freebeacon--2020-05-07--Supreme Court Overturns ‘Bridgegate’ Convictions for Ex-Christie Aides

The Supreme Court on Thursday threw out the fraud convictions of two former aides to New Jersey governor Chris Christie for their roles in crafting the `` Bridgegate '' scandal .
Bridget Kelly , once Christie 's deputy chief of staff , and William Baroni , a top official at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey , were charged and convicted under federal fraud laws for orchestrating the scheme .
The High Court acknowledged that the scandal involved deceit and corruption but said Kelly and Baroni did not break the law because they never meant to deprive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For four days in 2013 , the pair reassigned traffic lanes on the George Washington Bridge typically reserved for residents of Fort Lee , N.J. , to punish the town 's mayor for withholding support of Christie 's reelection bid .
Though Christie was never implicated , the long-running scandal dealt a crippling blow to his political standing ahead of the 2016 presidential primaries .
`` As Kelly 's own lawyer acknowledged , this case involves an ‘ abuse of power , ' '' Kagan wrote .
`` For no reason other than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deception to reduce Fort Lee 's access lanes to the George Washington Bridge—and thereby jeopardized the safety of the town 's residents .
But not every corrupt act by state or local officials is a federal crime . ''
Under a decades-old arrangement , three traffic lanes feeding into the George Washington Bridge were designated for Fort Lee residents .
Kelly and Baroni reallocated two of those lanes for general use , using a phony traffic study as a pretext .
Chaos followed .
`` According to the Fort Lee Chief of Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the George Washington Bridge had shut down .
School buses stood in place for hours , '' Kagan wrote .
`` An ambulance struggled to reach the victim of a heart attack ; police had trouble responding to a report of a missing child . ''
Federal prosecutors said the scheme violated federal fraud laws in two ways .
First , the pair effectively took control of two lanes on the bridge , thus depriving the government of its property .
Second , extra toll collectors were needed to service the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents , costing the Port Authority needless overtime payments .
The Court rejected both theories .
The key , Kagan explained , is that the scheme 's goal was political retribution , not shorting the Port Authority of money and property .
The lane reallocation was an ordinary , if unseemly , exercise of regulatory power , the Court said .
No property was lost since Kelly and Baroni did not `` walk away with the lanes ; nor did they take the lanes from the government by converting them to a non-public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were an `` incidental byproduct '' of implementing the regulation .
Kelly and Baroni were also convicted on conspiracy charges .
Those convictions also fall with Thursday 's ruling .
A third collaborator turned state 's witness , David Wildstein , pleaded guilty to two felony counts as part of a plea deal .
In recent years , the Supreme Court has repeatedly reined in the government 's readings of public corruption laws , making it harder for federal prosecutors to convict public officials for misconduct .
Those statutes , Kagan wrote Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all acts of dishonesty by state and local officials . ''
For example , the justices unanimously lifted former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell 's corruption convictions in 2016 .
McDonnell , who like Christie was once a rising star in Republican politics , was found guilty of bribery after he accepted over $ 170,000 worth of gifts in exchange for political favors .
Under the bribery law , prosecutors must show that an official accepted bribes or kickbacks in exchange for an `` official act . ''
In an opinion written by Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on the government 's definition of `` official act , '' saying it reaches only formal and specific exercises of power .
Taking a meeting or organizing an event , as McDonnell had done , does not count .
Christie himself was on hand at the Supreme Court in January for arguments in the case , seated in front of Kelly in the Court 's public gallery .
`` It 's been a long six years .
I hope he had a harder time seeing me than I had seeing him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The case is No .
18-1059 Kelly v. United States .

The Supreme Court on Thursday threw out the fraud convictions of two former aides to New Jersey governor Chris Christie for their roles in crafting the "Bridgegate" scandal.
Bridget Kelly, once Christie's deputy chief of staff, and William Baroni, a top official at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, were charged and convicted under federal fraud laws for orchestrating the scheme. The High Court acknowledged that the scandal involved deceit and corruption but said Kelly and Baroni did not break the law because they never meant to deprive the government of money or property.
For four days in 2013, the pair reassigned traffic lanes on the George Washington Bridge typically reserved for residents of Fort Lee, N.J., to punish the town's mayor for withholding support of Christie's reelection bid. Though Christie was never implicated, the long-running scandal dealt a crippling blow to his political standing ahead of the 2016 presidential primaries.
Justice Elena Kagan delivered the Court's unanimous decision.
"As Kelly's own lawyer acknowledged, this case involves an 'abuse of power,'" Kagan wrote. "For no reason other than political payback, Baroni and Kelly used deception to reduce Fort Lee's access lanes to the George Washington Bridge—and thereby jeopardized the safety of the town's residents. But not every corrupt act by state or local officials is a federal crime."
Under a decades-old arrangement, three traffic lanes feeding into the George Washington Bridge were designated for Fort Lee residents. Kelly and Baroni reallocated two of those lanes for general use, using a phony traffic study as a pretext. Chaos followed.
"According to the Fort Lee Chief of Police, the traffic rivaled that of 9/11, when the George Washington Bridge had shut down. School buses stood in place for hours," Kagan wrote. "An ambulance struggled to reach the victim of a heart attack; police had trouble responding to a report of a missing child."
Federal prosecutors said the scheme violated federal fraud laws in two ways. First, the pair effectively took control of two lanes on the bridge, thus depriving the government of its property. Second, extra toll collectors were needed to service the one remaining access lane for Fort Lee residents, costing the Port Authority needless overtime payments.
The Court rejected both theories. The key, Kagan explained, is that the scheme's goal was political retribution, not shorting the Port Authority of money and property. The lane reallocation was an ordinary, if unseemly, exercise of regulatory power, the Court said. No property was lost since Kelly and Baroni did not "walk away with the lanes; nor did they take the lanes from the government by converting them to a non-public use." The additional labor costs were an "incidental byproduct" of implementing the regulation.
Kelly and Baroni were also convicted on conspiracy charges. Those convictions also fall with Thursday's ruling. A third collaborator turned state's witness, David Wildstein, pleaded guilty to two felony counts as part of a plea deal.
In recent years, the Supreme Court has repeatedly reined in the government's readings of public corruption laws, making it harder for federal prosecutors to convict public officials for misconduct. Those statutes, Kagan wrote Thursday, do not "[criminalize] all acts of dishonesty by state and local officials."
For example, the justices unanimously lifted former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell's corruption convictions in 2016. McDonnell, who like Christie was once a rising star in Republican politics, was found guilty of bribery after he accepted over $170,000 worth of gifts in exchange for political favors. Under the bribery law, prosecutors must show that an official accepted bribes or kickbacks in exchange for an "official act."
In an opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the Court cut back on the government's definition of "official act," saying it reaches only formal and specific exercises of power. Taking a meeting or organizing an event, as McDonnell had done, does not count.
Christie himself was on hand at the Supreme Court in January for arguments in the case, seated in front of Kelly in the Court's public gallery.
"It's been a long six years. I hope he had a harder time seeing me than I had seeing him," Kelly told reporters after the argument.
The case is No. 18-1059 Kelly v. United States.
Kelly v. United States deci... by Washington Free Beacon on Scribd


freebeacon--2020-05-07--Israeli Parliament Nominates Netanyahu to Form New Government

JERUSALEM ( Reuters ) – The Israeli parliament formally nominated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to form a new coalition government despite his upcoming trial on corruption charges , bringing him closer to a fifth term after more than a year of political stalemate .
Seventy-two of the Knesset ’ s 120 lawmakers signed on to Netanyahu ’ s candidacy after parliament passed legislation approving details of a power-sharing deal between the premier ’ s right-wing Likud party and centrist rival Benny Gantz ’ s Blue and White , a joint statement from the factions said .
Netanyahu and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inconclusive elections since April 2019 , plan to swear in their new coalition in on Wednesday .
Their deal would see Netanyahu serving as prime minister for 18 months after which Gantz would take over .
Gantz had previously balked at partnering up with Netanyahu , who has been indicted on graft charges .
He reversed course last month , saying that a unity government was needed to head off economic damage from the coronavirus crisis .
Their coalition deal cleared a legal hurdle on Wednesday when Israel ’ s Supreme Court dismissed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ruled Netanyahu could form a government even as he faces an indictment for bribery , fraud and breach of trust .
Netanyahu , 70 , has denied any wrong-doing ahead of his trial , which is due to open on May 24 .
Writing by Dan Williams ; Editing by Maayan Lubell and Angus MacSwan

