westernjournal--2020-04-23--Dem Sellout: AZ Senate Candidate Exploits Loophole After Vowing Not To Accept Corporate Money

If Arizona ’ s Senate seat is going to turn blue in the 2020 special election , Mark Kelly seems like the perfect Democratic candidate to make it happen .
GOP Sen. Martha McSally is a combat veteran ?
Oh yeah , Kelly is , too .
He ’ s also an astronaut .
He ’ s also the husband of Gabrielle Giffords , the former Arizona representative who was shot by a mentally ill man and became a high-profile campaigner for gun control .
And , like any good Democrat , Kelly also has abandoned a self-declared principled stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Early in his run , he made it clear he thought corporate PACs were , to quote Orwell ’ s Newspeak , doubleplusungood .
“ One of the biggest problems in our politics today is the amount of corporate PAC money in politics , ” Kelly tweeted in August .
“ That ’ s why I refuse to take a dime from corporate PACs to fund my campaign .
I will always fight # ForArizona families , not special interests.
” TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Less About Us Even then , the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee knew he was a hypocrite : It wasn ’ t just Republicans , either .
“ It ’ s kind of weird , though , to say you ’ re not taking corporate PAC money , but then also directly taking corporate PAC money into your personal account , ” Democratic Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego said in an interview with The Intercept .
“ I don ’ t understand why [ you would ] even take that pledge if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Since declaring for the 2020 election , Kelly has amassed $ 290,400 in speaking fees , including from clients like Goldman Sachs , Optum and the Mortgage Bankers Association .
Oh , if they only knew what was to come .
But I ’ m getting ahead of myself considering the fact that Kelly was still lambasting corporate PACs .
“ I think Washington , D.C. , is failing the state of Arizona on these things , and there ’ s structural problems with the way our system is set up , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to The Washington Free Beacon .
RELATED : While AOC Still Gets a Paycheck , She Says People Should n't Return to Work as Communities Reopen “ As an example , corporate PAC money in our political system makes it so hard for people to get elected to Congress to do what they think is right instead of doing what some company wants .
That ’ s why I ’ m not taking corporate PAC money.
” Well , don ’ t worry .
He ’ s not technically taking money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just being dishonest about how he ’ s getting those sweet , sweet corporate PAC bucks .
“ While Kelly isn ’ t directly taking money from corporate PACs , his campaign is still benefiting from a loophole by which leadership PACs serve as a pass-through for corporate cash , ” The Free Beacon reported .
“ The retired astronaut received over a dozen donations in September from leadership PACs , including the Country Roads and Blue Hen PACs .
The donations ranged from $ 2,500 to $ 5,000.
” Blue Hen PAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coons .
It ’ s received corporate donations from Bank of America , Google , Microsoft , Comcast and AT & T for 2020 .
Country Roads PAC , meanwhile , is Democratic West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin ’ s PAC , the recipient of donations from Altria , Comcast , General Motors and Northrop Grumman .
“ Since announcing his candidacy , Kelly ’ s campaign has received more than $ 140,000 from leadership PACs , including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ’ s ( D. , N.Y. ) Impact PAC , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Facebook , Bank of America , Delta Air Lines , Google , and Goldman Sachs .
Impact made two $ 5,000 donations to Kelly ’ s campaign in May , ” The Free Beacon reported .
The Western Journal reached out to Kelly ’ s campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response .
This isn ’ t going to hurt Kelly one bit since no one ’ s going to enforce a purity test on Democrats if they can turn both seats in Arizona blue in the space of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both times while they ’ re at it ) .
For that matter , don ’ t expect Kelly to stop repeating this pledge .
McSally may challenge him on it — and it ’ s not going to induce a single Democrat to stay home .
Also , it ’ s not like he ’ ll end up losing his anti-corporate cred .
Selling out is a Democrat tradition , especially when you exploit a loophole so you never have to admit that you did .
Let ’ s hope that Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ruse .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If Arizona’s Senate seat is going to turn blue in the 2020 special election, Mark Kelly seems like the perfect Democratic candidate to make it happen.
GOP Sen. Martha McSally is a combat veteran? Oh yeah, Kelly is, too. He’s also an astronaut. He’s also the husband of Gabrielle Giffords, the former Arizona representative who was shot by a mentally ill man and became a high-profile campaigner for gun control.
And, like any good Democrat, Kelly also has abandoned a self-declared principled stand against taking political action committee money.
Early in his run, he made it clear he thought corporate PACs were, to quote Orwell’s Newspeak, doubleplusungood.
“One of the biggest problems in our politics today is the amount of corporate PAC money in politics,” Kelly tweeted in August. “That’s why I refuse to take a dime from corporate PACs to fund my campaign. I will always fight #ForArizona families, not special interests.”
One of the biggest problems in our politics today is the amount of corporate PAC money in politics. That’s why I refuse to take a dime from corporate PACs to fund my campaign. I will always fight #ForArizona families, not special interests. — Captain Mark Kelly (@CaptMarkKelly) August 16, 2019
Even then, the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee knew he was a hypocrite:
This is very disingenuous from a guy who is STILL getting paid by corporations to give speeches even as he campaigns for the Senate. https://t.co/sMkjuDF2T2pic.twitter.com/LMsfk83006 — Matt Whitlock (@mattdizwhitlock) August 16, 2019
It wasn’t just Republicans, either.
“It’s kind of weird, though, to say you’re not taking corporate PAC money, but then also directly taking corporate PAC money into your personal account,” Democratic Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego said in an interview with The Intercept. “I don’t understand why [you would] even take that pledge if you’re not personally living that.”
Since declaring for the 2020 election, Kelly has amassed $290,400 in speaking fees, including from clients like Goldman Sachs, Optum and the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Oh, if they only knew what was to come. But I’m getting ahead of myself considering the fact that Kelly was still lambasting corporate PACs.
“I think Washington, D.C., is failing the state of Arizona on these things, and there’s structural problems with the way our system is set up,” Kelly said in a November interview, according to The Washington Free Beacon.
“As an example, corporate PAC money in our political system makes it so hard for people to get elected to Congress to do what they think is right instead of doing what some company wants. That’s why I’m not taking corporate PAC money.”
Well, don’t worry. He’s not technically taking money from corporate PACs. He’s just being dishonest about how he’s getting those sweet, sweet corporate PAC bucks.
“While Kelly isn’t directly taking money from corporate PACs, his campaign is still benefiting from a loophole by which leadership PACs serve as a pass-through for corporate cash,” The Free Beacon reported.
Will Kelly defeat McSally? Yes No
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“The retired astronaut received over a dozen donations in September from leadership PACs, including the Country Roads and Blue Hen PACs. The donations ranged from $2,500 to $5,000.”
Blue Hen PAC is associated with Democratic Delaware Sen. Chris Coons. It’s received corporate donations from Bank of America, Google, Microsoft, Comcast and AT&T for 2020.
Country Roads PAC, meanwhile, is Democratic West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin’s PAC, the recipient of donations from Altria, Comcast, General Motors and Northrop Grumman.
But wait! There’s more.
“Since announcing his candidacy, Kelly’s campaign has received more than $140,000 from leadership PACs, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D., N.Y.) Impact PAC, which is funded by corporate PAC donations from Facebook, Bank of America, Delta Air Lines, Google, and Goldman Sachs. Impact made two $5,000 donations to Kelly’s campaign in May,” The Free Beacon reported.
The Western Journal reached out to Kelly’s campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
This isn’t going to hurt Kelly one bit since no one’s going to enforce a purity test on Democrats if they can turn both seats in Arizona blue in the space of two years (and beat Martha McSally both times while they’re at it).
For that matter, don’t expect Kelly to stop repeating this pledge. McSally may challenge him on it — and it’s not going to induce a single Democrat to stay home.
Also, it’s not like he’ll end up losing his anti-corporate cred. Selling out is a Democrat tradition, especially when you exploit a loophole so you never have to admit that you did.
Let’s hope that Arizona voters have enough information to see through this ruse.
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westernjournal--2020-04-23--FBI Halting Gun Sales? Reportedly Breaking Law, Keeping Americans from Arming Selves

