westernjournal--2020-06-03--Op-Ed: Want To Make Rural America Great? Connect It to the Web

President Trump wants to spend trillions on infrastructure as part of an economic recovery plan .
Here ’ s an idea : Qualcomm general counsel Don Rosenberg has declared that “ Covid-19 Exposes Connectivity Gap , and Need for 5G to Close It.
” I couldn ’ t agree more .
And – go ahead and pass the smelling salts to my libertarian friends – the government should pony up and make it happen .
Here ’ s why .
There ’ s a time and a place for government spending .
Common defense and promoting the general welfare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Preamble to the Constitution , which they ’ ve solemnly recited at every Daughters of the American Revolution meeting I ’ ve ever attended .
Bringing the net to the hinterlands will promote the general welfare .
I ’ m for it .
It ’ s a proper function for the government to fulfill .
Rosenberg reminds us how lost we ’ d be in this national lockdown if we didn ’ t have the internet to connect , enlighten , educate , employ and entertain us .
Most of us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
Poor people and rural residents are missing out .
“ Distance learning ” doesn ’ t mean much to a kid in northern Vermont who doesn ’ t have internet at home and can ’ t get to a library .
The web can be a great equalizer , letting a teen in Tulsa groove to the same tunes as a hipster in Hamburg , making MIT courses , telemedicine , foreign language instruction or the latest Paris fashions available at a mouseclick — not to mention news , cute kittens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a huge disadvantage if students , residents and business owners can ’ t connect .
Folks who have lately discovered ( along with their employers ) that they can work remotely can ’ t relocate to areas without reliable connectivity .
I ’ m sure Mr. Rosenberg is not entirely disinterested .
His company would stand to make zillions in a universal nettification push .
Sing along with me now : There ’ s no interest like self-interest , the best interest I know / Everything about it is revealing , everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s good for Qualcomm and Comcast and all the rest of them is good for America this time .
Let ’ s look at history .
In the 1930 ’ s , 90 percent of urban dwellers had electricity but only 10 percent of rural dwellers did .
The provision of electrical power to rural areas was believed to be technically infeasible : It would cost too much to install and farmers were too poor to pay for it anyway .
But on May 11 , 1935 , President Franklin Delano @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rural Electrification Administration , which was later adopted by Congress .
Within a decade , nine out of ten farms were electrified .
The rest , as they say , is history .
Access to electricity completely changed farm life , bringing appliances into homes and fields , improving health and sanitation with running water and refrigeration , increasing productivity and connecting rural populations to the outside world with radio .
It was either Voltaire or La Rochefoucauld – maybe both – who observed that one generation ’ s luxury becomes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electricity was to rural areas 90 years ago , the web is today .
It ’ s the juice that makes a jillion things possible , from the mundane to the magnificent .
Which brings us to the Fifth Commandment of the Capitalist Manifesto : “ The federal government shall generously fund research and development , which are the foundation of the nation ’ s prosperity , skilled jobs and material quality of life.
” Extending high-speed internet connectivity to all corners of our nation , as Rosenberg compellingly argues , will bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our posterity .
There are technical hurdles , but I ’ m confident they can be managed .
Rural electrification faced technical challenges , too , but they were overcome .
The obstacles to 100 percent nationwide connectivity in 2020 are minor compared to those facing rural electrification in 1935 .
But the return on investment was – and will be — incalculable .
We can ’ t ensure equal outcomes , but surely universal internet access would not just level but also lift the playing field .
Heaven knows , government has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ projects .
( Bridge to Nowhere , anyone ? )
Government spending isn ’ t always waste , fraud and abuse .
Public expenditure that improves the general prosperity is much to be desired .
As Rosenberg says , universal access to high-speed internet , like access to electricity in the 1930s , will narrow the gap between haves and have-nots .
That sounds like “ promoting the general welfare ” to me .
Let ’ s do it .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Trump wants to spend trillions on infrastructure as part of an economic recovery plan.
Here’s an idea: Qualcomm general counsel Don Rosenberg has declared that “Covid-19 Exposes Connectivity Gap, and Need for 5G to Close It.” I couldn’t agree more. And – go ahead and pass the smelling salts to my libertarian friends – the government should pony up and make it happen. Here’s why.
There’s a time and a place for government spending. Common defense and promoting the general welfare, for example. That’s in the Preamble to the Constitution, which they’ve solemnly recited at every Daughters of the American Revolution meeting I’ve ever attended.
Bringing the net to the hinterlands will promote the general welfare. I’m for it. It’s a proper function for the government to fulfill.
Rosenberg reminds us how lost we’d be in this national lockdown if we didn’t have the internet to connect, enlighten, educate, employ and entertain us.
Most of us, that is, but not all of us. Poor people and rural residents are missing out. “Distance learning” doesn’t mean much to a kid in northern Vermont who doesn’t have internet at home and can’t get to a library.
The web can be a great equalizer, letting a teen in Tulsa groove to the same tunes as a hipster in Hamburg, making MIT courses, telemedicine, foreign language instruction or the latest Paris fashions available at a mouseclick — not to mention news, cute kittens and countless films.
Rural communities are at a huge disadvantage if students, residents and business owners can’t connect. Folks who have lately discovered (along with their employers) that they can work remotely can’t relocate to areas without reliable connectivity.
I’m sure Mr. Rosenberg is not entirely disinterested. His company would stand to make zillions in a universal nettification push. Sing along with me now: There’s no interest like self-interest, the best interest I know / Everything about it is revealing, everyone’s true colors always show…
Do you think Congress should pursue legislation that would provide internet access to Americans in remote areas? 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: 86% (12 Votes) No: 14% (2 Votes)
But what’s good for Qualcomm and Comcast and all the rest of them is good for America this time.
Let’s look at history. In the 1930’s, 90 percent of urban dwellers had electricity but only 10 percent of rural dwellers did.
The provision of electrical power to rural areas was believed to be technically infeasible: It would cost too much to install and farmers were too poor to pay for it anyway.
But on May 11, 1935, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Executive Order 7037, creating the Rural Electrification Administration, which was later adopted by Congress. Within a decade, nine out of ten farms were electrified.
The rest, as they say, is history. Access to electricity completely changed farm life, bringing appliances into homes and fields, improving health and sanitation with running water and refrigeration, increasing productivity and connecting rural populations to the outside world with radio.
It was either Voltaire or La Rochefoucauld – maybe both – who observed that one generation’s luxury becomes the next generation’s necessity. What electricity was to rural areas 90 years ago, the web is today. It’s the juice that makes a jillion things possible, from the mundane to the magnificent.
Which brings us to the Fifth Commandment of the Capitalist Manifesto:
“The federal government shall generously fund research and development, which are the foundation of the nation’s prosperity, skilled jobs and material quality of life.”
Extending high-speed internet connectivity to all corners of our nation, as Rosenberg compellingly argues, will bring the blessings of prosperity to ourselves and our posterity. There are technical hurdles, but I’m confident they can be managed. Rural electrification faced technical challenges, too, but they were overcome.
The obstacles to 100 percent nationwide connectivity in 2020 are minor compared to those facing rural electrification in 1935. But the return on investment was – and will be — incalculable. We can’t ensure equal outcomes, but surely universal internet access would not just level but also lift the playing field.
Heaven knows, government has famously squandered taxpayer dollars on less practical projects. (Bridge to Nowhere, anyone?)
Government spending isn’t always waste, fraud and abuse. Public expenditure that improves the general prosperity is much to be desired.
As Rosenberg says, universal access to high-speed internet, like access to electricity in the 1930s, will narrow the gap between haves and have-nots. That sounds like “promoting the general welfare” to me. Let’s do it.
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--2020-06-03--GOP Gov Shows Leadership in COVID Crisis, Is Rewarded in Polls

