westernjournal--2020-09-12--Venezuela Claims It Arrested ‘American Spy’ Possibly Attempting To Destroy Oil Refinery

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro claimed Friday that an “ American spy ” was arrested in the country for attempting to sabotage oil refineries with explosives .
The Agence France-Presse reported the embattled socialist dictator commented on the alleged arrest while appearing on television .
“ Yesterday we captured … an American spy who was spying in Falcon state on the Amuay and Cardon refineries , ” Maduro said .
He said that the person arrested was “ a Marine who was serving as a Marine at CIA bases in Iraq , ” and added that the person had “ heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash.
” Maduro blamed the U.S. for his socialist government ’ s inability to stabilize its infrastructure , according to The Associated Press .
TRENDING : NFL Opening Night Marred by Protests as One Team Boycotts Anthem “ The gringo empire wants revenge against Venezuela , ” Maduro said .
“ It wants to prevent Venezuela from producing all petroleum products , gasoline.
” The arrest occurred after authorities “ discovered and dismantled ” on Wednesday a “ plan to cause an explosion ” at the El Palito refinery near the capital city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsubstantiated claim that an American was in the country attempting to sabotage fuel distribution in Venezuela comes as the country deals with fuel shortages , despite its rich oil reserves .
According to NPR ’ s John Otis , “ Venezuela ’ s oil industry has collapsed.
” “ Many of its refineries have shut down while the government ’ s lack of cash to import gasoline , combined with U.S. sanctions targeting the oil sector , have led to chronic fuel shortages , ” Otis said .
“ That means Venezuelans now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gallon on the black market and that there ’ s no more cheap fuel left to resell in Colombia.
” The country still has an estimated one-fifth of the world ’ s known oil reserves , according to National Review .
But once-wealthy Venezuela has become the epitome of socialist decline since its government began a process of nationalizing the fuel industry in 1976 , Forbes reported .
Late Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez helped drive the country ’ s entire economy into the ground beginning in the late 1990s .
The oil industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of a decade or so .
Despite sitting on oil reserves that could see the country prosper , poverty has stricken the one-time South American petroleum powerhouse .
Citizens are plagued by food , medicine and fuel shortages .
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Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro claimed Friday that an “American spy” was arrested in the country for attempting to sabotage oil refineries with explosives.
The Agence France-Presse reported the embattled socialist dictator commented on the alleged arrest while appearing on television.
“Yesterday we captured … an American spy who was spying in Falcon state on the Amuay and Cardon refineries,” Maduro said.
He said that the person arrested was “a Marine who was serving as a Marine at CIA bases in Iraq,” and added that the person had “heavy weapons” and “large amounts of cash.”
Maduro blamed the U.S. for his socialist government’s inability to stabilize its infrastructure, according to The Associated Press.
“The gringo empire wants revenge against Venezuela,” Maduro said. “It wants to prevent Venezuela from producing all petroleum products, gasoline.”
The arrest occurred after authorities “discovered and dismantled” on Wednesday a “plan to cause an explosion” at the El Palito refinery near the capital city of Caracas, Maduro said.
The unsubstantiated claim that an American was in the country attempting to sabotage fuel distribution in Venezuela comes as the country deals with fuel shortages, despite its rich oil reserves.
NPR laid out Venezuela’s situation in a report published Thursday.
Do you think America faces a similar situation to Venezuela if Democrats are able to forward their green agenda? Yes No
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According to NPR’s John Otis, “Venezuela’s oil industry has collapsed.”
“Many of its refineries have shut down while the government’s lack of cash to import gasoline, combined with U.S. sanctions targeting the oil sector, have led to chronic fuel shortages,” Otis said.
“That means Venezuelans now pay as much as $10 a gallon on the black market and that there’s no more cheap fuel left to resell in Colombia.”
The country still has an estimated one-fifth of the world’s known oil reserves, according to National Review.
But once-wealthy Venezuela has become the epitome of socialist decline since its government began a process of nationalizing the fuel industry in 1976, Forbes reported.
Late Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez helped drive the country’s entire economy into the ground beginning in the late 1990s.
The oil industry went from boom to bust in a period of a decade or so.
Despite sitting on oil reserves that could see the country prosper, poverty has stricken the one-time South American petroleum powerhouse.
Citizens are plagued by food, medicine and fuel shortages.
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westernjournal--2020-09-12--Famous Faces Who Passed Away in August 2020

Here are some of the famous faces who passed away in August 2020 .
“ Cocoon ” actor Wilford Brimley died Aug. 1 while in the hospital .
He was 85 years old .
Brimley was also well known for appearing in a series of diabetes commercials for Liberty Medical .
TRENDING : NFL Opening Night Marred by Protests as One Team Boycotts Anthem Reni Santoni , 81 , died Aug. 1 after suffering from several different health issues .
Although he began his career in baseball , he eventually shifted into acting .
One of his most popular roles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Seinfeld.
” Raymond Allen , “ Sanford and Son ” and “ Good Times ” actor , died Aug. 10 while in a long-term care facility in California .
He was 91 .
Singer Trini Lopez , best known for his versions of “ Lemon Tree ” and “ If I Had a Hammer , ” died Aug. 11 .
He was 86 .
RELATED : 'Kool and the Gang ' Co-Founder Ronald Bell Dead at Age 68 Actor Ben Cross died Aug. 18 after suffering from a short illness at 72 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roles in “ Chariots of Fire ” and “ Star Trek.
” Reality television star Jesse Goins reportedly died on the set of “ Gold Rush : Dave Turin ’ s Lost Mine ” on Aug. 18 .
Those on site said he appeared to have died from a heart attack .
He was 60 .
YouTube star Landon Clifford of “ Cam & Fam ” died Aug. 19 after a week in the hospital following a suicide attempt .
He was 19 .
In a recent video , Clifford ’ s wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depression , anxiety and addiction to prescription drugs leading up to his death .
Joe Ruby , a co-creator of the beloved cartoon “ Scooby-Doo , ” died Aug. 26 .
The 87-year-old Navy veteran also contributed to shows such as “ The Barkleys , ” “ The Houndcats ” and “ Jabberjaw.
” Marvel universe actor Chadwick Boseman died Aug. 28 after secretly battling cancer for four years .
He was 43 .
Before becoming well-known as King T ’ Challa in “ Black Panther , ” Boseman played Jackie Robinson in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Get on Up.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Celebrity Deaths in August 2020
Here are some of the famous faces who passed away in August 2020.
Wilford Brimley
“Cocoon” actor Wilford Brimley died Aug. 1 while in the hospital. He was 85 years old. Brimley was also well known for appearing in a series of diabetes commercials for Liberty Medical.
Reni Santoni
Reni Santoni, 81, died Aug. 1 after suffering from several different health issues. Although he began his career in baseball, he eventually shifted into acting. One of his most popular roles was Poppie, a restaurant owner on “Seinfeld.”
Raymond Allen
Raymond Allen, “Sanford and Son” and “Good Times” actor, died Aug. 10 while in a long-term care facility in California. He was 91.
Trini Lopez
Singer Trini Lopez, best known for his versions of “Lemon Tree” and “If I Had a Hammer,” died Aug. 11. He was 86.
Ben Cross
Actor Ben Cross died Aug. 18 after suffering from a short illness at 72. He was best known for his roles in “Chariots of Fire” and “Star Trek.”
Jesse Goins
Reality television star Jesse Goins reportedly died on the set of “Gold Rush: Dave Turin’s Lost Mine” on Aug. 18. Those on site said he appeared to have died from a heart attack. He was 60.
Landon Clifford
YouTube star Landon Clifford of “Cam&Fam” died Aug. 19 after a week in the hospital following a suicide attempt. He was 19. In a recent video, Clifford’s wife, Camryn, said he struggled with depression, anxiety and addiction to prescription drugs leading up to his death.
Joe Ruby
Joe Ruby, a co-creator of the beloved cartoon “Scooby-Doo,” died Aug. 26. The 87-year-old Navy veteran also contributed to shows such as “The Barkleys,” “The Houndcats” and “Jabberjaw.”
Chadwick Boseman
Marvel universe actor Chadwick Boseman died Aug. 28 after secretly battling cancer for four years. He was 43. Before becoming well-known as King T’Challa in “Black Panther,” Boseman played Jackie Robinson in “42” and James Brown in “Get on Up.”
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westernjournal--2020-09-12--College Football Players Show NFL What ‘Unity’ Demonstration Should Really Look Like

Whether it ’ s the Wildcat formation or the spread offense , the NFL has never had a problem taking a page out of college football trends .
Perhaps they should borrow this one , too .
With college football starting in earnest this weekend , many eyes are going to be glued to the television to see their alma maters and favorite teams begin a potential march toward bowl season .
But it ’ s what those eyes missed that might be the best storyline to emerge thus far from college football ’ s return .
Amid the social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States in 2020 , it was beyond pleasant to see a moment of unity that wasn ’ t meant for the cameras or for show : TRENDING : NFL Opening Night Marred by Protests as One Team Boycotts Anthem Take a look at what NFL coaching legend and outspoken Christian Tony Dungy tweeted out Saturday : Dungy , who called his first college football game as Duke visited Notre Dame , tweeted out a candid photo of the home team ’ s players and coaches gathering midfield for prayer .
It wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainly wasn ’ t a stunt with a high-powered PR machine behind it .
In other words , it was the polar opposite of what NFL fans were subjected to before this week ’ s “ Thursday Night Football ” NFL season opener : The Notre Dame football team wasn ’ t trying to showboat , pander or lecture .
