westernjournal--2020-12-01--Stunning Small Business Closure Numbers Reveal Just How Devastating Another Lockdown Would Be

Over a quarter of the small businesses in New York and New Jersey have closed since January , according to grim numbers from a Harvard-run database tracking the economic damage wrought by COVID-19 lockdowns .
Yet , the governors of both states are looking toward further lockdowns — something that could cripple the economy going forward .
TrackTheRecovery.org pegged New York ’ s small business loss rate as of Nov. 16 at 27.8 percent , according to the New York Post .
In New Jersey , the numbers were even grimmer : 31.2 percent .
At least New York comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of small businesses having closed since the pandemic hit .
Some large states are in the same boat as New Jersey or worse .
Texas is at 32.5 percent closed and California , which recently put the brakes on economic activity , is at 31.1 percent .
Eileen Kean , the New Jersey director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses , told NJ.com that things are “ really bad ” in the Garden State .
“ And without federal dollars coming into New Jersey , the Main Street stores and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the winter , ” she said .
Over 50 percent of small businesses were closed in New York and New Jersey at the height of the pandemic , with 52.5 of New York businesses and 53.9 percent of New Jersey businesses having shuttered this spring .
In the past few days , the governors of both states have been eyeing a return to lockdowns that would closely resemble what we saw during COVID-19 ’ s darkest hour .
New York Democrat Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said Monday that he would press a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if hospitals face capacity issues , according to The New York Times .
That pause , while undefined , would look like a return to roughly the same strictures the state had in the spring , although more locally confined .
“ We are not going to live through the nightmare of overwhelmed hospitals again , ” Cuomo said .
The New York governor ’ s “ micro-cluster initiative , ” which has sought to fight the virus by limiting economic activity in specific areas or neighborhoods with a high infection rate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners .
In November , the owner of a pottery shop in a Jewish Brooklyn neighborhood that was locked down under micro-cluster restrictions went viral after she recorded city authorities writing her a summons for packing craft kits inside her business .
The governor said that new metrics to determine lockdown measures would be coming later this week , but he hinted they weren ’ t going to be pretty .
RELATED : Watch : Biden Loses Track of Where He Put His Mask at Event “ I don ’ t believe we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Cuomo said , adding the caseload from that “ will be dramatic.
” It may be , but locking down businesses isn ’ t the best strategy to deal with this — as Cuomo himself intimated on Twitter .
There ’ s no epidemiological consensus on the evidence for the virus ’ spread , but never mind .
Here ’ s what Cuomo is saying : He set strict rules for small gatherings at Thanksgiving , which he apparently admits people didn ’ t follow .
He believes this to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s going to … close businesses across the state to deal with a problem he believes to be fueled by small gatherings and instead drive us into our homes where we ’ d be more likely to have small gatherings .
There are flaws in this strategy .
New Jersey Democrat Gov .
Phil Murphy has been less forthcoming about what his plans were as the infection rate rises in his state , saying it ’ s his last option in one breath while seeming to indicate he would be amenable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the New York Post , he made clear it was indeed an option during a television appearance Sunday .
“ I ’ m not sure I ’ d say possible , Bret , but I think it has to stay on the table , ” Murphy told Fox News ’ Bret Baier .
“ You hate like heck to even have to consider that , and God willing we won ’ t have to.
” Murphy added that “ there ’ s a lot of fatigue out there.
” “ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The weather is cold so folks are doing what they were doing three months ago outside , they ’ re doing it inside .
And that cocktail , when you add to that the holiday season , we ’ re in for a rough ride here.
” That doesn ’ t quite sound like a governor who believes lockdowns are his last option .
Thus , Murphy told reporters Monday he wasn ’ t going to shut down indoor dining or retail without a federal aid package , according to NJ.com , blaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he couldn ’ t yet do what ’ s absolutely his final option , he swears .
“ As long as Mitch McConnell is sitting on his hands and not getting behind a major stimulus … [ if ] you shut without absolute evidence that there ’ s spread and transmission , you shut nonessential workplaces or indoor dining , you ’ re basically putting a bullet in them , ” Murphy said .
“ And unless we see explicit transmission coming out of there , that ’ s blood on our hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
“ And it ’ s shameful that they have not acted in Congress — especially McConnell and the Republican Senate — to throw a lifeline to small businesses.
” So totally last option , and how dare Mitch McConnell not give him what he wants so he can do what he absolutely , positively doesn ’ t want to do ?
There was similar talk out of Murphy on Friday .
“ Listen : Could you see it differently if … you had more latitude to say , ‘ We can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they ’ re getting cash on the barrel in order to do that ’ ?
” the governor told reporters .
“ That ’ s the trade .
That trade should be available.
” Leaving aside the fact Murphy doesn ’ t seem to apportion any blame to Speaker Nancy Pelosi or the House Democrats — who ’ ve insisted their bloated , bailout-heavy HEROES Act ought to be the starting point of any relief bill discussions — the insinuation that federal spending will be some kind of deus ex machina that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lockdowns without losing more small businesses runs counter to the data we ’ ve just looked at .
These losses occurred with federal assistance , after all , proof that government spending is no replacement for economic activity .
And keep in mind , these lockdowns disproportionately hurt low-income workers .
According to TrackTheRecovery.org , while those who earn over $ 60,000 have actually seen their 2020 incomes go up slightly as of Sept. 30 , those who make under $ 27,000 have seen their incomes drop an average of 19.2 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While spring-style lockdowns seem a bit less likely in New Jersey than in New York , where Cuomo ’ s words seem to indicate a “ pause ” is pretty much a fait accompli , that ’ s not to say New Jerseyans aren ’ t tiring of the lockdowns as they ’ re presently constituted .
On Sunday , pro-Trump protesters picketed outside the governor ’ s home , although police wouldn ’ t allow them onto Murphy ’ s street .
Neither New Jersey nor New York is the worst state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and at least New York comes in at slightly better than the national average .
However , another round of hitting the brakes hard would be brutal to businesses still holding on .
There are only so many hits restaurants and mom-and-pop stores can take .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Over a quarter of the small businesses in New York and New Jersey have closed since January, according to grim numbers from a Harvard-run database tracking the economic damage wrought by COVID-19 lockdowns. Yet, the governors of both states are looking toward further lockdowns — something that could cripple the economy going forward.
TrackTheRecovery.org pegged New York’s small business loss rate as of Nov. 16 at 27.8 percent, according to the New York Post. In New Jersey, the numbers were even grimmer: 31.2 percent.
At least New York comes in under the national average of 28.9 percent of small businesses having closed since the pandemic hit. Some large states are in the same boat as New Jersey or worse. Texas is at 32.5 percent closed and California, which recently put the brakes on economic activity, is at 31.1 percent.
Eileen Kean, the New Jersey director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, told NJ.com that things are “really bad” in the Garden State.
“And without federal dollars coming into New Jersey, the Main Street stores and other establishments are not gonna make it through the winter,” she said.
Over 50 percent of small businesses were closed in New York and New Jersey at the height of the pandemic, with 52.5 of New York businesses and 53.9 percent of New Jersey businesses having shuttered this spring.
In the past few days, the governors of both states have been eyeing a return to lockdowns that would closely resemble what we saw during COVID-19’s darkest hour.
New York Democrat Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday that he would press a “pause” button for an area if hospitals face capacity issues, according to The New York Times. That pause, while undefined, would look like a return to roughly the same strictures the state had in the spring, although more locally confined.
“We are not going to live through the nightmare of overwhelmed hospitals again,” Cuomo said.
Are lockdowns worth the economic damage? 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: 5% (6 Votes) No: 95% (104 Votes)
The New York governor’s “micro-cluster initiative,” which has sought to fight the virus by limiting economic activity in specific areas or neighborhoods with a high infection rate, has already faced criticism from small business owners.
In November, the owner of a pottery shop in a Jewish Brooklyn neighborhood that was locked down under micro-cluster restrictions went viral after she recorded city authorities writing her a summons for packing craft kits inside her business.
Last night, as thousands of New Yorkers partied in the streets, sheriffs entered this pottery shop, owned by a single mom of five. With no income coming into her “red zone” business, the owner was harassed while preparing craft kits to sell for the upcoming holiday. pic.twitter.com/mgjuGK0YEM — Councilman Deutsch (@ChaimDeutsch) November 8, 2020
The governor said that new metrics to determine lockdown measures would be coming later this week, but he hinted they weren’t going to be pretty.
“I don’t believe we’ve seen the hit from Thanksgiving,” Cuomo said, adding the caseload from that “will be dramatic.”
It may be, but locking down businesses isn’t the best strategy to deal with this — as Cuomo himself intimated on Twitter.
Hospitalizations are climbing — statewide. What can you do? Cut out the small gatherings. Now. 65% of all cases are traced to small gatherings. Gov’t can’t enforce who’s in your living room. But you can. — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) November 30, 2020
There’s no epidemiological consensus on the evidence for the virus’ spread, but never mind. Here’s what Cuomo is saying: He set strict rules for small gatherings at Thanksgiving, which he apparently admits people didn’t follow. He believes this to be the genesis of the virus. So he’s going to … close businesses across the state to deal with a problem he believes to be fueled by small gatherings and instead drive us into our homes where we’d be more likely to have small gatherings.
There are flaws in this strategy.
New Jersey Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy has been less forthcoming about what his plans were as the infection rate rises in his state, saying it’s his last option in one breath while seeming to indicate he would be amenable to a lockdown in another.
According to the New York Post, he made clear it was indeed an option during a television appearance Sunday.
“I’m not sure I’d say possible, Bret, but I think it has to stay on the table,” Murphy told Fox News’ Bret Baier. “You hate like heck to even have to consider that, and God willing we won’t have to.”
Murphy added that “there’s a lot of fatigue out there.”
“There’s a lot of private transmissions. The weather is cold so folks are doing what they were doing three months ago outside, they’re doing it inside. And that cocktail, when you add to that the holiday season, we’re in for a rough ride here.”
That doesn’t quite sound like a governor who believes lockdowns are his last option. Thus, Murphy told reporters Monday he wasn’t going to shut down indoor dining or retail without a federal aid package, according to NJ.com, blaming the Senate majority leader for the fact he couldn’t yet do what’s absolutely his final option, he swears.
“As long as Mitch McConnell is sitting on his hands and not getting behind a major stimulus … [if] you shut without absolute evidence that there’s spread and transmission, you shut nonessential workplaces or indoor dining, you’re basically putting a bullet in them,” Murphy said.
“And unless we see explicit transmission coming out of there, that’s blood on our hands in a different respect,” he added. “And it’s shameful that they have not acted in Congress — especially McConnell and the Republican Senate — to throw a lifeline to small businesses.”
So totally last option, and how dare Mitch McConnell not give him what he wants so he can do what he absolutely, positively doesn’t want to do?
There was similar talk out of Murphy on Friday.
“Listen: Could you see it differently if … you had more latitude to say, ‘We can afford to take a two-week pause there because they’re getting cash on the barrel in order to do that’?” the governor told reporters. “That’s the trade. That trade should be available.”
Leaving aside the fact Murphy doesn’t seem to apportion any blame to Speaker Nancy Pelosi or the House Democrats — who’ve insisted their bloated, bailout-heavy HEROES Act ought to be the starting point of any relief bill discussions — the insinuation that federal spending will be some kind of deus ex machina that allows states to impose a second wave of lockdowns without losing more small businesses runs counter to the data we’ve just looked at. These losses occurred with federal assistance, after all, proof that government spending is no replacement for economic activity.
And keep in mind, these lockdowns disproportionately hurt low-income workers.
According to TrackTheRecovery.org, while those who earn over $60,000 have actually seen their 2020 incomes go up slightly as of Sept. 30, those who make under $27,000 have seen their incomes drop an average of 19.2 percent since the beginning of the year.
While spring-style lockdowns seem a bit less likely in New Jersey than in New York, where Cuomo’s words seem to indicate a “pause” is pretty much a fait accompli, that’s not to say New Jerseyans aren’t tiring of the lockdowns as they’re presently constituted.
On Sunday, pro-Trump protesters picketed outside the governor’s home, although police wouldn’t allow them onto Murphy’s street.
At least 12 cop cars, including k9, just on this side of the road pic.twitter.com/gK13IOoVOF — Ben OSullivan (@MargerineMagpie) November 28, 2020
Neither New Jersey nor New York is the worst state in the nation for small business closures, and at least New York comes in at slightly better than the national average. However, another round of hitting the brakes hard would be brutal to businesses still holding on. There are only so many hits restaurants and mom-and-pop stores can take.
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westernjournal--2020-12-01--LA Politician Eats at Restaurant Hours After Voting To Ban Outdoor and Indoor Dining

