westernjournal--2020-07-22--Op-Ed: It’s Wrong To Pay Cops Peanuts, Then Deprive Them of the Right to Self-Defense

Imagine you are a local police officer and you are being attacked with no backup — what do you do ?
I ’ ll tell you what you do : You fight because your life depends on it .
That means doing whatever is necessary to ensure your survival .
What Derek Chauvin did to George Floyd was repulsive and inexcusable , and the officer ’ s abuse of power and excessive use of force can not be tolerated .
In response to Derek Chauvin ’ s heinous crimes , the call to regulate police officers has grown exponentially .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are calling for is eliminating the “ chokehold ” from police training .
The graphic video of Floyd being murdered has stirred a movement to make use of chokeholds a criminal offense .
Recently , the New York State Assembly passed the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act , which has now been signed into law by Gov .
Andrew Cuomo .
Essentially , the bill states that any police officer who injures or kills somebody using a “ chokehold or similar restraint ” can be charged with a Class C felony — punishable by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In George Floyd ’ s case , Derek Chauvin ’ s use of choking was sadistic and unnecessary , but does one bad incident mandate the regulation of the rest of the nearly 900,000 police officers that currently serve our nation ?
No .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man While upping the legal ante for holding police accountable for excessive force might sound like the best course of action , statistics indicate otherwise .
The Annual Review of Criminology has found that re-engineering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police departments can better effect change than increasing punishments for offending officers .
In other words , for the state legislature of New York to come together and attempt to enact “ change ” in the system without processing what could prove to be a more effective route is just a waste of taxpayer dollars .
Of course , this does not mean that police officers should use the chokehold at stoplights or normal investigations at all .
In fact , the need for a chokehold is incredibly rare .
Officers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , used the chokehold only seven times in the last five years , the Los Angeles Times reported .
Furthermore , of every incident that involved the chokehold within the state of California , 74 percent of police officers had been attacked .
I ’ m not sure how many readers have been in a fight , but when someone provokes you physically , they have entered the ring of self-defense .
It is not about how you can ensure that they are done attempting to harm you ; it is about knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ed Obayashi , a deputy sheriff , police training advisor and legal advisor for Plumas County , is a defender of the chokehold .
He argues that the number of serious injuries is incredibly low for the number of altercations that even occur .
The reason for the use of a successful chokehold is to subdue a threat when an officer is by himself in an intense situation .
Not only has there been a need for the use of a chokehold in some situations ; it has also been a crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases where deputies have had to fight for their lives and they were by themselves .
We won ’ t take away that option from them given the solitary nature of policing in these counties , ” Obayashi told the Times .
RELATED : Exclusive from Gen. Flynn : If We Do n't Act , 2 % of the People Are About To Control the Other 98 % For police officers to be sent into the field , they must be fully equipped not only to protect the community but also to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chokeholds should be applied in most situations .
In fact , it is probably best that they are avoided altogether .
However , stripping the police of their right to protect themselves in difficult situations should not be permissible .
As Americans , we can not sit by and watch the government pay police officers low salaries and now take a method of one of their defenses away .
It is time that we hold those accountable who do wrong but uplift and help guide our local officers who are just trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal , you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Imagine you are a local police officer and you are being attacked with no backup — what do you do? I’ll tell you what you do: You fight because your life depends on it. That means doing whatever is necessary to ensure your survival.
What Derek Chauvin did to George Floyd was repulsive and inexcusable, and the officer’s abuse of power and excessive use of force cannot be tolerated. In response to Derek Chauvin’s heinous crimes, the call to regulate police officers has grown exponentially. One of the most aggressive regulations some are calling for is eliminating the “chokehold” from police training.
The graphic video of Floyd being murdered has stirred a movement to make use of chokeholds a criminal offense.
Recently, the New York State Assembly passed the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act, which has now been signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Essentially, the bill states that any police officer who injures or kills somebody using a “chokehold or similar restraint” can be charged with a Class C felony — punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
In George Floyd’s case, Derek Chauvin’s use of choking was sadistic and unnecessary, but does one bad incident mandate the regulation of the rest of the nearly 900,000 police officers that currently serve our nation? No.
While upping the legal ante for holding police accountable for excessive force might sound like the best course of action, statistics indicate otherwise.
The Annual Review of Criminology has found that re-engineering the “social and technical systems” of police departments can better effect change than increasing punishments for offending officers.
In other words, for the state legislature of New York to come together and attempt to enact “change” in the system without processing what could prove to be a more effective route is just a waste of taxpayer dollars.
Of course, this does not mean that police officers should use the chokehold at stoplights or normal investigations at all. In fact, the need for a chokehold is incredibly rare.
Do you think the use of chokeholds should be banned? 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: 8% (4 Votes) No: 92% (45 Votes)
Officers in the Los Angeles Police Department, for example, used the chokehold only seven times in the last five years, the Los Angeles Times reported. Furthermore, of every incident that involved the chokehold within the state of California, 74 percent of police officers had been attacked.
I’m not sure how many readers have been in a fight, but when someone provokes you physically, they have entered the ring of self-defense. It is not about how you can ensure that they are done attempting to harm you; it is about knowing that they will no longer hurt you.
Ed Obayashi, a deputy sheriff, police training advisor and legal advisor for Plumas County, is a defender of the chokehold. He argues that the number of serious injuries is incredibly low for the number of altercations that even occur. The reason for the use of a successful chokehold is to subdue a threat when an officer is by himself in an intense situation.
Not only has there been a need for the use of a chokehold in some situations; it has also been a crucial part of survival.
“I know cases where deputies have had to fight for their lives and they were by themselves. We won’t take away that option from them given the solitary nature of policing in these counties,” Obayashi told the Times.
For police officers to be sent into the field, they must be fully equipped not only to protect the community but also to protect themselves. I do not believe that chokeholds should be applied in most situations. In fact, it is probably best that they are avoided altogether. However, stripping the police of their right to protect themselves in difficult situations should not be permissible.
As Americans, we cannot sit by and watch the government pay police officers low salaries and now take a method of one of their defenses away.
It is time that we hold those accountable who do wrong but uplift and help guide our local officers who are just trying to provide for their families and ensure our safety.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Priscilla Presley Breaks Silence After Death of 27-Year-Old Grandson

