westernjournal--2020-05-16--Anti-Lockdown Demonstrations Go International as Police Arrest Protesters in Warsaw, London

Demonstrations took place Saturday in several European cities against restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of the coronavirus , with tear gas used on protesters in Poland and arrests made at a gathering in London ’ s Hyde Park .
Police in several German cities enforced distancing rules as thousands of people gathered to express a mix of frustrations — at restrictions battering the economy and a perceived loss of civic freedom .
In some places , people also voiced conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine views .
Police in Stuttgart said that the permitted number of 5,000 demonstrators was exceeded and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Police said they were enforcing a mask requirement under threat of a 300 euro ( $ 325 ) fine .
The permitted number of 1,000 protesters was reached in Munich on the Theresienwiese event grounds , site of the now-cancelled Oktoberfest beer festival .
It was one of a number of gatherings across the southern state of Bavaria .
Several dozen people protested anti-virus rules to loud music in Berlin in a taped-off demonstration area on the central Alexanderplatz square , overseen by 1,000 police who enforced a six-foot distancing requirement and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in one place , the dpa news agency reported .
Among the permitted protest groups were several dozen counter-protesters denouncing conspiracy theories and supporting the rights of migrants .
Germany and other countries have started to loosen some of the restrictions on movement , gatherings and businesses under restrictions on numbers of customers and spacing of seating .
Retailers and restaurants have been hard hit and face uncertain futures .
Germany ’ s professional soccer league resumed matches on Saturday in stadiums without spectators .
Dozens of people , including a senator , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners in the Polish capital against coronavirus restrictions , while police used tear gas against protesters .
The city of Warsaw said the gathering was illegal because it had not been previously approved .
Jacek Bury , a senator for the opposition Civic Platform party , said he was hurt by police when trying to defend another protester .
Warsaw police claimed they faced cases of “ aggression against police officers.
” Police denied using force against Bury .
In Britain , anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine protesters held a gathering in Hyde Park in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavy police presence .
The protesters chanted “ Freedom ” and held handmade placards .
Some sat on the grass and had picnics while observing social distancing guidelines , while others ignored the rules and gathered in groups .
Officers tried to disperse the groups , threatening them with fines if they didn ’ t comply .
They arrested 13 people , the London Metropolitan Police Service said .
This is the first weekend since the British government eased lockdown rules for England , allowing people to spend more time outdoors .
Activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include having a picnic .
They are also allowed to meet one other person from another household as long as social distancing is obeyed .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Demonstrations took place Saturday in several European cities against restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of the coronavirus, with tear gas used on protesters in Poland and arrests made at a gathering in London’s Hyde Park.
Police in several German cities enforced distancing rules as thousands of people gathered to express a mix of frustrations — at restrictions battering the economy and a perceived loss of civic freedom.
In some places, people also voiced conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine views.
Police in Stuttgart said that the permitted number of 5,000 demonstrators was exceeded and directed arriving participants to another open space. Police said they were enforcing a mask requirement under threat of a 300 euro ($325) fine.
The permitted number of 1,000 protesters was reached in Munich on the Theresienwiese event grounds, site of the now-cancelled Oktoberfest beer festival. It was one of a number of gatherings across the southern state of Bavaria.
Several dozen people protested anti-virus rules to loud music in Berlin in a taped-off demonstration area on the central Alexanderplatz square, overseen by 1,000 police who enforced a six-foot distancing requirement and a ban on more than 50 people in one place, the dpa news agency reported.
Among the permitted protest groups were several dozen counter-protesters denouncing conspiracy theories and supporting the rights of migrants.
Germany and other countries have started to loosen some of the restrictions on movement, gatherings and businesses under restrictions on numbers of customers and spacing of seating. Retailers and restaurants have been hard hit and face uncertain futures. Germany’s professional soccer league resumed matches on Saturday in stadiums without spectators.
Dozens of people, including a senator, were detained during a protest by business owners in the Polish capital against coronavirus restrictions, while police used tear gas against protesters. The city of Warsaw said the gathering was illegal because it had not been previously approved.
Do you think police officers should be used to enforce social distancing guidelines? Yes No
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Jacek Bury, a senator for the opposition Civic Platform party, said he was hurt by police when trying to defend another protester.
Warsaw police claimed they faced cases of “aggression against police officers.” Police denied using force against Bury.
In Britain, anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine protesters held a gathering in Hyde Park in central London and were met by a heavy police presence.
The protesters chanted “Freedom” and held handmade placards. Some sat on the grass and had picnics while observing social distancing guidelines, while others ignored the rules and gathered in groups.
Officers tried to disperse the groups, threatening them with fines if they didn’t comply.
They arrested 13 people, the London Metropolitan Police Service said.
This is the first weekend since the British government eased lockdown rules for England, allowing people to spend more time outdoors.
Activities they’re now allowed to do include having a picnic. They are also allowed to meet one other person from another household as long as social distancing is obeyed.
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--2020-05-16--Protect Your Deceased Loved One’s Personal Information from Identity Theft, Here’s How:

Grieving family members may have to face the possibility that their loved one ’ s personal information has been stolen .
It ’ s called “ ghosting ” and unfortunately , postmortem identity theft is not uncommon .
Thieves obtain this information in a variety of ways .
Genealogy websites , friends and relatives of the deceased , hospital and funeral home employees are a few of the methods used .
However , the largest resource is the Social Security Death Master File .
Decedents with no recorded date of death are likely to have their social security numbers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , obtain loans and credit cards fraudulently , and to file bogus tax returns .
There are several steps to take to protect a person ’ s information after their death , according to the American Association of Retired Persons ( AARP ) .
First , request several copies of the death certificate and then : Notify every government agency that had a relationship with the decedent : Notify the three main credit reporting bureaus and credit card issuers : Michigan State University Extension suggests that family members should be cautious when publishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as date and place of birth , address , or place of employment .
Remember to monitor the person ’ s credit reports .
Free credit reports can be obtained online .
According to the Federal Trade Commission , when identity theft is evident , call the companies where the fraud has occurred .
Contact the credit reporting bureaus .
Report the incident to the FTC and file a report with your local police department .
This article was published by Michigan State University Extension .
For more information , visit https : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information delivered straight to your email inbox , visit https : //extension.msu.edu/newsletters .
To contact an expert in your area , visit https : //extension.msu.edu/experts , or call 888-MSUE4MI ( 888-678-3464 ) .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Michigan State University Extension, Brenda Long and Vivian Washington

Grieving family members may have to face the possibility that their loved one’s personal information has been stolen. It’s called “ghosting” and unfortunately, postmortem identity theft is not uncommon.
Thieves obtain this information in a variety of ways. Genealogy websites, friends and relatives of the deceased, hospital and funeral home employees are a few of the methods used.
However, the largest resource is the Social Security Death Master File. Decedents with no recorded date of death are likely to have their social security numbers and other information stolen to access existing accounts, obtain loans and credit cards fraudulently, and to file bogus tax returns.
There are several steps to take to protect a person’s information after their death, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). First, request several copies of the death certificate and then:
Notify every government agency that had a relationship with the decedent:
⋅ Social Security Administration
⋅ Internal Revenue Service
⋅ Department of Veterans Affairs
⋅ Defense Finance Accounting Service
⋅ Department of Motor Vehicles
⋅ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
⋅ Office of Personnel Management
Notify the three main credit reporting bureaus and credit card issuers:
⋅ Equifax
⋅ Experian
⋅ TransUnion
Notify insurance companies:
⋅ Medical
⋅ Life
⋅ Auto
⋅ Property
⋅ Dental
Notify financial companies:
⋅ Banks
⋅ Credit Unions
⋅ Stock Brokerages
⋅ Mutual Fund Companies
⋅ Annuity Issuers
⋅ Financial Planners
⋅ Loan Associations
⋅ Mortgage Companies
⋅ Other lenders
And don’t forget:
⋅ Pension Providers
⋅ Trust Administrators
⋅ Member Organizations and Affiliations
Michigan State University Extension suggests that family members should be cautious when publishing obituaries.
Avoid divulging personal information such as date and place of birth, address, or place of employment. Remember to monitor the person’s credit reports. Free credit reports can be obtained online.
Did you know these ways to protect the identity of your deceased loved ones? Yes No
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According to the Federal Trade Commission, when identity theft is evident, call the companies where the fraud has occurred. Contact the credit reporting bureaus. Report the incident to the FTC and file a report with your local police department.
This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--Charles the Cheesehead? Turns Out the Prince Even Eats It for Breakfast