That ’ s a stark contrast to the way the NFL insisted on bombarding viewers with social justice messaging and shows of so-called unity .
As for Notre Dame ’ s actual on-field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going into the season for the 10th-ranked Fighting Irish .
They ’ ll be playing in a very tough ACC division that features perennial powerhouse Clemson and up-and-coming teams like North Carolina and Miami .
Regardless of how good Notre Dame ends up being this year , Dungy may have already seen the Fighting Irish ’ s biggest “ W ” of the year thanks to the faith-driven unity the team showed before a single second of actual football was played .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Whether it’s the Wildcat formation or the spread offense, the NFL has never had a problem taking a page out of college football trends.
Perhaps they should borrow this one, too.
With college football starting in earnest this weekend, many eyes are going to be glued to the television to see their alma maters and favorite teams begin a potential march toward bowl season.
But it’s what those eyes missed that might be the best storyline to emerge thus far from college football’s return.
Amid the social and economic unrest that has ravaged the United States in 2020, it was beyond pleasant to see a moment of unity that wasn’t meant for the cameras or for show:
Take a look at what NFL coaching legend and outspoken Christian Tony Dungy tweeted out Saturday:
Approximately 12:30 pm and the Notre Dame buses just arrived. It was awesome to see many of their players and coaches come to midfield for a circle of prayer. pic.twitter.com/PT1uFLPtwt — Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) September 12, 2020
Dungy, who called his first college football game as Duke visited Notre Dame, tweeted out a candid photo of the home team’s players and coaches gathering midfield for prayer.
Will you be watching college football this year? Yes No
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It wasn’t a big production and it certainly wasn’t a stunt with a high-powered PR machine behind it.
In other words, it was the polar opposite of what NFL fans were subjected to before this week’s “Thursday Night Football” NFL season opener:
A moment of silence dedicated to the ongoing fight for equality in our country. #ItTakesAllOfUs pic.twitter.com/srC0SlnWdh — NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2020
A look at Kansas City’s end zones for Week 1 pic.twitter.com/Tn9AAu1Aui — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 10, 2020
Texans decided to NOT even take the field for the Star-Spangled Banner. Chiefs ALL stood except for DE Alex Okafor, who kneeled #NFLKickoff #HOUvsKC pic.twitter.com/xvG2aAapUp — Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) September 11, 2020
The Notre Dame football team wasn’t trying to showboat, pander or lecture.
That’s a stark contrast to the way the NFL insisted on bombarding viewers with social justice messaging and shows of so-called unity.
As for Notre Dame’s actual on-field football product, expectations are relatively high going into the season for the 10th-ranked Fighting Irish. They’ll be playing in a very tough ACC division that features perennial powerhouse Clemson and up-and-coming teams like North Carolina and Miami.
I’m with @miketirico at Notre Dame Stadium getting ready to call my first college football game—Duke at ND at 2:30 pm today. This is the view from our booth. Pretty incredible! pic.twitter.com/K7E9Ed7s5i — Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) September 12, 2020
Regardless of how good Notre Dame ends up being this year, Dungy may have already seen the Fighting Irish’s biggest “W” of the year thanks to the faith-driven unity the team showed before a single second of actual football was played.
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westernjournal--2020-09-12--Tulsi Gabbard, Ted Cruz Join Growing List of Lawmakers Condemning ‘Cuties’ as Child Porn

A growing list of lawmakers is condemning Netflix over its recently released drama “ Cuties , ” which controversially sexualizes twerking pre-teen girls .
Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii slammed Netflix on Friday , describing “ Cuties ” as “ child porn ” and accusing the streaming giant of fueling pedophilia and human trafficking .
The former Democratic presidential candidate appears to be the first high-profile Democrat to come out against the controversial film .
“ [ Netflix ] child porn ‘ Cuties ’ will certainly whet the appetite of pedophiles & help fuel the child sex trafficking trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She added : “ 1 in 4 victims of trafficking are children .
It happened to my friend ’ s 13 year old daughter.
” TRENDING : NFL Opening Night Marred by Protests as One Team Boycotts Anthem “ Netflix , you are now complicit , ” Gabbard concluded , adding the tag # CancelNetflix .
The Hawaii Democrat replied to a tweet connecting the film to human trafficking and arguing the issue is not getting enough attention .
“ I agree .
Most people think it ’ s not a serious issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in other places .
It is rampant and happening in our own communities , ” Gabbard wrote .
She also commented on another tweet to announce she had canceled her subscription to Netflix .
“ Me too , ” she wrote in response to a user who posted : “ Canceled netflix this morning when I saw this s—.
” Sen. Ted Cruz also lashed out at Netflix over its decision to offer content which sexualizes children .
In a letter to Attorney General William Barr , Cruz asked for a Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Famous Faces Who Passed Away in August 2020 “ The video streaming service and content-producer Netflix is currently hosting a film entitled ‘ Cuties ’ that sexualizes young girls , including through dance scenes that simulate sexual activities and a scene exposing a minor ’ s bare breast , ” the Texas Republican wrote Friday .
“ I urge the Department of Justice to investigate the production and distribution of this film to determine whether Netflix , its executives , or the individuals involved in the filming and production of ‘ Cuties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production and distribution of child pornography.
” Cruz and Gabbard ’ s comments add to the growing congressional scrutiny of Netflix over its decision to distribute the sexually charged movie .
Two GOP senators have also sent letters to Netflix asking the company to explain its position on streaming the film on its platform .
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley wrote on Twitter that Netflix “ should explain to the public why it is distributing a film , ‘ Cuties , ’ that appears to sexually exploit children and endanger child welfare.
” Sen. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This exploitation of minors will not be tolerated.
” Subscription cancellations appear to be piling up : Despite facing a backlash and mounting cancellations , Netflix is standing by the movie .
The streaming giant has asked critics to give the film a chance .
“ ‘ Cuties ’ is a social commentary against the sexualization of young children , ” a Netflix spokesperson told Variety .
“ It ’ s an award-winning film and a powerful story about the pressure young girls face on social media and from society more generally growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who cares about these important issues to watch the movie.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A growing list of lawmakers is condemning Netflix over its recently released drama “Cuties,” which controversially sexualizes twerking pre-teen girls.
Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii slammed Netflix on Friday, describing “Cuties” as “child porn” and accusing the streaming giant of fueling pedophilia and human trafficking.
The former Democratic presidential candidate appears to be the first high-profile Democrat to come out against the controversial film.
“[Netflix] child porn ‘Cuties’ will certainly whet the appetite of pedophiles & help fuel the child sex trafficking trade,” Gabbard wrote on Twitter.
She added: “1 in 4 victims of trafficking are children. It happened to my friend’s 13 year old daughter.”
“Netflix, you are now complicit,” Gabbard concluded, adding the tag #CancelNetflix.
Gabbard wasn’t finished.
The Hawaii Democrat replied to a tweet connecting the film to human trafficking and arguing the issue is not getting enough attention.
“I agree. Most people think it’s not a serious issue or that it just happens to some people in other places. It is rampant and happening in our own communities,” Gabbard wrote.
I agree. Most people think it’s not a serious issue or that it just happens to some people in other places. It is rampant and happening in our own communities. — Tulsi Gabbard ? (@TulsiGabbard) September 12, 2020
She also commented on another tweet to announce she had canceled her subscription to Netflix.
“Me too,” she wrote in response to a user who posted: “Canceled netflix this morning when I saw this s—.”
Sen. Ted Cruz also lashed out at Netflix over its decision to offer content which sexualizes children.
In a letter to Attorney General William Barr, Cruz asked for a Department of Justice investigation into Netflix.
“The video streaming service and content-producer Netflix is currently hosting a film entitled ‘Cuties’ that sexualizes young girls, including through dance scenes that simulate sexual activities and a scene exposing a minor’s bare breast,” the Texas Republican wrote Friday.
“I urge the Department of Justice to investigate the production and distribution of this film to determine whether Netflix, its executives, or the individuals involved in the filming and production of ‘Cuties’ violated any federal laws against the production and distribution of child pornography.”
Cruz and Gabbard’s comments add to the growing congressional scrutiny of Netflix over its decision to distribute the sexually charged movie.
Do you intend to cancel your Netflix subscription over this film? Yes No
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Two GOP senators have also sent letters to Netflix asking the company to explain its position on streaming the film on its platform.
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley wrote on Twitter that Netflix “should explain to the public why it is distributing a film, ‘Cuties,’ that appears to sexually exploit children and endanger child welfare.”
.@Netflix should explain to the public why it is distributing a film, “Cuties,” that appears to sexually exploit children and endanger child welfare pic.twitter.com/OZH4HCLy0Y — Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) September 11, 2020
Sen. Mike Lee of Utah added: “This exploitation of minors will not be tolerated.”
This exploitation of minors will not be tolerated.https://t.co/U5xNWnfRCC — Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) September 11, 2020
Subscription cancellations appear to be piling up:
DONE ✅
I don’t support child erotic movies nor normalizing child sexualization#CancelNetflix @netflix pic.twitter.com/vJo4IIUI7n — L (@anm_badf) September 11, 2020
There are few things we’ve done this week more satisfying than fulfilling #CancelNetflix account live on the air. This war against Cultural Marxism has a target we can truly affect immediately. It’s incumbent on right-minded folks to take action. https://t.co/ZZjz3TMN21 — JD Rucker (@JDRucker) September 11, 2020
Despite facing a backlash and mounting cancellations, Netflix is standing by the movie.