Before the COVID-19 pandemic upended the world , West Virginia Gov .
Jim Justice was in trouble .
His own party rebelled against him .
Federal prosecutors investigated him .
Lawsuits loomed .
But now some believe that the Republican governor ’ s daily virus news conferences have bolstered his reputation ahead of the primary elections next week , while drowning out competitors whose campaigns have been drastically hamstrung by the pandemic .
“ The irony is , he could be the comeback kid because of the crisis , ” said Robert Rupp , a history and political science professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor ’ s apparent rebound suggests that the politics of 2020 are sure to be infused with the virus ’ implications , from the presidential contest on down .
In West Virginia and other states , incumbent governors on the ballot this year have been given a daily platform to demonstrate leadership .
Upstart challengers dependent on retail politics to make their names known have found themselves locked down in quarantine for weeks .
Thousands of people tune in to Justice ’ s daily public briefings , which take place in the Capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He normally begins by recounting the latest deaths , laying out the state ’ s strategy and then offering a confident self-assessment of his performance before turning the mic over to administration officials .
Journalists can ask questions through a teleconference call .
Deaths and infections remain relatively low in West Virginia , and Justice has prioritized safety while heeding the concerns of struggling West Virginians .
Despite criticism , he allowed gyms and tanning salons to reopen after receiving calls from business owners .
The news conferences have been a boon for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who cite both public and private polling .
Through his campaign manager , Justice declined to be interviewed for this story .
“ The fact that he has the ability to do that every single day for over an hour , and then be put on the evening news and the following morning news and be reprinted , is an incredible benefit if you ’ re running for public office , ” said Woody Thrasher , who is running against Justice for the GOP nomination .
Thrasher said his internal polling shows Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his campaign declined to share the polling .
Justice was elected in 2016 as a Democrat with the backing of influential and long-term West Virginia Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin .
But after less than a year as governor , Justice changed his party affiliation at a rally with President Donald Trump , telling the crowd that he could no longer help the state as a Democrat .
The governor has repeatedly reminded voters of his closeness with the president .
He frequently mentions Trump during his news conferences , usually to reiterate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ear and support .
RELATED : America Is About to Face Deafening Wave of Cicada 'Brood IX' With the pandemic making traditional campaigning nearly impossible , those looking to unseat Justice have struggled to get the same level of attention the governor has enjoyed .
One Democratic candidate , Stephen Smith , who amassed a network of campaign volunteers and small donors with the promise of sweeping social reforms , has turned to social media .
Smith launched his campaign in late 2018 and crisscrossed the state to hold dozens of town halls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to raise money in this moment for a campaign like ours that relies on the people who are bearing the greatest burden of this crisis , ” he said .
Drive down a main street in West Virginia and you may see another Democratic hopeful , Ben Salango , standing on the side of the road with a sign for what he calls a “ honk and wave.
” A lawyer and commissioner of West Virginia ’ s biggest county , Salango said he ’ s been relying on TV ads as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the election .
“ I enjoy that one-on-one interaction with people and I have not been able to do that since COVID-19 , ” he said , adding that the governor ’ s news conferences have “ certainly given him some assistance in the Republican primary.
” “ All I am doing is trying to take care of West Virginia , ” Justice told reporters recently .
The Associated Press contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

Before the COVID-19 pandemic upended the world, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice was in trouble.
His own party rebelled against him. Federal prosecutors investigated him. Lawsuits loomed.
But now some believe that the Republican governor’s daily virus news conferences have bolstered his reputation ahead of the primary elections next week, while drowning out competitors whose campaigns have been drastically hamstrung by the pandemic.
“The irony is, he could be the comeback kid because of the crisis,” said Robert Rupp, a history and political science professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
The governor’s apparent rebound suggests that the politics of 2020 are sure to be infused with the virus’ implications, from the presidential contest on down.
In West Virginia and other states, incumbent governors on the ballot this year have been given a daily platform to demonstrate leadership. Upstart challengers dependent on retail politics to make their names known have found themselves locked down in quarantine for weeks.
Thousands of people tune in to Justice’s daily public briefings, which take place in the Capitol but are closed to in-person attendance. He normally begins by recounting the latest deaths, laying out the state’s strategy and then offering a confident self-assessment of his performance before turning the mic over to administration officials.
Journalists can ask questions through a teleconference call.
Deaths and infections remain relatively low in West Virginia, and Justice has prioritized safety while heeding the concerns of struggling West Virginians. Despite criticism, he allowed gyms and tanning salons to reopen after receiving calls from business owners.
Will Gov. Justice win re-election in West Virginia? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (353 Votes) No: 1% (5 Votes)
The news conferences have been a boon for Justice, according to rival candidates, who cite both public and private polling. Through his campaign manager, Justice declined to be interviewed for this story.
“The fact that he has the ability to do that every single day for over an hour, and then be put on the evening news and the following morning news and be reprinted, is an incredible benefit if you’re running for public office,” said Woody Thrasher, who is running against Justice for the GOP nomination.
Thrasher said his internal polling shows Justice closing in on his lead, though his campaign declined to share the polling.
Justice was elected in 2016 as a Democrat with the backing of influential and long-term West Virginia Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin. But after less than a year as governor, Justice changed his party affiliation at a rally with President Donald Trump, telling the crowd that he could no longer help the state as a Democrat.
The governor has repeatedly reminded voters of his closeness with the president. He frequently mentions Trump during his news conferences, usually to reiterate that he has the president’s ear and support.
With the pandemic making traditional campaigning nearly impossible, those looking to unseat Justice have struggled to get the same level of attention the governor has enjoyed.
One Democratic candidate, Stephen Smith, who amassed a network of campaign volunteers and small donors with the promise of sweeping social reforms, has turned to social media. Smith launched his campaign in late 2018 and crisscrossed the state to hold dozens of town halls.
“It’s absolutely harder to raise money in this moment for a campaign like ours that relies on the people who are bearing the greatest burden of this crisis,” he said.
Drive down a main street in West Virginia and you may see another Democratic hopeful, Ben Salango, standing on the side of the road with a sign for what he calls a “honk and wave.” A lawyer and commissioner of West Virginia’s biggest county, Salango said he’s been relying on TV ads as well as social media in the final stretch to the election.
“I enjoy that one-on-one interaction with people and I have not been able to do that since COVID-19,” he said, adding that the governor’s news conferences have “certainly given him some assistance in the Republican primary.”
“All I am doing is trying to take care of West Virginia,” Justice told reporters recently.
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westernjournal--2020-06-03--Spineless NYT Changes Headline AOC Didn’t Like

I know we conservatives often grouse that the establishment media dictates our opinions to us — that they decide the agenda , they set the language and we ’ re supposed to listen .
I never supposed , at least in a free society , the alternative could actually be worse .
In fact , when the internet first appeared when I was in middle school , I thought it would keep our legacy papers and broadcast networks honest .
What I ’ d envisioned , stupidly , was that we ’ d all act as a check to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a story was slanted too liberally , we ’ d kick off our slippers , put down our pipe and write the editors an email .
If a story was slanted too conservatively , liberal-leaning folks would kick off their Birkenstocks , put down that other type of pipe and write the editors an email .
Sometimes the editors might reconsider .
Sometimes they wouldn ’ t .
But they ’ d have a better idea of the pulse of the populace — better , at least , than old envelope-and-stamp mail could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d keep them honest , sober and fair .
There are days that I want to go back in time and disabuse Sega Genesis-playing , Starter jacket-wearing me of the uselessness of this notion by bringing along an iPad an introducing him to the enervated , thought-free digital screechfest that is Twitter .
After he got over how cool the iPad was , he ’ d realize all the internet was going to do to legacy media was push them further in the direction they already tilted — usually left — by having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideological transgression until they capitulated and did exactly what the most toxic , reflexive voices on the internet would have them do .
Of course , the butterfly effect being what it is , I ’ d now be living off the grid somewhere in Saskatchewan and eating foraged berries for every meal .
On days like these , I ’ d say it ’ s pretty much a wash. What has me pining for the coniferous forests of Western Canada is a headline — or , should I say , was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Rose Garden speech on Monday .
During the speech , President Donald Trump said he was considering sending the military into American cities to stop the unrest touched off by the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man who died May 25 in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for roughly nine minutes during an arrest .
The original front-page headline for Tuesday ’ s paper was tweeted out by Tom Jolly , print editor for The Times : “ As Chaos Spreads , Trump Vows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are several things I ’ d like to point out here : RELATED : Remember NYT 's Piece Saying That Doctor Died of COVID ?
Turns Out It Was Totally False • He said he ’ d “ end it now.
” It doesn ’ t make Trump necessarily sound good — particularly to The Times ’ readership , who have been conditioned by the paper to treat any sort of tough talk out of the president ’ s mouth as if it were being spoken by General Pinochet .
It could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president had invoked the specter of military action .
Other than that , everything mentioned was totally accurate .
If you ventured onto Twitter in the intervening hours , you would have been under the impression that Jolly ’ s crew had written a piece of adulating Trump fanfiction which they were trying to pass off as journalism .
Leading the charge was New York City ’ s most famous House member : “ You ’ ve got to be kidding me , ” Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweets contain graphic language that some viewers will find offensive .
Former Obama administration Housing and Urban Development secretary and failed 2020 presidential candidate Julián Castro : Well , as it turns out , they were kidding , AOC .
Or , at the very least , they realized the outrage police had a warrant for their arrest and it was time to beat the rap : The late edition changed the headline to read ‘ Trump Threatens to Send Troops into States.
” This isn ’ t an aberration for The Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wake of a mass shooting in El Paso , Texas , in which the gunman espoused racial motives , the president gave a speech in which he roundly and unequivocally condemned the moral rot of bigotry .
The original Times headline was “ Trump Urges Unity vs. Racism.
” Which , you know , is what he did .
After a similar Twitter conflagration , that got changed to “ Assailing Hate But Not Guns.
” According to Fox News , that capitulation took only 59 minutes .
Then as now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitterstorm : Berries and rainwater , anyone ?
I hear Saskatchewan is lovely this time of year .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

