freebeacon--2020-08-06--Nevada Sent More Than 200K Mail-In Primary Ballots to Wrong Addresses

More than one-sixth of the mail-in ballots sent to voters in Nevada 's largest county during the 2020 primary went to outdated addresses , according to a new watchdog report .
The Public Interest Legal Foundation , an election integrity group , reviewed the 1.3 million mail-in ballots Nevada 's Clark County sent during the June primary .
It found that more than 223,000 of the ballots were sent to outdated addresses , leading the postal service to designate them as `` undeliverable . ''
The undeliverable ballots accounted for 17 percent of all ballots mailed to registered voters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ population resides in the county , which includes Las Vegas .
`` These numbers show how vote by mail fails , '' said J. Christian Adams , PILF 's president and general counsel .
`` New proponents of mail balloting don ’ t often understand how it actually works .
States like Oregon and Washington spent many years building their mail voting systems and are notably aggressive with voter list maintenance efforts .
Pride in their own systems does not somehow transfer across state lines .
Nevada , New York , and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for November . ''
`` The addresses that we used were provided by the voters when they registered , '' Dan Kulin , a spokesman for Clark County , told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` If they no longer reside at the address they provided to us , then we would expect that mail to be returned to us , which is what happened . ''
The new figures come as Nevada takes center stage in a debate over mail-in voting .
President Donald Trump 's campaign sued the state over its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voter for the November election .
As Democrats across the country push for mail-in voting amid the coronavirus pandemic , critics have said the practice can lead to a number of problems such as lost ballots .
Recent reports also showed that 84,000 mail-in Democratic primary ballots cast in New York City were disqualified .
PILF communications director Logan Churchwell said the Clark County elections department asked the county commission not to send ballots to every registrant on file , cautioning that it would be `` a costly exercise of sending mail to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parcel . ''
The county sent out the ballots despite the election department 's warning .
`` Nevada 's voter rolls are n't maintained to the standard required for an all-mail experience like Oregon or Washington , '' Churchwell said .
`` The Nevada governor is foolish to think he can replicate his regional neighbors ' years of development and practices with mail voting in a matter of months with a weekend emergency bill . ''
The debate over mail-in ballots has led to a massive influx of cash .
Political donors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than $ 100 million into efforts supporting and opposing the practice .
A network of liberal groups , including billionaire George Soros 's Open Society Foundations , contributed at least $ 59 million in support of mail-in voting .
`` The pandemic has created a state of emergency , '' Laleh Ispahani , managing director for the Open Society Foundations , told the Associated Press .
`` Donors who haven ’ t typically taken on these issues now have an interest . ''
The mail-in voting push has also led to groups like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities and states around the country of any dead , duplicate , or inactive registrants .
It has brought litigation forward in eight states , including the battleground states of Florida , Michigan , North Carolina , and Pennsylvania .
The group most recently was successful in getting election officials in Pittsburgh and Detroit to remove thousands of deceased and duplicate registrations from their voter rolls .

More than one-sixth of the mail-in ballots sent to voters in Nevada's largest county during the 2020 primary went to outdated addresses, according to a new watchdog report.
The Public Interest Legal Foundation, an election integrity group, reviewed the 1.3 million mail-in ballots Nevada's Clark County sent during the June primary. It found that more than 223,000 of the ballots were sent to outdated addresses, leading the postal service to designate them as "undeliverable." The undeliverable ballots accounted for 17 percent of all ballots mailed to registered voters. Nearly 75 percent of Nevada's total population resides in the county, which includes Las Vegas.
"These numbers show how vote by mail fails," said J. Christian Adams, PILF's president and general counsel. "New proponents of mail balloting don’t often understand how it actually works. States like Oregon and Washington spent many years building their mail voting systems and are notably aggressive with voter list maintenance efforts. Pride in their own systems does not somehow transfer across state lines. Nevada, New York, and others are not and will not be ready for November."
"The addresses that we used were provided by the voters when they registered," Dan Kulin, a spokesman for Clark County, told the Washington Free Beacon. "If they no longer reside at the address they provided to us, then we would expect that mail to be returned to us, which is what happened."
The new figures come as Nevada takes center stage in a debate over mail-in voting. President Donald Trump's campaign sued the state over its plans to mail ballots to every registered voter for the November election. As Democrats across the country push for mail-in voting amid the coronavirus pandemic, critics have said the practice can lead to a number of problems such as lost ballots. Recent reports also showed that 84,000 mail-in Democratic primary ballots cast in New York City were disqualified.
PILF communications director Logan Churchwell said the Clark County elections department asked the county commission not to send ballots to every registrant on file, cautioning that it would be "a costly exercise of sending mail to addresses that were sure to bounce any parcel." The county sent out the ballots despite the election department's warning.
"Nevada's voter rolls aren't maintained to the standard required for an all-mail experience like Oregon or Washington," Churchwell said. "The Nevada governor is foolish to think he can replicate his regional neighbors' years of development and practices with mail voting in a matter of months with a weekend emergency bill."
The debate over mail-in ballots has led to a massive influx of cash. Political donors, many of them anonymous, poured more than $100 million into efforts supporting and opposing the practice. A network of liberal groups, including billionaire George Soros's Open Society Foundations, contributed at least $59 million in support of mail-in voting.
"The pandemic has created a state of emergency," Laleh Ispahani, managing director for the Open Society Foundations, told the Associated Press. "Donors who haven’t typically taken on these issues now have an interest."
The mail-in voting push has also led to groups like PILF working to clear voter rolls in cities and states around the country of any dead, duplicate, or inactive registrants. It has brought litigation forward in eight states, including the battleground states of Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. The group most recently was successful in getting election officials in Pittsburgh and Detroit to remove thousands of deceased and duplicate registrations from their voter rolls.


freebeacon--2020-08-06--China Downplays U.S. Concerns in Response to Pompeo

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi gave a lengthy interview with state-run news agency Xinhua released Thursday downplaying tensions with the United States in a response to a speech by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
In a rare fully translated English release , Wang gave an account of Sino-American relations without addressing the problems apparent in recent months .
He denied that Beijing was at all responsible for the deteriorating relations with Washington , instead chalking the tension up to American `` McCarthyism '' and a `` Cold War mentality . ''
Wang denied charges of Chinese interference in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to and will never interfere in US elections or other US internal affairs , '' he said .
`` Likewise , the US must abandon its fantasy of remodeling China to US needs .
It must stop its meddling in China ’ s internal affairs , and stop its irrational cracking down on China ’ s legitimate rights and interests . ''
China has consistently engaged in information warfare , often tied to U.S. elections , and recently attempted to steal sensitive COVID vaccine data from U.S. research institutions .
American authorities have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ espionage and conspiracy charges .
Meanwhile , the U.S. has raised concerns about human rights abuses in China .
Pompeo continues to make human rights and freedom a priority of American foreign policy , and has said China ’ s internment of Uighur Muslims runs afoul of that priority .
China ’ s hostile takeover of Hong Kong also puts American economic and political interests at risk .
National security experts told the Washington Free Beacon that Wang 's interview is another page out of an old playbook from China .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the recycling of Beijing ’ s usual nonsense about win-win cooperation and the like , '' Zach Cooper , a China scholar at the American Enterprise Institute told the Free Beacon .
`` Wang Yi ignores most of the serious problems in the relationship … and he blames the United States entirely for the worsening of relations .
Of course , the reality is that the Communist Party ’ s own actions are largely to blame . ''
Foundation for Defense of Democracies scholar Craig Singleton added Beijing 's lip service to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sino-American relationship .
`` This faux olive branch is likely too little , too late to have any real significance on the bilateral relationship , '' Singleton said .
`` Barring a genuine desire from Beijing to make much needed structural changes to its economy or a willingness on its part to cease its malign influence operations , including ongoing efforts to steal COVID-19 vaccine research , it ’ s likely that tensions between the two countries will continue to increase between now and the 2020 election . ''
`` These types @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Cooper said , `` but they certainly won ’ t convince anyone in the United States that the Communist Party is taking American concerns seriously . ''

