westernjournal--2020-04-26--Watch Breathtaking Footage of Tornado Forming over Florida Interstate Highway

A tornado swept across an interstate in central Florida on Monday morning , leaving behind damage and minor injuries .
The National Weather Service office in Jacksonville reported the twister touched down in Marion County at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Interstate 75 near Ocala .
The tornado had a rating of EF-0 with peak winds of approximately 85 miles per hour .
After touching down , it traveled northeast for 11.5 miles .
It crossed the interstate , snapping trees and lifting a stationary trailer that had a 36-foot portable building on it across the roadway .
The Florida High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the building before and after it made its “ crash landing on the east grass shoulder.
” TRENDING : Here Are the States That Have Slowed Down the Most Due to COVID Shutdowns “ Thank God nobody was killed or injured !
” the station tweeted .
The 48-year-old driver of the vehicle suffered minor injuries and did not require hospitalization , according to WTVT .
Several motorists and area captured video footage of the twister and shared it on social media .
The images show the gray funnel twisting across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to avoid it .
From homes , the twister appeared like an ominous warning from the sky of the terrible damage nature can inflict .
RELATED : Ricky Gervais Rips Hollywood Elites : People Are 'Tired of Being Lectured To ' During Quarantine As the tornado traveled north , it left behind some minor roof and window damage , according to the National Weather Service .
NWS Jacksonville issued a tornado warning as the twister raced east into the Ocala National Forest .
An EF-0 tornado is generally considered weak with peak winds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration .
WTVT reported the tornado was produced by a group of storms that blew through Florida on Monday .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A tornado swept across an interstate in central Florida on Monday morning, leaving behind damage and minor injuries.
The National Weather Service office in Jacksonville reported the twister touched down in Marion County at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Interstate 75 near Ocala.
The tornado had a rating of EF-0 with peak winds of approximately 85 miles per hour. After touching down, it traveled northeast for 11.5 miles.
It crossed the interstate, snapping trees and lifting a stationary trailer that had a 36-foot portable building on it across the roadway.
The Florida High Patrol’s Gainesville station shared pictures of the building before and after it made its “crash landing on the east grass shoulder.”
“Thank God nobody was killed or injured!” the station tweeted.
Tornado touch down near 340 mm in Marion County lifts 36′ building off S/B tractor- trailer. After striking a S/B F150 the building travels airborne above the N/B lanes of I-75 and makes a crash landing on the east grass shoulder. Thank God nobody was killed or injured ! pic.twitter.com/3iZisCL0Al — FHP Gainesville (@FHPGainesville) April 20, 2020
The 48-year-old driver of the vehicle suffered minor injuries and did not require hospitalization, according to WTVT.
Have you ever witnessed a tornado up close like this? Yes No
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Several motorists and area captured video footage of the twister and shared it on social media.
The images show the gray funnel twisting across the highway and motorists slamming on their brakes to avoid it.
From homes, the twister appeared like an ominous warning from the sky of the terrible damage nature can inflict.
Watch the scenes unfold here:
As the tornado traveled north, it left behind some minor roof and window damage, according to the National Weather Service.
NWS Jacksonville issued a tornado warning as the twister raced east into the Ocala National Forest.
10:10 AM – Tornado warning issued for eastern Marion County, as rotation continues to strengthen will the cell that is racing eastward into the Ocala National Forest south of State Road 40 and east of Lake Weir #flwx pic.twitter.com/3W8m43sZpF — NWS Jacksonville (@NWSJacksonville) April 20, 2020
An EF-0 tornado is generally considered weak with peak winds between 65-85 mph, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
WTVT reported the tornado was produced by a group of storms that blew through Florida on Monday.
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westernjournal--2020-04-26--‘Bio Detection Dogs’ Being Trained To Sniff Out COVID and Asymptomatic Carriers

Dogs around the world are being put to work to help detect illnesses and chronic conditions like cancer , malaria , diabetes and more through their acute sense of smell .
Their noses are also used for search and rescue and cadaver work in traumatic scenarios such as natural disasters or criminal investigations .
Now those same noses could be used to save lives amid the current health pandemic .
Doctors and researchers are working to see if dogs can also detect if a person has COVID-19 , even if they are asymptomatic .
Teams from the United Kingdom ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicine , Medical Detection Dogs and Durham University partnered to conduct the test .
In March , the team began training “ bio detection dogs ” to detect the disease and believe that the dogs will be ready to use in the field by early- to mid-May .
TRENDING : Here Are the States That Have Slowed Down the Most Due to COVID Shutdowns The dogs will go through the same training process that they would in order to detect any other type of illness .
During training , Medical Detection Dogs trainers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the canines to sniff , some of which will contain the disease , and the dogs will be expected to alert their handler once the odor is identified .
“ This new diagnostic tool could revolutionize our response to COVID-19 , ” said Professor James Logan , Head of the Department of Disease Control at LSHTM and director of Arthropod Control Product Test Centre .
“ It ’ s very early stages .
We know diseases have odors — including respiratory diseases such as influenza — and that those odors are in fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the New York Post .
“ There is a very , very good chance that COVID-19 has a specific odor , and if it does I am really confident that the dogs would be able to learn that smell and detect it.
” Having the dogs detect the disease could create a less invasive and more efficient way for medical professionals to determine who may have COVID-19 .
“ The aim is that dogs will be able to screen anyone , including those who are asymptomatic and tell us whether they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fast , effective and non-invasive and make sure the limited NHS testing resources are only used where they are really needed , ” said Dr. Claire Guest , CEO and Co-Founder of Medical Detection Dogs , according to LSHTM .
Researchers conducting the tests said that the specially trained dogs are expected to be able to screen up to 250 people an hour .
RELATED : Missing Age 4 Girl Found in Woods After Two Nights with Dog by Her Side According to LSHTM and Durham University , if this type of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create a huge turn around in the fight against the highly contagious coronavirus and significantly slow the spread .
“ If the research is successful , we could use COVID-19 detection dogs at airports at the end of the epidemic to rapidly identify people carrying the virus .
This would help prevent the re-emergence of the disease after we have brought the present epidemic under control , ” Durham University Professor Steve Lindsay said .
In an effort to keep their fight against COVID-19 going , the research team launched an Indiegogo campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the link on Twitter along with an introduction of the six dogs that will likely be trained to detect the illness .
“ Norman , Digby , Storm , Jasper and Asher could be trained to detect if someone has # COVID19 and play a vital role in preventing further spread of the pandemic in the future.
” So far the team has received over $ 10,000 in donations toward their effort to slow the spread of the disease with the assistance of man ’ s best friend .
We are committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Dogs around the world are being put to work to help detect illnesses and chronic conditions like cancer, malaria, diabetes and more through their acute sense of smell.
Their noses are also used for search and rescue and cadaver work in traumatic scenarios such as natural disasters or criminal investigations.
Now those same noses could be used to save lives amid the current health pandemic. Doctors and researchers are working to see if dogs can also detect if a person has COVID-19, even if they are asymptomatic.
Teams from the United Kingdom’s London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Medical Detection Dogs and Durham University partnered to conduct the test.
In March, the team began training “bio detection dogs” to detect the disease and believe that the dogs will be ready to use in the field by early- to mid-May.
The dogs will go through the same training process that they would in order to detect any other type of illness.
During training, Medical Detection Dogs trainers will have an assortment of samples for the canines to sniff, some of which will contain the disease, and the dogs will be expected to alert their handler once the odor is identified.
Do you think dogs can help in the fight against COVID-19? 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: 93% (309 Votes) No: 7% (25 Votes)
“This new diagnostic tool could revolutionize our response to COVID-19,” said Professor James Logan, Head of the Department of Disease Control at LSHTM and director of Arthropod Control Product Test Centre.
“It’s very early stages. We know diseases have odors — including respiratory diseases such as influenza — and that those odors are in fact quite distinct,” Logan said, according to the New York Post. “There is a very, very good chance that COVID-19 has a specific odor, and if it does I am really confident that the dogs would be able to learn that smell and detect it.”
Having the dogs detect the disease could create a less invasive and more efficient way for medical professionals to determine who may have COVID-19.
“The aim is that dogs will be able to screen anyone, including those who are asymptomatic and tell us whether they need to be tested. This would be fast, effective and non-invasive and make sure the limited NHS testing resources are only used where they are really needed,” said Dr. Claire Guest, CEO and Co-Founder of Medical Detection Dogs, according to LSHTM.
Researchers conducting the tests said that the specially trained dogs are expected to be able to screen up to 250 people an hour.
According to LSHTM and Durham University, if this type of screening is successful, it could help create a huge turn around in the fight against the highly contagious coronavirus and significantly slow the spread.
“If the research is successful, we could use COVID-19 detection dogs at airports at the end of the epidemic to rapidly identify people carrying the virus. This would help prevent the re-emergence of the disease after we have brought the present epidemic under control,” Durham University Professor Steve Lindsay said.
In an effort to keep their fight against COVID-19 going, the research team launched an Indiegogo campaign for donations. Medical Detection Dogs published the link on Twitter along with an introduction of the six dogs that will likely be trained to detect the illness.
“Norman, Digby, Storm, Jasper and Asher could be trained to detect if someone has #COVID19 and play a vital role in preventing further spread of the pandemic in the future.”