I know we conservatives often grouse that the establishment media dictates our opinions to us — that they decide the agenda, they set the language and we’re supposed to listen.
I never supposed, at least in a free society, the alternative could actually be worse.
In fact, when the internet first appeared when I was in middle school, I thought it would keep our legacy papers and broadcast networks honest.
What I’d envisioned, stupidly, was that we’d all act as a check to keep them on an even keel. If a story was slanted too liberally, we’d kick off our slippers, put down our pipe and write the editors an email. If a story was slanted too conservatively, liberal-leaning folks would kick off their Birkenstocks, put down that other type of pipe and write the editors an email.
Sometimes the editors might reconsider. Sometimes they wouldn’t. But they’d have a better idea of the pulse of the populace — better, at least, than old envelope-and-stamp mail could have ever given them.
It’d keep them honest, sober and fair.
There are days that I want to go back in time and disabuse Sega Genesis-playing, Starter jacket-wearing me of the uselessness of this notion by bringing along an iPad an introducing him to the enervated, thought-free digital screechfest that is Twitter.
After he got over how cool the iPad was, he’d realize all the internet was going to do to legacy media was push them further in the direction they already tilted — usually left — by having raging partisans lash them for the slightest ideological transgression until they capitulated and did exactly what the most toxic, reflexive voices on the internet would have them do.
Of course, the butterfly effect being what it is, I’d now be living off the grid somewhere in Saskatchewan and eating foraged berries for every meal. On days like these, I’d say it’s pretty much a wash.
What has me pining for the coniferous forests of Western Canada is a headline — or, should I say, was a headline — in response to the president’s Rose Garden speech on Monday.
During the speech, President Donald Trump said he was considering sending the military into American cities to stop the unrest touched off by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died May 25 in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for roughly nine minutes during an arrest.
The original front-page headline for Tuesday’s paper was tweeted out by Tom Jolly, print editor for The Times: “As Chaos Spreads, Trump Vows to ‘End It Now.’”
There are several things I’d like to point out here:
Chaos was spreading. Trump had weighed in. He said he’d “end it now.”
The headline is accurate.
It doesn’t make Trump necessarily sound good — particularly to The Times’ readership, who have been conditioned by the paper to treat any sort of tough talk out of the president’s mouth as if it were being spoken by General Pinochet.
It could perhaps have been more inclusive by saying the president had invoked the specter of military action. Other than that, everything mentioned was totally accurate.
If you ventured onto Twitter in the intervening hours, you would have been under the impression that Jolly’s crew had written a piece of adulating Trump fanfiction which they were trying to pass off as journalism.
Leading the charge was New York City’s most famous House member:
You’ve got to be kidding me. https://t.co/XJqrTH5P7c — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) June 2, 2020
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York tweeted.
Blue checkmarks everywhere were similarly enraged.
Here’s Joe Biden’s press secretary:
This is absolutely embarrassing, and also utterly unsurprising. https://t.co/LrLue08NHl — TJ Ducklo (@TDucklo) June 2, 2020
WARNING: One of the following tweets contain graphic language that some viewers will find offensive.
Former Obama administration Housing and Urban Development secretary and failed 2020 presidential candidate Julián Castro:
The President is acting like a budding dictator. Headline fail, @nytimes. pic.twitter.com/wOYcCAtNPn — Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) June 2, 2020
Former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes:
If the New York Times thinks this accurately describes what happened today, I have no idea what country they’ve been living in – they should just let Trump write their headlines. https://t.co/zZn7H5cZiC — Ben Rhodes (@brhodes) June 2, 2020
Democratic strategist Tom Watson also weighed in:
Holy fucking crap – the Times is pro-fascist. This is it, they’ve crossed over to full compliance with the regime. https://t.co/eBqU4tC4N4 — Tom Watson (@tomwatson) June 2, 2020
So did Hawaii Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz:
The New York Times headline writers are going to Both Sides the country to death. https://t.co/FvrDVE0sJe — Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) June 2, 2020
Well, as it turns out, they were kidding, AOC. Or, at the very least, they realized the outrage police had a warrant for their arrest and it was time to beat the rap: The late edition changed the headline to read ‘Trump Threatens to Send Troops into States.”
Should The New York Times have changed this headline? 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: 11% (60 Votes) No: 89% (486 Votes)
This isn’t an aberration for The Times, sadly. Last year, in the wake of a mass shooting in El Paso, Texas, in which the gunman espoused racial motives, the president gave a speech in which he roundly and unequivocally condemned the moral rot of bigotry.
The original Times headline was “Trump Urges Unity vs. Racism.” Which, you know, is what he did. After a similar Twitter conflagration, that got changed to “Assailing Hate But Not Guns.”
According to Fox News, that capitulation took only 59 minutes.
Then as now, you can guess the vanguard of the Twitterstorm:
Let this front page serve as a reminder of how white supremacy is aided by – and often relies upon – the cowardice of mainstream institutions. https://t.co/ynjgtT66yI — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) August 6, 2019
Berries and rainwater, anyone? I hear Saskatchewan is lovely this time of year.
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westernjournal--2020-06-03--In Classic Leftist Fashion, Seattle Mayor Blames White Men for Riots Across America

