freebeacon--2020-10-01--Republicans Push Far-Reaching Sanctions on Hezbollah and Its Allies

Congressional Republicans are preparing a package of new sanctions on the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah , an effort they told the Washington Free Beacon will cut off the group 's access to key funding sources .
The new legislation , which the Free Beacon has obtained , will have far-reaching implications for financial institutions and senior government officials in Lebanon , Venezuela , Cuba , and Nicaragua—areas where Hezbollah has an active and well-funded presence .
The legislation would designate key territories in Lebanon as sources of terror financing , a designation that will freeze Hezbollah-friendly banks out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enact the toughest Hezbollah sanctions Congress has ever proposed , said Rep. Joe Wilson ( R. , S.C. ) , chair of the House Republican Study Committee 's Foreign Affairs and National Security Task Force .
`` By cutting off banks in areas under the terror group 's control from the international financial system , this bill will go a long way towards drying up the Iranian terror proxy ’ s resources to conduct murderous attacks against the U.S. and our allies . ''
The legislation comes as U.S. aid to Lebanon has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explosion decimated the capital city of Beirut .
While the United States and other western nations have committed aid dollars to help Lebanon rebuild , critics have warned that Hezbollah , which largely controls the Lebanese government , will likely steal much of the money .
While the legislation is unlikely to pass a Democratic-controlled House in a hotly contested election year , it showcases the GOP ’ s heightened concerns about Hezbollah and its deepening foothold in Latin America .
Dubbed the Hezbollah Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2020 , the legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether certain areas of Lebanon qualify as jurisdictions of `` primary money laundering concern . ''
This designation would allow the U.S. government to implement wide-ranging sanctions on government officials and banks aiding Hezbollah .
The bill seeks a similar designation for the `` tri-border area '' between Argentina , Brazil , and Paraguay , which serves as a primary hub for drug trafficking and criminal activity .
The area has been a central breeding ground for Hezbollah activities over the years , with operatives using it to run the drugs and weapons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hezbollah ’ s operations in Latin America have been a source of friction for some time , but the United States has done little to stem it .
The legislation would place additional sanctions on senior political figures in Lebanon , Venezuela , Cuba , and Nicaragua for their continued support of Hezbollah .
Other measures would target `` Hezbollah in Mexico , Venezuela , Paraguay , Argentina , Brazil , Panama , Cuba , Bolivia , or any other country in Latin America '' found to be working with the terror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would mark the first time foreign political leaders are being designated for their ties to Hezbollah .
Wilson ’ s bill is cosponsored by 12 other GOP lawmakers .
The bill has received early support from Christians United for Israel ( CUFI ) , one of America ’ s largest pro-Israel organizations .
Through its lobbying arms , CUFI has advocated for greater sanctions on Hezbollah to help stifle the Iranian terror group 's operations and increase security on Israel ’ s northern border , which runs up against Hezbollah-controlled territory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s tentacles reach , the people suffer , '' CUFI Action Fund chairwoman Sandra Parker told the Free Beacon .
`` From Europe to Latin America , Hezbollah 's illicit activities should be stymied , sanctioned , and condemned at every available opportunity .
Rep. Wilson and all those who 've signed on to this legislation should be commended for recognizing the problem and choosing to do something meaningful about it . ''
Tony Badran , a Lebanon expert and research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think-tank , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. 's incoherent Lebanon policy . ''
Badran , a frequent critic of what he sees as U.S. policies towards Lebanon that embolden Hezbollah 's grip on the country , said new sanctions as outlined in the bill would go a long way in restricting Hezbollah 's access to cash resources .
`` The bill highlights and targets jurisdictions under Hezbollah control — where Hezbollah launders money , and also maintains arms depots and precision missile sites in civilian areas — even as current State Department initiatives , like the border demarcation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the door to European investment in these jurisdictions , to Hezbollah ’ s benefit , '' Badran explained .
Sanctioning Lebanese leaders tied to Hezbollah also could mark a sea change in U.S. policy , which has largely centered on bolstering the Lebanese Armed Forces—a fighting force that critics view as under Hezbollah 's thumb .
`` The Lebanese government and its agencies , as recent sanctions have shown , work directly with and finance Hezbollah , '' Badran said .
`` By funding them , the U.S. is only helping Hezbollah .
@

