westernjournal--2020-05-05--Universal Studios Gets Banned After CEO Considers Shredding Theater Exclusivity

Who would ’ ve thought that the video-on-demand release of “ Trolls World Tour ” was going to ignite a war between big-time players in the film industry ?
Jeff Shell , CEO of Universal Studios ’ parent company NBC Universal , cited the movie ’ s success as a reason to start distributing films both to theaters and directly to homes simultaneously via premium video-on-demand release .
“ The results for ‘ Trolls World Tour ’ have exceeded our expectations and demonstrated the viability of PVOD , ” Shell told The Wall Street Journal last week .
“ As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to release movies on both formats.
” Shell ’ s comments came after “ Trolls World Tour , ” a Universal production , made almost $ 100 million in rental sales within the first three weeks of its release .
That figure exceeds the revenue the original “ Trolls ” film brought in during its five-month run in theaters , a person familiar with the matter told the outlet .
TRENDING : Remember the 'Racist ' Land O'Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed ?
Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native American Unsurprisingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry were not thrilled with the idea of exclusive theatrical windows being killed , including massive theater chains AMC Entertainment and Regal Cinemas .
Universal even drew the ire of NATO , though probably not the one you ’ re thinking about .
The National Association of Theatre Owners , which aims to “ protect the motion picture exhibition industry , ” excoriated the film studio .
After The Wall Street Journal published its story , NATO president and CEO John Fithian ripped into Universal over its new business plan .
“ Universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances in an unprecedented environment as a springboard to bypass true theatrical releases , ” Fithian said , according to Deadline .
Meanwhile , AMC Entertainment president and CEO Adam Aron sent the studio a strongly worded letter informing them that his company will be putting a halt to Universal showings unless Universal changes course .
“ This radical change by Universal to the business model that currently exists between our two companies represents nothing but downside for us and is categorically unacceptable to AMC Entertainment , the world ’ s largest collection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the open letter .
“ Going forward , AMC will not license any Universal movies in any of our 1,000 theatres globally on these terms.
” “ Incidentally , this policy is not aimed solely at Universal out of pique or to be punitive in any way , it also extends to any movie maker who unilaterally abandons current windowing practices absent good faith negotiations between us , so that they as distributor and we as exhibitor both benefit and neither are hurt from such changes.
” “ Universal ’ s move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do with good faith business practice , partnership and transparency , ” Cineworld , Regal Cinemas ’ parent company , said in a statement to Deadline .
“ Today we make it clear again that we will not be showing movies that fail to respect the windows as it does not make any economic sense for us.
” Universal , meanwhile , quickly fired back at AMC and NATO , making it clear they intended to follow through with their proposed plan .
“ As we stated earlier , going forward , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to theatres , as well as on PVOD when that distribution outlet makes sense , ” Universal said in response to Aron ’ s letter .
Universal also said it ’ s open to negotiating with theater companies in the coming weeks .
“ We look forward to having additional private conversations with our exhibition partners but are disappointed by this seemingly coordinated attempt from AMC and NATO to confuse our position and our actions , ” Universal said .
If Universal isn ’ t able to find common ground with the theater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movie franchises .
Universal ’ s stable of films includes highly anticipated movies like “ F9 , ” “ Jurassic World : Dominion ” and “ Minions : The Rise of Gru , ” all of which are scheduled to be released in 2021 .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Who would’ve thought that the video-on-demand release of “Trolls World Tour” was going to ignite a war between big-time players in the film industry?
Jeff Shell, CEO of Universal Studios’ parent company NBC Universal, cited the movie’s success as a reason to start distributing films both to theaters and directly to homes simultaneously via premium video-on-demand release.
“The results for ‘Trolls World Tour’ have exceeded our expectations and demonstrated the viability of PVOD,” Shell told The Wall Street Journal last week.
“As soon as theaters reopen, we expect to release movies on both formats.”
Shell’s comments came after “Trolls World Tour,” a Universal production, made almost $100 million in rental sales within the first three weeks of its release. That figure exceeds the revenue the original “Trolls” film brought in during its five-month run in theaters, a person familiar with the matter told the outlet.
Unsurprisingly, some heavy hitters in the theater industry were not thrilled with the idea of exclusive theatrical windows being killed, including massive theater chains AMC Entertainment and Regal Cinemas.
Universal even drew the ire of NATO, though probably not the one you’re thinking about. The National Association of Theatre Owners, which aims to “protect the motion picture exhibition industry,” excoriated the film studio.
After The Wall Street Journal published its story, NATO president and CEO John Fithian ripped into Universal over its new business plan.
“Universal does not have reason to use unusual circumstances in an unprecedented environment as a springboard to bypass true theatrical releases,” Fithian said, according to Deadline.
Do you think the theater companies should ban Universal films? 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: 52% (192 Votes) No: 48% (177 Votes)
Meanwhile, AMC Entertainment president and CEO Adam Aron sent the studio a strongly worded letter informing them that his company will be putting a halt to Universal showings unless Universal changes course.
“This radical change by Universal to the business model that currently exists between our two companies represents nothing but downside for us and is categorically unacceptable to AMC Entertainment, the world’s largest collection of movie theatres,” Aron said in the open letter. “Going forward, AMC will not license any Universal movies in any of our 1,000 theatres globally on these terms.”
“Incidentally, this policy is not aimed solely at Universal out of pique or to be punitive in any way, it also extends to any movie maker who unilaterally abandons current windowing practices absent good faith negotiations between us, so that they as distributor and we as exhibitor both benefit and neither are hurt from such changes.”
Regal Cinemas announced a similar decision.
“Universal’s move is completely inappropriate and certainly has nothing to do with good faith business practice, partnership and transparency,” Cineworld, Regal Cinemas’ parent company, said in a statement to Deadline.
“Today we make it clear again that we will not be showing movies that fail to respect the windows as it does not make any economic sense for us.”
Regal is not boycotting Universal nor any other studio. We will continue our normal policy and play movies that respect the theatrical window, allowing movies to be released first in theatres prior to streaming or VOD platforms. pic.twitter.com/xQBX4uUHfG — Regal (@RegalMovies) April 30, 2020
Universal, meanwhile, quickly fired back at AMC and NATO, making it clear they intended to follow through with their proposed plan.
“As we stated earlier, going forward, we expect to release future films directly to theatres, as well as on PVOD when that distribution outlet makes sense,” Universal said in response to Aron’s letter.
Universal also said it’s open to negotiating with theater companies in the coming weeks.
“We look forward to having additional private conversations with our exhibition partners but are disappointed by this seemingly coordinated attempt from AMC and NATO to confuse our position and our actions,” Universal said.
If Universal isn’t able to find common ground with the theater industry, it could impact some huge movie franchises. Universal’s stable of films includes highly anticipated movies like “F9,” “Jurassic World: Dominion” and “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” all of which are scheduled to be released in 2021.
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--2020-05-05--Fatality Rates Show How Wrong the Media’s COVID Narrative Really Is

