westernjournal--2020-03-12--Howie Mandel Wears Hazmat Suit on ‘AGT’ Set After Co-Host Heidi Klum Falls Ill

Television personality Howie Mandel is doing all he can to keep from getting sick , including wearing a full-blown hazmat suit to work .
Mandel , who is a judge on “ America ’ s Got Talent ” alongside Sofia Vergara , Simon Cowell and Heidi Klum , is going all-out to stay healthy and avoid getting the coronavirus .
A self-professed germaphobe , Mandel joked about how he scarcely needed to breathe to do his job — as long as he can exhale , he can judge , all while avoiding any hidden germs .
“ I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve taken it to another level : I don ’ t inhale .
I am not inhaling , ” Mandel told Entertainment Tonight .
TRENDING : 16 Months After Losing Election , Stacey Abrams Finds a New Way To Lay Claim to Governorship When asked how he could serve as a judge without taking in oxygen , Mandel joked he “ doesn ’ t need to inhale to judge.
” “ I can judge with a big exhale , ” he declared .
“ Like , ‘ Woo !
You were fantastic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed work earlier this week , Mandel showed up to the AGT set wearing his hazmat suit , Fox News reported .
Klum ’ s colleagues initially thought perhaps she had food poisoning , but details of the 46-year-old supermodel ’ s illness have not been disclosed , the outlet reported .
Mandel seems to be taking the recent coronavirus news with a good sense of humor and a dose of precaution .
He posted a photo of himself on social media wearing a bike helmet and holding a roll of toilet paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the country .
“ Stores out of water and masks , ” he wrote .
“ Just a helmet and toilet paper.
” Mandel ’ s preventative measures have apparently extended to his family members as well , as evidenced by a photo Mandel posted of his daughter Jackelyn wearing a face mask of her own .
“ FaceTime with my kid , ” the AGT judge wrote .
Season 15 of AGT is set to debut in May , which Mandel dubbed as a “ don ’ t-miss ” television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show that has something for everybody , and if there is a moment that is not titillating to you and wonderful and exciting , just wait 60 seconds , ” Mandel told ET .
“ There is something completely different , so there is something for everybody of every age from every place.
” We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Television personality Howie Mandel is doing all he can to keep from getting sick, including wearing a full-blown hazmat suit to work.
Mandel, who is a judge on “America’s Got Talent” alongside Sofia Vergara, Simon Cowell and Heidi Klum, is going all-out to stay healthy and avoid getting the coronavirus.
A self-professed germaphobe, Mandel joked about how he scarcely needed to breathe to do his job — as long as he can exhale, he can judge, all while avoiding any hidden germs.
“I don’t shake hands and now I’ve taken it to another level: I don’t inhale. I am not inhaling,” Mandel told Entertainment Tonight.
When asked how he could serve as a judge without taking in oxygen, Mandel joked he “doesn’t need to inhale to judge.”
“I can judge with a big exhale,” he declared. “Like, ‘Woo! You were fantastic.'”
After Klum fell ill and missed work earlier this week, Mandel showed up to the AGT set wearing his hazmat suit, Fox News reported.
Klum’s colleagues initially thought perhaps she had food poisoning, but details of the 46-year-old supermodel’s illness have not been disclosed, the outlet reported.
Mandel seems to be taking the recent coronavirus news with a good sense of humor and a dose of precaution.
He posted a photo of himself on social media wearing a bike helmet and holding a roll of toilet paper, which has become highly-coveted in many parts of the country.
“Stores out of water and masks,” he wrote. “Just a helmet and toilet paper.”
Mandel’s preventative measures have apparently extended to his family members as well, as evidenced by a photo Mandel posted of his daughter Jackelyn wearing a face mask of her own.
“FaceTime with my kid,” the AGT judge wrote.
Season 15 of AGT is set to debut in May, which Mandel dubbed as a “don’t-miss” television series.