Congressional Republicans are preparing a package of new sanctions on the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah, an effort they told the Washington Free Beacon will cut off the group's access to key funding sources.
The new legislation, which the Free Beacon has obtained, will have far-reaching implications for financial institutions and senior government officials in Lebanon, Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua—areas where Hezbollah has an active and well-funded presence. The legislation would designate key territories in Lebanon as sources of terror financing, a designation that will freeze Hezbollah-friendly banks out of the international financial system.
The bill would enact the toughest Hezbollah sanctions Congress has ever proposed, said Rep. Joe Wilson (R., S.C.), chair of the House Republican Study Committee's Foreign Affairs and National Security Task Force. "By cutting off banks in areas under the terror group's control from the international financial system, this bill will go a long way towards drying up the Iranian terror proxy’s resources to conduct murderous attacks against the U.S. and our allies."
The legislation comes as U.S. aid to Lebanon has reemerged as a flashpoint after a massive explosion decimated the capital city of Beirut. While the United States and other western nations have committed aid dollars to help Lebanon rebuild, critics have warned that Hezbollah, which largely controls the Lebanese government, will likely steal much of the money.
While the legislation is unlikely to pass a Democratic-controlled House in a hotly contested election year, it showcases the GOP’s heightened concerns about Hezbollah and its deepening foothold in Latin America.
Dubbed the Hezbollah Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2020, the legislation would require the Treasury Department to determine whether certain areas of Lebanon qualify as jurisdictions of "primary money laundering concern." This designation would allow the U.S. government to implement wide-ranging sanctions on government officials and banks aiding Hezbollah.
The bill seeks a similar designation for the "tri-border area" between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, which serves as a primary hub for drug trafficking and criminal activity. The area has been a central breeding ground for Hezbollah activities over the years, with operatives using it to run the drugs and weapons that fund the group's terror activities. Hezbollah’s operations in Latin America have been a source of friction for some time, but the United States has done little to stem it.
The legislation would place additional sanctions on senior political figures in Lebanon, Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua for their continued support of Hezbollah. Other measures would target "Hezbollah in Mexico, Venezuela, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Panama, Cuba, Bolivia, or any other country in Latin America" found to be working with the terror group. If Congress passes the bill, it would mark the first time foreign political leaders are being designated for their ties to Hezbollah.
Wilson’s bill is cosponsored by 12 other GOP lawmakers.
The bill has received early support from Christians United for Israel (CUFI), one of America’s largest pro-Israel organizations. Through its lobbying arms, CUFI has advocated for greater sanctions on Hezbollah to help stifle the Iranian terror group's operations and increase security on Israel’s northern border, which runs up against Hezbollah-controlled territory in Lebanon.
"Wherever Hezbollah’s tentacles reach, the people suffer," CUFI Action Fund chairwoman Sandra Parker told the Free Beacon. "From Europe to Latin America, Hezbollah's illicit activities should be stymied, sanctioned, and condemned at every available opportunity. Rep. Wilson and all those who've signed on to this legislation should be commended for recognizing the problem and choosing to do something meaningful about it."
Tony Badran, a Lebanon expert and research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think-tank, said the bill represents "a strong rebuke to the U.S.'s incoherent Lebanon policy."
Badran, a frequent critic of what he sees as U.S. policies towards Lebanon that embolden Hezbollah's grip on the country, said new sanctions as outlined in the bill would go a long way in restricting Hezbollah's access to cash resources.
"The bill highlights and targets jurisdictions under Hezbollah control — where Hezbollah launders money, and also maintains arms depots and precision missile sites in civilian areas — even as current State Department initiatives, like the border demarcation talks between Lebanon and Israel, open the door to European investment in these jurisdictions, to Hezbollah’s benefit," Badran explained.
Sanctioning Lebanese leaders tied to Hezbollah also could mark a sea change in U.S. policy, which has largely centered on bolstering the Lebanese Armed Forces—a fighting force that critics view as under Hezbollah's thumb.
"The Lebanese government and its agencies, as recent sanctions have shown, work directly with and finance Hezbollah," Badran said. "By funding them, the U.S. is only helping Hezbollah."


freebeacon--2020-10-01--CA Dem Cut Employee Health Care Benefits as Real Estate Executive