On July 12 , Benjamin Keough — grandson of Elvis and Priscilla Presley — died by suicide .
According to TMZ , the 27-year-old passed away in Calabasas after turning a gun on himself .
His manner of death was later confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner ’ s Office .
Lisa Marie Presley , Keough ’ s mother , was said to be broken as she faced the tragedy .
“ She is completely heartbroken , inconsolable and beyond devastated but trying to stay strong for her 11 year old twins and her oldest daughter Riley , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told TMZ .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man “ She adored that boy .
He was the love of her life.
” His death has left his high-profile family in shambles , and as they work through his passing and deal with their grief , they have shared their thoughts and feelings online .
Riley Keough , Benjamin ’ s sister , felt his absence and let her followers know that her baby brother was gone but very much not forgotten .
“ Mornings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday through Instagram .
“ I forget you ’ re gone .
I can ’ t cry because of the fear that I will never stop .
A pain that ’ s new to me .
“ You .
There are no words for you .
Angel is the closest I could think of .
Pure light .
Baby brother .
Best friend .
Wild man .
Intellectual .
Witness to my life .
Twin soul .
Protector .
Too sensitive for this harsh world.
” “ I can ’ t believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you sweet Ben Ben .
Anyone but you .
I guess this is true heartbreak .
I hope we meet again.
” Benjamin ’ s grandmother , Priscilla Presley , also poured her heart out on social media , highlighting not only her own pain but the suffering that each family member is going through .
“ These are some of the darkest days of my family ’ s life , ” she shared Wednesday on Facebook .
“ The shock of losing Ben has been devastating .
“ Trying to put all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whys has penetrated my soul .
Each day I wake up I pray it will get better .
“ Then , I think of my daughter and the pain she is going through as she was a doting mother .
Ben ’ s father , Danny , who is completely lost , as Ben was his only son .
Riley , so loving and so close to him ; Harper and Finley , who absolutely adored Ben .
Navarone , who struggles deeply with loss and death .
“ Rest In Peace Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
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On July 12, Benjamin Keough — grandson of Elvis and Priscilla Presley — died by suicide.
According to TMZ, the 27-year-old passed away in Calabasas after turning a gun on himself. His manner of death was later confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office.
Lisa Marie Presley, Keough’s mother, was said to be broken as she faced the tragedy.
“She is completely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated but trying to stay strong for her 11 year old twins and her oldest daughter Riley,” her manager, Roger Widynowski, told TMZ.
“She adored that boy. He was the love of her life.”
His death has left his high-profile family in shambles, and as they work through his passing and deal with their grief, they have shared their thoughts and feelings online.
Riley Keough, Benjamin’s sister, felt his absence and let her followers know that her baby brother was gone but very much not forgotten.
“Mornings are the hardest,” Riley shared on Saturday through Instagram. “I forget you’re gone. I can’t cry because of the fear that I will never stop. A pain that’s new to me.
“You. There are no words for you. Angel is the closest I could think of. Pure light. Baby brother. Best friend. Wild man. Intellectual. Witness to my life. Twin soul. Protector. Too sensitive for this harsh world.”
“I can’t believe you’ve left me. Not you sweet Ben Ben. Anyone but you. I guess this is true heartbreak. I hope we meet again.”
Benjamin’s grandmother, Priscilla Presley, also poured her heart out on social media, highlighting not only her own pain but the suffering that each family member is going through.
“These are some of the darkest days of my family’s life,” she shared Wednesday on Facebook. “The shock of losing Ben has been devastating.
“Trying to put all the pieces together of all the possible whys has penetrated my soul. Each day I wake up I pray it will get better.
“Then, I think of my daughter and the pain she is going through as she was a doting mother. Ben’s father, Danny, who is completely lost, as Ben was his only son. Riley, so loving and so close to him; Harper and Finley, who absolutely adored Ben. Navarone, who struggles deeply with loss and death.
“Rest In Peace Ben, you were loved.”
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Three Federal Officers Might Be Permanently Blind Due to Portland Rioters

Three federal officers were injured in a Monday night confrontation in Portland , Oregon , and may not recover their vision after rioters shined lasers in their eyes .
The confrontation occurred outside the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse , where over 1,000 protesters were gathered .
Richard Cline , deputy director of operations at the Federal Protective Service , said at a news conference Tuesday that the crowd removed the plywood covering protecting the federal building and then tried to throw objects and fireworks through the windows at the officers inside .
Rioters also shined lasers into the eyes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vandalized other buildings with graffiti .
“ Protesters advanced towards , engaged the officers , again throwing water bottles and other hard objects , fireworks and using lasers , ” Cline said .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man “ We have three officers who currently have eye injuries , and they may not recover sight in those eyes from those laser attacks.
” The agency had to purchase anti-laser glasses to prevent future eye injuries .
Federal officers ’ names would also be removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers because approximately 38 law enforcement officers had been doxed , according to Cline .
The officers responded to the attacks by deploying pepper balls and tear gas , Fox News reported .
Earlier on Monday , federal officers saw someone taking pictures of the water intake system at the Edith Green Federal Building .
Someone later tweeted , “ So we can now shut off the water to the buildings the feds are staying in to make it a nightmare for them , ” according to Cline .
In a July 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Chad Wolf criticized the “ violent mob ” and “ lawless anarchists ” who have taken over Portland .
“ A federal courthouse is a symbol of justice — to attack it is to attack America .
Instead of addressing violent criminals in their communities , local and state leaders are instead focusing on placing blame on law enforcement and requesting fewer officers in their community , ” he said .
RELATED : 54th Night of Portland Riots Draws Massive Crowd for Second Straight Day “ This siege can end if state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action instead of refusing to enforce the law .
DHS will not abdicate its solemn duty to protect federal facilities and those within them.
” Rioters and federal officers also clashed Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in downtown Portland on the city ’ s 54th into its 55th straight day of unrest .
On Tuesday night , rioters who reportedly brought crowbars and other tools with them tried to dislodge plywood surrounding the federal courthouse , briefly breaching the barrier at about 11 p.m. before authorities , including federal agents , responded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Three federal officers were injured in a Monday night confrontation in Portland, Oregon, and may not recover their vision after rioters shined lasers in their eyes.
The confrontation occurred outside the Mark O. Hatfield Federal Courthouse, where over 1,000 protesters were gathered.
Richard Cline, deputy director of operations at the Federal Protective Service, said at a news conference Tuesday that the crowd removed the plywood covering protecting the federal building and then tried to throw objects and fireworks through the windows at the officers inside.
Rioters also shined lasers into the eyes of officers, set fires nearby and vandalized other buildings with graffiti.
“Protesters advanced towards, engaged the officers, again throwing water bottles and other hard objects, fireworks and using lasers,” Cline said.
“We have three officers who currently have eye injuries, and they may not recover sight in those eyes from those laser attacks.”
The agency had to purchase anti-laser glasses to prevent future eye injuries.
Federal officers’ names would also be removed from their uniforms and replaced with badge numbers because approximately 38 law enforcement officers had been doxed, according to Cline.
Should Portland's mayor do more to control these rioters? Yes No
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The officers responded to the attacks by deploying pepper balls and tear gas, Fox News reported.
Earlier on Monday, federal officers saw someone taking pictures of the water intake system at the Edith Green Federal Building.
Someone later tweeted, “So we can now shut off the water to the buildings the feds are staying in to make it a nightmare for them,” according to Cline.
In a July 16 statement, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf criticized the “violent mob” and “lawless anarchists” who have taken over Portland.
“A federal courthouse is a symbol of justice — to attack it is to attack America. Instead of addressing violent criminals in their communities, local and state leaders are instead focusing on placing blame on law enforcement and requesting fewer officers in their community,” he said.
“This siege can end if state and local officials decide to take appropriate action instead of refusing to enforce the law. DHS will not abdicate its solemn duty to protect federal facilities and those within them.”
Rioters and federal officers also clashed Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in downtown Portland on the city’s 54th into its 55th straight day of unrest.
On Tuesday night, rioters who reportedly brought crowbars and other tools with them tried to dislodge plywood surrounding the federal courthouse, briefly breaching the barrier at about 11 p.m. before authorities, including federal agents, responded in back-and-forth action that continued into early Wednesday.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Chicago Police: Group of Kids as Young as 10 Are on Carjacking Rampage