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The Israeli parliament formally nominated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to form a new coalition government despite his upcoming trial on corruption charges, bringing him closer to a fifth term after more than a year of political stalemate.
Seventy-two of the Knesset’s 120 lawmakers signed on to Netanyahu’s candidacy after parliament passed legislation approving details of a power-sharing deal between the premier’s right-wing Likud party and centrist rival Benny Gantz’s Blue and White, a joint statement from the factions said.
Netanyahu’s nomination was submitted to President Reuven Rivlin.
Netanyahu and Gantz, who were deadlocked in three inconclusive elections since April 2019, plan to swear in their new coalition in on Wednesday. Their deal would see Netanyahu serving as prime minister for 18 months after which Gantz would take over.
Gantz had previously balked at partnering up with Netanyahu, who has been indicted on graft charges. He reversed course last month, saying that a unity government was needed to head off economic damage from the coronavirus crisis.
Their coalition deal cleared a legal hurdle on Wednesday when Israel’s Supreme Court dismissed challenges by opposition figures and watchdogs and ruled Netanyahu could form a government even as he faces an indictment for bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
Netanyahu, 70, has denied any wrong-doing ahead of his trial, which is due to open on May 24.
Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Maayan Lubell and Angus MacSwan


freebeacon--2020-05-08--How America Arrived at the Cruel New Normal

Very soon , you and I will have to figure out how to navigate a semi-open America where coronavirus is a terrible fact of life .
The lockdowns and stay-at-home orders that state and city governments announced in March are breaking down .
This is not red-versus-blue .
This is reality .
Two weeks ago , Georgia 's Republican governor Brian Kemp faced widespread criticism for his easing of restrictions on business and outdoor activities , even as Colorado 's Democratic governor Jared Polis did the same thing .
Now most states are joining in .
In the past few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he will begin relaxing parts of his statewide directives , and so has Virginia 's Ralph Northam .
Maryland 's Larry Hogan has announced that residents of his state will be able to undergo non-emergency medical procedures and play a round of golf .
Newsom , Northam , and Hogan are not the sort of politicians likely to be swayed by a `` Lockdown Rebellion '' protest .
The governors have been led to these decisions by the realization that blanket limitations on individual behavior have done about the best they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` bend the curve '' of infection so that the medical system did not become overwhelmed .
The policy worked , up to a point .
New York City , where Ground Zero has taken on another , equally horrible meaning , avoided the nightmare Italian scenario in which doctors had to deny care to some in order to save others .
Nationwide , the curve was not so much bent as flattened .
The seven-day average of cases and deaths peaked in April .
It has since leveled off , and tapered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the near future is an awful statistic to contemplate .
Especially because other democracies—Taiwan , South Korea , Australia , New Zealand—were able to bring the disease under control .
America is not like them .
Three are islands , and the fourth , Korea , is surrounded on three sides by water and on one side by the DMZ .
America is also much bigger .
We have six times the population of South Korea , and many more times the people of Australia , Taiwan , and New Zealand .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cohesive society .
Our system of government is designed for inefficiency , to better protect individual liberty .
Our bureaucracies show it .
America was unprepared .
Unlike the smaller Asian democracies , America did not experience and thus did not learn from the SARS outbreak of 2003 .
George W. Bush 's 2005 warning was ignored .
The sense of invulnerability that comes with living between two oceans , and with allies to the north and south , was once again exposed as an illusion .
Leaders at every level of government—federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was too late .
The desperate circumstances forced us to use the bluntest tool available : shutdown .
The lockdowns were necessary .
They were also unsustainable .
Americans , so accustomed to freedom , were bound to chafe at being told what to do .
Justified fear of coronavirus devastated the food and beverage , travel , hospitality , and entertainment sectors .
The economic toll could persist just for so long before it became unbearable .
Nor are public health , personal freedom , and economics the only competing values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been harmed .
For people living alone , the social and psychological costs of prolonged isolation can be traumatic .
For children , extended separation from friends and socializing experiences will have unknown consequences .
The lockdowns are precarious .
Therapeutics are in the trial-and-error phase .
A vaccine , if one can be found , is many months away .
What 's needed is a means of bridging the gap between pandemic and immunity .
The epidemiologists ' preferred strategy is test , trace , and isolate .
That is how our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be harder for us .
The scale of testing required for the plan to work is massive .
At the current rate of increase , it will take us months to achieve .
There are also supply problems to consider and logistical obstacles to surmount .
It 's not a matter of snapping one 's fingers .
Frontline medical personnel , for example , continue to identify shortages of personal protective equipment months into the crisis .
Amassing the significant labor force necessary for `` contact tracing '' might not be too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What will be harder to overcome are the legitimate worries Americans will have over violations of privacy .
Not to mention how they might respond to the techniques of `` isolation . ''
Checking oneself into a government-approved corona-hotel requires a deference to authority and devaluing of autonomy that runs against the American grain .
We have enough trouble getting folks to wear masks .
John Cochrane of Stanford 's Hoover Institution calls the expert recommendations a `` smart reopening . ''
He also says it is unlikely to happen .
Instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dumb reopening , '' where people tentatively resume patterns of life resembling normality until they hear of rising infections in their area and reduce social contact voluntarily , causing a decline in new cases .
`` There are hundreds of little behaviors each of us take that push the reproduction rate around . ''
Think of a turtle retreating to his shell .
It is astonishing ( and frightening ) to consider that , despite our technology and wealth , America seems fated to respond to the coronavirus much in the same way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century ago : stop and go , in fits and starts , a 3,007-county patchwork of closings and re-openings and more closings , where individual responsibility and self-discipline matter as much as , if not more than , bureaucratic fiat .
A `` dumb reopening '' would not suppress the disease , but it might provide a chance to address some of the economic , social , religious , cultural , and psychological damage that the coronavirus has wrought .
And , given the recent decisions by officials both Republican and Democratic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Whether we like it or not .

Very soon, you and I will have to figure out how to navigate a semi-open America where coronavirus is a terrible fact of life. The lockdowns and stay-at-home orders that state and city governments announced in March are breaking down. This is not red-versus-blue. This is reality. Two weeks ago, Georgia's Republican governor Brian Kemp faced widespread criticism for his easing of restrictions on business and outdoor activities, even as Colorado's Democratic governor Jared Polis did the same thing. Now most states are joining in.
In the past few days, California's Gavin Newsom has said he will begin relaxing parts of his statewide directives, and so has Virginia's Ralph Northam. Maryland's Larry Hogan has announced that residents of his state will be able to undergo non-emergency medical procedures and play a round of golf. Newsom, Northam, and Hogan are not the sort of politicians likely to be swayed by a "Lockdown Rebellion" protest. The governors have been led to these decisions by the realization that blanket limitations on individual behavior have done about the best they could do.
States imposed these rules to "bend the curve" of infection so that the medical system did not become overwhelmed. The policy worked, up to a point. New York City, where Ground Zero has taken on another, equally horrible meaning, avoided the nightmare Italian scenario in which doctors had to deny care to some in order to save others. Nationwide, the curve was not so much bent as flattened. The seven-day average of cases and deaths peaked in April. It has since leveled off, and tapered somewhat. Some 1,700 deaths per day for the near future is an awful statistic to contemplate. Especially because other democracies—Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand—were able to bring the disease under control.
America is not like them. Three are islands, and the fourth, Korea, is surrounded on three sides by water and on one side by the DMZ. America is also much bigger. We have six times the population of South Korea, and many more times the people of Australia, Taiwan, and New Zealand. We are a more diverse and less cohesive society. Our system of government is designed for inefficiency, to better protect individual liberty. Our bureaucracies show it.
America was unprepared. Unlike the smaller Asian democracies, America did not experience and thus did not learn from the SARS outbreak of 2003. George W. Bush's 2005 warning was ignored. The sense of invulnerability that comes with living between two oceans, and with allies to the north and south, was once again exposed as an illusion. Leaders at every level of government—federal, state, local—downplayed the threat until it was too late. The desperate circumstances forced us to use the bluntest tool available: shutdown.
The lockdowns were necessary. They were also unsustainable. Americans, so accustomed to freedom, were bound to chafe at being told what to do. Justified fear of coronavirus devastated the food and beverage, travel, hospitality, and entertainment sectors. The economic toll could persist just for so long before it became unbearable. Nor are public health, personal freedom, and economics the only competing values in this emergency. Spiritual life has been harmed. For people living alone, the social and psychological costs of prolonged isolation can be traumatic. For children, extended separation from friends and socializing experiences will have unknown consequences.
The lockdowns are precarious. Therapeutics are in the trial-and-error phase. A vaccine, if one can be found, is many months away. What's needed is a means of bridging the gap between pandemic and immunity.
The epidemiologists' preferred strategy is test, trace, and isolate. That is how our fellow democracies suppressed the outbreak. It will be harder for us. The scale of testing required for the plan to work is massive. At the current rate of increase, it will take us months to achieve. There are also supply problems to consider and logistical obstacles to surmount. It's not a matter of snapping one's fingers. Frontline medical personnel, for example, continue to identify shortages of personal protective equipment months into the crisis.
Amassing the significant labor force necessary for "contact tracing" might not be too difficult in a time of mass unemployment. What will be harder to overcome are the legitimate worries Americans will have over violations of privacy. Not to mention how they might respond to the techniques of "isolation." Checking oneself into a government-approved corona-hotel requires a deference to authority and devaluing of autonomy that runs against the American grain. We have enough trouble getting folks to wear masks.
John Cochrane of Stanford's Hoover Institution calls the expert recommendations a "smart reopening." He also says it is unlikely to happen. Instead, we are in for a "dumb reopening," where people tentatively resume patterns of life resembling normality until they hear of rising infections in their area and reduce social contact voluntarily, causing a decline in new cases. "There are hundreds of little behaviors each of us take that push the reproduction rate around." Think of a turtle retreating to his shell.
It is astonishing (and frightening) to consider that, despite our technology and wealth, America seems fated to respond to the coronavirus much in the same way it responded to the Spanish influenza a century ago: stop and go, in fits and starts, a 3,007-county patchwork of closings and re-openings and more closings, where individual responsibility and self-discipline matter as much as, if not more than, bureaucratic fiat. A "dumb reopening" would not suppress the disease, but it might provide a chance to address some of the economic, social, religious, cultural, and psychological damage that the coronavirus has wrought. And, given the recent decisions by officials both Republican and Democratic, a "dumb reopening" lies ahead. Whether we like it or not.


