freebeacon--2020-09-03--Kamala Harris Ditched Tough Sex Offender Law

Kamala Harris stopped enforcing a widely supported sex offender law during her tenure as California 's attorney general , allowing sex predators to live near children .
In a confidential legal opinion , Harris ordered the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2015 to stop enforcing residency restrictions that prohibited sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of parks and schools .
In doing so , Harris upended a key provision of Jessica 's Law , an anti-sex offender law that 70 percent of California voters approved in a 2006 statewide referendum .
Harris lifted the residency restriction for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court ruling that relaxed the restriction in San Diego due to the area 's high population density .
While the ruling applied only to San Diego parolees , Harris stopped enforcing the residency restriction throughout the Golden State , ignoring claims by criminal justice advocates that the residency restrictions could still be enforced in the vast majority of counties .
George Runner , one of the sponsors for the ballot initiative for Jessica 's Law , said that Harris 's decision jeopardized the safety of California kids .
`` The head law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting the rights of sex offenders than she was of parents and children , '' Runner , a former state senator , said .
Harris 's leniency toward sex offenders stands in contrast to her reputation as a tough prosecutor who cracked down on criminals , especially sexual offenders .
The vice presidential candidate touted on the campaign trail that she pushed to shut down popular website Backpage.com for facilitating sex trafficking—a claim that is receiving renewed scrutiny after revelations that the website actually served as an invaluable tool for law enforcement to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Law when she was running for reelection as San Francisco 's district attorney in 2010 , smearing her Republican opponent as a `` sexist coddler of child molesters '' for making dismissive comments about the law .
Neither the Biden campaign nor Harris 's office responded to requests for comment .
The residency restriction started when California voters overwhelmingly voted to implement Jessica 's Law in 2006 , a comprehensive anti-sex crime measure that increased sentencing for offenders and required them to wear GPS trackers after release .
California authorities , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , allowing sex offenders to live near parks and schools in violation of the law—one study found that roughly 70 percent of sex offenders in San Diego lived in an area that violated Jessica 's Law restrictions .
In one case , a California district attorney 's office told the police to allow a sex offender convicted for owning child pornography to move into a home located right across an elementary school .
The law faced legal challenges from sex offenders who argued that the excessive residency restriction made access to drug treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homelessness .
The California supreme court sided with San Diego sex offenders in 2015 , finding that the residency requirement stopped the sex offenders from finding housing in densely populated areas where parks and schools are abundant .
The ruling emphasized that it extended only to parolees in high density areas .
After the decision , Harris ordered the California correctional system to no longer implement the residency requirement across the entire state , requiring the state to assess whether such restrictions are needed on a case-by-case basis .
Harris never released the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restrictions despite pressure from legislators .
Michael Rushford , the president of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation , said that the residency requirement could have been enforced in 50 out of 58 California counties without infringing on the rights of the sex offenders , according to his calculations .
`` There are only a few really high density places in California , and they 're all along the coast , '' he said .
`` And most of the state is rural enough where you can you can enforce this law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say we 're going to ban this [ residency requirement ] statewide . ''
Runner said that Harris 's decision to apply the San Diego decision all across California was `` clearly an overstep '' that endangered children .
`` If you were a parent of a kindergartner , and all of a sudden , the state places a sex offender across the street from your school , I think it puts you … in a great deal of mental anxiety , '' he said .
`` Your child is going to walk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their way to school . ''

Kamala Harris stopped enforcing a widely supported sex offender law during her tenure as California's attorney general, allowing sex predators to live near children.
In a confidential legal opinion, Harris ordered the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2015 to stop enforcing residency restrictions that prohibited sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of parks and schools. In doing so, Harris upended a key provision of Jessica's Law, an anti-sex offender law that 70 percent of California voters approved in a 2006 statewide referendum.
Harris lifted the residency restriction for sex offenders after a 2015 state supreme court ruling that relaxed the restriction in San Diego due to the area's high population density. While the ruling applied only to San Diego parolees, Harris stopped enforcing the residency restriction throughout the Golden State, ignoring claims by criminal justice advocates that the residency restrictions could still be enforced in the vast majority of counties. George Runner, one of the sponsors for the ballot initiative for Jessica's Law, said that Harris's decision jeopardized the safety of California kids.
"The head law enforcement officer in California was more concerned about protecting the rights of sex offenders than she was of parents and children," Runner, a former state senator, said.
Harris's leniency toward sex offenders stands in contrast to her reputation as a tough prosecutor who cracked down on criminals, especially sexual offenders. The vice presidential candidate touted on the campaign trail that she pushed to shut down popular website Backpage.com for facilitating sex trafficking—a claim that is receiving renewed scrutiny after revelations that the website actually served as an invaluable tool for law enforcement to catch predators. Harris also defended Jessica's Law when she was running for election as California's attorney general in 2010, smearing her Republican opponent as a "sexist coddler of child molesters" for making dismissive comments about the law.
Neither the Biden campaign nor Harris's office responded to requests for comment.
The residency restriction started when California voters overwhelmingly voted to implement Jessica's Law in 2006, a comprehensive anti-sex crime measure that increased sentencing for offenders and required them to wear GPS trackers after release. California authorities, however, failed to enforce the residency restrictions, allowing sex offenders to live near parks and schools in violation of the law—one study found that roughly 70 percent of sex offenders in San Diego lived in an area that violated Jessica's Law restrictions. In one case, a California district attorney's office told the police to allow a sex offender convicted for owning child pornography to move into a home located right across an elementary school.
The law faced legal challenges from sex offenders who argued that the excessive residency restriction made access to drug treatment and parole officers difficult and led to homelessness. The California supreme court sided with San Diego sex offenders in 2015, finding that the residency requirement stopped the sex offenders from finding housing in densely populated areas where parks and schools are abundant. The ruling emphasized that it extended only to parolees in high density areas.
After the decision, Harris ordered the California correctional system to no longer implement the residency requirement across the entire state, requiring the state to assess whether such restrictions are needed on a case-by-case basis. Harris never released the confidential memo that justified the non-enforcement of the restrictions despite pressure from legislators. Michael Rushford, the president of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation, said that the residency requirement could have been enforced in 50 out of 58 California counties without infringing on the rights of the sex offenders, according to his calculations.
"There are only a few really high density places in California, and they're all along the coast," he said. "And most of the state is rural enough where you can you can enforce this law, which is why the court did not say we're going to ban this [residency requirement] statewide.
Runner said that Harris's decision to apply the San Diego decision all across California was "clearly an overstep" that endangered children.
"If you were a parent of a kindergartner, and all of a sudden, the state places a sex offender across the street from your school, I think it puts you … in a great deal of mental anxiety," he said. "Your child is going to walk across the yard of a sex offender on their way to school."
Update 09/03/20 10:45 AM: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Kamala Harris was reelected as San Fransisco's district attorney in 2010. She was elected as California's attorney general.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--MSNBC Anchor Blames Trump Supporters for Portland Violence

MSNBC anchor Nicolle Wallace on Wednesday blamed supporters of President Donald Trump for instigating violence on the streets of Portland .
`` He 's playing to harden his faction of the electorate , to make them more mad , more afraid , more frothed up than they were four years ago , if you can fathom what that might look like , '' Wallace said .
`` I think we 're seeing it on the streets of Portland and other places . ''
Portland has experienced nearly 100 consecutive days of violent riots led by left-wing activists in the wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week anti-police activists broke into City Hall , set fire to a police association building , and assaulted officers in what the police declared a riot .
Some right-wing activists arrived in the city over the weekend , resulting in clashes with left-wing protesters without significant police intervention .
A member of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer was shot and killed during the confrontation .
An Antifa agitator is under investigation for the shooting .
Portland mayor Ted Wheeler ( D. ) called for an end to street violence this week after allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rioters set a fire outside his condominium complex on Monday night , causing Wheeler to announce he is moving .
The Portland police chief called on local officials to do more to stop the rioting .
Wallace went on to argue that Trump is stoking division and is not attempting to expand his vote share beyond his own base .
She said he wants to delegitimize enough of the vote as possible to `` fog up '' the election .
`` He 's seeking to make it harder to mail in absentee ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail-in vote does come in .
He 's taken anything he can get from Vladimir Putin , '' she said .