Chicago police have linked a group of armed children to at least 16 carjackings since the end of June in the city ’ s South Side neighborhood .
The children , said to be ages 10 to 17 , committed their first carjacking June 23 , the Chicago Sun-Times reported .
“ In all of these incidents , 4-6 armed offenders approached citizens while they parked their vehicles or pulled into gas stations .
They then demanded their vehicles and property , ” a Sunday community alert from the Chicago Police Department read .
“ In two of the incidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported.
” A woman named Alyssa Blanchard was one of the victims who was carjacked at gunpoint , and she said she is now too traumatized to go outside .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man “ I ’ m scared to use my garage .
I don ’ t feel safe in my neighborhood , ” Blanchard , an elementary school teacher , told the Sun-Times .
Blanchard was carjacked on the evening of July 14 as she pulled into her alley garage .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ approached her vehicle and pointed handguns at her as they ordered her out of her BMW .
She said they took her purse with about $ 300 inside and drove off in her car .
“ It was so instantaneous , ” Blanchard said .
“ I was just scared for my life .
I thought , ‘ This is it . '
” Her BMW was used the next day to carjack a woman in the parking lot of Trinity Hosptial , the Sun-Times reported .
In that incident , a 21-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early morning .
Two teenagers confronted her with a gun and forced her to the ground outside the car .
The woman was taken to the hospital following the incident with a foot injury .
“ I don ’ t want to have to tell my kid about how some young woman was killed or shot with kids using my vehicle .
It was traumatizing , ” Blanchard said in response .
Her BMW has since been recovered by the police after it was crashed a couple of days after it was stolen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Sun-Times she was shocked that children as young as 1o were involved in this kind of crime .
“ I teach this age group , and I can ’ t believe they would do this , ” she said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Chicago police have linked a group of armed children to at least 16 carjackings since the end of June in the city’s South Side neighborhood.
The children, said to be ages 10 to 17, committed their first carjacking June 23, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
“In all of these incidents, 4-6 armed offenders approached citizens while they parked their vehicles or pulled into gas stations. They then demanded their vehicles and property,” a Sunday community alert from the Chicago Police Department read.
“In two of the incidents shots were fired but no injuries were reported.”
A woman named Alyssa Blanchard was one of the victims who was carjacked at gunpoint, and she said she is now too traumatized to go outside.
“I’m scared to use my garage. I don’t feel safe in my neighborhood,” Blanchard, an elementary school teacher, told the Sun-Times.
Blanchard was carjacked on the evening of July 14 as she pulled into her alley garage.
A group of three or four children approached her vehicle and pointed handguns at her as they ordered her out of her BMW.
She said they took her purse with about $300 inside and drove off in her car.
Are you surprised by the ages of these children? Yes No
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“It was so instantaneous,” Blanchard said. “I was just scared for my life. I thought, ‘This is it.'”
Her BMW was used the next day to carjack a woman in the parking lot of Trinity Hosptial, the Sun-Times reported.
In that incident, a 21-year-old woman was carjacked at gunpoint in the early morning.
Two teenagers confronted her with a gun and forced her to the ground outside the car. The woman was taken to the hospital following the incident with a foot injury.
“I don’t want to have to tell my kid about how some young woman was killed or shot with kids using my vehicle. It was traumatizing,” Blanchard said in response.
Her BMW has since been recovered by the police after it was crashed a couple of days after it was stolen.
As a school teacher, Blanchard told the Sun-Times she was shocked that children as young as 1o were involved in this kind of crime.
“I teach this age group, and I can’t believe they would do this,” she said.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--NYPD Storms Longstanding Occupy City Hall Encampment

The New York Police Department cleared “ Occupy City Hall ” protesters early Wednesday morning , removing them from their encampment .
Protesters were given a 10-minute warning before their removal , the NYPD ’ s chief of support services , Raymond Spinella , told reporters .
About 700 police officers in riot gear removed the protesters at around 3:40 a.m. Wednesday morning .
The police were accompanied by attorneys and video cameras to document their actions and provide a level of transparency .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the park since its inception , ” he said , according to WCBS-TV .
“ We felt the time had come to end the occupation and allow cleanup crews to begin the process of removing the graffiti.
” Seven people were arrested in the removal , including someone who threw a brick at an officer .
However , some people who were at the camp said the removal was not peaceful .
“ We did not get a warning , ” Yessenia Benitez told WCBS reporter John Dias .
“ They came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throw tables , started to rip into tents where people , children , sleep there , families sleep there.
” WARNING : The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive .
Protesters had been illegally camped outside New York City Hall for the past month to put pressure on the city council to cut the NYPD ’ s funding .
RELATED : Three Federal Officers Might Be Permanently Blind Due to Portland Rioters The graffiti on a nearby courthouse and other landmarks could take weeks to clean up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The graffiti is just another manifestation of the city in decline , ” Democratic Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday .
Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio added that the decision to shut down the camp was made Tuesday night for “ health and safety.
” “ What we saw change over the last few weeks was the gathering there got smaller and smaller , was less and less about protest and more and more of an area where homeless folks were gathering , ” he said .
De Blasio told reporters the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ There ’ s been regular efforts by Homeless Services to engage folks who are there .
They ’ ve been out there again today , ” he said .
“ We want to make sure that as many people as possible will accept the shelter we have for them , hopefully turn their life around and not go back to the streets.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The New York Police Department cleared “Occupy City Hall” protesters early Wednesday morning, removing them from their encampment.
Protesters were given a 10-minute warning before their removal, the NYPD’s chief of support services, Raymond Spinella, told reporters.
About 700 police officers in riot gear removed the protesters at around 3:40 a.m. Wednesday morning.
The police were accompanied by attorneys and video cameras to document their actions and provide a level of transparency.
Spinella said the operation “went smoothly.”
“The police department has closely monitored the situation at the park since its inception,” he said, according to WCBS-TV.
“We felt the time had come to end the occupation and allow cleanup crews to begin the process of removing the graffiti.”
Seven people were arrested in the removal, including someone who threw a brick at an officer.
However, some people who were at the camp said the removal was not peaceful.
Do you think storming this encampment was the right move? Yes No
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“We did not get a warning,” Yessenia Benitez told WCBS reporter John Dias.
“They came in through the back and started to throw tables, started to rip into tents where people, children, sleep there, families sleep there.”
WARNING: The following video contains vulgar language that some viewers may find offensive.
Protesters had been illegally camped outside New York City Hall for the past month to put pressure on the city council to cut the NYPD’s funding.
The graffiti on a nearby courthouse and other landmarks could take weeks to clean up, The New York Times reported.
“The graffiti is just another manifestation of the city in decline,” Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday.
Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio added that the decision to shut down the camp was made Tuesday night for “health and safety.”
“What we saw change over the last few weeks was the gathering there got smaller and smaller, was less and less about protest and more and more of an area where homeless folks were gathering,” he said.
De Blasio told reporters the Department of Homeless Service was also on scene.
“There’s been regular efforts by Homeless Services to engage folks who are there. They’ve been out there again today,” he said.
“We want to make sure that as many people as possible will accept the shelter we have for them, hopefully turn their life around and not go back to the streets.”
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--As Dems Push To Defund Police, Melania Trump Delivers Lunch to DC First Responders