***CV-19 SUPER SIX*** Norman, Digby, Storm, Star, Jasper and Asher could be trained to detect if someone has #COVID19 and play a vital role in preventing further spread of the pandemic in future. @LSHTM@durham_unihttps://t.co/xuheY7OOz6 pic.twitter.com/vOdTuekdaW — Medical Detection Dogs (@MedDetectDogs) April 18, 2020
So far the team has received over $10,000 in donations toward their effort to slow the spread of the disease with the assistance of man’s best friend.
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westernjournal--2020-04-26--Dallas Salon Owner Rebels Against Stay-at-Home Orders, Opens Business to Public

A Dallas hair salon owner on Friday defied a lockdown order and opened her business .
Although Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins sent a cease and desist letter , salon operator Shelley Luther said that despite the threat of being fined , she will not close Salon A la Mode , according to WFAA .
“ Because all of the small business owners need to have some sort of voice , and we need to stand up for what ’ s right or we ’ ll continue to get our freedom taken away , ” she said .
The letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a violation of this order during a pandemic may be punished criminally as a misdemeanor or enforced by civil action pursuant to the order.
” Although some Texas businesses are being allowed to reopen on a limited basis , hair salons are not among them .
TRENDING : Here Are the States That Have Slowed Down the Most Due to COVID Shutdowns One worker at the salon said the right to make a living has been infringed for too long .
“ Have you ever heard of the right of assemble ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pursue happiness ?
” Kristi Parker said .
“ And I don ’ t appreciate the long arm of the government telling the blue-collar workers that we can ’ t work.
” Luther was asked what she would say to businesses that are suffering as they obey the rules .
“ I say open up businesses and this will stop happening , ” she said .
Luther , who wore a face covering , required all customers to do so as well , WFAA reported — and everyone entering had his or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .
The shop had been open about four hours when the citation arrived from Jenkins , whose position as county “ judge ” is similar to what would be called a “ county executive ” in other states , according to a separate Fox News report .
RELATED : Paratransit Driver Reportedly Uses Training To Help 15-Year-Old Girl Flee Abusive Situation Luther said she does not plan to pay any fines .
Even before she opened , Luther said she was “ prepared to take on whatever it is that comes.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cause any problems , but when you ’ re out of money , someone has to stand up and say that they ’ re not helping us by not letting us work , ” Luther said earlier last week , according to WFAA .
Although disobeying the order could put Luther ’ s license at risk , she noted that , “ It won ’ t matter if I have a license because I won ’ t have a business.
” Luther made no secret of her plan to reopen her business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to WBAP .
“ I ’ ve even had someone say they want to burn the salon down but I knew that would come with the territory , ” she said Thursday , WBAP reported .
“ But I ’ m going to stand up for what ’ s right.
” She said she will not give in to pressure and close .
“ That defeats the purpose of opening in the first place and it lets them know that anytime someone stands up , they can just shut you down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A Dallas hair salon owner on Friday defied a lockdown order and opened her business.
Although Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins sent a cease and desist letter, salon operator Shelley Luther said that despite the threat of being fined, she will not close Salon A la Mode, according to WFAA.
“I’m not closing,” she told KDFW.
“Because all of the small business owners need to have some sort of voice, and we need to stand up for what’s right or we’ll continue to get our freedom taken away,” she said.
The letter she received to close told her that “a violation of this order during a pandemic may be punished criminally as a misdemeanor or enforced by civil action pursuant to the order.” Although some Texas businesses are being allowed to reopen on a limited basis, hair salons are not among them.
One worker at the salon said the right to make a living has been infringed for too long.
“Have you ever heard of the right of assemble? The right to work? The right to pursue happiness?” Kristi Parker said. “And I don’t appreciate the long arm of the government telling the blue-collar workers that we can’t work.”
Luther was asked what she would say to businesses that are suffering as they obey the rules.
“I say open up businesses and this will stop happening,” she said.
Do you support this salon owner? 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: 93% (1321 Votes) No: 7% (101 Votes)
Luther, who wore a face covering, required all customers to do so as well, WFAA reported — and everyone entering had his or her temperature taken as a precaution against the coronavirus.
The shop had been open about four hours when the citation arrived from Jenkins, whose position as county “judge” is similar to what would be called a “county executive” in other states, according to a separate Fox News report.
Dallas Police are back.
Dallas Fire here too. We are at the plaza where Salon A La Mode opened against shelter-in-place orders. City told me code dept is working w/ county to determine next steps. City fine can be $50-2000. Salon owner says she won’t shut down.@wfaa #covid19 pic.twitter.com/AP7qcypIYV — Tiffany Liou (@tliou) April 24, 2020
Salon A La Mode owner refuses to shut down. Police urge social distancing. @WBAP247NEWS @570KLIF pic.twitter.com/fBo8G5kjjf — Clayton Neville (@ClaytonNeville) April 24, 2020
Luther said she does not plan to pay any fines.
Even before she opened, Luther said she was “prepared to take on whatever it is that comes.”
“I don’t want to cause any problems, but when you’re out of money, someone has to stand up and say that they’re not helping us by not letting us work,” Luther said earlier last week, according to WFAA.
Although disobeying the order could put Luther’s license at risk, she noted that, “It won’t matter if I have a license because I won’t have a business.”
Luther made no secret of her plan to reopen her business, which brought her some criticism, according to WBAP.
“I’ve even had someone say they want to burn the salon down but I knew that would come with the territory,” she said Thursday, WBAP reported. “But I’m going to stand up for what’s right.”
She said she will not give in to pressure and close.
“That defeats the purpose of opening in the first place and it lets them know that anytime someone stands up, they can just shut you down,” she told WBAP.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
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westernjournal--2020-04-26--Lib Lawyer Warns Visiting Beach Can Kill Innocent People, Then Visits Beach Dressed as Grim Reaper

I suppose that if you decide you want to crowd around the beaches of Florida as COVID-19 is raging , I could say you ’ re inviting the Grim Reaper to throw an errant scythe in your direction .
I would mean that figuratively .
Daniel Uhlfelder , on the other hand , would think I ’ d hit upon a great idea — if , of course , he hadn ’ t hit upon it first .
Uhlfelder , a man who either can ’ t wait until Halloween or really needs some attention , is a lawyer who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the state ’ s beaches closed , according to NBC News .
DeSantis would eventually issue a 30-day beach closure notice , but reopened the beaches Friday .
Instead of taking the conservative DeSantis back to court , Uhlfelder did what any reasonable human being would do : He is become death , the destroyer of a walk out on the beach .
This is a real tweet and probably ample evidence — in addition to the fact that Tom Brady is a Buccaneer , people are hosting pub trivia on Zoom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — that you must be living in a dream world , about to realize you ’ re standing in rocket-ship tighty-whities in your high school gymnasium two hours late for the SAT , except it ’ s not really your high school but something that ’ s kind of like it , plus Joey Buttafuoco is the test proctor and then you ’ re going to wake up and it ’ s Christmas morning 2019 and your wife is asking you whether you want blueberry or apple pancakes and all will be right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Are the States That Have Slowed Down the Most Due to COVID Shutdowns Except no , it isn ’ t , and this is your world now : “ Many of you have asked if I am willing to travel around Florida wearing Grim Reaper attire to the beaches and other areas of the state opening up prematurely , ” the liberal lawyer tweeted Wednesday .
“ The answer is absolutely yes .
Beginning May 1 we will hit the road here in state .
Please retweet and spread the word.
” Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ’ s not most of you , but bear with me , because there is a point ) know this is always the part in these stories where I usually try to come up with a “ to be fair , though… ” , where I start off a sentence with those words and assure you that maybe this isn ’ t as crazy as it looks or maybe you ’ re jumping to conclusions .
Maybe this guy was off his Haldol .
Maybe there was a … well , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a history of dressing as death and it ’ s kind of a weird time with the coronavirus and all , and… all right , so maybe he … Yeah , OK , I ’ ve got nothing .
Here ’ s my “ To be fair , though ” : This guy ’ s from Florida .
There you go .
There ’ s all sorts of craziness down there and , yeah , he ’ s “ willing to travel around Florida wearing Grim Reaper attire to the beaches and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Beats walking into a Denny ’ s high on meth and smeared with mud and detritus from the Everglades and demanding a Moons Over My Hammy .
That ’ s it .
That ’ s all I could come up with .
RELATED : Don Jr. Levels Columnist for Saying Crowds 'Should Work Nicely ' To Kill Off Trump Supporters To be fair , though , most Denny ’ s are closed for anything but takeout , so that would be a little difficult .
So here was his explanation : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done , because they ’ re moving very quickly to open beaches prematurely , ” Uhlfelder , of Santa Rosa Beach , told NBC News .
“ Wearing a Grim Reaper costume seems like a good way to send a signal that this is too fast and that we need to think seriously before we take that step.
” So a bit of background on Uhlfelder : He has a bit of history with Florida beaches .
Not just now , because that would be normal enou… well , it would be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Uhlfelder got a bit of a Twitter following because of the fact that he was trolling former Arkansas Gov .
Mike Huckabee over a dispute whether the beach in front of Huckabee ’ s property was his property or that of the public .
At the time , Uhlfelder got great press despite the fact he was an obvious Twitter troll — calling Huckabee a “ beach thief , ” posting information on the dispute with obsessive regularity and retweeting generally obnoxious material .
Here ’ s one of his retweets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m trying not to picture Ol ’ Man Huckabee slathered in Noxzema , clad in a Fox And Friends t-shirt , khaki shorts , calf-length black socks and sandals , wandering along the beach with a metal detector.