Look , I get it : If you ’ re a liberal , this time is about highlighting what you perceive as the systemic oppression of people of color in the United States .
At some level , I ’ m not even going to argue with that .
You do you .
If this is how you think you ’ re going to quell the riots happening in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic while a goodly portion of your electorate is unemployed and is currently busy destroying places that might , at one point in the future , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to argue intersectional politics or critical race theory with you .
Having watched plenty of cable news coverage , I ’ d question the efficacy of your approach , but I think you ’ re pretty well committed to that road now and you probably don ’ t need some opinion writer on the internet pointing out your inanities .
I wish you good luck , and I do mean that .
However , I will say this : If you ’ re going to blame white men for a goodly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , that ’ s where I ’ m going to draw the line .
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan — a Democrat , in case you had to ask — took to Twitter on Sunday night to deal with an issue that was really chafing at her : The white men involved in the rioting and looting she was seeing : “ I want to acknowledge that much of the violence and destruction , both here in Seattle and across the country , has been instigated and perpetuated by white men , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the height of privilege and are co-opting peaceful demonstrations that were organized by and meant to center people of color , particularly Black Americans , ” she continued .
There are so many ways you can go with this one , none of which shines a particularly good light on Durkan ’ s thoughts on the matter .
First , is this what , as the leader of the city of Seattle , Mayor Durkan really wanted to focus on ?
Of all the problems her city is facing , what she really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she had to realize was going to be grabbing the headlines going into the week — was that there were too many white people out in the streets causing mayhem when this should be about peaceful protests by people of color ?
RELATED : Security Guard Disarmed Punk with Looted Police AR-15 , Then the Mob Began To Close In Now , let ’ s be clear : These were , by in large , peaceful protests by people of all colors , but that ’ s not what the news is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police cruisers are getting molotov cocktailed and store windows are being reduced to expensive pebbles by hurled bricks .
Here ’ s some of the footage from Seattle from KING-TV , which I present for several reasons : As we can see , there ’ s fairly extensive destruction going on .
However — and I really hesitate to point this out , but I only do because it goes back to the mayor ’ s own point — it certainly doesn ’ t seem to be exclusively or even mostly white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it were , though — what would that mean ?
What would it mean if they weren ’ t white , for that matter ?
What would it prove either way ?
All the last week or so has proved is that a small , concerted group of individuals have used the death of George Floyd as cover to indulge in wanton lawbreaking , and that jurisdictions around the country — so willing , a week or two ago , to impose strict law and order on a hairdresser reopening too quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person services — are possibly unable and definitely unwilling to deal with it .
This includes Seattle , and it doesn ’ t matter whether the people are white or not or if they enjoy arrant privilege because of their color .
I ’ m sure more than one reader has already begun mentally composing an email in which they blame antifa groups using this to bring about the end of the capitalist system or white supremacist groups trying to start a race war , Manson-style .
In fact , here ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similarly classic leftist fashion — blaming a large part of the unrest in his city in part on the latter element with a claim that turned out to be wildly untrue : If this is your argument , save yourself the trouble of making it .
Antifa ’ s involvement is likely but small and white supremacist involvement is possible but even smaller , if it even exists .
The salient fact is that Seattle can not stop the violence in its own streets .
So , its mayor is looking for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed muster says a lot more about Mayor Durkan than any of the problems Seattle is facing .
The systemic racism excuse for the violence is one thing .
If you can get mileage out of it , by all means , knock yourself .
If part of your way of solving your city ’ s problems is pointing out there are too many white people in the admixture of the cohort currently laying waste to your metropolis , however , I would posit the situation is probably beyond repair .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Look, I get it: If you’re a liberal, this time is about highlighting what you perceive as the systemic oppression of people of color in the United States.
At some level, I’m not even going to argue with that. You do you.
If this is how you think you’re going to quell the riots happening in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic while a goodly portion of your electorate is unemployed and is currently busy destroying places that might, at one point in the future, offer them employment, I’m not going to argue intersectional politics or critical race theory with you.
Having watched plenty of cable news coverage, I’d question the efficacy of your approach, but I think you’re pretty well committed to that road now and you probably don’t need some opinion writer on the internet pointing out your inanities. I wish you good luck, and I do mean that.
However, I will say this: If you’re going to blame white men for a goodly chunk of the rioting across these United States, that’s where I’m going to draw the line.
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan — a Democrat, in case you had to ask — took to Twitter on Sunday night to deal with an issue that was really chafing at her: The white men involved in the rioting and looting she was seeing:
I want to acknowledge that much of the violence and destruction, both here in Seattle and across the country, has been instigated and perpetuated by white men. — Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) May 31, 2020
“I want to acknowledge that much of the violence and destruction, both here in Seattle and across the country, has been instigated and perpetuated by white men,” she tweeted.
These individuals experience the height of privilege and are co-opting peaceful demonstrations that were organized by and meant to center people of color, particularly Black Americans. — Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) May 31, 2020
“These individuals experience the height of privilege and are co-opting peaceful demonstrations that were organized by and meant to center people of color, particularly Black Americans,” she continued.
There are so many ways you can go with this one, none of which shines a particularly good light on Durkan’s thoughts on the matter.
First, is this what, as the leader of the city of Seattle, Mayor Durkan really wanted to focus on?
Of all the problems her city is facing, what she really wanted people to know — the tweet that she had to realize was going to be grabbing the headlines going into the week — was that there were too many white people out in the streets causing mayhem when this should be about peaceful protests by people of color?
Now, let’s be clear: These were, by in large, peaceful protests by people of all colors, but that’s not what the news is going to focus on when, say, police cruisers are getting molotov cocktailed and store windows are being reduced to expensive pebbles by hurled bricks.
Here’s some of the footage from Seattle from KING-TV, which I present for several reasons:
As we can see, there’s fairly extensive destruction going on. However — and I really hesitate to point this out, but I only do because it goes back to the mayor’s own point — it certainly doesn’t seem to be exclusively or even mostly white people involved in this mayhem.
Is antifa to blame for much of the violence we've seen during the recent riots? Yes No
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Even if it were, though — what would that mean? What would it mean if they weren’t white, for that matter?
What would it prove either way?
All the last week or so has proved is that a small, concerted group of individuals have used the death of George Floyd as cover to indulge in wanton lawbreaking, and that jurisdictions around the country — so willing, a week or two ago, to impose strict law and order on a hairdresser reopening too quickly or a church that wanted to hold in-person services — are possibly unable and definitely unwilling to deal with it.
This includes Seattle, and it doesn’t matter whether the people are white or not or if they enjoy arrant privilege because of their color.
I’m sure more than one reader has already begun mentally composing an email in which they blame antifa groups using this to bring about the end of the capitalist system or white supremacist groups trying to start a race war, Manson-style.
In fact, here’s the Democratic mayor of Minneapolis — in similarly classic leftist fashion — blaming a large part of the unrest in his city in part on the latter element with a claim that turned out to be wildly untrue:
We are now confronting white supremacists, members of organized crime, out of state instigators, and possibly even foreign actors to destroy and destabilize our city and our region. — Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) May 30, 2020
If this is your argument, save yourself the trouble of making it.
Antifa’s involvement is likely but small and white supremacist involvement is possible but even smaller, if it even exists. The salient fact is that Seattle cannot stop the violence in its own streets.
So, its mayor is looking for a politically adequate scapegoat. That this excuse passed muster says a lot more about Mayor Durkan than any of the problems Seattle is facing.
The systemic racism excuse for the violence is one thing. If you can get mileage out of it, by all means, knock yourself.
If part of your way of solving your city’s problems is pointing out there are too many white people in the admixture of the cohort currently laying waste to your metropolis, however, I would posit the situation is probably beyond repair.
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westernjournal--2020-06-03--NBA Announcer Resigns After Backlash to ‘All Lives Matter’ Tweet

Longtime Sacramento Kings announcer Grant Napear has paid the price for wading into the troubled waters of America ’ s racial swamp .
Napear , who on Sunday used the phrase “ all lives matter ” in a tweet to former Kings center DeMarcus Cousins , resigned as the team ’ s announcer , a post he had held since 1988 , on Tuesday , according to Bleacher Report .
The writing was on the wall Monday when the Kings publicly scowled at the veteran broadcaster in a statement .
“ Grant ’ s recent Twitter comments do not reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are reviewing the matter further with our broadcast partners NBC Sports California and Sports 1140 KHTK , ” the team said .
So what did Napear say ?
His Twitter account shows him responding to those who pushed back by explaining his position .
But that was not enough for some .
Napear was also dropped by the radio station that carried his show .
The decision was announced in a Twitter statement from the parent company of KHTK-AM that said it was “ saddened ” by his comments .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments about the Black Lives Matter movement do not reflect the views of values of Bonneville International Corporation .
The timing of Grant ’ s tweet was particularly insensitive.
” Napear said his tweet was a mistake .
“ I ’ m not as educated on BLM as I thought I was , ” he said , according to the Sacramento Bee .
“ I had no idea that when I said ‘ All Lives Matter ’ that it was counter to what BLM was trying to get across.
” “ I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m 60 years old and I still have a lot learn.
” He also issued a statement that said , “ I want to thank the fans for their overwhelming love and support .
I will always remain a part of Kings nation in my heart.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Longtime Sacramento Kings announcer Grant Napear has paid the price for wading into the troubled waters of America’s racial swamp.
Napear, who on Sunday used the phrase “all lives matter” in a tweet to former Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, resigned as the team’s announcer, a post he had held since 1988, on Tuesday, according to Bleacher Report.
The writing was on the wall Monday when the Kings publicly scowled at the veteran broadcaster in a statement.
“Grant’s recent Twitter comments do not reflect our organization’s views and values. We are reviewing the matter further with our broadcast partners NBC Sports California and Sports 1140 KHTK,” the team said.
Statement from Kings on Grant Napear:
“Grant’s recent Twitter comments do not reflect our organization’s views and values. We are reviewing the matter further with our broadcast partners NBC Sports California and Sports 1140 KHTK.” — James Ham (@James_HamNBCS) June 2, 2020
So what did Napear say? His Twitter account shows him responding to those who pushed back by explaining his position.
Hey!!!! How are you? Thought you forgot about me. Haven’t heard from you in years. ALL LIVES MATTER…EVERY SINGLE ONE!!! https://t.co/DfzKl3w0jm — Grant Napear (@GrantNapearshow) June 1, 2020
100%…trust me I have more black friends than white. I grieve with them and pray that before I leave this earth we can finally truly walk hand in hand https://t.co/TSy62taHq7 — Grant Napear (@GrantNapearshow) June 1, 2020
If it came across as dumb I apologize. That was not my intent. That’s how I was raised. It has been engrained in me since I can remember. I’ve been doing more listening than talking the past few days. I believe the past few days will change this country for the better! https://t.co/Gsh84BPBEk — Grant Napear (@GrantNapearshow) June 1, 2020
But that was not enough for some.
Napear was also dropped by the radio station that carried his show.
The decision was announced in a Twitter statement from the parent company of KHTK-AM that said it was “saddened” by his comments.
The statement said Napear’s “recent comments about the Black Lives Matter movement do not reflect the views of values of Bonneville International Corporation. The timing of Grant’s tweet was particularly insensitive.”
Bonneville Sacramento has parted ways with Grant Napear. pic.twitter.com/n2T7CFOItP — Sports 1140 KHTK (@Sports1140KHTK) June 2, 2020
The action provoked a buzz on Twitter.
Now people are losing jobs for stating that every single life matters. So things are going well. https://t.co/AEG86UUz06 — Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) June 2, 2020
Grant Napear refused to acknowledge the importance of BLM. He insisted that Donald Sterling couldn’t be racist because he hired black execs. He was insulting to listeners and told people to go kill themselves. He had years to learn. He refused. It was never about one tweet. https://t.co/81wwvlVz1u — SactownBabyGiraffe (@TimMaxwell22) June 3, 2020
@GrantNapearshow I have never watched a Kings game on CSN without you behind the mic ??? — Coben (@bibbyfan10) June 3, 2020
Napear said his tweet was a mistake.
“I’m not as educated on BLM as I thought I was,” he said, according to the Sacramento Bee. “I had no idea that when I said ‘All Lives Matter’ that it was counter to what BLM was trying to get across.”
Do you think Napear should have lost his job? Yes No
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“I’m in pain,” Napear said. “I’m 60 years old and I still have a lot learn.”
He also issued a statement that said, “I want to thank the fans for their overwhelming love and support. I will always remain a part of Kings nation in my heart.”
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westernjournal--2020-06-03--Mike Huckabee Blasts de Blasio’s ‘Stunning’ Ignorance About Refusing National Guard for NYC

