westernjournal--2020-05-14--Floyd Brown: Obama’s Enemies List and General Michael Flynn

I speak from personal experience because I am on his enemies list from the 2008 campaign .
As a result , I was harassed and threatened .
I even published a book in 2012 , titled “ Obama ’ s Enemies List.
” Apparently , General Michael Flynn is on Obama ’ s enemies list , too .
Back in July 2008 , Obama called me out by name , identifying me as an enemy , and sent a signal to his supporters to actively harass me .
Senator Obama said , “ there was an ad , one in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t think that I am off the wall here to say that , you know , a lot of outside groups that are potentially going to be going after us hard.
” With these comments , Obama was able to incite his supporters to launch all kinds of personal attacks against me .
As if on cue , I was flooded with an onslaught of nasty , hate-filled , vulgar and obscene anonymous phone calls and emails from Obama supporters .
Some included death threats .
My bio and personal information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his campaign website .
The Obama team called the page “ Fight the Smears.
” I received even more calls and the cyberattacks on me and my website increased .
A Wikipedia page that referenced me was overwhelmed with scurrilous lies .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own Threatening calls also came to our home .
My wife began to fear for our children .
It did not stop until I began to record the messages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all to hear .
The intensity of the hatred toward me and my family was intense and ferocious .
Obama ’ s use of Nazi and mob intimidation tactics had a clear objective : to shut up any early opponents .
Early in Obama ’ s presidency , Peter Wehner wrote for Commentary magazine , “ The Obama White House is showing a fondness for intimidation tactics that might work well in the wards of Chicago but that don ’ t have a place in the most important and revered political institution in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass — if what we are seeing now is only a preview of coming attractions — then the Obama administration , and this nation , will pay a very high price .
Mark my words.
” Many Americans first became aware that Obama had crossed a line — a line that no president had even dared approach since Richard Nixon — when Kimberly Strassel of The Wall Street Journal dropped a bombshell in May 2012 : “ Unlike senators or congressmen , presidents alone represent all Americans .
Their power — to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — are also so vast as to require restraint .
Any president who targets a private citizen for his politics is de facto engaged in government intimidation and threats .
This is why presidents since Nixon have carefully avoided the practice .
Save Mr. Obama , who acknowledges no rules.
” This was following her investigation that found Romney donors were being placed on lists containing their personal information and lies about them , then duly harassed , in order to intimidate others from donating to the Romney presidential campaign .
When Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-election campaign website , Rory Cooper of the Heritage Foundation said that Obama was going after them “ at the individual level , for anyone who opposes his policies.
” But you don ’ t need to take Cooper ’ s word for it .
Obama talked about it in 2010 on the Spanish radio giant Univision after discussing a number of issues , saying , “ we ’ re gon na punish our enemies and we ’ re gon na reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama ’ s crosshairs for two reasons , and shot to the top of Obama ’ s enemies list : First , in 2014 Flynn told an “ uncomfortable truth , ” one the Obama administration didn ’ t want Americans to hear .
Flynn dared to oppose Obama ’ s false narrative — about ISIS as a “ JV team ” — when in reality Islamic extremist groups around the world were growing in number and strength , posing an increasingly dangerous risk , as we saw born out when later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not only did he oppose Obama when testifying to a congressional committee in 2014 ( and was subsequently fired ) , Flynn even went as far as writing a book about Obama ’ s negligence published in 2016 — and then Flynn had the audacity to campaign for Donald Trump .
So , taking down Flynn was like a twofer for Obama — he was also aiming for someone even higher on his list — President Trump .
Which explains the Jan. 5 , 2017 , meeting with Obama and former FBI Director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign by plotting to entrap General Flynn , thus derailing President Trump ’ s presidency before it even had a chance to begin .
Almost prophetically , Wehner said in Obama ’ s first term , “ [ t ] here seems to be a cast of mind that views critics as enemies , as individuals and institutions that need to be ridiculed , delegitimized , or ruined .
Given the administration ’ s brazen public statements , one can only imagine what is being said privately , behind closed doors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect.
” Obama has a history of abusing the power of the federal government to go after people who oppose him and his politics — and it is now on full display with the outing of his use of the FBI to launch a silent coup .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Obama has a history of making enemies lists.
I speak from personal experience because I am on his enemies list from the 2008 campaign. As a result, I was harassed and threatened. I even published a book in 2012, titled “Obama’s Enemies List.” Apparently, Gen. Michael Flynn is on Obama’s enemies list, too.
Back in July 2008, Obama called me out by name, identifying me as an enemy, and sent a signal to his supporters to actively harass me. Sen. Obama said at the time, “[T]here was an ad, one in South Dakota by Floyd Brown, I don’t think that I am off the wall here to say that, you know, a lot of outside groups that are potentially going to be going after us hard.”
With these comments, Obama was able to incite his supporters to launch all kinds of personal attacks against me. As if on cue, I was flooded with an onslaught of nasty, hate-filled, vulgar and obscene anonymous phone calls and emails from Obama supporters. Some included death threats.
My bio and personal information soon appeared on a specialized enemies list on his campaign website. The Obama team called the page “Fight the Smears.” I received even more calls and the cyberattacks on me and my website increased. A Wikipedia page that referenced me was overwhelmed with scurrilous lies.
Threatening calls also came to our home. My wife began to fear for our children. It did not stop until I began to record the messages and post them on the internet for all to hear. The intensity of the hatred toward me and my family was intense and ferocious.
Obama’s use of Nazi and mob intimidation tactics had a clear objective: to shut up any early opponents.
Early in Obama’s presidency, Peter Wehner wrote for Commentary magazine, “The Obama White House is showing a fondness for intimidation tactics that might work well in the wards of Chicago but that don’t have a place in the most important and revered political institution in America. … If that should come to pass — if what we are seeing now is only a preview of coming attractions — then the Obama administration, and this nation, will pay a very high price. Mark my words.”
Should former President Obama be forced to testify before Congress about Gen. Flynn? 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% (411 Votes) No: 1% (5 Votes)
Many Americans first became aware that Obama had crossed a line — a line that no president had even dared approach since Richard Nixon — when Kimberly Strassel of The Wall Street Journal dropped a bombshell in May 2012:
“Unlike senators or congressmen, presidents alone represent all Americans. Their power — to jail, to fine, to bankrupt — are also so vast as to require restraint. Any president who targets a private citizen for his politics is de facto engaged in government intimidation and threats. This is why presidents since Nixon have carefully avoided the practice. Save Mr. Obama, who acknowledges no rules.”
This was following her investigation that found Romney donors were being placed on lists containing their personal information and lies about them, then duly harassed, in order to intimidate others from donating to the Romney presidential campaign.
When Obama had his enemies list posted on his re-election campaign website, Rory Cooper of the Heritage Foundation said that Obama was going after them “at the individual level, for anyone who opposes his policies.”
But you don’t need to take Cooper’s word for it. Obama talked about it in 2010 on the Spanish radio giant Univision after discussing a number of issues, saying, “we’re gonna punish our enemies and we’re gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us.”
Flynn got in Obama’s crosshairs for two reasons, and shot to the top of Obama’s enemies list: First, in 2014 Flynn told an “uncomfortable truth,” one the Obama administration didn’t want Americans to hear.
Flynn dared to oppose Obama’s false narrative — about ISIS as a “JV team” — when in reality Islamic extremist groups around the world were growing in number and strength, posing an increasingly dangerous risk, as we saw born out when later, radical Islamist terrorist group attacks escalated.
Not only did he oppose Obama when testifying to a congressional committee in 2014 (and was subsequently fired), Flynn even went as far as writing a book about Obama’s negligence published in 2016 — and then he had the audacity to campaign for Donald Trump.
So, taking down Flynn was like a twofer for Obama. He was also aiming for someone even higher on his list — President Trump.
Which explains the Jan. 5, 2017, meeting with Obama and former FBI Director James Comey to cover up spying on the Trump campaign by plotting to entrap Gen. Flynn, thus derailing Trump’s presidency before it even had a chance to begin.
Almost prophetically, Wehner said in Obama’s first term:
“There seems to be a cast of mind that views critics as enemies, as individuals and institutions that need to be ridiculed, delegitimized, or ruined. Given the administration’s brazen public statements, one can only imagine what is being said privately, behind closed doors, as strategies are plotted and put into effect.”
Obama has a history of abusing the power of the federal government to go after people who oppose him and his politics — and it is now on full display with the outing of his use of the FBI to launch a silent coup.
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--2020-05-14--Tebow, Strobel and Other Christians Pay Powerful Tribute to Beloved Evangelist Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias , a renowned evangelist and Christian apologist , has devoted his life to spreading the word of God .
Following the announcement of his terminal cancer diagnosis , the world is on the brink of losing one of its most powerful Christian voices .
Now people are coming out in droves to share their gratitude toward a man who has touched their lives in profound ways .
On March 12 , Zacharias announced to the world that doctors had discovered a malignant tumor on his sacrum — revealing a rare form of cancer known as sarcoma .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sarah Davis , shared the heartbreaking news that doctors had done all they are able to do .
Zacharias and his family would be returning home “ where our family can be together for whatever time the Lord gives us.
” Zacharias ’ organization , Ravi Zacharias International Ministries , put out a tweet asking Christians to share their most treasured memories of him with the hashtag # ThankYouRavi .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , many fans and followers have taken part in the # ThankYouRavi movement .
One of the first prominent Christians to hop on board was former football star and current MLB prospect Tim Tebow , who encouraged his followers to share their memories as well .
Joined by Christian rapper Lecrae and Pastor Louie Giglio , Tebow filmed a video shortly after visiting Zacharias and shared it Monday .
“ We are so grateful we had the chance to tell him thank you for what he means to us , ” Tebow said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day that Davis announced the heartbreaking news , Tebow fought back tears while explaining what the beloved evangelist meant to him .
RELATED : Ministry Launching Live , Interactive Virtual Summits To Take On Youths ' Most Challenging Faith Questions “ So I think it ’ s really important in life to have heroes , especially in the faith , and one of my heroes of the faith is a man named Ravi Zacharias , ” Tebow said followed by a long silence as he worked up the strength to continue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ well , and so I would one , like to ask you to be praying for him and two , I know Ravi has inspired me and millions of people around the world , and so if he ’ s someone that has inspired you , I would like for you to please write a sweet caption on this and please mention how he has changed your life.
” Lecrae shared how Zacharias ’ message was powerful enough to cross cultural barriers and reach people from all walks of life .
“ What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from hip hop culture to a scholar from Delhi , India ?
I used to find myself on tour rapping in front of thousands of people , leaving stage and coming back to my tour bus devouring his videos and lectures , ” the rapper wrote .
“ I just want to give this man his roses while he ’ s still here .
I know God is likely taking him home soon , but Im glad he was here during my life time.
” Christine Caine , an Australian-born Christian author and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much Zacharias had inspired her as an apologist .
Grabbing a handful of Zacharias books she had on her shelf , Caine explained how reading his work had “ helped to shape and frame the whole way I think about Jesus , about making a defense for the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in our day and age.
” “ Nobody has framed and shaped my thinking like you have , ” she said .
Famous atheist-turned-Christian and “ The Case for Christ ” author Lee Strobel shared his gratitude as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Zacharias “ has been a role model on how to powerfully & persuasively defend the gospel while being gentle & winsome .
I ’ ve always appreciated his personal warmth when we ’ ve partnered .
Ravi , I love who you are & what you ’ ve done !
” Zacharias made it his mission in life to spread the Gospel .
Based on these # ThankYouRavi posts and hundreds more like them , it ’ s clear he had an incredible impact on people ’ s lives by doing so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gospel has had for thousands of years .
While great evangelists will come and go , the Bible says the word of God “ will never pass away.
” “ Heaven and earth will pass away , but my words will never pass away , ” Matthew 24:35 reads .
Ravi Zacharias ’ days in this world may be numbered , but his ministry will live on for years to come .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Ravi Zacharias, a renowned evangelist and Christian apologist, has devoted his life to spreading the word of God. Following the announcement of his terminal cancer diagnosis, the world is on the brink of losing one of its most powerful Christian voices.
Now people are coming out in droves to share their gratitude toward a man who has touched their lives in profound ways.
On March 12, Zacharias announced to the world that doctors had discovered a malignant tumor on his sacrum — revealing a rare form of cancer known as sarcoma.
On Friday, Zacharias’ oldest daughter, Sarah Davis, shared the heartbreaking news that doctors had done all they are able to do. Zacharias and his family would be returning home “where our family can be together for whatever time the Lord gives us.”
Zacharias’ organization, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, put out a tweet asking Christians to share their most treasured memories of him with the hashtag #ThankYouRavi.
How has @RaviZacharias impacted you? Many of you are sharing uplifting stories & messages. Please continue to post with hashtag #ThankYouRavi or through: https://t.co/JI0XyKrQB8 We’ll share these with Ravi & his family, & know they’ll be encouraged during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/fyo0SelYuq — RZIM (@RZIMhq) May 9, 2020
In a powerful show of love and support, many fans and followers have taken part in the #ThankYouRavi movement.
One of the first prominent Christians to hop on board was former football star and current MLB prospect Tim Tebow, who encouraged his followers to share their memories as well.
Joined by Christian rapper Lecrae and Pastor Louie Giglio, Tebow filmed a video shortly after visiting Zacharias and shared it Monday.
“We are so grateful we had the chance to tell him thank you for what he means to us,” Tebow said.
One of the special times of my life today seeing Ravi at his bedside & sharing what he has meant to me, & how much he’s inspired me. I would love for y’all to use the hashtag #ThankYouRavi to share what Ravi has meant to you thank you for helping encourage Ravi & his family. pic.twitter.com/OcMoyj4cfX — Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) May 11, 2020
In a separate post shared on the day that Davis announced the heartbreaking news, Tebow fought back tears while explaining what the beloved evangelist meant to him.
Just wanted to share this message in regards to my friend & hero of the faith, @RaviZacharias. Please join me in prayer for Ravi & his family as he battles cancer. Also, if Ravi has touched your life or inspired you, please leave a comment to maybe encourage him & his family. pic.twitter.com/v9kDbhHAgh — Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) May 8, 2020
“So I think it’s really important in life to have heroes, especially in the faith, and one of my heroes of the faith is a man named Ravi Zacharias,” Tebow said followed by a long silence as he worked up the strength to continue.
“He’s not doing very well, and so I would one, like to ask you to be praying for him and two, I know Ravi has inspired me and millions of people around the world, and so if he’s someone that has inspired you, I would like for you to please write a sweet caption on this and please mention how he has changed your life.”
Lecrae shared how Zacharias’ message was powerful enough to cross cultural barriers and reach people from all walks of life.
“What in the world ties a black kid from hip hop culture to a scholar from Delhi, India? I used to find myself on tour rapping in front of thousands of people, leaving stage and coming back to my tour bus devouring his videos and lectures,” the rapper wrote.
“I just want to give this man his roses while he’s still here. I know God is likely taking him home soon, but Im glad he was here during my life time.”
Christine Caine, an Australian-born Christian author and activist, followed suit, explaining how much Zacharias had inspired her as an apologist.
#ThankYouRavi Dr. Ravi Zacharias has had a profound impact on my life. He is such a brilliant, kind and compassionate man. I’m posting this video now because it’s important for people to know their impact on your life while you can still tell them. Thank you @RaviZacharias pic.twitter.com/QDOsGSwnpj — Christine Caine (@ChristineCaine) May 11, 2020
Grabbing a handful of Zacharias books she had on her shelf, Caine explained how reading his work had “helped to shape and frame the whole way I think about Jesus, about making a defense for the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in our day and age.”
“Nobody has framed and shaped my thinking like you have,” she said.
Famous atheist-turned-Christian and “The Case for Christ” author Lee Strobel shared his gratitude as well.
In a tweet Monday, Strobel said Zacharias “has been a role model on how to powerfully & persuasively defend the gospel while being gentle & winsome. I’ve always appreciated his personal warmth when we’ve partnered. Ravi, I love who you are & what you’ve done!”
Through the years @RaviZacharias has been a role model on how to powerfully & persuasively defend the gospel while being gentle & winsome. I’ve always appreciated his personal warmth when we’ve partnered. Ravi, I love who you are & what you’ve done! #ThankyouRavi @RZIMhq — Lee Strobel (@LeeStrobel) May 11, 2020
Zacharias made it his mission in life to spread the Gospel. Based on these #ThankYouRavi posts and hundreds more like them, it’s clear he had an incredible impact on people’s lives by doing so — only continuing the ripple effect the Gospel has had for thousands of years.
While great evangelists will come and go, the Bible says the word of God “will never pass away.”
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away,” Matthew 24:35 reads.
Ravi Zacharias’ days in this world may be numbered, but his ministry will live on for years to come.
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--2020-05-14--Little Girl Creates Special Curtain So She Can Hug Her Grandparents