Hours after Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl voted to ban in-person dining last week over coronavirus safety concerns , she visited her favorite restaurant and dined outdoors .
KTTV-TV received multiple tips that Kuehl was seen dining at Il Forno Trattoria in Santa Monica , an Italian restaurant that has been described as her “ favorite , ” shortly after the vote on Nov. 24 .
“ She did dine al fresco at Il Forno on the very last day it was permissible , ” Barbara Osborn said in a statement .
“ She loves Il Forno , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many restaurants , suffer from a decline in revenue .
She ate there , taking appropriate precautions , and sadly will not dine there again until our Public Health Orders permit.
” The restaurant told reporter Bill Melugin they “ didn ’ t want to get involved ” and had no comment .
The LA County Board of Supervisors voted last Tuesday to ban in-person dining for the next three weeks , allowing restaurants to only offer take-out , drive-thru and delivery services .
The order , which passed by a 3-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect Wednesday , Nov. 25 , according to the County of Los Angeles Public Health office .
During the discussion , Kuehl said outside dining was “ a most dangerous situation.
” “ It ’ s a bit of magical thinking on everyone ’ s part to think that at any restaurant anywhere that the server keeps a six-foot distance from the table , ” she said , according to KTTV .
“ The servers are not protected from us , and they ’ re not protected from their other tables that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , plus all the hours in which they ’ re working.
” She added , “ I sadly , but strongly , support moving our restaurants back to take-out and delivery.
” Kuehl dined at the restaurant on the day before the ban went into effect , but she has already received criticism from people who have grown frustrated at elected officials ’ hypocrisy in the face of the pandemic .
RELATED : Couple Feeds Hundreds in Need After Canceling Wedding Local restaurant owner Michael Voltaggio said Kuehl ’ s decision “ sends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction from people that aren ’ t really believing in messages they ’ re making.
” “ For me , it ’ s just proof of the continuous hypocrisy and just the lack of leadership and education as to what ’ s happening right now in this sort of shoot from the hip mentality that ’ s not doing anybody any good.
” “ I ’ m like wait a minute , restaurants are so dangerous , but you ’ re gon na go eat in a restaurant ?
I mean it just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Josia Citrin said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Hours after Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl voted to ban in-person dining last week over coronavirus safety concerns, she visited her favorite restaurant and dined outdoors.
KTTV-TV received multiple tips that Kuehl was seen dining at Il Forno Trattoria in Santa Monica, an Italian restaurant that has been described as her “favorite,” shortly after the vote on Nov. 24.
A spokeswoman from Kuehl’s office confirmed the reports.
“She did dine al fresco at Il Forno on the very last day it was permissible,” Barbara Osborn said in a statement.
“She loves Il Forno, has been saddened to see it, like so many restaurants, suffer from a decline in revenue. She ate there, taking appropriate precautions, and sadly will not dine there again until our Public Health Orders permit.”
The restaurant told reporter Bill Melugin they “didn’t want to get involved” and had no comment.
The LA County Board of Supervisors voted last Tuesday to ban in-person dining for the next three weeks, allowing restaurants to only offer take-out, drive-thru and delivery services.
The order, which passed by a 3-2 margin, was scheduled to go into effect Wednesday, Nov. 25, according to the County of Los Angeles Public Health office.
Do you think California politicians have gone too far? 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% (568 Votes) No: 0% (2 Votes)
During the discussion, Kuehl said outside dining was “a most dangerous situation.”
“It’s a bit of magical thinking on everyone’s part to think that at any restaurant anywhere that the server keeps a six-foot distance from the table,” she said, according to KTTV.
“The servers are not protected from us, and they’re not protected from their other tables that they’re serving at that particular time, plus all the hours in which they’re working.”
She added, “I sadly, but strongly, support moving our restaurants back to take-out and delivery.”
Kuehl dined at the restaurant on the day before the ban went into effect, but she has already received criticism from people who have grown frustrated at elected officials’ hypocrisy in the face of the pandemic.
Local restaurant owner Michael Voltaggio said Kuehl’s decision “sends a message that we’re getting direction from people that aren’t really believing in messages they’re making.”
“For me, it’s just proof of the continuous hypocrisy and just the lack of leadership and education as to what’s happening right now in this sort of shoot from the hip mentality that’s not doing anybody any good.”
“I’m like wait a minute, restaurants are so dangerous, but you’re gonna go eat in a restaurant? I mean it just blows me away,” Restaurant owner Josia Citrin said.
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westernjournal--2020-12-01--Rules for Thee Not for Me: Chicago Mayor’s Security Team Gets Traffic Fines Dismissed

