westernjournal--2020-01-08--US Had Early Warning That Iranian Missile Attack Was Coming: Reports

They might have been the warnings that might have kept off a war — for today .
When President Donald Trump addressed the country on Wednesday in a strongly worded speech about the Iranian missile strikes against U.S.-held bases in Iraq , he declared that there had been no Americans killed or injured in the attacks and appeared at least cautiously optimistic that further open hostilities could be avoided .
“ Iran appears to be standing down , which is a good thing for all parties concerned , ” he said .
Given the tenor of Trump ’ s speech @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message would have been decidedly different if an American service member had been killed .
And even Iran ’ s murderous mullahs might finally realize that .
TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War According to a CNN report Wednesday , which cited both an Arab diplomat and a U.S. defense official , Iranian officials tipped off Iraqi counterparts to the attacks in advance .
The Iraqis then notified U.S. officials , according to CNN .
While Iraqi Prime Minister Adil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Iraqi government had been warned of the attacks , he said the specific locations were unknown .
According to the CNN report , however , Iraqis were warned about the actual targets : “ An Arab diplomatic source told CNN that Iraq gave advance warning to the United States on ‘ which bases would be hit ’ after Iranian officials passed on the information , ” the outlet said .
“ A US defense official said Iraqis were told by Iran to stay away from certain bases.
” In his speech , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the missile strike to “ precautions taken , the dispersal of forces and an early warning system that worked very well.
” And there ’ s no reason to doubt the U.S. military was ready for anything the Iranians tried .
RELATED : Intel Briefing Has Congressman 'Convinced Even More Than Ever ' That Soleimani Had To Go But there are also good reasons Iran might have wanted to avoid actually killing any Americans in the missile strike .
As Trump ’ s speech made clear on Wednesday , the Islamic Republic has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is not afraid to confront terrorists were they live — and they have the death of Iranian terror general Qassem Soleimani as an example if there are any doubters .
Had there been mass U.S. casualties in the Iranian attack , there ’ s no doubt the stern message delivered by Trump on Wednesday would have been sterner still .
Maybe too stern even for the murderous mullahs of Tehran to risk .
If CNN ’ s report is correct , those Iranian warnings might have kept their country from being at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Trump ’ s speech Iranian regime on notice : What previous presidents have tolerated , and what the Obama administration actually rewarded — as with the disastrous Iran nuclear deal — is not acceptable to the United States today .
Iran needs to renounce its efforts to obtain a nuclear bomb , stop supporting international terrorism and basically join the family of normal nations , Trump said , or be prepared to accept the consequences .
That ’ s a warning , if it ’ s heeded , that could keep off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

They might have been the warnings that might have kept off a war — for today.
When President Donald Trump addressed the country on Wednesday in a strongly worded speech about the Iranian missile strikes against U.S.-held bases in Iraq, he declared that there had been no Americans killed or injured in the attacks and appeared at least cautiously optimistic that further open hostilities could be avoided.
“Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned,” he said.
Given the tenor of Trump’s speech, there’s no doubt his message would have been decidedly different if an American service member had been killed.
And even Iran’s murderous mullahs might finally realize that.
According to a CNN report Wednesday, which cited both an Arab diplomat and a U.S. defense official, Iranian officials tipped off Iraqi counterparts to the attacks in advance.
The Iraqis then notified U.S. officials, according to CNN.
While Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi issued a statement declaring that the Iraqi government had been warned of the attacks, he said the specific locations were unknown.
According to the CNN report, however, Iraqis were warned about the actual targets:
Do you think Iran is trying to avoid war with the United States? 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: 84% (235 Votes) No: 16% (45 Votes)
“An Arab diplomatic source told CNN that Iraq gave advance warning to the United States on ‘which bases would be hit’ after Iranian officials passed on the information,” the outlet said.
“A US defense official said Iraqis were told by Iran to stay away from certain bases.”
In his speech, Trump credited the lack of casualties in the missile strike to “precautions taken, the dispersal of forces and an early warning system that worked very well.”
And there’s no reason to doubt the U.S. military was ready for anything the Iranians tried.
I’m incredibly grateful that no American or Iraqi lives were lost in the missile strikes launched by Iran last night thanks to an early warning system that allowed our military to help prevent major harm to the bases being targeted. — John Ratcliffe (@RepRatcliffe) January 8, 2020
But there are also good reasons Iran might have wanted to avoid actually killing any Americans in the missile strike.
As Trump’s speech made clear on Wednesday, the Islamic Republic has to reckon now with an American leader who is not afraid to confront terrorists were they live — and they have the death of Iranian terror general Qassem Soleimani as an example if there are any doubters.
Had there been mass U.S. casualties in the Iranian attack, there’s no doubt the stern message delivered by Trump on Wednesday would have been sterner still.
Maybe too stern even for the murderous mullahs of Tehran to risk.
If CNN’s report is correct, those Iranian warnings might have kept their country from being at war with the United States today.
But Trump’s speech Iranian regime on notice: What previous presidents have tolerated, and what the Obama administration actually rewarded — as with the disastrous Iran nuclear deal — is not acceptable to the United States today.
Iran needs to renounce its efforts to obtain a nuclear bomb, stop supporting international terrorism and basically join the family of normal nations, Trump said, or be prepared to accept the consequences.
That’s a warning, if it’s heeded, that could keep off war tomorrow.
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--Criminals Get Handed Blank Check as Atlanta Police Chief Enacts Zero-Chase Policy

Criminals in a major American city are likely rejoicing at news that police will no longer pursue them .
Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields made the shocking announcement in a department-wide email on Jan. 3 .
“ I am acutely aware than an overwhelming number of crimes are committed where a vehicle is involved in some capacity , ” Shields wrote , “ and that some of the most significant arrests we have made as an agency have been as a result of zeroing in on a specific vehicle.
” “ In reviewing the department ’ s current pursuit policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against several factors.
” Shields identified officers ’ pursuit-training level , casualties from chases and the judicial system ’ s apparent inability to hold criminals accountable as her reasoning for instituting the change .
TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War “ The department has a zero-chase policy and this is effective immediately , ” Shields later emphasized .
This shocking change comes one month after a deadly December chase .
According to WSB-TV , police were pursuing an armed carjacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an intersection , ramming another car and killing its occupants .
That incident drew criticism from the public over the need to chase suspects .
Police claimed the suspect ’ s alleged use of a firearm made him a potentially dangerous person , which warranted a pursuit .
It ’ s not hard to see where this is headed .
Atlanta already struggles with a crime problem .
Now , criminals are safe in the knowledge that Atlanta police will not chase them for the time being .
This new policy may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it certainly lets them run from the consequences .
In essence , criminals in the city now have a blank check to act how they want .
According to USA Today , many departments already have restrictive pursuit policies , only allowing chases under certain circumstances .
While it ’ s clear that unrestricted high-speed pursuits do sometimes result in the deaths of innocent bystanders , a blanket ban on all chases does not seem to be the answer .
Only time will tell if this policy will help Atlanta — or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Criminals in a major American city are likely rejoicing at news that police will no longer pursue them.
Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields made the shocking announcement in a department-wide email on Jan. 3.
“I am acutely aware than an overwhelming number of crimes are committed where a vehicle is involved in some capacity,” Shields wrote, “and that some of the most significant arrests we have made as an agency have been as a result of zeroing in on a specific vehicle.”
“In reviewing the department’s current pursuit policy, I must weigh these critical successes against several factors.”
Shields identified officers’ pursuit-training level, casualties from chases and the judicial system’s apparent inability to hold criminals accountable as her reasoning for instituting the change.
“The department has a zero-chase policy and this is effective immediately,” Shields later emphasized.
Read Shields’ full letter below.
Here is a department-wide email sent from Chief Erika Shields today. pic.twitter.com/EJ8skpZnzp — Matt Johnson (@MattWSB) January 3, 2020
Do you think this policy is a good idea? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 4% (27 Votes) No: 96% (617 Votes)
This shocking change comes one month after a deadly December chase.
According to WSB-TV, police were pursuing an armed carjacking suspect before the alleged criminal blew through an intersection, ramming another car and killing its occupants.
That incident drew criticism from the public over the need to chase suspects. Police claimed the suspect’s alleged use of a firearm made him a potentially dangerous person, which warranted a pursuit.
It’s not hard to see where this is headed.
Atlanta already struggles with a crime problem. Now, criminals are safe in the knowledge that Atlanta police will not chase them for the time being.
This new policy may not outright allow people to commit crimes, but it certainly lets them run from the consequences. In essence, criminals in the city now have a blank check to act how they want.
According to USA Today, many departments already have restrictive pursuit policies, only allowing chases under certain circumstances.
While it’s clear that unrestricted high-speed pursuits do sometimes result in the deaths of innocent bystanders, a blanket ban on all chases does not seem to be the answer.
Only time will tell if this policy will help Atlanta — or just its criminals.
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--Family Alerted to Devastating Fire by ‘God Knocking on the Door’

