westernjournal--2020-04-21--Poll Finds Americans Have a More Negative View of China Than at Any Other Time in at Least 15 Years

Americans are increasingly hostile to China as the coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc on the U.S. and global economies and after three years of the Trump administration taking a hard-line stance toward the country , according to a nationwide poll released on Tuesday .
The poll , conducted last month by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center , found that two-thirds of those surveyed , or 66 percent , had an unfavorable view of China .
That ’ s the most since the center first asked the question 15 years ago and a significant jump of 20 percentage points since President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The results suggest that Americans are receptive to the Trump administration ’ s broad hard-line stance and criticism directed toward China , which has increased in recent weeks over questions about of Beijing ’ s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak that originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
The poll suggests the change is so far not directly linked to the coronavirus outbreak , and that the Trump administration ’ s trade war with China and relentless criticism of its policies may be having that effect .
The upward trend in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the survey did not find changing attitudes toward China over the course of March , when the virus outbreak was rapidly progressing .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us “ Since President Donald Trump took office in 2017 , his approach to U.S.-China relations has included increased pressure via tariffs and trade war rhetoric , and now , with the onset of an unprecedented pandemic , the stage has been set for both sides to cast aspersions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Against this backdrop , negative views of China have continued to grow.
” The poll of 1,000 Americans found unfavorable opinions of China are shared across party lines , with about 70 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents and 60 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents holding them .
In addition , the poll show that about 90 percent of those surveyed see growing Chinese power and influence as a threat .
At the same time , with both the U.S. and Chinese economies reeling from the pandemic , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States is the world ’ s leading economic power and the world ’ s leading military power .
A significant majority , 91 percent , believe that the world is better off with American rather than Chinese leadership .
The survey also found that about 90 percent of Americans see growing Chinese influence and power as a threat , with 62 percent of those saying it is a “ major threat.
” And , while the total seeing China as a threat has not changed since 2018 , the percentage viewing China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jumped 14 percentage points in the past two years , according to the results .
The poll was conducted throughout March , when the impact of the virus pandemic was beginning to be recognized around the world , with countries shutting down their borders , issuing stay-at-home orders and closing off vast sections of their economies .
However , the findings do not suggest that Americans ’ opinions of China worsened as the month went on , with the negative views expressed early in the month matching those later in the month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s handling of the virus may have made an impression on some Americans , it does not appear that escalating conditions in the U.S. over the course of March shifted attitudes toward China during that period , ” they said .
What may have directly contributed to the increase in negative views has been the administration ’ s criticism of China on human rights issues , including the persecution of religious minorities , and its well-publicized campaign against cyber-security threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party .
RELATED : New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alleged 'Cover-Up' And , although the administration has not made climate change a significant domestic priority , the poll found that many Americans see China as having a profoundly negative impact on the world ’ s environment .
At least 61 percent of those surveyed identified China ’ s environmental policies as being a very serious concern for the U.S. , up 10 percentage points since 2018 , according to the findings .
And 57 percent percent see both cyberattacks from China and China ’ s human rights policies as a serious threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was conducted between March 3 and March 29 , with a margin of error of plus- or minus-3.7 percentage points .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Americans are increasingly hostile to China as the coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc on the U.S. and global economies and after three years of the Trump administration taking a hard-line stance toward the country, according to a nationwide poll released on Tuesday.
The poll, conducted last month by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center, found that two-thirds of those surveyed, or 66 percent, had an unfavorable view of China. That’s the most since the center first asked the question 15 years ago and a significant jump of 20 percentage points since President Donald Trump entered the White House in 2017.
The results suggest that Americans are receptive to the Trump administration’s broad hard-line stance and criticism directed toward China, which has increased in recent weeks over questions about of Beijing’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak that originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
The poll suggests the change is so far not directly linked to the coronavirus outbreak, and that the Trump administration’s trade war with China and relentless criticism of its policies may be having that effect.
The upward trend in negative views began in 2019, and the survey did not find changing attitudes toward China over the course of March, when the virus outbreak was rapidly progressing.
“Since President Donald Trump took office in 2017, his approach to U.S.-China relations has included increased pressure via tariffs and trade war rhetoric, and now, with the onset of an unprecedented pandemic, the stage has been set for both sides to cast aspersions on the other,” the authors said. “Against this backdrop, negative views of China have continued to grow.”
The poll of 1,000 Americans found unfavorable opinions of China are shared across party lines, with about 70 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents and 60 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents holding them. In addition, the poll show that about 90 percent of those surveyed see growing Chinese power and influence as a threat.
At the same time, with both the U.S. and Chinese economies reeling from the pandemic, the poll found that Americans recognize that the United States is the world’s leading economic power and the world’s leading military power. A significant majority, 91 percent, believe that the world is better off with American rather than Chinese leadership.
The survey also found that about 90 percent of Americans see growing Chinese influence and power as a threat, with 62 percent of those saying it is a “major threat.”
Do you see China as a "major threat"? 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% (162 Votes) No: 1% (2 Votes)
And, while the total seeing China as a threat has not changed since 2018, the percentage viewing China as a “major threat” has jumped 14 percentage points in the past two years, according to the results.
The poll was conducted throughout March, when the impact of the virus pandemic was beginning to be recognized around the world, with countries shutting down their borders, issuing stay-at-home orders and closing off vast sections of their economies.
However, the findings do not suggest that Americans’ opinions of China worsened as the month went on, with the negative views expressed early in the month matching those later in the month, according to the authors.
“While China’s handling of the virus may have made an impression on some Americans, it does not appear that escalating conditions in the U.S. over the course of March shifted attitudes toward China during that period,” they said.
What may have directly contributed to the increase in negative views has been the administration’s criticism of China on human rights issues, including the persecution of religious minorities, and its well-publicized campaign against cyber-security threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party.
And, although the administration has not made climate change a significant domestic priority, the poll found that many Americans see China as having a profoundly negative impact on the world’s environment.
At least 61 percent of those surveyed identified China’s environmental policies as being a very serious concern for the U.S., up 10 percentage points since 2018, according to the findings. And 57 percent percent see both cyberattacks from China and China’s human rights policies as a serious threat.
According to Pew, the survey was conducted between March 3 and March 29, with a margin of error of plus- or minus-3.7 percentage points.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-04-21--Kansas State Prof Calls GOP a ‘Death Cult,’ Calls for App To Track Republicans

According to one university professor , Republicans are part of a “ death cult ” that needs to be tracked at all times .
Philip Nel , an English professor at Kansas State University , argued that GOP state lawmakers were “ endangering the lives of us all ” with their opposition to a complete shutdown of all religious services amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Nel — the author of books such as “ Was the Cat in the Hat Black ?
: The Hidden Racism of Children ’ s Literature ” and “ Tales for Little Rebels : A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” — made his comments in a Twitter thread on April 8 .
“ Local branch of death cult , aka @ KansasGOP , votes to exempt churches from quarantine rules , endangering the lives of us all , ” Nel wrote .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us He was responding to Kansas GOP lawmakers who had voted to overturn Democratic Gov .
Laura Kelly ’ s new stay-at-home order , which had been revised to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious institutions and funerals previously were exempt from this 10-person limit , they now will need to comply with this rule , ” the order said .
Republicans were not on board with this decision , pointing to the First Amendment ’ s protection of religious freedom .
Susan Wagle , the Republican president of the Kansas state Senate , voiced the party ’ s concerns on Twitter .
“ The Governor should not use this crisis , or any other crisis , as a basis to restrict our constitutional rights , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is the people ’ s government , always will be , and I will carry their voices when the call is clear .
RELATED : Fight Underway in Michigan To Keep Checks on 'Tyrant ' Democrats in 2020 Nel , however , interpreted Republican opposition to the restrictive stay-at-home order as dangerous .