In an effort to support farmers living and working in the U.K. , the Prince of Wales is highlighting one of his favorite local foods : cheese .
Prince Charles , 71 , is urging people to appreciate , respect and support the farmers who ensure the country stays well fed , especially during the current climate of difficulty and division .
The heir to the British throne took to social media to speak up for farmers while sharing his unabashed love for cheese .
“ One thing that undoubtedly brings many of us great comfort is good food , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Clarence House , the royal residence where he lives .
“ It is , therefore , deeply troubling to learn that this crisis risks destroying one of the most wonderful joys in life — British cheese !
” According to the post , Charles has been Patron of the Speciality Cheesemakers Association since 1993 , and he encouraged readers to support British small businesses by sourcing cheese and other food items locally .
“ British cheesemakers need our support during this time of great uncertainty , and we can all help in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ “ By sourcing British cheese from local shops and cheesemongers , and directly from producers online , you can make a vital contribution to keeping these small businesses afloat during the prevailing crisis.
” The Prince of Wales then shared one of his all-time favorite recipes , “ Cheesy Baked Eggs , ” which he enjoys using a variety of cheeses and locally-sourced vegetables .
Charles has become an advocate for farmers across the U.K. , writing that recent events have focused a spotlight on an industry that has perhaps been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In an April article for Country Life magazine , the royal warned readers not to take agriculture and hardworking farmers for granted .
“ When was the last time anyone gave the availability of a bottle of milk , or a loaf of bread , or fresh vegetables a second thought ?
” he said .
“ Suddenly , these things are precious and valued .
And this is how it always should be .
“ Food does not happen by magic , ” Charles continued .
“ If the past few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can not take it for granted .
“ In this country , there are 80,000 farmers producing our food — from the Fells of Cumbria to the arable and vegetable lands of East Anglia ; from the Welsh Mountains to the Scottish fishing villages ; from the dairy fields of Cornwall and Northern Ireland to the orchards of Kent .
“ Day in and day out , they are working to produce food — for us , ” he said .
“ And we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In an effort to support farmers living and working in the U.K., the Prince of Wales is highlighting one of his favorite local foods: cheese.
Prince Charles, 71, is urging people to appreciate, respect and support the farmers who ensure the country stays well fed, especially during the current climate of difficulty and division.
The heir to the British throne took to social media to speak up for farmers while sharing his unabashed love for cheese.
Prince Charles Shares His Favorite Cheesy Brunch Dish: ‘Great Comfort Is Good Food’ https://t.co/CEvOPglH9l — PEOPLE Royals (@PEOPLEroyals) May 11, 2020
“One thing that undoubtedly brings many of us great comfort is good food,” he said via the Instagram account of Clarence House, the royal residence where he lives.
“It is, therefore, deeply troubling to learn that this crisis risks destroying one of the most wonderful joys in life — British cheese!”
According to the post, Charles has been Patron of the Speciality Cheesemakers Association since 1993, and he encouraged readers to support British small businesses by sourcing cheese and other food items locally.
“British cheesemakers need our support during this time of great uncertainty, and we can all help in the simplest way,” he said. “
“By sourcing British cheese from local shops and cheesemongers, and directly from producers online, you can make a vital contribution to keeping these small businesses afloat during the prevailing crisis.”
The Prince of Wales then shared one of his all-time favorite recipes, “Cheesy Baked Eggs,” which he enjoys using a variety of cheeses and locally-sourced vegetables.
Charles has become an advocate for farmers across the U.K., writing that recent events have focused a spotlight on an industry that has perhaps been dismissed as commonplace for too long.
In an April article for Country Life magazine, the royal warned readers not to take agriculture and hardworking farmers for granted.
“When was the last time anyone gave the availability of a bottle of milk, or a loaf of bread, or fresh vegetables a second thought?” he said.
“Suddenly, these things are precious and valued. And this is how it always should be.
“Food does not happen by magic,” Charles continued. “If the past few weeks have proved anything, it is that we cannot take it for granted.
“In this country, there are 80,000 farmers producing our food — from the Fells of Cumbria to the arable and vegetable lands of East Anglia; from the Welsh Mountains to the Scottish fishing villages; from the dairy fields of Cornwall and Northern Ireland to the orchards of Kent.
“Day in and day out, they are working to produce food — for us,” he said. “And we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. But they cannot do it alone.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--Cruise Liners Stranded at Sea Suffer 4 Non-COVID Deaths Within 2 Weeks

Cruise ships that have been stranded at sea amid fears that the coronavirus may be aboard are now battling another concern , as four crew members have died in unrelated incidents over the past two weeks .
Crews on ships that have been unable to dock at ports because of fears that anyone who goes ashore will bring the virus with them are facing a strain on their mental health , according to Professor Ann Kring , chair of the psychology department at the University of California , Berkeley .
“ They are stuck , they have no information , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person in the next room is sick or whether they will get sick or whether they ever get home , ” she told The Guardian .
“ The limbo that they are in is not only anxiety-producing , it could be traumatic in the long term.
” Two of the deaths took place aboard ships operated by Royal Caribbean .
One crew member died after falling overboard Royal Caribbean ’ s Jewel of the Seas ship on May 2 .
Royal Caribbean told Fox News it was “ assisting authorities with their investigation.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ship the Mariner of the Seas was “ apparently of natural causes , ” the cruise line said in a statement .
The worker was found dead Sunday .
“ Our team has reached out to his family to offer support .
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his coworkers , ” the statement added .
One man on the Carnival Cruise ship Carnival Breeze died May 9 of what CBS News called an apparent suicide .
“ His death is not related to COVID-19 , but out of respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be providing additional details , ” Carnival spokesman Roger Frizzell said .
The fourth death took place Sunday when a 39-year-old Ukrainian citizen crew member aboard a Regal Princess ship “ jumped overboard and did not survive the impact , ” the cruise line said in a statement .
“ The ship fully cooperated with and facilitated an investigation led by the state police with the Department of the Port of Rotterdam .
Regal Princess was in Rotterdam on May 9 , disembarking crew members as part of the global repatriation operation currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the crew member .
We activated our Princess Crew Care Team to assist to family during this difficult time.
” Ryan Driscoll , a cruise ship performer , told CBS he has spent weeks in quarantine .
“ The fact that they won ’ t let us off is extremely frustrating , irritating , especially for ships that just have crew members that have been quarantined for much longer than 14 days that have no COVID-19 cases , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
It does feel like a prison sometimes.
” RELATED : Ivanka Trump Announces Launch of Relief Program That Could Stop Farmers ' Waste , Put It to Good Use “ I want to go home .
I want to see my family .
One cruise line executive said that the companies are trying to get crew members home amid a stormy sea of red tape .
“ We are doing everything we possibly can for our crew , and we are frustrated as they are about the difficulty in getting them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line , told USA Today .
“ Money is literally no object .
We are willing to charter flights home , wherever home may be.
” He said the major issue is that “ we are dealing with a regulatory landscape that seems to change daily and forces us to adjust our plans just as frequently.
” Krista Thomas , a former cruise ship employee who operates a Facebook group for crew members at sea , said crews are in a difficult situation .
“ If they have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re looking out at this dark ocean – wondering when they ’ ll see land , when they ’ ll go home , how their family is doing , if they ’ ll be able to provide for them , ” she told The Guardian .
“ When you ’ re sitting in a room with nothing to go to and no one to talk to , disconnected from your family , then it only takes something small to spiral.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Cruise ships that have been stranded at sea amid fears that the coronavirus may be aboard are now battling another concern, as four crew members have died in unrelated incidents over the past two weeks.
Crews on ships that have been unable to dock at ports because of fears that anyone who goes ashore will bring the virus with them are facing a strain on their mental health, according to Professor Ann Kring, chair of the psychology department at the University of California, Berkeley.
“They are stuck, they have no information, they don’t know whether the person in the next room is sick or whether they will get sick or whether they ever get home,” she told The Guardian.
“The limbo that they are in is not only anxiety-producing, it could be traumatic in the long term.”
Two of the deaths took place aboard ships operated by Royal Caribbean.
One crew member died after falling overboard Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas ship on May 2. Royal Caribbean told Fox News it was “assisting authorities with their investigation.”
A death on the Royal Caribbean ship the Mariner of the Seas was “apparently of natural causes,” the cruise line said in a statement. The worker was found dead Sunday.
“Our team has reached out to his family to offer support. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his coworkers,” the statement added.
One man on the Carnival Cruise ship Carnival Breeze died May 9 of what CBS News called an apparent suicide.
Do you think cruise ship crew members should be allowed to return home? 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: 95% (569 Votes) No: 5% (30 Votes)
“His death is not related to COVID-19, but out of respect for his family, we will not be providing additional details,” Carnival spokesman Roger Frizzell said.
The fourth death took place Sunday when a 39-year-old Ukrainian citizen crew member aboard a Regal Princess ship “jumped overboard and did not survive the impact,” the cruise line said in a statement.
“The ship fully cooperated with and facilitated an investigation led by the state police with the Department of the Port of Rotterdam. Regal Princess was in Rotterdam on May 9, disembarking crew members as part of the global repatriation operation currently underway,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the crew member. We activated our Princess Crew Care Team to assist to family during this difficult time.”
Ryan Driscoll, a cruise ship performer, told CBS he has spent weeks in quarantine.
“The fact that they won’t let us off is extremely frustrating, irritating, especially for ships that just have crew members that have been quarantined for much longer than 14 days that have no COVID-19 cases,” he said. “We’re just stuck here. It does feel like a prison sometimes.”
“I want to go home. I want to see my family.
One cruise line executive said that the companies are trying to get crew members home amid a stormy sea of red tape.
“We are doing everything we possibly can for our crew, and we are frustrated as they are about the difficulty in getting them home,” Frank Del Rio, CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, told USA Today. “Money is literally no object. We are willing to charter flights home, wherever home may be.”
He said the major issue is that “we are dealing with a regulatory landscape that seems to change daily and forces us to adjust our plans just as frequently.”
Krista Thomas, a former cruise ship employee who operates a Facebook group for crew members at sea, said crews are in a difficult situation.
“If they have a window to look out of, they’re looking out at this dark ocean – wondering when they’ll see land, when they’ll go home, how their family is doing, if they’ll be able to provide for them,” she told The Guardian.
“When you’re sitting in a room with nothing to go to and no one to talk to, disconnected from your family, then it only takes something small to spiral.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--With Looming Meat Shortage, Controversial Soy Burgers Appear on Store Shelves