Former Arkansas Gov .
Mike Huckabee had some words on Wednesday that every government official dealing with the current unrest needs to hear .
And that starts with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio – a Democrat who ’ s watching his city being destroyed by looting but somehow thinks having the National Guard present would make things worse .
Huckabee , a conservative Republican who served more than two full terms as governor of the Razorback State , knows enough about the uses of the National Guard to blast de Blasio ’ s “ stunning ” ignorance on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard , Huckabee said on Fox News ’ “ Fox & Friends , ” lies with the governor of a state , not with any mayor — even the mayor of the nation ’ s largest city .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo “ can decide he wants to put the National Guard in New York City , and there ’ s not a whole lot the mayor can do about it , other than just complain , ” Huckabee said .
Then Huckabee got to the heart of the issue : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ de Blasio when it comes to keeping their people safe is simply unacceptable .
“ At some point , ” he said , “ there ’ s gon na have to be a real understanding that the purpose for which people are elected is to keep order , to make sure that there ’ s some stability within the social contract of people .
“ The one thing government has to do , above everything else , is not give jobs , it ’ s not even balance the economy .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , walking up and down the sidewalk , can do so , and do it with life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness .
“ We have no other major function to even have a government other than that.
” “ Fox & Friends ” then played a clip of a de Blasio speech Tuesday declaring the National Guard was neither needed nor welcome in the Big Apple .
If “ you bring outside armed forces into the equation that they are not trained for , people could be very unnerved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have learned to work with and deal with , ” de Blasio said .
“ That ’ s a dangerous scenario.
” Co-host Ainsley Earnhardt noted that Minneapolis — where a man ’ s death in police custody sparked the national upheaval — had appeared to see order generally restored since the arrival of the National Guard .
Why , she asked , wouldn ’ t other mayors want to follow that example ?
RELATED : De Blasio Demands Cop 's Badge After Gun-Pointing Clip Goes Viral , Full Video Proves He Was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no sense to me , ” Huckabee said .
“ And by the way , de Blasio is totally off his rocker when he says the National Guard is not trained for that .
Yes , they are .
That ’ s exactly what they ’ re trained for … and they know how to get into these situations and handle them .
“ His ignorance of that is stunning to me.
” It ’ s safe to say de Blasio hasn ’ t impressed many sane Americans with his performance over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence targeted at police goes back years , as a New York Daily News report from 2017 makes clear .
His ludicrous presidential run was a national joke .
His antagonism toward religious groups over coronavirus restrictions infuriated conservatives .
And now his obvious impotence in the face of violent protests has shown him to be a man more interested in pushing a leftist agenda than in making sure his population is protected .
But Huckabee — who is a Baptist minister as well as a former politician and current political commentator — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
The biggest problem the country is facing at the moment is “ not a political divide , it ’ s a spiritual divide , ” he said .
The callousness of the Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd , as well as the rapacious greed and violence of the looters who have used the opportunity to declare war on the concept of property ownership , is a “ sin problem , ” Huckabee said .
And the solution is greater personal responsibility .
“ This country could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self govern , ” he said .
“ The ultimate governance of the United States is not the federal , state or the local .
It ’ s self-governing .
It ’ s when people believe that doing the right thing is the right thing.
” He then quoted Scripture : “ Love thy neighbor as thyself .
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
” “ And somewhere along the way , we have lost that mantra , ” Huckabee said .
“ It hasn ’ t been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out there throwing bricks , trying to injure and hurt cops .
When you see people stealing and looting Louis Vuitton bags and they pretend that it ’ s all about police brutality , it isn ’ t .
“ It ’ s about their selfish behavior , and somewhere we ’ ve got to address that issue more than simply say , ‘ We have to look at police techniques.
’ ” It ’ s a solid bet those words , or anything like them , will bever be heard coming out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blasio or any other mob-appeasing liberal politician .
But they ’ re exactly the kinds of words the whole country needs to hear .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee had some words on Wednesday that every government official dealing with the current unrest needs to hear.
And that starts with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio – a Democrat who’s watching his city being destroyed by looting but somehow thinks having the National Guard present would make things worse.
Huckabee, a conservative Republican who served more than two full terms as governor of the Razorback State, knows enough about the uses of the National Guard to blast de Blasio’s “stunning” ignorance on the topic.
The choice of deploying the Guard, Huckabee said on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” lies with the governor of a state, not with any mayor — even the mayor of the nation’s largest city.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo “can decide he wants to put the National Guard in New York City, and there’s not a whole lot the mayor can do about it, other than just complain,” Huckabee said.
Watch the latest video at foxnews.com
Then Huckabee got to the heart of the issue: The abdication of responsibility by politicians like de Blasio when it comes to keeping their people safe is simply unacceptable.
“At some point,” he said, “there’s gonna have to be a real understanding that the purpose for which people are elected is to keep order, to make sure that there’s some stability within the social contract of people.
“The one thing government has to do, above everything else, is not give jobs, it’s not even balance the economy. It’s making it so that the ordinary people, walking up and down the sidewalk, can do so, and do it with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Do you agree with Mike Huckabee about the basic purpose of government? Yes No
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“We have no other major function to even have a government other than that.”
“Fox & Friends” then played a clip of a de Blasio speech Tuesday declaring the National Guard was neither needed nor welcome in the Big Apple.
If “you bring outside armed forces into the equation that they are not trained for, people could be very unnerved by the dynamics that our police officers have learned to work with and deal with,” de Blasio said. “That’s a dangerous scenario.”
Co-host Ainsley Earnhardt noted that Minneapolis — where a man’s death in police custody sparked the national upheaval — had appeared to see order generally restored since the arrival of the National Guard. Why, she asked, wouldn’t other mayors want to follow that example?
“It makes no sense to me,” Huckabee said. “And by the way, de Blasio is totally off his rocker when he says the National Guard is not trained for that. Yes, they are. That’s exactly what they’re trained for … and they know how to get into these situations and handle them.
“His ignorance of that is stunning to me.”
It’s safe to say de Blasio hasn’t impressed many sane Americans with his performance over the years.
His inept handling of mob violence targeted at police goes back years, as a New York Daily News report from 2017 makes clear. His ludicrous presidential run was a national joke. His antagonism toward religious groups over coronavirus restrictions infuriated conservatives.
And now his obvious impotence in the face of violent protests has shown him to be a man more interested in pushing a leftist agenda than in making sure his population is protected.
But Huckabee — who is a Baptist minister as well as a former politician and current political commentator — had a broader point to make, too.
The biggest problem the country is facing at the moment is “not a political divide, it’s a spiritual divide,” he said.
The callousness of the Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd, as well as the rapacious greed and violence of the looters who have used the opportunity to declare war on the concept of property ownership, is a “sin problem,” Huckabee said.
And the solution is greater personal responsibility.
“This country could fall apart if people don’t self govern,” he said. “The ultimate governance of the United States is not the federal, state or the local. It’s self-governing. It’s when people believe that doing the right thing is the right thing.”
He then quoted Scripture: “Love thy neighbor as thyself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
“And somewhere along the way, we have lost that mantra,” Huckabee said. “It hasn’t been taught. And when you see people out there throwing bricks, trying to injure and hurt cops. When you see people stealing and looting Louis Vuitton bags and they pretend that it’s all about police brutality, it isn’t.
“It’s about their selfish behavior, and somewhere we’ve got to address that issue more than simply say, ‘We have to look at police techniques.’”
It’s a solid bet those words, or anything like them, will bever be heard coming out of the mouth of a Bill de Blasio or any other mob-appeasing liberal politician.
But they’re exactly the kinds of words the whole country needs to hear.
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Feel the Burn

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

Bradley Cooper's latest role has not gone down well with everyone, particularly with regard to his use of a prosthetic nose.


westernjournal--2020-06-03--Whitmer Finally Ends Michigan Lockdown Order as Protests Rage