The Second Amendment has been an unexpected casualty of the coronavirus pandemic in certain parts of the country as various anti-gun jurisdictions have deemed firearms manufacturers and retailers as “ non-essential ” businesses that have been ordered closed .
As it turns out , however , one part of the federal bureaucracy also appears to also have taken advantage of the public health crisis to limit or deny the right enshrined by the Second Amendment and guaranteed to the American people .
Former Georgia Rep. Bob Barr , a Republican who now serves as the president of the Law Enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the FBI has , at best , exploited a loophole in the federal laws .
At worst , according to Barr , it is making up the rules as it goes to deny authorization for legal firearm purchases .
Barr ’ s assertion came in a commentary piece published by The Daily Caller in which he explained how the FBI appeared to be taking advantage of a certain provision within the 1998 law that created the National Instant Criminal Background Checks System , better known as NICS , that is required of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Firearms Licensees , the official term for licensed gun dealers .
During normal operation of NICS , prospective purchasers of firearms are submitted through the system for a background check to see if they fall into any of the categories of those prohibited from possessing a firearm , a process that is typically done “ instantly.
” TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us However , there is a provision within the law that allows the FBI to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purchase for up to three business days to allow sufficient time for a records check .
If the FBI has failed to make a determination on the purchaser ’ s background after those three business days have elapsed , it falls to the discretion of the dealer whether to allow the purchase to proceed .
Where the FBI ’ s “ skullduggery , ” as Barr described it , comes into play is the fact that the “ three business days ” provision is tied to language defining those days as when “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in normal times simply saves the FBI from being pressured to complete a check on an extended holiday weekend .
Unfortunately , during this ongoing public health crisis , every state is currently under both a state and federally declared “ state of emergency ” that , in theory , has state offices closed down — though in actuality , most state offices remain open , although in a limited fashion .
Nevertheless , it appears , according to Barr , that the FBI has extrapolated those emergency declarations into meaning that state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , and as such has been reportedly sending out notices to dealers that the “ three business days ” allowed for a hold has been extended to 30 business days .
“ Since the announcements over the past several weeks of federal and state-level COVID-19 ‘ state of emergency ’ decrees , during which many businesses and public events are closed , FFLs have been receiving notices from the FBI that certain transactions are delayed not for three business days , which is the maximum the law allows , but for 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though , Barr pointed out that there is no provision anywhere within the federal laws allowing for such an extended hold , and he asserted that any interpretation of the laws as such constitutes “ subterfuge ” by the FBI that is a violation of Second Amendment rights .
He explained that , in effect , the FBI can use the 30-day hold to perpetually bar an individual from purchasing a firearm , given the fact that a submission to NICS is only valid for 30 days before it expires and must then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never-ending loop , ” in Barr ’ s words .
Barr further explained that what the FBI was doing had placed firearms dealers in a rather uncomfortable position , in that , by law , they are permitted to allow a purchase to proceed if a denial hasn ’ t been issued within the standard three business days .
If , however , a dealer did decide to allow a purchase to be made and then later learned from the FBI that the purchaser was prohibited from buying a weapon , the dealer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
RELATED : 'View ' Host Behar Compares Protesters Wanting To Get Back to Work to Terrorists That predicament undoubtedly has chilled many firearms dealers from making potential sales — even to law-abiding citizens who ’ ve never been in trouble — during a time when there is unprecedented demand for firearms .
“ The director of the FBI should step in and stop this bureaucratic skullduggery , and if he will not , the Attorney General should , ” Barr wrote .
“ Anti-gun state and local government officials are trying every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deny law-abiding citizens the ability to exercise their rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment .
Americans do not need bureaucrats at the FBI making it even more difficult.
” If what Barr has asserted is true , and FBI bureaucrats are exploiting the NICS law — if not manufacturing a non-existent provision out of nothing — to deny American citizens their right to legally purchase a firearm , then that is a big problem .
As Barr noted , the American people already have enough problems dealing with infringements of the Second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in certain jurisdictions and don ’ t need that problem compounded by power-hungry control freaks or anti-gun bureaucrats in the federal government .
Hopefully , FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General William Barr , if not even President Donald Trump , will step in and clarify this rule and put a stop to this unconstitutional bureaucratic anti-gun nonsense .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The Second Amendment has been an unexpected casualty of the coronavirus pandemic in certain parts of the country as various anti-gun jurisdictions have deemed firearms manufacturers and retailers as “non-essential” businesses that have been ordered closed.
As it turns out, however, one part of the federal bureaucracy also appears to also have taken advantage of the public health crisis to limit or deny the right enshrined by the Second Amendment and guaranteed to the American people.
Former Georgia Rep. Bob Barr, a Republican who now serves as the president of the Law Enforcement Education Foundation in Atlanta, has alleged that the FBI has, at best, exploited a loophole in the federal laws. At worst, according to Barr, it is making up the rules as it goes to deny authorization for legal firearm purchases.
Barr’s assertion came in a commentary piece published by The Daily Caller in which he explained how the FBI appeared to be taking advantage of a certain provision within the 1998 law that created the National Instant Criminal Background Checks System, better known as NICS, that is required of all legal firearms purchases made through Federal Firearms Licensees, the official term for licensed gun dealers.
During normal operation of NICS, prospective purchasers of firearms are submitted through the system for a background check to see if they fall into any of the categories of those prohibited from possessing a firearm, a process that is typically done “instantly.”
However, there is a provision within the law that allows the FBI to place a “hold” on a purchase for up to three business days to allow sufficient time for a records check. If the FBI has failed to make a determination on the purchaser’s background after those three business days have elapsed, it falls to the discretion of the dealer whether to allow the purchase to proceed.
Where the FBI’s “skullduggery,” as Barr described it, comes into play is the fact that the “three business days” provision is tied to language defining those days as when “state offices are open,” which in normal times simply saves the FBI from being pressured to complete a check on an extended holiday weekend.
Unfortunately, during this ongoing public health crisis, every state is currently under both a state and federally declared “state of emergency” that, in theory, has state offices closed down — though in actuality, most state offices remain open, although in a limited fashion.
Nevertheless, it appears, according to Barr, that the FBI has extrapolated those emergency declarations into meaning that state offices are closed for upwards of a month, and as such has been reportedly sending out notices to dealers that the “three business days” allowed for a hold has been extended to 30 business days.
Do you think the FBI is using the coronavirus crisis to hinder gun purchases? Yes No
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Barr wrote:
“Since the announcements over the past several weeks of federal and state-level COVID-19 ‘state of emergency’ decrees, during which many businesses and public events are closed, FFLs have been receiving notices from the FBI that certain transactions are delayed not for three business days, which is the maximum the law allows, but for 30 days or even longer.”
Interestingly, though, Barr pointed out that there is no provision anywhere within the federal laws allowing for such an extended hold, and he asserted that any interpretation of the laws as such constitutes “subterfuge” by the FBI that is a violation of Second Amendment rights.
He explained that, in effect, the FBI can use the 30-day hold to perpetually bar an individual from purchasing a firearm, given the fact that a submission to NICS is only valid for 30 days before it expires and must then be submitted again — a perpetual “never-ending loop,” in Barr’s words.
Barr further explained that what the FBI was doing had placed firearms dealers in a rather uncomfortable position, in that, by law, they are permitted to allow a purchase to proceed if a denial hasn’t been issued within the standard three business days. If, however, a dealer did decide to allow a purchase to be made and then later learned from the FBI that the purchaser was prohibited from buying a weapon, the dealer could potentially be exposed to legal consequences.
That predicament undoubtedly has chilled many firearms dealers from making potential sales — even to law-abiding citizens who’ve never been in trouble — during a time when there is unprecedented demand for firearms.
“The director of the FBI should step in and stop this bureaucratic skullduggery, and if he will not, the Attorney General should,” Barr wrote. “Anti-gun state and local government officials are trying every trick in the book during this pandemic to deny law-abiding citizens the ability to exercise their rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Americans do not need bureaucrats at the FBI making it even more difficult.”
If what Barr has asserted is true, and FBI bureaucrats are exploiting the NICS law — if not manufacturing a non-existent provision out of nothing — to deny American citizens their right to legally purchase a firearm, then that is a big problem.
As Barr noted, the American people already have enough problems dealing with infringements of the Second Amendment at the state and local level in certain jurisdictions and don’t need that problem compounded by power-hungry control freaks or anti-gun bureaucrats in the federal government.
Hopefully, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General William Barr, if not even President Donald Trump, will step in and clarify this rule and put a stop to this unconstitutional bureaucratic anti-gun nonsense.
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westernjournal--2020-04-23--VP Hopeful Stacey Abrams Claims Trump Is ‘Illegitimate and Should Not Hold Office’

Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said President Donald Trump is “ illegitimate and should not hold office ” because he opposes vote-by-mail in the 2020 election .
“ The challenge that he sees is that it will increase the likelihood of those who are confined to home actually using that time to participate in the election , ” Abrams told CNN ’ s David Axelrod on his Thursday episode of “ The Axe Files ” podcast .
“ And any time a leader is afraid of people speaking their minds and making their selections , he is illegitimate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been largely discussed as people look for safe ways to hold the 2020 presidential election .
Whereas absentee ballots can be requested by voters — in some states without an excuse — a ballot is automatically mailed to every eligible voter in a vote-by-mail system , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us That would make it easier for people who otherwise might not vote to take part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five states that conduct all elections by mail : Colorado , Hawaii , Oregon , Utah and Washington .
Abrams said that in response to the coronavirus pandemic , voting by mail will make sure that everyone stays home and stays safe .
“ We are pushing for in the vote by mail compulsion that we are trying to push up , that we are hearing that we need in the next CARES package is this : vote by mail is one way to ensure that we have safe , accessible voting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Abrams said .
“ There is no legitimate reason to remove both unless you are a state that has been doing this for so long you have solved the issues of mass in-person voting.
” Abrams also touted herself as a strong candidate for former Vice President Joe Biden ’ s running mate during the podcast .
The presumptive Democratic nominee has committed to choosing a woman as his running mate .
“ I have the deepest respect for every woman who is being talked about and who should be considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But I know that for communities of color , particularly for the black community , there has got to be a recognition that their needs are met .
And we have to have candidates who are able to not only speak to them , but turn them out.
” RELATED : Trump Announces Air Force and Navy Flyovers of Major Cities To Honor Health Care Workers She pointed to the importance of ensuring general election voter turnout , saying that they do not pay as much attention to politics as primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be an intentionality to turning them out .
A lot of folks can do that .
I ’ m one of those people , ” Abrams added .
“ And I have proven it by turning out more people of color in an election than anyone in 2018 did .
Not by race , but by raw number.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said President Donald Trump is “illegitimate and should not hold office” because he opposes vote-by-mail in the 2020 election.
“The challenge that he sees is that it will increase the likelihood of those who are confined to home actually using that time to participate in the election,” Abrams told CNN’s David Axelrod on his Thursday episode of “The Axe Files” podcast.
“And any time a leader is afraid of people speaking their minds and making their selections, he is illegitimate and should not hold office.”
Mail-in voting has been largely discussed as people look for safe ways to hold the 2020 presidential election.
Whereas absentee ballots can be requested by voters — in some states without an excuse — a ballot is automatically mailed to every eligible voter in a vote-by-mail system, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
That would make it easier for people who otherwise might not vote to take part in elections.
Currently, there are five states that conduct all elections by mail: Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
Abrams said that in response to the coronavirus pandemic, voting by mail will make sure that everyone stays home and stays safe.
“We are pushing for in the vote by mail compulsion that we are trying to push up, that we are hearing that we need in the next CARES package is this: vote by mail is one way to ensure that we have safe, accessible voting and it is coupled with voting in person,” Abrams said.
Do you think Stacey Abrams will be Biden's pick for vice president? Yes No
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“There is no legitimate reason to remove both unless you are a state that has been doing this for so long you have solved the issues of mass in-person voting.”
Abrams also touted herself as a strong candidate for former Vice President Joe Biden’s running mate during the podcast.
The presumptive Democratic nominee has committed to choosing a woman as his running mate.
“I have the deepest respect for every woman who is being talked about and who should be considered for this post,” Abrams said.
“But I know that for communities of color, particularly for the black community, there has got to be a recognition that their needs are met. And we have to have candidates who are able to not only speak to them, but turn them out.”
She pointed to the importance of ensuring general election voter turnout, saying that they do not pay as much attention to politics as primary election voters do.
“There has to be an intentionality to turning them out. A lot of folks can do that. I’m one of those people,” Abrams added.
“And I have proven it by turning out more people of color in an election than anyone in 2018 did. Not by race, but by raw number.”
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westernjournal--2020-04-23--Bob Ehrlich: Six Takeaways from the Trump Presidency After Four Years

The start of phase one of our national recovery brings attention back to the presidential campaign .
As we gear up for what will be a brutal contest , now may be the appropriate time to digest the significant ways Donald J. Trump has changed our political and presidential landscape — and why our politics will never be the same .
In other words , how the old rules have changed : 1 .
Old Rule : Be Guarded in Your Public Pronouncements This may be the most dramatic ( and intriguing ) aspect of this president and his rhetorical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us Granted , Mr. Trump has at times shown a willingness to play it conventional — directly off the teleprompter — especially when on foreign soil or addressing the issue of potential military engagements or the scientific components of coronavirus news .
But his daily virus-related media availabilities speak far more to the unvarnished Trump the American people have come to either love , or hate : optimistic ( sometimes prematurely so ) , cheerleading and transparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For context , recall last week ’ s “ LIBERATE VIRGINIA , ” “ LIBERATE MICHIGAN ” tweets aimed squarely at Democratic governors exhibiting draconian shutdown orders , or his admission that the U.S. could win in Afghanistan if only he were willing to “ kill ten million people , ” or his harsh criticism of the GOP Senate for an Obamacare replacement bill that could “ hurt people , ” or his rejection of a retaliatory missile attack against the Iranians because it would cause “ needless casualties , ” or his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change of heart on respirator production or even his early campaign threats to Boeing and Lockheed regarding unreasonable price tags on the new Air Force One and F-35 fighter .
I could go on , but the pattern is clear .
The praise , criticism and opinions are always upfront , always personal , always in the moment .
What you see is what you get .
Presidential biographies typically speak to the goal of winning over the fourth estate .
If this item were ever on Mr. Trump ’ s agenda , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became clear that the populist celebrity was striking a dangerous chord in Deplorables land .
Some would say the president ’ s relentless campaign to degrade , bypass or even ignore the press ( even friendly media when not so approving ) is somewhat Reaganesque .
This notion harkens back to the mainstream media ’ s frustration with the Great Communicator ’ s “ aw shucks ” habit of going around them and directly to the American people .
But upon further review , the analogy fails .
Reagan ’ s warm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distinguished from Mr. Trump ’ s in-your-face , call- ’ em-out approach .
Further , the advent of social media has provided this president with something President Reagan never had — a direct means of eliminating the ( often hostile ) intermediary press : his Twitter account .
What was once viewed as comical by Trump supporters and undignified ( at best ) by Trump detractors is now a familiar Trump campaign tactic .
Not to say that all Trump supporters appreciate the derogatory labels ( “ Sleepy Joe , ” “ Pocahontas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but one takeaway is impossible to rebut : There has been no GOP or Democratic party challenger who has hit upon an effective response to this favored Trump line of attack .
“ Mini Mike ” Bloomberg ’ s attempt to slap back — dismissing the president as a “ clown ” and the object of behind-the-back scorn by fellow New Yorkers — was about as effective as the former New York mayor ’ s presidential campaign .
I am not the first to make this observation , but I wish that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president ’ s propensity to not only be unguarded at times , but also to ignore the expected ( and widely accepted ) diplomatic hypocrisies that accompany public life at the highest level .
Numerous examples come to mind .
The brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi ?
The president ’ s response focused on Saudi Arabia as a valued strategic partner — not the possible complicity of the Saudi government .
George Stephanopoulos asking whether he would listen to a foreign government with “ dirt ” on a political opponent ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ — not the safe or expected response for the average politician .
How to respond to the taunts and insults of an unstable North Korean dictator ?
Mr. Trump answers with taunts and insults of his own — not exactly the expected , kick-the-can-down-the-road diplomatic route followed by every other U.S. president .
Another old rule meant to protect a politician from too much public familiarity .
A sensible rationale accompanies the admonition that “ even popular politicians can wear out their welcome.
” Although some may see this guideline as particularly useful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , it does not appear that anyone associated with the Trump administration is remotely familiar with it .
In other words , like it or not , the original presumption of the first Trump campaign , that Donald J. Trump himself would conduct relentless media messaging on a daily basis , has not changed .
In Trump World there is simply no such thing as overexposure .
Reality check for media haters : There will be no change to this approach in the second term , either .
What has been gospel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oxymoronic during the Trump era .
Whether the storyline of the day emanates from early morning tweets or an off-the-cuff response to a reporter ’ s question , there is no doubt that one man has daily set the day ’ s media narrative for the better part of four years .
Still , important messages can get trampled by less important ones , and then there is the occasional inconsistency that opposing media types never ignore .
But such obstacles are temporary , and , after all , tomorrow is another day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrative .
A nimble press operation , to say the least , is a necessity in this environment .
My last book was about the 2016 Trump campaign .
It was entitled “ Bet You Didn ’ t See That One Coming ” — as true today as it was four years ago .
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism @ @ @ @ @ @

The start of phase one of our national recovery brings attention back to the presidential campaign.
As we gear up for what will be a brutal contest, now may be the appropriate time to digest the significant ways Donald J. Trump has changed our political and presidential landscape — and why our politics will never be the same.
In other words, how the old rules have changed:
1. Old Rule: Be Guarded in Your Public Pronouncements
This may be the most dramatic (and intriguing) aspect of this president and his rhetorical style.
Granted, Mr. Trump has at times shown a willingness to play it conventional — directly off the teleprompter — especially when on foreign soil or addressing the issue of potential military engagements or the scientific components of coronavirus news.
But his daily virus-related media availabilities speak far more to the unvarnished Trump the American people have come to either love, or hate: optimistic (sometimes prematurely so), cheerleading and transparent — especially when angry or frustrated.
For context, recall last week’s “LIBERATE VIRGINIA,” “LIBERATE MICHIGAN” tweets aimed squarely at Democratic governors exhibiting draconian shutdown orders, or his admission that the U.S. could win in Afghanistan if only he were willing to “kill ten million people,” or his harsh criticism of the GOP Senate for an Obamacare replacement bill that could “hurt people,” or his rejection of a retaliatory missile attack against the Iranians because it would cause “needless casualties,” or his recent criticism of General Motors’ alleged change of heart on respirator production or even his early campaign threats to Boeing and Lockheed regarding unreasonable price tags on the new Air Force One and F-35 fighter.
I could go on, but the pattern is clear. The praise, criticism and opinions are always upfront, always personal, always in the moment. What you see is what you get.
2. Old Rule: Respect the Media
Presidential biographies typically speak to the goal of winning over the fourth estate.
If this item were ever on Mr. Trump’s agenda, it was jettisoned early on as it became clear that the populist celebrity was striking a dangerous chord in Deplorables land.
Some would say the president’s relentless campaign to degrade, bypass or even ignore the press (even friendly media when not so approving) is somewhat Reaganesque. This notion harkens back to the mainstream media’s frustration with the Great Communicator’s “aw shucks” habit of going around them and directly to the American people.
But upon further review, the analogy fails. Reagan’s warm, friendly demeanor with the media is wholly distinguished from Mr. Trump’s in-your-face, call-’em-out approach.
Further, the advent of social media has provided this president with something President Reagan never had — a direct means of eliminating the (often hostile) intermediary press: his Twitter account.
3. Old Rule: Respect Your Opponent
What was once viewed as comical by Trump supporters and undignified (at best) by Trump detractors is now a familiar Trump campaign tactic.
Not to say that all Trump supporters appreciate the derogatory labels (“Sleepy Joe,” “Pocahontas,” “Mini Mike”), but one takeaway is impossible to rebut: There has been no GOP or Democratic party challenger who has hit upon an effective response to this favored Trump line of attack.
“Mini Mike” Bloomberg’s attempt to slap back — dismissing the president as a “clown” and the object of behind-the-back scorn by fellow New Yorkers — was about as effective as the former New York mayor’s presidential campaign.
4. Old Rule: Engage in Diplomatic Hypocrisy
I am not the first to make this observation, but I wish that I had been. It concerns the president’s propensity to not only be unguarded at times, but also to ignore the expected (and widely accepted) diplomatic hypocrisies that accompany public life at the highest level.
Do you think Trump will keep up these changes to the status quo should he win a second term? Yes No
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Numerous examples come to mind. The brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi? The president’s response focused on Saudi Arabia as a valued strategic partner — not the possible complicity of the Saudi government.
George Stephanopoulos asking whether he would listen to a foreign government with “dirt” on a political opponent? The president answered that he would listen — not the safe or expected response for the average politician.
How to respond to the taunts and insults of an unstable North Korean dictator? Mr. Trump answers with taunts and insults of his own — not exactly the expected, kick-the-can-down-the-road diplomatic route followed by every other U.S. president.
5. Old Rule: Avoid Overexposure
Another old rule meant to protect a politician from too much public familiarity. A sensible rationale accompanies the admonition that “even popular politicians can wear out their welcome.”
Although some may see this guideline as particularly useful in the age of television and social media, it does not appear that anyone associated with the Trump administration is remotely familiar with it.
In other words, like it or not, the original presumption of the first Trump campaign, that Donald J. Trump himself would conduct relentless media messaging on a daily basis, has not changed. In Trump World there is simply no such thing as overexposure.
Reality check for media haters: There will be no change to this approach in the second term, either.
6. Old Rule: Stay on Message
What has been gospel for generations of political campaign managers is oxymoronic during the Trump era.
Whether the storyline of the day emanates from early morning tweets or an off-the-cuff response to a reporter’s question, there is no doubt that one man has daily set the day’s media narrative for the better part of four years.
Still, important messages can get trampled by less important ones, and then there is the occasional inconsistency that opposing media types never ignore.
But such obstacles are temporary, and, after all, tomorrow is another day — and another opportunity to reset the narrative. A nimble press operation, to say the least, is a necessity in this environment.
My last book was about the 2016 Trump campaign. It was entitled “Bet You Didn’t See That One Coming” — as true today as it was four years ago.
The views expressed in this opinion article are those of their author and are not necessarily either shared or endorsed by the owners of this website. If you are interested in contributing an Op-Ed to The Western Journal, you can learn about our submission guidelines and process here.
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westernjournal--2020-04-23--After First Responders Don’t Comply, New York Rescinds Disturbing ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ Order

There is good news coming out of New York as state officials walked back an all-encompassing “ do-not-resuscitate ” order on Wednesday after emergency workers refused to comply .
While existing guidelines advised first responders to spend 20 minutes attempting to revive victims with no pulse , the New York Post reported on Tuesday that a state Health Department memo was reversing that guidance , telling responders not to attempt to revive victims at all .
The change is “ necessary during the COVID-19 response to protect the health and safety of EMS providers by limiting their exposure , conserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment to save the greatest number of lives , ” the memo read .
“ Now you don ’ t get 20 minutes of CPR if you have no rhythm , ” a Fire Department of New York emergency medical services worker told the Post .
“ They simply let you die.
” The state health department acknowledged the memo on Wednesday and announced it was being rescinded .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us “ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EMS Regional Medical Control Systems and the State Advisory Council — in accordance with American Heart Association guidance and based on standards recommended by the American College of Emergency Physicians and adopted in multiple other states — was issued April 17 , 2020 at the recommendation of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services , and reflected nationally recognized minimum standards , ” department spokeswoman Jill Montag told Fox News in a statement .
“ However , they don ’ t reflect New York ’ s standards and for that reason DOH Commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be rescinded , ” she added .
When the story about the DNR guidance first broke , many were unhappy with the new order , including city firefighters .
“ They ’ re not giving people a second chance to live anymore , ’ ’ Oren Barzilay , president of FDNY Local 2507 , told the Post .
“ Our job is to bring patients back to life .
This guideline takes that away from us , ” he said .
With the order rescinded , the New York State Catholic Conference , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bishops , expressed support for the first responders ’ decision to ignore the order .
“ Clearly the state ’ s first responders were deeply uncomfortable with this new guidance , and rightly so , ” the organization tweeted .
“ We ’ re grateful the Health Department quickly rescinded this ill-advised order.
” RELATED : Gov Cuomo on People Stuck in Abusive Households : Domestic Violence Is 'Very Bad , ' But Shutdown Is n't Just About You The fact that the order was implemented in the first place directly conflicts with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed when he imposed drastic social distancing measures in the “ New York State on PAUSE ” executive order issued on March 20 .
“ When we look back at this situation ten years from now , I want to be able to say to the people of New York I did everything we could do , ” Cuomo said .
“ This is about saving lives , and if everything we do saves just one life , I ’ ll be happy.
” On April 2 , the Post reported that ambulances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Regional Emergency Medical Services Council of New York , which controls the city ’ s ambulance operations , not to take cardiac arrest victims to the strained New York hospitals if attempts to revive patients at the scene failed .
During the coronavirus pandemic , emergency resources are no doubt stretched thin .
However , advising the heroes who put their lives on the line every day for others to simply leave a patient who needs help goes against everything for which they stand .
It is indeed a slippery slope when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene , make blanket decisions about who should not be saved .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

There is good news coming out of New York as state officials walked back an all-encompassing “do-not-resuscitate” order on Wednesday after emergency workers refused to comply.
While existing guidelines advised first responders to spend 20 minutes attempting to revive victims with no pulse, the New York Post reported on Tuesday that a state Health Department memo was reversing that guidance, telling responders not to attempt to revive victims at all.
The change is “necessary during the COVID-19 response to protect the health and safety of EMS providers by limiting their exposure, conserve resources, and ensure optimal use of equipment to save the greatest number of lives,” the memo read.
“Now you don’t get 20 minutes of CPR if you have no rhythm,” a Fire Department of New York emergency medical services worker told the Post. “They simply let you die.”
The state health department acknowledged the memo on Wednesday and announced it was being rescinded.
“This guidance, proposed by physician leaders of the EMS Regional Medical Control Systems and the State Advisory Council — in accordance with American Heart Association guidance and based on standards recommended by the American College of Emergency Physicians and adopted in multiple other states — was issued April 17, 2020 at the recommendation of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, and reflected nationally recognized minimum standards,” department spokeswoman Jill Montag told Fox News in a statement.
“However, they don’t reflect New York’s standards and for that reason DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker has ordered them to be rescinded,” she added.
When the story about the DNR guidance first broke, many were unhappy with the new order, including city firefighters.
“They’re not giving people a second chance to live anymore,’’ Oren Barzilay, president of FDNY Local 2507, told the Post.
“Our job is to bring patients back to life. This guideline takes that away from us,” he said.
The slippery slope steepens. “Our job is to bring patients back to life. This guideline takes that away from us.” https://t.co/7nk9C2LGe6 — Praying Medic (@prayingmedic) April 22, 2020
With the order rescinded, the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the state’s Catholic bishops, expressed support for the first responders’ decision to ignore the order.
“Clearly the state’s first responders were deeply uncomfortable with this new guidance, and rightly so,” the organization tweeted. “We’re grateful the Health Department quickly rescinded this ill-advised order.”
Clearly the state’s first responders were deeply uncomfortable with this new guidance, and rightly so. We’re grateful the Health Department quickly rescinded this ill-advised order. https://t.co/QKtK4DWly3 — NYS Catholic Conference (@NYSCatholicConf) April 22, 2020
The fact that the order was implemented in the first place directly conflicts with what New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo claimed when he imposed drastic social distancing measures in the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order issued on March 20.
“When we look back at this situation ten years from now, I want to be able to say to the people of New York I did everything we could do,” Cuomo said.
“This is about saving lives, and if everything we do saves just one life, I’ll be happy.”
On April 2, the Post reported that ambulances had been instructed in a letter from the Regional Emergency Medical Services Council of New York, which controls the city’s ambulance operations, not to take cardiac arrest victims to the strained New York hospitals if attempts to revive patients at the scene failed.
Do you think decisions on treating COVID-19 victims should be left to medical personnel instead of bureaucrats? Yes No
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During the coronavirus pandemic, emergency resources are no doubt stretched thin. However, advising the heroes who put their lives on the line every day for others to simply leave a patient who needs help goes against everything for which they stand.
It is indeed a slippery slope when bureaucrats, rather than medical personnel on the scene, make blanket decisions about who should not be saved.
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westernjournal--2020-04-23--Trump Announces Air Force and Navy Flyovers of Major Cities To Honor Health Care Workers