“ Has anyone developed an app to track Republicans & other plague-spreaders ?
” he wrote .
“ I want to know which people & which businesses to avoid .
“ This is a serious question .
Rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only to avoid those owned by or employing fans of contagion.
” Nel portrayed those in Kansas opposed to the government order as utterly disregarding the dangers 0f COVID-19 .
However , one of the pastors fighting the order has prioritized caution in his church ’ s gatherings .
According to The Kansas City Star , Aaron Harris of Calvary Baptist Church , who filed a suit against Kelly ’ s order , did his best to make sure the church ’ s Easter service was as safe as possible .
Calvary Baptist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who felt unsafe could stay at home .
In total , 21 people attended in person in a church that can seat up to 300 people .
Although such a gathering could be made safe for all parties involved , it would still be in violation of Kelly ’ s original order .
Over the past two weeks , the Kansas Supreme Court and a federal judge have sided with Harris against the governor ’ s ban on religious services .
Churches across the country are practicing safe socially distanced services .
Temple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for example , had a drive-in service where all churchgoers stayed in their cars and listened to their pastor through the radio .
If it were up to people like Philip Nel , all of these churchgoers would be put on a list of “ plague-spreaders.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

According to one university professor, Republicans are part of a “death cult” that needs to be tracked at all times.
Philip Nel, an English professor at Kansas State University, argued that GOP state lawmakers were “endangering the lives of us all” with their opposition to a complete shutdown of all religious services amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Nel — the author of books such as “Was the Cat in the Hat Black?: The Hidden Racism of Children’s Literature” and “Tales for Little Rebels: A Collection of Radical Children’s Literature” — made his comments in a Twitter thread on April 8.
“Local branch of death cult, aka @KansasGOP, votes to exempt churches from quarantine rules, endangering the lives of us all,” Nel wrote.
1. ? ⛪ Local branch of death cult, aka @KansasGOP, votes to exempt churches from quarantine rules, endangering the lives of us all. This leads me to a serious question. https://t.co/94a8RzutPU — Philip Nel ✍ (@philnel) April 9, 2020
He was responding to Kansas GOP lawmakers who had voted to overturn Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s new stay-at-home order, which had been revised to include all religious services.
“Although religious institutions and funerals previously were exempt from this 10-person limit, they now will need to comply with this rule,” the order said.
Republicans were not on board with this decision, pointing to the First Amendment’s protection of religious freedom.
Should churches be allowed to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic? 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: 85% (473 Votes) No: 15% (81 Votes)
Susan Wagle, the Republican president of the Kansas state Senate, voiced the party’s concerns on Twitter.
“The Governor should not use this crisis, or any other crisis, as a basis to restrict our constitutional rights,” the senator wrote April 9. “This is the people’s government, always will be, and I will carry their voices when the call is clear.
“This is still America.”
The Governor should not use this crisis, or any other crisis, as a basis to restrict our constitutional rights. This is the people’s government, always will be, and I will carry their voices when the call is clear. This is still America. #ksleg — Susan Wagle (@SenatorWagle) April 9, 2020
Nel, however, interpreted Republican opposition to the restrictive stay-at-home order as dangerous.
“Has anyone developed an app to track Republicans & other plague-spreaders?” he wrote. “I want to know which people & which businesses to avoid.
“This is a serious question. Rather than avoiding all local businesses, I want only to avoid those owned by or employing fans of contagion.”
3. ?? For the sake of the public’s health, we need a list of the virus-spreaders & the virus-adjacent. Indeed, employers that provide vital services need to know whether their employees are putting other employees or customers at risk. #COVID19Kills. — Philip Nel ✍ (@philnel) April 9, 2020
Nel portrayed those in Kansas opposed to the government order as utterly disregarding the dangers 0f COVID-19.
However, one of the pastors fighting the order has prioritized caution in his church’s gatherings.
According to The Kansas City Star, Aaron Harris of Calvary Baptist Church, who filed a suit against Kelly’s order, did his best to make sure the church’s Easter service was as safe as possible.
Calvary Baptist streamed the service online so that members who felt unsafe could stay at home. In total, 21 people attended in person in a church that can seat up to 300 people.
Although such a gathering could be made safe for all parties involved, it would still be in violation of Kelly’s original order.
Over the past two weeks, the Kansas Supreme Court and a federal judge have sided with Harris against the governor’s ban on religious services.
Churches across the country are practicing safe socially distanced services.
Temple Baptist Church in Greenville, Mississippi, for example, had a drive-in service where all churchgoers stayed in their cars and listened to their pastor through the radio.
If it were up to people like Philip Nel, all of these churchgoers would be put on a list of “plague-spreaders.”
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--Virus Nazis Shame Actor Josh Brolin into Apologizing for Visiting His Dad Next Door

Hollywood actor Josh Brolin issued an apology on social media for visiting his father , who is also his next-door neighbor , after he was shamed by hordes of fascist do-gooders on social media .
The “ No Country for Old Men ” star posted a photo to Instagram last week of him visiting his father , actor James Brolin , and his stepmother , actress and singer Barbra Streisand , at their California home , The Guardian reported .
Brolin was wearing a mask in the photo , which was taken outdoors , and the caption read : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting up with family when all you can hear is a distant muffling of what used to be called words.
” Following an avalanche of criticism , according to NBC ’ s “ Today , ” the post was deleted and the younger Brolin apologized .
“ My father lives next door to us and we had a plan to go see them and not be near them and that plan was broken and that ’ s our responsibility , ” Brolin said in a video apology on Instagram .
“ We were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ his young daughter Westlyn ] the pool because we don ’ t have a pool and yeah , I think it was irresponsible , ” he added .
“ You know , it ’ s hard to be honest sometimes … and say , ‘ Maybe I screwed up . '
” “ The responses brought me back to my own truth and it ’ s humbling as hell , man , ” Brolin said of the negative comments .
“ Even if we go overboard and are too protective , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reason.
” But people , including celebrities , should not be shamed into avoiding their families .
The health of each family should be private , and not the business of online commenters or of the government .
While people have generally taken social-distancing guidelines seriously , it ’ s important to remember that they ought to be just that : guidelines .
Despite various state and local governments using the coronavirus pandemic to surveil citizens with drones , harass families , prevent people from attending religious services and ask residents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s an argument to be made that legally , the guidelines we are being ordered to follow are just suggestions .
This is not to say that we should take the virus lightly or stop following public health experts ’ guidelines ( we should do neither ) , but only that it could be strongly argued that the U.S. Constitution supersedes government-imposed lockdown orders — national emergency or not .
RELATED : Biden Disrespects Wisconsin Ventilator Plant Workers , Dismisses Their Visit with Pence as 'Photo Op' In fact , a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As far as Brolin ’ s saga goes , the man is a talented actor .
He might even be one of Hollywood ’ s rumored closeted Republicans .
But , he is also human , and like the rest of us , was probably feeling a bit stir crazy .
Of course , seeing as how Brolin runs among liberal Hollywood ’ s elite , he has a thin line to walk .
The entertainment industry has proven it is not tolerant of dissent from its collective championing of progressive causes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apology to try to get out ahead of any perceived damage he had done by visiting his father and stepmother .
Perhaps Brolin is aware , like many of the rest of us , that the far left ’ s binary solution to combating the coronavirus is at times nonsensical .
But Brolin quickly he became a target of the online , fanatical ( and metaphorical ) quarantine police , who are more or less conveying a message that if you don ’ t stay home and blindly follow government lockdown orders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
And he had to pay the piper for the apparent infraction of saying hello to his family .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Hollywood actor Josh Brolin issued an apology on social media for visiting his father, who is also his next-door neighbor, after he was shamed by hordes of fascist do-gooders on social media.
The “No Country for Old Men” star posted a photo to Instagram last week of him visiting his father, actor James Brolin, and his stepmother, actress and singer Barbra Streisand, at their California home, The Guardian reported.