Democratic Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , amid voicing support for protesters filling the streets of her state ’ s cities , announced Monday that she is lifting her controversial stay-at-home order .
Whitmer said bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity next Monday , but that gyms , hair salons , barbershops and indoor theaters will remain closed , according to the Detroit Free Press .
The governor ’ s action puts most of the state under Phase 4 of her six-step plan .
Whitmer said Monday that she hoped to implement Phase 5 for some parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the state by July 4 .
She called on residents , however , to keep social distancing by staying six feet apart from one another .
Whitmer also wants individuals to wear masks in enclosed public spaces .
Not everyone could follow Whitmer ’ s logic : In a Tuesday Op-Ed for The New York Times , Whitmer suggested the coronavirus and the protests connected to the death of George Floyd share a connection .
“ Fighting the coronavirus isn ’ t only a matter of public health .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she wrote , attacking the Trump administration because “ As cities boiled over with anger at racially targeted policing , the Justice Department argued that the true victims were carwashes and a jewelry store.
” Whitmer said her lockdown orders have been designed to fight racism .
“ You can see the legacy of racism in our mortality data .
In Michigan , African-Americans have suffered 40 percent of all deaths from Covid-19 yet make up only about 14 percent of the population , ” she wrote .
She said the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders , citing a Department of Justice lawsuit filed Friday .
“ There ’ s nothing ‘ arbitrary ’ about closing private businesses in response to the coronavirus , ” she wrote .
“ What is arbitrary , instead , is the federal government ’ s continued refusal to grapple with the problems that are so apparent to Americans .
Carwashes are not the issue.
” “ Whatever the Department of Justice may think , the story of Covid-19 is a story about the historical legacy of racism in our country .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optimistic we will develop a vaccine to inoculate us from one infection .
But we must bring the equivalent commitment to the cause of healing the racial divide that continues to blight the United States.
” Whitmer ’ s support for public protests has varied over time .
RELATED : Business Owner Accuses Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer 's Husband of Attempting To Get Preferential Treatment In May , she said Michigan residents fighting to end lockdowns through peaceful demonstrations and rallies were a threat to public order .
“ The fact of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a perverse way — make it likelier that we are going to have to stay in a stay-at-home posture , ” she said on ABC ’ s “ The View , ” according to CNN .
“ It ’ s sad because this is a small , relatively small group of people in a state of almost 10 million , where the vast majority are doing the right thing , ” Whitmer added .
“ The right to dissent is something I have a great deal of respect for , but we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t compromise other people ’ s public safety , and these protests thus far have not done it that way and I think it ’ s very concerning.
” In the aftermath of protests and in some cases riots that left a trail of wreckage in cities such as Lansing , Whitmer voiced her support for those demonstrating peacefully .
“ To the overwhelming majority , who have taken to the streets and protested peacefully … I hear you , ” she said , according to MLive .
“ I see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support your efforts to enact real , structural change in America.
” The violence that smashed shops and torched buildings was “ years in the making of abuse and sadness , ” Whitmer indicated , as WLNS reported .
“ And so I think the prevailing reaction is sadness and it ’ s got to be determination .
We owe it to everyone in this state and in this country to do better.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, amid voicing support for protesters filling the streets of her state’s cities, announced Monday that she is lifting her controversial stay-at-home order.
Whitmer said bars and restaurants can open at 50 percent capacity next Monday, but that gyms, hair salons, barbershops and indoor theaters will remain closed, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The governor’s action puts most of the state under Phase 4 of her six-step plan. Whitmer said Monday that she hoped to implement Phase 5 for some parts of the state later this week and the rest of the state by July 4.
She called on residents, however, to keep social distancing by staying six feet apart from one another. Whitmer also wants individuals to wear masks in enclosed public spaces.
Not everyone could follow Whitmer’s logic:
These rules are so arbitrary and indefensible. It’s just based on whatever Whitmer feels like on any given day. How do you promote mass protests with large groups gathering in small spaces, but think a few people getting their haircut is unacceptable? https://t.co/Z87Fj0nnJo — (((AG))) (@AGHamilton29) June 2, 2020
In a Tuesday Op-Ed for The New York Times, Whitmer suggested the coronavirus and the protests connected to the death of George Floyd share a connection.
“Fighting the coronavirus isn’t only a matter of public health. It is a matter of civil rights,” she wrote, attacking the Trump administration because “As cities boiled over with anger at racially targeted policing, the Justice Department argued that the true victims were carwashes and a jewelry store.”
Whitmer said her lockdown orders have been designed to fight racism.
“You can see the legacy of racism in our mortality data. In Michigan, African-Americans have suffered 40 percent of all deaths from Covid-19 yet make up only about 14 percent of the population,” she wrote.
She said the federal government had no business interfering with her orders, citing a Department of Justice lawsuit filed Friday.
“There’s nothing ‘arbitrary’ about closing private businesses in response to the coronavirus,” she wrote. “What is arbitrary, instead, is the federal government’s continued refusal to grapple with the problems that are so apparent to Americans. Carwashes are not the issue.”
“Whatever the Department of Justice may think, the story of Covid-19 is a story about the historical legacy of racism in our country. With enough time and money, I am optimistic we will develop a vaccine to inoculate us from one infection. But we must bring the equivalent commitment to the cause of healing the racial divide that continues to blight the United States.”
Whitmer’s support for public protests has varied over time.
Do you think Whitmer's treatment of the anti-lockdown protests vs. her treatment of the anti-police demonstrations shows she is 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% (852 Votes) No: 0% (3 Votes)
In May, she said Michigan residents fighting to end lockdowns through peaceful demonstrations and rallies were a threat to public order.
“The fact of the matter is, these protests — in a perverse way — make it likelier that we are going to have to stay in a stay-at-home posture,” she said on ABC’s “The View,” according to CNN.
“It’s sad because this is a small, relatively small group of people in a state of almost 10 million, where the vast majority are doing the right thing,” Whitmer added. “The right to dissent is something I have a great deal of respect for, but we have to do it in a way that doesn’t compromise other people’s public safety, and these protests thus far have not done it that way and I think it’s very concerning.”
In the aftermath of protests and in some cases riots that left a trail of wreckage in cities such as Lansing, Whitmer voiced her support for those demonstrating peacefully.
“To the overwhelming majority, who have taken to the streets and protested peacefully … I hear you,” she said, according to MLive. “I see you, I respect you and I support your efforts to enact real, structural change in America.”
The violence that smashed shops and torched buildings was “years in the making of abuse and sadness,” Whitmer indicated, as WLNS reported.
“And so I think the prevailing reaction is sadness and it’s got to be determination. We owe it to everyone in this state and in this country to do better.”
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* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-06-04--Prolific Film and Television Actress Mary Pat Gleason Dead at Age 70

Mary Pat Gleason died Tuesday night at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer .
Her death was confirmed through the post of a friend , Ron Fassler .
Fassler is an author , playwright , director and actor and was a close friend of Gleason .
He wrote a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and posted it on Facebook , where it has been read hundreds of times .
“ Mary Pat Gleason , one of the dearest and sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure to know , passed away last night at age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She has 174 credits on her IMDB page ( with one unreleased film still to come ) , but she was so much more than a wonderful actress : she was one of a kind.
” “ So caring , so funny , and so delicious to be around , that I find it hard to imagine a world without her shining presence and smiling face .
My heart goes out to all who knew and loved her ( all one million of you ) .
Let ’ s all raise a glass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer a final toast and a fond farewell in her memory.
” TRENDING : Security Guard Disarmed Punk with Looted Police AR-15 , Then the Mob Began To Close In Gleason was born on Feb. 23 , 1950 in Lake City , Minnesota .
She began acting in 1982 in an NBC soap called “ Texas.
” She later appeared on many television shows and had parts in many movies .
More recently , she played Mary , a colorful character in “ Mom , ” though she has also appeared in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & Grace , ” “ How to Get Away with Murder ” and “ Grey ’ s Anatomy.
” She was also well known for her role in “ A Cinderella Story ” and winning an Emmy in 1986 when she was part of the writing team for “ Guiding Light.
” Fassler ’ s post evoked many responses from people who knew her well .
Some of them shared their favorite memories of her .
“ I remember MaryPat from grade school , ” Mark Anthony Selner wrote .
“ She always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
She was a very special person .
May she rest in peace.
” “ I knew her oh so many years ago when she co-owned a wonderful ice cream store on 9th Avenue around the corner from my office-Burnham-Callaghan Associates , ” Jacqueline Burnham Kurta commented .
“ What a kind and gentle person.
” “ I ’ ve known Mary Pat since 1973 , ” Michael Laskin added .
“ Simply the best – as a person , as an artist .
No one has a bad word to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She ’ ll be greatly missed by all…..RIP , MP.
” According to Fassler ’ s own responses to comments , Gleason was often confused with another actress , Mary-Pat Green .
The reason is pretty obvious , but he had a funny story to share about one of the mix-ups .
“ You are thinking of Mary-Pat Green ( who was in that CANDIDE ) and for whom Mary Pat Gleason was often mistaken , ” he wrote in response to someone who mistook her for the other Mary-Pat .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when [ composer Stephen ] Sondheim asked for her specifically to audition for SWEENEY , and Mary Pat Gleason got the call instead.
” “ It ’ s a long story , but the best line is when she walked in the room and Sondheim said , ‘ You ’ re not Mary Pat Gleason !
’ to which Mary Pat said , ‘ Oh , I think I am . '
” Gleason ’ s last days were not spent alone , thankfully , as a family stepped up to offer her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the comments that “ [ i ] t was their devotion that made her final few weeks both bearable and beautiful.
” What a lovely tribute to a woman with an impressive amount of talent and — based on all the rave reviews of her character — a heart of gold .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Mary Pat Gleason died Tuesday night at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer. Her death was confirmed through the post of a friend, Ron Fassler.
Fassler is an author, playwright, director and actor and was a close friend of Gleason. He wrote a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and posted it on Facebook, where it has been read hundreds of times.
“Mary Pat Gleason, one of the dearest and sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure to know, passed away last night at age seventy,” he wrote. “She has 174 credits on her IMDB page (with one unreleased film still to come), but she was so much more than a wonderful actress: she was one of a kind.”
“So caring, so funny, and so delicious to be around, that I find it hard to imagine a world without her shining presence and smiling face. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved her (all one million of you). Let’s all raise a glass to her this evening as one and offer a final toast and a fond farewell in her memory.”
Gleason was born on Feb. 23, 1950 in Lake City, Minnesota. She began acting in 1982 in an NBC soap called “Texas.” She later appeared on many television shows and had parts in many movies.
More recently, she played Mary, a colorful character in “Mom,” though she has also appeared in “The Black List,” “Will & Grace,” “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
She was also well known for her role in “A Cinderella Story” and winning an Emmy in 1986 when she was part of the writing team for “Guiding Light.”
Fassler’s post evoked many responses from people who knew her well. Some of them shared their favorite memories of her.
“I remember MaryPat from grade school,” Mark Anthony Selner wrote. “She always was someone who was looking out for you. She was a very special person. May she rest in peace.”
“I knew her oh so many years ago when she co-owned a wonderful ice cream store on 9th Avenue around the corner from my office-Burnham-Callaghan Associates,” Jacqueline Burnham Kurta commented. “What a kind and gentle person.”
“I’ve known Mary Pat since 1973,” Michael Laskin added. “Simply the best – as a person, as an artist. No one has a bad word to say about her. Deeply kind and funny. She’ll be greatly missed by all…..RIP, MP.”
According to Fassler’s own responses to comments, Gleason was often confused with another actress, Mary-Pat Green. The reason is pretty obvious, but he had a funny story to share about one of the mix-ups.
“You are thinking of Mary-Pat Green (who was in that CANDIDE) and for whom Mary Pat Gleason was often mistaken,” he wrote in response to someone who mistook her for the other Mary-Pat. “The most famous story of which was when [composer Stephen] Sondheim asked for her specifically to audition for SWEENEY, and Mary Pat Gleason got the call instead.”
“It’s a long story, but the best line is when she walked in the room and Sondheim said, ‘You’re not Mary Pat Gleason!’ to which Mary Pat said, ‘Oh, I think I am.'”
Gleason’s last days were not spent alone, thankfully, as a family stepped up to offer her care and solace. Fassler wrote in the comments that “[i]t was their devotion that made her final few weeks both bearable and beautiful.”
What a lovely tribute to a woman with an impressive amount of talent and — based on all the rave reviews of her character — a heart of gold.
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westernjournal--2020-06-04--Trump Admin Will Ban Chinese Passenger Flights from Flying to US

