westernjournal--2020-07-30--Garth Brooks Withdraws Name from CMA Entertainer of the Year Running

Garth Brooks is well known in both country music and the music industry as a whole , and his popularity is reflected in the fact that he has won the Country Music Association ’ s entertainer of the year award seven times over three decades .
Brooks won in 1991 , 1992 , 1997 , 1998 , 2016 , 2017 and 2019 .
It was last year ’ s win that was controversial , though , and had him reconsidering his participation .
Last year , many people expected Carrie Underwood to win — and when she didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It made winning entertainer of the year not as fun , ” he said , according to Billboard .
TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding , Other Personal Expenses The tweet that made him reconsider said something along the lines of , “ Why doesn ’ t he step down and have entertainer of the year be for the next generation.
” “ I 100 percent agreed , ” Brooks explained .
“ So with all the love in the world and all the gratefulness because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is seem ungrateful to the CMAs and everyone who ’ s voted for us , we ’ re officially pulling ourselves out of entertainer of the year.
” Brooks confirmed his withdrawal from consideration during a video conference on Wednesday morning .
However , the CMA said it does not remove nominees .
“ The nominees and winners of the CMA Awards are selected by the vote of eligible members of the Country Music Association and not by CMA , ” the organization said in a statement .
“ The long-standing CMA Awards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves from the balloting process at any point.
” “ The 2020 CMA Awards second ballot will be emailed to eligible voting members this Friday , July 31 .
If voters have nominated Garth Brooks in the first round , his name will appear on the second ballot .
“ It will then be up to voters in this second round to select their top finalists .
The final 2020 CMA Awards nominees , which will consist of five nominees in each category , will be announced in the coming weeks , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in October .
“ We look forward to seeing who our members vote for when The 54th Annual CMA Awards air on ABC in November.
” RELATED : Country Singer Lindsay Ell Says She Was Raped , Twice : ' I Felt So Alone' Fans and friends of the country music superstar were surprised , and fellow country music artist Blake Shelton tweeted : “ I don ’ t give a s— what anyone says .
ANYONE .
Entertainer of the century.
” While Brooks hopes people won ’ t vote for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had to make it right by at least announcing he didn ’ t want to compete for the award .
“ You can ’ t sleep at night if you don ’ t make it right in your own head , ” he said .
Brooks also acknowledged his competitive streak , and mentioned that he ’ s still participating in other categories , including best video .
But he no longer wants the title of CMA entertainer of the year — not this year , and not in any coming year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick this year , ” Brooks said .
“ It ’ s going to be a tough one , and whoever gets it will be well deserving.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Garth Brooks is well known in both country music and the music industry as a whole, and his popularity is reflected in the fact that he has won the Country Music Association’s entertainer of the year award seven times over three decades.
Brooks won in 1991, 1992, 1997, 1998, 2016, 2017 and 2019. It was last year’s win that was controversial, though, and had him reconsidering his participation.
Last year, many people expected Carrie Underwood to win — and when she didn’t, Brooks heard about it.
“It made winning entertainer of the year not as fun,” he said, according to Billboard.
The tweet that made him reconsider said something along the lines of, “Why doesn’t he step down and have entertainer of the year be for the next generation.”
“I 100 percent agreed,” Brooks explained. “So with all the love in the world and all the gratefulness because the last thing I want to do is seem ungrateful to the CMAs and everyone who’s voted for us, we’re officially pulling ourselves out of entertainer of the year.”
Brooks confirmed his withdrawal from consideration during a video conference on Wednesday morning.
However, the CMA said it does not remove nominees.
“The nominees and winners of the CMA Awards are selected by the vote of eligible members of the Country Music Association and not by CMA,” the organization said in a statement. “The long-standing CMA Awards rules do not allow individuals to remove themselves from the balloting process at any point.”
“The 2020 CMA Awards second ballot will be emailed to eligible voting members this Friday, July 31. If voters have nominated Garth Brooks in the first round, his name will appear on the second ballot.
“It will then be up to voters in this second round to select their top finalists. The final 2020 CMA Awards nominees, which will consist of five nominees in each category, will be announced in the coming weeks, with a final round of voting taking place in October.
“We look forward to seeing who our members vote for when The 54th Annual CMA Awards air on ABC in November.”
Fans and friends of the country music superstar were surprised, and fellow country music artist Blake Shelton tweeted: “I don’t give a s— what anyone says. ANYONE. Entertainer of the century.”
While Brooks hopes people won’t vote for him in that particular category, he said he had to make it right by at least announcing he didn’t want to compete for the award.
“You can’t sleep at night if you don’t make it right in your own head,” he said.
Brooks also acknowledged his competitive streak, and mentioned that he’s still participating in other categories, including best video.
But he no longer wants the title of CMA entertainer of the year — not this year, and not in any coming year.
“Good luck on whoever they pick this year,” Brooks said. “It’s going to be a tough one, and whoever gets it will be well deserving.”
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--Op-Ed: The Left Can Only Get Power When We’re Fearfully Silent – That’s Why They Scream at Us Non-St

Op-Ed: The Left Can Only Get Power When We’re Fearfully Silent – That’s Why They Scream at Us Non-Stop