The streaming giant has asked critics to give the film a chance.
“‘Cuties’ is a social commentary against the sexualization of young children,” a Netflix spokesperson told Variety. “It’s an award-winning film and a powerful story about the pressure young girls face on social media and from society more generally growing up — and we’d encourage anyone who cares about these important issues to watch the movie.”
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westernjournal--2020-09-12--‘Worse Than Anything You Would See in a Horror Movie’: Trial Begins for Accused Cannibal

The murder trial of a southern Indiana man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and eating parts of her body began with a prosecutor warning jurors that they ’ ll see photos of the 2014 crime scene “ worse than anything you would see in a horror movie.
” Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull said Friday during his opening remarks in Joseph Oberhansley ’ s trial that Tammy Jo Blanton , 46 , “ met a fate that ’ s very difficult to describe ” at the hands of the Jeffersonville man , who is charged with murder , rape , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mull warned the jurors , who were drawn from Allen County in northeastern Indiana because of the intense media coverage the case has received in the south of the state , that the evidence they would see will include gruesome photos .
Defense attorney Bart Betteau asked jurors to be wary of “ emotional evidence ” that wasn ’ t relevant to the facts in the Sept. 11 , 2014 , killing .
Witnesses who testified Friday — the sixth anniversary of Blanton ’ s death — included two officers who responded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dispatcher who fielded Blanton ’ s call , in which she told the dispatcher that Oberhansley , now 39 , was trying to break into her Jeffersonville home .
TRENDING : Op-Ed : California Lawmakers ' Solution to Discrimination Is To Make Children More Vulnerable to Molestation Sabrina Hall , a co-worker and friend of Blanton ’ s , testified that she called police after a man she believes was Oberhansley answered Blanton ’ s phone the day her friend died .
The trial is set to resume Monday , with a doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to testify .
If he ’ s convicted by the jury , Oberhansley will face a sentence of life in prison .
Oberhansley was set to stand trial in August 2019 with a jury drawn from central Indiana ’ s Hamilton County , but a mistrial was declared during the first day of testimony after a witness for the state spoke of things that attorneys had agreed would not be mentioned to the jury .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The murder trial of a southern Indiana man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and eating parts of her body began with a prosecutor warning jurors that they’ll see photos of the 2014 crime scene “worse than anything you would see in a horror movie.”
Clark County Prosecutor Jeremy Mull said Friday during his opening remarks in Joseph Oberhansley’s trial that Tammy Jo Blanton, 46, “met a fate that’s very difficult to describe” at the hands of the Jeffersonville man, who is charged with murder, rape, abuse of a corpse and burglary.
Mull warned the jurors, who were drawn from Allen County in northeastern Indiana because of the intense media coverage the case has received in the south of the state, that the evidence they would see will include gruesome photos.
Defense attorney Bart Betteau asked jurors to be wary of “emotional evidence” that wasn’t relevant to the facts in the Sept. 11, 2014, killing.
Witnesses who testified Friday — the sixth anniversary of Blanton’s death — included two officers who responded to her home that day and a 911 dispatcher who fielded Blanton’s call, in which she told the dispatcher that Oberhansley, now 39, was trying to break into her Jeffersonville home.
Sabrina Hall, a co-worker and friend of Blanton’s, testified that she called police after a man she believes was Oberhansley answered Blanton’s phone the day her friend died.
The trial is set to resume Monday, with a doctor who performed an autopsy on Blanton expected to testify.
If he’s convicted by the jury, Oberhansley will face a sentence of life in prison.
Do you think this man will be found guilty? Yes No
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Oberhansley was set to stand trial in August 2019 with a jury drawn from central Indiana’s Hamilton County, but a mistrial was declared during the first day of testimony after a witness for the state spoke of things that attorneys had agreed would not be mentioned to the jury.
[jwplayer O9DH6qa5]
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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westernjournal--2020-09-12--Oregon Officials Squash Rumors That Far-Right, Far-Left Extremists Are Responsible for Wildfires

As antifa-fueled violence rages in Portland , Oregon , officials are trying to extinguish rumors that the wildfires in other parts of the state are also linked to groups on either end of the political spectrum .
Democratic Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown said fires have burned more than 1 million acres , according to CBS News .
Roughly half a million people have been evacuated or forced from their homes due to what officials said is a devastating series of wildfires .
“ We know we ’ re dealing with fire-related deaths and we ’ re preparing for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know and the number of structures lost , ” said the director of the state ’ s Office of Emergency Management , Andrew Phelps .
“ The long-term recovery is going to last years , ” he added during a news briefing Friday .
TRENDING : Op-Ed : California Lawmakers ' Solution to Discrimination Is To Make Children More Vulnerable to Molestation Amid the devastation , officials have been responding to claims that either members of the far-left coalition of so-called “ anti-fascist ” groups known as antifa on the left or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fires .
Officials have tried to pour water on the claims by fighting social media rumors with social media facts .
On Thursday , the Douglas County Sheriff ’ s Office used its Facebook page to urge people to reject false claims .
“ Remember when we said to follow official sources only .
Remember when we said rumors make this already difficult incident even harder ?
Rumors spread just like wildfire and now our 9-1-1 dispatchers and professional staff are being overrun with requests for information and inquiries on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been arrested for setting fires in DOUGLAS COUNTY , OREGON , ” the post said .
“ THIS IS NOT TRUE !
Unfortunately , people are spreading this rumor and it is causing problems .
Do your part , STOP .
SPREADING .
RUMORS !
Follow official sources of information such as local emergency response websites and pages , government websites and pages and local reputable news outlets .
Please , share far and wide !
” The department also posted a statement from FBI Special Agent in Charge Loren Cannon of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and local law enforcement agencies have been receiving reports that extremists are responsible for setting wildfires in Oregon .
With our state and local partners , the FBI has investigated several such reports and found them to be untrue , ” Cannon said .
“ Conspiracy theories and misinformation take valuable resources away [ from ] local fire and police agencies working around the clock to bring these fires under control .
Please help our entire community by only sharing validated information from official sources.
” On Wednesday , Medford police issued a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rumor that they had arrested an extremist in connection with the fires .
“ This is a made up graphic and story .
We did not arrest this person for arson , nor anyone affiliated with Antifa or ‘ Proud Boys ’ as we ’ ve heard throughout the day .
Also , no confirmed gatherings of Antifa which has also been reported .
Please flag or ignore this post if you see it , ” the department posted .
Despite the comments from police , Paul Romero , a former Republican candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Associated Press that he blames the fires on an “ army of arsonists.
” Ashland Deputy Police Chief Art LeCours said the fires there had “ no connection whatsoever to antifa.
” Jackson County Sheriff ’ s Office spokesman Mike Moran noted that “ there is no evidence at this point of a coordinated effort.
” “ These investigations take time , ” he said .
“ They ’ re intense .
They ’ re fast moving .
And so people ought to consider : ‘ Does this even make sense ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a social media setting.
” Earlier this week , 41-year-old Michael Jarrod Bakkela was arrested on charges of arson , criminal mischief and reckless endangerment in connection with his alleged role in setting one of the fires burning in southern Oregon , according to The Oregonian .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As antifa-fueled violence rages in Portland, Oregon, officials are trying to extinguish rumors that the wildfires in other parts of the state are also linked to groups on either end of the political spectrum.
Democratic Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said fires have burned more than 1 million acres, according to CBS News.
Roughly half a million people have been evacuated or forced from their homes due to what officials said is a devastating series of wildfires.
“We know we’re dealing with fire-related deaths and we’re preparing for a mass fatality incident based on what we know and the number of structures lost,” said the director of the state’s Office of Emergency Management, Andrew Phelps.
“The long-term recovery is going to last years,” he added during a news briefing Friday.
Amid the devastation, officials have been responding to claims that either members of the far-left coalition of so-called “anti-fascist” groups known as antifa on the left or the Proud Boys on the right are linked to the fires. Officials have tried to pour water on the claims by fighting social media rumors with social media facts.
On Thursday, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office used its Facebook page to urge people to reject false claims.
“Remember when we said to follow official sources only. Remember when we said rumors make this already difficult incident even harder? Rumors spread just like wildfire and now our 9-1-1 dispatchers and professional staff are being overrun with requests for information and inquiries on an UNTRUE rumor that 6 Antifa members have been arrested for setting fires in DOUGLAS COUNTY, OREGON,” the post said.
“THIS IS NOT TRUE! Unfortunately, people are spreading this rumor and it is causing problems. Do your part, STOP. SPREADING. RUMORS! Follow official sources of information such as local emergency response websites and pages, government websites and pages and local reputable news outlets. Please, share far and wide!”
The department also posted a statement from FBI Special Agent in Charge Loren Cannon of the Portland FBI office:
“FBI Portland and local law enforcement agencies have been receiving reports that extremists are responsible for setting wildfires in Oregon. With our state and local partners, the FBI has investigated several such reports and found them to be untrue,” Cannon said.
“Conspiracy theories and misinformation take valuable resources away [from] local fire and police agencies working around the clock to bring these fires under control. Please help our entire community by only sharing validated information from official sources.”
On Wednesday, Medford police issued a Facebook post to push back against a rumor that they had arrested an extremist in connection with the fires.
“This is a made up graphic and story. We did not arrest this person for arson, nor anyone affiliated with Antifa or ‘Proud Boys’ as we’ve heard throughout the day. Also, no confirmed gatherings of Antifa which has also been reported. Please flag or ignore this post if you see it,” the department posted.
