westernjournal--2020-07-04--College Caves, Removes the Word ‘Freedom’ After Mob Says It’s Dehumanizing

As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to push its way into the mainstream , an increasing number of colleges are caving to the far left ’ s radical demands .
Since the death of George Floyd , the Minneapolis man who died on May 25 in police custody , the militants of BLM have continued to demand that individuals , businesses and even colleges show their “ support for black lives ” by caving to their every demand .
School officials at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania followed suit last week by removing the word “ freedom ” from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made in response to a petition signed by 130 people that claimed the word “ freedom ” left “ minority students ” feeling “ dehumanized.
” “ Robert Morris University is a [ predominantly white institution ] with minority groups making up 24 % of the student population .
Like most institutions , we have student identification cards that allow us to get into buildings across campus and allow us to buy our food , ” the petition said .
“ Our student IDs are currently named , ‘ Freedom Cards.
’ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minority students ( black students in particular ) feel like we are being dehumanized .
Gifting us with IDs that grant us our ‘ freedom ’ is of extremely poor taste .
Especially coming from a University that is named after a slave owner.
” Robert Morris was , in fact , a slave owner .
He also signed the Declaration of Independence , the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution .
There was both good and bad in Morris ’ life , as is the case with many other founders of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington , for example , also owned slaves .
In a 1786 letter addressed to Robert Morris , however , Washington declared that “ there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do , to see a plan adopted for the abolition of ” slavery .
The writer of this petition didn ’ t understand that nuance , however .
The petition went on to claim that minority students are still “ feeling the effects of slavery.
” It also claimed that by reading the word “ freedom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that very fact “ every time they pick up their IDs.
” In an email obtained by Campus Reform , Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students John Michalenko said that “ the Freedom Card is changing its name .
The Robert Morris University ID is now the RMU ID Card.
” Jonathon Potts , vice president of marketing and public relations at RMU , added , “ We had already been planning to redesign and rename our student , faculty , and staff identification cards to make them more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communicate their purpose.
” Potts also noted that the university “ nonetheless thought the time was right to communicate it to the students for whom it was a concern.
” This isn ’ t the only move RMU is making to appease the left .
RELATED : Lib Alyssa Milano Freaks After Alleged 'Blackface ' Incident Comes Back To Haunt Her On June 23 , the school announced the formation of its new “ Anti-Racism Task Force ” which the explicit purpose of advancing “ racial equity for Black students , faculty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The term “ anti-racist ” was popularized by Ibram X. Kendi , a history professor and author who claims that not being racist is not enough .
In order to combat racism , one must be “ anti-racist ” by promoting and supporting progressive , left-wing social justice policies .
If you don ’ t cave in to the far left ’ s demands , you are either racist or not opposing racism .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to push its way into the mainstream, an increasing number of colleges are caving to the far left’s radical demands.
Since the death of George Floyd, the Minneapolis man who died on May 25 in police custody, the militants of BLM have continued to demand that individuals, businesses and even colleges show their “support for black lives” by caving to their every demand.
School officials at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania followed suit last week by removing the word “freedom” from university identification cards.
The change was made in response to a petition signed by 130 people that claimed the word “freedom” left “minority students” feeling “dehumanized.”
“Robert Morris University is a [predominantly white institution] with minority groups making up 24% of the student population. Like most institutions, we have student identification cards that allow us to get into buildings across campus and allow us to buy our food,” the petition said.
“Our student IDs are currently named, ‘Freedom Cards.’ This poorly named form of identification has made minority students (black students in particular) feel like we are being dehumanized. Gifting us with IDs that grant us our ‘freedom’ is of extremely poor taste. Especially coming from a University that is named after a slave owner.”
Robert Morris was, in fact, a slave owner. He also signed the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. There was both good and bad in Morris’ life, as is the case with many other founders of the country and other historical figures.
George Washington, for example, also owned slaves. In a 1786 letter addressed to Robert Morris, however, Washington declared that “there is not a man living who wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a plan adopted for the abolition of” slavery.
The writer of this petition didn’t understand that nuance, however.
Should colleges be caving to the social justice mob? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (9 Votes) No: 99% (1457 Votes)
The petition went on to claim that minority students are still “feeling the effects of slavery.” It also claimed that by reading the word “freedom,” “minority students” are reminded of that very fact “every time they pick up their IDs.”
In an email obtained by Campus Reform, Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students John Michalenko said that “the Freedom Card is changing its name. The Robert Morris University ID is now the RMU ID Card.”
Jonathon Potts, vice president of marketing and public relations at RMU, added, “We had already been planning to redesign and rename our student, faculty, and staff identification cards to make them more widely recognized on campus and more easily communicate their purpose.”
Potts also noted that the university “nonetheless thought the time was right to communicate it to the students for whom it was a concern.”
This isn’t the only move RMU is making to appease the left.
On June 23, the school announced the formation of its new “Anti-Racism Task Force” which the explicit purpose of advancing “racial equity for Black students, faculty, staff and those impacted by anti-Black racism.”
We recognize that we must do more to advance racial equity for Black students, faculty, staff and those impacted by anti-Black racism.@DrChrisHoward launches the Anti-Racism Task Force as the next step towards a welcoming, inclusive and equitable campushttps://t.co/rad4f3xdgK pic.twitter.com/5QECRGCxHS — Robert Morris University (@RMU) June 23, 2020
The term “anti-racist” was popularized by Ibram X. Kendi, a history professor and author who claims that not being racist is not enough. In order to combat racism, one must be “anti-racist” by promoting and supporting progressive, left-wing social justice policies.
If you don’t cave in to the far left’s demands, you are either racist or not opposing racism.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-04--This Is Why You Don’t See Skyscrapers in Washington, DC

One of the first things a visitor to Washington , D.C. , is likely to notice is that there are no skyscrapers in the city , and that is by design .
It is certainly not for a lack of demand for housing and commercial space , as a glance just across the Potomac River to Arlington , Virginia — where the skyline is filled with high-rises — makes clear .
A popular false notion out there regarding the lack of skyscrapers in the District is that Congress passed a law saying no building could be taller than the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been that , the Height of Buildings Act , passed in 1899 and amended in 1910 , set specific restrictions for commercial buildings not to exceed 130 feet and for buildings in residential areas not to exceed 90 feet .
By way of comparison , the U.S. Capitol is 288 feet high and the Washington Memorial is 555 feet .
The original layout for the District of Columbia was made by French architect Pierre Charles L ’ Enfant in the 1790s .
“ L ’ Enfant designed the city from scratch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , public squares and inspiring buildings in what was then a district of hills , forests , marshes and plantations , ” according to Smithsonian Magazine .
“ The entire city was built around the idea that every citizen was equally important , ” L ’ Enfant biographer Scott Berg told the magazine .
“ The Mall was designed as open to all comers , which would have been unheard of in France .
It ’ s a very sort of egalitarian idea.
” L ’ Enfant placed the Capitol on commanding high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s mansion , reinforcing the idea that the people are the most important .
Then-President George Washington supported the architect ’ s broad vision for the fledgling nation ’ s future capital city .
One prominent exception to the Height of Buildings Act requirements is the Trump International Hotel Washington , D.C. , which is in the Old Post Office Building .
Construction on the 315-foot-tall structure began in 1892 and was completed in 1899 , before the law went into effect .
RELATED : The Law Just Caught Up with Suspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser suggested in her second inaugural address last year that the District should look into changing the century-old Height of Buildings Act , Washingtonian reported .
The mayor called for 36,000 new housing units by 2025 , according to WAMU .
Bowser advocated for “ more density and taller buildings where they make sense , ” but did not explicitly say if she would support changing existing zoning laws .
While the mayor can propose zoning changes , the Height of Buildings Act itself would have to be changed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , don ’ t expect to spot any skyscrapers within the nation ’ s capital .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