Brolin was wearing a mask in the photo, which was taken outdoors, and the caption read: “There’s nothing like a good meeting up with family when all you can hear is a distant muffling of what used to be called words.”
Following an avalanche of criticism, according to NBC’s “Today,” the post was deleted and the younger Brolin apologized.
“My father lives next door to us and we had a plan to go see them and not be near them and that plan was broken and that’s our responsibility,” Brolin said in a video apology on Instagram.
“We were going to pick something up and show [his young daughter Westlyn] the pool because we don’t have a pool and yeah, I think it was irresponsible,” he added.
“You know, it’s hard to be honest sometimes … and say, ‘Maybe I screwed up.'”
“The responses brought me back to my own truth and it’s humbling as hell, man,” Brolin said of the negative comments. “Even if we go overboard and are too protective, at least we’re doing it for a reason.”
Do you think some public officials have acted outside their authority to enforce social-distancing orders? 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% (697 Votes) No: 1% (10 Votes)
But people, including celebrities, should not be shamed into avoiding their families.
The health of each family should be private, and not the business of online commenters or of the government.
While people have generally taken social-distancing guidelines seriously, it’s important to remember that they ought to be just that: guidelines.
Despite various state and local governments using the coronavirus pandemic to surveil citizens with drones, harass families, prevent people from attending religious services and ask residents to tell on each other, there’s an argument to be made that legally, the guidelines we are being ordered to follow are just suggestions.
This is not to say that we should take the virus lightly or stop following public health experts’ guidelines (we should do neither), but only that it could be strongly argued that the U.S. Constitution supersedes government-imposed lockdown orders — national emergency or not.
In fact, a number of lawsuits have been filed arguing just that.
As far as Brolin’s saga goes, the man is a talented actor.
He might even be one of Hollywood’s rumored closeted Republicans.
But, he is also human, and like the rest of us, was probably feeling a bit stir crazy.
(As an aside, if the actor and his wife made sure they and their daughter avoided physical contact with his father and stepmother, I don’t see the harm in him paying them a friendly poolside visit.)
Of course, seeing as how Brolin runs among liberal Hollywood’s elite, he has a thin line to walk.
The entertainment industry has proven it is not tolerant of dissent from its collective championing of progressive causes.
Brolin could have been using the apology to try to get out ahead of any perceived damage he had done by visiting his father and stepmother.
Perhaps Brolin is aware, like many of the rest of us, that the far left’s binary solution to combating the coronavirus is at times nonsensical.
But Brolin quickly he became a target of the online, fanatical (and metaphorical) quarantine police, who are more or less conveying a message that if you don’t stay home and blindly follow government lockdown orders, you are going to die and/or kill others.
And he had to pay the piper for the apparent infraction of saying hello to his family.
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--Police Union President Comes Out Firing Against ‘Draconian’ Mask Order

The Houston Police Officers ’ Union on Wednesday responded in brazen fashion to a local government order requiring that citizens wear masks in public as Texas begins to reopen in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced on Wednesday an order mandating the use of medical masks or other face coverings by those above the age of 10 for at least 30 days , beginning Monday , the Houston Chronicle reported .
The order will be backed by a $ 1,000 fine doled out to any resident failing to comply .
Before Hidalgo ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 110 President Joe Gamaldi penned an open letter to the community lambasting the judge for forwarding the measure — one he suggested would only serve to erode the public trust .
“ We draw the line at the draconian measures Hidalgo has decided to engage in , ” Gamaldi wrote .
“ Our officers work every single day to bridge the gap with our community and earn their trust , we will not stand idly by and allow Hidalgo to tear that bridge down , with her horrific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Houston police stood with Hidalgo and the nation ’ s leading infectious disease experts Wednesday in calling for Texans to take the national emergency seriously , wearing face coverings and adhering to other public health measures in order to slow coronavirus transmission as some semblance of normality is restored to everyday life .
Police leadership , however , was unwilling to allow local law enforcement to become the face of forcible government implementation of such measures — particularly not before the office of state Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an advisory on Hidalgo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has made contact with the Attorney General ’ s Office seeking an opinion on the legality of imposing a criminal penalty/fine for anyone not wearing a mask in public , ” Gamaldi wrote .
“ While we wait for that opinion , we are reminding and informing our officers that they have DISCRETION , DISCRETION , DISCRETION in matters such as these .
It is clear the so-called leader of Harris County , lacks any critical thinking skills , but let me assure the public , our officers do !
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do is kick our community while they are down , ” the union president added .
According to Gamaldi , local law enforcement has already been stretched thin in light of the state ’ s stay-at-home order , with officers staffing coronavirus testing centers and internal police data suggesting violent crime has risen dramatically in the first quarter of the new year .
Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo told KTRK-TV at the start of April that aggravated assaults and burglaries had risen by roughly 20 percent in the first two weeks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for service had also increased by six percent .
RELATED : New York Sheriff Says Releasing Inmates Will Cause 'Some Issues in Our Streets' These numbers have not led Hidalgo to rethink previous orders to release a number of prison inmates in the region in order to hedge against the spread of the coronavirus among the state ’ s incarcerated population .
Houston is not the first city to see law enforcement organizations refusing to punish local residents for violating state public health orders , which have spread to nearly all 50 states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police leadership at numerous departments across the country have come forward publicly with statements suggesting they will enforce restrictive health policies at their own discretion or disregard them completely due to many such measures falling in potentially unconstitutional waters .
The Western Journal reached out to Hidalgo ’ s office for comment but did not immediately receive a response .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Houston Police Officers’ Union on Wednesday responded in brazen fashion to a local government order requiring that citizens wear masks in public as Texas begins to reopen in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced on Wednesday an order mandating the use of medical masks or other face coverings by those above the age of 10 for at least 30 days, beginning Monday, the Houston Chronicle reported.
The order will be backed by a $1,000 fine doled out to any resident failing to comply.
Before Hidalgo’s order was even official, HPOU Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 110 President Joe Gamaldi penned an open letter to the community lambasting the judge for forwarding the measure — one he suggested would only serve to erode the public trust.
“We draw the line at the draconian measures Hidalgo has decided to engage in,” Gamaldi wrote.
“Our officers work every single day to bridge the gap with our community and earn their trust, we will not stand idly by and allow Hidalgo to tear that bridge down, with her horrific leadership and echo chamber decision making.”
HPOU response to @LinaHidalgoTX draconian mask order: “Now we want to be very clear, HPOU believes everyone should be wearing a mask in public, in order to protect themselves from the virus and we are encouraging all of our officers to wear a mask. However, we draw the line…” pic.twitter.com/XbphfNYHii — Houston Police Officers’ Union (@HPOUTX) April 22, 2020
Houston police stood with Hidalgo and the nation’s leading infectious disease experts Wednesday in calling for Texans to take the national emergency seriously, wearing face coverings and adhering to other public health measures in order to slow coronavirus transmission as some semblance of normality is restored to everyday life.
Do you agree with Gamaldi? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 91% (275 Votes) No: 9% (26 Votes)
Police leadership, however, was unwilling to allow local law enforcement to become the face of forcible government implementation of such measures — particularly not before the office of state Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an advisory on Hidalgo’s order.
“The HPOU has made contact with the Attorney General’s Office seeking an opinion on the legality of imposing a criminal penalty/fine for anyone not wearing a mask in public,” Gamaldi wrote. “While we wait for that opinion, we are reminding and informing our officers that they have DISCRETION, DISCRETION, DISCRETION in matters such as these. It is clear the so-called leader of Harris County, lacks any critical thinking skills, but let me assure the public, our officers do!”
“The last thing any of us need to do is kick our community while they are down,” the union president added.