Watching CNN and other liberal media outlets , it can feel like the coronavirus fatality rates in the United States are unbelievably high .
And make no mistake — the numbers are alarming .
As of Tuesday morning , according to data from Johns Hopkins University , there were over 1.1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States , with 69,079 confirmed deaths .
This is pretty horrible stuff — and some in the media have used those numbers to paint the U.S. as the land of the coronavirus and the home of an administration that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'Racist ' Land O'Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed ?
Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native American Yes , the numbers may seem daunting , but it turns out the U.S. is actually handling the coronavirus pretty well .
Here ’ s what CNS News reported May 1 : “ As of early Friday , the ten countries reporting the highest numbers of deaths attributed to the coronavirus were the United States ( 62,996 deaths ) , Italy ( 27,967 ) , Britain ( 26,771 ) , Spain ( 24,543 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7,594 ) , Germany ( 6,623 ) , Iran ( 6,028 ) , Brazil ( 6,006 ) , and the Netherlands ( 4,795 deaths ) .
” The case fatality rate involves dividing the number of deaths by the number of positive tests .
It ’ s not an entirely accurate picture of how deadly the virus is — those with mild symptoms usually won ’ t be tested , for instance — but it provides a very rough snapshot of how a country is handling the virus .
According to that snapshot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than other countries .
“ Of those ten countries with the largest numbers of deaths , only Germany has a lower case fatality rate than the United States .
Germany ’ s is 4.06 percent , while the rate in the U.S. is 5.89 percent , ” CNS reported .
As I said , that ’ s a very rough snapshot .
A per-capita death rate — the number of deaths as a proportion of the total population — may provide a more accurate look .
In terms of that , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that number may be misleading , as well , and statistically in favor of the United States .
The U.S. per-capita death toll number is 0.0189 percent .
Only Brazil , Iran and Germany have lower numbers .
However , numbers from Iran are questionable , just like those from China .
President Donald Trump has made reference to the U.S. case-fatality rate in some of his remarks on coronavirus .
“ Together , as one nation , we mourn for every precious life that has been lost , and there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re so saddened by it , ” he said at the White House on Thursday .
“ Through our aggressive actions and the devotion of our doctors and nurses , however , we have held our fatality rate far below hard-hit other countries , such as Spain and Italy and United Kingdom and Sweden.
” Sweden , it ’ s worth pointing out , hasn ’ t put many social distancing restrictions in place .
However , as CNS noted , the country “ has reported 2,586 deaths and 21,092 confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In the lists above , that would put Sweden one place above the United States in per capita deaths ( 0.0253 ) and between Italy and the Netherlands among the case-fatality rates ( 12.26 percent ) .
” So , yes , the numbers do seem daunting .
The United States has the most reported deaths .
We have the most reported cases .
And yet , that ’ s because we ’ re a large country with a large population — not ineptitude of the government ’ s response .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right out of the water .
And , unlike certain nations that rhyme with “ angina , ” we actually report our numbers .
Just saying .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Watching CNN and other liberal media outlets, it can feel like the coronavirus fatality rates in the United States are unbelievably high.
And make no mistake — the numbers are alarming. As of Tuesday morning, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, there were over 1.1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States, with 69,079 confirmed deaths.
This is pretty horrible stuff — and some in the media have used those numbers to paint the U.S. as the land of the coronavirus and the home of an administration that’s handled it ineptly
President Trump is essentially declaring victory – a mission accomplished in the fight against the coronavirus. There are now over one million confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States, and over 30 million are now are unemployed within the last six weeks. pic.twitter.com/J6vD34AK0n — The Beat with Ari Melber on MSNBC (@TheBeatWithAri) April 30, 2020
Donald Trump in February: “Looks like by April, you know, in theory, when it gets a little warmer, it miraculously goes away.” It’s now May, and the the United States just reported its deadliest day since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. https://t.co/F0QIwbX8NH — Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) May 3, 2020
1.08 million confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States and 62,603 deaths thus far. Trump owns this. Raise your hand if you agree! #COVID__19 — Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) April 30, 2020
Yes, the numbers may seem daunting, but it turns out the U.S. is actually handling the coronavirus pretty well.
Confused? Let me explain.
Here’s what CNS News reported May 1: “As of early Friday, the ten countries reporting the highest numbers of deaths attributed to the coronavirus were the United States (62,996 deaths), Italy (27,967), Britain (26,771), Spain (24,543), France (24,376), Belgium (7,594), Germany (6,623), Iran (6,028), Brazil (6,006), and the Netherlands (4,795 deaths).”
The case fatality rate involves dividing the number of deaths by the number of positive tests. It’s not an entirely accurate picture of how deadly the virus is — those with mild symptoms usually won’t be tested, for instance — but it provides a very rough snapshot of how a country is handling the virus.
According to that snapshot, the U.S. is handling it much better than other countries.
“Of those ten countries with the largest numbers of deaths, only Germany has a lower case fatality rate than the United States. Germany’s is 4.06 percent, while the rate in the U.S. is 5.89 percent,” CNS reported.
As I said, that’s a very rough snapshot. A per-capita death rate — the number of deaths as a proportion of the total population — may provide a more accurate look.
In terms of that, the United States is the fourth-lowest — although that number may be misleading, as well, and statistically in favor of the United States.
The U.S. per-capita death toll number is 0.0189 percent. Only Brazil, Iran and Germany have lower numbers.
However, numbers from Iran are questionable, just like those from China.
President Donald Trump has made reference to the U.S. case-fatality rate in some of his remarks on coronavirus.
“Together, as one nation, we mourn for every precious life that has been lost, and there have been many. There have been many, we’re so saddened by it,” he said at the White House on Thursday.
“Through our aggressive actions and the devotion of our doctors and nurses, however, we have held our fatality rate far below hard-hit other countries, such as Spain and Italy and United Kingdom and Sweden.”
Is the United States responding the right way to the coronavirus? 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: 91% (1855 Votes) No: 9% (194 Votes)
Sweden, it’s worth pointing out, hasn’t put many social distancing restrictions in place. However, as CNS noted, the country “has reported 2,586 deaths and 21,092 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of early Friday.”
“In the lists above, that would put Sweden one place above the United States in per capita deaths (0.0253) and between Italy and the Netherlands among the case-fatality rates (12.26 percent).”
So, yes, the numbers do seem daunting. The United States has the most reported deaths. We have the most reported cases. And yet, that’s because we’re a large country with a large population — not ineptitude of the government’s response.
That’s what blows the media narrative right out of the water.
And, unlike certain nations that rhyme with “angina,” we actually report our numbers. Just saying.
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--2020-05-05--Reuters Won’t Talk About Unborn Babies, But They’re Glad to Talk About ‘Unborn’ Baby Pigs

Establishment media reporters , broadly speaking , don ’ t seem to have much empathy for the lives of the millions of children who are killed each year during abortion procures worldwide .
But , do they care more about piglets than human children ?
It would seem an oversimplification of the issue to ask that weighted question in such a simple form .
Most people , confronted with the issue , would likely bemoan the loss of an innocent human child more than they would that of a piglet .
But the establishment media isn ’ t asking people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moral dilemma .
Their agenda is to craft words , and sentences and narratives that will further normalize the killing of unborn children and to desensitize those who might have some moral objection to that practice .
TRENDING : Remember the 'Racist ' Land O'Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed ?
Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native American The left routinely waters down strong language and cutting terms in order to make the cruelty of their policies seem a bit more friendly .
That generally means soft-pedaling the carnage that has resulted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. , but sometimes news developments put the left ’ s callousness about the dignity of human life on full display .
In an April 27 story about an Illinois farmer making the difficult decision to abort 7,500 piglets due to meat processing plant closures related to the coronavirus , Reuters awarded more dignity to dead pigs than it does to human beings .
Reporters Tom Polansek and P.J .
Huffstutter used terminology about the animals that is rarely afforded to babies still in the womb .
“ With the pandemic hobbling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Van Beek had nowhere to ship his full-grown pigs to make room for the 7,500 piglets he expected from his breeding operation , ” Reuters reported .
“ The crisis forced a decision that still troubles him : He ordered his employees to give injections to the pregnant sows , one by one , that would cause them to abort their baby pigs.
” The report was headlined , “ Piglets aborted , chickens gassed as pandemic slams meat sector.
” Now , take a look at how Reuters covered the news that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Planned Parenthood ’ s harvesting of the organs of unborn children in undercover videos , was facing a court injunction in 2016 .
“ A U.S. judge on Friday granted a preliminary injunction stopping the distribution of surreptitious videos taken by anti-abortion activists who alleged Planned Parenthood staff discussed the illegal sale of aborted fetal tissue , ” Reuters reported .
Notice the language the wire service used .
The unborn children were little more than “ aborted fetal tissue ” fit to be bought and sold .
Aborted pigs , meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ piglets.
” As was noted on Twitter by the anti-abortion group Live Action , Reuters strictly prohibits its writers from humanizing unborn children .
“ @ Reuters prides itself in its supposed ‘ Freedom from Bias.
’ Yet the company forbids journalists from acknowledging the humanity or victimhood of human children targeted for abortion , ” Live Action wrote .
On the Live Action website , an article used Reuters ’ own handbook to make its argument .
The wire service handbook outlines how its reporters must describe all things relating to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refer to aborted foetuses rather than unborn babies .
Describe those campaigning for a woman ’ s right to have an abortion as ‘ abortion rights campaigners ’ and those campaigning against abortion rights as ‘ anti-abortion campaigners.
’ Terms such as pro-choice , pro-life and pro-abortion are open to dispute and should be avoided .
Avoid abortionist , which connotes a person who performs clandestine abortions , ” the Reuters handbook states .
Look at the language in the handbook and compare it with the extent to which Polansek and Huffstutter appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when reporting the deaths of animals .
It ’ s awful that piglets are being aborted as the country ’ s livestock industry struggles with logistics issues .
However , it is a mockery of all human life for Reuters ’ editors and reporters to attempt to elicit emotion from readers when applying language which mourns the deaths of unborn animals — when defenseless human beings are treated as little more than footnotes for a story .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial @ @

Establishment media reporters, broadly speaking, don’t seem to have much empathy for the lives of the millions of children who are killed each year during abortion procures worldwide.
But, do they care more about piglets than human children?
It would seem an oversimplification of the issue to ask that weighted question in such a simple form.
Most people, confronted with the issue, would likely bemoan the loss of an innocent human child more than they would that of a piglet.
But the establishment media isn’t asking people to choose a side in such a moral dilemma. Their agenda is to craft words, and sentences and narratives that will further normalize the killing of unborn children and to desensitize those who might have some moral objection to that practice.
The left routinely waters down strong language and cutting terms in order to make the cruelty of their policies seem a bit more friendly.
That generally means soft-pedaling the carnage that has resulted from the regime of legalized abortion in the U.S., but sometimes news developments put the left’s callousness about the dignity of human life on full display.
In an April 27 story about an Illinois farmer making the difficult decision to abort 7,500 piglets due to meat processing plant closures related to the coronavirus, Reuters awarded more dignity to dead pigs than it does to human beings.
Reporters Tom Polansek and P.J. Huffstutter used terminology about the animals that is rarely afforded to babies still in the womb.
Do you think Democrats and the establishment media care more about animals than unborn children? 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% (324 Votes) No: 1% (2 Votes)
“With the pandemic hobbling the meat-packing industry, Iowa farmer Al Van Beek had nowhere to ship his full-grown pigs to make room for the 7,500 piglets he expected from his breeding operation,” Reuters reported.
“The crisis forced a decision that still troubles him: He ordered his employees to give injections to the pregnant sows, one by one, that would cause them to abort their baby pigs.”
The report was headlined, “Piglets aborted, chickens gassed as pandemic slams meat sector.”
Now, take a look at how Reuters covered the news that anti-abortion activist David Daleiden, who exposed Planned Parenthood’s harvesting of the organs of unborn children in undercover videos, was facing a court injunction in 2016.
“A U.S. judge on Friday granted a preliminary injunction stopping the distribution of surreptitious videos taken by anti-abortion activists who alleged Planned Parenthood staff discussed the illegal sale of aborted fetal tissue,” Reuters reported.
Notice the language the wire service used.
The unborn children were little more than “aborted fetal tissue” fit to be bought and sold.
Aborted pigs, meanwhile, are called “baby pigs” and “piglets.”
This isn’t an accident.
As was noted on Twitter by the anti-abortion group Live Action, Reuters strictly prohibits its writers from humanizing unborn children.
“@Reuters prides itself in its supposed ‘Freedom from Bias.’ Yet the company forbids journalists from acknowledging the humanity or victimhood of human children targeted for abortion,” Live Action wrote.
.@Reuters prides itself in its supposed “Freedom from Bias.” Yet the company forbids journalists from acknowledging the humanity or victimhood of human children targeted for abortion. & fetal pigs are “baby pigs,” “piglets” and “victims.” https://t.co/Ny5dlOas1X — Live Action (@LiveAction) April 28, 2020
On the Live Action website, an article used Reuters’ own handbook to make its argument.
The wire service handbook outlines how its reporters must describe all things relating to abortion.
“Unless quoting someone, refer to aborted foetuses rather than unborn babies. Describe those campaigning for a woman’s right to have an abortion as ‘abortion rights campaigners’ and those campaigning against abortion rights as ‘anti-abortion campaigners.’ Terms such as pro-choice, pro-life and pro-abortion are open to dispute and should be avoided. Avoid abortionist, which connotes a person who performs clandestine abortions,” the Reuters handbook states.
Look at the language in the handbook and compare it with the extent to which Polansek and Huffstutter appeared to disregard their company’s directive when reporting the deaths of animals.
It’s awful that piglets are being aborted as the country’s livestock industry struggles with logistics issues.
However, it is a mockery of all human life for Reuters’ editors and reporters to attempt to elicit emotion from readers when applying language which mourns the deaths of unborn animals — when defenseless human beings are treated as little more than footnotes for a story.
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--2020-05-05--Fed-Up Pilot Sends Michigan Governor a Clear Message with Flight Path