Rep. Harley Rouda ( D. , Calif. ) , who has called health care `` a right for every American '' amid a tight reelection bid , cut health care benefits for employees of his real estate company in 2013 , a former staff member told the Washington Free Beacon .
Rouda took control of his late father 's real estate agency , HER Realtors , in October 2012 .
Months later , the California Democrat rescinded health care coverage for workers at the agency , according to the longtime former employee .
`` We received emails stating that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expense was becoming too great , '' the former employee , who spoke on the condition of anonymity , told the Free Beacon .
`` Most employees were shocked and disappointed .
There was a lot of angst . ''
The source also noted that while the insurance cuts were made `` across the board '' at HER Realtors , Rouda and other top executives at the agency 's parent company—investment firm Trident Holdings— '' were still on insurance . ''
Rouda has since placed health care at the center of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steel .
Rouda 's campaign site calls health care coverage `` a right for every American '' and stresses the need to `` improve and expand health care coverage—not dismantle it . ''
Rouda also told the Los Angeles Times that he was `` running to protect health care coverage '' in his 2018 campaign against former GOP congressman Dana Rohrabacher .
Rouda 's former employee called the Democrat 's stance on health care `` absurd . ''
`` I think it 's absurd that somebody would go out and say that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the opportunity to offer health insurance to their employees , they sure did n't do it , '' the worker said .
Documents confirm that the firm does not provide health insurance benefits to its employees .
A 2019 internal notice obtained by the Free Beacon notes that HER Realtors `` wo n't offer health coverage . ''
In addition , a 2017 posting on the recruiting site Glassdoor says that the agency offers `` no medical benefits currently . ''
Neither Rouda nor HER Realtors responded to requests for comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to his most recent financial disclosure .
He still holds between $ 500,000 and $ 1 million in HER Realtors , earning him `` ownership profits '' that netted him between $ 100,000 and $ 1 million in 2019 .
Rouda 's former role earned him at least $ 860,000 in salary and board fees in 2016 , and his wife continues to serve on the Trident Holdings board .
According to the former employee , HER Realtors covered half of health care costs for its workers and their families prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other top executives encouraged agency workers to enroll in coverage through the Obamacare health insurance marketplace after eliminating the benefit .
The former employee also told the Free Beacon that Rouda began capping new hourly employees at 29 hours a week or less `` so that they would n't have to pay the penalty for not providing insurance for full-time employees . ''
The move hindered some workers ' ability to afford outside insurance .
`` A great deal of the hourly employees—he did n't have a history of paying them very well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they started looking to the marketplace , it was simply unaffordable , '' the source said .
`` I know several that did n't have health insurance because they could n't pay for it .
That became a major issue for many—there were many that were upset . ''
The former employee went on to leave the company in order to secure health benefits elsewhere .
`` Had the company never offered it , it would n't have been as big of a shock , '' the source said .
`` One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position was because they were offering health insurance . ''
Rouda 's 2018 defeat of Rohrabacher marked the first time a Democrat won California 's 48th Congressional District since its creation in 1993 .
Rouda has since criticized Steel on health care throughout his reelection bid , accusing the Republican and President Donald Trump of `` coming for your health care during a global pandemic '' in a September tweet .
The California Democrat is a top target for Republicans aiming to regain the House majority in November—the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Rep. Harley Rouda (D., Calif.), who has called health care "a right for every American" amid a tight reelection bid, cut health care benefits for employees of his real estate company in 2013, a former staff member told the Washington Free Beacon.
Rouda took control of his late father's real estate agency, HER Realtors, in October 2012. Months later, the California Democrat rescinded health care coverage for workers at the agency, according to the longtime former employee.
"We received emails stating that the company was doing away with health insurance—that the expense was becoming too great," the former employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told the Free Beacon. "Most employees were shocked and disappointed. There was a lot of angst." The source also noted that while the insurance cuts were made "across the board" at HER Realtors, Rouda and other top executives at the agency's parent company—investment firm Trident Holdings—"were still on insurance."
Rouda has since placed health care at the center of his campaign against Republican Orange County supervisor Michelle Steel. Rouda's campaign site calls health care coverage "a right for every American" and stresses the need to "improve and expand health care coverage—not dismantle it." Rouda also told the Los Angeles Times that he was "running to protect health care coverage" in his 2018 campaign against former GOP congressman Dana Rohrabacher. Rouda's former employee called the Democrat's stance on health care "absurd."
"I think it's absurd that somebody would go out and say that, but when they had a company and had the opportunity to offer health insurance to their employees, they sure didn't do it," the worker said.
Documents confirm that the firm does not provide health insurance benefits to its employees. A 2019 internal notice obtained by the Free Beacon notes that HER Realtors "won't offer health coverage." In addition, a 2017 posting on the recruiting site Glassdoor says that the agency offers "no medical benefits currently."
Neither Rouda nor HER Realtors responded to requests for comment.
Rouda left the company in 2019, according to his most recent financial disclosure. He still holds between $500,000 and $1 million in HER Realtors, earning him "ownership profits" that netted him between $100,000 and $1 million in 2019. Rouda's former role earned him at least $860,000 in salary and board fees in 2016, and his wife continues to serve on the Trident Holdings board.
According to the former employee, HER Realtors covered half of health care costs for its workers and their families prior to Dec. 15, 2013. Rouda and other top executives encouraged agency workers to enroll in coverage through the Obamacare health insurance marketplace after eliminating the benefit. The former employee also told the Free Beacon that Rouda began capping new hourly employees at 29 hours a week or less "so that they wouldn't have to pay the penalty for not providing insurance for full-time employees." The move hindered some workers' ability to afford outside insurance.
"A great deal of the hourly employees—he didn't have a history of paying them very well. When the health insurance change came and they started looking to the marketplace, it was simply unaffordable," the source said. "I know several that didn't have health insurance because they couldn't pay for it. That became a major issue for many—there were many that were upset."
The former employee went on to leave the company in order to secure health benefits elsewhere.
"Had the company never offered it, it wouldn't have been as big of a shock," the source said. "One of the reasons I initially took the position was because they were offering health insurance."
Rouda's 2018 defeat of Rohrabacher marked the first time a Democrat won California's 48th Congressional District since its creation in 1993. Rouda has since criticized Steel on health care throughout his reelection bid, accusing the Republican and President Donald Trump of "coming for your health care during a global pandemic" in a September tweet. The California Democrat is a top target for Republicans aiming to regain the House majority in November—the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race "lean Democratic."