freebeacon--2020-05-08--NYT Podcast Neglects to Ask Alice Walker About History of Anti-Jewish Comments

A New York Times podcast neglected to ask author Alice Walker about her history of anti-Jewish comments in a wide-ranging interview this week , despite the fact that the paper 's news section has described some of Walker 's writings about Jews as `` blatantly anti-Semitic . ''
In a half-hour interview on Wednesday , New York Times podcast host and author Cheryl Strayed talked to Walker , the author of The Color Purple , about subjects ranging from coronavirus fears to romantic breakups .
But she did not ask Walker about her claims that Jews support the enslavement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that draws on conspiracy theories from the Protocols of the Elders of Zion .
Strayed and a spokesperson for the Times did not respond to a request for comment .
Strayed wrote on Twitter on Thursday that she was unaware of the controversy .
`` I had no idea and neither did the producers who make the show , '' she said , adding that , had she been aware , `` I would not have invited Alice Walker on the show . ''
She also said she had removed social media posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent supporter of the anti-Israel `` boycott , divestment and sanctions '' movement , has compared Israel to Nazi Germany and published a poem in 2017 called `` It Is Our ( Frightful ) Duty to Study the Talmud '' which makes numerous false claims about the Jewish text .
She encouraged her supporters to watch YouTube videos about the Talmud that claimed the Jewish religion supports the murder of all non-Jews and advocates raping babies .
`` Are Goyim ( us ) meant to be slaves of Jews , and not only/ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she wrote .
Strayed 's interview was not adversarial .
Strayed is a New York Times bestselling author of books about personal growth and a vocal critic of President Donald Trump who has said `` every day Trump is in office is a travesty . ''
`` A word that I associate with you is joy .
So much of your work is so full of sorrow and hardship , '' Strayed said to Walker on the podcast .
`` But always there is joy at its center .
I 'm curious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? ''
The two also discussed her activities during social distancing , her nighttime dreams , romantic heartbreak , meditative breathing techniques , the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. , opposition to the Vietnam war , her development as a young writer , Aretha Franklin , her childhood in church , her love of nature , the I Ching , Jane Eyre , her estrangement and reconciliation with her daughter , raising teenagers , and her views on the afterlife .
It is not the first time Walker has been featured in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backlash for publishing Walker 's recommendation of an anti-Semitic book in its book section in 2018 .
That book , And the Truth Shall Set You Free by David Icke , promulgates a host of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories .
`` In Icke 's books there is the whole of existence , on this planet and several others , to think about .
A curious person 's dream come true , '' Walker told the paper at the time .
A subsequent Times news article about the controversy described the book as having `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas from the anti-Semitic pamphlet ‘ The Protocols of the Elders of Zion , ' argues that Holocaust denial should be taught in schools and that Jews are responsible for organizing anti-Semitic attacks , and calls the Talmud a racist document . ''
The Times was criticized by Jewish groups and other media outlets for publishing Walker 's recommendation without commentary .
`` [ T ] he publication passed it on to readers without qualification .
This is rather remarkable because the book is an unhinged anti-Semitic conspiracy tract written by one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote Yair Rosenberg in Tablet magazine at the time .
In response to the public backlash , the book review editor said that the publication `` would never add that a book is factually inaccurate , or that the author is a serial predator , or any kind of judgment on the work or the writer .
We do not issue a verdict on people 's opinions . ''
Walker defended her praise for Icke 's book in a post on her website , calling him `` brave enough to ask the questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been a longtime supporter of Icke , who was banned from YouTube earlier this month after he posted videos claiming that there was a link between coronavirus and 5G phone networks .
`` YouTube has clear policies prohibiting any content that disputes the existence and transmission of Covid-19 as described by the WHO and the NHS , '' a YouTube spokesperson told the BBC last week .
Walker posted a new video of Icke being interviewed by a British pundit on her website on Tuesday , calling it `` the largest livestream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is also , in my opinion , the most important . ''
In the interview , Icke promotes conspiracy theories linking the coronavirus pandemic to 5G and Bill Gates .
The prior interview in the series was removed by Spotify for promoting misinformation about the coronavirus .
UPDATE May 7 , 2020 , 9:19 p.m. : This report has been updated to reflect Strayed 's response to the incident on Twitter .

A New York Times podcast neglected to ask author Alice Walker about her history of anti-Jewish comments in a wide-ranging interview this week, despite the fact that the paper's news section has described some of Walker's writings about Jews as "blatantly anti-Semitic."
In a half-hour interview on Wednesday, New York Times podcast host and author Cheryl Strayed talked to Walker, the author of The Color Purple, about subjects ranging from coronavirus fears to romantic breakups. But she did not ask Walker about her claims that Jews support the enslavement of non-Jews or her endorsement of a book that draws on conspiracy theories from the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
Strayed and a spokesperson for the Times did not respond to a request for comment. Strayed wrote on Twitter on Thursday that she was unaware of the controversy. "I had no idea and neither did the producers who make the show," she said, adding that, had she been aware, "I would not have invited Alice Walker on the show." She also said she had removed social media posts promoting the episode.
Walker, a prominent supporter of the anti-Israel "boycott, divestment and sanctions" movement, has compared Israel to Nazi Germany and published a poem in 2017 called "It Is Our (Frightful) Duty to Study the Talmud" which makes numerous false claims about the Jewish text.
She encouraged her supporters to watch YouTube videos about the Talmud that claimed the Jewish religion supports the murder of all non-Jews and advocates raping babies.
"Are Goyim (us) meant to be slaves of Jews, and not only/ That, but to enjoy it?" she wrote.
Strayed's interview was not adversarial. Strayed is a New York Times bestselling author of books about personal growth and a vocal critic of President Donald Trump who has said "every day Trump is in office is a travesty."
"A word that I associate with you is joy. So much of your work is so full of sorrow and hardship," Strayed said to Walker on the podcast. "But always there is joy at its center. I'm curious how did you foster that within you?"
The two also discussed her activities during social distancing, her nighttime dreams, romantic heartbreak, meditative breathing techniques, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., opposition to the Vietnam war, her development as a young writer, Aretha Franklin, her childhood in church, her love of nature, the I Ching, Jane Eyre, her estrangement and reconciliation with her daughter, raising teenagers, and her views on the afterlife.
It is not the first time Walker has been featured in the Times. The paper has faced backlash for publishing Walker's recommendation of an anti-Semitic book in its book section in 2018. That book, And the Truth Shall Set You Free by David Icke, promulgates a host of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
"In Icke's books there is the whole of existence, on this planet and several others, to think about. A curious person's dream come true," Walker told the paper at the time.
A subsequent Times news article about the controversy described the book as having "anti-Jewish overtones" and drawing "on ideas from the anti-Semitic pamphlet 'The Protocols of the Elders of Zion,' argues that Holocaust denial should be taught in schools and that Jews are responsible for organizing anti-Semitic attacks, and calls the Talmud a racist document."
The Times was criticized by Jewish groups and other media outlets for publishing Walker's recommendation without commentary.
"[T]he publication passed it on to readers without qualification. This is rather remarkable because the book is an unhinged anti-Semitic conspiracy tract written by one of Britain's most notorious anti-Semites," wrote Yair Rosenberg in Tablet magazine at the time.
In response to the public backlash, the book review editor said that the publication "would never add that a book is factually inaccurate, or that the author is a serial predator, or any kind of judgment on the work or the writer. We do not issue a verdict on people's opinions."
Walker defended her praise for Icke's book in a post on her website, calling him "brave enough to ask the questions others fear to ask."
Walker has been a longtime supporter of Icke, who was banned from YouTube earlier this month after he posted videos claiming that there was a link between coronavirus and 5G phone networks.
"YouTube has clear policies prohibiting any content that disputes the existence and transmission of Covid-19 as described by the WHO and the NHS," a YouTube spokesperson told the BBC last week.
Walker posted a new video of Icke being interviewed by a British pundit on her website on Tuesday, calling it "the largest livestream, human funded conversation in human history. It is also, in my opinion, the most important." In the interview, Icke promotes conspiracy theories linking the coronavirus pandemic to 5G and Bill Gates. The prior interview in the series was removed by Spotify for promoting misinformation about the coronavirus.
UPDATE May 7, 2020, 9:19 p.m.: This report has been updated to reflect Strayed's response to the incident on Twitter.


freebeacon--2020-05-08--Sen. Lee Holding Up Widely Supported Holocaust Education Bill

Sen. Mike Lee ( R. , Utah ) has placed a hold on legislation meant to expand Holocaust education programs , angering supporters in the pro-Israel community who say the bill was on track to be approved before hitting this roadblock .
The legislation , which was set for approval amid commemorations of May 's Jewish American Heritage Month , would improve and help develop Holocaust education initiatives across the country .
The bill was approved overwhelmingly by the House with just five dissenters and forwarded by the relevant Senate committees on Thursday , paving the way for a full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold on the bill , meaning that it can not move forward until the senator 's concerns with it are addressed .
All senators can place a procedural hold on a bill to block it from moving forward .
Pro-Israel American groups have been championing the Holocaust legislation from the outset , particularly in light of a sizable jump in anti-Semitic attitudes within the United States and Israel .
The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation , as anti-Semitic activists promote claims that Israel and Jews were behind developing the virus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ educate Americans about the Nazi regime 's atrocities and help stem the spread of anti-Semitic tropes .
Lee 's office confirmed the senator 's hold , saying he is seeking `` some really minor changes to some of the wording '' and is working with Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R. , N.D. ) , a chief sponsor of the bill , to address these concerns .
Lee 's office would not detail what specifically the senator objects to in the legislation or for how long the hold could last .
Cramer 's office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .
Officials in the pro-Israel community expressed concern over Lee 's move , telling the Washington Free Beacon the bill had initially been fast tracked for approval given its broad bipartisan support .
They worry his hold could delay the bill 's passage and endanger the timely development of Holocaust education programs .
`` Sen. Lee is holding up a common sense bill with overwhelming bipartisan support .
Anti-Semitism is raging while Sen. Lee fiddles , '' said a senior official with a pro-Israel organization , speaking only on background so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship with Lee .
`` If the senator lacks the fortitude to disclose his issue with this straightforward legislation , then he should cease his serial obstructionism and let Congress do its job . ''