Michigan Democrat Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer has become the face of the meaningless lockdown requirement .
For instance , most of us might grumble at lockdowns but concede they ’ re rational if done appropriately .
Few , however , would concede that an entire massive state needs the same lockdown requirements when only a cluster of urban counties constitute the majority of cases .
Also , when it comes to lockdown requirements , they should be as limited as necessary , obviously — and related to public health .
Why , then , were gardening supplies part of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you like it , Michiganders , because Whitmer plans to keep her order in place until at least May 28 — even as states with less-dense populations start opening up .
Ed Frederick , a 45-year-old licenses pilot and owner of a small business , is sick of it .
So , on Friday , he took off and landed in Grand Rapids , Michigan , with his small plane , according to the New York Post .
What he did in the hour he was up in the air made news .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ O'Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed ?
Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native American He didn ’ t have a banner or anything like that .
Instead , he sent a message via his flight path — tracing the letters “ F-U ” with an arrow he said was pointed at the governor ’ s mansion : I ’ m sure he meant “ Fight Unhelpfulness , ” since Whitmer ’ s lockdown requirements are profoundly unhelpful .
“ It ’ s a power trip , ” Frederick , who lives outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The government , no matter Democrats or Republicans , always seem like they ’ re trying to do something just to prove they ’ re doing something , without weighing the ramifications.
” Frederick said the quiet part out loud for Gov .
Whitmer : If she had just locked down the urban counties that were most affected by the novel coronavirus , her Democratic voter base would be decidedly unimpressed .
So instead , she just locked down the entire state .
Hope you don ’ t own a business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus hasn ’ t been a major presence , because , you know , your livelihood is less important than Whitmer ’ s poitical future .
Sorry , yo !
“ [ Whitmer ] says this is for the safety of Michigan , but I think it ’ s for the safety of her keeping her votes , because the southeast is highly Democratic , ” Frederick said , according to the Post .
“ That ’ s been an issue for a lot of people in the rural counties , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part , says that the low number of cases in northern and western Michigan have doubled in the past fortnight .
“ We must all continue to be diligent , observe social distancing and limit in-person interactions and services to slow the spread of COVID-19 , ” Whitmer said in a statement , according to the Post .
“ Michigan now has more than 40,000 cases of COVID-19 .
The virus has killed more Michiganders than we lost during the Vietnam war .
Extending this order is vital to the health and safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the divisive Gov .
Whitmer urged all Michigan residents to “ work together.
” Frederick wasn ’ t so impressed with this logic .
“ I don ’ t need the government to wipe my tushie every two minutes , ” he said .
“ Let me know what the problems are going to be and let me know what the ramifications are .
I ’ m responsible for myself.
” However , he ’ s not quite so impressed with the armed protesters who engaged in open carry during a demonstration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gun owner himself , Frederick told the Post that the protest was “ not painting them in a good light.
” As Business Insider noted , carrying weapons is legal in Michigan ’ s statehouse , but Frederick didn ’ t think it was necessary .
“ We have an open carry , but just because it ’ s legal , doesn ’ t mean you should do it , ” he told the Post .
I have to say that that Frederick ’ s flight path protest was head and shoulders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have pilot ’ s license , I highly recommend it .
I understand that legally owned weapons outnumber privately owned airplanes , but this took one person instead of many , and it didn ’ t help liberals prop up an unpopular governor by pointing to a small number of gun owners crowding into the statehouse and painting them as the radical alternative .
Plus , you have to give him credit for not only creativity but some good flight planning .
Unfortunately , given a governor who banned the sale of gardening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
— you wonder if she ’ s going to ban small planes next .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Michigan Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has become the face of the meaningless lockdown requirement.
For instance, most of us might grumble at lockdowns but concede they’re rational if done appropriately. Few, however, would concede that an entire massive state needs the same lockdown requirements when only a cluster of urban counties constitute the majority of cases.
Also, when it comes to lockdown requirements, they should be as limited as necessary, obviously — and related to public health. Why, then, were gardening supplies part of her extended order?
Well, I hope you like it, Michiganders, because Whitmer plans to keep her order in place until at least May 28 — even as states with less-dense populations start opening up.
Ed Frederick, a 45-year-old licenses pilot and owner of a small business, is sick of it. So, on Friday, he took off and landed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his small plane, according to the New York Post. What he did in the hour he was up in the air made news.
He didn’t have a banner or anything like that. Instead, he sent a message via his flight path — tracing the letters “F-U” with an arrow he said was pointed at the governor’s mansion:
Michigan pilot gives a literal ‘F U’ to governor over coronavirus lockdown https://t.co/PRVVx85bzP pic.twitter.com/2kybmzPoLN — New York Post (@nypost) May 2, 2020
I’m sure he meant “Fight Unhelpfulness,” since Whitmer’s lockdown requirements are profoundly unhelpful.
Do you support Michigan's protesters? 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% (2905 Votes) No: 2% (47 Votes)
“It’s a power trip,” Frederick, who lives outside of Grand Rapids, told the Post.
“The government, no matter Democrats or Republicans, always seem like they’re trying to do something just to prove they’re doing something, without weighing the ramifications.”
Frederick said the quiet part out loud for Gov. Whitmer: If she had just locked down the urban counties that were most affected by the novel coronavirus, her Democratic voter base would be decidedly unimpressed.
So instead, she just locked down the entire state. Hope you don’t own a business in one of those Michigan counties where the coronavirus hasn’t been a major presence, because, you know, your livelihood is less important than Whitmer’s poitical future. Sorry, yo!
“[Whitmer] says this is for the safety of Michigan, but I think it’s for the safety of her keeping her votes, because the southeast is highly Democratic,” Frederick said, according to the Post.
“That’s been an issue for a lot of people in the rural counties,” he added.
Whitmer, for her part, says that the low number of cases in northern and western Michigan have doubled in the past fortnight.
“We must all continue to be diligent, observe social distancing and limit in-person interactions and services to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Whitmer said in a statement, according to the Post.
“Michigan now has more than 40,000 cases of COVID-19. The virus has killed more Michiganders than we lost during the Vietnam war. Extending this order is vital to the health and safety of every Michigander.”
And of course, the divisive Gov. Whitmer urged all Michigan residents to “work together.”
Frederick wasn’t so impressed with this logic.
“I don’t need the government to wipe my tushie every two minutes,” he said. “Let me know what the problems are going to be and let me know what the ramifications are. I’m responsible for myself.”
However, he’s not quite so impressed with the armed protesters who engaged in open carry during a demonstration Thursday at the Michigan statehouse.
While a gun owner himself, Frederick told the Post that the protest was “not painting them in a good light.”
Directly above me, men with rifles yelling at us. Some of my colleagues who own bullet proof vests are wearing them. I have never appreciated our Sergeants-at-Arms more than today. #mileg pic.twitter.com/voOZpPYWOs — Senator Dayna Polehanki (@SenPolehanki) April 30, 2020
As Business Insider noted, carrying weapons is legal in Michigan’s statehouse, but Frederick didn’t think it was necessary.
“We have an open carry, but just because it’s legal, doesn’t mean you should do it,” he told the Post.
I have to say that that Frederick’s flight path protest was head and shoulders above the statehouse demonstration. If you have pilot’s license, I highly recommend it.
I understand that legally owned weapons outnumber privately owned airplanes, but this took one person instead of many, and it didn’t help liberals prop up an unpopular governor by pointing to a small number of gun owners crowding into the statehouse and painting them as the radical alternative.
Plus, you have to give him credit for not only creativity but some good flight planning. Unfortunately, given a governor who banned the sale of gardening supplies — because well, why not? — you wonder if she’s going to ban small planes next.
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--2020-05-05--CNN Sends Cease-and-Desist Letter to Trump Campaign Over New Ad