Grocery giant Kroger announced last week that it will be selling the Impossible Burger at 1,700 locations .
The action comes as supply-chain issues are causing interruptions in delivery schedules , making meat scarce in some stores .
The Impossible Burger has been available at Burger King and more than 2,700 other grocery stores , but the deal with Kroger will lead to what the company called an “ 18-fold increase ” in its retail space gains , according to USA Today .
“ The launch of Impossible Burger at Kroger grocery stores nationwide signals our intention to make Impossible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brick-and-mortar retailers and their increasingly popular online ordering and delivery services , ” Impossible Foods CEO Dennis Woodside said .
The brand does not have “ a lot of the challenges that the meat industry does , ” CFO David Lee argued , according to the U.K. Daily Mail .
“ One thing that is similar is our set of customers , ” Lee said , claiming that “ 95 percent of people who buy Impossible Burgers are meat-eaters.
” The Impossible Burger is not without its detractors .
Dr. James Stangle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that estrogen levels in the Impossible Burger represent a health hazard ( though his case has largely been debunked ) .
RELATED : Ivanka Trump Announces Launch of Relief Program That Could Stop Farmers ' Waste , Put It to Good Use Healthline explained that “ [ h ] eme , or soy leghemoglobin , is the ingredient said to set the Impossible Burger apart from other plant-based burgers , ” but it is also “ perhaps the most controversial ingredient in the Impossible Burger.
” “ Unlike the heme found in beef @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is genetically engineered by adding soy protein to genetically engineered yeast .
“ Though Generally Recognized As Safe ( GRAS ) by the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) , some raise concern about its potential health effects , ” an article on the website explained , adding that “ its long-term safety is still unknown.
” “ Current studies on soy leghemoglobin have only been conducted in animals and over short periods , ” the article read .
Furthermore , although the studies showed no ill effects , “ it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe for humans to eat this man-made compound over longer periods.
” Impossible Foods founder Patrick Brown has pushed back against the critics .
“ The fact that heme is produced by genetic engineering is a complete non-issue from a consumer safety standpoint , ” he said at a 2019 event , according to Inc. “ It ’ s a way safer way to produce it than isolating it from soybean roots , and a vastly safer way to produce it than covering the entire frigging planet with cows , which is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Grocery giant Kroger announced last week that it will be selling the Impossible Burger at 1,700 locations. The action comes as supply-chain issues are causing interruptions in delivery schedules, making meat scarce in some stores.
The Impossible Burger has been available at Burger King and more than 2,700 other grocery stores, but the deal with Kroger will lead to what the company called an “18-fold increase” in its retail space gains, according to USA Today.
“The launch of Impossible Burger at Kroger grocery stores nationwide signals our intention to make Impossible Burger available everywhere America shops – at brick-and-mortar retailers and their increasingly popular online ordering and delivery services,” Impossible Foods CEO Dennis Woodside said.
The brand does not have “a lot of the challenges that the meat industry does,” CFO David Lee argued, according to the U.K. Daily Mail.
“One thing that is similar is our set of customers,” Lee said, claiming that “95 percent of people who buy Impossible Burgers are meat-eaters.”
The Impossible Burger is not without its detractors.
Dr. James Stangle, a South Dakota veterinarian, has claimed that estrogen levels in the Impossible Burger represent a health hazard (though his case has largely been debunked).
Twitter has debated the burger.
Study out the “Impossible” Burger. You DON’T want to eat it. ? https://t.co/bSV1YQ4bZn — ? Peggy Lee ? (@RoyalcoachPeg) May 7, 2020
The Impossible Burger is on track to become a mainstream American staple. pic.twitter.com/R8eEd2ENWl — Inc. (@Inc) May 7, 2020
The impossible burger is sooo good. And now ❤good❤ too. https://t.co/Q6n8R36Auh — Soledad O’Brien (@soledadobrien) May 9, 2020
Have you ever tried the Impossible Burger?? Now more than ever we need to find sustainable sources of protein that could easily replace meat and its negative connotations for the environment ?.#climatechange #environment #globalwarming #nature #savetheplanet pic.twitter.com/djjKphsQ6x — Hult Prize (@hultprize) May 12, 2020
Sick is a better word. Do you know how many non plant chemicals you have to eat to make an Impossible Burger taste like meat?
I recall articles that said REGULAR MEAT was healthier for vegans than Impossible Burgers. It isn’t spices they’re putting in to make it taste like meat. — Joseph Morelli (@MorellijdJoseph) May 12, 2020
Healthline explained that “[h]eme, or soy leghemoglobin, is the ingredient said to set the Impossible Burger apart from other plant-based burgers,” but it is also “perhaps the most controversial ingredient in the Impossible Burger.”
“Unlike the heme found in beef, the heme in the Impossible Burger is genetically engineered by adding soy protein to genetically engineered yeast.
“Though Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some raise concern about its potential health effects,” an article on the website explained, adding that “its long-term safety is still unknown.”
“Current studies on soy leghemoglobin have only been conducted in animals and over short periods,” the article read.
Would you eat a soy burger like this one? 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: 26% (20 Votes) No: 74% (56 Votes)
Furthermore, although the studies showed no ill effects, “it’s currently unknown whether it’s safe for humans to eat this man-made compound over longer periods.”
Impossible Foods founder Patrick Brown has pushed back against the critics.
“The fact that heme is produced by genetic engineering is a complete non-issue from a consumer safety standpoint,” he said at a 2019 event, according to Inc.
“It’s a way safer way to produce it than isolating it from soybean roots, and a vastly safer way to produce it than covering the entire frigging planet with cows, which is the way we’re doing it now.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--Bull Causes Massive Power Outage After Itching Bum on Pole

It was between 10 and 11 p.m. on May 7 that 800 homes in Chapelton , Strathaven and Glassford ( in Scotland ) lost power .
It was also between 10 and 11 p.m. that same night that a Limousin bull named Ron decided to scratch himself on a large pole .
It was nothing new for the 4-year-old bull , who ’ d used the pole to reach the itch on his backside many times — especially as he was in the process of losing his winter coat .
But this time , more than just the wires shook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Power was restored by 4:00 a.m. , and in the daylight , Ron ’ s owners at East Shawtonhill Farm in Chapelton realized what must have happened .
“ We got up around 06:00 and we saw a big generator sitting at the bottom of our road , all linked up to the poles , ” owner Hazel Laughton told BBC Scotland .
“ We thought that was a bit strange .
“ We went up to feed our cows and it was my husband that noticed the transformer box had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two and two together and realized our bull had been scratching against the telegraph pole and he had knocked the box off the pole .
All the wires were down in the field as well.
” It was a bit of a miracle that the bull hadn ’ t been electrocuted himself in the fiasco .
“ We were standing looking at it and the bull just sheepishly walked up to the fence , ” Laughton explained .
“ He just looked a bit stunned .
I don ’ t think he really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” After connecting the dots and realizing their opportunist bull was the reason hundreds of people had been without power for hours , Laughton posted on a local Facebook group to explain .
“ Our bull Ron would like to apologise to everyone in Chapelton and Strathaven for causing last nights power cut to over 700 homes !
!
” she wrote on Chapelton , Strathaven Group ’ s page .
“ He had a itchy bum so scratched it on the electricity pole and knocked the transformer box off !
RELATED : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Sewer Pipe After Escaping from Home “ He ’ s just happy to be alive this morning after somehow escaping 11,000 volts and a large bump on the head !
Think we will rename him ‘ Sparky ’ !
” While it was unusual for the transformer box to get knocked off , this wasn ’ t the first time a large livestock animal had used a telephone or electric pole as a scratching post .
“ They said they have seen bulls scratch poles and maybe crack them but they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the pole like he has , ” Laughton said of the workers who came to fix the damage .
On the whole , though , people have seemed to have a pretty good-natured response to the accident .
“ This has given everyone a good laugh — people have been walking up the road looking for him , ” Laughton said .
While Ron is doing well and no one was injured , Laughton confirmed that the bull will be losing his scratching pole , as they will be fencing it off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It was between 10 and 11 p.m. on May 7 that 800 homes in Chapelton, Strathaven and Glassford (in Scotland) lost power.
It was also between 10 and 11 p.m. that same night that a Limousin bull named Ron decided to scratch himself on a large pole.
It was nothing new for the 4-year-old bull, who’d used the pole to reach the itch on his backside many times — especially as he was in the process of losing his winter coat.
But this time, more than just the wires shook: The transformer box got knocked off.
Power was restored by 4:00 a.m., and in the daylight, Ron’s owners at East Shawtonhill Farm in Chapelton realized what must have happened.
“We got up around 06:00 and we saw a big generator sitting at the bottom of our road, all linked up to the poles,” owner Hazel Laughton told BBC Scotland. “We thought that was a bit strange.
“We went up to feed our cows and it was my husband that noticed the transformer box had been knocked off the pole. We put two and two together and realized our bull had been scratching against the telegraph pole and he had knocked the box off the pole. All the wires were down in the field as well.”
It was a bit of a miracle that the bull hadn’t been electrocuted himself in the fiasco.
“We were standing looking at it and the bull just sheepishly walked up to the fence,” Laughton explained. “He just looked a bit stunned. I don’t think he really knew what had happened during the night.”
After connecting the dots and realizing their opportunist bull was the reason hundreds of people had been without power for hours, Laughton posted on a local Facebook group to explain.
“Our bull Ron would like to apologise to everyone in Chapelton and Strathaven for causing last nights power cut to over 700 homes!!” she wrote on Chapelton, Strathaven Group’s page. “He had a itchy bum so scratched it on the electricity pole and knocked the transformer box off!
“He’s just happy to be alive this morning after somehow escaping 11,000 volts and a large bump on the head! Think we will rename him ‘Sparky’!”
While it was unusual for the transformer box to get knocked off, this wasn’t the first time a large livestock animal had used a telephone or electric pole as a scratching post.
“They said they have seen bulls scratch poles and maybe crack them but they have never had a bull knock the box off the pole like he has,” Laughton said of the workers who came to fix the damage.
On the whole, though, people have seemed to have a pretty good-natured response to the accident.
“This has given everyone a good laugh — people have been walking up the road looking for him,” Laughton said.
While Ron is doing well and no one was injured, Laughton confirmed that the bull will be losing his scratching pole, as they will be fencing it off.
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--Watch How Inmates Try To Catch COVID-19 in Attempt To Be Released

