westernjournal--2020-11-23--Finally: New York Times Admits ‘Trump Was Right’ in Shocking Op-Ed

A New York Times columnist has begrudgingly admitted that President Donald Trump was right on insisting for the last several months that schools remain open for in-person learning .
Trump has stated repeatedly that the nation ’ s response to the COVID-19 pandemic can not be worse than the disease itself , and in that category is the closing down of the schools .
“ Some things are true even though President Trump says them , ” wrote Times columnist Nicholas Kristof .
“ Trump has been demanding for months that schools reopen , and on that he seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued .
“ Schools , especially elementary schools , do not appear to have been major sources of coronavirus transmission , and remote learning is proving to be a catastrophe for many low-income children.
” TRENDING : 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Grants Review of Trump Campaign PA Suit Kristof went on to note that despite the empirical evidence against it , New York City shut down its public school system for in-person learning last week , impacting over 1 million students .
Other major school systems like Los Angeles and Chicago have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that lower income students — who often are minorities — are most impacted by the closure decisions , while those from wealthier families can find alternatives .
“ School closures magnify these inequities , as many private schools remain open and affluent parents are better able to help kids adjust to remote learning , ” he wrote .
School also provides children a safe place from potentially abusive parents .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany highlighted this summer that the science is with the president on the issue .
Trump wants schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says open , he means open in full , kids being able to attend each and every day , ” she said .
RELATED : NYT Writer Tries To Point Out Conservative 'Misinformation , ' Admits Reporting Is Factual McEnany pointed out that other Western nations have made a priority out of keeping kids in school amid COVID , with no major issues .
“ The science is on our side , ” she said .
CNBC reported that a German study released in June found that young people do not play a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The medical faculty of the TU Dresden and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus tested approximately 1,500 students and 500 teachers in May for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies in their blood .
“ The results showed that out of 2,045 blood samples collected from students and teachers from across 13 secondary schools in the region only 12 samples were found to contain antibodies against Covid-19 , ” the report said .
Further , 24 participants in the study had at least one known case of coronavirus in their households , yet only one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the antibodies .
The study concluded that schools did not become coronavirus “ hotspots ” after reopening , as some feared would happen .
Further , NBC News assembled a panel of five pediatricians from around in the country in July , and all of them offered the same assessment : It is safe to put kids back in the classroom .
“ In the U.S. , children make up about 22 percent of the population , but kids account for only 2 percent of coronavirus cases so far , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the NBC report said .
All five physicians said they would not hesitate to send their own children to school .
Dr. William Raszka , a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Vermont ’ s Larner College of Medicine , said children are not good spreaders of the virus to adults , either .
“ The younger you are , probably the less likely you are to be able to transmit the disease , ” he said .
At a news briefing last week , Centers for Disease Control and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s students belong in school .
“ The truth is for kids K through 12 , one of the safest places they can be from our perspective is to remain in school , and it ’ s really important that following the data , making sure we don ’ t make emotional decisions about what to close and what not to close , ” he said .
Democrats have a reflex response of being against pretty much everything that Trump is for , usually to the detriment of their constituents .
Never has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ push to keep schools closed .
Trump is right ; they should be open .
Did you know that The Western Journal now publishes some content in Spanish as well as English , for international audiences ?
Click here to read this article on The Western Journal en Español !
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A New York Times columnist has begrudgingly admitted that President Donald Trump was right on insisting for the last several months that schools remain open for in-person learning.
Trump has stated repeatedly that the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be worse than the disease itself, and in that category is the closing down of the schools.
“Some things are true even though President Trump says them,” wrote Times columnist Nicholas Kristof.
“Trump has been demanding for months that schools reopen, and on that he seems to have been largely right,” he continued.
“Schools, especially elementary schools, do not appear to have been major sources of coronavirus transmission, and remote learning is proving to be a catastrophe for many low-income children.”
Kristof went on to note that despite the empirical evidence against it, New York City shut down its public school system for in-person learning last week, impacting over 1 million students.
Other major school systems like Los Angeles and Chicago have remained closed all fall.
Kristof lamented that lower income students — who often are minorities — are most impacted by the closure decisions, while those from wealthier families can find alternatives.
“School closures magnify these inequities, as many private schools remain open and affluent parents are better able to help kids adjust to remote learning,” he wrote.
Do you think Trump was right about schools needing to stay open? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (3333 Votes) No: 1% (19 Votes)
School also provides children a safe place from potentially abusive parents.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany highlighted this summer that the science is with the president on the issue.
Trump wants schools to open, “and when he says open, he means open in full, kids being able to attend each and every day,” she said.
McEnany: Pres. Trump wants schools to open, “and when he says open, he means open in full, kids being able to attend each and every day.” “The science should not stand in the way of this,” McEnany says, before adding, “the science is on our side here.” https://t.co/oTesjWWtbc pic.twitter.com/iD8ACDb5Tr — ABC News (@ABC) July 17, 2020
McEnany pointed out that other Western nations have made a priority out of keeping kids in school amid COVID, with no major issues.
“The science is on our side,” she said.
CNBC reported that a German study released in June found that young people do not play a significant role in transmitting the coronavirus.
The medical faculty of the TU Dresden and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus tested approximately 1,500 students and 500 teachers in May for the presence of COVID-19 antibodies in their blood.
“The results showed that out of 2,045 blood samples collected from students and teachers from across 13 secondary schools in the region only 12 samples were found to contain antibodies against Covid-19,” the report said.
Further, 24 participants in the study had at least one known case of coronavirus in their households, yet only one of these participants was found to have the antibodies.
The study concluded that schools did not become coronavirus “hotspots” after reopening, as some feared would happen.
Further, NBC News assembled a panel of five pediatricians from around in the country in July, and all of them offered the same assessment: It is safe to put kids back in the classroom.
“In the U.S., children make up about 22 percent of the population, but kids account for only 2 percent of coronavirus cases so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” the NBC report said.
All five physicians said they would not hesitate to send their own children to school.
Dr. William Raszka, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine, said children are not good spreaders of the virus to adults, either.
“The younger you are, probably the less likely you are to be able to transmit the disease,” he said.
At a news briefing last week, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield affirmed America’s students belong in school.
“The truth is for kids K through 12, one of the safest places they can be from our perspective is to remain in school, and it’s really important that following the data, making sure we don’t make emotional decisions about what to close and what not to close,” he said.
Democrats have a reflex response of being against pretty much everything that Trump is for, usually to the detriment of their constituents.
Never has this been more true than liberal politicians’ push to keep schools closed. Trump is right; they should be open.
Did you know that The Western Journal now publishes some content in Spanish as well as English, for international audiences? Click here to read this article on The Western Journal en Español!
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--2020-11-23--Drive-Thru Donations: Tyler Perry Gives Away Food, Gift Cards to 5,000 Families in Need

Just because many Thanksgiving celebrations this year will involve fewer large gatherings doesn ’ t mean they will involve less food .
Many people whose hearts are as generous as their Thanksgiving feasts are taking their blessing mobile , and handing out meals , plates of food or gift cards to help the less fortunate celebrate in style .
The more the funding , the greater the reach , and high-profile givers have been making it rain Thanksgiving miracles on needy families .
Tyler Perry has joined those ranks this week with his initiative in Atlanta to give away food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really use them this year .
“ We are excited to announce the # TPSGiving Food Giveaway event on Sunday , November 22nd from 8:00am to 12:00pm , ” Tyler Perry Studios tweeted on Nov. 19 .
TRENDING : 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Grants Review of Trump Campaign PA Suit “ During this drive-up event we will be distributing non-perishable food items and gift cards to people who are in need during this holiday season .
See you there !
” People started lining up at 3 p.m. the day before for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting until 8 a.m. “ The first car in line got here at 3pm … YESTERDAY , ” Emilie Ikeda of WAGA-TV tweeted on Nov. 22 .
“ # TPSGiving starts at 8am .
Already , lines extend miles long , causing back-ups on Langford Pkwy and I-20.
” “ @ TPstudios will be giving away non-perishables and gift cards to 5K families .
People tell me , the need is greater than ever.
” Participants were asked to remain in their cars , masked , while masked and suited volunteers brought them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. , but the items had all been handed out by 10 a.m. Perry has spearheaded many generous giveaways in the past .
In April , he paid for the groceries of high-risk and elderly shoppers at 29 Winn-Dixie stores and 44 Kroger stores .
RELATED : Michael J .
Fox : 'This Is the End of My Acting Career' In 2019 , he helped out four children left on their own after their mother was killed , offering to pay for the mother ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the kids ’ college tuition and covering their rent costs for six months .
In 2018 , he paid off over $ 400,000 worth of Christmas Walmart layaways , bringing Christmas joy to children and parents alike .
He ’ s certainly a shining example of just how much you can help those in need with the gifts you ’ ve been given .
And this year isn ’ t even up yet — who knows what else he has in store ?
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards .

Just because many Thanksgiving celebrations this year will involve fewer large gatherings doesn’t mean they will involve less food.
Many people whose hearts are as generous as their Thanksgiving feasts are taking their blessing mobile, and handing out meals, plates of food or gift cards to help the less fortunate celebrate in style.
The more the funding, the greater the reach, and high-profile givers have been making it rain Thanksgiving miracles on needy families.
Tyler Perry has joined those ranks this week with his initiative in Atlanta to give away food and gift cards to those who could really use them this year.
“We are excited to announce the #TPSGiving Food Giveaway event on Sunday, November 22nd from 8:00am to 12:00pm,” Tyler Perry Studios tweeted on Nov. 19.
“During this drive-up event we will be distributing non-perishable food items and gift cards to people who are in need during this holiday season. See you there!”
We are excited to announce the #TPSGiving Food Giveaway event on Sunday, November 22nd from 8:00am to 12:00pm. During this drive-up event we will be distributing non-perishable food items and gift cards to people who are in need during this holiday season. See you there! pic.twitter.com/kQH2DvwNYp — Tyler Perry Studios (@TPstudios) November 19, 2020
People started lining up at 3 p.m. the day before for the giveaway, which wasn’t starting until 8 a.m.
“The first car in line got here at 3pm … YESTERDAY,” Emilie Ikeda of WAGA-TV tweeted on Nov. 22. “#TPSGiving starts at 8am. Already, lines extend miles long, causing back-ups on Langford Pkwy and I-20.”
“@TPstudios will be giving away non-perishables and gift cards to 5K families. People tell me, the need is greater than ever.”
The first car in line got here at 3pm…YESTERDAY. #TPSGiving starts at 8am. Already, lines extend miles long, causing back-ups on Langford Pkwy and I-20.@TPstudios will be giving away non-perishables and gift cards to 5K families. People tell me, the need is greater than ever pic.twitter.com/ntoBGfaZTk — Emilie Ikeda (@EmilieIkedaFOX5) November 22, 2020
Participants were asked to remain in their cars, masked, while masked and suited volunteers brought them the items. The giveaway was scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., but the items had all been handed out by 10 a.m.
Perry has spearheaded many generous giveaways in the past. In April, he paid for the groceries of high-risk and elderly shoppers at 29 Winn-Dixie stores and 44 Kroger stores.
In 2019, he helped out four children left on their own after their mother was killed, offering to pay for the mother’s funeral, footing the bill for one of the kids’ college tuition and covering their rent costs for six months.
In 2018, he paid off over $400,000 worth of Christmas Walmart layaways, bringing Christmas joy to children and parents alike.
He’s certainly a shining example of just how much you can help those in need with the gifts you’ve been given. And this year isn’t even up yet — who knows what else he has in store?
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--2020-11-23--Hollywood Superstars Pouring Huge Cash Into Crucial Georgia Races in Bid To ‘Change America’

Despite the more than 2,100 miles between Atlanta and Hollywood , California , celebrities are taking a big interest in two Senate runoff races in Georgia .
According to The Hill , actress Sophia Bush and comedian Kumail Nanjiani are among the co-founders of Win Both Seats , an effort to raise money to help Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff defeat Georgia Republican Sens .
Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue .
The outcome of the runoff vote Jan. 5 will determine which party controls the Senate for the next two years .
“ I think that the fact that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the state is absolutely going to draw a tremendous amount of celebrity engagement , ” Democrat strategist Howard Franklin told The Hill .
George Clooney , Will Smith , Leonardo DiCaprio , Mark Ruffalo , Joaquin Phoenix , Jason Bateman , Mandy Moore , Patricia Arquette and Bradley Whitford are among the celebrities who have donated to Georgia ’ s Democratic cause , according to the outlet .
TRENDING : 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Grants Review of Trump Campaign PA Suit Many of them have tweeted to urge others to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received blowback on social media .
RELATED : Trump Team Makes Surprise Demand in GA Just a Day After State Certifies Election Results Laura Young , an assistant political science professor at Georgia Gwinnett College , told The Hill that having celebrities involved in the campaign has a downside for Democrats .
“ Celebrities are extremely helpful .
They do play a role .
But they ’ re oftentimes not viewed as credible sources , ” Young said .
“ Particularly if you ’ re on the right end of the political spectrum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the liberal left , coming to Georgia and imposing their politics and their political views on individuals , ” she said .
Brad Jenkins , a former Barack Obama staffer , told The Hill the GOP “ just can ’ t get any celebrities ” to support its agenda .
“ Republicans love to say , ‘ Oh these out of touch Hollywood elites , ’ but then in the same breath they ’ re retweeting Jon Voight or Chachi from ‘ Happy Days , ' ” Jenkins said , referring to Oscar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” actor Scott Baio , both of whom support President Donald Trump .
Janelle King , a Republican consultant and co-founder of the group Speak Georgia , said the issue isn ’ t so much political activism from high-profile figures as it is having “ people trying to influence the election that ’ s going to impact a state that they don ’ t live in.
” “ It ’ s not just about being a celebrity , ” King told The Hill .
“ It ’ s about being a celebrity who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for us.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Despite the more than 2,100 miles between Atlanta and Hollywood, California, celebrities are taking a big interest in two Senate runoff races in Georgia.
According to The Hill, actress Sophia Bush and comedian Kumail Nanjiani are among the co-founders of Win Both Seats, an effort to raise money to help Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff defeat Georgia Republican Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue.
The outcome of the runoff vote Jan. 5 will determine which party controls the Senate for the next two years.
“I think that the fact that the control of the Senate comes down to the state is absolutely going to draw a tremendous amount of celebrity engagement,” Democrat strategist Howard Franklin told The Hill.
George Clooney, Will Smith, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Joaquin Phoenix, Jason Bateman, Mandy Moore, Patricia Arquette and Bradley Whitford are among the celebrities who have donated to Georgia’s Democratic cause, according to the outlet.
Many of them have tweeted to urge others to help Warnock and Ossoff.
We got to win these races! Join me in supporting Georgia Senate Victory Fund via @actblue https://t.co/pA3pXyp9yx — Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) November 11, 2020
Let’s do this, friends. We have work to do to help @ReverendWarnock and @ossoff win their senate races!! https://t.co/TpZGeCrzgA — Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) November 8, 2020
Some of them received blowback on social media.
How about donating to people that are suffering from covid? Or to those that have lost loved ones? Or those on the front line? Or for those who can’t afford Thanksgiving meals? No, celebrities want you to donate so their candidate wins. Disgusting. @SophiaBush — Claudia (@NY_luvs_DDUB) November 22, 2020
No more movies with you in it. You just made the list. #justact — Hollywood Brett Sheargold (@IWantComedy) November 16, 2020
Go find the titanic kiddo. Get out of politics. You are a great actor!!! — Jay P. (@jphorsezndice) November 12, 2020
Laura Young, an assistant political science professor at Georgia Gwinnett College, told The Hill that having celebrities involved in the campaign has a downside for Democrats.
“Celebrities are extremely helpful. They do play a role. But they’re oftentimes not viewed as credible sources,” Young said.
“Particularly if you’re on the right end of the political spectrum, Hollywood elites are looked at as the liberal left, coming to Georgia and imposing their politics and their political views on individuals,” she said.
Would you donate to a political campaign as a result of a celebrity endorsement? 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% (15 Votes) No: 99% (1256 Votes)
Brad Jenkins, a former Barack Obama staffer, told The Hill the GOP “just can’t get any celebrities” to support its agenda.
“Republicans love to say, ‘Oh these out of touch Hollywood elites,’ but then in the same breath they’re retweeting Jon Voight or Chachi from ‘Happy Days,'” Jenkins said, referring to Oscar winner Voight and former “Happy Days” actor Scott Baio, both of whom support President Donald Trump.
Janelle King, a Republican consultant and co-founder of the group Speak Georgia, said the issue isn’t so much political activism from high-profile figures as it is having “people trying to influence the election that’s going to impact a state that they don’t live in.”
“It’s not just about being a celebrity,” King told The Hill. “It’s about being a celebrity who thinks they know what’s best for us.”
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--2020-11-23--‘WJ Live’: The Viral Memo Changing the Trump Legal Strategy