We already knew Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot doesn ’ t like her own rules .
She was one of the first elected officials to fall victim to lockdown hypocrisy after getting her hair done shortly after she recorded a PSA urging Chicagoans to follow Illinois ’ restrictions on nonessential businesses , including not getting their hair done .
Just days before her city issued an advisory that banned outdoor gatherings of 10 or more people , she spoke at an outdoor demonstration celebrating Democrat Joe Biden being declared the victor of the presidential election .
It turns out it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are worth breaking , either .
According to a Monday report in the Chicago Tribune , Lightfoot ’ s security detail got a pass on multiple traffic violations , with city officials dismissing them .
Lightfoot became mayor of Chicago in May 2019 .
Since then , her security detail has been issued 13 citations .
Ten of those tickets , all involving speed and red-light camera infractions , were dismissed by city officials .
Not all of these were while she was on official city business , either .
The city declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was when the ticket was given or what she was doing .
However , the Tribune looked at her calendar and found some of the tickets came while she was on personal business or going to a “ non-city breakfast.
” “ Four were issued at a time when her official calendar doesn ’ t note her scheduled whereabouts or indicates ‘ rest , ’ and another says she was supposed to be attending a virtual gala , ” the Tribune reported .
News of the dismissals comes as Chicago ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which increases the fines from the city ’ s much-derided red-light and speed cameras to make up for lost revenue .
The city has also lowered the threshold for ticketing to 6 miles per hour over the speed limit ; the previous threshold was 10 miles per hour .
So despised are Chicago ’ s traffic cameras that a certain mayoral candidate promised to reform the system , calling it unfair and saying it disproportionately hurt minorities : Lori Lightfoot .
“ The red-light camera program was sold to Chicagoans as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s really been about revenue — and those fines fall disproportionately on people of color , ” Lightfoot said during the campaign .
So now she is using the system to generate revenue for the city even as low-income residents are disproportionately affected by the economic hardships we ’ ve seen during the lockdowns .
The mayor said the move was necessitated because there had been “ exponentially ” more “ speed-related accidents and deaths ” in 2020 .
However , the Tribune found that a “ review of publicly available city crash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety situation than Lightfoot presented , with total crashes actually down from the first nine months of 2019 , when there were 88,757 , compared with the same period in 2020 , when there were 69,480 , records show.
” A city spokeswoman defended the dismissal of the tickets because Lori Lightfoot has never done anything hypocritical , and shut your goshdarn mouth if you think for a second that she has .
RELATED : 81-Year-Old Marine Vet Finds Burglars in His Home , So He Whips out This Antique 'Equalizer ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Department ’ s mayoral security detail is responsible for protecting the Mayor and her family at all times of the day .
When traveling , this security detail is a two-car team — a lead car and a tail car — that is trained to stay together at all times for the safety and protection of the mayor , ” the spokeswoman said in a statement .
“ Any and all red-light violations or speeding tickets dismissed by the City were done so when the tail car following the lead car became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s policies and practices when it comes to law enforcement vehicles.
” However , when former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel had the same problem , he paid the tickets , saying that “ no one is above the law.
” That ’ s how bad this is : Rahm Emanuel ’ s conduct looks good in comparison .
This should hardly be a surprise when it comes to Lightfoot-related hypocrisies .
Take this spring , when she implored Chicago residents to stay inside during the first wave of intensive lockdowns .
“ Debbie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential , ” she said in one of a number of too-cutesy PSAs she recorded .
“ Your dog doesn ’ t need to see its friends .
You can work on your jump shot inside.
” I don ’ t know whether her dog , a goldendoodle named Hank Lightfoot ( no , seriously ) needed to see its friends or whether she worked on her jump shot outside .
The mayor did , however , need to get her roots done — or whatever tonsorial procedures she has done at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting a haircut .
But it ’ s OK , because she has a public role and takes pride in her appearance , unlike the rest of you schlubs who just have to go on Zoom looking all the worse for wear .
“ I ’ m the public face of this city , ” Lightfoot said at a news briefing , according to the Chicago Sun-Times .
“ I ’ m on national media .
And I ’ m out in the public eye .
I take my personal hygiene very seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a haircut .
I ’ m not able to do that myself .
So , I got a haircut .
Want to talk more about that ?
” The mayor added that reporters ought to focus more on saving lives , saying that she was “ practicing what I ’ m preaching ” because the hair stylist was wearing a mask and gloves .
( Just not in those photos . )
Then came her address to an outdoor Biden celebration just before the city banned crowds of more than 10 from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Biden supporters needed to come together and blow off steam .
“ I will tell you in that big crowd a week ago , everybody was wearing masks , ” Lightfoot told MSNBC , according to the Tribune .
“ Yes , there are times when we actually do need to have … relief and come together , and I felt like that was one of those times .
That crowd was gathered whether I was there or not , but this has been a super hard year on everyone .
Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been relieved , Biden supporters , you can go back to spending your time indoors , avoiding large gatherings , letting your hair grow out and paying off those speed camera fines .
Just don ’ t expect Lightfoot to be doing any of those things with you .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

We already knew Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot doesn’t like her own rules.
She was one of the first elected officials to fall victim to lockdown hypocrisy after getting her hair done shortly after she recorded a PSA urging Chicagoans to follow Illinois’ restrictions on nonessential businesses, including not getting their hair done.
Just days before her city issued an advisory that banned outdoor gatherings of 10 or more people, she spoke at an outdoor demonstration celebrating Democrat Joe Biden being declared the victor of the presidential election.
It turns out it’s not just lockdown rules she thinks are worth breaking, either. According to a Monday report in the Chicago Tribune, Lightfoot’s security detail got a pass on multiple traffic violations, with city officials dismissing them.
Lightfoot became mayor of Chicago in May 2019. Since then, her security detail has been issued 13 citations. Ten of those tickets, all involving speed and red-light camera infractions, were dismissed by city officials.
Not all of these were while she was on official city business, either. The city declined to provide an explanation as to where she was when the ticket was given or what she was doing. However, the Tribune looked at her calendar and found some of the tickets came while she was on personal business or going to a “non-city breakfast.”
“Four were issued at a time when her official calendar doesn’t note her scheduled whereabouts or indicates ‘rest,’ and another says she was supposed to be attending a virtual gala,” the Tribune reported.
News of the dismissals comes as Chicago’s aldermen approved Lightfoot’s 2021 budget, which increases the fines from the city’s much-derided red-light and speed cameras to make up for lost revenue. The city has also lowered the threshold for ticketing to 6 miles per hour over the speed limit; the previous threshold was 10 miles per hour.
So despised are Chicago’s traffic cameras that a certain mayoral candidate promised to reform the system, calling it unfair and saying it disproportionately hurt minorities: Lori Lightfoot.
Is Lori Lightfoot a hypocrite? 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% (1412 Votes) No: 0% (1 Votes)
“The red-light camera program was sold to Chicagoans as a public safety solution, but it’s really been about revenue — and those fines fall disproportionately on people of color,” Lightfoot said during the campaign.
So now she is using the system to generate revenue for the city even as low-income residents are disproportionately affected by the economic hardships we’ve seen during the lockdowns.
The mayor said the move was necessitated because there had been “exponentially” more “speed-related accidents and deaths” in 2020.
However, the Tribune found that a “review of publicly available city crash data found a more complicated picture of the safety situation than Lightfoot presented, with total crashes actually down from the first nine months of 2019, when there were 88,757, compared with the same period in 2020, when there were 69,480, records show.”
A city spokeswoman defended the dismissal of the tickets because Lori Lightfoot has never done anything hypocritical, and shut your goshdarn mouth if you think for a second that she has.
“The Chicago Police Department’s mayoral security detail is responsible for protecting the Mayor and her family at all times of the day. When traveling, this security detail is a two-car team — a lead car and a tail car — that is trained to stay together at all times for the safety and protection of the mayor,” the spokeswoman said in a statement.
“Any and all red-light violations or speeding tickets dismissed by the City were done so when the tail car following the lead car became separated or in conjunction with City’s policies and practices when it comes to law enforcement vehicles.”
However, when former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel had the same problem, he paid the tickets, saying that “no one is above the law.”
That’s how bad this is: Rahm Emanuel’s conduct looks good in comparison.
This should hardly be a surprise when it comes to Lightfoot-related hypocrisies. Take this spring, when she implored Chicago residents to stay inside during the first wave of intensive lockdowns.
“Debbie, getting your roots done is not essential,” she said in one of a number of too-cutesy PSAs she recorded. “Your dog doesn’t need to see its friends. You can work on your jump shot inside.”
I don’t know whether her dog, a goldendoodle named Hank Lightfoot (no, seriously) needed to see its friends or whether she worked on her jump shot outside. The mayor did, however, need to get her roots done — or whatever tonsorial procedures she has done at the salon — because photos emerged of her getting a haircut.
Mayor Lightfoot decided it was essential for her to get a haircut, but no one else can go out and get one. This doesn’t look like social distancing to us, why the hypocrisy @chicagosmayor? pic.twitter.com/iEi7zIqnwO — Chicago GOP (@ChicagoGOP) April 6, 2020
But it’s OK, because she has a public role and takes pride in her appearance, unlike the rest of you schlubs who just have to go on Zoom looking all the worse for wear.
“I’m the public face of this city,” Lightfoot said at a news briefing, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. “I’m on national media. And I’m out in the public eye. I take my personal hygiene very seriously. I felt like I needed to have a haircut. I’m not able to do that myself. So, I got a haircut. Want to talk more about that?”
The mayor added that reporters ought to focus more on saving lives, saying that she was “practicing what I’m preaching” because the hair stylist was wearing a mask and gloves. (Just not in those photos.)
Then came her address to an outdoor Biden celebration just before the city banned crowds of more than 10 from congregating outside.
This is a great day for our city and our country. We are taking our democracy back. #BidenHarris2020 pic.twitter.com/OAZQPd1r4y — Lori Lightfoot (@LoriLightfoot) November 8, 2020
Her excuse for that? Biden supporters needed to come together and blow off steam.
“I will tell you in that big crowd a week ago, everybody was wearing masks,” Lightfoot told MSNBC, according to the Tribune.
“Yes, there are times when we actually do need to have … relief and come together, and I felt like that was one of those times. That crowd was gathered whether I was there or not, but this has been a super hard year on everyone. Everyone feels traumatized.”
And now, having been relieved, Biden supporters, you can go back to spending your time indoors, avoiding large gatherings, letting your hair grow out and paying off those speed camera fines.
Just don’t expect Lightfoot to be doing any of those things with you.
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westernjournal--2020-12-01--Trump Campaign Filing Lawsuit Alleging Major Absentee Ballot ‘Abuse’

