westernjournal--2020-08-01--Months After Shooting Down an Airliner Filled with Civilians, Iran Calls Harmless U.S. Fighter Move

Months After Shooting Down an Airliner Filled with Civilians, Iran Calls Harmless U.S. Fighter Move ‘Terrorist Act’

If there ’ s any country that probably shouldn ’ t be playing the righteous indignation card over an American jet fighter doing a visual inspection of one of the country ’ s airliners from a safe distance , it ’ s Iran .
It ’ s difficult to remember because 2020 is a year that feels about as blurry as 10 p.m. feels to Johnny Depp , but less than eight months ago , Iran shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 as it departed Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport because Iran ’ s armed forces thought it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the Boeing 737 posed a threat ?
Iran had just launched its reciprocal attack against an American air base over our targeted strike that killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani .
That strike , probably purposely , didn ’ t do much damage .
However , it ’ s speculated they thought the Ukraine International Airlines flight was , while on a correct flight path , close to sensitive Iranian missile sites they thought the United States might target , which therefore meant we were striking back .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airspace closed ahead of its reciprocal attack ?
“ We had requested several times that the country ’ s airspace become clear of all flights , ” IRGC head General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said in the immediate wake of the January shootdown .
“ Requests were made , but due to some considerations it was not done , and at the same time with the flights , the war situation continued to exist.
” Experts who talked to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for a March article , meanwhile , suggested the hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overflight fees led to the fateful decision .
Iran has no business complaining about the fact American F-15 jets conducted a harmless visual inspection of a Mahan Air Airbus A310 over Syrian airspace on July 23 , particularly given the problematic history of Mahan Air .
But nevertheless , Tehran is freaking out about it , especially after video onboard the plane showed the pilot making a dramatic evasive maneuver that almost certainly was unnecessary .
This was the video onboard the plane , as released by Iran ’ s state IRIB news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mahan Air Flight 1152 landed safely in Beirut , its destination , where some passengers were treated for minor injuries .
RELATED : Trump Was Right : Potential Terror Threat at Border as Iranian Illegals Caught in Texas The A310 had passed near the al-Tanf garrison in Syria — which , according to the Military Times , is an American outpost crucial to operations against the Islamic State group .
In a statement , senior Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban said the American planes “ conducted a standard visual inspection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe distance of about 1,000 meters ( 3,280 feet ) from the airliner this evening.
” “ The visual inspection occurred to ensure the safety of coalition personnel at al-Tanf garrison , ” Urban said .
“ Once the F-15 pilot identified the aircraft as a Mahan Air passenger plane , the F-15 safely opened distance from the aircraft.
” The safe operating distance for planes at that altitude is 600 meters , or about 2,000 feet .
Nevertheless , Iran said the plane had been “ harassed ” by the American F-15s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country had lodged a complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization , according to Reuters , calling the inspection a “ terrorist act , one of aggression.
” Vice President for Legal Affairs Laya Joneydi , meanwhile , called the incident “ harassment of a passenger plane ” and a “ clear violation of aviation security.
” “ The explanations provided so far ( by the U.S. military ) are unjustified and unconvincing , ” she said .
These are darkly ironic words if you consider the fact shooting down a plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security ” and that Iran gave “ unjustified and unconvincing ” explanations about why Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 had crashed for several days ( none of which , naturally , included it being shot down ) before they finally owned up to downing the plane and killing 176 people .
And then there were Iranian officials who implicitly blamed President Trump .
“ The security of West Asia should not become a plaything in the U.S. election campaign , ” said Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi .
“ Iran won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation unanswered and shall respond decisively and appropriately to any irrational move in due time.
” Foreign Minister Javad Zarif , meanwhile , said in a tweet that “ [ t ] hese outlaws must be stopped before disaster.
” If you think a visual inspection of the airliner wasn ’ t worth ratcheting up tensions over , for whatever reason , let ’ s also note that Mahan Air occupies a unique role as one of the world ’ s only terrorist airlines .
“ The United States designated Mahan Air for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ material , and technological support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force ( IRGC-QF ) , which was designated by the United States in 2007 for providing material support to terrorism , ” a U.S. government fact sheet on the airline reads .
“ Mahan Air has flown IRGC-QF operatives , weapons , equipment , and funds to international locations to support Iranian terrorist proxy groups .
It has been used by the IRGC-QF to fly personnel to and from Iran and Syria for military training , facilitating covert travel of IRGC-QF members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manifests .
“ The airline ’ s current chairman and chief executive , Hamid Arabnejad Khanooki , is closely associated with the IRGC , specifically with the division that developed into the Qods Force .
The United States sanctioned Arabnejad in 2013 for facilitating a shipment of illicit cargo to Syria on Mahan Air aircraft , ” it continues .
“ Mahan Air has routinely flown fighters and materiel to Syria to prop up the Assad regime .
Iran ’ s military support for Assad has contributed to mass atrocities in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region , and exacerbated the greatest movement of refugees and internally displaced persons since WWII , ” the fact sheet says , noting that Tehran ’ s “ use of Mahan Air to support the Assad regime has contributed to incredible human suffering , violence , and political instability felt across the world.
” Germany , Italy and France ban flights from Mahan Air because of its support for terrorism , its close links with the IRGC , as well as its penchant for spying .
On that last count , Mahan Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which could explain a lot , the Asia Times ‘ Stephen Bryen postulated .
The United States , he noted , “ has established a 55-mile deconfliction zone around the base , which is understood to be a no-go area .
“ So why would the airliner choose to conduct a flyover ?
The answer is revealed , to a degree , by the strange maneuver of the jet .
The pilot did not want the F-15s to see something .
The F-15s approached the Mahan jet from behind and rapidly overtook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wanting to avoid a ‘ visual inspection , ’ made a dangerous move so the F-15s could not see the underbelly of the jet .
It is likely the plane was equipped with high-resolution spy cameras that would have been on the underside of the aircraft.
” Bryen noted using airliners as spy planes would hardly be a novel idea .
“ The Russians used its national airline , Aeroflot , for precisely this purpose , ” he wrote .
“ So , when Aerofot commercial flights headed from Moscow via Shannon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York or on to Washington DC , the Russians had a bird ’ s eye view of US air bases , submarine and aircraft carrier anchorages , and sensitive defense and government facilities including the NSA.
” Given Iran ’ s support for the Assad regime and its occasional tendency to see how far it can push Washington , al-Tanf would be a potential target , particularly since both Iran and its close ally Russia want the United States out of Syria as quickly as possible .
Whatever the case , Iran is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of its planes overflies an American base in Syria and then makes a strange evasive maneuver when an F-15 tries to conduct a harmless visual inspection — not after killing 176 people aboard Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 .
The regime doth protest too much , methinks .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If there’s any country that probably shouldn’t be playing the righteous indignation card over an American jet fighter doing a visual inspection of one of the country’s airliners from a safe distance, it’s Iran.
It’s difficult to remember because 2020 is a year that feels about as blurry as 10 p.m. feels to Johnny Depp, but less than eight months ago, Iran shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 as it departed Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport because Iran’s armed forces thought it was a hostile target.
Why did they think the Boeing 737 posed a threat? Iran had just launched its reciprocal attack against an American air base over our targeted strike that killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
That strike, probably purposely, didn’t do much damage. However, it’s speculated they thought the Ukraine International Airlines flight was, while on a correct flight path, close to sensitive Iranian missile sites they thought the United States might target, which therefore meant we were striking back.
So why wasn’t Iran’s airspace closed ahead of its reciprocal attack?
Um, good question.
“We had requested several times that the country’s airspace become clear of all flights,” IRGC head General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said in the immediate wake of the January shootdown. “Requests were made, but due to some considerations it was not done, and at the same time with the flights, the war situation continued to exist.”
Experts who talked to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for a March article, meanwhile, suggested the hundreds of thousands of dollars Iran makes daily from overflight fees led to the fateful decision.
Iran has no business complaining about the fact American F-15 jets conducted a harmless visual inspection of a Mahan Air Airbus A310 over Syrian airspace on July 23, particularly given the problematic history of Mahan Air.
Was this an act of terrorism? Yes No
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But nevertheless, Tehran is freaking out about it, especially after video onboard the plane showed the pilot making a dramatic evasive maneuver that almost certainly was unnecessary.
This was the video onboard the plane, as released by Iran’s state IRIB news agency:
Passengers on board Mahan Air flight to Beirut injured after crew performs abrupt manoeuvre to avoid two fighter jets over Syria. https://t.co/SPf3MpG1S8 pic.twitter.com/0U2BFg2Mx9 — Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@breakingavnews) July 23, 2020
According to The Associated Press, Mahan Air Flight 1152 landed safely in Beirut, its destination, where some passengers were treated for minor injuries.
The A310 had passed near the al-Tanf garrison in Syria — which, according to the Military Times, is an American outpost crucial to operations against the Islamic State group.
In a statement, senior Central Command spokesman Captain Bill Urban said the American planes “conducted a standard visual inspection of a Mahan Air passenger airliner at a safe distance of about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) from the airliner this evening.”
“The visual inspection occurred to ensure the safety of coalition personnel at al-Tanf garrison,” Urban said. “Once the F-15 pilot identified the aircraft as a Mahan Air passenger plane, the F-15 safely opened distance from the aircraft.”
The safe operating distance for planes at that altitude is 600 meters, or about 2,000 feet.
Nevertheless, Iran said the plane had been “harassed” by the American F-15s.
Iranian Road Minister Mohammad Eslami said the country had lodged a complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization, according to Reuters, calling the inspection a “terrorist act, one of aggression.”
Vice President for Legal Affairs Laya Joneydi, meanwhile, called the incident “harassment of a passenger plane” and a “clear violation of aviation security.”
“The explanations provided so far (by the U.S. military) are unjustified and unconvincing,” she said.
These are darkly ironic words if you consider the fact shooting down a plane is a “clear violation of aviation security” and that Iran gave “unjustified and unconvincing” explanations about why Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 had crashed for several days (none of which, naturally, included it being shot down) before they finally owned up to downing the plane and killing 176 people.
And then there were Iranian officials who implicitly blamed President Trump.
“The security of West Asia should not become a plaything in the U.S. election campaign,” said Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi.
“Iran won’t leave any hostile move against its nation unanswered and shall respond decisively and appropriately to any irrational move in due time.”
Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, meanwhile, said in a tweet that “[t]hese outlaws must be stopped before disaster.”
U.S. illegally occupies territory of another State and then harasses a scheduled civil airliner—endangering innocent civilian passengers—ostensibly to protect its occupation forces. Audacity to compound lawlessness upon lawlessness These outlaws must be stopped before disaster. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) July 24, 2020
If you think a visual inspection of the airliner wasn’t worth ratcheting up tensions over, for whatever reason, let’s also note that Mahan Air occupies a unique role as one of the world’s only terrorist airlines.
“The United States designated Mahan Air for sanctions in 2011 for providing financial, material, and technological support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), which was designated by the United States in 2007 for providing material support to terrorism,” a U.S. government fact sheet on the airline reads.
“Mahan Air has flown IRGC-QF operatives, weapons, equipment, and funds to international locations to support Iranian terrorist proxy groups. It has been used by the IRGC-QF to fly personnel to and from Iran and Syria for military training, facilitating covert travel of IRGC-QF members by bypassing normal security procedures and flight manifests.
“The airline’s current chairman and chief executive, Hamid Arabnejad Khanooki, is closely associated with the IRGC, specifically with the division that developed into the Qods Force. The United States sanctioned Arabnejad in 2013 for facilitating a shipment of illicit cargo to Syria on Mahan Air aircraft,” it continues.
“Mahan Air has routinely flown fighters and materiel to Syria to prop up the Assad regime. Iran’s military support for Assad has contributed to mass atrocities in the country, the displacement of millions across the region, and exacerbated the greatest movement of refugees and internally displaced persons since WWII,” the fact sheet says, noting that Tehran’s “use of Mahan Air to support the Assad regime has contributed to incredible human suffering, violence, and political instability felt across the world.”
Germany, Italy and France ban flights from Mahan Air because of its support for terrorism, its close links with the IRGC, as well as its penchant for spying. On that last count, Mahan Air Flight 1152 was overflying the al-Tanf garrison, which could explain a lot, the Asia Times‘ Stephen Bryen postulated.
The United States, he noted, “has established a 55-mile deconfliction zone around the base, which is understood to be a no-go area.
“So why would the airliner choose to conduct a flyover? The answer is revealed, to a degree, by the strange maneuver of the jet. The pilot did not want the F-15s to see something. The F-15s approached the Mahan jet from behind and rapidly overtook it.
“The Mahan flight captain, wanting to avoid a ‘visual inspection,’ made a dangerous move so the F-15s could not see the underbelly of the jet. It is likely the plane was equipped with high-resolution spy cameras that would have been on the underside of the aircraft.”
Bryen noted using airliners as spy planes would hardly be a novel idea.
“The Russians used its national airline, Aeroflot, for precisely this purpose,” he wrote. “So, when Aerofot commercial flights headed from Moscow via Shannon, Ireland, and flew over New York or on to Washington DC, the Russians had a bird’s eye view of US air bases, submarine and aircraft carrier anchorages, and sensitive defense and government facilities including the NSA.”
Given Iran’s support for the Assad regime and its occasional tendency to see how far it can push Washington, al-Tanf would be a potential target, particularly since both Iran and its close ally Russia want the United States out of Syria as quickly as possible.
Whatever the case, Iran is hardly in a position to complain when one of its planes overflies an American base in Syria and then makes a strange evasive maneuver when an F-15 tries to conduct a harmless visual inspection — not after killing 176 people aboard Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752.
The regime doth protest too much, methinks.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Mob Reportedly Leaves Gruesome and Bloody Message Outside Portland Police Bureau