In English : “ Mussolini is always right.
” To disagree with Il Duce , as the leader of fascist Italy styled himself , would be to risk cancellation .
The permanent kind .
The jut-jawed Duce even canceled his own son-in-law , Count Galeazzo Ciano , for disagreeing with the sentiment that the leader is always right .
Ciano was shot by firing squad in 1944 on the orders of Il Duce .
Mussolini himself was eventually canceled , too , on April 28 , 1945 .
But while Mussolini is a memory , cancel culture has returned , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not embodied in a single tyrant strutting and nodding in agreement with himself from the balcony of the Palazzo Venezia but emanating from seemingly everywhere except the government .
TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding , Other Personal Expenses In English : “ Everything in the state , nothing outside the state , nothing against the state.
” This time , it ’ s not the state .
It ’ s a million online Mussolinis — sans the fez , but just as belligerently abusive toward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they say is right .
Their behavior has given them practically unlimited power fueled by fear .
The Washington Redskins name is wrong , racist , a kind of Native American minstrel show on the 100-yard line .
Not because it is ; because they say it is .
Even though millions of fans never said so .
Even though it never occurred to them to think so .
Because the context is obviously not meant to be insulting to anyone as it would be absurd to cheer for a team named after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes the name — because the Il Duces say so .
J.K. Rowling is wrong , too , even though ( until now ) she was considered very right — meaning very left .
She is “ fiercely proud ” of the British welfare state , for instance , and very pro-abortion as well as very not pro-Trump .
RELATED : Bob Ehrlich : What the Left Is Doing Right Now Will Never End , Even if You Give In Not when there are a million online Duces to placate , each of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything , including the fungibility of biology .
The author of the hugely popular “ Harry Potter ” series recently became the object of a cancellation crusade — despite her very sturdy lefty bona fides — when she wrote that she supported someone who “ didn ’ t believe lesbians should be called bigots for not dating trans women with penises ” and denied that a biological male literally becomes a biological female because “ she ” says so .
Because she said so , the minions of Mussolini are trying to destroy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publisher not to publish her .
Well-known speaker and teacher Jordan Peterson faced more than just cancellation of his ability to earn a living when he “ misgendered ” students .
In Canada , where Peterson lives , one can be prosecuted for not referring to them or ze rather than he or she — or she as he .
Reality is racist — and transphobic and inherently oppressive , too .
It all has to go .
This includes Paw Patrol — a cartoon about dogs , all of them friendly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shepherd named Chase , is a very incorrect doggie .
He is portrayed as a cop dog ( of the not racist variety ) .
But of course , all cops are systemically racist , ipso facto .
Even when “ right ” has no meaning other than genuflecting , which is what cancel culture is really all about .
Not “ systemic racism ” but rather the inculcation of universal obedience .
What ’ s wanted isn ’ t atonement or enlightenment but everyone cringing in fear of instant ostracization , unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to disagree with anything the Internet Il Duces say .
To question the least little bit of it is itself evidence of mental malignancy , say the mini Mussolinis — who have learned from Stalin , too .
He was the first to pathologize disagreement .
If you didn ’ t love Comrade Stalin ( and Comrade Stalin ’ s views of communism , expressed as doggy obedience to whatever Stalin said ) you were sick as well as reprobate .
And got canceled , too .
Cancel culture is ironically totalitarian , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they are fighting but are actually building .
Thought and discussion must give way to emotion , to feigned ( and endless ) outrage , because the mortified silence that ensues is the source of their power .
The Mussolinis are now trying to cancel Goya Foods , Hispanic-owned but obviously racist for its CEO ’ s expression of support for President Trump .
It doesn ’ t matter that Goya provides jobs for thousands of people , including thousands of Hispanic people .
What matters to the Mussolinis is that Goya @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing what they say .
And they didn ’ t even have to march on Rome .
All they had to do was tweet or speak in the Rose Garden at the White House .
And luckily , all those who oppose this cultural ( and inevitably political ) totalitarianism need to do is what Nancy Reagan once advocated : Just say no .
No to the unearned guilt ; no to the unjustified shaming .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this website .
If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal , you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Il Duce ha sempre ragione!
In English: “Mussolini is always right.” To disagree with Il Duce, as the leader of fascist Italy styled himself, would be to risk cancellation. The permanent kind.
The jut-jawed Duce even canceled his own son-in-law, Count Galeazzo Ciano, for disagreeing with the sentiment that the leader is always right. Ciano was shot by firing squad in 1944 on the orders of Il Duce.
Mussolini himself was eventually canceled, too, on April 28, 1945.
But while Mussolini is a memory, cancel culture has returned, worse this time. It’s not embodied in a single tyrant strutting and nodding in agreement with himself from the balcony of the Palazzo Venezia but emanating from seemingly everywhere except the government.
Tutto nello Stato, niente al di fuori dello Stato, nulla contro lo Stato!
In English: “Everything in the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state.”
This time, it’s not the state. It’s a million online Mussolinis — sans the fez, but just as belligerently abusive toward anyone who dares to disagree with anything they say is right.
Their behavior has given them practically unlimited power fueled by fear.
Do you think the left's cancel culture is all about control? 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% (144 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
The Washington Redskins name is wrong, racist, a kind of Native American minstrel show on the 100-yard line. Not because it is; because they say it is.
Even though millions of fans never said so. Even though it never occurred to them to think so. Because the context is obviously not meant to be insulting to anyone as it would be absurd to cheer for a team named after an object of derision.
But down comes the name — because the Il Duces say so.
J.K. Rowling is wrong, too, even though (until now) she was considered very right — meaning very left.
She is “fiercely proud” of the British welfare state, for instance, and very pro-abortion as well as very not pro-Trump.
Saluta Il Duce?
Not when there are a million online Duces to placate, each of whom thinks they’re right about everything, including the fungibility of biology.
The author of the hugely popular “Harry Potter” series recently became the object of a cancellation crusade — despite her very sturdy lefty bona fides — when she wrote that she supported someone who “didn’t believe lesbians should be called bigots for not dating trans women with penises” and denied that a biological male literally becomes a biological female because “she” says so.
Because she said so, the minions of Mussolini are trying to destroy her publishing career — by pressuring her publisher not to publish her.
Well-known speaker and teacher Jordan Peterson faced more than just cancellation of his ability to earn a living when he “misgendered” students. In Canada, where Peterson lives, one can be prosecuted for not referring to them or ze rather than he or she — or she as he.
Reality is racist — and transphobic and inherently oppressive, too.
It all has to go.
This includes Paw Patrol — a cartoon about dogs, all of them friendly. But one of them, a German Shepherd named Chase, is a very incorrect doggie. He is portrayed as a cop dog (of the not racist variety). But of course, all cops are systemically racist, ipso facto.
Il Duce ha sempre ragione!
Even when “right” has no meaning other than genuflecting, which is what cancel culture is really all about.
Not “systemic racism” but rather the inculcation of universal obedience. What’s wanted isn’t atonement or enlightenment but everyone cringing in fear of instant ostracization, unemployment and ruin. Of anyone who dares to disagree with anything the Internet Il Duces say.
No matter their previous bona fides.
To question the least little bit of it is itself evidence of mental malignancy, say the mini Mussolinis — who have learned from Stalin, too. He was the first to pathologize disagreement.
If you didn’t love Comrade Stalin (and Comrade Stalin’s views of communism, expressed as doggy obedience to whatever Stalin said) you were sick as well as reprobate.
And got canceled, too.
Also permanently.
Cancel culture is ironically totalitarian, the very thing the Mussolinis and Stalins say they are fighting but are actually building.
Thought and discussion must give way to emotion, to feigned (and endless) outrage, because the mortified silence that ensues is the source of their power.
The Mussolinis are now trying to cancel Goya Foods, Hispanic-owned but obviously racist for its CEO’s expression of support for President Trump. It doesn’t matter that Goya provides jobs for thousands of people, including thousands of Hispanic people. What matters to the Mussolinis is that Goya agrees they’re right — by doing what they say.
And they didn’t even have to march on Rome.
All they had to do was tweet or speak in the Rose Garden at the White House.
And luckily, all those who oppose this cultural (and inevitably political) totalitarianism need to do is what Nancy Reagan once advocated: Just say no.
No to the unearned guilt; no to the unjustified shaming.
No marching on Rome needed.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--Trump Admin Recovers Taxpayer Cash from Obsolete Obama-Backed Solar Plant

The Department of Energy reached a settlement Thursday to recover $ 200 million in taxpayer funds from a loan the Obama administration distributed in 2011 to finance a $ 1 billion solar power plant that was deemed obsolete before it could officially go online .
The settlement between the Department of Energy and Tonopah Solar Energy must now be approved by a bankruptcy court , the Las Vegas Review Journal reported .
The Department of Energy provided a $ 737 million loan to Tonopah in September 2011 for the purposes of financing the $ 1.1 billion Crescent Dunes Solar Energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds for the plant in 2011 and 2013 before the project experienced problems requiring improvements , rendering the project obsolete by 2015 , Bloomberg reported in January .
Thursday ’ s settlement will allow the Energy Department to recoup a portion of the $ 424 million Tonopah owes .
TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding , Other Personal Expenses The plant experienced an outage in 2016 , forcing a shutdown lasting from October 2016 to July 2017 , the Wall Street Journal reported in January .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is continuing .
Both problems were a result of issues with the facility ’ s hot salt tanks , the Journal noted .
“ This project has consistently faced technical failures that have proven difficult to overcome , ” Energy Department spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes said in a statement .
“ The Department ’ s decision was made after years of exhausting options within our authority to get the project back on track , given the significant taxpayer investment the prior Administration committed to this project , ” Department of Energy officials sent a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s only customer , NV Energy , terminated its purchase agreement .
SolarReserve , the developer behind Crescent , sued for the dissolution of Tonopah Solar Energy LLC .
The developer told a federal court in November that “ the plant is moribund–neither generating energy nor revenue ” and had debt of more than $ 440 million with “ assets of much less value , ” the Journal reported .
ACS Cobra , another developer that aided in the project , would control Tonopah once the Energy Department is free of its obligation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distributed three weeks after Solyndra got $ 535 million in government loan guarantees during former President Barack Obama ’ s administration before declaring bankruptcy in 2011 .
RELATED : Espionage Fears as China Buys Up US Land Just a Stone 's Throw from Major Air Base Abound Solar got a $ 400 million loan guarantee from the Obama administration , but only used $ 68 million before the Energy Department cut off funding in the wake of Solyndra ’ s bankruptcy .
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Department of Energy reached a settlement Thursday to recover $200 million in taxpayer funds from a loan the Obama administration distributed in 2011 to finance a $1 billion solar power plant that was deemed obsolete before it could officially go online.
The settlement between the Department of Energy and Tonopah Solar Energy must now be approved by a bankruptcy court, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported.
The Department of Energy provided a $737 million loan to Tonopah in September 2011 for the purposes of financing the $1.1 billion Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project in Nevada.
The agency disbursed funds for the plant in 2011 and 2013 before the project experienced problems requiring improvements, rendering the project obsolete by 2015, Bloomberg reported in January.
Thursday’s settlement will allow the Energy Department to recoup a portion of the $424 million Tonopah owes.
The plant experienced an outage in 2016, forcing a shutdown lasting from October 2016 to July 2017, the Wall Street Journal reported in January. Another outage occurred in April 2019 and is continuing.
Both problems were a result of issues with the facility’s hot salt tanks, the Journal noted.
“This project has consistently faced technical failures that have proven difficult to overcome,” Energy Department spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes said in a statement.
“The Department’s decision was made after years of exhausting options within our authority to get the project back on track, given the significant taxpayer investment the prior Administration committed to this project,”
Department of Energy officials sent a default notice in September before Crescent’s only customer, NV Energy, terminated its purchase agreement.
SolarReserve, the developer behind Crescent, sued for the dissolution of Tonopah Solar Energy LLC.
The developer told a federal court in November that “the plant is moribund–neither generating energy nor revenue” and had debt of more than $440 million with “assets of much less value,” the Journal reported.
ACS Cobra, another developer that aided in the project, would control Tonopah once the Energy Department is free of its obligation, Hynes noted.
The loan was distributed three weeks after Solyndra got $535 million in government loan guarantees during former President Barack Obama’s administration before declaring bankruptcy in 2011.
Abound Solar got a $400 million loan guarantee from the Obama administration, but only used $68 million before the Energy Department cut off funding in the wake of Solyndra’s bankruptcy.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--Mike Pence Ignites Police Crowd with Rousing Speech: ‘Law Enforcement Is the Solution’