” A response , also retweeted : “ Worse would be Sarah [ Huckabee Sanders ] all slathered in a thong bathing suit.
” Uhlfelder ’ s misogynist response : “ You ’ ve gone too far , ” he wrote .
“ Please stop before you break twitter.
” Eventually , Huckabee tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and insistent attacks with a complaint to the bar in which he cited Uhlfelder ’ s “ vile and unprofessional attacks ” and “ repeatedly posting disparaging information.
” In the wake of the battle , Uhlfelder launched the Make My Day PAC , “ dedicated to fighting bad actors ” and “ pushing back against the silencing of Americans.
” But that was Mike Huckabee , the battlefield was Twitter and December of 2019 feels like “ American Graffiti ” compared to April of 2020 .
In a piece published Dec. 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s take on the dispute was headlined : “ Mike Huckabee ’ s outrageous campaign to silence a Florida critic.
” In the column , Bousquet described Uhlfelder as “ a lawyer on the public side of the beach access battle ” who tweets “ with sarcasm and humor.
” So what ’ s the Grim Reaper doing sitting up on lifeguard stand trying to discourage people from being out on the beach by being out on the beach , Steve ?
Is that sarcasm or humor ?
Is this wit ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s taking either too much or too little of his prescribed medication ?
And while we ’ re at it , was that sexist remark about Sarah Huckabee Sanders “ sarcasm ” or “ humor ” ?
Enquiring minds want to know .
Anyhow , if you ’ re a Floridian and missed this guy ’ s beachfront act the first time around , don ’ t worry .
Halloween has come early for those of you who don ’ t know if you ’ re going to stick around until the actual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will use ‘ the COVID Grim Reaper ’ tour to raise money to support Democrats running for office , including Phil Ehr and Christy Smith , who are running for Congress in Florida and California , respectively , ” NBC News reported .
Wow , so he ’ s drawing attention to himself people will come out and see him which is absolutely what he says he ’ s trying to avoid by going out to these beaches in a Grim Reaper outfit ASFDLKJASDF ; LAKSDFJAFV , NMZXVCQASDF ; JLsadffoijasdf ; lasdzxcv ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is nothing more than an attention junkie in a Party City outfit who was desperately unhappy his 15 minutes of fame elapsed so fast and brought him so little .
So look at him !
Look at him out on Florida ’ s wide beaches , protesting how opening them so soon kills people by being out there and , by his own logic , endangering the lives of other people !
This is a lawyer .
He can fight this in court — but a suit-and-tie getup behind the plaintiff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal that tweeting yourself from a lifeguard stand dressed as death does , right ?
Whatever .
Your relevance has an appointment in Samarra even this nauseating stunt won ’ t forestall , Mr. Uhlfelder .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

I suppose that if you decide you want to crowd around the beaches of Florida as COVID-19 is raging, I could say you’re inviting the Grim Reaper to throw an errant scythe in your direction.
I would mean that figuratively. Daniel Uhlfelder, on the other hand, would think I’d hit upon a great idea — if, of course, he hadn’t hit upon it first.
Uhlfelder, a man who either can’t wait until Halloween or really needs some attention, is a lawyer who sued Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to get the state’s beaches closed, according to NBC News. DeSantis would eventually issue a 30-day beach closure notice, but reopened the beaches Friday.
Instead of taking the conservative DeSantis back to court, Uhlfelder did what any reasonable human being would do: He is become death, the destroyer of a walk out on the beach.
This is a real tweet and probably ample evidence — in addition to the fact that Tom Brady is a Buccaneer, people are hosting pub trivia on Zoom and Fiona Apple actually released an album — that you must be living in a dream world, about to realize you’re standing in rocket-ship tighty-whities in your high school gymnasium two hours late for the SAT, except it’s not really your high school but something that’s kind of like it, plus Joey Buttafuoco is the test proctor and then you’re going to wake up and it’s Christmas morning 2019 and your wife is asking you whether you want blueberry or apple pancakes and all will be right with the world.
Except no, it isn’t, and this is your world now:
Many of you have asked if I am willing to travel around Florida wearing Grim Reaper attire to the beaches and other areas of the state opening up prematurely. The answer is absolutely yes. Beginning May 1 we will hit the road here in state. Please retweet and spread the word. pic.twitter.com/UO7QKg161n — Daniel Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) April 22, 2020
“Many of you have asked if I am willing to travel around Florida wearing Grim Reaper attire to the beaches and other areas of the state opening up prematurely,” the liberal lawyer tweeted Wednesday.
Should Gov. DeSantis have reopened the beaches in Florida? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 89% (518 Votes) No: 11% (64 Votes)
“The answer is absolutely yes. Beginning May 1 we will hit the road here in state. Please retweet and spread the word.”
Those who are familiar with my writing (that’s not most of you, but bear with me, because there is a point) know this is always the part in these stories where I usually try to come up with a “to be fair, though…”, where I start off a sentence with those words and assure you that maybe this isn’t as crazy as it looks or maybe you’re jumping to conclusions.
Maybe this guy was off his Haldol. Maybe there was a … well, you know, this guy, he has a history of dressing as death and it’s kind of a weird time with the coronavirus and all, and… all right, so maybe he …
Yeah, OK, I’ve got nothing. Here’s my “To be fair, though”: This guy’s from Florida. There you go.
There’s all sorts of craziness down there and, yeah, he’s “willing to travel around Florida wearing Grim Reaper attire to the beaches and other areas of the state opening up prematurely.” Beats walking into a Denny’s high on meth and smeared with mud and detritus from the Everglades and demanding a Moons Over My Hammy. That’s it. That’s all I could come up with.
To be fair, though, most Denny’s are closed for anything but takeout, so that would be a little difficult.
So here was his explanation:
“I felt like something needed to be done, because they’re moving very quickly to open beaches prematurely,” Uhlfelder, of Santa Rosa Beach, told NBC News. “Wearing a Grim Reaper costume seems like a good way to send a signal that this is too fast and that we need to think seriously before we take that step.”
‘Kay.
So a bit of background on Uhlfelder: He has a bit of history with Florida beaches. Not just now, because that would be normal enou… well, it would be more normal than this.
Late last year, Uhlfelder got a bit of a Twitter following because of the fact that he was trolling former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee over a dispute whether the beach in front of Huckabee’s property was his property or that of the public. At the time, Uhlfelder got great press despite the fact he was an obvious Twitter troll — calling Huckabee a “beach thief,” posting information on the dispute with obsessive regularity and retweeting generally obnoxious material.
Here’s one of his retweets, as per ABA Journal: “I’m trying not to picture Ol’ Man Huckabee slathered in Noxzema, clad in a Fox And Friends t-shirt, khaki shorts, calf-length black socks and sandals, wandering along the beach with a metal detector.”
A response, also retweeted: “Worse would be Sarah [Huckabee Sanders] all slathered in a thong bathing suit.”
Uhlfelder’s misogynist response: “You’ve gone too far,” he wrote. “Please stop before you break twitter.”
Eventually, Huckabee tried to attenuate Uhlfelder’s rather creepy and insistent attacks with a complaint to the bar in which he cited Uhlfelder’s “vile and unprofessional attacks” and “repeatedly posting disparaging information.”
In the wake of the battle, Uhlfelder launched the Make My Day PAC, “dedicated to fighting bad actors” and “pushing back against the silencing of Americans.”
But that was Mike Huckabee, the battlefield was Twitter and December of 2019 feels like “American Graffiti” compared to April of 2020.
In a piece published Dec. 6, South Florida Sun-Sentinel columnist Steve Bousquet’s take on the dispute was headlined: “Mike Huckabee’s outrageous campaign to silence a Florida critic.” In the column, Bousquet described Uhlfelder as “a lawyer on the public side of the beach access battle” who tweets “with sarcasm and humor.”
So what’s the Grim Reaper doing sitting up on lifeguard stand trying to discourage people from being out on the beach by being out on the beach, Steve? Is that sarcasm or humor? Is this wit? Or is this maybe someone who’s taking either too much or too little of his prescribed medication?
And while we’re at it, was that sexist remark about Sarah Huckabee Sanders “sarcasm” or “humor”? Enquiring minds want to know.
Anyhow, if you’re a Floridian and missed this guy’s beachfront act the first time around, don’t worry. Halloween has come early for those of you who don’t know if you’re going to stick around until the actual holiday.
“Uhlfelder added that he will use ‘the COVID Grim Reaper’ tour to raise money to support Democrats running for office, including Phil Ehr and Christy Smith, who are running for Congress in Florida and California, respectively,” NBC News reported.
Wow, so he’s drawing attention to himself people will come out and see him which is absolutely what he says he’s trying to avoid by going out to these beaches in a Grim Reaper outfit ASFDLKJASDF;LAKSDFJAFV,NMZXVCQASDF;JLsadffoijasdf;lasdzxcv;kl I’m done.
This is nothing more than an attention junkie in a Party City outfit who was desperately unhappy his 15 minutes of fame elapsed so fast and brought him so little.
So look at him! Look at him out on Florida’s wide beaches, protesting how opening them so soon kills people by being out there and, by his own logic, endangering the lives of other people!
This is a lawyer. He can fight this in court — but a suit-and-tie getup behind the plaintiff’s table doesn’t quite have the appeal that tweeting yourself from a lifeguard stand dressed as death does, right?
Whatever. Your relevance has an appointment in Samarra even this nauseating stunt won’t forestall, Mr. Uhlfelder.