Quarantine has given some people a little extra time to dabble in new hobbies or develop skills they haven ’ t been able to focus on in a while .
For some , that means reading more , trying new recipes , getting more fresh air than ever before and generally taking a step back from the rat race .
For a young lady named Paige from Riverside , California , it meant creating a safe way to give her grandparents a hug : simple , pure , heartwarming .
While Paige — who is 10 , according to WABC-TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea herself , the execution was all hers .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own According to her mother , Lindsay , she did all the hours of work herself using disposable plates , plastic bags , a shower curtain , and a hot glue gun .
“ Paige saw a video of someone who made this type of ‘ blanket ’ to hug their family , ” Linsday shared on Facebook .
“ She put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so she could hug nana and papa.
” “ [ T ] his girl is so freaking amazing and we were so happy to be able to hug them !
!
” The hug curtain allowed grandma and grandpa to safely reach their arms through to her side , and for Paige to reach her arms through to their side so they could wrap their arms around each other .
Another family recently went viral for their own “ protective hug blanket.
” “ It was my wife ’ s idea that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was just a crazy idea , ” Paul Ayoub from Conway , Arkansas , told THV 11 .
The idea sprang from the fact that Ayoub ’ s sister-in-law was having a baby soon , and they wouldn ’ t get to see her due to the virus precautions .
But perhaps , if there were some way to create a safe way to give hugs … RELATED : The Busby Family Is Returning to TLC with New Episodes of 'OutDaughtered' “ My wife bought jumbo size bags , gallon size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Ayoub explained .
The contraption was a hit , and Ayoub ’ s wife was vindicated when the video went viral on TikTok .
“ It exploded and I got an ‘ I told you ’ so from my wife , ” he admitted .
“ Rightfully so , she was like , ‘ I just made you TikTok famous . '
” “ I think people are missing things that we take for granted , like little things like a hug .
In a time where things seem helpless and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Quarantine has given some people a little extra time to dabble in new hobbies or develop skills they haven’t been able to focus on in a while.
For some, that means reading more, trying new recipes, getting more fresh air than ever before and generally taking a step back from the rat race.
For a young lady named Paige from Riverside, California, it meant creating a safe way to give her grandparents a hug: simple, pure, heartwarming.
While Paige — who is 10, according to WABC-TV — didn’t come up with the idea herself, the execution was all hers.
According to her mother, Lindsay, she did all the hours of work herself using disposable plates, plastic bags, a shower curtain, and a hot glue gun.
“Paige saw a video of someone who made this type of ‘blanket’ to hug their family,” Linsday shared on Facebook. “She put together a list and she designed it so she could hug nana and papa.”
“[T]his girl is so freaking amazing and we were so happy to be able to hug them!!”
The hug curtain allowed grandma and grandpa to safely reach their arms through to her side, and for Paige to reach her arms through to their side so they could wrap their arms around each other.
Another family recently went viral for their own “protective hug blanket.”
“It was my wife’s idea that I didn’t support in the beginning, it was just a crazy idea,” Paul Ayoub from Conway, Arkansas, told THV 11.
The idea sprang from the fact that Ayoub’s sister-in-law was having a baby soon, and they wouldn’t get to see her due to the virus precautions. But perhaps, if there were some way to create a safe way to give hugs …
“My wife bought jumbo size bags, gallon size bags, and those are the armholes,” Ayoub explained.
The contraption was a hit, and Ayoub’s wife was vindicated when the video went viral on TikTok.
“It exploded and I got an ‘I told you’ so from my wife,” he admitted. “Rightfully so, she was like, ‘I just made you TikTok famous.'”
“I think people are missing things that we take for granted, like little things like a hug. In a time where things seem helpless and scary, people gravitated towards it.”
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--2020-05-14--CNN Released a Favorable Trump Election Poll, Then They Tried To Hide It

