westernjournal--2020-12-25--2-Year-Old Discovers the Best Spot for Watching Cartoons

Two years ago , gospel singer Blair Monique Walker was telling the world about a miracle .
Despite having been diagnosed with uterine tumors that would have meant she could never have children , when the time came for her surgery , the tumors were gone .
In May 2018 , her son , Noah , was born .
And , in her latest revelation about Noah , the miracle keeps getting better .
Noah , as with all 2-year-olds , is curious and knows how to get what he wants .
But this took even his mother by surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place inside a basement cabinet where there was a blanket , a stash of snacks and an iPad for cartoons .
Walker shared a video of Noah on social media , and the youngster and his hiding place went viral .
“ Ok you know what ?
Enough is enough an iPad , crackers and coloring book ?
Cabinet in the basement though ?
Y ’ all come get this baby .
I ’ m tired , ” she said in her Facebook post on Nov. 9 .
“ He ’ s hidden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up this way , ” Walker told Fox News .
The video includes a subtle narration by a very happy mom .
“ OK , so we ’ re in our basement .
He thinks nobody knows about his hiding spot , ” she said in the video as she opened the cabinet door to reveal a full-mouth Noah .
“ What are you doing in here , bud ?
” she asked .
“ Wha — what ?
You have the iPad ?
What are you doing ?
” “ Are we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as her daughter helped her understand that Noah would like to resume his serious work .
RELATED : Little Girl 's Letter to Santa Shows the 1 Thing We All Want for Christmas This Year “ He wasn ’ t bothered at all that I found him and actually wanted to continue his alone time in peace , ” Walker said .
She said that her son has not been bothered that his hideout was discovered .
“ He uses it most days , ” Walker said .
“ He brings in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snacks.
” But as with many happy stories these days , hers attracted critics and doubters .
She laid into them in a follow-up post .
“ When we shared our miracle story , many Christians who are supposed to believe in miracles ( go figure ) tried to discredit us and call us liars , ” Walker wrote .
“ I attempted to defend myself on many occasions and only got into arguments .
God told me to be quiet and that He would prove to people that He brought Noah into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That everything had to happen the way it did .
“ Now , almost 3 years later , God put that same little face on display for the entire world to see .
It ’ s not about a ‘ cabinet ’ … .
It ’ s about the joy and reminding people that anything God says is true .
They ’ re even now trying to say we staged the whole thing for likes lol .
I love it lol .
“ I heard that same voice again….God doesn ’ t need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already did it !
!
!
!
!
!
I wish I could share all that is going on behind the scenes but just keep watching… .
The greatest decision I ever made was to follow God even when I didn ’ t understand His plan.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Two years ago, gospel singer Blair Monique Walker was telling the world about a miracle.
Despite having been diagnosed with uterine tumors that would have meant she could never have children, when the time came for her surgery, the tumors were gone. In May 2018, her son, Noah, was born.
And, in her latest revelation about Noah, the miracle keeps getting better.
Noah, as with all 2-year-olds, is curious and knows how to get what he wants. But this took even his mother by surprise.
The boy had set up a place inside a basement cabinet where there was a blanket, a stash of snacks and an iPad for cartoons.
Walker shared a video of Noah on social media, and the youngster and his hiding place went viral.
“Ok you know what? Enough is enough an iPad, crackers and coloring book? Cabinet in the basement though? Y’all come get this baby. I’m tired,” she said in her Facebook post on Nov. 9.
“He’s hidden in cabinets before but never set it up this way,” Walker told Fox News.
The video includes a subtle narration by a very happy mom.
“OK, so we’re in our basement. He thinks nobody knows about his hiding spot,” she said in the video as she opened the cabinet door to reveal a full-mouth Noah.
“What are you doing in here, bud?” she asked. “Wha — what? You have the iPad? What are you doing?”
“Are we disturbing your peace?” Walker asked as her daughter helped her understand that Noah would like to resume his serious work.
The video concluded with Noah waving goodbye.
“He wasn’t bothered at all that I found him and actually wanted to continue his alone time in peace,” Walker said.
She said that her son has not been bothered that his hideout was discovered.
“He uses it most days,” Walker said. “He brings in the same items as before, just different snacks.”
But as with many happy stories these days, hers attracted critics and doubters. She laid into them in a follow-up post.
“When we shared our miracle story, many Christians who are supposed to believe in miracles (go figure) tried to discredit us and call us liars,” Walker wrote. “I attempted to defend myself on many occasions and only got into arguments. God told me to be quiet and that He would prove to people that He brought Noah into this world to make a difference. That everything had to happen the way it did.
“Now, almost 3 years later, God put that same little face on display for the entire world to see. It’s not about a ‘cabinet’…. It’s about the joy and reminding people that anything God says is true. They’re even now trying to say we staged the whole thing for likes lol. I love it lol.
“I heard that same voice again….God doesn’t need my help making something great. He already did it!!!!!! I wish I could share all that is going on behind the scenes but just keep watching…. The greatest decision I ever made was to follow God even when I didn’t understand His plan.”
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Cops Raid Sewage Treatment Plant, Discover What Worker Was Allegedly Bottling as a Drink There

Authorities in Rainsville , Alabama , say they busted an illegal winery operation on Dec. 17 .
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the alleged crime is its location — within the city ’ s wastewater treatment plant .
That ’ s correct : If the allegations are true , then someone had allegedly been fermenting and bottling alcohol in what is likely the filthiest location in the entire city .
On the very same day , the DeKalb County Sheriff ’ s Office released a statement detailing the bust .
“ I want to thank the mayor for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do our job and shut something like this down .
This is definitely one of the biggest operations we ’ ve seen in our county and possibly our state .
A big thanks to the public and their tips against ALL illegal activities , ” Sheriff Nick Weldon said .
“ Once again , it doesn ’ t matter who you are , no one is above the law .
We won ’ t tolerate anyone using their position to hide their illegal actions at the taxpayer ’ s expense .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and narcotics agents moved in and uncovered “ a large illegal winery ” within the Rainsville Waste Water Treatment Plant , the sheriff ’ s office news release said .
According to investigators , the winery appeared to have been in operation “ for a long period of time.
” He announced that a supervisor at the plant had been suspended without pay pending an investigation into his involvement .
WAAY-TV reported that the employee was later identified as Allen Maurice Stiefel , 62 , who had worked at the plant for roughly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with unlawful possession of an illegally manufactured alcoholic beverage , a misdemeanor and use of official position for personal gain , which is a class B felony , ” according to the outlet .
Of the four employees who worked at the plant , Stiefel is alleged to be the only one involved in the illicit activity .
RELATED : Christmas Criminals Know They 're Done for as Santa 's Elf Whips Out a Peacemaker , Reveals He 's an Undercover Cop There are several reasons why this story is disgusting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fermentation is a process that requires sterile environments and equipment .
Praise God that the local authorities were able to shut things down .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Authorities in Rainsville, Alabama, say they busted an illegal winery operation on Dec. 17.
Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the alleged crime is its location — within the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
That’s correct: If the allegations are true, then someone had allegedly been fermenting and bottling alcohol in what is likely the filthiest location in the entire city.
On the very same day, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office released a statement detailing the bust.
“I want to thank the mayor for his cooperation and willingness to allow law enforcement to do our job and shut something like this down. This is definitely one of the biggest operations we’ve seen in our county and possibly our state. A big thanks to the public and their tips against ALL illegal activities,” Sheriff Nick Weldon said.
“Once again, it doesn’t matter who you are, no one is above the law. We won’t tolerate anyone using their position to hide their illegal actions at the taxpayer’s expense.
“God Bless!” his statement concluded.
After receiving an anonymous tip, county investigators and narcotics agents moved in and uncovered “a large illegal winery” within the Rainsville Waste Water Treatment Plant, the sheriff’s office news release said.
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According to investigators, the winery appeared to have been in operation “for a long period of time.”
Rainsville Mayor Roger Lingerfelt held a news conference detailing authorities’ findings, Alabama news site AL.com reported.
He announced that a supervisor at the plant had been suspended without pay pending an investigation into his involvement.
WAAY-TV reported that the employee was later identified as Allen Maurice Stiefel, 62, who had worked at the plant for roughly 15 years.
Stiefel has been “charged with unlawful possession of an illegally manufactured alcoholic beverage, a misdemeanor and use of official position for personal gain, which is a class B felony,” according to the outlet.
Of the four employees who worked at the plant, Stiefel is alleged to be the only one involved in the illicit activity.
There are several reasons why this story is disgusting, the most obvious being the fact that fermentation is a process that requires sterile environments and equipment.
Stiefel’s alleged operation was a disaster waiting to happen.
Praise God that the local authorities were able to shut things down.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Professor Who Went on Strike for Social Justice Hit with Hefty Bill from State Auditor