Standing in the ashes of what was once her home , an Alabama woman is thanking God for saving her family from a devastating house fire .
Sherri Rosas , from Steele , Alabama , lost everything in a house fire caused by faulty wiring in the attic the day after Christmas .
Rosas has been weary , she told WBMA-TV , heartsick since the death of her father in 2019 .
But Rosas believes that God is with her and her family through the hardship , crediting God with warning her 13-year-old son about the deadly flames so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War Twenty-three-year-old Ashlee Pham , Rosas ’ daughter , told WBMA that a loud knocking noise in her mother ’ s home prompted her little brother to investigate .
“ My 13-year-old brother heard a knock on the door and it was actually the ceiling had collapsed in the laundry room , ” Pham said .
“ So him and my mom got the animals and got out.
” Pham and Rosas believe that the timing of the jarring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ T ] hat knock was God knocking on the door to let them know to get out of the house because the house was burning .
If they wouldn ’ t have gotten out when he heard that knocking , they would have probably been in that back room and they wouldn ’ t have been able to get out where they were at , ” Pham said .
Through tears , Rosas thanked God for being with her and her son during the fire .
“ I believe in God .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Rosas said .
She pointed out that two Bibles were some of the only salvageable items from her home , with one Bible continuously opening to a particularly meaningful passage to Rosas .
The verse was found in Proverbs 30:1 , reading , “ I am weary , God , but I can prevail.
” RELATED : Former Atheist-Turned-Christian Says Prayers Saved Thousands from Fires in Australia The words were fitting for Rosas , who admitted she had been weary for months on end after the death of her father .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friendship of those in her community .
“ It ’ s just God ’ s way of letting me know that I ’ ll be alright , ” Rosas said .
Pham initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help Rosas purchase a new home , writing that her mother would give the shirt off her back “ to help anyone.
” Meanwhile , community members have been donating clothing to Rosas and her son .
“ It ’ s just a miracle when you have people that care about people , ” Rosas said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people don ’ t care about people .
It just means a whole lot.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Standing in the ashes of what was once her home, an Alabama woman is thanking God for saving her family from a devastating house fire.
Sherri Rosas, from Steele, Alabama, lost everything in a house fire caused by faulty wiring in the attic the day after Christmas.
Rosas has been weary, she told WBMA-TV, heartsick since the death of her father in 2019.
But Rosas believes that God is with her and her family through the hardship, crediting God with warning her 13-year-old son about the deadly flames so they could escape.
Twenty-three-year-old Ashlee Pham, Rosas’ daughter, told WBMA that a loud knocking noise in her mother’s home prompted her little brother to investigate.
“My 13-year-old brother heard a knock on the door and it was actually the ceiling had collapsed in the laundry room,” Pham said. “So him and my mom got the animals and got out.”
Pham and Rosas believe that the timing of the jarring noise was orchestrated by God.
“[T]hat knock was God knocking on the door to let them know to get out of the house because the house was burning. If they wouldn’t have gotten out when he heard that knocking, they would have probably been in that back room and they wouldn’t have been able to get out where they were at,” Pham said.
Through tears, Rosas thanked God for being with her and her son during the fire.
“I believe in God. God was definitely here that day,” Rosas said.
She pointed out that two Bibles were some of the only salvageable items from her home, with one Bible continuously opening to a particularly meaningful passage to Rosas.
The verse was found in Proverbs 30:1, reading, “I am weary, God, but I can prevail.”
The words were fitting for Rosas, who admitted she had been weary for months on end after the death of her father. She is gaining strength from the support and friendship of those in her community.
“It’s just God’s way of letting me know that I’ll be alright,” Rosas said.
Pham initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help Rosas purchase a new home, writing that her mother would give the shirt off her back “to help anyone.”
Meanwhile, community members have been donating clothing to Rosas and her son.
“It’s just a miracle when you have people that care about people,” Rosas said. “Especially in this world nowadays, people don’t care about people. It just means a whole lot.”
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--Stock Markets Jump to All-Time High After Trump’s Iran Address

At least two major stock market indices rose to all-time highs in the aftermath of President Donald Trump ’ s speech to the nation Wednesday on Iran .
Trump ’ s comments at the White House came one day after Iran fired roughly 15 ballistic missiles into Iraq .
Eleven of them hit the Ain al-Asad Air Base and Irbil military base , which house U.S. troops , Fox News reported .
A U.S. military spokesman for Central Command said four of the missiles missed their targets .
But there were no U.S. casualties , Trump said , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as opposed to an all-out war against the Iranian regime .
TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War “ Iran appears to be standing down , which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world , ” Trump said , according to a White House transcript of his remarks .
Stocks rose Wednesday as traders breathed “ a sigh of relief , ” Art Cashin , director of floor operations at the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on CNBC ’ s “ Squawk Alley.
” “ Now , as the president has to some degree defused some of the anxiety , so you ’ re getting … a little bit of a sigh of relief rally here , ” Cashin said .
The Dow Jones Industrial Average had gained roughly 200 points for the day in the aftermath of Trump ’ s address .
Moreover , the Nasdaq Composite rose more than 0.7 percent , hitting an all-time high , according to CNBC .
The Standard & Poor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hitting a record high as well .
Rising tensions between Iran and the U.S. sparked fears of a military conflict between the two nations .
Last week , an Iran-backed militia carried out a rocket strike on an Iraqi military base that killed an American contractor .
Then on Friday morning , the U.S. retaliated with a drone strike that eliminated Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ’ Quds Force , as well as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
RELATED : Chelsea Clinton Racks Up $ 9 Million Worth of Compensation for Serving on Corporate Board Trump , for his part , said Wednesday that the Iranian “ campaign of terror , murder , mayhem will not be tolerated any longer.
” But he also had a message of peace , if Iran is willing to listen .
“ To the people and leaders of Iran : We want you to have a future and a great future — one that you deserve , one of prosperity at home , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

At least two major stock market indices rose to all-time highs in the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s speech to the nation Wednesday on Iran.
Trump’s comments at the White House came one day after Iran fired roughly 15 ballistic missiles into Iraq.
Eleven of them hit the Ain al-Asad Air Base and Irbil military base, which house U.S. troops, Fox News reported. A U.S. military spokesman for Central Command said four of the missiles missed their targets.
But there were no U.S. casualties, Trump said, and the president appeared to express interest in de-escalation as opposed to an all-out war against the Iranian regime.
Excellent address from @realDonaldTrump. The President showed a determined, forceful resolve while making it clear that America’s strongly preferred option is deescalation — not war. That’s leadership. Let’s remain vigilant and get back to focusing on issues at home. — Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) January 8, 2020
“Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world,” Trump said, according to a White House transcript of his remarks.
Stocks rose Wednesday as traders breathed “a sigh of relief,” Art Cashin, director of floor operations at the New York Stock Exchange for UBS, said on CNBC’s “Squawk Alley.”
“Now, as the president has to some degree defused some of the anxiety, so you’re getting … a little bit of a sigh of relief rally here,” Cashin said.
Do you think Trump is handling the crisis with Iran well? Yes No
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average had gained roughly 200 points for the day in the aftermath of Trump’s address.
Moreover, the Nasdaq Composite rose more than 0.7 percent, hitting an all-time high, according to CNBC. The Standard & Poor’s 500 also advanced roughly 0.7 percent, hitting a record high as well.
Rising tensions between Iran and the U.S. sparked fears of a military conflict between the two nations.
Last week, an Iran-backed militia carried out a rocket strike on an Iraqi military base that killed an American contractor.
Then on Friday morning, the U.S. retaliated with a drone strike that eliminated Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, as well as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, and eight others.
Iran retaliated with missile strikes Tuesday night on Iraq military bases.
Trump, for his part, said Wednesday that the Iranian “campaign of terror, murder, mayhem will not be tolerated any longer.”
But he also had a message of peace, if Iran is willing to listen.
“To the people and leaders of Iran: We want you to have a future and a great future — one that you deserve, one of prosperity at home, and harmony with the nations of the world,” he said. “The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.”
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--Breaking: Trump Addresses the Nation, Says the Days of Tolerating Iran’s ‘Destructive’ Behavior Are

Breaking: Trump Addresses the Nation, Says the Days of Tolerating Iran’s ‘Destructive’ Behavior Are ‘Over’