Mike Pence was pushing the message Pennsylvania needs to hear : No matter how much Democrats and their mainstream media allies make a fetish of rampant violence in the streets of major cities , American voters understand that a prosperous society is a peaceful society .
And for a peaceful society , you ’ ve got to have police .
With the Keystone State expected to play a key role in the 2020 presidential battle , Pence was on a campaign swing in western Pennsylvania Thursday to speak at a “ Cops for Trump ” event in Greensburg , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t let a fender-bender slow him down . )
His pro-police pitch was tailor-made to the audience , of course , but it ’ s one that should resonate in the rest of the country as a counterpoint to nightly images of leftist riots that appear to have no goal other than destruction .
TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding , Other Personal Expenses The likes of New York ’ s Jerrold Nadler might think they can convince the country that the violence on TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” but Pence , President Donald Trump , and the rest of the Republican Party know otherwise .
That was the point Pence made Thursday , and he didn ’ t spare Democratic politicians in the process .
Check it out here : “ Some of the leading politicians in the Democratic Party today liken law enforcement officers to ‘ storm troopers.
’ I mean , even Joe Biden said not long ago that well-armed police ‘ become the enemy ’ when confronting lawlessness in our streets .
“ Well I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this vice-president knows , and the overwhelming majority of the American people know that the men and women of law enforcement are the best people in this country .
Law enforcement isn ’ t the problem , law enforcement is the solution .
That ’ s why President Trump and our entire administration back the blue.
” Pence didn ’ t call her out by name , but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi referred to federal law enforcement agents as “ stormtroopers ” in a July 17 tweet that badly distorted the truth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terroristic “ protesters ” running rampant in Portland , Oregon .
RELATED : Here 's the Pence Speech Dan Bongino Says He 'Could n't Stop Watching' As for Biden , his comment about police “ becoming the enemy ” came during an interview with NowThisNews ( about the 22:50 mark of the video available here ) , where he criticized the use of military surplus equipment by local police departments .
Conservatives , of course , have long been leery of excessive militarization of local police — excessive state power is a leftist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But wariness of turning local police officers into a military force is a far cry from the movement to “ defund the police ” ( or disarming them ) that has picked up steam among Democratic leaders .
( See how quickly leftists want to “ defund ” or demilitarize police when they have power .
It doesn ’ t happen – because power is what the left craves . )
In the riotous year of 2020 , the Democratic Party — from former Vice President Joe Biden down — has become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the enemy , based on the entirely false idea that “ systemic racism ” permeates the country ’ s criminal justice system , as though the racial progress of the last half-century never happened .
Most sane Americans know otherwise .
Even Democrats and the leftist louts currently turning cities in the Pacific Northwest into war zones know otherwise .
But they think nothing of smearing the image of the men and women in law enforcement if it will get them back into the White House or a majority of the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that the political calculation is wrong .
Most people understand that there are dirty cops in American police departments — nothing compared to the dirty cops of James Comey ’ s FBI , of course , but they ’ re there .
No field of human endeavor will ever be free of bad elements .
But most people also understand that the vast , vast majority of men and women in law enforcement are exactly the kind of people the country needs , doing one of its hardest jobs .
And on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media are likely to find out just how well the rest of the country understands it , too .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Mike Pence was pushing the message Pennsylvania needs to hear:
No matter how much Democrats and their mainstream media allies make a fetish of rampant violence in the streets of major cities, American voters understand that a prosperous society is a peaceful society.
And for a peaceful society, you’ve got to have police.
With the Keystone State expected to play a key role in the 2020 presidential battle, Pence was on a campaign swing in western Pennsylvania Thursday to speak at a “Cops for Trump” event in Greensburg, just outside Pittsburgh. (And he didn’t let a fender-bender slow him down.)
His pro-police pitch was tailor-made to the audience, of course, but it’s one that should resonate in the rest of the country as a counterpoint to nightly images of leftist riots that appear to have no goal other than destruction.
The likes of New York’s Jerrold Nadler might think they can convince the country that the violence on TV every night is a “myth,” but Pence, President Donald Trump, and the rest of the Republican Party know otherwise.
That was the point Pence made Thursday, and he didn’t spare Democratic politicians in the process.
Check it out here:
Do you think most Americans agree with Mike Pence? 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% (3852 Votes) No: 0% (17 Votes)
“Some of the leading politicians in the Democratic Party today liken law enforcement officers to ‘storm troopers.’ I mean, even Joe Biden said not long ago that well-armed police ‘become the enemy’ when confronting lawlessness in our streets.
“Well I want to assure you, your president knows, this vice-president knows, and the overwhelming majority of the American people know that the men and women of law enforcement are the best people in this country. Law enforcement isn’t the problem, law enforcement is the solution. That’s why President Trump and our entire administration back the blue.”
Pence didn’t call her out by name, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi referred to federal law enforcement agents as “stormtroopers” in a July 17 tweet that badly distorted the truth of what was happening between the agents and terroristic “protesters” running rampant in Portland, Oregon.
Unidentified stormtroopers. Unmarked cars. Kidnapping protesters and causing severe injuries in response to graffiti. These are not the actions of a democratic republic.@DHSgov’s actions in Portland undermine its mission. Trump & his stormtroopers must be stopped. — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 18, 2020
As for Biden, his comment about police “becoming the enemy” came during an interview with NowThisNews (about the 22:50 mark of the video available here), where he criticized the use of military surplus equipment by local police departments.
Conservatives, of course, have long been leery of excessive militarization of local police — excessive state power is a leftist ideal, not one on the right.
But wariness of turning local police officers into a military force is a far cry from the movement to “defund the police” (or disarming them) that has picked up steam among Democratic leaders. (See how quickly leftists want to “defund” or demilitarize police when they have power. It doesn’t happen – because power is what the left craves.)
In the riotous year of 2020, the Democratic Party — from former Vice President Joe Biden down — has become the party that views the police as the enemy, based on the entirely false idea that “systemic racism” permeates the country’s criminal justice system, as though the racial progress of the last half-century never happened.
Most sane Americans know otherwise. Even Democrats and the leftist louts currently turning cities in the Pacific Northwest into war zones know otherwise.
But they think nothing of smearing the image of the men and women in law enforcement if it will get them back into the White House or a majority of the United States Senate.
Their problem, though, is that the political calculation is wrong.
Most people understand that there are dirty cops in American police departments — nothing compared to the dirty cops of James Comey’s FBI, of course, but they’re there. No field of human endeavor will ever be free of bad elements.
But most people also understand that the vast, vast majority of men and women in law enforcement are exactly the kind of people the country needs, doing one of its hardest jobs.
Pence’s audience on Thursday understood it.
And on Nov. 3, Democrats and the mainstream media are likely to find out just how well the rest of the country understands it, too.
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--Bob Ehrlich: What the Left Is Doing Right Now Will Never End, Even if You Give In