freebeacon--2020-10-02--Biden the Preferred Dem on China Trade Policy, Chinese State-Owned Firm Says

A Chinese state-owned securities conglomerate singled out Joe Biden for praise as a `` rare candidate '' who supports trade policies favorable to the country 's Communist government , according to a translated copy of a company research report obtained by the Washington Free Beacon .
The analysis , drafted by Guotai Junan Securities and posted publicly on its website during the U.S. primaries , identified Biden as the best candidate out of the major Democratic contenders on China trade policy .
The report provides a glimpse into Beijing 's assessment of Biden and other U.S. political leaders , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that China perceives as battlegrounds for its national policy interests in the 2020 election .
`` Former U.S. vice president Biden , who currently ranks first in the Democratic Party ’ s approval rating , is a rare candidate who opposes the Sino-U.S. trade friction , '' said the report .
`` Biden has expressed his opposition to Sino-US trade frictions on multiple public occasions and believes that ‘ all the wrong methods ' have been used to deal with Sino-U.S .
trade . ''
Biden , the report continued , was one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who ] believe that Sino-U.S. relations can complement each other for a win-win situation . ''
The other candidates named were Andrew Yang , Seth Moulton , and Wayne Messam—all long-shot contenders who never hit above single digits in national polling .
The company 's analysis adds fuel to the notion that Biden is China 's preferred candidate .
In August , U.S. intelligence officials issued an assessment saying that China was attempting to interfere in the 2020 election to damage President Trump 's chances and `` shape the policy environment in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has ramped up tariffs on Chinese imports in an effort to reduce the trade deficit and combat what he views as China 's unfair trade practices , intellectual property theft , and national security encroachment .
Guotai Junan is one of China ’ s largest state-owned security brokerages .
The company said it based its analysis on the candidates ' `` attitudes toward China '' and `` policies toward China during the Democratic primary election debates and election campaigns . ''
Guotai Junan did not respond to a request for comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rubio ( R. , Fla. ) , Mike Braun ( R. , Ind . )
, Johnny Isakson ( R. , Ga. ) , David Perdue ( R. , Ga. ) , and Chuck Schumer ( D. , N.Y. ) , as problematic for China on trade issues .
Sens .
John Cornyn ( R. , Texas ) , Ted Cruz ( R. , Texas ) , and Richard Burr ( R. , N.C. ) were also listed as key opponents of China on military and security policy .
The report named 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its policy interests in the 2020 election .
Among them are Michigan , Pennsylvania , Florida , Wisconsin , Arizona , Colorado , and Georgia .
`` The attitudes of these 25 states toward China are vital to Trump ’ s reelection .
Moreover , the policy propositions of senators in each state are important to us , '' said the report .
`` And they can provide a good perspective for our prediction of the trend of Trump 's China policy and Sino-U.S. trade negotiations in the later period . ''
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CEFC China Energy , a faltering Chinese energy conglomerate that was implicated in a 2017 U.S. federal bribery case .
Joe Biden 's son , Hunter , acknowledged that he received a `` large diamond '' from the CEFC 's then-chairman in 2017 and was a business consultant for the energy company on a natural gas deal in Louisiana .
He also received $ 1 million from CEFC in 2018 , purportedly for legal work related to the company 's bribery case , according to banking records obtained by the Senate Homeland Security @ @

A Chinese state-owned securities conglomerate singled out Joe Biden for praise as a "rare candidate" who supports trade policies favorable to the country's Communist government, according to a translated copy of a company research report obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
The analysis, drafted by Guotai Junan Securities and posted publicly on its website during the U.S. primaries, identified Biden as the best candidate out of the major Democratic contenders on China trade policy. The report provides a glimpse into Beijing's assessment of Biden and other U.S. political leaders, as well as a list of U.S. states that China perceives as battlegrounds for its national policy interests in the 2020 election.
"Former U.S. vice president Biden, who currently ranks first in the Democratic Party’s approval rating, is a rare candidate who opposes the Sino-U.S. trade friction," said the report. "Biden has expressed his opposition to Sino-US trade frictions on multiple public occasions and believes that 'all the wrong methods' have been used to deal with Sino-U.S. trade."
Biden, the report continued, was one of "only four Democratic candidates [who] believe that Sino-U.S. relations can complement each other for a win-win situation." The other candidates named were Andrew Yang, Seth Moulton, and Wayne Messam—all long-shot contenders who never hit above single digits in national polling.
The company's analysis adds fuel to the notion that Biden is China's preferred candidate. In August, U.S. intelligence officials issued an assessment saying that China was attempting to interfere in the 2020 election to damage President Trump's chances and "shape the policy environment in the United States."
Since 2018, Trump has ramped up tariffs on Chinese imports in an effort to reduce the trade deficit and combat what he views as China's unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and national security encroachment.
Guotai Junan is one of China’s largest state-owned security brokerages. The company said it based its analysis on the candidates' "attitudes toward China" and "policies toward China during the Democratic primary election debates and election campaigns." Guotai Junan did not respond to a request for comment.
The report identified five senators, Marco Rubio (R., Fla.), Mike Braun (R., Ind.), Johnny Isakson (R., Ga.), David Perdue (R., Ga.), and Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.), as problematic for China on trade issues.
Sens. John Cornyn (R., Texas), Ted Cruz (R., Texas), and Richard Burr (R., N.C.) were also listed as key opponents of China on military and security policy.
The report named 25 states that China views as crucial for its policy interests in the 2020 election. Among them are Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, Wisconsin, Arizona, Colorado, and Georgia.
"The attitudes of these 25 states toward China are vital to Trump’s reelection. Moreover, the policy propositions of senators in each state are important to us," said the report. "And they can provide a good perspective for our prediction of the trend of Trump's China policy and Sino-U.S. trade negotiations in the later period."
Last year, Guotai Junan Securities took over CEFC China Energy, a faltering Chinese energy conglomerate that was implicated in a 2017 U.S. federal bribery case.
Joe Biden's son, Hunter, acknowledged that he received a "large diamond" from the CEFC's then-chairman in 2017 and was a business consultant for the energy company on a natural gas deal in Louisiana. He also received $1 million from CEFC in 2018, purportedly for legal work related to the company's bribery case, according to banking records obtained by the Senate Homeland Security Committee.