President Donald Trump has announced the military will be thanking front-line health care workers for their tireless efforts combating the coronavirus by saluting them with dazzling air displays in cities throughout the country .
In a mission that has been dubbed “ Operation America Strong , ” the Department of Defense will send the Navy ’ s Blue Angels and the Air Force ’ s Thunderbirds to conduct flyovers throughout numerous cities in the coming weeks .
“ I ’ m excited to announce that , in the coming weeks , the Air Force Thunderbirds — they ’ re incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equally incredible — will be performing air shows over America ’ s major cities and some of the cities that aren ’ t major cities , ” Trump said at Wednesday ’ s White House coronavirus task force media briefing .
“ What we ’ re doing is we ’ re paying tribute to our front-line health care workers confronting COVID .
And it ’ s really a signal to all Americans to remain vigilant during the outbreak.
, ” Trump added .
“ This is a tribute to them , to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those incredible pilots and all of the fighters that we have for the more traditional fights that we win , ” the president concluded .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us An anonymous Pentagon source told The Washington Post the flyovers are a way for the military to thank health care workers .
“ This is just a sincere thank-you , ” the unnamed senior military official said .
“ It ’ s one way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A memo obtained by The Post said pilots from the Navy and Air Force will fly together over the cities of Atlanta , Austin , Baltimore , Dallas , Houston , Newark , New York , Philadelphia , Trenton and Washington , D.C. Trump indicated military planes will also fly over the National Mall in Washington this summer to celebrate Independence Day , just as they did last year .
“ And on July 4 , we ’ ll be doing what we had at the Mall [ last year ] , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That was a great success as you remember , even though it was pouring .
It was raining so hard .
It was raining at — that was about as hard as I ’ ve seen in a while , but it was an amazing success .
Didn ’ t bother the pilots .
It didn ’ t bother the military .
It didn ’ t bother the crews that we had there .
So we ’ re going to be doing that again on July 4.
” On Saturday , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to thank health care workers .
Their flight path saw them fly over Fort Collins in the northern part of the state , all the way down through Denver , Colorado Springs and Pueblo .
The Thunderbirds shared their flight path on Twitter before the flyover , and wrote a special message of thanks on Sunday : RELATED : Trump Orders Navy To 'Shoot Down and Destroy Any and All Iranian Gunboats ' That Harass US Ships “ We salute Colorado ’ s healthcare workers and first responders who are at the forefront @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 .
They are an inspiration for the entire country during these challenging times and it was an honor to fly for them yesterday , ” the squadron tweeted .
Videos of the flyovers went viral online : The Coloradoan reported the Thunderbirds were in Colorado to take part in the Air Force Academy ’ s graduation ceremony , which had occurred earlier on Saturday .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump has announced the military will be thanking front-line health care workers for their tireless efforts combating the coronavirus by saluting them with dazzling air displays in cities throughout the country.
In a mission that has been dubbed “Operation America Strong,” the Department of Defense will send the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds to conduct flyovers throughout numerous cities in the coming weeks.
“I’m excited to announce that, in the coming weeks, the Air Force Thunderbirds — they’re incredible — and the Navy Blue Angels — equally incredible — will be performing air shows over America’s major cities and some of the cities that aren’t major cities,” Trump said at Wednesday’s White House coronavirus task force media briefing.
“What we’re doing is we’re paying tribute to our front-line health care workers confronting COVID. And it’s really a signal to all Americans to remain vigilant during the outbreak.,” Trump added.
“This is a tribute to them, to our warriors. Because they are equal warriors to those incredible pilots and all of the fighters that we have for the more traditional fights that we win,” the president concluded.
An anonymous Pentagon source told The Washington Post the flyovers are a way for the military to thank health care workers.
“This is just a sincere thank-you,” the unnamed senior military official said. “It’s one way to acknowledge those who are pitching in.”
A memo obtained by The Post said pilots from the Navy and Air Force will fly together over the cities of Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Trenton and Washington, D.C.
Are you excited about the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds teaming up to thank health care workers? Yes No
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Trump indicated military planes will also fly over the National Mall in Washington this summer to celebrate Independence Day, just as they did last year.
“And on July 4, we’ll be doing what we had at the Mall [last year], as you know,” Trump said. “That was a great success as you remember, even though it was pouring. It was raining so hard. It was raining at — that was about as hard as I’ve seen in a while, but it was an amazing success. Didn’t bother the pilots. It didn’t bother the military. It didn’t bother the crews that we had there. So we’re going to be doing that again on July 4.”
On Saturday, the Thunderbirds flew across the state of Colorado to thank health care workers. Their flight path saw them fly over Fort Collins in the northern part of the state, all the way down through Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
The Thunderbirds shared their flight path on Twitter before the flyover, and wrote a special message of thanks on Sunday:
Tomorrow’s Colorado Flight Path Note: the flyover serves as a salute to the healthcare workers, first responders and other essential personnel on the front line against #COVID in the Centennial State ?#AirForceSalutes pic.twitter.com/JfZMTfEBA1 — Thunderbirds (@AFThunderbirds) April 18, 2020
“We salute Colorado’s healthcare workers and first responders who are at the forefront of our nation’s fight against COVID-19. They are an inspiration for the entire country during these challenging times and it was an honor to fly for them yesterday,” the squadron tweeted.
We salute Colorado’s healthcare workers and first responders who are at the forefront of our nation’s fight against COVID-19. They are an inspiration for the entire country during these challenging times and it was an honor to fly for them yesterday. #AirForceSalutes pic.twitter.com/VpBRpl6fMu — Thunderbirds (@AFThunderbirds) April 19, 2020
Videos of the flyovers went viral online:
“@NWSBoulder: The clouds and showers didn’t impede our view from the office of the USAF Thunderbirds this afternoon. We appreciated seeing them during their flyover of multiple Colorado cities! #cowx” pic.twitter.com/Y9ab2KP34w pic.twitter.com/KkYLetH7Ve — Visit Colorado (@Colorado) April 19, 2020
WATCH LIVE: Thunderbirds flyover Colorado for COVID-19 responders https://t.co/n6sCN3tJRH — 9NEWS Denver (@9NEWS) April 18, 2020
Thunderbird flyover today. Hit all the major cities in Colorado and flew over major hospitals. Great view from my roof pic.twitter.com/draITnVTGP — Isaac Barton (@IsaacBarton10) April 18, 2020
The Coloradoan reported the Thunderbirds were in Colorado to take part in the Air Force Academy’s graduation ceremony, which had occurred earlier on Saturday.
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westernjournal--2020-04-23--Saudis Turn on America, Send Flotilla To Sink US Shale and Oil