A University of Mississippi professor who said he did no work for two days as part of a strike to protest racial injustice is being slapped with a bill for that time .
Mississippi State Auditor Shad White first began investigating Ole Miss professor James Thomas in September , after Thomas widely publicized his plans to participate in a so-called “ Scholar Strike ” on Sept , 8 and Sept. 9 , according to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger .
At the time , White said it was his job to “ ensure that no public money is illegally spent , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee who says he is on strike .
“ You ’ ve got a professor that ’ s telling the world that he ’ s engaging in a strike , ” White said .
“ I wanted to make sure , at minimum , he doesn ’ t get paid for those two days he went on strike , and I believe that falls completely under my purview.
” Thomas had advertised his plan to strike through his Twitter account .
But the sociology professor later hedged about his activities while supposedly on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced the results of his investigation .
“ Today my office issued a demand for $ 1,912.42 ( $ 946.74 principal and $ 965.68 interest and investigative costs ) to Prof. James Thomas for his ‘ work stoppage ’ ( his words ) on September 8th and 9th , ” he wrote in a news release .
“ ‘ Concerted work stoppages ’ and strikes are illegal under Mississippi ’ s no-strike law , and paying someone for not working violates Sections 66 and 96 of the state constitution .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not pay someone when they did not provide the good or service they were hired to provide.
” White wrote that the simple fact of the matter is that Thomas did not engage with students as required .
“ Over two days Prof. Thomas ignored every single email from his students , ” he wrote .
“ My agents and I personally read each of those emails .
One student was worried because they were having trouble responding to a writing prompt .
Another could not access a lesson plan online .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time because of a technology problem and worried about getting full credit .
Still another was worried about an assignment and asked if Prof. Thomas would be responding while on Scholar Strike .
There are others .
RELATED : Teacher Thinks He Did Something Wrong , Cries When He Sees What Students Had Planned All Along “ Prof .
Thomas had three classes to teach on those two days , and he did not teach them .
He also told his students , ‘ I will not be responding to emails ’ and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via zoom , including office hours .
.
.
’ In short , he refused to perform his job duties , and his tuition-paying students suffered as a result , ” White wrote .
White pushed back against the claim Thomas made on Twitter that he was working simply because he was thinking .
“ Thinking isn ’ t going to cut it with me .
If an employee of the state auditor ’ s office came to me and said they would not be responding to my emails , they would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be performing audits , they would not be available for calls , they would not be available for meetings , and that this was a work stoppage , but they would be thinking over the next two days , I would not pay them , ” White wrote .
“ The Office of the State Auditor takes Prof. Thomas at his word that he engaged in a work stoppage .
If Prof. Thomas wants to make the argument that he lied and didn ’ t actually engage in a work stoppage , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to spin that yarn now , ” White wrote .
White wrote that Thomas has until the end of the month to pay what he owes the state before the case is sent to the Mississippi attorney general .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A University of Mississippi professor who said he did no work for two days as part of a strike to protest racial injustice is being slapped with a bill for that time.
Mississippi State Auditor Shad White first began investigating Ole Miss professor James Thomas in September, after Thomas widely publicized his plans to participate in a so-called “Scholar Strike” on Sept, 8 and Sept. 9, according to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.
At the time, White said it was his job to “ensure that no public money is illegally spent,” which would cover payments to a public employee who says he is on strike.
“You’ve got a professor that’s telling the world that he’s engaging in a strike,” White said. “I wanted to make sure, at minimum, he doesn’t get paid for those two days he went on strike, and I believe that falls completely under my purview.”
Thomas had advertised his plan to strike through his Twitter account.
I have strong feelings about this – if you have tenure, your #ScholarStrike activity needs to be a work stoppage. Tell your students you’re not working. — James M. Thomas (JT) ? (@Insurgent_Prof) September 6, 2020
But the sociology professor later hedged about his activities while supposedly on strike.
100 percent of my job requires time spent thinking. Thinking before writing. Thinking while writing. Thinking before teaching. Thinking while teaching. If I’m thinking I’m working. — James M. Thomas (JT) ? (@Insurgent_Prof) September 13, 2020
Do you agree with this professor being billed for his "strike"? Yes No
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Earlier this month, White announced the results of his investigation.
“Today my office issued a demand for $1,912.42 ($946.74 principal and $965.68 interest and investigative costs) to Prof. James Thomas for his ‘work stoppage’ (his words) on September 8th and 9th,” he wrote in a news release. “‘Concerted work stoppages’ and strikes are illegal under Mississippi’s no-strike law, and paying someone for not working violates Sections 66 and 96 of the state constitution. It’s simple — the taxpayers of Mississippi cannot pay someone when they did not provide the good or service they were hired to provide.”
White wrote that the simple fact of the matter is that Thomas did not engage with students as required.
“Over two days Prof. Thomas ignored every single email from his students,” he wrote. “My agents and I personally read each of those emails. One student was worried because they were having trouble responding to a writing prompt. Another could not access a lesson plan online. One student could not submit an assignment on time because of a technology problem and worried about getting full credit. Still another was worried about an assignment and asked if Prof. Thomas would be responding while on Scholar Strike. There are others.
“Prof. Thomas had three classes to teach on those two days, and he did not teach them. He also told his students, ‘I will not be responding to emails’ and ‘I will not be holding meetings via zoom, including office hours . . .’ In short, he refused to perform his job duties, and his tuition-paying students suffered as a result,” White wrote.
White pushed back against the claim Thomas made on Twitter that he was working simply because he was thinking.
“Thinking isn’t going to cut it with me. If an employee of the state auditor’s office came to me and said they would not be responding to my emails, they would not be at work, they would not be performing audits, they would not be available for calls, they would not be available for meetings, and that this was a work stoppage, but they would be thinking over the next two days, I would not pay them,” White wrote.
“The Office of the State Auditor takes Prof. Thomas at his word that he engaged in a work stoppage. If Prof. Thomas wants to make the argument that he lied and didn’t actually engage in a work stoppage, then he and his lawyer are free to try to spin that yarn now,” White wrote.
White wrote that Thomas has until the end of the month to pay what he owes the state before the case is sent to the Mississippi attorney general.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Flashback: Police Officer Discovers Young Man Walking to Work, Offers Him Life-Changing Gift

A California police department ’ s act of kindness changed the life of a young man after an officer noticed he walked several hours to and from work .
Jourdan Duncan , who was 18 at the time , walked from his parents ’ house in Vallejo , California , to his job in Benicia .
His commute was a seven-mile journey that the young man took two hours each way , KTVU-TV reported .
Duncan got a job at Pro-Form Laboratories after graduating from high school , working from 3 p.m. to midnight to save for college and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fox News .
He said he made the decision to walk to and from work instead of being a burden on his coworkers .
It was during his walk home from work one night in September 2016 that he encountered Cpl .
Kirk Keffer of the Benecia Police Department .
“ Usually in the industrial area , there ’ s no foot traffic , so it was kind of weird to see someone walking around on foot , ” Keffer told The Washington Post .
He talked to Duncan and learned about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The officer was so impressed by Duncan ’ s hard work and determination that he wanted to help him out , so Keffer asked his department and the Benicia Police Officers ’ Association to purchase a bike for the young man to make his commute easier .
The generosity of the officers didn ’ t stop there .
They started a GoFundMe account for Duncan to raise money for his car and education expenses — and the fundraiser took in more than $ 50,000 in donations .
According to a KTVU follow-up story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used the money to pay for classes at Solano Community College and purchase a 2003 Volkswagen Passat .
The report said Duncan was pursuing a degree in criminal justice with the goal of becoming a California Highway Patrol officer .
“ I ’ m just super proud of him .
He could have went so many different ways with that money , ” Keffer told KTVU .
“ He ’ s got a bright future ahead of him .
I just hope that he continues down this path.
” In a time of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minority communities in America , it is heartwarming to see an entire police department reaffirm its oath to serve and protect the people of the community .
RELATED : Christmas Criminals Know They 're Done for as Santa 's Elf Whips Out a Peacemaker , Reveals He 's an Undercover Cop Residents who know the police are there for them will be more likely to cooperate with law enforcement , making officers ’ jobs easier as a whole .
I applaud Cpl .
Kirk Keffer for his compassion and hope that his act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example to all Americans and especially those in positions of leadership in America today .
The officer took it upon himself to help out a person in need .
He didn ’ t judge Duncan based on his race or creed ; instead , he took the time to listen to a young man and understand his struggles .
The encouraging thing is that Keffer not only listened but also took action to make a positive change in Duncan ’ s life .
That is the kind of leadership we need to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is who we are as Americans when the chips are down .
We are facing challenges in the country today that do not have easy , one-size-fits-all solutions , but we must never allow ourselves to judge someone too quickly regardless of what walk of life we come from .
It ’ s the profound acts of kindness such as the deeds of the Benicia police officers that will make a real change in this county .
Who knows what impact Duncan will have on his community , all because the local police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help him ?
Compassion toward our neighbor is what will heal our country , not some law or decree of the government .
That is what protecting and serving looks like , and I hope that this spark of genuine kindness will lead to a revolution of love and mutual respect between law enforcement officers and the people in their communities .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A California police department’s act of kindness changed the life of a young man after an officer noticed he walked several hours to and from work.
Jourdan Duncan, who was 18 at the time, walked from his parents’ house in Vallejo, California, to his job in Benicia. His commute was a seven-mile journey that the young man took two hours each way, KTVU-TV reported.
Duncan got a job at Pro-Form Laboratories after graduating from high school, working from 3 p.m. to midnight to save for college and to repair his broken-down car, according to Fox News.
He said he made the decision to walk to and from work instead of being a burden on his coworkers.
It was during his walk home from work one night in September 2016 that he encountered Cpl. Kirk Keffer of the Benecia Police Department.
“Usually in the industrial area, there’s no foot traffic, so it was kind of weird to see someone walking around on foot,” Keffer told The Washington Post.
He talked to Duncan and learned about the long walks to and from work.
The officer was so impressed by Duncan’s hard work and determination that he wanted to help him out, so Keffer asked his department and the Benicia Police Officers’ Association to purchase a bike for the young man to make his commute easier.
The generosity of the officers didn’t stop there. They started a GoFundMe account for Duncan to raise money for his car and education expenses — and the fundraiser took in more than $50,000 in donations.
According to a KTVU follow-up story in February 2017, the young man used the money to pay for classes at Solano Community College and purchase a 2003 Volkswagen Passat.
The report said Duncan was pursuing a degree in criminal justice with the goal of becoming a California Highway Patrol officer.
“I’m just super proud of him. He could have went so many different ways with that money,” Keffer told KTVU. “He’s got a bright future ahead of him. I just hope that he continues down this path.”
In a time of great tension between the law enforcement and minority communities in America, it is heartwarming to see an entire police department reaffirm its oath to serve and protect the people of the community.
Residents who know the police are there for them will be more likely to cooperate with law enforcement, making officers’ jobs easier as a whole.
I applaud Cpl. Kirk Keffer for his compassion and hope that his act of incredible kindness would serve as an example to all Americans and especially those in positions of leadership in America today.
The officer took it upon himself to help out a person in need. He didn’t judge Duncan based on his race or creed; instead, he took the time to listen to a young man and understand his struggles.
The encouraging thing is that Keffer not only listened but also took action to make a positive change in Duncan’s life.
That is the kind of leadership we need to see, and I would also argue that is who we are as Americans when the chips are down.
We are facing challenges in the country today that do not have easy, one-size-fits-all solutions, but we must never allow ourselves to judge someone too quickly regardless of what walk of life we come from.
It’s the profound acts of kindness such as the deeds of the Benicia police officers that will make a real change in this county.
Who knows what impact Duncan will have on his community, all because the local police went beyond their call of duty to help him?
Compassion toward our neighbor is what will heal our country, not some law or decree of the government.
That is what protecting and serving looks like, and I hope that this spark of genuine kindness will lead to a revolution of love and mutual respect between law enforcement officers and the people in their communities.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-12-25--AOC Complains About Abortion Law, NFL Star Steps In and Shuts Her Down with Lesson About ‘Simple Bio