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westernjournal--2020-04-26--Tara Reade Shocked by Media’s Refusal To Confront Biden, Calls Out ‘Blatant Bias’

The woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by then-Sen. Joe Biden in 1993 is condemning media outlets for what she calls complicity in a cover-up concerning her allegations .
In an interview with Fox News , former Biden staffer Tara Reade noted that since she went public with her story more than a month ago , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and former vice president has been interviewed multiple times on national TV without ever being asked about her allegations .
“ I think it ’ s shocking that this much time has passed and that he is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re not asking the questions .
He ’ s been on ‘ Anderson Cooper ’ at least twice where he was not asked , ” referencing the CNN host .
“ I really would look to him for answers and I would never do that again .
I ’ ve lost total respect , ” she said of Cooper , adding that “ as a civilian , ” it is hard to know “ what news source to trust ” because of the “ blatant bias ” shown by Cooper and others .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated equally by media outlets that have sensationalized claims against Republicans .
TRENDING : Here Are the States That Have Slowed Down the Most Due to COVID Shutdowns “ I guess my question is , ‘ If this were Donald Trump , would they treat it the same way ?
If this were Brett Kavanaugh , did they treat it the same way ? '
” Reade told Fox .
“ In other words , it ’ s politics and political agenda playing a role in objective reporting and asking the question.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from asking Biden about her claims “ don ’ t want to ask him ” about something Biden does not wish to discuss .
Although Biden ’ s campaign has issued a statement denying the allegations , Biden has not personally spoken on the issue .
“ There are two things happening at once , ” Reade said , noting that Biden “ is not making himself accessible to be asked the question .
And when he does make himself accessible , they are not asking , those anchors .
And so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind that and that ’ s gross.
” “ I ’ m a survivor and I would like the question asked , ” Reade said .
When Reade first told her story to The Intercept , she said her mother , who died in 2016 , called into CNN ’ s “ Larry King Live ” in the 1990s to discuss the alleged assault .
A video clip that has been uncovered supports that claim .
Reade said the woman heard in the clip was her late mother , Jeanette Altimus .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was initially found by the Media Research Institute , a conservative media watchdog group .
RELATED : Pelosi Confirms Next Relief Bill Will Be Used To Push Vote by Mail Reade worked for Biden from 1992 to 1993 , and has said during interviews that Biden had kissed , groped and digitally penetrated her during an unwanted sexual advance .
Biden ’ s deputy campaign manager and communications director , Kate Bedingfield , has issued a statement denying the claim .
“ Vice President Biden has dedicated his public life to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence against women .
He authored and fought for the passage and reauthorization of the landmark Violence Against Women Act .
He firmly believes that women have a right to be heard – and heard respectfully , ” the statement said , according to Fox .
“ Such claims should also be diligently reviewed by an independent press .
What is clear about this claim : it is untrue .
This absolutely did not happen.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards @

The woman who claims she was sexually assaulted by then-Sen. Joe Biden in 1993 is condemning media outlets for what she calls complicity in a cover-up concerning her allegations.
In an interview with Fox News, former Biden staffer Tara Reade noted that since she went public with her story more than a month ago, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and former vice president has been interviewed multiple times on national TV without ever being asked about her allegations.
“I think it’s shocking that this much time has passed and that he is an actual nominee for president and they’re not asking the questions. He’s been on ‘Anderson Cooper’ at least twice where he was not asked,” referencing the CNN host.
“I really would look to him for answers and I would never do that again. I’ve lost total respect,” she said of Cooper, adding that “as a civilian,” it is hard to know “what news source to trust” because of the “blatant bias” shown by Cooper and others.
Reade said that she is not being treated equally by media outlets that have sensationalized claims against Republicans.
“I guess my question is, ‘If this were Donald Trump, would they treat it the same way? If this were Brett Kavanaugh, did they treat it the same way?'” Reade told Fox.
“In other words, it’s politics and political agenda playing a role in objective reporting and asking the question.”
Reade said news anchors who have refrained from asking Biden about her claims “don’t want to ask him” about something Biden does not wish to discuss.
Although Biden’s campaign has issued a statement denying the allegations, Biden has not personally spoken on the issue.
Do you believe Tara Reade's allegations against Joe Biden? Yes No
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“There are two things happening at once,” Reade said, noting that Biden “is not making himself accessible to be asked the question. And when he does make himself accessible, they are not asking, those anchors. And so that tells there may be a political agenda behind that and that’s gross.”
“I’m a survivor and I would like the question asked,” Reade said.
When Reade first told her story to The Intercept, she said her mother, who died in 2016, called into CNN’s “Larry King Live” in the 1990s to discuss the alleged assault. A video clip that has been uncovered supports that claim.
Reade said the woman heard in the clip was her late mother, Jeanette Altimus. Although the clip was from a CNN show, it was initially found by the Media Research Institute, a conservative media watchdog group.
Reade worked for Biden from 1992 to 1993, and has said during interviews that Biden had kissed, groped and digitally penetrated her during an unwanted sexual advance.
Biden’s deputy campaign manager and communications director, Kate Bedingfield, has issued a statement denying the claim.
“Vice President Biden has dedicated his public life to changing the culture and the laws around violence against women. He authored and fought for the passage and reauthorization of the landmark Violence Against Women Act. He firmly believes that women have a right to be heard – and heard respectfully,” the statement said, according to Fox.
“Such claims should also be diligently reviewed by an independent press. What is clear about this claim: it is untrue. This absolutely did not happen.”
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westernjournal--2020-04-26--If 800k Americans Are Out Of Work in NJ, Why Is Gov Considering Paying Illegals $600 Every Week?

New Jersey is , unsurprisingly , very broke .
Even at the best of times , the Garden State isn ’ t known as a model of fiscal continence .
These aren ’ t , as you may perhaps have noticed , the best of times .
New Jersey ’ s nearly out of money .
Its ability to replenish that money is going to be severely tested by the fact that it ’ s being hit with cataclysmic unemployment and business closures , meaning its tax base — already shrinking thanks to an exodus of residents — is drying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Democrats are able to secure their much sought-after bailout for the states won ’ t help much , considering the fact that it still won ’ t solve long-term structural issues that existed before all this .
So why , then , is New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy considering paying illegal immigrants $ 600 a week ?
On Thursday , TheBlaze reported , Murphy was asked during a coronavirus media briefing about a report from the immigrant rights group Make the Road NJ .
TRENDING : Here Are the States That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID Shutdowns The report was titled “ Essential and Excluded.
” Its executive summary noted that “ of respondents who lost their jobs and are undocumented , none qualify for federal stimulus payments or state unemployment benefits.
” The report was based on a poll of New Jersey residents , 96.4 percent of whom identified as Hispanic .
Fifty-two percent of those identified their immigration status as “ estimated undocumented.
” You can count me as “ estimated unimpressed ” with the tortured and tortuous language used by Make the Road NJ to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I digress .
I ’ ll give you the TL ; DR version of the report , which shouldn ’ t surprise you : Illegal immigrants don ’ t have the same access to economic relief provisions that citizens do and that ’ s a Very Bad Thing .
I don ’ t think I need to identify the problem with this line of thinking to you and I don ’ t think I would convince the folks at Make the Road NJ — fine people all , I ’ m sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the concept of lawbreaking and its attendant consequences — if I explained it .
Anyhow , Murphy was asked about this and whether or not he would consider giving illegal immigrants in New Jersey “ who have lost wages ” because of the coronavirus pandemic $ 600 a week .
While Murphy wasn ’ t familiar with the report , he said he was “ open-minded to the $ 600-a-week ” option .
“ It ’ s not just because I think we ’ re good guys and gals , but because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back of this virus unless we bring us all along , ” Murphy said .
According to NJ.com , some of the state ’ s 850,000 unemployed workers are currently receiving an extra $ 600 a week in unemployment benefits during the pandemic crisis .
Of course , these people paid into unemployment insurance , as did their employers , but why should that matter ?
( Aside from the obvious . )
As TheBlaze noted , this would be generous even by the standards of the previous winner of the illegal immigrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State gave illegal immigrant adults a one-time payout of $ 500 with a cap of $ 1,000 per household .
RELATED : After Gov Admits Not Considering Bill of Rights , New Jersey Tulip Farmers Ordered To Cease Drive-Thru Tours “ California is the most diverse state in the nation .
Our diversity makes us stronger and more resilient , ” Gov .
Gavin Newsom said at the time .
Your state ’ s massive budgetary hole and unfunded liabilities might have something to say about how much stronger and resilient that makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least that ’ s not a recurring payment that will , in theory , last until the end of the coronavirus crisis .
And that ’ s to assume it ’ ll end there .
What was it Milton Friedman said about temporary government programs ?
I can never recall… And by the way , this is a recurring payment to illegal immigrants in a state that has massive unemployment .
No state doesn ’ t at the moment , granted .
That said , New Jersey has shed 850,000 jobs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s roughly one job for every 10 people in the state .
As it is right now , New Jersey is one of the states most vigorously clamoring for a federal bailout , with Murphy saying the state is “ many billions ” short of what it needs .
On Friday , The Washington Post reported that “ New Jersey faces an immense shortfall , leading the state official to predict it could run out of cash at the current rate in about four to six weeks , perhaps leaving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cuts and layoffs , including those targeting education and teachers.
” Yet Murphy is considering paying illegal immigrants $ 600 a week for lost wages while his state faces massive unemployment .
Let me state the obvious , which needs restating because we tend to hide behind deliberately evasive language like “ undocumented workers ” : Illegal immigrants are in the country illegally .