One of the first things a visitor to Washington, D.C., is likely to notice is that there are no skyscrapers in the city, and that is by design.
It is certainly not for a lack of demand for housing and commercial space, as a glance just across the Potomac River to Arlington, Virginia — where the skyline is filled with high-rises — makes clear.
The skyline of Rosslyn, in Arlington, Virginia pic.twitter.com/ON1kn11AO3 — Jon Bilous (@jonbilous) February 19, 2019
A popular false notion out there regarding the lack of skyscrapers in the District is that Congress passed a law saying no building could be taller than the U.S. Capitol Building.
While the effect may have been that, the Height of Buildings Act, passed in 1899 and amended in 1910, set specific restrictions for commercial buildings not to exceed 130 feet and for buildings in residential areas not to exceed 90 feet.
By way of comparison, the U.S. Capitol is 288 feet high and the Washington Memorial is 555 feet.
The original layout for the District of Columbia was made by French architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant in the 1790s.
“L’Enfant designed the city from scratch, envisioning a grand capital of wide avenues, public squares and inspiring buildings in what was then a district of hills, forests, marshes and plantations,” according to Smithsonian Magazine.
Do you think D.C. should keep its building height requirements in place? 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% (661 Votes) No: 4% (24 Votes)
“The entire city was built around the idea that every citizen was equally important,” L’Enfant biographer Scott Berg told the magazine. “The Mall was designed as open to all comers, which would have been unheard of in France. It’s a very sort of egalitarian idea.”
L’Enfant placed the Capitol on commanding high ground, rather than the chief executive’s mansion, reinforcing the idea that the people are the most important.
Then-President George Washington supported the architect’s broad vision for the fledgling nation’s future capital city.
One prominent exception to the Height of Buildings Act requirements is the Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C., which is in the Old Post Office Building.
Construction on the 315-foot-tall structure began in 1892 and was completed in 1899, before the law went into effect.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser suggested in her second inaugural address last year that the District should look into changing the century-old Height of Buildings Act, Washingtonian reported.
The mayor called for 36,000 new housing units by 2025, according to WAMU.
Bowser advocated for “more density and taller buildings where they make sense,” but did not explicitly say if she would support changing existing zoning laws.
While the mayor can propose zoning changes, the Height of Buildings Act itself would have to be changed by Congress.
So for the foreseeable future, don’t expect to spot any skyscrapers within the nation’s capital.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-04--These Parents Refused Abortion, Now Their Formerly Conjoined Twins Just Graduated Preschool

In 2014 , doctors advised a Jacksonville , Florida , couple to terminate their pregnancy after it was discovered that their twin boys were conjoined at the sternum .
Despite doctors ’ dire warnings , the couple chose life for their sons .
Even though it hasn ’ t been an easy road , the family has praised God for every milestone since the twins ’ birth , including the most recent one : graduating preschool .
When doctors first discovered the twins ’ rare condition , they told Michelle Brantley and Bryan Mirabal it was unlikely the boys would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the twins had a mere 25 percent chance of survival , according to First Coast News .
However Brantley ’ s pregnancy continued without any major issues , and Carter and Conner Mirabal were born on Dec. 12 , 2014 .
They shared a liver and an intestinal tract and their abdominal wall was not completely closed .
A few hours after their birth , the twins underwent their first surgery to repair organ damage .
They survived , giving their family hope for whatever would come next .
Even though the boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to build up strength for their separation surgery .
They spent nearly five months in the NICU before the surgery was scheduled , according to First Coast News .
In May 2015 , a team of 17 surgical staff successfully separated the twins .
On the three year anniversary of the surgery , a family member wrote on the Prayers for Carter and Conner Facebook page that the hardest part of that day was watching the boys being wheeled into the operation room , “ not knowing the outcome ” but relying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so deeply in their surgeons and in God , ” the post continued .
“ We just knew they would be okay !
We knew .
We had faith in God and his plan.
” Since then , the boys have faced and overcome plenty of other obstacles , including intensive therapies and more surgeries .
Even though the family has had plenty of trials since 2014 , they have never given up in their belief that God had a plan for Carter and Conner .
The family has experienced blessing after blessing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ recent graduation from preschool .
“ I mean , come on 🥰🥰🥰 these two have accomplished and been through SO much in their short lives , ” a family member wrote on Facebook on May 29 .
RELATED : Selfless Widow Donates Kidney to Same Man Who Received Her Late Husband 's Organs “ Between being born conjoined , having a 15 hour separation surgery .
Poked , prodded , no peace , living in the hospital til they were over a year old .
Therapies , doctors , more surgeries .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and walk and talk , and now here they are !
!
Graduating pre-k , something doctors didn ’ t know if they were gon na be able to do !
” Carter and Conner are an adorable testament to the fact that life is worth fighting for .
Had Brantley and Mirabel listened to doctors ’ warnings in 2014 , these beautiful boys may never have experienced the life they ’ ve lived so far or inspired others to believe in miracles .
“ Their lives were not promised or guaranteed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strength !
” a family member wrote on Facebook in 2017 .
“ They beat all the odds !
Seriously , how can you say there is not a God !
?
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In 2014, doctors advised a Jacksonville, Florida, couple to terminate their pregnancy after it was discovered that their twin boys were conjoined at the sternum. Despite doctors’ dire warnings, the couple chose life for their sons.
Even though it hasn’t been an easy road, the family has praised God for every milestone since the twins’ birth, including the most recent one: graduating preschool.
When doctors first discovered the twins’ rare condition, they told Michelle Brantley and Bryan Mirabal it was unlikely the boys would make it to 32 weeks, as the twins had a mere 25 percent chance of survival, according to First Coast News.
However Brantley’s pregnancy continued without any major issues, and Carter and Conner Mirabal were born on Dec. 12, 2014. They shared a liver and an intestinal tract and their abdominal wall was not completely closed.
A few hours after their birth, the twins underwent their first surgery to repair organ damage. They survived, giving their family hope for whatever would come next.
Even though the boys survived their first surgery, they still needed to build up strength for their separation surgery. They spent nearly five months in the NICU before the surgery was scheduled, according to First Coast News.
In May 2015, a team of 17 surgical staff successfully separated the twins.
Formerly Conjoined Twins Carter and Conner Go Home Formerly conjoined twins Carter and Conner celebrated another milestone last week. On Friday, May 6, 2016, one day shy of the anniversary of their separation surgery, Carter was discharged from the hospital and joined his twin brother Conner and the rest of his family where he belongs: at home. We wish Carter and Conner and their family all the best as they enter the next chapter of their journey together. Posted by Nemours Children's Specialty Care, Jacksonville on Wednesday, May 11, 2016
On the three year anniversary of the surgery, a family member wrote on the Prayers for Carter and Conner Facebook page that the hardest part of that day was watching the boys being wheeled into the operation room, “not knowing the outcome” but relying on their faith.
Do you think the government should protect the lives of unborn children like Carter and Conner? 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% (985 Votes) No: 3% (29 Votes)
“We trusted so deeply in their surgeons and in God,” the post continued. “We just knew they would be okay! We knew. We had faith in God and his plan.”
Since then, the boys have faced and overcome plenty of other obstacles, including intensive therapies and more surgeries.
Even though the family has had plenty of trials since 2014, they have never given up in their belief that God had a plan for Carter and Conner. The family has experienced blessing after blessing for that faith — including the twins’ recent graduation from preschool.
“I mean, come on ??? these two have accomplished and been through SO much in their short lives,” a family member wrote on Facebook on May 29.
“Between being born conjoined, having a 15 hour separation surgery. Poked, prodded, no peace, living in the hospital til they were over a year old. Therapies, doctors, more surgeries. G-tubes, feeds, learning to eat and walk and talk, and now here they are!! Graduating pre-k, something doctors didn’t know if they were gonna be able to do!”
Carter and Conner are an adorable testament to the fact that life is worth fighting for.
Had Brantley and Mirabel listened to doctors’ warnings in 2014, these beautiful boys may never have experienced the life they’ve lived so far or inspired others to believe in miracles.
“Their lives were not promised or guaranteed, but we had faith and they had strength!” a family member wrote on Facebook in 2017.
“They beat all the odds! Seriously, how can you say there is not a God!?”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-04--5-Year-Old Sets Up Lemonade Stand To Support Injured Firefighter, Community Has Big Surprise for The

5-Year-Old Sets Up Lemonade Stand To Support Injured Firefighter, Community Has Big Surprise for Them