CNN is hopping mad over a new Trump campaign advertisement , and has fired off a letter demanding that it no longer be used .
The ad , titled “ American Comeback ” and released Sunday , highlights President Donald Trump ’ s efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
It features two snippets of dialogue from a March 30 airing of CNN ’ s “ Situation Room.
” The ad shows CNN ’ s Wolf Blitzer asking , “ Is it accurate that if these steps had not been put in place … it could have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States ?
” After the ad cuts to images of cancelled flights and an Air China plane , Dr. Sanjay Gupta , CNN ’ s chief medical correspondent , says , “ Yes.
” TRENDING : Remember the 'Racist ' Land O'Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed ?
Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native American CNN reported that the network had sent the Trump campaign a cease-and-desist letter demanding it stop running the ad , claiming the clip did not include the full conversation .
In the full exchange , Blitzer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accurate that if these steps had not been put in place , the stay-at-home orders , the social distancing orders , as the president said yesterday , it could have been 2 million people dead here in the United States ?
” Gupta then replied , “ I mean , you know , these are all models , Wolf .
It ’ s a little tough to say , but , you know , if you talk about something that is spreading , you know , very robustly throughout a community .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contagious than flu , and up to 10 times , perhaps even more than that , more deadly than flu , then yes.
” Rick D. McMurtry , associate general counsel for WarnerMedia , the parent company of CNN , claimed in a letter to Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh that “ the advertisement purposely and deceptively edits the clip to imply that Mr. Blitzer and Dr. Gupta were crediting the president ’ s travel ban policy issued in January for saving millions of American lives , when in fact Mr. Blitzer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders issued by state and local governments.
” “ CNN hereby demands that you discontinue airing the advertisement with the CNN clip that has been distorted in such a way as to mislead the public , ” the letter said .
“ No discussion of efforts to prevent American deaths from the coronavirus can be had without the understanding that President Trump restricted travel from China in January .
Based on that alone , the ad is accurate , ” he wrote back on Monday .
CNN had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McMurtry ’ s letter said , and insisted its objections be addressed or the ad would not appear on CNN .
RELATED : Conservative Activist Slams Alarmist CNN for 'Sesame Street ' Town Hall : 'It 's Actually Inducing More Fear' The extent to which the Trump campaign was chastened by CNN ’ s letter could be seen in a tweet , which read , “ CNN is EXTREMELY triggered by this new ad !
It ’ d be a shame if we kept sharing it , ” while repeating the one-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday that CNN is “ once again the only outlet to reject a Trump campaign ad , and has now rejected multiple Trump ads that are demonstrably accurate.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

CNN is hopping mad over a new Trump campaign advertisement, and has fired off a letter demanding that it no longer be used.
The ad, titled “American Comeback” and released Sunday, highlights President Donald Trump’s efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
It features two snippets of dialogue from a March 30 airing of CNN’s “Situation Room.”
The ad shows CNN’s Wolf Blitzer asking, “Is it accurate that if these steps had not been put in place … it could have been 2 million people dead here in the United States?”
After the ad cuts to images of cancelled flights and an Air China plane, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s chief medical correspondent, says, “Yes.”
CNN reported that the network had sent the Trump campaign a cease-and-desist letter demanding it stop running the ad, claiming the clip did not include the full conversation.
In the full exchange, Blitzer said, “Well, is it accurate that if these steps had not been put in place, the stay-at-home orders, the social distancing orders, as the president said yesterday, it could have been 2 million people dead here in the United States?”
Gupta then replied, “I mean, you know, these are all models, Wolf. It’s a little tough to say, but, you know, if you talk about something that is spreading, you know, very robustly throughout a community. You know, two to three times more contagious than flu, and up to 10 times, perhaps even more than that, more deadly than flu, then yes.”
Do you think CNN is overreacting here? 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% (4248 Votes) No: 2% (74 Votes)
Rick D. McMurtry, associate general counsel for WarnerMedia, the parent company of CNN, claimed in a letter to Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh that “the advertisement purposely and deceptively edits the clip to imply that Mr. Blitzer and Dr. Gupta were crediting the president’s travel ban policy issued in January for saving millions of American lives, when in fact Mr. Blitzer and Dr. Gupta were discussing recently implemented social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders issued by state and local governments.”
“CNN hereby demands that you discontinue airing the advertisement with the CNN clip that has been distorted in such a way as to mislead the public,” the letter said.
Murtaugh defended the ad.
“No discussion of efforts to prevent American deaths from the coronavirus can be had without the understanding that President Trump restricted travel from China in January. Based on that alone, the ad is accurate,” he wrote back on Monday.
CNN had first objected to the ad on Friday, McMurtry’s letter said, and insisted its objections be addressed or the ad would not appear on CNN.
The extent to which the Trump campaign was chastened by CNN’s letter could be seen in a tweet, which read, “CNN is EXTREMELY triggered by this new ad! It’d be a shame if we kept sharing it,” while repeating the one-minute message.
CNN is EXTREMELY triggered by this new ad! It’d be a shame if we kept sharing it… pic.twitter.com/XPSOYOVvwr — Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) May 5, 2020
Murtaugh said in his response Monday that CNN is “once again the only outlet to reject a Trump campaign ad, and has now rejected multiple Trump ads that are demonstrably accurate.”
CNN is “effectively a Joe Biden Super PAC,” Murtaugh wrote.
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--2020-05-05--Progress: US Logs Fewest New Coronavirus Cases in Well Over a Month

Americans looking for hope that COVID-19 might be easing its grip on the nation can turn to the latest count of new confirmed cases , which shows a level not seen in more than a month .
According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center , the United States posted 22,300 new , confirmed cases on Monday .
A figure that low had not been seen since March 30 , when there were 20,900 new , confirmed cases reported .
As a reminder of the sobering scale of the disease , the center reported that as of Tuesday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Health officials have said that a decline in deaths is expected to lag behind a drop in cases .
Overall , the data showed 1,180,634 total confirmed cases as of Tuesday .
The data comes as some media outlets are reporting that new models predict an increase in cases and deaths as states reopen their economies .
TRENDING : Remember the 'Racist ' Land O'Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed ?
Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native American The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Aug. 4 , is now projecting nearly 135,0000 Americans will be killed by COVID-19 though early August , according to The New York Times .
The institute said its new projected death toll reflects “ rising mobility in most US states as well as the easing of social distancing measures expected in 31 states by May 11 , indicating that growing contacts among people will promote transmission of the coronavirus.
” Some health experts fear that as states seek to reopen their economies , the public health trade-off will be significant .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been exposed to the virus , there is not immunity , and the initial conditions that allowed this virus to spread really quickly across America haven ’ t really changed , ” Dr. Larry Chang , an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins , told The Times .
The Times also claimed “ an internal document ” from the federal government projects that as states reopen , the death toll from the virus will reach about 3,000 people a day on June 1 with about 200,000 new cases daily by the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflective of any of the modeling done by the task force or data that the task force has analyzed , ” White House spokesman Judd Deere told The Times .
President Donald Trump was more blunt , calling the report “ fake news.
” “ I know nothing about it .
I don ’ t know anything about it .
Nobody told me that .
I think it ’ s — I think it ’ s false , I think it ’ s fake news , ” Trump said in an interview with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation is beginning to rebound .
RELATED : Fauci To Testify Before Senate , Trump Stonewalls 'Haters ' in House “ I think they ’ re starting to feel good now .
The country ’ s opening again .
We saved millions of lives , I think , ” he said .
“ You have to be careful , but you have to get back to work , ” Trump added .
“ People want the country open .
… I guess we have 38 states that are either opening or are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months of the year would show a strong economic recovery .
“ We ’ ll open it up and I think your fourth quarter is going to be very good , ” he said .
“ We did the right thing and now we ’ re bringing the country back .
And I think there ’ s a great optimism .
I don ’ t know if you see it , but I think there ’ s a great optimism now.
” New spikes in the virus can be addressed based on what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president added .
“ Hopefully we can keep the plague , keep the virus at bay .
If we have a flare up , we can put it out .
We ’ ve learned a lot , ” he said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

UPDATE, May 8, 2020: Three days after the publication of this article, the CDC released a revised “provisional death count” of 47,128 for the United States. Johns Hopkins, on the other hand, had revised its count upward to 77,178 U.S. deaths from COVID-19. These numbers are obviously pretty far apart, and presumably are derived using different methodology, but we provide them both, if only as evidence that even the experts can’t seem to agree on how dangerous the coronavirus is to Americans.
Americans looking for hope that COVID-19 might be easing its grip on the nation can turn to the latest count of new confirmed cases, which shows a level not seen in more than a month.
According to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, the United States posted 22,300 new, confirmed cases on Monday. A figure that low had not been seen since March 30, when there were 20,900 new, confirmed cases reported.
As a reminder of the sobering scale of the disease, the center reported that as of Tuesday morning, 68,934 Americans have died from the disease.
Health officials have said that a decline in deaths is expected to lag behind a drop in cases. Overall, the data showed 1,180,634 total confirmed cases as of Tuesday.
The data comes as some media outlets are reporting that new models predict an increase in cases and deaths as states reopen their economies.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, which last month projected 60,308 deaths by Aug. 4, is now projecting nearly 135,000 Americans will be killed by COVID-19 though early August, according to The New York Times.
The institute said its new projected death toll reflects “rising mobility in most US states as well as the easing of social distancing measures expected in 31 states by May 11, indicating that growing contacts among people will promote transmission of the coronavirus.”
Some health experts fear that as states seek to reopen their economies, the public health trade-off will be significant.
“The vast majority of Americans have not been exposed to the virus, there is not immunity, and the initial conditions that allowed this virus to spread really quickly across America haven’t really changed,” Dr. Larry Chang, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins, told The Times.
Do you think the nation should continue to reopen its economy? 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: 95% (3037 Votes) No: 5% (154 Votes)
The Times also claimed “an internal document” from the federal government projects that as states reopen, the death toll from the virus will reach about 3,000 people a day on June 1 with about 200,000 new cases daily by the end of May.
“This data is not reflective of any of the modeling done by the task force or data that the task force has analyzed,” White House spokesman Judd Deere told The Times.
President Donald Trump was more blunt, calling the report “fake news.”
“I know nothing about it. I don’t know anything about it. Nobody told me that. I think it’s — I think it’s false, I think it’s fake news,” Trump said in an interview with the New York Post.
Trump said the nation is beginning to rebound.
“I think they’re starting to feel good now. The country’s opening again. We saved millions of lives, I think,” he said.
“You have to be careful, but you have to get back to work,” Trump added. “People want the country open. … I guess we have 38 states that are either opening or are very close.”
Trump predicted the final months of the year would show a strong economic recovery.
“We’ll open it up and I think your fourth quarter is going to be very good,” he said.
“We did the right thing and now we’re bringing the country back. And I think there’s a great optimism. I don’t know if you see it, but I think there’s a great optimism now.”
New spikes in the virus can be addressed based on what officials have learned in recent months, the president added.
“Hopefully we can keep the plague, keep the virus at bay. If we have a flare up, we can put it out. We’ve learned a lot,” 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--2020-05-05--Remember the ‘Racist’ Land O’Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed? Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native Ame

