westernjournal--2020-06-26--Federal Judge: Cuomo, de Blasio’s COVID Mandates Violate Religious Groups’ Constitutional Rights

A federal judge issued an injunction Friday blocking New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio from enforcing restrictions on outdoor and indoor gatherings of religious groups that are stricter than businesses and other types of gatherings .
The state and city sought to limit indoor religious gatherings to 25 percent capacity through executive orders , while other businesses and organizations were permitted 50 percent capacity , in New York ’ s “ Phase Two ” reopening plan .
Jewish and Catholic plaintiffs sued Cuomo , de Blasio and New York Attorney General Letitia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevented them from practicing their faith .
The state order , which was incorporated by de Blasio in an executive order , allowed outdoor gatherings for graduations of up to 150 people beginning on June 26 .
However , Judge Gary Sharpe of the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York noted in his ruling that for religious groups , the outdoor restriction of no more than 10 people remained in place for Phase 2 .
TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and de Blasio have allowed mass protests in response to the death of George Floyd , sometimes numbering in the thousands , to occur unhindered , thereby recognizing their First Amendment constitutional right “ peaceably to assemble , and to petition the Government.
” Sharpe quoted Cuomo endorsing the protests earlier this month when he told a reporter , “ I think you can protest , but do it smartly and intelligently.
” “ There were protests all across the country , ” Cuomo added .
“ Protest .
Just be smart about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke at one of the protest gatherings on June 4 without a mask .
“ Neither the ten-person limit on outdoor gatherings , nor the social distancing protocols , were adhered to , ” Sharpe pointed out .
Meanwhile , de Blasio threatened Jewish congregants who met with immediate arrest if they violated the 10 person limit .
The judge recounted that laws restricting the practice of religion , in order to pass constitutional muster , must be generally applicable to all similarly situated groups .
But such was not the case with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In other words , religious adherents have the right to equal protection under the law .
“ On its face , the 25 % indoor capacity limitation applies only to houses of worship , ” the judge wrote .
RELATED : Fed Judge : Protests Got 'Preferential Treatment ' over Churches in NY “ Indeed , that limitation is the only one of its kind in the tangle of executive orders and the Guidance Document that have been issued in response to the pandemic , ” he added .
Meanwhile , offices , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are all permitted to open at 50 percent capacity in “ Phase Two.
” The judge concluded that “ appropriate injunctive relief here is a restraint on defendants [ Cuomo , de Blasio and James ] from enforcement of any indoor gathering limitations against plaintiffs greater than imposed for Phase 2 industries and restraint from enforcement of any limitation for outdoor gatherings against plaintiffs.
” “ There ’ s no First Amendment double standard , ” she said in a statement to The Western Journal .
“ The judge in the Northern District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mayor de Blasio can ’ t treat religious groups worse than everyone else , ” Alvarado continued .
“ They decided to treat houses of worship worse than non-essential businesses that were at 50 percent capacity .
In their minds , religious worship is beneath non-essential gatherings.
” “ This is a big win for religious freedom , ” Alvarado wrote in a tweet following the decision .
“ Religious groups are not looking for special treatment during the time of pandemic – they are looking for *equal* treatment .
That is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requires Mayor de Blasio and Governor Cuomo to do.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A federal judge issued an injunction Friday blocking New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio from enforcing restrictions on outdoor and indoor gatherings of religious groups that are stricter than businesses and other types of gatherings.
The state and city sought to limit indoor religious gatherings to 25 percent capacity through executive orders, while other businesses and organizations were permitted 50 percent capacity, in New York’s “Phase Two” reopening plan.
Jewish and Catholic plaintiffs sued Cuomo, de Blasio and New York Attorney General Letitia James over the restrictions, arguing they prevented them from practicing their faith.
The state order, which was incorporated by de Blasio in an executive order, allowed outdoor gatherings for graduations of up to 150 people beginning on June 26.
However, Judge Gary Sharpe of the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York noted in his ruling that for religious groups, the outdoor restriction of no more than 10 people remained in place for Phase 2.
He further pointed out that Cuomo and de Blasio have allowed mass protests in response to the death of George Floyd, sometimes numbering in the thousands, to occur unhindered, thereby recognizing their First Amendment constitutional right “peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government.”
Sharpe quoted Cuomo endorsing the protests earlier this month when he told a reporter, “I think you can protest, but do it smartly and intelligently.”
“There were protests all across the country,” Cuomo added. “Protest. Just be smart about it.”
Similarly, de Blasio actually spoke at one of the protest gatherings on June 4 without a mask.
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“Neither the ten-person limit on outdoor gatherings, nor the social distancing protocols, were adhered to,” Sharpe pointed out.
Meanwhile, de Blasio threatened Jewish congregants who met with immediate arrest if they violated the 10 person limit.
The judge recounted that laws restricting the practice of religion, in order to pass constitutional muster, must be generally applicable to all similarly situated groups. But such was not the case with New York’s executive orders.
In other words, religious adherents have the right to equal protection under the law.
“On its face, the 25% indoor capacity limitation applies only to houses of worship,” the judge wrote.
“Indeed, that limitation is the only one of its kind in the tangle of executive orders and the Guidance Document that have been issued in response to the pandemic,” he added.
Meanwhile, offices, shopping malls, retail stores and salons are all permitted to open at 50 percent capacity in “Phase Two.”
The judge concluded that “appropriate injunctive relief here is a restraint on defendants [Cuomo, de Blasio and James] from enforcement of any indoor gathering limitations against plaintiffs greater than imposed for Phase 2 industries and restraint from enforcement of any limitation for outdoor gatherings against plaintiffs.”
Montse Alvarado, executive director for the religious liberty group Becket, praised Sharpe’s decision.
“There’s no First Amendment double standard,” she said in a statement to The Western Journal.
“The judge in the Northern District of New York ruled that Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio can’t treat religious groups worse than everyone else,” Alvarado continued.
“They decided to treat houses of worship worse than non-essential businesses that were at 50 percent capacity. In their minds, religious worship is beneath non-essential gatherings.”
This is a big win for religious freedom. Religious groups are not looking for special treatment during the time of pandemic – they are looking for *equal* treatment. That is what Judge Sharpe’s decision today requires Mayor de Blasio and Governor Cuomo to do. (end) — María Montserrat Alvarado (@Mmontsealvarado) June 26, 2020
“This is a big win for religious freedom,” Alvarado wrote in a tweet following the decision. “Religious groups are not looking for special treatment during the time of pandemic – they are looking for *equal* treatment. That is what Judge Sharpe’s decision today requires Mayor de Blasio and Governor Cuomo to do.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-26--Petition Goes Viral to Rename Columbus, Ohio, to Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri’s Catchphrase

Since the death of George Floyd , protests and riots have popped up in cities all across the United States .
In the midst of the chaos , rioters have begun tearing down historical statues and petitioning to change the names of towns believed to represent racism .
A Columbus , Ohio , resident named Tyler Woodbridge started a petition in the area to have the city ’ s name changed to “ Flavortown ” in honor of a native — celebrity chef Guy Fieri .
“ Even though it ’ s my favorite city , I was always a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 32-year-old Woodbridge told CNN .
Woodbridge , who now lives in Murfreesboro , Tennessee , said the name “ Flavortown ” was more fitting , considering that it ’ s Fieri ’ s well-known catchphrase .
TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker “ The new name is twofold .
For one , it honors Central Ohio ’ s proud heritage as a culinary crossroads and one of the nation ’ s largest test markets for the food industry , ” Woodbridge ’ s Change.org @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guy Fieri was born in Columbus , so naming the city in honor of him ( he ’ s such a good dude , really ) would be superior to its current nomenclature.
” The name change idea came shortly after Mayor Andrew Ginther vowed that the statue of Christopher Columbus outside City Hall would be torn down .
“ For many people in our community , the statue represents patriarchy , oppression and divisiveness .
That does not represent our great city , and we will no longer live in the shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told WTTE-TV .
“ Now is the right time to replace this statue with artwork that demonstrates our enduring fight to end racism and celebrate the themes of diversity and inclusion.
” After Budweiser caught wind of the petition , it began promoting the petition and offering free seltzer to everybody in the area if the campaign results in a name change .
“ Bud Light Seltzer for all of Flavortown if this happens , ” the company tweeted with a link to a news story about the petition .
Columbus residents aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rename their city .
A petition with more than 4,000 signatures was started a few weeks ago to change the name of Lynchburg , Virginia , because of its “ violent , racist , and horrifying connotations.
” However , the town ’ s name wasn ’ t derived from racist values ; it was named after John Lynch , who strongly advocated for the freedom of slaves .
As for the Columbus petition , Guy Fieri has not yet responded .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Since the death of George Floyd, protests and riots have popped up in cities all across the United States.
In the midst of the chaos, rioters have begun tearing down historical statues and petitioning to change the names of towns believed to represent racism.