freebeacon--2020-10-02--S.C. Dem Pushed Police to Vet Officers’ Social Media — But Doesn’t Vet His Own Staff

South Carolina Democrat Jaime Harrison , whose top campaign aides made anti-Semitic , sexist , and homophobic remarks online , has faulted police departments for failing to vet the social media accounts of prospective officers .
Harrison , who is challenging Republican senator Lindsey Graham , said it would be irresponsible to hire someone without first `` digging into '' their past public statements .
`` Let 's make sure we are—before you give somebody a gun and a badge , you 're perusing what they put on social media , '' Harrison said in an October 2019 radio interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find out that they have n't said anything with racial bias or racial hatred .
Are we looking at the things they post on social media ?
Are we looking at who they interact with and how they interact with those folks ?
All of these things need to be important factors . ''
Just months before the interview , Harrison hired Bre Maxwell and Guy-Lee King to serve as his campaign 's political director and communications director , respectively .
Both Maxwell and King repeatedly used homophobic slurs online , with Maxwell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` fag '' at least six times from January 2012 to August 2013 .
Harrison , who did not respond to a request for comment , told the State that the matter `` would be handled internally , '' adding that his staff 's language `` has no place in our state . ''
Maxwell also criticized the use of the term `` ghetto '' in a 2012 tweet `` because ghetto is a Jewish term and the jewish Americans are wealthy . ''
Two years later , she praised anti-Semitic Nation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meanwhile , routinely made disparaging comments toward women , tweeting , `` U ai n't to fat n ugly to git raped LMAO !
!
!
!
!
! ''
in 2010 .
Both Maxwell and King still work for Harrison , according to their Twitter accounts .
After a Washington Free Beacon report exposing the offensive remarks , Maxwell locked her Twitter account and deleted her LinkedIn profile , while King deleted thousands of tweets .
The South Carolina Democrat argued that reviewing prospective police officers ' online comments could alleviate `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 've had people who have worked for me who have tried to get jobs in the federal government and so , therefore , the FBI will come and ask you questions about , ‘ Well , has this person ever done this ? '
'' Harrison said during the 2019 interview .
`` Are we doing the same thing for our police forces in some of these local communities ? ''
A South Carolina gay-rights group , SC Equality , excused Maxwell and King 's comments , urging South Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the campaign . ''
The group 's 2015 `` LGBT Best Practices Manual , '' however , linked the use of homophobic slurs to `` alarming rates of bullying in schools '' and increased suicide rates among `` LGBT youth . ''
Maxwell previously served on the group 's board in 2017 .
Harrison ran unopposed in the state 's June primary and will face off with Graham in November .