Remember the ‘Racist’ Land O’Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed? Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native American

Where did Mia go ?
The iconic image of a Native American woman on the packaging of Land O ’ Lakes dairy and other products , a signature logo for almost 100 years , was removed .
In February , the Minnesota-based company announced the change to its packaging .
The ” O ” on the front was vacated , and photos of the co-op ’ s farmers were added to the back .
“ As a farmer-owned co-op , we strongly feel the need to better connect the men and women who grow our food with those who consume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ford said in a statement .
TRENDING : Remember the 'Racist ' Land O'Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed ?
Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native American In truth , Land O ’ Lakes buckled under public pressure to stop using Native American images in a manner that might create a stereotype or appear to be derogatory .
In 2005 , the American Psychological Association recommended that all Native American mascots be removed , saying they are a form of discrimination and hurt the self-esteem of indigenous youth .
North Dakota state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered member of the Mandan , Hidatsa and Arikara tribes , told the Twin Cities Pioneer Press that the Mia logo goes “ hand-in-hand with human and sex trafficking of our women and girls … by depicting Native women as sex objects.
” Yet , in announcing its decision , Land O ’ Lakes did not address the controversy .
Thus , the change has been cheered by the politically correct while simultaneously upsetting activists who view this as a missed opportunity to shine a spotlight on real issues impacting Native Americans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong and positive message to have publicly said , ‘ We realized after a hundred years that our image was harmful and so we decided to remove it , ' ” Brown University professor Adrienne Keene told the Minnesota Reformer .
“ In our current cultural moment , that ’ s something people would really respond to , ” said Keene , a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and author of the Native Appropriations blog .
There ’ s one point that many have missed : The image , originally created in 1928 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Native American artist Patrick DesJarlait .
He certainly did not consider it offensive to his Ojibwe tribe .
RELATED : Magazine Does n't Even Try To Hide It , Pushes Socialism on Teens : 'It 's Back' DesJarlait ’ s son , Patrick , expressed “ mixed feelings ” about the change , according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune .
“ I ’ m sad to see it go , but I can understand why it ’ s gone , ” he said .
“ We live in a politically correct time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rid of it .
… “ But in our family , my dad ’ s work is a source of pride for us .
He broke barriers as an Ojibwe artist from Red Lake .
Back then , you didn ’ t find native people in those kinds of jobs , and this gave him the opportunity to put his spin on a well-known native image.
” The activists who have pressed for this transformation in our society since the 1960s are increasingly faced with a stark reality : The more we remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Native Americans altogether .
These so-called stereotypes are not being replaced with a better representation of indigenous history or culture .
Is being totally ignored or erased from public view really an improvement ?
The politically correct crowd is constantly manufacturing offenses that do not exist .
For many Americans , the image of Mia on our butter packages was an endearing portrait , a reflection of the beauty and grace of Native American traditions ; the portrait was also a tribute to the great diversity in our country .
Why don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the artist Desjarlait himself , who believed he was spreading sympathy and good feelings for his people with this depiction ?
It is more offensive to remove it , thereby tacitly stating he is a lousy artist who betrayed his heritage .
In the very name of diversity and tolerance , it would have been better if Land O ’ Lakes left well enough alone .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Where did Mia go?
The iconic image of a Native American woman on the packaging of Land O’ Lakes dairy and other products, a signature logo for almost 100 years, has been removed.
In February, the Minnesota-based company announced the change to its packaging.
The”O” on the front was vacated, and photos of the co-op’s farmers were added to the back.
“As a farmer-owned co-op, we strongly feel the need to better connect the men and women who grow our food with those who consume it,” president and CEO Beth Ford said in a statement.
In truth, Land O’Lakes buckled under public pressure to stop using Native American images in a manner that might create a stereotype or appear to be derogatory.
In 2005, the American Psychological Association recommended that all Native American mascots be removed, saying they are a form of discrimination and hurt the self-esteem of indigenous youth.
North Dakota state Rep. Ruth Buffalo, a Democrat and registered member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara tribes, told the Twin Cities Pioneer Press that the Mia logo goes “hand-in-hand with human and sex trafficking of our women and girls … by depicting Native women as sex objects.”
Yet, in announcing its decision, Land O’Lakes did not address the controversy. Thus, the change has been cheered by the politically correct while simultaneously upsetting activists who view this as a missed opportunity to shine a spotlight on real issues impacting Native Americans.
Was the image of Mia offensive? 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% (40 Votes) No: 99% (5116 Votes)
“It could have been a very strong and positive message to have publicly said, ‘We realized after a hundred years that our image was harmful and so we decided to remove it,'” Brown University professor Adrienne Keene told the Minnesota Reformer.
“In our current cultural moment, that’s something people would really respond to,” said Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and author of the Native Appropriations blog.
There’s one point that many have missed: The image, originally created in 1928, was remade in the 1950s by Native American artist Patrick DesJarlait. He certainly did not consider it offensive to his Ojibwe tribe.
DesJarlait’s son, Robert, expressed “mixed feelings” about the change, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
“I’m sad to see it go, but I can understand why it’s gone,” he said. “We live in a politically correct time, so maybe it was time to get rid of it. …
“But in our family, my dad’s work is a source of pride for us. He broke barriers as an Ojibwe artist from Red Lake. Back then, you didn’t find native people in those kinds of jobs, and this gave him the opportunity to put his spin on a well-known native image.”
The activists who have pressed for this transformation in our society since the 1960s are increasingly faced with a stark reality: The more we remove these images, the less visible are Native Americans altogether.
These so-called stereotypes are not being replaced with a better representation of indigenous history or culture.
Is being totally ignored or erased from public view really an improvement?
The politically correct crowd is constantly manufacturing offenses that do not exist. For many Americans, the image of Mia on our butter packages was an endearing portrait, a reflection of the beauty and grace of Native American traditions; the portrait was also a tribute to the great diversity in our country.
Why don’t we respect the intentions and vision of the artist Desjarlait himself, who believed he was spreading sympathy and good feelings for his people with this depiction? It is more offensive to remove it, tacitly stating he was a lousy artist who betrayed his heritage.
In the very name of diversity and tolerance, it would have been better if Land O’Lakes left well enough alone.
UPDATE, May 8, 2020: A tweet that had been deleted by its creator was removed from this article.
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.


Feeding the Dragon

For more A.F .
Branco cartoons , go to WesternJournal.com/opinion/cartoons .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all @ @ @ @ @ our editorial standards .

Steve Bannon argued on "War Room" that Fox News is doing everything that it can to create an anti-Trump narrative for the 2024 election.


westernjournal--2020-05-05--Family Affair: 74-Year-Old Surgeon Beats ‘Severe’ Coronavirus with the Help of His 3 Sons