Even though Wisconsin has officially certified the results of the Nov. 3 presidential election , President Donald Trump ’ s campaign is still battling over how the vote was conducted and will file a massive lawsuit Tuesday , according to a published report .
The lawsuit , which will be filed in Wisconsin Supreme Court , alleges there was misconduct connected with absentee ballots that could impact as many 220,000 ballots , according to Fox News .
A recount in Milwaukee and Dane counties ended Sunday with Democrat Joe Biden increasing his margin over Trump .
Numerous affidavits testifying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed in courts in several swing states , and the affidavits indicate that those who witnessed conduct believe that fraud took place .
However , those allegations have yet to be proven in court .
Former Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge Jim Troupis , who leads the Trump campaign ’ s legal effort in that state , said the recount was a window that revealed much about what went wrong with the election .
“ Exposing exactly how the election processes were abused in Wisconsin holds enormous value for this election beyond a victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , our state ’ s electoral votes likely won ’ t change the overall outcome , ” Troupis told Fox News .
“ Regardless , we ’ re demonstrating that the results of this election unequivocally ought to be questioned.
” He criticized Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers , a Democrat , for certifying the results before all the lawsuits have been resolved .
“ With Governor Evers ’ premature certification , he is saying the president of the United States has no right to go to court in order to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He ’ s not saying we have a frivolous lawsuit — he is saying we have no right to judicial review .
That ’ s another level of bad.
” “ I ’ ve been doing this for 40 years , representing plenty of Democrats and Republicans , and I will not back down when it comes to upholding the law or protecting the integrity of our elections , ” he told Fox News .
“ We , as good lawyers , don ’ t back down , and if we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The outlet reported that the lawsuit will focus on “ a lack of transparency and credibility on part of local election officials and their willful disregard of the law on multiple occasions ” and said the state ’ s laws and processes gave it the “ unique ability ” to “ illustrate this abuse with precision.
” The Wisconsin Election Commission and city clerks in Milwaukee and Madison “ willfully disregarded the current statute and made conscious efforts to circumvent Wisconsin election law , ” which meant many votes cast were “ well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the lawsuit says .
The Trump campaign alleges that officials “ accepted ballots without the required absentee applications on file.
” “ The Wisconsin State Legislature has explicitly required an application , ” a Trump campaign official told Fox News .
The official said an application was “ mandatory ” and “ any ballots without an application or with an incomplete application are not to be counted.
” RELATED : Trump Topped All GOP Presidential Candidates in African-American Support Going Back to ’ 90s Contrary to state law that requires ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fix errors , city clerks were “ illegally altering ballot envelopes themselves , ” according to the lawsuit .
“ In many instances , witness addresses were left off of the envelopes and clerks , using their own knowledge or searching in unknown databases , filled in the information themselves .
According to the statute , this is illegal , ” a campaign official told Fox News .
“ If the certificate or envelope is missing a witness address , the ballot can not be counted until the voter corrects the error — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Instead , election officials decided to take the law into their own hands .
“ These ballots were fraudulently completed and counted , and the illegal ballots should not count toward the certified vote totals.
” The lawsuit also alleges elections officials wrongly allowed voters to end-run state voter ID laws and receive absentee voter status .
The president ’ s campaign said Madison created “ unlawful polling locations at over 200 locations throughout the city ’ s Democracy in the Park voting events ” and the ballots submitted during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What ’ s truly alarming about these events is that not only did they not follow the law , but Joe Biden ’ s campaign encouraged this unlawful voting , ” a campaign official told Fox News .
The official said the Biden campaign “ advertised these events as opportunities to vote , telling voters to bring their completed ballot to turn in or their incomplete ballot to have a so-called ‘ poll worker ’ serve as a witness before you fill it out and turn it in.
” “ This highlights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city ’ s election officials , ” the official said , adding that voters “ are not allowed to turn in their absentee ballots anywhere other than designated polling locations.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Even though Wisconsin has officially certified the results of the Nov. 3 presidential election, President Donald Trump’s campaign is still battling over how the vote was conducted and will file a massive lawsuit Tuesday, according to a published report.
The lawsuit, which will be filed in Wisconsin Supreme Court, alleges there was misconduct connected with absentee ballots that could impact as many 220,000 ballots, according to Fox News.
A recount in Milwaukee and Dane counties ended Sunday with Democrat Joe Biden increasing his margin over Trump.
Numerous affidavits testifying to various types of election fraud have been filed in courts in several swing states, and the affidavits indicate that those who witnessed conduct believe that fraud took place. However, those allegations have yet to be proven in court.
Former Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge Jim Troupis, who leads the Trump campaign’s legal effort in that state, said the recount was a window that revealed much about what went wrong with the election.
“Exposing exactly how the election processes were abused in Wisconsin holds enormous value for this election beyond a victory for President Trump, but the fact is, our state’s electoral votes likely won’t change the overall outcome,” Troupis told Fox News. “Regardless, we’re demonstrating that the results of this election unequivocally ought to be questioned.”
He criticized Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, for certifying the results before all the lawsuits have been resolved.
“With Governor Evers’ premature certification, he is saying the president of the United States has no right to go to court in order to have illegal ballots examined,” Troupis said. “He’s not saying we have a frivolous lawsuit — he is saying we have no right to judicial review. That’s another level of bad.”
“I’ve been doing this for 40 years, representing plenty of Democrats and Republicans, and I will not back down when it comes to upholding the law or protecting the integrity of our elections,” he told Fox News. “We, as good lawyers, don’t back down, and if we do, our republic is done.”
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The outlet reported that the lawsuit will focus on “a lack of transparency and credibility on part of local election officials and their willful disregard of the law on multiple occasions” and said the state’s laws and processes gave it the “unique ability” to “illustrate this abuse with precision.”
The Wisconsin Election Commission and city clerks in Milwaukee and Madison “willfully disregarded the current statute and made conscious efforts to circumvent Wisconsin election law,” which meant many votes cast were “well outside of the bounds of Wisconsin law,” the lawsuit says.
The Trump campaign alleges that officials “accepted ballots without the required absentee applications on file.”
“The Wisconsin State Legislature has explicitly required an application,” a Trump campaign official told Fox News.
The official said an application was “mandatory” and “any ballots without an application or with an incomplete application are not to be counted.”
I’m not fighting for me, I’m fighting for the 74,000,000 million people (not including the many Trump ballots that were “tossed”), a record for a sitting President, who voted for me! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 30, 2020
Contrary to state law that requires ballots to be sent back to voters to fix errors, city clerks were “illegally altering ballot envelopes themselves,” according to the lawsuit.
“In many instances, witness addresses were left off of the envelopes and clerks, using their own knowledge or searching in unknown databases, filled in the information themselves. According to the statute, this is illegal,” a campaign official told Fox News.
“If the certificate or envelope is missing a witness address, the ballot cannot be counted until the voter corrects the error — plain and simple,” the official said. “Instead, election officials decided to take the law into their own hands.
“These ballots were fraudulently completed and counted, and the illegal ballots should not count toward the certified vote totals.”
The lawsuit also alleges elections officials wrongly allowed voters to end-run state voter ID laws and receive absentee voter status.
The president’s campaign said Madison created “unlawful polling locations at over 200 locations throughout the city’s Democracy in the Park voting events” and the ballots submitted during these events “were illegally cast.”
“What’s truly alarming about these events is that not only did they not follow the law, but Joe Biden’s campaign encouraged this unlawful voting,” a campaign official told Fox News.
The official said the Biden campaign “advertised these events as opportunities to vote, telling voters to bring their completed ballot to turn in or their incomplete ballot to have a so-called ‘poll worker’ serve as a witness before you fill it out and turn it in.”
“This highlights inappropriate coordination between the Biden campaign and the city’s election officials,” the official said, adding that voters “are not allowed to turn in their absentee ballots anywhere other than designated polling locations.”
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westernjournal--2020-12-03--Here’s Who Planted a Giant Smiley Face Out of Trees on Hillside

