to have an abortion because Epstein had impregnated her. She also said she was brutally beaten and raped by both Epstein and Maxwell because they feared she’d told her grandparents, who were raising her.
According to Doe, the abuse began where so many stories surrounding the financier have: She was recruited by a friend into Epstein’s orbit.
The girl says she was given a pager and Maxwell would go on shopping trips with her, buying her luxury goods.
This went in the same, enraging direction; the woman says she was sexually assaulted. But not just by Epstein, she says. She was also penetrated with sex toys and fingers by Maxwell.
“When this started, she told me that Epstein was getting upset because I kept bleeding, and that she was helping so that it wouldn’t hurt so much because it should be satisfying,” Doe said.
Do you think Ghislaine Maxwell be convicted? Yes No
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She said that Maxwell was often in the room with Epstein instructing her in how to pleasure the financier.
“It was her more or less, coaching,” Doe said. “Do it this way and do it that way, because once you become a model, this is what they’re going to expect from you.”
This was decidedly similar to the story of one of the three minor victims described in the indictment against Maxwell unsealed on Thursday — although it appears not to be Jane Doe’s story, since the abuse in that case began three years later than Doe alleges.
“Maxwell met Minor Victim-1 when Minor Victim-1 was approximately 14 years old. Maxwell subsequently interacted with Minor Victim-1 on multiple occasions at Epstein’s residences, knowing that Minor Victim-1 was under the age of 18 at the time,” the indictment read.
“During these interactions, which took place between approximately 1994 and 1997, Maxwell groomed Minor Victim-1 to engage in sexual acts with Epstein through multiple means. First, Maxwell and Epstein attempted to befriend Minor Victim-1, taking her to the movies and on shopping trips. Maxwell also asked Minor Victim-1 about school, her classes, her family, and other aspects of her life.
“Maxwell then sought to normalize inappropriate and abusive conduct by, among other things, undressing in front of Minor Victim-1 and being present when Minor Victim-1 undressed in front of Epstein.
“Within the first year after Maxwell and Epstein met Minor Victim-1, Epstein began sexually abusing Minor Victim-1. Maxwell was present for and involved in some of this abuse. In particular, Maxwell involved Minor Victim-1 in group sexualized massages of Epstein. During those group sexualized massages, Maxwell and/or Minor Victim-1 would engage in sex acts with Epstein.”
Jane Doe’s story manages to get even darker, however. After she had the abortion at 16, Epstein and Maxwell allegedly suspected she had told her grandparents. So, they sexually assaulted her one last time, gang-raping her and sending her home with a driver who had a gun.
“Ghislaine was a part of it,” Doe told Fox. “I was drugged.”
“I was dumped off in my grandparents yard naked, and was told that I wouldn’t come back alive the next time.”
“I had never been with anyone except for him [Epstein],” she added. “The fact that I had to kill my child really affected me and my family.”
Doe has said she’s “absolutely” willing to take the stand if and when Maxwell gets to trial.
“I would definitely take the stand and testify because I believe she deserves to be where she is today and she deserves to stay there for the rest of her life,” Doe said. “I hope by me coming forward, it encourages other victims.”
Of course, this is also a matter of “if.” Jeffrey Epstein died in what has been ruled a suicide in his Manhattan jail cell and Maxwell could always follow down the same path if law enforcement makes the same mistake twice. Epstein’s associate in a Ponzi scheme told the U.K. Sun that he thought jail would break the 58-year-old Maxwell.
“If they keep her in prison, she’ll crack in two seconds. She’s not able to take that sort of cruel punishment, prison is too tough and hard, she’ll have to be in solitary confinement, and she’ll snap,” Steven Hoffenberg, who served 18 years in prison after a 1995 bust, told the newspaper. (Epstein, of course, escaped punishment.)
“I know the confinement and I know how hard it is for people to adjust, it’s too painful, very psychologically painful, and she’ll never be able to take it.”
Hoffenberg said it in the context of Maxwell cooperating with federal officials and making a case against high-profile individuals who may have been provided with groomed, underage girls by Maxwell and Epstein.
“She’s going to cooperate and be very important,” he said. “[Prince] Andrew may be very concerned, and there’s a lot of people very worried, a lot of powerful people been named [in the scandal], and she knows everything.”
That’s likely not going to change whether or not she ends up in prison, however — not if Maxwell confesses to sexually assaulting young girls. Thus, she might look for an out, either of the suicidal variety or another, more earthly form of escape.
“She obviously has serious connections, multiple passports,” Jane Doe said of Maxwell in the Fox interview. “I just feel like if for any reason she could have her way out of jail she would be gone and nobody would find her.”
That’s why she supports prosecutors in their decision to ask the judge to deny Maxwell bail.
“As a result of her disturbing and callous conduct, Maxwell now faces the very real prospect of serving many years in prison,” prosecutors argued in a memo. “The strength of the Government’s evidence and the substantial prison term the defendant would face upon conviction all create a strong incentive for the defendant to flee. That risk is only amplified by the defendant’s extensive international ties, her citizenship in two foreign countries, her wealth, and her lack of meaningful ties to the United States.”