Groups of leftist activists and rioters in Portland , Oregon , continue to oppose law enforcement officers in the city , but the latest reported action by demonstrators apparently was crafted to send a disturbing message to police .
Journalist Andy Ngo , who lives in the city and uses social media to give updates on the activities of Antifa and other activists , said the group used a severed pig ’ s head to send a message to police Friday morning .
“ Antifa protesters dumped a bloody severed pig ’ s head on an American flag outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put a cop ’ s hat on it and set all of it on fire , ” Ngo tweeted alongside a video of the incident .
WARNING : The following tweet and video contain words and imagery that some viewers will find disturbing .
In the video , the pig ’ s head burns atop an American flag while the 2004 song “ American Idiot ” from the pop-punk band Green Day is played in the background .
According to Ngo , the use of an actual pig isn ’ t the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sacrifice a live animal while protesting law enforcement officers in Portland .
Ngo also tweeted Friday that when rioting began in Portland in May , a protester had backed out of killing a pig .
“ In the early weeks of the riots , a pig was found abandoned near downtown Portland in the middle of the night .
Police rescued the animal .
It is believed a protester was going to kill the pig as an act of anti-police protest but abandoned it last minute , ” Ngo reported .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeking the owner of the pig .
RELATED : Portland Arson Suspect Caught After Video of Incident Reveals Giant Tattoo of His Last Name The Oregonian reported the pig was saved by protesters who “ comforted ” the animal and gave it a blanket .
“ Pig , ” of course , is a pejorative term that historically has been used to disparage police officers .
The reported beheading of the pig and the desecration of the American flag outside of the police bureau on Friday comes amid escalating violence in Portland as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers and others who are not aligned with their politics .
Federal officers have been sent to the city to protect government property amid more than 60 consecutive days of protests and riots .
While some police officers have been attacked with projectiles during violent clashes , others might have suffered permanent vision damage .
Last month , Richard Cline , deputy director of operations at the Federal Protective Service , said officers were targeted with laser pointers by people in a crowd of more than 1,000 anti-police activists who were seeking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal courthouse .
“ Protesters advanced towards , engaged the officers , again throwing water bottles and other hard objects , fireworks and using lasers , ” Cline said .
“ We have three officers who currently have eye injuries , and they may not recover sight in those eyes from those laser attacks.
” Police officers aren ’ t alone in being targeted by leftist demonstrators in Portland .
The Oregonian reported last week that conservative videographer Andrew Duncomb was stabbed in the back by someone at one of the protests .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ online moniker “ Black Rebel , ” told the newspaper he was targeted because of his politics .
“ I was stabbed for being a conservative journalist , ” Duncomb said .
Police later arrested a man named Blake David Hampe , 43 , in connection with the stabbing .
Elected officials in Portland essentially have allowed the violence in the city to continue unimpeded and have sided with protesters in many instances .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Groups of leftist activists and rioters in Portland, Oregon, continue to oppose law enforcement officers in the city, but the latest reported action by demonstrators apparently was crafted to send a disturbing message to police.
Journalist Andy Ngo, who lives in the city and uses social media to give updates on the activities of Antifa and other activists, said the group used a severed pig’s head to send a message to police Friday morning.
“Antifa protesters dumped a bloody severed pig’s head on an American flag outside the Justice Center in downtown Portland. They put a cop’s hat on it and set all of it on fire,” Ngo tweeted alongside a video of the incident.
WARNING: The following tweet and video contain words and imagery that some viewers will find disturbing.
Antifa protesters dumped a bloody severed pig’s head on an American flag outside the Justice Center in downtown Portland. They put a cop’s hat on it and set all of it on fire. #PortlandRiots #antifa pic.twitter.com/qfAOT4ItxP — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 31, 2020
In the video, the pig’s head burns atop an American flag while the 2004 song “American Idiot” from the pop-punk band Green Day is played in the background.
According to Ngo, the use of an actual pig isn’t the first time activists connected to Antifa have sought to sacrifice a live animal while protesting law enforcement officers in Portland.
Ngo also tweeted Friday that when rioting began in Portland in May, a protester had backed out of killing a pig.
Should the federal government intervene in areas where elected Democrats refuse to enforce law and order? Yes No
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“In the early weeks of the riots, a pig was found abandoned near downtown Portland in the middle of the night. Police rescued the animal. It is believed a protester was going to kill the pig as an act of anti-police protest but abandoned it last minute,” Ngo reported.
In the early weeks of the riots, a pig was found abandoned near downtown Portland in the middle of the night. Police rescued the animal. It is believed a protester was going to kill the pig as an act of anti-police protest but abandoned it last minute. https://t.co/egNPmxqVmH pic.twitter.com/8v1PxPYcqk — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) July 31, 2020
In June, police officers in Portland were seeking the owner of the pig.
PPB Officers are looking for the owner of this sleepy pig. If you are the owner, call non-emergency dispatch at 503-823-3333. We would like to reunite him with his owner. pic.twitter.com/SlYbLfckYl — Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) June 7, 2020
The Oregonian reported the pig was saved by protesters who “comforted” the animal and gave it a blanket.
“Pig,” of course, is a pejorative term that historically has been used to disparage police officers.
The reported beheading of the pig and the desecration of the American flag outside of the police bureau on Friday comes amid escalating violence in Portland as leftist rioters continue to attack law enforcement officers and others who are not aligned with their politics.
Federal officers have been sent to the city to protect government property amid more than 60 consecutive days of protests and riots.
While some police officers have been attacked with projectiles during violent clashes, others might have suffered permanent vision damage.
Last month, Richard Cline, deputy director of operations at the Federal Protective Service, said officers were targeted with laser pointers by people in a crowd of more than 1,000 anti-police activists who were seeking to set fires at the Mark O. Hatfield federal courthouse.
“Protesters advanced towards, engaged the officers, again throwing water bottles and other hard objects, fireworks and using lasers,” Cline said.
“We have three officers who currently have eye injuries, and they may not recover sight in those eyes from those laser attacks.”
Police officers aren’t alone in being targeted by leftist demonstrators in Portland. The Oregonian reported last week that conservative videographer Andrew Duncomb was stabbed in the back by someone at one of the protests.
Duncomb, 25, who uses the online moniker “Black Rebel,” told the newspaper he was targeted because of his politics.
“I was stabbed for being a conservative journalist,” Duncomb said.
Police later arrested a man named Blake David Hampe, 43, in connection with the stabbing.
Duncomb is expected to fully recover.
Elected officials in Portland essentially have allowed the violence in the city to continue unimpeded and have sided with protesters in many instances.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Community Rallies Behind Pizza Joint After Woman Tries To Cancel It for Flying Trump Flag