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi gave a lengthy interview with state-run news agency Xinhua released Thursday downplaying tensions with the United States in a response to a speech by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
In a rare fully translated English release, Wang gave an account of Sino-American relations without addressing the problems apparent in recent months. He denied that Beijing was at all responsible for the deteriorating relations with Washington, instead chalking the tension up to American "McCarthyism" and a "Cold War mentality."
Wang denied charges of Chinese interference in the United States. "China never intends to and will never interfere in US elections or other US internal affairs," he said. "Likewise, the US must abandon its fantasy of remodeling China to US needs. It must stop its meddling in China’s internal affairs, and stop its irrational cracking down on China’s legitimate rights and interests."
China has consistently engaged in information warfare, often tied to U.S. elections, and recently attempted to steal sensitive COVID vaccine data from U.S. research institutions. American authorities have recently taken to arresting Chinese nationals on espionage and conspiracy charges.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has raised concerns about human rights abuses in China. Pompeo continues to make human rights and freedom a priority of American foreign policy, and has said China’s internment of Uighur Muslims runs afoul of that priority. China’s hostile takeover of Hong Kong also puts American economic and political interests at risk.
National security experts told the Washington Free Beacon that Wang's interview is another page out of an old playbook from China.
"This is not really a new speech, just the recycling of Beijing’s usual nonsense about win-win cooperation and the like," Zach Cooper, a China scholar at the American Enterprise Institute told the Free Beacon. "Wang Yi ignores most of the serious problems in the relationship ... and he blames the United States entirely for the worsening of relations. Of course, the reality is that the Communist Party’s own actions are largely to blame."
Foundation for Defense of Democracies scholar Craig Singleton added Beijing's lip service to cooperation will have little tangible impact on the Sino-American relationship.
"This faux olive branch is likely too little, too late to have any real significance on the bilateral relationship," Singleton said. "Barring a genuine desire from Beijing to make much needed structural changes to its economy or a willingness on its part to cease its malign influence operations, including ongoing efforts to steal COVID-19 vaccine research, it’s likely that tensions between the two countries will continue to increase between now and the 2020 election."
"These types of speeches may play well in Beijing," Cooper said, "but they certainly won’t convince anyone in the United States that the Communist Party is taking American concerns seriously."


freebeacon--2020-08-06--In Defense of Privilege: Those Who Have It Need Not Suffer in The Name of ‘Fairness’

New York magazine published on Tuesday an impassioned defense of Urooj Rahman and Colinford Mattis , the New York City `` public interest '' lawyers awaiting trial on charges of firebombing an empty police car , among other felonies .
`` There is a version of the Rahman and Mattis story in which they are civil-rights heroes , even martyrs , instead of professionals who crossed a line , '' writes New York contributing editor Lisa Miller , who spoke to friends of the accused who argued that the prosecution `` is far more extreme than the crime itself '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against people of color and the progressive left . ''
The author empathizes with the accused , who each face possible sentences of 45 years to life if convicted , noting that in the age of Trump , it 's understandable if `` some lawyers may want to embrace a more flexible definition of ‘ lawless . '
'' As Rahman said on camera before the incident , `` This is the way that people show their anger and frustration .
Because nothing else works . ''
Miller also attempts to humanize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mattis was `` a social guy , a positive force , always available to give friends a ride , always reading a book on the bus , a fashion agnostic who carried the same gray backpack he used in middle school . ''
Rahman was `` unfailingly kind , gentle , and decent '' and once `` gave a piece of her apartment floor in Athens , Greece … to a queer Syrian refugee in an abusive relationship . ''
Friends recalled a time when the environmentally obsessed Rahman `` was about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a restaurant eating sushi , rather than contribute to the convenient waste created by takeout containers . ''
That 's all well and good , but at the end of the day , who cares ?
Miller is making the right argument—in favor of leniency for the accused attorneys—for all the wrong reasons .
In an egregious example of lede-burying , the reader is forced to wade deep into the text before learning that Colinford Mattis `` played football at boarding school , joined two eating clubs and a jockish fraternity at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , worked at Holland & Knight and Pryor Cashman , firms where first-year associates earn upwards of $ 150,000 a year . ''
In case that was n't enough , he also has a goldendoodle named `` Lorde Hampton . ''
Rahman , meanwhile , is a lawyer who graduated from Fordham .
More importantly , she has friends in high places .
Salmah Rizvi , a D.C. lawyer and former intelligence officer in the Obama administration , helped secure Rahman 's release by telling a U.S. district judge the accused arsonist was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act as a suretor for Rahman 's $ 250,000 bail , meaning that she would be personally liable for the cost if Rahman fails to abide by the court 's orders .
With great privilege comes great responsibility , but also enormous flexibility when it comes to suffering consequences for one 's actions .
America was founded as a capitalist meritocracy to ensure that capable , well-educated individuals could pursue greatness unrestrained by the moral and legal framework that governs the inferior masses .
Great leaders such as John F. Kennedy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not have thrived as they did had they been forced to follow the `` rules '' of `` society '' in the name of `` fairness . ''
Sending these two highly credentialed lawyers to prison for the mere act of firebombing a police car would make a mockery of American meritocracy .
It would imperil the system that has allowed so many flawed individuals to succeed—in spite of their so-called `` mistakes '' —simply because they had privilege , fancy degrees , six-figure incomes , and high-placed connections .
Do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that treats people like Rahman and Mattis as ordinary criminal defendants ?
Pish-tosh !

New York magazine published on Tuesday an impassioned defense of Urooj Rahman and Colinford Mattis, the New York City "public interest" lawyers awaiting trial on charges of firebombing an empty police car, among other felonies.
"There is a version of the Rahman and Mattis story in which they are civil-rights heroes, even martyrs, instead of professionals who crossed a line," writes New York contributing editor Lisa Miller, who spoke to friends of the accused who argued that the prosecution "is far more extreme than the crime itself" and "reflects a broader right-wing crusade against people of color and the progressive left."
The author empathizes with the accused, who each face possible sentences of 45 years to life if convicted, noting that in the age of Trump, it's understandable if "some lawyers may want to embrace a more flexible definition of 'lawless.'" As Rahman said on camera before the incident, "This is the way that people show their anger and frustration. Because nothing else works."
Miller also attempts to humanize the alleged arsonists by sharing some personal details. Mattis was "a social guy, a positive force, always available to give friends a ride, always reading a book on the bus, a fashion agnostic who carried the same gray backpack he used in middle school." Rahman was "unfailingly kind, gentle, and decent" and once "gave a piece of her apartment floor in Athens, Greece ... to a queer Syrian refugee in an abusive relationship." Friends recalled a time when the environmentally obsessed Rahman "was about to come over but first sat alone in a restaurant eating sushi, rather than contribute to the convenient waste created by takeout containers."
That's all well and good, but at the end of the day, who cares? Miller is making the right argument—in favor of leniency for the accused attorneys—for all the wrong reasons. In an egregious example of lede-burying, the reader is forced to wade deep into the text before learning that Colinford Mattis "played football at boarding school, joined two eating clubs and a jockish fraternity at Princeton, and, after NYU Law, worked at Holland & Knight and Pryor Cashman, firms where first-year associates earn upwards of $150,000 a year." In case that wasn't enough, he also has a goldendoodle named "Lorde Hampton."
Rahman, meanwhile, is a lawyer who graduated from Fordham. More importantly, she has friends in high places. Salmah Rizvi, a D.C. lawyer and former intelligence officer in the Obama administration, helped secure Rahman's release by telling a U.S. district judge the accused arsonist was her "best friend" and agreed to act as a suretor for Rahman's $250,000 bail, meaning that she would be personally liable for the cost if Rahman fails to abide by the court's orders.
With great privilege comes great responsibility, but also enormous flexibility when it comes to suffering consequences for one's actions. America was founded as a capitalist meritocracy to ensure that capable, well-educated individuals could pursue greatness unrestrained by the moral and legal framework that governs the inferior masses. Great leaders such as John F. Kennedy and William J. Clinton, for example, would not have thrived as they did had they been forced to follow the "rules" of "society" in the name of "fairness."
Sending these two highly credentialed lawyers to prison for the mere act of firebombing a police car would make a mockery of American meritocracy. It would imperil the system that has allowed so many flawed individuals to succeed—in spite of their so-called "mistakes"—simply because they had privilege, fancy degrees, six-figure incomes, and high-placed connections. Do we really want to live in a society that treats people like Rahman and Mattis as ordinary criminal defendants? Pish-tosh!


freebeacon--2020-08-06--Seattle City Council Votes to Lay Off 100 Police Officers