“This is the one show that has something for everybody, and if there is a moment that is not titillating to you and wonderful and exciting, just wait 60 seconds,” Mandel told ET.
“There is something completely different, so there is something for everybody of every age from every place.”
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westernjournal--2020-03-12--Brother Steps In To Take Little Sister to Dad-Daughter Dance After Father Stands Her Up

An 11-year-old boy in Covington , Georgia , is being praised for taking his little sister to a father-daughter dance after the girl ’ s father failed to show up for the second year in a row .
Trelysia Hamerter is the mother of 11-year-old Christian and his sister , 7-year-old Skylar .
Hamerter told Today that after Skylar ’ s father stood her up for the dance last year , Skylar was particularly eager to show her dad off at the dance this year .
“ So this year she comes to me ahead of time and says , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come with me to the dance , ' ” Hamerter said .
TRENDING : 16 Months After Losing Election , Stacey Abrams Finds a New Way To Lay Claim to Governorship “ I don ’ t want grandpa .
I want my dad , I want everyone to know I have a dad . '
” But as the event grew nearer , Hamerter became increasingly worried that Skylar ’ s father would not show .
He stopped answering his phone , she said , leaving the concerned mom with a feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her tears from her son Christian , who asked his mom why she was so upset .
The boy decided right then and there that if Skylar ’ s father did not come , he would attend the dance with his sister .
“ If he doesn ’ t show , mom , I ’ d like to take Skylar to the dance , ” Hamerter recalled her son saying .
“ She deserves to know that a man can keep his word and that she ’ s really special.
” Hamerter agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christian a suit and tie to complement Skylar ’ s dress and purse .
Emotions were high the next day when sadly , Skylar ’ s father did not show up .
Hamerter wrote about the situation on Facebook , explaining it was the second year in a row that Skylar had to face the painful disappointment of her father ’ s decision .
“ She cried because she had her heart set on going .
I felt so bad because there was nothing I could do because I ’ m not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At his young age , Christian understood the value of keeping a promise .
“ Then her big brother stepped in and said he ’ d take her because he wanted his sister to know that she deserves a man keeping his word and making her feel special , ” Hamerter wrote .
She snapped a photo of her children dressed in their very best and was moved to tears herself , writing , “ y ’ all I literally cried.
” Hamerter is proud of her son who she believes will grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

An 11-year-old boy in Covington, Georgia, is being praised for taking his little sister to a father-daughter dance after the girl’s father failed to show up for the second year in a row.
Trelysia Hamerter is the mother of 11-year-old Christian and his sister, 7-year-old Skylar.
Hamerter told Today that after Skylar’s father stood her up for the dance last year, Skylar was particularly eager to show her dad off at the dance this year.
“So this year she comes to me ahead of time and says, ‘Mommy, I want my dad to come with me to the dance,'” Hamerter said.
“I don’t want grandpa. I want my dad, I want everyone to know I have a dad.'”
But as the event grew nearer, Hamerter became increasingly worried that Skylar’s father would not show. He stopped answering his phone, she said, leaving the concerned mom with a feeling of hopelessness.
Hamerter could not hide her tears from her son Christian, who asked his mom why she was so upset.
The boy decided right then and there that if Skylar’s father did not come, he would attend the dance with his sister.
“If he doesn’t show, mom, I’d like to take Skylar to the dance,” Hamerter recalled her son saying. “She deserves to know that a man can keep his word and that she’s really special.”
Hamerter agreed it was a good option, buying Christian a suit and tie to complement Skylar’s dress and purse.
Emotions were high the next day when sadly, Skylar’s father did not show up.
Hamerter wrote about the situation on Facebook, explaining it was the second year in a row that Skylar had to face the painful disappointment of her father’s decision.
“She cried because she had her heart set on going. I felt so bad because there was nothing I could do because I’m not a male,” the mother wrote.
At his young age, Christian understood the value of keeping a promise.
“Then her big brother stepped in and said he’d take her because he wanted his sister to know that she deserves a man keeping his word and making her feel special,” Hamerter wrote.