Yes , as we ’ ve been told , they “ take jobs we don ’ t want to do , ” which is to say they take jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market price for .
We ’ re now told that , because they no longer take those jobs and aren ’ t eligible for relief that ’ s meant for citizens or unemployed workers , we should give them a taxpayer-funded package — essentially rewarding illegal behavior with taxpayer money .
New Jersey is a deep-blue state that occasionally elects a Republican governor .
Those who , unlike me , haven ’ t lived in the land of the Turnpike , Springsteen , Kevin Smith movies , “ What Exit ?
” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happens .
This is how : An out-of-touch liberal does something so jaw-droppingly appalling that the kind of people who would normally sport “ Nevertheless , She Persisted , ” “ Coexist ” and “ Eve Was Framed ” bumper stickers on the back of their Priuses would hold their noses and vote for a Christine Todd Whitman or a Chris Christie .
Murphy is only considering this preposterous idea right now , judging by his answer .
Perhaps he was only trying to placate his liberal supporters and this will blessedly only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would urge New Jersey Republicans to ready their paperwork for the 2021 election now .
Once Gov .
Murphy empties the state ’ s coffers , you , too , could be our next Chris Christie — although , given coronavirus ’ tendency to attack the overweight , you ’ ll hopefully be a few hundred pounds lighter .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

New Jersey is, unsurprisingly, very broke. Even at the best of times, the Garden State isn’t known as a model of fiscal continence. These aren’t, as you may perhaps have noticed, the best of times.
New Jersey’s nearly out of money. Its ability to replenish that money is going to be severely tested by the fact that it’s being hit with cataclysmic unemployment and business closures, meaning its tax base — already shrinking thanks to an exodus of residents — is drying up.
An infusion of cash if the Democrats are able to secure their much sought-after bailout for the states won’t help much, considering the fact that it still won’t solve long-term structural issues that existed before all this.
So why, then, is New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy considering paying illegal immigrants $600 a week?
On Thursday, TheBlaze reported, Murphy was asked during a coronavirus media briefing about a report from the immigrant rights group Make the Road NJ.
The report was titled “Essential and Excluded.” Its executive summary noted that “of respondents who lost their jobs and are undocumented, none qualify for federal stimulus payments or state unemployment benefits.”
The report was based on a poll of New Jersey residents, 96.4 percent of whom identified as Hispanic. Fifty-two percent of those identified their immigration status as “estimated undocumented.” You can count me as “estimated unimpressed” with the tortured and tortuous language used by Make the Road NJ to avoid the slightest whiff of offense, but I digress.
I’ll give you the TL;DR version of the report, which shouldn’t surprise you: Illegal immigrants don’t have the same access to economic relief provisions that citizens do and that’s a Very Bad Thing.
I don’t think I need to identify the problem with this line of thinking to you and I don’t think I would convince the folks at Make the Road NJ — fine people all, I’m sure, but not terribly well acquainted with the concept of lawbreaking and its attendant consequences — if I explained it.
Should illegal immigrants receive stimulus or unemployment money? Yes No
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Anyhow, Murphy was asked about this and whether or not he would consider giving illegal immigrants in New Jersey “who have lost wages” because of the coronavirus pandemic $600 a week.
While Murphy wasn’t familiar with the report, he said he was “open-minded to the $600-a-week” option.
“It’s not just because I think we’re good guys and gals, but because we’re not going to break the back of this virus unless we bring us all along,” Murphy said.
According to NJ.com, some of the state’s 850,000 unemployed workers are currently receiving an extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits during the pandemic crisis.
As TheBlaze noted, this would be generous even by the standards of the previous winner of the illegal immigrant giveaway sweepstakes, California. The Golden State gave illegal immigrant adults a one-time payout of $500 with a cap of $1,000 per household.
“California is the most diverse state in the nation. Our diversity makes us stronger and more resilient,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said at the time.
Your state’s massive budgetary hole and unfunded liabilities might have something to say about how much stronger and resilient that makes you, Governor Newsom. However, at least that’s not a recurring payment that will, in theory, last until the end of the coronavirus crisis. And that’s to assume it’ll end there. What was it Milton Friedman said about temporary government programs? I can never recall…
And by the way, this is a recurring payment to illegal immigrants in a state that has massive unemployment.
No state doesn’t at the moment, granted. That said, New Jersey has shed 850,000 jobs in the coronavirus era, NJ.com reported. That’s roughly one job for every 10 people in the state.
As it is right now, New Jersey is one of the states most vigorously clamoring for a federal bailout, with Murphy saying the state is “many billions” short of what it needs.
On Friday, The Washington Post reported that “New Jersey faces an immense shortfall, leading the state official to predict it could run out of cash at the current rate in about four to six weeks, perhaps leaving the state no choice but to consider huge cuts and layoffs, including those targeting education and teachers.”
Yet Murphy is considering paying illegal immigrants $600 a week for lost wages while his state faces massive unemployment.
Let me state the obvious, which needs restating because we tend to hide behind deliberately evasive language like “undocumented workers”: Illegal immigrants are in the country illegally. Yes, as we’ve been told, they “take jobs we don’t want to do,” which is to say they take jobs employers would prefer not to pay full market price for.
We’re now told that, because they no longer take those jobs and aren’t eligible for relief that’s meant for citizens or unemployed workers, we should give them a taxpayer-funded package — essentially rewarding illegal behavior with taxpayer money.
New Jersey is a deep-blue state that occasionally elects a Republican governor. Those who, unlike me, haven’t lived in the land of the Turnpike, Springsteen, Kevin Smith movies, “What Exit?” and the pork roll often wonder how that happens.
This is how: An out-of-touch liberal does something so jaw-droppingly appalling that the kind of people who would normally sport “Nevertheless, She Persisted,” “Coexist” and “Eve Was Framed” bumper stickers on the back of their Priuses would hold their noses and vote for a Christine Todd Whitman or a Chris Christie.
Murphy is only considering this preposterous idea right now, judging by his answer. Perhaps he was only trying to placate his liberal supporters and this will blessedly only remain an idea.
If not, I would urge New Jersey Republicans to ready their paperwork for the 2021 election now. Once Gov. Murphy empties the state’s coffers, you, too, could be our next Chris Christie — although, given coronavirus’ tendency to attack the overweight, you’ll hopefully be a few hundred pounds lighter.
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westernjournal--2020-04-26--Gang Member Returns to Prison 4 Days After Release for Breaking ‘Compassionate Release’ Terms

In recent weeks , inmates across the nation have been temporarily released from federal prisons due to rising concerns about the spread of the coronavirus .
Furloughed inmates are expected to follow a strict set of guidelines to keep themselves and others healthy .
However , one prisoner chose to disregard those guidelines and found herself back behind bars — only four days after she was released .
Kotarra Jackson , a reported Blood gang member , was let out for “ compassionate release ” on April 13 amid health issues that put her at risk of catching the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The terms of her release as ordered by Judge Joanna Seybert included testing for COVID-19 .
Jackson was also not allowed to venture outside of her sister ’ s house except for medical or legal reasons , including court dates , and was required to wear a mask and observe proper social distancing on those occasions .
TRENDING : Here Are the States That Have Slowed Down the Most Due to COVID Shutdowns On the same day that the 37-year-old was released , members from the Suffolk County East End Drug Task Force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smoking a cigarette and not abiding by social distancing standards or wearing a protective mask .
The very next day , Jackson was seen leaving her home with an unidentified male to make a trip to the liquor store .
While they were out , the two were involved in a car accident in a deli parking lot .
When police arrived on the scene , she refused to give them her identification .
“ At no point during these interactions was Jackson wearing personal protective equipment ( “ PPE ” ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue wrote in a letter to Judge Joanna Seybert two days after her release , according to the Riverhead News-Review .
“ [ Ms. Jackson ] has clearly demonstrated that she can not be trusted to follow social distancing practices.
” In addition to Jackson ’ s defiance of protocol , Donoghue also wrote that even though the convict previously expressed concerns for her health surrounding her struggles with obesity , asthma , diabetes , high blood pressure and sleep apnea , it was all just a scheme for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the blatant , nonchalant violations of the terms of her home detention , Jackson has demonstrated clearly , and repeatedly , that her ‘ concerns ’ about her health and her ‘ fears ’ of contracting COVID-19 were nothing more than convenient lies to the Court in an effort to secure her release , ” the attorney added .
After Donoghue ’ s letter was received , Jackson ’ s temporary release was revoked on April 16 and she surrendered on April 17 .
Jackson ’ s round trip came during a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens over the release of some prison inmates .
For instance , when mobster Vincent Asaro was released , many took to Twitter to voice their displeasure .
RELATED : Ricky Gervais Rips Hollywood Elites : People Are 'Tired of Being Lectured To ' During Quarantine People also seemed to be pretty heated after Cuyahoga County Jail in Ohio agreed to release 300 prisoners in mid-March amid growing coronavirus concerns , even though there were no confirmed cases .
“ Like people don ’ t have enough to worry about….. ” another person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November 2018 after a drug raid in Riverhead , is currently back to awaiting trial at the Metropolitan Detention Center .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In recent weeks, inmates across the nation have been temporarily released from federal prisons due to rising concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.
Furloughed inmates are expected to follow a strict set of guidelines to keep themselves and others healthy.
However, one prisoner chose to disregard those guidelines and found herself back behind bars — only four days after she was released.