The Seattle City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday in support of police budget proposals that would lay off 100 police officers , despite objections from the city 's mayor and police chief .
The city council began to reexamine the police department 's budget earlier this summer in response to anti-police protests .
Mayor Jenny Durkan ( D. ) and police chief Carmen Best criticized the most recent set of proposals , which would also end the removal of homeless people from the city 's streets and cut salaries for police leadership .
Durkan said the cuts would hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city has ever had , as police union rules mandate that layoffs are determined by seniority .
`` We do n't want to lay off our newest recruits and newer officers… .
They are our most diverse class ever , and they are so committed to reform and community policing , '' Durkan said .
`` The youngest officers would be the first to go .
Those 100 cuts the council wants to do this year would gut this new class and those new recruits . ''
Best said cutting dozens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would make the city less safe .
`` The push from council and some of our community is to do these large scale changes in 2020 with no practical plan for community safety , and I believe wholeheartedly that that is completely reckless , '' Best said .
`` That is something that will invariably happen—there will be a gap in services . ''
Though seven of the nine councilmembers previously supported an amendment that would have cut the police department budget by 50 percent , that proposal did not pass on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget amendments will take place Monday .
Anti-police protests in Seattle turned violent last month as rioters burned police cars , looted businesses , and tried to set a juvenile-detention center on fire with Molotov cocktails .
In June , protesters created a police-free autonomous zone , which the mayor disbanded after multiple people were shot and some were allegedly sexually assaulted in the area .

The Seattle City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday in support of police budget proposals that would lay off 100 police officers, despite objections from the city's mayor and police chief.
The city council began to reexamine the police department's budget earlier this summer in response to anti-police protests. Mayor Jenny Durkan (D.) and police chief Carmen Best criticized the most recent set of proposals, which would also end the removal of homeless people from the city's streets and cut salaries for police leadership.
Durkan said the cuts would hit the "most diverse class" of officers the city has ever had, as police union rules mandate that layoffs are determined by seniority.
"We don't want to lay off our newest recruits and newer officers…. They are our most diverse class ever, and they are so committed to reform and community policing," Durkan said. "The youngest officers would be the first to go. Those 100 cuts the council wants to do this year would gut this new class and those new recruits."
Best said cutting dozens of officers is a "reckless" move that would make the city less safe.
"The push from council and some of our community is to do these large scale changes in 2020 with no practical plan for community safety, and I believe wholeheartedly that that is completely reckless," Best said. "That is something that will invariably happen—there will be a gap in services."
Though seven of the nine councilmembers previously supported an amendment that would have cut the police department budget by 50 percent, that proposal did not pass on Wednesday.
The final vote on all budget amendments will take place Monday.
Anti-police protests in Seattle turned violent last month as rioters burned police cars, looted businesses, and tried to set a juvenile-detention center on fire with Molotov cocktails. In June, protesters created a police-free autonomous zone, which the mayor disbanded after multiple people were shot and some were allegedly sexually assaulted in the area.


freebeacon--2020-08-06--NAACP Stands by Chapter President Who Shared Anti-Semitic Image

After weeks of silence , the NAACP is refusing to call for the ouster of Philadelphia chapter president and Nation of Islam minister Rodney Muhammad after he posted an anti-Semitic image on Facebook last month .
In a statement to the Philadelphia Tribune , NAACP spokeswoman Austyn Ross said the organization is `` saddened and deeply disappointed by the harm caused by Mr. Muhammad 's actions '' but did not call for Muhammad 's resignation .
Muhammad—who is a follower of anti-Semitic Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan—has not apologized for the post but removed it after recognizing the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The picture depicted a caricature of a Jewish man and included the phrase , `` To learn who rules over you , simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize '' —a quote attributed to neo-Nazi Kevin Alfred Strom .
Muhammad has quoted or otherwise promoted Farrakhan in multiple Facebook posts .
Farrakhan , who has led the Nation of Islam for more than four decades , has a history of making anti-Semitic remarks and pushing conspiracy theories about the Jewish people .
At a 2018 national gathering of the Nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people `` satanic . ''
He previously blamed the slave trade on the Jewish people and said they have a `` stranglehold '' on Congress .
In response to Muhammad 's post , the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia said it would cut ties with the local NAACP chapter until a new president is selected .
Last month , Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf ( D. ) and state attorney general Josh Shapiro ( D. ) called for Muhammad 's resignation .
Though he has not yet been removed from office , Muhammad is @ @ @ @ @ @

After weeks of silence, the NAACP is refusing to call for the ouster of Philadelphia chapter president and Nation of Islam minister Rodney Muhammad after he posted an anti-Semitic image on Facebook last month.
In a statement to the Philadelphia Tribune, NAACP spokeswoman Austyn Ross said the organization is "saddened and deeply disappointed by the harm caused by Mr. Muhammad's actions" but did not call for Muhammad's resignation.
Muhammad—who is a follower of anti-Semitic Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan—has not apologized for the post but removed it after recognizing the "offensive nature" of the image.
The picture depicted a caricature of a Jewish man and included the phrase, "To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize"—a quote attributed to neo-Nazi Kevin Alfred Strom.
Muhammad has quoted or otherwise promoted Farrakhan in multiple Facebook posts. Farrakhan, who has led the Nation of Islam for more than four decades, has a history of making anti-Semitic remarks and pushing conspiracy theories about the Jewish people. At a 2018 national gathering of the Nation of Islam, he called the Jewish people "satanic." He previously blamed the slave trade on the Jewish people and said they have a "stranglehold" on Congress.
In response to Muhammad's post, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia said it would cut ties with the local NAACP chapter until a new president is selected. Last month, Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf (D.) and state attorney general Josh Shapiro (D.) called for Muhammad's resignation.
Though he has not yet been removed from office, Muhammad is up for reelection in November.


freebeacon--2020-08-06--Staffers Sue Billionaire Dem Tom Steyer

Staffers Sue Billionaire Dem Tom Steyer

Former staffers of Tom Steyer 's failed presidential campaign filed a lawsuit accusing the Democratic billionaire of violating their labor rights , state filings show .
During his career as a Democratic megadonor , Steyer empowered PAGA through his close ties to top unions and California Democrats .
Steyer co-chairs Democratic governor Gavin Newsom 's economic recovery commission .
Newsom 's administration has repeatedly defended PAGA in court following challenges to its constitutionality .
PAGA has also been buoyed by the support of labor unions in California .
In 2016 , the billionaire joined a bevy of unions , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , County and Municipal Employees ; American Federation of Teachers ; and National Education Association to form a liberal super PAC that spent tens of millions of dollars to elect Democrats .
Labor watchdogs said that the lawsuit should remind Steyer about a reality that California small business owners deal with every day .
`` Here 's somebody that the governor appointed to get the economy rolling again , and he 's violating state labor laws with his own presidential campaign , '' California Business and Industrial Alliance founder Tom Manzo told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsom have a tendency to side with labor unions and back whatever they 're doing .
Those groups often call employers who do things wrong ‘ wage thieves . '
Well who 's the wage thief now ? ''
Steyer , who did not respond to a request for comment , has previously faced allegations of poor workplace conditions at his flagship environmental advocacy nonprofit .
According to the now-defunct liberal site Splinter News , NextGen America field organizers often worked more than 80 hours a week with little to no time off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had senior staff quit several times.… Our Reno team , I think it was two times the entire office quit and had to be rehired , '' one NextGen staffer said .
Steyer has remained politically active through NextGen since his failed presidential campaign .
The group has spent more than $ 5.5 million dollars backing Democrats in the 2020 cycle .
Attorneys representing Kern and Sweeney did not respond to a request for comment at the time of posting .
Steyer is not the only billionaire Democratic presidential candidate facing legal reprisal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also filed suit against former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg for reneging on his promise to pay staffers through November despite his brief bid for the Democratic nomination .