She snapped a photo of her children dressed in their very best and was moved to tears herself, writing, “y’all I literally cried.”
Hamerter is proud of her son who she believes will grow up to be a wonderful husband someday.
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westernjournal--2020-03-12--Harvey Weinstein Suffers Heart Attack After Receiving Prison Sentence

Former Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein was rushed to a New York hospital Wednesday night following a suspected mild heart attack .
Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in a New York state prison Wednesday morning after being convicted of third-degree rape and a criminal sex act .
Following his sentencing , The New York Times reported Weinstein was rushed to Bellevue Hospital , where he stayed overnight and still remains .
After being moved to Rikers Island from the Manhattan courthouse following his sentencing , Weinstein began having chest pains and officials decided to hospitalize him “ for safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ executive told the Hollywood publication Variety .
“ We appreciate the care and concern of the Department of Corrections officers and staff , ” the spokesperson added .
TRENDING : 16 Months After Losing Election , Stacey Abrams Finds a New Way To Lay Claim to Governorship Weinstein ’ s attorneys pleaded for a minimum five-year sentence for the 67-year-old , arguing that he was in poor health .
“ Mr .
Weinstein is a sick man , ” attorney Donna Rotunno told the judge .
“ Mr .
Weinstein has a multitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and instead handed down a sentence of more than 20 years .
Variety also reported that Weinstein was previously hospitalized for a number of weeks after his Feb. 24 conviction .
After being convicted , he complained of chest pains and was diverted to Bellevue while en route to Rikers Island .
The Weinstein case is seen as a landmark case for the # MeToo movement .
After the sentencing , Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said the sentence “ puts sexual predators and abusive partners in all segments of society on notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weinstein ’ s behavior with women were reported to have gone on for years during his time as one of Hollywood ’ s elite producers .
A number of Weinstein accusers testified for the prosecution .
Actress Annabella Sciorra described her encounter with Weinstein for the jury during his trial .
“ I was punching , I was kicking him , I was trying to take him away from me .
He took my hands and put my hands over my head , ” she said , according to The Guardian .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight but I couldn ’ t because he had my hands locked.
” Weinstein , in addition to being a major film producer , was a high-profile donor and friend to a number of influential Democrats , including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her husband , former President Bill Clinton .
Weinstein gave Hillary Clinton ’ s 2016 presidential campaign roughly $ 1.4 million , according to the New York Post .
In 2013 , former President Barack Obama described Weinstein as “ a wonderful human being , a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he and former first lady Michelle Obama hosted the movie mogul at the White House .
After Weinstein was first accused of sexual improprieties in 2017 , the former president said , “ Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein , ” People reported .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Former Hollywood movie producer Harvey Weinstein was rushed to a New York hospital Wednesday night following a suspected mild heart attack.
Weinstein was sentenced to 23 years in a New York state prison Wednesday morning after being convicted of third-degree rape and a criminal sex act.
Following his sentencing, The New York Times reported Weinstein was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he stayed overnight and still remains.
After being moved to Rikers Island from the Manhattan courthouse following his sentencing, Weinstein began having chest pains and officials decided to hospitalize him “for safety,” a spokesperson for the former executive told the Hollywood publication Variety.
“We appreciate the care and concern of the Department of Corrections officers and staff,” the spokesperson added.
Weinstein’s attorneys pleaded for a minimum five-year sentence for the 67-year-old, arguing that he was in poor health.
“Mr. Weinstein is a sick man,” attorney Donna Rotunno told the judge. “Mr. Weinstein has a multitude of medical issues.”
The judge disagreed and instead handed down a sentence of more than 20 years.
Variety also reported that Weinstein was previously hospitalized for a number of weeks after his Feb. 24 conviction.
Do you think the conviction of Harvey Weinstein will lead to other Hollywood celebrities being exposed for sexual crimes? 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: 88% (288 Votes) No: 12% (41 Votes)
After being convicted, he complained of chest pains and was diverted to Bellevue while en route to Rikers Island.