Maybe it ’ s time to reacquaint ourselves with Ronald Reagan ’ s “ A Time for Choosing ” speech .
The 40th president ’ s words sought to ensure that we would never have to teach our children what America was like “ when men were free.
” Mr. Reagan knew true liberty was an anomaly in human history , that despotism tends to survive despite its history of suffering and brutality .
Maybe it ’ s also time for Republicans to suck it up , to remind ourselves that politics is not a game of perfect ( to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most popular political leaders are flawed .
This thought should be kept in mind when weighing the binary decision that looms on Nov. 3 .
And then maybe it ’ s time for millions of relatively silent Democrats who are appalled by the direction of their party to take it back , to reject the underreported devastating violence of the looters , the insanity of the “ defund the police ” movement and the unbridled antagonism toward America and American history .
TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maybe the foregoing is simply too much to expect .
I hope not .
Americans are typically optimistic , especially in challenging times .
I cling to hope despite a historic pandemic and a racial divide that threatens the very underpinnings of our culture .
Think about that last observation for a second .
A country that has triumphed over slavery , reconstruction , segregation and Jim Crow now faces a progressive movement that has moved far beyond the noble demands of equal rights for its citizens .
Indeed , one hears little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response in minority communities these days ( and nothing relating to those matters in the mainstream media ) .
Instead , we are subjected to anarchy and violence , brought to your town primarily by angry , young , white progressives and tolerated by Democratic mayors .
These children of the well-to-do , having been well-indoctrinated on revolutionary theory on campus , now strike at the very fabric of American values .
By now , all of us should have learned to take this campaign seriously .
The stated goal of these revolutionaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieved through speech and thought control .
Remember , these young people have been indoctrinated into the world of speech codes , trigger warnings and safe spaces — all in the interest of protecting them from opposing views .
These constructs empower the notion that contrary or unpopular opinions could be fairly outlawed , simply forbidden from public discourse because such viewpoints constitute “ hate speech.
” Underpinning it all is a new “ right ” : the right not to be upset or inconvenienced by disagreeable speech , people or history .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fathers , the uniqueness of the Constitution , the foundational values of our Judeo-Christian heritage , the centrality of religious belief and practice , the benefits of capitalism and the beauty of liberty need to be “ canceled ” because human beings are flawed and so is their history .
RELATED : Tony Shaffer : The Only Thing Biden Will Make Great Again Is China For the riotous malcontents , the present drama does not end with the removal of statues or the adoption of revisionist history .
It will never end .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a lesson lately learned by their heretofore big-city mayor benefactors who now face a hard truth : Revolutionaries are never mollified .
Accordingly , the demands multiply , from open borders to the elimination of ICE to voting rights for illegal immigrants to a war on fossil fuels to a downsized military ( “ defund the Pentagon ” ) to confiscatory tax rates .
A compliant press , energized academy and newly woke professional sports leagues and business communities are all in .
The right is seething , but currently quiet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of the day , all this energy and activism is represented by the basement-dwelling Joe Biden .
Openly aligned against the former vice president and his enablers are Fox News , talk radio , right-leaning websites ( including this one ) and Donald J. Trump .
And the people who watch Fox , listen to talk radio and read these websites tend to live between the coasts , work hard , attend religious services , wish their children better lives than theirs and strongly reject the out-of-control chaos infecting many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election presents a perplexing problem for those who demand a return to normalcy but have decidedly mixed feelings about this president .
This is the relatively small , all-important cadre of Republicans , Democrats and independents who generally like what the president has accomplished but do not like or appreciate how he goes about his daily business .
I hear from many of them .
They desire an “ option C , ” but none is available .
Hence , the aforementioned binary decision .
I , for one , choose order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereignty over open borders , capitalism over socialism , speech over silence , raw honesty over political correctness and hope over fear .
Here ’ s hoping that 270 electoral votes will emerge with a similar calculus .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal , you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here .
We are committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Maybe it’s time to reacquaint ourselves with Ronald Reagan’s “A Time for Choosing” speech.
The 40th president’s words sought to ensure that we would never have to teach our children what America was like “when men were free.” Mr. Reagan knew true liberty was an anomaly in human history, that despotism tends to survive despite its history of suffering and brutality.
Maybe it’s also time for Republicans to suck it up, to remind ourselves that politics is not a game of perfect (to borrow a phrase) and that even the most popular political leaders are flawed.
This thought should be kept in mind when weighing the binary decision that looms on Nov. 3.
And then maybe it’s time for millions of relatively silent Democrats who are appalled by the direction of their party to take it back, to reject the underreported devastating violence of the looters, the insanity of the “defund the police” movement and the unbridled antagonism toward America and American history.
Maybe the foregoing is simply too much to expect. I hope not. Americans are typically optimistic, especially in challenging times.
I cling to hope despite a historic pandemic and a racial divide that threatens the very underpinnings of our culture.
Think about that last observation for a second. A country that has triumphed over slavery, reconstruction, segregation and Jim Crow now faces a progressive movement that has moved far beyond the noble demands of equal rights for its citizens.
Indeed, one hears little about police training and retraining and appropriate response in minority communities these days (and nothing relating to those matters in the mainstream media).
Do you think Americans will choose order over chaos and re-elect President Trump in November? Yes No
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Instead, we are subjected to anarchy and violence, brought to your town primarily by angry, young, white progressives and tolerated by Democratic mayors. These children of the well-to-do, having been well-indoctrinated on revolutionary theory on campus, now strike at the very fabric of American values.
By now, all of us should have learned to take this campaign seriously.
The stated goal of these revolutionaries is transformation, which is to be achieved through speech and thought control. Remember, these young people have been indoctrinated into the world of speech codes, trigger warnings and safe spaces — all in the interest of protecting them from opposing views.
These constructs empower the notion that contrary or unpopular opinions could be fairly outlawed, simply forbidden from public discourse because such viewpoints constitute “hate speech.”
Underpinning it all is a new “right”: the right not to be upset or inconvenienced by disagreeable speech, people or history. And so the brilliance of the Founding Fathers, the uniqueness of the Constitution, the foundational values of our Judeo-Christian heritage, the centrality of religious belief and practice, the benefits of capitalism and the beauty of liberty need to be “canceled” because human beings are flawed and so is their history.
For the riotous malcontents, the present drama does not end with the removal of statues or the adoption of revisionist history. It will never end.
Theirs is an endless list of demands, a lesson lately learned by their heretofore big-city mayor benefactors who now face a hard truth: Revolutionaries are never mollified.
Accordingly, the demands multiply, from open borders to the elimination of ICE to voting rights for illegal immigrants to a war on fossil fuels to a downsized military (“defund the Pentagon”) to confiscatory tax rates.
A compliant press, energized academy and newly woke professional sports leagues and business communities are all in. The right is seething, but currently quiet, as are centrist Democrats. Yet, at the end of the day, all this energy and activism is represented by the basement-dwelling Joe Biden.
Openly aligned against the former vice president and his enablers are Fox News, talk radio, right-leaning websites (including this one) and Donald J. Trump. And the people who watch Fox, listen to talk radio and read these websites tend to live between the coasts, work hard, attend religious services, wish their children better lives than theirs and strongly reject the out-of-control chaos infecting many of our largest cities.
Still, the election presents a perplexing problem for those who demand a return to normalcy but have decidedly mixed feelings about this president.
This is the relatively small, all-important cadre of Republicans, Democrats and independents who generally like what the president has accomplished but do not like or appreciate how he goes about his daily business. I hear from many of them. They desire an “option C,” but none is available. Hence, the aforementioned binary decision.
I, for one, choose order over chaos, law over criminality, sovereignty over open borders, capitalism over socialism, speech over silence, raw honesty over political correctness and hope over fear. Here’s hoping that 270 electoral votes will emerge with a similar calculus.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--Trump Meets with Family of Slain Soldier, Offers To Pay for Funeral

President Donald Trump met Thursday with the family of a soldier who investigators say was slain on the Texas Army base where she was stationed , saying it is a “ terrible story ” and that he would help with funeral expenses .
The family of Spc .
Vanessa Guillen , whose remains were found July 2 following her disappearance in April from Fort Hood , rallied with several dozen supporters before the meeting with Trump , calling for justice and for changes in the way the military handles sexual abuse .
“ It ’ s an incredible story .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Trump said to the family in the Oval Office .
“ So we ’ re going to look into it very powerfully .
We already have started , as you know , and we ’ ll get to the bottom of it .
Maybe things can come out that will help other people in a situation like Vanessa .
We ’ ll be in touch with you constantly.
” “ And if I can help you out with the funeral , I ’ ll help you out , financially , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
TRENDING : WaPo 's Chief 'Fact Checker ' Calls Barr a Liar for Telling the Truth About Black Murder Rate Guillen ’ s family has said she was sexually harassed by the fellow solider suspected of killing her , but the Army has said there is no evidence supporting the claim .
The Army has said she may have experienced harassment at the base that was not sexual in nature .
Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy on July 10 ordered a review of the climate and culture at Fort Hood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether they like it or not , ” Lupe Guillen , the younger sister of Vanessa Guillen , said ahead of the meeting with the president .
She said relatives were disappointed not to have heard from Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott regarding her sister ’ s case and were ready to take their story straight to the White House .
John Wittman , a spokesperson for Abbott , said the governor ’ s office has not heard from the Guillen family but is prepared to help .
He said the governor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has any authority over a U.S. military death .
He also said the Texas attorney general ’ s office was looking into whether the family may be eligible for assistance from the crime victim ’ s compensation fund .
“ Governor Abbott ’ s heart aches for the Guillen family and he and the First Lady keep them in their prayers , ” Wittman said in a text message .
Investigators have not revealed a motive for Guillen ’ s death .
They said in a complaint that she was bludgeoned to death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base near Killeen .
Fellow Fort Hood soldier Spc .
Aaron Robinson , 20 , is suspected to have killed and dismembered Guillen .
Robinson killed himself after being confronted by police on July 1 .
A civilian suspect , 22-year-old Cecily Aguilar , is in custody on three counts of conspiracy to destroy evidence for helping Robinson hide Guillen ’ s remains and attempting to flee .
The family is pushing a bill that would address procedures for reporting sexual harassment and assault in the military , according to the family ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped write it .
U.S. Reps. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii are sponsoring the bill , which is named # IAmVanessaGuillen after a social media movement on harassment in the military .
Guillen ’ s mother , Gloria Guillen , said she was angry to hear McCarthy say her daughter was not sexually harassed .
She said she had spoken to her daughter about the harassment , but did not detail what her daughter said .
She said she was speaking up for all women in the military .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to defend us if our soldiers are scared to join ?
” she said in Spanish .
“ Who is going to guard our country if our soldiers are being assaulted , killed and disappeared ?
” A funeral has not been held for Guillen because relatives are still waiting for her remains , Khawam told Trump .
They hope to have a service soon in Houston .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump met Thursday with the family of a soldier who investigators say was slain on the Texas Army base where she was stationed, saying it is a “terrible story” and that he would help with funeral expenses.
The family of Spc. Vanessa Guillen, whose remains were found July 2 following her disappearance in April from Fort Hood, rallied with several dozen supporters before the meeting with Trump, calling for justice and for changes in the way the military handles sexual abuse.
“It’s an incredible story. It’s a terrible story,” Trump said to the family in the Oval Office.
“So we’re going to look into it very powerfully. We already have started, as you know, and we’ll get to the bottom of it. Maybe things can come out that will help other people in a situation like Vanessa. We’ll be in touch with you constantly.”
“And if I can help you out with the funeral, I’ll help you out, financially, I’ll help you,” Trump said.
Guillen’s family has said she was sexually harassed by the fellow solider suspected of killing her, but the Army has said there is no evidence supporting the claim. The Army has said she may have experienced harassment at the base that was not sexual in nature.
Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy on July 10 ordered a review of the climate and culture at Fort Hood.
“The truth will come out whether they like it or not,” Lupe Guillen, the younger sister of Vanessa Guillen, said ahead of the meeting with the president.
She said relatives were disappointed not to have heard from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott regarding her sister’s case and were ready to take their story straight to the White House.
Do you support reform within the Army? Yes No
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John Wittman, a spokesperson for Abbott, said the governor’s office has not heard from the Guillen family but is prepared to help.
He said the governor’s office was looking into whether Texas has any authority over a U.S. military death. He also said the Texas attorney general’s office was looking into whether the family may be eligible for assistance from the crime victim’s compensation fund.
“Governor Abbott’s heart aches for the Guillen family and he and the First Lady keep them in their prayers,” Wittman said in a text message.
Investigators have not revealed a motive for Guillen’s death. They said in a complaint that she was bludgeoned to death in the armory room of the Army base near Killeen.
Fellow Fort Hood soldier Spc. Aaron Robinson, 20, is suspected to have killed and dismembered Guillen. Robinson killed himself after being confronted by police on July 1.
A civilian suspect, 22-year-old Cecily Aguilar, is in custody on three counts of conspiracy to destroy evidence for helping Robinson hide Guillen’s remains and attempting to flee.
The family is pushing a bill that would address procedures for reporting sexual harassment and assault in the military, according to the family’s lawyer, Natalie Khawam, who helped write it.
U.S. Reps. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii are sponsoring the bill, which is named #IAmVanessaGuillen after a social media movement on harassment in the military.
Guillen’s mother, Gloria Guillen, said she was angry to hear McCarthy say her daughter was not sexually harassed. She said she had spoken to her daughter about the harassment, but did not detail what her daughter said.
She said she was speaking up for all women in the military.
“If there is war, who is going to defend us if our soldiers are scared to join?” she said in Spanish. “Who is going to guard our country if our soldiers are being assaulted, killed and disappeared?”
A funeral has not been held for Guillen because relatives are still waiting for her remains, Khawam told Trump. They hope to have a service soon in Houston.
[jwplayer UhZaRkgs]
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--Former Marine Gets 9 Years in Russian Prison as Possible Bargaining Chip