You tried , Facebook canceler .
You tried your hardest .
You went into Patio Pizza in St. James , New York , on the night of July 24 to pick up your order .
Like any good Long Islander , you like yourself a good pizza on a Friday night .
What could spoil your night ?
No , it wasn ’ t thick-crust pizza , or someone without a mask or even someone loudly discussing how Billy Joel is really overrated .
No , it was a flag .
Not an American flag .
Not even a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse than that : a Trump flag .
Maybe it was a sick prank .
Is that show “ Punk ’ d ” still on ?
Surely it was something like that .
You asked one of the Patio Pizza employees what was going on and they said it belonged to the owner .
You went through your options .
Could you call the police ?
No , the owner ’ s name was Guy Caligiuri — that sounds white , and as a liberal ( I assume ) in good standing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Plus , police actually — shudder — like that Orange Man .
What about setting the flag aflame ?
That would be a good way to deal with it .
Even better , though : You ’ re the administrator of a local mom-centric Facebook page .
Get ready for digital ignominy , Mr. Caligiuri .
You went home and made a post about how you were never going to spend your money there again , making sure everyone knew how awful this guy was .
After all , he didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
He had the gall to express it .
Watching Caligiuri ’ s appearance Thursday on Fox Business for the fifth time on your DVR , your eyes still misted over with rage , you wonder how it went so wrong — and why he didn ’ t just realize how important you were , as the administrator of a Facebook page , and just take the flag down .
“ I ’ ve been in business for 43 years and I ’ ve seen a lot , ” you heard Caligiuri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I just took it in stride .
… I just ignored it , basically.
” And things were going right , too !
He knew that you were going make sure he was canceled , and canceled hard .
He talked about getting calls about “ this woman who had posted nasty things about me online and was asking the [ St. James ] community to boycott Patio Pizza.
” Yes !
Yes you had !
You ’ d canceled it !
And so people converged on Patio Pizza and … supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Caligiuri , the business owner said .
So did people from around the country .
RELATED : Trader Joe 's Shows How To Stand Up to Cancel Culture : 'We Do Not Make Decisions Based on Petitions' How could that be ?
“ They supported our president .
They support the flag that I had hanging in the back of my store , ” you heard Caligiuri say .
You looked through Twitter , fighting back the tears .
People liked that guy .
And you know who liked the guy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can ’ t even say it !
“ I think he ’ s a fantastic president , I think he ’ s done a great job , and I think it ’ s my right to support him and to show my support of him , ” Caligiuri said .
“ But , this woman took it upon herself to — not knowing me , not knowing my family , not knowing my grandchildren … she took it upon herself because she saw a flag in the back to try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you heard him say .
You went back to Twitter .
At least some people saw that you were making sense and realizing this guy ’ s support of President Trump meant he ought to be run out of business .
How didn ’ t this work ?
You were told this was how cancel culture was supposed to work , right ?
You said this guy had the temerity to support Donald Trump .
You implied on Facebook that the community should do their worst .
And they didn ’ t .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this guy .
It ’ s almost as if they didn ’ t care that you were outraged !
What ’ s the world come to when this guy ’ s allowed to get away with having his own opinion ?
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

You tried, Facebook canceler. You tried your hardest.
You went into Patio Pizza in St. James, New York, on the night of July 24 to pick up your order. Like any good Long Islander, you like yourself a good pizza on a Friday night.
What could spoil your night? No, it wasn’t thick-crust pizza, or someone without a mask or even someone loudly discussing how Billy Joel is really overrated.
No, it was a flag. Not an American flag. Not even a “Thin Blue Line” flag. Much worse than that: a Trump flag.
Maybe it was a sick prank. Is that show “Punk’d” still on? Surely it was something like that. You asked one of the Patio Pizza employees what was going on and they said it belonged to the owner.
You went through your options. Could you call the police? No, the owner’s name was Guy Caligiuri — that sounds white, and as a liberal (I assume) in good standing, you know they only kill black people.
Plus, police actually — shudder — like that Orange Man. What about setting the flag aflame? That would be a good way to deal with it.
Even better, though: You’re the administrator of a local mom-centric Facebook page. Get ready for digital ignominy, Mr. Caligiuri. You went home and made a post about how you were never going to spend your money there again, making sure everyone knew how awful this guy was. After all, he didn’t just have a different opinion than you. He had the gall to express it.
Watching Caligiuri’s appearance Thursday on Fox Business for the fifth time on your DVR, your eyes still misted over with rage, you wonder how it went so wrong — and why he didn’t just realize how important you were, as the administrator of a Facebook page, and just take the flag down.
Do you think this pizza shop owner should have been canceled? Yes No
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“I’ve been in business for 43 years and I’ve seen a lot,” you heard Caligiuri tell host Stuart Varney. “And, I just took it in stride. … I just ignored it, basically.”
And things were going right, too! He knew that you were going make sure he was canceled, and canceled hard.
He talked about getting calls about “this woman who had posted nasty things about me online and was asking the [St. James] community to boycott Patio Pizza.”
Yes! Yes you had! You’d canceled it! And so people converged on Patio Pizza and … supported it?
The community “rallied around” Caligiuri, the business owner said. So did people from around the country.
How could that be?
“They supported our president. They support the flag that I had hanging in the back of my store,” you heard Caligiuri say.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
You looked through Twitter, fighting back the tears. People liked that guy.
Local pizza place criticized for putting up Trump flag. Insane support. Patio Pizza in St. James, Ny. We got your back!! pic.twitter.com/RHY79Oi48C — Michelle (@Hockeymom2234) July 29, 2020
Driving in from Queens to get a pie from Patio Pizza! — Carrie Marcal (@CarrieMarcal) July 31, 2020
Patio Pizza St James NYLI ❤?? pic.twitter.com/PPAjRPlq3f — Roberta (@Roberta19892234) July 30, 2020
Go enjoy a pizza at Patio Pizza in St. James, Long Island, NY?????? — mauijan88 (@EmanueleJan) July 30, 2020
And you know who liked the guy, too? That … that … oh, you can’t even say it!
Support Patio Pizza and its wonderful owner, Guy Caligiuri, in St. James, Long Island (N.Y.). Great Pizza!!! @Varneyco — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2020
“I think he’s a fantastic president, I think he’s done a great job, and I think it’s my right to support him and to show my support of him,” Caligiuri said.
“But, this woman took it upon herself to — not knowing me, not knowing my family, not knowing my grandchildren … she took it upon herself because she saw a flag in the back to try to put me out of business,” you heard him say.
You went back to Twitter. At least some people saw that you were making sense and realizing this guy’s support of President Trump meant he ought to be run out of business.
Kiss of death endorsement. This is the worst thing you could do for Patio Pizza. https://t.co/dkdWBiSVSr — Larry K (@Getsmart4) July 30, 2020
I suggest that everyone do just the opposite of the President’s endorsement. BOYCOTT: Caligiuri’s Patio Pizza on Lake Ave, St James, NY No employees, not even the cook, wear a mask. @TheDemocrats #WearADamnMask pic.twitter.com/vnGlqfsfEL — OnTheFritz (@fritzinmo) July 30, 2020
We all know which pizza place to avoid in Lonv Island. @Patiopizza has to be bad if Trump supports it. #WearADamnMask — Tricia (@tricia61862) July 30, 2020
How didn’t this work? You were told this was how cancel culture was supposed to work, right? You said this guy had the temerity to support Donald Trump. You implied on Facebook that the community should do their worst. And they didn’t.
In fact, the community rallied around this guy. It’s almost as if they didn’t care that you were outraged!
What’s the world come to when this guy’s allowed to get away with having his own opinion?
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Texas City Declares Itself ‘Sanctuary for the Unborn,’ Outlaws Abortion in City Limits