Coronavirus media coverage is chock-full of negative news .
For once , it ’ s encouraging to see something miraculous unfold .
Thankfully for one 74-year-old New York City physician and his three sons , the miraculous did occur — at least according to the doctor himself .
Dr. Manuel Bulauitan came down with a “ severe form ” of COVID-19 , according to Fox News , and was remarkably able to survive .
The doctor ’ s age and previous medical conditions , including chronic anemia and hypertension , put him at a greatly increased risk for severe illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was on a ventilator for 15 days .
Due to the fact that he met the Center for Disease Control and Prevention qualifications for compassionate care , Bulauitan was treated with hydroxychloroquine and other experimental medications .
TRENDING : Remember the 'Racist ' Land O'Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed ?
Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native American “ I am grateful that I ’ m here and my deepest thanks to all the medical professionals — from attending doctors and nurses — [ they ] are deep in my heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They tell me it ’ s a miracle I survived.
” It ’ s possible that Bulauitan contracted the disease at one of the hospitals or nursing homes that he normally frequents .
“ This virus took me out of my practice that I love the most , ” he said .
“ Since I was a boy I wanted to be a doctor and a surgeon and here I am.
” A lifelong and devote member of the Catholic faith , the doctor said that this trial even caused him to question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God .
‘ Why did you save me ?
’ Do you have plans for me ?
Whatever plans you have , I will accept it , ' ” he said .
The doctor ’ s three sons — Dr. Philippe Bulauitan , Dr. Manuel Bulauitan Jr. and Army Reserve Major Dr. Constantine Bulauitan , all of whom followed in their father ’ s footsteps by becoming doctors themselves — made sure their father got treatment , and quickly .
After his sons noticed during a March FaceTime call that he looked ill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from North Carolina .
They took their father to Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center , where Constantine works .
During the ongoing crisis , all three of sons have been treating coronavirus patients .
“ We grew up being inspired and admiring our dad for how he served his community and how hard he works , ” Philippe Bulauitan said .
“ And for us , the ultimate sign of respect is that all three of us followed in his footsteps .
For someone who has cared for us our entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help care for him and help save his life , it was the best thing we could ’ ve done.
” “ I think I am one of the luckiest survivors to have three doctors as sons and have them care for me .
Especially the Almighty .
I thank him , ” his father added .
For several decades , the 74-year-old has traveled to the Philippines on medical missions .
“ If God wants me to continue that , I will do it , ” he told Fox .
Bulauitan is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Leah , who also tested positive for COVID-19 .
He wants to get better as soon as possible so he can spend more time with his beloved family .
“ Now the hardest part is to get back to my feet .
I will do everything I can to stop this horrible coronavirus , ” he said .
“ I was always independent my whole life and I want to go back to that so I can enjoy my four grandchildren.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Coronavirus media coverage is chock-full of negative news. For once, it’s encouraging to see something miraculous unfold.
Thankfully for one 74-year-old New York City physician and his three sons, the miraculous did occur — at least according to the doctor himself.
Dr. Manuel Bulauitan came down with a “severe form” of COVID-19, according to Fox News, and was remarkably able to survive.
The doctor’s age and previous medical conditions, including chronic anemia and hypertension, put him at a greatly increased risk for severe illness from the coronavirus. In fact, he was on a ventilator for 15 days.
Due to the fact that he met the Center for Disease Control and Prevention qualifications for compassionate care, Bulauitan was treated with hydroxychloroquine and other experimental medications.
“I am grateful that I’m here and my deepest thanks to all the medical professionals — from attending doctors and nurses — [they] are deep in my heart,” he told Fox. “They tell me it’s a miracle I survived.”
It’s possible that Bulauitan contracted the disease at one of the hospitals or nursing homes that he normally frequents.
“This virus took me out of my practice that I love the most,” he said. “Since I was a boy I wanted to be a doctor and a surgeon and here I am.”
A lifelong and devote member of the Catholic faith, the doctor said that this trial even caused him to question his faith.
“I even questioned God. ‘Why did you save me?’ Do you have plans for me? Whatever plans you have, I will accept it,'” he said.
The doctor’s three sons — Dr. Philippe Bulauitan, Dr. Manuel Bulauitan Jr. and Army Reserve Major Dr. Constantine Bulauitan, all of whom followed in their father’s footsteps by becoming doctors themselves — made sure their father got treatment, and quickly.
After his sons noticed during a March FaceTime call that he looked ill, Philippe and Manuel Jr. flew in from North Carolina. They took their father to Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where Constantine works.
During the ongoing crisis, all three of sons have been treating coronavirus patients.
“We grew up being inspired and admiring our dad for how he served his community and how hard he works,” Philippe Bulauitan said.
“And for us, the ultimate sign of respect is that all three of us followed in his footsteps. For someone who has cared for us our entire lives, to have the opportunity to help care for him and help save his life, it was the best thing we could’ve done.”
“I think I am one of the luckiest survivors to have three doctors as sons and have them care for me. Especially the Almighty. I thank him,” his father added.
“I think I am one of the luckiest survivors to have three doctors as sons and have them care for me. Especially the Almighty. I thank him.” — Dr. Manuel Bulauitan told @FoxNews #GoodNews #AmericaTogether https://t.co/xSO1W4ecEh — Caleb Parke (@calebparke) May 1, 2020
For several decades, the 74-year-old has traveled to the Philippines on medical missions.
“If God wants me to continue that, I will do it,” he told Fox.
Bulauitan is currently at home recovering with his wife, Leah, who also tested positive for COVID-19. He wants to get better as soon as possible so he can spend more time with his beloved family.
“Now the hardest part is to get back to my feet. I will do everything I can to stop this horrible coronavirus,” he said. “I was always independent my whole life and I want to go back to that so I can enjoy my four grandchildren.”
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--2020-05-05--Creative Ways To Celebrate Mother’s Day from Afar This Year

Treats made and delivered by neighbors .
Fresh garden plantings dug from a safe 6 feet away .
Trips around the world set up room-to-room at home .
Mother ’ s Day this year is a mix of love and extra imagination as families do without their usual brunches and huggy meet-ups .
As the pandemic persists in keeping families indoors or a safe social distance apart , online searches have increased for creative ways to still make moms feel special .
Absent help from schools and babysitters , uninitiated dads are on homemade craft duty with the kids .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules at hospitals and senior-living facilities .
Some medical facilities are pitching in by collecting voice and video recordings from locked-out relatives when patients are unable to manage the technology on their own .
TRENDING : Remember the 'Racist ' Land O'Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed ?
Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native American In suburban St. Louis , Steve Turner and his family hope to FaceTime with his 96-year-old mother , Beverly , but they plan something more , too .
Her birthday coincides with Mother ’ s Day this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create a big Mother ’ s Day-birthday banner signed by the kids and grandkids who live here , ” Turner said .
“ She loves butterflies and we ’ ll draw some on .
We ’ re working with the home to find a place where we can stand outside a window so she can see us.
” Anna Francese Gass in New Canaan , Connecticut , is hunkered down with her husband and three children and will enjoy her usual Mother ’ s Day breakfast in bed of rubbery eggs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the day won ’ t include her own mom , who lives nearby .
“ I ordered a bunch of daffodil and tulip bulbs online , and me and the kids are planning to plant them in her flowerbed .
She can supervise from the window .
I just know it will put a huge smile on her face , ” Francese Gass said .
In Alameda , California , 23-year-old Zaria Zinn is sheltering at home with her parents and younger sister .
Knowing how much their mother loves and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their house and neighborhood into a trip around the world with help from decorations and virtual tours online .
“ We made a DIY passport for her and we ’ re creating stamps for each location , ” she said .
Their itinerary : Machu Picchu , Paris and Iceland , with some DIY spa time and a Hollywood-style movie night .
Making the most of Mother ’ s Day in isolation is top of mind for Google search users .
The company said the term “ Mother ’ s Day gifts during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S .
Among Pinterest ’ s 335 million users , searches for “ Mother ’ s Day at home ” have jumped by 2,971 percent , the company said .
In Rochester , New York , Melissa Mueller-Douglas and her 7-year-old daughter , Nurah , had planned to get together with mom-and-daughter friends at a hotel for a Mother ’ s Day sleepover .
When it was canceled because of the pandemic , they got busy on Pinterest searching for ideas to bring the party home , just the two of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Never Celebrated Valentine 's Day Receives 140,000 Letters from Around Globe They have eye masks with rhinestones to decorate , thread for mother-daughter bracelets , instant film for a photoshoot and a chocolate fountain purchased at Walmart .
Dad and Nurah ’ s 3-year-old brother will paint together downstairs after a mom-son bike ride earlier in the day .
“ We ’ ve repurposed a shimmery tablecloth and made giant flowers out of tissue paper for a photoshoot backdrop .
We ’ ll be creating a secret handshake and writing in top secret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ We ’ re calling it The Best Day Ever Slumber Party.
” Kayla Hockman , 26 , in Los Angeles has been worried about her 77-year-old grandmother in Fontana , California , about 50 miles away .
Usually , she and her sister treat her and their mom to brunch or an adventure out .
“ My grandma ’ s been quite depressed lately since she hasn ’ t left her house in two months , and she ’ s slowly losing hope , ” Hockman said .
“ She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems with walking now .
This whole thing of not being able to see anyone has been really taking a hard toll on them.
” To cheer her up , they ’ re planning a party on her lawn .
“ It ’ s going to be a surprise pop-up Mother ’ s Day brunch with ‘ momosas ’ and painting , ” Hockman said .
“ We ’ re going to set it up for all of us to paint a sunflower , her absolute favorite .
She ’ ll paint on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the lawn , all 6 feet apart.
” Willie Greer in Memphis , Tennessee , thought food , enlisting the help of a neighbor to make his mom ’ s recipe for pecan pie and deliver it to her in Dallas to brighten her isolation Mother ’ s Day .
He said the neighbor was happy to do it after he sent her the recipe .
“ My siblings and I will also create a ‘ thank you ’ video for mom .
Since we can ’ t all be together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message and at the end we ’ ll all sing ‘ A Mother ’ s Love ’ by Gena Hill , ” he said .
“ I ’ m pretty sure this is the part where my mom cries her eyes out.
” These days , virtual experiences are all we have , so Lisa Hill in Portland , Oregon , decided to embrace that notion for her 79-year-old mom in Stuart , Florida , after she met a cooking instructor while volunteering to prepare meals at a shelter .
Hill has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken her usual in-home cooking sessions online with a twist : She ’ s throwing in a free 45-minute session for clients to donate .
“ I feel so far away from her .
I can ’ t cook for her .
I can ’ t visit , ” Hill said .
“ She ’ s nervous about everything going on right now and it will be a good social interaction.
” The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
@ @ @ @ @