Could this be the thread that causes the entire Epstein case to unravel? One has reason to hope — but then, one had reason to hope when Epstein was arrested, too. We know how that turned out.
Prosecutors can’t make the same mistakes this time — if not just for the sake of the truth, then for the sake of the victims.
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westernjournal--2020-07-05--Newsom Orders Wineries and Beaches To Close, But His Winery Gets To Stay Open

Well , this is awkward .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ( a Democrat , in case you needed to ask ) has closed down the parking lots to some of California ’ s beaches , according to the Los Angeles Times , one of the Golden State ’ s famed tourist attractions .
California ’ s wineries , also a prime tourist attraction , have had their tasting rooms closed in some areas .
That ’ s because 19 California counties were told by the controversial governor that they needed to close certain indoor operations in response to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wineries , restaurants , movie theaters and a number of other businesses .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate This was part of California ’ s Resilience Roadmap , something that sounds as if it were the name of a reopening plan in a cutting , “ Dr .
Strangelove ” -like satire of the government ’ s response to a fictional , hypothetical pandemic , as opposed to the real name of California ’ s real response to an actual virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tasting rooms in these counties were closed while the state did not close those in in Napa County .
While the coronavirus numbers in that sparsely populated area of California are much better — there were 376 confirmed cases in Napa County as of July 3 , according to KGET-TV , and a 1.6 percent positive case rate , according to KMPH-TV .
That last number is below the 8 percent rate the governor said was the point that would trigger Sacramento ’ s intervention .
However , most travelers going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s eponymous valley weren ’ t likely to come from around there .
It ’ s a popular road trip destination for oenophiles , particularly in the summer .
It ’ s indoors .
If you believe keeping wineries open an help spread the coronavirus , and you want to the coronavirus spread , keeping Napa ’ s wineries open over the July 4 weekend was certainly a good way to do it .
If , however , you really want to take action against the coronavirus spreading , closing the Napa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than closing parking lots to state beaches , as California did .
In other news , Gavin Newsom co-founded and owns stock in a company whose holdings include a winery in Napa Valley , accordingto KMPH .
In his infinite wisdom , he ’ s apparently decided not to request it be closed , either in solidarity with other family-owned businesses in the state or because of a conflict of interest .
Conservative actor James Woods drew attention to the business in a Twitter post Thursday .
“ Gov .
Newsom owns stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winery in Napa Valley ’ s Oakville .
That winery is still open for tastings , ” KMPH reported .
RELATED : While Media Calls Trump Racist for Using 'Kung Flu , ' Turns Out Obama-Era VA Used Term Before “ According to Gov .
Newsom ’ s 2018 tax filings , he and his wife own shares in the group that produced a combined salary of nearly $ 600,000 in 2018 .
According to PlumpJack Estate Winery ’ s website , the next available tasting , with certain restrictions , is July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mail reported that Newsom ’ s stock in the PlumpJack Group had been put into a blind trust .
He ’ s still not all that blind when it comes to the fact he owns it , however .
You may think that , as one of the nation ’ s wealthiest governors , perhaps Newsom just lost track of it ; after all , he has a suite of hospitality holdings in addition to his shares in the PlumpJack Group .
However , PlumpJack was his first business , together with family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those Gettys .
After opening a wine store in 1992 , the group ended up expanding into the vineyard and currently operates bars , restaurants , cafés and hotels .
And while Newsom isn ’ t allowed to discuss business considerations with the trustee of his stock in the group , his sister , Hilary Newsom Callan , serves as president of PlumpJack .
That arrangement is legal under California law .
It isn ’ t just James Woods who has an issue with Newsom ’ s conflict of interest in the matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It doesn ’ t necessarily follow that since Gavin Newsom decided not to close down Napa Valley ’ s wineries , he did it because his winery is there — or even that it was a factor .
We don ’ t know how much he earns from the winery itself as opposed to the whole group — or even that he needs that money , at this point .
What ’ s clear is that this is a curious decision by Newsom to close the tasting rooms of wineries in other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close the parking lots to state beaches — while keeping Napa Valley ’ s wineries open during the coronavirus pandemic .
At the very least , one could accuse Newsom of regionalism , favoring the economy of the Northern California wine country that he ’ s steeped in over other parts of the state .
He ’ s also one of the nation ’ s wealthiest governors , a man who certainly didn ’ t need the grief that PlumpJack could cause him in a situation like this , even if his stake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t a good look .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Well, this is awkward.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (a Democrat, in case you needed to ask) has closed down the parking lots to some of California’s beaches, according to the Los Angeles Times, one of the Golden State’s famed tourist attractions. California’s wineries, also a prime tourist attraction, have had their tasting rooms closed in some areas.
That’s because 19 California counties were told by the controversial governor that they needed to close certain indoor operations in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases. This included wineries, restaurants, movie theaters and a number of other businesses.