Social media these days is flooded with friends , family and foes championing diverse causes for the needy , the helpless and the oppressed .
In fact , some days it seems like everyone is a champion — such as the black squares for Black Lives Matter and the # challengeaccepted movement , where women post black-and-white selfies to express support for women .
Thanks to platforms such as Twitter , Facebook and Instagram , now anyone can be an activist for social reform from the comfort of their homes simply by tapping their thumbs sharing photos and hashtags .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective change is another issue , but one oppressed group that receives little viral attention is seeing an actual legislative change in Texas for its sanctity and protection , and this group is unborn children .
KETK-TV reported that on July 20 , East Mountain , Texas became a “ sanctuary city for the unborn , ” which means that the city has legislatively declared that abortion is unconstitutional and its providers are unwelcome in the community .
East Mountain thus joined a growing number of cities and towns proclaiming abhorrence for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ sanctuary city ” has been utilized in the rhetoric of the radical left for places that protect illegal immigrants from the consequences of immigration law enforcement .
Leftists believe enforcing the law to be undermining the dignity of the offenders .
The pro-life movement ’ s use of the term “ sanctuary city ” is an ironic table-turning against the radical left ’ s logic : If all lives should be dignified , whether they are documented U.S. citizens or not , then the lives of all , whether born or unborn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to KETK , the first Texas city to pass the pro-life ordinance was Waskom , which declared Roe vs. Wade and other laws permitting abortion “ to be unconstitutional usurpations of judicial power , which violate both the Tenth Amendment the Republican Form of Government Clause , and are null and void in the City of Waskom.
” The 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prescribes that powers not given to the federal government , as well as not withheld from the states , are left to the states or the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not been explicitly mentioned or delegated to anyone in the document , therefore localities may override any federal ruling on the matter .
Article 4 , Section 4 of the Constitution states : “ The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government , and shall protect each of them against Invasion ; and on Application of the Legislature , or of the Executive ( when the Legislature can not be convened ) against domestic Violence.
” Parents terminating the lives of their children at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic violence to the highest degree .
Some of the other Texas cities standing up for unborn children include Naples , Jaoquin , Rusk , Tenaha , Gilmer , Gary and Wells .
According to KETK , these communities already had not a single abortion clinic , thus rendering the ordinance mainly a “ symbolic ” gesture .
If anything , the Texas cities are showing the rest of the country that real change can be made in our very own neighborhoods .
The movement is growing , and cities across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For example , Roswell , New Mexico , last year declared the sanctity of unborn lives , supporting adoption as an alternative to abortion and protecting the right of health care service providers to “ object on moral grounds to performing abortions.
” As expressed in the Declaration of Independence , the United States has a history sanctifying the right to “ Life , Liberty , and the pursuit of Happiness.
” And when this fundamental , God-given right is infringed upon by the government , whether federal or state , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it right : “ That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends , it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it , and to institute new Government , laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form , as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
” Come this November , pro-life citizens have a major opportunity to stand up for the unborn in the presidential election .
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden has been endorsed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect its federal funding and access .
The left trusts him to protect the alleged right to oppress and murder generations of children who never have a chance to fight for their own lives .
Meanwhile , President Donald Trump has clearly and enthusiastically proclaimed his pro-life stance against the ever-growing extremes of abortionism : A vote for Trump is a vote for unborn lives .
Every vote protecting the children who can not speak for themselves is the voice they need .
We the People need to be their voice .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Social media these days is flooded with friends, family and foes championing diverse causes for the needy, the helpless and the oppressed.
In fact, some days it seems like everyone is a champion — such as the black squares for Black Lives Matter and the #challengeaccepted movement, where women post black-and-white selfies to express support for women. Thanks to platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, now anyone can be an activist for social reform from the comfort of their homes simply by tapping their thumbs sharing photos and hashtags.
Whether mere thumb activism brings about any effective change is another issue, but one oppressed group that receives little viral attention is seeing an actual legislative change in Texas for its sanctity and protection, and this group is unborn children.
KETK-TV reported that on July 20, East Mountain, Texas became a “sanctuary city for the unborn,” which means that the city has legislatively declared that abortion is unconstitutional and its providers are unwelcome in the community.
East Mountain thus joined a growing number of cities and towns proclaiming abhorrence for the murder of unborn children.
The term “sanctuary city” has been utilized in the rhetoric of the radical left for places that protect illegal immigrants from the consequences of immigration law enforcement. Leftists believe enforcing the law to be undermining the dignity of the offenders.
The pro-life movement’s use of the term “sanctuary city” is an ironic table-turning against the radical left’s logic: If all lives should be dignified, whether they are documented U.S. citizens or not, then the lives of all, whether born or unborn, should be dignified as well.
According to KETK, the first Texas city to pass the pro-life ordinance was Waskom, which declared Roe vs. Wade and other laws permitting abortion “to be unconstitutional usurpations of judicial power, which violate both the Tenth Amendment the Republican Form of Government Clause, and are null and void in the City of Waskom.”
The 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prescribes that powers not given to the federal government, as well as not withheld from the states, are left to the states or the people in general. This implies that abortion has not been explicitly mentioned or delegated to anyone in the document, therefore localities may override any federal ruling on the matter.
Would you like to see your community declare itself a sanctuary city for the unborn? 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% (719 Votes) No: 3% (24 Votes)
Article 4, Section 4 of the Constitution states: “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.”
Parents terminating the lives of their children at any stage of development is murder — domestic violence to the highest degree.
Some of the other Texas cities standing up for unborn children include Naples, Jaoquin, Rusk, Tenaha, Gilmer, Gary and Wells.
According to KETK, these communities already had not a single abortion clinic, thus rendering the ordinance mainly a “symbolic” gesture.
If anything, the Texas cities are showing the rest of the country that real change can be made in our very own neighborhoods. The movement is growing, and cities across the country are taking matters into their own hands.
For example, Roswell, New Mexico, last year declared the sanctity of unborn lives, supporting adoption as an alternative to abortion and protecting the right of health care service providers to “object on moral grounds to performing abortions.”
As expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the United States has a history sanctifying the right to “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” And when this fundamental, God-given right is infringed upon by the government, whether federal or state, it is up to the people to make it right:
“That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
Come this November, pro-life citizens have a major opportunity to stand up for the unborn in the presidential election.
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood given his determination to protect its federal funding and access. The left trusts him to protect the alleged right to oppress and murder generations of children who never have a chance to fight for their own lives.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has clearly and enthusiastically proclaimed his pro-life stance against the ever-growing extremes of abortionism:
As most people know, and for those who would like to know, I am strongly Pro-Life, with the three exceptions – Rape, Incest and protecting the Life of the mother – the same position taken by Ronald Reagan. We have come very far in the last two years with 105 wonderful new….. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2019
….for Life in 2020. If we are foolish and do not stay UNITED as one, all of our hard fought gains for Life can, and will, rapidly disappear! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2019
A vote for Trump is a vote for unborn lives. Every vote protecting the children who cannot speak for themselves is the voice they need.
We the People need to be their voice.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Possible Biden VP Pick Forced To Explain Remarks Praising Scientology