MSNBC anchor Nicolle Wallace on Wednesday blamed supporters of President Donald Trump for instigating violence on the streets of Portland.
"He's playing to harden his faction of the electorate, to make them more mad, more afraid, more frothed up than they were four years ago, if you can fathom what that might look like," Wallace said. "I think we're seeing it on the streets of Portland and other places."
Portland has experienced nearly 100 consecutive days of violent riots led by left-wing activists in the wake of George Floyd's death. Last week anti-police activists broke into City Hall, set fire to a police association building, and assaulted officers in what the police declared a riot.
Some right-wing activists arrived in the city over the weekend, resulting in clashes with left-wing protesters without significant police intervention. A member of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer was shot and killed during the confrontation. An Antifa agitator is under investigation for the shooting.
Portland mayor Ted Wheeler (D.) called for an end to street violence this week after allowing the violence to proceed for months. Rioters set a fire outside his condominium complex on Monday night, causing Wheeler to announce he is moving. The Portland police chief called on local officials to do more to stop the rioting.
Wallace went on to argue that Trump is stoking division and is not attempting to expand his vote share beyond his own base. She said he wants to delegitimize enough of the vote as possible to "fog up" the election.
"He's seeking to make it harder to mail in absentee ballots. He's seeking to delegitimize whatever mail-in vote does come in. He's taken anything he can get from Vladimir Putin," she said.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Biden Refuses to Criticize Blake’s Father Over Anti-Semitic Social Media Posts

The Biden campaign has remained silent on revelations that the father of Jacob Blake , a black man shot by police in Kenosha , Wis. , posted numerous anti-Semitic messages on his social media accounts .
Biden met with Jacob Blake 's family on Thursday in Kenosha following the police shooting that reignited nationwide protests , rioting , and arson .
Multiple anti-Semitic Facebook posts by Jacob Blake Sr. were exposed prior to the meeting .
Blake Sr. excoriated the `` Jewish media '' and claimed they `` control the interest rate [ and ] control the media they control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post , he wrote , `` A Jew can ’ t tell me shit period . ''
In another , he said , `` The Jewish media picks and chooses who is a terrorists and is not . ''
In other posts from 2017 to 2019 , Blake Sr. stated that he stood with anti-Semitic Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan , who has promoted hatred towards Jews for years .
One missive stated , `` A cracker jew can do whatever to a white woman for years but let a jig try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Blake family , Biden reportedly discussed issues of racism and police violence in America .
He also spoke by phone with Blake , who is still in the hospital following the shooting .
The Biden campaign , which has claimed Biden is not afraid to confront anti-Semitism among Democrats and liberals , did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Washington Free Beacon .
Biden ’ s Jewish outreach director , Aaron Keyak , also did not respond to requests for comment about Blake Sr. ’ s views .
Keyak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-Semitism and tolerance of anti-Semitism against President Donald Trump .
`` Trump ’ s insistence on using anti-Semitic tropes when addressing Jewish audiences is dangerous and should concern every member of the Jewish community—even Jewish Republicans , '' Keyak said in late 2019 .
Keyak also has touted Biden ’ s efforts to speak out `` against anti-Semitism on the right and on the left . ''
`` Jew-hatred isn ’ t any different if it ’ s coming out of someone with a MAGA hat on or if it is coming out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left , '' Keyak said in an interview earlier this month .

The Biden campaign has remained silent on revelations that the father of Jacob Blake, a black man shot by police in Kenosha, Wis., posted numerous anti-Semitic messages on his social media accounts.
Biden met with Jacob Blake's family on Thursday in Kenosha following the police shooting that reignited nationwide protests, rioting, and arson.
Multiple anti-Semitic Facebook posts by Jacob Blake Sr. were exposed prior to the meeting. Blake Sr. excoriated the "Jewish media" and claimed they "control the interest rate [and] control the media they control Minds and money." In another post, he wrote, "A Jew can’t tell me shit period." In another, he said, "The Jewish media picks and chooses who is a terrorists and is not."
In other posts from 2017 to 2019, Blake Sr. stated that he stood with anti-Semitic Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan, who has promoted hatred towards Jews for years. One missive stated, "A cracker jew can do whatever to a white woman for years but let a jig try it."
During his meeting with the Blake family, Biden reportedly discussed issues of racism and police violence in America. He also spoke by phone with Blake, who is still in the hospital following the shooting.
The Biden campaign, which has claimed Biden is not afraid to confront anti-Semitism among Democrats and liberals, did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Washington Free Beacon. Biden’s Jewish outreach director, Aaron Keyak, also did not respond to requests for comment about Blake Sr.’s views.
Keyak and Biden have repeatedly leveled charges of anti-Semitism and tolerance of anti-Semitism against President Donald Trump.
"Trump’s insistence on using anti-Semitic tropes when addressing Jewish audiences is dangerous and should concern every member of the Jewish community—even Jewish Republicans," Keyak said in late 2019.
Keyak also has touted Biden’s efforts to speak out "against anti-Semitism on the right and on the left."
"Jew-hatred isn’t any different if it’s coming out of someone with a MAGA hat on or if it is coming out of the mouth of somebody on the left," Keyak said in an interview earlier this month.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Dylan Byers Weighs in on Pelosi Hair Salon Scandal

Editor 's note : The author of this piece was previously fired from the Washington Free Beacon in response to investigative reporting by Dylan Byers .
Dylan Byers , the NBC News tech blogger who previously worked as a political journalist breaking news for outlets such as Politico and CNN , has finally weighed in on the Nancy Pelosi hair salon scandal .
Byers expressed his political opinion on Twitter , the popular social networking website , writing : America is beset by internal problems and external threats .
We face severe political and cultural tensions , a global pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I , for one , believe there is no issue so pressing today as a legislator 's visit to a San Francisco hair salon .
The poorly worded tweet , with its sloppy repetition of `` threats '' and blatant attempt to diminish the House Speaker 's female achievement by referring to her as a mere `` legislator , '' received significant engagement online .
Byers 's post got hundreds more replies than it did `` likes '' or `` retweets , '' an internet phenomenon sometimes described as `` getting ratioed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's assessment that `` no issue '' is more `` pressing '' than Pelosi 's attempt to thwart state health guidelines while accusing a small business owner and single mom of orchestrating a `` set up '' was not shared by many of his former colleagues in the political journalism industry .
They were more inclined to see Pelosi as a hapless victim , because she is their friend and they care about her .
Byers 's indefensible affinity for soccer , a so-called sport that is fundamentally at odds with American values @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journalists .

Editor's note: The author of this piece was previously fired from the Washington Free Beacon in response to investigative reporting by Dylan Byers.
Dylan Byers, the NBC News tech blogger who previously worked as a political journalist breaking news for outlets such as Politico and CNN, has finally weighed in on the Nancy Pelosi hair salon scandal.
Byers expressed his political opinion on Twitter, the popular social networking website, writing:
America is beset by internal problems and external threats. We face severe political and cultural tensions, a global pandemic and threats from foreign adversaries. But I, for one, believe there is no issue so pressing today as a legislator's visit to a San Francisco hair salon.
The poorly worded tweet, with its sloppy repetition of "threats" and blatant attempt to diminish the House Speaker's female achievement by referring to her as a mere "legislator," received significant engagement online. Byers's post got hundreds more replies than it did "likes" or "retweets," an internet phenomenon sometimes described as "getting ratioed."
Needless to say, the blogger's assessment that "no issue" is more "pressing" than Pelosi's attempt to thwart state health guidelines while accusing a small business owner and single mom of orchestrating a "set up" was not shared by many of his former colleagues in the political journalism industry. They were more inclined to see Pelosi as a hapless victim, because she is their friend and they care about her.
Byers's indefensible affinity for soccer, a so-called sport that is fundamentally at odds with American values, is more widely shared among professional journalists.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Kamala Harris to Headline Fundraiser Hosted by Hollywood Producer Who Derided Women as ‘Twats’ — and

Kamala Harris to Headline Fundraiser Hosted by Hollywood Producer Who Derided Women as ‘Twats’ — and Called Harris ‘Tiresome’

Kamala Harris is headlining a Thursday afternoon fundraiser cohosted by a Hollywood producer who has disparaged Republican women as `` twats '' and argued that Harris herself was `` tiresome '' and needed to `` grow a pair . ''
Doug Prochilo , who gave at least $ 100,000 to cohost the Biden campaign 's virtual fundraiser , routinely calls female Republicans `` twats . ''
He described former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders as an `` amoral , demented twat , '' current press secretary Kayleigh McEnany as `` an insane twat , '' and Rep. Liz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a `` lying , ignorant twat . ''
In 2018 , he referred to Maine Sen. Susan Collins and two of her Republican colleagues as `` uptight old twats . ''
In May 2018 , Prochilo also slammed Harris , who will be the main speaker at Thursday 's event , calling on her to `` grow a pair '' and quit her `` tiresome '' campaign for president .
Prochilo 's most recent attack on Republican women was directed at Melania Trump on the Fourth of July .
Prochilo called the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' in response to her well wishes for the holiday .
The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment .
After publication of this article , Prochilo protected his Twitter account—screenshots of Prochilo 's remarks were captured by the Free Beacon .
The fundraiser will feature big Hollywood names such as J.J. Abrams , Lee Daniels , and Ryan Murphy alongside Harris and a slew of others from the entertainment industry .
To be a cohost for the Biden Victory fundraiser , individuals must donate $ 100,000 .
Ticket prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cap at $ 500,000 .
Prochilo is married to Netflix vice president Bela Bajaria , who runs content acquisition for the streaming giant .
Bajaria is also listed as a cohost for the Biden fundraiser .
Prochilo 's Hollywood writing credits include just three productions , all from 2005 , most notably for a single episode of Ghost Whisperer starring Jennifer Love Hewitt .
He also produced an episode of the TV series That 's Life in 2000 .
UPDATE 7:22 p.m. : This article was updated to reflect that Prochilo protected his @ @ @