Support Christian , conservative journalism at The Western Journal by joining our subscription service .
If state legislators implement this @ @ @ @ @ a game-changer for the 2020 election .
► Click HERE to subscribe to “ WJ @ @ @ @ @ //w-j.co/s/51c85 The Western Journal ’ s mission is to equip readers with the truth , @ @ @ @ @ to bring that same passion to the listeners of “ WJ Live.
” You ’ @ @ @ @ @ editors and special guests on the most important topics of the day : coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ overreach , Hollywood elitism and 2020 election coverage .
► Don ’ t miss an @ @ @ @ @ !
” Click HERE to get it delivered directly to your inbox : http : @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Support Christian, conservative journalism at The Western Journal by joining our subscription service.
If state legislators implement this strategy, it could be a game-changer for the 2020 election.
► Click HERE to subscribe to “WJ Live”: http://w-j.co/s/51c85
The Western Journal’s mission is to equip readers with the truth, and we’re excited to bring that same passion to the listeners of “WJ Live.” You’ll hear from writers, editors and special guests on the most important topics of the day: coronavirus, lockdowns, riots, government overreach, Hollywood elitism and 2020 election coverage.
► Don’t miss an episode of “WJ Live!” Click HERE to get it delivered directly to your inbox: http://w-j.co/s/ef7f7
Follow The Western Journal on social media:
► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesternJournal
► Twitter: https://twitter.com/WestJournalism
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wjlivepodcast/
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--2020-11-23--Michigan Election Board Votes on Certifying Results

Michigan ’ s State Board of Canvassers voted Monday afternoon to certify the state ’ s election results .
The final vote was 3-0-1 , with Republican Vice Chair Aaron Van Langevelde joining the board ’ s two Democrats .
Republican Norman Shinkle was opposed to certifying Michigan ’ s results but ultimately abstained .
Though there was initial uncertainty over whether the board would vote to confirm the state ’ s election results , Van Langevelde said early in the board ’ s meeting that they had a “ duty ” to certify the results today , though he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments before voting to do so .
TRENDING : 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Grants Review of Trump Campaign PA Suit “ I think we are pretty limited today .
I think we have a duty to do this , ” he said .
Monday is Michigan ’ s legal deadline to certify its results , which show presumptive president-elect Joe Biden beating President Donald Trump by over 154,000 votes .
The state has been the center of multiple controversies in the weeks after the Nov. 3 election .
Two GOP members on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed their votes to certify the county ’ s results after they were met with public outcry but then sought to reverse their votes after they said that they were duped into changing them .
The two members said they were promised an audit of the county ’ s results , but the secretary of state did not grant one , and state law requires that the results be certified before an audit takes place .
Trump ’ s legal team has also alleged fraud in the state , focusing on results in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other towns in the metro area .
The team also hit a snag after it used data from Minnesota to say that more people voted in Michigan than are actually registered to vote in the state .
RELATED : Hollywood Superstars Pouring Huge Cash Into Crucial Georgia Races in Bid To 'Change America' Jonathon Brater , the director of Michigan ’ s Bureau of Elections , said that there were no widespread irregularities or fraud surrounding the state ’ s results .
Chris Thomas , who held the position before Brater , testified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , telling them that their role was merely to sign off on the results .
“ You are the end game , ” Thomas said .
“ You ’ ve got winners , you ’ ve got losers , you don ’ t have ties .
Not everyone gets a trophy.
” A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Michigan’s State Board of Canvassers voted Monday afternoon to certify the state’s election results.
The final vote was 3-0-1, with Republican Vice Chair Aaron Van Langevelde joining the board’s two Democrats. Republican Norman Shinkle was opposed to certifying Michigan’s results but ultimately abstained.
BREAKING: Michigan’s election results have been certified via a 3-0 vote by the Board of State Canvassers. Republican board member Norm Shinkle abstained. — Detroit Free Press (@freep) November 23, 2020
Though there was initial uncertainty over whether the board would vote to confirm the state’s election results, Van Langevelde said early in the board’s meeting that they had a “duty” to certify the results today, though he asked to hear the hundreds of public comments before voting to do so.
“I think we are pretty limited today. I think we have a duty to do this,” he said.
Monday is Michigan’s legal deadline to certify its results, which show presumptive president-elect Joe Biden beating President Donald Trump by over 154,000 votes.
The state has been the center of multiple controversies in the weeks after the Nov. 3 election.
It appears that Michigan is headed for certification. A GOP board member, Aaron Van Langevelde, indicates he believes the board is essentially ministerial and has no role investigating fraud. “We don’t have authority to conduct a trial on whether election fraud occurred.” — Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) November 23, 2020
Two GOP members on Wayne County’s Board of Elections changed their votes to certify the county’s results after they were met with public outcry but then sought to reverse their votes after they said that they were duped into changing them.
The two members said they were promised an audit of the county’s results, but the secretary of state did not grant one, and state law requires that the results be certified before an audit takes place.
Trump’s legal team has also alleged fraud in the state, focusing on results in Detroit, though irregularities were greater in other towns in the metro area.
The team also hit a snag after it used data from Minnesota to say that more people voted in Michigan than are actually registered to vote in the state.
Jonathon Brater, the director of Michigan’s Bureau of Elections, said that there were no widespread irregularities or fraud surrounding the state’s results.
Chris Thomas, who held the position before Brater, testified during the board’s meeting as well, telling them that their role was merely to sign off on the results.
“You are the end game,” Thomas said. “You’ve got winners, you’ve got losers, you don’t have ties. Not everyone gets a trophy.”
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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--2020-11-23--‘Anti-Racism’ Icon Paid More than Black Woman for the Same Job

As is the case with most far-left activists , it turns out they don ’ t exactly practice what they preach .
That turned out to be the case for speaker and “ anti-racism ” activist Robin DiAngelo .
DiAngelo has committed perhaps one of the worst sins that “ anti-racist ” progressives consistently preach against : She was paid more than a black woman for doing the exact same job .
According to receipts obtained by the Washington Free Beacon , the University of Wisconsin-Madison ’ s Division of Diversity , Equity and Educational Achievement paid black female author @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a keynote address at its annual Diversity Forum .
The organization had previously paid DiAngelo , a white woman , $ 12,750 to give a keynote speech .
Leftists have consistently shown how hypocritical they are when it comes to the gender pay gap myth , which claims that women and minorities are paid less than men and white people for doing to same work .
TRENDING : 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Grants Review of Trump Campaign PA Suit Back in 2016 , Hillary Clinton , who spent much of her presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equal work , ” was caught similarly red-handed when it was revealed that the Clinton Foundation ’ s leadership team had a whopping $ 81,000 average gender pay gap , according to CNN .
If the pay gap myth is to be believed , both DiAngelo and Clinton are actively upholding the racist and sexist structures they purport to fight against .
In DiAngelo ’ s case , however , the hypocrisy is especially striking , given what it is she is paid to talk about .
A proponent of the strange , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” DiAngelo preaches that all white Americans are inherently racist and benefit from a series of unseen forces known as systemic racism .
The only way that white people can atone for their racism and privilege is through “ anti-racist ” activism , which involves confessing one ’ s guilt and adopting various redistributive economic policies that allegedly level the playing field for minority groups .
Ironically , while DiAngelo rakes in piles of cash teaching this nonsense , she also disparages capitalism .
During an interview with The New York Times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself racist .
“ Capitalism is dependent on inequality , on an underclass .
If the model is profit over everything else , you ’ re not going to look at your policies to see what is most racially equitable , ” DiAngelo said .
Of course , that belief isn ’ t going to stop her from benefiting from inequity , even at the apparent expense of her less profitable colleagues in the race-hustling industry .
In reality , the reason DiAngelo was paid more had nothing to do with her race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her book has received , there is now a much higher demand for her within the race-hustling circuit .
So far , thanks to the greatly increased free-market demand for DiAngelo ’ s rhetoric following the explosion of the Marxist Black Lives Matter movement , the author makes as much as $ 30,000 for speaking events and has reportedly netted over $ 2 million in sales from her best-selling book “ White Fragility , ” according to the Free Beacon .
True free-market capitalism , like the kind now operating in America , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater racial inequity won ’ t be found by dismantling one of the freest economic systems in the world ; doing so would inevitably make things much worse .
Instead , the real way to create true equality would be through pursuing policies that help impoverished communities gain more market skills , such as school choice and opportunity zones .
Additionally , the most effective solution would likely be to dissolve , or at least lessen , the current welfare state ’ s subsidies for impoverished individuals , which disincentivize those communities from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like DiAngelo don ’ t promote those solutions .
Instead , they merely see the economic suffering of minority communities as an opportunity to cash in .
It ’ s easy to criticize capitalism when the free market has created an incentive for you to do so .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As is the case with most far-left activists, it turns out they don’t exactly practice what they preach.
That turned out to be the case for speaker and “anti-racism” activist Robin DiAngelo.
DiAngelo has committed perhaps one of the worst sins that “anti-racist” progressives consistently preach against: She was paid more than a black woman for doing the exact same job.
According to receipts obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement paid black female author Austin Channing Brown $7,500 to give a keynote address at its annual Diversity Forum. The organization had previously paid DiAngelo, a white woman, $12,750 to give a keynote speech.
Leftists have consistently shown how hypocritical they are when it comes to the gender pay gap myth, which claims that women and minorities are paid less than men and white people for doing to same work.
Back in 2016, Hillary Clinton, who spent much of her presidential campaign harping on “equal pay for equal work,” was caught similarly red-handed when it was revealed that the Clinton Foundation’s leadership team had a whopping $81,000 average gender pay gap, according to CNN.
If the pay gap myth is to be believed, both DiAngelo and Clinton are actively upholding the racist and sexist structures they purport to fight against.
In DiAngelo’s case, however, the hypocrisy is especially striking, given what it is she is paid to talk about.
Is Robin DiAngelo a hypocrite? 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% (322 Votes) No: 1% (2 Votes)
A proponent of the strange, pseudo-religious philosophy known as “anti-racism,” DiAngelo preaches that all white Americans are inherently racist and benefit from a series of unseen forces known as systemic racism.
The only way that white people can atone for their racism and privilege is through “anti-racist” activism, which involves confessing one’s guilt and adopting various redistributive economic policies that allegedly level the playing field for minority groups.
Ironically, while DiAngelo rakes in piles of cash teaching this nonsense, she also disparages capitalism.
During an interview with The New York Times, DiAngelo outlined her belief that capitalism is itself racist.
“Capitalism is dependent on inequality, on an underclass. If the model is profit over everything else, you’re not going to look at your policies to see what is most racially equitable,” DiAngelo said.
Of course, that belief isn’t going to stop her from benefiting from inequity, even at the apparent expense of her less profitable colleagues in the race-hustling industry.
In reality, the reason DiAngelo was paid more had nothing to do with her race: Given the high level of success her book has received, there is now a much higher demand for her within the race-hustling circuit.
So far, thanks to the greatly increased free-market demand for DiAngelo’s rhetoric following the explosion of the Marxist Black Lives Matter movement, the author makes as much as $30,000 for speaking events and has reportedly netted over $2 million in sales from her best-selling book “White Fragility,” according to the Free Beacon.
True free-market capitalism, like the kind now operating in America, is colorblind.
Capitalism values market skills over skin color.
A true solution to greater racial inequity won’t be found by dismantling one of the freest economic systems in the world; doing so would inevitably make things much worse.
Instead, the real way to create true equality would be through pursuing policies that help impoverished communities gain more market skills, such as school choice and opportunity zones.
Additionally, the most effective solution would likely be to dissolve, or at least lessen, the current welfare state’s subsidies for impoverished individuals, which disincentivize those communities from gaining market skills.
Unfortunately, activists like DiAngelo don’t promote those solutions.
Instead, they merely see the economic suffering of minority communities as an opportunity to cash in.
It’s easy to criticize capitalism when the free market has created an incentive for you to do so.
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--2020-11-23--Biden’s America: DHS Officials Warn of Surge in Illegal Border Crossing in Anticipation of Biden Pre