Rep. Karen Bass , a top contender to be former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s running mate , responded Saturday to a report that she praised the Church of Scientology at a 2010 ceremony , asserting that the group has since been “ exposed ” for various misdeeds .
“ Ten years ago , I attended a new building opening in my district and spoke to what I think all of us believe in — respect for one another ’ s views , to treat all people with respect , and to fight against oppression wherever we find it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued on Twitter .
“ I found an area of agreement in their beliefs — where all people , of whatever race , color , or creed are created with equal rights , which is what my remarks were about.
” Bass touted the Church of Scientology at the opening of one of the church ’ s buildings in Los Angeles on April 24 , 2010 .
“ This day and this new Church of Scientology is an exciting moment because I know your goal and your commitment is truly to make a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event .
“ The Church of Scientology I know has made a difference , because your creed is a universal creed and one that speaks to all people everywhere , ” continued Bass , who served at the time in the California state assembly .
Bass ’ office declined comment when contacted on Friday by the Daily Caller News Foundation , but a wave of criticism over her remarks seemingly prompted a response on Saturday morning .
Bass asserted that her views on the Church of Scientology have changed in the 10 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that “ published first-hand accounts in books , interviews and documentaries have exposed this group ” since she appeared at the Los Angeles event .
“ Everyone is now aware of the allegations against Scientology.
” While Scientology has come under increased scrutiny in recent years , the church has long faced allegations that it mistreats its members and operates as a cult .
The New York Times noted in a 2000 story that Scientology has been dogged since its founding in 1954 by allegations that it functions as a “ moneymaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2007 to ban the Church of Scientology over its “ cult-like ” activities , the BBC reported at the time .
ABC ’ s “ Nightline ” ran an exposé on the organization in 2009 .
Bass is said to be one of three or four candidates in the running to join the Biden ticket .
Prominent California Democrats , including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , have reportedly urged Biden to choose her as his running mate .
California Sen. Kamala Harris and former national security adviser Susan Rice are also reportedly under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Rep. Karen Bass, a top contender to be former Vice President Joe Biden’s running mate, responded Saturday to a report that she praised the Church of Scientology at a 2010 ceremony, asserting that the group has since been “exposed” for various misdeeds.
“Ten years ago, I attended a new building opening in my district and spoke to what I think all of us believe in — respect for one another’s views, to treat all people with respect, and to fight against oppression wherever we find it,” Bass said in a statement issued on Twitter.
“I found an area of agreement in their beliefs — where all people, of whatever race, color, or creed are created with equal rights, which is what my remarks were about.”
Just so you all know, I proudly worship at First New Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in South LA. pic.twitter.com/1sEpF5KpRF — Karen Bass (@KarenBassTweets) August 1, 2020
Bass touted the Church of Scientology at the opening of one of the church’s buildings in Los Angeles on April 24, 2010.
“This day and this new Church of Scientology is an exciting moment because I know your goal and your commitment is truly to make a difference,” Bass said at the event.
“The Church of Scientology I know has made a difference, because your creed is a universal creed and one that speaks to all people everywhere,” continued Bass, who served at the time in the California state assembly.
Bass’ office declined comment when contacted on Friday by the Daily Caller News Foundation, but a wave of criticism over her remarks seemingly prompted a response on Saturday morning.
Do you think Biden will choose Bass as his running mate? 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: 12% (8 Votes) No: 88% (60 Votes)
Bass asserted that her views on the Church of Scientology have changed in the 10 years since she praised the organization.
She said that “published first-hand accounts in books, interviews and documentaries have exposed this group” since she appeared at the Los Angeles event.
“Everyone is now aware of the allegations against Scientology.”
While Scientology has come under increased scrutiny in recent years, the church has long faced allegations that it mistreats its members and operates as a cult.
The New York Times noted in a 2000 story that Scientology has been dogged since its founding in 1954 by allegations that it functions as a “moneymaking cult.”
The German government proposed in 2007 to ban the Church of Scientology over its “cult-like” activities, the BBC reported at the time.
ABC’s “Nightline” ran an exposé on the organization in 2009.
Bass is said to be one of three or four candidates in the running to join the Biden ticket. Prominent California Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have reportedly urged Biden to choose her as his running mate.
California Sen. Kamala Harris and former national security adviser Susan Rice are also reportedly under consideration to join the ticket.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Restaurant That Stood Against China Has Food Permit Suspended After Refusing To Bow to Governor

A restaurant that stirred controversy months ago with an anti-China sign is in the news again for defying a governor ’ s order , a decision that could put the entire business in jeopardy .
New Mexico Environment Department spokesperson Maddy Hayden confirmed on July 23 that the state had suspended the food service permit of Country Family Restaurant in Kirtland , the Farmington Daily Times reported .
The suspension was handed down after the restaurant refused to abide by Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham ’ s health order banning indoor dining to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
Country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have been effectively shuttered after having permits suspended following similar defiance .
Steve Jackson , the owner of Country Family Restaurant , claimed that he has been taking all the necessary precautions to guard against coronavirus .
Jackson also maintained that the state has not conclusively shown that indoor dining would lead to a spike in infections .
Regardless , the livelihoods of the owner and his 30 employees are now in jeopardy after the restaurant lost the vital permit .
As the establishment now faces the monumental task of bringing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuing to mount .
The loss of the food service permit is only the latest blow for Country Family Restaurant .
In March , the eatery stirred major controversy after posting an anti-China sign that was interpreted as a racist message .
Jackson ’ s original sign read “ CLOSED you can thank CHINA , ” as the first wave of coronavirus cases was sweeping America .
According to the Daily Times , it wasn ’ t long before the owner was on the defensive .
A few days after the sign was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper from the nearby Navajo Nation , ran an article on the poster .
News of the sign spread , and accusations of racism and “ microaggressions ” soon began to roll in .
Some of those aligning themselves against the restaurant even floated a boycott .
Jackson said the message was not racist but posted out of frustration after the virus leaped from China and forced difficult change on many American businesses .
“ I stuck up that little-bitty sign that explained my thoughts about the communist Chinese government and the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in March .
“ It was just a little-bitty sign , and I didn ’ t think anything of it.
” RELATED : I Looked Up What Happened When Sweden Refused To Shut Down - They Were Right , We Were Wrong Although Jackson largely blames the Chinese Communist Party for the virus , he said that he thinks it is a naturally occurring pathogen , not a man-made superbug .
The suspension of the restaurant seemingly renders any potential boycott moot , but that doesn ’ t mean the business and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet .
With the $ 600 federal boost to unemployment ending and the future of the restaurant ’ s permit in question , Jackson isn ’ t done dealing with the fallout from China ’ s deadly mistakes by any stretch .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A restaurant that stirred controversy months ago with an anti-China sign is in the news again for defying a governor’s order, a decision that could put the entire business in jeopardy.
New Mexico Environment Department spokesperson Maddy Hayden confirmed on July 23 that the state had suspended the food service permit of Country Family Restaurant in Kirtland, the Farmington Daily Times reported.
The suspension was handed down after the restaurant refused to abide by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s health order banning indoor dining to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Country Family Restaurant joins eight other establishments statewide that have been effectively shuttered after having permits suspended following similar defiance.
Steve Jackson, the owner of Country Family Restaurant, claimed that he has been taking all the necessary precautions to guard against coronavirus.
Jackson also maintained that the state has not conclusively shown that indoor dining would lead to a spike in infections.
Regardless, the livelihoods of the owner and his 30 employees are now in jeopardy after the restaurant lost the vital permit. As the establishment now faces the monumental task of bringing in revenue without the permit, bills are continuing to mount.
The loss of the food service permit is only the latest blow for Country Family Restaurant. In March, the eatery stirred major controversy after posting an anti-China sign that was interpreted as a racist message.
Jackson’s original sign read “CLOSED you can thank CHINA,” as the first wave of coronavirus cases was sweeping America.
Was the state right to suspend the Country Family Restaurant's food service permit? 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: 2% (27 Votes) No: 98% (1280 Votes)
According to the Daily Times, it wasn’t long before the owner was on the defensive.
A few days after the sign was posted, the Navajo Post, a paper from the nearby Navajo Nation, ran an article on the poster.
News of the sign spread, and accusations of racism and “microaggressions” soon began to roll in. Some of those aligning themselves against the restaurant even floated a boycott.
Jackson said the message was not racist but posted out of frustration after the virus leaped from China and forced difficult change on many American businesses.
“I stuck up that little-bitty sign that explained my thoughts about the communist Chinese government and the way they treat their people,” Jackson said in March. “It was just a little-bitty sign, and I didn’t think anything of it.”
Although Jackson largely blames the Chinese Communist Party for the virus, he said that he thinks it is a naturally occurring pathogen, not a man-made superbug.
The suspension of the restaurant seemingly renders any potential boycott moot, but that doesn’t mean the business and its employees are out of the woods yet.
With the $600 federal boost to unemployment ending and the future of the restaurant’s permit in question, Jackson isn’t done dealing with the fallout from China’s deadly mistakes by any stretch.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--NFL Will Write ‘Social Justice’ Messages on Fields for Week 1

End zone dances will mingle with “ social justice ” messages when the NFL takes to the field in September .
The league has sent teams a memo outlining a multifaceted plan that includes slogans around the end zones and helmet decals honoring what it called “ victims of systemic racism.
” “ As we continue to amplify and elevate the NFL ’ s ongoing and long-term commitment to social justice , we will be incorporating several prominent elements on the field , into all broadcasts and across league and club platforms to begin the NFL season and beyond , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL.com .
End zone borders will include stencils with “ It Takes All of Us ” and “ End Racism.
” The memo also outlined how players can honor the victims of systemic racism .
“ Each player will have the option to honor an individual by displaying that person ’ s name via a decal on the back of their helmet , ” the memo said , according to ESPN .
“ Players will be offered a list of names and short biographical information to help guide their decision-making , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systemic racism who is not represented on this list , ” the memo said .
The names depicted on players ’ helmets in a tweet Monday from NFL.com ’ s Tom Pelissero were George Floyd , who died May 25 in Minneapolis police custody ; Breonna Taylor , who was fatally shot by Louisville police March 13 ; Botham Jean , who was shot and killed by an off-duty Dallas officer in 2018 ; and Ahmaud Arbery , who was fatally shot Feb. 23 while jogging near Brunswick , Georgia .
The helmet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL ’ s refusal to allow the Dallas Cowboys to wear an “ Arm in Arm ” decal honoring five police officers who were killed in an ambush during a Black Lives Matter protest in 2016 .
The NFL also will allow coaches to wear patches on their hats honoring victims of systemic racism , ESPN reported .
In addition , the league will honor “ essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic , ” the report said .
RELATED : Brees Doubles Down : ' I 'll Always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each club ’ s seat covering between the 30-yard lines , there will be messaging thanking these frontline workers , ” the memo said , according to ESPN .
The NFL ’ s embrace of social justice causes has intensified in the wake of Floyd ’ s death and the subsequent nationwide protests and riots .
Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared to encourage players to take a knee during the national anthem in a video posted to Twitter on June 5 .
“ We the National Football League admit we were wrong for not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all to speak out and peacefully protest , ” he said .
Many on Twitter savaged the NFL ’ s actions .
The memo said that everything being rolled out for the nation ’ s football fans was done in concert with the NFL Players Association .
The final products were the result of work done by owners on the Social Justice Working Committee — Gayle Benson of the New Orleans Saints , Michael Bidwill of the Arizona Cardinals , Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons , Dee Haslam of the Cleveland Browns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — along with Art Rooney II of the Pittsburgh Steelers , who chairs the Workplace Diversity Committee .
Prior to every Week 1 game , a recorded version of “ Lift Every Voice and Sing , ” which has been called “ the black national anthem , ” will be played .
The league is scheduled to open its season Sept. 10 with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Houston Texans .
The NFL isn ’ t the only sports league to embrace social justice this season .
The basketball courts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bubble near Orlando , Florida , have the slogan “ Black Lives Matter ” painted on the floor , and players can choose from a list of preapproved social justice messages to wear on their jerseys .
MLB also has had “ Black Lives Matter ” on the field as well as on players ’ batting practice shirts .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