Despite the comments from police, Paul Romero, a former Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Oregon, told The Associated Press that he blames the fires on an “army of arsonists.”
Ashland Deputy Police Chief Art LeCours said the fires there had “no connection whatsoever to antifa.”
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Mike Moran noted that “there is no evidence at this point of a coordinated effort.”
Do you believe the fires were started by arsonists? Yes No
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“These investigations take time,” he said. “They’re intense. They’re fast moving. And so people ought to consider: ‘Does this even make sense?’ They should question anything they see in a social media setting.”
Earlier this week, 41-year-old Michael Jarrod Bakkela was arrested on charges of arson, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment in connection with his alleged role in setting one of the fires burning in southern Oregon, according to The Oregonian.
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westernjournal--2020-09-12--Awkward: Kamala Harris Refuses To Take Questions Right After Being Introduced To Take Questions

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris of California dodged questions Monday during a trip to Wisconsin .
Harris visits the state to have a conversation with the family of Jacob Blake , who was shot by Kenosha police after resisting arrest , and to offer prepared remarks during a meeting with black business leaders in Milwaukee , according to the New York Post .
As the Milwaukee event reached its close , Democratic Lt. Gov .
Mandela Barnes tried to turn the microphone over to Harris so that the assembled reporters could ask her some questions .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have Senator , soon-to-be Vice President , Harris with us today , and I will pass it back over to you .
I know you want to take some questions before you get out of here , ” Barnes said .
He extended his arm to pass the microphone to Harris and kept holding it as the candidate made it clear she was not planning to touch it .
TRENDING : NFL Opening Night Marred by Protests as One Team Boycotts Anthem In a video of the awkward moment , a member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying , “ Oh , I think we ’ re all set.
” “ Thank you all , we ’ re all set .
Thank you , ” another voice said as Harris began grabbing her papers to leave .
“ Oh , all right , ” Barnes said as he realized Harris was bent on avoiding questions .
After several shouted questions , Harris offered one comment .
“ I once lived in Wisconsin , did you know that ?
Wisconsin is part of my story , ” Harris said .
Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin .
Although Harris gave reporters the cold shoulder , her trip still won favorable attention from the establishment media — but that was because of her shoes .
“ Kamala D. Harris goes viral — for her shoe choice , ” The Washington Post headlined its account of Harris wearing Chuck Taylor sneakers by Converse .
Some suggested on social media that The Post ’ s fawning article was a touch too much .
RELATED : Secretaries of State Issue Warning About When Results of the Election Will Be Determined Harris has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential candidate Joe Biden selected her as his running mate on Aug. 11 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris of California dodged questions Monday during a trip to Wisconsin.
Harris visits the state to have a conversation with the family of Jacob Blake, who was shot by Kenosha police after resisting arrest, and to offer prepared remarks during a meeting with black business leaders in Milwaukee, according to the New York Post.
As the Milwaukee event reached its close, Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes tried to turn the microphone over to Harris so that the assembled reporters could ask her some questions.
“We are very honored, proud and lucky to have Senator, soon-to-be Vice President, Harris with us today, and I will pass it back over to you. I know you want to take some questions before you get out of here,” Barnes said.
He extended his arm to pass the microphone to Harris and kept holding it as the candidate made it clear she was not planning to touch it.
In a video of the awkward moment, a member of Harris’ staff could be heard saying, “Oh, I think we’re all set.”
“Thank you all, we’re all set. Thank you,” another voice said as Harris began grabbing her papers to leave.
“Oh, all right,” Barnes said as he realized Harris was bent on avoiding questions.
After several shouted questions, Harris offered one comment.
“I once lived in Wisconsin, did you know that? Wisconsin is part of my story,” Harris said. Her parents once taught at the University of Wisconsin.
Although Harris gave reporters the cold shoulder, her trip still won favorable attention from the establishment media — but that was because of her shoes.
“Kamala D. Harris goes viral — for her shoe choice,” The Washington Post headlined its account of Harris wearing Chuck Taylor sneakers by Converse.
Some suggested on social media that The Post’s fawning article was a touch too much.
Funny how libs can gush over fashion choices of their lib favs, but if a conservative even hints at a woman’s look, we’re sexist bigots. ? #DoubleStandards — Jenna Ellis (@JennaEllisEsq) September 9, 2020
Washington Post Chelsea Janes must think she’s CNN’s Maeve Reston or something. This is so embarrassing. Imagine The Post doing this in 2008 with Palin, Bachmann in 2012, or in the future with Haley or Stefanik in 2024 https://t.co/j2pExorQTU — Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) September 9, 2020
Harris has not held a news conference since Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden selected her as his running mate on Aug. 11.
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westernjournal--2020-09-12--Nine BLM Protesters Cited for Trespassing During McCloskey Incident

St. Louis police have cited nine protesters for alleged trespassing in connection with a June Black Lives Matter march during which a St. Louis couple brandished guns to defend their property .
During the June 28 incident , about 300 protesters entered a private , gated street .
As the demonstrators marched outside the home of Mark and Patricia McCloskey , the couple came out to tell the protesters to back off .
Mark McCloskey , 63 , carried an AR-15 rifle , while Patricia McCloskey , 61 , held a handgun .
No shots were fired .
TRENDING : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One Team Boycotts Anthem Sr. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner , a Democrat , has charged both McCloskeys with felony unlawful use of a weapon .
Protesters feared “ being injured due to Patricia McCloskey ’ s finger being on the trigger , coupled with her excited demeanor , ” a police probable cause statement said , The Associated Press reported .
Police confirmed nine citations were issued in relation to the alleged trespassing , but said they could not provide names while an investigation is ongoing .
“ The police department investigated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident , ” St. Louis police spokeswoman Evita Caldwell told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Thursday .
“ Charges are being reviewed by the City Counselor ’ s Office.
” Deputy City Counselor Mike Garvin added Friday that “ police have presented materials to us and we are considering whether to issue charges on the citations.
” His office will examine video from the protest “ to see where the accused trespassers were at the time , ” Garvin said .
City Counselor Julian Bush said it will take about two weeks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drop the matter .
“ We have to assess whether or not it ’ s likely that a conviction could be obtained .
If there ’ s no probable cause or it ’ s not in the broader interest , ” he told NPR .
A decision will then be made regarding whether or not to pursue charges .
Conviction on a trespassing charge could mean a fine of up to $ 500 and the potential of 90 days in jail — a penalty Bush said is rarely used .
Protest leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for alleged trespassing is nothing short of intimidation .
RELATED : ESPN Announces It Will Highlight Pregame Anthem Protests , Singing of 'Black National Anthem' “ We ’ re not going to be threatened , and that ’ s what ’ s happening across this country , ” Gray , who was not cited , told the AP .
“ You ’ ve got local governments and states who are trying to charge protesters , financially charge them , wanting them to pay costs .
You ’ ve got others who want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Amendment right.
” One activist objected to the citation she was issued : “ I was just sent a summons to appear in court for ‘ trespassing on private property ’ on Portland Pl aka the street Patricia and Mark McCloskey live on , ” Ohun Ashe tweeted .
“ I had a gun waved in my face by them but trespassing is what matters ?
” Others fired back , saying protesters were in the wrong .
Republican Missouri Gov .
Mike Parson has said that if the McCloskeys are convicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pardon them , according to Fox News .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

St. Louis police have cited nine protesters for alleged trespassing in connection with a June Black Lives Matter march during which a St. Louis couple brandished guns to defend their property.
During the June 28 incident, about 300 protesters entered a private, gated street.
As the demonstrators marched outside the home of Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the couple came out to tell the protesters to back off.
Mark McCloskey, 63, carried an AR-15 rifle, while Patricia McCloskey, 61, held a handgun. No shots were fired.
A couple has come out of their house and is pointing guns at protesters in their neighborhood #StLouis #lydakrewson pic.twitter.com/ZJ8a553PAU — Daniel Shular (@xshularx) June 29, 2020
Sr. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, a Democrat, has charged both McCloskeys with felony unlawful use of a weapon. Protesters feared “being injured due to Patricia McCloskey’s finger being on the trigger, coupled with her excited demeanor,” a police probable cause statement said, The Associated Press reported.
Police confirmed nine citations were issued in relation to the alleged trespassing, but said they could not provide names while an investigation is ongoing.
“The police department investigated nine instances of trespassing related to this incident,” St. Louis police spokeswoman Evita Caldwell told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Thursday. “Charges are being reviewed by the City Counselor’s Office.”
Should these protesters face charges? Yes No
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Deputy City Counselor Mike Garvin added Friday that “police have presented materials to us and we are considering whether to issue charges on the citations.” His office will examine video from the protest “to see where the accused trespassers were at the time,” Garvin said.
City Counselor Julian Bush said it will take about two weeks for the office to decide whether or not to drop the matter.
“We have to assess whether or not it’s likely that a conviction could be obtained. If there’s no probable cause or it’s not in the broader interest,” he told NPR. A decision will then be made regarding whether or not to pursue charges.
Conviction on a trespassing charge could mean a fine of up to $500 and the potential of 90 days in jail — a penalty Bush said is rarely used.
Protest leader Rev. Darryl Gray said citing protesters for alleged trespassing is nothing short of intimidation.
“We’re not going to be threatened, and that’s what’s happening across this country,” Gray, who was not cited, told the AP. “You’ve got local governments and states who are trying to charge protesters, financially charge them, wanting them to pay costs. You’ve got others who want to make it a law against exercising our First Amendment right.”