Believing that testing positive for the coronavirus might get them freed , inmates at a Los Angeles County jail have been trying to infect one another , according to videos released by Sheriff Alex Villanueva .
Many jails opened the doors to inmates when the coronavirus hit .
In New York City , for example , several released inmates were again jailed after committing crimes upon their release .
Villanueva said the LA County inmates at the North County Correctional Facility seemed to think the same would happen to them .
“ It ’ s sad to think that someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Villanueva told the Los Angeles Times this week .
“ Somehow there was some mistaken belief among the inmate population that if they tested positive that there was a way to force our hand and somehow release more inmates out of our jail environment — and that ’ s not gon na happen , ” he said .
One video released by Villanueva showed inmates sharing a container of water , while another showed a group of inmates all breathing into the same face covering .
The videos were part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence of COVID-19 in the jails .
Across LA County , more than 4,500 inmates are in quarantine , the Times reported Mondy , meaning they were housed in the same unit as either an inmate who tested positive or one whose test had not yet come back .
About 2,000 of those inmates were at the jail where the videos were taken .
The county ’ s jails , which usually have about 17,000 inmates , held fewer than 12,000 inmates as of Monday , according to the sheriff ’ s department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the two videos were recorded tested positive for the virus , Assistant Sheriff Bruce Chase told the Times .
Villanueva , meanwhile , noted that inmates have not admitted they were trying to infect each other .
“ I think their behavior itself is what convicts them , ” he said .
In one video , an inmate fills a container with water and shares that with at least two other inmates .
Villanueva said the inmates also drank hot water to try to increase their temperatures .
RELATED : Health Scare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And We Do n't Mean the Dems In another video , inmates share a cup and gather around to breathe into what appears to be the same face covering .
The clips were “ just a sampling of the many other videos being reviewed and used in the ongoing investigation , ” Lt. John Satterfield told the Times .
Jail is a perfect place for the virus to spread , said Jackie Clark , director of Correctional Health Services.. “ They ’ re in dorm settings , so it ’ s easy once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is still in close contact with each other , or not wearing masks , ” she told the Times .
Villanueva is under attack for conditions in the jails .
“ In an attempt to demonize incarcerated people , he is taking a page right out of Trump ’ s playbook by gaslighting those who are already vulnerable and in absolute fear , ” said Patrisse Cullors , an activist whose uncle is suing LA County over jail conditions .
“ Contrary to the Sheriff ’ s allegations , what I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t enough soap , there is no hot water , that sheriff deputies are taunting folks inside by coughing in their presence , telling them they ’ re going to die of COVID , ” she told the Times .
The Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission has summoned Villanueva to explain his handling of the virus in the county ’ s jails .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Believing that testing positive for the coronavirus might get them freed, inmates at a Los Angeles County jail have been trying to infect one another, according to videos released by Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
Many jails opened the doors to inmates when the coronavirus hit. In New York City, for example, several released inmates were again jailed after committing crimes upon their release.
Villanueva said the LA County inmates at the North County Correctional Facility seemed to think the same would happen to them.
“It’s sad to think that someone deliberately tried to expose themselves to COVID-19,” Villanueva told the Los Angeles Times this week.
“Somehow there was some mistaken belief among the inmate population that if they tested positive that there was a way to force our hand and somehow release more inmates out of our jail environment — and that’s not gonna happen,” he said.
One video released by Villanueva showed inmates sharing a container of water, while another showed a group of inmates all breathing into the same face covering.
The videos were part of Villanueva’s effort to explain the presence of COVID-19 in the jails. Across LA County, more than 4,500 inmates are in quarantine, the Times reported Mondy, meaning they were housed in the same unit as either an inmate who tested positive or one whose test had not yet come back.
About 2,000 of those inmates were at the jail where the videos were taken.
The county’s jails, which usually have about 17,000 inmates, held fewer than 12,000 inmates as of Monday, according to the sheriff’s department.
Do you think releasing inmates over COVID-19 concerns is a good policy? Yes No
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Thirty inmates in the jail modules where the two videos were recorded tested positive for the virus, Assistant Sheriff Bruce Chase told the Times.
Villanueva, meanwhile, noted that inmates have not admitted they were trying to infect each other.
“I think their behavior itself is what convicts them,” he said.
In one video, an inmate fills a container with water and shares that with at least two other inmates. Villanueva said the inmates also drank hot water to try to increase their temperatures.
In another video, inmates share a cup and gather around to breathe into what appears to be the same face covering.
The clips were “just a sampling of the many other videos being reviewed and used in the ongoing investigation,” Lt. John Satterfield told the Times.
Jail is a perfect place for the virus to spread, said Jackie Clark, director of Correctional Health Services..
“They’re in dorm settings, so it’s easy once one person is positive, if everybody is still in close contact with each other, or not wearing masks,” she told the Times.
Villanueva is under attack for conditions in the jails.
“In an attempt to demonize incarcerated people, he is taking a page right out of Trump’s playbook by gaslighting those who are already vulnerable and in absolute fear,” said Patrisse Cullors, an activist whose uncle is suing LA County over jail conditions.
“Contrary to the Sheriff’s allegations, what I’ve been hearing from prisoners is that there isn’t enough soap, there is no hot water, that sheriff deputies are taunting folks inside by coughing in their presence, telling them they’re going to die of COVID,” she told the Times.
The Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission has summoned Villanueva to explain his handling of the virus in the county’s jails.
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--Sneaky Guinea Pig Named ‘Snowball’ Rescued from Sewer Pipe After Escaping from Home