A Columbus, Ohio, resident named Tyler Woodbridge started a petition in the area to have the city’s name changed to “Flavortown” in honor of a native — celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
“Even though it’s my favorite city, I was always a bit ashamed of the name,” the 32-year-old Woodbridge told CNN.
Woodbridge, who now lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, said the name “Flavortown” was more fitting, considering that it’s Fieri’s well-known catchphrase.
“The new name is twofold. For one, it honors Central Ohio’s proud heritage as a culinary crossroads and one of the nation’s largest test markets for the food industry,” Woodbridge’s Change.org petition reads.
“Secondly, cheflebrity Guy Fieri was born in Columbus, so naming the city in honor of him (he’s such a good dude, really) would be superior to its current nomenclature.”
The name change idea came shortly after Mayor Andrew Ginther vowed that the statue of Christopher Columbus outside City Hall would be torn down.
“For many people in our community, the statue represents patriarchy, oppression and divisiveness. That does not represent our great city, and we will no longer live in the shadow of our ugly past,” Ginther told WTTE-TV.
Should Columbus be renamed to "Flavortown?" Yes No
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“Now is the right time to replace this statue with artwork that demonstrates our enduring fight to end racism and celebrate the themes of diversity and inclusion.”
After Budweiser caught wind of the petition, it began promoting the petition and offering free seltzer to everybody in the area if the campaign results in a name change.
“Bud Light Seltzer for all of Flavortown if this happens,” the company tweeted with a link to a news story about the petition.
Bud Light Seltzer for all of Flavortown if this happens https://t.co/hUMViimR3n — Bud Light (@budlight) June 18, 2020
Columbus residents aren’t alone in their mission to rename their city.
A petition with more than 4,000 signatures was started a few weeks ago to change the name of Lynchburg, Virginia, because of its “violent, racist, and horrifying connotations.”
However, the town’s name wasn’t derived from racist values; it was named after John Lynch, who strongly advocated for the freedom of slaves.
As for the Columbus petition, Guy Fieri has not yet responded.
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westernjournal--2020-06-26--Jerry Nadler Says Antifa Is Imaginary, Gets Savaged by Jim Jordan in Front of Congress

It looks like House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler needs a little reality check .
After all , speaking on the House floor Wednesday , the New York Democrat described the far-left domestic terrorist group antifa , which is currently wreaking havoc in major American cities , as “ imaginary.
” Fortunately , Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan , the Judiciary Committee ’ s ranking Republican , quickly rose to the occasion and set his colleague straight .
“ They couldn ’ t utter the phrase ‘ black lives matter ’ and could barely the subject of police reform , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic-sponsored police reform bill , according to the Media Research Center .
“ Instead , [ Republicans ’ ] amendments — I ’ ve given you about half of them just listed here — were errant nonsense , off-topic , dealing with imaginary things like antifa and completely negating the entire purpose of the bill.
” TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker But Jordan wasn ’ t going to let Nadler make such a blatantly false claim without responding .
“ I can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would utter such a statement on the House floor , ” he said .
Jordan reminded Nadler that an antifa mob beat up Portland-based journalist Andy Ngo , and that President Donald Trump has labeled the anarchist group a domestic terrorist organization .
“ They are far from imaginary , ” Jordan said .
“ And there are people from every major city in this country who know that , and yet the chair of the Judiciary Committee just made that statement .
That is scary !
” The domestic terror label is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American History Are 'Armed Militia of the Democratic Party , ' Says Tucker Carlson A write-up in The Washington Times earlier this month explained the violent , anarchistic group ’ s battle plan in detail : “ What makes the shadowy group unique is its willingness to use of violence , what antifa organizers and sympathizers call ‘ direct ’ action in support of the Marxist-Leninist agenda .
That often involves setting fires , looting , throwing bricks and bottles at police , and in one case the apparent use of a milkshake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opponent in the face.
” Even as the “ direct ” action supported by antifa has become widespread in recent weeks , Nadler still wants to dismiss the group as “ imaginary.
” What planet is he living on ?
Apparently , he ’ s not living on the same planet where the son of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison , the top law enforcement official in that state , has pledged support to antifa .
And he ’ s not living on the same planet where undercover video captured by Project Veritas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antifa group talking to a journalist posing as an antifa recruit about “ destroying your enemy ” and urging him to “ practice things like an eye gouge ” because “ it takes very little pressure to injure someone ’ s eyes.
” Nadler ’ s ignorance of antifa raises the possibility that the congressman agrees with Fox News ’ Tucker Carlson that the left-wing mobs unleashing violence across America are the “ armed militia of the Democratic Party.
” Maybe Nadler believes that if he denies antifa exists , he will never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the actions of this “ armed militia.
” But Nadler and others ’ dismissals of antifa , intentional or not , come at great risk to the country .
As Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs told The Western Journal earlier this week , antifa , along with leaders in the Black Lives Matter movement , “ basically hijacked a peaceful protest … and basically sent the whole country up in flames.
” This horror will continue as long as Nadler and others refuse to call out antifa for what it is : a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reached a fever pitch in the past month , antifa ’ s anarchy started long before the death of George Floyd .
Earlier this year , antifa descended upon downtown Portland , defacing a war memorial , attacking innocent people with metal-tipped umbrellas and pushing a woman into the path of an oncoming car .
Then , just like now , antifa is the farthest thing from “ imaginary.
” Stopping this terrorist group will require the cooperation of leaders on both sides of the aisle at the federal , state and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nadler and other liberals to get out of denial and acknowledge and condemn the nightmare that is antifa .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It looks like House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler needs a little reality check.
After all, speaking on the House floor, the New York Democrat described the far-left domestic terrorist group antifa, which has been wreaking havoc in major American cities, as “imaginary.”
Fortunately, Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the Judiciary Committee’s ranking Republican, quickly rose to the occasion and set his colleague straight.
“They couldn’t utter the phrase ‘black lives matter’ and could barely the subject of police reform,” Nadler said June 25 during debate on a Democratic-sponsored police reform bill, according to the Media Research Center.
“Instead, [Republicans’] amendments — I’ve given you about half of them just listed here — were errant nonsense, off-topic, dealing with imaginary things like antifa and completely negating the entire purpose of the bill.”
.@RepJerryNadler just said #ANTIFA was “imaginary.” Seriously? Tell that to the business owners whose shops were looted and destroyed. pic.twitter.com/o8IVgP9G8I — House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) June 25, 2020
But Jordan wasn’t going to let Nadler make such a blatantly false claim without responding.
“I can’t believe the chairman of the Judiciary Committee would utter such a statement on the House floor,” he said.
“They’re not imaginary. They’re real.”
The Chairman of the Judiciary Committee just called #Antifa “imaginary.” Antifa is real. Ask the journalists they’ve attacked and the owners of businesses they’ve destroyed. pic.twitter.com/KE5KdaOKWH — Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) June 25, 2020
Jordan reminded Nadler that an antifa mob beat up Portland-based journalist Andy Ngo, and that President Donald Trump has labeled the anarchist group a domestic terrorist organization.
“They are far from imaginary,” Jordan said. “And there are people from every major city in this country who know that, and yet the chair of the Judiciary Committee just made that statement. That is scary!”
The domestic terror label is certainly well-deserved.
Are Democrats in denial about the existence of antifa? Yes No
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A write-up in The Washington Times in June explained the violent, anarchistic group’s battle plan in detail: “What makes the shadowy group unique is its willingness to use of violence, what antifa organizers and sympathizers call ‘direct’ action in support of the Marxist-Leninist agenda. That often involves setting fires, looting, throwing bricks and bottles at police, and in one case the apparent use of a milkshake laced with quick-dry cement in attacking an opponent in the face.”
Even as the “direct” action supported by antifa has become widespread in recent weeks, Nadler still wants to dismiss the group as “imaginary.”
What planet is he living on?
Apparently, he’s not living on the same planet where the son of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, the top law enforcement official in that state, has pledged support to antifa.
And he’s not living on the same planet where undercover video captured by Project Veritas showed a member of Portland’s antifa group talking to a journalist posing as an antifa recruit about “destroying your enemy” and urging him to “practice things like an eye gouge” because “it takes very little pressure to injure someone’s eyes.”
Nadler’s ignorance of antifa raises the possibility that the congressman agrees with Fox News’ Tucker Carlson that the left-wing mobs unleashing violence across America are the “armed militia of the Democratic Party.”
Maybe Nadler believes that if he denies antifa exists, he will never have to defend or come out against the actions of this “armed militia.”
But Nadler and others’ dismissals of antifa, intentional or not, come at great risk to the country.
As Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs told The Western Journal, antifa, along with leaders in the Black Lives Matter movement, “basically hijacked a peaceful protest … and basically sent the whole country up in flames.”
This horror will continue as long as Nadler and others refuse to call out antifa for what it is: a domestic terrorist group.
While antifa-spawned terror has reached a fever pitch in the past month, antifa’s anarchy started long before the death of George Floyd.