One activist objected to the citation she was issued:
Whew for the folks that cant comprehend, this isnt an admittance to trespassing or validating the McCloskey’s story. It’s a comparison of walking down a street vs. threatening folks with a deadly weapon and policing. Police didn’t send the McCloskey’s citations but sent us them. — Ohun Ashe ??? (@Ohun_Ashe) September 12, 2020
“I was just sent a summons to appear in court for ‘trespassing on private property’ on Portland Pl aka the street Patricia and Mark McCloskey live on,” Ohun Ashe tweeted. “I had a gun waved in my face by them but trespassing is what matters?”
Others fired back, saying protesters were in the wrong.
You trespassed. It was threatening. They carried weapons for the purpose of self defense. You went to them. They didn’t seek you out. You started this. I’m glad you’ve been summoned. Stay off of private streets. ? — Average Mom ??? (@AverageMomof3) September 12, 2020
This is what happens when you knowingly break the law.
It is called ‘rule of law’. — Paula Cochran (@PHCSeabird) September 12, 2020
Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has said that if the McCloskeys are convicted of a crime, he would likely pardon them, according to Fox News.
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westernjournal--2020-09-12--Op-Ed: If Trump Fails, So Does America – And That’s a Risk the Left Is Willing To Take

Left-wing favoritism by our media has been around for decades , but the degree to which they openly show that favoritism is reaching new heights .
Distinguishing between the Democratic Party and the mainstream media is not only unnecessary nowadays ; doing so may result in a scolding from our Department of Redundancy Department .
The mainstream media are unashamedly liberal and they want Democrats in power ; we get it .
But we increasingly see not only open media partiality in favor of Democrats and leftist causes but also blatant examples of the mainstream media and Democrats actively rooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans — even when that stance means pulling for America itself to fail .
It was clear that the media was rooting against President Trump from the time he entered the presidential race on his ride down that escalator in Trump Tower in June 2015 , and their reactions on election night 2016 removed any doubt of their allegiance .
Then , throughout the Russia hoax , we saw that bias every time they had an update they could overstate as a “ bombshell , ” and we saw it again as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence during the impeachment hearings .
TRENDING : NFL Opening Night Marred by Protests as One Team Boycotts Anthem One could make the argument that by actively cheering for bad news for the president during both affairs , Democrats and the media were rooting against America even then ; fair enough .
But the Russia hoax and cheering for impeachment pale in comparison to what we have seen more recently .
When news broke in early January that U.S. forces killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , most Americans had never heard the name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we got a much clearer picture of who he was and why we took the actions we did .
In addition to creating and leading the 200,000-member Quds force — Iran ’ s paramilitary group dedicated to the destruction of Israel — Soleimani also “ built out and directed Iran ’ s global network of proxies , spies and terrorists , ” according to CNBC .
In addition , according to a statement from the Defense Department , Soleimani was organizing terrorist activities against American troops and diplomats in Iraq .
Indeed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president ’ s actions may very well have saved numerous American lives .
But to hear the media and Democrats tell the story , Soleimani ’ s assassination was an egregious overstep by the president , and unwarranted ; Soleimani was not the bad guy , President Trump was .
They had their pompoms out and were cheering loudly , but they were not cheering for America .
Within hours , the criticism from Democrats and the media poured in .
NPR and others questioned the legality of the president ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sort of criminal allegation on him , but to no avail .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was highly critical of the move , saying there likely was a lack of an “ imminent threat ” prior to the actions being taken because , apparently , we should always wait until threats are imminent before addressing them .
Additionally , Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut suggested President Trump may have “ knowingly [ set ] off a potential massive regional war , ” and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation actually examined the question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Iran spark World War 3 ?
” Now , over nine months later , Trump ’ s actions regarding Soleimani were undoubtedly a masterstroke .
There was no massive regional war , we have not been launched into World War III and it is highly likely that the recent , groundbreaking treaty between Israel and the UAE was at least somewhat enabled by Trump ’ s show of strength in taking out Soleimani .
Today , however , we find ourselves witnessing even more egregious anti-America cheering from both Democrats and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two issues that are even more potent and the stakes are much higher : COVID-19 and racism .
RELATED : David Harsanyi : Here Are Just a Few of the Questions the Media Should - But Wo n't - Ask Joe Biden It is clear , at this point , that Democrats believe that any good news on COVID-19 is bad news for them and will negatively impact them in November .
They have painted themselves into a corner .
They have pushed so hard on the narrative that Trump has “ blown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news on the virus will hurt their argument .
CNN , which is essentially just a mouthpiece for Democrats now , recently accused Trump of “ [ cranking ] up pressure on administration health officials to expedite work ” on a vaccine , and pointed to “ a persistent polling deficit and a struggling economy.
” Apparently CNN did not even consider the possibility that the president wants a vaccine because it is good for the country and could save thousands , even millions of lives .
If an effective vaccine is produced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news for Trump in November , and Democrats and the media can not have that .
In a recent opinion piece , Pulitzer Prize-winner Laurie Garrett stated unequivocally , “ Trump ’ s Vaccine Can ’ t Be Trusted , ” adding “ If a vaccine comes out before the election , there are very good reasons not to take it.
” Garrett may have legitimate arguments on the dangers of a vaccine , but she destroys her credibility when she calls it “ Trump ’ s Vaccine , ” as if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basement in a lab coat , carrying test tubes .
We have seen similar reactions from the left with potential treatments such as hydroxychloroquine and plasma therapy .
Make no mistake : Good news on COVID-19 is bad news for Democrats and the media , and they will do everything they can to downplay or prevent it .
We see a similar approach regarding the current racial strife in the country .
When Jacob Blake was shot by Kenosha police on Aug. 23 , there was no hesitation by either the media or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was driven by race , period .
There was no need for any other evidence ; it was open and shut as they immediately jumped the gun .
Within days we discovered that police were responding to a report of domestic violence and sexual assault by Blake , crimes for which he has since been charged , pleading not guilty .
We also found out that Blake was in possession of a knife when he was shot , with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel running a remarkable , since-altered headline declaring Blake had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unarmed.
” And the only evidence pointing to Blake ’ s shooting being driven by race is that the officer who shot him was white , and that is all the evidence Democrats and the media need .
Which raises the question : Would it not be better for our society if it turns out that the police acted properly ?
Would it not be good news for everyone if it is determined that the police ’ s actions were not driven by race , which certainly seems to be the case , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The answer is obvious .
The media and the Democrats need there to be bad news for America until they are given total power .
They want COVID-19 to continue being problematic , and they want our economy to suffer as a result .
They want America to be perceived as systemically racist , and they want us to be divided by race , class or anything else — so long as we are divided .
Our media and the Democratic Party need America to fail so Democrats can get elected and swoop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thereby claiming victory , and they are willing to do anything to make that goal a reality .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal , you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Left-wing favoritism by our media has been around for decades, but the degree to which they openly show that favoritism is reaching new heights.
Distinguishing between the Democratic Party and the mainstream media is not only unnecessary nowadays; doing so may result in a scolding from our Department of Redundancy Department.
The mainstream media are unashamedly liberal and they want Democrats in power; we get it. But we increasingly see not only open media partiality in favor of Democrats and leftist causes but also blatant examples of the mainstream media and Democrats actively rooting against the success of President Trump and Republicans — even when that stance means pulling for America itself to fail.
It was clear that the media was rooting against President Trump from the time he entered the presidential race on his ride down that escalator in Trump Tower in June 2015, and their reactions on election night 2016 removed any doubt of their allegiance.
Then, throughout the Russia hoax, we saw that bias every time they had an update they could overstate as a “bombshell,” and we saw it again as they could be seen overtly hoping for damning evidence during the impeachment hearings.
One could make the argument that by actively cheering for bad news for the president during both affairs, Democrats and the media were rooting against America even then; fair enough.
But the Russia hoax and cheering for impeachment pale in comparison to what we have seen more recently.
When news broke in early January that U.S. forces killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, most Americans had never heard the name before. Within days, however, we got a much clearer picture of who he was and why we took the actions we did.
In addition to creating and leading the 200,000-member Quds force — Iran’s paramilitary group dedicated to the destruction of Israel — Soleimani also “built out and directed Iran’s global network of proxies, spies and terrorists,” according to CNBC. In addition, according to a statement from the Defense Department, Soleimani was organizing terrorist activities against American troops and diplomats in Iraq.
Indeed, Soleimani was a bad guy, and the president’s actions may very well have saved numerous American lives. But to hear the media and Democrats tell the story, Soleimani’s assassination was an egregious overstep by the president, and unwarranted; Soleimani was not the bad guy, President Trump was. They had their pompoms out and were cheering loudly, but they were not cheering for America.
Within hours, the criticism from Democrats and the media poured in.
NPR and others questioned the legality of the president’s actions, clearly hoping to pin some sort of criminal allegation on him, but to no avail. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was highly critical of the move, saying there likely was a lack of an “imminent threat” prior to the actions being taken because, apparently, we should always wait until threats are imminent before addressing them.
Additionally, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut suggested President Trump may have “knowingly [set] off a potential massive regional war,” and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation actually examined the question, “Could tension between the US and Iran spark World War 3?”
Now, over nine months later, Trump’s actions regarding Soleimani were undoubtedly a masterstroke. There was no massive regional war, we have not been launched into World War III and it is highly likely that the recent, groundbreaking treaty between Israel and the UAE was at least somewhat enabled by Trump’s show of strength in taking out Soleimani.