Former staffers of Tom Steyer's failed presidential campaign filed a lawsuit accusing the Democratic billionaire of violating their labor rights, state filings show.
The July 27 lawsuit from field organizers Alexa Kern and Mary Sweeney was filed under the state's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), a 2004 law that permits employees to sue their employer on the state's behalf for wage and labor infractions. While its details remain unknown, 89 percent of PAGA claims allege wage violations such as "failure to pay for all hours worked," according to a February report issued by state advocacy groups.
During his career as a Democratic megadonor, Steyer empowered PAGA through his close ties to top unions and California Democrats.
Steyer co-chairs Democratic governor Gavin Newsom's economic recovery commission. Newsom's administration has repeatedly defended PAGA in court following challenges to its constitutionality. PAGA has also been buoyed by the support of labor unions in California. In 2016, the billionaire joined a bevy of unions, including the AFL-CIO; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; American Federation of Teachers; and National Education Association to form a liberal super PAC that spent tens of millions of dollars to elect Democrats. Labor watchdogs said that the lawsuit should remind Steyer about a reality that California small business owners deal with every day.
"Here's somebody that the governor appointed to get the economy rolling again, and he's violating state labor laws with his own presidential campaign," California Business and Industrial Alliance founder Tom Manzo told the Washington Free Beacon. "Steyer and Newsom have a tendency to side with labor unions and back whatever they're doing. Those groups often call employers who do things wrong 'wage thieves.' Well who's the wage thief now?"
Steyer, who did not respond to a request for comment, has previously faced allegations of poor workplace conditions at his flagship environmental advocacy nonprofit. According to the now-defunct liberal site Splinter News, NextGen America field organizers often worked more than 80 hours a week with little to no time off.
"It was insane. We had senior staff quit several times.… Our Reno team, I think it was two times the entire office quit and had to be rehired," one NextGen staffer said.
Steyer has remained politically active through NextGen since his failed presidential campaign. The group has spent more than $5.5 million dollars backing Democrats in the 2020 cycle.
Attorneys representing Kern and Sweeney did not respond to a request for comment at the time of posting.
Steyer is not the only billionaire Democratic presidential candidate facing legal reprisal from failed campaigns. Former staffers have also filed suit against former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg for reneging on his promise to pay staffers through November despite his brief bid for the Democratic nomination.


freebeacon--2020-08-06--Amid Wreckage of Beirut, Lebanese Call to Oust Hezbollah

Lebanese protesters flocked to the streets of Beirut on Thursday morning , calling for Western assistance in toppling Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah 's regime .
`` Save us from Hezbollah , '' protesters can be heard saying to French president Emmanuel Macron in a video from BBC correspondent Quentin Sommerville .
`` Help us .
Please help us .
What are you going to do to help us ? ''
one protester asks Macron .
Macron visited the city following a massive explosion that left at least 135 dead and 5,000 injured .
The explosion occurred near a port depository @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said the explosion likely originated from that cargo .
However , some national security experts believe there could have been foul play by Hezbollah .
Lebanon faces a dire economic and political situation .
A 2019 U.S. federal court case—Bartlett v. Société Générale de Banque au Liban S.A.L.—found that 11 of the 14 principal banks in Lebanon were implied to have ties to Hezbollah ’ s illicit finance system .
The finding renders a potential bailout of Lebanon 's struggling economy from the International Monetary Fund highly unlikely .
Experts say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an ascendant and politically discontent professional class , and an administrative chokehold by Iran-backed terrorists , could be on the precipice of disaster .
A plausible scenario exists in which `` Lebanon would become a truly failed state like Venezuela , Syria , or Yemen , '' said James Ricketts in a Foundation for Defense of Democracies report .
`` Poverty and violence await if the center can not hold . ''
FDD senior fellow Alireza Nader called for action from Western leaders .
`` The # Lebanese need to be saved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Nader tweeted Thursday morning .
`` The # Iranian people want to be saved from their regime too .
But officials in European capitals & the Dems in the US only seem interested in a ‘ new ' nuclear agreement . ''
Former U.S. ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell shared such sentiments .
While Berlin banned all Hezbollah operations within its borders earlier this year , France and the EU have yet to do so .
`` The French have stopped the EU from doing it , '' Grenell said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French to take this action . ''

Lebanese protesters flocked to the streets of Beirut on Thursday morning, calling for Western assistance in toppling Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah's regime.
"Save us from Hezbollah," protesters can be heard saying to French president Emmanuel Macron in a video from BBC correspondent Quentin Sommerville. "Help us. Please help us. What are you going to do to help us?" one protester asks Macron.
Macron visited the city following a massive explosion that left at least 135 dead and 5,000 injured. The explosion occurred near a port depository carrying highly dangerous ammonium nitrate. Lebanese officials said the explosion likely originated from that cargo. However, some national security experts believe there could have been foul play by Hezbollah.
Lebanon faces a dire economic and political situation. A 2019 U.S. federal court case—Bartlett v. Société Générale de Banque au Liban S.A.L.—found that 11 of the 14 principal banks in Lebanon were implied to have ties to Hezbollah’s illicit finance system. The finding renders a potential bailout of Lebanon's struggling economy from the International Monetary Fund highly unlikely.
Experts say that Lebanon, suffering from a corrupt elite, an ascendant and politically discontent professional class, and an administrative chokehold by Iran-backed terrorists, could be on the precipice of disaster.
A plausible scenario exists in which "Lebanon would become a truly failed state like Venezuela, Syria, or Yemen," said James Ricketts in a Foundation for Defense of Democracies report. "Poverty and violence await if the center cannot hold."
FDD senior fellow Alireza Nader called for action from Western leaders. "The #Lebanese need to be saved from Hezbollah, controlled from Tehran," Nader tweeted Thursday morning. "The #Iranian people want to be saved from their regime too. But officials in European capitals & the Dems in the US only seem interested in a 'new' nuclear agreement."
Former U.S. ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell shared such sentiments. While Berlin banned all Hezbollah operations within its borders earlier this year, France and the EU have yet to do so. "The French have stopped the EU from doing it," Grenell said. "I've had multiple meetings begging the French to take this action."


freebeacon--2020-08-06--Ilhan Omar’s Hometown Paper Endorses Her Primary Opponent

The Star Tribune , Minnesota 's largest newspaper , endorsed Rep. Ilhan Omar ’ s ( D. , Minn. ) primary opponent , citing the challenger ’ s `` integrity and progress '' as the primary reason to vote the incumbent out of office .
Omar ’ s hometown paper said in a Wednesday editorial that Democratic primary challenger Antone Melton-Meaux would be better suited to represent the district in Congress .
Omar , the paper argued , is overly focused on picking fights with Republicans and pushing fringe causes .
Omar ’ s anti-Semitic rhetoric and penchant for backing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and undermined her ability to represent her district .
Omar has repeatedly picked fights with Israel and its Jewish-American supporters .
Democratic leaders in Congress have distanced themselves from Omar 's anti-Semitic rhetoric , and her alliance with fellow `` Squad '' members , Reps. Rashida Tlaib ( D. , Mich. ) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) , has been met with antipathy by many in her party .
Melton-Meaux , on the other hand , seeks to forge alliances , the Star Tribune said .
`` While Omar wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve the Fifth District , '' the paper wrote .
`` There are many ways to fight for change , few of them easy when tackling entrenched systems and interests .
Omar says she will ‘ fight hard for big ideas.
’ But the point of the fight , after all , is the change .
And that often requires the ability to forge alliances and persuade . ''
The paper also criticized Omar ’ s legislative prowess , saying she has not demonstrated an ability to pass legislation that enacts change @

The Star Tribune, Minnesota's largest newspaper, endorsed Rep. Ilhan Omar’s (D., Minn.) primary opponent, citing the challenger’s "integrity and progress" as the primary reason to vote the incumbent out of office.
Omar’s hometown paper said in a Wednesday editorial that Democratic primary challenger Antone Melton-Meaux would be better suited to represent the district in Congress. Omar, the paper argued, is overly focused on picking fights with Republicans and pushing fringe causes.
Omar’s anti-Semitic rhetoric and penchant for backing far-left causes has isolated her in Congress and undermined her ability to represent her district. Omar has repeatedly picked fights with Israel and its Jewish-American supporters. Democratic leaders in Congress have distanced themselves from Omar's anti-Semitic rhetoric, and her alliance with fellow "Squad" members, Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D., Mich.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.), has been met with antipathy by many in her party. Melton-Meaux, on the other hand, seeks to forge alliances, the Star Tribune said.
"While Omar wants to lead a movement, Melton-Meaux seeks to serve the Fifth District," the paper wrote. "There are many ways to fight for change, few of them easy when tackling entrenched systems and interests. Omar says she will ‘fight hard for big ideas.’ But the point of the fight, after all, is the change. And that often requires the ability to forge alliances and persuade."
The paper also criticized Omar’s legislative prowess, saying she has not demonstrated an ability to pass legislation that enacts change.


freebeacon--2020-08-06--BOOM: Elliott Abrams Named Iranian Envoy on Anniversary of Hiroshima Blast

Elliott Abrams , an experienced pro-freedom diplomat and future Washington Free Beacon Man of the Year contender , will take over as U.S. special envoy to Iran following the resignation of Brian Hook on Thursday , the 75th anniversary of the successful nuclear strike on the enemy port of Hiroshima .
The New York Times reports that Hook 's departure `` appears to bury any remaining chance of a diplomatic initiative with Iran before the end of Mr. Trump 's term . ''
It describes Abrams as an `` Iran hard-liner '' —unlike former secretary of state John Kerry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiations over the terms of U.S. reparations to the Iranian government .
The ascension of Abrams , who spearheaded President Donald Trump 's successful Venezuela policy , suggests that , for the first time in its history , the State Department is attempting to adopt a philosophy of `` Full Neoconservatism . ''
The horrified reaction of socialist foreign policy pundits suggests Abrams is the perfect candidate to make America 's Iran policy great again .
`` How bad was [ Brian ] Hook ?
In order to find an even worse successor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal and death squad backer , '' wrote Matt Duss , foreign policy adviser to failed presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) .