Treats made and delivered by neighbors. Fresh garden plantings dug from a safe 6 feet away. Trips around the world set up room-to-room at home.
Mother’s Day this year is a mix of love and extra imagination as families do without their usual brunches and huggy meet-ups.
As the pandemic persists in keeping families indoors or a safe social distance apart, online searches have increased for creative ways to still make moms feel special.
Absent help from schools and babysitters, uninitiated dads are on homemade craft duty with the kids. Other loved ones are navigating around no-visitor rules at hospitals and senior-living facilities.
Some medical facilities are pitching in by collecting voice and video recordings from locked-out relatives when patients are unable to manage the technology on their own.
In suburban St. Louis, Steve Turner and his family hope to FaceTime with his 96-year-old mother, Beverly, but they plan something more, too. Her birthday coincides with Mother’s Day this year.
“We’re going to create a big Mother’s Day-birthday banner signed by the kids and grandkids who live here,” Turner said. “She loves butterflies and we’ll draw some on. We’re working with the home to find a place where we can stand outside a window so she can see us.”
Anna Francese Gass in New Canaan, Connecticut, is hunkered down with her husband and three children and will enjoy her usual Mother’s Day breakfast in bed of rubbery eggs, slightly burnt toast and VERY milky coffee. But the day won’t include her own mom, who lives nearby.
“I ordered a bunch of daffodil and tulip bulbs online, and me and the kids are planning to plant them in her flowerbed. She can supervise from the window. I just know it will put a huge smile on her face,” Francese Gass said.
In Alameda, California, 23-year-old Zaria Zinn is sheltering at home with her parents and younger sister. Knowing how much their mother loves and misses traveling, they’re turning their house and neighborhood into a trip around the world with help from decorations and virtual tours online.
“We made a DIY passport for her and we’re creating stamps for each location,” she said.
Their itinerary: Machu Picchu, Paris and Iceland, with some DIY spa time and a Hollywood-style movie night.
Making the most of Mother’s Day in isolation is top of mind for Google search users. The company said the term “Mother’s Day gifts during quarantine” recently spiked by 600 percent in the U.S. Among Pinterest’s 335 million users, searches for “Mother’s Day at home” have jumped by 2,971 percent, the company said.
In Rochester, New York, Melissa Mueller-Douglas and her 7-year-old daughter, Nurah, had planned to get together with mom-and-daughter friends at a hotel for a Mother’s Day sleepover. When it was canceled because of the pandemic, they got busy on Pinterest searching for ideas to bring the party home, just the two of them.
They have eye masks with rhinestones to decorate, thread for mother-daughter bracelets, instant film for a photoshoot and a chocolate fountain purchased at Walmart. Dad and Nurah’s 3-year-old brother will paint together downstairs after a mom-son bike ride earlier in the day.
“We’ve repurposed a shimmery tablecloth and made giant flowers out of tissue paper for a photoshoot backdrop. We’ll be creating a secret handshake and writing in top secret journals to each other,” Mueller-Douglas said. “We’re calling it The Best Day Ever Slumber Party.”
Kayla Hockman, 26, in Los Angeles has been worried about her 77-year-old grandmother in Fontana, California, about 50 miles away. Usually, she and her sister treat her and their mom to brunch or an adventure out.
“My grandma’s been quite depressed lately since she hasn’t left her house in two months, and she’s slowly losing hope,” Hockman said. “She and my grandpa have a lot of problems with walking now. This whole thing of not being able to see anyone has been really taking a hard toll on them.”
To cheer her up, they’re planning a party on her lawn.
“It’s going to be a surprise pop-up Mother’s Day brunch with ‘momosas’ and painting,” Hockman said. “We’re going to set it up for all of us to paint a sunflower, her absolute favorite. She’ll paint on her porch and we’ll be on the lawn, all 6 feet apart.”
Willie Greer in Memphis, Tennessee, thought food, enlisting the help of a neighbor to make his mom’s recipe for pecan pie and deliver it to her in Dallas to brighten her isolation Mother’s Day. He said the neighbor was happy to do it after he sent her the recipe.
“My siblings and I will also create a ‘thank you’ video for mom. Since we can’t all be together, each of us will record a short message and at the end we’ll all sing ‘A Mother’s Love’ by Gena Hill,” he said. “I’m pretty sure this is the part where my mom cries her eyes out.”
These days, virtual experiences are all we have, so Lisa Hill in Portland, Oregon, decided to embrace that notion for her 79-year-old mom in Stuart, Florida, after she met a cooking instructor while volunteering to prepare meals at a shelter.
Hill has been cooking alongside Lauren Chandler, who has taken her usual in-home cooking sessions online with a twist: She’s throwing in a free 45-minute session for clients to donate.
“I feel so far away from her. I can’t cook for her. I can’t visit,” Hill said. “She’s nervous about everything going on right now and it will be a good social interaction.”
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.


westernjournal--2020-05-05--NY State Reveals 1,700 Previously Undisclosed Nursing Home Deaths, Cuomo Comes Under Fire

New York state is reporting more than 1,700 previously undisclosed deaths at nursing homes and adult care facilities as the state faces scrutiny over how it ’ s protected vulnerable residents during the coronavirus pandemic .
At least 4,813 people have died from COVID-19 in the state ’ s nursing homes since March 1 , according to a tally released by Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ’ s administration late Monday .
For the first time , the tally includes people believed to have been killed by the coronavirus before their diagnoses could be confirmed by a lab test .
Exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains uncertain despite the state ’ s latest disclosure , as the list doesn ’ t nursing home residents who were transferred to hospitals before dying .
The revised list shows that 22 nursing homes , largely in New York City and Long Island , have reported at least 40 deaths .
TRENDING : Remember the 'Racist ' Land O'Lakes Logo Leftists Got Removed ?
Turns Out It Was Drawn by a Native American Parker Jewish Institute in Queens and Isabella Geriatric Center — one of New York City ’ s largest nursing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest number of deaths : 71 and 64 , respectively .
Audrey Waters , a spokeswoman for Isabella Geriatric Center , said in an email last week , “ Isabella , like all other nursing homes in New York City , initially had limited access to widespread and consistent in-house testing to quickly diagnose our residents and staff .
“ This hampered our ability to identify those who were infected and asymptomatic , despite our efforts to swiftly separate anyone who presented symptoms.
” In many cases , the state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously reported at nursing homes .
Isabella Geriatric Center had 13 COVID-19 deaths reported as of May 1 , and now reports the deaths of 21 patients who were confirmed to have COVID-19 along with 43 deaths of residents presumed to have COVID-19 .
Ozanam Hall of Queens now is reporting a total of 53 deaths , up from just 10 .
Several veterans home have been especially hard-hit by the virus : The Long Island State Veterans Home has reported 53 deaths ; including 48 confirmed and five presumed COVID-19 deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Albans in Queens has reported 33 deaths while New York State Veterans Home at Montrose in Westchester says 22 residents have died .
Cuomo promised on March 2 , when only a handful of coronavirus cases had been reported in New York , to make a “ special effort ” for nursing homes and congregate homes housing senior citizens .
RELATED : Family Affair : 74-Year-Old Surgeon Beats 'Severe ' Coronavirus with the Help of His 3 Sons The state directed nursing homes to screen visitors and consider modifying visiting hours on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nursing homes statewide March 12 .
But the governor is facing criticism over his administration ’ s role in overseeing and supporting New York ’ s overwhelmed , state-regulated nursing homes as many have struggled to treat COVID-19 patients , amass enough personal protective gear or ensure adequate staffing .
Advocacy groups for the elderly and family members of nursing home residents have called for greater transparency over COVID-19 cases at each state-regulated nursing home and criticized an April 1 state law granting some immunity to hospitals and nursing homes from civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s March 25 policy that says “ no resident shall be denied re-admission or admission to a nursing home solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19.
” The governor and his administration have defended that policy as ensuring nursing home residents aren ’ t left lingering in hospitals or without anywhere else to go .
Cuomo ’ s spokesman tweeted Monday that the policy follows federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidance .
But the federal guidance says only that a nursing home “ can accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as the nursing home can follow federal guidance on transmission precautions .
Cuomo has also said the state has facilities that can house transferred COVID-19 nursing home patients , and he recently said that nursing homes that tell the state up-front that they can ’ t care for a COVID-19 patient wouldn ’ t face regulatory scrutiny .
His administration hasn ’ t responded to a request for questions on the state ’ s current capacity to care for COVID-19 nursing home residents and whether nursing homes were informed .
The Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