Today, however, we find ourselves witnessing even more egregious anti-America cheering from both Democrats and the media, only now it is regarding two issues that are even more potent and the stakes are much higher: COVID-19 and racism.
It is clear, at this point, that Democrats believe that any good news on COVID-19 is bad news for them and will negatively impact them in November. They have painted themselves into a corner. They have pushed so hard on the narrative that Trump has “blown it” with COVID-19 that any good news on the virus will hurt their argument.
CNN, which is essentially just a mouthpiece for Democrats now, recently accused Trump of “[cranking] up pressure on administration health officials to expedite work” on a vaccine, and pointed to “a persistent polling deficit and a struggling economy.” Apparently CNN did not even consider the possibility that the president wants a vaccine because it is good for the country and could save thousands, even millions of lives.
Do you think the Democrats and the media are actively rooting against America? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (115 Votes) No: 1% (1 Votes)
If an effective vaccine is produced, it could very well be good news for Trump in November, and Democrats and the media cannot have that.
In a recent opinion piece, Pulitzer Prize-winner Laurie Garrett stated unequivocally, “Trump’s Vaccine Can’t Be Trusted,” adding “If a vaccine comes out before the election, there are very good reasons not to take it.” Garrett may have legitimate arguments on the dangers of a vaccine, but she destroys her credibility when she calls it “Trump’s Vaccine,” as if the president is running around the White House basement in a lab coat, carrying test tubes.
We have seen similar reactions from the left with potential treatments such as hydroxychloroquine and plasma therapy. Make no mistake: Good news on COVID-19 is bad news for Democrats and the media, and they will do everything they can to downplay or prevent it.
We see a similar approach regarding the current racial strife in the country.
When Jacob Blake was shot by Kenosha police on Aug. 23, there was no hesitation by either the media or Democrats. The shooting was unjustified and it was driven by race, period. There was no need for any other evidence; it was open and shut as they immediately jumped the gun.
Within days we discovered that police were responding to a report of domestic violence and sexual assault by Blake, crimes for which he has since been charged, pleading not guilty. We also found out that Blake was in possession of a knife when he was shot, with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel running a remarkable, since-altered headline declaring Blake had a knife, but was “otherwise unarmed.”
And the only evidence pointing to Blake’s shooting being driven by race is that the officer who shot him was white, and that is all the evidence Democrats and the media need.
Which raises the question: Would it not be better for our society if it turns out that the police acted properly?
Would it not be good news for everyone if it is determined that the police’s actions were not driven by race, which certainly seems to be the case, and they simply followed reasonable protocol?
The answer is obvious. The media and the Democrats need there to be bad news for America until they are given total power.
They want COVID-19 to continue being problematic, and they want our economy to suffer as a result. They want America to be perceived as systemically racist, and they want us to be divided by race, class or anything else — so long as we are divided.
Our media and the Democratic Party need America to fail so Democrats can get elected and swoop in to pretend to fix things, thereby claiming victory, and they are willing to do anything to make that goal a reality.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-09-12--NYT Reporter Whines About Getting Booted from Trump Rally, But Here’s the Reason Why She Was

If you want your daily dose of Trump-related confirmation bias , Kathy Gray is the perfect delivery system for it .
Gray is a reporter for The New York Times who was sent to cover President Donald Trump ’ s Thursday rally in Freeland , Michigan .
She made it clear before she began that she was against the whole spectacle — although , of course , she was only quoting politicians .
The fact she only quoted politicians who don ’ t like Trump was totally incidental .
For instance , “ The Biggest threat to the American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t relish saying that , says @ GovWhitmer.
” Or this quote about Trump ’ s rally : “ From [ Michigan Democrat ] @ RepDanKildee on the prospect of the rally in Freeland , Michigan tonight : Donald trump is a clown who simply wants to get himself reelected , even if it puts his supporters at risk.
” TRENDING : NFL Opening Night Marred by Protests as One Team Boycotts Anthem And then a retweet of that thought along with , “ MBS International Airport in Freeland is preparing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump hangar rally [ tonight ] .
” A bit later , she tweeted pics of the crowd , including a now-deleted one where she noted the number of people without masks .
RELATED : McEnany Has Perfect Response When Reporter Asks Her Why Trump 's Rallies with Thousands of People Are OK After the faux concern and the snark came your dose of confirmation bias .
“ I ’ ve just been kicked out of the trump rally , ” she tweeted , according to The Hill .
“ First for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pics i tweeted and escorted me out , ” she added in a subsequent tweet .
From all of this , you ’ ve already constructed a narrative in your head : New York Times reporter arrives at a Trump rally , armed only with an askance view on the whole thing and a determination to bring America the unvarnished truth .
She takes a photo of maskless people while out among the crowd , tweets that only 10 percent of the crowd has masks , and boom — Trump ’ s goons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and force her to leave .
If you ’ re the unquestioning type , you can stop here .
However , maybe you just noticed something a bit curious about that narrative : “ Wait , you said she was tracked down inside the media area , right ?
But she was tweeting photos while out among the crowd.
” Well , no .
I didn ’ t quite say that .
“ Oh .
So she took those pictures of the maskless crowd from the media area ?
” No , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely means she was out with the crowd.
” “ Ah , all right .
So she had credentials to report both in the audience and from the media area ?
” No , that ’ s not quite it .
“ That ’ s a bit strange .
I ’ m guessing she had media credentials but she decided to go out into the crowd to take her shots , even though she wasn ’ t authorized to do that .
The Trump people got her then , didn ’ t they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hint : This all assumes Kathy Gray had credentials to report from the event .
As she tweeted her ejection from the Michigan rally , Gray skipped over a few steps that might have been crucial to the reader ’ s understanding .
While she was there , she wasn ’ t credentialed to cover the event .
A Trump campaign spokesman told The Hill that Gray hadn ’ t obtained a media pass “ through the normal process.
” She was allowed in the general admission section provided she didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ergo… The Times backed up this account , confirming Gray was ejected “ when she registered and attended as a member of the public.
” “ We ’ re disappointed that the Trump campaign refused to credential our freelancer and then , when she registered and attended as a member of the public , they ejected her from the event , ” the newspaper said in a statement .
“ Our goal is to cover these campaign events and talk to voters about the candidates , and that ’ s what Kathy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not what she was credentialed to do and that ’ s not the impression she gave on Twitter .
From the context provided in Gray ’ s tweets , it seems as if she was kicked out because of her pictures from the crowd .
There was no mention of the fact that she hadn ’ t been credentialed nor any talk of the fact she was allowed to stay so long as it wasn ’ t in a reporting capacity .
If there was , you could probably have built @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gray was ejected because you were reading her report from the event .
Now , you may believe Gray was unfairly denied credentials because she ’ s with The New York Times , a paper that the president doesn ’ t hold in particularly high regard .
You might think this the ejection was heavy-handed .
Right , but that still doesn ’ t explain why Kathy Gray didn ’ t tell those who were following her coverage of the event that she didn ’ t have the credentials to cover it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remain a lie .
While it ’ s popular among politicians of all stripes , we ’ ve been told the media are the ones who will hold them to account .
As usual , count me among the disappointed .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If you want your daily dose of Trump-related confirmation bias, Kathy Gray is the perfect delivery system for it.
Gray is a reporter for The New York Times who was sent to cover President Donald Trump’s Thursday rally in Freeland, Michigan. She made it clear before she began that she was against the whole spectacle — although, of course, she was only quoting politicians.
The fact she only quoted politicians who don’t like Trump was totally incidental.
For instance, “The Biggest threat to the American people is the president right now. I don’t relish saying that, says @GovWhitmer.”
Or this quote about Trump’s rally: “From [Michigan Democrat] @RepDanKildee on the prospect of the rally in Freeland, Michigan tonight: Donald trump is a clown who simply wants to get himself reelected, even if it puts his supporters at risk.”
And then a retweet of that thought along with, “MBS International Airport in Freeland is preparing for 3,000 to 5,000 people for the Trump hangar rally [tonight].”
The Biggest threat to the American people is the president right now. I don’t relish saying that, says @GovWhitmer — Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020
MBS International Airport in Freeland is preparing for 3,000 to 5,000 people for the Trump hangar rally tolnight. https://t.co/kxOmy86OjE — Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020
A bit later, she tweeted pics of the crowd, including a now-deleted one where she noted the number of people without masks.
And so it begins pic.twitter.com/fuLY4oasjP — Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020
Trump rally in freeland attracts thousands . Maybe 10% have masks. — Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) September 10, 2020
After the faux concern and the snark came your dose of confirmation bias.
“I’ve just been kicked out of the trump rally,” she tweeted, according to The Hill.
“First for me: Trump campaign tracked me down from pics i tweeted and escorted me out,” she added in a subsequent tweet.
From all of this, you’ve already constructed a narrative in your head:
New York Times reporter arrives at a Trump rally, armed only with an askance view on the whole thing and a determination to bring America the unvarnished truth. She takes a photo of maskless people while out among the crowd, tweets that only 10 percent of the crowd has masks, and boom — Trump’s goons track her down inside the media area and force her to leave.
If you’re the unquestioning type, you can stop here. However, maybe you just noticed something a bit curious about that narrative: “Wait, you said she was tracked down inside the media area, right? But she was tweeting photos while out among the crowd.”
Well, no. I didn’t quite say that.