End zone dances will mingle with “social justice” messages when the NFL takes to the field in September.
The league has sent teams a memo outlining a multifaceted plan that includes slogans around the end zones and helmet decals honoring what it called “victims of systemic racism.”
“As we continue to amplify and elevate the NFL’s ongoing and long-term commitment to social justice, we will be incorporating several prominent elements on the field, into all broadcasts and across league and club platforms to begin the NFL season and beyond,” the memo read, according to NFL.com.
End zone borders will include stencils with “It Takes All of Us” and “End Racism.”
The memo also outlined how players can honor the victims of systemic racism.
“Each player will have the option to honor an individual by displaying that person’s name via a decal on the back of their helmet,” the memo said, according to ESPN.
“Players will be offered a list of names and short biographical information to help guide their decision-making, however, they can also select a victim of systemic racism who is not represented on this list,” the memo said.
The names depicted on players’ helmets in a tweet Monday from NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero were George Floyd, who died May 25 in Minneapolis police custody; Breonna Taylor, who was fatally shot by Louisville police March 13; Botham Jean, who was shot and killed by an off-duty Dallas officer in 2018; and Ahmaud Arbery, who was fatally shot Feb. 23 while jogging near Brunswick, Georgia.
The NFL informed clubs today of plans to amplify its social justice initiatives, including helmet decals and signage in end zones for kickoff games and club home openers. pic.twitter.com/p4lt27tmEY — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 27, 2020
The helmet decal decision stands in stark contrast to the NFL’s refusal to allow the Dallas Cowboys to wear an “Arm in Arm” decal honoring five police officers who were killed in an ambush during a Black Lives Matter protest in 2016.
@NFL is authorizing decals of people “wrongfully” killed by police. U will only find a couple names and those I support but so many of these uses of force were found to be justified. Stop victimizing criminals and criminalizing good cops! — Stu Bishop (@StuBishop_LPD) July 22, 2020
The NFL also will allow coaches to wear patches on their hats honoring victims of systemic racism, ESPN reported.
In addition, the league will honor “essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report said.
“Featured on each club’s seat covering between the 30-yard lines, there will be messaging thanking these frontline workers,” the memo said, according to ESPN.
The NFL’s embrace of social justice causes has intensified in the wake of Floyd’s death and the subsequent nationwide protests and riots.
Do you think the end zone messages and helmet decals are 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: 1% (2 Votes) No: 99% (310 Votes)
Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared to encourage players to take a knee during the national anthem in a video posted to Twitter on June 5.
“We the National Football League admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest,” he said.
We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of Black People. We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe Black Lives Matter. #InspireChange pic.twitter.com/ENWQP8A0sv — NFL (@NFL) June 5, 2020
Many on Twitter savaged the NFL’s actions.
@NFL I don’t need to be preached to by a bunch of millionaire players and owners that I am racist, etc. You don’t deserve my viewership or dollars. You can take your social justice mantra and shove it! https://t.co/p8reTHOl4a — RonV42 (@RonV42) July 29, 2020
This surely will end racism and placate to far left hipsters who dont watch football. — TheRealTosh (@TheRealTosh3) July 28, 2020
Get woke, go broke. Will that expression apply to the NFL as its pandering to the BLM movement is now going way beyond national anthem kneeling? Now, the NFL will add “amplify” its BLM message by including social justice slogans in the end zones –> https://t.co/xFDCIv3zny — Bobby Eberle (@BobbyEberle13) July 29, 2020
The memo said that everything being rolled out for the nation’s football fans was done in concert with the NFL Players Association.
The final products were the result of work done by owners on the Social Justice Working Committee — Gayle Benson of the New Orleans Saints, Michael Bidwill of the Arizona Cardinals, Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons, Dee Haslam of the Cleveland Browns and Shad Khan of the Jacksonville Jaguars — along with Art Rooney II of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who chairs the Workplace Diversity Committee.
Prior to every Week 1 game, a recorded version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which has been called “the black national anthem,” will be played.
The league is scheduled to open its season Sept. 10 with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Houston Texans.
The NFL isn’t the only sports league to embrace social justice this season.
The basketball courts being used by the NBA in its bubble near Orlando, Florida, have the slogan “Black Lives Matter” painted on the floor, and players can choose from a list of preapproved social justice messages to wear on their jerseys.
MLB also has had “Black Lives Matter” on the field as well as on players’ batting practice shirts.
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* Email
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--End of an Era: Marine Corps Begins Eliminating Entire Tank Force

M1 Abrams tanks have been removed from the largest Marine Corps base as part of the military branch ’ s new force structure plan unveiled in March .
The last M1 Abrams left the Marine Corps ’ base at 29 Palms in California on July 6 , The Drive reported .
The Marines are also retiring M88 armored recovery vehicles and Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges .
The retirement of the tanks is part of the branch ’ s 10-year revamp plan to reinvent itself as a naval expeditionary force , as revealed by Marine Corps commandant Gen. David Berger in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of military capability , is the pacing threat , ” Berger told The Wall Street Journal at the time .
“ If we did nothing , we would be passed.
” The plan includes getting rid of all tanks , cutting back on the aircraft and shrinking in total numbers from 189,000 to 170,000 .
“ I have come to the conclusion that we need to contract the size of the Marine Corps to get quality , ” Berger said .
The retired vehicles have been consolidated at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The M1s , M88s and AVLB ’ s are then being sent to the U.S. Army ’ s Sierra Army Depot in California , a storage facility , and Anniston Army Depot in Alabama , the branch ’ s “ premier armored vehicle maintenance facility , ” according The Drive .
The Marine Corps plans to eventually divest the more than 400 vehicles of the M1 fleet , however , it is unclear if it will also divest their M1-based M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles .
The M1150 is meant to clear obstacles like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amphibious landings .
The 4th Battalion , which is part of the Marine Corps Forces reserve and has six tank companies , is scheduled to stand down for good in 2021 .
“ Remember that our tanks were just weapon systems , ” Marine Corps Captain Rothrock said during the inactivation ceremony .
“ [ Tanks are ] a d— fine weapon system , but nonetheless , just equipment .
You individual Marines were always the key to the company ’ s success.
” The first tank unit was established in 1923 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1989 .
It remains to be seen when the last of the M1s will be retired , but the removal of the tanks from 29 Palms shows how quickly the service is moving to implement Berger ’ s plan .
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M1 Abrams tanks have been removed from the largest Marine Corps base as part of the military branch’s new force structure plan unveiled in March.
The last M1 Abrams left the Marine Corps’ base at 29 Palms in California on July 6, The Drive reported.
The Marines are also retiring M88 armored recovery vehicles and Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges.
The retirement of the tanks is part of the branch’s 10-year revamp plan to reinvent itself as a naval expeditionary force, as revealed by Marine Corps commandant Gen. David Berger in March.
“China, in terms of military capability, is the pacing threat,” Berger told The Wall Street Journal at the time.
“If we did nothing, we would be passed.”
The plan includes getting rid of all tanks, cutting back on the aircraft and shrinking in total numbers from 189,000 to 170,000.
“I have come to the conclusion that we need to contract the size of the Marine Corps to get quality,” Berger said.
The retired vehicles have been consolidated at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow in California, The Drive reported.
Do you think the restructuring will be successful? Yes No
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The M1s, M88s and AVLB’s are then being sent to the U.S. Army’s Sierra Army Depot in California, a storage facility, and Anniston Army Depot in Alabama, the branch’s “premier armored vehicle maintenance facility,” according The Drive.
The Marine Corps plans to eventually divest the more than 400 vehicles of the M1 fleet, however, it is unclear if it will also divest their M1-based M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicles.
The M1150 is meant to clear obstacles like mines and could still be useful in amphibious landings.
The 4th Battalion, which is part of the Marine Corps Forces reserve and has six tank companies, is scheduled to stand down for good in 2021.
“Remember that our tanks were just weapon systems,” Marine Corps Captain Rothrock said during the inactivation ceremony.
“[Tanks are] a d— fine weapon system, but nonetheless, just equipment. You individual Marines were always the key to the company’s success.”
The first tank unit was established in 1923 and the Marines received their first M1A1 in 1989.
It remains to be seen when the last of the M1s will be retired, but the removal of the tanks from 29 Palms shows how quickly the service is moving to implement Berger’s plan.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--City Forces Firefighters Union To Remove ‘Blue Line’ Flags from Fire Trucks