Biden’s America: DHS Officials Warn of Surge in Illegal Border Crossing in Anticipation of Biden Presidency

Immigration officials are sounding the alarm about a coming influx of illegal immigration across the country ’ s southern border should Democrat Joe Biden ultimately win the 2020 election and become our next president .
The establishment media called the still-contested race for Biden earlier this month , and the Democrat has wasted no time preparing a transition team .
Americans aren ’ t the only people who have been watching closely .
Those seeking to enter the country from Mexico are preparing a surge of migration northward from Mexico and Central America , according to border security officials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to President Donald Trump ’ s hardline stance against illegal immigration , which would signal to migrants that the nation ’ s southern border is wide open .
Fox News reported that during a conference call last week , acting Customs and Border Commissioner Mark Morgan warned that an end to Trump ’ s policies would create a migration crisis as tens of thousands of people could immediately converge on the border .
TRENDING : 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Grants Review of Trump Campaign PA Suit Such an influx of people could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like small potatoes .
As Morgan put it , the crisis could exceed the 2019 border crisis in which more than 140,000 illegal crossings occurred in only one month .
“ If MPP is to go away , it ’ ll be absolutely devastating , ” Morgan said on the call of the Trump administration ’ s Migrant Protection Protocols , which sends migrants to Mexico to await their asylum hearings .
Trump ’ s policies have seen the number of illegal immigrants released into the country decrease dramatically .
According to Fox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 fiscal year , the CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement released more than half a million people into the country .
So far this fiscal year , only 15,000 illegal immigrants have been released into the country , he said .
Morgan recently touted the efficacy of Trump ’ s border wall with curtailing border crossings .
RELATED : Maxine Waters Says She Wants To Use Trump To 'Send a Message Across the World' Leftists and establishment media activists are already petitioning Biden to tear down every mile of that wall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigration plans would also create a scenario where those who enter the country illegally are no longer deported back into Mexico to await a determination of whether they can be granted asylum .
“ If you remove MPP as well as other policies that critics have said they ’ re going to remove , make no mistake that is going to sound the alarm that our borders are open , ” Morgan said on the conference call , according to Fox News .
“ The smugglers as we know , as history shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exploit the loopholes , and they will further exploit the migrants and you will see a crisis that makes last year ’ s crisis look like child ’ s play , ” he said .
“ And you can take that to the bank.
” According to Morgan , though , illegal border crossings are already increasing .
The immigration official said that in October , 69,000 people entered the country illegally .
That number , per Fox News , was an increase of 21 percent from the month prior and a 54 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year .
Morgan attributed those numbers to “ anticipated shifts in policy.
” In an address to Arizona sheriffs in October , acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf warned that if the Trump administration ’ s safeguards “ are removed or overturned , then the department — and you , our frontline partners — would be imperiled by another immigration crisis.
” That ’ s a kind way of saying that those aiming to cross our southern border have been expecting a Biden win and have been preparing to overwhelm border agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
If the 78-year-old Democrat is certified as the election winner , every bit of the ground that has been gained these last four years to enforce the country ’ s immigration laws would be lost .
Even before taking office , the former vice president already is creating a legacy that sees criminals feel emboldened to violate American border sovereignty .
If nothing else , as we sit here in November , we have a small preview of what a Biden presidency would look like .
We are committed to truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read our editorial standards .

Immigration officials are sounding the alarm about a coming influx of illegal immigration across the country’s southern border should Democrat Joe Biden ultimately win the 2020 election and become our next president.
The establishment media called the still-contested race for Biden earlier this month, and the Democrat has wasted no time preparing a transition team.
Americans aren’t the only people who have been watching closely. Those seeking to enter the country from Mexico are preparing a surge of migration northward from Mexico and Central America, according to border security officials.
Biden has promised to put an end to President Donald Trump’s hardline stance against illegal immigration, which would signal to migrants that the nation’s southern border is wide open.
Fox News reported that during a conference call last week, acting Customs and Border Commissioner Mark Morgan warned that an end to Trump’s policies would create a migration crisis as tens of thousands of people could immediately converge on the border.
Such an influx of people could make the Land Run of 1893 look like small potatoes.
As Morgan put it, the crisis could exceed the 2019 border crisis in which more than 140,000 illegal crossings occurred in only one month.
“If MPP is to go away, it’ll be absolutely devastating,” Morgan said on the call of the Trump administration’s Migrant Protection Protocols, which sends migrants to Mexico to await their asylum hearings.
Trump’s policies have seen the number of illegal immigrants released into the country decrease dramatically.
Do you think illegal immigration will be out of control if Biden becomes president? 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% (2597 Votes) No: 0% (9 Votes)
According to Fox News, Morgan said that during the 2019 fiscal year, the CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement released more than half a million people into the country.
So far this fiscal year, only 15,000 illegal immigrants have been released into the country, he said.
Morgan recently touted the efficacy of Trump’s border wall with curtailing border crossings.
Mile after mile, our border is more secure with the border wall system. pic.twitter.com/HXAeztXH7E — CBP Mark Morgan (@CBPMarkMorgan) November 16, 2020
Leftists and establishment media activists are already petitioning Biden to tear down every mile of that wall.
According to Morgan, Biden’s immigration plans would also create a scenario where those who enter the country illegally are no longer deported back into Mexico to await a determination of whether they can be granted asylum.
“If you remove MPP as well as other policies that critics have said they’re going to remove, make no mistake that is going to sound the alarm that our borders are open,” Morgan said on the conference call, according to Fox News.
“The smugglers as we know, as history shows, as data proves, they will exploit the loopholes, and they will further exploit the migrants and you will see a crisis that makes last year’s crisis look like child’s play,” he said. “And you can take that to the bank.”
According to Morgan, though, illegal border crossings are already increasing.
The immigration official said that in October, 69,000 people entered the country illegally.
That number, per Fox News, was an increase of 21 percent from the month prior and a 54 percent increase from the same time period last year.
Morgan attributed those numbers to “anticipated shifts in policy.”
In an address to Arizona sheriffs in October, acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf warned that if the Trump administration’s safeguards “are removed or overturned, then the department — and you, our frontline partners — would be imperiled by another immigration crisis.”
That’s a kind way of saying that those aiming to cross our southern border have been expecting a Biden win and have been preparing to overwhelm border agents on their way toward a community near you.
If the 78-year-old Democrat is certified as the election winner, every bit of the ground that has been gained these last four years to enforce the country’s immigration laws would be lost.
Even before taking office, the former vice president already is creating a legacy that sees criminals feel emboldened to violate American border sovereignty.
If nothing else, as we sit here in November, we have a small preview of what a Biden presidency would look like.
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--2020-11-23--Bob Ehrlich: The 4 Tricks Democrats Will Soon Use To Bring America to Its Knees