A former U.S. Marine was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison on Thursday in what his family and friends called a politically motivated case .
Trevor Reed was arrested in August 2019 on charges of assaulting and endangering the lives of two Russian police officers , The New York Times reported .
He had traveled to Russia from Texas in May 2019 to spend time with his Russian girlfriend .
“ I think anyone who has eyes and ears and who has been in this courtroom knows that I ’ m not guilty , ” Reed said in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : “ Everything about this case is political.
” TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding , Other Personal Expenses Russian prosecutors accused Reed of endangering two police officers while being under the influence of alcohol , according to The Times .
Reed denied the allegations and said the prosecutors didn ’ t have sufficient evidence .
Reed , who has spent 11 months in jail already , alleged that Russian investigators questioned him about his military background rather than about the alleged incident he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ This conviction , and a sentence of nine years , for an alleged crime that so obviously did not occur , is ridiculous , ” U.S .
Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said in a statement .
“ I can not even say ‘ miscarriage of justice ’ because clearly ‘ justice ’ was not even considered .
This was theater of the absurd.
” Sullivan added that he will not rest until Trevor is freed .
Sergei Nikitenkov , a lawyer representing Reed , called the case “ complete nonsense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another former Marine , Paul Whelan , was sentenced in Russian court to 16 years in prison on June 15 .
Whelan , who called that trial a “ sham , ” was convicted of espionage .
“ The United States is outraged by the decision of a Russian court today to convict U.S. citizen Paul Whelan after a secret trial , with secret evidence , and without appropriate allowances for defense witnesses , ” U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement following Whelan ’ s sentencing .
RELATED : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hunger Strike , 486 Days in Egyptian Prison He added : “ The treatment of Paul Whelan at the hands of Russian authorities has been appalling.
” The sentencing of Reed and Whelan are likely bargaining chips for Russia to use in future prisoner exchanges , The Times reported .
“ This can be a bargaining chip , ” prominent Russian lawyer Ivan Pavlov said , according to The Times .
Meanwhile , negotiations are currently ongoing between the United States and Russia regarding Whelan , according to his lawyer , Vladimir Zherebenkov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whelan for two Russians who have been convicted in the U.S. A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A former U.S. Marine was sentenced to nine years in Russian prison on Thursday in what his family and friends called a politically motivated case.
Trevor Reed was arrested in August 2019 on charges of assaulting and endangering the lives of two Russian police officers, The New York Times reported.
He had traveled to Russia from Texas in May 2019 to spend time with his Russian girlfriend.
“I think anyone who has eyes and ears and who has been in this courtroom knows that I’m not guilty,” Reed said in the Moscow courtroom before his sentencing.
He added: “Everything about this case is political.”
Russian prosecutors accused Reed of endangering two police officers while being under the influence of alcohol, according to The Times.
Reed denied the allegations and said the prosecutors didn’t have sufficient evidence.
Reed, who has spent 11 months in jail already, alleged that Russian investigators questioned him about his military background rather than about the alleged incident he was being charged for, The Times reported.
“This conviction, and a sentence of nine years, for an alleged crime that so obviously did not occur, is ridiculous,” U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan said in a statement.
Do you think Reed is being held as a political bargaining chip? Yes No
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“I cannot even say ‘miscarriage of justice’ because clearly ‘justice’ was not even considered. This was theater of the absurd.”
Sullivan added that he will not rest until Trevor is freed.
Sergei Nikitenkov, a lawyer representing Reed, called the case “complete nonsense,” according to The Times.
Another former Marine, Paul Whelan, was sentenced in Russian court to 16 years in prison on June 15. Whelan, who called that trial a “sham,” was convicted of espionage.
“The United States is outraged by the decision of a Russian court today to convict U.S. citizen Paul Whelan after a secret trial, with secret evidence, and without appropriate allowances for defense witnesses,” U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement following Whelan’s sentencing.
He added: “The treatment of Paul Whelan at the hands of Russian authorities has been appalling.”
The sentencing of Reed and Whelan are likely bargaining chips for Russia to use in future prisoner exchanges, The Times reported.
“This can be a bargaining chip,” prominent Russian lawyer Ivan Pavlov said, according to The Times.
Meanwhile, negotiations are currently ongoing between the United States and Russia regarding Whelan, according to his lawyer, Vladimir Zherebenkov.
Russian government officials want to exchange Whelan for two Russians who have been convicted in the U.S.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--USS Indianapolis Crew Awarded Congressional Medal on 75th Anniversary of Sinking