When a pet gets out and is in a precarious situation , it can be difficult to know where to turn for help .
The category of pet and the scenario often determine whom to call .
Firefighters are known for getting cats out of trees — a bit of a trope , but it happens .
Birds stuck in car grilles are another emergency that happens more than you might think .
But what if the animal in question is a guinea pig , and the location is a sewer pipe ?
One family in Cincinnati had to puzzle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the family pet , named Snowball , managed to get out of the house and into a sewer system .
Guinea pigs , being the prey animals that they are , love nooks and crannies that keep them away from prying eyes and hungry predators .
So when Snowball saw his opportunity to hide in a pipe and masquerade as a sewer rat , he took it .
The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati was called , and after they were alerted to the situation , Jeff Greene and Reggie Gray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escapee .
A sewer district representative told Cincinnati.com that Greene had to be lowered into the sewer to locate the critter .
In one of the pipes that connected to the street , Greene spotted the runaway .
But spotting was only half the battle .
Now that Snowball had been located , how in the world would they coax him out ?
Video of the rescue showed Snowball far out of arm ’ s reach down the pipe .
“ Hey , buddy , come on !
” Greene said , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budge .
So they came up with a very clever rescue method .
Snowball had his own Indiana Jones moment when his rescuers started rolling a basketball toward him .
It was just small enough to fit in the pipe , and as he scurried to keep out of its way , Snowball soon found himself in Greene ’ s hands .
“ Snowball the guinea pig escaped from his West Price Hill home & thought a sewer was a good place to hang out , ” the MSD shared on Facebook .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reggie Gray came to the rescue !
” “ When Snowball wouldn ’ t budge from the pipe , they used a basketball to nudge him out .
Now Snowball needs a bath.
” RELATED : Bull Causes Massive Power Outage After Itching Bum on Pole The victorious photo shows a triumphant Greene holding up the once-white guinea pig , who has the typical , wide-eyed , stunned look that many cavies sport .
It was a good thing that the weather was so nice that day .
As the MSD representative pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Snowball might have been washed into the sewer system and lost for good .
Now that he ’ s had his big adventure , hopefully , Snowball is resting , relaxing , and taking the “ stay home , stay safe ” warning to heart .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When a pet gets out and is in a precarious situation, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. The category of pet and the scenario often determine whom to call.
Firefighters are known for getting cats out of trees — a bit of a trope, but it happens. Birds stuck in car grilles are another emergency that happens more than you might think.
But what if the animal in question is a guinea pig, and the location is a sewer pipe? One family in Cincinnati had to puzzle that one out.
On April 27, the family pet, named Snowball, managed to get out of the house and into a sewer system.
Guinea pigs, being the prey animals that they are, love nooks and crannies that keep them away from prying eyes and hungry predators. So when Snowball saw his opportunity to hide in a pipe and masquerade as a sewer rat, he took it.
The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati was called, and after they were alerted to the situation, Jeff Greene and Reggie Gray were dispatched to deal with the furry escapee.
A sewer district representative told Cincinnati.com that Greene had to be lowered into the sewer to locate the critter. In one of the pipes that connected to the street, Greene spotted the runaway.
But spotting was only half the battle. Now that Snowball had been located, how in the world would they coax him out?
Video of the rescue showed Snowball far out of arm’s reach down the pipe.
“Hey, buddy, come on!” Greene said, but the piggy wasn’t about to budge. So they came up with a very clever rescue method.
Snowball had his own Indiana Jones moment when his rescuers started rolling a basketball toward him. It was just small enough to fit in the pipe, and as he scurried to keep out of its way, Snowball soon found himself in Greene’s hands.
“Snowball the guinea pig escaped from his West Price Hill home & thought a sewer was a good place to hang out,” the MSD shared on Facebook. “MSD’s Jeff Greene & Reggie Gray came to the rescue!”
“When Snowball wouldn’t budge from the pipe, they used a basketball to nudge him out. Now Snowball needs a bath.”
Snowball escaped from his W. Price Hill home & thought a sewer was a good place to hang out. MSD’s Jeff Greene & Reggie Gray came to the rescue. When Snowball wouldn’t budge from the pipe, they used a basketball to nudge him out. Now Snowball needs a bath. https://t.co/QZPuHtMNM5 pic.twitter.com/XwGHiGCnHd — Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (@CincinnatiMSD) May 11, 2020
The victorious photo shows a triumphant Greene holding up the once-white guinea pig, who has the typical, wide-eyed, stunned look that many cavies sport.
It was a good thing that the weather was so nice that day. As the MSD representative pointed out, had it been raining, Snowball might have been washed into the sewer system and lost for good.
Now that he’s had his big adventure, hopefully, Snowball is resting, relaxing, and taking the “stay home, stay safe” warning to heart.
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--Trump Tips Brand-New ‘Super-Duper Missile’ That Puts China’s Best Missiles to Shame

If you ’ re developing something that ’ ll put China ’ s best missiles to shame , what do you dub it ?
The “ super-duper missile , ” of course .
The media ’ s going to seize upon that moniker bestowed upon a new missile tipped by President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday .
It ’ s made it into pretty much every headline I ’ ve seen ( including ours , to be fair ) .
And , if the missile turns out to live up to the specs laid out at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be very much worthy of the branding .
The occasion was the unveiling of the official Space Force flag at the White House , but Trump had one more thing to talk about : a new hypersonic missile that would match or beat similar efforts from China and Russia .
“ We ’ re building right now incredible military equipment at a level that nobody ’ s ever seen before , ” Trump said at the news conference .
“ We have no choice .
We have to do it with the adversaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I call it the super-duper missile , ” he continued .
“ I heard the other night , 17 times faster than what they have right now.
” “ You ’ ve heard Russia has five times , and China is working on five or six times , we have one 17 times , and it ’ s just gotten the go-ahead.
” It ’ s the “ fastest in the world by a factor of almost three , ” Trump added .
The media had its usual field day over this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment and deferred to the White House , only for White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany to defer back to the Pentagon .
In response , Pentagon official Jonathan Rath Hoffman tweeted back that they were working on “ a range of hypersonic missiles.
” RELATED : Brennan Furious After Intel Chief Unmasks Individuals Who Unmasked Flynn and Thought They 'd Get Away with It So , what is a hypersonic missile ?
It ’ s defined as any missile which goes past Mach 5 , or five times the speed of sound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a newly developed hypersonic missile glide body in March , Reuters reported .
The missile follows an unpredictable path , which makes it difficult to neutralize .
It ’ s fired on a rocket up to 25 miles in the atmosphere , at which point the hypersonic glide body detaches and flies toward the target .
This unpredictability is actually why they ’ re considered so lethal ; regular ballistic missiles have a predictable arc , whereas hypersonic glide vehicles can do extraordinary things to evade a country ’ s missile defenses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France-Presse that in a hypersonic missile strike , the target country wouldn ’ t know what happened “ until there ’ s a boom on the ground.
” It ’ s unclear whether this was the missile Trump was referring to in his comments on Friday , but given the context , one would assume it was something else .
Both China and Russia have tested hypersonic missiles , and Russia says it has an operable version .
It ’ s always a good day at the White House when both China and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this .
It ’ s even better when you consider that Russia has used the threat of aiming their putative hypersonic missile arsenal at the United States if we were to deploy intermediate-range ballistic missiles in Europe .
Russia , however , clearly isn ’ t the main target for the “ super-duper missile , ” when it arrives .
China has been fairly aggressive about pushing its hypersonic missile , the DF-17 .
When 16 of them appeared at last year ’ s National Day parade , the Beijing-friendly South China Morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be powerful enough to penetrate US missile shields in the region , transforming Beijing ’ s previously defensive strategy of containing independence-leaning forces in the Taiwan Strait.
” That ’ s a dangerous statement to begin with , particularly when it comes from a paper that — if certainly not under the heel of the Chinese Communist Party the same way Xinhua news agency or similar propaganda mills are — clearly amplifies pro-Beijing voices .
If Beijing is going to saber-rattle over the issue of Taiwan with its hypersonic missiles , well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back .
Mutually assured destruction worked during the Cold War .
Even in the 21st century , that paradigm still works .
Every headline seemed to trumpet what the president called the missile .
Few seemed to grasp the import of those words .
If this missile can deliver on something even remotely like what the president said it would , the big news from Friday ’ s news conference won ’ t be that Space Force flag .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read @ @ @ @

If you’re developing something that’ll put China’s best missiles to shame, what do you dub it? The “super-duper missile,” of course.
The media’s going to seize upon that moniker bestowed upon a new missile tipped by President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday.
It’s made it into pretty much every headline I’ve seen (including ours, to be fair). And, if the missile turns out to live up to the specs laid out at the event, it’s going to be very much worthy of the branding.
The occasion was the unveiling of the official Space Force flag at the White House, but Trump had one more thing to talk about: a new hypersonic missile that would match or beat similar efforts from China and Russia.
“We’re building right now incredible military equipment at a level that nobody’s ever seen before,” Trump said at the news conference.
“We have no choice. We have to do it with the adversaries we have out there. We have, I call it the super-duper missile,” he continued. “I heard the other night, 17 times faster than what they have right now.”
“You’ve heard Russia has five times, and China is working on five or six times, we have one 17 times, and it’s just gotten the go-ahead.”
It’s the “fastest in the world by a factor of almost three,” Trump added.
The media had its usual field day over this one — particularly after the Pentagon refused comment and deferred to the White House, only for White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany to defer back to the Pentagon.
Update: The White House has referred back to the Pentagon on the “super duper missile.” The circle is complete. “Yeah I would just refer you back to the president’s remarks & the Pentagon. I don’t have any new information on that at this point,” said press sec Kayleigh McEnany. https://t.co/yVQXKAvdDh — Elizabeth McLaughlin (@Elizabeth_McLau) May 15, 2020
In response, Pentagon official Jonathan Rath Hoffman tweeted back that they were working on “a range of hypersonic missiles.”
The Department of Defense is working on developing a range of hypersonic missiles to counter our adversaries. https://t.co/ATb1XLHFtl — Jonathan Rath Hoffman (@ChiefPentSpox) May 15, 2020
So, what is a hypersonic missile?
It’s defined as any missile which goes past Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound. The United States conducted a test of a newly developed hypersonic missile glide body in March, Reuters reported.
The missile follows an unpredictable path, which makes it difficult to neutralize.
It’s fired on a rocket up to 25 miles in the atmosphere, at which point the hypersonic glide body detaches and flies toward the target. This unpredictability is actually why they’re considered so lethal; regular ballistic missiles have a predictable arc, whereas hypersonic glide vehicles can do extraordinary things to evade a country’s missile defenses.
A senior NATO official told Agence France-Presse that in a hypersonic missile strike, the target country wouldn’t know what happened “until there’s a boom on the ground.”
It’s unclear whether this was the missile Trump was referring to in his comments on Friday, but given the context, one would assume it was something else. Both China and Russia have tested hypersonic missiles, and Russia says it has an operable version.
It’s always a good day at the White House when both China and Russia can be put on notice like this. It’s even better when you consider that Russia has used the threat of aiming their putative hypersonic missile arsenal at the United States if we were to deploy intermediate-range ballistic missiles in Europe.
Will a "super-duper missile" change the balance of power with China? Yes No
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Russia, however, clearly isn’t the main target for the “super-duper missile,” when it arrives.
China has been fairly aggressive about pushing its hypersonic missile, the DF-17. When 16 of them appeared at last year’s National Day parade, the Beijing-friendly South China Morning Post said the “boost-glide missile may be powerful enough to penetrate US missile shields in the region, transforming Beijing’s previously defensive strategy of containing independence-leaning forces in the Taiwan Strait.”
That’s a dangerous statement to begin with, particularly when it comes from a paper that — if certainly not under the heel of the Chinese Communist Party the same way Xinhua news agency or similar propaganda mills are — clearly amplifies pro-Beijing voices.
If Beijing is going to saber-rattle over the issue of Taiwan with its hypersonic missiles, well, the best medicine is to saber-rattle right back.
Mutually assured destruction worked during the Cold War. Even in the 21st century, that paradigm still works.
Every headline seemed to trumpet what the president called the missile. Few seemed to grasp the import of those words.
If this missile can deliver on something even remotely like what the president said it would, the big news from Friday’s news conference won’t be that Space Force flag.
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--Pack of Dogs Suspected To Be Responsible for Death of Georgia Doctor