Sen. Mike Lee (R., Utah) has placed a hold on legislation meant to expand Holocaust education programs, angering supporters in the pro-Israel community who say the bill was on track to be approved before hitting this roadblock.
The legislation, which was set for approval amid commemorations of May's Jewish American Heritage Month, would improve and help develop Holocaust education initiatives across the country. The bill was approved overwhelmingly by the House with just five dissenters and forwarded by the relevant Senate committees on Thursday, paving the way for a full vote.
However, Lee placed a hold on the bill, meaning that it cannot move forward until the senator's concerns with it are addressed. All senators can place a procedural hold on a bill to block it from moving forward.
Pro-Israel American groups have been championing the Holocaust legislation from the outset, particularly in light of a sizable jump in anti-Semitic attitudes within the United States and Israel. The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation, as anti-Semitic activists promote claims that Israel and Jews were behind developing the virus. The pro-Israel groups maintain the bill would help educate Americans about the Nazi regime's atrocities and help stem the spread of anti-Semitic tropes.
Lee's office confirmed the senator's hold, saying he is seeking "some really minor changes to some of the wording" and is working with Sen. Kevin Cramer (R., N.D.), a chief sponsor of the bill, to address these concerns. Lee's office would not detail what specifically the senator objects to in the legislation or for how long the hold could last.
Cramer's office told the Washington Free Beacon, "We have no comment on this, will let you know when we have updates."
Officials in the pro-Israel community expressed concern over Lee's move, telling the Free Beacon the bill had initially been fast tracked for approval given its broad bipartisan support. They worry his hold could delay the bill's passage and endanger the timely development of Holocaust education programs.
"Sen. Lee is holding up a common sense bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. Anti-Semitism is raging while Sen. Lee fiddles," said a senior official with a pro-Israel organization, speaking only on background so as not to endanger the group's relationship with Lee. "If the senator lacks the fortitude to disclose his issue with this straightforward legislation, then he should cease his serial obstructionism and let Congress do its job."
Update 11:22 a.m.: This post has been updated with comment from Cramer's office.


freebeacon--2020-05-08--FLASHBACK: MSNBC, CNN Derided Flynn as Treacherous Russian Asset

Pundits at MSNBC and CNN derided former national security adviser and retired Gen. Michael Flynn as treacherous and a possible @ @ @ @ @ charged with lying to the FBI about interactions with the Russian ambassador in 2016 .
@ @ @ @ @ drop the charges against Flynn this week , saying the investigation into him was unjustified @

Pundits at MSNBC and CNN derided former national security adviser and retired Gen. Michael Flynn as treacherous and a possible Russian asset after he was charged with lying to the FBI about interactions with the Russian ambassador in 2016.
The Justice Department sought to drop the charges against Flynn this week, saying the investigation into him was unjustified.


freebeacon--2020-05-08--Gun-Control Activist Deploys Fake Photo in Attack on Virginia Republican

Freitas , an Army veteran , is running to unseat freshman representative Abigail Spanberger ( D. , Va. ) , who is backed by prominent gun-control groups , including Moms Demand Action .
Watts , who founded the group in 2012 , falsely accused Freitas of promoting a t-shirt that bears the Moms Demand Action logo , but features stick figures engaged in various acts of sexual congress and depravity .
The Thursday tweet , which Watts has since deleted , included a fundraising plea in support of Spanberger .
Freitas responded to the attack Thursday , accusing Watts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bolster her candidate .
`` Not only is this ‘ tweet ' verifiably fake , but she used it to slander my wife , '' Freitas said in a tweet .
`` If they ca n't win on issues , they engage in the politics of slander + personal destruction . ''
He went on to ask Spanberger if she stood behind the `` lies your allies @ MomsDemand are spreading to raise money for you . ''
Spanberger has not addressed Watts 's tweet and did not respond to a request @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP representative Dave Brat in 2018 , becoming the first Democrat to represent Virginia 's Seventh Congressional District since 1971 .
Her seat is now a top target for Republicans looking to gain control of the House .
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report changed its rating of the race from `` lean Democratic '' to `` toss-up '' in February , citing Freitas 's candidacy and Spanberger 's vote to impeach President Donald Trump .
The t-shirt in question was designed by Mom-At-Arms , a Second Amendment rights group , in April 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freitas promoting the shirt on August 30 , 2016 .
Jill McDaniel , who founded Mom-At-Arms in December 2018 , confirmed the shirt did not exist at the time of Freitas 's supposed promotion .
According to founder Jill McDaniel , the group looked to `` troll '' Watts by sharing photos of the shirts paired with messages of support toward Moms Demand Action .
The tactic proved successful—both Watts and Democratic Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto liked and retweeted posts featuring the shirt in August and November 2019 , respectively .
In December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's t-shirt vendor a cease and desist letter for trademark infringement .
McDaniel said her group did not make the shirt available for purchase to the public and donated all profits made from the shirt , a total of $ 10.49 , to the Virginia Citizens Defense League .
A former Green Beret and outspoken gun-rights supporter , Freitas has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2016 .
He has received endorsements from major national Republicans , including Rep. Dan Crenshaw ( Tex . )
and Sens .
Ted Cruz ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ky. ) , and Mike Lee ( Utah ) .
He will have to emerge from a crowded GOP primary before facing Spanberger in November .
Freitas currently leads the primary , which boasts seven other candidates , in fundraising , taking in more than $ 600,000 since launching his campaign in December .
The Virginia GOP planned to select a nominee at its April convention , but the event was postponed due to the coronavirus and has yet to be rescheduled .
Moms Demand Action did not respond to a request for @ @

Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts shared a fake photograph to attack GOP congressional hopeful Nick Freitas in a now-deleted Thursday tweet.
Freitas, an Army veteran, is running to unseat freshman representative Abigail Spanberger (D., Va.), who is backed by prominent gun-control groups, including Moms Demand Action. Watts, who founded the group in 2012, falsely accused Freitas of promoting a t-shirt that bears the Moms Demand Action logo, but features stick figures engaged in various acts of sexual congress and depravity. The Thursday tweet, which Watts has since deleted, included a fundraising plea in support of Spanberger.
Freitas responded to the attack Thursday, accusing Watts of engaging in "politics of slander" to bolster her candidate.
"Not only is this 'tweet' verifiably fake, but she used it to slander my wife," Freitas said in a tweet. "If they can't win on issues, they engage in the politics of slander + personal destruction." He went on to ask Spanberger if she stood behind the "lies your allies @MomsDemand are spreading to raise money for you." Spanberger has not addressed Watts's tweet and did not respond to a request for comment.
Spanberger narrowly defeated former GOP representative Dave Brat in 2018, becoming the first Democrat to represent Virginia's Seventh Congressional District since 1971. Her seat is now a top target for Republicans looking to gain control of the House. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report changed its rating of the race from "lean Democratic" to "toss-up" in February, citing Freitas's candidacy and Spanberger's vote to impeach President Donald Trump.
The t-shirt in question was designed by Mom-At-Arms, a Second Amendment rights group, in April 2019. The photoshopped image Watts used showed Freitas promoting the shirt on August 30, 2016. Jill McDaniel, who founded Mom-At-Arms in December 2018, confirmed the shirt did not exist at the time of Freitas's supposed promotion.
According to founder Jill McDaniel, the group looked to "troll" Watts by sharing photos of the shirts paired with messages of support toward Moms Demand Action. The tactic proved successful—both Watts and Democratic Pittsburgh mayor Bill Peduto liked and retweeted posts featuring the shirt in August and November 2019, respectively.
In December 2019, Moms Demand Action sent Mom-At-Arms's t-shirt vendor a cease and desist letter for trademark infringement. McDaniel said her group did not make the shirt available for purchase to the public and donated all profits made from the shirt, a total of $10.49, to the Virginia Citizens Defense League.
A former Green Beret and outspoken gun-rights supporter, Freitas has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2016. He has received endorsements from major national Republicans, including Rep. Dan Crenshaw (Tex.) and Sens. Ted Cruz (Tex.), Rand Paul (Ky.), and Mike Lee (Utah). He will have to emerge from a crowded GOP primary before facing Spanberger in November. Freitas currently leads the primary, which boasts seven other candidates, in fundraising, taking in more than $600,000 since launching his campaign in December. The Virginia GOP planned to select a nominee at its April convention, but the event was postponed due to the coronavirus and has yet to be rescheduled.
Moms Demand Action did not respond to a request for comment.