What do we do now ?
What a weird convergence of media reports .
On the one hand , we are told to follow an unfolding Biden transition , no questions asked .
And if you dare engage serious concerns about the legitimacy of what went down on Nov. 3 , 2020 — especially if you refuse to recognize the former vice president as president-elect — well , you are a certified right-wing nutcase .
You are further admonished to shut up and deal with the demise of Donald J. Trump and the era of hate .
“ Love ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other hand , we hear of hourly discoveries concerning software “ glitches , ” newly “ found ” votes , mismatched signature lines and a big-time lack of transparency in big-city vote counting .
Every day seems to produce a new lawsuit — but always with the media ’ s rejoinder that such attempts to usurp democracy are immoral and nothing more than a waste of time .
Here , then , are four serious obstacles as we seek to achieve a positive outlook on life at the very beginning of a likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ 1984 ” and “ Animal Farm ” — and for good reason .
It was not so long ago that censorship of political opinion was condemned by both political parties , especially the left .
But that was the ’ 60s , when the ACLU had credibility and dissidents of different stripes employed First Amendment freedoms to build historic movements : civil rights , the women ’ s movement , the anti-war movement .
It would have been unfathomable for that era ’ s rebel-lefties to indulge censorship in any way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to today , and a new progressive left is all in for heavy-handed censorship and thought control .
On campus ?
Of course — how else to control “ hate speech ” and all those riotous College Republicans ?
On social media platforms ?
You betcha – how else to contain those millions of white supremacists who watch Tucker Carlson nightly while planting voter fraud conspiracy theories on the internet .
In public ?
Sure — just confront any suspected Trump supporter in the public square and then intimidate him or her .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems NeverTrumpers have taken to “ outing ” attorneys who dare represent the Trump campaign in court .
No freedom of association for you , Sidney Powell !
RELATED : Op-Ed : If Biden Wants To Avoid a Recession , He Needs To Let Small Businesses - Not Government - Help America Former Obama aide and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel is credited with the original quote , “ You never want a serious crisis to go to waste , ” but the latest inclination is more akin to “ Let ’ s use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just about every Democratic leader who counts has uttered the “ R ” word in recent months .
You should accordingly expect the Biden administration will attempt to institute a steady diet of transformative policies commencing in approximately eight weeks .
Of course , there is no one definition for the promised cultural changes .
But they are likely to include draconian mask mandates and/or a national lockdown .
The Davos crowd and other really smart people will also press their latest pet initiative : a turn away from market capitalism toward allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reset to Obama-style multilateralism ( rejoining the Paris climate accords , the Iranian nuclear deal and UNESCO ) is clearly in the cards .
Engagement on mega trade deals and rapprochement with Beijing are other important priorities .
Indeed , there is no more tangible repudiation of Trump-style nationalism than the latter .
Both party establishments ( and especially the NBA ) will breathe a sigh of relief — and who really cares about a couple million Uighurs or those problematic dissidents in Hong Kong ?
Educational freedom was on the November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Biden ’ s promise , national teachers unions will now be firmly in control of public education .
And the damage doesn ’ t stop there .
Wholesale forgiveness of student debt is now on the agenda .
As is wholesale revisionism in K-12 curricula .
The losers ( in chronological order ) : poor , mostly minority kids in successful charter schools ; hardworking students who scraped and clawed their way to paying off their school debt ; and truth in American history ( you can forget about “ The 1776 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ) I have long envisioned parental choice as the logical next chapter in the civil rights movement .
After all , African-American women started the charter school experiment in Wisconsin in the 1980s .
But I now have my doubts .
School choice might poll well in minority communities , but relatively few minority legislators are willing to adopt the cause .
Just too much political payback involved .
I saw it play out in Maryland fifteen years ago .
Things just don ’ t change much for kids stuck in poor-performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dysfunction is a multi-generational fact of life for far too many disadvantaged kids .
It ’ s the shiny new word on the left — and it has 73 million targets .
You know the surrounding buzz phrases : “ He ’ s not us ; ” “ We can do so much better ; ” and , of course , “ Shame on you [ for supporting Trump ] .
” As a matter of rhetoric , it is effective : The target is placed on defense straightaway .
Recall the old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explaining , you ’ re losing.
” The downside is its one-sidedness .
The shamed Trump supporter is somehow not supposed to examine the alternative .
In this case , a rather weak , sometimes confused 78-year-old coming to grips with the ascendant progressives in his coalition and party .
Equally irrelevant are the tangible policy successes of the Trump administration — from Middle East peace to border security to a warp-speed-produced COVID vaccine .
Alas , even major policy breakthroughs don ’ t count when shaming is on the agenda .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right side of the aisle .
Are you up for ‘ em ?
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 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

What do we do now?
What a weird convergence of media reports. On the one hand, we are told to follow an unfolding Biden transition, no questions asked. And if you dare engage serious concerns about the legitimacy of what went down on Nov. 3 — especially if you refuse to recognize the former vice president as president-elect — well, you are a certified right-wing nutcase.
You are further admonished to shut up and deal with the demise of Donald J. Trump and the era of hate. “Love” won, dontcha know?
On the other hand were the discoveries concerning software “glitches,” newly “found” votes, mismatched signature lines and a big-time lack of transparency in big-city vote counting. Each lawsuit brought a media rejoinder that such attempts to usurp democracy are immoral and nothing more than a waste of time.
Here, then, are four serious obstacles as we seek to achieve a positive outlook on life at the very beginning of a likely Biden era.
Censorship
Right-wingers regularly suggest rereadings of “1984” and “Animal Farm” — and for good reason.
It was not so long ago that censorship of political opinion was condemned by both political parties, especially the left.
But that was the ’60s, when the ACLU had credibility and dissidents of different stripes employed First Amendment freedoms to build historic movements: civil rights, the women’s movement, the anti-war movement. It would have been unfathomable for that era’s rebel-lefties to indulge censorship in any way, shape or form.
Do you think a Biden administration would use fear and censorship to further erode our freedoms? 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% (5607 Votes) No: 1% (36 Votes)
Fast forward to today, and a new progressive left is all in for heavy-handed censorship and thought control.
On campus? Of course — how else to control “hate speech” and all those riotous College Republicans?
On social media platforms? You betcha – how else to contain those millions of white supremacists who watch Tucker Carlson nightly while planting voter fraud conspiracy theories on the internet.
In public? Sure — just confront any suspected Trump supporter in the public square and then intimidate him or her.
In the courtroom? Why not — seems NeverTrumpers have taken to “outing” attorneys who dare represent the Trump campaign in court. No freedom of association for you, Sidney Powell!
Beware the Reset
Former Obama aide and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel is credited with the original quote, “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste,” but the latest inclination is more akin to “Let’s use coronavirus to achieve a cultural reset.”
Just about every Democratic leader who counts has uttered the “R” word in recent months. You should accordingly expect the Biden administration will attempt to institute a steady diet of transformative policies commencing in approximately eight weeks.
Of course, there is no one definition for the promised cultural changes. But they are likely to include draconian mask mandates and/or a national lockdown.
The Davos crowd and other really smart people will also press their latest pet initiative: a turn away from market capitalism toward allegedly more equitable economic systems. Here, a reset to Obama-style multilateralism (rejoining the Paris climate accords, the Iranian nuclear deal and UNESCO) is clearly in the cards.
Engagement on mega trade deals and rapprochement with Beijing are other important priorities. Indeed, there is no more tangible repudiation of Trump-style nationalism than the latter. Both party establishments (and especially the NBA) will breathe a sigh of relief — and who really cares about a couple million Uighurs or those problematic dissidents in Hong Kong?
An Educational Nightmare
Educational freedom was on the November ballot — and it lost. Per Mr. Biden’s promise, national teachers unions will now be firmly in control of public education. And the damage doesn’t stop there. Wholesale forgiveness of student debt is now on the agenda. As is wholesale revisionism in K-12 curricula.
The losers (in chronological order): poor, mostly minority kids in successful charter schools; hardworking students who scraped and clawed their way to paying off their school debt; and truth in American history (you can forget about “The 1776 Project” replacing “The 1619 Project.”)
I have long envisioned parental choice as the logical next chapter in the civil rights movement.
After all, African-American women started the charter school experiment in Wisconsin in the 1980s. But I now have my doubts. School choice might poll well in minority communities, but relatively few minority legislators are willing to adopt the cause. Just too much political payback involved.
I saw it play out in Maryland fifteen years ago. Things just don’t change much for kids stuck in poor-performing schools. The bottom line: Structural dysfunction is a multi-generational fact of life for far too many disadvantaged kids.
Shame
It’s the shiny new word on the left — and it has 73 million targets.
You know the surrounding buzz phrases: “He’s not us;” “We can do so much better;” and, of course, “Shame on you [for supporting Trump].”
As a matter of rhetoric, it is effective: The target is placed on defense straightaway. Recall the old rule: “When you’re explaining, you’re losing.”
The downside is its one-sidedness. The shamed Trump supporter is somehow not supposed to examine the alternative.
In this case, a rather weak, sometimes confused 78-year-old coming to grips with the ascendant progressives in his coalition and party. Equally irrelevant are the tangible policy successes of the Trump administration — from Middle East peace to border security to a warp-speed-produced COVID vaccine. Alas, even major policy breakthroughs don’t count when shaming is on the agenda.
There you have it. Four challenges for the right side of the aisle. Are you up for ‘em?
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--2020-11-23--Biden Just Created a ‘Climate Czar’ Position And Named a Familiar Face to the Role