South Carolina Democrat Jaime Harrison, whose top campaign aides made anti-Semitic, sexist, and homophobic remarks online, has faulted police departments for failing to vet the social media accounts of prospective officers.
Harrison, who is challenging Republican senator Lindsey Graham, said it would be irresponsible to hire someone without first "digging into" their past public statements.
"Let's make sure we are—before you give somebody a gun and a badge, you're perusing what they put on social media," Harrison said in an October 2019 radio interview. "Digging into their background to find out that they haven't said anything with racial bias or racial hatred. Are we looking at the things they post on social media? Are we looking at who they interact with and how they interact with those folks? All of these things need to be important factors."
Just months before the interview, Harrison hired Bre Maxwell and Guy-Lee King to serve as his campaign's political director and communications director, respectively. Both Maxwell and King repeatedly used homophobic slurs online, with Maxwell tweeting the terms "faggot" and "fag" at least six times from January 2012 to August 2013. Harrison, who did not respond to a request for comment, told the State that the matter "would be handled internally," adding that his staff's language "has no place in our state."
Maxwell also criticized the use of the term "ghetto" in a 2012 tweet "because ghetto is a Jewish term and the jewish Americans are wealthy." Two years later, she praised anti-Semitic Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. King, meanwhile, routinely made disparaging comments toward women, tweeting, "U ain't to fat n ugly to git raped LMAO!!!!!!" in 2010.
Both Maxwell and King still work for Harrison, according to their Twitter accounts.
After a Washington Free Beacon report exposing the offensive remarks, Maxwell locked her Twitter account and deleted her LinkedIn profile, while King deleted thousands of tweets.
The South Carolina Democrat argued that reviewing prospective police officers' online comments could alleviate "some root causes" of police brutality. "I've had people who have worked for me who have tried to get jobs in the federal government and so, therefore, the FBI will come and ask you questions about, 'Well, has this person ever done this?'" Harrison said during the 2019 interview. "Are we doing the same thing for our police forces in some of these local communities?"
A South Carolina gay-rights group, SC Equality, excused Maxwell and King's comments, urging South Carolina residents to "get back to focusing on the campaign." The group's 2015 "LGBT Best Practices Manual," however, linked the use of homophobic slurs to "alarming rates of bullying in schools" and increased suicide rates among "LGBT youth." Maxwell previously served on the group's board in 2017.
Harrison ran unopposed in the state's June primary and will face off with Graham in November.


freebeacon--2020-10-02--MSNBC Fact-Checks Itself on Claim Trump Would Never Build the Wall

MSNBC personalities have repeatedly said over the years that the Trump administration would never build a southern border wall , @ @ @ @ @ segment Thursday showed that hundreds of miles of new barriers have been constructed .
David @ @ @ @ @ the Washington Free Beacon .
He was previously a sports reporter for two years in @ @ @ @ @ sports reporting for the Washington Post .
He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2010 and @ @ @ @ @ His Twitter handle is @ DavidRutz .
He can be reached at rutz @ freebeacon.com @

MSNBC personalities have repeatedly said over the years that the Trump administration would never build a southern border wall, but reporter Jacob Soboroff's segment Thursday showed that hundreds of miles of new barriers have been constructed.
Published under: MSNBC , SUPERcuts , Video


freebeacon--2020-10-02--S.C. Democrat’s Campaign Derides Lindsey Graham as ‘Lady G’

Individuals claiming to represent South Carolina Democrat Jaime Harrison 's campaign and the South Carolina Democratic Party are sending text messages to prospective voters referring to Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R. ) as `` Lady G '' and arguing that Republicans are responsible for minority deaths .
In a series of text messages obtained by the Washington Free Beacon , voters received a greeting from an individual identifying themselves as a representative for `` Jaime Harrison for U.S. Senate and the South Carolina Democratic Party . ''
If voters signaled opposition to Harrison , the conversations went sideways .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years with Lady G , '' one text said .
The sobriquet `` Lady G '' is a reference to an unsubstantiated claim from the gay porn star Sean Harding that Graham has solicited male prostitutes .
Harding said that Lady G was the nickname by which sex workers referred to Graham .
Another text from somebody who identified herself as `` Kelly with Jaime Harrison for U.S. Senate '' argues that `` Republicans only want right [ sic ] for wealthy white men , all others they are willing to kill with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The derogatory texts surfaced after a Washington Free Beacon report showed that top Harrison campaign staffers routinely used homophobic slurs online .
Harrison political director Bre Maxwell and communications director Guy-Lee King used the terms `` faggot , '' `` fag , '' `` homo , '' and `` gay '' at least 12 times in tweets sent between 2010 and 2014 .
The Harrison campaign did not respond to a request for comment from the Free Beacon , directing the inquiry to the state 's Democratic Party , which blamed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said none of the text messages were part of official campaign scripts .
`` We have thousands of volunteers making calls and texting out the vote , '' party spokeswoman Lauren Brown told the Free Beacon .
`` We condemn any use of homophobic language or personal insults . ''
The campaign regularly advertises `` text out the vote '' events in which Harrison 's `` text team will text folks about our campaign , and help us reach more voters . ''
Multiple screenshots of Harrison campaign texts shared on Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained by the Free Beacon—the campaign representatives start by saying they are working for `` Jaime Harrison for Senate and the South Carolina Democratic Party '' and ask if voters will `` support Jaime and other democrats [ sic ] in South Carolina . ''
The texts came from a pair of phone numbers using area code 803 , which represents central South Carolina , including the city of Columbia .
Harrison 's campaign headquarters are located in Columbia , and the office phone number listed on his campaign site also uses area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone numbers in question were met with an automated message for a `` relay text system . ''
Harrison previously served as a top aide to Rep. Jim Clyburn ( D. , S.C. ) before joining the now-defunct Podesta Group as a corporate lobbyist .
The Democrat represented the likes of Walmart , BP , Bank of America , Boeing , and Google while at the firm , earning $ 1.6 million from 2012 to 2016 .
Harrison went on to run for Democratic National Committee chairman in November 2016 but dropped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Perez , who paid Harrison more than $ 22,000 to cover campaign expenses .
He launched his campaign against Graham on May 29 , 2019 , and was endorsed by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee just one day later .
Harrison ran unopposed in the state 's June primary after three opponents withdrew from the race .
He will face Graham in November .