#COVID19 cases are spreading at alarming rates in some CA counties. Effective immediately, @CAPublicHealth is requiring counties that have been on the County Monitoring List for at least 3 days to move certain sectors outdoors or close. pic.twitter.com/NZv7cUHf9L — Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) July 1, 2020
This was part of California’s Resilience Roadmap, something that sounds as if it were the name of a reopening plan in a cutting, “Dr. Strangelove”-like satire of the government’s response to a fictional, hypothetical pandemic, as opposed to the real name of California’s real response to an actual virus.
It’s curious that wineries and tasting rooms in these counties were closed while the state did not close those in in Napa County. While the coronavirus numbers in that sparsely populated area of California are much better — there were 376 confirmed cases in Napa County as of July 3, according to KGET-TV, and a 1.6 percent positive case rate, according to KMPH-TV. That last number is below the 8 percent rate the governor said was the point that would trigger Sacramento’s intervention.
However, most travelers going to the wineries for tastings in Napa County’s eponymous valley weren’t likely to come from around there. It’s a popular road trip destination for oenophiles, particularly in the summer. It’s indoors. If you believe keeping wineries open an help spread the coronavirus, and you want to the coronavirus spread, keeping Napa’s wineries open over the July 4 weekend was certainly a good way to do it.
If, however, you really want to take action against the coronavirus spreading, closing the Napa County wineries would certainly make more sense than closing parking lots to state beaches, as California did.
Do you think this makes Gavin Newsom a hypocrite? Yes No
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In other news, Gavin Newsom co-founded and owns stock in a company whose holdings include a winery in Napa Valley, accordingto KMPH. In his infinite wisdom, he’s apparently decided not to request it be closed, either in solidarity with other family-owned businesses in the state or because of a conflict of interest.
Conservative actor James Woods drew attention to the business in a Twitter post Thursday.
So Gavin Newsom is closing down restaurants and bars and destroying family-owned businesses all over California. Oh wait, here’s one that’s still open! ?? pic.twitter.com/LwTVRejYBL — James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) July 2, 2020
“Gov. Newsom owns stock in PlumpJack Group, which includes a winery in Napa Valley’s Oakville. That winery is still open for tastings,” KMPH reported.
“According to Gov. Newsom’s 2018 tax filings, he and his wife own shares in the group that produced a combined salary of nearly $600,000 in 2018. According to PlumpJack Estate Winery’s website, the next available tasting, with certain restrictions, is July 7, 2020.”
The U.K. Daily Mail reported that Newsom’s stock in the PlumpJack Group had been put into a blind trust. He’s still not all that blind when it comes to the fact he owns it, however.
You may think that, as one of the nation’s wealthiest governors, perhaps Newsom just lost track of it; after all, he has a suite of hospitality holdings in addition to his shares in the PlumpJack Group. However, PlumpJack was his first business, together with family friend and investor Gordon Getty, of those Gettys.
After opening a wine store in 1992, the group ended up expanding into the vineyard and currently operates bars, restaurants, cafés and hotels.
And while Newsom isn’t allowed to discuss business considerations with the trustee of his stock in the group, his sister, Hilary Newsom Callan, serves as president of PlumpJack. That arrangement is legal under California law.
It isn’t just James Woods who has an issue with Newsom’s conflict of interest in the matter, either:
Does anyone else find it strange: Democrat tyrant Gavin Newsom shut down hundreds of wineries across the state …But the winery that he founded, PlumpJack Winery, is still open for business ? — Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 2, 2020
I have good news. At least Gavin Newsom’s personal winery and tasting room (indoors) is staying open. Phew. — Chef Andrew Gruel (@ChefGruel) July 2, 2020
California “little guy” gets their restaurants and wineries shut down, but Gavin’s exclusive snooty Napa winery is allowed to remain open. Systematic Liberal Privilege is the real problem in this county. https://t.co/t1MnMCGKj8 — ✭ Wayne Dupree ✭ (@WayneDupreeShow) July 3, 2020
Make sure you visit Newsom’s winery. It has the miracle cure for COVID! — Kevin Hewicker (@Knightmaster452) July 3, 2020
Well, apparently.
Correlation is not causality. It doesn’t necessarily follow that since Gavin Newsom decided not to close down Napa Valley’s wineries, he did it because his winery is there — or even that it was a factor. We don’t know how much he earns from the winery itself as opposed to the whole group — or even that he needs that money, at this point.
What’s clear is that this is a curious decision by Newsom to close the tasting rooms of wineries in other parts of the state — and to close the parking lots to state beaches — while keeping Napa Valley’s wineries open during the coronavirus pandemic. At the very least, one could accuse Newsom of regionalism, favoring the economy of the Northern California wine country that he’s steeped in over other parts of the state.
He’s also one of the nation’s wealthiest governors, a man who certainly didn’t need the grief that PlumpJack could cause him in a situation like this, even if his stake is in a blind trust. This isn’t a good look.
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