CNN is being accused of burying a poll it conducted that showed good news for President Donald Trump , who is leading by a wide margin among voters in 15 battleground states .
The CNN poll , which was conducted by SSRS and surveyed 1,112 respondents — including 1,001 registered voters — between May 7 and May 10 found that the president has a commanding lead overall in battleground states when compared to former Vice President Joe Biden .
Voters in the states of Arizona , Colorado , Florida , Georgia , Maine , Michigan , Minnesota , Nevada , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina , Ohio , Pennsylvania , Virginia and Wisconsin cumulatively favor Trump by 7 percentage points .
Among the 583 registered voters living in those key battleground states , Trump leads Biden 52 percent to 45 percent , according to the survey , which was released on Wednesday .
The margin of error for that subset of voters was plus- or minus-5.3 percentage points .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own Nationally , the poll found Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among 1,001 registered voters ( with a margin of error of 4 percentage points ) , and that Trump ’ s approval rating is at 45 percent , an all-time high in CNN polling .
Of course , national polls are essentially irrelevant when it comes to predicting who will win in November ; it ’ s the results in the battleground states that will determine the victor .
For that reason , this survey is great news for President Trump , which is probably why CNN buried the poll on its website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the air .
National Review ’ s Kyle Smith noted the interesting evaluation of the polling by CNN , and investigated further by visiting the outlet ’ s homepage .
He found that a post about the poll was not prominently featured on the website .
“ Polls are expensive , news organizations tend to hype them breathlessly to generate headlines in rival media outlets , Wednesday was ( obviously ) a slow news day , and politics is one of CNN ’ s core topics , ” Smith wrote .
“ Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll .
And the story to which the homepage linked doesn ’ t mention that Trump had never scored higher in a CNN poll.
” “ The CNN story doesn ’ t even tell us what that figure is — seven points seems like a pretty big number — and downplays its own finding by noting , ‘ Given the small sample size in that subset of voters , it is difficult to determine with certainty whether the movement is significant or a fluke of random sampling , ’ ” Smith added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just to turn around and bury the findings while also filling the information with disclaimers , is a pretty good indication that those at CNN didn ’ t like what they saw .
RELATED : After Getting Caught Lying About Barr Quote , MSNBC 's Todd Offers Pitiful Half-Apology Fox News reported that the poll also gained little traction from CNN ’ s reporters on the air .
“ A review of transcripts found that only one CNN program on Wednesday mentioned the poll of registered voters that indicating 52 percent favor Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , in key battleground states , ” Fox reported .
Citing the transcripts , Fox noted that CNN ’ s John King briefly mentioned the poll , pointing out that the numbers favored Biden with regard to his national lead .
The report added that King then downplayed the information from battleground states .
“ But remember 2016 .
We pick presidents state by state .
Look at the horse race in the 15 states that CNN designates as presidential battlegrounds .
Take a peek .
The president leads in those battleground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” King said Wednesday during the 11 a.m .
ET hour of “ CNN Newsroom.
” “ Be careful not to invest too much in any one poll , especially in the middle of a pandemic , ” King warned .
Any mention of Trump ’ s lead in battleground states was shelved when the network began airing New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo ’ s daily media briefing .
This really equates to little more than a calculated deception from CNN , which isn ’ t surprising when looking at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has relentlessly attacked the president , and its own polling has found that those attacks have been been ineffective .
If the network valued the truth over its bottom line , which is destroying Trump , CNN would have been transparent about what its polling showed .
Rather than report that President Trump ’ s policies are resonating with voters , CNN went after its own poll as an apparent fluke .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

CNN is being accused of burying a poll it conducted that showed good news for President Donald Trump, who is leading by a wide margin among voters in 15 battleground states.
The CNN poll, which was conducted by SSRS and surveyed 1,112 respondents — including 1,001 registered voters — between May 7 and May 10 found that the president has a commanding lead overall in battleground states when compared to former Vice President Joe Biden.
Voters in the states of Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin cumulatively favor Trump by 7 percentage points.
Among the 583 registered voters living in those key battleground states, Trump leads Biden 52 percent to 45 percent, according to the survey, which was released on Wednesday.
The margin of error for that subset of voters was plus- or minus-5.3 percentage points.
Nationally, the poll found Biden leads Trump 51 percent to 46 percent among 1,001 registered voters (with a margin of error of 4 percentage points), and that Trump’s approval rating is at 45 percent, an all-time high in CNN polling.
Of course, national polls are essentially irrelevant when it comes to predicting who will win in November; it’s the results in the battleground states that will determine the victor.
For that reason, this survey is great news for President Trump, which is probably why CNN buried the poll on its website and made little mention of it on the air.
National Review’s Kyle Smith noted the interesting evaluation of the polling by CNN, and investigated further by visiting the outlet’s homepage.
Do you think President Trump will be re-elected in November? 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% (1250 Votes) No: 1% (10 Votes)
He found that a post about the poll was not prominently featured on the website.
“Polls are expensive, news organizations tend to hype them breathlessly to generate headlines in rival media outlets, Wednesday was (obviously) a slow news day, and politics is one of CNN’s core topics,” Smith wrote.
“Yet CNN seemed oddly unenthused about its own poll. And the story to which the homepage linked doesn’t mention that Trump had never scored higher in a CNN poll.”
“The CNN story doesn’t even tell us what that figure is — seven points seems like a pretty big number — and downplays its own finding by noting, ‘Given the small sample size in that subset of voters, it is difficult to determine with certainty whether the movement is significant or a fluke of random sampling,’” Smith added.
Investing loads of money into polling, just to turn around and bury the findings while also filling the information with disclaimers, is a pretty good indication that those at CNN didn’t like what they saw.
Fox News reported that the poll also gained little traction from CNN’s reporters on the air.
“A review of transcripts found that only one CNN program on Wednesday mentioned the poll of registered voters that indicating 52 percent favor Trump, as opposed to 45 percent for Biden, in key battleground states,” Fox reported.
Citing the transcripts, Fox noted that CNN’s John King briefly mentioned the poll, pointing out that the numbers favored Biden with regard to his national lead.
The report added that King then downplayed the information from battleground states.
“But remember 2016. We pick presidents state by state. Look at the horse race in the 15 states that CNN designates as presidential battlegrounds. Take a peek. The president leads in those battleground states, 52 percent to 45 percent,” King said Wednesday during the 11 a.m. ET hour of “CNN Newsroom.”
“Be careful not to invest too much in any one poll, especially in the middle of a pandemic,” King warned.
Any mention of Trump’s lead in battleground states was shelved when the network began airing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s daily media briefing.
This really equates to little more than a calculated deception from CNN, which isn’t surprising when looking at the organization’s recent behavior.
CNN has relentlessly attacked the president, and its own polling has found that those attacks have been been ineffective.
If the network valued the truth over its bottom line, which is destroying Trump, CNN would have been transparent about what its polling showed.
Rather than report that President Trump’s policies are resonating with voters, CNN went after its own poll as an apparent fluke.
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--2020-05-14--Now That Park’s Confederate Memorials Are Gone, Bodies of General and Wife Set To Be Exhumed