freebeacon--2020-05-08--Omar Attacked as Insufficiently Anti-Israel

Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D. , Minn. ) is under fire from an unlikely group—the anti-Israel , pro-Palestinian activists who once hailed her as their movement 's biggest star .
Omar , who has championed anti-Israel causes from her perch in Congress , recently signed on to a congressional letter urging the Trump administration to ensure that an international embargo on Iran 's purchase of advanced military equipment is not lifted later this year .
In a rare display of agreement with her Republican colleagues , Omar lent her name to the letter , which was spearheaded by the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's most prominent pro-Israel group .
The letter , which was signed by nearly every member of Congress from both parties , expressed support for Trump administration efforts at the United Nations to ensure the Iran arms embargo remains in place .
If the embargo were lifted , Iran would be capable of purchasing advanced missiles that could strike into the heart of Israel .
Omar 's willingness to partner with AIPAC in its efforts to crack down on Iranian terrorism sent shockwaves through the anti-Israel community , eliciting a range of criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when she expressed anti-Semitic views and advocated for economic boycotts of the Jewish state .
`` It 's official , [ Omar ] got her own taste of the Benjamin 's baby !
She 's now under the spell of [ AIPAC ] , '' tweeted Palestinian activist Abbas Hamideh , referring to Omar 's past claim that AIPAC wields power by lining the pockets of members of Congress .
`` It was too hard for her to resist signing a letter stating Iran was a threat to ‘ Israel ' and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran . ''
`` [ Omar ] has updated her bio : Mom , Refugee , Intersectional Feminist , and SELLOUT , '' Hamideh later tweeted , one of several enraged missives he sent on the subject .
`` When you sell yourself cheap you get outed by the entire Pro-Palestinian Movement .
[ Omar ] has become the latest example of why identity politics can be deceiving , '' he stated in another .
`` She sold out during the Holy Month of Ramadan .
Keep that in mind next time when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to praise Omar when she promoted anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about Israel 's control over U.S. foreign policy and called for Jewish goods to be blocked from the international marketplace .
Other Omar allies , such as Palestinian journalist Ramzy Baroud , accused the lawmaker of selling out her values to the pro-Israel community .
`` No explanation by Omar 's office could possibly suffice , or morally justify this shameful decision , '' Baroud wrote in a Palestinian Chronicle article headlined , `` Extremely Disappointing . ''
At the Electronic Intifada—which often posts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of siding with Israel over Iran .
`` Omar has signed on to a letter whose goal is to preserve and protect American empire and shore up its reactionary and undemocratic client states in the region , '' Abunimah wrote in an article that went on to defend recently killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani as an agent of `` peaceful rapprochement . ''
The American Conservative , a publication aligned with the anti-Israel isolationist movement that seeks to reduce the economic pressure on Iran , also expressed disappointment in Omar .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signatures is a testament to its influence and the hurt that it can bring down on politicians when [ it ] comes to re-election , '' the publication wrote , echoing tropes about AIPAC 's supposed stranglehold on Congress .
`` Omar 's recent signature on a letter that would have garnered hundreds of her colleagues ' support and made a splash with or without her , is a signal to AIPAC that she knows her seat is at risk , and that she would rather neutralize the feud with the pro-Israel powerhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her opponents , '' according to the American Conservative .
Omar 's decision to back AIPAC 's letter elicited a vastly different response in the mainstream pro-Israel orbit .
One veteran Republican pro-Israel activist who works with AIPAC told the Free Beacon that Omar may be waking up to the threat posed by Tehran .
`` People can have profound differences about foreign policy while still recognizing the existential threat that the Islamic Republic of Iran poses to American interests throughout the Middle East , '' said the source , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the letter .
`` These sanctions help prevent the regime from spreading terrorism and further destabilizing the region .
At the end of the day , I 'm pleased Rep. Omar realizes that it 's all about the ballistic missiles . ''

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) is under fire from an unlikely group—the anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian activists who once hailed her as their movement's biggest star.
Omar, who has championed anti-Israel causes from her perch in Congress, recently signed on to a congressional letter urging the Trump administration to ensure that an international embargo on Iran's purchase of advanced military equipment is not lifted later this year. In a rare display of agreement with her Republican colleagues, Omar lent her name to the letter, which was spearheaded by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the nation's most prominent pro-Israel group.
The letter, which was signed by nearly every member of Congress from both parties, expressed support for Trump administration efforts at the United Nations to ensure the Iran arms embargo remains in place. If the embargo were lifted, Iran would be capable of purchasing advanced missiles that could strike into the heart of Israel.
Omar's willingness to partner with AIPAC in its efforts to crack down on Iranian terrorism sent shockwaves through the anti-Israel community, eliciting a range of criticism from activists who heaped praise on Omar when she expressed anti-Semitic views and advocated for economic boycotts of the Jewish state.
"It's official, [Omar] got her own taste of the Benjamin's baby! She's now under the spell of [AIPAC]," tweeted Palestinian activist Abbas Hamideh, referring to Omar's past claim that AIPAC wields power by lining the pockets of members of Congress. "It was too hard for her to resist signing a letter stating Iran was a threat to 'Israel' and the Gulf States effectively voting for sanctions on Iran."
"[Omar] has updated her bio: Mom, Refugee, Intersectional Feminist, and SELLOUT," Hamideh later tweeted, one of several enraged missives he sent on the subject.
"When you sell yourself cheap you get outed by the entire Pro-Palestinian Movement. [Omar] has become the latest example of why identity politics can be deceiving," he stated in another. "She sold out during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Keep that in mind next time when voting."
These same activists rushed to praise Omar when she promoted anti-Semitic conspiracy theories about Israel's control over U.S. foreign policy and called for Jewish goods to be blocked from the international marketplace.
Other Omar allies, such as Palestinian journalist Ramzy Baroud, accused the lawmaker of selling out her values to the pro-Israel community.
"No explanation by Omar's office could possibly suffice, or morally justify this shameful decision," Baroud wrote in a Palestinian Chronicle article headlined, "Extremely Disappointing."
At the Electronic Intifada—which often posts anti-Semitic rhetoric—veteran activist Ali Abunimah accused Omar of siding with Israel over Iran.
"Omar has signed on to a letter whose goal is to preserve and protect American empire and shore up its reactionary and undemocratic client states in the region," Abunimah wrote in an article that went on to defend recently killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani as an agent of "peaceful rapprochement."
The American Conservative, a publication aligned with the anti-Israel isolationist movement that seeks to reduce the economic pressure on Iran, also expressed disappointment in Omar.
"The fact AIPAC was able to get these signatures is a testament to its influence and the hurt that it can bring down on politicians when [it] comes to re-election," the publication wrote, echoing tropes about AIPAC's supposed stranglehold on Congress.
"Omar's recent signature on a letter that would have garnered hundreds of her colleagues' support and made a splash with or without her, is a signal to AIPAC that she knows her seat is at risk, and that she would rather neutralize the feud with the pro-Israel powerhouse than send it flocking to the aid of her opponents," according to the American Conservative.
Omar's decision to back AIPAC's letter elicited a vastly different response in the mainstream pro-Israel orbit.
One veteran Republican pro-Israel activist who works with AIPAC told the Free Beacon that Omar may be waking up to the threat posed by Tehran.
"People can have profound differences about foreign policy while still recognizing the existential threat that the Islamic Republic of Iran poses to American interests throughout the Middle East," said the source, who was not authorized to speak on the record about the letter. "These sanctions help prevent the regime from spreading terrorism and further destabilizing the region. At the end of the day, I'm pleased Rep. Omar realizes that it's all about the ballistic missiles."


freebeacon--2020-05-08--AMERICAN HERO: Mitch McConnell Vows to Solemnly Fulfill Constitutional Duty if RBG Expires

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg might not live long enough to see President Donald J. Trump reelected in November .
Fortunately , the United States has a Senate majority leader who stands ready to fulfill his constitutional duty to nominate a replacement in the event of her demise .
Ginsburg , 87 , was hospitalized earlier this week with a gallbladder condition , the most recent of several health issues the justice has dealt with since Trump took office in 2016 .
Her apparent proximity to death has increased speculation that the High Court will have another vacancy before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that come to pass , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R. , Ky. ) has already begun preparations to nominate RBG 's successor , according to a Politico report published Friday .
`` We 're going to fill it , '' said Sen. John Barrasso ( R. , Wyo . )
, a member of the GOP leadership team , regarding a possible Supreme Court vacancy .
The article notes that Democrats would likely seize on Republican efforts to confirm RBG 's replacement in 2020 , given the GOP 's previous role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court seat in an election year '' following the 2016 death of Justice Antonin Scalia , a true legend .
( Merrick Garland , RIP . )
McConnell , however , could not care less .
He is more concerned with the solemn fulfillment of his professional and constitutional obligations , which include providing `` advice and consent '' on presidential nominations .
When asked in 2019 what Republicans would do in the event of an election-year vacancy on the Supreme Court , the majority leader responded with characteristic resolve : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Democrats are understandably on edge .
Ginsburg could have retired during the Obama administration , but thanks to her personal trainer—2018 Free Beacon Man of the Year Bryant Johnson—she decided to power through .
After all , Hillary Clinton could n't possibly lose , could she ?
In an effort to stay alive until a Democrat is elected president , RBG has brazenly defied `` stay at home '' guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic , sneaking into the Supreme Court 's private gym to continue her workout sessions .
Ginsburg is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest court in the land .
As her `` Notorious RBG '' nickname suggests , the justice has become something of a cultural icon among white liberals with Subarus and graduate degrees .
RBG 's ability to maintain this `` woke '' celebrity status—despite her extreme aversion to hiring non-white law clerks and her problematic assessment of failed NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick 's national anthem protests as `` dumb and disrespectful '' —is nothing short of extraordinary .
McConnell , by contrast , is unlikely to be the subject of a children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's not the most charismatic politician , but thanks to his deeply considered intellectual affinity for the Constitution , he has managed to become one of the most admirable figures in our country 's history .
Under McConnell 's steadfast leadership , Congress now has its highest approval rating since 2009 , according to a recent Gallup poll .
Democrats and their journalistic allies , meanwhile , are so intimidated by McConnell 's cerebral exertion of power that they ca n't stop giving him badass nicknames .
McConnell has already confirmed two of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court , and if there 's anyone who can pull off a hat trick before voters head to the polls in November , it 's Midnight Mitch .
His duty compels him .