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States suffered no casualties from the Iranian missile attacks the previous evening and said the days of tolerating military aggression from Tehran are over .
“ As long as I ’ m president of the United States , Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon , ” Trump said as he began his remarks from the White House .
The president then addressed the missile attacks from the previous evening , which were directed at military posts housing Americans in Iraq , including 1o hitting the Ain al-Asad Air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base in Erbil in northern Iraq .
TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War “ No Americans were harmed in last night ’ s attack by the Iranian regime , ” Trump said .
“ We suffered no casualties .
All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damages were sustained at our military bases.
” “ Iran appears to be standing down , which is a good thing for all parties concerned , ” he added .
“ For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to 1979 , to be exact — nations have tolerated Iran ’ s destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East and beyond , ” the president said .
“ Those days are over.
” The commander in chief also reiterated his reasons for directing the killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani , saying the general had killed or wounded thousands of U.S. troops .
“ In recent days he was planning new attacks on American targets , but we stopped him , ” Trump said .
“ Soleimani @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American and Iranian blood .
He should have been terminated long ago , ” he said .
Trump announced he would be imposing new sanctions on Iran in light of its recent aggressive behavior , including using proxies to strike U.S. forces in Iraq , seizing ships in the Persian Gulf , attacking a Saudi Arabian oil field and shooting down U.S. drones .
The president further urged the signatories of the Iran nuclear deal — the United Kingdom , Russia , Germany , France , China — to end it so a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced the U.S. withdrawal from the deal — negotiated in 2015 during the administration of President Barack Obama — in May 2018 .
He said Wednesday that Iran used the $ 150 billion it gained through the deal , as well as the $ 1.8 billion in cash shipped to the regime by Obama , to go on a “ terror spree ” in the Middle East .
RELATED : Intel Briefing Has Congressman 'Convinced Even More Than Ever ' That Soleimani Had To Go “ The missiles fired last night at us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the funds made available by the last administration , ” the president said .
He closed his remarks by addressing “ the people and leaders of Iran , ” saying , “ We want you to have a future and a great future — one that you deserve , one of prosperity at home and harmony with the nations of the world .
The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.
” Reuters reported , “ After the attack on U.S. bases Tuesday night , Iran ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballistic missile attacks targeting U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq Wednesday morning were ‘ a slap in the face ’ to the United States.
” Khamenei also called for the U.S to leave the region , saying , “ Military action like this is not sufficient .
What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region.
” Following the attacks last night , Trump tweeted , “ All is well !
Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq .
Assessment of casualties & damages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so good !
“ We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world , by far !
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the United States suffered no casualties from the Iranian missile attacks the previous evening and said the days of tolerating military aggression from Tehran are over.
“As long as I’m president of the United States, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said as he began his remarks from the White House.
The president then addressed the missile attacks from the previous evening, which were directed at military posts housing Americans in Iraq, including 1o hitting the Ain al-Asad Air Base and one striking a U.S. military base in Erbil in northern Iraq.
“No Americans were harmed in last night’s attack by the Iranian regime,” Trump said. “We suffered no casualties. All of our soldiers are safe and only minimal damages were sustained at our military bases.”
“Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned,” he added.
“For far too long — all the way back to 1979, to be exact — nations have tolerated Iran’s destructive and destabilizing behavior in the Middle East and beyond,” the president said. “Those days are over.”
The commander in chief also reiterated his reasons for directing the killing of Iranian Quds Force commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani, saying the general had killed or wounded thousands of U.S. troops.
“In recent days he was planning new attacks on American targets, but we stopped him,” Trump said.
Has Trump displayed good leadership in his dealings with Iran? 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: 98% (380 Votes) No: 2% (8 Votes)
“Soleimani’s hands were drenched in both American and Iranian blood. He should have been terminated long ago,” he said.
Trump announced he would be imposing new sanctions on Iran in light of its recent aggressive behavior, including using proxies to strike U.S. forces in Iraq, seizing ships in the Persian Gulf, attacking a Saudi Arabian oil field and shooting down U.S. drones.
The president further urged the signatories of the Iran nuclear deal — the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, France, China — to end it so a new agreement could be negotiated.
Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the deal — negotiated in 2015 during the administration of President Barack Obama — in May 2018.
He said Wednesday that Iran used the $150 billion it gained through the deal, as well as the $1.8 billion in cash shipped to the regime by Obama, to go on a “terror spree” in the Middle East.
“The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration,” the president said.
He closed his remarks by addressing “the people and leaders of Iran,” saying, “We want you to have a future and a great future — one that you deserve, one of prosperity at home and harmony with the nations of the world. The United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it.”
Reuters reported, “After the attack on U.S. bases Tuesday night, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that ballistic missile attacks targeting U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq Wednesday morning were ‘a slap in the face’ to the United States.”
Khamenei also called for the U.S to leave the region, saying, “Military action like this is not sufficient. What is important is ending the corrupting presence of America in the region.”
Following the attacks last night, Trump tweeted, “All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good!
All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020
“We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far!”
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--McConnell Announces ‘We Have the Votes’ for Impeachment To Proceed Without Requiring Witness Testimo

McConnell Announces ‘We Have the Votes’ for Impeachment To Proceed Without Requiring Witness Testimony

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Republican senators Tuesday that they “ have the votes ” to pass a resolution to start the impeachment trial without requiring witness testimony .
“ We have the votes , once the impeachment trial has begun , to pass a resolution essential the same , very similar to the 100 to nothing vote in the Clinton trial , which sets up , as you may recall , what could best be described maybe as a Phase One , ” McConnell said , according to The Hill .
The resolution passed for former President Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave time for the House impeachment managers and the president ’ s defense team to give opening arguments and senators to write down questions for each , but neither additional witness testimony nor document review was required .
“ We ’ re going to have a similar resolution .
It may not be word-for-word exactly the same , ” McConnell said .
“ We ’ ll be glad to show it to you when we unveil it.
” McConnell gained the votes to pass the resolution after two Republican moderate voters , Sens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed Monday night that they would back it .
TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War “ The process moved to a period during which the Senate debated and voted that three witnesses should be deposed , ” Collins told reporters Monday night , The Hill reported .
“ I believe that this process — the Clinton approach — worked well.
” Murkowski added , “ I think we need to do what they did the last time they did this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a first phase and then they reassessed after that.
” Sen. Lindsey Graham confirmed McConnell ’ s comments and called for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to give the articles of impeachment to the Senate .
“ He has 51 [ votes ] for sure to set the impeachment trial using the Clinton model , ” the South Carolina Republican said .
“ I think most Republicans believe this is a political stunt.
” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged Tuesday to force a vote on calling impeachment witnesses at the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and has — 51 votes to shoot any vote down , The Hill reported .
On Tuesday , Pelosi said McConnell needed to “ immediately ” publish the rules for the Senate impeachment trial before she would send the impeachment articles to the Senate , according to CNN .
“ It is important that he immediately publish this resolution , so that , as I have said before , we can see the arena in which we will be participating , appoint managers and transmit the articles to the Senate , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her colleagues Tuesday evening .
The Senate is still waiting for the House to send over the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump , and Pelosi has declined to give an estimated time when she will transmit them .
RELATED : Rep. Cheney : 'Speaker Pelosi Is an Embarrassment & Unfit for Office' On the Senate floor Tuesday , McConnell said , “ How inappropriate and embarrassing to rush forward on a partisan basis and then treat what you ’ ve done like a political toy.
” “ How contemptuous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for weeks that you feel this extraordinary step is so urgent and then delay it indefinitely for political purposes .
How embarrassing — and how revealing , ” he said .
“ Speaker Pelosi ’ s actions over the past three weeks have confirmed what many Americans suspected about this impeachment process all along — that House Democrats have only ever wanted to abuse this grave constitutional process for partisan ends from the beginning.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Republican senators Tuesday that they “have the votes” to pass a resolution to start the impeachment trial without requiring witness testimony.
“We have the votes, once the impeachment trial has begun, to pass a resolution essential the same, very similar to the 100 to nothing vote in the Clinton trial, which sets up, as you may recall, what could best be described maybe as a Phase One,” McConnell said, according to The Hill.
The resolution passed for former President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial in 1999 gave time for the House impeachment managers and the president’s defense team to give opening arguments and senators to write down questions for each, but neither additional witness testimony nor document review was required.
“We’re going to have a similar resolution. It may not be word-for-word exactly the same,” McConnell said. “We’ll be glad to show it to you when we unveil it.”
McConnell gained the votes to pass the resolution after two Republican moderate voters, Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, confirmed Monday night that they would back it.
“The process moved to a period during which the Senate debated and voted that three witnesses should be deposed,” Collins told reporters Monday night, The Hill reported.
“I believe that this process — the Clinton approach — worked well.”
Murkowski added, “I think we need to do what they did the last time they did this unfortunate process and that was to go through a first phase and then they reassessed after that.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham confirmed McConnell’s comments and called for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to give the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
Do you think Pelosi will ever send the articles of impeachment to the Senate? Yes No
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“He has 51 [votes] for sure to set the impeachment trial using the Clinton model,” the South Carolina Republican said. “I think most Republicans believe this is a political stunt.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged Tuesday to force a vote on calling impeachment witnesses at the start of the trial, but McConnell will need — and has — 51 votes to shoot any vote down, The Hill reported.
On Tuesday, Pelosi said McConnell needed to “immediately” publish the rules for the Senate impeachment trial before she would send the impeachment articles to the Senate, according to CNN.
“It is important that he immediately publish this resolution, so that, as I have said before, we can see the arena in which we will be participating, appoint managers and transmit the articles to the Senate,” the California Democrat wrote in a letter to her colleagues Tuesday evening.
The Senate is still waiting for the House to send over the two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, and Pelosi has declined to give an estimated time when she will transmit them.
On the Senate floor Tuesday, McConnell said, “How inappropriate and embarrassing to rush forward on a partisan basis and then treat what you’ve done like a political toy.”
“How contemptuous of the American people to tell them for weeks that you feel this extraordinary step is so urgent and then delay it indefinitely for political purposes. How embarrassing — and how revealing,” he said.
“Speaker Pelosi’s actions over the past three weeks have confirmed what many Americans suspected about this impeachment process all along — that House Democrats have only ever wanted to abuse this grave constitutional process for partisan ends from the beginning.”
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--Iran Plane Crash Takes Dark Turn as Islamic Republic Refuses To Hand Over Black Boxes