Individuals claiming to represent South Carolina Democrat Jaime Harrison's campaign and the South Carolina Democratic Party are sending text messages to prospective voters referring to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.) as "Lady G" and arguing that Republicans are responsible for minority deaths.
In a series of text messages obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, voters received a greeting from an individual identifying themselves as a representative for "Jaime Harrison for U.S. Senate and the South Carolina Democratic Party." If voters signaled opposition to Harrison, the conversations went sideways.
"So sorry to hear you wasted 15 years with Lady G," one text said. The sobriquet "Lady G" is a reference to an unsubstantiated claim from the gay porn star Sean Harding that Graham has solicited male prostitutes. Harding said that Lady G was the nickname by which sex workers referred to Graham.
Another text from somebody who identified herself as "Kelly with Jaime Harrison for U.S. Senate" argues that "Republicans only want right [sic] for wealthy white men, all others they are willing to kill with the virus to protect their wealth."
The derogatory texts surfaced after a Washington Free Beacon report showed that top Harrison campaign staffers routinely used homophobic slurs online. Harrison political director Bre Maxwell and communications director Guy-Lee King used the terms "faggot," "fag," "homo," and "gay" at least 12 times in tweets sent between 2010 and 2014.
The Harrison campaign did not respond to a request for comment from the Free Beacon, directing the inquiry to the state's Democratic Party, which blamed the texts on a "rogue volunteer" and said none of the text messages were part of official campaign scripts. "We have thousands of volunteers making calls and texting out the vote," party spokeswoman Lauren Brown told the Free Beacon. "We condemn any use of homophobic language or personal insults."
The campaign regularly advertises "text out the vote" events in which Harrison's "text team will text folks about our campaign, and help us reach more voters." Multiple screenshots of Harrison campaign texts shared on Twitter use a script similar to the texts obtained by the Free Beacon—the campaign representatives start by saying they are working for "Jaime Harrison for Senate and the South Carolina Democratic Party" and ask if voters will "support Jaime and other democrats [sic] in South Carolina."
The texts came from a pair of phone numbers using area code 803, which represents central South Carolina, including the city of Columbia. Harrison's campaign headquarters are located in Columbia, and the office phone number listed on his campaign site also uses area code 803. Attempts to reach the phone numbers in question were met with an automated message for a "relay text system."
Harrison previously served as a top aide to Rep. Jim Clyburn (D., S.C.) before joining the now-defunct Podesta Group as a corporate lobbyist. The Democrat represented the likes of Walmart, BP, Bank of America, Boeing, and Google while at the firm, earning $1.6 million from 2012 to 2016.
Harrison went on to run for Democratic National Committee chairman in November 2016 but dropped out months later to endorse eventual winner Tom Perez, who paid Harrison more than $22,000 to cover campaign expenses. He launched his campaign against Graham on May 29, 2019, and was endorsed by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee just one day later. Harrison ran unopposed in the state's June primary after three opponents withdrew from the race. He will face Graham in November.


freebeacon--2020-10-02--Trump and Lee’s Coronavirus Diagnoses Won’t Impact Barrett Hearings

Senate Republicans are keeping to their confirmation timeline for Judge Amy Coney Barrett 's Supreme Court nomination , even as President Donald Trump 's coronavirus diagnosis has upended the 2020 campaign .
Sen. Mike Lee ( R. , Utah ) , a key Republican lawmaker , also tested positive for the virus and will isolate for the next 10 days .
Though Lee sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee , Republicans are proceeding undeterred with plans for an in-person confirmation hearing beginning Monday , Oct. 12 , albeit with many precautions .
`` Committee staff are working in concert with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Attending Physician , the Senate Sergeant at Arms , and the Rules Committee to ensure the nomination hearing for Judge Barrett is conducted safely and in accordance with public health recommendations—as we have done for all recent hearings , '' a Republican committee aide told the Washington Free Beacon .
Those precautions include hand-sanitizing and PPE stations , strict limits on attendance , and appropriate social distancing .
The committee anticipates moving to a larger space to ensure appropriate spacing between attendees .
Members of the committee will have the option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Senate has conducted remote hearings since the spring , so the move would not be novel .
Members of the Judiciary Committee in both parties participated remotely in hearings on appeals court nominees Justin Walker and Cory Wilson .
Hearings on other subjects were conducted by videoconference in their entirety .
Mike Davis , an ex-Senate lawyer who runs an outside group supporting Trump judicial nominees , noted that the Senate has confirmed 26 judges since May 19 .
Lee 's diagnosis does not prevent him from voting to advance Barrett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't participate in the confirmation hearing itself .
Lawmakers are allowed to vote by proxy in committee , and there 's no rule requiring attendance at the confirmation hearing in order to vote by proxy later , according to a Senate rules expert .
Republicans have a 12-to-10 majority on the panel , so Lee 's vote is not dispositive .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D. , N.Y. ) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( D. , Calif. ) , the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee , are opposed to any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of potential exposure stemming from the president 's infection '' is understood .
`` The unfortunate news about the infection of our colleague Senator Mike Lee makes even more clear that health and safety must guide the schedule for all Senate activities , including hearings , '' the pair said .
Barrett 's confirmation hearings are slated to begin on Oct. 12—10 days from Friday—and a vote would follow about two weeks later .
A confirmation vote is expected around the end of the month .
White House spokesman Judd Deere said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her last test , conducted Friday , was negative .
Several news outlets reported that the judge had the virus earlier this year but recovered fully .
The White House did not comment on those reports .
`` She is following CDC guidance and best practices , including social distancing , wearing face coverings , and frequently washes hands , '' Deere said .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R. , Ky. ) indicated that the hearing might proceed remotely even before Lee 's diagnosis , citing the president 's positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them have done their interviews in previous hearings remotely , '' McConnell said Friday morning on Hugh Hewitt 's radio program .
`` This sort of underscores the need to do that . ''
`` Every precaution needs to be taken because we do n't anticipate any Democratic support at all , either in committee or in the full Senate , and therefore , everybody needs to be in an all-hands-on-deck mindset , '' McConnell added .