As cooler weather hits the area , a spot on a hillside along Highway 18 near Grand Ronde , Oregon , starts to transform .
The tree-covered hillside mostly remains a deep green , but a circular section starts to lighten to a bright , contrasting yellow .
And a smiley face appears .
Locals and regular visitors know to look for it every year , and it continues to make people smile .
The reason for the seasonal transformation is that the yellow trees are larch , which turns yellow and loses its needles every year , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mouth are Douglas fir , which remains deep , dark green throughout the season .
The cute hillside attraction was a project of Hampton Lumber , who owns the area and decided to have a little fun with their plantings nearly a decade ago .
TRENDING : NASCAR 's William 'Rowdy ' Harrell and Wife Die While on Honeymoon Kristin at Hampton Lumber spilled their secrets , according to Simple Floors , and shared some behind-the-scenes details .
“ After harvest , our foresters design and implement plans to ensure regrowth of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Depending on the location and environment , seedlings of several different tree species are often planted .
“ The idea for the smiley face started with David Hampton and our former timberland manager , Dennis Creel .
When we harvested the site , we knew the area was highly visible to people travelling down Highway 18 so David and Dennis saw an opportunity to have a little fun.
” “ They used a rope to measure the circle out and the eyes and mouth were triangulated from that point .
“ Douglas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mouth and the rest of the face was filled out with larch .
Both species will eventually be turned into lumber at our sawmills in Willamina and Tillamook.
” “ Let ’ s just say smiley face designs are not the most efficient reforestation methods out there .
With planning and planting it took about a week to finish.
” Though it may have taken some work to make the plan a reality , it is certainly appreciated by viewers , according to Carmen Wagler , who has worked in the area for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very depressed area here , ” she told KATU-TV .
“ The jobs are gone .
You drive along and see a smiley face , that ’ s all that matters .
“ Yeah , my day is going to get better now because I saw a smiley face .
It kind of brightens up the community.
” Kristin also said that the smiley face should still be very clear for another 10 years or so .
It may start to lose its edges over time but it will still be there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 50 years before that area is set to be harvested , according to The Oregonian .
“ The Hampton smiley face is making its seasonal appearance !
” Hampton Lumber shared on Nov. 12 , along with a photo of this year ’ s hillside smile .
“ Have a great day !
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

As cooler weather hits the area, a spot on a hillside along Highway 18 near Grand Ronde, Oregon, starts to transform. The tree-covered hillside mostly remains a deep green, but a circular section starts to lighten to a bright, contrasting yellow.
And a smiley face appears. Locals and regular visitors know to look for it every year, and it continues to make people smile.
The reason for the seasonal transformation is that the yellow trees are larch, which turns yellow and loses its needles every year, and the trees that make up the eyes and mouth are Douglas fir, which remains deep, dark green throughout the season.
The cute hillside attraction was a project of Hampton Lumber, who owns the area and decided to have a little fun with their plantings nearly a decade ago.
Kristin at Hampton Lumber spilled their secrets, according to Simple Floors, and shared some behind-the-scenes details.
“After harvest, our foresters design and implement plans to ensure regrowth of a healthy forest,” she explained. “Depending on the location and environment, seedlings of several different tree species are often planted.
“The idea for the smiley face started with David Hampton and our former timberland manager, Dennis Creel. When we harvested the site, we knew the area was highly visible to people travelling down Highway 18 so David and Dennis saw an opportunity to have a little fun.”
“They used a rope to measure the circle out and the eyes and mouth were triangulated from that point.
“Douglas fir was planted for the eyes and mouth and the rest of the face was filled out with larch. Both species will eventually be turned into lumber at our sawmills in Willamina and Tillamook.”
“Let’s just say smiley face designs are not the most efficient reforestation methods out there. With planning and planting it took about a week to finish.”
Though it may have taken some work to make the plan a reality, it is certainly appreciated by viewers, according to Carmen Wagler, who has worked in the area for 35 years.
“It’s a very depressed area here,” she told KATU-TV. “The jobs are gone. You drive along and see a smiley face, that’s all that matters.
“Yeah, my day is going to get better now because I saw a smiley face. It kind of brightens up the community.”
Kristin also said that the smiley face should still be very clear for another 10 years or so. It may start to lose its edges over time but it will still be there, as it will be between 30 and 50 years before that area is set to be harvested, according to The Oregonian.
“The Hampton smiley face is making its seasonal appearance!” Hampton Lumber shared on Nov. 12, along with a photo of this year’s hillside smile. “Have a great day!”
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westernjournal--2020-12-03--Vanderbilt’s Latest Publicity Stunt Reveals What Leftist Feminists Truly Believe: Women Are Second-R

Vanderbilt’s Latest Publicity Stunt Reveals What Leftist Feminists Truly Believe: Women Are Second-Rate Men