The hard-working police officers , firefighters and other first responders who risk their lives every day deserve appreciation and respect from folks on both sides of the political aisle .
Unfortunately , while Democratic Party politicians increasingly criticize law enforcement agencies and call for them to be defunded , the political divide leaves first responders caught in the crossfire .
But for first lady Melania Trump , taking care of those who risk their lives for others was all in a day ’ s work when she made a surprise visit to the Engine Company 9 fire station in Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Today I met w/ @ dcfireems & @ DCPoliceDept members at Engine Company 9 fire station to drop off face masks , boxed lunches & other # BeBest items to show my appreciation for their work to provide critical life-saving services to keep our local communities healthy , secure & safe , ” the first lady tweeted .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man Her tweet included photos of men and women in uniform chatting with the first lady , who handed out White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as police officers from the nearby DC Metropolitan Police Department ’ s Third District , according to a White House news release .
She also provided them with supplies such as reusable masks , sanitizer and tote bags bearing her “ Be Best ” slogan , which refers to first lady ’ s initiative encouraging children to strive for excellence and stay away from harmful habits like opioid abuse .
Plenty of Twitter users lost it at the sight of the first lady acting charitably toward brave public servants , responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other words , the language of the radical left ) .
But some offered support for the first lady and her cause : RELATED : Melania 's Response Condemning Riots Should Be Covered by Every Media Outlet in America On the same day as the first lady ’ s visit , the National Association of Police Organizations announced its endorsement for President Donald Trump over former Vice President Joe Biden , the Democratic Party ’ s presidential nominee , in the 2020 presidential election .
The first couple has provided unwavering support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in stark contrast to the spineless , witless politicians like Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , who denigrate law enforcement in order to pander to radical groups like Black Lives Matter and their anti-police rhetoric .
Firefighters in cities across the United States have been there to quench infernos set during the riots that followed the death of George Floyd , even as city leaders allowed the destruction and mayhem to rage on .
Emergency medical services personnel revived COVID-19 patients in places like New York , where Democratic Gov .
Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus to spread unimpeded in nursing homes .
And worst yet , police officers were routinely attacked , defunded and smeared as racists while holding the thin blue line against the anarchy that leftist politicians endorsed .
Leftists politicians like to sell themselves as friends of the downtrodden .
But while they see the Democratic Party as the only party in touch with the common person , that facade has crumbled as they have firmly aligned themselves against the public servants who are the backbone of America in favor of the destructive anarchists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it would be hard to imagine the likes of Pelosi or Biden providing lunches for and thanking police officers simply says it all .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The hard-working police officers, firefighters and other first responders who risk their lives every day deserve appreciation and respect from folks on both sides of the political aisle.
Unfortunately, while Democratic Party politicians increasingly criticize law enforcement agencies and call for them to be defunded, the political divide leaves first responders caught in the crossfire.
But for first lady Melania Trump, taking care of those who risk their lives for others was all in a day’s work when she made a surprise visit to the Engine Company 9 fire station in Washington, D.C., on July 15.
“Today I met w/ @dcfireems & @DCPoliceDept members at Engine Company 9 fire station to drop off face masks, boxed lunches & other #BeBest items to show my appreciation for their work to provide critical life-saving services to keep our local communities healthy, secure & safe,” the first lady tweeted.
Today I met w/ @dcfireems & @DCPoliceDept members at Engine Company 9 fire station to drop off face masks, boxed lunches & other #BeBest items to show my appreciation for their work to provide critical life-saving services to keep our local communities healthy, secure & safe. pic.twitter.com/GwpEUTK5Ll — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) July 15, 2020
Her tweet included photos of men and women in uniform chatting with the first lady, who handed out White House chef-prepared boxed lunches to firefighters, as well as police officers from the nearby DC Metropolitan Police Department’s Third District, according to a White House news release.
She also provided them with supplies such as reusable masks, sanitizer and tote bags bearing her “Be Best” slogan, which refers to first lady’s initiative encouraging children to strive for excellence and stay away from harmful habits like opioid abuse.
Plenty of Twitter users lost it at the sight of the first lady acting charitably toward brave public servants, responding with obscene memes and vulgar tweets (in other words, the language of the radical left).
Do you think Democratic politicians would dare be caught handing out lunches to police officers? Yes No
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But some offered support for the first lady and her cause:
The entire TRUMP FAMILY seems to be kind, generous, loving, caring and intrested in the well-being of all US citizens i applaud you, all of AMERICA has been blessed by having a family in congress that makes all citizens a part of their family GOD BLESS @realDonaldTrump — Hannes Joubert (@HannesJoubert6) July 16, 2020
Way to go! I think we ALL ought to help with things like this. We need to show our appreciation for our police, firemen and women, as well as our 1st responders. Thank you 1st Lady — Terri Williams (@TerriWi18535278) July 15, 2020
It is impossible not to love this @FLOTUS ! What a charming and sensitive woman. — AmorFebrilPeloBrasil (@amor_febril) July 15, 2020
Fire wife here and this was such a thoughtful visit. They sacrifice their lives for us all. Very high rate of cancer sadly due to exposure of chemicals in fires.
Thank you for all you do for America Melania.
We love you ? — Pollypocketmom (@pollypocketmom) July 18, 2020
On the same day as the first lady’s visit, the National Association of Police Organizations announced its endorsement for President Donald Trump over former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, in the 2020 presidential election.
The first couple has provided unwavering support to first responders — especially police — in stark contrast to the spineless, witless politicians like Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who denigrate law enforcement in order to pander to radical groups like Black Lives Matter and their anti-police rhetoric.
Firefighters in cities across the United States have been there to quench infernos set during the riots that followed the death of George Floyd, even as city leaders allowed the destruction and mayhem to rage on.
Emergency medical services personnel revived COVID-19 patients in places like New York, where Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his failed policies allowed the virus to spread unimpeded in nursing homes.
And worst yet, police officers were routinely attacked, defunded and smeared as racists while holding the thin blue line against the anarchy that leftist politicians endorsed.
Leftists politicians like to sell themselves as friends of the downtrodden.
But while they see the Democratic Party as the only party in touch with the common person, that facade has crumbled as they have firmly aligned themselves against the public servants who are the backbone of America in favor of the destructive anarchists tearing the nation down.
The fact that it would be hard to imagine the likes of Pelosi or Biden providing lunches for and thanking police officers simply says it all.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--1-Year-Old Killed in Ohio as Gun Violence Surges Across Country

One-year-old twins were shot in their Canton , Ohio , home early Wednesday morning in the latest incident in a string of firearm homicides .
Twins Ace and Arcel Lucas were taken to a local hospital after gunshots were fired into their home while they were sleeping on a couch .
Ace died while his brother is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries , WJW reported .
Police say the twins ’ parents were asleep and not injured .
The city of Canton recorded two other fatal shootings within the last 24 hours , according to WJW .
Ronald Pleasant , 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were killed in separate shootings late Tuesday night , with two other men hospitalized from gunshot wounds .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man The Canton Police Detective Bureau is working alongside the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force to investigate the shootings , WJW reported .
A nationwide uptick in fatal shootings , often involving children , has received national attention in recent weeks .
Over the 4th of July weekend , six children were shot and killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco , Atlanta , Washington , D.C. , and Chicago .
The children ranged in age from six to 14 years old .
Chicago alone recorded a total of 66 shooting victims and six homicides over the holiday weekend .
15 were shot at a funeral service on Tuesday evening in an apparent gang-related attack .
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
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Read our editorial standards .

One-year-old twins were shot in their Canton, Ohio, home early Wednesday morning in the latest incident in a string of firearm homicides.
Twins Ace and Arcel Lucas were taken to a local hospital after gunshots were fired into their home while they were sleeping on a couch.
Ace died while his brother is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries, WJW reported. Police say the twins’ parents were asleep and not injured.
The city of Canton recorded two other fatal shootings within the last 24 hours, according to WJW.
Ronald Pleasant, 31, and Brandon Bush, 20, were killed in separate shootings late Tuesday night, with two other men hospitalized from gunshot wounds.
The Canton Police Detective Bureau is working alongside the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force to investigate the shootings, WJW reported.
A nationwide uptick in fatal shootings, often involving children, has received national attention in recent weeks.
Are the left's attacks on police contributing to the rise in violence? Yes No
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Over the 4th of July weekend, six children were shot and killed in cities around the country including San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The children ranged in age from six to 14 years old.
Chicago alone recorded a total of 66 shooting victims and six homicides over the holiday weekend. 15 were shot at a funeral service on Tuesday evening in an apparent gang-related attack.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of their original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Kellyanne Conway Slams Nancy Pelosi for Her Attempt To Let China Off the Hook