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is reportedly considering former Secretary of State John Kerry for a newly-created position to oversee his climate agenda , in the event he is sworn in as president in January .
While the election is still hotly-contested by President Donald Trump , Biden claimed victory in the election after he was named president-elect by the establishment media .
The 78-year-old has since begun floating big names as potential cabinet members .
Biden ’ s team last week was reported to be considering former Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland for the role of attorney general .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s transition team is said to be considering Kerry for the role of “ climate czar.
” TRENDING : 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Grants Review of Trump Campaign PA Suit “ Secretary Kerry elevated environmental challenges as diplomatic priorities , from oceans to hydrofluorocarbons .
He was a key architect of the Paris Climate Accord , and signed the historic agreement to reduce carbon emissions with his granddaughter on his lap , ” Biden ’ s team said in a release .
In that role , Kerry would lead a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight climate change , ” according to The Hill ’ s Rebecca Beitsch .
In such a capacity , the former State Department head for the Obama administration would work with multiple federal agencies to implement Democrats ’ plans to combat climate change .
Beitsch reported Kerry would be “ coordinating programs that are expected to stretch across multiple agencies while leading efforts at a White House that may need to look for avenues beyond Congress to advance climate priorities.
” Climate change has long been an issue that Democrats have vowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would rejoin the Paris climate accord , which Trump withdrew the country from in 2017 .
Trump actually spoke about the agreement Sunday remotely when addressing leaders of the G20 Summit .
“ To protect American workers , I withdrew the United States from the unfair and one-sided Paris climate accord , a very unfair act for the United States , ” Trump said , Business Insider reported .
“ The Paris accord was not designed to save the environment .
It was designed to kill the American economy , ” Trump also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lamenting 'Possibility of Bernie Sanders Taking Down the Democratic Party ' : Report “ I refuse to surrender millions of American jobs and send trillions of American dollars to the world ’ s worst polluters and environmental offenders , and that ’ s what would have happened , ” Trump concluded .
With Kerry at the helm of a potential Biden administration ’ s climate agenda , Americans could expect the White House to pivot on policy with regard to American energy .
Kerry embraced being named to such a position on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government that treats the climate crisis as the urgent national security threat it is , ” Kerry wrote .
“ I ’ m proud to partner with the president-elect , our allies , and the young leaders of the climate movement to take on this crisis as the President ’ s Climate Envoy , ” he concluded .
Biden ’ s climate plan has an estimated $ 2 trillion price tag , and calls for net zero emissions by 2050 , potential putting hundreds of thousands of American jobs in jeopardy .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is reportedly considering former Secretary of State John Kerry for a newly-created position to oversee his climate agenda, in the event he is sworn in as president in January.
While the election is still hotly-contested by President Donald Trump, Biden claimed victory in the election after he was named president-elect by the establishment media.
The 78-year-old has since begun floating big names as potential cabinet members.
Biden’s team last week was reported to be considering former Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland for the role of attorney general.
Now, according to The Hill, Biden’s transition team is said to be considering Kerry for the role of “climate czar.”
“Secretary Kerry elevated environmental challenges as diplomatic priorities, from oceans to hydrofluorocarbons. He was a key architect of the Paris Climate Accord, and signed the historic agreement to reduce carbon emissions with his granddaughter on his lap,” Biden’s team said in a release.
In that role, Kerry would lead a Biden administration’s “efforts to fight climate change,” according to The Hill’s Rebecca Beitsch.
In such a capacity, the former State Department head for the Obama administration would work with multiple federal agencies to implement Democrats’ plans to combat climate change.
Beitsch reported Kerry would be “coordinating programs that are expected to stretch across multiple agencies while leading efforts at a White House that may need to look for avenues beyond Congress to advance climate priorities.”
Do you think we should focus on climate change? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 3% (7 Votes) No: 97% (241 Votes)
Climate change has long been an issue that Democrats have vowed to take on.
Biden has stated he would rejoin the Paris climate accord, which Trump withdrew the country from in 2017.
Trump actually spoke about the agreement Sunday remotely when addressing leaders of the G20 Summit.
“To protect American workers, I withdrew the United States from the unfair and one-sided Paris climate accord, a very unfair act for the United States,” Trump said, Business Insider reported.
“The Paris accord was not designed to save the environment. It was designed to kill the American economy,” Trump also stated.
“I refuse to surrender millions of American jobs and send trillions of American dollars to the world’s worst polluters and environmental offenders, and that’s what would have happened,” Trump concluded.
With Kerry at the helm of a potential Biden administration’s climate agenda, Americans could expect the White House to pivot on policy with regard to American energy.
Kerry embraced being named to such a position on Twitter.
“America will soon have a government that treats the climate crisis as the urgent national security threat it is,” Kerry wrote.
America will soon have a government that treats the climate crisis as the urgent national security threat it is. I’m proud to partner with the President-elect, our allies, and the young leaders of the climate movement to take on this crisis as the President’s Climate Envoy. — John Kerry (@JohnKerry) November 23, 2020
“I’m proud to partner with the president-elect, our allies, and the young leaders of the climate movement to take on this crisis as the President’s Climate Envoy,” he concluded.
Biden’s climate plan has an estimated $2 trillion price tag, and calls for net zero emissions by 2050, potential putting hundreds of thousands of American jobs in jeopardy.
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--2020-11-23--Here’s the Big Name Who May Be Running for Texas Governor

Actor Matthew McConaughey , an avowed Christian , addressed speculation that he might run for Texas governor , saying if he did run , it wouldn ’ t be in the near future .
“ I have no plans to do that right now , ” McConaughey said Wednesday on “ The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
” McConaughey noted that he ’ s interested in “ whatever leadership role I could be most useful in .
And I don ’ t know that that ’ s politics.
” McConaughey was responding to media buzz that he was considering entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radio host Hugh Hewitt .
During the interview , Hewitt asked , “ Are you ever going to run for anything ?
” McConaughey responded , “ I don ’ t know .
I mean , that wouldn ’ t be up to me .
It would be up to the people more than it would me.
” The actor cited today ’ s toxic and divided political climate as a reason not to run .
And can you blame him ?
Look what left-wing mobs did to actor Chris Pratt : They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” simply because he wore a T-shirt with an American flag on it that they objected to .
Unhinged leftists also floated the spurious rumor that Pratt is a closet Trump supporter because he ’ s Christian , and then they defamed him as a “ racist.
” For the record , Pratt has never publicly discussed his political leanings .
Similarly , McConaughey has not said publicly whether he ’ s a Democrat or a Republican .
However , he has been the target of online rumors that he ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in 2017 ( when Trump was first elected ) that people should give him a chance .
For now , McConaughey is steering clear of politics because he says the country is irreparably divided .
RELATED : Acting Legend Dismantles Liberal Hollywood Activism : 'Step Away from Saying Anything' “ No matter what side of the aisle you ’ re on , or as I said earlier , denomination , we have broken those social contracts , ” he said .
“ We don ’ t trust each other , and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which if that becomes epidemic , then we ’ ve got anarchy.
” McConaughey then echoed what is widely considered a conservative view , emphasizing the need for personal responsibility in the face of today ’ s chaotic world .
“ I ’ m all for the individual , ” he said .
“ The individual needs to look in the mirror and say , ‘ How can I be a little bit better today ?
How can this selfish decision I want to make for myself correlate and also be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most amount of people ? '
” Regardless of McConaughey ’ s political affiliation , it ’ s refreshing to see an open-minded Hollywood celebrity who believes that we can control our own lives through the actions we take .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Actor Matthew McConaughey, an avowed Christian, addressed speculation that he might run for Texas governor, saying if he did run, it wouldn’t be in the near future.
“I have no plans to do that right now,” McConaughey said Wednesday on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”
McConaughey noted that he’s interested in “whatever leadership role I could be most useful in. And I don’t know that that’s politics.”
McConaughey was responding to media buzz that he was considering entering politics following a Tuesday interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.
During the interview, Hewitt asked, “Are you ever going to run for anything?”
McConaughey responded, “I don’t know. I mean, that wouldn’t be up to me. It would be up to the people more than it would me.”
The actor cited today’s toxic and divided political climate as a reason not to run.
And can you blame him? Look what left-wing mobs did to actor Chris Pratt: They attacked him as a “white supremacist” simply because he wore a T-shirt with an American flag on it that they objected to.
Would you vote for Matthew McConaughey if he ran for office? 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: 72% (260 Votes) No: 28% (100 Votes)
Unhinged leftists also floated the spurious rumor that Pratt is a closet Trump supporter because he’s Christian, and then they defamed him as a “racist.”
For the record, Pratt has never publicly discussed his political leanings.
Similarly, McConaughey has not said publicly whether he’s a Democrat or a Republican.
However, he has been the target of online rumors that he’s a secret Trump supporter simply because he said back in 2017 (when Trump was first elected) that people should give him a chance.
For now, McConaughey is steering clear of politics because he says the country is irreparably divided.
“No matter what side of the aisle you’re on, or as I said earlier, denomination, we have broken those social contracts,” he said. “We don’t trust each other, and that leads to us not trust in ourselves, which if that becomes epidemic, then we’ve got anarchy.”
McConaughey then echoed what is widely considered a conservative view, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility in the face of today’s chaotic world.
“I’m all for the individual,” he said. “The individual needs to look in the mirror and say, ‘How can I be a little bit better today? How can this selfish decision I want to make for myself correlate and also be the decision that’s best for the most amount of people?'”
Regardless of McConaughey’s political affiliation, it’s refreshing to see an open-minded Hollywood celebrity who believes that we can control our own lives through the actions we take.
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--2020-11-23--Family Living in Shed Finally Has New Home After Age 8 Son Starts Business