The left ’ s latest example of feminist pandering proves once and for all what they really believe : that women are lesser than men .
It all began this past week with Vanderbilt University making headlines for “ breaking barriers ” by recruiting Sarah Fuller , a goalkeeper on the women ’ s soccer team , to fill-in as kicker .
On Saturday during Vanderbilt ’ s contest against the University of Missouri , Fuller performed a 30-yard “ squib kick ” before jogging to the sidelines to start the second half .
Vanderbilt subsequently lost the game 41-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the season .
Despite the insignificant nature of Fuller ’ s kick and the fact that it did nothing to help prevent a blowout loss , she was named a Special Teams “ Player of the Week ” by the SEC conference for her “ perfectly executed ” 30-yard kickoff .
TRENDING : NASCAR 's William 'Rowdy ' Harrell and Wife Die While on Honeymoon Since then , various outlets have praised Fuller for her performance despite the play ’ s obvious mediocrity and insignificance .
The team has also decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two kickers , according to the New York Post .
This begs the question : why is it that feminist liberals care so much about a woman entering men ’ s sports ?
Perhaps it ’ s because they really believe women can only be equal to men when they act like men .
In this way , feminist philosophy is actually just as sexist as the male chauvinists it purportedly fights against .
Both modern feminists and male sexists believe male values are superior to their feminine counterparts .
Andrew Klavan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Daily Wire , elaborated on this idea during a speech hosted by Young America ’ s Foundation , explaining why most conservatives disagree with the core tenets of feminism .
“ I believe completely in the free and complete rights of all people no matter which of the two sexes they are , ” Klavan said , “ I believe that men and women have rights and that they should have free exercise to make any choice they want.
” “ What I don ’ t agree with is the idea that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and women who have a different set of values which have traditionally , and I think rightly , been called female values , are somehow less than their male counterparts.
” Klavan ’ s right .
While feminists are quick to cheer on women for entering male-dominated domains , they also disdain women who prioritize homemaking and child-rearing .
RELATED : Stevie Nicks Issues Stomach-Turning Comment About Killing Her Own Baby Simone de Beauvoir , a 20th-century feminist intellectual whose radical ideas paved the way for modern-day feminism , explained as much during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friedan .
De Beauvoir believed women should be forced to enter the workplace precisely because if left to their own devices , more women would prefer to stay home and look after children .
“ No , we don ’ t believe that any woman should have this choice .
No woman should be authorized to stay at home to raise her children .
Society should be totally different , ” de Beauvoir told Friedan .
“ Women should not have that choice , precisely because if there is such a choice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is a way of forcing women in a certain direction.
” This is why liberal outlets are cheering on Fuller even though she failed to prove herself as more competent than the average male kicker .
They believe she took women one step closer to becoming men .
Just as men are incapable of embodying feminine traits as well as women can , the reverse is also true .
Women aren ’ t men , and those that pursue purely male values will always be second-rate to men who naturally embody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women can ’ t make for competent college football kickers .
There ’ s likely plenty of women out there who could perform better than Fuller did .
However , the incessant praise for Fuller is condescending towards her and women in general and is motivated by a feminist desire to see women take up male attributes .
In the minds of feminists , true equality for women can only be reached when women are equally represented in all-male arenas .
The left doesn ’ t see women as uniquely special with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they see women as second-rate men .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The left’s latest example of feminist pandering proves once and for all what they really believe: that women are lesser than men.
It all began this past week with Vanderbilt University making headlines for “breaking barriers” by recruiting Sarah Fuller, a goalkeeper on the women’s soccer team, to fill-in as kicker.
On Saturday during Vanderbilt’s contest against the University of Missouri, Fuller performed a 30-yard “squib kick” before jogging to the sidelines to start the second half.
Vanderbilt subsequently lost the game 41-0. The team has an 0-8 record for the season.
Despite the insignificant nature of Fuller’s kick and the fact that it did nothing to help prevent a blowout loss, she was named a Special Teams “Player of the Week” by the SEC conference for her “perfectly executed” 30-yard kickoff.
Since then, various outlets have praised Fuller for her performance despite the play’s obvious mediocrity and insignificance. The team has also decided to retain Fuller as one of the teams two kickers, according to the New York Post.
This begs the question: why is it that feminist liberals care so much about a woman entering men’s sports?
Perhaps it’s because they really believe women can only be equal to men when they act like men.
In this way, feminist philosophy is actually just as sexist as the male chauvinists it purportedly fights against. Both modern feminists and male sexists believe male values are superior to their feminine counterparts.
Andrew Klavan, a conservative author and political pundit for The Daily Wire, elaborated on this idea during a speech hosted by Young America’s Foundation, explaining why most conservatives disagree with the core tenets of feminism.
“I believe completely in the free and complete rights of all people no matter which of the two sexes they are,” Klavan said, “I believe that men and women have rights and that they should have free exercise to make any choice they want.”
“What I don’t agree with is the idea that somehow male values are the right values and women who have a different set of values which have traditionally, and I think rightly, been called female values, are somehow less than their male counterparts.”
Klavan’s right. While feminists are quick to cheer on women for entering male-dominated domains, they also disdain women who prioritize homemaking and child-rearing.
Is feminism helping women? Yes No
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Simone de Beauvoir, a 20th-century feminist intellectual whose radical ideas paved the way for modern-day feminism, explained as much during an interview with fellow feminist writer Betty Friedan.
De Beauvoir believed women should be forced to enter the workplace precisely because if left to their own devices, more women would prefer to stay home and look after children.
“No, we don’t believe that any woman should have this choice. No woman should be authorized to stay at home to raise her children. Society should be totally different,” de Beauvoir told Friedan.
“Women should not have that choice, precisely because if there is such a choice, too many women will make that one. It is a way of forcing women in a certain direction.”
This is why liberal outlets are cheering on Fuller even though she failed to prove herself as more competent than the average male kicker.
They believe she took women one step closer to becoming men.
Just as men are incapable of embodying feminine traits as well as women can, the reverse is also true.
Women aren’t men, and those that pursue purely male values will always be second-rate to men who naturally embody them.
That doesn’t mean women can’t make for competent college football kickers. There’s likely plenty of women out there who could perform better than Fuller did.
However, the incessant praise for Fuller is condescending towards her and women in general and is motivated by a feminist desire to see women take up male attributes.
In the minds of feminists, true equality for women can only be reached when women are equally represented in all-male arenas.
The left doesn’t see women as uniquely special with their own unique strengths and merits.
Instead, they see women as second-rate men.
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westernjournal--2020-12-03--NFL Player Unveils Incredible Way He Will Honor Fallen Police Officer During Game

On Sunday , Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly will be paying tribute to a fallen Ohio police officer as part of his commitment to honor officers who died in the line of duty and their families .
Kelly , a Cincinnati native , will be wearing cleats with the name and photo of Hamilton County Sheriff ’ s Office Deputy Corporal Adam McMillan , who died Oct. 23 after a vehicle crash , according to WLWT-TV .
Kelly ’ s gesture comes as part of the NFL ’ s My Cause My Cleats program , which allows athletes to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has meaning for them .
TRENDING : NASCAR 's William 'Rowdy ' Harrell and Wife Die While on Honeymoon Kelly has a long-standing relationship with the National Concerns of Police Survivors organization .
COPS seeks to help families and coworkers cope when officers die in the line of duty .
McMillan had been with the Hamilton County Sheriff ’ s Office for 19 years .
Kelly ’ s perspective comes naturally from his upbringing , AL.com reported .
“ My dad was a cop for 30 years , so I grew up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an August interview .
“ Every February , I go to Concerns of Police Survivors , Indiana Chapter .
I go to their ball.
” “ And I listen in that room , and I hear the families of officers that have been shot in the head , killed in the line of duty , hit by cars , just horrendous things doing their job , and it ’ s hard , man .
It is .
It ’ s hard to hear those families that are never coming home , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me to see that happen , you know ?
” Kelly ’ s interview came in the context of conversations he was having with Colts teammates about the police in the aftermath of the summer ’ s George Floyd marches .
“ It ’ s tough for me because I know there ’ s good out there , but I just didn ’ t think there was that kind of evil out there as well , ” Kelly said .
“ You care about your brothers .
You care about the guys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them hurt , to see them carry something for so long and then get it off their chest and break down , barely even get it off , was really hard for me .
RELATED : NFL Player 's Mom Has Been Driving Same Car Since He Was a Child - So He Bought Her a New One “ And I know that there ’ s good cops out there .
That ’ s the thing that hurts me , you know ?
You see bad apples out there as well that tarnish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hate to see pain on either side , and that ’ s what really – I ’ m happy there ’ s tough conversations that we have .
Every side hurts a little bit .
Hopefully , we can narrow that gap and make a better community.
” Colts head coach Frank Reich told the Indianapolis Star that Kelly ’ s perspective has been valuable to the team .
“ You can imagine .
In a Zoom room where the meeting discussion was on police brutality against the black community , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players , one of the guys you love and respect , says , ‘ Well , my dad ’ s a police officer , ’ it adds a whole different perspective to the conversation , ” he said .
COPS has a membership of over 54,000 survivors , according to its website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

On Sunday, Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly will be paying tribute to a fallen Ohio police officer as part of his commitment to honor officers who died in the line of duty and their families.
Kelly, a Cincinnati native, will be wearing cleats with the name and photo of Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Corporal Adam McMillan, who died Oct. 23 after a vehicle crash, according to WLWT-TV.
Kelly’s gesture comes as part of the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats program, which allows athletes to wear custom-designed cleats to support a cause that has meaning for them.
Excited to continue my relationship with @nationalcops and to support Hamilton County Sheriffs Officer Cpl. Adam McMillan. EOW. 10/23/2020. pic.twitter.com/CI7yi0xQnd — Ryan Kelly (@ryan_kelly70) December 2, 2020
Kelly has a long-standing relationship with the National Concerns of Police Survivors organization. COPS seeks to help families and coworkers cope when officers die in the line of duty.
McMillan had been with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for 19 years.
Kelly’s perspective comes naturally from his upbringing, AL.com reported.
“My dad was a cop for 30 years, so I grew up in the lifestyle,” he said during an August interview.
Are you glad some athletes support the police? Yes No
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“Every February, I go to Concerns of Police Survivors, Indiana Chapter. I go to their ball.”
“And I listen in that room, and I hear the families of officers that have been shot in the head, killed in the line of duty, hit by cars, just horrendous things doing their job, and it’s hard, man. It is. It’s hard to hear those families that are never coming home,” he added. “It’s hard for me to see that happen, you know?”
Kelly’s interview came in the context of conversations he was having with Colts teammates about the police in the aftermath of the summer’s George Floyd marches.
“It’s tough for me because I know there’s good out there, but I just didn’t think there was that kind of evil out there as well,” Kelly said.
“You care about your brothers. You care about the guys that you play with. To see them hurt, to see them carry something for so long and then get it off their chest and break down, barely even get it off, was really hard for me.
“And I know that there’s good cops out there. That’s the thing that hurts me, you know? You see bad apples out there as well that tarnish the name of other people, and I hate to see pain on either side, and that’s what really – I’m happy there’s tough conversations that we have. Every side hurts a little bit. Hopefully, we can narrow that gap and make a better community.”
Colts head coach Frank Reich told the Indianapolis Star that Kelly’s perspective has been valuable to the team.
“You can imagine. In a Zoom room where the meeting discussion was on police brutality against the black community, when all of a sudden one of your players, one of the guys you love and respect, says, ‘Well, my dad’s a police officer,’ it adds a whole different perspective to the conversation,” he said.
COPS has a membership of over 54,000 survivors, according to its website.
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westernjournal--2020-12-03--Biden Steals Trump’s ‘America First’ Slogan in New Interview