Earlier this year, antifa descended upon downtown Portland, defacing a war memorial, attacking innocent people with metal-tipped umbrellas and pushing a woman into the path of an oncoming car.
Then, just like now, antifa is the farthest thing from “imaginary.”
Stopping this terrorist group will require the cooperation of leaders on both sides of the aisle at the federal, state and local levels.
It is time for Nadler and other liberals to get out of denial and acknowledge and condemn the nightmare that is antifa.
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westernjournal--2020-06-26--LA Dem Arrested for Alleged Chinese-Linked Bribery, Running ‘Criminal Enterprise’ Through Office

Another day , another Democrat allegedly in bed with China .
On Tuesday , the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar on a Federal RICO charge .
The DOJ alleges Huizar accepted at least $ 1.5 million in illegal bribes from real estate developers in exchange for help securing approvals for large projects in Los Angeles .
According to the Justice Department ’ s complaint , the Democratic city councilman “ operated a ‘ pay-to-play ’ scheme in which real estate developers funneled cash and other benefits to secure favorable treatment.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese developers in particular .
The payments reportedly came in the form of “ cash , political contributions , concert and sports tickets , flights on private jets , stays at luxurious hotels , casino gambling chips , expensive meals , and spa services , ” according to Los Angeles Magazine .
TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker Further , in 2014 , a Chinese billionaire who was looking to build in Huizar ’ s district “ allegedly facilitated the payment of $ 600,000 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit ” that was threatening his 2015 re-election campaign .
Four other defendants have already agreed to plead guilty in the multi-year investigation being conducted by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office .
According to the DOJ , if convicted on the RICO conspiracy charge , Huizar could face up to 20 years in prison .
“ Mr .
Huizar was busy enjoying the fruits of his alleged corruption while his criminal enterprise sold the city to the highest bidder behind the backs of taxpayers , ” Paul Delacourt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI ’ s Los Angeles Field Office , said .
If the allegations are true , Huizar follows in a long line of Democratic politicians involved in China-linked scandals .
The stench of Democratic involvement with the Chinese Communist Party goes all the way back to the Clinton ’ s Chinagate scandal in 1996 .
Back then , investigations exposed how the Democratic National Committee had illegally received foreign donations from China during Bill Clinton ’ s presidency .
The Democratic party got away with their malfeasance then and their corrupt politicians continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even their party ’ s presidential candidate , Joe Biden , is knee-deep in China-tied corruption .
In 2013 , his son Hunter Biden reportedly secured shady business dealings in China with his help .
As the New York Post reported , “ Joe Biden met with Hunter ’ s Chinese partners days before they established a new investment firm.
” RELATED : After Getting Caught Breaking Ethics Rules , Colo. Dem Hickenloooper Finds a Way To Blame GOP Then there was the scandal involving California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein , who reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned out to be a Chinese spy .
If the allegations against Huizar are true , then we can add another Democrat , in this case one with influence in a major U.S. city , to the list of politicians on the illegal Chinese dole .
If you ever wonder why liberals cozy up to communist China , just follow the money .
Yet it is the democrats who repeatedly accuse their opponents of being bought off , usually citing legal campaign donations as evidence .
And , of course , the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last four years obsessed with the idea of “ foreign interference.
” Democrats have been engaging in projection .
The foreign interference is within their own party , yet the left is only sensitive about foreign interference in politics when they can manipulate it to try to get Trump .
Trump is one of the few politicians in the past 30 years to really take on the CCP .
He has fought against China ’ s unfair trade practices and illegal activity .
The Chinese Communist Party should fear him .
Needless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows they don ’ t need to fear Democratic politicians .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Another day, another Democrat allegedly in bed with China.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrest of Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar on a Federal RICO charge. The DOJ alleges Huizar accepted at least $1.5 million in illegal bribes from real estate developers in exchange for help securing approvals for large projects in Los Angeles.
According to the Justice Department’s complaint, the Democratic city councilman “operated a ‘pay-to-play’ scheme in which real estate developers funneled cash and other benefits to secure favorable treatment.”
Huizar allegedly solicited and accepted bribes from Chinese developers in particular.
The payments reportedly came in the form of “cash, political contributions, concert and sports tickets, flights on private jets, stays at luxurious hotels, casino gambling chips, expensive meals, and spa services,” according to Los Angeles Magazine.
Further, in 2014, a Chinese billionaire who was looking to build in Huizar’s district “allegedly facilitated the payment of $600,000 to help the councilman resolve a sexual harassment lawsuit” that was threatening his 2015 re-election campaign.
Four other defendants have already agreed to plead guilty in the multi-year investigation being conducted by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to the DOJ, if convicted on the RICO conspiracy charge, Huizar could face up to 20 years in prison.
“Mr. Huizar was busy enjoying the fruits of his alleged corruption while his criminal enterprise sold the city to the highest bidder behind the backs of taxpayers,” Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said.
Do you think the Democrats can be trusted on China? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (6 Votes) No: 99% (963 Votes)
If the allegations are true, Huizar follows in a long line of Democratic politicians involved in China-linked scandals.
The stench of Democratic involvement with the Chinese Communist Party goes all the way back to the Clinton’s Chinagate scandal in 1996.
Back then, investigations exposed how the Democratic National Committee had illegally received foreign donations from China during Bill Clinton’s presidency.
The Democratic party got away with their malfeasance then and their corrupt politicians continue to get away with it now. Even their party’s presidential candidate, Joe Biden, is knee-deep in China-tied corruption.
In 2013, his son Hunter Biden reportedly secured shady business dealings in China with his help. As the New York Post reported, “Joe Biden met with Hunter’s Chinese partners days before they established a new investment firm.”
Then there was the scandal involving California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who reportedly employed a driver for 20 years who turned out to be a Chinese spy.
If the allegations against Huizar are true, then we can add another Democrat, in this case one with influence in a major U.S. city, to the list of politicians on the illegal Chinese dole.
If you ever wonder why liberals cozy up to communist China, just follow the money.
Yet it is the democrats who repeatedly accuse their opponents of being bought off, usually citing legal campaign donations as evidence.
And, of course, the Democratic Party and its media allies have spent the last four years obsessed with the idea of “foreign interference.”
Democrats have been engaging in projection. The foreign interference is within their own party, yet the left is only sensitive about foreign interference in politics when they can manipulate it to try to get Trump.
Trump is one of the few politicians in the past 30 years to really take on the CCP. He has fought against China’s unfair trade practices and illegal activity. The Chinese Communist Party should fear him.
Needless to say, the Chinese Communist Party knows they don’t need to fear Democratic politicians.
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westernjournal--2020-06-26--Joe Biden Makes Wildly False Claim: 120 Million Have Died from COVID

Former Vice President Joe Biden has always been gaffe-prone .
But over the past year or so , it seems the Democratic presidential nominee ’ s verbal missteps have gotten worse .
He has stumbled through speeches and often made incoherent remarks , leading many people to believe he is showing signs of cognitive decline .
On Thursday , Biden took his proclivity for gaffes to a new level when he claimed that over 120 million people in the United States have died from the coronavirus .
“ People don ’ t have a job , people don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t know what they ’ re going to do , ” he said at an event on health care in Lancaster , Pennsylvania .
“ A lot of people , you have , unnecessarily — now we have over 120 million dead from COVID.
” TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker The actual number is more than 124,000 deaths as of Friday , according to data from Johns Hopkins .
While that is a significant and tragic figure , it is not remotely close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did sound as though Biden was about to correct himself following the gaffe , but the live stream of his remarks froze before those not physically present could hear what he said next .
It wasn ’ t clear why , with Fox News simply reporting that “ the pool video of Biden ’ s comments cuts off after he made the remark.
” In an interview later in the day with Fox host Sean Hannity , President Donald Trump slammed Biden over the gaffe .
“ That ’ s a serious error @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of error because there ’ s something going on , ” the president said .
This is not the first time Biden has cited wildly implausible numbers .
During a debate in February , Biden claimed that over 150 million people have been killed by guns since 2007 — a number which approaches half of the nation ’ s current population of 330 million , as the Washington Examiner pointed out .
( The gaffe looks even sillier when you compare it to the number of deaths from communism in the 20th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be between 85 million and 100 million . )
Meanwhile , Biden said last September that his child tax credit would put “ 720 million women back in the workforce , ” a figure that represents more than double the current U.S. population .
Biden ’ s constant verbal slip-ups are painful to watch .
In fact , a recent Zogby poll found a majority of “ likely voters ” — 55 percent — thought it was more likely than not that Biden had dementia .
RELATED : Joe Biden Announces He Would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Party wants Americans to elect a man who is facing some serious questions about his cognitive state .
At this point , it is very fair to wonder whether Biden is capable of taking on the responsibilities of one of the most important jobs in the world .
Biden is also making radical suggestions about what he would do as president during the pandemic .
The same day as his gaffe about the number of people who have died from the coronavirus , he announced that as president , he would do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans nationwide wear masks while in public .