Sometimes all it takes to positively impact someone ’ s life when tragedy strikes is a little bit of lemonade and a whole lot of heart .
A couple of Missouri siblings , Cooper Wallweber , 5 , and his older sister Olivia Boyer , built a lemonade stand and raised more than $ 3,000 for a firefighter who was critically injured during a shooting last week .
Arlydia Bufford , a firefighter with the Kinloch Fire Protection District in St. Louis County , was eating dinner on June 22 with her best friend , Kimberly Ratliff-Penton .
The two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nice get-together at the local Applebee ’ s restaurant in St. John , Missouri , when a gunman entered and opened fire , KTVI-TV reported .
The gunman took Ratliff-Penton ’ s life that evening and injured Bufford as well as another customer , Lakisha French , according to Fox News .
On June 25 , Arlydia ’ s mother , Rebecca Bufford , posted an update on Facebook regarding her daughter ’ s condition : “ Mostly everyone knows that our world was turned upside down Monday 6/22/20 when a senseless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bufford in critical condition as we go through this tough time please keep praying for her and our family !
!
” Just after the shooting , Wallweber and Boyer saw Bufford ’ s story of survival on the news and were immediately inspired .
“ We were watching the news and we were just so touched by her story and felt that this is what we need to do , we need to do it for Arlydia , ” Boyer told “ Fox & Friends ” weekend co-host Jedediah Bila on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise money from a lemonade stand came after Wallweber had put slime inside his shoes and his mom made him come up with ways to earn money for a new pair .
After they heard the news about Bufford , the two decided to keep the lemonade stand running so they could donate money to the family .
“ From 11:30 am – 6:00 pm on Thursday 6/25 , we have raised $ 1,307 for a 20 year young volunteer firefighter who was shot in the head on Monday while enjoying dinner at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EMT Training class , ” Boyer wrote on Facebook .
RELATED : The Four Largest Active Wildfires in Arizona Right Now According to Boyer ’ s last update on the funds raised , she and her brother ended up with a grand total of $ 3,342 to donate .
Wallweber isn ’ t the only boy who went out of his way to give back to first responders .
In early June , 7-year-old Trey Elliot , from Tulsa , Oklahoma , took it upon himself to pray with more than 100 officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city .
“ Tulsa had a really big peaceful protest on Sunday , and then Sunday night it turned into rioting and businesses being destroyed — busted out windows , things like that in our area , ” Elliot ’ s mother , Brittany , told The Western Journal .
“ So , Monday I was telling Trey about it because we drive right through that area.
” “ I was just kind of explaining it to him and explaining to him what was going on and the difference between protesting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our police officers .
“ And so he said , ‘ I think I ’ d like to pray for the officers . '
” Acts of kindness like Trey ’ s prayers over his local police officers and Wallweber ’ s idea to raise money for Bufford and her family after such a tragic incident won ’ t soon be forgotten .
And Wallweber ’ s not quite finished with his mission in supporting the 20-year-old firefighter .
He and his sister had so much success with the lemonade stand , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosted by local Mexican restaurant Los 3 Compadres .
Los 3 Compadres will be donating 30 percent of all proceeds from the fundraiser to the Bufford family .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Sometimes all it takes to positively impact someone’s life when tragedy strikes is a little bit of lemonade and a whole lot of heart.
A couple of Missouri siblings, Cooper Wallweber, 5, and his older sister Olivia Boyer, built a lemonade stand and raised more than $3,000 for a firefighter who was critically injured during a shooting last week.
Arlydia Bufford, a firefighter with the Kinloch Fire Protection District in St. Louis County, was eating dinner on June 22 with her best friend, Kimberly Ratliff-Penton.
The two were enjoying what they thought would be a nice get-together at the local Applebee’s restaurant in St. John, Missouri, when a gunman entered and opened fire, KTVI-TV reported.
The gunman took Ratliff-Penton’s life that evening and injured Bufford as well as another customer, Lakisha French, according to Fox News.
On June 25, Arlydia’s mother, Rebecca Bufford, posted an update on Facebook regarding her daughter’s condition:
“Mostly everyone knows that our world was turned upside down Monday 6/22/20 when a senseless shooting that left our baby girl Arlydia Bufford in critical condition as we go through this tough time please keep praying for her and our family!!”
Just after the shooting, Wallweber and Boyer saw Bufford’s story of survival on the news and were immediately inspired.
“We were watching the news and we were just so touched by her story and felt that this is what we need to do, we need to do it for Arlydia,” Boyer told “Fox & Friends” weekend co-host Jedediah Bila on Sunday.
Boyer explained that the idea to raise money from a lemonade stand came after Wallweber had put slime inside his shoes and his mom made him come up with ways to earn money for a new pair.
After they heard the news about Bufford, the two decided to keep the lemonade stand running so they could donate money to the family.
“From 11:30 am – 6:00 pm on Thursday 6/25, we have raised $1,307 for a 20 year young volunteer firefighter who was shot in the head on Monday while enjoying dinner at an Applebee’s restaurant after an EMT Training class,” Boyer wrote on Facebook.
According to Boyer’s last update on the funds raised, she and her brother ended up with a grand total of $3,342 to donate.
[ffad_ic3]
Wallweber isn’t the only boy who went out of his way to give back to first responders.
In early June, 7-year-old Trey Elliot, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, took it upon himself to pray with more than 100 officers after protests and riots broke out across the city.
“Tulsa had a really big peaceful protest on Sunday, and then Sunday night it turned into rioting and businesses being destroyed — busted out windows, things like that in our area,” Elliot’s mother, Brittany, told The Western Journal. “So, Monday I was telling Trey about it because we drive right through that area.”
“I was just kind of explaining it to him and explaining to him what was going on and the difference between protesting and rioting, and what was happening with our police officers.
“And so he said, ‘I think I’d like to pray for the officers.'”
Acts of kindness like Trey’s prayers over his local police officers and Wallweber’s idea to raise money for Bufford and her family after such a tragic incident won’t soon be forgotten.
And Wallweber’s not quite finished with his mission in supporting the 20-year-old firefighter.
He and his sister had so much success with the lemonade stand, they decided to hold another fundraiser for Bufford hosted by local Mexican restaurant Los 3 Compadres.
Los 3 Compadres will be donating 30 percent of all proceeds from the fundraiser to the Bufford family.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-04--Watch: Punk’s Car Ruined After Bystander Turns the Tables on His Dangerous Firework Stunt

Protests against perceived “ systemic racism ” across the country have erupted with continued violence over the past month .
In one case , a person in a car in Riverside , California , threw a firework into the middle of a protest .
Someone in the crowd responded by throwing the firework back into the vehicle , where it then exploded .
Police recently released a video of the June 1 incident and later announced that they had apprehended a suspect in the case , the car ’ s driver : According to KABC-TV , the Riverside Police Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the suspect driver ” assaulted the person who had thrown the firework back into the vehicle .
From the video , police were able to identify the culprit as 20-year-old Gabriel Castillo , who was on probation for evading police at the time .
He was arrested June 23 after authorities searched his home , and was being held on a $ 50,000 bail .
Police were also looking for several other individuals who vandalized and looted businesses in Riverside that same day .
The department released a video of those additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving Castillo wasn ’ t the only instance of fireworks being used in a dangerous manner in recent weeks .
On June 22 , an assailant threw a firework at a homeless man , causing him to suffer burns on his back .
Warning : The following video contains violent images that some viewers may find disturbing : RELATED : Protesters Claim Cops Shot Unarmed Man in Back - but Here 's Video of What Really Happened The New York City Police Department were looking for the man in the video , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information leading to his arrest , according to WCBS-TV .
Lawlessness has become increasingly prevalent since the outbreak of protests following the death of George Floyd , the Minneapolis man whose neck was knelt on by a police officer for nearly nine minutes during a May 25 arrest .
Since then , violence has continued to flood the streets , and members of the left and the establishment media have continued to make excuses and show tacit approval for the looting and riots .
Nonetheless , Democrats across the country are calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left continues to get what it wants , violence will remain widespread and there will be no one left to protect the American people .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Editor’s Note: Our readers responded strongly to this story when it originally ran; we’re reposting it here in case you missed it.
Protests against perceived “systemic racism” across the country erupted with continued violence over the summer of 2020.
In one case, a person in a car in Riverside, California, threw a firework into the middle of a protest.
Someone in the crowd responded by throwing the firework back into the person’s vehicle, where it then exploded.
Police recently released a video of the June 1, 2020, incident and later announced that they had apprehended a suspect in the case — the car’s driver:
Driver in Riverside lights a firework in the middle of a protest — but then a person from the crowd tosses the firework back into the vehicle, where it explodes https://t.co/oc9E7bdWst pic.twitter.com/9ZuGTC4zA8 — ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) June 26, 2020
According to KABC-TV, the Riverside Police Department said that a “group of onlookers and the suspect driver” assaulted the person who had thrown the firework back into the vehicle.
From the video, police were able to identify the culprit as 20-year-old Gabriel Castillo, who was on probation for evading police at the time.
He was arrested June 23, 2020, after authorities searched his home, and was held on a $50,000 bail.
Police were also looking for several other individuals who vandalized and looted businesses in Riverside that same day.
The department released a video of those additional incidents:
The June 1 incident allegedly involving Castillo wasn’t the only instance of fireworks being used in a dangerous manner in weeks surrounding the incident.
On June 22, 2020, an assailant threw a firework at a homeless man, causing him to suffer burns on his back.
Warning: The following video contains violent images that some viewers may find disturbing:
Earlier yesterday morning, a homeless male was sleeping on the sidewalk in front of 67 Lenox Avenue, in the confines of the 28 pct, when he was attacked. The male pictured above threw a lit firework on him, which exploded causing burns to the victims back. pic.twitter.com/gUZhbLznGT — Chief Rodney Harrison (@NYPDDetectives) June 23, 2020
The New York City Police Department were looking for the man in the video and were offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to his arrest, according to WCBS-TV.
Should protestors face prosecution for stunts like this? 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% (2337 Votes) No: 2% (48 Votes)
Lawlessness was increasingly prevalent during the outbreak of protests following the death of George Floyd, the Minneapolis man whose neck was knelt on by a police officer for nearly nine minutes during a May 25, 2020, arrest.
Since then, violence continued to flood the streets, and members of the left and the establishment media continued to make excuses and show tacit approval for the looting and riots.
Nonetheless, Democrats across the country called for the defunding of police.
The past two years have only shown in influx in violence across the country, with crime rates spiking.
If the left continues to get what it wants, violence will remain widespread, and there will be no one left to protect the American people.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-04--50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend Sent This Astounding Letter to the US Senate