Kotarra Jackson, a reported Bloods gang member, was let out for “compassionate release” on April 13 amid health issues that put her at risk of catching the virus, according to the Riverhead News-Review.
The terms of her release as ordered by Judge Joanna Seybert included testing for COVID-19. Jackson was also not allowed to venture outside of her sister’s house except for medical or legal reasons, including court dates, and was required to wear a mask and observe proper social distancing on those occasions.
On the same day that the 37-year-old was released, members from the Suffolk County East End Drug Task Force witnessed Jackson, who has asthma, smoking a cigarette and not abiding by social distancing standards or wearing a protective mask.
The very next day, Jackson was seen leaving her home with an unidentified male to make a trip to the liquor store. While they were out, the two were involved in a car accident in a deli parking lot.
When police arrived on the scene, she refused to give them her identification.
“At no point during these interactions was Jackson wearing personal protective equipment (“PPE”), a mask or practicing social distancing,” U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue wrote in a letter to Judge Joanna Seybert two days after her release, according to the Riverhead News-Review. “[Ms. Jackson] has clearly demonstrated that she cannot be trusted to follow social distancing practices.”
Should inmates receive compassionate release for COVID-19? Yes No
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In addition to Jackson’s defiance of protocol, Donoghue also wrote that even though the convict previously expressed concerns for her health surrounding her struggles with obesity, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea, it was all just a scheme for a temporary release.
“Setting aside the blatant, nonchalant violations of the terms of her home detention, Jackson has demonstrated clearly, and repeatedly, that her ‘concerns’ about her health and her ‘fears’ of contracting COVID-19 were nothing more than convenient lies to the Court in an effort to secure her release,” the attorney added.
After Donoghue’s letter was received, Jackson’s temporary release was revoked on April 16 and she surrendered on April 17.
Jackson’s round trip came during a time of heightened tensions and concerns among law-abiding citizens over the release of some prison inmates.
For instance, when mobster Vincent Asaro was released, many took to Twitter to voice their displeasure.
wow i wonder how many people he showed compassion to before he had them murdered — Mike (@mike03042) April 20, 2020
The epidemic controls the laws .. it’s really unfortunate .. i think there are isolated rooms even in prisons .. there is no excuse — Tired (@TiredMab) April 20, 2020
People also seemed to be pretty heated after Cuyahoga County Jail in Ohio agreed to release 300 prisoners in mid-March amid growing coronavirus concerns, even though there were no confirmed cases.
smdh…wow! Now THAT makes me feel all warm, snuggly, and cozy inside knowing that MORE criminals are out on the streets! — Katherine Nonya Beeswax (@KatherineNonya) March 18, 2020
“Like people don’t have enough to worry about…..” another person tweeted.
Jackson, who was arrested in November 2018 after a drug raid in Riverhead, is currently back to awaiting trial at the Metropolitan Detention Center.
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westernjournal--2020-04-26--White House Economist: Ventilator Supply Will Be Sufficient in Case of Fall Outbreak

Amid predictions that America is not done with the coronavirus yet , one of President Donald Trump ’ s advisers said the administration is ready .
More than twice as many ventilators will soon be on hand than are currently needed , Tomas Philipson , acting chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers , told the Washington Examiner .
In March , concerns about ventilators were at the top of the list of many governors , including New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , who at one point said the state would need at least 30,000 ventilators — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state actually ended up needing .
In fact , a few weeks after Cuomo ’ s demand , New York was sharing its ventilator stockpile with other states .
Philipson said the government has partnered with the private sector to produce more ventilators , creating a federal program to both share ventilators and assure all states of a rapid response in the event on a second spike in COVID-19 cases .
TRENDING : Here Are the States That Have Slowed Down the Most Due to COVID Shutdowns According to Philipson ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for ventilators in the next month or so would necessitate about 50,000 of the machines .
But as more and more ventilators roll out of factories , the nation will have about 95,000 in hospitals and 10,000 in a national reserve , he said .
“ If that ’ s true , you have twice as many ventilators in the country than are needed .
Then you should be able to reallocate from the regions that have too many to the regions that have too little , ” he told the Examiner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dynamic ventilator reserve ” program encourages sharing among hospitals .
Philipson said 20 hospital systems have joined .
The program is founded on a federal guarantee that any hospital that loans a ventilator to an emerging hot spot gets one back if its home region then becomes a hot spot as well .
“ In financial credit markets , we guarantee loans all the time with the government , ” he said .
“ Here it ’ s sort of in a barter trade of highly needed medical supply.
” Philipson , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care , said having spare ventilators makes sense for at least two reasons .
“ One is a second wave in the fall , which we don ’ t know if it will be big or small relative to this , ” he said .
RELATED : Ricky Gervais Rips Hollywood Elites : People Are 'Tired of Being Lectured To ' During Quarantine “ The second aspect is even if you overproduce and have too many ventilators , it will be useful for the stockpile … not necessarily for COVID but for other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the epidemic exposed weaknesses in the supply of health care equipment to meet critical needs .
“ This problem of medical supplies for COVID , I think , highlighted how under capacity we were from legacy systems under previous administrations , ” he added .
“ We ’ re way ahead of schedule on ventilators , as you know , ” Trump said during Monday ’ s White House coronavirus task force briefing .
“ That ’ s why it ’ s never brought up by the media .
They don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re doing so well .
GE is also working with Ford to make 50,000 ventilators in the next 100 days — more than our entire country typically produces in a very long period of time .
Doing that in a matter of a few weeks and a few days , ” he said .
“ We have a great deal of ventilators , which people thought would be impossible about a month ago , ” Trump added .
“ I said from the beginning that no American who needs a ventilator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have kept that promise all over the United States.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Amid predictions that America is not done with the coronavirus yet, one of President Donald Trump’s advisers said the administration is ready.
More than twice as many ventilators will soon be on hand than are currently needed, Tomas Philipson, acting chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, told the Washington Examiner.
In March, concerns about ventilators were at the top of the list of many governors, including New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who at one point said the state would need at least 30,000 ventilators — a number far in excess of what the state actually ended up needing.
In fact, a few weeks after Cuomo’s demand, New York was sharing its ventilator stockpile with other states.
Philipson said the government has partnered with the private sector to produce more ventilators, creating a federal program to both share ventilators and assure all states of a rapid response in the event on a second spike in COVID-19 cases.
According to Philipson’s worst-case scenario estimates, the peak demand for ventilators in the next month or so would necessitate about 50,000 of the machines.
But as more and more ventilators roll out of factories, the nation will have about 95,000 in hospitals and 10,000 in a national reserve, he said.
“If that’s true, you have twice as many ventilators in the country than are needed. Then you should be able to reallocate from the regions that have too many to the regions that have too little,” he told the Examiner.
What Philipson referred to as a “dynamic ventilator reserve” program encourages sharing among hospitals. Philipson said 20 hospital systems have joined.
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The program is founded on a federal guarantee that any hospital that loans a ventilator to an emerging hot spot gets one back if its home region then becomes a hot spot as well.
“In financial credit markets, we guarantee loans all the time with the government,” he said.
“Here it’s sort of in a barter trade of highly needed medical supply.”
Philipson, whose expertise is in the economics of health care, said having spare ventilators makes sense for at least two reasons.
“One is a second wave in the fall, which we don’t know if it will be big or small relative to this,” he said.
“The second aspect is even if you overproduce and have too many ventilators, it will be useful for the stockpile … not necessarily for COVID but for other diseases,” Philipson said, noting that the epidemic exposed weaknesses in the supply of health care equipment to meet critical needs.
“This problem of medical supplies for COVID, I think, highlighted how under capacity we were from legacy systems under previous administrations,” he added.
Trump recently noted the administration’s success in producing ventilators.
“We’re way ahead of schedule on ventilators, as you know,” Trump said during Monday’s White House coronavirus task force briefing.
“That’s why it’s never brought up by the media. They don’t like to bring things up when we’re doing so well. GE is also working with Ford to make 50,000 ventilators in the next 100 days — more than our entire country typically produces in a very long period of time. Doing that in a matter of a few weeks and a few days,” he said.
“We have a great deal of ventilators, which people thought would be impossible about a month ago,” Trump added.
“I said from the beginning that no American who needs a ventilator would be denied a ventilator and we have kept that promise all over the United States.”
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westernjournal--2020-04-26--Senators Who Fought Kavanaugh Found Stumping for Biden Morning After Allegation Evidence Discovered

It was a shocking news-break Friday as reports indicated evidence had emerged supporting former Senate aide Tara Reade ’ s sexual assault allegations against presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential primary nominee Joe Biden .
Potentially more shocking , however , were Saturday morning developments that seemed to suggest that — just like that — the American left ’ s zero-tolerance , “ Believe All Women ” approach to sexual assault allegations against prominent figures in the D.C. political establishment had been put to rest .
According to The Intercept , video was found this week in the archives of CNN ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an on-air phone call in 1993 in which a female caller complained that her daughter had had nowhere to turn for help with unspecified “ problems ” while working for a “ prominent senator.
” The caller is believed to have been Reade ’ s now-deceased mother .
Receiving incredibly little attention from the establishment media , Reade came forward in March with allegations Biden had , while she was a staffer in his office in 1993 , forced himself upon her in private in a hallway in the Capitol complex , kissing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Confirmation the “ Larry King Live ” caller was , in fact , Reade ’ s mother would support Reade ’ s claims that she had confided in others and considered coming forward shortly after the alleged assault would have taken place .