The bodies of a famous Civil War general and his wife are set to be exhumed from a Tennessee park less than three years after a statue memorializing the officer was torn down .
The decision to move the resting place of Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife from Health Sciences Park in Memphis came after the Sons of Confederate Veterans dropped a lawsuit challenging the move Tuesday .
For the group , dropping the lawsuit has secured the statue of Forrest as well as other parts of deconstructed memorial structures .
“ The details got worked out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was no need to continue the lawsuit , ” Sons of Confederate Veterans spokesman Lee Millar told WREG .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own The legal challenge to protect Forrest ’ s grave was originally mounted after a statue honoring the memory of the Confederate general was removed from the Memphis park .
The agreement ending the lawsuit is seen as a win by the nonprofit that owns the park that now serves as Forrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement does not ban the Confederate memorials from Tennessee , as it appears park owner Memphis Greenspace once hoped for , the accord helps settle a controversy that has plagued the public area for years .
The city of Memphis was unable to remove the statues originally thanks to Tennessee ’ s Heritage Protection Act .
It didn ’ t take long for officials to come up with a workaround .
In an effort to get rid of the statues for good , the city sold two parks in late 2017 to Memphis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Commercial Appeal .
Although the controversy surrounding the Confederate icons and memorials is several years old now , the attack on the grave of a famous general shows the erasure of history is nowhere near complete .
RELATED : LGBT Flags Get Handed Out at School , Kids Rebel and Raise Confederate Flag Memphis isn ’ t alone in its shameless and backhanded attack on Southern heritage .
Birmingham , Alabama , similarly tried to keep a Civil War monument hidden from public view , a move that landed the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an obelisk dedicated to Confederate veterans , the city ran afoul of Alabama ’ s own Memorial Preservation Act .
Instead of a history-free safe space , the move only landed Birmingham with a $ 25,000 fine .
As for Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife , their new resting place has yet to be decided .
Hopefully , this disruption of the general ’ s remains will be the last .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The bodies of a famous Civil War general and his wife are set to be exhumed from a Tennessee park less than three years after a statue memorializing the officer was torn down.
The decision to move the resting place of Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife from Health Sciences Park in Memphis came after the Sons of Confederate Veterans dropped a lawsuit challenging the move Tuesday.
For the group, dropping the lawsuit has secured the statue of Forrest as well as other parts of deconstructed memorial structures.
“The details got worked out to everyone’s satisfaction, so there was no need to continue the lawsuit,” Sons of Confederate Veterans spokesman Lee Millar told WREG.
Two and a half years after Nathan Bedford Forrest’s statue was removed from a Memphis park, the bodies of Forrest and his wife will be removed as well https://t.co/ahd45nN4l8 — WREG News Channel 3 (@3onyourside) May 13, 2020
The legal challenge to protect Forrest’s grave was originally mounted after a statue honoring the memory of the Confederate general was removed from the Memphis park.
The agreement ending the lawsuit is seen as a win by the nonprofit that owns the park that now serves as Forrest’s resting place.
While the agreement does not ban the Confederate memorials from Tennessee, as it appears park owner Memphis Greenspace once hoped for, the accord helps settle a controversy that has plagued the public area for years.
Should the body of Nathan Bedford Forrest be left alone? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 96% (1699 Votes) No: 4% (71 Votes)
The city of Memphis was unable to remove the statues originally thanks to Tennessee’s Heritage Protection Act.
It didn’t take long for officials to come up with a workaround.
In an effort to get rid of the statues for good, the city sold two parks in late 2017 to Memphis Greenspace for $1,000 each, according to the Commercial Appeal.
Although the controversy surrounding the Confederate icons and memorials is several years old now, the attack on the grave of a famous general shows the erasure of history is nowhere near complete.
This just makes me sick! It has angered me immensely that the South’s monuments, flags, commandments in front of courthouses have been removed because it offends some people! How else do they plan on erasing history? — S. Drummond (@ladydrummond) May 13, 2020
This is just shameful — Kock (@thomaskockritz) May 14, 2020
Memphis isn’t alone in its shameless and backhanded attack on Southern heritage.
Birmingham, Alabama, similarly tried to keep a Civil War monument hidden from public view, a move that landed the city in trouble.
After placing plywood around an obelisk dedicated to Confederate veterans, the city ran afoul of Alabama’s own Memorial Preservation Act.
Instead of a history-free safe space, the move only landed Birmingham with a $25,000 fine.
As for Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife, their new resting place has yet to be decided.
I assume Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife will be reinterred in the family plot in Memphis’s Elmwood Cemetery. The writer Shelby Foote, who praised his military acumen in Ken Burns’s Civil War documentary, is buried next to the Forrest family plot. https://t.co/Wchcg8lBQu — Kevin M. Levin (@KevinLevin) May 13, 2020
Hopefully, this disruption of the general’s remains will be the last.
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--2020-05-14--Ivanka Trump Celebrates Fulfilled Promise on Second Anniversary of Jerusalem Embassy Opening

First daughter Ivanka Trump celebrated the second anniversary of President Donald Trump making good on a campaign promise to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem .
“ Two years ago today @ realDonaldTrump kept his promise and opened the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem , ” she tweeted on Thursday .
“ I was honored to be in Israel to celebrate this historic occasion , ” Trump added .
The White House aide , in fact , participated with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin in the unveiling of the seal of the U.S. embassy adorning the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own Trump ’ s husband , Jared Kushner , who played an important role in orchestrating the move , spoke at the opening ceremony , noting that the president had officially made good on his campaign promise .
“ While presidents before him have backed down from their pledge to move the American embassy , once in office , this president delivered .
Because when President Trump makes a promise , he keeps it , ” Kushner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump won the 2016 presidential election , The New York Times questioned whether he would follow through with moving the embassy , pointing out both presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush had made campaign promises to do the same .
“ In 1995 , Congress passed a law declaring Jerusalem to be Israel ’ s capital and requiring the embassy be moved there by 1999 — or else the State Department building budget would be cut in half , ” The Times reported .
“ But the law included a provision allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months if they determined it was in the national interest .
“ So every six months , Mr. Clinton , Mr. Bush and eventually President Obama signed such waivers , fearing a violent response in the Arab world if the embassy moved.
” During the first year of his presidency , in December 2017 , Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and declared the embassy would be moved there in short order .
Five months later his promise became a reality .
RELATED : All of DC Museum 's Dead Sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Deceive' “ Exactly 70 years ago , the United States under President Harry Truman became the first nation to recognize the state of Israel , ” Trump said in video remarks shown at the May 14 , 2018 , ceremony .
“ Today , Jerusalem is the seat of Israel ’ s government , ” he added .
“ It is the home of the Israeli legislature and the Israeli Supreme Court and Israel ’ s prime minister and president.
” “ Israel is a sovereign nation with the right like every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capital .
Yet for many years we failed to acknowledge the obvious , the plain reality that Israel ’ s capital is Jerusalem , ” Trump said .
U.S .
Ambassador to Israel David Friedman marked the occasion of the second anniversary of the Jerusalem embassy opening , saying , “ Two years ago today , on May 14 , 2018 , at 4 p.m. , 70 years to the date and the hour that David Ben-Gurion declared Israel ’ s independence , the United States moved its embassy to Israel from Tel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holy capital city .
“ That day will always remain with me as one of the greatest days of my life , a day on which President Trump kept a promise to the Jewish people and to many tens of millions of Americans who support the state of Israel , ” the ambassador continued .
“ It was a day on which America yet again led the world in standing for freedom , for peace and the undeniable truth of Jerusalem ’ s ancient connection and modern centrality to the people of Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the author of “ Trump and the Jews ” and the former mayor of Shiloh in the West Bank , said in an email to The Western Journal that contrary to what some warned at the time , violence did not break out following the move of the embassy .
“ Two years after the US Embassy was moved to Jerusalem , we can see that the Palestinian threats of massive violence did not materialize , ” Rubin said .
“ We can learn lessons from that , as Israel is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 30 % of Judea and Samaria ( the so-called West Bank ) that is authorized in the Trump peace plan .
Sometimes , we need to ignore threats and just do what ’ s right , ” he added .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