King Solomon once wisely proclaimed , “ There is nothing new under the sun.
” Such is definitely the case regarding the current hostility from some segments of society toward police officers .
Though something that has changed is the attitude many in the Democratic Party and the entertainment industry have toward the thin blue line .
The late 1960s was another period in U.S. history when those in law enforcement were targeted , while at the same time the pro-police drama “ Dragnet ” was one of the most popular shows on television .
The series centered on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Friday , played by Hollywood fixture Jack Webb , who also produced and directed the series .
In early February 1967 , Webb sent copies of a portion of a script from an episode set to air later that week to U.S. senators .
The script excerpt featured a monologue from Friday titled , “ What Is a Cop ?
” Then-Democratic Sen. Ernest “ Fritz ” Hollings of South Carolina spoke about the script excerpt and a letter accompanying it from Webb in a speech on the Senate floor .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve heard a phrase so often repeated in the news media it ’ s become a household word .
The phrase is ‘ police brutality , ' ” Hollings began .
“ It has become the battle cry for groups of so-called peaceful demonstrators who are in reality no more than organized lawbreakers , ” he continued .
“ We have seen this mythical ‘ police brutality ’ used as justification for rioting , destruction of private property and the obstruction of police officers doing their lawful duty , ” Hollings said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be transposed into our current times , though I think you would be hard-pressed to find a Democrat who would say what he said .
Obviously , the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody is not a myth .
Officer Derek Chauvin Chauvin disgraced his badge and betrayed the public trust .
He and other officers who engage in misconduct should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law .
That said , the exceptions have been seized upon by leftists , anarchists and even Democratic officeholders to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as justification to defund them from New York City to Los Angeles .
RELATED : Sean Hannity Overcome with Emotion During Interview with Dad of Teen Killed in CHOP Webb felt that a similar hostility shown toward law enforcement in his day came in part due to a lack of comprehension of what officers face in the normal course of their public service .
“ In view of the increasing disregard for both the law and its enforcement in our society today , it seems to me of vital importance that efforts be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which exists between some segments of the public and the police — their police , ” Webb wrote in his letter to Hollings and other senators .
He explained that as an actor playing a police officer , he would not presume to know how those in law enforcement truly felt .
“ However , the dozen or so officers in the Los Angeles Police Department and Police Commission who have seen the film containing the speech have unanimously indicated that it is a thoroughly accurate reflection of their own feelings about police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in fact , had asked permission for the clip to be used as part of its training of police recruits at its academy , according to the actor .
The speech “ What Is a Cop ?
” occurs during an interrogation by Friday and his sidekick , Officer Bill Gannon , of a detective accused of robbing a liquor store during stakeout duty .
Friday began by acknowledging the life of police officer is not easy , on or off duty .
“ It ’ s awkward having a policeman around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Friends drop in , a man with a badge answers the door , the temperature drops 20 degrees .
You throw a party and that badge gets in the way .
All of a sudden , there isn ’ t a straight man in the crowd .
Everybody ’ s a comedian.
” Beyond the ribbing , police are often just outright disrespected .
“ All at once , you lost your first name .
You ’ re a cop , a flatfoot , a bull , a dick , John Law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heat , you ’ re poison , you ’ re trouble , you ’ re bad news .
They call you everything , but never a policeman , ” Friday said .
Further , law enforcement officers have to deal with the most broken parts of society .
“ You ’ re going to rub elbows with all the elite : pimps , addicts , thieves , bums , winos , girls who can ’ t keep an address and men who don ’ t care .
Liars , cheats , con @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Friday told the officer .
“ The old people that nobody wants : the reliefers , the pensioners , the ones who walk the street cold and those who tried to keep warm and died in a three-dollar room with an unvented gas heater.
” The job can be frustrating , Friday said , when the case is not solved and justice is not done , or when you ’ re tackling the endless paperwork that comes with the position .
“ But there ’ s also this : There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that being a policeman is an endless , glamorless , thankless job that ’ s got ta be done .
I know it , too , and I ’ m damn glad to be one of them , ” he concluded .
Police work is definitely a calling , and we all should be more than grateful that so many men and women are willing to answer the call to keep us safe .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

King Solomon once wisely proclaimed, “There is nothing new under the sun.”
Such is definitely the case regarding the current hostility from some segments of society toward police officers.
Though something that has changed is the attitude many in the Democratic Party and the entertainment industry have toward the thin blue line.
The late 1960s was another period in U.S. history when those in law enforcement were targeted, while at the same time the pro-police drama “Dragnet” was one of the most popular shows on television.
The series centered on the exploits of Los Angeles police Sgt. Joe Friday, played by Hollywood fixture Jack Webb, who also produced and directed the series.
In early February 1967, Webb sent copies of a portion of a script from an episode set to air later that week to U.S. senators.
The script excerpt featured a monologue from Friday titled, “What Is a Cop?”
Then-Democratic Sen. Ernest “Fritz” Hollings of South Carolina spoke about the script excerpt and a letter accompanying it from Webb in a speech on the Senate floor.
“In the past few months we’ve heard a phrase so often repeated in the news media it’s become a household word. The phrase is ‘police brutality,'” Hollings began.
“It has become the battle cry for groups of so-called peaceful demonstrators who are in reality no more than organized lawbreakers,” he continued.
“We have seen this mythical ‘police brutality’ used as justification for rioting, destruction of private property and the obstruction of police officers doing their lawful duty,” Hollings said.
The senator’s words could easily be transposed into our current times, though I think you would be hard-pressed to find a Democrat who would say what he said.
Obviously, the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody is not a myth. Officer Derek Chauvin disgraced his badge and betrayed the public trust.
He and other officers who engage in misconduct should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
That said, the exceptions have been seized upon by leftists, anarchists and even Democratic officeholders to denigrate police officers writ large and used as justification to defund them from New York City to Los Angeles.
Webb felt that a similar hostility shown toward law enforcement in his day came in part due to a lack of comprehension of what officers face in the normal course of their public service.
“In view of the increasing disregard for both the law and its enforcement in our society today, it seems to me of vital importance that efforts be made to narrow the gap in understanding which exists between some segments of the public and the police — their police,” Webb wrote in his letter to Hollings and other senators.
He explained that as an actor playing a police officer, he would not presume to know how those in law enforcement truly felt.
“However, the dozen or so officers in the Los Angeles Police Department and Police Commission who have seen the film containing the speech have unanimously indicated that it is a thoroughly accurate reflection of their own feelings about police work and their jobs.”
The LAPD, in fact, had asked permission for the clip to be used as part of its training of police recruits at its academy, according to the actor.
The speech “What Is a Cop?” occurs during an interrogation by Friday and his sidekick, Officer Bill Gannon, of a detective accused of robbing a liquor store during stakeout duty.
Friday began by acknowledging the life of police officer is not easy, on or off duty.
“It’s awkward having a policeman around the house,” he said. “Friends drop in, a man with a badge answers the door, the temperature drops 20 degrees. You throw a party and that badge gets in the way. All of a sudden, there isn’t a straight man in the crowd. Everybody’s a comedian.”
Beyond the ribbing, police are often just outright disrespected.
“All at once, you lost your first name. You’re a cop, a flatfoot, a bull, a dick, John Law, you’re the fuzz, the heat, you’re poison, you’re trouble, you’re bad news. They call you everything, but never a policeman,” Friday said.
Further, law enforcement officers have to deal with the most broken parts of society.
“You’re going to rub elbows with all the elite: pimps, addicts, thieves, bums, winos, girls who can’t keep an address and men who don’t care. Liars, cheats, con men, the class of Skid Row,” Friday told the officer.
“And the heartbreak: underfed kids, beaten kids, molested kids, lost kids, crying kids, homeless kids, hit-and-run kids, broken arm kids, broken leg kids, broken head kids, sick kids, dying kids, dead kids,” he continued.
“The old people that nobody wants: the reliefers, the pensioners, the ones who walk the street cold and those who tried to keep warm and died in a three-dollar room with an unvented gas heater.”
Do you find Sgt. Joe Friday's speech compelling? 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% (2495 Votes) No: 0% (12 Votes)
The job can be frustrating, Friday said, when the case is not solved and justice is not done, or when you’re tackling the endless paperwork that comes with the position.
“But there’s also this: There are over 5,000 men in this city who know that being a policeman is an endless, glamorless, thankless job that’s gotta be done. I know it, too, and I’m damn glad to be one of them,” he concluded.
Police work is definitely a calling, and we all should be more than grateful that so many men and women are willing to answer the call to keep us safe.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-04--Actor Bill Pullman: Iconic ‘Independence Day’ Speech Was So Good It Forced a Title Change