Kamala Harris is headlining a Thursday afternoon fundraiser cohosted by a Hollywood producer who has disparaged Republican women as "twats" and argued that Harris herself was "tiresome" and needed to "grow a pair."
Doug Prochilo, who gave at least $100,000 to cohost the Biden campaign's virtual fundraiser, routinely calls female Republicans "twats." He described former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders as an "amoral, demented twat," current press secretary Kayleigh McEnany as "an insane twat," and Rep. Liz Cheney (R., Wy.) as a "lying, ignorant twat." In 2018, he referred to Maine Sen. Susan Collins and two of her Republican colleagues as "uptight old twats."
In May 2018, Prochilo also slammed Harris, who will be the main speaker at Thursday's event, calling on her to "grow a pair" and quit her "tiresome" campaign for president.
Prochilo's most recent attack on Republican women was directed at Melania Trump on the Fourth of July. Prochilo called the First Lady an "illegal immigrant criminal" in response to her well wishes for the holiday.
The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Immediately after publication of this article, Prochilo protected his Twitter account—screenshots of Prochilo's remarks were captured by the Free Beacon. By Friday morning, his account had been deleted entirely.
The fundraiser will feature big Hollywood names such as J.J. Abrams, Lee Daniels, and Ryan Murphy alongside Harris and a slew of others from the entertainment industry. To be a cohost for the Biden Victory fundraiser, individuals must donate $100,000. Ticket prices start at $10,000 per person and cap at $500,000.
The Trump campaign called on Friday afternoon for Biden to return money received from Prochilo.
"Joe Biden and the hypocrites in the Democrat Party are all about the #MeToo movement, until it’s no longer politically advantageous," said Katrina Pierson, a senior adviser to the campaign. "The latest proof is Biden welcoming a Hollywood producer known for posting vile and demeaning sentiments against women to cohost his fundraiser."
"If Joe Biden really was the man of character he claims to be, he would return this donation and condemn the disgraceful comments from his supporter," Pierson said.
Prochilo is married to Netflix vice president Bela Bajaria, who runs content acquisition for the streaming giant. Bajaria is also listed as a cohost for the Biden fundraiser.
Prochilo's Hollywood writing credits include just three productions, all from 2005, most notably for a single episode of Ghost Whisperer starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. He also produced an episode of the TV series That's Life in 2000.
UPDATE, Friday, Sept. 4, 11:14 a.m.: This article was updated to reflect that Prochilo deleted Twitter account.
UPDATE, Friday, Sept. 4, 4:08 p.m.: This article was updated with comment from the Trump campaign.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Woman at Biden Event: ‘I Was Told to Go Off This Paper But I Can’t’

A black woman at Joe Biden 's campaign event in Kenosha , Wis. , Thursday said she was `` told @ @ @ @ @ question .
`` I 'm just going to be honest , Mr. Biden .
I @ @ @ @ @ this paper , but I ca n't , '' she said , holding a piece @ @ @ @ @ hand .
`` You need the truth . ''
It was unclear who told her @ @ @ @ @ and what it said .
The woman , who said her name was Portia Bennett @ @ @ @ @ were `` heavily angry '' at racial disparities in their community and said the Kenosha @ @ @ @ @ Blake as he was arrested on Aug. 23 should be imprisoned .
She also said @ @ @ @ @ not begin with Blake 's shooting .
The Biden campaign did not respond to a @ @ @ @

A black woman at Joe Biden's campaign event in Kenosha, Wis., Thursday said she was "told to" read a scripted question.
"I'm just going to be honest, Mr. Biden. I was told to go off this paper, but I can't," she said, holding a piece of paper in her right hand. "You need the truth."
It was unclear who told her to read off the page and what it said.
The woman, who said her name was Portia Bennett, told Biden that blacks were "heavily angry" at racial disparities in their community and said the Kenosha police officer who shot Jacob Blake as he was arrested on Aug. 23 should be imprisoned. She also said the strife in Kenosha did not begin with Blake's shooting.
The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Tara McGowan, Fake News Network Owner, to Speak on Panel About Fake News

Tara McGowan , whose Courier Newsroom project has been labeled `` hyperlocal partisan propaganda '' for its spreading of pro-Democrat messages on social media , announced Wednesday that she would speak later this month on a panel dedicated to `` fake news and social media disinformation . ''
McGowan , CEO of the Democrat-aligned political firm Acronym , will appear on the panel , jointly hosted by Northeastern University-Seattle and the World Affairs Council of Seattle , on September 17 .
Slated to speak alongside her are journalists Davey Alba of the New York Times , Peter Hamby of Snapchat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is owned by Acronym investor Laurene Powell Jobs .
The event 's official page describes it as `` a panel discussion , '' with participants covering `` what 's real and what 's not , and how to reclaim control of your social media feeds . ''
`` Social media , '' it notes , `` has become an indispensable tool for political campaigning and news delivery , but it 's also used for nefarious purposes '' —panelists will cover these trends .
McGowan 's inclusion is surprising , given that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Acronym , which in turn oversees `` local '' news sites that distribute pro-Democrat talking points—has spent millions distributing its stories on Facebook and other social media platforms .
The group is the subject of a complaint filed Thursday with the FEC , seeking to compel it to register as a political committee .
Asked whether they were aware of the outstanding criticisms of Courier , NU-Seattle , the World Affairs Council of Seattle , Snapchat , and Alba did not return requests for comment .
Coppins , who has written about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokesperson for Acronym said , `` We fully understand your frustration with the Free Beacon not being invited to appear on this panel .
There 's always next year . ''
Announcing her participation in the panel on Twitter Wednesday , McGowan explicitly linked her panel appearance to the `` progressive news network '' that she says she created to `` counter the rise of right-wing fake news + misinformation online ( that 's destroying our democracy ) with…wait for it …facts . ''
Acronym , a major player in the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind those `` facts . ''
Courier recently debuted a seven-figure ad campaign focused on bolstering the image of vulnerable House Democrats in the eyes of millions of Facebook users .
That 's on top of an estimated $ 3.6 million it has spent on Facebook ads alone .
Because Courier 's affiliated sites do not acknowledge their partisan affiliation , users are generally unaware that the `` news '' they are served is meant to cast a favorable light on certain Democrats .
Gabby Deutch , a correspondent with news watchdog NewsGuard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propaganda '' —NewsGuard gave them failing grades for their `` undisclosed partisan Democratic perspective . ''
Courier 's status as a news organization also allows it to skirt restrictions usually imposed on political groups , including avoiding requirements to disclose its funders .
Concerns about funding are at the heart of the FEC complaint , filed by a watchdog group affiliated with former Nevada attorney general Adam Laxalt ( R. ) .
The complaint argues that Courier should not be exempt from campaign finance disclosures .
Both Facebook and Google have said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` pink slime '' sites like Courier masquerading as news .
Courier 's `` slime '' has even attracted criticism in the media and among Democrats .
CNN 's Jake Tapper and Brian Stelter called Courier 's model `` a big problem , '' while Politico reported that even some Democratic operatives `` believe Courier and Acronym ’ s tactics are unethical but also ineffective given the high cost . ''
Anna Massoglia , a researcher at the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics who has written extensively about Courier , told the Free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not about `` completely fabricated stories or disproven claims , '' but about `` boosting Democrats under the guise of local news outlets . ''
`` Spreading content based in fact sounds less ominous than spreading disinformation but readers may not approach Courier 's articles with the same critical eye since the content is rooted in fact and is presented as coming from a trustworthy local outlet , '' Massoglia said .
`` This may leave readers unaware that Courier 's state-focused media operations are part of a bigger network tied to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , keeping its funders hidden and keeping readers in the dark about whether content published by the outlets may be colored by their agendas . ''
Acronym 's funders are known to include Powell Jobs , as well as LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman and Dollar Shave Club CEO Michael Dubin .
The Emerson Collective , Powell Jobs 's `` social change organization , '' has denied funding Courier directly , but she has steered substantial wealth towards its parent and other Democratic causes , even as her media investments were forced to take @ @ @