First daughter Ivanka Trump celebrated the second anniversary of President Donald Trump making good on a campaign promise to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
“Two years ago today @realDonaldTrump kept his promise and opened the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem,” she tweeted on Thursday.
“I was honored to be in Israel to celebrate this historic occasion,” Trump added.
The White House aide, in fact, participated with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin in the unveiling of the seal of the U.S. embassy adorning the new location.
Two years ago today @realDonaldTrump kept his promise and opened the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. I was honored to be in Israel to celebrate this historic occasion.
???? pic.twitter.com/Tb1P3QtQM6 — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) May 14, 2020
David Rubin, the author of “Trump and the Jews” and the former mayor of Shiloh in the West Bank, said in an email to The Western Journal that contrary to what some warned at the time, violence did not break out following the move of the embassy.
“Two years after the US Embassy was moved to Jerusalem, we can see that the Palestinian threats of massive violence did not materialize,” Rubin said.
“We can learn lessons from that, as Israel is currently considering when to declare its sovereignty over the 30% of Judea and Samaria (the so-called West Bank) that is authorized in the Trump peace plan. Sometimes, we need to ignore threats and just do what’s right,” he added.
Do you support Trump's decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (130 Votes) No: 0% (0 Votes)
Rubin has called Trump “the most pro-Israel president ever.”
Trump’s husband, Jared Kushner, who played an important role in orchestrating the move, spoke at the opening ceremony, noting that the president had officially made good on his campaign promise.
“While presidents before him have backed down from their pledge to move the American embassy, once in office, this president delivered. Because when President Trump makes a promise, he keeps it,” Kushner said.
Less than two weeks after Trump won the 2016 presidential election, The New York Times questioned whether he would follow through with moving the embassy, pointing out both presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush had made campaign promises to do the same.
“In 1995, Congress passed a law declaring Jerusalem to be Israel’s capital and requiring the embassy be moved there by 1999 — or else the State Department building budget would be cut in half,” The Times reported. “But the law included a provision allowing presidents to waive its requirement for six months if they determined it was in the national interest.
“So every six months, Mr. Clinton, Mr. Bush and eventually President Obama signed such waivers, fearing a violent response in the Arab world if the embassy moved.”
During the first year of his presidency, in December 2017, Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and declared the embassy would be moved there in short order.
Five months later his promise became a reality.
“Exactly 70 years ago, the United States under President Harry Truman became the first nation to recognize the state of Israel,” Trump said in video remarks shown at the May 14, 2018, ceremony.
“Today, Jerusalem is the seat of Israel’s government,” he added. “It is the home of the Israeli legislature and the Israeli Supreme Court and Israel’s prime minister and president.”
“Israel is a sovereign nation with the right like every other sovereign nation to determine its own capital. Yet for many years we failed to acknowledge the obvious, the plain reality that Israel’s capital is Jerusalem,” Trump said.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman marked the occasion of the second anniversary of the Jerusalem embassy opening, saying, “Two years ago today, on May 14, 2018, at 4 p.m., 70 years to the date and the hour that David Ben-Gurion declared Israel’s independence, the United States moved its embassy to Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Israel’s holy capital city.
“That day will always remain with me as one of the greatest days of my life, a day on which President Trump kept a promise to the Jewish people and to many tens of millions of Americans who support the state of Israel,” the ambassador continued.
“It was a day on which America yet again led the world in standing for freedom, for peace and the undeniable truth of Jerusalem’s ancient connection and modern centrality to the people of Israel as their eternal capital.”
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-05-14--Wildlife Rescuer Dresses in Stripes After Baby Zebra Loses Mother

A little zebra named Diria has finally caught a break after experiencing a rather rough start in life .
In February , the baby and his mother were chased by lions , and the mother was killed .
Searching for safety , the little colt ran to the closest herd he could find : a nearby herd of goats .
The farmers who had watched the whole thing happen took care of the little zebra and transported him to safety , turning him over to the Voi Reintegration Unit with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya .
“ Little Diria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was rescued – arrived into our care at the end of February 2020 , fluffy and sporting brown and white stripes and a punk-like mane , ” the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust posted on its Facebook page on April 21 .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own “ Since then we have provided Diria with the constant comfort and company ( and milk feeds ) he would have received from his mother , with our Keepers even wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are caring for him so that he can still imprint , even though a rosta of Keepers provide for all his needs , ” it said .
“ As you can see , Diria is incredibly affectionate with his carers and it would seem a highlight of his day is nuzzling into them as they comfortingly groom him.
” The stripes are more than a fashion statement — the outfit helps the baby zebra recognize his carers as “ mom ” without imprinting on one single carer , which ( according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means he ’ ll be more likely to settle in well when he is released into the wild .
“ Zebra foals imprint on their mother ’ s striped pattern and the coat allows Diria to imprint as nature intended , without him becoming too attached to any one individual , ” the website says .
“ Diria is incredibly affectionate with his carers and , perhaps with the exception of his milk , loves nothing more than nuzzling into them as they comfortingly groom him.
” “ Zebra coats are unique and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pattern so that it can always recognise her , ” the wildlife trust shared in an update .
“ Just as in the wild , our Keepers maintain close proximity to him at all times , offering personalised pampering sessions , helping to groom him and offering a reassuring presence.
” RELATED : Owner Overcome with Emotion After Being Reunited with Dog Missing 6 Years “ Thanks to this expert care , he is flourishing and , you ’ ll notice , his stripes are starting to darken with age – we estimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” They also explained that some scientists believe the stripes also help confuse predators and keep biting flies away .
With all the love and care this little guy has been shown , hopefully he ’ ll be able to be released back into the wild once he ’ s big and strong enough .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A little zebra named Diria has finally caught a break after experiencing a rather rough start in life.
In February, the baby and his mother were chased by lions, and the mother was killed. Searching for safety, the little colt ran to the closest herd he could find: a nearby herd of goats.
The farmers who had watched the whole thing happen took care of the little zebra and transported him to safety, turning him over to the Voi Reintegration Unit with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya.
“Little Diria – named after the ranch where he was rescued – arrived into our care at the end of February 2020, fluffy and sporting brown and white stripes and a punk-like mane,” the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust posted on its Facebook page on April 21.
“Since then we have provided Diria with the constant comfort and company (and milk feeds) he would have received from his mother, with our Keepers even wearing a specially made, striped coat when they are caring for him so that he can still imprint, even though a rosta of Keepers provide for all his needs,” it said.
“As you can see, Diria is incredibly affectionate with his carers and it would seem a highlight of his day is nuzzling into them as they comfortingly groom him.”
The stripes are more than a fashion statement — the outfit helps the baby zebra recognize his carers as “mom” without imprinting on one single carer, which (according to the wildlife group’s website) means he’ll be more likely to settle in well when he is released into the wild.
“Zebra foals imprint on their mother’s striped pattern and the coat allows Diria to imprint as nature intended, without him becoming too attached to any one individual,” the website says.
“Diria is incredibly affectionate with his carers and, perhaps with the exception of his milk, loves nothing more than nuzzling into them as they comfortingly groom him.”
“Zebra coats are unique and a baby will imprint its mothers’ pattern so that it can always recognise her,” the wildlife trust shared in an update.
“Just as in the wild, our Keepers maintain close proximity to him at all times, offering personalised pampering sessions, helping to groom him and offering a reassuring presence.”
“Thanks to this expert care, he is flourishing and, you’ll notice, his stripes are starting to darken with age – we estimate him to be around three months old.”
They also explained that some scientists believe the stripes also help confuse predators and keep biting flies away.
With all the love and care this little guy has been shown, hopefully he’ll be able to be released back into the wild once he’s big and strong enough.
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--2020-05-14--Popular Show ‘Rick and Morty’ Makes Controversial 9/11 Joke, Sparks Polarizing Response