Authorities in Lyons , Georgia , suspect a pack of dogs is responsible for the death of a local doctor .
The Lyons Police Department found a car around 3 a.m. on May 7 that was pulled over on the wrong side of the road and still running with the door open , WTOC reported .
Chief Wesley Walker said police “ got out of the patrol car to investigate and found a female that was deceased in the ditch.
” Officers recognized Dr. Nancy Shaw , who worked as an internist at Meadows Regional Medical Center .
Walker told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police department to check on the officers and make sure they were doing all right .
“ She was that kind of person .
She was a caring person , ” Walker said .
“ She was a friend of ours .
When I realized who it was , it was devastating.
” In a media release , the City of Lyons said that Shaw was a friend to “ the City , Lyons Police department , and Lyons Animal Shelter.
” Autopsy results confirmed that the doctor had died after she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Post reported .
The city said that on May 8 , they had identified and seized the dogs allegedly involved in Shaw ’ s death .
Two of the four animals suspected of involvement in the death were wearing collars , and their owner has been found , according to Southeast Georgia Today .
“ At this time , charges have not been brought on the owner of the dogs , ” the city ’ s media release said .
RELATED : McMichael Attorney Says There Is a Game-Changing Video of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under investigation .
“ The City uses community policing to enforce its running at large regulations , and when compliance is not achieved , prosecutes offenders regularly , ” the news release read .
“ The Lyons Animal Control Division encourages Citizens to abide by the Cities leash law and keep your pets under the level of control required by the law.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Authorities in Lyons, Georgia, suspect a pack of dogs is responsible for the death of a local doctor.
The Lyons Police Department found a car around 3 a.m. on May 7 that was pulled over on the wrong side of the road and still running with the door open, WTOC reported.
Chief Wesley Walker said police “got out of the patrol car to investigate and found a female that was deceased in the ditch.”
Officers recognized Dr. Nancy Shaw, who worked as an internist at Meadows Regional Medical Center.
Walker told WTOC that Shaw would routinely stop by the police department to check on the officers and make sure they were doing all right.
“She was that kind of person. She was a caring person,” Walker said.
“She was a friend of ours. When I realized who it was, it was devastating.”
In a media release, the City of Lyons said that Shaw was a friend to “the City, Lyons Police department, and Lyons Animal Shelter.”
Do you think the dogs' owner should be charged for this death? Yes No
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Autopsy results confirmed that the doctor had died after she was attacked by animals, the New York Post reported.
The city said that on May 8, they had identified and seized the dogs allegedly involved in Shaw’s death.
Two of the four animals suspected of involvement in the death were wearing collars, and their owner has been found, according to Southeast Georgia Today.
“At this time, charges have not been brought on the owner of the dogs,” the city’s media release said.
The incident is currently under investigation.
“The City uses community policing to enforce its running at large regulations, and when compliance is not achieved, prosecutes offenders regularly,” the news release read.
“The Lyons Animal Control Division encourages Citizens to abide by the Cities leash law and keep your pets under the level of control required by the law.”
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--Woman Marries Man Who Helped Rescue Her During Vegas Mass Shooting: ‘I Felt Safe with Him’

Some women spend their lives waiting to be swept off their feet by a knight in shining armor .
It ’ s the stuff of fairytales , and as such , it doesn ’ t often happen .
But when it does , it gives hope to other women and makes for a great story .
Chantal Melanson ’ s knight was a guy she met at a country concert — and at first , she turned him down .
It was at the Route 91 festival on Sept. 30 , 2017 , that Chantal first bumped into Austin Monfort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I gave him a hard time for not wearing cowboy boots at a country bar , ” she told People .
“ After I got over him not wearing cowboy boots , I thought he was really nice , handsome and tall .
He was so easy to talk to , it felt like we knew each other forever.
” The two planned to meet up again on the last day of the festival — but that ’ s when things took a turn for the worse .
At first , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were just listening to music having a good time , ” Austin said .
“ Until we realized that the noises weren ’ t fireworks , they were gunshots .
Then it became , ‘ Am I going to survive this , how much longer until police can make it stop , and how do we get out of here ? '
” “ I felt a sense of responsibility for Chantal .
She was with me and not her friends .
I felt like not only did I have to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keeping her calm and getting her out kept me calm , and didn ’ t allow me to panic.
” “ I remember laying on the ground just looking into Austin ’ s eyes , trying to make sense of everything , ” Chantal said .
“ Next thing I knew , Austin was holding my hand and we were running through the entire grounds trying to make it to safety.
” “ I felt safe with him — I didn ’ t want to leave his side .
In many ways , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the aftermath , the two briefly went their separate ways — Austin to San Diego , and Chantal to Canada — but they ’ d formed a bond they could not shake , and soon they were in love and even civilly married .
Chantal started an Instagram for their love story , sharing her account of their meeting .
“ [ M ] y love for everything country brought me to Las Vegas with my girlfriends for the Route 91 country festival , ” she posted in August 2019 .
“ A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filled with cowboy boots , country music and country boys turned into a weekend that would mark the rest of this wild journey I call life … ” “ While listening to country music and dancing we soon found ourselves on the ground with gunshots that seemed to be coming from every direction .
Austin never left my side that night .
Hand in hand and complete strangers we ran across the entire festival grounds trying to escape the gunfire .
We found ourselves in a taxi with a wounded spectator .
Rushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the morning.
” RELATED : Moment WWII Veteran Sees Wife of 72 Years for First Time in Two Months “ In the coming days Austin went back to California and I Canada .
However that wasn ’ t the end of friendship and 6 weeks later Austin boarded a flight to Canada .
Since then we have not spent more than 6 weeks apart from each other and I wouldn ’ t have my life any other way.
” “ We are trying not to panic as our big wedding in Las Vegas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not getting any better , ” she shared on March 12 .
“ Hoping will see a positive change in the next few weeks.
” The couple had planned a big wedding for May 8 , but were legally married earlier so that Chantal could get a visa .
As the day for their wedding drew closer , it became clear that they weren ’ t going to be able to celebrate as planned .
“ Make the best of every situation , ” Chantal shared on May 14 .
“ May 8th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead we had a perfect dinner date in our backyard.
” “ We accidentally surprised each other , while I was in the backyard decorating he left work a few hours earlier to surprise me.
” They ’ ve truly made the best out of difficult circumstances , and hopefully someday they ’ ll be able to have the big party they wanted to have with their friends and families to celebrate their love .
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Read our editorial standards .