“Oh. So she took those pictures of the maskless crowd from the media area?”
No, not quite.
“Well, OK. That likely means she was out with the crowd.”
I’d say that’s a fair assumption, yes.
“Ah, all right. So she had credentials to report both in the audience and from the media area?”
No, that’s not quite it.
“That’s a bit strange. I’m guessing she had media credentials but she decided to go out into the crowd to take her shots, even though she wasn’t authorized to do that. The Trump people got her then, didn’t they?”
I’ll give you a hint: This all assumes Kathy Gray had credentials to report from the event.
As she tweeted her ejection from the Michigan rally, Gray skipped over a few steps that might have been crucial to the reader’s understanding.
While she was there, she wasn’t credentialed to cover the event. A Trump campaign spokesman told The Hill that Gray hadn’t obtained a media pass “through the normal process.”
She was allowed in the general admission section provided she didn’t report. She refused to comply. Ergo…
The Times backed up this account, confirming Gray was ejected “when she registered and attended as a member of the public.”
“We’re disappointed that the Trump campaign refused to credential our freelancer and then, when she registered and attended as a member of the public, they ejected her from the event,” the newspaper said in a statement.
“Our goal is to cover these campaign events and talk to voters about the candidates, and that’s what Kathy was trying to do.”
Except that’s not what she was credentialed to do and that’s not the impression she gave on Twitter.
From the context provided in Gray’s tweets, it seems as if she was kicked out because of her pictures from the crowd. There was no mention of the fact that she hadn’t been credentialed nor any talk of the fact she was allowed to stay so long as it wasn’t in a reporting capacity. If there was, you could probably have built an alternative reality — one in which Gray was ejected because you were reading her report from the event.
Was this reporter being misleading? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (4780 Votes) No: 1% (72 Votes)
Now, you may believe Gray was unfairly denied credentials because she’s with The New York Times, a paper that the president doesn’t hold in particularly high regard. You might think this the ejection was heavy-handed. Right, but that still doesn’t explain why Kathy Gray didn’t tell those who were following her coverage of the event that she didn’t have the credentials to cover it.
A lie of omission is and will remain a lie.
While it’s popular among politicians of all stripes, we’ve been told the media are the ones who will hold them to account. As usual, count me among the disappointed.
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westernjournal--2020-09-12--University May Take Down Decades-Old Murals Because There Are Too Many White People in Them

In 1953 , Art Sherman was asked to paint a mural for the University of Rhode Island ’ s new student union , the Memorial Union .
The Memorial Union earned its name because returning World War II veterans who enrolled in the school , along with other URI community members , had raised the funds for the building and dedicated it to those who were left behind on battlefields in Europe and the Pacific .
According to WJAR-TV , Sherman , a member of the class of 1950 , was responsible for drawing cartoons on the walls of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was brought back in 1953 as the Memorial Union was being constructed to paint murals .
His murals were painted at the time when there were less than 2,000 students at the URI and most of them were white , WJAR reported .
His art depicted life at the time — service members coming back to Rhode Island , a scene at the beach , a class reunion .
The Memorial Union was dedicated in 1954 .
The murals have never been considered controversial up until recently .
TRENDING : NFL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Team Boycotts Anthem Now , their future is unclear , in part because some students believe there are too many white people in them .
“ I have received complaints about the murals that portray a very homogeneous population , ” Kathy Collins , the school ’ s vice president of student affairs , told WJAR .
“ The persons painted and depicted on the wall are predominantly white and that does not represent who our institution is today.
” “ Some of our students have even shared with us they didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ It really depicts a snapshot in time of the university ’ s history , important history , showing a person returning back to campus from World War II and other historical moments , ” she said .
On Sept. 2 , WJAR reported that the school was planning to take the murals down .
“ We ’ ve made a really difficult decision as we aim for the university ’ s future and we think about who are our students today , and who are our students going to be tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the events of this year inspired the school to make a change .
“ I think we have to recognize the horrible incidents and the tragic murders of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor and most recently Jacob Blake in Kenosha , Wisconsin , during this … heightened time , and we as an institution have to look at the systems in place across this institution that maybe are not representing who we are today and representing the true diversity of URI today , ” she said .
Sherman , now 95 , worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a professor of physical education .
“ Oh , I loved painting that , yeah , ” Sherman said .
“ I never had any formal education in painting , by the way , I just used to cartoon.
” RELATED : Dem Sen Candidate in Vital Race Now Apologizing for 'Racist ' Monkey Joke As for the uncomfortable whiteness of it ?
“ Well , it depicted that era , ” Sherman said .
“ A lot of students , friends of mine , would come by and say , why don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t you do that ?
So , that ’ s what I did , so everybody chipped in.
” His daughter said she didn ’ t want the university to throw that era out the window .
“ It ’ s an opportunity for the University of Rhode Island to do the right thing .
It ’ s an opportunity for them to capture a moment in time in their history , ” Pamela Sherman said .
“ It should be , let ’ s look at our history and let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history over the many generations , ” she added .
“ We would love to see new artwork , but let ’ s put them alongside and show a timeline of the evolution of this campus , the evolution of this university , let ’ s show it as a timeline and how it ’ s changed over the years.
” Not to mention the fact that she comes from a family full of URI alumni .
“ It ’ s terribly upsetting and we grew up with those murals being there , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s an opportunity for the University of Rhode Island to embrace its history , it ’ s an opportunity for it to show a timeline , a progression and a change over decades , and we never want to forget our past.
” “ Wouldn ’ t it be a mistake if we look back 100 years from now and say , ‘ Isn ’ t it a tragedy that we lost this artwork ?
’ ” Pamela Sherman said .
“ It ’ s like any work of art , especially a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there ’ s just no comparison with seeing it live.
” And that ’ s the thing : One of the things that might replace it is a digital wall — not a fixed piece of art .
“ Certainly , pictures of these murals will be included in any celebration of space and place that is the Memorial Union , ” Collins said .
“ This is not at all to say that the dedication and the work that Dr. Sherman has done for this institution we recognize and we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backlash to the school ’ s original decision , the URI backtracked somewhat .
“ As of Friday , the future of the murals , which have enlivened plaster walls in Memorial Union hall for decades , remained uncertain .
Previously , the university had announced plans for a renovation and for new decor in the building , which is dedicated as a tribute to the fallen of World War II and the Korean War , ” the Providence Journal reported Friday .
The university , meanwhile , issued a statement Thursday insisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend the next few weeks trying to figure out what to do .
“ The necessary renovation of the Memorial Union brought to light the issue of the condition of the murals , ” the statement said .
“ During this process , we explored options for preservation of the murals , including removal of the plaster walls on which the murals are directly painted .
The construction method of the wall — plaster and lathe — does not permit removal without damage to the murals and to the walls .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Chair of the Department of Art and Art History Ronald Onorato to share his expertise with regard to mural preservation , with the goal of incorporating the work of the artist , Dr. Arthur Sherman .
As Professor Onorato notes : Most importantly , we should strive , as an educational institution not toward removing history but moving toward contextualizing the mural to use the original mural as a way to open discussions about our University culture in the 1950s and how it differs from who we are now.
” “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will proceed by the end of September.
” One hopes that they ultimately decide not to tear down the murals .
Doing so would be no way to honor the past and the veterans who helped pay for the Memorial Union .
Art Sherman himself seems a bit philosophical on whether or not his artwork stays ( “ That ’ s a good question , ” he told WJAR .
“ Time goes by and things change ” ) but we shouldn ’ t be .
Yes , this doesn ’ t look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a different era .
The class of 2020 will look nothing like the class of 1950 .
There ’ s nothing prima facie offensive in the pictures .
Instead , this is an instance where people seem upset because , for some individuals , all of the past and most of the present can ’ t live up to their exigent wokeness .
But the problem isn ’ t in the murals , it ’ s in their quasi-moral code .
The inability to sit in a room with a painting that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the artwork .
It condemns the individual .
There are ways the present can be represented without the destruction of the past .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In 1953, Art Sherman was asked to paint a mural for the University of Rhode Island’s new student union, the Memorial Union.
The Memorial Union earned its name because returning World War II veterans who enrolled in the school, along with other URI community members, had raised the funds for the building and dedicated it to those who were left behind on battlefields in Europe and the Pacific.
According to WJAR-TV, Sherman, a member of the class of 1950, was responsible for drawing cartoons on the walls of the previous student union, a Quonset hut. He was brought back in 1953 as the Memorial Union was being constructed to paint murals.
His murals were painted at the time when there were less than 2,000 students at the URI and most of them were white, WJAR reported. His art depicted life at the time — service members coming back to Rhode Island, a scene at the beach, a class reunion.
The Memorial Union was dedicated in 1954. The murals have never been considered controversial up until recently.
Now, their future is unclear, in part because some students believe there are too many white people in them.
“I have received complaints about the murals that portray a very homogeneous population,” Kathy Collins, the school’s vice president of student affairs, told WJAR. “The persons painted and depicted on the wall are predominantly white and that does not represent who our institution is today.”
“Some of our students have even shared with us they didn’t feel comfortable sitting in that space.”
“It really depicts a snapshot in time of the university’s history, important history, showing a person returning back to campus from World War II and other historical moments,” she said.
On Sept. 2, WJAR reported that the school was planning to take the murals down.
“We’ve made a really difficult decision as we aim for the university’s future and we think about who are our students today, and who are our students going to be tomorrow,” Collins said.
Collins felt the events of this year inspired the school to make a change.