If you ’ re lucky enough to be able to leave your home while many are under lockdown , you may have noticed that gasoline is getting absurdly cheap — in at least one area it was sold for under $ 1 per gallon .
Of course , there ’ s a lot more that goes into that number than the whims of the man who spends a 12-hour shift between the Slim Jims and the lottery tickets .
World demand for gas and oil has plummeted since the start of the current pandemic thanks to a combination of factors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , air and sea traffic .
Supply and demand affects everything , after all , including our own oil markets .
For American energy companies , especially those that deal in shale oil , the downturn in demand for oil is a danger to revenue and the livelihoods of the 150,000 who work in the industry .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us Having successful domestic energy companies is a boon to average Americans , who would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regardless of the designs of other nations .
For countries like Saudi Arabia , a powerful player in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries oil cartel , American energy independence is a direct threat to its status quo .
Until now , there was little the Middle Eastern country could do to combat the success of United States energy .
With the downturn in oil prices and tough times ahead for U.S. oil , the Saudis have taken the opportunity to turn on America in an attempt to bring us to heel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops for this attack but is sending a flotilla of supertankers carrying roughly seven times the normal amount consumed in a pre-pandemic month .
According to The Wall Street Journal , the tankers are set to arrive throughout April and May .
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz , seeing the incoming bloodbath for the U.S. energy sector , sent the Saudis a single message : “ TURN THE TANKERS THE HELL AROUND.
” The glut of oil entering the United States would undercut domestic energy companies , potentially undoing years of progress made under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unclear when demand for oil will increase again , putting a giant question mark on the employment status of hundreds of thousands of Americans .
RELATED : While AOC Still Gets a Paycheck , She Says People Should n't Return to Work as Communities Reopen The move follows several others by Saudi Arabia that seem to reinforce the cultural and political differences between the kingdom and the United States .
The gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi , human rights abuses and other problems under the Saudi regime hint that a decoupling from America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Just like with our increasingly rocky relationship with China , it seems America ’ s past attitude of seeing every nation as a potential friend is not going to fly in the 21st century .
If we can ’ t trust our own business partners not to undermine critical U.S. infrastructure , or even to tell us the truth about a viral outbreak , is it really worth maintaining these relationships ?
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

If you’re lucky enough to be able to leave your home while many are under lockdown, you may have noticed that gasoline is getting absurdly cheap — in at least one area it was sold for under $1 per gallon.
Of course, there’s a lot more that goes into that number than the whims of the man who spends a 12-hour shift between the Slim Jims and the lottery tickets.
World demand for gas and oil has plummeted since the start of the current pandemic thanks to a combination of factors, including a sharp decrease in land, air and sea traffic.
Supply and demand affects everything, after all, including our own oil markets.
For American energy companies, especially those that deal in shale oil, the downturn in demand for oil is a danger to revenue and the livelihoods of the 150,000 who work in the industry.
Having successful domestic energy companies is a boon to average Americans, who would benefit from having access to cheap fuel regardless of the designs of other nations.
For countries like Saudi Arabia, a powerful player in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries oil cartel, American energy independence is a direct threat to its status quo.
Until now, there was little the Middle Eastern country could do to combat the success of United States energy. With the downturn in oil prices and tough times ahead for U.S. oil, the Saudis have taken the opportunity to turn on America in an attempt to bring us to heel.
Do you think President Trump should close U.S. ports to these tankers? 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: 94% (5786 Votes) No: 6% (352 Votes)
Saudi Arabia isn’t dispatching troops for this attack but is sending a flotilla of supertankers carrying roughly seven times the normal amount consumed in a pre-pandemic month. According to The Wall Street Journal, the tankers are set to arrive throughout April and May.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, seeing the incoming bloodbath for the U.S. energy sector, sent the Saudis a single message: “TURN THE TANKERS THE HELL AROUND.”
20 tankers—filled w/ 40mm barrels of Saudi oil—are headed to the US. This is SEVEN TIMES the typical monthly flow. At the same time, oil futures are plummeting & millions of US jobs in jeopardy. My message to the Saudis: TURN THE TANKERS THE HELL AROUND. https://t.co/gYoQzvHAEQ — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) April 21, 2020
The glut of oil entering the United States would undercut domestic energy companies, potentially undoing years of progress made under President Donald Trump.
It’s unclear when demand for oil will increase again, putting a giant question mark on the employment status of hundreds of thousands of Americans.
The move follows several others by Saudi Arabia that seem to reinforce the cultural and political differences between the kingdom and the United States.
The gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi, human rights abuses and other problems under the Saudi regime hint that a decoupling from America is not only likely, but unavoidable.
Just like with our increasingly rocky relationship with China, it seems America’s past attitude of seeing every nation as a potential friend is not going to fly in the 21st century.
If we can’t trust our own business partners not to undermine critical U.S. infrastructure, or even to tell us the truth about a viral outbreak, is it really worth maintaining these relationships?
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
* Message
* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-04-23--Government Overreach Backfires as Dirt Bikers Show Up to Skate Park Filled with Sand

In today ’ s turbulent world , many forget that young people can be smarter than they are given credit for .
That ’ s not to say that they always make the best decisions or behave with their best interests in mind , but they can be problem solvers .
That youthful spirit and ingenuity was on full display in Southern California this week after government officials took extreme measures to stop lovers of extreme sports from enjoying their favorite hangout spots during the country ’ s health crisis .
After city officials in San Clemente , California , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filling it with tons of sand to enforce the state ’ s mandatory lockdown , rebellious youths found a way to make lemonade out of lemons .
The Orange County Register reported city officials found fences and signs to be ineffective in closing Ralph ’ s Skate Court during California ’ s stay-at-home order , so they took drastic measures with heavy equipment to fill the park with 37 tons of sand .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southern California being filled with sand went viral online .
The images irked many , but none more than the young people who frequent the parks for exercise and fun .
But many extreme sports enthusiasts have a rebellious streak , and those in San Clemente weren ’ t about to let a lot of sand get them down .
With Ralph ’ s Skate Court unusable to many , one young man named Connor Ericsson had the idea to break out dirt bikes and transform the skate park into a miniature motocross @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video of the park being used for jumps and other maneuvers on Instagram .
RELATED : Far-Left 'Squad ' Dem Accuses Trump of 'War Crimes ' for Doing Exactly What Pelosi , de Blasio Did Soon after arriving at the park , according to Ericsson , skateboarding regulars showed up .
He then shared images of himself and other dirt bikers helping to clean up all the sand using shovels , brooms and buckets .
“ Took advantage of the all the sand the city dumped into the San Clemente skatepark then helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so they could do some social shredding , ” Ericsson wrote .
Ericsson also shared video of the park cleaned up and being used for its intended purpose .
Ericsson told KUSI with regard to sand being put in the park to enforce social distancing policies , “ I think it ’ s a big joke.
” “ These kids are cooped up inside their house and just want to go out and have some fun , ” he said .
“ The skateparks are ours and we need to take a stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some light to this situation during these times .
Hopefully this is an eye opener for some people and the kids are free to use the skatepark sand free from now on , ” Ericsson wrote on Instagram .
He later told CNN : “ You ’ re telling me you ’ re allowed to go to Walmart , where there ’ s 500 people at once , but you can ’ t go to the skate park where there ’ s only a handful of kids who want to be outside because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Samantha Wylie , San Clemente ’ s recreation manager for the Beaches , Parks and Recreation Department , told The San Clemente Times , “ On April 1 , we kind of let it play out to see if users would abide by the closure.
” “ During that [ two-week period ] , we saw people continue to skate the park , groups would gather , kids with their parents ; it became a regular [ occurrence ] .
It appeared the closure was not abided by , ” she added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials are going to have to up the ante if they plan to stay a step ahead of their city ’ s youth .
While adults are rightfully concerned about the dual health and economic threat posed by the coronavirus , it may be easy to forget how the country ’ s situation is affecting our youth .
The world is still turning , and kids want to be kids .
In light of how heavy some states and municipalities have clamped down on outdoor activities , a bit of youthful civil disobedience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

In today’s turbulent world, many forget that young people can be smarter than they are given credit for.
That’s not to say that they always make the best decisions or behave with their best interests in mind, but they can be problem solvers.
That youthful spirit and ingenuity was on full display in Southern California this week after government officials took extreme measures to stop lovers of extreme sports from enjoying their favorite hangout spots during the country’s health crisis.
After city officials in San Clemente, California, shuttered a skate park last week by filling it with tons of sand to enforce the state’s mandatory lockdown, rebellious youths found a way to make lemonade out of lemons.
The Orange County Register reported city officials found fences and signs to be ineffective in closing Ralph’s Skate Court during California’s stay-at-home order, so they took drastic measures with heavy equipment to fill the park with 37 tons of sand.
Video of skate parks across Southern California being filled with sand went viral online.
California is filling their skate parks with sand to make them unusable amid mandated lockdown. There is no scientific or medical rationale for this.
This has nothing to do with a virus.
This has nothing to do with protecting people.
This is about power.pic.twitter.com/jXEaiPUk2e — Benny (@bennyjohnson) April 18, 2020
The images irked many, but none more than the young people who frequent the parks for exercise and fun.
Do you support kids using the skate park, even though city officials have ordered it closed? Yes No
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But many extreme sports enthusiasts have a rebellious streak, and those in San Clemente weren’t about to let a lot of sand get them down.
With Ralph’s Skate Court unusable to many, one young man named Connor Ericsson had the idea to break out dirt bikes and transform the skate park into a miniature motocross track.
Ericsson, 25, shared video of the park being used for jumps and other maneuvers on Instagram.
Soon after arriving at the park, according to Ericsson, skateboarding regulars showed up.
He then shared images of himself and other dirt bikers helping to clean up all the sand using shovels, brooms and buckets.
“Took advantage of the all the sand the city dumped into the San Clemente skatepark then helped some local skaters dig it all out so they could do some social shredding,” Ericsson wrote.
The vindictive CA government filled this skatepark with sand so no one could use it. These people returned and converted it into a dirt bike track. ???pic.twitter.com/g6q1Stdd0H — Young Americans for Liberty (@YALiberty) April 20, 2020
Ericsson also shared video of the park cleaned up and being used for its intended purpose.
Damn they’re actually shoveling it all out to make it skateable again pic.twitter.com/4LPw1Scy7Z — COLTYBRAH (@coltybrah) April 20, 2020
Ericsson told KUSI with regard to sand being put in the park to enforce social distancing policies, “I think it’s a big joke.”
“These kids are cooped up inside their house and just want to go out and have some fun,” he said.
“The skateparks are ours and we need to take a stand! Stoked we were able to bring some light to this situation during these times. Hopefully this is an eye opener for some people and the kids are free to use the skatepark sand free from now on,” Ericsson wrote on Instagram.
He later told CNN: “You’re telling me you’re allowed to go to Walmart, where there’s 500 people at once, but you can’t go to the skate park where there’s only a handful of kids who want to be outside because they’ve been cooped up?”
Samantha Wylie, San Clemente’s recreation manager for the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department, told The San Clemente Times, “On April 1, we kind of let it play out to see if users would abide by the closure.”
“During that [two-week period], we saw people continue to skate the park, groups would gather, kids with their parents; it became a regular [occurrence]. It appeared the closure was not abided by,” she added.
Looks like Wylie and other city officials are going to have to up the ante if they plan to stay a step ahead of their city’s youth.
While adults are rightfully concerned about the dual health and economic threat posed by the coronavirus, it may be easy to forget how the country’s situation is affecting our youth.
The world is still turning, and kids want to be kids.
In light of how heavy some states and municipalities have clamped down on outdoor activities, a bit of youthful civil disobedience seems an appropriate reaction.
Your move, San Clemente.
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westernjournal--2020-04-23--Trump Surprises by Opposing Georgia’s Gov’s Plan To Reopen the State