Iran is now refusing to hand over the black boxes from a Boeing 737 passenger jet that went down in the Islamic Republic , supporting theories that the country was involved in the disaster .
Ali Abedzadeh , the head of Iran ’ s civil aviation agency , confirmed that the flight recorders would not be handed over to Boeing or the United States , the Persian-language news agency Mehr News reported .
“ We will not give the black box to the manufacturer and the Americans , ” Abedzadeh announced Wednesday .
The passenger plane , which was carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier the same day .
The Ukrainian-owned 737 went down shortly after takeoff .
TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War Without the plane ’ s black boxes , which record vital information during flight , it might be impossible to confirm what exactly caused the plane to fall from the sky .
Although Iran insists the plane was downed by mechanical issues , the crash came at a time of heightened tension following a U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch of ballistic missiles in response .
Many have speculated that an anti-aircraft gunner with an itchy trigger finger might be behind the deaths .
Video of the crash shows the plane engulfed in flames before finally slamming into the ground .
Although it ’ s unclear what the cause of the plane ’ s crash was , some speculated that it could be the fault of Iranian air defense systems that may have mistaken a civil aircraft for an American warplane .
The timing of the crash itself is highly suspect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ region reeled from a salvo of Iranian missiles fired at two Iraqi airbases known to house U.S. troops .
So far , there have been no confirmed casualties as a result of the missile strikes .
RELATED : Intel Briefing Has Congressman 'Convinced Even More Than Ever ' That Soleimani Had To Go In an effort to prevent more deaths from any possible misidentification , U.S. civil pilots have been instructed to steer clear of the region .
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a set of flight restrictions aiming to keep civil aviation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Iraq and surrounding areas .
It remains to be seen if the 737 crash was simply caused by a fatal mechanical flaw that came at the wrong time , or was the result of a military blunder .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Iran is now refusing to hand over the black boxes from a Boeing 737 passenger jet that went down in the Islamic Republic, supporting theories that the country was involved in the disaster.
Ali Abedzadeh, the head of Iran’s civil aviation agency, confirmed that the flight recorders would not be handed over to Boeing or the United States, the Persian-language news agency Mehr News reported.
“We will not give the black box to the manufacturer and the Americans,” Abedzadeh announced Wednesday.
The passenger plane, which was carrying 176 people, crashed with no survivors earlier the same day.
The Ukrainian-owned 737 went down shortly after takeoff.
Without the plane’s black boxes, which record vital information during flight, it might be impossible to confirm what exactly caused the plane to fall from the sky.
Was this plane shot 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: 96% (1710 Votes) No: 4% (79 Votes)
Although Iran insists the plane was downed by mechanical issues, the crash came at a time of heightened tension following a U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani and Iran’s launch of ballistic missiles in response.
Many have speculated that an anti-aircraft gunner with an itchy trigger finger might be behind the deaths.
Video of the crash shows the plane engulfed in flames before finally slamming into the ground.
#Breaking First footage of the Ukrainian airplane while on fire falling near #Tehran pic.twitter.com/kGxnBb7f1q — Ali Hashem علي هاشم (@alihashem_tv) January 8, 2020
Although it’s unclear what the cause of the plane’s crash was, some speculated that it could be the fault of Iranian air defense systems that may have mistaken a civil aircraft for an American warplane.
The timing of the crash itself is highly suspect. News of the accident broke as the region reeled from a salvo of Iranian missiles fired at two Iraqi airbases known to house U.S. troops.
So far, there have been no confirmed casualties as a result of the missile strikes.
In an effort to prevent more deaths from any possible misidentification, U.S. civil pilots have been instructed to steer clear of the region.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a set of flight restrictions aiming to keep civil aviation operators away from the airspace over Iran, Iraq and surrounding areas.
#FAA Statement: #NOTAMs issued outlining flight restrictions that prohibit U.S. civil aviation operators from operating in the airspace over Iraq, Iran, and the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. pic.twitter.com/kJEbpPddp3 — The FAA (@FAANews) January 8, 2020
It remains to be seen if the 737 crash was simply caused by a fatal mechanical flaw that came at the wrong time, or was the result of a military blunder.
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--Trump: Missiles Fired at US Forces Paid for by Obama Administration Funds

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that funding for the missiles fired at military bases in Iraq on Tuesday night was “ made available ” by the Obama administration .
Trump ’ s comments at the White House came one day after Iran fired roughly 15 ballistic missiles into Iraq .
Eleven of them hit the Ain al-Asad Air Base and Erbil military base , which house U.S. troops , Fox News reported .
A U.S. military spokesman for Central Command said four of the missiles missed their targets .
According to Trump , the missiles fired at the bases were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran to obtain .
TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War “ The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration , ” Trump said .
The president was referring to the Obama administration-negotiated Iran nuclear deal , formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action , which Trump withdrew from in 2018 .
The JCPOA , which included five other countries in addition to the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion and $ 150 billion in overseas Iranian assets to be unfrozen .
In 2016 , the Obama administration also allowed $ 1.7 billion in cash to be flown to the Iranian regime .
“ The very defective JCPOA expires shortly , anyway , and gives Iran a clear and quick path to nuclear breakout , ” Trump said , as CNN reported .
“ Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism , ” he added .
“ We must all work together toward making a deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more peaceful place , ” the president said .
RELATED : Intel Briefing Has Congressman 'Convinced Even More Than Ever ' That Soleimani Had To Go Trump noted that there were no casualties from the Iranian missile attacks .
“ The American people should be extremely grateful and happy ” that no one was harmed , he said .
“ Iran appears to be standing down , which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world , ” Trump said .
“ To the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want you to have a future and a great future , one that you deserve , ” the president added .
“ One of prosperity at home and harmony with the nations of the world.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that funding for the missiles fired at military bases in Iraq on Tuesday night was “made available” by the Obama administration.
Trump’s comments at the White House came one day after Iran fired roughly 15 ballistic missiles into Iraq.
Eleven of them hit the Ain al-Asad Air Base and Erbil military base, which house U.S. troops, Fox News reported.
A U.S. military spokesman for Central Command said four of the missiles missed their targets.
According to Trump, the missiles fired at the bases were funded by money the Obama administration allowed Iran to obtain.
“The missiles fired last night at us and our allies were paid for with the funds made available by the last administration,” Trump said.
The missiles used in last night’s attack were funded through money given to Iran from the Obama administration. President Trump is leading through strength, not by appeasement, and that strength is the best deterrent. He will never fund terrorist nations. pic.twitter.com/F10oWfQdKg — America First (@AmericaFirstPAC) January 8, 2020
The president was referring to the Obama administration-negotiated Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which Trump withdrew from in 2018.
Do you think the Obama administration is to blame for the Iranian attack Tuesday night? Yes No
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The JCPOA, which included five other countries in addition to the U.S. and Iran, permitted between $100 billion and $150 billion in overseas Iranian assets to be unfrozen.
In 2016, the Obama administration also allowed $1.7 billion in cash to be flown to the Iranian regime.
“The very defective JCPOA expires shortly, anyway, and gives Iran a clear and quick path to nuclear breakout,” Trump said, as CNN reported.
“Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism,” he added.
“We must all work together toward making a deal with Iran that makes the world a safer and more peaceful place,” the president said.
Trump noted that there were no casualties from the Iranian missile attacks.
“The American people should be extremely grateful and happy” that no one was harmed, he said.
“Iran appears to be standing down, which is a good thing for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world,” Trump said.
“To the people and leaders of Iran, we want you to have a future and a great future, one that you deserve,” the president added. “One of prosperity at home and harmony with the nations of the world.”
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--Saying Trump Puts Americans in Danger, Rapper Asks 3rd-Most-Dangerous Country on the Planet – Nigeri

Saying Trump Puts Americans in Danger, Rapper Asks 3rd-Most-Dangerous Country on the Planet – Nigeria – for Citizenship