AOC Complains About Abortion Law, NFL Star Steps In and Shuts Her Down with Lesson About ‘Simple Biology’

As the nation prepares to seat a new Congress — and potentially a new president with virtually no backbone — voters can expect radical Democrats like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her ilk to ramp up their attacks on pro-life politicians and organizations that seek to protect the unborn .
AOC , who is entering her second congressional term in 2021 , is one of the self-proclaimed leaders of far-left House members .
The democratic socialist is also an ardent supporter of unfettered abortion access and goes knives-out when anyone dares attempt to initiate sane policies that protect unborn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law of a pro-life Georgia bill that sought to provide greater protections for infants with beating hearts provoked vile outburst from AOC .
Dubbed the “ heartbeat bill , ” the measure — which was later struck down by a federal judge who deemed it unconstitutional , according to ABC News — would have stopped abortions from happening upon detection of a heartbeat in unborn infants , which can occur as early as six weeks after conception .
In May 2019 , AOC called the law “ a brutal form of oppression.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their sexuality , it threatens a core element underpinning right-wing ideology : patriarchy , ” she tweeted .
“ It ’ s a brutal form of oppression to seize control of the 1 essential thing a person should command : their own body.
” About a week earlier , Ocasio-Cortez had declared the bill the work of men who only view women as objects of sexual desire .
“ Most of the men writing these bills don ’ t know the first thing about a woman ’ s body outside of the things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted , referring to the bill as “ a backdoor ban ” on abortion .
RELATED : Candace Owens Issues Challenge to AOC After Rare Agreement on COVID Bill Soon after that tweet , Benjamin Watson , an outspoken Christian NFL player who has since retired , took AOC to task for her blatant rejection of simple and sensible protections for unborn infants in Georgia .
Watson , who played for the University of Georgia in college , educated AOC on the science of the matter , tweeting : “ Actually his or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times a minute at 6 weeks .
Simple biology that has nothing to do with the sex of the individual writing legislation.
” Watson ’ s post highlights the insanity of AOC blaming men for promoting sensible laws that reasonably protect unborn infants .
He also made a great point in response to a tweet from his former teammate on the New Orleans Saints , Jonathan Vilma .
“ Will you tell me what you mean by her making decisions about ‘ her body ?
” ” Watson asked .
“ Are you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or both ?
” The subtext of that tweet was unmistakable , and 100 percent accurate : Rabidly pro-abortion activists only consider the mother ’ s viewpoint and never the unborn infant ’ s .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As the nation prepares to seat a new Congress — and potentially a new president with virtually no backbone — voters can expect radical Democrats like New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her ilk to ramp up their attacks on pro-life politicians and organizations that seek to protect the unborn.
AOC, who is entering her second congressional term in 2021, is one of the self-proclaimed leaders of far-left House members.
The democratic socialist is also an ardent supporter of unfettered abortion access and goes knives-out when anyone dares attempt to initiate sane policies that protect unborn children.
The May 2019 signing into law of a pro-life Georgia bill that sought to provide greater protections for infants with beating hearts provoked vile outburst from AOC.
Dubbed the “heartbeat bill,” the measure — which was later struck down by a federal judge who deemed it unconstitutional, according to ABC News — would have stopped abortions from happening upon detection of a heartbeat in unborn infants, which can occur as early as six weeks after conception.
In May 2019, AOC called the law “a brutal form of oppression.”
Ultimately, this is about women’s power. When women are in control of their sexuality, it threatens a core element underpinning right-wing ideology: patriarchy. It’s a brutal form of oppression to seize control of the 1 essential thing a person should command: their own body. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 16, 2019
“When women are in control of their sexuality, it threatens a core element underpinning right-wing ideology: patriarchy,” she tweeted. “It’s a brutal form of oppression to seize control of the 1 essential thing a person should command: their own body.”
Should infants with beating hearts be protected from abortion? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (3724 Votes) No: 1% (30 Votes)
About a week earlier, Ocasio-Cortez had declared the bill the work of men who only view women as objects of sexual desire.
(She apparently decided to ignore the fact that the bill was sponsored by equal numbers of male and female lawmakers.)
“Most of the men writing these bills don’t know the first thing about a woman’s body outside of the things they want from it,” AOC tweeted, referring to the bill as “a backdoor ban” on abortion.
“6 weeks pregnant” = 2 weeks late on your period. Most of the men writing these bills don’t know the first thing about a woman’s body outside of the things they want from it. It’s relatively common for a woman to have a late period + not be pregnant. So this is a backdoor ban. https://t.co/xWd9GAj51b — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 8, 2019
Soon after that tweet, Benjamin Watson, an outspoken Christian NFL player who has since retired, took AOC to task for her blatant rejection of simple and sensible protections for unborn infants in Georgia.
Watson, who played for the University of Georgia in college, educated AOC on the science of the matter, tweeting: “Actually his or her heart is beating 100 to 160 times a minute at 6 weeks. Simple biology that has nothing to do with the sex of the individual writing legislation.”
Actually his or her heart is beating 100 to 160 times a minute at 6 weeks. Simple biology that has nothing to do with the sex of the individual writing legislation. https://t.co/aenMU9slNk — Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) May 8, 2019
Watson’s post highlights the insanity of AOC blaming men for promoting sensible laws that reasonably protect unborn infants.
He also made a great point in response to a tweet from his former teammate on the New Orleans Saints, Jonathan Vilma.
“Will you tell me what you mean by her making decisions about ‘her body?”” Watson asked.
“Are you referring to her body or the baby or both?”
I respect your opinion 100.
Before I respond, will you tell me what you mean by her making decisions about “her body”?
Are you referring to her body or the baby or both? — Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) May 9, 2019
The subtext of that tweet was unmistakable, and 100 percent accurate: Rabidly pro-abortion activists only consider the mother’s viewpoint and never the unborn infant’s.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Top 10 Viral Food Trends of 2020