Many 8-year-olds have big dreams , and Aaron Moreno of Los Angeles is no different .
He wants to design shoes for Nike and eventually become a judge .
Unlike many 8-year-olds , Aaron had an immediate , much more attainable goal that launched him into entrepreneurship : He wanted some Flamin ’ Hot Cheetos topped with melted cheese .
Earlier this year , that wasn ’ t something that was within reach .
Aaron , his sisters and his mother were living in a shed , without the internet , a bathroom , air conditioning or even a table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told NBC ’ s “ Today ” that after she lost her job they “ didn ’ t have any other options.
” “ As a mother it broke my heart , ” she continued .
“ I felt like I was failing my kids.
” Normally , her kids would have found some joy in the nearby playground — but that was off-limits , thanks to COVID restrictions , leaving them cramped in the shed and making do with what they could , and no money to buy extras like the snack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He wanted it so badly , ” Pacheco said .
“ But I needed to pay the phone bill and do the laundry.
” She mentioned that if he wanted to buy such things , he ’ d need to start earning money somehow .
She gave him all the cash she had on her ( $ 12 ) for seed money , and Aaron got to work with that precious startup money in March .
“ He came up with the idea to start selling plants , ” Pacheco explained .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” So he did .
His first purchase was eight succulents , which he was able to sell and make a $ 4 profit .
He put the money back into his products and slowly expanded his lineup .
It wasn ’ t long before word got out about the industrious young man who ’ d set up shop selling plants .
Kind customers tipped him , and soon he had a following .
Aaron made it onto Instagram , where he gained an even more devoted fan club , and a family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his family , where the $ 1,000 goal currently stands at over $ 46,000 .
The support has meant everything to the family , as they ’ ve been able to move into an apartment and even get a car thanks to the generosity of strangers who wanted to commend the young businessman .
RELATED : Tell a Teacher 'Thank You ' for Free Courtesy of Hallmark “ We finally have our own kitchen , ” Pacheco said of their home .
“ Aaron and his sister have a place to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it feels huge to us.
” On the GoFundMe page , she gave a more detailed account of their situation and just how much the move meant to them .
“ Great news , ” an update from Nov. 4 read .
“ We were finally able to say bye to my shed , the place that taught us to be patient and be grateful in the little things so God can bless us with bigger things .
“ God tested us hard .
The shed taught us to make the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes 4 people staying in one twin bed .
Where we kissed and hugged it out to go to sleep even if we were mad at each other , we had no option .
The shed taught us that a home can be many things but a family remains one through thick and thin .
“ The shed taught us to clap it out when things would fall all over the place after just picking stuff up because things were always piled .
When we couldnt find stuff because everything seemed lost in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the shed , instead of complaining we would hug harder , pray harder and love harder.
” “ We had a small tool shed and made it to be a living room , room , kitchen a closet playroom , a closet , ” the update said .
“ Remember how I wanted my own business ?
Well we are converting our new garage into my own Aarons Garden , so soon you can shop here at this new house .
Can ’ t wait to show you !
!
!
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28,000 followers now , and things are looking up for the family , their living arrangements and Aaron ’ s business — which will now be operating out of their garage .
With the determination , business sense , supportive family and enthusiastic customers Aaron has , he certainly has a bright future ahead of him .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Many 8-year-olds have big dreams, and Aaron Moreno of Los Angeles is no different. He wants to design shoes for Nike and eventually become a judge.
Unlike many 8-year-olds, Aaron had an immediate, much more attainable goal that launched him into entrepreneurship: He wanted some Flamin’ Hot Cheetos topped with melted cheese.
Earlier this year, that wasn’t something that was within reach. Aaron, his sisters and his mother were living in a shed, without the internet, a bathroom, air conditioning or even a table.
Mom Berenice Pacheco, 30, told NBC’s “Today” that after she lost her job they “didn’t have any other options.”
“As a mother it broke my heart,” she continued. “I felt like I was failing my kids.”
Normally, her kids would have found some joy in the nearby playground — but that was off-limits, thanks to COVID restrictions, leaving them cramped in the shed and making do with what they could, and no money to buy extras like the snack that Aaron so desperately craved.
“He wanted it so badly,” Pacheco said. “But I needed to pay the phone bill and do the laundry.”
She mentioned that if he wanted to buy such things, he’d need to start earning money somehow. She gave him all the cash she had on her ($12) for seed money, and Aaron got to work with that precious startup money in March.
“He came up with the idea to start selling plants,” Pacheco explained. “I told him to invest the money.”
So he did. His first purchase was eight succulents, which he was able to sell and make a $4 profit. He put the money back into his products and slowly expanded his lineup.
It wasn’t long before word got out about the industrious young man who’d set up shop selling plants. Kind customers tipped him, and soon he had a following.
Aaron made it onto Instagram, where he gained an even more devoted fan club, and a family friend set up a GoFundMe for him and his family, where the $1,000 goal currently stands at over $68,000.
The support has meant everything to the family, as they’ve been able to move into an apartment and even get a car thanks to the generosity of strangers who wanted to commend the young businessman.
“We finally have our own kitchen,” Pacheco said of their home. “Aaron and his sister have a place to do homework. It’s not big but it feels huge to us.”
On the GoFundMe page, she gave a more detailed account of their situation and just how much the move meant to them.
“Great news,” an update from Nov. 4 read. “We were finally able to say bye to my shed, the place that taught us to be patient and be grateful in the little things so God can bless us with bigger things.
“God tested us hard. The shed taught us to make the best of what we have even if it takes 4 people staying in one twin bed. Where we kissed and hugged it out to go to sleep even if we were mad at each other, we had no option. The shed taught us that a home can be many things but a family remains one through thick and thin.
“The shed taught us to clap it out when things would fall all over the place after just picking stuff up because things were always piled. When we couldnt find stuff because everything seemed lost in storage boxes, and we barely fit in the shed, instead of complaining we would hug harder, pray harder and love harder.”
“We had a small tool shed and made it to be a living room, room, kitchen a closet playroom, a closet,” the update said. “Remember how I wanted my own business? Well we are converting our new garage into my own Aarons Garden, so soon you can shop here at this new house. Can’t wait to show you!!!”
“Aaronsgarden” on Instagram has over 32,000 followers now, and things are looking up for the family, their living arrangements and Aaron’s business — which will now be operating out of their garage.
With the determination, business sense, supportive family and enthusiastic customers Aaron has, he certainly has a bright future ahead of him.
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--2020-11-23--The Supreme Court Could Soon Crack Down on NY Gov. Cuomo Thanks to Amy Coney Barrett