Chinese airlines will be suspended from flying to the U.S. later this month as the Trump administration fights back against China ’ s ban on U.S. airlines .
The suspension was announced Wednesday by the Department of Transportation .
“ This action responds to the failure of the Government of the People ’ s Republic of China to permit U.S. carriers to exercise their bilateral rights to conduct passenger air service to China , ” a statement on the DOT website read .
“ Currently , four Chinese carriers and no U.S. carriers operate scheduled passenger flights between the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to resume passenger service , beginning June 1st .
The Chinese government ’ s failure to approve their requests is a violation of our Air Transport Agreement.
” Negotiations to allow U.S. carriers access to China will continue .
“ The Department will continue to engage our Chinese counterparts so both U.S. and Chinese carriers can fully exercise their bilateral rights .
In the meantime , we will allow Chinese carriers to operate the same number of scheduled passenger flights as the Chinese government allows ours , ” the statement read .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many that have become part of the hostile atmosphere between the two nations as the U.S. has criticized China ’ s recent actions on the world stage .
Air China , Beijing Capital Airlines , China Eastern Airlines , China Southern Airlines , Hainan Airlines , Sichuan Airlines and Xiamen Airlines will be banned from flying by June 16 , according to the order .
While in late January the U.S. blocked most noncitizens who had been to China from entering the U.S. , it had not blocked airlines from landing in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were flying to China voluntarily stopped flights as passenger traffic withered .
As the world reopens , Delta Air Lines and United Airlines now want to resume fights to China , according to Reuters .
China , however , has yet to allow them to do so .
In March , the nation ’ s Civil Aviation Authority filed an order that set limits on how many flights airlines could make based on the number of recent flights between China and other countries .
The U.S. believes that order was unfair .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely ceased flying passenger service to and from China ; however , Chinese carriers generally maintained a degree of passenger service during that timeframe , ” the DOT order read .
“ In establishing an arbitrary ‘ baseline ’ date of March 12 , 2020 , as well as the other restrictions cited above , the CAAC Notice effectively precludes U.S. carriers from reinstating scheduled passenger flights to and from China and operating to the full extent of their bilateral rights , while Chinese carriers are able to maintain scheduled passenger service to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the baseline date , including the United States.
” RELATED : US Food Prices See Largest Monthly Jump in 46 Years with No End in Sight Last month , the Trump administration signaled its disapproval with China ’ s actions and required Chinese airlines to file schedules with the DOT for the administration to approve , setting up Wednesday ’ s order blocking the flights .
The order also indicated that the administration believes China is using charter flights to end-run the rules that limit airlines to one flight per week to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advantage over U.S. carriers in providing U.S.-China passenger services.
” Delta said in a statement that “ we support and appreciate the U.S. government ’ s actions to enforce our rights and ensure fairness.
” United said it will resume service “ when the regulatory environment allows us to do so.
” The U.S. airlines have continued to fly cargo routes even when passenger flights were canceled .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Chinese airlines will be suspended from flying to the U.S. later this month as the Trump administration fights back against China’s ban on U.S. airlines.
The suspension was announced Wednesday by the Department of Transportation.
“This action responds to the failure of the Government of the People’s Republic of China to permit U.S. carriers to exercise their bilateral rights to conduct passenger air service to China,” a statement on the DOT website read.
“Currently, four Chinese carriers and no U.S. carriers operate scheduled passenger flights between the United States and China. U.S. carriers have asked to resume passenger service, beginning June 1st. The Chinese government’s failure to approve their requests is a violation of our Air Transport Agreement.”
Negotiations to allow U.S. carriers access to China will continue.
“The Department will continue to engage our Chinese counterparts so both U.S. and Chinese carriers can fully exercise their bilateral rights. In the meantime, we will allow Chinese carriers to operate the same number of scheduled passenger flights as the Chinese government allows ours,” the statement read.
The dispute over air travel is among many that have become part of the hostile atmosphere between the two nations as the U.S. has criticized China’s recent actions on the world stage.
Air China, Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Xiamen Airlines will be banned from flying by June 16, according to the order.
While in late January the U.S. blocked most noncitizens who had been to China from entering the U.S., it had not blocked airlines from landing in the U.S. until now. U.S. airlines that were flying to China voluntarily stopped flights as passenger traffic withered.
Do you support this new policy? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 99% (2839 Votes) No: 1% (38 Votes)
As the world reopens, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines now want to resume fights to China, according to Reuters.
China, however, has yet to allow them to do so. In March, the nation’s Civil Aviation Authority filed an order that set limits on how many flights airlines could make based on the number of recent flights between China and other countries.
The U.S. believes that order was unfair.
“By March 12, U.S. airlines had completely ceased flying passenger service to and from China; however, Chinese carriers generally maintained a degree of passenger service during that timeframe,” the DOT order read.
“In establishing an arbitrary ‘baseline’ date of March 12, 2020, as well as the other restrictions cited above, the CAAC Notice effectively precludes U.S. carriers from reinstating scheduled passenger flights to and from China and operating to the full extent of their bilateral rights, while Chinese carriers are able to maintain scheduled passenger service to and from each foreign market served as of the baseline date, including the United States.”
Last month, the Trump administration signaled its disapproval with China’s actions and required Chinese airlines to file schedules with the DOT for the administration to approve, setting up Wednesday’s order blocking the flights.
The order also indicated that the administration believes China is using charter flights to end-run the rules that limit airlines to one flight per week to the U.S., “further increasing their advantage over U.S. carriers in providing U.S.-China passenger services.”
Delta said in a statement that “we support and appreciate the U.S. government’s actions to enforce our rights and ensure fairness.” United said it will resume service “when the regulatory environment allows us to do so.”
The U.S. airlines have continued to fly cargo routes even when passenger flights were canceled.
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westernjournal--2020-06-04--Virginia Gov. Northam To Remove Prominent Statue of Robert E. Lee in Richmond