Some women spend their lives waiting to be swept off their feet by a knight in shining armor. It’s the stuff of fairytales, and as such, it doesn’t often happen.
But when it does, it gives hope to other women and makes for a great story. Chantal Melanson’s knight was a guy she met at a country concert — and at first, she turned him down.
It was at the Route 91 festival on Sept. 30, 2017, that Chantal first bumped into Austin Monfort.
“I was with my girls and I gave him a hard time for not wearing cowboy boots at a country bar,” she told People. “After I got over him not wearing cowboy boots, I thought he was really nice, handsome and tall. He was so easy to talk to, it felt like we knew each other forever.”
The two planned to meet up again on the last day of the festival — but that’s when things took a turn for the worse. At first, people thought the sounds were fireworks.
“We were just listening to music having a good time,” Austin said. “Until we realized that the noises weren’t fireworks, they were gunshots. Then it became, ‘Am I going to survive this, how much longer until police can make it stop, and how do we get out of here?'”
“I felt a sense of responsibility for Chantal. She was with me and not her friends. I felt like not only did I have to get myself out, but also her. Keeping her calm and getting her out kept me calm, and didn’t allow me to panic.”
“I remember laying on the ground just looking into Austin’s eyes, trying to make sense of everything,” Chantal said. “Next thing I knew, Austin was holding my hand and we were running through the entire grounds trying to make it to safety.”
“I felt safe with him — I didn’t want to leave his side. In many ways, he did save my life.”
In the aftermath, the two briefly went their separate ways — Austin to San Diego, and Chantal to Canada — but they’d formed a bond they could not shake, and soon they were in love and even civilly married.
Chantal started an Instagram for their love story, sharing her account of their meeting.
“[M]y love for everything country brought me to Las Vegas with my girlfriends for the Route 91 country festival,” she posted in August 2019. “A weekend of what I expected to be filled with cowboy boots, country music and country boys turned into a weekend that would mark the rest of this wild journey I call life …”
“While listening to country music and dancing we soon found ourselves on the ground with gunshots that seemed to be coming from every direction. Austin never left my side that night. Hand in hand and complete strangers we ran across the entire festival grounds trying to escape the gunfire. We found ourselves in a taxi with a wounded spectator. Rushed to the hospital we stayed there into the morning.”
“In the coming days Austin went back to California and I Canada. However that wasn’t the end of friendship and 6 weeks later Austin boarded a flight to Canada. Since then we have not spent more than 6 weeks apart from each other and I wouldn’t have my life any other way.”
“We are trying not to panic as our big wedding in Las Vegas is approaching and the coronavirus news is not getting any better,” she shared on March 12. “Hoping will see a positive change in the next few weeks.”
The couple had planned a big wedding for May 8, but were legally married earlier so that Chantal could get a visa. As the day for their wedding drew closer, it became clear that they weren’t going to be able to celebrate as planned.
“Make the best of every situation,” Chantal shared on May 14. “May 8th should have been our wedding day. Instead we had a perfect dinner date in our backyard.”
“We accidentally surprised each other, while I was in the backyard decorating he left work a few hours earlier to surprise me.”
They’ve truly made the best out of difficult circumstances, and hopefully someday they’ll be able to have the big party they wanted to have with their friends and families to celebrate their love.
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--Former Obama Official Admits She Lied to Media About Evidence of Trump-Russian Collusion

Evelyn Farkas is the reason why Democrats didn ’ t want the 6,000-plus pages of testimony from the House Intelligence Committee hearings released .
I mean , she ’ s not the only one .
The dozens of witnesses who went before the committee all testified to the exact same thing : There was no evidence linking the Trump campaign with Russia , no matter how much so many of them had intimated there was .
Farkas , however , is a special case .
She was the former deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia , Ukraine and Eurasia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that position in 2015 , according to The Federalist .
She ’ s also running for Congress in New York ’ s 17th district .
She became a special case because of her appearance on MSNBC on March 2 , 2017 .
That ’ s when she claimed intelligence officials knew a lot more than they were saying about Russian collusion .
“ I had a fear that somehow that information would disappear with the senior [ Obama administration ] people who left [ that ] it would be hidden away in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance .
She said Trump might even go so far as to destroy the evidence if he “ found out how we knew what we knew about the Trump staff ’ s dealing with Russians.
” “ So I became very worried because not enough was coming out into the open and I knew that there was more.
” Except she didn ’ t .
Of course she didn ’ t , because there was none .
She likely wouldn ’ t know if there was and she told the House Intelligence Committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina just several months later , on June 26 , 2017 .
Gowdy asked her about the appearance on the news channel , where she has a side gig as a commentator .
“ Why don ’ t we go back to that sentence that I just asked you about .
It says ‘ the Trump folks , if they found out how we knew what we knew about their staff dealing with Russians , ’ ” Gowdy said during the hearing .
“ Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government knew at that point ?
You didn ’ t work for it , did you ?
” “ Then how did you know ?
” Gowdy shot back .
RELATED : Brennan Furious After Intel Chief Unmasks Individuals Who Unmasked Flynn and Thought They 'd Get Away with It Gowdy asked her why she would say that , and she said it was because she “ had a strong suspicion.
” “ Based on the media reports … and reporters calling me , ” Farkas said .
“ Dr .
Farkas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around intelligence ?
” Gowdy asked .
She replied that it had been 20 years .
“ If you were to rank matters on the basis [ of ] evidentiary value , where would you rank media reports ?
” Gowdy asked .
“ Is it the same as intercepting a telephone call ?
” This response was a doozy : “ I ’ m a political scientist , not a lawyer , so I can ’ t deal with a – “ Gowdy responded that she didn ’ t need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It was not my job to be an intelligence analyst , ” she said .
“ Nor was it your job to be on national television to say how we knew what we knew about their staff dealing with the Russians , ” Gowdy responded .
Needless to say , Farkas ’ testimony is some of the most embarrassing that ’ s been released thus far .
But to listen to her tell it , this is just because the president and “ his far-right Republican cronies in his family , Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scared she ’ ll win the primary to participate in the general election in a reliably blue district in the southern part of the state .
“ It is no coincidence their renewed attacks come on the heels of major national endorsements and fundraising momentum for my congressional campaign six weeks out from my election — they ’ re terrified at the prospect of my going to Congress because they know I ’ ll never waiver in my fight for accountability and the truth , ” Farkas said in a statement to The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lower Hudson Valley .
Or perhaps it ’ s because Farkas appeared on a cable TV channel that wouldn ’ t have a whit of interest in her unless she had intelligence bona fides and lied that she “ knew ” the Trump administration had been involved with the Russians during the 2016 campaign .
I tend to think it ’ s the latter .
This was a media-driven farce and the Evelyn Farkases of the world knew it .
Thus , she could go on MSNBC and give the impression she knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewers would believe her , in part because of the fact she worked in the intelligence community and in part because they wanted to believe it .
And all of these people who ’ d intimated in similar ways — if not quite those exact words — that they knew Trump was a Kremlin puppet came before the House Intelligence Committee and said they had no evidence for that .
This is why they all didn ’ t want those 6,000-odd pages of testimony out — least of all California Rep. Adam Schiff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the committee and is responsible for no small amount of Russia conspiracy theorizing himself .
This was all nothing more than narrative from the start .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Evelyn Farkas is the reason why Democrats didn’t want the 6,000-plus pages of testimony from the House Intelligence Committee hearings released.
I mean, she’s not the only one. The dozens of witnesses who went before the committee all testified to the exact same thing: There was no evidence linking the Trump campaign with Russia, no matter how much so many of them had intimated there was.
Farkas, however, is a special case. She was the former deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia under the previous administration. She left that position in 2015, according to The Federalist. She’s also running for Congress in New York’s 17th district.
She became a special case because of her appearance on MSNBC on March 2, 2017. That’s when she claimed intelligence officials knew a lot more than they were saying about Russian collusion.
“I had a fear that somehow that information would disappear with the senior [Obama administration] people who left [that] it would be hidden away in the bureaucracy,” she said during the appearance.
She said Trump might even go so far as to destroy the evidence if he “found out how we knew what we knew about the Trump staff’s dealing with Russians.”
“So I became very worried because not enough was coming out into the open and I knew that there was more.”
Except she didn’t. Of course she didn’t, because there was none. She likely wouldn’t know if there was and she told the House Intelligence Committee as much when she was under questioning by Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina just several months later, on June 26, 2017.
Gowdy asked her about the appearance on the news channel, where she has a side gig as a commentator.
Do you think the Russian collusion narrative was a deliberate hoax attempt? 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% (3872 Votes) No: 0% (10 Votes)
“Why don’t we go back to that sentence that I just asked you about. It says ‘the Trump folks, if they found out how we knew what we knew about their staff dealing with Russians,’” Gowdy said during the hearing.
“Well, how would you know what the U.S. government knew at that point? You didn’t work for it, did you?”
“I didn’t,” she said.
“Then how did you know?” Gowdy shot back.
“I didn’t know anything,” she responded.
Gowdy asked her why she would say that, and she said it was because she “had a strong suspicion.”
Why?
“Based on the media reports … and reporters calling me,” Farkas said.
“Dr. Farkas, how long have you been in or around intelligence?” Gowdy asked.
She replied that it had been 20 years.
“If you were to rank matters on the basis [of] evidentiary value, where would you rank media reports?” Gowdy asked. “Is it the same as intercepting a telephone call?”
This response was a doozy: “I’m a political scientist, not a lawyer, so I can’t deal with a –“
Gowdy responded that she didn’t need to be a lawyer and reiterated the question.
“It was not my job to be an intelligence analyst,” she said.
“Nor was it your job to be on national television to say how we knew what we knew about their staff dealing with the Russians,” Gowdy responded.
Needless to say, Farkas’ testimony is some of the most embarrassing that’s been released thus far. But to listen to her tell it, this is just because the president and “his far-right Republican cronies in his family, Congress, and on Fox News” are scared she’ll win the primary to participate in the general election in a reliably blue district in the southern part of the state.
“It is no coincidence their renewed attacks come on the heels of major national endorsements and fundraising momentum for my congressional campaign six weeks out from my election — they’re terrified at the prospect of my going to Congress because they know I’ll never waiver in my fight for accountability and the truth,” Farkas said in a statement to The Journal News of New York’s Lower Hudson Valley.
Right.
Or perhaps it’s because Farkas appeared on a cable TV channel that wouldn’t have a whit of interest in her unless she had intelligence bona fides and lied that she “knew” the Trump administration had been involved with the Russians during the 2016 campaign. I tend to think it’s the latter.
This was a media-driven farce and the Evelyn Farkases of the world knew it. Thus, she could go on MSNBC and give the impression she knew something that wasn’t so and viewers would believe her, in part because of the fact she worked in the intelligence community and in part because they wanted to believe it.
And all of these people who’d intimated in similar ways — if not quite those exact words — that they knew Trump was a Kremlin puppet came before the House Intelligence Committee and said they had no evidence for that.
This is why they all didn’t want those 6,000-odd pages of testimony out — least of all California Rep. Adam Schiff, who’s the chairman of the committee and is responsible for no small amount of Russia conspiracy theorizing himself. This was all nothing more than narrative from the start.
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westernjournal--2020-05-16--Poll: Nearly 3 in 4 Americans Blame China for US Coronavirus Death Toll