According to actor Bill Pullman , the movie blockbuster “ Independence Day ” almost went to theaters by a different name , but his epic speech before the climactic last battle made studio executives change their minds .
Pullman , who played President Thomas Whitmore in the 1996 film , revealed in a recent interview with Cinemablend that there was a fight between 20th Century Fox and the moviemaking team of writer/director Roland Emmerich and co-writer/producer Dean Devlin over what the title should be .
Emmerich and Devlin wanted “ Independence Day , ” but Fox favored something like “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think it was gon na be ‘ Doomsday , ' ” the star said .
“ It ’ s what Fox wanted , and it was a title that was typical of the time [ for a ] disaster movie.
” Emmerich and Devlin decided to move President Whitmore ’ s iconic “ Fourth of July ” speech up earlier in the shooting schedule .
“ They really wanted ‘ Independence Day , ’ so we had to make the speech really good , ” Pullman said .
The hope was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could be used to get the studio executives to change their minds .
“ We shot that at night , of course , because it ’ s dark and not on a soundstage or anything , ” Pullman recounted .
“ It was really late.
” “ And then they cut it together , and a couple of nights later , Dean came to my trailer , and he said , ‘ Do you wan na see it ’ ?
“ So he popped in the VHS , he showed me the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went , ‘ Holy Mother , they have got to name this movie “ Independence Day.
” ’ And they did.
” In the film , the speech takes place at what is represented to be Area 51 in the Nevada desert .
“ Aircraft from here will join others from around the world , and you will be launching aerial battle in the history of mankind , ” Whitmore tells his ragtag band of pilots .
“ Mankind , that word should have no meaning for all of us today , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be consumed by our petty differences anymore .
We will be united in common interests.
” RELATED : Green Beret Reveals What America and the 4th of July Mean to Those Who Served “ Perhaps it ’ s fate that today ’ s the Fourth of July , and you will be once again fighting for our freedom .
Not from tyranny , oppression or persecution , but from annihilation .
We ’ re fighting for our right to live , to exist.
” Whitmore predicts if forces of humanity prevail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole new meaning .
“ And should we win the day , the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday , but as the day when the world declared in one voice , ‘ We will not go quietly into the night , we will not vanish without a fight.
’ “ We ’ re going to live on , ” the commander in chief exclaims .
“ We ’ re going to survive .
Today we celebrate our Independence Day !
” We are committed to truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read our editorial standards .

According to actor Bill Pullman, the movie blockbuster “Independence Day” almost went to theaters by a different name, but his epic speech before the climactic last battle made studio executives change their minds.
Pullman, who played President Thomas Whitmore in the 1996 film, revealed in a recent interview with Cinemablend that there was a fight between 20th Century Fox and the moviemaking team of writer/director Roland Emmerich and co-writer/producer Dean Devlin over what the title should be.
Emmerich and Devlin wanted “Independence Day,” but Fox favored something like “Doomsday,” as Pullman recalled.
“I think it was gonna be ‘Doomsday,'” the star said. “It’s what Fox wanted, and it was a title that was typical of the time [for a] disaster movie.”
Emmerich and Devlin decided to move President Whitmore’s iconic “Fourth of July” speech up earlier in the shooting schedule.
“They really wanted ‘Independence Day,’ so we had to make the speech really good,” Pullman said.
The hope was if the scene was strong enough, it could be used to get the studio executives to change their minds.
“We shot that at night, of course, because it’s dark and not on a soundstage or anything,” Pullman recounted. “It was really late.”
Do you like the movie "Independence Day"? 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% (682 Votes) No: 2% (16 Votes)
“And then they cut it together, and a couple of nights later, Dean came to my trailer, and he said, ‘Do you wanna see it’?
“So he popped in the VHS, he showed me the cut of the speech, and I went, ‘Holy Mother, they have got to name this movie “Independence Day.”’ And they did.”
In the film, the speech takes place at what is represented to be Area 51 in the Nevada desert.
“Aircraft from here will join others from around the world, and you will be launching aerial battle in the history of mankind,” Whitmore tells his ragtag band of pilots.
“Mankind, that word should have no meaning for all of us today,” the president continues. “We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in common interests.”
“Perhaps it’s fate that today’s the Fourth of July, and you will be once again fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression or persecution, but from annihilation. We’re fighting for our right to live, to exist.”
Whitmore predicts if forces of humanity prevail, the holiday will take on a whole new meaning.
“And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice, ‘We will not go quietly into the night, we will not vanish without a fight.’
“We’re going to live on,” the commander in chief exclaims. “We’re going to survive. Today we celebrate our Independence Day!”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-04--Lawmakers Consider Replacing Major Federal Holiday with Juneteenth Celebration

As demands to make Juneteenth a federal holiday grow , fiscally conservative Republican senators are holding up a bill to solidify the date ’ s significance in law .
According to the lawmakers , the taxpayers should not be expected to fund an additional paid holiday for government workers .
The debate is raging around a resolution sponsored by Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas .
The proposal is gaining the support of Republicans and Democrats alike , according to The Hill .
Sens .
Kamala Harris of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey are two of the well-known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill .
Republicans such as Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine have also voiced their support .
Cornyn was also behind previous resolutions celebrating the Juneteenth holiday .
“ One of the most defining days in our nation ’ s history was when President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1 , 1863 , finally freeing all slaves in Confederate territory , ” Cornyn said on the Senate floor last month .
“ But slaves in Texas wouldn ’ t learn this life-altering news for two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ It took two and a half years for the slaves in the South to learn that they were free .
And that day came on a day we now celebrate as Juneteenth.
” Although Cornyn ’ s current resolution has been met with approval from major figures in both political parties , some are questioning the practicality of another paid holiday for government employees .
Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin , although supportive of the measure , suggested cutting Columbus Day to make room for Juneteenth .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replace it with something , ” Johnson said , according to the Hill .
“ I chose Columbus Day just because it ’ s probably the most lightly celebrated and less disruptive to anybody ’ s schedule , ” he said .
Johnson has been vocal about Juneteenth in the past , signaling that he would likely support turning the June celebration into a tangible , federally recognized holiday .
Considering the history of Juneteenth and what is remembered on the date , it ’ s shocking that it ’ s not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ending of the barbaric practice of slavery on our soil is something that should be celebrated by every American — not just the black community .
With the state of domestic affairs and the changing tide of public opinion , it looks like Juneteenth will become a recognized holiday sooner rather than later .
While Columbus Day or another holiday on the federal calendar might be removed to make room for the celebration , it ’ s a small price to pay to remember a turning point in American history .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As demands to make Juneteenth a federal holiday grow, fiscally conservative Republican senators are holding up a bill to solidify the date’s significance in law.
According to the lawmakers, the taxpayers should not be expected to fund an additional paid holiday for government workers.
The debate is raging around a resolution sponsored by Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. The proposal is gaining the support of Republicans and Democrats alike, according to The Hill.
Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey are two of the well-known Democrats to throw their weight behind the bill.
Republicans such as Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine have also voiced their support.
Cornyn was also behind previous resolutions celebrating the Juneteenth holiday.
Soon I’ll be introducing a bill to make #Juneteenth a federal holiday. Texans have celebrated this end to slavery for 155 years. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and
a reminder of how far we still have to go. https://t.co/xAgXxMTegu
george-floyd-15349677.php — Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) June 18, 2020
“One of the most defining days in our nation’s history was when President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, finally freeing all slaves in Confederate territory,” Cornyn said on the Senate floor last month.
Should Columbus Day be replaced with Juneteenth? 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: 7% (99 Votes) No: 93% (1377 Votes)
“But slaves in Texas wouldn’t learn this life-altering news for two and a half years,” he said. “It took two and a half years for the slaves in the South to learn that they were free. And that day came on a day we now celebrate as Juneteenth.”
(The Emancipation did not free “all slaves in Confederate territory,” but only those slaves in Confederate territory held by Union forces. Sen. Cornyn was either taking some historical liberties in his statement (as there can be little doubt that the Emancipation Proclamation eventually led to the freeing of the slaves) or perhaps ignorant of the actual timeline of historical events (which would seem to be implied by his use of the word “finally”). All slaves were not freed, even in Union states, until the 13th Amendment was ratified over three years later. — Ed. note)
Although Cornyn’s current resolution has been met with approval from major figures in both political parties, some are questioning the practicality of another paid holiday for government employees.
Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, although supportive of the measure, suggested cutting Columbus Day to make room for Juneteenth.
“I’m just saying let’s replace it with something,” Johnson said, according to the Hill. “I chose Columbus Day just because it’s probably the most lightly celebrated and less disruptive to anybody’s schedule.”
Johnson has been vocal about Juneteenth in the past, signaling that he would likely support turning the June celebration into a tangible, federally recognized holiday.
Considering the history of Juneteenth and what is remembered on the date, it’s shocking that it’s not a federal holiday yet.
If anything, the ending of the barbaric practice of slavery on our soil is something that should be celebrated by every American — not just the black community.
With the state of domestic affairs and the changing tide of public opinion, it looks like Juneteenth will become a recognized holiday sooner rather than later.
While Columbus Day or another holiday on the federal calendar might be removed to make room for the celebration, it’s a small price to pay to remember a turning point in American history.
UPDATE, July 4, 2020: An editorial note was added to this article to clarify a statement by Sen. Cornyn that was not historically accurate.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-04--Poll: High School Students Show High Levels of Patriotism – And in College, Not So Much