Tara McGowan, whose Courier Newsroom project has been labeled "hyperlocal partisan propaganda" for its spreading of pro-Democrat messages on social media, announced Wednesday that she would speak later this month on a panel dedicated to "fake news and social media disinformation."
McGowan, CEO of the Democrat-aligned political firm Acronym, will appear on the panel, jointly hosted by Northeastern University-Seattle and the World Affairs Council of Seattle, on September 17. Slated to speak alongside her are journalists Davey Alba of the New York Times, Peter Hamby of Snapchat, and McKay Coppins of the Atlantic, which is owned by Acronym investor Laurene Powell Jobs.
The event's official page describes it as "a panel discussion," with participants covering "what's real and what's not, and how to reclaim control of your social media feeds." "Social media," it notes, "has become an indispensable tool for political campaigning and news delivery, but it's also used for nefarious purposes"—panelists will cover these trends.
McGowan's inclusion is surprising, given that Courier—an umbrella organization created and largely owned by Acronym, which in turn oversees "local" news sites that distribute pro-Democrat talking points—has spent millions distributing its stories on Facebook and other social media platforms. The group is the subject of a complaint filed Thursday with the FEC, seeking to compel it to register as a political committee.
Asked whether they were aware of the outstanding criticisms of Courier, NU-Seattle, the World Affairs Council of Seattle, Snapchat, and Alba did not return requests for comment. Coppins, who has written about McGowan previously, declined to comment. A spokesperson for Acronym said, "We fully understand your frustration with the Free Beacon not being invited to appear on this panel. There's always next year."
Announcing her participation in the panel on Twitter Wednesday, McGowan explicitly linked her panel appearance to the "progressive news network" that she says she created to "counter the rise of right-wing fake news + misinformation online (that's destroying our democracy) with...wait for it ...facts."
Acronym, a major player in the Democratic digital space, has put big money behind those "facts." Courier recently debuted a seven-figure ad campaign focused on bolstering the image of vulnerable House Democrats in the eyes of millions of Facebook users. That's on top of an estimated $3.6 million it has spent on Facebook ads alone.
Because Courier's affiliated sites do not acknowledge their partisan affiliation, users are generally unaware that the "news" they are served is meant to cast a favorable light on certain Democrats. Gabby Deutch, a correspondent with news watchdog NewsGuard, labeled the sites "hyperlocal partisan propaganda"—NewsGuard gave them failing grades for their "undisclosed partisan Democratic perspective."
Courier's status as a news organization also allows it to skirt restrictions usually imposed on political groups, including avoiding requirements to disclose its funders. Concerns about funding are at the heart of the FEC complaint, filed by a watchdog group affiliated with former Nevada attorney general Adam Laxalt (R.). The complaint argues that Courier should not be exempt from campaign finance disclosures. Both Facebook and Google have said they have plans to deny preferential treatment to "pink slime" sites like Courier masquerading as news.
Courier's "slime" has even attracted criticism in the media and among Democrats. CNN's Jake Tapper and Brian Stelter called Courier's model "a big problem," while Politico reported that even some Democratic operatives "believe Courier and Acronym’s tactics are unethical but also ineffective given the high cost."
Anna Massoglia, a researcher at the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics who has written extensively about Courier, told the Free Beacon that the site's model is not about "completely fabricated stories or disproven claims," but about "boosting Democrats under the guise of local news outlets."
"Spreading content based in fact sounds less ominous than spreading disinformation but readers may not approach Courier's articles with the same critical eye since the content is rooted in fact and is presented as coming from a trustworthy local outlet," Massoglia said. "This may leave readers unaware that Courier's state-focused media operations are part of a bigger network tied to a dark money operation funded by anonymous donors, keeping its funders hidden and keeping readers in the dark about whether content published by the outlets may be colored by their agendas."
Acronym's funders are known to include Powell Jobs, as well as LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman and Dollar Shave Club CEO Michael Dubin. The Emerson Collective, Powell Jobs's "social change organization," has denied funding Courier directly, but she has steered substantial wealth towards its parent and other Democratic causes, even as her media investments were forced to take government bailouts.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Tillis: Coronavirus Vaccine Should Go to Americans First

North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis says he will fight to make sure any coronavirus vaccine developed by a company in the United States will be used to vaccinate Americans before being sent overseas .
`` If an American company finds the COVID vaccine , I believe American citizens should get vaccinated first before it goes overseas , '' Tillis said in the latest ad for his reelection campaign .
`` Two dozen biotech companies are chasing a COVID vaccine .
It 's mostly American companies—one 's in North Carolina , '' Tillis said .
`` No country discovers cures like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then socialist countries ride for free .
Not this time . ''
The campaign says the the push is part of Tillis 's `` America First '' approach to governance , hinting that legislation could follow that would ensure United States citizens are given priority for a vaccine .
`` Senator Tillis believes that the goal he discusses in the ad can be done through federal legislation and will be fighting to make it a reality in the near future , '' campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo told the Washington Free Beacon .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Tuesday announcement that it would not cooperate with international organizations to find a vaccine , citing World Health Organization constraints and the organization 's involvement with China .

'America pays for research and then socialist countries ride for free. Not this time.'
North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis says he will fight to make sure any coronavirus vaccine developed by a company in the United States will be used to vaccinate Americans before being sent overseas.
"If an American company finds the COVID vaccine, I believe American citizens should get vaccinated first before it goes overseas," Tillis said in the latest ad for his reelection campaign.
"Two dozen biotech companies are chasing a COVID vaccine. It's mostly American companies—one's in North Carolina," Tillis said. "No country discovers cures like us. America pays for research and then socialist countries ride for free. Not this time."
The campaign says the the push is part of Tillis's "America First" approach to governance, hinting that legislation could follow that would ensure United States citizens are given priority for a vaccine.
"Senator Tillis believes that the goal he discusses in the ad can be done through federal legislation and will be fighting to make it a reality in the near future," campaign spokesman Andrew Romeo told the Washington Free Beacon.
The ad's release follows the Trump administration's Tuesday announcement that it would not cooperate with international organizations to find a vaccine, citing World Health Organization constraints and the organization's involvement with China.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Top U.S. Officials Slam Russia for Putin Critic Poisoning

Senior U.S. officials slammed Moscow following reports Wednesday that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned by a Soviet-era toxin .
`` Alexei Navalny 's poisoning is completely reprehensible , '' National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said in an official statement .
`` We will work with allies and the international community to hold those in Russia accountable , wherever the evidence leads , and restrict funds for their malign activities . ''
`` The Russian people have a right to express their views peacefully without fear of retribution of any kind , and certainly not with chemical agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe James Gilmore also rebuked the Kremlin in an official statement , saying , `` Such incidents of violence against government critics have the chilling effect of silencing independent voices , which is the intention of an attack like this .
… They illustrate Russia 's contempt for human life , international law , and its international commitments . ''
On Wednesday , Germany announced that Navalny , a prominent critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin , was poisoned by Novichok , a nerve agent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who is currently in a medically induced coma , was transported to Germany after becoming seriously ill on a flight in Russia last month .
Russia has used Novichok against the Kremlin 's rivals in the past—British authorities discovered that Russian intelligence operatives attempted to assassinate Sergei Skripal , a former Russian double agent , with the highly lethal poison in 2018 .
National security writer Tom Rogan wrote Thursday that `` the use of Novichok makes clear two basic points : that Putin wanted Navalny dead and that Putin assumed Navalny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump has not yet made an official statement regarding the Navalny poisoning .
Moscow , meanwhile , denies any wrongdoing .

Senior U.S. officials slammed Moscow following reports Wednesday that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned by a Soviet-era toxin.
"Alexei Navalny's poisoning is completely reprehensible," National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot said in an official statement. "We will work with allies and the international community to hold those in Russia accountable, wherever the evidence leads, and restrict funds for their malign activities."
"The Russian people have a right to express their views peacefully without fear of retribution of any kind, and certainly not with chemical agents," he added.
U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe James Gilmore also rebuked the Kremlin in an official statement, saying, "Such incidents of violence against government critics have the chilling effect of silencing independent voices, which is the intention of an attack like this. ... They illustrate Russia's contempt for human life, international law, and its international commitments."
On Wednesday, Germany announced that Navalny, a prominent critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, was poisoned by Novichok, a nerve agent created by the Soviet Union. Navalny, who is currently in a medically induced coma, was transported to Germany after becoming seriously ill on a flight in Russia last month.
Russia has used Novichok against the Kremlin's rivals in the past—British authorities discovered that Russian intelligence operatives attempted to assassinate Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent, with the highly lethal poison in 2018.
National security writer Tom Rogan wrote Thursday that "the use of Novichok makes clear two basic points: that Putin wanted Navalny dead and that Putin assumed Navalny would die painfully but quickly."
President Trump has not yet made an official statement regarding the Navalny poisoning. Moscow, meanwhile, denies any wrongdoing.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Maine Dem Campaign Staffers Helped Bail Out Violent Criminals

At least seven staffers for Maine Democratic Senate candidate Sara Gideon donated to a bail fund that releases looters and other violent criminals from jail .
Gideon 's staffers posted on social media about their donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund , a group that pays criminal bail for protesters and looters regardless of whether they were violent or which crimes they committed .
The donations came after individuals involved with anti-police demonstrations began looting and burning businesses in Minneapolis .
The Minnesota Freedom Fund has said it does not consider individuals ' charges before bailing them out .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after I pay the bill because it is not the point , '' Greg Lewin , the fund 's interim executive director , said of the group 's efforts .
`` The point is the system we are fighting . ''
The group primarily aids Minneapolis rioters , who have caused $ 55 million in damages and left numerous businesses destroyed and parts of the city burned down .
Local reports have indicated the fund has bailed out individuals charged with rape , murder , assault , and shooting at police .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis resident Lionel Timms , was since re-arrested for assaulting a man in an alley , leaving him with a traumatic brain injury .
Gideon staffers , starting with field organizer Izabella Zox , announced their contributions to the Minnesota Freedom Fund on Twitter in late May—in the early days of protests but after the property damage and looting had started .
Zox 's tweet set off a chain with at least six other Gideon staffers .
Madeline Shiley , a regional director for Gideon 's campaign , replied to the tweet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This continued with five other Gideon campaign organizers .
The Gideon staffers made donations around the same time Biden campaign staffers gave to the group .
`` It 's not surprising Democrat Sara Gideon 's staffers are busy bailing out criminals , when Gideon herself has shown no regard for the law , '' Nathan Brand , spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee , told the Washington Free Beacon .
Gideon has expressed support for Black Lives Matter demonstrations and attended at least one protest .
She accused President Donald Trump of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' but has not condemned the looting or violence at protests across the country .
The Minnesota Freedom Fund has seen a massive influx of cash since the start of nationwide anti-police protests .
It has hauled in at least $ 35 million and received support from celebrities such as Steve Carell and Seth Rogen .
Vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris likewise publicized the fund and urged supporters to donate to the group to `` post bail for those protesting on the ground in Minnesota . ''
The fund is not the only left-wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rioters involved in the nationwide protests .
Two groups that provide operational support for six bail funds in the country 's largest cities were found to support socialist militants in Latin America , the Washington Free Beacon previously reported .
Gideon 's campaign did not respond to a request for comment on her staffers ' donations to the group .
The Minnesota Freedom Fund also did not provide a comment by press time .