A fire department in a small Massachusetts city has removed flags from its trucks , which were hung in support of a fallen police officer , after a citizen complained they were offensive .
Fire trucks in the city of Hingham had flown “ Thin Blue Line ” flags in recent weeks in support of law enforcement officers , The Patriot Ledger reported .
The city ’ s first responders particularly wished to honor the memory of Sgt .
Michael C. Chesna , a police officer from the neighboring community of Weymouth , who was killed in the line of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-law enforcement sentiments , firefighters in Hingham opted to hang the flags from fire engines , which was a popular decision among firefighters and the community .
According to the city , though , one resident was not pleased by the flags .
Last week , a resident of Hingham emailed the city and requested that the fire department remove the flags .
The Hingham Board of Selectmen released a statement about the complaint : “ Last week a resident did come forward with a concern .
He sent an email to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ Thin Blue Line ’ flag should be displayed on a fire truck.
” The board also shared a copy of the email complaint : “ The thin blue line flag has undoubtedly become a political symbol , most often used to counter Black Lives Matter and the fight against rampant police brutality .
While Hingham is blessed with a remarkable police force and these problems may not be as relevant to our quiet little town , the symbols are still representative of issues that our country is confronting as a whole , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hingham Board of Selectmen wrote that it supported its city ’ s police department , but would ask firefighters to take down the pro-police flags .
“ The resident reminded us that just a month ago the Board of Selectmen had refused a request to fly the rainbow flag ( also known as the gay pride flag or LGBTQ+ pride flag ) on Town property , ” the board wrote .
The board stated that the city ’ s fire chief was contacted about removing the flags from the fire engines .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s police chief and another city official , and the decision was made to remove the pro-law enforcement flags .
The men and women of the Hingham Fire Department and those in the department ’ s union , the Local 2398 , initially resisted the decision to remove flags from their vehicles .
“ The flags have continued to fly with honor every day .
They will have to be removed by someone other than a member of this union , ” the union said on Facebook this week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ take down the flags .
The Hingham Fire Department met with officers from the Hingham Police Department and the Weymouth Police Department , and one of the flags was removed with “ the highest level of respect , ” according to the union .
The Weymouth Police Department will hang the flags from its headquarters , but the 2398 stated Friday that one of the flags would first be flown from fire trucks “ in communities that support public safety ” around the commonwealth as part of a tour before it is delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chesna was killed in Weymouth in 2018 after he was attacked by a man with a rock , who then shot him 10 times with his own service weapon , the Weymouth News reported .
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A fire department in a small Massachusetts city has removed flags from its trucks, which were hung in support of a fallen police officer, after a citizen complained they were offensive.
Fire trucks in the city of Hingham had flown “Thin Blue Line” flags in recent weeks in support of law enforcement officers, The Patriot Ledger reported.
The city’s first responders particularly wished to honor the memory of Sgt. Michael C. Chesna, a police officer from the neighboring community of Weymouth, who was killed in the line of duty in July 2018.
Amid nationwide anti-law enforcement sentiments, firefighters in Hingham opted to hang the flags from fire engines, which was a popular decision among firefighters and the community.
According to the city, though, one resident was not pleased by the flags.
Last week, a resident of Hingham emailed the city and requested that the fire department remove the flags.
The Hingham Board of Selectmen released a statement about the complaint:
“Last week a resident did come forward with a concern. He sent an email to the Board of Selectmen that questioned whether the ‘Thin Blue Line’ flag should be displayed on a fire truck.”
The board also shared a copy of the email complaint:
Do you agree with the citizen who complained that "Thin Blue Line" flags are political? Yes No
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“The thin blue line flag has undoubtedly become a political symbol, most often used to counter Black Lives Matter and the fight against rampant police brutality. While Hingham is blessed with a remarkable police force and these problems may not be as relevant to our quiet little town, the symbols are still representative of issues that our country is confronting as a whole,” the offended citizen wrote.
The Hingham Board of Selectmen wrote that it supported its city’s police department, but would ask firefighters to take down the pro-police flags.
“The resident reminded us that just a month ago the Board of Selectmen had refused a request to fly the rainbow flag (also known as the gay pride flag or LGBTQ+ pride flag) on Town property,” the board wrote.
The board stated that the city’s fire chief was contacted about removing the flags from the fire engines.
The fire chief then had a conversation with the city’s police chief and another city official, and the decision was made to remove the pro-law enforcement flags.
The men and women of the Hingham Fire Department and those in the department’s union, the Local 2398, initially resisted the decision to remove flags from their vehicles.
“The flags have continued to fly with honor every day. They will have to be removed by someone other than a member of this union,” the union said on Facebook this week.
But all parties ultimately agreed Thursday to take down the flags.
The Hingham Fire Department met with officers from the Hingham Police Department and the Weymouth Police Department, and one of the flags was removed with “the highest level of respect,” according to the union.
The Weymouth Police Department will hang the flags from its headquarters, but the 2398 stated Friday that one of the flags would first be flown from fire trucks “in communities that support public safety” around the commonwealth as part of a tour before it is delivered to police in Weymouth to honor Chesna.
Chesna was killed in Weymouth in 2018 after he was attacked by a man with a rock, who then shot him 10 times with his own service weapon, the Weymouth News reported.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Portland Arson Suspect Caught After Video of Incident Reveals Giant Tattoo of His Last Name

A 32-year-old man has been charged with damaging federal property during unrest in Portland , Oregon , after authorities used a tattoo of his name across his upper back to help identify him .
Edward Thomas Schinzing , 32 , has been charged with damaging the Justice Center in Portland on May 29 , according to a Justice Department news release .
Although the Justice Center houses city and county offices , it receives federal funding from the DOJ , according to The Oregonian .
Schinzing was identified through photographs that were released along with the DOJ release .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the protesters who demonstrated at the Justice Center on May 29 .
Not long after protesters arrived at the building , some of them broke windows in the Corrections Records Office , allowing them to enter the facility and forcing three Multnomah County employees who were working there to flee .
Based on photos and videos culled from YouTube , Twitter , surveillance cameras and online images , about 30 people entered the center and began a spree of destruction , according to the release .
Once inside , protesters “ spray-painted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other office equipment , furniture , and interior windows ; and started fires.
” According to the DOJ , images from inside the center show one man with a distinctive tattoo spelling out “ Schinzing.
” The man was identified after the image was compared to his booking photo .
On May 29 , Schinzing was on probation for domestic violence assault , according to The Oregonian .
He had been sentenced to five years of probation on April 16 after he was found guilty of third-degree assault and attempted fourth-degree assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punched his girlfriend in front of her son in February .
Multnomah County court records indicated has seven prior misdemeanor convictions and two felony convictions .
According to the DOJ release , Schinzing spread a fire that had been started near the front of the office , lighting papers on fire and putting them in another cubicle .
RELATED : Fisherman Saves 4 Kids from Submerged Car After Mom Was Shot and Killed While Driving The Multnomah County Detention Center , which is part of the Justice Center , held 289 inmates at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared Tuesday in federal court and was detained for future proceedings .
Arson can be punished by up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A 32-year-old man has been charged with damaging federal property during unrest in Portland, Oregon, after authorities used a tattoo of his name across his upper back to help identify him.
Edward Thomas Schinzing, 32, has been charged with damaging the Justice Center in Portland on May 29, according to a Justice Department news release.
Although the Justice Center houses city and county offices, it receives federal funding from the DOJ, according to The Oregonian.
Schinzing was identified through photographs that were released along with the DOJ release.
According to the Justice Department, Schinzing was among the protesters who demonstrated at the Justice Center on May 29.
Not long after protesters arrived at the building, some of them broke windows in the Corrections Records Office, allowing them to enter the facility and forcing three Multnomah County employees who were working there to flee.
Based on photos and videos culled from YouTube, Twitter, surveillance cameras and online images, about 30 people entered the center and began a spree of destruction, according to the release.
Once inside, protesters “spray-painted portions of the office; damaged computer and other office equipment, furniture, and interior windows; and started fires.”
According to the DOJ, images from inside the center show one man with a distinctive tattoo spelling out “Schinzing.” The man was identified after the image was compared to his booking photo.
Do you think more of the rioters in Portland will be brought to justice? Yes No
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On May 29, Schinzing was on probation for domestic violence assault, according to The Oregonian.
He had been sentenced to five years of probation on April 16 after he was found guilty of third-degree assault and attempted fourth-degree assault.
Schinzing had admitted he had he punched his girlfriend in front of her son in February. Multnomah County court records indicated has seven prior misdemeanor convictions and two felony convictions.
According to the DOJ release, Schinzing spread a fire that had been started near the front of the office, lighting papers on fire and putting them in another cubicle.
New Report from Portland OR riotshttps://t.co/QQD242tClT Edward Schinzing faces federal arson charges for May 29th attack where he broke into the Justice Center and started a fire. Faces max of 20 years in federal prison#antifa #antifawatch #PortlandRiots #PortlandProtest pic.twitter.com/YvIF2XVGTZ — AntifaWatch.us (@AntifaWatch2) July 28, 2020
The Multnomah County Detention Center, which is part of the Justice Center, held 289 inmates at the time of the incident.
Schinzing appeared Tuesday in federal court and was detained for future proceedings.
Arson can be punished by up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years.
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--George Soros Has Already Spent Over Twice as Much on 2020 Election Than He Did in 2016