Are you one of those people who buy into those # WWIII memes that popped up on Twitter after the United States killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike ?
In fact , she ’ s decided she ’ s going to ask for citizenship in the third-most-dangerous country in the world , because that ’ s a great place to hide out from World War III .
Mrs. B — known legally as Belcalis Almánzar — made the announcement Friday on Twitter as tensions ratcheted up .
“ Naaaaa these memes are f—in [ laughing emojis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joke !
Specially being from New York , ” the rapper , best known for “ Bodak Yellow ” and “ I Like It , ” tweeted .
TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War “ Its sad this man is putting Americans live in danger , ” she continued .
“ Dumbest move Trump did till date …I ’ m filing for my Nigerian citizenship.
” She ’ s been in trouble for admitting that , before her rapper days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money .
( Her defense for this , inexplicably , was that the men were “ conscious , willing and aware ” of being drugged and robbed . )
As a teen , she was a member of the Bloods gang .
She ’ s fond of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont — going as far as to interview him — yet she went on an epic , profane rant about how she didn ’ t know where her tax money was going .
She ’ s also a self-described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t take her opinions seriously ?
Here ’ s her explaining why Franklin Delano Roosevelt was her favorite president : “ [ H ] e helped us get over the Depression , all while he was in a wheelchair .
Like , this man was suffering from polio at the time of his presidency , and yet all he was worried about was trying to make America great — make America great again for real .
He ’ s the real ‘ Make America Great Again , ’ because if it wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wouldn ’ t even get Social Security.
” A very little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing .
RELATED : Rapper & New Christian Kanye West Now Taking Public Stand Against Pornography All of which is to say that maybe we shouldn ’ t be taking Cardi B too seriously — and yet , this thing got reported like it was no one ’ s business , to the point where a Nigerian government official responded to her request .
“ As one in charge of the Diaspora for Ngr , We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again .
Our doors are open , sister , ” Abike Dabiri-Erewa said .
As for the “ again ” part , Cardi B has previously performed in Nigeria , according to the Daily Mail .
One assumes she didn ’ t exactly see the whole country or even a sliver of it , and Dabiri-Erewa probably didn ’ t include the pamphlet disclosing that the country is one of the most dangerous in the world for expatriates .
InterNations ’ 2019 survey of expatriate life included a safety and security category in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peacefulness , personal safety and political stability .
The results were compiled to create a ranking of the most dangerous places to live , ” Forbes explained .
Nigeria came in third , after South Africa and Brazil .
“ We are not really free , can not walk on the streets , can not mingle with the Nigerians .
There is always the possibility of danger , ” a Hungarian expatriate said .
Meanwhile , a Rwandan expatriate talked about “ the feeling of uncertainty .
Almost anything can and might happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now , granted , Cardi B has a lot of means to buy herself a lot of security .
Perhaps she doesn ’ t want to “ mingle with the Nigerians.
” She ’ s also a former member of the Bloods who says she used to drug and rob men , so perhaps she ’ s used to and is willing to accept a certain amount of this kind of danger .
Still , it ’ s not exactly the best place to hide out from a war .
Nigeria wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Institute for Economics and Peace Global Peace Index for 2018 , but it was No .
16 , right in between North Korea and Lebanon .
It is , in other words , sandwiched by a country that ’ s probably the odds-on leader for the nation most likely to be involved in a nuclear war and a country that ’ s overrun with Iranian proxies .
So , her dislike of Donald Trump is so reflexive her first thought is she ’ s safer in Nigeria — home of Boko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve all kind of forgotten about and the likely culprit in a roadside bombing Monday that killed at least 30 , according to Deutsche Welle .
The militant group is seeking to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria , which has the largest Muslim population in West Africa at more than 80 million people .
World War III is not going to happen .
Cardi B is still much safer here than practically anywhere else in the world .
That ’ s especially true when that somewhere else is Nigeria .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fond of saying , a money move .
But then that ’ s hardly the point .
Any time Celebrity X says he or she is moving to Country Y because of Thing Z that Donald Trump did , you can just put the equation in parentheses and multiply it by zero .
That ’ s how you figure out the percent chance they ’ re going to be loading up the U-Haul millionaire special and decamping from Beverly Hills to their country of choice .
Cardi B deserves a high grade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s Canada or Sweden , something like that .
Props for picking a country that ’ s 158th out of 189 countries in the Human Development Index ranking .
It shows , if nothing else , an impressive disregard for anything aside from a personal animus against the current administration .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Are you one of those people who buy into those #WWIII memes that popped up on Twitter after the United States killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike?
Rapper Cardi B is.
In fact, she’s decided she’s going to ask for citizenship in the third-most-dangerous country in the world, because that’s a great place to hide out from World War III.
Mrs. B — known legally as Belcalis Almánzar — made the announcement Friday on Twitter as tensions ratcheted up.
“Naaaaa these memes are f—in [laughing emojis] but s— ain’t no joke! Specially being from New York,” the rapper, best known for “Bodak Yellow” and “I Like It,” tweeted.
“Its sad this man is putting Americans live in danger,” she continued. “Dumbest move Trump did till date …I’m filing for my Nigerian citizenship.”
Granted, Cardi B isn’t what economists might call a “rational agent.”
She’s been in trouble for admitting that, before her rapper days, she drugged and robbed men for money. (Her defense for this, inexplicably, was that the men were “conscious, willing and aware” of being drugged and robbed.)
Do you think Cardi B will move to Nigeria? 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: 9% (98 Votes) No: 91% (1044 Votes)
As a teen, she was a member of the Bloods gang.
She’s fond of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont — going as far as to interview him — yet she went on an epic, profane rant about how she didn’t know where her tax money was going.
She’s also a self-described political science junkie, and who wouldn’t take her opinions seriously?
Here’s her explaining why Franklin Delano Roosevelt was her favorite president: “[H]e helped us get over the Depression, all while he was in a wheelchair. Like, this man was suffering from polio at the time of his presidency, and yet all he was worried about was trying to make America great — make America great again for real. He’s the real ‘Make America Great Again,’ because if it wasn’t for him, old people wouldn’t even get Social Security.”
A very little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing.
All of which is to say that maybe we shouldn’t be taking Cardi B too seriously — and yet, this thing got reported like it was no one’s business, to the point where a Nigerian government official responded to her request.
“As one in charge of the Diaspora for Ngr, We can’t wait to receive you again. Our doors are open, sister,” Abike Dabiri-Erewa said.
As for the “again” part, Cardi B has previously performed in Nigeria, according to the Daily Mail. One assumes she didn’t exactly see the whole country or even a sliver of it, and Dabiri-Erewa probably didn’t include the pamphlet disclosing that the country is one of the most dangerous in the world for expatriates.
InterNations’ 2019 survey of expatriate life included a safety and security category in which “respondents rated three factors including peacefulness, personal safety and political stability. The results were compiled to create a ranking of the most dangerous places to live,” Forbes explained.
Nigeria came in third, after South Africa and Brazil.
“We are not really free, cannot walk on the streets, cannot mingle with the Nigerians. There is always the possibility of danger,” a Hungarian expatriate said.
Meanwhile, a Rwandan expatriate talked about “the feeling of uncertainty. Almost anything can and might happen to me, anytime, anywhere.”
Now, granted, Cardi B has a lot of means to buy herself a lot of security. Perhaps she doesn’t want to “mingle with the Nigerians.” She’s also a former member of the Bloods who says she used to drug and rob men, so perhaps she’s used to and is willing to accept a certain amount of this kind of danger.
Still, it’s not exactly the best place to hide out from a war.
Nigeria wasn’t in the top 10 most dangerous in the Institute for Economics and Peace Global Peace Index for 2018, but it was No. 16, right in between North Korea and Lebanon. It is, in other words, sandwiched by a country that’s probably the odds-on leader for the nation most likely to be involved in a nuclear war and a country that’s overrun with Iranian proxies.
So, her dislike of Donald Trump is so reflexive her first thought is she’s safer in Nigeria — home of Boko Haram, the Islamic terrorist organization we’ve all kind of forgotten about and the likely culprit in a roadside bombing Monday that killed at least 30, according to Deutsche Welle.
The militant group is seeking to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria, which has the largest Muslim population in West Africa at more than 80 million people.
World War III is not going to happen. Cardi B is still much safer here than practically anywhere else in the world. That’s especially true when that somewhere else is Nigeria. This isn’t, as Cardi B is fond of saying, a money move.
But then that’s hardly the point. Any time Celebrity X says he or she is moving to Country Y because of Thing Z that Donald Trump did, you can just put the equation in parentheses and multiply it by zero. That’s how you figure out the percent chance they’re going to be loading up the U-Haul millionaire special and decamping from Beverly Hills to their country of choice.
Cardi B deserves a high grade for originality for picking Nigeria. Usually, it’s Canada or Sweden, something like that. Props for picking a country that’s 158th out of 189 countries in the Human Development Index ranking.
It shows, if nothing else, an impressive disregard for anything aside from a personal animus against the current administration.
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--CNN’s Jake Tapper Grills Clueless Dem Eric Swalwell: ‘What World Do You Guys Live In?’