New York state is reporting more than 1,700 previously undisclosed deaths at nursing homes and adult care facilities as the state faces scrutiny over how it’s protected vulnerable residents during the coronavirus pandemic.
At least 4,813 people have died from COVID-19 in the state’s nursing homes since March 1, according to a tally released by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s administration late Monday.
For the first time, the tally includes people believed to have been killed by the coronavirus before their diagnoses could be confirmed by a lab test.
Exactly how many nursing home residents have died remains uncertain despite the state’s latest disclosure, as the list doesn’t nursing home residents who were transferred to hospitals before dying.
The revised list shows that 22 nursing homes, largely in New York City and Long Island, have reported at least 40 deaths.
Parker Jewish Institute in Queens and Isabella Geriatric Center — one of New York City’s largest nursing homes with 705 beds — have reported the highest number of deaths: 71 and 64, respectively.
Audrey Waters, a spokeswoman for Isabella Geriatric Center, said in an email last week, “Isabella, like all other nursing homes in New York City, initially had limited access to widespread and consistent in-house testing to quickly diagnose our residents and staff.
“This hampered our ability to identify those who were infected and asymptomatic, despite our efforts to swiftly separate anyone who presented symptoms.”
In many cases, the state’s new figures reveal many more deaths than previously reported at nursing homes.
Is it time for coronavirus restrictions to be lifted? 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: 88% (300 Votes) No: 12% (42 Votes)
Isabella Geriatric Center had 13 COVID-19 deaths reported as of May 1, and now reports the deaths of 21 patients who were confirmed to have COVID-19 along with 43 deaths of residents presumed to have COVID-19.
Ozanam Hall of Queens now is reporting a total of 53 deaths, up from just 10.
Several veterans home have been especially hard-hit by the virus: The Long Island State Veterans Home has reported 53 deaths; including 48 confirmed and five presumed COVID-19 deaths.
The New York State Veterans Home at St. Albans in Queens has reported 33 deaths while New York State Veterans Home at Montrose in Westchester says 22 residents have died.
Cuomo promised on March 2, when only a handful of coronavirus cases had been reported in New York, to make a “special effort” for nursing homes and congregate homes housing senior citizens.
The state directed nursing homes to screen visitors and consider modifying visiting hours on March 6, and later suspended visits to nursing homes statewide March 12.
But the governor is facing criticism over his administration’s role in overseeing and supporting New York’s overwhelmed, state-regulated nursing homes as many have struggled to treat COVID-19 patients, amass enough personal protective gear or ensure adequate staffing.
Advocacy groups for the elderly and family members of nursing home residents have called for greater transparency over COVID-19 cases at each state-regulated nursing home and criticized an April 1 state law granting some immunity to hospitals and nursing homes from civil and criminal liability.
They also questioned the state’s March 25 policy that says “no resident shall be denied re-admission or admission to a nursing home solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19.”
The governor and his administration have defended that policy as ensuring nursing home residents aren’t left lingering in hospitals or without anywhere else to go.
Cuomo’s spokesman tweeted Monday that the policy follows federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidance.
But the federal guidance says only that a nursing home “can accept a resident diagnosed with COVID-19” so long as the nursing home can follow federal guidance on transmission precautions.
Cuomo has also said the state has facilities that can house transferred COVID-19 nursing home patients, and he recently said that nursing homes that tell the state up-front that they can’t care for a COVID-19 patient wouldn’t face regulatory scrutiny.
His administration hasn’t responded to a request for questions on the state’s current capacity to care for COVID-19 nursing home residents and whether nursing homes were informed.
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.


westernjournal--2020-05-06--CBS News Admits To Airing Staged Coronavirus Clip, Pulls Down Video

CBS News has admitted that a video it recently aired was at least partially staged , and has subsequently removed it from its website .
The network is denying , however , that it was aware of the staging before running the clip .
The crux of the issue is a May 1 piece by CBS set at Cherry Medical Center in Grand Rapids , Michigan .
The story was about the crowd conditions at health care providers because of the coronavirus .
The piece included a clip of vehicles lined up for COVID-19 testing , which seemed to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But in reality , the line was a scripted bit of theater for the camera , according to Project Veritas .
“ Our insider witnessed the whole thing and came to Project Veritas , because he knew we would protect him , ” James O ’ Keefe , the founder and CEO of the organization , said .
“ The insider told us that medical personnel were taken away from treating patients and making the line longer for actual patients wait for the COVID-19 test.
” TRENDING : Dem Rep : Reopening Economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Opening Up the Things Black People Go To' According to Project Veritas , O ’ Keefe said he asked the insider : “ You ’ re telling me you ’ re a hundred percent certain that CBS News , CBS News Corporation — national — staged a fake event .
They faked the news .
They faked the reality and broadcasted that to all of their audience last Friday on ‘ CBS This Morning . '
” Project Veritas quoted its insider , whose name was not used , as saying , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had asked Cherry Health to fabricate a line to obtain newsworthy footage , I was given this knowledge from a colleague at Cherry Health.
” “ After reviewing their response , I can say definitively that the majority of the line shown in their footage is fake .
After CBS had gotten the shot they wanted the entire line dispersed and drove in separate directions , ” the insider said .
“ Some did U-turns , others parked in nearby parking and the rest just drove through the testing site without being tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As I stated previously , the nurses did exclaim frustration as it caused an unduly long wait time for a patient that actually needed the testing.
” An accompanying video included a comment from a man labeled as Nick Ross and identified as a corporate cleaning site supervisor at the facility .
“ Apparently the news crew wanted more people in the line because they knew it was scheduled , ” he said .
RELATED : 'The View ' Hosts Give Rave Reviews to Biden 's Response to Allegations : 'What Else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretended .
There were a couple of real patients , which made it worse , ” Alison Mauro-Lantz , a registered nurse , was recorded on hidden camera as saying .
“ We had no clue that we ’ re going to have to , like , do fake patients , ” another woman identified as a nurse says in the video .
But when Project Veritas asked Cherry Health President and CEO Tasha Blackmon , she said the facility never created a line for the cameras .
“ We and CBS News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Blackmon said .
CBS said it never did such a thing , and pointed the finger at the medical center .
“ CBS News did not stage anything at the Cherry Health facility .
Any suggestion to the contrary is 100 % false .
These allegations are alarming , ” the network said in a statement to Project Veritas .
“ We reached out to Cherry Health to address them immediately .
They informed us for the first time that one of their chief officers told at least one staffer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real patients .
No one from CBS News had any knowledge of this before tonight .
They also said that their actions did not prevent any actual patients from being tested .
We take the accuracy of our reporting very seriously and we are removing the Cherry Health portion from the piece.
” But Blackmon said she was innocent of any subterfuge .
“ Let me be clear : We are not aware of CBS staging anything as part of their visit to our site , ” she said .
“ I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or any other CBS executive.
” “ I can assure you that I did not instruct any staff to get in their cars and line up and I have no idea when it was filmed or who was in each car.
” O ’ Keefe said no one should be surprised at seeing fake news on TV .
“ How many more stories have staged events to support a media outlet ’ s narrative , ” he said .
“ CBS News was caught because someone stepped forward .
We need more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our leaders make decisions during this pandemic based on what they see in the news.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

CBS News has admitted that a video it recently aired was at least partially staged, and has subsequently removed it from its website.
The network is denying, however, that it was aware of the staging before running the clip.
The crux of the issue is a May 1 piece by CBS set at Cherry Medical Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The story was about the crowd conditions at health care providers because of the coronavirus.
The piece included a clip of vehicles lined up for COVID-19 testing, which seemed to show that the medical center was busy. But in reality, the line was a scripted bit of theater for the camera, according to Project Veritas.
“Our insider witnessed the whole thing and came to Project Veritas, because he knew we would protect him,” said James O’Keefe, the founder and CEO of the organization. “The insider told us that medical personnel were taken away from treating patients and making the line longer for actual patients wait for the COVID-19 test.”
According to Project Veritas, O’Keefe said he asked the insider: “You’re telling me you’re a hundred percent certain that CBS News, CBS News Corporation — national — staged a fake event. They faked the news. They faked the reality and broadcasted that to all of their audience last Friday on ‘CBS This Morning.'”
O’Keefe said the insider replied, “a hundred percent. Absolutely.”
Project Veritas quoted its insider, whose name was not used, as saying, “based on my knowledge, CBS News had asked Cherry Health to fabricate a line to obtain newsworthy footage, I was given this knowledge from a colleague at Cherry Health.”
“After reviewing their response, I can say definitively that the majority of the line shown in their footage is fake. After CBS had gotten the shot they wanted the entire line dispersed and drove in separate directions,” the insider said.
Are you surprised by this example of news that turned out to be literally fake? 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: 3% (137 Votes) No: 97% (4050 Votes)
“Some did U-turns, others parked in nearby parking and the rest just drove through the testing site without being tested,” the insider went on.
“As I stated previously, the nurses did exclaim frustration as it caused an unduly long wait time for a patient that actually needed the testing.”
An accompanying video included a comment from a man labeled as Nick Ross and identified as a corporate cleaning site supervisor at the facility.
“Apparently the news crew wanted more people in the line because they knew it was scheduled,” he said.
“We pretended. There were a couple of real patients, which made it worse,” Alison Mauro-Lantz, a registered nurse, was recorded on hidden camera as saying.
“We had no clue that we’re going to have to, like, do fake patients,” another woman identified as a nurse says in the video.
But when Project Veritas asked Cherry Health President and CEO Tasha Blackmon, she said the facility never created a line for the cameras.
“We and CBS News had nothing to do with that line,” Blackmon said.
CBS said it never did such a thing, and pointed the finger at the medical center.
“CBS News did not stage anything at the Cherry Health facility. Any suggestion to the contrary is 100% false. These allegations are alarming,” the network said in a statement to Project Veritas.
“We reached out to Cherry Health to address them immediately. They informed us for the first time that one of their chief officers told at least one staffer to get in the testing line along with real patients. No one from CBS News had any knowledge of this before tonight. They also said that their actions did not prevent any actual patients from being tested. We take the accuracy of our reporting very seriously and we are removing the Cherry Health portion from the piece.”
But Blackmon said she was innocent of any subterfuge.
“Let me be clear: We are not aware of CBS staging anything as part of their visit to our site,” she said. “I have never spoken with the president of CBS, or any other CBS executive.”
“I can assure you that I did not instruct any staff to get in their cars and line up and I have no idea when it was filmed or who was in each car.”
“@Project_Veritas is a controversial media watchdog which has employed questionable tactics. But it may be on to something with its claim that a recent @CBSNews report included medical staff posing as patients waiting for coronavirus tests.” – @FreemanWSJ https://t.co/kfhOdeYtHQ — James O’Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) May 6, 2020
O’Keefe said no one should be surprised at seeing fake news on TV.
“How many more stories have staged events to support a media outlet’s narrative,” he said. “CBS News was caught because someone stepped forward. We need more insiders to come forward — especially as our leaders make decisions during this pandemic based on what they see in the news.”
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.