The Weinstein case is seen as a landmark case for the #MeToo movement.
After the sentencing, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said the sentence “puts sexual predators and abusive partners in all segments of society on notice,” CNN reported.
Allegations about Weinstein’s behavior with women were reported to have gone on for years during his time as one of Hollywood’s elite producers.
A number of Weinstein accusers testified for the prosecution.
Actress Annabella Sciorra described her encounter with Weinstein for the jury during his trial.
“I was punching, I was kicking him, I was trying to take him away from me. He took my hands and put my hands over my head,” she said, according to The Guardian.
“He raped me. I was trying to fight but I couldn’t because he had my hands locked.”
Weinstein, in addition to being a major film producer, was a high-profile donor and friend to a number of influential Democrats, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton.
Weinstein gave Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign roughly $1.4 million, according to the New York Post.
In 2013, former President Barack Obama described Weinstein as “a wonderful human being, a good friend and just a powerhouse” after he and former first lady Michelle Obama hosted the movie mogul at the White House.
After Weinstein was first accused of sexual improprieties in 2017, the former president said, “Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein,” People reported.
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westernjournal--2020-03-12--Coronavirus Is Much Deadlier Than Flu, Greater Chance of Surviving Russian Roulette in Some Cases

Now that the novel coronavirus has made its way around the world , we ’ re finally getting a good look at how deadly this virus actually is .
In all cases , except for perhaps the youngest children who are infected , it ’ s deadlier than influenza .
For some , the chances of survival are worse than the chances of surviving a round of Russian roulette .
As we ’ ve seen since January , the SARS-CoV-2 virus ’ oftentimes-deadly interaction with the human body makes it a much larger threat than even the worst influenza outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus , deadlier than the common flu , but for older people , the coronavirus is much more fatal than influenza , Business Insider reported last week .
Compared to a 0.83 percent death rate for those people ages 65 and older who get the flu , the fatality rate for coronavirus victims ages 80 and older is 14.8 percent , Business Insider reported March 4 , citing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Losing Election , Stacey Abrams Finds a New Way To Lay Claim to Governorship For younger people , this holds true to a lesser degree , as seen in the graph below : The true X-factor of this virus is the speed with which it spreads and the potential impact on hospitals unprepared for a flood of patients who may require intense respiratory care .
To put the staggeringly high 14.8 percent fatality rate for the very elderly in perspective , compare it to a deadly game of Russian roulette .
Some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single bullet into a nine-shot revolver , spin the cylinder , point it at their head , pull the trigger and still have better survival odds than they would with COVID-19 .
While countries have been able to prepare their medical systems and supply chains in the wake of the Chinese outbreak , the virus ’ exponential spread in countries like Iran and Italy is proving to be incredibly taxing for hospitals .
Thankfully , the United States had a little more warning .
Now that community-based transmission is increasing at a rapid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of the nation ’ s outbreak will be critical in determining the virus ’ long-term impact .
RELATED : Report : Pelosi Tried Using Bill Aimed at Stopping Coronavirus Deaths To Fund Baby Deaths Through Abortion This doesn ’ t mean you need to panic — in fact , your reaction needs to be the exact opposite .
Hoarding toilet paper , hand sanitizer and bottled water doesn ’ t do anything but cause shortages and spark panic-buying .
Stores crowded with people hoping to brace for the impact of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which can live in the air for three hours and on some surfaces for up to three days , according to one study , as Fox News reported .
Thanks to asymptomatic spread and masses of potentially infected people who are untested , it ’ s likely these panic buys have already caused an explosion of the virus .
Proper and consistent hand washing with normal soap and water , as well as other common-sense precautions , are the best ways to prevent the spread of this virus .
Those with the flu-like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should take a sick day or work from home .
Spreading this virus throughout the workplace is not something anyone wants to do .