According to Gamaldi, local law enforcement has already been stretched thin in light of the state’s stay-at-home order, with officers staffing coronavirus testing centers and internal police data suggesting violent crime has risen dramatically in the first quarter of the new year.
Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo told KTRK-TV at the start of April that aggravated assaults and burglaries had risen by roughly 20 percent in the first two weeks of the stay-at-home order. Domestic violence-related calls for service had also increased by six percent.
These numbers have not led Hidalgo to rethink previous orders to release a number of prison inmates in the region in order to hedge against the spread of the coronavirus among the state’s incarcerated population.
Houston is not the first city to see law enforcement organizations refusing to punish local residents for violating state public health orders, which have spread to nearly all 50 states.
According to The Washington Post, police leadership at numerous departments across the country have come forward publicly with statements suggesting they will enforce restrictive health policies at their own discretion or disregard them completely due to many such measures falling in potentially unconstitutional waters.
The Western Journal reached out to Hidalgo’s office for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--Early COVID-19 Name Was Much More Menacing, Devious WHO Action Protected China’s Reputation

The opening month of 2020 was hectic , to say the least .
The impeachment saga of President Donald Trump — virtually guaranteed to die in the Senate — was drawing to a close , Iran was rattling sabers toward the United States and a strange new disease was spreading in the little-known ( at least to the U.S. ) Chinese city of Wuhan .
Although the World Health Organization originally went to bat for China , claiming Chinese authorities had “ found no clear evidence ” that the virus could transmitted between humans , the outbreak quickly grew so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
It was soon revealed that the germ rapidly spread between people , causing nightmare scenarios in places like nursing homes .
The virus was eventuality identified as a coronavirus — in the same family as the infamous severe acute respiratory syndrome , or SARS — and temporarily named 2019-nCoV ( 2019 novel coronavirus ) .
Reaction to the discovery was swift , with the establishment media quickly cashing in on the connection .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths from “ a new SARS-like virus ” that had originated in China , and ABC News similarly linked the virus to SARS when profiling its jump to Japan .
One analysis of the virus ’ potential economic impact even called it “ SARS 2.0.
” The novel coronavirus was even given a new moniker in honor of its spooky similarity to the SARS virus .
While the virus that caused a deadly 2003 outbreak was named “ SARS-CoV , ” the coronavirus that appeared in 2019 was officially dubbed “ SARS-CoV-2.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A second major SARS outbreak would have been a devastating blow for the ruling Communist Party of China , especially if the disease caused by the virus was in danger of being called “ SARS 2 ” by the public .
The country has a rocky history with the disease .
Since the initial organic outbreak of SARS in 2003 , the pathogen has escaped from the same Beijing biolab on at least four separate occasions .
If SARS-CoV-2 hitched a ride out of a secure laboratory , as mounting evidence hints happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it would be a disaster for China .
Thankfully for the communist powerhouse , the WHO stepped in .
On Feb. 11 , the global health group announced the new disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus would not be named “ SARS 2 , ” but rather “ COVID-19 , ” which is short for “ coronavirus disease 2019.
” The WHO also said it would try to avoid references to SARS when talking about the virus itself .
“ From a risk communications perspective , ” the WHO says on its website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have unintended consequences in terms of creating unnecessary fear for some populations , especially in Asia which was worst affected by the SARS outbreak in 2003.
” “ For that reason and others , WHO has begun referring to the virus as ‘ the virus responsible for COVID-19 ’ or ‘ the COVID-19 virus ’ when communicating with the public.
” By Feb. 11 , the WHO already knew that the number of people infected with COVID-19 was more than five times as high as the number infected during the 2003 SARS outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t show any signs of slowing down , either .
Instead of warning the world about the seriousness of this disease , it appears the global health group actually worked to preemptively downplay links between the 2003 SARS outbreak in China and COVID-19 .
If the WHO had been functioning as an actual health organization instead of the public defender of China ’ s reputation , the worldwide outbreak might not have been as bad .
The globalist group failed at nearly every level during this pandemic , parroting China ’ s lies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early response to the outbreak .
Crafting a new name to avoid undue scrutiny on China only confirms the group ’ s deadly bias .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The opening month of 2020 was hectic, to say the least.
The impeachment saga of President Donald Trump — virtually guaranteed to die in the Senate — was drawing to a close, Iran was rattling sabers toward the United States and a strange new disease was spreading in the little-known (at least to the U.S.) Chinese city of Wuhan.
Although the World Health Organization originally went to bat for China, claiming Chinese authorities had “found no clear evidence” that the virus could be transmitted between humans, the outbreak quickly grew so severe that multiple Chinese cities were locked down. It was soon revealed that the germ rapidly spread between people, causing nightmare scenarios in places like nursing homes.
The virus was eventuality identified as a coronavirus — in the same family as the infamous severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS — and temporarily named 2019-nCoV (2019 novel coronavirus).
Reaction to the discovery was swift, with the establishment media quickly cashing in on the connection.
CNN reported on deaths from “a new SARS-like virus” that had originated in China, and ABC News similarly linked the virus to SARS when profiling its jump to Japan.
One analysis of the virus’ potential economic impact even called it “SARS 2.0.”
The novel coronavirus was even given a new moniker in honor of its spooky similarity to the SARS virus. While the virus that caused a deadly 2003 outbreak was named “SARS-CoV,” the coronavirus that appeared in 2019 was officially dubbed “SARS-CoV-2.”
The implications for China were serious. A second major SARS outbreak would have been a devastating blow for the ruling Communist Party of China, especially if the disease caused by the virus was in danger of being called “SARS 2” by the public.
Has the World Health Organization been covering for China? Yes No
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The country has a rocky history with the disease. Since the initial organic outbreak of SARS in 2003, the pathogen has escaped from the same Beijing biolab on at least four separate occasions.
If SARS-CoV-2 hitched a ride out of a secure laboratory, as mounting evidence hints happened at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, it would be a disaster for China.
Thankfully for the communist powerhouse, the WHO stepped in.
On Feb. 11, the global health group announced the new disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus would not be named “SARS 2,” but rather “COVID-19,” which is short for “coronavirus disease 2019.”
The WHO also said it would try to avoid references to SARS when talking about the virus itself.
“From a risk communications perspective,” the WHO says on its website, “using the name SARS can have unintended consequences in terms of creating unnecessary fear for some populations, especially in Asia which was worst affected by the SARS outbreak in 2003.”
“For that reason and others, WHO has begun referring to the virus as ‘the virus responsible for COVID-19’ or ‘the COVID-19 virus’ when communicating with the public.”
By Feb. 11, the WHO already knew that the number of people infected with COVID-19 was more than five times as high as the number infected during the 2003 SARS outbreak.
And the coronavirus pandemic didn’t show any signs of slowing down, either.
Instead of warning the world about the seriousness of this disease, it appears the global health group actually worked to preemptively downplay links between the 2003 SARS outbreak in China and COVID-19.
If the WHO had been functioning as an actual health organization instead of the public defender of China’s reputation, the worldwide outbreak might not have been as bad.
The globalist group failed at nearly every level during this pandemic, parroting China’s lies and actually praising the country for its early response to the outbreak. Crafting a new name to avoid undue scrutiny on China only confirms the group’s deadly bias.
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--Soros-Funded Islamic Org Associated with Terror Apologists Endorses Joe Biden for President

Emgage calls itself the largest Muslim political action committee in the country .
It ’ s funded by George Soros .
It just endorsed Joe Biden for president ; Biden called himself “ honored ” by the endorsement .
A Muslim PAC is hardly news in this day and age .
A conservative one , maybe — but , well , Emgage just endorsed Biden for president .
As for a George Soros-funded left-wing PAC , you can hardly swing a dead cat in Washington without hitting a Soros-funded left-wing PAC .
Emgage is actually a group known to associate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals who have called for the eradication of Israel .