A new poll finds that patriotism runs strong America ’ s high school students , but that value is less evident in college .
The 2020 Youth Patriotism Index was released by the Young America ’ s Foundation and Townhall on their websites .
The gap between what high school students and college students think was a recurring theme in the survey , which found that 66 percent of high school students believe America is exceptional , but only 47 percent of college students believe that .
Regardless of how the question was asked , the pattern was the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of high school students think the U.S. is a good example for other nations .
Thirty-seven percent of college students believe that .
The poll found that 70 percent of high school students have a favorable view of the nation ’ s history , but a mere 44 percent of college students see America ’ s history favorably .
Pride in the nation flows through 63 percent of high school students and 40 percent of college students .
The survey found that 75 percent of those in high school are “ extremely ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national anthem , while only 50 percent in college are comfortable doing so .
There are some areas of common ground .
Seventy-nine percent of all students are glad they live in America .
But protecting it is another issue .
Only 40 percent said they are “ extremely ” or “ very ” willing to sacrifice for the nation and 34 percent said they would be “ extremely ” or “ very willing ” to serve in the military to defend the nation if it is attacked .
“ While many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America and its attributes , it ’ s clear that once a student gets to college , those positive feelings are eroded or replaced with more negative opinions about our country .
High school and college students still prefer the United States to other countries , believe that our country is a work in progress , and understand the reasons people around the world want to live in America , but barely half say they ’ re proud of America , ” Young America ’ s Foundation spokesman Spencer Brown said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The 2020 Youth Patriotism Index suggests we ought to consider a question posed to America by Ronald Reagan : Are we doing a good enough job teaching our children what America is and what she represents in the long history of the world ?
” Brown also told Washington Examiner columnist Paul Bedard that college has become toxic to patriotism .
“ It ’ s clear that leftist orthodoxy has a comfy home in higher education .
Biased or incomplete lessons on America ’ s history go unchallenged because , all-too-often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students who hold them ) are not welcomed , ” he told Bedard .
“ In some cases , universities go so far as to regulate conservative speech into silence , running afoul of the constitutional rights owed to all students .
The liberal echo chamber creates students who , even though they may view the United States and what it stands for favorably , shy away from identifying as patriotic due to fear of leftist intolerance , ” he said .
The survey of 800 current high school students and 800 current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between June 21 and June 25 .
No margin of error was published .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A new poll finds that patriotism runs strong America’s high school students, but that value is less evident in college.
The 2020 Youth Patriotism Index was released by the Young America’s Foundation and Townhall on their websites.
The gap between what high school students and college students think was a recurring theme in the survey, which found that 66 percent of high school students believe America is exceptional, but only 47 percent of college students believe that.
Regardless of how the question was asked, the pattern was the same. The survey found that 55 percent of high school students think the U.S. is a good example for other nations. Thirty-seven percent of college students believe that.
The poll found that 70 percent of high school students have a favorable view of the nation’s history, but a mere 44 percent of college students see America’s history favorably. Pride in the nation flows through 63 percent of high school students and 40 percent of college students.
The survey found that 75 percent of those in high school are “extremely” or “very” comfortable standing for the national anthem, while only 50 percent in college are comfortable doing so.
July 4th poll: College spoils patriotism in high schoolers. @itsSpencerBrown of @yaf ‘Leftist orthodoxy has a comfy home in higher ed. Biased or incomplete lessons on America’s history go unchallenged because conservative ideas are not welcomed.’ https://t.co/MWZ8ZUkejy pic.twitter.com/rGKijwt4p5 — Paul Bedard (@SecretsBedard) July 1, 2020
“Are we doing a good enough job teaching our children what America is and what she represents in the long history of the world?” No. If universities receive public funds, they should also teach required courses that strengthen patriotism, not erode it. https://t.co/cNczhGorco — Closeted News Junkie (@NewsCloset) July 1, 2020
Exclusive @townhallcom @yaf polling has some much needed good news about American youth today. ?? https://t.co/z1a8hnYXcw — Ellie Bufkin (@ellie_bufkin) July 1, 2020
There are some areas of common ground.
Seventy-nine percent of all students are glad they live in America. But protecting it is another issue. Only 40 percent said they are “extremely” or “very” willing to sacrifice for the nation and 34 percent said they would be “extremely” or “very willing” to serve in the military to defend the nation if it is attacked.
“While many young people today hold positive opinions about America and its attributes, it’s clear that once a student gets to college, those positive feelings are eroded or replaced with more negative opinions about our country. High school and college students still prefer the United States to other countries, believe that our country is a work in progress, and understand the reasons people around the world want to live in America, but barely half say they’re proud of America,” Young America’s Foundation spokesman Spencer Brown said in a statement on the group’s website.
“The 2020 Youth Patriotism Index suggests we ought to consider a question posed to America by Ronald Reagan: Are we doing a good enough job teaching our children what America is and what she represents in the long history of the world?”
Brown also told Washington Examiner columnist Paul Bedard that college has become toxic to patriotism.
Did the results of this survey surprise you? 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: 20% (11 Votes) No: 80% (45 Votes)
“It’s clear that leftist orthodoxy has a comfy home in higher education. Biased or incomplete lessons on America’s history go unchallenged because, all-too-often, important conservative ideas (and the students who hold them) are not welcomed,” he told Bedard.
“In some cases, universities go so far as to regulate conservative speech into silence, running afoul of the constitutional rights owed to all students. The liberal echo chamber creates students who, even though they may view the United States and what it stands for favorably, shy away from identifying as patriotic due to fear of leftist intolerance,” he said.
The survey of 800 current high school students and 800 current college students was conducted by Echelon Insights between June 21 and June 25.
No margin of error was published.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-04--Mike Huckabee: Remember Those Who Fought for Our Freedoms – And Those Who Teach Us About Them