Presumptive president-elect Joe Biden spent the entirety of the campaign attacking President Donald Trump ’ s “ America first ” approach to both foreign and domestic policy .
But in an interview with The New York Times published Wednesday , the Democrat introduced a new tone on how he views the international landscape and how the country will approach its geopolitical adversaries should he be inaugurated next month .
Biden spoke to columnist Thomas Friedman about a number of topics , including the possibility of negotiating with a GOP-run Senate , his plans for a new stimulus bill and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s adversaries .
The interview was conducted under the assumption from both parties that Biden has won the election , which is in fact still contested .
The 78-year-old embraced being crowned the winner of the election and told The Times he has big plans for the country both at home and abroad .
He said he would go back to the drawing board regarding relations between the U.S. and China , and that he would re-enter the Iran nuclear deal and end sanctions on the world ’ s largest state sponsor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of factors .
Biden then said something stunning , which goes against everything he has claimed to stand for throughout the campaign .
Regarding China and trade , Biden seemed to embrace Trump ’ s policies , which have drawn the ire of Democrats and foreign governments for years .
“ I want to make sure we ’ re going to fight like hell by investing in America first , ” Biden told Friedman .
“ I ’ m not going to enter any new trade agreement with anybody until we have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our workers , ” he added .
Was this just another case of plagiarism from the career politician ?
Biden notably told the same publication just three weeks ago he intends to throw policies that place American interests above those of other countries into the trash bin of history .
As New York Times reporter David Sanger wrote on Nov. 9 , Biden “ makes no secret of the speed with which he plans to bury ‘ America First ’ as a guiding principle of the nation ’ s foreign policy.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The New York Times , he wants to bring an end to a slogan that came to define a United States that built walls and made working with allies an afterthought — and , in Mr. Biden ’ s view , undermined any chance of forging a common international approach to fighting a pandemic that has cost more than 1.2 million lives , ” Sanger added .
Biden even offered a quote on the topic .
“ Tragically , the one place Donald Trump has made ‘ America First ’ is his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re 4 percent of the world ’ s population , yet have had 20 percent of the deaths , ” Biden said .
How does one go from planning to bury “ America first ” on Nov. 9 to saying on Dec. 2 that “ we ’ re going to fight like hell by investing in America first ” ?
Biden indeed has a long track record of borrowing slogans and quotes from other public figures .
But to so quickly seem to embrace the words of Trump , his adversary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach to China and others is a quick turnaround , even for the former vice president .
It ’ s almost as if demonizing popular policies put in place by the president didn ’ t exactly work out for down-ballot Democrats , who will now cling to a narrow House majority .
Republicans also have a good chance at retaining control of the Senate .
Has Biden ’ s team realized that American prosperity is quite popular ?
Four years of Trump ’ s leadership in the White House has proven America can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
More importantly , both things were done with no new wars , as foreign policy hawks essentially had no voice at the table in Trump ’ s administration .
Those hawks are reportedly lining up for jobs in a Biden administration .
But Biden , whose supposed victory is doubted by almost half of American voters , according to a recent Rasmussen poll , is now signaling that if he is indeed elected , he might not be so quick to adopt the policies of the radical wing of his party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get back to business as usual .
It is , no matter the context , interesting that Biden would specifically use the phrase “ America first.
” To be fair , though , voters never got a chance to hear much from Biden himself about his foreign policy plans or positions .
Not only did the Democrat not engage much with reporters throughout the campaign , but he and the president never debated foreign policy with any degree of substance , as the partisan moderators picked by the supposedly nonpartisan Commission on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask the candidates about subjects such as racism .
Now , with Biden declaring himself the winner of the election , “ America first ” is apparently still on the table for a man who has struggled to come up with original ideas .
Biden ’ s plans for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic throughout the duration of the campaign read an awful lot like Trump ’ s .
Now , his foreign policy positions are also beginning to sound eerily similar .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Presumptive president-elect Joe Biden spent the entirety of the campaign attacking President Donald Trump’s “America first” approach to both foreign and domestic policy.
But in an interview with The New York Times published Wednesday, the Democrat introduced a new tone on how he views the international landscape and how the country will approach its geopolitical adversaries should he be inaugurated next month.
Biden spoke to columnist Thomas Friedman about a number of topics, including the possibility of negotiating with a GOP-run Senate, his plans for a new stimulus bill and how he would deal with the country’s adversaries.
The interview was conducted under the assumption from both parties that Biden has won the election, which is in fact still contested.
The 78-year-old embraced being crowned the winner of the election and told The Times he has big plans for the country both at home and abroad.
He said he would go back to the drawing board regarding relations between the U.S. and China, and that he would re-enter the Iran nuclear deal and end sanctions on the world’s largest state sponsor of Islamic terrorism, depending on a number of factors.
Biden then said something stunning, which goes against everything he has claimed to stand for throughout the campaign.
He invoked Trump’s “America first.”
Regarding China and trade, Biden seemed to embrace Trump’s policies, which have drawn the ire of Democrats and foreign governments for years.
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“I want to make sure we’re going to fight like hell by investing in America first,” Biden told Friedman.
“I’m not going to enter any new trade agreement with anybody until we have made major investments here at home and in our workers,” he added.
What?
Was this just another case of plagiarism from the career politician?
Biden notably told the same publication just three weeks ago he intends to throw policies that place American interests above those of other countries into the trash bin of history.
As New York Times reporter David Sanger wrote on Nov. 9, Biden “makes no secret of the speed with which he plans to bury ‘America First’ as a guiding principle of the nation’s foreign policy.”
“Mr. Biden said in a statement to The New York Times, he wants to bring an end to a slogan that came to define a United States that built walls and made working with allies an afterthought — and, in Mr. Biden’s view, undermined any chance of forging a common international approach to fighting a pandemic that has cost more than 1.2 million lives,” Sanger added.
Biden even offered a quote on the topic.
“Tragically, the one place Donald Trump has made ‘America First’ is his failed response to the coronavirus: We’re 4 percent of the world’s population, yet have had 20 percent of the deaths,” Biden said.
How does one go from planning to bury “America first” on Nov. 9 to saying on Dec. 2 that “we’re going to fight like hell by investing in America first”?
Biden indeed has a long track record of borrowing slogans and quotes from other public figures.
But to so quickly seem to embrace the words of Trump, his adversary, in adopting an “America first” approach to China and others is a quick turnaround, even for the former vice president.
It’s almost as if demonizing popular policies put in place by the president didn’t exactly work out for down-ballot Democrats, who will now cling to a narrow House majority.
Republicans also have a good chance at retaining control of the Senate.
Has Biden’s team realized that American prosperity is quite popular?
Four years of Trump’s leadership in the White House has proven America can be a leader internationally while investing at home.
More importantly, both things were done with no new wars, as foreign policy hawks essentially had no voice at the table in Trump’s administration.
Those hawks are reportedly lining up for jobs in a Biden administration.
But Biden, whose supposed victory is doubted by almost half of American voters, according to a recent Rasmussen poll, is now signaling that if he is indeed elected, he might not be so quick to adopt the policies of the radical wing of his party, or of a Washington establishment eager to get back to business as usual.
It is, no matter the context, interesting that Biden would specifically use the phrase “America first.”
To be fair, though, voters never got a chance to hear much from Biden himself about his foreign policy plans or positions.
Not only did the Democrat not engage much with reporters throughout the campaign, but he and the president never debated foreign policy with any degree of substance, as the partisan moderators picked by the supposedly nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates found it more appropriate to ask the candidates about subjects such as racism.
Now, with Biden declaring himself the winner of the election, “America first” is apparently still on the table for a man who has struggled to come up with original ideas.
Biden’s plans for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic throughout the duration of the campaign read an awful lot like Trump’s.
Now, his foreign policy positions are also beginning to sound eerily similar.
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westernjournal--2020-12-02--Joe Manchin Slams AOC Again: ‘People Don’t Run Their Lives from Extremes’