Soros ’ Open Society Foundations , meanwhile , is almost entirely responsible for the PAC ’ s survival .
And all of this makes Biden look relatively , well , problematic for being “ honored ” to accept the endorsement of the PAC .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us As the Washington Free Beacon reported on Saturday , the Emgage organization became an official co-host of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s conferences .
ISNA was previously associated with the Muslim Brotherhood , although it says it ’ s no longer associated with the group .
If you wanted to take them at their word , though , you could , and they would still be associated with terrorism .
Here ’ s some of the terrorist apologists ISNA had at just their conference in 2018 : • Linda Sarsour : The Women ’ s March co-founder is best known in her terrorist-adjacent activities for a 2004 speech in which she called for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but she didn ’ t disappoint back in 2018 at the ISNA conference , either , warning against “ humanizing ” Israelis during a panel at the conference .
• Hatem Bazian : leader of American Muslims for Palestine , which has defended terrorists in court .
• Suhaib Webb : Boston imam who fundraised for H.Rap Brown , a former Black Panther now known as Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin currently serving a life sentence for killing a sheriff ’ s deputy .
Webb co-hosted that event with Anwar al-Awlaki , the terrorist imam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Qaeda and was later killed in an American drone strike .
• Khalid Griggs : called al Qaeda the “ presumed perpetrators ” of 9/11 and said that the event was used by the United States to wage war against “ legitimate resistance fighters ” in the Middle East — presumably some combination of Afghani Taliban and Iraqi insurgents .
Griggs had also called upon the Obama administration to pardon Al-Amin .
There was also a fairly substantial cohort of homophobes , too : • Muzammil Siddiqi : former ISNA president who said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homosexuality is punishable by death.
” • Omar Suleiman : imam who described homosexuality as “ disease ” which would “ destroy your children.
” • Shamsi Ali : imam who said homosexuality as an “ unbearable plague ” and was described as a theological “ moderate ” on ISNA ’ s website .
• Pro-LGBT groups Human Rights Campaign and Muslims for Progressive Values were disinvited and told they “ don ’ t fit in.
” Finally , the eradication of the state of Israel : • Linda Sarsour , again : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any sense for someone to say , ‘ Is there room for people who support the state of Israel and do not criticize it in the movement ?
’ There can ’ t be in feminism.
” — Sarsour in 2017 .
• Zahra Billoo : refers to Israel as an “ apartheid state.
” So , it ’ s a PAC , right ?
Its money must come from a diversity of sources .
Well , not entirely : “ Emgage Action , the group ’ s nonprofit arm , received a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Open Society Policy Center , Soros ’ s lobbying shop , in late 2019 , ” the Free Beacon reported .
“ The group ’ s PAC received just $ 3,775 in contributions this cycle .
Its activities are primarily focused in Florida , Michigan , Virginia , Pennsylvania , Texas , and the District of Columbia.
” As for Soros ’ other activities in this vein , he ’ s been known to support the anti-Israeli Boycott , Divestment , Sanctions movement , which seeks to treat Israel as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t respond to comment .
Why should it ?
It has little to gain by acknowledging it had any knowledge of what this organization stood for .
That way , they can just pretend they didn ’ t have any idea what Emgage stood for if anyone calls them on this .
Rest assured , until the general election , no one will .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Emgage calls itself the largest Muslim political action committee in the country. It’s funded by George Soros. It just endorsed Joe Biden for president; Biden called himself “honored” by the endorsement.
A Muslim PAC is hardly news in this day and age. A conservative one, maybe — but, well, Emgage just endorsed Biden for president.
As for a George Soros-funded left-wing PAC, you can hardly swing a dead cat in Washington without hitting a Soros-funded left-wing PAC.
Emgage is actually a group known to associate itself with homophobes, terror apologists and individuals who have called for the eradication of Israel.
Soros’ Open Society Foundations, meanwhile, is almost entirely responsible for the PAC’s survival. And all of this makes Biden look relatively, well, problematic for being “honored” to accept the endorsement of the PAC.
As the Washington Free Beacon reported on Saturday, the Emgage organization became an official co-host of the Islamic Society of North America’s conferences. ISNA was previously associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, although it says it’s no longer associated with the group.
If you wanted to take them at their word, though, you could, and they would still be associated with terrorism.
Here’s some of the terrorist apologists ISNA had at just their conference in 2018:
Linda Sarsour: The Women’s March co-founder is best known in her terrorist-adjacent activities for a 2004 speech in which she called for a violent “intifada” in America, but she didn’t disappoint back in 2018 at the ISNA conference, either, warning against “humanizing” Israelis during a panel at the conference.
Hatem Bazian: leader of American Muslims for Palestine, which has defended terrorists in court.
Suhaib Webb: Boston imam who fundraised for H.Rap Brown, a former Black Panther now known as Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin currently serving a life sentence for killing a sheriff’s deputy. Webb co-hosted that event with Anwar al-Awlaki, the terrorist imam who would become a preacher for al Qaeda and was later killed in an American drone strike.
Khalid Griggs: called al Qaeda the “presumed perpetrators” of 9/11 and said that the event was used by the United States to wage war against “legitimate resistance fighters” in the Middle East — presumably some combination of Afghani Taliban and Iraqi insurgents. Griggs had also called upon the Obama administration to pardon Al-Amin.
Zahra Billoo: defended Hamas as “freedom fighters.”
Should Joe Biden disavow this endorsement? Yes No
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There was also a fairly substantial cohort of homophobes, too:
Muzammil Siddiqi: former ISNA president who said he “supported laws in countries where homosexuality is punishable by death.”
Omar Suleiman: imam who described homosexuality as “disease” which would “destroy your children.”
Shamsi Ali: imam who said homosexuality as an “unbearable plague” and was described as a theological “moderate” on ISNA’s website.
Pro-LGBT groups Human Rights Campaign and Muslims for Progressive Values were disinvited and told they “don’t fit in.”
Finally, the eradication of the state of Israel:
Linda Sarsour, again: “It just doesn’t make any sense for someone to say, ‘Is there room for people who support the state of Israel and do not criticize it in the movement?’ There can’t be in feminism.” — Sarsour in 2017.
Zahra Billoo: refers to Israel as an “apartheid state.”
So, it’s a PAC, right? Its money must come from a diversity of sources. Well, not entirely:
“Emgage Action, the group’s nonprofit arm, received a $1 million donation for organizational support from the Open Society Policy Center, Soros’s lobbying shop, in late 2019,” the Free Beacon reported.
“The group’s PAC received just $3,775 in contributions this cycle. Its activities are primarily focused in Florida, Michigan, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas, and the District of Columbia.”
As for Soros’ other activities in this vein, he’s been known to support the anti-Israeli Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, which seeks to treat Israel as an apartheid state.
The Biden campaign didn’t respond to comment. Why should it? It has little to gain by acknowledging it had any knowledge of what this organization stood for.
That way, they can just pretend they didn’t have any idea what Emgage stood for if anyone calls them on this. Rest assured, until the general election, no one will.
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--Black GA Dem Rep Driven Out of House for Supporting Trump Says, ‘I Have Left the Plantation’

A Georgia Democrat who dared to think outside the confines of the party ’ s orthodoxy by endorsing President Donald Trump is stepping down as a state representative .
Democrat Vernon Jones , who has been taking heat from fellow Democrats since he endorsed Trump last week , resigned Wednesday — but made it clear he would not be going away quietly .
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Jones said he would not complete his current term representing Georgia ’ s 91st District in Democratic stronghold Dekalb County .
“ Turn the lights off , I have left the plantation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the newspaper .
“ Someone else can occupy that suite .
Therefore , I intend not to complete my term effective April 22 , 2020.
” Jones was later interviewed on “ The Rashad Richey Morning Show ” on WAOK-AM in Atlanta , where he said he would remain a Democrat in order to help the party root out its “ bigotry ” toward black people .