This would be an obvious overreach of presidential power .
Biden has been making campaign statements throughout this crisis that reveal he has little grasp of the roots of the pandemic .
For instance , after Trump cut off funding to the World Health Organization due to that organization ’ s serious mishandling of the virus , Biden vowed to restore it .
The United States can not afford to have a man like Joe Biden in office .
In addition to legitimate questions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that the policies he supports would hurt this nation , not help it .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Former Vice President Joe Biden has always been gaffe-prone.
But over the past year or so, it seems the Democratic presidential nominee’s verbal missteps have gotten worse. He has stumbled through speeches and often made incoherent remarks, leading many people to believe he is showing signs of cognitive decline.
On Thursday, Biden took his proclivity for gaffes to a new level when he claimed that over 120 million people in the United States have died from the coronavirus.
“People don’t have a job, people don’t have anywhere to go, they don’t know what they’re going to do,” he said at an event on health care in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
“A lot of people, you have, unnecessarily — now we have over 120 million dead from COVID.”
The actual number is more than 124,000 deaths as of Friday, according to data from Johns Hopkins. While that is a significant and tragic figure, it is not remotely close to 120 million.
Now, it did sound as though Biden was about to correct himself following the gaffe, but the live stream of his remarks froze before those not physically present could hear what he said next. It wasn’t clear why, with Fox News simply reporting that “the pool video of Biden’s comments cuts off after he made the remark.”
In an interview later in the day with Fox host Sean Hannity, President Donald Trump slammed Biden over the gaffe.
“That’s a serious error. That’s not a permissible type of error because there’s something going on,” the president said.
This is not the first time Biden has cited wildly implausible numbers.
During a debate in February, Biden claimed that over 150 million people have been killed by guns since 2007 — a number which approaches half of the nation’s current population of 330 million, as the Washington Examiner pointed out. (The gaffe looks even sillier when you compare it to the number of deaths from communism in the 20th century, which historians have estimated to be between 85 million and 100 million.)
Meanwhile, Biden said last September that his child tax credit would put “720 million women back in the workforce,” a figure that represents more than double the current U.S. population.
Biden’s constant verbal slip-ups are painful to watch. In fact, a recent Zogby poll found a majority of “likely voters” — 55 percent — thought it was more likely than not that Biden had dementia.
Do you think Biden has the mental acuity to be president? Yes No
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The Democratic Party wants Americans to elect a man who is facing some serious questions about his cognitive state. At this point, it is very fair to wonder whether Biden is capable of taking on the responsibilities of one of the most important jobs in the world.
Biden is also making radical suggestions about what he would do as president during the pandemic.
The same day as his gaffe about the number of people who have died from the coronavirus, he announced that as president, he would do everything is his power to mandate that Americans nationwide wear masks while in public. This would be an obvious overreach of presidential power.
Biden has been making campaign statements throughout this crisis that reveal he has little grasp of the roots of the pandemic.
For instance, after Trump cut off funding to the World Health Organization due to that organization’s serious mishandling of the virus, Biden vowed to restore it.
The United States cannot afford to have a man like Joe Biden in office. In addition to legitimate questions about his cognitive abilities, it’s clear that the policies he supports would hurt this nation, not help it.
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westernjournal--2020-06-26--Watch: Grandfather in Tears After Grandchildren Visit Nursing Home

Our characters and accomplishments are not created in a vacuum : We are what we are because of those who have gone before us and paved the way , making sacrifices and allowing us to stand on their shoulders and achieve things they dreamed for us .
So when we celebrate major milestones , the people who have helped us succeed are a vital part of our celebrations .
For Vana Ebrahimi and her brother , that included their parents and their grandpa , 86-year-old Hayrik Abnous .
Abnous and his wife moved from Iran to the United States in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s parents followed .
“ For my parents it was a crazy adjustment being in an all-new country , ” Ebrahimi told Good Morning America .
“ They worked seven days a week and did everything they could for us to get the best education .
They sacrificed a lot of themselves for us to be on the right steps.
” TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker Ebrahimi and her brother are first-generation college graduates this year , and they ’ re doing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Ebrahimi with a law degree and her brother with a medical degree .
While their degrees were years in the making , two things happened recently that changed the way the siblings would be able to celebrate their graduations .
First , their grandfather experienced a fall and broke his leg and hip .
He ’ s been on the mend , and is currently living in a nursing home .
“ My grandpa is everyone ’ s rock , ” Ebrahimi said .
“ He ’ s a happy-go-lucky guy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ People tell me I ’ m always smiling and I tell them , ‘ That ’ s my grandpa.
’ It ’ s a special trait we got from him to be able to find the silver lining in everything.
” Second , everything started shutting down .
Graduations were canceled , leaving students to come up with their own ceremonies .
But Abnous taught his grandkids to make the best of things , to always look for the silver lining — so they did , and they made sure to include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just decided since we ’ re both graduating , let ’ s go and surprise him and wear our cap and gowns , ” Ebrahimi told KTLA-TV .
“ It was a big deal for us to include him.
” RELATED : Selfless Widow Donates Kidney to Same Man Who Received Her Late Husband 's Organs A nurse brought Abnous to a glass door so he could see his grandkids in their graduation regalia and share that special moment with them from the safety of the building .
He was elated , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but soon after , tears followed , proving just how much this moment meant to him .
“ It was heartbreaking but cute at the same time , ” Ebrahimi said .
“ It was a surreal feeling for us both .
It ’ s the American dream.
” Ebrahimi knew her grandpa was proud and she was thankful for the opportunity to include him as well as her other family members , knowing that it was because of them that she and her brother were able to get their degrees .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for them , ” she explained .
“ It ’ s nice to feel like we did our part and this is our thank you to them for doing theirs for us .
“ You hear all the stories about their struggles and it ’ s like we did this .
Not just me and my brother … my parents , my grandparents , my family.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Our characters and accomplishments are not created in a vacuum: We are what we are because of those who have gone before us and paved the way, making sacrifices and allowing us to stand on their shoulders and achieve things they dreamed for us.
So when we celebrate major milestones, the people who have helped us succeed are a vital part of our celebrations.
For Vana Ebrahimi and her brother, that included their parents and their grandpa, 86-year-old Hayrik Abnous. Abnous and his wife moved from Iran to the United States in 1989, and three years later Ebrahimi’s parents followed.
“For my parents it was a crazy adjustment being in an all-new country,” Ebrahimi told Good Morning America. “They worked seven days a week and did everything they could for us to get the best education. They sacrificed a lot of themselves for us to be on the right steps.”
Ebrahimi and her brother are first-generation college graduates this year, and they’re doing their families very proud by getting their degrees: Ebrahimi with a law degree and her brother with a medical degree.
While their degrees were years in the making, two things happened recently that changed the way the siblings would be able to celebrate their graduations.
First, their grandfather experienced a fall and broke his leg and hip. He’s been on the mend, and is currently living in a nursing home.
“My grandpa is everyone’s rock,” Ebrahimi said. “He’s a happy-go-lucky guy. He always has a smile on.”
“People tell me I’m always smiling and I tell them, ‘That’s my grandpa.’ It’s a special trait we got from him to be able to find the silver lining in everything.”
Second, everything started shutting down. Graduations were canceled, leaving students to come up with their own ceremonies.
But Abnous taught his grandkids to make the best of things, to always look for the silver lining — so they did, and they made sure to include him in their celebration.
“We just decided since we’re both graduating, let’s go and surprise him and wear our cap and gowns,” Ebrahimi told KTLA-TV. “It was a big deal for us to include him.”
A nurse brought Abnous to a glass door so he could see his grandkids in their graduation regalia and share that special moment with them from the safety of the building.
He was elated, and his big smile said it all — but soon after, tears followed, proving just how much this moment meant to him.
“It was heartbreaking but cute at the same time,” Ebrahimi said. “It was a surreal feeling for us both. It’s the American dream.”
Ebrahimi knew her grandpa was proud and she was thankful for the opportunity to include him as well as her other family members, knowing that it was because of them that she and her brother were able to get their degrees.
“Coming to this country was a tough time for them,” she explained. “It’s nice to feel like we did our part and this is our thank you to them for doing theirs for us.
“You hear all the stories about their struggles and it’s like we did this. Not just me and my brother … my parents, my grandparents, my family.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-26--Congresswoman Makes Reparations Demand on the House Floor: ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us’

Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley appeared to call for reparations for the country ’ s black citizens during a House floor speech Thursday .
The far-left Democrat and member of the self-proclaimed “ squad ” spoke at length about a perceived systemic bias against black Americans .
Pressley , describing the Black Lives Matter movement as a “ mandate ” on all of America , said it is time for the country to “ pay us what you owe us.
” “ I rise today on behalf of every black family that has been robbed of a child , ” Pressley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family member that has been forced to see their loved one lynched on national television .
Driving while black .
Jogging while black .
Sleeping while black .