Top 10 Viral Food Trends of 2020

Despite its growing reputation for strange and alarming content , TikTok might just come in handy for culinary artists this holiday season , as unique cooking challenges and creative recipes are pushed into the limelight across the app .
Chefs in particular have embraced the app as a successful marketing platform , and the growing community of foodies on the forum is almost unparalleled .
On Dec. 2 , the video-sharing platform released “ The Year on TikTok : Top 100 , ” an extensive list of the best viral moments from 2020 .
Punctuating the list were several of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trends during COVID-19 .
Here are the top 10 food-related “ recipes , trends , and hacks ” submitted by popular creators this year : Chef and cookbook author , My Nguyen , got creative on TikTok in May with her recipe for “ pancake cereal , ” putting her own twist on the phenomenon with strawberry flavoring .
Combining pancake mix and strawberry Nesquik , she cooked up over 100 mini pancakes and placed them in a bowl with fresh berries , maple syrup and absolutely no milk .
What a dish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coffee , regularly sharing new tips and tricks for making the fan-favorite morning drink .
A June video showed Vivian starting with whipped cream at the bottom of a cup , then adding ice , coffee and milk to create the perfect whipped coffee .
We haven ’ t seen this order before !
Vivian ’ s upside-down approach to coffee earned her over 570,000 likes .
RELATED : 2-Year-Old Discovers the Best Spot for Watching Cartoons Shereen Pavlides is also part of the TikTok culinary community , having risen to international fame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own cookbook , “ Cooking with Shereen , ” set to come out in June 2021 .
In a viral video from March , which gained 4.3 million likes , Shereen exhibited her baking skills and whipped up her classic banana bread .
Her tip ?
Use browned bananas and mix your flour in gradually — the end result is mouthwatering .
In February , an account for barbecue lovers shared a satisfying way to de-bone a slab of meat in a tantalizing video .
The chef simply reached into a perfectly-smoked piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bone and carefully wiggled it out of the dish to preserve every scrap of meat possible .
Can it really be that easy ?
Shay and Stephanie , co-owners of the Miami-based food blog SoFloFooodie , made the list with another “ cerealized ” recipe : their how-to video for doughnut cereal .
After cutting out mini donuts and frying them , the bloggers glazed and decorated the tiny pastries before placing them into a bowl with milk .
Doughnut lovers , rejoice !
In his element judging food , celebrity chef @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s viral video showing her attempt to make his gnocchi recipe .
Holly Anna peeled the potatoes before placing them in a pot to boil , prompting her father to joke , “ Shame on you , Holly ” for not cooking them properly .
All things considered , though , the finished product looks quite tasty .
Janelle Rohner is also a cookbook author , known for her unique recipes catered to the ketogenic diet — a low carb , high fat regimen shown by several studies to be a fantastic way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their health .
In late August , Rohner put all her viewers on to a new “ keto ” creation : bell pepper topped with cream cheese and pepperoni .
The video got 1.7 million likes and nearly 1,000 comments , serving as a simple reminder that healthy food can also be delicious !
Cold Stone Creamery worker Dylan Lemay likes to showcase his dessert-making talents on TikTok , and one of his videos gained nearly 8 million likes in September .
Dylan created a special cake for a customer ’ s birthday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vanilla ice cream with crushed peanut butter cups , chocolate chips and peanut butter filling .
Yes , please .
The youngest ever MasterChef finalist completely blew his TikTok audience away in September when he made chocolate… from scratch .
Nick DiGiovanni showed fans how to toast cacao pods , then mix them with sugar to make chocolate from the comfort of their own homes .
Mind = blown .
This one is for all the Nutella fans .
Popular TikTok creator Joshua Weissman loves making videos that educate viewers on how best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kitchens , rivaling even the taste of America ’ s favorite food brands .
Chopping up hazelnuts and mixing them with chocolate , Weissman claimed in an August video that his Nutella recipe would save his viewers in the event that store shelves “ go blank again.
” For all of its faults , it looks like TikTok is pumping out some quality culinary content , along with its somewhat unusual videos .
We ’ re looking forward to seeing what unique food trends 2021 brings !
We are committed to truth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read our editorial standards .

Despite its growing reputation for strange and alarming content, TikTok might just come in handy for culinary artists this holiday season, as unique cooking challenges and creative recipes are pushed into the limelight across the app.
Chefs in particular have embraced the app as a successful marketing platform, and the growing community of foodies on the forum is almost unparalleled.
On Dec. 2, the video-sharing platform released “The Year on TikTok: Top 100,” an extensive list of the best viral moments from 2020. Punctuating the list were several of TikTok’s biggest and best food trends during COVID-19.
Here are the top 10 food-related “recipes, trends, and hacks” submitted by popular creators this year:
1. Pancake Cereal
Chef and cookbook author, My Nguyen, got creative on TikTok in May with her recipe for “pancake cereal,” putting her own twist on the phenomenon with strawberry flavoring.
Combining pancake mix and strawberry Nesquik, she cooked up over 100 mini pancakes and placed them in a bowl with fresh berries, maple syrup and absolutely no milk. What a dish.
2. Whipped Coffee
TikTok user Vivian really likes her coffee, regularly sharing new tips and tricks for making the fan-favorite morning drink.
A June video showed Vivian starting with whipped cream at the bottom of a cup, then adding ice, coffee and milk to create the perfect whipped coffee.
We haven’t seen this order before! Vivian’s upside-down approach to coffee earned her over 570,000 likes.
3. Banana Bread
Shereen Pavlides is also part of the TikTok culinary community, having risen to international fame on the platform and since authored her own cookbook, “Cooking with Shereen,” set to come out in June 2021.
Have you tried out any unique food trends this year? 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: 0% (0 Votes) No: 100% (7 Votes)
In a viral video from March, which gained 4.3 million likes, Shereen exhibited her baking skills and whipped up her classic banana bread.
Her tip? Use browned bananas and mix your flour in gradually — the end result is mouthwatering.
4. BBQ Heaven
In February, an account for barbecue lovers shared a satisfying way to de-bone a slab of meat in a tantalizing video.
The chef simply reached into a perfectly-smoked piece of meat to grab the edge of the bone and carefully wiggled it out of the dish to preserve every scrap of meat possible. Can it really be that easy?
5. Doughnut Cereal
Shay and Stephanie, co-owners of the Miami-based food blog SoFloFooodie, made the list with another “cerealized” recipe: their how-to video for doughnut cereal.
After cutting out mini donuts and frying them, the bloggers glazed and decorated the tiny pastries before placing them into a bowl with milk. Doughnut lovers, rejoice!
6. Ramsey Reacts to Potato Gnocchi
In his element judging food, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay reacted to his daughter’s viral video showing her attempt to make his gnocchi recipe.
Holly Anna peeled the potatoes before placing them in a pot to boil, prompting her father to joke, “Shame on you, Holly” for not cooking them properly. All things considered, though, the finished product looks quite tasty.
7. Cream Cheese and Bell Peppers
Janelle Rohner is also a cookbook author, known for her unique recipes catered to the ketogenic diet — a low carb, high fat regimen shown by several studies to be a fantastic way for dieters to lose weight and improve their health.
In late August, Rohner put all her viewers on to a new “keto” creation: bell pepper topped with cream cheese and pepperoni. The video got 1.7 million likes and nearly 1,000 comments, serving as a simple reminder that healthy food can also be delicious!
8. Ice Cream Cake
Cold Stone Creamery worker Dylan Lemay likes to showcase his dessert-making talents on TikTok, and one of his videos gained nearly 8 million likes in September.
Dylan created a special cake for a customer’s birthday — a masterful chocolate cake that featured vanilla ice cream with crushed peanut butter cups, chocolate chips and peanut butter filling. Yes, please.
9. Chocolate… from Scratch
The youngest ever MasterChef finalist completely blew his TikTok audience away in September when he made chocolate… from scratch.
Nick DiGiovanni showed fans how to toast cacao pods, then mix them with sugar to make chocolate from the comfort of their own homes. Mind = blown.
10. DIY Hazelnut Spread
This one is for all the Nutella fans.
Popular TikTok creator Joshua Weissman loves making videos that educate viewers on how best to make store-bought food in their own kitchens, rivaling even the taste of America’s favorite food brands.
Chopping up hazelnuts and mixing them with chocolate, Weissman claimed in an August video that his Nutella recipe would save his viewers in the event that store shelves “go blank again.”
For all of its faults, it looks like TikTok is pumping out some quality culinary content, along with its somewhat unusual videos. We’re looking forward to seeing what unique food trends 2021 brings!
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--After More Than 50 Years, Zodiac Killer Mystery Cipher Finally Solved

For two years in the late 1960s , San Francisco residents were gripped in fear .
There was a killer on the loose who kept sending out coded letters intended to torment the police and the victim ’ s families and friends .
He was called the Zodiac Killer .
Although law enforcement attributed five murders to him , he claimed to have killed as many as 37 people , according to CNN .
One of the Zodiac Killer ’ s cryptic messages — a complex combination of numbers , letters and images — has been a mystery for 51 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — that is , until now .
An international group of amateur sleuths announced this month that they have finally determined the serial killer ’ s message .
The trio consisted of David Oranchak , a software developer in Virginia ; Jarl Van Eycke , a computer programmer in Belgium ; and Sam Blake , a mathematician in Australia .
Oranchak , who had been working on the puzzle for 14 years , posted a video about the discovery on Dec. 11 .
TRENDING : 'It 's Like Wearing Your Underwear ' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mandates in Interview It wasn ’ t easy to break the code , and that was by design .
Police believe the Zodiac Killer sent out four coded messages .
One of them was deciphered by a Bay Area couple in 1969 , according to the San Francisco Chronicle .
Its message : “ I like killing because it is so much fun.
” The three men who cracked the second message found things not nearly as easy .
The “ 340 cipher , ” named for the message ’ s 340 characters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a lot of patience — to decipher .
Over 650,000 variations of phrases and word combinations were tried before a few started to repeat , such as “ gas chamber ” and “ trying to catch me , ” the Chronicle reported .
Here ’ s the message , with no punctuation and with the word “ paradise ” misspelled : “ I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING LOTS OF FUN IN TRYING TO CATCH ME THAT WASNT ME ON THE TV SHOW WHICH BRINGS UP A POINT ABOUT ME I AM NOT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WILL SEND ME TO PARADICE ALL THE SOONER BECAUSE I NOW HAVE ENOUGH SLAVES TO WORK FOR ME WHERE EVERYONE ELSE HAS NOTHING WHEN THEY REACH PARADICE SO THEY ARE AFRAID OF DEATH I AM NOT AFRAID BECAUSE I KNOW THAT MY NEW LIFE IS LIFE WILL BE AN EASY ONE IN PARADICE DEATH.
” According to the Chronicle , the TV show referenced apparently was Jim Dunbar ’ s “ AM San Francisco ” on KGO-TV , a popular Bay Area talk show that the killer was believed to have called into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
RELATED : California Rolls Out COVID Tracking System That Uses Residents ' Smart Phones The FBI said in a statement Dec. 11 that it received the work product from the amateur sleuths and agreed with the outcome of their efforts .
The bureau ’ s San Francisco office said it would not comment further “ out of respect for the victims and their families.
” “ The Zodiac Killer case remains an ongoing investigation for the FBI San Francisco division and our local law enforcement partners , ” it said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern California and even though decades have gone by , we continue to seek justice for the victims of these brutal crimes.
” Two victims were able to escape , and they combined their efforts on a sketch of the killer .
He is believed to be a white man who sought publicity for his crimes .
In a number of letters to area newspapers , he said he would kill more people if they didn ’ t print his coded messages .
The killer , who identified himself to the media as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ messages and taunts to the media and law enforcement for at least four more years .
But all communications appeared to stop in 1974 .
While Oranchak said on his YouTube channel that he was excited to have cracked the code , he didn ’ t think its message would be useful to law enforcement because it didn ’ t include any personal information .
“ The message in that cipher — I don ’ t see it as being helpful to them , ” he said .
“ It ’ s more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liked to write about .
It ’ s just intended to hurt people and make them afraid.
” However , one of the other team members said the feat is still significant .
“ It ’ s considered one of the holy grails of cryptography , ” Blake told The New York Times .
“ At the time , the cipher had resisted attacks for 50 years , so any attempts to find a solution was truly a moonshot.
” The three-man team is not as hopeful that it will see a similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those messages don ’ t include as much information , and that makes it more difficult to find repeating phrases that might make it easier to solve .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