Most people are aware that adult cartoons like “ South Park ” or “ Family Guy ” often use potentially offensive subject matter as the basis of their jokes .
But the risky scripts generally seem to be accepted by people who are aware that they are in fact jokes .
However , some fans felt that Adult Swim ’ s “ Rick and Morty ” may have crossed a line with a 9/11 joke during Sunday ’ s episode .
The animated sci-fi hit usually involves some sort of interdimensional hijinks with mad scientist Rick Sanchez — who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time — and his grandson Morty .
The show is also known to make dark and vulgar jokes , often involving Rick ’ s nihilistic outlook on life .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own In the seventh episode of the fourth season , titled “ Promortyous , ” Rick and Morty are seen flying through a planet with two buildings resembling the World Trade Center ’ s twin towers , which were destroyed by Islamic terrorists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they fly toward the towers and swerve around them at the last second , Rick says he ’ s “ proud of us for not ” crashing into the buildings , while Morty says “ it would have been cheap.
” The implication from the show ’ s writers was that they could have mocked the 9/11 terror attacks by having Rick and Morty crash into the towers , but made a conscious effort not to do so .
Of course , the joke was that by breaking the fourth wall , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reference anyway .
Immediately following those comments , the two blow up an alien harbor , recreating a Pearl Harbor-like scenario .
Once the grandfather and grandson duo return home , Morty continues with the 9/11 jokes .
“ Almost did a 9/11 .
We went with the Pearl Harbor .
We ’ re pretty classy , ” Morty responds .
It wasn ’ t long before the controversial joke made its way to Twitter for discussion : Some fans of the popular series found the joke to be humorous and “ creative.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans are clearly OK with pushing the envelope of political correctness in the name of humor .
But the fact that this particular joke received any flak at all from fans shows that the creators of the sitcom may have found their limits .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Most people are aware that adult cartoons like “South Park” or “Family Guy” often use potentially offensive subject matter as the basis of their jokes.
But the risky scripts generally seem to be accepted by people who are aware that they are in fact jokes.
However, some fans felt that Adult Swim’s “Rick and Morty” may have crossed a line with a 9/11 joke during Sunday’s episode.
The animated sci-fi hit usually involves some sort of interdimensional hijinks with mad scientist Rick Sanchez — who is drunk at least 99 percent of the time — and his grandson Morty.
The show is also known to make dark and vulgar jokes, often involving Rick’s nihilistic outlook on life.
In the seventh episode of the fourth season, titled “Promortyous,” Rick and Morty are seen flying through a planet with two buildings resembling the World Trade Center’s twin towers, which were destroyed by Islamic terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001.
As they fly toward the towers and swerve around them at the last second, Rick says he’s “proud of us for not” crashing into the buildings, while Morty says “it would have been cheap.”
The implication from the show’s writers was that they could have mocked the 9/11 terror attacks by having Rick and Morty crash into the towers, but made a conscious effort not to do so. Of course, the joke was that by breaking the fourth wall, the writers were able to include a 9/11 reference anyway.
Do you think that the 9/11 joke was 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: 79% (172 Votes) No: 21% (45 Votes)
Immediately following those comments, the two blow up an alien harbor, recreating a Pearl Harbor-like scenario.
Once the grandfather and grandson duo return home, Morty continues with the 9/11 jokes.
“So, you did a 9/11?” Morty’s mother, Beth, asks.
“Almost did a 9/11. We went with the Pearl Harbor. We’re pretty classy,” Morty responds.
It wasn’t long before the controversial joke made its way to Twitter for discussion:
@RickandMorty this season sucks and on top of it your making 9/11 jokes? How about instead of making two shows that suck make one good one? — Jay (@ZedNickadeemus) May 11, 2020
Is Rick and Morty still doing 9/11 jokes? Because wow, that’s so funny in 2020. — Poynter_Marcsman (@poyntermarcsman) May 11, 2020
Not Rick and Morty with the 9/11 jokes ?????? — kat the snake (@KATMIRIAMXO) May 11, 2020
Some fans of the popular series found the joke to be humorous and “creative.”
Rick and morty man, you gotta be creative and bold to joke about 9/11 and pearl harbor like that. — Rithik Paikkadan (@maymeesa) May 12, 2020
THIS RICK AND MORTY STARTED OFF WILD LMAOOOOOOO. “im sorry i didnt 9/11 Pearl Harbor before breakfast” — lil Spring Cleaner (@Tiim_____) May 11, 2020
Some “Rick and Morty” fans are clearly OK with pushing the envelope of political correctness in the name of humor.
But the fact that this particular joke received any flak at all from fans shows that the creators of the sitcom may have found their limits.
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--2020-05-14--Senate Votes To Allow Feds To View Your Browsing History Without a Warrant

The Senate rejected an amendment to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that would have prevented the government from accessing Americans ’ web browsing data without a warrant on Wednesday .
The amendment had already passed in the House with bipartisan support , but it needed 60 senators to approve it in order for it to pass in the Senate , Fox News reported .
Only 59 senators voted in favor of the amendment .
Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana had proposed the amendment to limit the government ’ s surveillance powers in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Now that Americans have been asked to stay home and not move around … they are more vulnerable to abusive surveillance than ever before , ” Wyden said .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own “ Now more than ever … during this pandemic , Americans deserve assurances that the government isn ’ t spying on them … as they move around the internet.
” Prior to the vote , Daines tweeted that the government “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ extremely personal browser data & internet search history w/o a warrant.
” “ We need to get the government out of our phones & out of our lives.
” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced the measure to expand surveillance powers in the Department of Justice as part of the renewal of the 2001 Patriot Act , the Daily Beast reported .
“ Common sense tells us this crisis demands more vigilance on other fronts of national security not less , ” the Kentucky Republican said in a statement .
The failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Justice to view web browsing history without a warrant one step closer to becoming a law .
“ When you talk about web browsing and searches , you ’ re talking about some of the most sensitive , most personal , and most private details of Americans ’ lives , ” Wyden said in a statement to Business Insider .
RELATED : Devin Nunes Reveals 'The Deep State Here Is Much Worse Than Even I Thought' “ Every thought that can come into people ’ s heads can be revealed in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website.
” Many activists and labor organizers have spoken out against the expansion and the renewal of the PATRIOT Act .
“ Today the Senate made clear that the purpose of the PATRIOT Act is to spy on Americans , no warrants or due process necessary , ” activist Dayton Young told Vice .
“ Any lawmaker who votes to reauthorize the PATRIOT Act is voting against our constitutionally-protected freedoms , and there ’ s nothing patriotic about that.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
@ @ @ @ @

The Senate rejected an amendment to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that would have prevented the government from accessing Americans’ web browsing data without a warrant on Wednesday.
The amendment had already passed in the House with bipartisan support, but it needed 60 senators to approve it in order for it to pass in the Senate, Fox News reported.
Only 59 senators voted in favor of the amendment.
Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana had proposed the amendment to limit the government’s surveillance powers in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Now that Americans have been asked to stay home and not move around … they are more vulnerable to abusive surveillance than ever before,” Wyden said.
“Now more than ever … during this pandemic, Americans deserve assurances that the government isn’t spying on them … as they move around the internet.”
Fifty-nine members of the Senate just voted in favor of my amendment to block warrantless government surveillance of Americans’ browser history. It failed by just one vote. McConnell is that much closer to giving Bill Barr the green light to spy on Americans’ private information. https://t.co/IV5ERbte48 — Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) May 13, 2020
Prior to the vote, Daines tweeted that the government “shouldn’t have access to Americans’ extremely personal browser data & internet search history w/o a warrant.”
Do you think warrantless government access to web browsing data is an invasion of privacy? 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% (831 Votes) No: 2% (17 Votes)
“We need to get the government out of our phones & out of our lives.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell introduced the measure to expand surveillance powers in the Department of Justice as part of the renewal of the 2001 Patriot Act, the Daily Beast reported.
“Common sense tells us this crisis demands more vigilance on other fronts of national security not less,” the Kentucky Republican said in a statement.
The failed amendment brings the ability for the Department of Justice to view web browsing history without a warrant one step closer to becoming a law.
“When you talk about web browsing and searches, you’re talking about some of the most sensitive, most personal, and most private details of Americans’ lives,” Wyden said in a statement to Business Insider.
“Every thought that can come into people’s heads can be revealed in an internet search or a visit to a website.”
Many activists and labor organizers have spoken out against the expansion and the renewal of the PATRIOT Act.
“Today the Senate made clear that the purpose of the PATRIOT Act is to spy on Americans, no warrants or due process necessary,” activist Dayton Young told Vice.
“Any lawmaker who votes to reauthorize the PATRIOT Act is voting against our constitutionally-protected freedoms, and there’s nothing patriotic about that.”
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--2020-05-14--After Getting Caught Lying About Barr Quote, MSNBC’s Todd Offers Pitiful Half-Apology