Congress has awarded the Congressional Gold Medal , its highest honor , to crew members of the USS Indianapolis , the ship that delivered key components of the first nuclear bomb and was later sunk by Japan during World War II .
The ship , with 1,195 personnel aboard , delivered enriched uranium and other parts of the atomic bomb ‘ ‘ Little Boy ” that was later dropped on Hiroshima , Japan , in August 1945 .
Four days after delivering its top secret cargo , the ship was sunk by Japanese torpedoes on July 30 , 1945 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Philippine Sea , just 316 survived before being rescued nearly five days later .
The death toll of 879 made the sinking the largest single disaster at sea in U.S. Navy history .
Survivors were stranded in the open ocean with few lifeboats and almost no food or water , enduring severe burns , dehydration and shark attacks .
TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding , Other Personal Expenses “ In an instant , her crew went from fighting the battles without to fighting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , one of a host of congressional and Navy leaders who spoke at Thursday ’ s virtual ceremony honoring the eight surviving crew members on the 75th anniversary of the sinking .
The Gold Medal was awarded to the ship ’ s entire crew , living and dead , and will be displayed at the Indiana War Memorial Museum in Indianapolis .
After the sinking , the crew “ fought to stay alert , to look after each other — literally to hold on for dear life , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the water gave our nation the ultimate sacrifice … but the true legacy of the Indianapolis was secured before those torpedoes struck , ” McConnell said .
“ Her crew turned the tide of the war .
So to her crew members who are still standing watch : Your Congress and your nation say thank you.
” Retired Navy Capt .
William Toti , who led a nuclear submarine named in honor of the Indianapolis , said the Gold Medal honors the crew ’ s accomplishments — not the fact that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognizes a fighting ship ’ s crew , one that helped end the most terrible war this world has ever known , ” Toti said .
He called the crew members ” among the best the United States Navy has to offer.
” None of the crew members would call himself a hero , Toti added , “ but they would all say they served in a crew of heroes.
” Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite addressed the surviving crew members directly , saying , “ All Americans owe you a forever debt of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the darkest chapters in our Naval history ” and said , “ We can never forget the astounding grit and bravery shown by those who lived to tell the tale ” or “ the important lessons our Navy learned from that tragedy.
” The crew members epitomized the Navy ’ s ethos of service above self , Braithwaite said .
“ Your service , your sacrifice embodied the core tenets of our Navy : honor , courage and commitment .
We the Navy salute you and thank you for your service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Congress has awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, its highest honor, to crew members of the USS Indianapolis, the ship that delivered key components of the first nuclear bomb and was later sunk by Japan during World War II.
The ship, with 1,195 personnel aboard, delivered enriched uranium and other parts of the atomic bomb ‘‘Little Boy” that was later dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in August 1945.
Four days after delivering its top secret cargo, the ship was sunk by Japanese torpedoes on July 30, 1945. Of nearly 900 men who went into the Philippine Sea, just 316 survived before being rescued nearly five days later.
The death toll of 879 made the sinking the largest single disaster at sea in U.S. Navy history.
Survivors were stranded in the open ocean with few lifeboats and almost no food or water, enduring severe burns, dehydration and shark attacks.
“In an instant, her crew went from fighting the battles without to fighting the battles within,” according to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, one of a host of congressional and Navy leaders who spoke at Thursday’s virtual ceremony honoring the eight surviving crew members on the 75th anniversary of the sinking.
The Gold Medal was awarded to the ship’s entire crew, living and dead, and will be displayed at the Indiana War Memorial Museum in Indianapolis.
After the sinking, the crew “fought to stay alert, to look after each other — literally to hold on for dear life,” McConnell said.
“Those who perished in the water gave our nation the ultimate sacrifice … but the true legacy of the Indianapolis was secured before those torpedoes struck,” McConnell said.
“Her crew turned the tide of the war. So to her crew members who are still standing watch: Your Congress and your nation say thank you.”
Retired Navy Capt. William Toti, who led a nuclear submarine named in honor of the Indianapolis, said the Gold Medal honors the crew’s accomplishments — not the fact that the ship was sunk.
The medal “recognizes a fighting ship’s crew, one that helped end the most terrible war this world has ever known,” Toti said.
He called the crew members ”among the best the United States Navy has to offer.”
None of the crew members would call himself a hero, Toti added, “but they would all say they served in a crew of heroes.”
Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite addressed the surviving crew members directly, saying, “All Americans owe you a forever debt of gratitude.”
Braithwaite called the sinking “one of the darkest chapters in our Naval history” and said, “We can never forget the astounding grit and bravery shown by those who lived to tell the tale” or “the important lessons our Navy learned from that tragedy.”
The crew members epitomized the Navy’s ethos of service above self, Braithwaite said.
“Your service, your sacrifice embodied the core tenets of our Navy: honor, courage and commitment. We the Navy salute you and thank you for your service. Bravo Zulu shipmates.”
[jwplayer UkKVQKrH]
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding, Other Personal Expenses

A Democratic state senator in Tennessee has been charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funds in order to pay for a wedding and other personal expenses .
Federal prosecutors on Wednesday announced charges against Tennessee state Sen. Katrina Robinson , accusing her of stealing money from a company she directed over a period of four years .
WHBQ-TV in Memphis reported that from 2015 to 2019 , according to a complaint , Robinson took in excess of $ 600,000 from the Healthcare Institute , which provides health care vocational training .
Robinson ’ s institute received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Health Resources and Services Administration during that time .
The Justice Department said Robinson stole nearly a quarter of it .
TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding , Other Personal Expenses The state senator , according to federal authorities , used the stolen money for herself and her family .
In addition to paying for her wedding , Robinson allegedly also paid for her honeymoon and subsequent divorce with funds that were allegedly embezzled from the Healthcare Institute .
She is further accused of using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pay off personal loans and fund improvements to her home .
The senator also allegedly paid for a campaign event with embezzled federal funds .
Robinson is charged with theft , embezzlement and wire fraud .
If convicted , she could face up to 20 years in prison and a $ 250,000 fine .
“ Anyone who seeks to take advantage of government programs will be vigorously investigated by the FBI , regardless of who they are or any position they hold , ” acting Special Agent in Charge Jermicha L. Fomby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
“ The public should know that the FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who seek to exploit government programs and line their own pockets , ” Fomby added .
An attorney for the embattled lawmaker said she is innocent .
“ Senator Robinson has a story to tell .
She ’ s eager to tell that story .
We believe once all the facts come out and her story is told , she will be vindicated , ” attorney Kamilah White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represents Tennessee ’ s 33rd District , which includes the city of Memphis .
She will not resign amid the charges and has the full backing of the state ’ s Democrats .
The Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus issued a statement saying Robinson ’ s work in the legislature is “ not in question ” and she “ deserves the presumption of innocence and due process.
” Not only will Robinson not step down , but she is running for re-election .
“ If I did not champion the voices , the views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be in this moment right now , ” Robinson said , according to WHBQ .
“ If you support me , keep supporting me , ” she added .
“ If you stand with me , keep standing with me.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Democratic state senator in Tennessee has been charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funds in order to pay for a wedding and other personal expenses.
Federal prosecutors on Wednesday announced charges against Tennessee state Sen. Katrina Robinson, accusing her of stealing money from a company she directed over a period of four years.
WHBQ-TV in Memphis reported that from 2015 to 2019, according to a complaint, Robinson took in excess of $600,000 from the Healthcare Institute, which provides health care vocational training.
Robinson’s institute received $2.2 million in federal grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration during that time.
The Justice Department said Robinson stole nearly a quarter of it.
The state senator, according to federal authorities, used the stolen money for herself and her family.
In addition to paying for her wedding, Robinson allegedly also paid for her honeymoon and subsequent divorce with funds that were allegedly embezzled from the Healthcare Institute.
She is further accused of using the money to buy a snow-cone shack, pay off personal loans and fund improvements to her home.
The senator also allegedly paid for a campaign event with embezzled federal funds.
Do you think 20 years in prison is an appropriate sentence if she is convicted? Yes No
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Robinson is charged with theft, embezzlement and wire fraud.
If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“Anyone who seeks to take advantage of government programs will be vigorously investigated by the FBI, regardless of who they are or any position they hold,” acting Special Agent in Charge Jermicha L. Fomby with the FBI said in a news release.
“The public should know that the FBI will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who seek to exploit government programs and line their own pockets,” Fomby added.
An attorney for the embattled lawmaker said she is innocent.
“Senator Robinson has a story to tell. She’s eager to tell that story. We believe once all the facts come out and her story is told, she will be vindicated,” attorney Kamilah White said, according to WHBQ.
Robinson represents Tennessee’s 33rd District, which includes the city of Memphis.
She will not resign amid the charges and has the full backing of the state’s Democrats.
The Tennessee Senate Democratic Caucus issued a statement saying Robinson’s work in the legislature is “not in question” and she “deserves the presumption of innocence and due process.”
Not only will Robinson not step down, but she is running for re-election.
“If I did not champion the voices, the views and faces that I represent then I would not be in this moment right now,” Robinson said, according to WHBQ.
“If you support me, keep supporting me,” she added. “If you stand with me, keep standing with me.”
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--Investigators: Dem State Senator Stole Over $600,000 in Federal Funds

A Democratic Tennessee state senator has been charged with theft and embezzlement of federal funds which she allegedly used to pay for vacations , handbags and other personal expenses , the Department of Justice announced Wednesday .
Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney Western District of Tennessee said that Tennessee state Sen. Katrina Robinson , 39 , received more than $ 2.2 million in federal grants between 2015 and 2019 for a vocational training school she founded called The Healthcare Institute .
Robinson is accused of stealing over $ 600,000 from the school and using it for personal reasons .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grant funds , Robinson allegedly “ stole in excess of $ 600,000 from THI by compensating herself in excess of what was allowed under the terms of the HRSA grant and by using Institute funds for payments and purchases for her own personal benefit and that of her immediate family , ” the Department of Justice said in its official complaint .
Federal grant money given t0 The Healthcare Institute was intended to “ provide scholarships to low-income individuals ” and establish “ an educational program to train certified nursing assistants for employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding , Other Personal Expenses Instead , Robinson allegedly used the money to benefit herself and her family .
The FBI said they received an anonymous complaint from someone who claimed Robinson used federal funds to buy a $ 550 Louis Vuitton handbag , according to the complaint .
The investigators found that Robinson allegedly used taxpayer money to buy a Jeep for her daughter and pay expenses related to her wedding , honeymoon and later divorce .
Robinson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal debt , for travel and entertainment , and for a $ 5,000 wrought iron front entry door .
A business owned by Robinson called “ Celebrity Body Studio , ” a business operated by her children called “ Kool Kids Konez , ” and her state senate campaign all allegedly received some of the stolen money , according to the Justice Department .
Robinson allegedly spent $ 16,000 at Best Buy and almost $ 17,000 at Amazon , according t0 the complaint .
If convicted , Robinson faces a possible sentence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a $ 250,000 fine .
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
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Read our editorial standards .