“ I don ’ t plan to leave the Democratic Party because somebody ’ s got to be in there to hold them accountable — hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black people ( and ) root out the bigotry , ” he said , according to The Journal-Constitution .
Jones also took to Twitter beginning Tuesday to attack his fellow Democrats .
“ There ’ s nothing the Left despises more than a free-thinking black man , ” he wrote in a post that seemed to foreshadow his decision to resign .
“ Keep the hit pieces coming .
The American people see through it.
” In another Twitter post , Jones added , “ I ’ m not surprised that the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suite on the plantation to my opponent.
” “ I will never apologize for my convictions , ” he said .
The tweet was a response to a post from Journal-Constitution reporter Greg Bluestein , who reported that Democrats in Dekalb and Rockdale counties had jointly censured Jones for his Trump support .
Jones then hit the nail on the head when he called out radical Democrats for attempting to control him by forcing him to conform to the party ’ s strict anti-Trump messaging , which ignores gains made by black Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The Left hates me because they can ’ t control me , ” he wrote .
“ They can stay mad.
” Jones also made it clear he will devote his full time and energy to Trump ’ s re-election campaign .
Democrats often complain there are not enough black Americans in positions of power .
There is one fewer after Wednesday thanks to the party ’ s bully tactics against Jones for daring to do right by his constituents .
The residents of Dekalb County elected Jones to look out for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s policies were working for the people in his community .
Democratic Party of Georgia Chairwoman Nikema Williams described Jones as “ an embarrassment ” last week after he endorsed Trump , The Journal-Constitution reported .
“ Vernon Jones is an embarrassment to the Democratic Party and does not stand for our values , ” Williams said .
“ Never has that been clearer than this moment , when he chose to stand with the racist president who has made an all-out assault on Black Americans , who has tried to rip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has failed our country in its greatest time of need during the most important election in our lifetimes.
” Jones apparently felt the pressure from other Democrats after making pro-Trump statements last week .
“ There are a lot of African-Americans who clearly see and appreciate [ Trump is ] doing something that ’ s never been done before , ” he said .
“ When you look at the unemployment rates among black Americans before the pandemic , they were at historic lows .
That ’ s just a fact , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump is the best person to lead this country going forward.
” The Democratic National Committee states on its website that it aims to “ challenge and dismantle the structures that define lasting racial , economic , political , and social inequity ” for minority Americans .
What about the structure that aims to keep black Americans voting for a party that has done very little to help them ?
Where is Vernon Jones ’ justice today for putting his people before his party ?
Democrats drove him out because he wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctrine that Republicans want to harm the interests of black Americans .
Jones dared to celebrate that Trump ’ s policies , and not the policies of Democrats , have lifted up all Americans — including those within his community .
The Georgia Democrat might be out of a job today , but as he stated , he is free from the Democrat “ plantation.
” In his statement to The Journal-Constitution , Jones took a parting shot at Democrats on the issue of criminal justice reform .
“ I intend to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bigotry against Black people that are independent and conservative , ” he said .
“ I endorsed the White guy ( Donald J. Trump ) that let Blacks out of jail , and they endorsed the White guy ( Joe Biden ) that put Blacks in jail , ” Jones concluded .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Georgia Democrat who dared to think outside the confines of the party’s orthodoxy by endorsing President Donald Trump is stepping down as a state representative.
Democrat Vernon Jones, who has been taking heat from fellow Democrats since he endorsed Trump last week, resigned Wednesday — but made it clear he would not be going away quietly.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Jones said he would not complete his current term representing Georgia’s 91st District in Democratic stronghold Dekalb County.
“Turn the lights off, I have left the plantation,” he said in a statement to the newspaper. “Someone else can occupy that suite. Therefore, I intend not to complete my term effective April 22, 2020.”
Jones was later interviewed on “The Rashad Richey Morning Show” on WAOK-AM in Atlanta, where he said he would remain a Democrat in order to help the party root out its “bigotry” toward black people.
“I don’t plan to leave the Democratic Party because somebody’s got to be in there to hold them accountable — hold them accountable to how they are treating black people (and) root out the bigotry,” he said, according to The Journal-Constitution.
Jones also took to Twitter beginning Tuesday to attack his fellow Democrats.
“There’s nothing the Left despises more than a free-thinking black man,” he wrote in a post that seemed to foreshadow his decision to resign. “Keep the hit pieces coming. The American people see through it.”
There’s nothing the Left despises more than a free-thinking black man. Keep the hit pieces coming. The American people see through it. https://t.co/DMlWg6v1cu — Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 20, 2020
The modern day Democratic Party has become more about defending the interests of illegals than it has the actual American people. I take issue with that. — Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 21, 2020
I’ve seen more Democrats attack me for my decision to endorse @realDonaldTrump than ask me why. They’ve used and abused folks in my community for far too long, taking our votes for granted. Black Americans are waking up. An uprising is near. — Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 21, 2020
In another Twitter post, Jones added, “I’m not surprised that the Democratic Party has chosen to rent out my suite on the plantation to my opponent.”
“I will never apologize for my convictions,” he said.
I’m not surprised that the Democratic Party has chosen to rent out my suite on the plantation to my opponent. I will never apologize for my convictions. https://t.co/unSbPaqTZr — Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 21, 2020
The tweet was a response to a post from Journal-Constitution reporter Greg Bluestein, who reported that Democrats in Dekalb and Rockdale counties had jointly censured Jones for his Trump support.
Jones then hit the nail on the head when he called out radical Democrats for attempting to control him by forcing him to conform to the party’s strict anti-Trump messaging, which ignores gains made by black Americans under the president’s leadership.
“The Left hates me because they can’t control me,” he wrote. “They can stay mad.”
The Left hates me because they can’t control me. They can stay mad. — Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 22, 2020
Jones also made it clear he will devote his full time and energy to Trump’s re-election campaign.
Earlier today, I made the decision to not seek re-election to the Georgia House of Representatives. I look forward, however, to continuing to serve my community in other ways and doing all I can to re-elect @realDonaldTrump. We will Make America Great Again ?? — Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 22, 2020
I look forward to committing my full energy to the re-election of @realDonaldTrump and ensuring that the radical Democrats that have overtaken my party suffer a resounding defeat. https://t.co/WdbNPnBsO6 — Vernon Jones (@RepVernonJones) April 22, 2020
Democrats often complain there are not enough black Americans in positions of power.
There is one fewer after Wednesday thanks to the party’s bully tactics against Jones for daring to do right by his constituents.
The residents of Dekalb County elected Jones to look out for their interests.
Jones saw that Trump’s policies were working for the people in his community.
Democratic Party of Georgia Chairwoman Nikema Williams described Jones as “an embarrassment” last week after he endorsed Trump, The Journal-Constitution reported.
“Vernon Jones is an embarrassment to the Democratic Party and does not stand for our values,” Williams said. “Never has that been clearer than this moment, when he chose to stand with the racist president who has made an all-out assault on Black Americans, who has tried to rip away American health care, and who has failed our country in its greatest time of need during the most important election in our lifetimes.”
Jones apparently felt the pressure from other Democrats after making pro-Trump statements last week.
“There are a lot of African-Americans who clearly see and appreciate [Trump is] doing something that’s never been done before,” he said.
“When you look at the unemployment rates among black Americans before the pandemic, they were at historic lows. That’s just a fact,” Jones continued. “I believe that Donald Trump is the best person to lead this country going forward.”
The Democratic National Committee states on its website that it aims to “challenge and dismantle the structures that define lasting racial, economic, political, and social inequity” for minority Americans.
Do you think Democrats feel threatened by Trump's appeal to black voters? 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% (2846 Votes) No: 1% (23 Votes)
What about the structure that aims to keep black Americans voting for a party that has done very little to help them?
Where is Vernon Jones’ justice today for putting his people before his party?