But not everybody owns up to them .
Some high-profile people have acknowledged their blunders over the years .
I remember when David Letterman apologized to his wife and staffers in 2009 for his affair .
He sat behind his desk and told everyone what happened and took responsibility .
He was genuine , and that matters .
On the other hand , I also remember when Justin Timberlake apologized in 2004 after the infamous “ wardrobe malfunction ” with Janet Jackson during the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXVIII .
He said he was sorry , but not sorry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertainer , but he did not own up to what he had done in full .
Then there was this week , when NBC “ Meet the Press ” host Chuck Todd gave a half-hearted apology for airing a snippet of U.S. Attorney General William Barr ’ s interview with CBS News ’ Catherine Herridge .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own Todd moderated a panel discussion after a clip was aired of Barr commenting on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flynn in regard to the Department of Justice dropping charges against him .
“ Well , history is written by the winners so it largely depends on who is writing the history , ” Barr said .
Todd commented that the attorney general “ didn ’ t make the case that he was upholding the rule of law .
He was almost admitting that , yeah , this was a political job.
” The portion of Barr ’ s interview that did not make the cut was important .
He had gone on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair history would say it was a good decision because it upheld the rule of law , ” which provided merit and justification to Barr ’ s previous sentence .
Department of Justice spokeswoman Kerri Kupec went on Twitter after the show Sunday and called out Todd ’ s journalistic antics as “ deceptive.
” RELATED : CNN Released a Favorable Trump Election Poll , Then They Tried To Hide It Later Sunday , “ Meet the Press ” admitted a mistake was made .
Todd did apologize , but not until Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporate talking points to arrive .
In his apology — which aired on MSNBC , an outlet with a much smaller viewing audience than “ Meet the Press ” has — Todd passed the buck to CBS .
“ We did not edit that out , ” he said .
“ That was not our edit .
We didn ’ t include it because we only saw the shorter of two clips.
” He went on to take some responsibility for his comments in an awkwardly edited video , saying , “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The media in general should hold themselves accountable and to a higher standard .
NBC should have made the effort to obtain the entire interview and not simply edit what it wanted its viewers to see .
It got caught .
If Todd is genuinely sorry , perhaps he should invite Barr onto “ Meet the Press ” and give the attorney general the entire show to set the facts straight on the Flynn case .
No panels .
No edits .
Just Barr and Todd .
I used to find it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistakes ” when it came to covering conservatives .
But I ’ m used to it now .
It ’ s part of their agenda .
Besides , isn ’ t it odd how all of the media ’ s “ honest mistakes ” always end up going in one direction ?
Why don ’ t they ever make a “ mistake ” that makes a conservative look good ?
Perhaps it ’ s because they aren ’ t always mistakes .
I believe most of the mainstream media are biased against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you have watched any of the news conferences with the president dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic .
Many reporters have been vicious , offensive , rude and one-sided .
Their goal is to influence the audience to have a negative view of the administration in hopes that a Democrat will reclaim the White House .
Although the apology was delivered , it was overdue and lacked genuine sincerity .
It was as if Todd and NBC just checked the box to appease some critics .
I remember when I interviewed New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he admitted to using HGH to aid in post-surgery recovery .
At the time he took it , it was not yet a banned substance , but he still came clean later and admitted he used it briefly .
He took it to heal , not to gain an advantage , he told me .
Pettitte did not blame the person who injected it into his arm .
He did not blame the manufacturer .
He did not blame anyone but himself .
I could tell he was sorry for the incident .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I saw regret .
He also faced the New York media and said the same thing , and he asked for forgiveness .
His apology was heartfelt and genuine .
There were no edits .
No agenda .
No talking points .
Just responsibility .
I did not see that in Todd ’ s response .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Everyone makes mistakes.
But not everybody owns up to them.
Some high-profile people have acknowledged their blunders over the years. I remember when David Letterman apologized to his wife and staffers in 2009 for his affair. He sat behind his desk and told everyone what happened and took responsibility. He was genuine, and that matters.
On the other hand, I also remember when Justin Timberlake apologized in 2004 after the infamous “wardrobe malfunction” with Janet Jackson during the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXVIII. He said he was sorry, but not sorry. Timberlake is likable and a talented entertainer, but he did not own up to what he had done in full.
Then there was this week, when NBC “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd gave a half-hearted apology for airing a snippet of U.S. Attorney General William Barr’s interview with CBS News’ Catherine Herridge.
Todd moderated a panel discussion after a clip was aired of Barr commenting on the case of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn in regard to the Department of Justice dropping charges against him.
“Well, history is written by the winners so it largely depends on who is writing the history,” Barr said.
Todd commented that the attorney general “didn’t make the case that he was upholding the rule of law. He was almost admitting that, yeah, this was a political job.”
The portion of Barr’s interview that did not make the cut was important. He had gone on to say, “I think a fair history would say it was a good decision because it upheld the rule of law,” which provided merit and justification to Barr’s previous sentence.
Today on Meet The Press, @chucktodd wildly took context out of an answer AG Bill Barr gave about his decision to drop the case into Gen. Michael Flynn. I cut Todd’s segment along with Barr’s full answer together. Look at how blatantly dishonest this is. pic.twitter.com/tODOEwL48V — Greg Price (@greg_price11) May 10, 2020
Department of Justice spokeswoman Kerri Kupec went on Twitter after the show Sunday and called out Todd’s journalistic antics as “deceptive.”
Very disappointed by the deceptive editing/commentary by @ChuckTodd on @MeetThePress on AG Barr’s CBS interview. Compare the two transcripts below. Not only did the AG make the case in the VERY answer Chuck says he didn’t, he also did so multiple times throughout the interview. pic.twitter.com/PR1ciceMmE — KerriKupecDOJ (@KerriKupecDOJ) May 10, 2020
To no one’s surprise, President Donald Trump wanted Todd fired.
Sleepy Eyes Chuck Todd should be FIRED by “Concast” (NBC) for this fraud. He knew exactly what he was doing. Public Airwaves = Fake News! @AjitPaiFCC @FCC https://t.co/fLTDhjMXo4 — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 11, 2020
Later Sunday, “Meet the Press” admitted a mistake was made.
Todd did apologize, but not until Tuesday. Perhaps he was waiting for the corporate talking points to arrive.
In his apology — which aired on MSNBC, an outlet with a much smaller viewing audience than “Meet the Press” has — Todd passed the buck to CBS.
“We did not edit that out,” he said. “That was not our edit. We didn’t include it because we only saw the shorter of two clips.”
He went on to take some responsibility for his comments in an awkwardly edited video, saying, “I obviously am very sorry for that mistake.”
The media in general should hold themselves accountable and to a higher standard. NBC should have made the effort to obtain the entire interview and not simply edit what it wanted its viewers to see. It got caught.
If Todd is genuinely sorry, perhaps he should invite Barr onto “Meet the Press” and give the attorney general the entire show to set the facts straight on the Flynn case. No panels. No edits. Just Barr and Todd.
Was Chuck Todd's apology sincere? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 1% (2 Votes) No: 99% (229 Votes)
I used to find it alarming when the media made “honest mistakes” when it came to covering conservatives. But I’m used to it now. It’s part of their agenda.
Besides, isn’t it odd how all of the media’s “honest mistakes” always end up going in one direction? Why don’t they ever make a “mistake” that makes a conservative look good?
Perhaps it’s because they aren’t always mistakes.
I believe most of the mainstream media are biased against the Trump administration. It’s obvious if you have watched any of the news conferences with the president dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Many reporters have been vicious, offensive, rude and one-sided.
Their goal is to influence the audience to have a negative view of the administration in hopes that a Democrat will reclaim the White House.
Although the apology was delivered, it was overdue and lacked genuine sincerity. It was as if Todd and NBC just checked the box to appease some critics.
I remember when I interviewed New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte in 2009 after he admitted to using HGH to aid in post-surgery recovery. At the time he took it, it was not yet a banned substance, but he still came clean later and admitted he used it briefly. He took it to heal, not to gain an advantage, he told me.
Pettitte did not blame the person who injected it into his arm. He did not blame the manufacturer. He did not blame anyone but himself.
I could tell he was sorry for the incident. He looked me in the eye, and I saw regret. He also faced the New York media and said the same thing, and he asked for forgiveness.
His apology was heartfelt and genuine.
There were no edits. No agenda. No talking points. Just responsibility.
I did not see that in Todd’s response.
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--2020-05-14--Obama Intel Chief Flounders on Crucial Flynn Question

It ’ s hard to believe that even CNN viewers could buy a story like this .
Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper took to the anti-Trump network ’ s “ New Day ” program Thursday to try to smooth over the “ unmasking ” scandal that ’ s giving Americans a look at just how devious the final days of the Obama administration actually were .
And it turns out a man whose intellect took him to the highest rung of the American intelligence community simply couldn ’ t remember just why his office did some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was so much “ unmasking ” over the years that one more American wouldn ’ t stand out .
That , at least , was the impression that came out of Clapper ’ s CNN appearance to control the unraveling saga of Obama administration officials – including former Vice President Joe Biden – who sought information gathered about then-incoming National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and his contacts with then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition period before President Donald Trump ’ s inauguration .
Under softball questioning from host John Berman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Director of National Intelligence sought information “ once or twice a week , perhaps ” on Americans who had contact with foreign targets of American surveillance .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own Considering Clapper was DNI from 2010 to 2017 , that ’ s quite a number of Americans .
But sane people might suspect that a case involving a future national security advisor to a United States president and his communications with the Russian ambassador @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even the most jaded directors of national intelligence .
Not so to Clapper , who told Berman that the practice of “ unmasking ” is a “ routine thing , it ’ s appropriate and it ’ s legitimate.
” So , how appropriate and legitimate were the three unmasking requests Clapper ’ s office made regarding retired three-star Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn ?
Clapper doesn ’ t remember why they were even made .
“ I don ’ t recall what prompted a request that was made on my behalf for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the specifics , or what it was in the sig-int [ signals intelligence ] report that was suggestive enough … that I was concerned and felt that I should know who was actually involved.
” It ’ s easy to see how a detail like that might slip from the memory .
There must be countless retired three-star Army generals there are who are about to take over as the president ’ s chief security adviser .
They ’ re probably all suspected of secret dealings with the Russians .
His alleged failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clapper said that stretched credulity beyond the breaking point .
RELATED : Biden 's Name on List in Flynn 's Case Makes That 'GMA ' Interview Look Even Worse Than It Was Earlier in the interview , Clapper explained that in the “ unmasking ” process , it ’ s only the name of the American citizen involved that ’ s being revealed .
The conversation with the foreign surveillance target – in this case the Russian ambassador – was already known , as are the contents of the conversation .
“ So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be General Flynn when you asked to unmask these conversations ?
” Berman asked .
Probably realizing how ludicrous an outright denial would have been , Clapper fell back on an unreliable memory — the kind of failing career intelligence professionals are notorious for .
“ Well , no , I did not .
Now it ’ s possible , I mean this was three-and-a-half years ago , so I don ’ t remember the specific reports in question , but it ’ s possible that the context may have suggested that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” It ’ s a pretty good bet that a conversation between an incoming national security advisor and the Russian ambassador to the United States carries a distinctive context , unlike , say , a U.S. trade representative — or a Washington Post reporter — talking to a Russian ambassador .
Clapper is a CNN contributor so it ’ s unlikely he would have gone to any other network for this interview , but CNN might well be the only network where such clearly questionable statements could be made without even a hint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviewer of rigidly partisan obtuseness – like say , on CNN or MSNBC — to believe that a former director of national intelligence couldn ’ t “ recall ” the circumstances surrounding an investigation of an incoming White House national security advisor .
Or that Clapper and the others who unmasked Flynn ’ s conversations didn ’ t know exactly what they were doing when they did it .
It would take a CNN interviewer to let drivel like that pass on the air , especially now , when the current chaos of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emmet Sullivan would make that information crucial for Americans to know .
Would CNN viewers even buy it , though ?
They might pretend to , like the mainstream media has pretended to believe there was something to the “ Russia collusion ” hoax for all these years .
Trump Derangement Syndrome is a powerful thing .
Even if James Clapper ’ s memory isn ’ t .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