A Democratic Tennessee state senator has been charged with theft and embezzlement of federal funds which she allegedly used to pay for vacations, handbags and other personal expenses, the Department of Justice announced Wednesday.
Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney Western District of Tennessee said that Tennessee state Sen. Katrina Robinson, 39, received more than $2.2 million in federal grants between 2015 and 2019 for a vocational training school she founded called The Healthcare Institute.
Robinson is accused of stealing over $600,000 from the school and using it for personal reasons.
During the period when the school received the grant funds, Robinson allegedly “stole in excess of $600,000 from THI by compensating herself in excess of what was allowed under the terms of the HRSA grant and by using Institute funds for payments and purchases for her own personal benefit and that of her immediate family,” the Department of Justice said in its official complaint.
Federal grant money given t0 The Healthcare Institute was intended to “provide scholarships to low-income individuals” and establish “an educational program to train certified nursing assistants for employment assisting geriatric patients,” the complaint said.
Instead, Robinson allegedly used the money to benefit herself and her family.
The FBI said they received an anonymous complaint from someone who claimed Robinson used federal funds to buy a $550 Louis Vuitton handbag, according to the complaint.
The investigators found that Robinson allegedly used taxpayer money to buy a Jeep for her daughter and pay expenses related to her wedding, honeymoon and later divorce.
Robinson allegedly used stolen funds to pay off personal debt, for travel and entertainment, and for a $5,000 wrought iron front entry door.
A business owned by Robinson called “Celebrity Body Studio,” a business operated by her children called “Kool Kids Konez,” and her state senate campaign all allegedly received some of the stolen money, according to the Justice Department.
Robinson allegedly spent $16,000 at Best Buy and almost $17,000 at Amazon, according t0 the complaint.
If convicted, Robinson faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--Hollywood Megastar Tells CNN: ‘We Need More Police’

Television and film mogul Tyler Perry came out strongly against calls to defund police agencies and actually called for more police officers during an interview with CNN on Wednesday .
Perry , who is black , was asked by CNN host Anderson Cooper if he was “ optimistic , now , in a way that you haven ’ t been before when you see the protests taking place ” among “ people of all colors ” against perceived systemic bias in the criminal justice system .
“ I was very optimistic , ” said Perry , who also indicated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I became optimistic when I saw so many people get it.
” “ So , when they saw George Floyd ’ s death , this horrific , horrible death played out as this man pleaded for his life and begged , said ‘ please ’ many , many times , it — seeing it changes everything , ” he told CNN .
TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding , Other Personal Expenses “ So , I became very , very optimistic when everybody galvanized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when change comes .
When people galvanize and come together as one , that ’ s when change happens .
“ But , lately , I ’ ve been very , very concerned that the message is being hijacked by some other groups or political ads and parties that are trying to stop the message of what we ’ re asking for here is police reform , right ?
” Cooper later asked Perry what he thought of the “ defund police ” movement .
“ Well , when I first heard it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought OK , this is — this is going to be weaponized by — in this political year .
I completely thought that that was happening .
That ’ s exactly what ’ s happened .
It ’ s been weaponized , ” he said .
While Perry did call for reform , he said he believes “ more police ” are needed .
“ But I did some research .
And what I would challenge people to do is do research and find out what it means , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to understand this — I ’ m not for taking money from the police department .
I think we need more police .
My studio is in a neighborhood where I think we need police , ” Perry added .
Perry said the country doesn ’ t need police officers who are “ under-trained.
” RELATED : Garth Brooks Withdraws Name from CMA Entertainer of the Year Running “ I have really close friends who are police officers that I love dearly , who are really good people , who have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well , ” he said .
“ I think we need the police , I know that I need the police , ” he said .
“ We need them , but we need them reformed , we need them trained well .
We need the right structure.
” “ Taking money from the police department to make the police department smaller , that troubles me , ” the media mogul concluded .
Perry , who is based in Atlanta , bought 1,000 Kroger ’ s supermarket gift cards earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city to hand out to citizens , the New York Post reported .
“ This is about trying to bridge unity in a city that adopted me and held me up high enough to reach my own branch on the tree of success , ” Perry said at the time .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Television and film mogul Tyler Perry came out strongly against calls to defund police agencies and actually called for more police officers during an interview with CNN on Wednesday.
Perry, who is black, was asked by CNN host Anderson Cooper if he was “optimistic, now, in a way that you haven’t been before when you see the protests taking place” among “people of all colors” against perceived systemic bias in the criminal justice system.
“I was very optimistic,” said Perry, who also indicated that he does believe so-called systemic bias exists. “I became optimistic when I saw so many people get it.”
“So, when they saw George Floyd’s death, this horrific, horrible death played out as this man pleaded for his life and begged, said ‘please’ many, many times, it — seeing it changes everything,” he told CNN.
“We need the police…” says director, producer and actor @tylerperry. “…But we need them reformed, we need them trained well and we need the right structure.” pic.twitter.com/FY7W0v7pKg — CNN (@CNN) July 30, 2020
“So, I became very, very optimistic when everybody galvanized together because I know that’s when change comes. When people galvanize and come together as one, that’s when change happens.
“But, lately, I’ve been very, very concerned that the message is being hijacked by some other groups or political ads and parties that are trying to stop the message of what we’re asking for here is police reform, right?”
Cooper later asked Perry what he thought of the “defund police” movement.
Do you think police officers are biased against minority Americans? Yes No
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“Well, when I first heard it, I was troubled by it, I thought OK, this is — this is going to be weaponized by — in this political year. I completely thought that that was happening. That’s exactly what’s happened. It’s been weaponized,” he said.
While Perry did call for reform, he said he believes “more police” are needed.
“But I did some research. And what I would challenge people to do is do research and find out what it means,” he said.
“Now, you’ve got to understand this — I’m not for taking money from the police department. I think we need more police. My studio is in a neighborhood where I think we need police,” Perry added.
Perry said the country doesn’t need police officers who are “under-trained.”
“I have really close friends who are police officers that I love dearly, who are really good people, who have been very, very hurt by this, as well,” he said.
“I think we need the police, I know that I need the police,” he said. “We need them, but we need them reformed, we need them trained well. We need the right structure.”
“Taking money from the police department to make the police department smaller, that troubles me,” the media mogul concluded.
Perry, who is based in Atlanta, bought 1,000 Kroger’s supermarket gift cards earlier this month and gave them to police in the city to hand out to citizens, the New York Post reported.
“This is about trying to bridge unity in a city that adopted me and held me up high enough to reach my own branch on the tree of success,” Perry said at the time.
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--Bill Gates Tells Anti-Lockdown Musk To Stay in His Lane, Ignoring His Own Sharing of COVID Misinform

Bill Gates Tells Anti-Lockdown Musk To Stay in His Lane, Ignoring His Own Sharing of COVID Misinformation