Democrats drove him out because he wouldn’t blindly accept and parrot their doctrine that Republicans want to harm the interests of black Americans.
Jones dared to celebrate that Trump’s policies, and not the policies of Democrats, have lifted up all Americans — including those within his community.
The Georgia Democrat might be out of a job today, but as he stated, he is free from the Democrat “plantation.”
In his statement to The Journal-Constitution, Jones took a parting shot at Democrats on the issue of criminal justice reform.
“I intend to help the Democrat Party get rid of its bigotry against Black people that are independent and conservative,” he said.
“I endorsed the White guy (Donald J. Trump) that let Blacks out of jail, and they endorsed the White guy (Joe Biden) that put Blacks in jail,” Jones concluded.
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--Homeschooling Is ‘Authoritarian’ and ‘Violates Children’s Constitutional Rights’: Harvard Law Profes

Homeschooling Is ‘Authoritarian’ and ‘Violates Children’s Constitutional Rights’: Harvard Law Professor

The American education system is being overtaken by leftist academics hoping to indoctrinate children from an early age .
Many parents across America choose to homeschool their children for religious reasons .
As public schools become more and more secular , Christian parents want to make sure that their children are taught the proper values .
But according to one Harvard Law School professor , some of these parents are authoritarians and “ extreme religious ideologues ” who are violating their own children ’ s rights .
In a paper published last year for Arizona Law Review , Elizabeth Bartholet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on homeschooling.
” “ Homeschooling is a realm of near-absolute parental power , ” Bartholet wrote .
“ This power is inconsistent with important rights supposedly guaranteed to children under state constitutions and state legislation throughout the land.
” TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us “ States should impose significant restrictions on homeschooling .
Legislatures should do this on their own initiative .
But courts must make clear that the current regime violates children ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lines described below are required.
” Bartholet also cited a 2018 book from Columbia University ’ s Michael Rebell to claim that many homeschooling parents “ belong to fundamentalist religious groups ” — groups that , according to Rebell , think “ that exposing their children to ideas such as secularism , atheism , feminism , and value relativism is inconsistent with the values they espouse.
” “ Some homeschooling parents , ” she wrote , “ are extreme religious ideologues who live in near-total isolation and hold views in serious conflict @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society.
” It ’ s worth wondering whether Bartholet considers opposition to ideas like atheism and “ value relativism ” to be the telltale sign of an “ extreme religious ideologue.
” Does she think parents ought to simply go along with some of the radical left-wing policies that public schools have adopted in recent years ?
Take , for example , the California schools that want to teach children about the secular idea of “ gender identity ” as early as kindergarten .
A school district in Austin , Texas , wishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grade about sexual orientation and gender identity as well .
And a school in Wisconsin was sued over a policy that 14 parents said allows children to “ socially transition to a different gender identity at school without parental notice or consent ” and encourages teachers to lie to parents about it .
Does Bartholet think parents have a duty to send their kids to be brainwashed at schools like these ?
Bartholet further explained her beliefs for an article published in the May-June issue of Harvard Magazine titled “ The Risks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do we think that parents should have 24/7 , essentially authoritarian control over their children from ages zero to 18 ?
I think that ’ s dangerous , ” Bartholet said in an interview .
“ I think it ’ s always dangerous to put powerful people in charge of the powerless , and to give the powerful ones total authority.
” Apparently , Bartholet thinks that forcing all children to attend school outside of the home is much less authoritarian .
Now , according to the Harvard Magazine piece , Bartholet tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not all homeschooling parents are totally incompetent , though she nonetheless seems to believe that the “ burden of proving ” their case for homeschooling rests on the parents ’ side .
According to the piece : “ ‘ No doubt there are some parents who are motivated and capable of giving an education that ’ s of a higher quality and as broad in scope as what ’ s happening in the public school , ’ she says .
But Bartholet believes that if parents want permission to opt out of schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case is justified should fall on parents.
” The Harvard professor claimed in her law review paper that children need to be exposed “ to a variety of views and values ” so they can be prepared for the real world .
This line of logic comes with one problem : If a secular child , taught by secular parents , is sent into a secular school system , how exactly is that a “ variety of views and values ?
” Perhaps most troubling is that Bartholet is not the only academic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We will convene leaders in education and child welfare policy , legislators and legislative staff , academics and policy advocates , to discuss child rights in connection with homeschooling in the United States , ” reads the description for an anti-homeschooling event being hosted by Harvard Law School in June .
“ The focus will be on problems of educational deprivation and child maltreatment that too often occur under the guise of homeschooling , in a legal environment of minimal or no oversight.
” Leftists like Bartholet accuse thoughtful parents of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time not-so-subtly suggesting that the style of education they favor is the only proper way to teach young minds The fact that a professor from such a prestigious institution can ’ t see her own hypocrisy tells you all you need to know about the education system the left is trying to push on America ’ s children .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The American education system is being overtaken by leftist academics hoping to indoctrinate children from an early age.
Many parents across America choose to homeschool their children for religious reasons. As public schools become more and more secular, Christian parents want to make sure that their children are taught the proper values.
But according to one Harvard Law School professor, some of these parents are authoritarians and “extreme religious ideologues” who are violating their own children’s rights.
In a paper published last year for Arizona Law Review, Elizabeth Bartholet explained why she “recommends a presumptive ban on homeschooling.”
“Homeschooling is a realm of near-absolute parental power,” Bartholet wrote. “This power is inconsistent with important rights supposedly guaranteed to children under state constitutions and state legislation throughout the land.”
“States should impose significant restrictions on homeschooling. Legislatures should do this on their own initiative. But courts must make clear that the current regime violates children’s constitutional rights, and that restrictions along the lines described below are required.”
Bartholet also cited a 2018 book from Columbia University’s Michael Rebell to claim that many homeschooling parents “belong to fundamentalist religious groups” — groups that, according to Rebell, think “that exposing their children to ideas such as secularism, atheism, feminism, and value relativism is inconsistent with the values they espouse.”
“Some homeschooling parents,” she wrote, “are extreme religious ideologues who live in near-total isolation and hold views in serious conflict with those generally deemed central in our society.”
It’s worth wondering whether Bartholet considers opposition to ideas like atheism and “value relativism” to be the telltale sign of an “extreme religious ideologue.”
Would a ban on homeschooling be unconstitutional? Yes No
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Does she think parents ought to simply go along with some of the radical left-wing policies that public schools have adopted in recent years?
Take, for example, the California schools that want to teach children about the secular idea of “gender identity” as early as kindergarten.
A school district in Austin, Texas, wishes to teach students in third through eighth grade about sexual orientation and gender identity as well.
And a school in Wisconsin was sued over a policy that 14 parents said allows children to “socially transition to a different gender identity at school without parental notice or consent” and encourages teachers to lie to parents about it.
Does Bartholet think parents have a duty to send their kids to be brainwashed at schools like these?
Bartholet further explained her beliefs for an article published in the May-June issue of Harvard Magazine titled “The Risks of Homeschooling.”
“The issue is, do we think that parents should have 24/7, essentially authoritarian control over their children from ages zero to 18? I think that’s dangerous,” Bartholet said in an interview.
“I think it’s always dangerous to put powerful people in charge of the powerless, and to give the powerful ones total authority.”
Apparently, Bartholet thinks that forcing all children to attend school outside of the home is much less authoritarian.
Now, according to the Harvard Magazine piece, Bartholet tried to soften her stance by saying that not all homeschooling parents are totally incompetent, though she nonetheless seems to believe that the “burden of proving” their case for homeschooling rests on the parents’ side.
According to the piece: “‘No doubt there are some parents who are motivated and capable of giving an education that’s of a higher quality and as broad in scope as what’s happening in the public school,’ she says. But Bartholet believes that if parents want permission to opt out of schools, the burden of proving that their case is justified should fall on parents.”