We have been criminalized for the very way we show up in the world .
Under the harsh gaze of far too many , my black body is seen as a threat , always considered armed , ” she added .
TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker “ Centuries of institutionalized oppression will not be undone overnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ structural as the marble pillars of this very institution , ” Pressley continued .
“ With the power of the pen , we must legislate accountability , dismantle these systems and move in the direction of justice and healing.
” Referring to widespread racial and civil unrest since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minnesota , Pressley appeared to demand reparations for black Americans .
“ There is a rallying cry in communities across the nation .
Black Lives Matter is a mandate from the people , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us what you owe us .
Our black skin is not a crime , it is the beautiful robe of nation builders.
” Pressley has previously expressed support for efforts to defund police departments and to end qualified immunity , which protects police officers from lawsuits .
“ Qualified immunity shields police from accountability , impedes true justice , and undermines the constitutional rights of every person in this country , ” Pressley said in a statement earlier this month .
Pressley ’ s apparent call for reparations , though , might not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress .
RELATED : 'The Squad ' Pushes for Huge Student Loan Cancellation in Next Relief Bill A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted this week found that only one in five respondents said they support using “ taxpayer money to pay damages to descendants of enslaved people in the United States.
” The poll revealed that around 80 percent of Republicans said they were opposed to financial reparations , while roughly a third of Democrats supported reparations .
Only one in 10 white respondents supported the idea , compared to roughly half of black respondent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he is in support of exploring the feasibility of offering financial reparations to both black and Native Americans , Newsweek reported .
“ If , in fact , there are ways to get direct payments for reparations , I want to see it , ” Biden said earlier this month during a virtual conversation with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People .
Pressley was floated as a potential Biden running mate last week by Vanity Fair .
“ I ’ m just following the work and wherever the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planning to run for City Council .
I wasn ’ t planning to run for Congress .
I ’ m just following the work .
So wherever the work takes me , that ’ s where I ’ m going , ” she told the outlet .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley appeared to call for reparations for the country’s black citizens during a House floor speech Thursday.
The far-left Democrat and member of the self-proclaimed “squad” spoke at length about a perceived systemic bias against black Americans.
Pressley, describing the Black Lives Matter movement as a “mandate” on all of America, said it is time for the country to “pay us what you owe us.”
“I rise today on behalf of every black family that has been robbed of a child,” Pressley said.
“On behalf of every family member that has been forced to see their loved one lynched on national television. Driving while black. Jogging while black. Sleeping while black. We have been criminalized for the very way we show up in the world. Under the harsh gaze of far too many, my black body is seen as a threat, always considered armed,” she added.
“Centuries of institutionalized oppression will not be undone overnight, for racism in America is as structural as the marble pillars of this very institution,” Pressley continued.
“With the power of the pen, we must legislate accountability, dismantle these systems and move in the direction of justice and healing.”
Referring to widespread racial and civil unrest since the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minnesota, Pressley appeared to demand reparations for black Americans.
“There is a rallying cry in communities across the nation. Black Lives Matter is a mandate from the people,” she said.
“It’s time. Pay us what you owe us. Our black skin is not a crime, it is the beautiful robe of nation builders.”
Rep. Ayanna Pressley: “Black Lives Matter is a mandate from the people. It’s time — pay us what you owe us. Our Black skin is not a crime. It is the beautiful robe of nation-builders.” pic.twitter.com/48avufRaif — The Hill (@thehill) June 26, 2020
Pressley has previously expressed support for efforts to defund police departments and to end qualified immunity, which protects police officers from lawsuits.
“Qualified immunity shields police from accountability, impedes true justice, and undermines the constitutional rights of every person in this country,” Pressley said in a statement earlier this month.
Pressley’s apparent call for reparations, though, might not find a great deal of support in Congress.
Do you support paying reparations to descendants of former slaves? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (11 Votes) No: 99% (1714 Votes)
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted this week found that only one in five respondents said they support using “taxpayer money to pay damages to descendants of enslaved people in the United States.”
The poll revealed that around 80 percent of Republicans said they were opposed to financial reparations, while roughly a third of Democrats supported reparations.
Only one in 10 white respondents supported the idea, compared to roughly half of black respondent.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he is in support of exploring the feasibility of offering financial reparations to both black and Native Americans, Newsweek reported.
“If, in fact, there are ways to get direct payments for reparations, I want to see it,” Biden said earlier this month during a virtual conversation with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Pressley was floated as a potential Biden running mate last week by Vanity Fair.
“I’m just following the work and wherever the work takes me. I wasn’t planning to run for City Council. I wasn’t planning to run for Congress. I’m just following the work. So wherever the work takes me, that’s where I’m going,” she told the outlet.
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westernjournal--2020-06-26--Dick Morris: Stop the Democratic Filibuster of Police Misconduct Bill

It ’ s time for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to threaten — or invoke — the nuclear option to end the Democratic filibuster of the Republican bill sponsored by Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina to regulate police conduct .
The Democrat-controlled House has already passed a sweeping bill regulating police behavior , but the Republican-controlled Senate has yet to act .
It ’ s not that the Republican Senate majority does not want to pass the bill .
They are blocked from even taking it up by a Democratic filibuster .
Without 60 votes for the bill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will happily lament the shortcomings in the Scott proposal and bemoan the absence of Senate action while they keep the bill from the floor .
George Floyd ’ s death has kindled a sense of urgency in the nation about police brutality .
It ’ s time that McConnell put aside — for the moment — his reverence for Senate tradition and force an end to the Democratic filibuster by a simple majority vote .
TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker The House bill and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibition of chokeholds unless the police officer is in danger .
They also both establish a registry of cops found to have acted abusively in the course of their jobs .
The bills differ in that Scott would not remove the shield against civil liability for police who abuse civilians .
The House bill , that exposes officers to such civil lawsuits , is a terrible idea .
It puts police into the boat as doctors in their vulnerability to trial lawyer-instigated lawsuits .
Without the protection of the equivalent of medical malpractice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers will have to think twice before taking action to protect themselves or the public .
A trial lawyer may be figuratively hiding behind every lamppost whenever a cop has to physically subdue a suspect .
Policing is , after all , inherently dangerous and he measured use of force is an essential ingredient .
How terrible if every time a cop busts a suspect , a potential lawsuit looms over his head .
Good for Connecticut that went further than either party ’ s bill by requiring police to intervene and attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal use of force ” by another officer .
Such a change is needed so that the fabled blue wall of silence does not sanction , in practice , what the law expressly forbids .
Both parties in both houses should incorporate the Connecticut standard in their bills .
RELATED : Dick Morris : Do n't Let Liberal Governors Rip Us Off Meanwhile , the Democrats must not be allowed to make partisan hay from Floyd ’ s death .
The Senate should promptly pass the Scott bill and clear away the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , legislators from each party would reason that half a loaf is better than none and pass compromise legislation .
But in an election year , to paraphrase former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel , the Democratic motto is “ never let a good crisis go to waste.
” 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 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

It’s time for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to threaten — or invoke — the nuclear option to end the Democratic filibuster of the Republican bill sponsored by Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina to regulate police conduct.
The Democrat-controlled House has already passed a sweeping bill regulating police behavior, but the Republican-controlled Senate has yet to act.
It’s not that the Republican Senate majority does not want to pass the bill. They are blocked from even taking it up by a Democratic filibuster.
Without 60 votes for the bill, the Senate cannot act. Democrats will happily lament the shortcomings in the Scott proposal and bemoan the absence of Senate action while they keep the bill from the floor.
George Floyd’s death has kindled a sense of urgency in the nation about police brutality. It’s time that McConnell put aside — for the moment — his reverence for Senate tradition and force an end to the Democratic filibuster by a simple majority vote.
The House bill and the Scott proposal are identical in their prohibition of chokeholds unless the police officer is in danger.
They also both establish a registry of cops found to have acted abusively in the course of their jobs.
(Is this registry akin to that of sex offenders? We need to be sure that a mere accusation is not enough to force an officer onto the list.)
The bills differ in that Scott would not remove the shield against civil liability for police who abuse civilians.
Do you think Mitch McConnell should invoke the nuclear option? 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: 93% (39 Votes) No: 7% (3 Votes)
The House bill, that exposes officers to such civil lawsuits, is a terrible idea. It puts police into the boat as doctors in their vulnerability to trial lawyer-instigated lawsuits.
Without the protection of the equivalent of medical malpractice insurance or deep personal pockets, police officers will have to think twice before taking action to protect themselves or the public. A trial lawyer may be figuratively hiding behind every lamppost whenever a cop has to physically subdue a suspect.
Policing is, after all, inherently dangerous and he measured use of force is an essential ingredient. How terrible if every time a cop busts a suspect, a potential lawsuit looms over his head.
Good for Connecticut that went further than either party’s bill by requiring police to intervene and attempt to stop “unreasonable, excessive or illegal use of force” by another officer. Such a change is needed so that the fabled blue wall of silence does not sanction, in practice, what the law expressly forbids.