California Congressman Eric Swalwell couldn ’ t have seen this coming .
The vocal opponent of President Donald Trump — who mounted his own short-lived bid for the Democratic 2020 nomination — took to the normally Democrat-friendly confines of CNN on Tuesday and got some unexpectedly tough questions from the host of “ The Lead with Jake Tapper.
” The eponymous Tapper focused specifically on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s tactic of refusing to send articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on to the Senate for trial in hopes of pressuring Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all due respect , this leverage gambit does not seem to have worked , ” Tapper said .
By CNN standards for Democrats , it was a grilling .
And Swalwell came across as simply clueless .
TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War Check it out here : What ’ s telling here is that Swalwell , who ’ s not usually short on things to say , didn ’ t handle Tapper ’ s questions well at all — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face real questions during a CNN appearance .
At the top of the interview , Tapper asked how Democrats expected to force McConnell ’ s hand after the majority leader ’ s announcement Tuesday that he had the votes to proceed with a Senate impeachment trial — on Republican terms .
Swalwell tried to massage the answer by bringing up the announcement Monday by former National Security Advisor John Bolton that he would testify in the Senate if he were subpoenaed .
“ Well , [ McConnell ] should just do the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You know , having the votes is one thing , but if you have a key witness that the House was not able to obtain who is now saying he ’ s willing to come forward , the right thing seems to be , well , let ’ s hear from this witness.
” So McConnell , the leader of the Senate Republicans and a solid supporter of the president , should just “ do the right thing ” — as Democrats define it ?
It ’ s hard to say which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such nonsense on the air or that he apparently expected any journalist — even a CNN journalist — would buy it .
To his credit , Tapper wasn ’ t buying it at all .
He asked Swalwell if House Democrats would be willing to subpoena Bolton now — something Pelosi ’ s troupe couldn ’ t find time for while ramming the paper-thin articles of impeachment through the House in December .
RELATED : CNN Reporter Gets Ruthlessly Mocked After Flipping Out Over Satire Website Babylon Bee Swalwell tried to punt the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adam Schiff .
“ I personally think , Jake , that we put forward enough evidence to warrant removal , but if senators have questions about any gaps in the evidence because the president told witnesses to not come forward , well , now you have a witness who is willing to come forward , ” he said .
It was getting worse for Swalwell , and Tapper didn ’ t let up .
Near the end of the interview , he asked why the Senate should even think about calling witnesses when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rush to use the courts to force testimony the White House opposed .
Swalwell ’ s answer , which bordered on incoherence , seemed to be that the presence of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts presiding over the Senate trial would make any court fights unnecessary .
“ I guess I wonder just like , ‘ What world do you guys live in ?
’ if you think that Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is gon na get his robe dirty with the political tenor of this , or Mitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way pressured to do the trial the way House Democrats want to do it , when this is a guy that wouldn ’ t even have a hearing for Merrick Garland , ” he said .
“ I understand you live in a world where you think things should be in a certain way but that ’ s not the world that I live in.
” It was a rare moment of clarity for CNN viewers — one that punctured the liberal bubble Democrats have surrounded themselves with .
They think they live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ousted ( it doesn ’ t ) , a world where Pelosi can dictate how the Senate should conduct its business ( she can ’ t ) , and where a vocal liberal blowhard like Swalwell can spout nonsense on CNN and be taken seriously .
On Tuesday , unfortunately , they had good reason to believe that last one , anyway .
Until Eric Swalwell got a grilling he couldn ’ t have seen coming .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our @ @ @

California Congressman Eric Swalwell couldn’t have seen this coming.
The vocal opponent of President Donald Trump — who mounted his own short-lived bid for the Democratic 2020 nomination — took to the normally Democrat-friendly confines of CNN on Tuesday and got some unexpectedly tough questions from the host of “The Lead with Jake Tapper.”
The eponymous Tapper focused specifically on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s tactic of refusing to send articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on to the Senate for trial in hopes of pressuring Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bow to Democrats’ terms.
“With all due respect, this leverage gambit does not seem to have worked,” Tapper said.
By CNN standards for Democrats, it was a grilling. And Swalwell came across as simply clueless.
Check it out here:
What’s telling here is that Swalwell, who’s not usually short on things to say, didn’t handle Tapper’s questions well at all — like he wasn’t expecting to face real questions during a CNN appearance.
At the top of the interview, Tapper asked how Democrats expected to force McConnell’s hand after the majority leader’s announcement Tuesday that he had the votes to proceed with a Senate impeachment trial — on Republican terms.
Swalwell tried to massage the answer by bringing up the announcement Monday by former National Security Advisor John Bolton that he would testify in the Senate if he were subpoenaed.
“Well, [McConnell] should just do the right thing,” Swalwell said.
“You know, having the votes is one thing, but if you have a key witness that the House was not able to obtain who is now saying he’s willing to come forward, the right thing seems to be, well, let’s hear from this witness.”
So McConnell, the leader of the Senate Republicans and a solid supporter of the president, should just “do the right thing” — as Democrats define it?
It’s hard to say which is worse, that Swalwell could actually utter such nonsense on the air or that he apparently expected any journalist — even a CNN journalist — would buy it.
To his credit, Tapper wasn’t buying it at all. He asked Swalwell if House Democrats would be willing to subpoena Bolton now — something Pelosi’s troupe couldn’t find time for while ramming the paper-thin articles of impeachment through the House in December.
Do you think impeachment is turning into a losing issue for Democrats? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (6988 Votes) No: 0% (21 Votes)
Swalwell tried to punt the answer to Pelosi and House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff.
“I personally think, Jake, that we put forward enough evidence to warrant removal, but if senators have questions about any gaps in the evidence because the president told witnesses to not come forward, well, now you have a witness who is willing to come forward,” he said.
It was getting worse for Swalwell, and Tapper didn’t let up.
Near the end of the interview, he asked why the Senate should even think about calling witnesses when House Democrats were in too much of a rush to use the courts to force testimony the White House opposed.
Swalwell’s answer, which bordered on incoherence, seemed to be that the presence of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts presiding over the Senate trial would make any court fights unnecessary.
Tapper wasn’t buying that either.
“I guess I wonder just like, ‘What world do you guys live in?’ if you think that Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is gonna get his robe dirty with the political tenor of this, or Mitch McConnell is gonna feel in any way pressured to do the trial the way House Democrats want to do it, when this is a guy that wouldn’t even have a hearing for Merrick Garland,” he said.
“I understand you live in a world where you think things should be in a certain way but that’s not the world that I live in.”
It was a rare moment of clarity for CNN viewers — one that punctured the liberal bubble Democrats have surrounded themselves with.
They think they live in a world where the country wants Trump ousted (it doesn’t), a world where Pelosi can dictate how the Senate should conduct its business (she can’t), and where a vocal liberal blowhard like Swalwell can spout nonsense on CNN and be taken seriously.
On Tuesday, unfortunately, they had good reason to believe that last one, anyway.
Until Eric Swalwell got a grilling he couldn’t have seen coming.
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--Arizona Woman Defies City Order, Continues To Fly ‘Trump 2020’ Flag