On the Fourth of July , we celebrate having this exceptional nation and the freedoms it gives us , but we must always remember that we have those things because of all the soldiers who put their lives on the line to secure them for us , from Revolutionary times forward .
There ’ s a story I love to tell that illustrates that for young people .
When I was governor of Arkansas , I got to know an outstanding high school teacher in Little Rock named Martha Cothren .
She was one of my original Huck ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her it was my goal to make her one of the most famous teachers in America because she ’ d be such a great example to all teachers .
Here ’ s just one reason why .
Martha became concerned that many of her kids didn ’ t fully appreciate their precious American freedoms .
So she prepared an unusual lesson for them .
On the first day of school , the kids shuffled back into class only to discover that it was completely empty .
Not a desk in sight .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where are the desks ?
” She replied , “ You don ’ t get your desk until you can tell me how you earn it.
” The kids were stunned , but they started trying to guess how they earned their desks .
By getting good grades ?
No , that ’ s not the answer .
By behaving in class ?
No , that ’ s not it .
The first period ended with the kids leaning against the walls or sitting on the floor , but they never had figured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well , in trooped the second-period class .
They were greeted with the same empty room and the same question they couldn ’ t answer .
This went on all day , and by lunchtime , word was circulating all over school that Miss Cothren had gone crazy .
Finally , during the last class of the day , she told the students , “ OK , nobody ’ s figured out how you earn your desks , so I ’ ll tell you.
” She opened the door , and in walked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a desk .
As they quietly placed them in neat rows , Martha said , “ Kids , you don ’ t have to earn your desks because these guys earned them for you.
” She said you get free desks , free books and a free education , but it wasn ’ t free to these veterans — or to their friends who never came home from the wars they fought to give us all that freedom .
She said , “ Whenever you sit in that desk , try to remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that lesson , Martha was approached by one of those veterans , a news photographer , with tears in his eyes .
He told her that when he returned from Vietnam , he was cursed and spat on and made to feel ashamed of his service .
He said , “ Today is the first day since I ’ ve been home that I felt like someone appreciated what I did.
” Unfortunately , there can ’ t be a Martha Cothren in every school .
RELATED : Op-Ed : What the 4th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish I could replace every America-hating “ history ” professor in every university with a clone of her .
But other teachers and parents can make sure their kids know who earned their desks for them .
And we can all make it a point to say “ thank you ” to current and former members of the U.S. military .
Seems to me , the 4th of July would be a great time to start .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On the Fourth of July, we celebrate having this exceptional nation and the freedoms it gives us, but we must always remember that we have those things because of all the soldiers who put their lives on the line to secure them for us, from Revolutionary times forward.
There’s a story I love to tell that illustrates that for young people.
When I was governor of Arkansas, I got to know an outstanding high school teacher in Little Rock named Martha Cothren. She was one of my original Huck’s Heroines, and I was always telling her it was my goal to make her one of the most famous teachers in America because she’d be such a great example to all teachers. Here’s just one reason why.
Martha became concerned that many of her kids didn’t fully appreciate their precious American freedoms. So she prepared an unusual lesson for them.
On the first day of school, the kids shuffled back into class only to discover that it was completely empty. Not a desk in sight. So they asked, “Miss Cothren, where are the desks?” She replied, “You don’t get your desk until you can tell me how you earn it.”
The kids were stunned, but they started trying to guess how they earned their desks. By getting good grades? No, that’s not the answer. By behaving in class? No, that’s not it. The first period ended with the kids leaning against the walls or sitting on the floor, but they never had figured out how they earn their desks.
Well, in trooped the second-period class. They were greeted with the same empty room and the same question they couldn’t answer.
This went on all day, and by lunchtime, word was circulating all over school that Miss Cothren had gone crazy.
Finally, during the last class of the day, she told the students, “OK, nobody’s figured out how you earn your desks, so I’ll tell you.”
Do you think America needs more patriotic teachers like Miss Cothren? 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% (58 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
She opened the door, and in walked 27 military veterans, each one carrying a desk. As they quietly placed them in neat rows, Martha said, “Kids, you don’t have to earn your desks because these guys earned them for you.”
She said you get free desks, free books and a free education, but it wasn’t free to these veterans — or to their friends who never came home from the wars they fought to give us all that freedom. She said, “Whenever you sit in that desk, try to remember who earned it for you.”
After that lesson, Martha was approached by one of those veterans, a news photographer, with tears in his eyes. He told her that when he returned from Vietnam, he was cursed and spat on and made to feel ashamed of his service.
He said, “Today is the first day since I’ve been home that I felt like someone appreciated what I did.”
Unfortunately, there can’t be a Martha Cothren in every school.
I certainly wish I could replace every America-hating “history” professor in every university with a clone of her.
But other teachers and parents can make sure their kids know who earned their desks for them. And we can all make it a point to say “thank you” to current and former members of the U.S. military.
Seems to me, the 4th of July would be a great time to start.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-04--UK Makes Bold Offer to Hong Kong Residents After China Passes Concerning Security Laws

Tensions in Hong Kong rose earlier this week after the People ’ s Republic of China passed a new national security law that many fear could be used to strip the region of its political and economic freedoms .
Less than 24 hours after the law was enacted , over 300 arrests were made at pro-democracy protests .
Police called the protests “ illegal assemblies ” and cited other violations , NBC News reported .
On Wednesday , British Prime Minister Boris Johnson chastised China over its new law , calling it a “ clear and serious ” breach of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it clear that the U.K. will take bold actions in response .
Hong Kong was under Britain ’ s colonial rule for more than a century before the British and Chinese governments signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 outlining the terms under which the region would be returned to China , according to the Council on Foreign Relations .
The U.K. officially transferred the rule over Hong Kong to the PRC in 1997 .
Although Hong Kong has been under China ’ s rule for decades , it has been granted “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its “ one country , two systems ” policy , allowing Hong Kong residents more freedoms than other Chinese residents until 2047 .
Even though the declaration was signed over 30 years ago , Britain still honors its legality .
“ The Joint Declaration is a legally binding treaty , registered with the UN , which continues to remain in force , ” the British Parliament wrote in 2018 .
“ It remains as valid today as it did when it was signed over thirty years ago.
” But the PRC ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harsh consequences for a list of vague political crimes , is seen by many of its critics as a major threat to the “ one country , two systems ” policy .
The new law was enacted on Tuesday , but a month ago , Johnson warned that Britain would be forced to take action if China encroached any further on Hong Kong ’ s freedoms .
“ Hong Kong succeeds because its people are free , ” he wrote on June 3 in The Times of London .
“ Yet last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Beijing decided to impose a national security law on Hong Kong that would curtail its freedoms and dramatically erode its autonomy , ” he continued .
“ If China proceeds , this would be in direct conflict with its obligations under the joint declaration , a legally binding treaty registered with the United Nations .
“ Britain would then have no choice but to uphold our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong.
” He asserted that if China enacted the law , the U.K. “ could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and walk away , ” threatening to make major immigration shifts to offer nearly 3 million Hong Kong residents visas and improved immigration rights .
RELATED : Congress Comes Down on Tyrannical Chinese Security Law This would provide around 40 percent of the city ’ s population an opportunity to leave the PRC ’ s tightening grip , according to reports by the Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong .
“ This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in history , ” Johnson wrote .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government will take this step and take it willingly.
” On Wednesday , Johnson further asserted that the threat he issued almost a month ago would be upheld .
Nearly 350,000 U.K. passport holders and 2.6 million other Hong Kong residents will be given the opportunity to go to Britain and work or study for five years ; they then will be able to apply for citizenship a year after that , the BBC reported .
Current passport holders from Hong Kong are allowed in the U.K. for up to six months but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made clear that if China continued down this path we would introduce a new route for those with British National ( Overseas ) status to enter the UK , granting them limited leave to remain with the ability to live and work in the UK and thereafter to apply for citizenship , ” Johnson said .
“ And that is precisely what we will do now.
” While not many details have been released regarding the unprecedented immigration policies , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the application process would be easy .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set of arrangements developed for the unique circumstances we face and in light of our historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong , ” he said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Tensions in Hong Kong rose earlier this week after the People’s Republic of China passed a new national security law that many fear could be used to strip the region of its political and economic freedoms.
Less than 24 hours after the law was enacted, over 300 arrests were made at pro-democracy protests. Police called the protests “illegal assemblies” and cited other violations, NBC News reported.
On Wednesday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson chastised China over its new law, calling it a “clear and serious” breach of a 1984 joint declaration, and made it clear that the U.K. will take bold actions in response.
Hong Kong was under Britain’s colonial rule for more than a century before the British and Chinese governments signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 outlining the terms under which the region would be returned to China, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. The U.K. officially transferred the rule over Hong Kong to the PRC in 1997.
Although Hong Kong has been under China’s rule for decades, it has been granted “a high degree of autonomy” under its “one country, two systems” policy, allowing Hong Kong residents more freedoms than other Chinese residents until 2047.
Even though the declaration was signed over 30 years ago, Britain still honors its legality.
“The Joint Declaration is a legally binding treaty, registered with the UN, which continues to remain in force,” the British Parliament wrote in 2018. “It remains as valid today as it did when it was signed over thirty years ago.”
But the PRC’s national security law, which calls for harsh consequences for a list of vague political crimes, is seen by many of its critics as a major threat to the “one country, two systems” policy.
Hong Kong police fired tear gas and arrested hundreds of people as protesters took to the streets in defiance of a new national security legislation introduced by China https://t.co/ZU0EVdS77E pic.twitter.com/EhpbddqBpj — Reuters (@Reuters) July 1, 2020
The new law was enacted on Tuesday, but a month ago, Johnson warned that Britain would be forced to take action if China encroached any further on Hong Kong’s freedoms.
“Hong Kong succeeds because its people are free,” he wrote on June 3 in The Times of London.
“Yet last month, the National People’s Congress in Beijing decided to impose a national security law on Hong Kong that would curtail its freedoms and dramatically erode its autonomy,” he continued. “If China proceeds, this would be in direct conflict with its obligations under the joint declaration, a legally binding treaty registered with the United Nations.
“Britain would then have no choice but to uphold our profound ties of history and friendship with the people of Hong Kong.”
He asserted that if China enacted the law, the U.K. “could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away,” threatening to make major immigration shifts to offer nearly 3 million Hong Kong residents visas and improved immigration rights.
This would provide around 40 percent of the city’s population an opportunity to leave the PRC’s tightening grip, according to reports by the Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong.
“This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in history,” Johnson wrote. “If it proves necessary, the British government will take this step and take it willingly.”
On Wednesday, Johnson further asserted that the threat he issued almost a month ago would be upheld.
Do you support Boris Johnson's plan regarding Hong Kong? 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% (2255 Votes) No: 3% (63 Votes)
Nearly 350,000 U.K. passport holders and 2.6 million other Hong Kong residents will be given the opportunity to go to Britain and work or study for five years; they then will be able to apply for citizenship a year after that, the BBC reported.
Current passport holders from Hong Kong are allowed in the U.K. for up to six months but are given limited rights.
“We made clear that if China continued down this path we would introduce a new route for those with British National (Overseas) status to enter the UK, granting them limited leave to remain with the ability to live and work in the UK and thereafter to apply for citizenship,” Johnson said.
“And that is precisely what we will do now.”
While not many details have been released regarding the unprecedented immigration policies, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the application process would be easy.
“This is a special, bespoke, set of arrangements developed for the unique circumstances we face and in light of our historic commitment to the people of Hong Kong,” he said.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-07-06--Broadway Star Nick Cordero Dead at Age 41