Both parties in both houses should incorporate the Connecticut standard in their bills.
Meanwhile, the Democrats must not be allowed to make partisan hay from Floyd’s death. The Senate should promptly pass the Scott bill and clear away the Democratic filibuster blocking it.
In any other season, legislators from each party would reason that half a loaf is better than none and pass compromise legislation.
But in an election year, to paraphrase former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Democratic motto is “never let a good crisis go to waste.”
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--2020-06-26--Mueller Witness, Clinton Campaign Crony Sentenced on Child Sex Crime Charges

A federal judge in Virginia sentenced George Nader , a key witness in the Robert Mueller ’ s investigation of the Trump campaign , to 10 years in prison on Friday on child sex crime charges .
Nader , 61 , pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to trafficking a 14-year-old boy from the Czech Republic for sex in 2000 .
He faced numerous charges for other sex crimes , as well as for helping a business associate funnel illegal campaign contributions to Democrats and the Clinton campaign in order to advance their political and business interests .
Nader ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the special counsel ’ s probe .
The Lebanese-American businessman served as a key witness in the investigation , providing statements to prosecutors about his interactions with Trump campaign advisers and transition officials .
TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker Nader , a longtime adviser to Mohammed bin Zayed , the crown prince of Abu Dhabi , met with Trump officials Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner .
Prosecutors were particularly interested in a January 2017 meeting that Nader attended in the Seychelles between Erik Prince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head of a Russian investment fund .
Nader ’ s assistance to the special counsel did not lead to any charges against Trump associates .
Investigators discovered sexually explicit images on Nader ’ s cellphone after stopping him for questioning in Jan. 2018 in connection with the special counsel ’ s probe .
Prosecutors in Virginia indicted Nader in Apr .
2018 on child pornography charges .
Prosecutors alleged that Nader ’ s phone contained more than a dozen images of minors being sexually abused .
He was arrested on June 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. from overseas , and indicted on additional child sex trafficking charges on July 19 , 2019 .
Prosecutors said in that indictment that Nader had “ a thirty-year history of using his international influence and wealth to obtain minor boys for sex and an unrelenting interest in images of minor boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
” They said that Nader traveled “ frequently ” to Europe in the 1990s and 2000s , “ where he engaged the services of a pimp who introduced him to numerous vulnerable minor boys whom [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cited numerous text messages that Nader exchanged with alleged co-conspirators about trafficking underage boys for sex .
RELATED : ' I 'm Not Going To Be Stopped ' : Graham Defies Dems on Russia Probe Investigation Nader was indicted in the U.S. in 1985 and 1990 on child porn possession charges .
He also served one year in prison in the Czech Republic in 2003 for molesting underage boys .
Despite that sordid past , Nader was able to thrive as a political consultant and adviser to foreign leaders in the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D.C. , indicted Nader and an associate , Lebanese-American businessman Andy Khawaja , in Nov. 2019 on charges that they made $ 3.5 million in illegal contributions to political committees linked to Hillary Clinton .
An indictment in the case alleged that the pair held fundraisers for Clinton and maintained contact with Bill Clinton and Clinton campaign officials .
The indictment does not accuse anyone on the campaign of wrongdoing .
Nader ’ s sentence was the minimum he could receive given his crimes .
According to Politico , Nader ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aloud during Friday ’ s sentencing hearing .
“ It is not right to abuse a child , practically abduct him and destroy him for life , ” the victim said .
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 federal judge in Virginia sentenced George Nader, a key witness in the Robert Mueller’s investigation of the Trump campaign, to 10 years in prison on Friday on child sex crime charges.
Nader, 61, pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to trafficking a 14-year-old boy from the Czech Republic for sex in 2000.
He faced numerous charges for other sex crimes, as well as for helping a business associate funnel illegal campaign contributions to Democrats and the Clinton campaign in order to advance their political and business interests.
Nader’s sex crimes were discovered in connection with the special counsel’s probe.
The Lebanese-American businessman served as a key witness in the investigation, providing statements to prosecutors about his interactions with Trump campaign advisers and transition officials.
Nader, a longtime adviser to Mohammed bin Zayed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, met with Trump officials Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner.
Prosecutors were particularly interested in a January 2017 meeting that Nader attended in the Seychelles between Erik Prince, an informal Trump adviser, and the head of a Russian investment fund.
Nader’s assistance to the special counsel did not lead to any charges against Trump associates.
Investigators discovered sexually explicit images on Nader’s cellphone after stopping him for questioning in Jan. 2018 in connection with the special counsel’s probe.
Are you surprised by this conviction? 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: 13% (482 Votes) No: 87% (3281 Votes)
Prosecutors in Virginia indicted Nader in Apr. 2018 on child pornography charges. Prosecutors alleged that Nader’s phone contained more than a dozen images of minors being sexually abused.
He was arrested on June 3, 2019, after returning to the U.S. from overseas, and indicted on additional child sex trafficking charges on July 19, 2019.
Prosecutors said in that indictment that Nader had “a thirty-year history of using his international influence and wealth to obtain minor boys for sex and an unrelenting interest in images of minor boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct.”
They said that Nader traveled “frequently” to Europe in the 1990s and 2000s, “where he engaged the services of a pimp who introduced him to numerous vulnerable minor boys whom [he] paid for sex.”
Prosecutors cited numerous text messages that Nader exchanged with alleged co-conspirators about trafficking underage boys for sex.
Nader was indicted in the U.S. in 1985 and 1990 on child porn possession charges. He also served one year in prison in the Czech Republic in 2003 for molesting underage boys.
Despite that sordid past, Nader was able to thrive as a political consultant and adviser to foreign leaders in the Middle East.
A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., indicted Nader and an associate, Lebanese-American businessman Andy Khawaja, in Nov. 2019 on charges that they made $3.5 million in illegal contributions to political committees linked to Hillary Clinton.
An indictment in the case alleged that the pair held fundraisers for Clinton and maintained contact with Bill Clinton and Clinton campaign officials. The indictment does not accuse anyone on the campaign of wrongdoing.
Nader’s sentence was the minimum he could receive given his crimes.
According to Politico, Nader’s victim provided a statement that was read aloud during Friday’s sentencing hearing.
“It is not right to abuse a child, practically abduct him and destroy him for life,” the victim said.
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--2020-06-26--Professional Athletes Quit Over Team’s Pro-Trump, Pro-Anthem Tweet and Call It ‘Backhanded Racism’

Apparently , standing up for the national anthem and supporting the president of the United States is “ backhanded racism.
” That is the case , at least , in the minds of several professional softball players .
On June 22 , the players of Scrap Yard Fast Pitch , a professional softball team based out of Conroe , Texas , decided to quit the team because their general manager had published a pro-Trump , pro-national anthem tweet .
TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker Scrap Yard Fast Pitch ’ s official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing a picture of the team standing for the national anthem .
“ Hey @ realDonaldTrump Pro Fastpitch being played live @ usssaspacecoast @ USSSAPride Everyone respecting the FLAG !
” The tweet read .
Upon reading the tweet , Kelsey Stewart , a member of the team , texted her teammate Kiki Stokes that “ I am not going to ever be a part of this organization whatsoever , ” as reported by ESPN ’ s The Undefeated .
Stewart later claimed that the tweet was an example of what she called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , proudly proclaiming to the president that your organization respects the flag is tantamount to making what the outlet described as “ comments on a Black player ’ s natural hair , comments related to economic and social class , comments that result in a double take.
” Stokes , who is black , claimed that the tweet left her “ feeling like I didn ’ t matter.
” After the tweet was shared with all other members of the team , they demanded answers from their general manager , Connie May , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message directed at Trump .
May addressed the team and gave her reasons as to why she felt the tweet was necessary .
As soon as May said the words “ all lives matter , ” Stokes had apparently had enough and left the locker room .
Stokes was soon followed by the rest of her team .
Every player who was in the locker room decided they would never play for Connie May or Scrap Yard Fast Pitch ever again .
The Undefeated ’ s story on the team seemed fully in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was titled “ ‘ We can ’ t be silent ’ : Black voices in softball have begun a culture shift in the sport.
” The story described President Donald Trump as someone “ who has repeatedly voiced his discontent with players who have kneeled during the anthem and has a history of denouncing athletes who have spoken out or peacefully demonstrated to raise awareness of social injustice and police brutality in the United States.
” In reality , Trump and other critics of anthem-kneeling disagree with the assertion that the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flag represents oppression .
Instead , many in opposition to kneeling feel that the flag represents the sacrifices many have made to make America the freest country in the history of the world .
Standing for the flag represents respect for those sacrifices and unity among all Americans .
The man who started the anthem kneeling movement , Colin Kaepernick , believes the flag stands for “ a country that oppresses black people and people of color.
” His reasoning for kneeling is that “ there are bodies in the street and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with murder.
” The fact of the matter is systemic police racism is a myth .