“I think we have to recognize the horrible incidents and the tragic murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and most recently Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, during this … heightened time, and we as an institution have to look at the systems in place across this institution that maybe are not representing who we are today and representing the true diversity of URI today,” she said.
Sherman, now 95, worked at the URI for 30 years as a professor of physical education.
“Oh, I loved painting that, yeah,” Sherman said. “I never had any formal education in painting, by the way, I just used to cartoon.”
As for the uncomfortable whiteness of it?
“Well, it depicted that era,” Sherman said. “A lot of students, friends of mine, would come by and say, why don’t you do this, why don’t you do that? So, that’s what I did, so everybody chipped in.”
His daughter said she didn’t want the university to throw that era out the window.
“It’s an opportunity for the University of Rhode Island to do the right thing. It’s an opportunity for them to capture a moment in time in their history,” Pamela Sherman said.
“It should be, let’s look at our history and let’s maintain the timeline of that history over the many generations,” she added.
“We would love to see new artwork, but let’s put them alongside and show a timeline of the evolution of this campus, the evolution of this university, let’s show it as a timeline and how it’s changed over the years.”
Not to mention the fact that she comes from a family full of URI alumni.
“It’s terribly upsetting and we grew up with those murals being there,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity for the University of Rhode Island to embrace its history, it’s an opportunity for it to show a timeline, a progression and a change over decades, and we never want to forget our past.”
If sitting next to a mural can effect your emotional well being, you need professional help.
“Some of our students have even shared with us they didn’t feel comfortable sitting in that space.” https://t.co/0MZAUrRm4B via @campusreform — AngelsWalk! (@LAWGermany) September 9, 2020
“Wouldn’t it be a mistake if we look back 100 years from now and say, ‘Isn’t it a tragedy that we lost this artwork?’” Pamela Sherman said. “It’s like any work of art, especially a painting, seeing a picture of it, there’s just no comparison with seeing it live.”
And that’s the thing: One of the things that might replace it is a digital wall — not a fixed piece of art.
“Certainly, pictures of these murals will be included in any celebration of space and place that is the Memorial Union,” Collins said.
“This is not at all to say that the dedication and the work that Dr. Sherman has done for this institution we recognize and we will always recognize that going forward.”
Should these murals be taken down? 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% (4 Votes) No: 99% (588 Votes)
Following backlash to the school’s original decision, the URI backtracked somewhat.
“As of Friday, the future of the murals, which have enlivened plaster walls in Memorial Union hall for decades, remained uncertain. Previously, the university had announced plans for a renovation and for new decor in the building, which is dedicated as a tribute to the fallen of World War II and the Korean War,” the Providence Journal reported Friday.
The university, meanwhile, issued a statement Thursday insisting it supports veterans and saying it would spend the next few weeks trying to figure out what to do.
“The necessary renovation of the Memorial Union brought to light the issue of the condition of the murals,” the statement said. “During this process, we explored options for preservation of the murals, including removal of the plaster walls on which the murals are directly painted. The construction method of the wall — plaster and lathe — does not permit removal without damage to the murals and to the walls.
“The University has enlisted the assistance of Professor and Chair of the Department of Art and Art History Ronald Onorato to share his expertise with regard to mural preservation, with the goal of incorporating the work of the artist, Dr. Arthur Sherman. As Professor Onorato notes: Most importantly, we should strive, as an educational institution not toward removing history but moving toward contextualizing the mural to use the original mural as a way to open discussions about our University culture in the 1950s and how it differs from who we are now.”
“The University will announce plans on how it will proceed by the end of September.”
One hopes that they ultimately decide not to tear down the murals. Doing so would be no way to honor the past and the veterans who helped pay for the Memorial Union.
Art Sherman himself seems a bit philosophical on whether or not his artwork stays (“That’s a good question,” he told WJAR. “Time goes by and things change”) but we shouldn’t be.
Yes, this doesn’t look like URI does today — because it was a different era. The class of 2020 will look nothing like the class of 1950.
There’s nothing prima facie offensive in the pictures. Instead, this is an instance where people seem upset because, for some individuals, all of the past and most of the present can’t live up to their exigent wokeness.
But the problem isn’t in the murals, it’s in their quasi-moral code. The inability to sit in a room with a painting that features white people doesn’t condemn the artwork. It condemns the individual.
There are ways the present can be represented without the destruction of the past.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-09-12--New Jersey Backtracks on Removing US Flags That Have Been Flown on Bridges Since 9/11

Following backlash from the public , New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy announced he was overruling the New Jersey Turnpike Authority ’ s decision to remove American flags from New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway overpasses .
“ They ’ ve suspended that for the time being , ” the Democratic governor said at a Tuesday media conference , NJ Advance Media reported .
The outlet previously reported that the agency “ want [ ed ] the flags gone , ” despite the fact that many of the patriotic displays have been hanging from overpasses since the aftermath of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacks .
On Sept. 1 , the New Jersey Turnpike Authority cited a “ long-standing policy ” that prohibits the display of flags , signs and banners by private parties on Turnpike Authority property .
“ While we appreciate the desire of some New Jersey residents to express their patriotism in these turbulent times by displaying flags on Turnpike and Parkway overpasses , Turnpike Authority regulations do not allow it , and for good reason , ” the agency wrote in a Facebook comment .
TRENDING : NFL Opening Night Marred by Protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turnpike and Parkway run through more than 100 municipalities and include more than 1,100 bridges and other structures .
“ The NJTA can not adequately monitor flags mounted by private citizens to make sure they are safely and securely hung , properly displayed , and respectfully maintained.
” The announcement received backlash from veterans groups and at least one police union .
“ We can not understand why the N.J.T.P.A .
has suddenly decided to abandon a tradition of patriotism and respect for our veterans , ” the Robbinsville PBA wrote in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officers recently placed on overpasses to replace missing or tattered ones were firmly secured .
“ They did not impede traffic and did not obstruct visibility for passing motorists .
The placement of the flags was done in the same manner that has been done for nearly twenty years.
” A group of veterans rallied on one of the overpasses Sunday to protest the Turnpike Authority ’ s decision .
“ The rally on the bridge was a small reminder of how our country came together like we did on 9/11 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middlesex County Daniel Dunn told NJ Advance Media .
Murphy had been asked about the ban during a Monday WPG radio call-in show and indicated to host Harry Hurley he would reverse the ban .
RELATED : Borough Backs Down After Charging BLM Protest Organizer for Police Overtime “ I didn ’ t like what I heard .
After I got off the call , we spoke with the team , ” Murphy said during the Tuesday conference .
“ At least for the time being , the Turnpike Authority has suspended that.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy .
“ We are in some dark times across our country and we need to be able to express a unified spirit of Americanism , ” Dunn told NJ Advance Media .
Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander Brian Wiener expressed gratitude to residents who protested the original decision and reached out to public officials about it .
“ Their actions will ensure our nation ’ s flag will be flying high on 9-11 and year round , ” added Kenneth Hagemann , state adjutant for Veterans of Foreign Wars .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Following backlash from the public, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced he was overruling the New Jersey Turnpike Authority’s decision to remove American flags from New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway overpasses.
“They’ve suspended that for the time being,” the Democratic governor said at a Tuesday media conference, NJ Advance Media reported.
The outlet previously reported that the agency “want[ed] the flags gone,” despite the fact that many of the patriotic displays have been hanging from overpasses since the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
On Sept. 1, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority cited a “long-standing policy” that prohibits the display of flags, signs and banners by private parties on Turnpike Authority property.
“While we appreciate the desire of some New Jersey residents to express their patriotism in these turbulent times by displaying flags on Turnpike and Parkway overpasses, Turnpike Authority regulations do not allow it, and for good reason,” the agency wrote in a Facebook comment.
“The Turnpike and Parkway run through more than 100 municipalities and include more than 1,100 bridges and other structures.
“The NJTA cannot adequately monitor flags mounted by private citizens to make sure they are safely and securely hung, properly displayed, and respectfully maintained.”
The announcement received backlash from veterans groups and at least one police union.
“We cannot understand why the N.J.T.P.A. has suddenly decided to abandon a tradition of patriotism and respect for our veterans,” the Robbinsville PBA wrote in a Facebook post, adding that the flags police officers recently placed on overpasses to replace missing or tattered ones were firmly secured.
“They did not impede traffic and did not obstruct visibility for passing motorists. The placement of the flags was done in the same manner that has been done for nearly twenty years.”
A group of veterans rallied on one of the overpasses Sunday to protest the Turnpike Authority’s decision.
“The rally on the bridge was a small reminder of how our country came together like we did on 9/11,” American Legion state Executive Committeeman for Middlesex County Daniel Dunn told NJ Advance Media.
Murphy had been asked about the ban during a Monday WPG radio call-in show and indicated to host Harry Hurley he would reverse the ban.
“I didn’t like what I heard. After I got off the call, we spoke with the team,” Murphy said during the Tuesday conference.
“At least for the time being, the Turnpike Authority has suspended that.”
Dunn celebrated the overturning of the policy.
Do you think these flags should have been removed? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 0% (3 Votes) No: 100% (1401 Votes)
“We are in some dark times across our country and we need to be able to express a unified spirit of Americanism,” Dunn told NJ Advance Media.
Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander Brian Wiener expressed gratitude to residents who protested the original decision and reached out to public officials about it.
“Their actions will ensure our nation’s flag will be flying high on 9-11 and year round,” added Kenneth Hagemann, state adjutant for Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.