When it comes to Nancy Pelosi , twisting the truth is straight out of the political playbook .
During her 19 months as House speaker during President Donald Trump ’ s administration , Pelosi and her party haven ’ t been shy about demonstrating their abilities to mislead the American people in their war with the White House , but the speaker ’ s latest take on the coronavirus crisis has pushed Democratic duplicity to new heights .
Fortunately for Trump supporters , Kellyanne Conway is around to bring Pelosi down .
Appearing Wednesday morning on Fox News , Conway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night to brand the pandemic that ’ s upended most of the world ’ s civilization “ the Trump virus ” – and lashed out at Pelosi ’ s fellow party members , too .
Pelosi made her remarks in an interview with CNN ’ s Wolf Blitzer as a counterargument to Trump ’ s first live coronavirus briefing from the White House since April ( similar to the Democratic response to a Trump State of the Union address ) .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s comments today , he has recognized the mistakes that he has made by now embracing mask-wearing and the recognition that this is not a hoax , it is a pandemic that has gotten worse before it gets better because of his inaction and , in fact , clearly , it is the Trump virus , ” Pelosi said , according to Fox News .
“ A good deal of what we have suffered is clearly the Trump virus , ” she added , OK .
It might come as news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus did not originate at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. during the Trump residency in the White House .
In fact , it came from communist China , where the inherent corruption of a totalitarian dictatorship coupled with there inherent corruption of China ’ s toadies in the World Health Organization combined to unleash a scourge on the entire globe that had killed 618,000 victims worldwide as of Wednesday afternoon , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
The House speaker ’ s loathing for the president is well known — from the patently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 ( everyone remember that ? )
to her histrionic ripping up of Trump ’ s State of the Union speech in February , she ’ s made sure of that .
But her evident willingness Tuesday to try to let China off the hook for a global pandemic is still stunning .
Is Pelosi blaming Trump for more than a half-million deaths around the world ?
Or is she just blaming him for American deaths – at a time when not even the most deranged victim of Trump Derangement Syndrome could seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today if Democrats had been in charge when the deadly Chinese import arrived on our shores .
During her appearance Wednesday on Fox , Conway put Pelosi ’ s behavior in perspective .
It was Democrats like Pelosi who , in the early days of the coronavirus crisis , were encouraging Americans to flock to San Francisco ’ s Chinatown , Conway pointed out ( New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and his administration did the same at the other end of the country ) .
At a time when Democratic-run cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic bloodshed , and their mayors are attacking the White House , trying to mislead Americans by labeling the pandemic “ the Trump virus ” is partisan politics at its worst , Conway said .
Check out her interview with Martha MacCallum here : “ This is what Nancy Pelosi does , ” Conway said .
“ Congress hasn ’ t been to work for three weeks .
She ’ s all dressed up with nowhere to go .
“ A few times a week she makes these appearances with matching scarves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profile in courage on this virus all along , ” Conway said .
“ She ’ s the one encouraging people to go out into Chinatown in San Francisco .
She trips over the poor homeless population in her own San Francisco , I guess , to make these silly appearances a couple [ of ] times a week.
” “ I think it ’ s really disappointing to hear the speaker of the House — the highest-ranking woman in our nation ’ s government — call this the ‘ Trump virus ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ” she said .
It might be “ disappointing ” but it isn ’ t unexpected — at all .
For Pelosi and her party of pathological liars , the coronavirus crisis is simply a political weapon to be used against the president , even if it means damaging the United States economy with business shutdowns that aren ’ t justified by the danger the virus presents .
Democrats are willing to press every advantage against Trump in the November election , no matter what it might cost their fellow citizens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a daily basis , the way Pelosi did on the Trump-hating CNN on Tuesday .
Fortunately , Kellyanne Conway is around to set the record straight .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

When it comes to Nancy Pelosi, twisting the truth is straight out of the political playbook.
During her 19 months as House speaker during President Donald Trump’s administration, Pelosi and her party haven’t been shy about demonstrating their abilities to mislead the American people in their war with the White House, but the speaker’s latest take on the coronavirus crisis has pushed Democratic duplicity to new heights.
Fortunately for Trump supporters, Kellyanne Conway is around to bring Pelosi down.
Appearing Wednesday morning on Fox News, Conway took on Pelosi’s decision Tuesday night to brand the pandemic that’s upended most of the world’s civilization “the Trump virus” – and lashed out at Pelosi’s fellow party members, too.
Pelosi made her remarks in an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer as a counterargument to Trump’s first live coronavirus briefing from the White House since April (similar to the Democratic response to a Trump State of the Union address).
“I think with the president’s comments today, he has recognized the mistakes that he has made by now embracing mask-wearing and the recognition that this is not a hoax, it is a pandemic that has gotten worse before it gets better because of his inaction and, in fact, clearly, it is the Trump virus,” Pelosi said, according to Fox News.
“A good deal of what we have suffered is clearly the Trump virus,” she added,
Nancy Pelosi absolves China of any blame for the China virus. She blames President Trump instead. pic.twitter.com/8mopbOXtZX — Arthur Schwartz (@ArthurSchwartz) July 21, 2020
OK. It might come as news to the House speaker, but the virus did not originate at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. during the Trump residency in the White House.
In fact, it came from communist China, where the inherent corruption of a totalitarian dictatorship coupled with there inherent corruption of China’s toadies in the World Health Organization combined to unleash a scourge on the entire globe that had killed 618,000 victims worldwide as of Wednesday afternoon, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
The House speaker’s loathing for the president is well known — from the patently spurious impeachment attempt at the end of 2019 (everyone remember that?) to her histrionic ripping up of Trump’s State of the Union speech in February, she’s made sure of that.
But her evident willingness Tuesday to try to let China off the hook for a global pandemic is still stunning.
Is Pelosi blaming Trump for more than a half-million deaths around the world?
Or is she just blaming him for American deaths – at a time when not even the most deranged victim of Trump Derangement Syndrome could seriously believe there would be 142,000 American alive today if Democrats had been in charge when the deadly Chinese import arrived on our shores.
During her appearance Wednesday on Fox, Conway put Pelosi’s behavior in perspective. It was Democrats like Pelosi who, in the early days of the coronavirus crisis, were encouraging Americans to flock to San Francisco’s Chinatown, Conway pointed out (New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and his administration did the same at the other end of the country).
At a time when Democratic-run cities like New York and Chicago are witnessing historic bloodshed, and their mayors are attacking the White House, trying to mislead Americans by labeling the pandemic “the Trump virus” is partisan politics at its worst, Conway said.
Check out her interview with Martha MacCallum here:
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
“This is what Nancy Pelosi does,” Conway said. “Congress hasn’t been to work for three weeks. She’s all dressed up with nowhere to go.
“A few times a week she makes these appearances with matching scarves, but she’s hardly been a profile in courage on this virus all along,” Conway said.
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“She’s the one encouraging people to go out into Chinatown in San Francisco. She trips over the poor homeless population in her own San Francisco, I guess, to make these silly appearances a couple [of] times a week.”
“I think it’s really disappointing to hear the speaker of the House — the highest-ranking woman in our nation’s government — call this the ‘Trump virus’ and not the ‘China virus,'” she said.
It might be “disappointing” but it isn’t unexpected — at all.
For Pelosi and her party of pathological liars, the coronavirus crisis is simply a political weapon to be used against the president, even if it means damaging the United States economy with business shutdowns that aren’t justified by the danger the virus presents. Democrats are willing to press every advantage against Trump in the November election, no matter what it might cost their fellow citizens.
And that means twisting the truth on a daily basis, the way Pelosi did on the Trump-hating CNN on Tuesday.
Fortunately, Kellyanne Conway is around to set the record straight.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Founder of Republican Anti-Trump PAC Arrested in Major Bribery Case