By joining in with Kaepernick and the Black Lives Matter movement , these softball players aren ’ t being brave civil rights heroes .
They ’ re helping spread a lie that ’ s destroying the country .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Apparently, standing up for the national anthem and supporting the president of the United States is “backhanded racism.”
That is the case, at least, in the minds of several professional softball players.
On June 22, the players of Scrap Yard Fast Pitch, a professional softball team based out of Conroe, Texas, decided to quit the team because their general manager had published a pro-Trump, pro-national anthem tweet.
…. I AM HURT … I am disgusted … as a BLACK softball player I DO NOT … DO NOT stand with a statement like this… if you didn’t understand racism and what was going on the last month. This .. THIS IS IT. This is EXACTLY what we’ve been trying to change pic.twitter.com/udoeaSJFwp — Kelsey Stewart (@stewartkels7) June 23, 2020
Scrap Yard Fast Pitch’s official twitter account put out a since-deleted tweet showing a picture of the team standing for the national anthem.
“Hey @realDonaldTrump Pro Fastpitch being played live @usssaspacecoast @USSSAPride Everyone respecting the FLAG!” The tweet read.
Upon reading the tweet, Kelsey Stewart, a member of the team, texted her teammate Kiki Stokes that “I am not going to ever be a part of this organization whatsoever,” as reported by ESPN’s The Undefeated.
Stewart later claimed that the tweet was an example of what she called “backhanded racism.” According to Stewart, proudly proclaiming to the president that your organization respects the flag is tantamount to making what the outlet described as “comments on a Black player’s natural hair, comments related to economic and social class, comments that result in a double take.”
Should professional players stand for the national anthem? Yes No
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Stokes, who is black, claimed that the tweet left her “feeling like I didn’t matter.”
After the tweet was shared with all other members of the team, they demanded answers from their general manager, Connie May, who had been responsible for publishing pro-anthem message directed at Trump.
May addressed the team and gave her reasons as to why she felt the tweet was necessary. As soon as May said the words “all lives matter,” Stokes had apparently had enough and left the locker room.
Stokes was soon followed by the rest of her team. Every player who was in the locker room decided they would never play for Connie May or Scrap Yard Fast Pitch ever again.
The Undefeated’s story on the team seemed fully in support of their decision. The article was titled “‘We can’t be silent’: Black voices in softball have begun a culture shift in the sport.”
The story described President Donald Trump as someone “who has repeatedly voiced his discontent with players who have kneeled during the anthem and has a history of denouncing athletes who have spoken out or peacefully demonstrated to raise awareness of social injustice and police brutality in the United States.”
In reality, Trump and other critics of anthem-kneeling disagree with the assertion that the United States is inherently, institutionally unequal and that the flag represents oppression.
Instead, many in opposition to kneeling feel that the flag represents the sacrifices many have made to make America the freest country in the history of the world. Standing for the flag represents respect for those sacrifices and unity among all Americans.
The man who started the anthem kneeling movement, Colin Kaepernick, believes the flag stands for “a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” His reasoning for kneeling is that “there are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”
The fact of the matter is systemic police racism is a myth. By joining in with Kaepernick and the Black Lives Matter movement, these softball players aren’t being brave civil rights heroes. They’re helping spread a lie that’s destroying the country.
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westernjournal--2020-06-26--Major City Council Unanimously Approves Measure To Abolish Police Department

The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a change to the city charter on Friday to dismantle the police department .
The 12-0 vote is the first step in a process to get the measure on November ’ s ballot for city voters to vote on , The Associated Press reported .
The change comes following protests over the death of George Floyd on May 25 after a police officer knelt on his neck for roughly nine minutes during an arrest .
The proposal next goes to a policy committee before it is passed on to the city ’ s Charter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope that the Charter Commission will recognize the moment that we are in and take our offer of support , however we can provide it , to expedite this process so that voters have a chance to have their voices heard on this important question and this important moment in our city ’ s history , ” Council President Lisa Bender said .
TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker The draft posted online said that the police department would be replaced with a Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which will have responsibility for public safety services prioritizing a holistic , public health-oriented approach.
” The appointed director of the new agency “ will have non-law enforcement experience in community safety services , including but not limited to public health and/or restorative justice approaches.
” The Minneapolis Police and Peace Officers Association said dismantling the police department will create “ an unsafe environment.
” Barry Clegg , the chairman of the city ’ s Charter Commission , said the entire process feels rushed because the proposed amendment would have to be finalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on November ’ s ballot .
“ As I understand it , they are saying , ‘ We are going to have this new department .
We don ’ t know what it ’ s going to look like yet .
We won ’ t implement this for a year , we ’ ll figure it out , ' ” Clegg said .
“ For myself anyway , I would prefer that we figured it out first , and then voted on it.
” Mayor Jacob Frey also said the bill lacks “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only city trying to do away with its police department .
Unarmed social workers in Albuquerque , New Mexico , will be responding to specific 911 calls instead of the police department .
Democratic Mayor Tim Keller announced the creation of Albuquerque Community Safety , which will serve alongside the Albuquerque Police Department and Albuquerque Fire Department , as a “ first-of-its-kind ” department to respond to calls on inebriation , homelessness , addiction and mental health .
Local Minneapolis store owner Don Blyly , whose bookstores were destroyed by arson , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the city ’ s leaders push through a “ sufficiently stupid ” plan .
“ There are legitimate problems with the Minneapolis police , but the way the politicians are going about it is just ridiculous , ” Blyly told the AP .
“ They are pandering to a certain segment of the electorate.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a change to the city charter on Friday to dismantle the police department.
The 12-0 vote is the first step in a process to get the measure on November’s ballot for city voters to vote on, The Associated Press reported.
The change comes following protests over the death of George Floyd on May 25 after a police officer knelt on his neck for roughly nine minutes during an arrest.
The proposal next goes to a policy committee before it is passed on to the city’s Charter Commission for formal review.
“I hope that the Charter Commission will recognize the moment that we are in and take our offer of support, however we can provide it, to expedite this process so that voters have a chance to have their voices heard on this important question and this important moment in our city’s history,” Council President Lisa Bender said.
The draft posted online said that the police department would be replaced with a Department of Community Safety and Violence Prevention, “which will have responsibility for public safety services prioritizing a holistic, public health-oriented approach.”
The appointed director of the new agency “will have non-law enforcement experience in community safety services, including but not limited to public health and/or restorative justice approaches.”
The Minneapolis Police and Peace Officers Association said dismantling the police department will create “an unsafe environment.”
Barry Clegg, the chairman of the city’s Charter Commission, said the entire process feels rushed because the proposed amendment would have to be finalized by Aug. 21 in order to be on November’s ballot.
Do you think this will create more chaos in Minneapolis? 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% (403 Votes) No: 0% (1 Votes)
“As I understand it, they are saying, ‘We are going to have this new department. We don’t know what it’s going to look like yet. We won’t implement this for a year, we’ll figure it out,'” Clegg said.
“For myself anyway, I would prefer that we figured it out first, and then voted on it.”
Mayor Jacob Frey also said the bill lacks “clarity.”
Minneapolis isn’t the only city trying to do away with its police department.
Unarmed social workers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will be responding to specific 911 calls instead of the police department.
Democratic Mayor Tim Keller announced the creation of Albuquerque Community Safety, which will serve alongside the Albuquerque Police Department and Albuquerque Fire Department, as a “first-of-its-kind” department to respond to calls on inebriation, homelessness, addiction and mental health.
Local Minneapolis store owner Don Blyly, whose bookstores were destroyed by arson, said he won’t reopen in Minneapolis if the city’s leaders push through a “sufficiently stupid” plan.
“There are legitimate problems with the Minneapolis police, but the way the politicians are going about it is just ridiculous,” Blyly told the AP. “They are pandering to a certain segment of the electorate.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-26--TikTok Star Dead at Age 16: She ‘Was a Bright Talent’

It ’ s always sad when a young life is lost , but when that life is taken by suicide , it ’ s even more troubling .
An investigation is currently underway to determine more about the death of 16-year-old Siya Kakkar from East Delhi , India .
She was found dead in her home on Thursday .
The young woman was wildly popular on TikTok , with nearly 2 million followers , and she also had an impressive following on Instagram .
Known primarily for her dancing , Kakkar even had some potential music collaborations coming up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , according to the Times of India .
Young people who are very visible online often deal with cyberbullying , and sources close to Kakkar ’ s family told the U.K. Daily Mail that she had been receiving threats .
TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker Kakkar ’ s manager , Arjun Sarin , spoke with her the night before she was found , and said he hadn ’ t noticed anything wrong .
“ This must be due to something personal … work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , according to the Daily Mail .
“ I had a word with her last night for a new project and she sounded normal.
” “ Me and my company Fame Experts manage lots of artists and Siya was a bright talent .
I am heading to her home in Preet Vihar.
” On Thursday , he shared a photo of her with the caption : “ No more words .