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg might not live long enough to see President Donald J. Trump reelected in November. Fortunately, the United States has a Senate majority leader who stands ready to fulfill his constitutional duty to nominate a replacement in the event of her demise.
Ginsburg, 87, was hospitalized earlier this week with a gallbladder condition, the most recent of several health issues the justice has dealt with since Trump took office in 2016. Her apparent proximity to death has increased speculation that the High Court will have another vacancy before this year's general election.
Should that come to pass, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) has already begun preparations to nominate RBG's successor, according to a Politico report published Friday. "We're going to fill it," said Sen. John Barrasso (R., Wyo.), a member of the GOP leadership team, regarding a possible Supreme Court vacancy.
The article notes that Democrats would likely seize on Republican efforts to confirm RBG's replacement in 2020, given the GOP's previous role in "denying President Barack Obama a Supreme Court seat in an election year" following the 2016 death of Justice Antonin Scalia, a true legend. (Merrick Garland, RIP.)
McConnell, however, could not care less. He is more concerned with the solemn fulfillment of his professional and constitutional obligations, which include providing "advice and consent" on presidential nominations. When asked in 2019 what Republicans would do in the event of an election-year vacancy on the Supreme Court, the majority leader responded with characteristic resolve: "Oh, we'd fill it."
Democrats are understandably on edge. Ginsburg could have retired during the Obama administration, but thanks to her personal trainer—2018 Free Beacon Man of the Year Bryant Johnson—she decided to power through. After all, Hillary Clinton couldn't possibly lose, could she?
In an effort to stay alive until a Democrat is elected president, RBG has brazenly defied "stay at home" guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic, sneaking into the Supreme Court's private gym to continue her workout sessions.
Ginsburg is more than just a reliable liberal vote on the highest court in the land. As her "Notorious RBG" nickname suggests, the justice has become something of a cultural icon among white liberals with Subarus and graduate degrees.
RBG's ability to maintain this "woke" celebrity status—despite her extreme aversion to hiring non-white law clerks and her problematic assessment of failed NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protests as "dumb and disrespectful"—is nothing short of extraordinary.
McConnell, by contrast, is unlikely to be the subject of a children's book or Hollywood film. He's not the most charismatic politician, but thanks to his deeply considered intellectual affinity for the Constitution, he has managed to become one of the most admirable figures in our country's history.
Under McConnell's steadfast leadership, Congress now has its highest approval rating since 2009, according to a recent Gallup poll. Democrats and their journalistic allies, meanwhile, are so intimidated by McConnell's cerebral exertion of power that they can't stop giving him badass nicknames.
McConnell has already confirmed two of President Trump's nominees to the Supreme Court, and if there's anyone who can pull off a hat trick before voters head to the polls in November, it's Midnight Mitch. His duty compels him.


freebeacon--2020-05-08--Churches Sue Michigan’s Whitmer, Alleging Lockdown Is Violating First Amendment

A group of Michigan churches are taking legal action against Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer ( D. ) , alleging the governor 's stay-at-home order violates First Amendment rights .
The lawsuit argues that the executive order prohibiting gatherings of two or more people who are not part of the same household , including at religious services , violates the religious expression rights of Michigan citizens .
Whitmer 's order exempts religious institutions and their owners from legal penalty for holding services , but it does not exempt individuals who attempt to participate in person from penalties , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to hold in-person ceremonies beginning in May that involve deep-cleanings before and after the services , advising attendees to distance themselves and not make physical contact with one another , limiting the number of attendees , and offering the option to livestream services from home .
The suit asks the court to issue a permanent injunction against the order .
`` Plaintiffs are entitled to a declaratory ruling and injunctive relief to protect their constitutional and statutory rights to meet and otherwise freely exercise their religious conscience , '' the suit reads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of April to extend the state of the emergency and state of disaster until May 28 , despite resistance from the state legislature .
Michigan is the latest state to see citizens taking legal action against lockdown orders .
Two Wisconsin residents filed a lawsuit against their state 's order , claiming it overreached and needlessly infringed on their constitutional rights to gather and worship .
A religious law firm also filed a lawsuit against Kentucky governor Andy Beshear seeking to exempt religious gatherings from his stay-at-home order .
Whitmer 's office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment .
Whitmer is also facing a potential investigation after she awarded a coronavirus-related contract to a Democratic consulting firm .
She rescinded the contract and pledged to cooperate with investigators before walking back her pledge to be transparent during the investigation .

A group of Michigan churches are taking legal action against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D.), alleging the governor's stay-at-home order violates First Amendment rights.
The lawsuit argues that the executive order prohibiting gatherings of two or more people who are not part of the same household, including at religious services, violates the religious expression rights of Michigan citizens.
Whitmer's order exempts religious institutions and their owners from legal penalty for holding services, but it does not exempt individuals who attempt to participate in person from penalties, according to the suit.
The churches in the state sought to hold in-person ceremonies beginning in May that involve deep-cleanings before and after the services, advising attendees to distance themselves and not make physical contact with one another, limiting the number of attendees, and offering the option to livestream services from home.
The suit asks the court to issue a permanent injunction against the order.
"Plaintiffs are entitled to a declaratory ruling and injunctive relief to protect their constitutional and statutory rights to meet and otherwise freely exercise their religious conscience," the suit reads.
Whitmer unilaterally took action at the end of April to extend the state of the emergency and state of disaster until May 28, despite resistance from the state legislature.
Michigan is the latest state to see citizens taking legal action against lockdown orders. Two Wisconsin residents filed a lawsuit against their state's order, claiming it overreached and needlessly infringed on their constitutional rights to gather and worship. A religious law firm also filed a lawsuit against Kentucky governor Andy Beshear seeking to exempt religious gatherings from his stay-at-home order.
Whitmer's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Whitmer is also facing a potential investigation after she awarded a coronavirus-related contract to a Democratic consulting firm. She rescinded the contract and pledged to cooperate with investigators before walking back her pledge to be transparent during the investigation.


freebeacon--2020-05-08--We Watched Joe Biden’s Disastrous ‘Virtual Rally’ So You Don’t Have To

The coronavirus crisis has made virtual campaigning a necessity , but technical difficulties plagued Joe Biden ’ s `` virtual @ @ @ @ @ Fla. , Thursday evening .
Over the course of less than an hour , the @ @ @ @ @ silences , black screens , and audio-visual glitches that made guest appearances incoherent and the @ @ @ @ @ speech nearly incomprehensible .
The video was subsequently deleted and replaced with a heavily edited @ @ @ @ @ , '' but the Washington Free Beacon has a sampling of the moments that made @ @ @ @ @ Democrats to forget .

The coronavirus crisis has made virtual campaigning a necessity, but technical difficulties plagued Joe Biden’s "virtual rally" in Tampa, Fla., Thursday evening.
Over the course of less than an hour, the Biden rally featured numerous awkward silences, black screens, and audio-visual glitches that made guest appearances incoherent and the former vice president's own speech nearly incomprehensible.
The video was subsequently deleted and replaced with a heavily edited version of the "rally," but the Washington Free Beacon has a sampling of the moments that made the live event one for Democrats to forget.


freebeacon--2020-05-08--Top Liberal Operative Funnels Millions From Super PAC to Her Private Firm