Federal prosecutors charged Matt Borges , founder of the anti-Trump Right Side super PAC , with conspiracy to commit racketeering on Tuesday .
Borges , a former Ohio Republican Party chairman who is now a lobbyist , is one of five people who have been charged in connection with a nuclear bailout bill that was quickly moved through the Ohio state legislature last year , Cleveland reported .
The others are Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder , lobbyist Neil Clark , FirstEnergy Solutions lobbyist Juan Cespedes and Householder aide Jeff Longstreth .
According to a federal complaint filed Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in bribe money to secure FirstEnergy Corp. a $ 13 billion public bailout , Cleveland reported .
The complaint said that “ Borges was a key middleman and was at the center of the effort to thwart the referendum ” that would allow residents to vote on the bailout bill .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man Borges co-founded the Right Side super PAC with fellow Republican Anthony Scaramucci .
The organization is “ focused on defeating President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Republicans who want to do the right thing will need to be communicated with on a personal level as to why Joe Biden is the man who can mend America ’ s soul .
In the minds of Republican voters , we must make him more than simply the ‘ lesser of two evils , ' ” the super PAC says of its mission .
“ The time has come to be on the right side of history.
” Last month , the Ohio GOP voted to censure Borges , who served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , for his work with the PAC , The Associated Press reported .
“ I get that there ’ s folks who are mad at me now , but when they look back at all this , they ’ ll just be mad at themselves , ” Borges said .
“ The party , and the people in it , are too good to have their standard-bearer be Donald Trump , who is so bad.
” As part of the FirstEnergy operation , Borges allegedly sought out a person working on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the person ’ s debts in return for inside information .
“ I promise this will be worth your while , ” he allegedly told the person , who was working as an informant for the FBI .
The informant was paid $ 15,000 , and Borges allegedly threatened to “ blow up ” the person ’ s home if word of the payment was leaked .
The U.S. Attorney ’ s Office has described the case as a “ public corruption racketeering conspiracy involving $ 60 million.
” Each defendant could face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 250,000 fine .
“ [ It ] is likely the largest bribery , money-laundering scheme ever perpetrated against the people in the state of Ohio , ” David DeVillers , U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio , said during a Tuesday news conference .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
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Federal prosecutors charged Matt Borges, founder of the anti-Trump Right Side super PAC, with conspiracy to commit racketeering on Tuesday.
Borges, a former Ohio Republican Party chairman who is now a lobbyist, is one of five people who have been charged in connection with a nuclear bailout bill that was quickly moved through the Ohio state legislature last year, Cleveland reported.
The others are Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, lobbyist Neil Clark, FirstEnergy Solutions lobbyist Juan Cespedes and Householder aide Jeff Longstreth.
According to a federal complaint filed Thursday, the political operation accepted over $60 million in bribe money to secure FirstEnergy Corp. a $13 billion public bailout, Cleveland reported.
The complaint said that “Borges was a key middleman and was at the center of the effort to thwart the referendum” that would allow residents to vote on the bailout bill.
Borges co-founded the Right Side super PAC with fellow Republican Anthony Scaramucci. The organization is “focused on defeating President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election,” according to Ballotpedia.
“Republicans who want to do the right thing will need to be communicated with on a personal level as to why Joe Biden is the man who can mend America’s soul. In the minds of Republican voters, we must make him more than simply the ‘lesser of two evils,'” the super PAC says of its mission.
“The time has come to be on the right side of history.”
Last month, the Ohio GOP voted to censure Borges, who served as chairman from April 2013 to January 2017, for his work with the PAC, The Associated Press reported.
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“I get that there’s folks who are mad at me now, but when they look back at all this, they’ll just be mad at themselves,” Borges said.
“The party, and the people in it, are too good to have their standard-bearer be Donald Trump, who is so bad.”
As part of the FirstEnergy operation, Borges allegedly sought out a person working on the referendum campaign and offered to pay off the person’s debts in return for inside information.
“I promise this will be worth your while,” he allegedly told the person, who was working as an informant for the FBI.
The informant was paid $15,000, and Borges allegedly threatened to “blow up” the person’s home if word of the payment was leaked.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has described the case as a “public corruption racketeering conspiracy involving $60 million.”
Each defendant could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“[It] is likely the largest bribery, money-laundering scheme ever perpetrated against the people in the state of Ohio,” David DeVillers, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, said during a Tuesday news conference.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Cal Thomas: This Time the Democrats Really Are Coming for Our Guns

For years conservative groups and especially the National Rifle Association have been warning that the government would find a way to confiscate the guns of law-abiding Americans .
Many dismissed what they regarded as a scare tactic designed to raise money .
What is happening in St. Louis should awaken us to the fact that those fears are well-founded .
The top prosecutor in St. Louis has charged a married couple with “ felony unlawful use of a weapon for displaying guns during a racial injustice protest outside their mansion.
” Mark and Patricia McCloskey , who the media likes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” are in their 60s .
Both are personal injury attorneys .
Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner says their actions risked creating a violent situation during an otherwise “ peaceful protest ” last month .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man The gun owners , who say protesters had trespassed on their property , claim they were protecting their home from what could have turned into a violent mob as they no doubt had seen happen on TV in other cities .
A case could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence , which is one of the purposes of the Second Amendment .
Having a gun for personal protection can be a deterrent without it ever being fired .
The McCloskeys did not fire their guns but only waved them at the protesters while yelling at them .
The McCloskeys have some powerful defenders , including President Trump and Missouri Gov .
Mike Parson , a Republican , who has said he will pardon the couple if they are convicted .
Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri is another supporter .
Hawley has asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation to determine whether the McCloskeys ’ civil rights have been violated .
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is also on the side of the McCloskeys .
Schmitt has filed a brief with the court that says in part , “ The right to keep and bear arms is given the highest level of protection in our Constitution and our laws , including the Castle Doctrine.
” The castle law was passed in 2017 and provides for “ stand your ground ” protection for citizens who feel threatened by others .
Police seized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patricia McCloskey later voluntarily surrendered her pistol .
This case is not only important on its own but also demonstrates what could happen if Joe Biden wins the presidency .
In March , while the coronavirus was beginning to overtake us , Biden said this about Beto O ’ Rourke after O ’ Rourke dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Biden : “ You ’ re going to take care of the gun problem with me .
You ’ re going to be the one who leads this effort .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m counting on you.
” RELATED : Op-Ed : The Second Amendment Has Never Been More Important He then added , “ We need you badly , the state needs you , the country needs you .
You ’ re the best.
” Last year while still a candidate , O ’ Rourke said during a debate carried by ABC News : “ Hell yes , we are going to take your AR-15.
” And after that , what ?
Having established a precedent that the government has a right to confiscate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , what other guns would O ’ Rourke ( and Biden ) come for and on what grounds ?
What would stop them if more liberal judges are named to the courts and they ignore or re-interpret the Second Amendment ?
Do any of the shooters in our major cities pay attention to anti-gun laws or laws against murder ?
By definition they are lawbreakers and no one has been able to tell me how passing more laws will suddenly turn them into law-abiders .
By brandishing their weapons , the McCloskeys possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaging in actions far worse than their alleged trespassing .
If they are convicted , they should be immediately pardoned by the governor .
This should be a lesson learned about one of the many dangers of a Joe Biden presidency .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal , you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