President Donald Trump said he opposes Republican Gov .
Brian Kemp ’ s decision to allow many Georgia businesses to reopen at the end of this week , noting that he thinks “ it ’ s too soon.
” “ I told the governor of Georgia , Brian Kemp , that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the phase one guidelines for the incredible people of Georgia , ” Trump said during Wednesday ’ s coronavirus task force media briefing .
“ I want him to do what he thinks is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what he is doing.
” TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us As of Wednesday , there were 21,102 cases of coronavirus in Georgia , according to data from Johns Hopkins .
While schools in the state will stay closed for the rest of the school year , the Georgia governor announced Monday that gyms , hair salons and other similar businesses can begin to reopen on Friday , Fox News reported .
Kemp received immediate backlash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the decision caught them off guard , according to The New York Times .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said during the media briefing that he would tell Kemp to “ be careful.
” “ I would advise him not to just turn the switch on and go .
Because there is a danger of a rebound , ” he said .
“ And I know there ’ s the desire to move ahead quickly — that ’ s a natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead and leapfrogging into phases where you should not be , I would advise him , as a health official and as a physician , not to do that.
” In a series of tweets Wednesday afternoon , Kemp said that he had discussed his decision with Trump and will continue to move forward with the plan .
“ I appreciate his bold leadership and insight during these difficult times and the framework provided by the White House to safely move states forward , ” he tweeted .
“ Our next measured step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state public health officials.
” RELATED : Democratic Lawmaker Resigns After Party Turns on Him for Trump Endorsement He added , “ I am confident that business owners who decide to reopen will adhere to Minimum Basic Operations , which prioritize the health and well-being of employees and customers.
” The governors of Tennessee , Ohio and Colorado have also indicated they do not intend to extend stay-at-home orders in their states that are set to expire next week , according to The Times .
In a Monday executive order , South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaches could be reopened for public access at the discretion of local leaders .
He also said certain nonessential businesses could begin reopening that day as long as they follow social-distancing measures .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

President Donald Trump said he opposes Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to allow many Georgia businesses to reopen at the end of this week, noting that he thinks “it’s too soon.”
“I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the phase one guidelines for the incredible people of Georgia,” Trump said during Wednesday’s coronavirus task force media briefing.
“I want him to do what he thinks is right, but I disagree with him on what he is doing.”
Trump added, “I think it’s too soon.”
As of Wednesday, there were 21,102 cases of coronavirus in Georgia, according to data from Johns Hopkins.
While schools in the state will stay closed for the rest of the school year, the Georgia governor announced Monday that gyms, hair salons and other similar businesses can begin to reopen on Friday, Fox News reported.
Kemp received immediate backlash following his announcement, and many mayors said the decision caught them off guard, according to The New York Times.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said during the media briefing that he would tell Kemp to “be careful.”
Do you think it is too early to start reopening Georgia? 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: 51% (339 Votes) No: 49% (323 Votes)
“I would advise him not to just turn the switch on and go. Because there is a danger of a rebound,” he said.
“And I know there’s the desire to move ahead quickly — that’s a natural, human nature desire — but going ahead and leapfrogging into phases where you should not be, I would advise him, as a health official and as a physician, not to do that.”
In a series of tweets Wednesday afternoon, Kemp said that he had discussed his decision with Trump and will continue to move forward with the plan.
“I appreciate his bold leadership and insight during these difficult times and the framework provided by the White House to safely move states forward,” he tweeted. “Our next measured step is driven by data and guided by state public health officials.”
Our next measured step is driven by data and guided by state public health officials. We will continue with this approach to protect the lives – and livelihoods – of all Georgians. (2/3) #gapol — Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) April 22, 2020
He added, “I am confident that business owners who decide to reopen will adhere to Minimum Basic Operations, which prioritize the health and well-being of employees and customers.”
The governors of Tennessee, Ohio and Colorado have also indicated they do not intend to extend stay-at-home orders in their states that are set to expire next week, according to The Times.
In a Monday executive order, South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster said public beaches could be reopened for public access at the discretion of local leaders. He also said certain nonessential businesses could begin reopening that day as long as they follow social-distancing measures.
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westernjournal--2020-04-23--Warning from Wuhan: After 2 Months of Lockdown, City Is Changed Forever

The world has learned many lessons from the Chinese city of Wuhan .
From consistent handwashing to social distancing , the ground zero of COVID-19 taught the world what to do and what not to do .
Now , after two months under a lockdown , there ’ s one more lesson Wuhan has to teach us .
While the mandatory quarantines do wonders for temporarily mitigating the spread of the coronavirus formally known as SARS-CoV-2 , draconian measures are devastating for those living under them .
According to Bloomberg News , Wuhan ’ s lockdown is now drawing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have largely stamped out outbreaks of the novel coronavirus in the country .
Even with the newfound freedom , business owners are now realizing that months of living in fear of COVID-19 has not had a good effect on residents of the city .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us One restaurant owner profiled by Bloomberg was a China success story before the pandemic , but now faces financial ruin .
Xiong Fei , owner of Bainianfeng @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 on the scene .
Many of his eateries were centered around “ hotpot ” — a feast that is equal parts social event and hearty meal , where friends and family dip vegetables and thin-sliced meat into a fragrant broth .
Now , the last thing anyone wants to do is huddle around a table to share a communal hotpot .
His other restaurants are suffering as well .
While customers would come in and dine before , now they only want to pick up to-go orders .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning to pile up .
When the virus hit Wuhan seemingly out of the blue , Xiong preemptively closed shop and was left with over $ 140,000 worth of fresh ingredients that were going bad .
Xiong shifted to meal delivery , but companies that hire the drivers and facilitate moving the food take a hefty chunk of the restaurateur ’ s profits .
Battling operating costs , high rent , and the problem of how to get his food to a city where the population is terrified to enter public life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult decision to keep his company afloat .
Xiong was forced to let 40 employees go .
This struggling business owner and his former employees are not a unique case , but members of one of the many industries struggling under lockdowns .
RELATED : China Caught in the Act : US Officials Say CCP Was Sending Panic-Inducing Texts to Americans Sadly , their stories are becoming all too common .
“ The city , once a bustling hub for steel and auto manufacturing , remains gripped by fear of reinfection , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees before they ’ re allowed back to work and disinfecting their premises daily .
If a customer or worker gets the virus , businesses typically have to shut down again for weeks of quarantine — something even the most painstakingly prepared business plan can ’ t predict.
” It ’ s unclear how long cities will take to bounce back from the massive labor shakeup , but the sharp drop in employment is sure to stay in this community ’ s collective memory for years to come .
While Bloomberg claims that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems giving people work , news that has percolated through Chinese censors hints that crafty managers are simply manipulating power consumption to put up a show of meeting Beijing ’ s demands .
It appears that some parts of the United States , now in lockdown over the coronavirus , are primed to repeat the lessons Wuhan learned the hard way .
Los Angeles , which has been under some form of lockdown for a month , now has a 50 percent unemployment rate according to Business Insider .
The coronavirus does kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and communities .
Americans are more than capable of masking up , washing hands , practicing social distancing , and returning to work in a safe and healthy way .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