Tara McGowan , the Democratic operative most closely associated with the technological fiasco that unfolded in the Iowa caucuses , has funneled nearly $ 2.4 million from her super PAC to her private firm .
It is the latest in a series of transfers between entities in her dark money network .
New disclosure forms show that PACRONYM , a super PAC affiliated with McGowan 's nonprofit ACRONYM—the dark money group behind the botched Iowa caucus app—spent close to $ 2.4 million on anti-Trump ads Wednesday night that will run in the key swing state of Pennsylvania .
The money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm , Lockwood Strategy Lab , which is also part of McGowan 's network .
McGowan 's PAC has been active in an effort by Democratic groups to flood battleground states with ads criticizing President Donald Trump 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The PAC 's filings show that it has been heavily financed by the same wealthy liberal donors who also provide millions to a number of groups undertaking similar efforts .
The new expenditures are not the first time McGowan has funneled between the two groups .
The super PAC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this cycle to the digital firm for media buys against Trump and $ 400,000 for digital consulting and survey research .
The super PAC transferred $ 1 million to the firm during the 2018 election cycle .
PACRONYM and Lockwood Strategy did not respond to a request for comment on the transfers .
McGowan , who previously worked for Priorities USA Action and President Obama 's reelection campaign , created ACRONYM following the 2016 election to rival Trump 's online operations .
Under its umbrella are PACRONYM , Lockwood Strategy , Courier Newsroom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which developed the app that failed in spectacular fashion during Iowa 's Democratic caucuses .
The Nevada Democratic Party abandoned the app following the Iowa debacle and ahead of its own caucuses .
While ACRONYM does not disclose its donors , some of its funders can be gleaned from public records .
For example , Federal Election Commission filings show that the nonprofit received $ 300,000 from Nancy Pelosi 's House Majority PAC in 2018 .
That same year , the super PAC received a $ 45,000 donation from billionaire Tom Steyer 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid an additional $ 90,000 for data consulting services .
PACRONYM , on the other hand , must disclose its donors .
So far this cycle , the super PAC has hauled in $ 9.6 million primarily from deep-pocketed individuals .
Its biggest contributor is George Soros , whose Democracy PAC has pushed $ 1.75 million to the super PAC .
Billionaire hedge fund investor Donald Sussman provided $ 1 million , putting him among the group 's top donors .
The PAC 's money , in turn , has mainly been sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , and research .
Kyle Tharp , a spokesman for ACRONYM , said Lockwood is `` owned 100 % by the nonprofit . ''
He added that McGowan , who is listed as the firm 's governor in D.C. business records , does not have an ownership stake in the company and that no individual profits from it .
With the millions it paid to Lockwood for the anti-Trump campaign , PACRONYM joins a number of other liberal groups spending big on similar efforts in battleground states .
Priorities USA Action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden 's candidacy , has said it plans to spend upward of $ 150 million on the 2020 elections .
The group has poured seven-figure sums into ads in the Midwest attacking Trump over coronavirus .
Like PACRONYM , Priorities USA 's top donors include Sussman ( $ 8 million ) and Soros ( $ 5 million ) .
Liberal operative David Brock 's American Bridge PAC , which recently joined forces with the pro-Biden Unite the Country PAC to form a $ 175 million coalition , has also spent millions attacking Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has given the PAC $ 2 million .
The individuals who launched Unite the Country also created a dark money group called Future Majority , which plans to spend at least $ 60 million against Trump in the Midwest .
Update 5/8/20 3:20 p.m. : This article has been updated to include a response from an ACRONYM spokesman .

Tara McGowan, the Democratic operative most closely associated with the technological fiasco that unfolded in the Iowa caucuses, has funneled nearly $2.4 million from her super PAC to her private firm. It is the latest in a series of transfers between entities in her dark money network.
New disclosure forms show that PACRONYM, a super PAC affiliated with McGowan's nonprofit ACRONYM—the dark money group behind the botched Iowa caucus app—spent close to $2.4 million on anti-Trump ads Wednesday night that will run in the key swing state of Pennsylvania. The money was sent to a for-profit digital consulting firm, Lockwood Strategy Lab, which is also part of McGowan's network.
McGowan's PAC has been active in an effort by Democratic groups to flood battleground states with ads criticizing President Donald Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic. The PAC's filings show that it has been heavily financed by the same wealthy liberal donors who also provide millions to a number of groups undertaking similar efforts.
The new expenditures are not the first time McGowan has funneled between the two groups. The super PAC had already sent nearly $1.5 million this cycle to the digital firm for media buys against Trump and $400,000 for digital consulting and survey research. The super PAC transferred $1 million to the firm during the 2018 election cycle. PACRONYM and Lockwood Strategy did not respond to a request for comment on the transfers.
McGowan, who previously worked for Priorities USA Action and President Obama's reelection campaign, created ACRONYM following the 2016 election to rival Trump's online operations. Under its umbrella are PACRONYM, Lockwood Strategy, Courier Newsroom, and technology firm Shadow Inc., which developed the app that failed in spectacular fashion during Iowa's Democratic caucuses. The Nevada Democratic Party abandoned the app following the Iowa debacle and ahead of its own caucuses.
While ACRONYM does not disclose its donors, some of its funders can be gleaned from public records. For example, Federal Election Commission filings show that the nonprofit received $300,000 from Nancy Pelosi's House Majority PAC in 2018. That same year, the super PAC received a $45,000 donation from billionaire Tom Steyer's NextGen Climate Action Committee, which also paid an additional $90,000 for data consulting services.
PACRONYM, on the other hand, must disclose its donors. So far this cycle, the super PAC has hauled in $9.6 million primarily from deep-pocketed individuals. Its biggest contributor is George Soros, whose Democracy PAC has pushed $1.75 million to the super PAC. Billionaire hedge fund investor Donald Sussman provided $1 million, putting him among the group's top donors. The PAC's money, in turn, has mainly been sent to Lockwood Strategy for ads, consulting services, and research.
Kyle Tharp, a spokesman for ACRONYM, said Lockwood is "owned 100% by the nonprofit." He added that McGowan, who is listed as the firm's governor in D.C. business records, does not have an ownership stake in the company and that no individual profits from it.
With the millions it paid to Lockwood for the anti-Trump campaign, PACRONYM joins a number of other liberal groups spending big on similar efforts in battleground states.
Priorities USA Action, the largest Democratic super PAC backing Joe Biden's candidacy, has said it plans to spend upward of $150 million on the 2020 elections. The group has poured seven-figure sums into ads in the Midwest attacking Trump over coronavirus. Like PACRONYM, Priorities USA's top donors include Sussman ($8 million) and Soros ($5 million).
Liberal operative David Brock's American Bridge PAC, which recently joined forces with the pro-Biden Unite the Country PAC to form a $175 million coalition, has also spent millions attacking Trump in battleground states over COVID-19. Soros has given the PAC $2 million.
The individuals who launched Unite the Country also created a dark money group called Future Majority, which plans to spend at least $60 million against Trump in the Midwest.
Update 5/8/20 3:20 p.m.: This article has been updated to include a response from an ACRONYM spokesman.


freebeacon--2020-05-08--The Jobs Boom Goes Bust

The Jobs Boom Goes Bust

More than 20 million Americans lost their jobs in April , erasing in one month all of the growth in employment since the end of the Great Recession .
Data released Friday morning by the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS ) revealed the unemployment rate spiked to 14.7 percent in April , up from 4.4 percent in March .
18.1 million Americans were on temporary layoffs , while a further 2 million reported being permanently unemployed .
That rate is the highest since the end of World War II but , the BLS cautioned , almost certainly undercounts the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The bureau 's survey found a large number of workers were employed but absent from work for `` other reasons , '' likely meaning they were de facto laid off due to the coronavirus .
If that population is counted among the unemployed , the unemployment rate is 19.7 percent in April—meaning one in five American workers is off the job .
These new figures , just the latest indicator of the catastrophic job loss that has rocked the country since March , are likely to play a central role in the debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They will likely lend firepower to those pushing a bigger coronavirus stimulus , especially plans—like Sen. Josh Hawley 's ( R. , Mo . )
—which call for the government to pour even more money into covering the cost of keeping workers employed .
The numbers are also likely weighing heavily on President Donald Trump , who once promised to be `` the greatest jobs president that God ever created , '' and who has staked his reelection chances on historic employment levels through February .
Tim Murtaugh , communications director for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much in a statement Friday morning .
Trump , Murtaugh said , is `` determined to open up the economy again '' as soon as possible , adding that `` he built the economy to historic strength and he will do it a second time . ''
Doing so , especially in the few short months before November 's general election , will be an uphill battle .
No group was left unscathed by the shutdown : The unemployment rate for white workers has hit 14.2 percent , black workers 16.7 percent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For all but black workers , these represent the highest ethnic-group unemployment rates on record .
The jobs collapse was not felt equally across all industries .
Food services were particularly hard hit , as shuttering restaurants shed 5.5 million jobs .
The health care industry dropped 1.4 million , a surprising drop in a pandemic that reflects the mounting costs of the shutdown of `` nonessential '' care .
The average hourly earnings rose by $ 1.34 to $ 30.01 , BLS noted—reflecting not a growth in wages , but the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers .
These figures are just the latest sign of ill health in the economy , adding to recent survey data that indicate nearly half of small businesses have already closed their doors temporarily .
That is likely to add to the mounting dispute over whether the economy should `` reopen , '' as many Americans weigh the health of their loved ones against their ability to put food on the table .
It remains doubtful , however , that lawmakers have sufficient power to jump-start the economy , as many economists grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fears of a prolonged recession—and the inevitable political backlash that comes with it—will likely spur some in Congress to think big in negotiating the next bailout package .
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) is expected to make a trillion-dollar ask when she returns next week .
On the other side of the aisle , Hawley took the jobs report as an opportunity to call again for the government to directly cover payrolls , writing on Twitter , `` workers need help now . ''
Against these calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing concern among some in the Republican caucus over the sheer volume of cash the federal government has infused into the economy .
Against 20 million unemployed , lawmakers must weigh a $ 4 trillion deficit , which some argue could slow economic recovery .
The resultant tug of war almost guarantees the coming fight over `` phase four '' coronavirus stimulus will be the messiest and most acrimonious yet .