At least seven Sara Gideon staffers donated to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which bails out rioters
At least seven staffers for Maine Democratic Senate candidate Sara Gideon donated to a bail fund that releases looters and other violent criminals from jail.
Gideon's staffers posted on social media about their donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, a group that pays criminal bail for protesters and looters regardless of whether they were violent or which crimes they committed. The donations came after individuals involved with anti-police demonstrations began looting and burning businesses in Minneapolis.
The Minnesota Freedom Fund has said it does not consider individuals' charges before bailing them out. "I will see [the charges] after I pay the bill because it is not the point," Greg Lewin, the fund's interim executive director, said of the group's efforts. "The point is the system we are fighting." The group primarily aids Minneapolis rioters, who have caused $55 million in damages and left numerous businesses destroyed and parts of the city burned down.
Local reports have indicated the fund has bailed out individuals charged with rape, murder, assault, and shooting at police. One person it freed in July, 32-year-old Minneapolis resident Lionel Timms, was since re-arrested for assaulting a man in an alley, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury.
Gideon staffers, starting with field organizer Izabella Zox, announced their contributions to the Minnesota Freedom Fund on Twitter in late May—in the early days of protests but after the property damage and looting had started.
https://twitter.com/IzzyZox/status/1266016671376052225
Zox's tweet set off a chain with at least six other Gideon staffers. Madeline Shiley, a regional director for Gideon's campaign, replied to the tweet and matched Zox's $50 donation. This continued with five other Gideon campaign organizers. The Gideon staffers made donations around the same time Biden campaign staffers gave to the group.
"It's not surprising Democrat Sara Gideon's staffers are busy bailing out criminals, when Gideon herself has shown no regard for the law," Nathan Brand, spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told the Washington Free Beacon.
Gideon has expressed support for Black Lives Matter demonstrations and attended at least one protest. She accused President Donald Trump of inciting violence against "peaceful protesters," but has not condemned the looting or violence at protests across the country.
The Minnesota Freedom Fund has seen a massive influx of cash since the start of nationwide anti-police protests. It has hauled in at least $35 million and received support from celebrities such as Steve Carell and Seth Rogen. Vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris likewise publicized the fund and urged supporters to donate to the group to "post bail for those protesting on the ground in Minnesota."
The fund is not the only left-wing group that posts bail for looters and rioters involved in the nationwide protests. Two groups that provide operational support for six bail funds in the country's largest cities were found to support socialist militants in Latin America, the Washington Free Beacon previously reported.
Gideon's campaign did not respond to a request for comment on her staffers' donations to the group. The Minnesota Freedom Fund also did not provide a comment by press time.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--U.S. Rips U.N. Panel for Ignoring Chinese Human Rights Abuses

A U.S. international mission ripped into a United Nations women 's rights panel for ignoring Chinese human-rights violations but criticizing American states for regulating abortion .
The U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Geneva issued a letter last week describing the U.N. women 's rights panel 's criticism of the United States as `` bizarre and inexplicable . ''
The mission said the U.N. panel made `` spurious allegations '' that the United States was unduly restricting access to abortion during the coronavirus pandemic , adding that the accusations distracted from human-rights abuses in China .
`` The Chinese Communist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced abortion , forced sterilization and forced birth control in Xinjiang , '' the letter stated .
`` These are actual human rights abuses , implicating millions of women and girls and their health , on an industrial scale , targeting a vulnerable ethnic and religious minority . ''
The mission also criticized the panel for presenting unlimited access to abortion as a right .
The mission argued that no international law recognizes any `` right to abortion . ''
`` One of the reasons that the United States and others increasingly see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as utterly broken is the tendency of its self-appointed guardians to label certain policy preferences as ‘ rights , ' '' the letter said .
`` At the same time , we see violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms on a massive scale that generate little or no comment by these same guardians . ''
The mission was responding to a May 27 letter from the panel that alleged the United States was increasing restrictions on abortion services .
The letter said eight states appeared to be using the coronavirus crisis to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argued that abortion constituted essential health care , and suspending nonessential medical services because of the pandemic would cause more women to unnecessarily travel out of state .

A U.S. international mission ripped into a United Nations women's rights panel for ignoring Chinese human-rights violations but criticizing American states for regulating abortion.
The U.S. Mission to International Organizations in Geneva issued a letter last week describing the U.N. women's rights panel's criticism of the United States as "bizarre and inexplicable." The mission said the U.N. panel made "spurious allegations" that the United States was unduly restricting access to abortion during the coronavirus pandemic, adding that the accusations distracted from human-rights abuses in China.
"The Chinese Communist Party is currently directing the use of forced abortion, forced sterilization and forced birth control in Xinjiang," the letter stated. "These are actual human rights abuses, implicating millions of women and girls and their health, on an industrial scale, targeting a vulnerable ethnic and religious minority."
The mission also criticized the panel for presenting unlimited access to abortion as a right. The mission argued that no international law recognizes any "right to abortion."
"One of the reasons that the United States and others increasingly see the UN’s human rights system as utterly broken is the tendency of its self-appointed guardians to label certain policy preferences as 'rights,'" the letter said. "At the same time, we see violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms on a massive scale that generate little or no comment by these same guardians."
The mission was responding to a May 27 letter from the panel that alleged the United States was increasing restrictions on abortion services. The letter said eight states appeared to be using the coronavirus crisis to curb access to abortion. The panel argued that abortion constituted essential health care, and suspending nonessential medical services because of the pandemic would cause more women to unnecessarily travel out of state.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Former Portland Police Chief Slams City Council for Permitting Violence

Former Portland police chief Derrick Foxworth Sr. criticized the city council and other local officials for failing to condemn violence after a 16-year-old was fatally shot last Thursday .
Foxworth , Portland ’ s top cop from 2003 to 2006 , told Portland ’ s NBC affiliate KGW8 that he decided to speak out because of how city officials ’ `` deafening silence '' has harmed the black community .
He suggested the Aug. 27 killing of Jaelin Scott was the result of Portland City Council ’ s attempts to reform the city ’ s police department , as massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut back on its gang violence unit .
`` I see what is happening to the black community , '' Foxworth said .
`` My heart was broken to see a 16-year-old boy , young man , shot and killed .
And there is no one out there saying anything about it . ''
Foxworth said cutting the police department 's budget has led to an uptick in shootings—of which many of the victims are black .
`` Chief [ Chuck ] Lovell had his budget slashed by millions of dollars , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was focused on gang violence prevention , '' Foxworth told KGW8 .
`` And when that unit went away , there was nothing to replace it… .
And so now what you ’ re seeing is unprecedented shootings in the city of Portland .
And the sad fact is that many of the victims of the shootings happen to be black . ''
While Foxworth said he supports efforts to reform the police , he condemned the violence that ’ s beset Portland this summer and called on local officials to do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he believes the `` criminal behavior '' detracts from the purpose of the Black Lives Matter movement and `` places people 's lives at risk . ''
Portland City Council responded to protesters ’ calls to defund the police in June when they passed a $ 15 million budget cut to the city ’ s police department .
Nightly riots that began in May have strained the city ’ s police force—after one particularly violent night in August , the police department left dozens of 911 calls unanswered as all available officers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Members of the community , including some leftist organizations and business owners , have recently slammed Mayor Ted Wheeler ( D. ) and other government officials for failing to quell the violence—which Wheeler said he believes will just `` burn itself out . ''

Former Portland police chief Derrick Foxworth Sr. criticized the city council and other local officials for failing to condemn violence after a 16-year-old was fatally shot last Thursday.
Foxworth, Portland’s top cop from 2003 to 2006, told Portland’s NBC affiliate KGW8 that he decided to speak out because of how city officials’ "deafening silence" has harmed the black community. He suggested the Aug. 27 killing of Jaelin Scott was the result of Portland City Council’s attempts to reform the city’s police department, as massive budget cuts led the police department to cut back on its gang violence unit.
"I see what is happening to the black community," Foxworth said. "My heart was broken to see a 16-year-old boy, young man, shot and killed. And there is no one out there saying anything about it."
Foxworth said cutting the police department's budget has led to an uptick in shootings—of which many of the victims are black.
"Chief [Chuck] Lovell had his budget slashed by millions of dollars, and that directly affected a specialty unit that was focused on gang violence prevention," Foxworth told KGW8. "And when that unit went away, there was nothing to replace it…. And so now what you’re seeing is unprecedented shootings in the city of Portland. And the sad fact is that many of the victims of the shootings happen to be black."
While Foxworth said he supports efforts to reform the police, he condemned the violence that’s beset Portland this summer and called on local officials to do the same. The former police chief said he believes the "criminal behavior" detracts from the purpose of the Black Lives Matter movement and "places people's lives at risk."
Portland City Council responded to protesters’ calls to defund the police in June when they passed a $15 million budget cut to the city’s police department. Nightly riots that began in May have strained the city’s police force—after one particularly violent night in August, the police department left dozens of 911 calls unanswered as all available officers were already dispatched to respond to riots. Members of the community, including some leftist organizations and business owners, have recently slammed Mayor Ted Wheeler (D.) and other government officials for failing to quell the violence—which Wheeler said he believes will just "burn itself out."