Elliott Abrams, an experienced pro-freedom diplomat and future Washington Free Beacon Man of the Year contender, will take over as U.S. special envoy to Iran following the resignation of Brian Hook on Thursday, the 75th anniversary of the successful nuclear strike on the enemy port of Hiroshima.
The New York Times reports that Hook's departure "appears to bury any remaining chance of a diplomatic initiative with Iran before the end of Mr. Trump's term." It describes Abrams as an "Iran hard-liner"—unlike former secretary of state John Kerry, who injured himself riding a bicycle during negotiations over the terms of U.S. reparations to the Iranian government.
The ascension of Abrams, who spearheaded President Donald Trump's successful Venezuela policy, suggests that, for the first time in its history, the State Department is attempting to adopt a philosophy of "Full Neoconservatism." The horrified reaction of socialist foreign policy pundits suggests Abrams is the perfect candidate to make America's Iran policy great again.
"How bad was [Brian] Hook? In order to find an even worse successor they had to bring in a convicted criminal and death squad backer," wrote Matt Duss, foreign policy adviser to failed presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.).


freebeacon--2020-08-06--Cutting Off the American Dollar, Russia and China Move Toward a ‘Financial Alliance’

Russia and China are moving toward a `` financial alliance '' by decreasing their use of the U.S. dollar , the Nikkei Asian Review reported Thursday .
In 2020 's first quarter , the share of transactions using the U.S. dollar between the two countries dropped below 50 percent for the first time , while the euro and each country 's own national currencies combined to comprise more than half of transactions—a historic high .
This change marks a massive drop off from the peak of dollar usage in their bilateral relationship .
In 2015 , the two nations used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their transactions .
Moscow and Beijing 's growing partnership helps the countries dodge American rulemaking in the international financial system .
As transactions using the U.S. dollar are ultimately cleared through American banks , Washington has the ability to track and freeze international transactions .
One expert claimed that Russia and China 's developing financial ties mark a `` breakthrough moment '' toward a de facto alliance between the two authoritarian regimes .
`` The collaboration between Russia and China in the financial sphere tells us that they are finally finding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other , '' Alexey Maslov , director of the Institute of Far Eastern Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences , said .
`` The alliance is moving more in the banking and financial direction , and that is what can guarantee independence for both countries . ''
Recently , Russia and China have also taken steps to strengthen their military and security partnerships .
The two countries have coordinated operations in the Arctic to counter U.S. influence in the region , and have also touted a possible partnership in space .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in defending the Assad regime in Syria , Iran , and Maduro 's communist government in Venezuela .
`` Indeed , the Xi-Putin partnership is arguably the most dangerous relationship on the planet today , '' Foundation for Defense of Democracies expert Tom Joscelyn wrote in July .
`` Xi and Putin share a deep-seated animosity for what was once thought of as the American-led world order .
They see it as a threat to their countries ' efforts to achieve great power status and , just as importantly , their authoritarian ambitions @ @ @ @ @

Russia and China are moving toward a "financial alliance" by decreasing their use of the U.S. dollar, the Nikkei Asian Review reported Thursday.
In 2020's first quarter, the share of transactions using the U.S. dollar between the two countries dropped below 50 percent for the first time, while the euro and each country's own national currencies combined to comprise more than half of transactions—a historic high.
This change marks a massive drop off from the peak of dollar usage in their bilateral relationship. In 2015, the two nations used the American dollar in approximately 90 percent of their transactions.
Moscow and Beijing's growing partnership helps the countries dodge American rulemaking in the international financial system. As transactions using the U.S. dollar are ultimately cleared through American banks, Washington has the ability to track and freeze international transactions.
One expert claimed that Russia and China's developing financial ties mark a "breakthrough moment" toward a de facto alliance between the two authoritarian regimes.
"The collaboration between Russia and China in the financial sphere tells us that they are finally finding the parameters for a new alliance with each other," Alexey Maslov, director of the Institute of Far Eastern Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, said. "The alliance is moving more in the banking and financial direction, and that is what can guarantee independence for both countries."
Recently, Russia and China have also taken steps to strengthen their military and security partnerships. The two countries have coordinated operations in the Arctic to counter U.S. influence in the region, and have also touted a possible partnership in space. Meanwhile, both nations have vested national interests in defending the Assad regime in Syria, Iran, and Maduro's communist government in Venezuela.
"Indeed, the Xi-Putin partnership is arguably the most dangerous relationship on the planet today," Foundation for Defense of Democracies expert Tom Joscelyn wrote in July.
"Xi and Putin share a deep-seated animosity for what was once thought of as the American-led world order. They see it as a threat to their countries' efforts to achieve great power status and, just as importantly, their authoritarian ambitions," he added.


freebeacon--2020-08-06--U.S. Takes Final Shot at Extending Iran Arms Embargo

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed that an international arms embargo on Iran would be extended `` one way or another , '' as the United States gears up for a final showdown at the United Nations Security Council with Russia and China over the soon-to-expire weapons bans .
The Trump administration is expected to present as soon as next week a U.N. Security Council resolution that would extend the arms embargo on Iran indefinitely and ensure that Russia and China can not begin to sell Tehran advanced weapons and military equipment .
The arms embargo is set to lift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the landmark nuclear agreement negotiated by the Obama administration .
The Trump administration has been working for months to galvanize support for an extension of the embargo , but these efforts have been complicated by opposition from Russia and China , which have grown increasingly close to Iran and have expressed a desire to sell the country advanced arms .
Either country can unilaterally veto the U.S. measure as part of their membership on the U.N. Security Council .
Pompeo , during a Wednesday briefing with reporters , would not discuss contingency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but said the United States will `` ensure that the arms embargo is extended . ''
Pompeo appeared to be hinting at what is known as snapback—a failsafe measure written into the nuclear accord that permits the United States and other nations to lobby for a full reimposition of all sanctions that were lifted as part of the nuclear agreement , including the arms ban .
Pompeo and other senior Trump administration officials have been vague about whether snapback remains an option , but it could be the only route to extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , should Russia or China veto a U.S. resolution .
Brian Hook , the administration ’ s top Iran envoy , told the Washington Free Beacon that he has been lobbying U.S. allies to back an extension of the arms embargo .
Hook said Iran ’ s allies are attempting to quash the measure by invoking procedural hurdles at the Security Council .
`` No country can make the case that Iran 's behavior merits lifting the arms embargo , '' Hook said .
`` That 's why Iran 's supporters are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the national security risks at stake . ''
`` The Security Council ’ s mission is to maintain ‘ international peace and security , ’ '' he said .
`` The Council would make an absolute mockery of that mission if it allowed the number-one state sponsor of terrorism to buy and sell weapons freely . ''
Pompeo said the United States will not accept any scenario that allows the arms embargo to be lifted .
`` You ’ ve seen the comments in the press about a deal between Iran and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are nations lining up to sell weapons that will destabilize the Middle East , put Israel at risk , put Europe at risk , risk American lives as well .
We ’ re not going to let it happen . ''
When pressed about the snapback mechanism , Pompeo acknowledged that it is an option , but would not commit to invoking it should the U.S. measure extending the arms ban fail .