Bill Gates seems to have a hard time following his own advice .
On Monday , the Microsoft co-founder criticized fellow business titan Elon Musk , the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX , for commenting on the coronavirus pandemic , suggesting that Musk should stick to what he knows .
As it turns out , Gates has given his own opinions on the spread of COVID-19 , one of which appears to be misleading .
“ Elon ’ s positioning is to maintain a high level of outrageous comments , ” Gates said in the interview with CNBC that aired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much involved in vaccines .
He makes a great electric car .
And his rockets work well .
So he ’ s allowed to say these things .
I hope that he doesn ’ t confuse areas he ’ s not involved in too much.
” TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding , Other Personal Expenses Musk ’ s name was brought up after Gates was asked about the spreading of misinformation on social media platforms .
“ When you let people communicate , you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incorrect things that are very titillating can spread very rapidly compared to the truth .
And we ’ ve always seen that with vaccines , ” Gates said .
“ To the degree to which these media companies can see what ’ s being said on their platform and take things that are absolutely wrong and get rid of those things or slow those things down , that ’ s very tough.
” Musk responded to Gates ’ criticism with a little bit of humor Thursday on Twitter .
“ Billy G is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a twist on Michael Jackson ’ s “ Billie Jean.
” “ The rumor that Bill Gates & I are lovers is completely untrue , ” Musk added in a follow-up tweet .
The Tesla CEO has tweeted out a number of messages related to COVID-19 that run counter to the mainstream narratives of needed to shut down the economy over the past few months .
Although Gates was quick to tell Musk to stay in his lane , back in April the Microsoft co-founder made some shocking comments about the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , which would seem to be “ areas he ’ s not involved in too much.
” In an interview with CNN , he was asked , “ How would you respond to the charge that , look , the Chinese covered this up , they essentially deceived the rest of the world , and as a result they should be held in some way responsible for this ?
” “ I don ’ t think that ’ s a timely thing because it doesn ’ t affect how we act today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , China did a lot of things right at the beginning , like any country where a virus first shows up .
They can look back and say they missed some things .
“ You know some countries did respond very quickly and get their testing in place and they avoided the incredible economic pain .
It ’ s sad that even the U.S. , which you would have expected to do well , did it particularly poorly .
… “ So that ’ s a distraction .
I think there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things said , but it ’ s not even time for that discussion.
” There ’ s ample evidence to suggest that , despite what Gates believes , China ’ s response to the virus ’ outbreak was particularly awful .
Multiple reports indicate the Chinese government knew about the virus as far back as Nov. 17 and went to great lengths to cover up the outbreak .
If China had acted sooner , as many as 95 percent of all coronavirus cases worldwide could have been prevented , according to a peer-reviewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell others to refrain from commenting on COVID-19 , perhaps he should start taking his own advice .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Bill Gates seems to have a hard time following his own advice.
On Monday, the Microsoft co-founder criticized fellow business titan Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, for commenting on the coronavirus pandemic, suggesting that Musk should stick to what he knows.
As it turns out, Gates has given his own opinions on the spread of COVID-19, one of which appears to be misleading.
“Elon’s positioning is to maintain a high level of outrageous comments,” Gates said in the interview with CNBC that aired Tuesday.
“He’s not much involved in vaccines. He makes a great electric car. And his rockets work well. So he’s allowed to say these things. I hope that he doesn’t confuse areas he’s not involved in too much.”
Musk’s name was brought up after Gates was asked about the spreading of misinformation on social media platforms.
“When you let people communicate, you have to deal with the fact that certain incorrect things that are very titillating can spread very rapidly compared to the truth. And we’ve always seen that with vaccines,” Gates said.
“To the degree to which these media companies can see what’s being said on their platform and take things that are absolutely wrong and get rid of those things or slow those things down, that’s very tough.”
Musk responded to Gates’ criticism with a little bit of humor Thursday on Twitter.
“Billy G is not my lover,” he said, a twist on Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.”
? Billy G is not my lover ? — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 30, 2020
“The rumor that Bill Gates & I are lovers is completely untrue,” Musk added in a follow-up tweet.
The rumor that Bill Gates & I are lovers is completely untrue — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 30, 2020
The Tesla CEO has tweeted out a number of messages related to COVID-19 that run counter to the mainstream narratives of needed to shut down the economy over the past few months.
The coronavirus panic is dumb — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 6, 2020
FREE AMERICA NOW — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 29, 2020
Classifying all deaths as corona even if corona didn’t cause the death is simply a lie https://t.co/R1sgzcFS46 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 30, 2020
Although Gates was quick to tell Musk to stay in his lane, back in April the Microsoft co-founder made some shocking comments about the Chinese government and its response to the coronavirus outbreak, which would seem to be “areas he’s not involved in too much.”
In an interview with CNN, he was asked, “How would you respond to the charge that, look, the Chinese covered this up, they essentially deceived the rest of the world, and as a result they should be held in some way responsible for this?”
“I don’t think that’s a timely thing because it doesn’t affect how we act today,” Gates responded. “You know, China did a lot of things right at the beginning, like any country where a virus first shows up. They can look back and say they missed some things.
“You know some countries did respond very quickly and get their testing in place and they avoided the incredible economic pain. It’s sad that even the U.S., which you would have expected to do well, did it particularly poorly. …
Are Bill Gates' comments hypocritical? Yes No
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“So that’s a distraction. I think there’s a lot of incorrect and unfair things said, but it’s not even time for that discussion.”
There’s ample evidence to suggest that, despite what Gates believes, China’s response to the virus’ outbreak was particularly awful.
Multiple reports indicate the Chinese government knew about the virus as far back as Nov. 17 and went to great lengths to cover up the outbreak.
If China had acted sooner, as many as 95 percent of all coronavirus cases worldwide could have been prevented, according to a peer-reviewed study.
If Bill Gates is going to tell others to refrain from commenting on COVID-19, perhaps he should start taking his own advice.
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westernjournal--2020-07-30--Nancy Pelosi Announces Mask Mandate

Nancy Pelosi Announces Mask Mandate

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mandated Wednesday that all representatives and staff members must wear masks while on the House floor .
“ Members and staff will be required to wear masks at all times in the hall of the House except that members may remove their masks temporarily when recognized , ” Pelosi said on the House floor .
She further stated that refraining from wearing a mask will be considered a “ serious breach of decorum.
” “ The speaker has the authority to direct the sergeant-at-arms to remove a member from the floor as a matter of decorum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair expects all members and staff to adhere to the requirement as a sign of respect for the health , safety and well-being of others present in the chamber , ” she said .
TRENDING : Democrat Politician Charged with Using Federal Funds To Pay for Wedding , Other Personal Expenses The California Democrat made the announcement hours after Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus .
The Republican , 66 , said in a video statement on Twitter that despite the positive diagnosis , he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my demise are a great deal premature ” he said .
Gohmert stated he was tested twice prior to entering the White House , and both tests were positive .
“ I don ’ t have any of the symptoms that are listed as part of COVID-19 , but apparently I have the Wuhan virus , ” he said .
“ Rand Paul was just texting me that the good news is that in 10 days or so , I should be fairly well immune , ” he added .
Gohmert later speculated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently might have given him the coronavirus .
“ I can ’ t help but wonder if by keeping a mask on and keeping it in place , if I might have put some germs — some of the virus — onto the mask and breathed it in , ” Gohmert said during an interview with KETK-TV .
On whether he was feeling symptoms , Gohmert told KETK-TV he felt only “ disgust ” a day before during Tuesday ’ s judiciary hearing in which Attorney General William Barr appeared before members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine at home until he tests negative , and that he will wear a mask while he is sick and around others .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was asked if he is in favor of requiring masks while on the Senate floor .
McConnell said senators and others in the upper house were wearing masks without a mandate , Newsweek reported .
“ It appears not to be necessary since everybody seems to be doing it , ” McConnell said .
The Republican from Kentucky noted the Senate has “ had good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverings .
“ I believe just about every one of my members is wearing a mask , and we have since the first of May when we resumed , ” he added .
“ I think we ’ ve been following the guidelines of the Capitol physician — properly socially distanced , wearing a mask , which I ’ ve had on till I stepped up to the microphone to talk to you.
” Sen. Rand Paul tested positive for the coronavirus in March .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ editorial standards .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mandated Wednesday that all representatives and staff members must wear masks while on the House floor.
“Members and staff will be required to wear masks at all times in the hall of the House except that members may remove their masks temporarily when recognized,” Pelosi said on the House floor.
She further stated that refraining from wearing a mask will be considered a “serious breach of decorum.”
“The speaker has the authority to direct the sergeant-at-arms to remove a member from the floor as a matter of decorum,” Pelosi added.
“The chair expects all members and staff to adhere to the requirement as a sign of respect for the health, safety and well-being of others present in the chamber,” she said.
The California Democrat made the announcement hours after Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Republican, 66, said in a video statement on Twitter that despite the positive diagnosis, he had no symptoms.
“The reports of my demise are a great deal premature” he said.
Gohmert stated he was tested twice prior to entering the White House, and both tests were positive.
“I don’t have any of the symptoms that are listed as part of COVID-19, but apparently I have the Wuhan virus,” he said.
“Rand Paul was just texting me that the good news is that in 10 days or so, I should be fairly well immune,” he added.
My statement about today’s diagnosis: pic.twitter.com/qvf7zIcgdN — Louie Gohmert (@replouiegohmert) July 29, 2020
Gohmert later speculated that a mask he had been wearing recently might have given him the coronavirus.
“I can’t help but wonder if by keeping a mask on and keeping it in place, if I might have put some germs — some of the virus — onto the mask and breathed it in,” Gohmert said during an interview with KETK-TV.
On whether he was feeling symptoms, Gohmert told KETK-TV he felt only “disgust” a day before during Tuesday’s judiciary hearing in which Attorney General William Barr appeared before members of the House.
Gohmert said he will quarantine at home until he tests negative, and that he will wear a mask while he is sick and around others.
Do you wear a mask or other face covering when you are out in public? Yes No
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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was asked if he is in favor of requiring masks while on the Senate floor.
McConnell said senators and others in the upper house were wearing masks without a mandate, Newsweek reported.
“It appears not to be necessary since everybody seems to be doing it,” McConnell said.
The Republican from Kentucky noted the Senate has “had good luck without a requirement” for facial coverings.
“I believe just about every one of my members is wearing a mask, and we have since the first of May when we resumed,” he added.
“I think we’ve been following the guidelines of the Capitol physician — properly socially distanced, wearing a mask, which I’ve had on till I stepped up to the microphone to talk to you.”
Sen. Rand Paul tested positive for the coronavirus in March.
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