TRENDING : Here Are the States That Have Slowed Down the Most Due to COVID Shutdowns Still , the news about the phone call wasn ’ t enough to stop Democratic senators , and former bitter primary opponents , from expressing support for Biden just 24 hours later on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vice presidential nod , the senators were eager Saturday morning to kiss the boots of their good friend Biden , joining him in promoting a campaign event titled S.O.U.L .
of the Nation Saturday .
Coming on the one-year anniversary of Biden ’ s campaign announcement , “ SOUL Saturday ” — for service , outreach , unity and leadership — is described as a day dedicated to celebrating American “ communities ’ heroes ” in a time of crisis .
Coincidentally , the event also plays on Biden ’ s running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describes as an attempt to “ reclaim ” the soul of America from the hands of mean , old President Donald Trump .
And wouldn ’ t you know it , Democratic Sens .
Elizabeth Warren , Kamala Harris , Amy Klobuchar , Kirsten Gillibrand and Cory Booker had no problem slapping on fake smiles , painting their former opponent with rehearsed compliments and quoting his campaign slogans .
“ I ’ m so grateful to be teaming up with [ Joe Biden ] to recognize all of the heroes fighting for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote in a Twitter post alongside a promotional video .
“ The biggest thing you can do today is a small act of kindness for someone else — so please , join us in this day of service.
” RELATED : 30 Pics and Videos : US Reps Getting Mask Wearing Embarrassingly Wrong “ Today I ’ m joining my friend [ Joe Biden ] and people across our nation who are coming together to take part in # SOULSaturday , ” wrote Harris , whose most notable moment of campaign popularity came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Let ’ s use this moment to show our appreciation for those on the front lines and connect with our friends and neighbors .
We ’ re all in this together.
” Of course , no such pleasantries were made regarding then-D.C .
Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Brett Kavanaugh by any of the aforementioned senators at the time of his 2018 Supreme Court confirmation .
In fact , Booker , Harris and Klobuchar were all clearly using their positions on the Senate Judiciary Committee at the time of the Kavanaugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failed White House bids .
During the Kavanaugh hearings , Democrats suggested every woman and every sexual assault allegation should be taken at face value .
A simple accusation was enough to warrant disqualifying someone from any job or higher office , regardless of the flimsiness of the evidence provided .
This is not to say sexual assault allegations should be taken lightly or ignored .
To the contrary , they should be heard and investigated with the utmost seriousness and empathy .
But presumption of innocence and all manner of due process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blasey Ford , Ph.D. , came forward with consistently uncorroborated claims Kavanaugh had assaulted her at a party in high school .
One allegation led to more and more still , each one less credible than the last .
Stories of a high school-aged Kavanaugh taking part in methodically planned date-rape rings and thrusting his genitals upon an unsuspecting woman at a Yale University party were all welcomed by Democrats and the media as though they were equally valid — because , once again , you had to “ Believe All Women.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media and the nation that Ford had “ no reason to lie , ” according to CNN .
That is why Klobuchar used her time questioning the judge as an opportunity to grandstand , assassinating his character with implications that his collegiate drinking habits somehow made him a sex criminal as well .
But I guess it ’ s too much to ask the same level of scrutiny be applied to Biden , even hours after the allegations against him seem to have taken on teeth .
We are committed to truth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read our editorial standards .

It was a shocking news-break Friday as reports indicated evidence had emerged supporting former Senate aide Tara Reade’s sexual assault allegations against presumptive 2020 Democratic presidential primary nominee Joe Biden.
Potentially more shocking, however, were Saturday morning developments that seemed to suggest that — just like that — the American left’s zero-tolerance, “Believe All Women” approach to sexual assault allegations against prominent figures in the D.C. political establishment had been put to rest.
According to The Intercept, video was found this week in the archives of CNN’s “Larry King Live” revealing an on-air phone call in 1993 in which a female caller complained that her daughter had had nowhere to turn for help with unspecified “problems” while working for a “prominent senator.” The caller is believed to have been Reade’s now-deceased mother.
Receiving incredibly little attention from the establishment media, Reade came forward in March with allegations Biden had, while she was a staffer in his office in 1993, forced himself upon her in private in a hallway in the Capitol complex, kissing her and penetrating her with his fingers.
Confirmation the “Larry King Live” caller was, in fact, Reade’s mother would support Reade’s claims that she had confided in others and considered coming forward shortly after the alleged assault would have taken place.
Still, the news about the phone call wasn’t enough to stop Democratic senators, and former bitter primary opponents, from expressing support for Biden just 24 hours later on social media.
Today, I’m teaming up with @Sannehfdn, Founder @TonySanneh & @TeamJoe to celebrate #SOULSaturday. As we face this crisis, the Sanneh Foundation is working to make sure everyone has a meal on their table. Join us and donate today at https://t.co/I9VT8ZL6NM pic.twitter.com/nL4ixVY5FG — Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) April 25, 2020
Today I’m joining my friend @JoeBiden and people across our nation who are coming together to take part in #SOULSaturday. Let’s use this moment to show our appreciation for those on the front lines and connect with our friends and neighbors. We’re all in this together. pic.twitter.com/pbZbw258T7 — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 25, 2020
Likely still vying for a vice presidential nod, the senators were eager Saturday morning to kiss the boots of their good friend Biden, joining him in promoting a campaign event titled S.O.U.L. of the Nation Saturday.
Coming on the one-year anniversary of Biden’s campaign announcement, “SOUL Saturday” — for service, outreach, unity and leadership — is described as a day dedicated to celebrating American “communities’ heroes” in a time of crisis.
Coincidentally, the event also plays on Biden’s running narrative regarding his candidacy — which he describes as an attempt to “reclaim” the soul of America from the hands of mean, old President Donald Trump.
And wouldn’t you know it, Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Kirsten Gillibrand and Cory Booker had no problem slapping on fake smiles, painting their former opponent with rehearsed compliments and quoting his campaign slogans.
“I’m so grateful to be teaming up with [Joe Biden] to recognize all of the heroes fighting for us on the front lines,” Booker wrote in a Twitter post alongside a promotional video. “The biggest thing you can do today is a small act of kindness for someone else — so please, join us in this day of service.”
“Today I’m joining my friend [Joe Biden] and people across our nation who are coming together to take part in #SOULSaturday,” wrote Harris, whose most notable moment of campaign popularity came from insinuating Biden was an old racist.
“Let’s use this moment to show our appreciation for those on the front lines and connect with our friends and neighbors. We’re all in this together.”
Of course, no such pleasantries were made regarding then-D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Brett Kavanaugh by any of the aforementioned senators at the time of his 2018 Supreme Court confirmation.
In fact, Booker, Harris and Klobuchar were all clearly using their positions on the Senate Judiciary Committee at the time of the Kavanaugh proceedings as a springboard for their eventual failed White House bids.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar asks Brett Kavanaugh if he has ever blacked out from drinking, and he turns the question back on her. Kavanaugh: “You are asking about a blackout. I don’t know. Have you?” Klobuchar: “Could you answer the question, judge?”https://t.co/9FalHY71EC pic.twitter.com/ptnGHHYuss — CBS News (@CBSNews) September 27, 2018
Cory Booker says he will drop out of the presidential race very soon. He tried to launch his campaign with a phony attack on Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and grandstanding in the Senate, but when he declared “I am Spartacus!” he became a punchline, not an icon. Oh well! pic.twitter.com/TVrbBsLTs6 — Trump War Room – Text TRUMP to 88022 (@TrumpWarRoom) September 22, 2019
During the Kavanaugh hearings, Democrats suggested every woman and every sexual assault allegation should be taken at face value. A simple accusation was enough to warrant disqualifying someone from any job or higher office, regardless of the flimsiness of the evidence provided.
This is not to say sexual assault allegations should be taken lightly or ignored. To the contrary, they should be heard and investigated with the utmost seriousness and empathy.
But presumption of innocence and all manner of due process were flung to the wind when Christine Blasey Ford, Ph.D., came forward with consistently uncorroborated claims Kavanaugh had assaulted her at a party in high school.
Do you think the left has a double standard regarding sexual assault allegations? 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% (2277 Votes) No: 0% (4 Votes)
One allegation led to more and more still, each one less credible than the last.
Stories of a high school-aged Kavanaugh taking part in methodically planned date-rape rings and thrusting his genitals upon an unsuspecting woman at a Yale University party were all welcomed by Democrats and the media as though they were equally valid — because, once again, you had to “Believe All Women.”
That is why Gillibrand repeatedly told the media and the nation that Ford had “no reason to lie,” according to CNN.
That is why Klobuchar used her time questioning the judge as an opportunity to grandstand, assassinating his character with implications that his collegiate drinking habits somehow made him a sex criminal as well.
But I guess it’s too much to ask the same level of scrutiny be applied to Biden, even hours after the allegations against him seem to have taken on teeth.
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westernjournal--2020-04-25--US Government, Big Tech Are Mimicking China’s Method of Policing Citizens Amid Pandemic

Many of the measures United States government officials and big tech companies are taking to slow the coronavirus pandemic mimic some of the heavy-handed efforts China used to track and police citizens as coronavirus spread through the communist nation .
Two of the largest tech companies in the U.S. are using their technological know-how to track Americans infected with the virus — a technique Chinese officials perfected during the early stages of the virus .
Elizabeth , New Jersey , officials are likewise using a Chinese drone company DJI to surveil citizens who might be violating lockdown orders , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company over cyber issues .