It’s hard to believe that even CNN viewers could buy a story like this.
Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper took to the anti-Trump network’s “New Day” program Thursday to try to smooth over the “unmasking” scandal that’s giving Americans a look at just how devious the final days of the Obama administration actually were.
And it turns out a man whose intellect took him to the highest rung of the American intelligence community simply couldn’t remember just why his office did some of the things it did – but he implied there was so much “unmasking” over the years that one more American wouldn’t stand out.
That, at least, was the impression that came out of Clapper’s CNN appearance to control the unraveling saga of Obama administration officials – including former Vice President Joe Biden – who sought information gathered about then-incoming National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and his contacts with then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition period before President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Under softball questioning from host John Berman, Clapper said the Office of the Director of National Intelligence sought information “once or twice a week, perhaps” on Americans who had contact with foreign targets of American surveillance.
Considering Clapper was DNI from 2010 to 2017, that’s quite a number of Americans. But sane people might suspect that a case involving a future national security advisor to a United States president and his communications with the Russian ambassador just might stick in the memory of even the most jaded directors of national intelligence.
Not so to Clapper, who told Berman that the practice of “unmasking” is a “routine thing, it’s appropriate and it’s legitimate.”
So, how appropriate and legitimate were the three unmasking requests Clapper’s office made regarding retired three-star Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn?
Clapper doesn’t remember why they were even made.
Clapper: I was unmasking Americans “once or twice a week” but “I don’t recall what prompted a request that was made on my behalf for unmasking” Flynn. pic.twitter.com/Tq0G8HlkhA — Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) May 14, 2020
“I don’t recall what prompted a request that was made on my behalf for unmasking. I don’t remember the specifics, or what it was in the sig-int [signals intelligence] report that was suggestive enough … that I was concerned and felt that I should know who was actually involved.”
It’s easy to see how a detail like that might slip from the memory. There must be countless retired three-star Army generals there are who are about to take over as the president’s chief security adviser. They’re probably all suspected of secret dealings with the Russians.
(On a serious note, it’s interesting that Clapper referred to the requests as having been “made on my behalf.” It’s almost like he could be preparing to say he didn’t know about the requests at all.)
His alleged failure of memory wasn’t all that Clapper said that stretched credulity beyond the breaking point.
Earlier in the interview, Clapper explained that in the “unmasking” process, it’s only the name of the American citizen involved that’s being revealed. The conversation with the foreign surveillance target – in this case the Russian ambassador – was already known, as are the contents of the conversation.
“So, you did not know that it would be General Flynn when you asked to unmask these conversations?” Berman asked.
Probably realizing how ludicrous an outright denial would have been, Clapper fell back on an unreliable memory — the kind of failing career intelligence professionals are notorious for.
“Well, no, I did not. Now it’s possible, I mean this was three-and-a-half years ago, so I don’t remember the specific reports in question, but it’s possible that the context may have suggested that, but I don’t know.”
Do you think James Clapper is lying about not being able to remember the unmasking request? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 100% (3264 Votes) No: 0% (15 Votes)
It’s a pretty good bet that a conversation between an incoming national security advisor and the Russian ambassador to the United States carries a distinctive context, unlike, say, a U.S. trade representative — or a Washington Post reporter — talking to a Russian ambassador.
Clapper is a CNN contributor so it’s unlikely he would have gone to any other network for this interview, but CNN might well be the only network where such clearly questionable statements could be made without even a hint of challenge.
It would take an interviewer of rigidly partisan obtuseness – like say, on CNN or MSNBC — to believe that a former director of national intelligence couldn’t “recall” the circumstances surrounding an investigation of an incoming White House national security advisor.
Or that Clapper and the others who unmasked Flynn’s conversations didn’t know exactly what they were doing when they did it.
It would take a CNN interviewer to let drivel like that pass on the air, especially now, when the current chaos of the Flynn case thanks to District Judge Emmet Sullivan would make that information crucial for Americans to know.
Would CNN viewers even buy it, though? They might pretend to, like the mainstream media has pretended to believe there was something to the “Russia collusion” hoax for all these years.
Trump Derangement Syndrome is a powerful thing. Even if James Clapper’s memory isn’t.
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--2020-05-14--Senator Steps Down from Key Position After FBI Seizes His Phone

Sen. Richard Burr is stepping down from his position as Senate Intelligence Committee chairman in the midst of a Justice Department investigation into the North Carolina Republican ’ s stock trades .
“ Senator Burr contacted me this morning to inform me of his decision to step aside as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee during the pendency of the investigation , ” McConnell said in a statement .
“ We agreed that this decision would be in the best interests of the committee and will be effective at the end of the day tomorrow.
” The announcement comes a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cellphone on Wednesday night , according to the Los Angeles Times .
TRENDING : Rural Mayor and Sheriff Tell Michigan Governor To Take a Hike , Shut Whitmer Down with Orders of Their Own A law enforcement official said the FBI agents served a warrant to Apple earlier to obtain information from Burr ’ s iCloud account as evidence to obtain a warrant for his phone .
Another official speaking on anonymity told the Los Angeles Times the Justice Department was looking into communications between Burr and his broker .
Burr is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transactions he made prior to the steep market declines seen amid the coronavirus outbreak .
“ The inquiry , which is still in its early stages and being done in coordination with the Securities and Exchange Commission , has so far included outreach from the FBI to at least one lawmaker , Sen. Richard Burr , seeking information about the trades , according to one of the sources , ” CNN reported on April 29 .
The North Carolina Republican sold between $ 628,000 and $ 1.7 million in stocks on Feb. 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to report the sales .
ProPublica reported that Burr ’ s brother-in-law also sold between $ 97,000 and $ 280,000 worth of sales on the same day Burr made his sales .
The Stop Trading On Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012 makes it illegal for members of Congress and congressional staff to use any information they gained through their positions for their own financial benefit .
Burr was among the three senators who opposed the bill when it passed in a 96-3 vote .
Burr has denied any wrongdoing and requested an ethics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the sales were because of the coronavirus but said that he relied “ solely on public news reports ” to inform his decision .
Alice Fisher , a lawyer for Burr , told CNN that Burr “ welcomes a thorough review of the facts in this matter , which will establish that his actions were appropriate.
” “ The law is clear that any American — including a Senator — may participate in the stock market based on public information , as Senator Burr did , ” Fisher said .
“ When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked the Senate Ethics Committee to conduct a complete review , and he will cooperate with that review as well as any other appropriate inquiry.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Sen. Richard Burr is stepping down from his position as Senate Intelligence Committee chairman in the midst of a Justice Department investigation into the North Carolina Republican’s stock trades.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced the decision on Thursday, Bloomberg reported.
“Senator Burr contacted me this morning to inform me of his decision to step aside as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee during the pendency of the investigation,” McConnell said in a statement.
“We agreed that this decision would be in the best interests of the committee and will be effective at the end of the day tomorrow.”
The announcement comes a day after federal agents seized Burr’s cellphone on Wednesday night, according to the Los Angeles Times.
A law enforcement official said the FBI agents served a warrant to Apple earlier to obtain information from Burr’s iCloud account as evidence to obtain a warrant for his phone.
Another official speaking on anonymity told the Los Angeles Times the Justice Department was looking into communications between Burr and his broker.
Burr is one of the senators being investigated for stock transactions he made prior to the steep market declines seen amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“The inquiry, which is still in its early stages and being done in coordination with the Securities and Exchange Commission, has so far included outreach from the FBI to at least one lawmaker, Sen. Richard Burr, seeking information about the trades, according to one of the sources,” CNN reported on April 29.
Do you think the senator used inside knowledge to make these trades? 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: 89% (1666 Votes) No: 11% (212 Votes)
The North Carolina Republican sold between $628,000 and $1.7 million in stocks on Feb. 13. ProPublica was among the first outlets to report the sales.
ProPublica reported that Burr’s brother-in-law also sold between $97,000 and $280,000 worth of sales on the same day Burr made his sales.
The Stop Trading On Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012 makes it illegal for members of Congress and congressional staff to use any information they gained through their positions for their own financial benefit.
Burr was among the three senators who opposed the bill when it passed in a 96-3 vote.
Burr has denied any wrongdoing and requested an ethics review of the sales.
He acknowledged that the sales were because of the coronavirus but said that he relied “solely on public news reports” to inform his decision.
Alice Fisher, a lawyer for Burr, told CNN that Burr “welcomes a thorough review of the facts in this matter, which will establish that his actions were appropriate.”
“The law is clear that any American — including a Senator — may participate in the stock market based on public information, as Senator Burr did,” Fisher said. “When this issue arose, Senator Burr immediately asked the Senate Ethics Committee to conduct a complete review, and he will cooperate with that review as well as any other appropriate inquiry.”
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.