The most important thing to remember about preventative measures is that they safeguard not only yourself , but those who are powerless against the pathogen .
While it ’ s not as deadly for young people , the virus can easily jump to the elderly and wreak havoc .
Halting the coronavirus ’ grim march across the nation is ultimately the responsibility of every citizen .
We are committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

Now that the novel coronavirus has made its way around the world, we’re finally getting a good look at how deadly this virus actually is.
In all cases, except for perhaps the youngest children who are infected, it’s deadlier than influenza. For some, the chances of survival are worse than the chances of surviving a round of Russian roulette.
As we’ve seen since January, the SARS-CoV-2 virus’ oftentimes-deadly interaction with the human body makes it a much larger threat than even the worst influenza outbreaks of the century.
Not only is COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, deadlier than the common flu, but for older people, the coronavirus is much more fatal than influenza, Business Insider reported last week.
Compared to a 0.83 percent death rate for those people ages 65 and older who get the flu, the fatality rate for coronavirus victims ages 80 and older is 14.8 percent, Business Insider reported March 4, citing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
For younger people, this holds true to a lesser degree, as seen in the graph below:
The true X-factor of this virus is the speed with which it spreads and the potential impact on hospitals unprepared for a flood of patients who may require intense respiratory care.
Is the Trump administration doing enough to stop the spread of coronavirus in the U.S.? 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% (271 Votes) No: 6% (17 Votes)
To put the staggeringly high 14.8 percent fatality rate for the very elderly in perspective, compare it to a deadly game of Russian roulette.
Some of the most at-risk patients could load a single bullet into a nine-shot revolver, spin the cylinder, point it at their head, pull the trigger and still have better survival odds than they would with COVID-19.
While countries have been able to prepare their medical systems and supply chains in the wake of the Chinese outbreak, the virus’ exponential spread in countries like Iran and Italy is proving to be incredibly taxing for hospitals.
Thankfully, the United States had a little more warning.
Now that community-based transmission is increasing at a rapid pace in America, our actions at the beginning of the nation’s outbreak will be critical in determining the virus’ long-term impact.
This doesn’t mean you need to panic — in fact, your reaction needs to be the exact opposite.
Hoarding toilet paper, hand sanitizer and bottled water doesn’t do anything but cause shortages and spark panic-buying. Stores crowded with people hoping to brace for the impact of the coronavirus become feasts for the virus, which can live in the air for three hours and on some surfaces for up to three days, according to one study, as Fox News reported.
Thanks to asymptomatic spread and masses of potentially infected people who are untested, it’s likely these panic buys have already caused an explosion of the virus.
Proper and consistent hand washing with normal soap and water, as well as other common-sense precautions, are the best ways to prevent the spread of this virus.
Those with the flu-like symptoms that indicate a possible coronavirus infection should take a sick day or work from home. Spreading this virus throughout the workplace is not something anyone wants to do.
The most important thing to remember about preventative measures is that they safeguard not only yourself, but those who are powerless against the pathogen.
While it’s not as deadly for young people, the virus can easily jump to the elderly and wreak havoc.
Halting the coronavirus’ grim march across the nation is ultimately the responsibility of every citizen.
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--2020-03-12--Pro-Trump Restaurant Owners Attacked, Fellow Trump Supporters Show Them They’re Not Alone

After the owners of a Mexican restaurant attended President Donald Trump ’ s rally in Phoenix , Arizona , they began receiving threats and negative reviews from those on the left simply because of their political opinions .
Now , not only has Trump shared his support for the couple on Twitter , but Trump supporters have flocked to the locally owned restaurant to show the owners that they aren ’ t alone .
Jorge and Betty Rivas — the owners of Sammy ’ s Mexican Grill outside of Tucson , Arizona — sat behind the president as he addressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but soon after , people began writing nasty reviews online and calling the restaurant with threats .
“ LEAVE POLITICS OUT THE BZNZ , ” one Facebook reviewer wrote on March 4 .