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Harris: Biden and I ‘Would Never Condone Violence or Destruction of Property’

Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris ( D. , Calif. ) told a Minneapolis news station Wednesday that she and Joe Biden would `` never condone violence or destruction of property , '' but she promoted a nonprofit that bailed out people arrested for violent offenses in the aftermath of George Floyd 's death .
`` Joe and I would never condone violence or destruction of property by any means , '' Harris told WCCO-Minneapolis .
`` That 's not peaceful protests , that 's not protected by the Constitution , and it 's not OK. '' When riots and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Minneapolis police custody in May , Harris urged her Twitter followers to donate to the Minnesota Freedom Fund to help `` those protesting on the ground . ''
Thirteen Biden campaign staffers also donated to the organization .
Among those the group bailed out was Jaleel Stallings , who is charged with attempted murder after shooting at SWAT team members during the riots , and Chylen Evans , who was accused of looting several stores .
Thanks in part to promotion by Harris and liberal celebrities , the Minnesota Freedom Fund raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks following Floyd 's death after only raising $ 100,000 in all of 2018 .
Ninety-two percent of those arrested in the Minneapolis protests did not have to pay bail , according to the Washington Post , allowing the MFF to use the windfall to bail out defendants charged with violent felonies , including murder , kidnapping , and sexual assault .
After weeks of silence about left-wing violence in major cities and criticism from President Donald Trump , Biden and Harris have denounced destructive riots and looting in cities like Portland and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota governor Tim Walz ( D. ) estimated the riots following Floyd 's death caused $ 500 million in damage to the Twin Cities .

Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris (D., Calif.) told a Minneapolis news station Wednesday that she and Joe Biden would "never condone violence or destruction of property," but she promoted a nonprofit that bailed out people arrested for violent offenses in the aftermath of George Floyd's death.
"Joe and I would never condone violence or destruction of property by any means," Harris told WCCO-Minneapolis. "That's not peaceful protests, that's not protected by the Constitution, and it's not OK."
When riots and looting ensued following the death of Floyd in Minneapolis police custody in May, Harris urged her Twitter followers to donate to the Minnesota Freedom Fund to help "those protesting on the ground." Thirteen Biden campaign staffers also donated to the organization. Among those the group bailed out was Jaleel Stallings, who is charged with attempted murder after shooting at SWAT team members during the riots, and Chylen Evans, who was accused of looting several stores.
If you’re able to, chip in now to the @MNFreedomFund to help post bail for those protesting on the ground in Minnesota. https://t.co/t8LXowKIbw — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 1, 2020
Thanks in part to promotion by Harris and liberal celebrities, the Minnesota Freedom Fund raised a staggering $35 million in the weeks following Floyd's death after only raising $100,000 in all of 2018. Ninety-two percent of those arrested in the Minneapolis protests did not have to pay bail, according to the Washington Post, allowing the MFF to use the windfall to bail out defendants charged with violent felonies, including murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault.
After weeks of silence about left-wing violence in major cities and criticism from President Donald Trump, Biden and Harris have denounced destructive riots and looting in cities like Portland and Kenosha, Wis., this week.
Minnesota governor Tim Walz (D.) estimated the riots following Floyd's death caused $500 million in damage to the Twin Cities.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Bahrain Set to Normalize Relations With Israel

Bahrain is set to be the next Gulf country to normalize relations with Israel , a senior Israeli official told Israel 's Kan 11 News Wednesday .
Washington looks to mediate the peace talks between the two countries and hopes to hold the official normalization ceremony before the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah , according to the official .
The report follows the historic peace agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel , which was brokered by the United States in August .
Like the UAE-Israel deal , the normalization of relations between Bahrain and the Jewish state would likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ties .
Just last month , Bahrani prime minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa reportedly spoke with Mossad chief Yossi Cohen .
`` Israel is historically part of the heritage of this whole region , '' Bahraini foreign minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa told an Israeli television outlet last year .
`` So the Jewish people have a place among us . ''
In the wake of the Emirati peace deal , Trump administration officials hope other Gulf states will normalize ties with Israel as part of an anti-Iranian coalition .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he believes Saudi Arabia—which boasts one of the largest defense budgets in the world—will also sign on to the UAE-Israel agreement .

Bahrain is set to be the next Gulf country to normalize relations with Israel, a senior Israeli official told Israel's Kan 11 News Wednesday.
Washington looks to mediate the peace talks between the two countries and hopes to hold the official normalization ceremony before the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah, according to the official.
The report follows the historic peace agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, which was brokered by the United States in August. Like the UAE-Israel deal, the normalization of relations between Bahrain and the Jewish state would likely entail a series of economic and security ties. Just last month, Bahrani prime minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa reportedly spoke with Mossad chief Yossi Cohen.
"Israel is historically part of the heritage of this whole region," Bahraini foreign minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa told an Israeli television outlet last year. "So the Jewish people have a place among us."
In the wake of the Emirati peace deal, Trump administration officials hope other Gulf states will normalize ties with Israel as part of an anti-Iranian coalition. Last month, President Donald Trump said that he believes Saudi Arabia—which boasts one of the largest defense budgets in the world—will also sign on to the UAE-Israel agreement.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--U.S. Sanctions Chinese Companies Over Illicit Iranian Oil Scheme

The Trump administration on Thursday leveled new sanctions on a Chinese shipping company for helping Iran evade sanctions on its export of crude oil and petrochemicals .
The State and Treasury Departments hit three China-based companies and their principal executive officers with new sanctions `` for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase , acquisition , sale , transport , or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran . ''
The companies are Zhihang Ship Management CO Ltd. , New Far International Logistics LLC , and Sino Energy Shipping Ltd. An Iranian refining company and a United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for aiding Tehran ’ s export of illicit materials .
China is a principal importer of Iran ’ s crude oil , which is heavily sanctioned by the United States .
Despite these restrictions , China has continued to purchase Iranian oil , providing the regime with critical cash resources .
The Washington Free Beacon first reported in August that several Iranian oil tankers traveled to China with what experts believe were full stocks of illicit oil , in violation of American sanctions .
Additional sanctions were leveled by the Treasury Department on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Petrochemical Co. , which was designated by the United States in January for illicit activities related to Iran ’ s oil sector .
These newly sanctioned entities are located in China , Iran , and the UAE .
`` Iran ’ s petroleum industry is a major source of revenue for the Iranian regime and funds its malign activities throughout the Middle East , '' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in an announcement on the sanctions .
`` Our actions today reaffirm the United States ’ commitment to denying the Iranian regime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorism and other destabilizing activities . ''

The Trump administration on Thursday leveled new sanctions on a Chinese shipping company for helping Iran evade sanctions on its export of crude oil and petrochemicals.
The State and Treasury Departments hit three China-based companies and their principal executive officers with new sanctions "for knowingly engaging in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran." The companies are Zhihang Ship Management CO Ltd., New Far International Logistics LLC, and Sino Energy Shipping Ltd.
An Iranian refining company and a United Arab Emirates-based petrochemical company were also sanctioned for aiding Tehran’s export of illicit materials.
China is a principal importer of Iran’s crude oil, which is heavily sanctioned by the United States. Despite these restrictions, China has continued to purchase Iranian oil, providing the regime with critical cash resources. The Washington Free Beacon first reported in August that several Iranian oil tankers traveled to China with what experts believe were full stocks of illicit oil, in violation of American sanctions.
Additional sanctions were leveled by the Treasury Department on six entities known to be supporting Triliance Petrochemical Co., which was designated by the United States in January for illicit activities related to Iran’s oil sector. These newly sanctioned entities are located in China, Iran, and the UAE.
"Iran’s petroleum industry is a major source of revenue for the Iranian regime and funds its malign activities throughout the Middle East," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in an announcement on the sanctions. "Our actions today reaffirm the United States’ commitment to denying the Iranian regime the financial resources it needs to fuel terrorism and other destabilizing activities."