For two years in the late 1960s, San Francisco residents were gripped in fear. There was a killer on the loose who kept sending out coded letters intended to torment the police and the victim’s families and friends. He was called the Zodiac Killer.
Although law enforcement attributed five murders to him, he claimed to have killed as many as 37 people, according to CNN.
One of the Zodiac Killer’s cryptic messages — a complex combination of numbers, letters and images — has been a mystery for 51 years. No one could decipher it — that is, until now.
An international group of amateur sleuths announced this month that they have finally determined the serial killer’s message. The trio consisted of David Oranchak, a software developer in Virginia; Jarl Van Eycke, a computer programmer in Belgium; and Sam Blake, a mathematician in Australia.
Oranchak, who had been working on the puzzle for 14 years, posted a video about the discovery on Dec. 11.
It wasn’t easy to break the code, and that was by design.
Police believe the Zodiac Killer sent out four coded messages. One of them was deciphered by a Bay Area couple in 1969, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Its message: “I like killing because it is so much fun.”
The three men who cracked the second message found things not nearly as easy.
The “340 cipher,” named for the message’s 340 characters, needed complicated encryption computer software — and a lot of patience — to decipher.
Over 650,000 variations of phrases and word combinations were tried before a few started to repeat, such as “gas chamber” and “trying to catch me,” the Chronicle reported.
Here’s the message, with no punctuation and with the word “paradise” misspelled:
“I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING LOTS OF FUN IN TRYING TO CATCH ME THAT WASNT ME ON THE TV SHOW WHICH BRINGS UP A POINT ABOUT ME I AM NOT AFRAID OF THE GAS CHAMBER BECAUSE IT WILL SEND ME TO PARADICE ALL THE SOONER BECAUSE I NOW HAVE ENOUGH SLAVES TO WORK FOR ME WHERE EVERYONE ELSE HAS NOTHING WHEN THEY REACH PARADICE SO THEY ARE AFRAID OF DEATH I AM NOT AFRAID BECAUSE I KNOW THAT MY NEW LIFE IS LIFE WILL BE AN EASY ONE IN PARADICE DEATH.”
According to the Chronicle, the TV show referenced apparently was Jim Dunbar’s “AM San Francisco” on KGO-TV, a popular Bay Area talk show that the killer was believed to have called into weeks before the letter was sent out.
The FBI said in a statement Dec. 11 that it received the work product from the amateur sleuths and agreed with the outcome of their efforts.
The bureau’s San Francisco office said it would not comment further “out of respect for the victims and their families.”
“The Zodiac Killer case remains an ongoing investigation for the FBI San Francisco division and our local law enforcement partners,” it said.
“The Zodiac Killer terrorized multiple communities across Northern California and even though decades have gone by, we continue to seek justice for the victims of these brutal crimes.”
Two victims were able to escape, and they combined their efforts on a sketch of the killer. He is believed to be a white man who sought publicity for his crimes.
In a number of letters to area newspapers, he said he would kill more people if they didn’t print his coded messages.
The killer, who identified himself to the media as “Zodiac,” continued to send messages and taunts to the media and law enforcement for at least four more years. But all communications appeared to stop in 1974.
While Oranchak said on his YouTube channel that he was excited to have cracked the code, he didn’t think its message would be useful to law enforcement because it didn’t include any personal information.
Do you think the Zodiac Killer will ever be identified? 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: 35% (16 Votes) No: 65% (30 Votes)
“The message in that cipher — I don’t see it as being helpful to them,” he said. “It’s more of the same junk that the killer liked to write about. It’s just intended to hurt people and make them afraid.”
However, one of the other team members said the feat is still significant.
“It’s considered one of the holy grails of cryptography,” Blake told The New York Times. “At the time, the cipher had resisted attacks for 50 years, so any attempts to find a solution was truly a moonshot.”
The three-man team is not as hopeful that it will see a similar result with the final two cryptographs. Those messages don’t include as much information, and that makes it more difficult to find repeating phrases that might make it easier to solve.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Flashback: Teacher Sues School Board After Being Fired – He Refused To Compromise on Trans Pronouns

Transgender ideology has been brought to the front lines of the cultural battleground again this winter , as “ X-Men ” actress Ellen Page announced her gender transition and author Abigail Shrier ’ s book was temporarily pulled from shelves due to its gender normative ideals .
The topic has been a social landmine in recent years , as an increasingly progressive American left moves to ostracize those who still hold a traditional view of gender and sexuality .
Such was the case in 2019 for Virginia high school teacher Peter Vlaming .
Vlaming filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after school officials fired him in 2018 for refusing to use male pronouns for a transgender student , according to CNN .
Two years ago , the female student and her mother submitted a request that staff and students refer to her using only male pronouns ( he , him , his ) .
TRENDING : 'It 's Like Wearing Your Underwear ' on Your Face : Sen. Paul Blasts Mask Mandates in Interview Vlaming , who worked with the district for seven years , said he could not “ in good conscience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beliefs .
“ Mr .
Vlaming ’ s conscience and religious practice prohibits him from intentionally lying , ” read the lawsuit filed on the teacher ’ s behalf , CNN reported .
“ And he sincerely believes that referring to a female as a male by using an objectively male pronoun is telling a lie.
” Vlaming did not , however , object to using the student ’ s male name , and he typically avoided using pronouns in reference to the student .
The decision to fire Vlaming , a foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , came after an in-class virtual reality exercise in which Vlaming shouted “ Don ’ t let her hit the wall ” as the student walked toward it .
After class , the transgender student approached Vlaming regarding his unintentional remark .
“ Mr .
Vlaming , you may have your religion , ” the student said .
“ But you need to respect who I am !
” CNN reported that school officials later accused the teacher of insubordination for failing to follow instructions from administrators .
According to the board , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the transgender student differently .
“ That discrimination then leads to creating a hostile learning environment .
And the student had expressed that , ” Superintendent Laura Abel told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 2018 .
“ The parent had expressed that .
They felt disrespected.
” RELATED : Trump Admin Blocks Hundreds of Millions of Dollars from California as DOJ Takes Legal Action Vlaming ’ s dismissal from the school , however , led to several petitions and a student walkout in solidarity with the teacher .
Students reportedly held signs saying “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” as well as “ facts don ’ t care about your feelings.
” According to CNN , Vlaming alleges the school board “ breached his contract and and discriminated against him , ” violating his religious freedom and his First Amendment rights .
Vlaming ’ s lawsuit was considered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on Sept. 9 , 2020 , after the West Point School Board motioned to stay the case .
The court sided with Vlaming and allowed the case to proceed .
Vlaming ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in lost wages and benefits , along with another $ 500,000 for loss of reputation and emotional damages .
The teacher also is requesting he get his former job back or be granted another position at the school for equal or higher pay .
“ This isn ’ t just about a pronoun ; it ’ s about what that pronoun means , ” Tyson Langhofer , senior counsel and director of the Alliance Defending Freedom Center of Academic Freedom , said in a statement , according to CNN .
“ This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; only about what the school was demanding he say .
Nobody should be forced to contradict his core beliefs just to keep a job.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Transgender ideology has been brought to the front lines of the cultural battleground again this winter, as “X-Men” actress Ellen Page announced her gender transition and author Abigail Shrier’s book was temporarily pulled from shelves due to its gender normative ideals.
The topic has been a social landmine in recent years, as an increasingly progressive American left moves to ostracize those who still hold a traditional view of gender and sexuality.
Such was the case in 2019 for Virginia high school teacher Peter Vlaming.
Vlaming filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against the West Point School Board last year after school officials fired him in 2018 for refusing to use male pronouns for a transgender student, according to CNN.
Two years ago, the female student and her mother submitted a request that staff and students refer to her using only male pronouns (he, him, his).
Vlaming, who worked with the district for seven years, said he could not “in good conscience” comply, owing to his religious beliefs.
“Mr. Vlaming’s conscience and religious practice prohibits him from intentionally lying,” read the lawsuit filed on the teacher’s behalf, CNN reported.
“And he sincerely believes that referring to a female as a male by using an objectively male pronoun is telling a lie.”
Vlaming did not, however, object to using the student’s male name, and he typically avoided using pronouns in reference to the student.
Would you have used the student's preferred pronouns? 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% (1 Votes) No: 99% (73 Votes)
The decision to fire Vlaming, a foreign language teacher at West Point High School, came after an in-class virtual reality exercise in which Vlaming shouted “Don’t let her hit the wall” as the student walked toward it.
After class, the transgender student approached Vlaming regarding his unintentional remark.
“Mr. Vlaming, you may have your religion,” the student said. “But you need to respect who I am!”
CNN reported that school officials later accused the teacher of insubordination for failing to follow instructions from administrators. According to the board, Vlaming could not be allowed to treat the transgender student differently.
“That discrimination then leads to creating a hostile learning environment. And the student had expressed that,” Superintendent Laura Abel told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 2018. “The parent had expressed that. They felt disrespected.”
Vlaming’s dismissal from the school, however, led to several petitions and a student walkout in solidarity with the teacher. Students reportedly held signs saying “men are men and women are women,” as well as “facts don’t care about your feelings.”
According to CNN, Vlaming alleges the school board “breached his contract and and discriminated against him,” violating his religious freedom and his First Amendment rights.
Vlaming’s lawsuit was considered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on Sept. 9, 2020, after the West Point School Board motioned to stay the case.
The court sided with Vlaming and allowed the case to proceed.
Vlaming’s legal team is seeking $500,000 in lost wages and benefits, along with another $500,000 for loss of reputation and emotional damages. The teacher also is requesting he get his former job back or be granted another position at the school for equal or higher pay.
“This isn’t just about a pronoun; it’s about what that pronoun means,” Tyson Langhofer, senior counsel and director of the Alliance Defending Freedom Center of Academic Freedom, said in a statement, according to CNN.
“This was never about anything Peter said or did; only about what the school was demanding he say. Nobody should be forced to contradict his core beliefs just to keep a job.”
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Man Forgets $300,000 Painting at Airport, Then the Hunt Begins