Tony Award-nominated actor Nick Cordero , who specialized in playing tough guys on Broadway in such shows as “ Waitress , ” “ A Bronx Tale ” and “ Bullets Over Broadway , ” has died in Los Angeles after suffering severe medical complications after contracting the coronavirus .
He was 41 .
Cordero died Sunday at Cedars-Sinai hospital after more than 90 days in the hospital , according to his wife , Amanda Kloots .
“ God has another angel in heaven now , ” she posted on Instagram .
“ Nick was such a bright light .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to listen , help and especially talk .
He was an incredible actor and musician .
He loved his family and loved being a father and husband.
” Cordero entered the emergency room on March 30 and had a succession of health setbacks , including mini-strokes , blood clots , septis infections , a tracheostomy and a temporary pacemaker implanted .
He had been on a ventilator and unconscious and had his right leg amputated .
A double lung transplant was being explored .
TRENDING : 50 Years Ago a Pro-Cop Hollywood Legend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Kloots , sent him daily videos of her and their 1-year-old son , Elvis , so he could see them if he woke up , and urged friends and fans to join a daily sing-a-long .
A GoFundMe page to pay for medical expenses has raised over $ 600,000 .
“ I tell him , I say , ‘ You ’ re gon na walk out of this hospital , honey .
I believe it .
I know you can , ’ ” she told “ CBS This Morning ” over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gon na dance again .
You ’ re gon na hold your son again.
’ My line is , ‘ Don ’ t get lost .
Get focused.
’ ” The lanky Cordero originated the menacing role of husband Earl opposite his estranged wife , played by Jessie Mueller , in “ Waitress ” as well as the role of Sonny in Chazz Palminteri ’ s “ A Bronx Tale.
” It was at “ Bullets Over Broadway ” where Cordero met his wife .
The two married in 2017 .
Castmembers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keala Settle , Kimik Glenn and songwriter Sara Bareilles — helped raise money for Cordero by covering his song “ Live Your Life.
” Sylvester Stallone sent a video with best wishes .
Kloots had said that it was difficult to tell whether Cordero understood happened to him , but said he could respond to commands by looking up and down when he was alert .
Her husband played a mob soldier with a flare for the dramatic in Broadway ’ s Woody Allen 1994 film adaptation of “ Bullets Over Broadway , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nomination for best-featured actor in a musical .
He moved to Los Angeles to star in “ Rock of Ages.
” On the small screen , Cordero appeared in several episodes of “ Blue Bloods ” and “ Law & Order : Special Victims Unit ” and he had a role in the film “ Going in Style.
” Actor and guitarist for Bruce Springsteen Stevie Van Zandt offered Cordero his first TV acting gig in the final episode of “ Lilyhammer.
” After he was hospitalized , Van Zandt teamed up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a video performing “ Live Your Life.
” Cordero was last onstage in a Kennedy Center presentation of “ Littler Shop of Horrors.
” His off-Broadway credits include “ The Toxic Avenger ” and “ Brooklynite.
” RELATED : Actor Bill Pullman : Iconic 'Independence Day ' Speech Was So Good It Forced a Title Change The virus has sickened other Broadway veterans , including the actors Danny Burstein , Tony Shalhoub , Brian Stokes Mitchell , Gavin Creel , Aaron Tveit and Laura Bell Bundy as well as composer David Bryan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Tony Award-nominated actor Nick Cordero, who specialized in playing tough guys on Broadway in such shows as “Waitress,” “A Bronx Tale” and “Bullets Over Broadway,” has died in Los Angeles after suffering severe medical complications after contracting the coronavirus. He was 41.
Cordero died Sunday at Cedars-Sinai hospital after more than 90 days in the hospital, according to his wife, Amanda Kloots. “God has another angel in heaven now,” she posted on Instagram.
“Nick was such a bright light. He was everyone’s friend, loved to listen, help and especially talk. He was an incredible actor and musician. He loved his family and loved being a father and husband.”
Cordero entered the emergency room on March 30 and had a succession of health setbacks, including mini-strokes, blood clots, septis infections, a tracheostomy and a temporary pacemaker implanted.
He had been on a ventilator and unconscious and had his right leg amputated. A double lung transplant was being explored.
Kloots sent him daily videos of her and their 1-year-old son, Elvis, so he could see them if he woke up, and urged friends and fans to join a daily sing-a-long. A GoFundMe page to pay for medical expenses has raised over $600,000.
“I tell him, I say, ‘You’re gonna walk out of this hospital, honey. I believe it. I know you can,’” she told “CBS This Morning” over the summer. ”‘We’re gonna dance again. You’re gonna hold your son again.’ My line is, ‘Don’t get lost. Get focused.’”
The lanky Cordero originated the menacing role of husband Earl opposite his estranged wife, played by Jessie Mueller, in “Waitress” as well as the role of Sonny in Chazz Palminteri’s “A Bronx Tale.”
It was at “Bullets Over Broadway” where Cordero met his wife. The two married in 2017.
Castmembers from “Waitress” — Jessie Mueller, Keala Settle, Kimik Glenn and songwriter Sara Bareilles — helped raise money for Cordero by covering his song “Live Your Life.” Sylvester Stallone sent a video with best wishes.
Kloots had said that it was difficult to tell whether Cordero understood happened to him, but said he could respond to commands by looking up and down when he was alert.
Her husband played a mob soldier with a flare for the dramatic in Broadway’s Woody Allen 1994 film adaptation of “Bullets Over Broadway,” for which he received a Tony nomination for best-featured actor in a musical. He moved to Los Angeles to star in “Rock of Ages.”
On the small screen, Cordero appeared in several episodes of “Blue Bloods” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and he had a role in the film “Going in Style.”
Actor and guitarist for Bruce Springsteen Stevie Van Zandt offered Cordero his first TV acting gig in the final episode of “Lilyhammer.” After he was hospitalized, Van Zandt teamed up with Constantine Maroulis and Vincent Pastore to make a video performing “Live Your Life.”
Cordero was last onstage in a Kennedy Center presentation of “Littler Shop of Horrors.” His off-Broadway credits include “The Toxic Avenger” and “Brooklynite.”
The virus has sickened other Broadway veterans, including the actors Danny Burstein, Tony Shalhoub, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Gavin Creel, Aaron Tveit and Laura Bell Bundy as well as composer David Bryan.
It has also claimed the life of Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.