For years conservative groups and especially the National Rifle Association have been warning that the government would find a way to confiscate the guns of law-abiding Americans. Many dismissed what they regarded as a scare tactic designed to raise money.
What is happening in St. Louis should awaken us to the fact that those fears are well-founded.
The top prosecutor in St. Louis has charged a married couple with “felony unlawful use of a weapon for displaying guns during a racial injustice protest outside their mansion.”
Mark and Patricia McCloskey, who the media likes to identify as being “white,” are in their 60s. Both are personal injury attorneys. Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner says their actions risked creating a violent situation during an otherwise “peaceful protest” last month.
Doesn’t Gardner have it backward?
The gun owners, who say protesters had trespassed on their property, claim they were protecting their home from what could have turned into a violent mob as they no doubt had seen happen on TV in other cities.
A case could be made that their display of weapons prevented violence, which is one of the purposes of the Second Amendment. Having a gun for personal protection can be a deterrent without it ever being fired. The McCloskeys did not fire their guns but only waved them at the protesters while yelling at them.
The McCloskeys have some powerful defenders, including President Trump and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, who has said he will pardon the couple if they are convicted. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri is another supporter.
Hawley has asked Attorney General William Barr to begin an investigation to determine whether the McCloskeys’ civil rights have been violated.
Do you think a Joe Biden presidency could lead to the federal government seizing guns? Yes No
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Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is also on the side of the McCloskeys. Schmitt has filed a brief with the court that says in part, “The right to keep and bear arms is given the highest level of protection in our Constitution and our laws, including the Castle Doctrine.”
The castle law was passed in 2017 and provides for “stand your ground” protection for citizens who feel threatened by others.
Police seized Mark McCloskey’s semi-automatic weapon and Patricia McCloskey later voluntarily surrendered her pistol.
This case is not only important on its own but also demonstrates what could happen if Joe Biden wins the presidency.
In March, while the coronavirus was beginning to overtake us, Biden said this about Beto O’Rourke after O’Rourke dropped out of the presidential race and endorsed Biden: “You’re going to take care of the gun problem with me. You’re going to be the one who leads this effort. I’m counting on you. I’m counting on you.”
He then added, “We need you badly, the state needs you, the country needs you. You’re the best.”
Last year while still a candidate, O’Rourke said during a debate carried by ABC News: “Hell yes, we are going to take your AR-15.” And after that, what?
Having established a precedent that the government has a right to confiscate a weapon owned by a law-abiding citizen, what other guns would O’Rourke (and Biden) come for and on what grounds?
What would stop them if more liberal judges are named to the courts and they ignore or re-interpret the Second Amendment?
Do any of the shooters in our major cities pay attention to anti-gun laws or laws against murder? By definition they are lawbreakers and no one has been able to tell me how passing more laws will suddenly turn them into law-abiders.
By brandishing their weapons, the McCloskeys possibly deterred the marchers outside their home from engaging in actions far worse than their alleged trespassing. If they are convicted, they should be immediately pardoned by the governor.
This should be a lesson learned about one of the many dangers of a Joe Biden presidency.
© 2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--Three Soldiers Found Dead Near Fort Hood in 1 Month

A soldier was found dead outside of Ford Hood in Texas on Wednesday , marking the third time a soldier ’ s remains were discovered near the Army base in a month , according to officials .
Pvt .
Mejhor Morta , 26 , was found dead on Friday outside the base in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake , a reservoir that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates , according to a Fort Hood news release .
Officials haven ’ t suggested that foul play was involved and the Bell County Sheriff ’ s Department is currently investigating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The Black Knight family is truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of Private Mejhor Morta , ” Lt. Col. Neil Armstrong said in the release .
“ Private Morta was a great Trooper and this loss is felt by every member within our formation.
” TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man Morta entered the Army in Sept. 2019 , working as a vehicle mechanic .
His commendations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal , National Defense Service Medal and the Army @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes after the bodies of two fellow soldiers , Gregory Morales and Vanessa Guillen , both stationed at Fort Hood , were found near the base in the past 30 days .
Morales went missing in Sept. 2019 and was formally listed as AWOL .
His remains were found and identified using dental records on June 19 in a field in Killeen , Texas .
The Killeen Police Department is investigating foul play and offered a $ 25,000 reward to anyone with credible information about Morales ’ death , according to a Fort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missing in April , and her dismembered body was discovered and positively identified using DNA samples near the Leon River in Bell County , Texas , on June 30 .
Guillen had allegedly been sexually harassed , and officials currently suspect that a fellow Fort Hood soldier was involved in her death .
Her death sparked national outrage and has led to calls for a formal congressional investigation into the incident .
RELATED : Investigators Say Texas Couple Defrauded Army Out of Millions , Stole Soldiers ' Identities A version of this article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A soldier was found dead outside of Ford Hood in Texas on Wednesday, marking the third time a soldier’s remains were discovered near the Army base in a month, according to officials.
Pvt. Mejhor Morta, 26, was found dead on Friday outside the base in the vicinity of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, a reservoir that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates, according to a Fort Hood news release.
Officials haven’t suggested that foul play was involved and the Bell County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the incident, the news release said.
“The Black Knight family is truly heartbroken by the tragic loss of Private Mejhor Morta,” Lt. Col. Neil Armstrong said in the release.
“Private Morta was a great Trooper and this loss is felt by every member within our formation.”
Morta entered the Army in Sept. 2019, working as a vehicle mechanic.
His commendations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Morta’s death comes after the bodies of two fellow soldiers, Gregory Morales and Vanessa Guillen, both stationed at Fort Hood, were found near the base in the past 30 days.
Morales went missing in Sept. 2019 and was formally listed as AWOL. His remains were found and identified using dental records on June 19 in a field in Killeen, Texas.
Do you believe foul play was involved in the latest death at Fort Hood? Yes No
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The Killeen Police Department is investigating foul play and offered a $25,000 reward to anyone with credible information about Morales’ death, according to a Fort Hood news release.
Vanessa Guillen went missing in April, and her dismembered body was discovered and positively identified using DNA samples near the Leon River in Bell County, Texas, on June 30.
Guillen had allegedly been sexually harassed, and officials currently suspect that a fellow Fort Hood soldier was involved in her death.
Her death sparked national outrage and has led to calls for a formal congressional investigation into the incident.
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A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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westernjournal--2020-07-22--America’s Most Powerful CEOs Band Together, Ask Every Business To Require Customer Face Masks