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed that an international arms embargo on Iran would be extended "one way or another," as the United States gears up for a final showdown at the United Nations Security Council with Russia and China over the soon-to-expire weapons bans.
The Trump administration is expected to present as soon as next week a U.N. Security Council resolution that would extend the arms embargo on Iran indefinitely and ensure that Russia and China cannot begin to sell Tehran advanced weapons and military equipment.
The arms embargo is set to lift in mid-October as part of concessions written into the landmark nuclear agreement negotiated by the Obama administration. The Trump administration has been working for months to galvanize support for an extension of the embargo, but these efforts have been complicated by opposition from Russia and China, which have grown increasingly close to Iran and have expressed a desire to sell the country advanced arms. Either country can unilaterally veto the U.S. measure as part of their membership on the U.N. Security Council.
Pompeo, during a Wednesday briefing with reporters, would not discuss contingency plans in case the measure is vetoed, but said the United States will "ensure that the arms embargo is extended." Pompeo appeared to be hinting at what is known as snapback—a failsafe measure written into the nuclear accord that permits the United States and other nations to lobby for a full reimposition of all sanctions that were lifted as part of the nuclear agreement, including the arms ban. Pompeo and other senior Trump administration officials have been vague about whether snapback remains an option, but it could be the only route to extend the arms embargo before the November 2020 election, should Russia or China veto a U.S. resolution.
Brian Hook, the administration’s top Iran envoy, told the Washington Free Beacon that he has been lobbying U.S. allies to back an extension of the arms embargo. Hook said Iran’s allies are attempting to quash the measure by invoking procedural hurdles at the Security Council.
"No country can make the case that Iran's behavior merits lifting the arms embargo," Hook said. "That's why Iran's supporters are hiding behind procedural arguments to distract attention from the national security risks at stake."
Pompeo also adopted a hard line during Wednesday’s briefing.
"The Security Council’s mission is to maintain ‘international peace and security,’" he said. "The Council would make an absolute mockery of that mission if it allowed the number-one state sponsor of terrorism to buy and sell weapons freely."
Pompeo said the United States will not accept any scenario that allows the arms embargo to be lifted.
"You’ve seen the comments in the press about a deal between Iran and China," he said. "There are nations lining up to sell weapons that will destabilize the Middle East, put Israel at risk, put Europe at risk, risk American lives as well. We’re not going to let it happen."
When pressed about the snapback mechanism, Pompeo acknowledged that it is an option, but would not commit to invoking it should the U.S. measure extending the arms ban fail.


freebeacon--2020-08-06--LA Mayor Says City Will Cut Off Utilities to Houses Hosting Gatherings

Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti ( D. ) authorized the city ’ s utilities department to shut off water and power to households caught hosting indoor gatherings that violate the county 's public health orders .
At a Wednesday press conference , Garcetti announced that the Department of Water and Power could shut off services to a residence if the police discover and report an indoor gathering .
The mandate goes into effect Friday .
`` By turning off that power , shutting down that water , we feel we can close these places down , which usually are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Garcetti said .
Earlier this year , Garcetti allowed the utilities department to shut off water and power to nonessential businesses that failed to comply with public health orders .
While county health officials admit that outdoor gatherings are `` risky '' and `` may result in increased rates of infection , hospitalization , and death , '' they say protests are not banned , as they are protected by the First Amendment .
But indoor gatherings of any size—including religious services and wedding receptions—are prohibited .
Failing to follow public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imprisonment .

Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti (D.) authorized the city’s utilities department to shut off water and power to households caught hosting indoor gatherings that violate the county's public health orders.
At a Wednesday press conference, Garcetti announced that the Department of Water and Power could shut off services to a residence if the police discover and report an indoor gathering. The mandate goes into effect Friday.
"By turning off that power, shutting down that water, we feel we can close these places down, which usually are not onetime offenders, but multiple offenders," Garcetti said.
Earlier this year, Garcetti allowed the utilities department to shut off water and power to nonessential businesses that failed to comply with public health orders.
While county health officials admit that outdoor gatherings are "risky" and "may result in increased rates of infection, hospitalization, and death," they say protests are not banned, as they are protected by the First Amendment. But indoor gatherings of any size—including religious services and wedding receptions—are prohibited. Failing to follow public health guidelines could also result in fines or imprisonment.


freebeacon--2020-08-06--New York AG Moves to Dissolve the National Rifle Association

New York attorney general Letitia James ( D. ) called for the dissolution of the National Rifle Association in the wake of accusations of self-dealing and financial impropriety by the organization .
James announced Thursday that she is filing suit against the gun-rights group , which is chartered in New York , as well as four of its executives—including executive vice president Wayne LaPierre .
She accused the executives of spending NRA money on personal expenses such as clothing , private flights , vacations , and contracts for family members .
She described the acts of the executives as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Carolyn Meadows , the president of the NRA , called the suit `` baseless '' and said it was a `` transparent attempt to score political points . ''
`` This was a baseless , premeditated attack on our organization and the Second Amendment freedoms it fights to defend , '' Meadows said in a statement .
`` It ’ s a transparent attempt to score political points and attack the leading voice in opposition to the leftist agenda .
This has been a power grab by a political opportunist—a desperate move @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vendetta .
Our members won ’ t be intimidated or bullied in their defense of political and constitutional freedom . ''
The NRA has filed a countersuit against James , accusing New York state of violating the group 's First Amendment rights .
`` As evidenced by the lawsuit filed by the NRA today against the NYAG , we not only will not shrink from this fight—we will confront it and prevail , '' Meadows said .
President Donald Trump said the NRA investigation represented an attack on the Second Amendment .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempts to weaken gun rights .
`` If Biden becomes president your GREAT SECOND AMENDMENT does n't have a chance , '' Trump said on Twitter .
* James has long taken a hard line against the NRA .
While campaigning in 2018 , James attacked the NRA 's standing as a charity .
`` The NRA holds [ itself ] out as a charitable organization , but in fact , [ it ] really [ is ] a terrorist organization , '' she told Ebony magazine .
The suit is the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the NRA .
The state is currently locked in First Amendment litigation with the gun-rights group after state officials warned banks about the reputational dangers of working with the NRA .
The NRA also recently sued the state over its shutdown of gun stores during the coronavirus pandemic .
In an interview with the Washington Free Beacon conducted late last week , the gun-rights group said it planned to spend `` tens of millions of dollars '' in support of the reelection of President Donald Trump and other pro-gun lawmakers .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement as James said she was seeking to freeze some assets of the group in the process of her suit .
`` [ Freezing NRA assets ] is one of the remedies we are seeking in our pleadings , '' she said during her press conference .
`` We look forward to , again , doing an investigation to determine if there are any hidden assets and whether they can be frozen .
Again , for the purposes of benefiting those donors who have given to the NRA for its intended mission .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigations into the NRA .
Washington , D.C. , attorney general Karl A. Racine announced he would file suit against the NRA and the NRA Foundation over allegations the nonpolitical arm inappropriately transferred money to the group 's political operations .
`` With this lawsuit , we aim to recover donated funds that the NRA Foundation wasted .
District nonprofits should be on notice that the Office of the Attorney General will file suit if we find evidence of illegal behavior , '' he said in a Thursday release .
James began her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the group broke out into public view .
Former president Oliver North and top outside contractor Ackerman McQueen accused Wayne LaPierre of funneling NRA money through the contractor in order to pay for personal expenses .
The turmoil came to a head at last year 's Annual Meeting and resulted in North , the head of the group 's Institute for Legislative Action , and a number of board members being removed from or leaving the organization .
The NRA has been locked in multiple legal battles across several states with North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the NRA have defended the group 's spending as legal , saying the expenses advanced its members ' interests .
They have modified their internal billing practices in order to streamline them and avoid future controversies .
James said that assessment is wrong and accused the group of running `` unchecked for decades while top executives funneled millions into their own pockets . ''
*This post has been updated with a quote from President Trump .