Statues of Confederate leaders that have adorned Monument Avenue in Richmond , Virginia , for generations are going to be history soon , as leaders in Virginia are using the protests linked to the death of George Floyd as a reason to exile the statues from their historic , prominent locations .
Democratic Gov .
Ralph Northam will announce Thursday that he will order the removal of a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee , according to The Associated Press .
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney on Wednesday said he will seek to take down statues of Confederate leaders that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported .
Lee ’ s statue is on state land , while monuments to Confederacy President Jefferson Davis and Confederate Gens .
Stonewall Jackson and J.E.B .
Stuart are on city land .
Also on city property is a statue to Matthew Maury , who had a prestigious career in nautical research prior to the Civil War , but later served as a Confederate officer .
State Del .
Jay Jones , a black lawmaker from Norfolk , said he was “ overcome ” by emotion when he learned the statue would come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for so many people , black and otherwise , of a time gone by of hate and oppression and being made to feel less than , ” he said .
Northam will shunt Lee ’ s statue into storage until some other place for it can be found , an unnamed administration official told the AP .
Stoney said his ordinance to topple Confederate statutes will be introduced July 1 , the effective date of a new state law that ends state protection for Confederate monuments and allows local governments to decide whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R ] emoving these statues will allow the healing process to begin for so many Black Richmonders and Virginians , ” Stoney said in a statement .
“ Richmond is no longer the Capital of the Confederacy – it is filled with diversity and love for all – and we need to demonstrate that.
” RELATED : Like Trump , Ulysses S. Grant Beat the 'Elites ' To Win America 's Favor - It Just Took a Bit Longer Joseph Rogers , an organizer with the Virginia Defenders for Freedom , Justice & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I am proud to be black , proud to be Southern , proud to be here right now , ” he said .
Monuments to the Confederacy have been a target in the current national environment shaped by protests and riots that have taken place after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis .
In Alexandria , Virginia , a bronze statue of a Confederate soldier titled “ Appomattox ” was taken down this week , Fox News reported .
In Birmingham , Alabama , a five-story tall obelisk honoring Confederate troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Statues of Confederate leaders that have adorned Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, for generations are going to be history soon, as leaders in Virginia are using the protests linked to the death of George Floyd as a reason to exile the statues from their historic, prominent locations.
Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam will announce Thursday that he will order the removal of a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee, according to The Associated Press.
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney on Wednesday said he will seek to take down statues of Confederate leaders that are on city property, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. Lee’s statue is on state land, while monuments to Confederacy President Jefferson Davis and Confederate Gens. Stonewall Jackson and J.E.B. Stuart are on city land.
Also on city property is a statue to Matthew Maury, who had a prestigious career in nautical research prior to the Civil War, but later served as a Confederate officer.
State Del. Jay Jones, a black lawmaker from Norfolk, said he was “overcome” by emotion when he learned the statue would come down.
“That is a symbol for so many people, black and otherwise, of a time gone by of hate and oppression and being made to feel less than,” he said.
Northam will shunt Lee’s statue into storage until some other place for it can be found, an unnamed administration official told the AP.
Stoney said his ordinance to topple Confederate statutes will be introduced July 1, the effective date of a new state law that ends state protection for Confederate monuments and allows local governments to decide whether they stay or go.
“[R]emoving these statues will allow the healing process to begin for so many Black Richmonders and Virginians,” Stoney said in a statement. “Richmond is no longer the Capital of the Confederacy – it is filled with diversity and love for all – and we need to demonstrate that.”
The plan drew competing reactions.
First they burn down the nation and now they erase a piece of American history: Virginia governor announced he will remove the Richmond statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. #RobertELee https://t.co/WSmT0MJsTL — SpanishAmerican2020 (@Gunowner47) June 3, 2020
Historic day for Richmond. After days of protest, the confederate statues will be removed. pic.twitter.com/8LWGJzrq6x — Maggie (@MaggieMaps) June 3, 2020
Gov. Northam is a weak, spineless individual. Those who ignore history, it in this case remove history, are destined to repeat it. Virginia Gov. Northam to order removal of Robert E. Lee statue in Richmondhttps://t.co/8ZZoWBO8PV — Old Man Liberty (@old_man_liberty) June 3, 2020
Joseph Rogers, an organizer with the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice & Equality, supported removing the statues.
“I am proud to be black, proud to be Southern, proud to be here right now,” he said.
Do you think taking down Lee's statue is just political pandering? Yes No
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Monuments to the Confederacy have been a target in the current national environment shaped by protests and riots that have taken place after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
In Alexandria, Virginia, a bronze statue of a Confederate soldier titled “Appomattox” was taken down this week, Fox News reported. In Birmingham, Alabama, a five-story tall obelisk honoring Confederate troops is being removed.
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westernjournal--2020-06-04--South Dakota Gov Makes Huge Announcement About Trump and Mount Rushmore

President Donald Trump ’ s visit to Mount Rushmore won ’ t come without some major fanfare .
The president ’ s planned July 3 trip to the national monument was scheduled as part of Independence Day celebrations , and will include the first use of fireworks in the area in over a decade .
According to the governor ’ s office , the fireworks likely won ’ t be the only patriotic spectacle at the national park .
“ We do anticipate there being a military flyover of some kind , ” South Dakota Republican Gov .
Kristi Noem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told Politico .
“ We ’ re communicating with numerous federal agencies on planning this event.
” While the official planning process for the flyover has not yet begun , Pentagon officials are discussing what it might entail , a defense official told Politico .
The patriotic display will be a part of a massive celebration of America , similar to a previous event Trump arranged for Independence Day .
The fireworks show , meanwhile , is set to be the first in the area since 2009 , according to the Sioux @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than decade-long ban on pyrotechnics was meant to prevent forest fires , Trump has said he ’ s skeptical of the danger .
“ For 20 years or something it hasn ’ t been allowed for environmental reasons , ” Trump told conservative podcast host Dan Bongino last month .
“ You believe that one ?
It ’ s all stone.
” To handle a potential flood of people coming to see the event , a raffle system has been instituted to distribute tickets for the event .
The 7,500 tickets will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chance at seeing the show .
Those who aren ’ t able to secure admission will still be able to view the fireworks from nearby areas .
The celebration , still a month away , comes as America reels from multiple crises .
The coronavirus outbreak that ’ s ravaged America over the past several months shows no signs of disappearing before the Independence Day celebrations .
Similarly , national unrest and protests over death of George Floyd , who died May 25 in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest , appear far from over with the country ’ s most iconic holiday right around the corner .
RELATED : Dem Governor Reverses Course , Finally Allows Company To Distribute American Flags While much of the outrage seems to be happening in liberal areas like New York City , Washington , D.C. , has also faced scores of protesters .
A military flyover , while serving as a show of American might for patriots , will likely be seen by the left as an even greater politicization of the armed forces by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been for America , there ’ s no telling what new challenges Trump will be facing when Independence Day comes around .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump’s visit to Mount Rushmore won’t come without some major fanfare.
The president’s planned July 3 trip to the national monument was scheduled as part of Independence Day celebrations, and will include the first use of fireworks in the area in over a decade.
According to the governor’s office, the fireworks likely won’t be the only patriotic spectacle at the national park.
“We do anticipate there being a military flyover of some kind,” South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem’s communications director, Ian Fury, told Politico.
“We’re communicating with numerous federal agencies on planning this event.”
While the official planning process for the flyover has not yet begun, Pentagon officials are discussing what it might entail, a defense official told Politico.
The patriotic display will be a part of a massive celebration of America, similar to a previous event Trump arranged for Independence Day.
The fireworks show, meanwhile, is set to be the first in the area since 2009, according to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. While the more than decade-long ban on pyrotechnics was meant to prevent forest fires, Trump has said he’s skeptical of the danger.
“For 20 years or something it hasn’t been allowed for environmental reasons,” Trump told conservative podcast host Dan Bongino last month. “You believe that one? It’s all stone.”
Will you be watching Trump's Independence Day celebration this year? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 96% (2861 Votes) No: 4% (105 Votes)
To handle a potential flood of people coming to see the event, a raffle system has been instituted to distribute tickets for the event.
The 7,500 tickets will be distributed at random, ensuring everyone has a chance at seeing the show. Those who aren’t able to secure admission will still be able to view the fireworks from nearby areas.
The celebration, still a month away, comes as America reels from multiple crises.
The coronavirus outbreak that’s ravaged America over the past several months shows no signs of disappearing before the Independence Day celebrations.
Similarly, national unrest and protests over death of George Floyd, who died May 25 in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for roughly nine minutes during an arrest, appear far from over with the country’s most iconic holiday right around the corner.
While much of the outrage seems to be happening in liberal areas like New York City, Washington, D.C., has also faced scores of protesters.
A military flyover, while serving as a show of American might for patriots, will likely be seen by the left as an even greater politicization of the armed forces by Trump.
With how chaotic 2020 has been for America, there’s no telling what new challenges Trump will be facing when Independence Day comes around.
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