You will always be the best artist.
” Kakkar ’ s death has shocked and surprised her fans and followers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impression that she was doing well and had much to look forward to .
“ Before publishing this I spoke to her Talent management agency head Arjun Sarin who just spoke to her last night for a song collaboration and he says she was in a good mood and perfectly alright .
“ Even he has no clue what went wrong that she had to go this way .
You go through her videos and you can she was so good in her content , it ’ s really sad that she chose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depressed please dont do this.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s always sad when a young life is lost, but when that life is taken by suicide, it’s even more troubling.
An investigation is currently underway to determine more about the death of 16-year-old Siya Kakkar from East Delhi, India. She was found dead in her home on Thursday.
The young woman was wildly popular on TikTok, with nearly 2 million followers, and she also had an impressive following on Instagram.
Known primarily for her dancing, Kakkar even had some potential music collaborations coming up and seemed to be generally happy with her life, according to the Times of India.
Young people who are very visible online often deal with cyberbullying, and sources close to Kakkar’s family told the U.K. Daily Mail that she had been receiving threats.
Guys today we loss this angel. Guess heartly who is the murderer. Murderer in the form of cyber bullyer and troller #SiyaKakkar pic.twitter.com/sy5KcSxyzj — Alisha swain (@alishaSwain14) June 25, 2020
Kakkar’s manager, Arjun Sarin, spoke with her the night before she was found, and said he hadn’t noticed anything wrong.
“This must be due to something personal … work wise she was doing well,” he said, according to the Daily Mail.
“I had a word with her last night for a new project and she sounded normal.”
“Me and my company Fame Experts manage lots of artists and Siya was a bright talent. I am heading to her home in Preet Vihar.”
On Thursday, he shared a photo of her with the caption: “No more words. You will always be the best artist.”
Kakkar’s death has shocked and surprised her fans and followers, many of whom were under the impression that she was doing well and had much to look forward to.
“Sad news 16-year-old sweet tik-toker @siya_kakkar died by suicide,” Viral Bhayani, a photographer, wrote on Instagram.
“Before publishing this I spoke to her Talent management agency head Arjun Sarin who just spoke to her last night for a song collaboration and he says she was in a good mood and perfectly alright.
“Even he has no clue what went wrong that she had to go this way. You go through her videos and you can she was so good in her content, it’s really sad that she chose this path. If you are feeling depressed please dont do this.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-26--Alert: House Dems Move To Change US Capital, Create New State with 2 New Dem Senators

The House of Representatives on Friday approved legislation to make Washington , D.C. , the 51st state in the United States by a margin of 232-180 .
The vote was the first time either house of Congress has voted to give the district statehood , The New York Times reported .
The Republican-controlled Senate has no plans to proceed with the proposal , but Democrats are praising the historic vote as a way to give the people of the District of Columbia a voice in Congress .
“ This deprivation of statehood is unjust , unequal , undemocratic and unacceptable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a news conference .
TRENDING : Senior House Democrat Getting Trounced by Ex-Middle School Principal in Primary Shocker Washington , D.C. , Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a Thursday media conference that residents were born in the district without a vote but that they “ will not die here without a vote , ” according to The Hill .
But Republican lawmakers , and anyone with a functioning brain , are seeing the move for exactly what it is : an attempt to pack the House and Senate with more Democratic votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for D.C. statehood last month , declaring that the District “ will never be a state.
” “ You mean District of Columbia , a state ?
Why ?
So we can have two more Democratic — Democrat senators and five more congressmen ?
No thank you .
That ’ ll never happen , ” Trump told the New York Post .
Former Vice President Joe Biden , or someone running his Twitter account , tweeted in support of statehood for D.C on Thursday .
The proposal would give the district statehood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Douglass Commonwealth.
” The country ’ s 51st state would combine the names of President George Washington , a native of Virginia , and Maryland-born abolitionist Frederick Douglass .
The state of Washington , Douglass Commonwealth , would include all of the nation ’ s capital , minus the White House , the Capitol Building , the United States Supreme Court Building and any federal buildings near the National Mall and the Capitol .
The plan will die in the Senate .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned of such an attempt by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pack Congress with more Democrats while appearing on Fox News .
“ They plan to make the District of Columbia a state — that ’ d give them two new Democratic senators — Puerto Rico a state , that would give them two more new Democratic senators , ” he said .
“ So this is full-bore socialism on the march in the House .
And yeah , as long as I ’ m the majority leader of the Senate , none of that stuff is going anywhere , ” McConnell added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Senate floor , where Republicans already have a slim majority , The Washington Post reported .
The move by the Democrat-led House is just another example of how crucial the November election is .
Democrats are salivating about the opportunity to load the House and Senate with more representatives , which would essentially put the GOP on death ’ s door .
An obvious solution to the complaints about those residing in the nation ’ s capital not being represented in Congress would be to grant them citizenship to either Maryland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t about taxation without representation , or voting rights .
It ’ s about loading congress with more Democrats , which is yet another reason why the country must avert a disaster by re-electing Trump , retaining the Senate and taking back the House on Nov. 3 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The House of Representatives on Friday approved legislation to make Washington, D.C., the 51st state in the United States by a margin of 232-180.
The vote was the first time either house of Congress has voted to give the district statehood, The New York Times reported.
The Republican-controlled Senate has no plans to proceed with the proposal, but Democrats are praising the historic vote as a way to give the people of the District of Columbia a voice in Congress.
“This deprivation of statehood is unjust, unequal, undemocratic and unacceptable,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference.
“We think it’s very long overdue … all good Americans should have a vote in the House and in the Senate,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi on DC statehood which the House is set to vote on today. https://t.co/0W4F5ds9WF pic.twitter.com/JnLONQBwNe — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) June 26, 2020
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a Thursday media conference that residents were born in the district without a vote but that they “will not die here without a vote,” according to The Hill.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser: “I was born without representation, but I swear – I will not die without representation. Together, we will achieve DC statehood, and when we do, we will look back on this day and remember all who stood with us on the right side of history.” — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 26, 2020
But Republican lawmakers, and anyone with a functioning brain, are seeing the move for exactly what it is: an attempt to pack the House and Senate with more Democratic votes.
The House is voting tomorrow on a bill to make Washington, D.C. a state. Why? The answer is simple: power. The Democrats want to make Washington a state because they want two new Democratic senators in perpetuity. https://t.co/n7WTdanmDk — Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) June 25, 2020
President Donald Trump commented on calls for D.C. statehood last month, declaring that the District “will never be a state.”
“You mean District of Columbia, a state? Why? So we can have two more Democratic — Democrat senators and five more congressmen? No thank you. That’ll never happen,” Trump told the New York Post.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, or someone running his Twitter account, tweeted in support of statehood for D.C on Thursday.
DC should be a state. Pass it on. https://t.co/xUJ1sud76f — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 25, 2020
The proposal would give the district statehood, and would name it “Washington, Douglass Commonwealth.”
The country’s 51st state would combine the names of President George Washington, a native of Virginia, and Maryland-born abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
Do you support giving the nation's capital statehood? Yes No
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The state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, would include all of the nation’s capital, minus the White House, the Capitol Building, the United States Supreme Court Building and any federal buildings near the National Mall and the Capitol.
The plan will die in the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned of such an attempt by Democrats in the House last year to pack Congress with more Democrats while appearing on Fox News.
“They plan to make the District of Columbia a state — that’d give them two new Democratic senators — Puerto Rico a state, that would give them two more new Democratic senators,” he said.
“So this is full-bore socialism on the march in the House. And yeah, as long as I’m the majority leader of the Senate, none of that stuff is going anywhere,” McConnell added.
For the first time in my memory, I actually agree with Nancy Pelosi: I am the grim reaper when it comes to stopping the Democrats’ socialist agenda. pic.twitter.com/mjQaJUPirb — Leader McConnell (@senatemajldr) June 14, 2019
The Kentucky Republican hasn’t changed his tune.
McConnell will not take up the issue on the Senate floor, where Republicans already have a slim majority, The Washington Post reported.
The move by the Democrat-led House is just another example of how crucial the November election is.
Democrats are salivating about the opportunity to load the House and Senate with more representatives, which would essentially put the GOP on death’s door.
Washington, D.C. has 700,000+ residents—more than some states—but they are denied full representation in Congress. It’s time to grant D.C. statehood. — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 26, 2020
DC statehood will die in McConnell’s Senate after first-ever House passage. But a Democratic trifecta next year could mean real democracy for the HQ of our democracy: https://t.co/bPDrXhTipZ — David Hawkings (@davidhawkings) June 26, 2020
An obvious solution to the complaints about those residing in the nation’s capital not being represented in Congress would be to grant them citizenship to either Maryland or Virginia.
But this isn’t about taxation without representation, or voting rights.
It’s about loading congress with more Democrats, which is yet another reason why the country must avert a disaster by re-electing Trump, retaining the Senate and taking back the House on Nov. 3.
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