Tawney Baccellia of Prescott Valley , Arizona , wanted to show her support for President Donald Trump by flying a “ Trump 2020 – Keep America Great ” flag in her backyard , but some of her neighbors took offense and voiced their objection to the city , which is now threatening stiff fines .
Baccellia began flying the banner in early November below a “ thin blue line ” American flag , which is meant to show her support for the police .
In late December , the Arizona woman and her husband received a letter from Prescott Valley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ located 90 miles north of Phoenix — stating they had 10 days to remove “ prohibited signage ” from their flagpole or face a $ 100 fine .
According to Baccellia , the fine will continue to compound the longer they do not comply .
The portion of the city code cited to her prohibits “ animated ” or “ flashing ” signs , with animated meaning it changes positions , as flags of course do when the wind blows .
TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baccellia also has a light on her flagpole to keep it illuminated at night .
In addition to the city ordinances cited , Arizona state law provides that residents only have the right to post political signs up to 60 days before a primary election and until 15 days after the general election .
Baccellia ’ s husband called the city official listed on the letter who informed him the offending sign was the couple ’ s “ Trump 2020 ” flag , adding the city had received some complaints about it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was to go purchase a new Trump flag to replace the one she had been flying , which was fraying .
“ This is who I support .
This is what I want on my flag and it ’ s in my backyard , ” she said .
Baccellia posted the city ’ s letter directing her to take down the flag on her personal Facebook page , as well as local community pages , which she said “ blew up ” with comments of support .
Prescott Valley is in Yavapai County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percentage points in 2016 .
RELATED : Family Speaks Out After Judge Gives Them Resounding Win Against CPS in Battle Over Young Child Baccellia received a strong ally in her cause in Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta .
Palguta wrote on Facebook late last month , “ I want to thank Tawney Baccellia for making a post about recently getting a notice from Code Enforcement to remove a second flag she had on her flagpole because it was currently against Town Code.
” “ I want everyone to know I am 100 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will be working with Council and Staff to change it , ” he added .
Palguta told The Western Journal that a flag and a sign are two different things , meaning the state law prohibition regarding political signs should not apply .
Additionally , he anticipates the city code will be changed when the Prescott Valley council meets next month to make clear that Baccellia has a First Amendment right to fly her Trump flag .
“ It ’ s not about the content of the flag .
It has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fly it .
… You can ’ t take that away from someone , and that is what the town is trying to do , ” he explained .
Palguta , who is a diehard Arizona Cardinals fan , offered the example of his neighbor flying a Seattle Seahawks flag .
“ I hate the Seahawks , but in no way am I ever going to tell him he needs to take it down because it ’ s not the right flag , ” Palguta said .
“ That ’ s ridiculous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say ‘ Hi ’ to him , and we ’ re still friends.
” Baccellia intends to keep her flag flying and is hopeful the city ordinance will be changed before Prescott Valley levies any fines against her , which for now appears to be on hold .
She said the mayor has offered “ amazing support.
” Palguta is optimistic all will work out in Baccellia ’ s favor in the end .
“ I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution , ” he said .
“ And the last time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town code of Prescott Valley.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
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Tawney Baccellia of Prescott Valley, Arizona, wanted to show her support for President Donald Trump by flying a “Trump 2020 – Keep America Great” flag in her backyard, but some of her neighbors took offense and voiced their objection to the city, which is now threatening stiff fines.
Baccellia began flying the banner in early November below a “thin blue line” American flag, which is meant to show her support for the police.
In late December, the Arizona woman and her husband received a letter from Prescott Valley — a city of about 45,000 people located 90 miles north of Phoenix — stating they had 10 days to remove “prohibited signage” from their flagpole or face a $100 fine.
According to Baccellia, the fine will continue to compound the longer they do not comply.
The portion of the city code cited to her prohibits “animated” or “flashing” signs, with animated meaning it changes positions, as flags of course do when the wind blows.
Baccellia also has a light on her flagpole to keep it illuminated at night.
A Prescott Valley woman was told to take down her @realDonaldTrump 2020 flag because it goes against city code. Mayor @KPalguta says he’s now working to change the ordinance in support of her. Full story @ 5 on #fox10phoenix pic.twitter.com/FMAjSu906P — Danielle Miller FOX10 (@Fox10Danielle) January 1, 2020
In addition to the city ordinances cited, Arizona state law provides that residents only have the right to post political signs up to 60 days before a primary election and until 15 days after the general election.
Baccellia’s husband called the city official listed on the letter who informed him the offending sign was the couple’s “Trump 2020” flag, adding the city had received some complaints about it.
Baccellia told The Western Journal her response was to go purchase a new Trump flag to replace the one she had been flying, which was fraying.
“This is who I support. This is what I want on my flag and it’s in my backyard,” she said.
Baccellia posted the city’s letter directing her to take down the flag on her personal Facebook page, as well as local community pages, which she said “blew up” with comments of support.
Prescott Valley is in Yavapai County, which Trump carried by over 30 percentage points in 2016.
Baccellia received a strong ally in her cause in Prescott Valley Mayor Kell Palguta.
Palguta wrote on Facebook late last month, “I want to thank Tawney Baccellia for making a post about recently getting a notice from Code Enforcement to remove a second flag she had on her flagpole because it was currently against Town Code.”
“I want everyone to know I am 100 percent against the Code as it is written and will be working with Council and Staff to change it,” he added.
Palguta told The Western Journal that a flag and a sign are two different things, meaning the state law prohibition regarding political signs should not apply.
Do you think Baccellia has a constitutional right to fly her Trump 2020 flag? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (440 Votes) No: 0% (1 Votes)
Additionally, he anticipates the city code will be changed when the Prescott Valley council meets next month to make clear that Baccellia has a First Amendment right to fly her Trump flag.
“It’s not about the content of the flag. It has to do with the person’s right to fly it. … You can’t take that away from someone, and that is what the town is trying to do,” he explained.
Palguta, who is a diehard Arizona Cardinals fan, offered the example of his neighbor flying a Seattle Seahawks flag.
“I hate the Seahawks, but in no way am I ever going to tell him he needs to take it down because it’s not the right flag,” Palguta said. “That’s ridiculous. And guess what? I still say ‘Hi’ to him, and we’re still friends.”
“That’s what America’s about,” he added.
Baccellia intends to keep her flag flying and is hopeful the city ordinance will be changed before Prescott Valley levies any fines against her, which for now appears to be on hold.
She said the mayor has offered “amazing support.”
Palguta is optimistic all will work out in Baccellia’s favor in the end.
“I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution,” he said. “And the last time I checked the Constitution goes above the town code of Prescott Valley.”
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--Rep. Cheney: ‘Speaker Pelosi Is an Embarrassment & Unfit for Office’

Republican Rep. Liz Cheney said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was “ unfit for office ” for attending a fancy dinner party around the time the California Democrat said she was “ closely monitoring the situation ” in Iraq , where Iran launched a series of missile attacks on military bases housing U.S. troops Tuesday night .
Iran fired roughly 15 ballistic missiles into Iraq , with at least 11 hitting Ain al-Asad Air Base and Erbil military base Tuesday night , Fox News reported .
A U.S. military spokesman for Central Command said four of the missiles missed their targets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi tweeted , “ Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq .
We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers , including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence.
” TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War However , just minutes before she sent the tweet , the House speaker was spotted at the opening night of Danny Meyer ’ s Maialino Mare restaurant in Washington , D.C. Anna Spiegel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted the photo evidence of Pelosi at the restaurant , time-stamped 17 minutes before Pelosi ’ s tweet was published .
According to Politico ’ s Heather Caygle , Pelosi brushed off a phone call from Vice President Mike Pence before she appeared at the restaurant .
Cheney , chair of the House Republican Conference , was not afraid to call Pelosi out for her behavior .
“ Speaker Pelosi is an embarrassment and unfit for office , ” she tweeted .
RELATED : McConnell Announces 'We Have the Votes ' for Impeachment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Tuesday ’ s missile attacks were in retaliation for the airstrike that killed Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani last week .
Soleimani and his Quds Force were “ responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more , ” according to the Department of Defense .
Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces , were killed , along with eight others , in the drone strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military said the strikes were in retaliation for last week ’ s killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base that the U.S. blamed on an Iran-backed militia .
Initial assessments of the aftermath at the Iraq military bases showed “ no U.S. casualties , ” a U.S. military official in Baghdad told Fox .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Republican Rep. Liz Cheney said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was “unfit for office” for attending a fancy dinner party around the time the California Democrat said she was “closely monitoring the situation” in Iraq, where Iran launched a series of missile attacks on military bases housing U.S. troops Tuesday night.
Iran fired roughly 15 ballistic missiles into Iraq, with at least 11 hitting Ain al-Asad Air Base and Erbil military base Tuesday night, Fox News reported.
A U.S. military spokesman for Central Command said four of the missiles missed their targets.
Following reports of the attack, Pelosi tweeted, “Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence.”
Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war. — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 8, 2020
However, just minutes before she sent the tweet, the House speaker was spotted at the opening night of Danny Meyer’s Maialino Mare restaurant in Washington, D.C.
Anna Spiegel, the food editor of Washingtonian magazine, tweeted the photo evidence of Pelosi at the restaurant, time-stamped 17 minutes before Pelosi’s tweet was published.
Nancy Pelosi at Danny Meyer’s Maialino Mare opening in Navy Yard. pic.twitter.com/OMkVtxeEEk — Anna Spiegel (@AnnaSpiegs) January 8, 2020
Do you think Pelosi is unfit for office? 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% (8411 Votes) No: 1% (101 Votes)
According to Politico’s Heather Caygle, Pelosi brushed off a phone call from Vice President Mike Pence before she appeared at the restaurant.
Cheney, chair of the House Republican Conference, was not afraid to call Pelosi out for her behavior.
“Speaker Pelosi is an embarrassment and unfit for office,” she tweeted.
Speaker Pelosi is an embarrassment and unfit for office. https://t.co/DJGFb2da4d — Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) January 8, 2020
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Tuesday’s missile attacks were in retaliation for the airstrike that killed Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani last week.
Soleimani and his Quds Force were “responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more,” according to the Department of Defense.
Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iran-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, were killed, along with eight others, in the drone strike at Baghdad International Airport.
The U.S. military said the strikes were in retaliation for last week’s killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base that the U.S. blamed on an Iran-backed militia.
Initial assessments of the aftermath at the Iraq military bases showed “no U.S. casualties,” a U.S. military official in Baghdad told Fox.
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--Chris Matthews Calls Trump ‘Assassin’ for Taking Out Terrorist Who Targeted Kids