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Former Trump Aide Calls for Olympic Investigation of Iranian Wrestler’s Death Sentence

Former acting director of national intelligence and ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell urged Olympic organizers to investigate Iran ’ s sentencing to death of a former Iranian wrestler , the Jerusalem Post reported Wednesday .
`` The Tokyo organizers of the Olympics should inquire about this athlete ’ s case , '' Grenell told reporters .
Wrestler Navid Afkari was arrested and sentenced to death for his participation in protests against the Iranian regime in 2018 .
Iranian authorities accuse Afkari of murdering an Iranian security guard during the protests , a charge Akfari maintains he was forced to confess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documented record of forcing false confessions to crimes through torture .
`` The evidence is there if the court wants to investigate [ the acts of torture ] .… There is not one shred of evidence in this damned case that shows I ’ m guilty .
But they don ’ t want to listen to us .
I realized they are looking for a neck for their rope , '' Navid said .
Navid ’ s two brothers—Vahid and Habib—were also sentenced to 54 and 27 years in prison , respectively , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All three are set to receive 74 lashes .
According to the brothers ' mother , Vahid has attempted suicide three times due to the torture he has undergone .
The case has received little international attention , despite lobbying from a fellow prominent wrestler .
Former two-time Division I collegiate champion and Olympian Ben Askren tweeted Wednesday voicing support for Navid .
`` All of you SJWs let ’ s go !
!
!
! ''
Askren tweeted .
`` This man is being executed for showing up at an actual peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trending and make something happen . ''
Iran has cracked down on internal opposition this summer in a series of arrests and executions after massive protests inflamed by a coronavirus- and American sanctions-wracked economy .
Putting even more pressure on Tehran , Washington went forward with snapback sanctions on the regime to hamper its military operations .
Meanwhile , the Trump administration appointed noted hawk Elliott Abrams to the Iran desk last month to further the White House ’ s maximum pressure campaign .
Elsewhere in the region , Gulf states such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and now Bahrain are in some cases normalizing relations with Israel and in others increasing cooperation to counter Iran ’ s growing capacity to destabilize the region .
With Washington ’ s help , the Emiratis signed the first Gulf peace deal in over 25 years last month .

Former acting director of national intelligence and ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell urged Olympic organizers to investigate Iran’s sentencing to death of a former Iranian wrestler, the Jerusalem Post reported Wednesday.
"The Tokyo organizers of the Olympics should inquire about this athlete’s case," Grenell told reporters.
Wrestler Navid Afkari was arrested and sentenced to death for his participation in protests against the Iranian regime in 2018. Iranian authorities accuse Afkari of murdering an Iranian security guard during the protests, a charge Akfari maintains he was forced to confess to under duress. Iran has a documented record of forcing false confessions to crimes through torture.
"The evidence is there if the court wants to investigate [the acts of torture].… There is not one shred of evidence in this damned case that shows I’m guilty. But they don’t want to listen to us. I realized they are looking for a neck for their rope," Navid said.
Navid’s two brothers—Vahid and Habib—were also sentenced to 54 and 27 years in prison, respectively, for their role in anti-regime protests. All three are set to receive 74 lashes. According to the brothers' mother, Vahid has attempted suicide three times due to the torture he has undergone.
The case has received little international attention, despite lobbying from a fellow prominent wrestler. Former two-time Division I collegiate champion and Olympian Ben Askren tweeted Wednesday voicing support for Navid.
"All of you SJWs let’s go!!!!" Askren tweeted. "This man is being executed for showing up at an actual peaceful protest. Let’s get this trending and make something happen."
Iran has cracked down on internal opposition this summer in a series of arrests and executions after massive protests inflamed by a coronavirus- and American sanctions-wracked economy. Putting even more pressure on Tehran, Washington went forward with snapback sanctions on the regime to hamper its military operations. Meanwhile, the Trump administration appointed noted hawk Elliott Abrams to the Iran desk last month to further the White House’s maximum pressure campaign.
Elsewhere in the region, Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and now Bahrain are in some cases normalizing relations with Israel and in others increasing cooperation to counter Iran’s growing capacity to destabilize the region. With Washington’s help, the Emiratis signed the first Gulf peace deal in over 25 years last month.


freebeacon--2020-09-03--U.S. Pulls $62 Million in Funding From World Health Organization

The Trump administration pulled $ 62 million in funding from the World Health Organization on Wednesday and is taking further steps to withdraw from the body , which the United States accuses of helping China obfuscate information about the coronavirus pandemic .
The United States is on track to cut its funding and personnel from the agency before July 2021 , when President Donald Trump 's order earlier this year ending the U.S. relationship with WHO is set to begin , according to senior administration officials working on the matter .
The United States will not consider rejoining the organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' according to Nerissa Cook , deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs .
U.S. officials informed the WHO of the administration 's decision Wednesday and reiterated demands that the organization implement a series of widespread reforms to limit China 's interference in the body .
American diplomats have been pressuring the organization for months over its efforts to help China hide evidence of the coronavirus 's origins .
The Trump administration maintains the WHO was complicit in Beijing 's efforts to promulgate lies about the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The WHO went along with China 's claim that it was the first country to publicly report the virus .
U.S. pressure on the WHO has irritated China and European powers that continue to maintain the organization is an effective oversight body .
`` The position of the White House is that the WHO needs to reform , and that is starting with demonstrating its independence from the Chinese Communist Party , '' Cook said .
`` And it needs to make improvements in its ability to prepare for , to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to outbreaks of dangerous pathogens . ''
The United States paid around 22 percent of the WHO 's regular budget , more than $ 100 million a year .
In 2020 , the United States sent more than $ 120 million to the organization , $ 58 million of which had been disbursed prior to Trump 's decision to freeze funding to the organization in April .
The remaining money `` will be reprogrammed to the U.N. '' for other programs and organizations the United States still supports , according to Cook .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomats will continue to pressure for reforms that they say must be implemented before the United States considers rejoining the organization .
In addition to splitting from China , the United States is demanding structural reforms that would help the WHO more quickly respond to emerging pandemics and inform the world about possible dangers .
`` If they 're interested in seeing the United States stay , they will take [ those demands ] seriously and negotiate seriously , '' said Garrett Grigsby , director of the Department of Health and Human Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Health and Human Services , as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development ( USAID ) , will end its voluntary contributions to the WHO and begin bringing American officials stationed there home before the end of the year , officials from both agencies confirmed .
This includes Americans who are working with the WHO on various global health issues .
USAID and HHS , however , will not halt what they called `` one-time '' donations to the WHO .
This includes up to $ 40 million that HHS has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with immunization and influenza , according to Grigsby .
USAID will also move forward with a `` one-time disbursement '' this year of up to $ 68 million to support the WHO 's work on health issues in Libya and Syria , according to Alma Golden , USAID 's assistant administrator for global health .
After both agencies make good on these donations , officials will begin to cement partnerships with organizations and countries that are not WHO members , officials said .
`` The World Health Organization has failed badly by those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to COVID-19 , but to other health crises in recent decades , '' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Thursday .
`` In addition , WHO has declined to adopt urgently needed reforms , starting with demonstrating its independence from the Chinese Communist Party . ''

The Trump administration pulled $62 million in funding from the World Health Organization on Wednesday and is taking further steps to withdraw from the body, which the United States accuses of helping China obfuscate information about the coronavirus pandemic.
The United States is on track to cut its funding and personnel from the agency before July 2021, when President Donald Trump's order earlier this year ending the U.S. relationship with WHO is set to begin, according to senior administration officials working on the matter. The United States will not consider rejoining the organization until it "gets its act together," according to Nerissa Cook, deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs.
U.S. officials informed the WHO of the administration's decision Wednesday and reiterated demands that the organization implement a series of widespread reforms to limit China's interference in the body. American diplomats have been pressuring the organization for months over its efforts to help China hide evidence of the coronavirus's origins. The Trump administration maintains the WHO was complicit in Beijing's efforts to promulgate lies about the virus in the early days of its spread. The WHO went along with China's claim that it was the first country to publicly report the virus. U.S. pressure on the WHO has irritated China and European powers that continue to maintain the organization is an effective oversight body.
"The position of the White House is that the WHO needs to reform, and that is starting with demonstrating its independence from the Chinese Communist Party," Cook said. "And it needs to make improvements in its ability to prepare for, to prevent, to detect, and to respond to outbreaks of dangerous pathogens."
The United States paid around 22 percent of the WHO's regular budget, more than $100 million a year. In 2020, the United States sent more than $120 million to the organization, $58 million of which had been disbursed prior to Trump's decision to freeze funding to the organization in April. The remaining money "will be reprogrammed to the U.N." for other programs and organizations the United States still supports, according to Cook.
After it leaves the WHO, American diplomats will continue to pressure for reforms that they say must be implemented before the United States considers rejoining the organization. In addition to splitting from China, the United States is demanding structural reforms that would help the WHO more quickly respond to emerging pandemics and inform the world about possible dangers.
"If they're interested in seeing the United States stay, they will take [those demands] seriously and negotiate seriously," said Garrett Grigsby, director of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Global Affairs.
The Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will end its voluntary contributions to the WHO and begin bringing American officials stationed there home before the end of the year, officials from both agencies confirmed. This includes Americans who are working with the WHO on various global health issues.
USAID and HHS, however, will not halt what they called "one-time" donations to the WHO. This includes up to $40 million that HHS has promised the organization to support its work with immunization and influenza, according to Grigsby.
USAID will also move forward with a "one-time disbursement" this year of up to $68 million to support the WHO's work on health issues in Libya and Syria, according to Alma Golden, USAID's assistant administrator for global health.
After both agencies make good on these donations, officials will begin to cement partnerships with organizations and countries that are not WHO members, officials said.
"The World Health Organization has failed badly by those measures, not only in its response to COVID-19, but to other health crises in recent decades," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Thursday. "In addition, WHO has declined to adopt urgently needed reforms, starting with demonstrating its independence from the Chinese Communist Party."


freebeacon--2020-09-03--Cuomo: Trump ‘Better Have an Army’ If He Comes to New York