Religious liberty could be getting a new crack at the nation ’ s highest court .
Months after 5-4 rulings by the Supreme Court supported strict limits on religious congregations in California and Nevada , the high court is expected to decide this week whether to hear a new challenge to coronavirus restrictions on the freedom to worship from the other side of the country .
And the newest Supreme Court justice could play a key role in the outcome .
A lawsuit brought by the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn , New York , is challenging New York Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings — including religious services .
In affected areas , houses of worship have been limited to attendance of 25 percent of a building ’ s capacity , or 10 individuals , whichever is fewer , according to The Wall Street Journal .
That ’ s because a Cuomo executive order , which was issued in October in response to a resurgence of coronavirus cases in the state , does not consider religious services to be “ essential.
” “ If we were essential , you ’ d have to look at us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store or a pharmacy , ” Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio told The Journal last week .
“ We have been relegated with the bowling alleys.
” To many Democrats and probably most liberals , that ’ s precisely where houses of worship belong — religious activities in the world of the secular left probably rate lower than the Thursday night bowling league .
But to millions of Americans , worship services are as essential as food on the table or a well-stocked medicine cabinet .
And the Founders of the nation took religious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first order of business in the First Amendment to the Constitution — ahead of freedom of speech , freedom of the press and the right of assembly .
In May , the Supreme Court voted narrowly in favor of California Gov .
Gavin Newsom in the case of South Bay United Pentecostal Church vs. Newsom , in which the church argued that its First Amendment rights were violated by a Newsom executive order limiting capacity .
In June , a case from Nevada argued that the Silver State ’ s coronavirus restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services differently than other large gatherings such as casinos , gyms and restaurants.
” In both cases , Chief Justice John Roberts sided ( with dreary predictability these days ) with the court ’ s liberal wing .
“ Similar or more severe restrictions apply to comparable secular gatherings , including lectures , concerts , movie showings , spectator sports , and theatrical performances , where large groups of people gather in close proximity for extended periods of time .
And the Order exempts or treats more leniently only dissimilar activities , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and laundromats , in which people neither congregate in large groups nor remain in close proximity for extended periods , ” Roberts wrote in the California case .
Right .
So to the court ’ s liberals — and Chief Justice Roberts — churches , synagogues and mosques are more similar to concerts , spectator sports and theatrical performances than absolute necessities like grocery stores , banks and laundromats .
RELATED : Lib Priest 's Bashing of ACB 's Latest Decision Accidentally Admits We Were Right All Along Funny how grocery stores , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equivalent ) didn ’ t make it into the Constitution — much less the First Amendment .
Justice Samuel Alito , who dissented from the decision — along with Justices Kavanaugh , Gorsuch and Thomas — did not submit a written objection to the majority ’ s decision , but made his feelings about the decision clear in a speech earlier this month .
In an address to the Federalist Society , Alito recounted in scathing terms the abridgments of American liberties that have taken place during the coronavirus pandemic .
And cited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Over the summer , the Supreme Court received two applications to stay COVID restrictions that blatantly discriminated against houses of worship , one from California , one from Nevada , ” Alito said , according to a transcript published on Reason.com ’ s The Volokh Conspiracy .
“ In both cases , the court allowed the discrimination to stand .
The only justification given was that we should defer to the judgment of the governors because they have the responsibility to safeguard the public health.
” Alito used the Nevada case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s rules limited houses of worship to 50 individuals but allowed casinos to operate at 50 percent capacity .
( Since casinos are “ enormous , ” Alito said , that ’ s a lot more than 50 people . )
“ Now deciding whether to allow this disparate treatment should not have been a very tough call .
Take a quick look at the Constitution .
You will see the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment which protects religious liberty , you will not find a craps clause or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” That ’ s not just conservative thinking , that ’ s just common sense ( though the two are often curiously in sync . )
But as it turns out , there ’ s reason to hope that at least one of the five votes that backed California and Nevada in the May case will turn out differently if the court agrees to hear the Brooklyn Diocese challenge to Andrew Cuomo .
The late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , part of the court ’ s majority in May and June , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose understanding of constitutional law is shaped by the originalism of her mentor , the late Justice Antonin Scalia .
It ’ s a good bet that Barrett ’ s originalist view of the Constitution is a lot closer to Alito ’ s viewpoint than the late Justice Ginsberg ’ s — and that Barrett understands that the nation ’ s founding document does not even mention craps or black jack or slot machines , but does defend the fundamental right of religious freedom .
There ’ s no guarantee yet that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case .
And if it does , there ’ s no guarantee a ruling will go in favor of the Diocese of Brooklyn .
But conservatives have every reason to hope that in a second crack before the high court , religious liberty will win out .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Religious liberty could be getting a new crack at the nation’s highest court.
Months after 5-4 rulings by the Supreme Court supported strict limits on religious congregations in California and Nevada, the high court is expected to decide this week whether to hear a new challenge to coronavirus restrictions on the freedom to worship from the other side of the country.
And the newest Supreme Court justice could play a key role in the outcome.
A lawsuit brought by the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, is challenging New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s limits on public gatherings — including religious services.
In affected areas, houses of worship have been limited to attendance of 25 percent of a building’s capacity, or 10 individuals, whichever is fewer, according to The Wall Street Journal.
That’s because a Cuomo executive order, which was issued in October in response to a resurgence of coronavirus cases in the state, does not consider religious services to be “essential.”
“If we were essential, you’d have to look at us differently — whether we were a grocery store or a pharmacy,” Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio told The Journal last week. “We have been relegated with the bowling alleys.”
To many Democrats and probably most liberals, that’s precisely where houses of worship belong — religious activities in the world of the secular left probably rate lower than the Thursday night bowling league.
But to millions of Americans, worship services are as essential as food on the table or a well-stocked medicine cabinet. And the Founders of the nation took religious freedom seriously enough to make protecting it the first order of business in the First Amendment to the Constitution — ahead of freedom of speech, freedom of the press and the right of assembly.
Do you think the Supreme Court will stand up for religious liberty this time? 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% (1464 Votes) No: 4% (67 Votes)
In May, the Supreme Court voted narrowly in favor of California Gov. Gavin Newsom in the case of South Bay United Pentecostal Church vs. Newsom, in which the church argued that its First Amendment rights were violated by a Newsom executive order limiting capacity.
In June, a case from Nevada argued that the Silver State’s coronavirus restrictions “violated the Constitution by treating church services differently than other large gatherings such as casinos, gyms and restaurants.”
In both cases, Chief Justice John Roberts sided (with dreary predictability these days) with the court’s liberal wing.
“Similar or more severe restrictions apply to comparable secular gatherings, including lectures, concerts, movie showings, spectator sports, and theatrical performances, where large groups of people gather in close proximity for extended periods of time. And the Order exempts or treats more leniently only dissimilar activities, such as operating grocery stores, banks, and laundromats, in which people neither congregate in large groups nor remain in close proximity for extended periods,” Roberts wrote in the California case.
Right. So to the court’s liberals — and Chief Justice Roberts — churches, synagogues and mosques are more similar to concerts, spectator sports and theatrical performances than absolute necessities like grocery stores, banks and laundromats.
Funny how grocery stores, banks and laundromats (or the 18th-century equivalent) didn’t make it into the Constitution — much less the First Amendment.
Justice Samuel Alito, who dissented from the decision — along with Justices Kavanaugh, Gorsuch and Thomas — did not submit a written objection to the majority’s decision, but made his feelings about the decision clear in a speech earlier this month.
In an address to the Federalist Society, Alito recounted in scathing terms the abridgments of American liberties that have taken place during the coronavirus pandemic.
And cited the rulings about religion as an example.
“Over the summer, the Supreme Court received two applications to stay COVID restrictions that blatantly discriminated against houses of worship, one from California, one from Nevada,” Alito said, according to a transcript published on Reason.com’s The Volokh Conspiracy.
“In both cases, the court allowed the discrimination to stand. The only justification given was that we should defer to the judgment of the governors because they have the responsibility to safeguard the public health.”
Alito used the Nevada case to make his point. The state’s rules limited houses of worship to 50 individuals but allowed casinos to operate at 50 percent capacity. (Since casinos are “enormous,” Alito said, that’s a lot more than 50 people.)
“Now deciding whether to allow this disparate treatment should not have been a very tough call. Take a quick look at the Constitution. You will see the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment which protects religious liberty, you will not find a craps clause or a blackjack clause or a slot machine clause.”
That’s not just conservative thinking, that’s just common sense (though the two are often curiously in sync.)
But as it turns out, there’s reason to hope that at least one of the five votes that backed California and Nevada in the May case will turn out differently if the court agrees to hear the Brooklyn Diocese challenge to Andrew Cuomo.
The late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, part of the court’s majority in May and June, has been replaced by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, whose understanding of constitutional law is shaped by the originalism of her mentor, the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
It’s a good bet that Barrett’s originalist view of the Constitution is a lot closer to Alito’s viewpoint than the late Justice Ginsberg’s — and that Barrett understands that the nation’s founding document does not even mention craps or black jack or slot machines, but does defend the fundamental right of religious freedom.
There’s no guarantee yet that the high court will even take up the case. And if it does, there’s no guarantee a ruling will go in favor of the Diocese of Brooklyn.
But conservatives have every reason to hope that in a second crack before the high court, religious liberty will win out.
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.