A painting worth more than a quarter million euros that was forgotten by a businessman at an airport in Germany has been recovered from a nearby recycling dumpster , police said Thursday .
The businessman , whose identity was not given , accidentally left behind the painting by French surrealist Yves Tanguy as he boarded a flight from Duesseldorf to Tel Aviv on Nov. 27 .
By the time he landed in Israel and contacted Duesseldorf police , the 280,000-euro ( 340,000-dollar ) painting , which had been wrapped in cardboard , had disappeared .
Despite multiple emails with details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not locate it , police spokesman Andre Hartwig said .
It was only after the businessman ’ s nephew traveled to the airport from neighboring Belgium and talked with police directly with more information that an inspector was able to trace the painting to a paper recycling dumpster used by the airport ’ s cleaning company .
TRENDING : 'It 's Like Wearing Your Underwear ' on Your Face : Sen. Paul Blasts Mask Mandates in Interview “ This was definitely one of our happiest stories this year , ” Hartwig said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A painting worth more than a quarter million euros that was forgotten by a businessman at an airport in Germany has been recovered from a nearby recycling dumpster, police said Thursday.
The businessman, whose identity was not given, accidentally left behind the painting by French surrealist Yves Tanguy as he boarded a flight from Duesseldorf to Tel Aviv on Nov. 27.
By the time he landed in Israel and contacted Duesseldorf police, the 280,000-euro (340,000-dollar) painting, which had been wrapped in cardboard, had disappeared.
Despite multiple emails with details about the 16-by-24-inch work, authorities could not locate it, police spokesman Andre Hartwig said.
It was only after the businessman’s nephew traveled to the airport from neighboring Belgium and talked with police directly with more information that an inspector was able to trace the painting to a paper recycling dumpster used by the airport’s cleaning company.
“This was definitely one of our happiest stories this year,” Hartwig said. “It was real detective work.”
[jwplayer fdv5BRPc]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Canadian Man Drives Over 1,000 Miles To Help American Family Stuck in Snow

Snow-bound abroad , one American family was rescued this November by an off-duty Canadian Ranger and military veteran .
According to CBC News , Lynn Marchessault and her two children left their home in Georgia on Nov. 10 to drive with their pets and household belongings to Alaska , where her military husband was stationed .
As the family undertook their long trek — a journey that clocks in at approximately 73 hours and 4,400 miles with no breaks — Marchessault began to have some misgivings .
A military veteran familiar with no shortage of uncertain situations herself , Marchessault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to the task of carting a U-Haul trailer cross-continent .
Her summer tires , wearing down in the snow and beginning to lose traction , would need to go .
After stopping to purchase some new snow tires , the family hit the road again .
The further north they drove , however , the heavier the snowfall became .
As the snowfall became a white-out snowstorm , rather than risk endangering the lives of her children or herself , Marchessault knew that a more experienced driver was needed to complete the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a highway lodge by Pink Mountain , British Columbia , Canada , and desperately took to Facebook for help , hoping against all hope that someone would answer the call .
Gary Bath , a Canadian ranger , saw the Facebook post circulating about Marchessault ’ s situation .
Bath knew he had to do something , despite living over a thousand miles away from the family ’ s final destination .
“ I didn ’ t care how far it was , I just knew they needed help and they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border before they were going to get in trouble , ” the ranger told CBC News , referring to the restrictions in place on Americans traveling through Canada to Alaska which allow just 4-6 days of travel .
After a full day of planning by talking on the phone and video chatting with Bath and his wife , Marchessault and her husband felt confident letting Bath take the wheel .
The very next day , Bath and his wife Selena traveled to the Pink Mountain lodge to find the family , the Baths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other necessities for the trip .
Selena Bath then drove her vehicle home , while her husband accompanied the Marchessault family the last 1,056 miles to the Alaskan border in their car , expertly navigating the snowy roads .
RELATED : Woman Who Lost Business Under COVID Turns Her Defeat Into a Win for Sick Children With the Canadian Ranger in the driver ’ s seat , the family made it to their destination safely and Marchessault ’ s children were reunited with their father .
As the news of Bath ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitched in on social media to fund his plane ticket home , according to a Facebook post from Marchessault .
“ Thanks to everyone who was involved in donating and helping out , ” Bath said to CBC News .
“ I don ’ t know if we would be able to finish it and get the job done if it wasn ’ t for everyone chipping in.
” Marchessault was incredibly vocal in thanking the Baths for their willingness to step into a “ scary situation ” with a group of strangers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made was a risky one , ” she posted on Facebook .
“ I had to decide if my kids were safer in my hands or in the hands of a kind stranger who had experience driving in this weather.
” “ I felt that I made the right [ choice ] , ” Marchessault told CBC News .
The family hopes to stop and see the Baths again when they make their way back down through Canada .
“ I told Gary that he and Selena are our new adopted Canadian family.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Snow-bound abroad, one American family was rescued this November by an off-duty Canadian Ranger and military veteran.
According to CBC News, Lynn Marchessault and her two children left their home in Georgia on Nov. 10 to drive with their pets and household belongings to Alaska, where her military husband was stationed.
As the family undertook their long trek — a journey that clocks in at approximately 73 hours and 4,400 miles with no breaks — Marchessault began to have some misgivings.
A military veteran familiar with no shortage of uncertain situations herself, Marchessault quickly discovered her pickup truck was not up to the task of carting a U-Haul trailer cross-continent.
Her summer tires, wearing down in the snow and beginning to lose traction, would need to go.
After stopping to purchase some new snow tires, the family hit the road again.
The further north they drove, however, the heavier the snowfall became. As the snowfall became a white-out snowstorm, rather than risk endangering the lives of her children or herself, Marchessault knew that a more experienced driver was needed to complete the treacherous drive.
The mother pulled over to a highway lodge by Pink Mountain, British Columbia, Canada, and desperately took to Facebook for help, hoping against all hope that someone would answer the call.
Thankfully, someone did.
Have you decided to help out a family in need this holiday season? Yes No
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Gary Bath, a Canadian ranger, saw the Facebook post circulating about Marchessault’s situation. Bath knew he had to do something, despite living over a thousand miles away from the family’s final destination.
“I didn’t care how far it was, I just knew they needed help and they had a few short days to hit the border before they were going to get in trouble,” the ranger told CBC News, referring to the restrictions in place on Americans traveling through Canada to Alaska which allow just 4-6 days of travel.
After a full day of planning by talking on the phone and video chatting with Bath and his wife, Marchessault and her husband felt confident letting Bath take the wheel.
The very next day, Bath and his wife Selena traveled to the Pink Mountain lodge to find the family, the Baths’ car filled with extra winter clothes and other necessities for the trip.
Selena Bath then drove her vehicle home, while her husband accompanied the Marchessault family the last 1,056 miles to the Alaskan border in their car, expertly navigating the snowy roads.
With the Canadian Ranger in the driver’s seat, the family made it to their destination safely and Marchessault’s children were reunited with their father.
As the news of Bath’s generosity spread, the online community pitched in on social media to fund his plane ticket home, according to a Facebook post from Marchessault.
“Thanks to everyone who was involved in donating and helping out,” Bath said to CBC News. “I don’t know if we would be able to finish it and get the job done if it wasn’t for everyone chipping in.”
Marchessault was incredibly vocal in thanking the Baths for their willingness to step into a “scary situation” with a group of strangers.
“I know the choice I made was a risky one,” she posted on Facebook. “I had to decide if my kids were safer in my hands or in the hands of a kind stranger who had experience driving in this weather.”
“I felt that I made the right [choice],” Marchessault told CBC News.
The family hopes to stop and see the Baths again when they make their way back down through Canada.
“I told Gary that he and Selena are our new adopted Canadian family.”
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Pence Announces Elite Group of NASA Astronauts To Train for Moon Landing