New York attorney general Letitia James (D.) called for the dissolution of the National Rifle Association in the wake of accusations of self-dealing and financial impropriety by the organization.
James announced Thursday that she is filing suit against the gun-rights group, which is chartered in New York, as well as four of its executives—including executive vice president Wayne LaPierre. She accused the executives of spending NRA money on personal expenses such as clothing, private flights, vacations, and contracts for family members. She described the acts of the executives as "illegal, oppressive, and fraudulent."
Carolyn Meadows, the president of the NRA, called the suit "baseless" and said it was a "transparent attempt to score political points."
"This was a baseless, premeditated attack on our organization and the Second Amendment freedoms it fights to defend," Meadows said in a statement. "It’s a transparent attempt to score political points and attack the leading voice in opposition to the leftist agenda. This has been a power grab by a political opportunist—a desperate move that is part of a rank political vendetta. Our members won’t be intimidated or bullied in their defense of political and constitutional freedom."
The NRA has filed a countersuit against James, accusing New York state of violating the group's First Amendment rights.
"As evidenced by the lawsuit filed by the NRA today against the NYAG, we not only will not shrink from this fight—we will confront it and prevail," Meadows said.
President Donald Trump said the NRA investigation represented an attack on the Second Amendment. Trump said a Biden victory would embolden similar attempts to weaken gun rights.
"If Biden becomes president your GREAT SECOND AMENDMENT doesn't have a chance," Trump said on Twitter.*
https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1291435765575176192
James has long taken a hard line against the NRA. While campaigning in 2018, James attacked the NRA's standing as a charity. "The NRA holds [itself] out as a charitable organization, but in fact, [it] really [is] a terrorist organization," she told Ebony magazine. The suit is the latest volley in New York's ongoing fight with the NRA. The state is currently locked in First Amendment litigation with the gun-rights group after state officials warned banks about the reputational dangers of working with the NRA. The NRA also recently sued the state over its shutdown of gun stores during the coronavirus pandemic.
In an interview with the Washington Free Beacon conducted late last week, the gun-rights group said it planned to spend "tens of millions of dollars" in support of the reelection of President Donald Trump and other pro-gun lawmakers. Those plans may be affected by Thursday's announcement as James said she was seeking to freeze some assets of the group in the process of her suit.
"[Freezing NRA assets] is one of the remedies we are seeking in our pleadings," she said during her press conference. "We look forward to, again, doing an investigation to determine if there are any hidden assets and whether they can be frozen. Again, for the purposes of benefiting those donors who have given to the NRA for its intended mission."
Other Democratic officials have also launched investigations into the NRA. Washington, D.C., attorney general Karl A. Racine announced he would file suit against the NRA and the NRA Foundation over allegations the nonpolitical arm inappropriately transferred money to the group's political operations. "With this lawsuit, we aim to recover donated funds that the NRA Foundation wasted. District nonprofits should be on notice that the Office of the Attorney General will file suit if we find evidence of illegal behavior," he said in a Thursday release.
James began her investigation into the NRA shortly before infighting at the group broke out into public view. Former president Oliver North and top outside contractor Ackerman McQueen accused Wayne LaPierre of funneling NRA money through the contractor in order to pay for personal expenses. The turmoil came to a head at last year's Annual Meeting and resulted in North, the head of the group's Institute for Legislative Action, and a number of board members being removed from or leaving the organization. The NRA has been locked in multiple legal battles across several states with North and Ackerman McQueen ever since.
LaPierre and the NRA have defended the group's spending as legal, saying the expenses advanced its members' interests. They have modified their internal billing practices in order to streamline them and avoid future controversies. James said that assessment is wrong and accused the group of running "unchecked for decades while top executives funneled millions into their own pockets."
*This post has been updated with a quote from President Trump.


freebeacon--2020-08-06--‘Remember When We Used to Win?’ A Sonnet to Honor the 75th Anniversary of the Hiroshima Blast

On this day , freedom lovers in America and beyond are compelled to honor the 75th anniversary of one of @ @ @ @ @ : The successful nuclear attack on the enemy port of Hiroshima in Imperial Japan .
@ @ @ @ @ a sonnet to mark the occasion .
Enjoy !
Biff Diddle is the Washington Free @ @ @ @ @ businessman and self-published thought leader , Diddle holds a master ’ s degree in Caribbean @ @ @ @ @ Saint Croix ( Virgin Islands ) and is an expert in island-based social media .
@ @ @ @ @ he enjoys shopping for deals online , experiencing culture , and enjoying the singles lifestyle @ @ @ @ @ , D.C. , where is learning to play the upright bass .

On this day, freedom lovers in America and beyond are compelled to honor the 75th anniversary of one of mankind's most significant achievements: The successful nuclear attack on the enemy port of Hiroshima in Imperial Japan. The Washington Free Beacon commissioned a sonnet to mark the occasion. Enjoy!
Published under: Hiroshima , Japan , Parody


freebeacon--2020-08-06--U.S. Ships Life-Saving Aid to Lebanon After Massive Explosion

The U.S. military is sending several planeloads of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Lebanon following a massive explosion at a port in Beirut that killed and wounded more than 5,000 people .
Three shipment planes are en route to Lebanon to deliver food , water , and medical supplies to help the country recover from the explosion , the cause of which is still unclear .
While President Donald Trump indicated that it may have been a military strike , U.S. military officials have said they do not currently see evidence for the theory .
Gen. Frank McKenzie , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operates in the Middle East , recently spoke with Lebanese Armed Forces commander Gen. Joseph Aoun `` to express condolences for the loss of life and devastation caused by the explosion , '' according to information provided by CENTCOM .
McKenzie further `` expressed U.S. willingness to continue to work with the Lebanese Armed Forces to help provide aid and assistance to meet the needs of the Lebanese people during this terrible tragedy , '' according to a readout of his call with his Lebanese counterpart .
Israel also offered humanitarian assistance and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings to express solidarity with its northern neighbor , which has traditionally been a foe of the Jewish state due to the Iranian-funded terror group Hezbollah ’ s near-total control of the country ’ s government and military .

The U.S. military is sending several planeloads of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Lebanon following a massive explosion at a port in Beirut that killed and wounded more than 5,000 people.
Three shipment planes are en route to Lebanon to deliver food, water, and medical supplies to help the country recover from the explosion, the cause of which is still unclear. While President Donald Trump indicated that it may have been a military strike, U.S. military officials have said they do not currently see evidence for the theory.
Gen. Frank McKenzie, commander of U.S. Central Command, which operates in the Middle East, recently spoke with Lebanese Armed Forces commander Gen. Joseph Aoun "to express condolences for the loss of life and devastation caused by the explosion," according to information provided by CENTCOM.
McKenzie further "expressed U.S. willingness to continue to work with the Lebanese Armed Forces to help provide aid and assistance to meet the needs of the Lebanese people during this terrible tragedy," according to a readout of his call with his Lebanese counterpart.
Israel also offered humanitarian assistance and displayed Lebanon’s flag on government buildings to express solidarity with its northern neighbor, which has traditionally been a foe of the Jewish state due to the Iranian-funded terror group Hezbollah’s near-total control of the country’s government and military.


freebeacon--2020-08-06--Biden: Latinos Have Diverse Attitudes, ‘Unlike the African-American Community’

Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden said Tuesday there is no political diversity in the African-American community .
`` What you all know but most people do n't know , unlike the African-American community with notable exceptions , the Latino community is an incredibly diverse community with incredibly different attitudes about different things , '' Biden told NPR 's Lulu Garcia-Navarro in an interview that aired Thursday .
`` You go to Florida , you find a very different attitude about immigration in certain places than you do in Arizona .
So it 's a very diverse community , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engage with Cuba .
His answer was reminiscent of one he gave in a May interview when he remarked that any black voter who does not support him is n't actually black .
`` If you have a problem figuring out whether you 're for me or Trump , then you ai n't black , '' Biden said during an appearance on the radio show The Breakfast Club .
He later walked the comment back and said he would never take black votes for granted .
Biden made his latest comments in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists Joint Virtual Convention .
Those comments come in the midst of speculation about his running mate selection , which he has promised will be a woman and which many prominent Democrats have said should be a woman of color .
One of the leading possibilities to be his running mate , Rep. Karen Bass ( D. , Calif. ) , apologized for her past praise of deceased Cuban dictator Fidel Castro .
Her past sympathies for Castro raised concerns about alienating Cuban-American voters in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Democratic ticket .

Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden said Tuesday there is no political diversity in the African-American community.
"What you all know but most people don't know, unlike the African-American community with notable exceptions, the Latino community is an incredibly diverse community with incredibly different attitudes about different things," Biden told NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro in an interview that aired Thursday.
"You go to Florida, you find a very different attitude about immigration in certain places than you do in Arizona. So it's a very diverse community," he added as he explained his desire to engage with Cuba.
His answer was reminiscent of one he gave in a May interview when he remarked that any black voter who does not support him isn't actually black.
"If you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black," Biden said during an appearance on the radio show The Breakfast Club. He later walked the comment back and said he would never take black votes for granted.
Biden made his latest comments in an interview at the 2020 National Association of Black Journalists and National Association of Hispanic Journalists Joint Virtual Convention. Those comments come in the midst of speculation about his running mate selection, which he has promised will be a woman and which many prominent Democrats have said should be a woman of color.
One of the leading possibilities to be his running mate, Rep. Karen Bass (D., Calif.), apologized for her past praise of deceased Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Her past sympathies for Castro raised concerns about alienating Cuban-American voters in the key swing state of Florida were she on the Democratic ticket.


freebeacon--2020-08-06--Exclusive: NRA Plans to Spend ‘Tens of Millions’ in Battleground States

The National Rifle Association plans to spend tens of millions of dollars to sway close races throughout the country for the 2020 election .
Jason Ouimet , who runs the NRA 's lobbying arm and political action committee , spoke exclusively with the Washington Free Beacon in his first in-depth interview on the gun-rights behemoth 's 2020 electoral strategy .
He said the group plans to spend heavily in battleground states to help reelect President Donald Trump over presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden , whom he described as `` 100 percent anti-gun . ''
The group plans to focus much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Pennsylvania , North Carolina , and Wisconsin—swing states with traditionally strong support for gun rights .
`` We 'll be in those places at every level , '' Ouimet said .
And the message will be simple : A President Joe Biden and Democratic Senate are a threat to gun owners .
`` You are literally going to be dealing with the potential confiscation of firearms .
You 're literally going to be told you ca n't carry in certain places .
You ca n't own certain things for self-defense , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand that . ''
The NRA spent $ 50 million to boost the GOP in 2016 but saw disastrous results in 2018 when it was outspent by gun-control groups .
Ouimet said it plans on moving forward with the spending push despite losing between $ 10 and $ 15 million from the cancelation of the Second Amendment group 's annual meeting and other fundraising events due to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We 'll spend tens of millions of dollars .
Will it be $ 50 million ?
I do n't know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut down from doing any of that level of fundraising .
Yeah , that has an impact on us just the same way it has an impact on everybody else .
Does it mean that we 're not going to be effective ?
Does it mean that we 're not going to play ?
No . ''
The coronavirus pandemic and social unrest may have hindered fundraising , but they have also led to historic gun sales .
Ouimet said the NRA has added more than 1,000 new dues-paying members per day since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new members and growing has helped swell NRA ranks to more than five million American adults .
`` We 've got a massive grassroots army , a massive grassroots army , '' he said .
`` They 're not paid for by any one person or any group of billionaires .
These are folks who joined on their own who got skin in the game , who go out to vote and who advocate for the issue . ''
The group expects those members will be motivated to vote due to the leftward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level—especially Biden—have made over the past several years .
`` We 're confident that we 'll be able to mobilize them and get them out there and they 'll be excited to do it , '' Ouimet said .
`` I mean , it 's a big election and a big difference in the candidates . ''
The NRA has sparred with Trump over his support for some gun-control measures , including the implementation of his 2018 bump-stock ban .
Ouimet said such disagreements do not take away from the president 's overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group 's support for him .
He pointed to Trump 's judicial appointments and protection of gun rights for Social Security recipients , as well as the administration 's `` essential business '' declaration for the gun industry in the wake of coronavirus shutdowns .
`` All those have been huge , '' Ouimet said .
He described Biden 's agenda as radical .
The presumptive Democratic nominee has pledged to ban and—Ouimet fears—possibly confiscate so-called assault weapons , outlaw online sales of weapons and ammunition , and allow suits against gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by third parties , among other regulations .
`` It 's 100 percent anti-gun , '' Ouimet said .
`` It 's all restrictions on law-abiding gun owners , not going to stop crime , not going to solve problems .
As far as I 'm concerned , a lot of it is unconstitutional . ''
The unprecedented surge of new gun buyers driven by uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and recent rioting illustrates the importance of the Second Amendment , Ouimet said , and the importance of defeating Biden .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help is minutes away .
… That 's why you see these lines around the block at all these gun stores right now , '' he said .
`` With Joe Biden in office , that 's going to get seriously restricted , if not eliminated .
And that 's unacceptable . ''
The 2020 race will be the first major test for Ouimet who took over the NRA 's political operations in September after former head Chris Cox was ousted from the organization .
Republican leaders publicly voiced concerns about the fallout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the clear differences between Biden and Trump on the issue will galvanize the group 's membership and make voter outreach that much easier .
`` I think sometimes we get a little fixated on just the one number and forget that that grassroots army is ultimately what 's behind [ us ] , '' he said .
`` We 're going to tap that resource and use it as we have in the past . ''

The National Rifle Association plans to spend tens of millions of dollars to sway close races throughout the country for the 2020 election.
Jason Ouimet, who runs the NRA's lobbying arm and political action committee, spoke exclusively with the Washington Free Beacon in his first in-depth interview on the gun-rights behemoth's 2020 electoral strategy. He said the group plans to spend heavily in battleground states to help reelect President Donald Trump over presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, whom he described as "100 percent anti-gun." The group plans to focus much of its attention on Arizona, Colorado, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wisconsin—swing states with traditionally strong support for gun rights.
"We'll be in those places at every level," Ouimet said. And the message will be simple: A President Joe Biden and Democratic Senate are a threat to gun owners.
"You are literally going to be dealing with the potential confiscation of firearms. You're literally going to be told you can't carry in certain places. You can't own certain things for self-defense," Ouimet said. "Folks need to understand that."
The NRA spent $50 million to boost the GOP in 2016 but saw disastrous results in 2018 when it was outspent by gun-control groups. Ouimet said it plans on moving forward with the spending push despite losing between $10 and $15 million from the cancelation of the Second Amendment group's annual meeting and other fundraising events due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"We'll spend tens of millions of dollars. Will it be $50 million? I don't know," Ouimet said. "We got shut down from doing any of that level of fundraising. Yeah, that has an impact on us just the same way it has an impact on everybody else. Does it mean that we're not going to be effective? Does it mean that we're not going to play? No."
The coronavirus pandemic and social unrest may have hindered fundraising, but they have also led to historic gun sales. Ouimet said the NRA has added more than 1,000 new dues-paying members per day since June. The addition of some 60,000 new members and growing has helped swell NRA ranks to more than five million American adults.
"We've got a massive grassroots army, a massive grassroots army," he said. "They're not paid for by any one person or any group of billionaires. These are folks who joined on their own who got skin in the game, who go out to vote and who advocate for the issue."
The group expects those members will be motivated to vote due to the leftward swing that many Democrats at the national level—especially Biden—have made over the past several years.
"We're confident that we'll be able to mobilize them and get them out there and they'll be excited to do it," Ouimet said. "I mean, it's a big election and a big difference in the candidates."
The NRA has sparred with Trump over his support for some gun-control measures, including the implementation of his 2018 bump-stock ban. Ouimet said such disagreements do not take away from the president's overall positive legacy on Second Amendment issues or the group's support for him. He pointed to Trump's judicial appointments and protection of gun rights for Social Security recipients, as well as the administration's "essential business" declaration for the gun industry in the wake of coronavirus shutdowns.
"All those have been huge," Ouimet said.
He described Biden's agenda as radical. The presumptive Democratic nominee has pledged to ban and—Ouimet fears—possibly confiscate so-called assault weapons, outlaw online sales of weapons and ammunition, and allow suits against gun makers over the criminal misuse of guns by third parties, among other regulations.
"It's 100 percent anti-gun," Ouimet said. "It's all restrictions on law-abiding gun owners, not going to stop crime, not going to solve problems. As far as I'm concerned, a lot of it is unconstitutional."
The unprecedented surge of new gun buyers driven by uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and recent rioting illustrates the importance of the Second Amendment, Ouimet said, and the importance of defeating Biden.
"We've always said that when seconds matter sometimes help is minutes away. ... That's why you see these lines around the block at all these gun stores right now," he said. "With Joe Biden in office, that's going to get seriously restricted, if not eliminated. And that's unacceptable."
The 2020 race will be the first major test for Ouimet who took over the NRA's political operations in September after former head Chris Cox was ousted from the organization. Republican leaders publicly voiced concerns about the fallout from Cox's departure. Ouimet said the clear differences between Biden and Trump on the issue will galvanize the group's membership and make voter outreach that much easier.
"I think sometimes we get a little fixated on just the one number and forget that that grassroots army is ultimately what's behind [us]," he said. "We're going to tap that resource and use it as we have in the past."