One of the most interesting political rivalries on Capitol Hill does not run across party lines , but can rather be found within the Democratic Party .
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin and democratic socialist New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez perfectly encapsulate this growing rift .
In an interview Wednesday on the Fox News morning show “ Fox & Friends , ” Manchin called for moderation and political civility for the greater good of the American people .
“ People don ’ t run their lives from extremes , ” Manchin said .
“ They don ’ t run their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come together and make rational decisions .
That ’ s all I ’ m asking them to do , ” he said .
Manchin specifically called out Ocasio-Cortez for her stance on criminal justice reform , a point where progressives and more moderate members of the party greatly differ .
“ She represents her people .
They ’ ve elected her .
It ’ s not who we are .
We ’ re not going to defund the police .
There ’ s not one senator , Democrat senator , that supports defunding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While Manchin said Wednesday that he simply “ respectfully disagree [ s ] ” with Ocasio-Cortez , he had some pointed words of criticism for her in an interview published Monday with The New York Times .
“ I guess she put the dagger stare on me .
I don ’ t know the young lady — I really don ’ t .
I never met her .
I ’ m understanding she ’ s not that active with her bills or in committee .
She ’ s more active on Twitter than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times .
The “ dagger stare ” was likely in reference to a photo posted by AOC to Twitter in which she stared Manchin down while he clapped during President Donald Trump ’ s second State of the Union address .
So why is there such a divide between two people who have never met each other ?
Manchin symbolizes an a seemingly outgoing era of Blue Dog Democrats who focused on elevating the role of unions and attempting to help the middle class .
RELATED : Barack Obama Complains About 'Same Old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deeply Republican state like West Virginia , Manchin clearly has to share some of the same values as his conservative constituents in order to keep getting re-elected .
Ocasio-Cortez and the rest of the “ squad ” are a much different story .
All of the “ squad ” members represent urban areas that skew heavily Democratic .
This gives the “ squad ” the freedom to tout a progressive agenda with almost no electoral consequences .
The split between moderates and progressives will continue to create infighting within the party , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , one thing is for certain : Manchin and Ocasio-Cortez will continue to be on the front lines of that battle .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

One of the most interesting political rivalries on Capitol Hill does not run across party lines, but can rather be found within the Democratic Party.
West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin and democratic socialist New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez perfectly encapsulate this growing rift.
In an interview Wednesday on the Fox News morning show “Fox & Friends,” Manchin called for moderation and political civility for the greater good of the American people.
“People don’t run their lives from extremes,” Manchin said. “They don’t run their businesses from the extremes. We all come together and make rational decisions. That’s all I’m asking them to do,” he said.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
Manchin specifically called out Ocasio-Cortez for her stance on criminal justice reform, a point where progressives and more moderate members of the party greatly differ.
“She represents her people. They’ve elected her. It’s not who we are. We’re not going to defund the police. There’s not one senator, Democrat senator, that supports defunding the police,” Manchin said.
While Manchin said Wednesday that he simply “respectfully disagree[s]” with Ocasio-Cortez, he had some pointed words of criticism for her in an interview published Monday with The New York Times.
Should Joe Manchin switch parties? Yes No
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“I guess she put the dagger stare on me. I don’t know the young lady — I really don’t. I never met her. I’m understanding she’s not that active with her bills or in committee. She’s more active on Twitter than anything else,” Manchin told The Times.
The “dagger stare” was likely in reference to a photo posted by AOC to Twitter in which she stared Manchin down while he clapped during President Donald Trump’s second State of the Union address.
So why is there such a divide between two people who have never met each other?
Manchin symbolizes an a seemingly outgoing era of Blue Dog Democrats who focused on elevating the role of unions and attempting to help the middle class.
In a deeply Republican state like West Virginia, Manchin clearly has to share some of the same values as his conservative constituents in order to keep getting re-elected.
Ocasio-Cortez and the rest of the “squad” are a much different story.
All of the “squad” members represent urban areas that skew heavily Democratic. This gives the “squad” the freedom to tout a progressive agenda with almost no electoral consequences.
The split between moderates and progressives will continue to create infighting within the party, and nobody knows which faction will prevail.
However, one thing is for certain: Manchin and Ocasio-Cortez will continue to be on the front lines of that battle.
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westernjournal--2020-12-02--Firm Linked to Biden Cabinet Nominee Scrubs China Work from Website

Presumptive President-elect Joe Biden ’ s secretary of state nominee and former Deputy National Security Advisor Antony Blinken is on a mission to restore ties between the United States and China , and skeletons from his consulting firm seem to be hidden in the closet .
WestExec Advisors , a firm that Blinken co-founded in 2017 , helped colleges in the United States get donations from China without sacrificing their research grants from the Pentagon , the Washington Free Beacon reported .
In an archive of the website , WestExec explained that it was “ a trusted partner for DoD-sponsored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accepting foreign donations , and welcoming foreign students in key STEM programs.
” A spokeswoman for WestExec told the Free Beacon that it “ previously offered a service targeted to U.S. research universities to help them avoid inadvertently becoming involved with the Chinese government.
” TRENDING : NASCAR 's William 'Rowdy ' Harrell and Wife Die While on Honeymoon She said the firm does not offer the service anymore , but did not discuss why .
“ The firm still says on its website that it helps clients navigate ‘ China-related risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ the Beacon reported , “ and at one point strongly suggested its principals would lean on their government contacts , helping American universities seeking Chinese money ‘ navigate these issues with the Department of Defense . '
” The Beacon learned that the reference to the firm ’ s work getting donations for universities from China was removed in late July , shortly before the Democratic National Convention .
Blinken is not the only potential Biden nominee with WestExec ties .
Michèle Flournoy , who ’ s on Biden ’ s shortlist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-founder of the firm .
Biden ’ s intelligence director nominee Avril Haines and press secretary pick Jen Psaki did work for WestExec as well .
As tensions with China and the United States heighten , this connection between the consulting firm and China should be cause for concern .
RELATED : Biden Steals Trump 's 'America First ' Slogan in New Interview NBC News received heavy criticism for its segment on “ How Antony Blinken plans to restore relations with China.
” The criticism of Blinken ’ s plan to be friendly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially with the Chinese Communist Party ’ s treatment of Uyghur Muslims and their mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year .
It appears WestExec may have been attempting to quietly do damage control to prevent any roadblocks in the Senate confirmation process next year , but got caught .
The Chinese government needs to be held accountable , and the United States can not give them a free pass under any circumstances .
Senate Republicans , who are favored to keep the Senate majority , need to ask tough questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ties to China if they move forward .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Presumptive President-elect Joe Biden’s secretary of state nominee and former Deputy National Security Advisor Antony Blinken is on a mission to restore ties between the United States and China, and skeletons from his consulting firm seem to be hidden in the closet.
WestExec Advisors, a firm that Blinken co-founded in 2017, helped colleges in the United States get donations from China without sacrificing their research grants from the Pentagon, the Washington Free Beacon reported.
In an archive of the website, WestExec explained that it was “a trusted partner for DoD-sponsored research grants while expanding foreign research collaboration, accepting foreign donations, and welcoming foreign students in key STEM programs.”
A spokeswoman for WestExec told the Free Beacon that it “previously offered a service targeted to U.S. research universities to help them avoid inadvertently becoming involved with the Chinese government.”
Is China a major concern for the United States? Yes No
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She said the firm does not offer the service anymore, but did not discuss why.
“The firm still says on its website that it helps clients navigate ‘China-related risks in an era of strategic competition,’ the Beacon reported, “and at one point strongly suggested its principals would lean on their government contacts, helping American universities seeking Chinese money ‘navigate these issues with the Department of Defense.'”
The Beacon learned that the reference to the firm’s work getting donations for universities from China was removed in late July, shortly before the Democratic National Convention.
The Washington, D.C., consulting firm cofounded by @JoeBiden’s secretary of state nominee, Antony Blinken, has removed from its website details of its China-related business. Via @kakutani_y https://t.co/Tj92S9mpog — Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) December 2, 2020
Blinken is not the only potential Biden nominee with WestExec ties.
Michèle Flournoy, who’s on Biden’s shortlist for secretary of defense, is another co-founder of the firm. Biden’s intelligence director nominee Avril Haines and press secretary pick Jen Psaki did work for WestExec as well.
Tony Blinken’s firm —>
“WestExec recently made changes to its website to remove some language that promoted its work in China.”https://t.co/LsDIrUEvgw — Alex Thompson (@AlxThomp) November 28, 2020
As tensions with China and the United States heighten, this connection between the consulting firm and China should be cause for concern.
NBC News received heavy criticism for its segment on “How Antony Blinken plans to restore relations with China.”
WATCH: How President-elect Biden’s Sec. of State nominee Anthony Blinken plans to restore relations with China. https://t.co/694CzszPsG – @NBCNewsNOW — NBC News (@NBCNews) December 2, 2020
Why are we restoring relations with a country that is conducting a genocide and lied about the origins of this global pandemic? https://t.co/Ut3gzkufOb — kaitlin (@thefactualprep) December 2, 2020
The criticism of Blinken’s plan to be friendly with China should not be taken lightly, especially with the Chinese Communist Party’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims and their mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year.
It appears WestExec may have been attempting to quietly do damage control to prevent any roadblocks in the Senate confirmation process next year, but got caught.
The Chinese government needs to be held accountable, and the United States cannot give them a free pass under any circumstances.
Senate Republicans, who are favored to keep the Senate majority, need to ask tough questions of Biden’s nominees on their ties to China if they move forward.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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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.