Liberal billionaire George Soros continues to pour millions of dollars into liberal political action committees and campaigns , more than doubling donations he made during the 2016 cycle .
Soros is pumping money into the Democracy PAC , according to the Washington Free Beacon , which reported the super PAC is serving as the connecting point for other liberal groups and campaigns that it supports .
A recent Federal Election Commission report revealed that the Democracy PAC gave out $ 17 million last quarter , bringing its total donation amount during the 2020 election cycle to $ 48 million .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly to Democratic campaigns and committees , according to FEC data .
The money is going to places such as the Senate Majority PAC , a committee tied to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ; Priorities USA Action , a pro-Joe Biden PAC that has been investing heavily in ads against his opponent , President Donald Trump ; and left-wing candidates running in state and local races across the country .
The recent donations bring Soros ’ 2020 election cycle donation total to $ 52 million , more than double his 2016 cycle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Soros as having given $ 22.1 million to liberal groups and candidates during the 2016 cycle .
Ironically , Democratic candidates who are benefiting from Soros ’ donations have spoken out against the influence of money in politics .
“ We could improve our politics overnight if we flushed big money from the system and had public financing of our elections , ” Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden ’ s website reads .
“ Democracy works best when a big bank account or a large donor list are not prerequisites for office.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s campaign , according to FEC data .
One GOP operative told the Free Beacon that the Democratic Party ’ s donors are “ bankrolling a massive web of liberal organizations to get them elected.
” “ George Soros ’ s unprecedented spending further highlights just how dependent Democrats are on contributions from billionaires , despite their hypocritical rhetoric , ” the anonymous operative said .
Soros trashed Trump in a recent interview published on the website of the European Council on Foreign Relations .
RELATED : Soros Is Doubling Down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nearly Twice What He Did in 2016 In the interview , he said the president would not win a second term .
“ Trump — also a would-be a dictator — can be accused of not being clever , ” Soros said .
“ Trump can not actually win the second term because of the way he mishandled the virus and caused many unnecessary deaths.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Liberal billionaire George Soros continues to pour millions of dollars into liberal political action committees and campaigns, more than doubling donations he made during the 2016 cycle.
Soros is pumping money into the Democracy PAC, according to the Washington Free Beacon, which reported the super PAC is serving as the connecting point for other liberal groups and campaigns that it supports.
A recent Federal Election Commission report revealed that the Democracy PAC gave out $17 million last quarter, bringing its total donation amount during the 2020 election cycle to $48 million.
Soros himself gave another $4 million directly to Democratic campaigns and committees, according to FEC data.
The money is going to places such as the Senate Majority PAC, a committee tied to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer; Priorities USA Action, a pro-Joe Biden PAC that has been investing heavily in ads against his opponent, President Donald Trump; and left-wing candidates running in state and local races across the country.
The recent donations bring Soros’ 2020 election cycle donation total to $52 million, more than double his 2016 cycle donation total.
The website OpenSecrets lists Soros as having given $22.1 million to liberal groups and candidates during the 2016 cycle.
Ironically, Democratic candidates who are benefiting from Soros’ donations have spoken out against the influence of money in politics.
“We could improve our politics overnight if we flushed big money from the system and had public financing of our elections,” Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s website reads.
Do you think campaign donations influence politics? Yes No
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“Democracy works best when a big bank account or a large donor list are not prerequisites for office.”
Soros himself has contributed $500,000 to Biden’s campaign, according to FEC data.
One GOP operative told the Free Beacon that the Democratic Party’s donors are “bankrolling a massive web of liberal organizations to get them elected.”
“George Soros’s unprecedented spending further highlights just how dependent Democrats are on contributions from billionaires, despite their hypocritical rhetoric,” the anonymous operative said.
Soros trashed Trump in a recent interview published on the website of the European Council on Foreign Relations.
In the interview, he said the president would not win a second term.
“Trump — also a would-be a dictator — can be accused of not being clever,” Soros said.
“Trump cannot actually win the second term because of the way he mishandled the virus and caused many unnecessary deaths.”
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westernjournal--2020-08-01--Dutch Government Issues Shocking Announcement About COVID Masks

Government officials in the Netherlands will not ask citizens to wear masks , as they say there is no clear evidence that doing so would slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Reuters reported the decision was made Wednesday and announced by Dutch Minister for Medical Care Tamara van Ark .
The policy was also reviewed by the country ’ s National Institute for Health , which said it could not support advising residents to wear masks whenever they are out in public , despite a surge of cases in the country .
Instead of mandating facial coverings , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more physical distancing .
“ Because from a medical perspective there is no proven effectiveness of masks , the Cabinet has decided that there will be no national obligation for wearing non-medical masks , ” van Ark said at a news conference .
Jaap van Dissel , chief of the Dutch National Institute for Health , also spoke about the country ’ s view of the efficacy of facial coverings , which are only required on public transportation and at airports in the Netherlands .
The health official said studies which show masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not convinced Dutch health experts .
“ He argued wearing masks incorrectly , together with worse adherence to social distancing rules , could increase the risk of transmitting the disease , ” Reuters reported .
“ So we think that if you ’ re going to use masks [ in a public setting ] … then you must give good training for it , ” van Dissel said .
The Netherlands announced July 1 it would be lifting lockdown restrictions , and has seen an increase in cases since then , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone in their skepticism of facial coverings .
Swedish officials , who did not shut down the country amid the coronavirus pandemic and chose to instead seek an approach that relies on citizens gaining herd immunity , have been critical of masks .
The country has seen its number of coronavirus cases and deaths plummet .
Measures such as social distancing and the wearing of masks in the Scandinavian nation are voluntary .
Dr. Anders Tegnell , the man behind the country ’ s controversial response to the pandemic , has pointed out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
The epidemiologist told reporters this week he did not see a reason for his country ’ s citizens to wear masks .
“ The curves go down , and the curves over the seriously ill begin to be very close to zero .
As a whole , it is very positive , ” he said , Financial Review reported .
“ With numbers diminishing very quickly in Sweden , we see no point in wearing a face mask in Sweden , not even on public transport.
” While other European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sweden reported a 54 percent decrease in cases per 100,000 people over the two-week period ending Wednesday , Newsweek reported .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Government officials in the Netherlands will not ask citizens to wear masks, as they say there is no clear evidence that doing so would slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Reuters reported the decision was made Wednesday and announced by Dutch Minister for Medical Care Tamara van Ark.
The policy was also reviewed by the country’s National Institute for Health, which said it could not support advising residents to wear masks whenever they are out in public, despite a surge of cases in the country.
Instead of mandating facial coverings, the country will seek a solution that includes more physical distancing.
“Because from a medical perspective there is no proven effectiveness of masks, the Cabinet has decided that there will be no national obligation for wearing non-medical masks,” van Ark said at a news conference.
Jaap van Dissel, chief of the Dutch National Institute for Health, also spoke about the country’s view of the efficacy of facial coverings, which are only required on public transportation and at airports in the Netherlands.
The health official said studies which show masks can slow the spread of the coronavirus have not convinced Dutch health experts.
“He argued wearing masks incorrectly, together with worse adherence to social distancing rules, could increase the risk of transmitting the disease,” Reuters reported.
“So we think that if you’re going to use masks [in a public setting] … then you must give good training for it,” van Dissel said.
Do you wear a mask or other face covering when you are out in public? Yes No
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The Netherlands announced July 1 it would be lifting lockdown restrictions, and has seen an increase in cases since then, according to Reuters.
Dutch officials are not alone in their skepticism of facial coverings.
Swedish officials, who did not shut down the country amid the coronavirus pandemic and chose to instead seek an approach that relies on citizens gaining herd immunity, have been critical of masks.
The country has seen its number of coronavirus cases and deaths plummet.
Measures such as social distancing and the wearing of masks in the Scandinavian nation are voluntary.
Dr. Anders Tegnell, the man behind the country’s controversial response to the pandemic, has pointed out Sweden’s success in dealing with the virus. The epidemiologist told reporters this week he did not see a reason for his country’s citizens to wear masks.
“The curves go down, and the curves over the seriously ill begin to be very close to zero. As a whole, it is very positive,” he said, Financial Review reported. “With numbers diminishing very quickly in Sweden, we see no point in wearing a face mask in Sweden, not even on public transport.”
While other European nations have experienced new spikes in infections, Sweden reported a 54 percent decrease in cases per 100,000 people over the two-week period ending Wednesday, Newsweek reported.
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