A new poll showed that 73 percent of Americans surveyed blame China for the deaths caused by the coronavirus .
The Morning Consult poll revealed that 80 percent of Republicans surveyed say China is “ somewhat ” or very ” responsible for the deaths the virus has caused in America .
Democrats are also hard on China , with 71 percent assigning China blame for American deaths .
Americans who do not socially distance received their share of the blame as well .
Eighty-four percent of Democrats blamed them for deaths caused by the virus , as did 67 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those responding said Americans who broke social distancing rules were responsible for the death toll .
The poll showed the typical partisan divide in assessing the Trump administration .
Eighty-one percent of Democrats surveyed said the Trump administration bore responsibility for the death toll , against 37 percent of Republicans .
When the broader question was asked about the federal government ’ s responsibility , 79 percent of Democrats said it was responsible for American deaths , while 46 percent of Republicans felt that way .
The poll found that 65 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for U.S. deaths , as did 51 percent of Democrats .
Overall , 56 percent heaped blame on the WHO .
Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas has been a vocal critic of China ’ s actions , particularly in the early days of the coronavirus crisis .
“ There ’ s no question that Xi Jinping and senior officials in the Chinese Communist Party were pressuring the WHO all the way back to December to undersell the risk of this virus , ” he said Sunday on the Fox News show “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they knew in China early on , probably as early as the early days of December , that this virus was both highly contagious among humans and that it was very deadly for certain people .
Yet they wanted to save face , ” he said .
“ They wanted to make sure — in addition to saving face — that once they realized this virus was going to cripple their own economy , that it did not remain limited to China .
“ So the WHO has some real answers to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Chinese pressure throughout December and January and turned what could have been a local health emergency in Wuhan into a global pandemic.
” Cotton said a study of cell phone traffic in and around Wuhan suggests an October shutdown around the laboratory identified a possible source of the virus .
“ The reports indicate that on major roads around these labs , Wuhan , you obviously had thousands and thousands of cell phones pinging towers day in and day out , ” Cotton said .
“ And then all of a sudden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained stopped for several days .
That would suggest without any further information that those roads were blocked for some reason .
Now we need to go confirm that.
” RELATED : Newt Gingrich Blasts Pelosi and Biden for 'Mystifying ' Views on Communist China Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently said there is no question China bears responsibility for the virus .
“ With respect to the source of the virus , look , we know this much : We know that this originated in Wuhan , China .
That was challenged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This administration was very clear we weren ’ t going to accept that disinformation , pushed back .
I think the whole world knows that this began and originated there in Wuhan .
Where exactly it came from , it matters .
We want to know the answers to that , ” Pompeo said on the Jack Heath Radio Show , according to a transcript posted on the State Department ’ s website .
“ There ’ s evidence that it came from somewhere in the vicinity of the lab , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get the answer to that .
It matters because we need to know where patient zero came from .
We need it for all of the epidemiological work that needs to be done to protect Americans today and tomorrow , ” he said .
Pompeo also criticized the WHO .
“ They didn ’ t get it right .
The WHO failed in its mission to provide the information to the world in a timely fashion about the risk that was emanating from China .
They knew it ; they saw it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government not to declare this a pandemic , and it became a political institution rather than a medical , scientific institution that it was designed to be , ” he said .
Peter Daszak , a disease ecologist at the nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance , said that the coronavirus was likely active in China prior to December , and added that he estimated one to seven million people a year in Southern China and Southeast Asia are infected with viruses that come from bats .
Bats are considered one possible source of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmitted among humans .
“ This particular outbreak probably was in people circulating in South or Central China back in November ” or even earlier , he told Bloomberg .
The Western Journal reached out to Morning Consult for information on the poll ’ s methodology but did not immediately receive a response .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A new poll showed that 73 percent of Americans surveyed blame China for the deaths caused by the coronavirus.
The Morning Consult poll revealed that 80 percent of Republicans surveyed say China is “somewhat” or very” responsible for the deaths the virus has caused in America.
Democrats are also hard on China, with 71 percent assigning China blame for American deaths.
Americans who do not socially distance received their share of the blame as well. Eighty-four percent of Democrats blamed them for deaths caused by the virus, as did 67 percent of Republicans. Overall, 73 percent of those responding said Americans who broke social distancing rules were responsible for the death toll.
The poll showed the typical partisan divide in assessing the Trump administration. Eighty-one percent of Democrats surveyed said the Trump administration bore responsibility for the death toll, against 37 percent of Republicans. When the broader question was asked about the federal government’s responsibility, 79 percent of Democrats said it was responsible for American deaths, while 46 percent of Republicans felt that way.
The poll found that 65 percent of Republicans blamed the World Health Organization for U.S. deaths, as did 51 percent of Democrats. Overall, 56 percent heaped blame on the WHO.
Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas has been a vocal critic of China’s actions, particularly in the early days of the coronavirus crisis.
“There’s no question that Xi Jinping and senior officials in the Chinese Communist Party were pressuring the WHO all the way back to December to undersell the risk of this virus,” he said Sunday on the Fox News show “Sunday Morning Futures.”
Should China be punished for its actions? 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% (1247 Votes) No: 1% (13 Votes)
“Look, they knew in China early on, probably as early as the early days of December, that this virus was both highly contagious among humans and that it was very deadly for certain people. Yet they wanted to save face,” he said.
“They wanted to make sure — in addition to saving face — that once they realized this virus was going to cripple their own economy, that it did not remain limited to China.
“So the WHO has some real answers to provide to the world about why they bowed to Chinese pressure throughout December and January and turned what could have been a local health emergency in Wuhan into a global pandemic.”
Cotton said a study of cell phone traffic in and around Wuhan suggests an October shutdown around the laboratory identified a possible source of the virus.
“The reports indicate that on major roads around these labs, Wuhan, you obviously had thousands and thousands of cell phones pinging towers day in and day out,” Cotton said. “And then all of a sudden in October, it stopped and it remained stopped for several days. That would suggest without any further information that those roads were blocked for some reason. Now we need to go confirm that.”
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently said there is no question China bears responsibility for the virus.
“With respect to the source of the virus, look, we know this much: We know that this originated in Wuhan, China. That was challenged by the Chinese at the front end. This administration was very clear we weren’t going to accept that disinformation, pushed back. I think the whole world knows that this began and originated there in Wuhan. Where exactly it came from, it matters. We want to know the answers to that,” Pompeo said on the Jack Heath Radio Show, according to a transcript posted on the State Department’s website.
“There’s evidence that it came from somewhere in the vicinity of the lab, but that could be wrong. We need to get the answer to that. It matters because we need to know where patient zero came from. We need it for all of the epidemiological work that needs to be done to protect Americans today and tomorrow,” he said.
Pompeo also criticized the WHO.
“They didn’t get it right. The WHO failed in its mission to provide the information to the world in a timely fashion about the risk that was emanating from China. They knew it; they saw it. There was pressure from the Chinese Government not to declare this a pandemic, and it became a political institution rather than a medical, scientific institution that it was designed to be,” he said.
Peter Daszak, a disease ecologist at the nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance, said that the coronavirus was likely active in China prior to December, and added that he estimated one to seven million people a year in Southern China and Southeast Asia are infected with viruses that come from bats. Bats are considered one possible source of the virus, though most bat viruses are not transmitted among humans.
“This particular outbreak probably was in people circulating in South or Central China back in November” or even earlier, he told Bloomberg.
The Western Journal reached out to Morning Consult for information on the poll’s methodology but did not immediately receive a response.
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