NASA has named the 18 astronauts who will train for its Artemis moon landing program .
The first woman and next man on the moon will come from this elite group .
Vice President Mike Pence introduced the astronauts on Dec. 9 at the close of a meeting of the National Space Council .
The announcement was made at Florida ’ s Kennedy Space Center , beneath one of only three remaining Saturn V moon rockets from the 1960s and ’ 70s Apollo program .
The last of the 12 men to walk on the moon was the late Apollo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lunar footsteps were on Dec. 14 , 1972 .
“ He spent the rest of his natural life advocating for America to go back to the moon , and we are going to honor Gene Cernan ’ s memory , ” Pence told the small crowd .
Five of the astronauts were in attendance at the meeting .
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said there would be more astronauts joining the group .
NASA has 47 active astronauts .
The space agency is aiming for a moon landing by 2024 .
Half of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are at the International Space Station right now : Kate Rubins and Victor Glover .
It ’ s a fairly young group , with most in their 30s or 40s .
The oldest is 55 , the youngest 32 .
Only two — Joe Acaba and Stephanie Wilson — flew on NASA ’ s old space shuttles .
“ The history is awesome , but we ’ re here to look toward the future , ” Acaba told reporters after the announcement .
The other experienced members on the list include Kjell Lindgren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all former space station residents .
RELATED : Trump Admin , World Take Great Strides in Space in 2020 “ We are dreamers , but even more so , we ’ re doers , ” McClain said .
Among those yet to rocket into space : Kayla Barron , Raja Chari , Matthew Dominick , Woody Hoburg , Jonny Kim , Nicole Mann , Jasmin Moghbeli , Frank Rubio and Jessica Watkins .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

NASA has named the 18 astronauts who will train for its Artemis moon landing program.
The first woman and next man on the moon will come from this elite group.
Vice President Mike Pence introduced the astronauts on Dec. 9 at the close of a meeting of the National Space Council.
The announcement was made at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, beneath one of only three remaining Saturn V moon rockets from the 1960s and ’70s Apollo program.
The last of the 12 men to walk on the moon was the late Apollo 17 commander Gene Cernan, whose final lunar footsteps were on Dec. 14, 1972.
“He spent the rest of his natural life advocating for America to go back to the moon, and we are going to honor Gene Cernan’s memory,” Pence told the small crowd.
Five of the astronauts were in attendance at the meeting.
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said there would be more astronauts joining the group. NASA has 47 active astronauts.
The space agency is aiming for a moon landing by 2024.
Do you think NASA will put people on the moon by 2024? 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: 81% (22 Votes) No: 19% (5 Votes)
Half of the NASA astronauts have spaceflight experience. Two are at the International Space Station right now: Kate Rubins and Victor Glover.
It’s a fairly young group, with most in their 30s or 40s. The oldest is 55, the youngest 32.
Only two — Joe Acaba and Stephanie Wilson — flew on NASA’s old space shuttles.
“The history is awesome, but we’re here to look toward the future,” Acaba told reporters after the announcement.
The other experienced members on the list include Kjell Lindgren, Anne McClain and Scott Tingle, all former space station residents.
“We are dreamers, but even more so, we’re doers,” McClain said.
Among those yet to rocket into space: Kayla Barron, Raja Chari, Matthew Dominick, Woody Hoburg, Jonny Kim, Nicole Mann, Jasmin Moghbeli, Frank Rubio and Jessica Watkins.
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The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Student Finds Elusive Treasure of Gold, Gemstones and Pre-Columbian Artifacts Stashed in Rocky Mount

Student Finds Elusive Treasure of Gold, Gemstones and Pre-Columbian Artifacts Stashed in Rocky Mountains

The identity of a medical school student from Michigan who found a treasure chest in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming this past summer was made public earlier this month .
In the treasure chest was about $ 2 million in gold nuggets , coins , sapphires , diamonds and pre-Columbian artifacts , The New York Times reported .
Fenn hid the trove in the Rocky Mountains in 2010 , and shortly thereafter he published a memoir titled “ The Thrill of the Chase.
” In it , he included “ a mysterious 24-line poem that , if solved , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Outside magazine ’ s Daniel Barbarisi .
“ Fenn had suggested that the loot was secreted away at the place where he had envisioned lying down to die , back when he ’ d believed a 1988 cancer diagnosis was terminal .
Since the hunt began in 2010 , many thousands of searchers had gone out in pursuit — at least five of them losing their lives in the process — and the chase became an international story , ” recounted Barbarisi , who has a book coming out next summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chasing the Thrill.
” Stuef , 32 , learned about the treasure in 2018 and became obsessed with it .
The former journalist set out to learn as much as he could about Fenn .
A decorated Air Force combat pilot from the Vietnam War , Fenn did at least limit the treasure search field to the Rocky Mountains , somewhere north of Sante Fe , New Mexico .
Stuef wrote in a September post on Medium , “ I figured out the location where he wished to die ( and thus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , but it took me many months to figure out the exact spot.
” After succeeding in his quest in early June , Stuef drove from Wyoming to New Mexico , where Fenn was living , to show the writer his find .
Fenn then told the world the treasure had been found , but he kept Stuef ’ s identity private at Stuef ’ s request .
The student feared he would face harassment or physical violence if people knew he had the treasure .
RELATED : School District Looking To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That Serves One Student Fenn died in September at the age of 90 , but his family sought to honor Stuef ’ s wish to remain anonymous ; however , a lawsuit forced their hand .
On June 8 , a Chicago lawyer filed suit in U.S. District Court in Santa Fe against Fenn and the then-unknown treasure finder , The New York Times reported .
“ The lawyer , Barbara Andersen , said that after she had spent several years painstakingly deciphering Mr. Fenn ’ s poem and scouting out the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her cellphone and stole proprietary information that led them to the trove.
” In a Dec. 7 post , Stuef explained that he went public as a result of the suit .
“ The U.S. District Court for New Mexico has ruled that Forrest ’ s estate must provide some of my personal information to a woman I do not know and with whom I have never communicated who has brought a meritless lawsuit against me .
This would make my name a matter of public record , so I chose to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s family confirmed in another statement that Stuef was the finder .
“ Jack found the treasure chest as a result of years of careful searching , without any help from my grandfather , myself , or any other member of our family , ” wrote Fenn ’ s grandson , Shiloh Forrest Old .
“ We congratulate Jack on finding and retrieving the treasure chest , and we hope that this confirmation will help to dispel the conjecture , conspiratorial nonsense , and refusals to accept the truth , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treasure yet , but he said he does anticipate using it to pay off student loans and has decided not to become a practicing doctor .
“ I was kind of in this sunk-cost-fallacy dead end with that , where I didn ’ t want to quit , because I didn ’ t know what else to do , ” he told Outside .
“ I didn ’ t know how to pay off my loans if I didn ’ t become a doctor .
[ The chest ] was kind of my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The identity of a medical school student from Michigan who found a treasure chest in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming this past summer was made public earlier this month.
Jack Stuef’s find ended a decade-long contest launched by the late antiquities dealer Forrest Fenn.
In the treasure chest was about $2 million in gold nuggets, coins, sapphires, diamonds and pre-Columbian artifacts, The New York Times reported.
Fenn hid the trove in the Rocky Mountains in 2010, and shortly thereafter he published a memoir titled “The Thrill of the Chase.”
In it, he included “a mysterious 24-line poem that, if solved, would lead searchers to the treasure,” according to Outside magazine’s Daniel Barbarisi.
“Fenn had suggested that the loot was secreted away at the place where he had envisioned lying down to die, back when he’d believed a 1988 cancer diagnosis was terminal. Since the hunt began in 2010, many thousands of searchers had gone out in pursuit — at least five of them losing their lives in the process — and the chase became an international story,” recounted Barbarisi, who has a book coming out next summer about Fenn’s hunt called “Chasing the Thrill.”
Stuef, 32, learned about the treasure in 2018 and became obsessed with it. The former journalist set out to learn as much as he could about Fenn.
A decorated Air Force combat pilot from the Vietnam War, Fenn did at least limit the treasure search field to the Rocky Mountains, somewhere north of Sante Fe, New Mexico.
Stuef wrote in a September post on Medium, “I figured out the location where he wished to die (and thus, where his treasure was) back in 2018, but it took me many months to figure out the exact spot.”
Was Fenn's treasure hunt a good idea? 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: 75% (254 Votes) No: 25% (83 Votes)
After succeeding in his quest in early June, Stuef drove from Wyoming to New Mexico, where Fenn was living, to show the writer his find.
Fenn then told the world the treasure had been found, but he kept Stuef’s identity private at Stuef’s request.
The student feared he would face harassment or physical violence if people knew he had the treasure.
I found the Fenn Treasure https://t.co/wFlt3oT8Ow — Jack Stuef (@stuef) December 7, 2020
Fenn died in September at the age of 90, but his family sought to honor Stuef’s wish to remain anonymous; however, a lawsuit forced their hand.
On June 8, a Chicago lawyer filed suit in U.S. District Court in Santa Fe against Fenn and the then-unknown treasure finder, The New York Times reported.
“The lawyer, Barbara Andersen, said that after she had spent several years painstakingly deciphering Mr. Fenn’s poem and scouting out the general location of the treasure, someone hacked her cellphone and stole proprietary information that led them to the trove.”
In a Dec. 7 post, Stuef explained that he went public as a result of the suit.
“The U.S. District Court for New Mexico has ruled that Forrest’s estate must provide some of my personal information to a woman I do not know and with whom I have never communicated who has brought a meritless lawsuit against me. This would make my name a matter of public record, so I chose to come forward,” he wrote.
Fenn’s family confirmed in another statement that Stuef was the finder.
“Jack found the treasure chest as a result of years of careful searching, without any help from my grandfather, myself, or any other member of our family,” wrote Fenn’s grandson, Shiloh Forrest Old.
“We congratulate Jack on finding and retrieving the treasure chest, and we hope that this confirmation will help to dispel the conjecture, conspiratorial nonsense, and refusals to accept the truth,” he added.
Stuef has not sold the treasure yet, but he said he does anticipate using it to pay off student loans and has decided not to become a practicing doctor.
“I was kind of in this sunk-cost-fallacy dead end with that, where I didn’t want to quit, because I didn’t know what else to do,” he told Outside. “I didn’t know how to pay off my loans if I didn’t become a doctor. [The chest] was kind of my lifeline.”
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westernjournal--2020-12-25--Space Force Nearly Tripling in Size, Gaining a Reserve Component in 2021