New York governor Andrew Cuomo ( D. ) said President Donald Trump `` better have an army '' with him if he ever returns to his home city of New York .
`` He ca n't come back to New York , he ca n't .
He 's going to walk down the street in New York ?
Forget bodyguards , he better have an army if he thinks he 's going to walk down the street in New York , '' Cuomo told reporters on Wednesday .
Cuomo also accused the president of trying to `` kill '' New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` President Trump has actively been trying to kill New York City ever since he 's been elected , '' Cuomo said .
Trump fired back at Cuomo Thursday morning , blaming the governor for thousands of deaths following Cuomo 's policy to put elderly coronavirus patients back into nursing homes .
`` [ Cuomo ] should get his puppet New York prosecutors , who have been illegally after me and my family for years , to investigate his incompetent handling of the China Virus , and all of the deaths caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum a Nursing Home Scandal – 11,000 DEAD ! ''
Trump wrote on Twitter .
Cuomo 's comments came in response to Trump 's threat to cut federal funding from cities that fail to get violence and looting under control .
The cities are predominately controlled by Democrats , including all the cities the White House mentioned in its memo justifying the proposed funding cut .
`` For the past few months , several State and local governments have contributed to the violence and destruction in their jurisdictions by failing to enforce the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police departments , and refusing to accept offers of Federal law enforcement assistance , '' the memo stated .
The memo specifically mentioned Seattle , Portland , and New York City as examples of urban unrest .
The memo also pointed to a rise in shootings that has plagued New York City over the summer .

New York governor Andrew Cuomo (D.) said President Donald Trump "better have an army" with him if he ever returns to his home city of New York.
"He can't come back to New York, he can't. He's going to walk down the street in New York? Forget bodyguards, he better have an army if he thinks he's going to walk down the street in New York," Cuomo told reporters on Wednesday.
Cuomo also accused the president of trying to "kill" New York City since he's become president.
"President Trump has actively been trying to kill New York City ever since he's been elected," Cuomo said.
Trump fired back at Cuomo Thursday morning, blaming the governor for thousands of deaths following Cuomo's policy to put elderly coronavirus patients back into nursing homes.
"[Cuomo] should get his puppet New York prosecutors, who have been illegally after me and my family for years, to investigate his incompetent handling of the China Virus, and all of the deaths caused by this incompetence. It is at minimum a Nursing Home Scandal - 11,000 DEAD!" Trump wrote on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1301516949793505287
Cuomo's comments came in response to Trump's threat to cut federal funding from cities that fail to get violence and looting under control. The cities are predominately controlled by Democrats, including all the cities the White House mentioned in its memo justifying the proposed funding cut.
"For the past few months, several State and local governments have contributed to the violence and destruction in their jurisdictions by failing to enforce the law, disempowering and significantly defunding their police departments, and refusing to accept offers of Federal law enforcement assistance," the memo stated.
The memo specifically mentioned Seattle, Portland, and New York City as examples of urban unrest. The memo also pointed to a rise in shootings that has plagued New York City over the summer.


freebeacon--2020-09-04--Dems Decry Pelosi’s Pledge to Repeal Hyde Amendment

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) pledged to do away with the longstanding ban on taxpayer funding of abortion , sparking pushback from Democratic and pro-life activist groups .
Pelosi told a group of Democratic lawmakers that House leadership will no longer include the five-decade-old Hyde Amendment in government funding bills in 2021 , according to the Los Angeles Times .
Democratic nominee Joe Biden also changed his position on the amendment at the beginning of his presidential run after repeatedly voting for it in the Senate .
The sharp tack to the left alarmed some within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ill. ) , a pro-life Democrat who lost his primary to a far-left challenger in March , told the Washington Free Beacon he had not heard from Pelosi about the plan , but that special interest pro-abortion groups were pushing the party to extremes on the issue .
`` There were many Democrats who pushed for an end to the Hyde Amendment in the appropriations bills passed by the House this year , but it was not done , '' Lipinski said .
`` Presumably it was not done because the Hyde Amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans . ''
Pelosi 's office did not respond to a request for comment .
Biden changed his position on the amendment at the beginning of his presidential run .
He said he did so because `` times have changed '' on the issue , citing the passage of legislation restricting abortion in several states in recent years .
`` Nancy Pelosi said , as recently as 2017 , that there is room in the Democratic Party for pro-life Democrats .
Her actions to eliminate a bipartisan policy supported by a majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kristen Day , executive director of Democrats for Life , told the Free Beacon .
Day warned party leaders they would alienate otherwise reliable Democratic voters by embracing taxpayer-funded abortion .
The Hyde Amendment remains popular with voters decades after its creation in 1976 , as 49 percent of voters support it while only 33 percent oppose it .
Lipinski said the private nature of Pelosi 's remarks , as well as the fact that Democratic leaders are waiting until after November to abolish Hyde , demonstrates a lack of confidence in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Hyde Amendment would be not only terrible policy but also bad politics for Democrats , '' Lipinski said .
Pro-life groups ripped Pelosi for entertaining the possibility of ditching the amendment .
`` Repealing the Hyde Amendment would mean a sharp increase in taxpayer funding of elective abortion , primarily for women of color .
This is a racist and eugenicist position , essentially telling women that you ’ d rather ensure the government pay for the destruction of their children , rather than offer life-affirming help , '' Mallory Quigley , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Susan B. Anthony List , said .
`` A majority of Americans—including a strong number of rank-and-file Democrats—don ’ t want to be complicit in abortion through their taxpayer money . ''
Terry Schilling , executive director of the American Principles Project , said voter opinion is dwarfed by the influx of campaign cash that Democrats receive from pro-abortion groups that have long lobbied for taxpayer abortion funding .
Planned Parenthood has pledged to spend at least $ 45 million on the 2020 elections after spending $ 38 million in 2016 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of Americans oppose their tax dollars being used to fund abortion , yet Democrats remain hellbent on thwarting the will of the people—and funding abortion anyway , '' Schilling said .
`` As with so many other issues , Democrats have completely sold out to the far left .
They 've made it clear that they will always advance the cause of abortion , no matter what the American people think .
Voters need to recognize that and hold them accountable . ''

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) pledged to do away with the longstanding ban on taxpayer funding of abortion, sparking pushback from Democratic and pro-life activist groups.
Pelosi told a group of Democratic lawmakers that House leadership will no longer include the five-decade-old Hyde Amendment in government funding bills in 2021, according to the Los Angeles Times. Democratic nominee Joe Biden also changed his position on the amendment at the beginning of his presidential run after repeatedly voting for it in the Senate. The sharp tack to the left alarmed some within the party.
Rep. Dan Lipinski (Ill.), a pro-life Democrat who lost his primary to a far-left challenger in March, told the Washington Free Beacon he had not heard from Pelosi about the plan, but that special interest pro-abortion groups were pushing the party to extremes on the issue.
"There were many Democrats who pushed for an end to the Hyde Amendment in the appropriations bills passed by the House this year, but it was not done," Lipinski said. "Presumably it was not done because the Hyde Amendment is still supported by a clear majority of Americans."
Pelosi's office did not respond to a request for comment.
Biden changed his position on the amendment at the beginning of his presidential run. He said he did so because "times have changed" on the issue, citing the passage of legislation restricting abortion in several states in recent years.
"Nancy Pelosi said, as recently as 2017, that there is room in the Democratic Party for pro-life Democrats. Her actions to eliminate a bipartisan policy supported by a majority of this nation show otherwise," Kristen Day, executive director of Democrats for Life, told the Free Beacon. Day warned party leaders they would alienate otherwise reliable Democratic voters by embracing taxpayer-funded abortion.
The Hyde Amendment remains popular with voters decades after its creation in 1976, as 49 percent of voters support it while only 33 percent oppose it. Lipinski said the private nature of Pelosi's remarks, as well as the fact that Democratic leaders are waiting until after November to abolish Hyde, demonstrates a lack of confidence in the appeal of taxpayer-funded abortion.
"Dropping the Hyde Amendment would be not only terrible policy but also bad politics for Democrats," Lipinski said.
Pro-life groups ripped Pelosi for entertaining the possibility of ditching the amendment.
"Repealing the Hyde Amendment would mean a sharp increase in taxpayer funding of elective abortion, primarily for women of color. This is a racist and eugenicist position, essentially telling women that you’d rather ensure the government pay for the destruction of their children, rather than offer life-affirming help," Mallory Quigley, vice president of communications at the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List, said. "A majority of Americans—including a strong number of rank-and-file Democrats—don’t want to be complicit in abortion through their taxpayer money."
Terry Schilling, executive director of the American Principles Project, said voter opinion is dwarfed by the influx of campaign cash that Democrats receive from pro-abortion groups that have long lobbied for taxpayer abortion funding. Planned Parenthood has pledged to spend at least $45 million on the 2020 elections after spending $38 million in 2016.
"Poll after poll shows that a strong majority of Americans oppose their tax dollars being used to fund abortion, yet Democrats remain hellbent on thwarting the will of the people—and funding abortion anyway," Schilling said. "As with so many other issues, Democrats have completely sold out to the far left. They've made it clear that they will always advance the cause of abortion, no matter what the American people think. Voters need to recognize that and hold them accountable."