Here are some of the ways U.S. officials are emulating China ’ s tactics for tackling coronavirus , or COVID-19 , which originated in the communist nation , where it has killed more than 45,000 people in less than two months .
Big Tech Uses Its Data To Track People Silicon Valley giants are allowing their smartphone operating systems to use Bluetooth technology as a way of tracing people .
TRENDING : Here Are the States That Have Slowed Down the Most Due to COVID Shutdowns Sen. Josh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter Tuesday to the CEOs demanding the Silicon Valley giants commit to being held personally liable for how the technology is applied .
Hawley has become one of the Senate ’ s harshest critics of the tech industry .
The companies insist users will be anonymous , but the Missouri Republican noted in his letter that such data can be “ reidentified simply by cross-referencing it with another data set.
” Pairing GPS data with that from the project Google and Apple are embarking on can reveal identities , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Caller News Foundation ’ s request for comment about the claims Hawley is making .
The method is similar in China .
Beijing uses a color-based “ health code ” system to control people ’ s whereabouts as a means of slowing down the virus while at the same time keeping the death toll to a minimum .
The codes , known as QR codes , are assigned to Chinese citizens to designate their health status .
It essentially tracks where they are at all times .
A March 28 Wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are using location data from cellphones to better understand the movements of American citizens .
The data come from the mobile advertising industry , according to the report , which cited anonymous sources .
Such sources can reveal levels of compliance with lockdown orders , the report noted .
RELATED : Stock Market Jumps Higher at Opening After Days of Losses Privacy analysts say officials could be opening Pandora ’ s box if strong legal parameters are not implemented .
“ As true anonymization of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal safeguards are mandatory , ” Wolfie Christl , a privacy activist and researcher , told TheWSJ .
China instituted the first lockdown in Wuhan at the end of January after officials first discovered COVID-19 .
The country closed restaurants , pubs , barbershops and nail shops , among other store fronts as officials went to extremes .
China President Xi Jinping said during a trip to Hangzhou that the draconian measures were a sign of China ’ s ability to control the country .
While Europe and American officials followed suit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issuing stay-at-home orders and lockdowns , New York , New Jersey , Michigan and other states went an extra mile .
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , for instance , signed an executive order on April 11 effectively banning citizens from purchasing so-called non-essential products .
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio encouraged fellow New Yorkers in a video on Twitter Tuesday to report their neighbors and other people for violating social distancing guidelines .
“ When you see a crowd , when you see a line that ’ s not distanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s too crowded–anything–you can report it right away so we can get there to fix the problem , ” de Blasio said in the video .
New York levels $ 1,000 on people who do not adhere to social distancing policies .
Some places in China , like the Sichuan province , pays citizens for information about their neighbor ’ s health — snitching on fellow citizens in the province can result in people being paid as much as 5,000 yuan , or $ 700 , The Wall Street Journal reported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered face masks in exchange for information .
Meanwhile , Elizabeth , New Jersey , Mayor J. Christian Bollwage is deploying drones from Chinese-based company DJI to warn citizens who are walking outdoors not to get too close in physical proximity to other people .
The drones blare sirens and issue this warning : “ Stop gathering , disperse and go home.
” DJI reportedly donated drones to 43 agencies in 22 states to help enforce social distancing .
The donations are part of DJI ’ s “ COVID-19 US Disaster Relief Program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drones for the purpose of surveilling populations during the pandemic .
The cameras give authorities the ability “ to track who specifically has gone to which precise location , ” Sophie Richardson , the China director at Human Rights Watch , told The Wall Street Journal in March .
“ It ’ s another way for the government to gather large amounts of information about people , really , without their consent , and in some cases , without their knowledge.
” A 2017 memo from the Los Angeles office of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had “ moderate confidence ” that DJI ’ s commercial drones are giving critical U.S. “ infrastructure and law enforcement data to the Chinese government.
” The U.S. Army banned their use , citing cyber-security concerns .
Beijing has been using similar drones since 2016 to track down fugitives and monitor students taking tests , as well as policing Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang .
The country is now deploying drones to contain the coronavirus in rural areas where there are sparse medical services .
The drones , just like those in Elizabeth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Many of the measures United States government officials and big tech companies are taking to slow the coronavirus pandemic mimic some of the heavy-handed efforts China used to track and police citizens as coronavirus spread through the communist nation.
Two of the largest tech companies in the U.S. are using their technological know-how to track Americans infected with the virus — a technique Chinese officials perfected during the early stages of the virus. Elizabeth, New Jersey, officials are likewise using a Chinese drone company DJI to surveil citizens who might be violating lockdown orders, even after the U. S. Army banned the company over cyber issues.
Here are some of the ways U.S. officials are emulating China’s tactics for tackling coronavirus, or COVID-19, which originated in the communist nation, where it has killed more than 45,000 people in less than two months.
Big Tech Uses Its Data To Track People
Silicon Valley giants are allowing their smartphone operating systems to use Bluetooth technology as a way of tracing people.
The decision has caused backlash.
Sen. Josh Hawley, for one, wrote in a letter Tuesday to the CEOs demanding the Silicon Valley giants commit to being held personally liable for how the technology is applied. Hawley has become one of the Senate’s harshest critics of the tech industry.
The companies insist users will be anonymous, but the Missouri Republican noted in his letter that such data can be “reidentified simply by cross-referencing it with another data set.”
Pairing GPS data with that from the project Google and Apple are embarking on can reveal identities, he said.
Do you think Americans are sacrificing their own liberty during this pandemic? 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: 92% (80 Votes) No: 8% (7 Votes)
Neither Apple nor Google have responded to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment about the claims Hawley is making.
The method is similar in China. Beijing uses a color-based “health code” system to control people’s whereabouts as a means of slowing down the virus while at the same time keeping the death toll to a minimum.
The codes, known as QR codes, are assigned to Chinese citizens to designate their health status. It essentially tracks where they are at all times.
A March 28 Wall Street Journal report noted that officials with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are using location data from cellphones to better understand the movements of American citizens. The data come from the mobile advertising industry, according to the report, which cited anonymous sources.
Such sources can reveal levels of compliance with lockdown orders, the report noted.
Privacy analysts say officials could be opening Pandora’s box if strong legal parameters are not implemented.
“As true anonymization of location data is nearly impossible, strong legal safeguards are mandatory,” Wolfie Christl, a privacy activist and researcher, told TheWSJ.
Lockdowns
China instituted the first lockdown in Wuhan at the end of January after officials first discovered COVID-19. The country closed restaurants, pubs, barbershops and nail shops, among other store fronts as officials went to extremes.
China President Xi Jinping said during a trip to Hangzhou that the draconian measures were a sign of China’s ability to control the country.
While Europe and American officials followed suit, with governors and mayors across the U.S. issuing stay-at-home orders and lockdowns, New York, New Jersey, Michigan and other states went an extra mile. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, for instance, signed an executive order on April 11 effectively banning citizens from purchasing so-called non-essential products.
DeBlasio Condones Snitching
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio encouraged fellow New Yorkers in a video on Twitter Tuesday to report their neighbors and other people for violating social distancing guidelines.
“When you see a crowd, when you see a line that’s not distanced, when you see a supermarket that’s too crowded–anything–you can report it right away so we can get there to fix the problem,” de Blasio said in the video.
New York levels $1,000 on people who do not adhere to social distancing policies.
How do you report places that aren’t enforcing social distancing? It’s simple: just snap a photo and text it to 311-692. #AskMyMayor pic.twitter.com/WQdCcVf1Rl — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) April 18, 2020
Some places in China, like the Sichuan province, pays citizens for information about their neighbor’s health — snitching on fellow citizens in the province can result in people being paid as much as 5,000 yuan, or $700, The Wall Street Journal reported in March.
Another government in Guangdong province offered face masks in exchange for information.
New Jersey City Uses China’s Drones
Meanwhile, Elizabeth, New Jersey, Mayor J. Christian Bollwage is deploying drones from Chinese-based company DJI to warn citizens who are walking outdoors not to get too close in physical proximity to other people. The drones blare sirens and issue this warning: “Stop gathering, disperse and go home.”
DJI reportedly donated drones to 43 agencies in 22 states to help enforce social distancing. The donations are part of DJI’s “COVID-19 US Disaster Relief Program,” which provides cities access to the drones for the purpose of surveilling populations during the pandemic.
The cameras give authorities the ability “to track who specifically has gone to which precise location,” Sophie Richardson, the China director at Human Rights Watch, told The Wall Street Journal in March. “It’s another way for the government to gather large amounts of information about people, really, without their consent, and in some cases, without their knowledge.”
Walking around without a protective face mask? Well, you can’t avoid these sharp-tongued drones! Many village and cities in China are using drones equipped with speakers to patrol during the #coronavirus outbreak. pic.twitter.com/ILbLmlkL9R — Global Times (@globaltimesnews) January 31, 2020
A 2017 memo from the Los Angeles office of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement bureau said officials had “moderate confidence” that DJI’s commercial drones are giving critical U.S. “infrastructure and law enforcement data to the Chinese government.”
The U.S. Army banned their use, citing cyber-security concerns.
Beijing has been using similar drones since 2016 to track down fugitives and monitor students taking tests, as well as policing Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. The country is now deploying drones to contain the coronavirus in rural areas where there are sparse medical services.
The drones, just like those in Elizabeth, warn citizens to put on face masks.
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
A version of this article appeared on The Daily Caller News Foundation website.
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