More than 20 million Americans lost their jobs in April, erasing in one month all of the growth in employment since the end of the Great Recession.
Data released Friday morning by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed the unemployment rate spiked to 14.7 percent in April, up from 4.4 percent in March. 18.1 million Americans were on temporary layoffs, while a further 2 million reported being permanently unemployed.
That rate is the highest since the end of World War II but, the BLS cautioned, almost certainly undercounts the true extent of the coronavirus recession. The bureau's survey found a large number of workers were employed but absent from work for "other reasons," likely meaning they were de facto laid off due to the coronavirus. If that population is counted among the unemployed, the unemployment rate is 19.7 percent in April—meaning one in five American workers is off the job.
These new figures, just the latest indicator of the catastrophic job loss that has rocked the country since March, are likely to play a central role in the debate as Congress returns to work next week. They will likely lend firepower to those pushing a bigger coronavirus stimulus, especially plans—like Sen. Josh Hawley's (R., Mo.)—which call for the government to pour even more money into covering the cost of keeping workers employed. The numbers are also likely weighing heavily on President Donald Trump, who once promised to be "the greatest jobs president that God ever created," and who has staked his reelection chances on historic employment levels through February.
Tim Murtaugh, communications director for Trump's reelection campaign, indicated as much in a statement Friday morning. Trump, Murtaugh said, is "determined to open up the economy again" as soon as possible, adding that "he built the economy to historic strength and he will do it a second time."
Doing so, especially in the few short months before November's general election, will be an uphill battle. No group was left unscathed by the shutdown: The unemployment rate for white workers has hit 14.2 percent, black workers 16.7 percent, Asians 14.5, and Hispanics 18.9. For all but black workers, these represent the highest ethnic-group unemployment rates on record.
The jobs collapse was not felt equally across all industries. Food services were particularly hard hit, as shuttering restaurants shed 5.5 million jobs. The health care industry dropped 1.4 million, a surprising drop in a pandemic that reflects the mounting costs of the shutdown of "nonessential" care. The average hourly earnings rose by $1.34 to $30.01, BLS noted—reflecting not a growth in wages, but the fact that job losses were primarily among low-income workers.
These figures are just the latest sign of ill health in the economy, adding to recent survey data that indicate nearly half of small businesses have already closed their doors temporarily. That is likely to add to the mounting dispute over whether the economy should "reopen," as many Americans weigh the health of their loved ones against their ability to put food on the table.
It remains doubtful, however, that lawmakers have sufficient power to jump-start the economy, as many economists grow increasingly pessimistic about its medium-term prospects.
Fears of a prolonged recession—and the inevitable political backlash that comes with it—will likely spur some in Congress to think big in negotiating the next bailout package. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) is expected to make a trillion-dollar ask when she returns next week. On the other side of the aisle, Hawley took the jobs report as an opportunity to call again for the government to directly cover payrolls, writing on Twitter, "workers need help now."
Against these calls for big spending, however, is growing concern among some in the Republican caucus over the sheer volume of cash the federal government has infused into the economy. Against 20 million unemployed, lawmakers must weigh a $4 trillion deficit, which some argue could slow economic recovery. The resultant tug of war almost guarantees the coming fight over "phase four" coronavirus stimulus will be the messiest and most acrimonious yet.


freebeacon--2020-05-09--Solving the Beer Crisis

Solving the Beer Crisis

There was an outpouring of grief when the Wall Street Journal ran the headline : `` A $ 1 Billion Problem Is Brewing . ''
Or at least there was an outpouring of grief from those of us who love beer .
For when the pandemic shut down bars , restaurants , arenas , and stadiums , it cost the industry $ 1 billion and about 10 million gallons in lost suds .
Ten .
Million .
Gallons .
The number is so staggering that I asked Lester Jones , who came up with it , to break it down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economist for the National Beer Wholesalers Association , said his estimate takes into account kegs ranging from the standard 15.5 gallons all the way down to the 1/6 barrels , known as sixtels .
Besides microbrewers who favor smaller-sized kegs , Jones said , `` many beer-centric bars that have a large selection of beers on tap—think 40-plus taps—stick to the 1/6 barrel format to keep consumers coming back to taste new beers . ''
He also reminded me that `` every time a tap goes dry at a bar , there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replace that empty keg . ''
Making matters worse , there 's no easy way to dispose of it .
Ten million gallons ca n't be poured down the drain because of environmental factors .
But it 's also a matter of principle .
Why dump when we can consume ?
Belgians have been asked by their government to eat more potatoes , lest they go to waste .
It 's time for Americans to take a similar step—by stepping up our game .
We need to drink more beer .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Can we stand in line six feet apart at our nearest watering hole , containers at the ready ?
A panel convened last week by the R Street Institute discussed the impact of the coronavirus on the booze industry and addressed this very question .
`` There really is no secondary market for keg beer , '' said Jim McGreevy , president and CEO of the Beer Institute .
`` Moreover , there 's an issue of decanting the beer , getting the beer out of the kegs when they 're not in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues , there 's safety issues , so it 's unfortunate . ''
`` We 're not necessarily going to take that half-used keg of beer and try to sell it , '' added Ryan Krill , the CEO and cofounder of Cape May Brewing in New Jersey .
`` The reality is that people just do n't really buy that many kegs of beer at home , though they certainly have that option . ''
It is an option Americans must now embrace .
`` We already have beer that 's in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's at our warehouse , that we 're looking at the date codes , '' said Krill .
The microbrewery typically sells seven to nine kegs of varying sizes a week during the high season .
At other times it 's only one or two .
Nationwide , the volume of keg beer that goes to private use ( including catering ) is less than 4 percent .
We can do better .
Keg beer can last a good two months in proper conditions .
And while the price seems hefty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher , you 're getting 15.5 gallons , which translates to 1,984 ounces—meaning 165 cans of beer .
A $ 200 keg would then only cost you $ 1.21 per 12-ounce beer .
In this time of economic uncertainty , you 'd be hard-pressed to find a better value .
We do , of course , have our health to consider .
Americans on average consume 2.3 gallons of booze annually .
And while there have been reports of an uptick in drinking during the quarantine , we 're still a far cry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whopping 7.1 gallons of alcohol per year .
Once again—we can do better .
Beer will be lost—there 's no way around that .
As Jim McGreevy said during the R Street panel , `` We hate to see all this great beer go to waste .
But that 's the prospect we have the longer this goes on . ''
That alone should force the economy to reopen .
In the meantime , Americans can do their part to prevent this from being a total loss .
There are still plenty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to be purchased .
In the immortal words of a Supreme Court justice , `` We drank beer .
I liked beer .
I still like beer . ''
Do n't you ?

There was an outpouring of grief when the Wall Street Journal ran the headline: "A $1 Billion Problem Is Brewing." Or at least there was an outpouring of grief from those of us who love beer. For when the pandemic shut down bars, restaurants, arenas, and stadiums, it cost the industry $1 billion and about 10 million gallons in lost suds.
Ten. Million. Gallons. The number is so staggering that I asked Lester Jones, who came up with it, to break it down. Jones, who is the chief economist for the National Beer Wholesalers Association, said his estimate takes into account kegs ranging from the standard 15.5 gallons all the way down to the 1/6 barrels, known as sixtels. Besides microbrewers who favor smaller-sized kegs, Jones said, "many beer-centric bars that have a large selection of beers on tap—think 40-plus taps—stick to the 1/6 barrel format to keep consumers coming back to taste new beers." He also reminded me that "every time a tap goes dry at a bar, there are one or two additional kegs sitting nearby to replace that empty keg."
Making matters worse, there's no easy way to dispose of it. Ten million gallons can't be poured down the drain because of environmental factors. But it's also a matter of principle. Why dump when we can consume? Belgians have been asked by their government to eat more potatoes, lest they go to waste. It's time for Americans to take a similar step—by stepping up our game.
We need to drink more beer. It's just a matter of how: Can we stand in line six feet apart at our nearest watering hole, containers at the ready? A panel convened last week by the R Street Institute discussed the impact of the coronavirus on the booze industry and addressed this very question.
"There really is no secondary market for keg beer," said Jim McGreevy, president and CEO of the Beer Institute. "Moreover, there's an issue of decanting the beer, getting the beer out of the kegs when they're not in a retail location. There's environmental issues, there's safety issues, so it's unfortunate."
"We're not necessarily going to take that half-used keg of beer and try to sell it," added Ryan Krill, the CEO and cofounder of Cape May Brewing in New Jersey. "The reality is that people just don't really buy that many kegs of beer at home, though they certainly have that option."
It is an option Americans must now embrace. "We already have beer that's in inventory, that's in kegs, that's at our warehouse, that we're looking at the date codes," said Krill. The microbrewery typically sells seven to nine kegs of varying sizes a week during the high season. At other times it's only one or two. Nationwide, the volume of keg beer that goes to private use (including catering) is less than 4 percent.
We can do better.
Keg beer can last a good two months in proper conditions. And while the price seems hefty, starting at about $100 and often higher, you're getting 15.5 gallons, which translates to 1,984 ounces—meaning 165 cans of beer. A $200 keg would then only cost you $1.21 per 12-ounce beer. In this time of economic uncertainty, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better value.
We do, of course, have our health to consider. Americans on average consume 2.3 gallons of booze annually. And while there have been reports of an uptick in drinking during the quarantine, we're still a far cry from 1830, when we drank a whopping 7.1 gallons of alcohol per year. Once again—we can do better.
Beer will be lost—there's no way around that. As Jim McGreevy said during the R Street panel, "We hate to see all this great beer go to waste. But that's the prospect we have the longer this goes on."
That alone should force the economy to reopen. In the meantime, Americans can do their part to prevent this from being a total loss. There are still plenty of untapped kegs collecting dust in warehouses, ready to be purchased. In the immortal words of a Supreme Court justice, "We drank beer. I liked beer. I still like beer." Don't you?