TRENDING : 16 Months After Losing Election , Stacey Abrams Finds a New Way To Lay Claim to Governorship “ His coconut mentality .
He should have kept his political views private , ” another wrote .
Sadly , this isn ’ t the first time the family has received backlash for their support for Trump ; the restaurant received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally for then-candidate Trump .
“ I feel that , as naturalized United States citizens , we have the right to support President Trump or to support any other candidate that loves this country , ” Jorge said in a Facebook video on Feb. 27 .
“ For me , it is very important to support people that have the same values as I do .
“ Just because we are Latinos , it doesn ’ t mean that we have to think like every other Latino in this country .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a constitutional right to … support whoever we want.
” Once Trump heard about the backlash the Rivases had been receiving , he posted a tweet expressing his support for the two owners .
“ The food is GREAT at Sammy ’ s Mexican Grill , ” he wrote .
“ Congratulations to Betty & Jorge Rivas on doing such a wonderful job .
I will try hard to stop by the next time I am in Phoenix .
Support Sammy ’ s !
” Since then , Trump supporters , including high-profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Arizona GOP Chairwoman Kelli Ward , have patronized the restaurant to show that they stand with the Rivases .
It ’ s not just politicians — everyday Americans are flocking to the restaurant as well .
One man who patronized the restaurant , Todd , told The Western Journal that when he heard about the backlash the Rivases received after attedning the Trump rally in Phoenix , he wanted to show his support .
“ You can support who you what to support .
That ’ s why we live in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives in Utah but was in Arizona for business .
“ You shouldn ’ t be put down or your business hurt because of who you support.
” Anne Howarth from Tucson came to Sammy ’ s with a group of 10 motorcyclists to support the Rivases .
“ To have these people being threatened , it ’ s just not OK !
” she told The Western Journal , adding that the divisions in the country will only continue to get worse as the November election draws closer .
Nola , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Great Again ” hat , said she brought her friend to Sammy ’ s to show her support for the Rivases and their political beliefs .
“ I think it ’ s very unfair , ” she said of the backlash the Rivases have received since attending the rally , “ because we live in a free country and other people when they voice their opinions that are opposing ours , they expect to be able to say what they say and do what they do , but if we do it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t work for me .
“ I respect other people ’ s opinions and I expect them to respect mine .
It ’ s really all about respect , ” she told The Western Journal .
“ I just think there ’ s just too much intense hatred that I ’ ve never seen before or witnessed in my lifetime , ” Nola continued .
“ I think when push comes to shove , we ’ re all Americans and we all will stick together when we need to , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now ?
We all get one vote and so when we go vote — whoever gets the most wins .
It ’ s just like playing ball or something , you know ?
” “ It ’ s expected , ” Chad from Tucson told The Western Journal .
“ The Democrats and the left-wing media are geared up and they ’ re organized and they will target you in a heartbeat.
” He referenced another Tucson-area business , Cup It Up American Grill , that closed in 2017 after the owners published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intense weekend of threats over social media and over the phone .
Tucson resident Beverly said she believes the dissent between the Republican and Democratic parties will only continue to get worse , but has noticed that conservatives are now “ fighting back.
” “ We ’ ve seen how much it hurt people that have a business , like we saw with the Cup It Up .
It was terrible what they did to those people just because they didn ’ t like what they thought or believed — to be attacked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid that ’ s what they were going to do to [ the Rivases ] .
” “ This is a free capitalist society , ” she added .
“ We shouldn ’ t be attacking people for their beliefs.
” The Western Journal ’ s Morgan Brantley contributed to this report .
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism .
Read our editorial standards .

After the owners of a Mexican restaurant attended President Donald Trump’s rally in Phoenix, Arizona, they began receiving threats and negative reviews from those on the left simply because of their political opinions.
Now, not only has Trump shared his support for the couple on Twitter, but Trump supporters have flocked to the locally owned restaurant to show the owners that they aren’t alone.