The nation ’ s newest branch of the military has announced that it expects to nearly triple its forces next year .
According to Stars and Stripes , the Space Force , established in December 2019 with the strong backing of President Donald Trump , aims to expand from 2,400 active-duty personnel to 6,200 by the end of 2021 .
The Space Force was created to increase the nation ’ s capabilities when it comes to the construction and operation of space vehicles , rockets and satellites , according to Forbes .
Additionally , it ’ s charged with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s global positioning system and weather satellite program .
There is also a national defense component .
The head of the agency , Gen. John Raymond , told Defense.gov in November that the United States needs to keep up with the threats Russia and China present to our nation ’ s interests .
“ I think there ’ s a realization amongst nations that access to space is no longer a given , ” Raymond said .
“ We ’ ve got to make sure that we stay ahead of this growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already have flashed some menacing warning signs at the United States , such as interfering with signals to and from our GPS and communications satellites .
So it can be better prepared to take on missions regarding national security , the Space Force has created a unit dedicated solely to orbital warfare .
It includes the secret experimental X-37B spaceplane , an unmanned spacecraft attached to a military unit known as Delta 9 .
The Space Force , up to now , has depended on personnel from the Air Force to grow its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Navy and elsewhere to recruit personnel .
As to what those who serve in the force will be called , that question was answered this month by Vice President Mike Pence : Space Force troops will be called “ guardians.
” Space Force is also taking on new recruits .
It recently added 86 cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy and will be adding another 98 this year .
The sixth branch of the military also has two new bases to call its own .
Patrick Space Force Base and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Force bases on Florida ’ s east coast , are now up and operating as Space Force facilities .
The Space Force announced earlier this month that it has taken over three separate commands from the Air Force .
Space Operations Command , Space Systems Command and Space Training and Readiness Command will move over to Space Force .
The various commands will take over the job of working with acquiring systems from the private sector , space operations command and training .
RELATED : US Space Force Releases Its Camo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up its active-duty force , the agency is looking to set up a Space Force Reserve component early next year , Stripes reported .
More than 1,000 National Guard personnel already are dedicated to space-related work , and Raymond said he depends on those forces as well as reservists “ very heavily ” for missions such as operating space-based sensors and protecting American space-based assets .
“ We ’ re going to continue to rely on those [ Guard and Reserve ] assets into the future , ” Raymond said .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a really innovative approach .
… I have told the team , we have an opportunity to be very bold — not just wedded to how we ’ ve done business in the past , and we think we ’ ve got a way ahead [ for a Reserve component ] that ’ s going to be very , very valuable to us.
” What will become of the Space Force in a Joe Biden administration ?
While the presumptive president-elect has not addressed the matter yet , most believe the agency will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote a memo to Biden last month urging him to fold the Space Force .
SpaceNews , which obtained the memo , reported that the progressives called the branch an “ unnecessary bureaucracy ” that has its focus on “ militarization rather than cooperation in space.
” However , there are two key factors that favor the agency staying put .
First , the creation of the Space Force was made possible by an act of Congress .
It would take a similar act to get rid of it .
Second , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for it .
While more Republicans than Democrats voted for the enabling legislation , many Democrats supported the effort , and Rep. Jim Cooper , a Democrat from Kentucky , was one of its architects .
“ I hope the next administration understands the need for a Space Force — which was in the works long before Trump got on board , ” Cooper told The Hill .
Some experts believe it would hurt America ’ s interests if it was shut down .
Todd Harrison , director of the Aerospace Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Studies , told The Hill we depend on a lot of the things the branch currently provides .
“ If you eliminate it , you ’ re going to eliminate things like GPS , missile warning satellites , all of these things that the military has come to depend on and our economic security has come to depend on , ” Harrison said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The nation’s newest branch of the military has announced that it expects to nearly triple its forces next year.
According to Stars and Stripes, the Space Force, established in December 2019 with the strong backing of President Donald Trump, aims to expand from 2,400 active-duty personnel to 6,200 by the end of 2021.
The Space Force was created to increase the nation’s capabilities when it comes to the construction and operation of space vehicles, rockets and satellites, according to Forbes. Additionally, it’s charged with more familiar projects, such as the nation’s global positioning system and weather satellite program.
There is also a national defense component. The head of the agency, Gen. John Raymond, told Defense.gov in November that the United States needs to keep up with the threats Russia and China present to our nation’s interests.
“I think there’s a realization amongst nations that access to space is no longer a given,” Raymond said. “We’ve got to make sure that we stay ahead of this growing threat.”
He said the two countries already have flashed some menacing warning signs at the United States, such as interfering with signals to and from our GPS and communications satellites.
So it can be better prepared to take on missions regarding national security, the Space Force has created a unit dedicated solely to orbital warfare. It includes the secret experimental X-37B spaceplane, an unmanned spacecraft attached to a military unit known as Delta 9.
The Space Force, up to now, has depended on personnel from the Air Force to grow its ranks. Raymond said he was looking to the Navy and elsewhere to recruit personnel.
As to what those who serve in the force will be called, that question was answered this month by Vice President Mike Pence: Space Force troops will be called “guardians.”
Happy 1st Birthday to the @SpaceForceDoD Guardians! It’s exciting to see what you have done so far and @NASA looks forward to continued collaboration on our human spaceflight mission support, emerging space transportation, scientific research and much more! pic.twitter.com/uQnuGLcG1N — Jim Bridenstine (@JimBridenstine) December 20, 2020
Space Force is also taking on new recruits. It recently added 86 cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy and will be adding another 98 this year.
The sixth branch of the military also has two new bases to call its own. Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, former Air Force bases on Florida’s east coast, are now up and operating as Space Force facilities.
The Space Force announced earlier this month that it has taken over three separate commands from the Air Force. Space Operations Command, Space Systems Command and Space Training and Readiness Command will move over to Space Force. The various commands will take over the job of working with acquiring systems from the private sector, space operations command and training.
Should the Space Force keep growing? 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: 97% (328 Votes) No: 3% (10 Votes)
Besides building up its active-duty force, the agency is looking to set up a Space Force Reserve component early next year, Stripes reported.
More than 1,000 National Guard personnel already are dedicated to space-related work, and Raymond said he depends on those forces as well as reservists “very heavily” for missions such as operating space-based sensors and protecting American space-based assets.
“We’re going to continue to rely on those [Guard and Reserve] assets into the future,” Raymond said. “We think we’ve come up with a really innovative approach. … I have told the team, we have an opportunity to be very bold — not just wedded to how we’ve done business in the past, and we think we’ve got a way ahead [for a Reserve component ] that’s going to be very, very valuable to us.”
What will become of the Space Force in a Joe Biden administration? While the presumptive president-elect has not addressed the matter yet, most believe the agency will survive.
A collection of far-left groups wrote a memo to Biden last month urging him to fold the Space Force.
SpaceNews, which obtained the memo, reported that the progressives called the branch an “unnecessary bureaucracy” that has its focus on “militarization rather than cooperation in space.”
However, there are two key factors that favor the agency staying put.
First, the creation of the Space Force was made possible by an act of Congress. It would take a similar act to get rid of it.
Second, according to The Hill, there is bipartisan support for it. While more Republicans than Democrats voted for the enabling legislation, many Democrats supported the effort, and Rep. Jim Cooper, a Democrat from Kentucky, was one of its architects.
“I hope the next administration understands the need for a Space Force — which was in the works long before Trump got on board,” Cooper told The Hill.
Some experts believe it would hurt America’s interests if it was shut down.
Todd Harrison, director of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told The Hill we depend on a lot of the things the branch currently provides.
“If you eliminate it, you’re going to eliminate things like GPS, missile warning satellites, all of these things that the military has come to depend on and our economic security has come to depend on,” Harrison said.
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