The world has learned many lessons from the Chinese city of Wuhan.
From consistent handwashing to social distancing, the ground zero of COVID-19 taught the world what to do and what not to do. Now, after two months under a lockdown, there’s one more lesson Wuhan has to teach us.
While the mandatory quarantines do wonders for temporarily mitigating the spread of the coronavirus formally known as SARS-CoV-2, draconian measures are devastating for those living under them.
According to Bloomberg News, Wuhan’s lockdown is now drawing to a close as Chinese officials claim to have largely stamped out outbreaks of the novel coronavirus in the country.
Even with the newfound freedom, business owners are now realizing that months of living in fear of COVID-19 has not had a good effect on residents of the city.
One restaurant owner profiled by Bloomberg was a China success story before the pandemic, but now faces financial ruin.
Xiong Fei, owner of Bainianfeng Catering Management Co., operated 10 restaurants before the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 on the scene. Many of his eateries were centered around “hotpot” — a feast that is equal parts social event and hearty meal, where friends and family dip vegetables and thin-sliced meat into a fragrant broth.
Now, the last thing anyone wants to do is huddle around a table to share a communal hotpot.
His other restaurants are suffering as well. While customers would come in and dine before, now they only want to pick up to-go orders. The damage to his business is already beginning to pile up.
Can Americans go back to work while staying safe from the coronavirus? 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: 85% (651 Votes) No: 15% (116 Votes)
When the virus hit Wuhan seemingly out of the blue, Xiong preemptively closed shop and was left with over $140,000 worth of fresh ingredients that were going bad.
Xiong shifted to meal delivery, but companies that hire the drivers and facilitate moving the food take a hefty chunk of the restaurateur’s profits.
Battling operating costs, high rent, and the problem of how to get his food to a city where the population is terrified to enter public life, the business owner had to make a difficult decision to keep his company afloat.
Xiong was forced to let 40 employees go.
This struggling business owner and his former employees are not a unique case, but members of one of the many industries struggling under lockdowns.
Sadly, their stories are becoming all too common.
“The city, once a bustling hub for steel and auto manufacturing, remains gripped by fear of reinfection,” Bloomberg reported. “Companies are testing employees before they’re allowed back to work and disinfecting their premises daily. If a customer or worker gets the virus, businesses typically have to shut down again for weeks of quarantine — something even the most painstakingly prepared business plan can’t predict.”
It’s unclear how long cities will take to bounce back from the massive labor shakeup, but the sharp drop in employment is sure to stay in this community’s collective memory for years to come.
While Bloomberg claims that factories and other facilities are having no problems giving people work, news that has percolated through Chinese censors hints that crafty managers are simply manipulating power consumption to put up a show of meeting Beijing’s demands.
It appears that some parts of the United States, now in lockdown over the coronavirus, are primed to repeat the lessons Wuhan learned the hard way.
Los Angeles, which has been under some form of lockdown for a month, now has a 50 percent unemployment rate according to Business Insider.
The coronavirus does kill people, but burdensome lockdowns destroy lives and communities.
Americans are more than capable of masking up, washing hands, practicing social distancing, and returning to work in a safe and healthy way.
Truth and Accuracy Submit a Correction → * Name
* Email
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* All fields are required. Success! We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.


westernjournal--2020-04-23--Employees Furious When Owner Keeps Paying Them – They Would Have Made More on Unemployment

A small-business owner in Washington state is describing how the federal government ’ s increase in unemployment benefits for people who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus is causing her to compete with unemployment .
Jamie Black-Lewis , who owns two spas , was thrilled after learning she had secured two small-business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program to continue paying her employees even though the businesses were closed .
But , according to Black-Lewis , her employees didn ’ t share her excitement .
She told CNBC that when she told 35 employees in a virtual conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 177,000 and $ 43,800 for each spa to pay them , the news did not garner the reception she was expecting .
“ It was a firestorm of hatred about the situation , ” she said .
TRENDING : Every American Needs To See Trump 's 'Nancy Antoinette ' Pelosi Ad - She Could n't Care Less About Us Black-Lewis said her employees were upset because they were due to receive unemployment benefits that would have paid them more than their jobs .
The $ 2 trillion CARES Act , passed last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and businesses hit hard by nationwide closures , included a provision that added an extra $ 600 a week to existing unemployment benefits .
With the weekly increase of $ 600 , many low-wage workers can come out ahead if they lose their jobs .
Black-Lewis said some of her employees were among those who were set to be paid more for not working than for retaining their jobs .
“ It ’ s a windfall they see coming .
In their mind , I took it away , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Black-Lewis added .
“ On what planet am I competing with unemployment ?
” RELATED : Shake Shack To Return $ 10M Loan , Suggests Money Be Reallocated to Restaurants 'Who Need It Most' A number of Republican senators warned in March that the increase in unemployment benefits could create an incentive for people not to work .
“ We have a virus and we know people can ’ t work for a variety of reasons , ” Florida Sen. Rick Scott told the Miami Herald .
“ [ We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but at the moment we go back to work , we can not create an incentive not to work .
We can not be paying people more money on unemployment than they get paid in their job , ” he said .
Scott was joined by South Carolina Sens .
Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse in expressing concerns about the boost to weekly unemployment benefits .
The GOP lawmakers all argued that unemployment benefits should have been capped at a worker ’ s current income .
MarketWatch reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added by the CARES Act will be paid to unemployed workers weekly throughout the economic crisis and can last as long as 39 weeks .
Black-Lewis said the added benefit created an unintended consequence by causing her to have to compete with the unemployment system — and has forced her into being the one who took money from her workers , rather than being the one who secured their jobs and paychecks during the crisis .
“ They were p—ed I ’ d take this opportunity away from them to make more for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she told CNBC .
With her businesses securing PPP loans , it meant her employees were no longer eligible to receive unemployment .
“ Bad will has been cemented into the business because I took it away from them , ” Black-Lewis said .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

A small-business owner in Washington state is describing how the federal government’s increase in unemployment benefits for people who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus is causing her to compete with unemployment.
Jamie Black-Lewis, who owns two spas, was thrilled after learning she had secured two small-business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program to continue paying her employees even though the businesses were closed.
But, according to Black-Lewis, her employees didn’t share her excitement.
She told CNBC that when she told 35 employees in a virtual conference that she had received loans of $177,000 and $43,800 for each spa to pay them, the news did not garner the reception she was expecting.
“It was a firestorm of hatred about the situation,” she said.
She got a forgivable loan. Her employees hate her for it. #investinyou (In partnership with @acorns.) https://t.co/AFnBSJ6Giv — CNBC (@CNBC) April 23, 2020
Black-Lewis said her employees were upset because they were due to receive unemployment benefits that would have paid them more than their jobs.
The $2 trillion CARES Act, passed last month as an emergency measure to help workers and businesses hit hard by nationwide closures, included a provision that added an extra $600 a week to existing unemployment benefits.
Do you think the added unemployment benefit in the CARES Act has created an incentive for some people to not work? Yes No
Completing this poll entitles you to The Western Journal news updates free of charge. You may opt out at anytime. You also agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Yes: 98% (5951 Votes) No: 2% (149 Votes)
CNBC reported unemployment benefits generally cover roughly 40 percent of a worker’s lost wages.
With the weekly increase of $600, many low-wage workers can come out ahead if they lose their jobs.
Black-Lewis said some of her employees were among those who were set to be paid more for not working than for retaining their jobs.
“It’s a windfall they see coming. In their mind, I took it away,” she said.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Black-Lewis added. “On what planet am I competing with unemployment?”
A number of Republican senators warned in March that the increase in unemployment benefits could create an incentive for people not to work.
“We have a virus and we know people can’t work for a variety of reasons,” Florida Sen. Rick Scott told the Miami Herald.
“[We’ve] got to help them, but at the moment we go back to work, we cannot create an incentive not to work. We cannot be paying people more money on unemployment than they get paid in their job,” he said.
Scott was joined by South Carolina Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse in expressing concerns about the boost to weekly unemployment benefits.
The GOP lawmakers all argued that unemployment benefits should have been capped at a worker’s current income.
The additional $600-per-week in unemployment compensation provided by the CARES Act will be paid to unemployed workers through July 31.
Black-Lewis said the added benefit created an unintended consequence by causing her to have to compete with the unemployment system — and has forced her into being the one who took money from her workers, rather than being the one who secured their jobs and paychecks during the crisis.
“They were p—ed I’d take this opportunity away from them to make more for my own selfish greed to pay rent,” she told CNBC.
With her businesses securing PPP loans, it meant her employees were no longer eligible to receive unemployment.
“Bad will has been cemented into the business because I took it away from them,” Black-Lewis said.
“There’s a bad taste from it,” she concluded.
“We’ll recover. But it’s just a bummer.”
CORRECTION, April 28, 2020: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the weekly $600 in added unemployment compensation could be paid out for up to 39 weeks. Currently, the additional payments are set to expire at the end of July. We apologize to our readers for the error, and for any confusion we may have caused.
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