Jorge and Betty Rivas — the owners of Sammy’s Mexican Grill outside of Tucson, Arizona — sat behind the president as he addressed a large crowd on Feb. 19, but soon after, people began writing nasty reviews online and calling the restaurant with threats.
“LEAVE POLITICS OUT THE BZNZ,” one Facebook reviewer wrote on March 4.
“His coconut mentality. He should have kept his political views private,” another wrote.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time the family has received backlash for their support for Trump; the restaurant received similar messages after Betty attended a 2016 rally for then-candidate Trump.
“I feel that, as naturalized United States citizens, we have the right to support President Trump or to support any other candidate that loves this country,” Jorge said in a Facebook video on Feb. 27. “For me, it is very important to support people that have the same values as I do.
“Just because we are Latinos, it doesn’t mean that we have to think like every other Latino in this country. We are individuals and we feel that we have a constitutional right to … support whoever we want.”
Once Trump heard about the backlash the Rivases had been receiving, he posted a tweet expressing his support for the two owners.
“The food is GREAT at Sammy’s Mexican Grill,” he wrote. “Congratulations to Betty & Jorge Rivas on doing such a wonderful job. I will try hard to stop by the next time I am in Phoenix. Support Sammy’s!”
Since then, Trump supporters, including high-profile GOP leaders like U.S. Sen. Martha McSally and Arizona GOP Chairwoman Kelli Ward, have patronized the restaurant to show that they stand with the Rivases.
It’s not just politicians — everyday Americans are flocking to the restaurant as well.
Do you think the restaurant owners should have received the backlash they did because of their political beliefs? 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: 1% (6 Votes) No: 99% (395 Votes)
One man who patronized the restaurant, Todd, told The Western Journal that when he heard about the backlash the Rivases received after attending the Trump rally in Phoenix, he wanted to show his support.
“You can support who you what to support. That’s why we live in this country,” said Todd, who lives in Utah but was in Arizona for business. “You shouldn’t be put down or your business hurt because of who you support.”
Anne Howarth from Tucson came to Sammy’s with a group of 10 motorcyclists to support the Rivases.
“To have these people being threatened, it’s just not OK!” she told The Western Journal, adding that the divisions in the country will only continue to get worse as the November election draws closer.
Nola, who was proudly wearing a “Make American Great Again” hat, said she brought her friend to Sammy’s to show her support for the Rivases and their political beliefs.
“I think it’s very unfair,” she said of the backlash the Rivases have received since attending the rally, “because we live in a free country and other people when they voice their opinions that are opposing ours, they expect to be able to say what they say and do what they do, but if we do it, it’s not right. That doesn’t work for me.
“I respect other people’s opinions and I expect them to respect mine. It’s really all about respect,” she told The Western Journal.
“I just think there’s just too much intense hatred that I’ve never seen before or witnessed in my lifetime,” Nola continued. “I think when push comes to shove, we’re all Americans and we all will stick together when we need to, so why can’t we do it now? We all get one vote and so when we go vote — whoever gets the most wins. It’s just like playing ball or something, you know?”
“It’s expected,” Chad from Tucson told The Western Journal. “The Democrats and the left-wing media are geared up and they’re organized and they will target you in a heartbeat.”
He referenced another Tucson-area business, Cup It Up American Grill, that closed in 2017 after the owners published a conservative Facebook post which elicited an intense weekend of threats over social media and over the phone.
“They are vicious,” Chad added.
Tucson resident Beverly said she believes the dissent between the Republican and Democratic parties will only continue to get worse, but has noticed that conservatives are now “fighting back.”
“We’ve seen how much it hurt people that have a business, like we saw with the Cup It Up. It was terrible what they did to those people just because they didn’t like what they thought or believed — to be attacked like that. We were kind of afraid that’s what they were going to do to [the Rivases].”
“This is a free capitalist society,” she added. “We shouldn’t be attacking people for their beliefs.”
The Western Journal’s Morgan Brantley contributed to this report.
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