The Harvard professor claimed in her law review paper that children need to be exposed “to a variety of views and values” so they can be prepared for the real world.
This line of logic comes with one problem: If a secular child, taught by secular parents, is sent into a secular school system, how exactly is that a “variety of views and values?”
Perhaps most troubling is that Bartholet is not the only academic who buys into these anti-homeschooling sentiments.
“We will convene leaders in education and child welfare policy, legislators and legislative staff, academics and policy advocates, to discuss child rights in connection with homeschooling in the United States,” reads the description for an anti-homeschooling event being hosted by Harvard Law School in June.
“The focus will be on problems of educational deprivation and child maltreatment that too often occur under the guise of homeschooling, in a legal environment of minimal or no oversight.”
Harvard Law School is officially hosting an event against homeschooling in June. “The focus will be on problems of educational deprivation and child maltreatment that too often occur under the guise of homeschooling.” pic.twitter.com/JF0kgEEIYp — Corey A. DeAngelis (@DeAngelisCorey) April 9, 2020
The hypocrisy is blindingly evident.
Leftists like Bartholet accuse thoughtful parents of being “authoritarian” while at the same time not-so-subtly suggesting that the style of education they favor is the only proper way to teach young minds
The fact that a professor from such a prestigious institution can’t see her own hypocrisy tells you all you need to know about the education system the left is trying to push on America’s children.
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westernjournal--2020-04-22--Elizabeth Warren Leads Senate Dems in Calling for Investigation of Trump’s Coronavirus Response

Ten Senate Democrats joined their House colleagues Wednesday in calling for official investigations into federal management of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
Leading the pack , progressive Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote both the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in pursuit of “ broad investigations ” of President Donald Trump ’ s coronavirus response .
According to a news release from Warren ’ s office , Democrats allege Trump administration efforts to provide aid to American citizens and state governments have been tailored to fit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his political allies , ” rather than the needs of the nation .
“ The Trump administration has been unable to deliver urgently-needed medical supplies , including personal protective equipment ( PPE ) and ventilators , and has created confusion and distress among states by seizing equipment orders and providing little transparency about decision-making , ” the news release stated .
“ This confusion has been exacerbated by President Trump ’ s public statements suggesting that governors ’ political support for his administration could influence how much support they receive from the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly released excerpt from the letter .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us “ This obfuscation underscores the need for clarity as to how decisions regarding the seizure and redistribution of supplies are being made , and whether or not they are tainted with political interference.
” Joining Warren in her letter were Sens .
Tom Udall , Kirsten Gillibrand , Jeff Merkley , Ron Wyden , Kamala Harris , Richard Blumenthal , Sheldon Whitehouse , Chris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Markey .
The senators also suggested alleged abuse of power may have extended beyond Trump himself to include such administration figures as the president ’ s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner .
Concerns had apparently been raised as to whether figures like Kushner — who has aided in overseeing expedited medical supply delivery through FEMA ’ s Project Airbridge , according to Politico — were funneling supplies to donors and friends of the administration .
No evidence was provided regarding these suspicions , however .
According to the news release , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Blumenthal and Markey to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee — an independent oversight board established by the CARES Act to ensure $ 2.2 trillion in virus relief funding were properly allocated .
The second letter requests that both the presence of a presidential signature on government aid checks and the president ’ s daily virus-related White House news briefings — referred to as “ crass political propaganda ” — be investigated as well .
Any indication of political motives in relief roll-out at these levels , the senators allege , would constitute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which bar government employees from engaging in campaign-related activity while on the clock .
“ ( T ) hese incidents appear to indicate that the Trump Administration has infused political and partisan interests into its response to both the public health and economic crises , ” the senators wrote .
“ Americans should not have to wonder whether their lives are being put at risk by the President ’ s concern for his political prospects amidst a public health and economic calamity.
” RELATED : Police Union President Comes Out Firing Against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the formation of a committee — armed with subpoena power — to oversee Trump ’ s administration of the CARES Act , while House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff has proposed the formation of a commission to investigate the administration ’ s response to the coronavirus crisis .
Such actions from Democrats , however , have been subject to substantial blowback from across the aisle .
On Monday , House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy decried Democratic allegations of pandemic relief mismanagement on the part of the Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been “ playing politics ” with the national emergency .
“ Name one thing the speaker has accomplished during this pandemic , ” McCarthy told Fox News .
“ When President Trump , January 31st , put in the ban in China , [ on ] February 24th she asked people to gather together in San Francisco .
She actually fought the ban , ” McCarthy said .
“ When we wanted to put the CARES Act together , she came in and held it up .
Now , we have a small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now held up the money.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Ten Senate Democrats joined their House colleagues Wednesday in calling for official investigations into federal management of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Leading the pack, progressive Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote both the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in pursuit of “broad investigations” of President Donald Trump’s coronavirus response.
According to a news release from Warren’s office, Democrats allege Trump administration efforts to provide aid to American citizens and state governments have been tailored to fit the “electoral concerns of the President and his political allies,” rather than the needs of the nation.
“The Trump administration has been unable to deliver urgently-needed medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators, and has created confusion and distress among states by seizing equipment orders and providing little transparency about decision-making,” the news release stated.
“This confusion has been exacerbated by President Trump’s public statements suggesting that governors’ political support for his administration could influence how much support they receive from the federal government,” Warren wrote in a publicly released excerpt from the letter.
“This obfuscation underscores the need for clarity as to how decisions regarding the seizure and redistribution of supplies are being made, and whether or not they are tainted with political interference.”
Joining Warren in her letter were Sens. Tom Udall, Kirsten Gillibrand, Jeff Merkley, Ron Wyden, Kamala Harris, Richard Blumenthal, Sheldon Whitehouse, Chris Van Hollen and fellow Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey.
The senators also suggested alleged abuse of power may have extended beyond Trump himself to include such administration figures as the president’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner.
Concerns had apparently been raised as to whether figures like Kushner — who has aided in overseeing expedited medical supply delivery through FEMA’s Project Airbridge, according to Politico — were funneling supplies to donors and friends of the administration.
Do you support Trump's coronavirus response? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 98% (492 Votes) No: 2% (8 Votes)
No evidence was provided regarding these suspicions, however.
According to the news release, a second letter was also sent by Warren, Blumenthal and Markey to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee — an independent oversight board established by the CARES Act to ensure $2.2 trillion in virus relief funding were properly allocated.
The second letter requests that both the presence of a presidential signature on government aid checks and the president’s daily virus-related White House news briefings — referred to as “crass political propaganda” — be investigated as well.
Any indication of political motives in relief roll-out at these levels, the senators allege, would constitute violations of laws like the Hatch Act, which bar government employees from engaging in campaign-related activity while on the clock.
“(T)hese incidents appear to indicate that the Trump Administration has infused political and partisan interests into its response to both the public health and economic crises,” the senators wrote. “Americans should not have to wonder whether their lives are being put at risk by the President’s concern for his political prospects amidst a public health and economic calamity.”
Earlier this month, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the formation of a committee — armed with subpoena power — to oversee Trump’s administration of the CARES Act, while House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff has proposed the formation of a commission to investigate the administration’s response to the coronavirus crisis.
Such actions from Democrats, however, have been subject to substantial blowback from across the aisle.
On Monday, House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy decried Democratic allegations of pandemic relief mismanagement on the part of the Republicans, suggesting it was Democrats who had been “playing politics” with the national emergency.
“Name one thing the speaker has accomplished during this pandemic,” McCarthy told Fox News.
“When President Trump, January 31st, put in the ban in China, [on] February 24th she asked people to gather together in San Francisco. She actually fought the ban,” McCarthy said.
“When we wanted to put the CARES Act together, she came in and held it up. Now, we have a small business program working, she’s now held up the money.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.