The question isn ’ t whether masks work to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus .
They do , to a certain extent , although that extent is still being debated by scientists .
When it comes to wearing them in public , it ’ s worth noting that at least one study has shown you ’ re much more likely to contract COVID-19 at home than in a grocery store , but this is neither here nor there .
The question , instead , is to what extent entities with a certain degree of power — whether it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be able to tell you whether you either should or have to wear a mask .
The Business Roundtable is one of the most powerful corporate associations there is .
Its board of directors includes names such as Apple ’ s Tim Cook , Walmart ’ s Doug McMillon and JPMorgan Chase ’ s Jamie Dimon .
While he ’ s not on the board , United Press International reported that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is also among the Roundtable ’ s numbers .
In fact , as the group ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Business Roundtable are CEOs .
TRENDING : Maxine Waters Jumps Out of Car To Harass LA Deputies Detaining Man “ These CEO members lead companies with more than 15 million employees and more than $ 7 trillion in annual revenues .
As major employers in every state , Business Roundtable CEOs take seriously the responsibility of creating quality jobs with good wages .
These leaders join with communities , workers and policymakers to build a better future for the nation and its people , ” the site reads .
Of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessarily just join with policymakers , they also have the power to heavily influence policy , whether through government or simply through the share of the market they control .
That ’ s why their statement on masks released Friday is a bit more newsworthy than the coverage it received .
“ Rising infection rates around the country are putting public health and our economy at grave risk , ” the statement read .
“ Failure to bring the pandemic under control will have devastating , long-term consequences for millions of Americans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can all do to protect public health and the economy is to wear face coverings in public settings , especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain , ” it continued .
“ Business Roundtable applauds the many companies that are protecting their employees and customers by mandating the use of face coverings indoors consistent with CDC guidelines .
We encourage every company to adopt this practice and hope that all Americans will adopt the use of face coverings to protect their families , friends , neighbors , and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement — which “ called for the mandatory use of face coverings in businesses to help stop the spread of coronavirus , ” didn ’ t explicitly request the federal government to order such a move ; the statement merely called on businesses to take the initiative .
It came exceptionally close to getting the federal government involved , however .
“ Business Roundtable began calling for consistent federal and state guidelines on safety measures , including face coverings , in April , and recently co-signed a letter with the U.S. Chamber of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support a national mask standard implemented locally , ” the group said , also noting it has “ launched a series of COVID-19 safety PSA ads as part of a public education campaign to further encourage the use of face coverings to address the upward trend of COVID-19 cases in several states.
” Yes , well , if PSAs were particularly effective , the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would have obviated the need to have any sort of debate about marijuana legalization , having curbed America ’ s appetite for the devil weed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not a chicken , you ’ re a turkey ” anti-drug ad every 30-something can recite by heart .
Of greater import , however , is the fact the group pointed out it “ began calling for consistent federal and state guidelines on safety measures , including face coverings , in April.
” RELATED : Fed Up with Desecration of US Flag , Combat Vet Creates One That Wo n't Burn Now , as it makes clear , this isn ’ t a law !
The group just … supported a set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to see adopted locally as laws .
The letter that the Roundtable co-signed with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is an illuminating one , as well , inasmuch as it makes clear they want a single mask policy for the entire United States , if possible .
“ Current local and state mandatory mask requirements vary widely in scope , application , and enforcement .
For example , there is variation on whether the mandate applies to all businesses , to just employees or also customers , and exemptions for age or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , ” reads the letter , dated July 2 .
“ In addition , in some locations the mandate is imposed on businesses for them to enforce .
Not only has this led to public confusion and lower levels of consumer confidence , but it has also contributed to confrontations between customers and employees and litigation from both directions — enforcing mask requirements and failing to enforce mask requirements.
” The Business Roundtable and Chamber of Commerce say they want three things : “ guidance on the appropriate metrics … for imposing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spaces , ” the development of mask policies which “ do not impose the enforcement burden on organizations without such expertise , such as businesses and non-profits , ” and for it to be made “ clear that businesses and non-profits will not be held liable for refusing entry or services to an individual who is not complying with face covering requirements.
” “ To be clear , the decision to impose face covering requirements should remain at the state or local level but be informed by clear and consistent guidance based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask standard , implemented locally , offers the surest way to protect public health and promote economic recovery , ” the letter reads .
The tone of the letter feels strangely contradictory , the spirit of which can be glimpsed in those last two sentences .
Mask policies should be decided at the state and local level and this proposed guidance would be merely that — guidance .
But , you know , a national policy that states and localities simply decide to adopt on their own without any prodding whatsoever ( nudge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be for the best .
I have no doubt the members of the Business Roundtable are intelligent enough to realize this is an either-or decision .
Either states and localities are able to determine their own mask policies as best fits their local needs , or we have a national mask policy that states and localities are pressured into adopting even though it may not fit their specific needs .
This isn ’ t simply the Business Roundtable weighing in .
It ’ s the Business Roundtable throwing its weight around .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of masks and everything to do with whether we ’ re going to allow corporate behemoths to set national policy on the matter .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The question isn’t whether masks work to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
They do, to a certain extent, although that extent is still being debated by scientists. When it comes to wearing them in public, it’s worth noting that at least one study has shown you’re much more likely to contract COVID-19 at home than in a grocery store, but this is neither here nor there.
The question, instead, is to what extent entities with a certain degree of power — whether it be governmental, institutional or economic — should be able to tell you whether you either should or have to wear a mask.
The Business Roundtable is one of the most powerful corporate associations there is. Its board of directors includes names such as Apple’s Tim Cook, Walmart’s Doug McMillon and JPMorgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon. While he’s not on the board, United Press International reported that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is also among the Roundtable’s numbers.
In fact, as the group’s website explains, the only members allowed in the Business Roundtable are CEOs.
“These CEO members lead companies with more than 15 million employees and more than $7 trillion in annual revenues. As major employers in every state, Business Roundtable CEOs take seriously the responsibility of creating quality jobs with good wages. These leaders join with communities, workers and policymakers to build a better future for the nation and its people,” the site reads.
Of course, this means they don’t necessarily just join with policymakers, they also have the power to heavily influence policy, whether through government or simply through the share of the market they control. That’s why their statement on masks released Friday is a bit more newsworthy than the coverage it received.
“Rising infection rates around the country are putting public health and our economy at grave risk,” the statement read.
“Failure to bring the pandemic under control will have devastating, long-term consequences for millions of Americans.
Should there be a national mask requirement? 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: 6% (17 Votes) No: 94% (251 Votes)
“One of the most effective things we can all do to protect public health and the economy is to wear face coverings in public settings, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain,” it continued.
“Business Roundtable applauds the many companies that are protecting their employees and customers by mandating the use of face coverings indoors consistent with CDC guidelines. We encourage every company to adopt this practice and hope that all Americans will adopt the use of face coverings to protect their families, friends, neighbors, and our economy.”
As UPI reported, the statement — which “called for the mandatory use of face coverings in businesses to help stop the spread of coronavirus,” didn’t explicitly request the federal government to order such a move; the statement merely called on businesses to take the initiative. It came exceptionally close to getting the federal government involved, however.
“Business Roundtable began calling for consistent federal and state guidelines on safety measures, including face coverings, in April, and recently co-signed a letter with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other leading business associations to support a national mask standard implemented locally,” the group said, also noting it has “launched a series of COVID-19 safety PSA ads as part of a public education campaign to further encourage the use of face coverings to address the upward trend of COVID-19 cases in several states.”
Yes, well, if PSAs were particularly effective, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would have obviated the need to have any sort of debate about marijuana legalization, having curbed America’s appetite for the devil weed thanks to that infamous “I’m not a chicken, you’re a turkey” anti-drug ad every 30-something can recite by heart. Of greater import, however, is the fact the group pointed out it “began calling for consistent federal and state guidelines on safety measures, including face coverings, in April.”
Now, as it makes clear, this isn’t a law! The group just … supported a set of guidelines about masks that it would like to see adopted locally as laws.
The letter that the Roundtable co-signed with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is an illuminating one, as well, inasmuch as it makes clear they want a single mask policy for the entire United States, if possible.
“Current local and state mandatory mask requirements vary widely in scope, application, and enforcement. For example, there is variation on whether the mandate applies to all businesses, to just employees or also customers, and exemptions for age or other health conditions (e.g. asthma),” reads the letter, dated July 2.
“In addition, in some locations the mandate is imposed on businesses for them to enforce. Not only has this led to public confusion and lower levels of consumer confidence, but it has also contributed to confrontations between customers and employees and litigation from both directions — enforcing mask requirements and failing to enforce mask requirements.”
The Business Roundtable and Chamber of Commerce say they want three things: “guidance on the appropriate metrics … for imposing location-based mandatory mask requirements in all public spaces,” the development of mask policies which “do not impose the enforcement burden on organizations without such expertise, such as businesses and non-profits,” and for it to be made “clear that businesses and non-profits will not be held liable for refusing entry or services to an individual who is not complying with face covering requirements.”
“To be clear, the decision to impose face covering requirements should remain at the state or local level but be informed by clear and consistent guidance based on data. We believe that a national mask standard, implemented locally, offers the surest way to protect public health and promote economic recovery,” the letter reads.
The tone of the letter feels strangely contradictory, the spirit of which can be glimpsed in those last two sentences.
Mask policies should be decided at the state and local level and this proposed guidance would be merely that — guidance. But, you know, a national policy that states and localities simply decide to adopt on their own without any prodding whatsoever (nudge nudge, wink wink) would probably be for the best.
I have no doubt the members of the Business Roundtable are intelligent enough to realize this is an either-or decision. Either states and localities are able to determine their own mask policies as best fits their local needs, or we have a national mask policy that states and localities are pressured into adopting even though it may not fit their specific needs.
This isn’t simply the Business Roundtable weighing in. It’s the Business Roundtable throwing its weight around.
This has nothing to do with the efficacy of masks and everything to do with whether we’re going to allow corporate behemoths to set national policy on the matter.
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.