From the perspective of at least one MSNBC host , President Donald Trump is an assassin .
But to an Iranian journalist , Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani , who was killed last week by a U.S. drone strike , will go down in history as the man who ordered Iranian officials to crush the flower of the nation ’ s youth and repress student calls for freedom as well as a leader in more recent crackdowns that left hundreds dead .
Matthews on Monday night tried to draw a line between Trump ’ s approval of the drone strike and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assassination of then-South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem , according to The Daily Wire .
“ You know , Diem was assassinated .
We took over the war in Vietnam , ” Matthews said .
“ We lost all those men and women .
And we all did it because we basically knocked off a leader .
We had a hand in that .
The generals did it , but we had a hand in it , and here we are in the assassination business again.
” Matthews then praised Soleimani as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader .
We killed this guy.
” TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War “ A president of the United States , they used to hide from assassination responsibility .
This president is bragging about it , his assassination , ” he said .
“ Is there a new deviancy in the American culture that we now support murder killing of political leaders ?
Is this what we do now ?
It shocks me.
” Later in the show , Matthews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota , who had talked about what she ’ d do as president , “ I don ’ t think you ’ re an assassin ; this president is.
” “ What he really wants to do is create an explosion of media focus , and even a war , a bite-sized war he thinks , to distract from his impeachment threat , ” Matthews said , according to Graham Piro of The Washington Free Beacon .
But if the American media was happy to frame Soleimani as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Masih Alinejad , an Iranian journalist , wrote from a very different perspective in an Op-Ed in The Washington Post .
In a piece headlined “ Don ’ t believe Iranian propaganda about the mourning for Soleimani , ” she wrote that the blood of many Iranians is on Soleimani ’ s hands .
“ Soleimani was not a benign official .
In 1999 , he was among the Revolutionary Guard leaders who demanded that then-President Mohammad Khatami crush university student demonstrations or face the consequences , ” she wrote .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on protests that led to an estimated 1,500 deaths , she wrote .
The Iranian people still have “ anger and resentment ” over the crackdown , Alinejad said .
“ The authorities forced many families to pay blood money in order to receive the body of their loved ones from the morgue .
Some even had to sign official forms waiving the right to hold a public funeral as a condition of getting bodies returned.
” she wrote , noting that at one point , “ thousands of security forces using armored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were deployed to stop mourning ceremonies for some of the victims.
” RELATED : Intel Briefing Has Congressman 'Convinced Even More Than Ever ' That Soleimani Had To Go In her Op-Ed , Alinejad also noted a curious phenomenon about the media .
“ There are many Iranian voices who think Soleimani was a war criminal , but Western journalists rarely reach out to them , ” she wrote .
“ Ironically , the Western media is more skeptical of such state-organized events in other countries , such as Russia or North Korea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense at the border when it comes to the Islamic Republic .
“ While it ’ s true that Western correspondents face daunting conditions when it comes to reporting the truth from Iran , that shouldn ’ t excuse the many times they ’ ve shown unwarranted gullibility toward the official version of events.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

From the perspective of at least one MSNBC host, President Donald Trump is an assassin.
But to an Iranian journalist, Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who was killed last week by a U.S. drone strike, will go down in history as the man who ordered Iranian officials to crush the flower of the nation’s youth and repress student calls for freedom as well as a leader in more recent crackdowns that left hundreds dead.
Matthews on Monday night tried to draw a line between Trump’s approval of the drone strike and the alleged U.S. involvement in the 1963 assassination of then-South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem, according to The Daily Wire.
“You know, Diem was assassinated. We took over the war in Vietnam,” Matthews said. “We lost all those men and women. And we all did it because we basically knocked off a leader. We had a hand in that. The generals did it, but we had a hand in it, and here we are in the assassination business again.”
Matthews then praised Soleimani as a “top general. He was a leader. We killed this guy.”
“A president of the United States, they used to hide from assassination responsibility. This president is bragging about it, his assassination,” he said. “Is there a new deviancy in the American culture that we now support murder killing of political leaders? Is this what we do now? It shocks me.”
Later in the show, Matthews told his guest, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who had talked about what she’d do as president, “I don’t think you’re an assassin; this president is.”
“What he really wants to do is create an explosion of media focus, and even a war, a bite-sized war he thinks, to distract from his impeachment threat,” Matthews said, according to Graham Piro of The Washington Free Beacon.
But if the American media was happy to frame Soleimani as the innocent victim of a deviant U.S. president, Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist, wrote from a very different perspective in an Op-Ed in The Washington Post.
In a piece headlined “Don’t believe Iranian propaganda about the mourning for Soleimani,” she wrote that the blood of many Iranians is on Soleimani’s hands.
“Soleimani was not a benign official. In 1999, he was among the Revolutionary Guard leaders who demanded that then-President Mohammad Khatami crush university student demonstrations or face the consequences,” she wrote.
His soldiers played a role in November attacks on protests that led to an estimated 1,500 deaths, she wrote.
The Iranian people still have “anger and resentment” over the crackdown, Alinejad said.
“The authorities forced many families to pay blood money in order to receive the body of their loved ones from the morgue. Some even had to sign official forms waiving the right to hold a public funeral as a condition of getting bodies returned.” she wrote, noting that at one point, “thousands of security forces using armored cars, water cannons and even helicopters were deployed to stop mourning ceremonies for some of the victims.”
In her Op-Ed, Alinejad also noted a curious phenomenon about the media.
Do you think the mainstream media are gullible about Iran? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 97% (625 Votes) No: 3% (17 Votes)
“There are many Iranian voices who think Soleimani was a war criminal, but Western journalists rarely reach out to them,” she wrote. “Ironically, the Western media is more skeptical of such state-organized events in other countries, such as Russia or North Korea, but seems to leave its critical sense at the border when it comes to the Islamic Republic.
“While it’s true that Western correspondents face daunting conditions when it comes to reporting the truth from Iran, that shouldn’t excuse the many times they’ve shown unwarranted gullibility toward the official version of events.”
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westernjournal--2020-01-08--Pat Sajak’s Daughter Joins ‘Wheel of Fortune’ During His Absence Following Emergency Surgery

Nearly two months after “ Wheel of Fortune ” host Pat Sajak went under emergency surgery for a blocked intestine , he announced that his daughter was joining the game show to represent her family until he returns .
Longtime letter-turner Vanna White , who has been temporarily hosting the game show while Sajak recovers , presented his 25-year-old daughter , Maggie , as a “ special letter-toucher ” ( in the words of her dad ) in a video posted Monday .
Sajak was rushed to the hospital in November after he felt “ horrific pain ” in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do anything .
I was in [ a ] fetal position , lying on the bed , ” Sajak told ABC ’ s “ Good Morning America ” last month .
“ They try to give you various drugs for the pain .
And none of it — none — was working .
And then they gave me something , I couldn ’ t even tell you the name of it , but suddenly , I wasn ’ t thinking about the pain .
I just had these beautiful pastels and lovely faces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t know what it [ was ] — but within two and a half hours , I was in surgery , ” he also said .
TRENDING : Ilhan Omar Posts Video That Proclaims the US Is 'Not Very Good at Anything ' Except War “ It was that quick and intense.
” Thankfully , doctors pinpointed the source of his pain quickly and were able to perform life-saving surgery .
Not only was his intestine blocked , but his blood pressure had also drastically dropped .
Doctors were unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident , but the surgery was successful and the game show host is back in the studio .
In a clip released on Monday , White celebrated Sajak ’ s anticipated return before noting that she has been “ happy to fill in ” during his recovery .
She then said she “ could do this even better — hosting the show — with a Sajak ” before introducing Maggie to the audience .
This wasn ’ t the first time Maggie has made an appearance on the show , however .
Maggie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ father proudly introduced her to “ Wheel of Fortune ” fans in 1996 .
RELATED : Age 13 Girl Blows Judges Away with Soulful 'Bohemian Rhapsody ' Cover on 'AGT' “ I ’ m walking a little better now and hopefully I ’ m a little more eloquent than last time , ” she joked .
Sajak ’ s daughter assured fans of the show that her father was doing well .
“ From the perspective of his daughter , it was a scary experience , ” she said .
“ But he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know he ’ s so excited to be back next week.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Nearly two months after “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak went under emergency surgery for a blocked intestine, he announced that his daughter was joining the game show to represent her family until he returns.
Longtime letter-turner Vanna White, who has been temporarily hosting the game show while Sajak recovers, presented his 25-year-old daughter, Maggie, as a “special letter-toucher” (in the words of her dad) in a video posted Monday.
Sajak was rushed to the hospital in November after he felt “horrific pain” in his abdomen.
“You couldn’t do anything. I was in [a] fetal position, lying on the bed,” Sajak told ABC’s “Good Morning America” last month. “They try to give you various drugs for the pain. And none of it — none — was working. And then they gave me something, I couldn’t even tell you the name of it, but suddenly, I wasn’t thinking about the pain. I just had these beautiful pastels and lovely faces coming out of it.”
“I didn’t know what it [was] — but within two and a half hours, I was in surgery,” he also said.
“It was that quick and intense.”
Thankfully, doctors pinpointed the source of his pain quickly and were able to perform life-saving surgery.
Not only was his intestine blocked, but his blood pressure had also drastically dropped.
Doctors were unable to determine the exact cause of the scary incident, but the surgery was successful and the game show host is back in the studio.
In a clip released on Monday, White celebrated Sajak’s anticipated return before noting that she has been “happy to fill in” during his recovery.
She then said she “could do this even better — hosting the show — with a Sajak” before introducing Maggie to the audience.
This wasn’t the first time Maggie has made an appearance on the show, however.
Maggie was only 1 year old when her father proudly introduced her to “Wheel of Fortune” fans in 1996.
“I’m walking a little better now and hopefully I’m a little more eloquent than last time,” she joked.
Sajak’s daughter assured fans of the show that her father was doing well.
“From the perspective of his daughter, it was a scary experience,” she said. “But he’s doing great, and I know he’s so excited to be back next week.”
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