Senate Republicans are keeping to their confirmation timeline for Judge Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court nomination, even as President Donald Trump's coronavirus diagnosis has upended the 2020 campaign.
Sen. Mike Lee (R., Utah) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R. North Carolina), both key Republican lawmakers, also tested positive for the virus and will isolate for the next 10 days. Though Lee and Tillis sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Republicans are proceeding undeterred with plans for an in-person confirmation hearing beginning Monday, Oct. 12, albeit with many precautions.
"Committee staff are working in concert with the Architect of the Capitol, Office of the Attending Physician, the Senate Sergeant at Arms, and the Rules Committee to ensure the nomination hearing for Judge Barrett is conducted safely and in accordance with public health recommendations—as we have done for all recent hearings," a Republican committee aide told the Washington Free Beacon.
Those precautions include hand-sanitizing and PPE stations, strict limits on attendance, and appropriate social distancing. The committee anticipates moving to a larger space to ensure appropriate spacing between attendees. Members of the committee will have the option of participating remotely, the aide added.
The Senate has conducted remote hearings since the spring, so the move would not be novel. Members of the Judiciary Committee in both parties participated remotely in hearings on appeals court nominees Justin Walker and Cory Wilson. Hearings on other subjects were conducted by videoconference in their entirety. Mike Davis, an ex-Senate lawyer who runs an outside group supporting Trump judicial nominees, noted that the Senate has confirmed 26 judges since May 19.
Though the hearings will proceed as planned, the Lee and Tillis diagnoses could complicate the timing of the committee vote, which will take place on or about Oct. 22. That meeting has an in-person attendance requirement, according to a committee rules expert, and it's not clear that the pair will be well enough to participate. The GOP has other options for proceeding if Lee or Tillis remain ill at that time. Republicans have a 12-10 majority on the panel.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D., Calif.), the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, are opposed to any forward movement until the "full extent of potential exposure stemming from the president's infection" is understood.
"The unfortunate news about the infection of our colleague Senator Mike Lee makes even more clear that health and safety must guide the schedule for all Senate activities, including hearings," the pair said.
Barrett's confirmation hearings are slated to begin on Oct. 12—10 days from Friday—and a vote would follow about two weeks later. A confirmation vote is expected around the end of the month.
White House spokesman Judd Deere said that Barrett is tested daily for the coronavirus. Her last test, conducted Friday, was negative. Several news outlets reported that the judge had the virus earlier this year but recovered fully. The White House did not comment on those reports.
"She is following CDC guidance and best practices, including social distancing, wearing face coverings, and frequently washes hands," Deere said.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) indicated that the hearing might proceed remotely even before Lee's diagnosis, citing the president's positive test.
"Members, some of them have done their interviews in previous hearings remotely," McConnell said Friday morning on Hugh Hewitt's radio program. "This sort of underscores the need to do that."
"Every precaution needs to be taken because we don't anticipate any Democratic support at all, either in committee or in the full Senate, and therefore, everybody needs to be in an all-hands-on-deck mindset," McConnell added.
Update 10/3/20, 1:30 PM: This story has been updated to note that Senator Thom Tillis also tested positive for the virus, and to clarify that the committee vote, unlike the confirmation hearings, has an in-person attendance requirement.


freebeacon--2020-10-02--‘Never Happened’: Cuomo Claims Coronavirus Patients Were Not Sent Back to Nursing Homes

New York governor Andrew Cuomo ( D. ) said Wednesday that the widely reported readmission of coronavirus patients to nursing homes at the height of the pandemic in the state `` never happened . ''
Cuomo said that despite a March 25 advisory issued by his administration barring nursing homes from denying admission to patients `` solely based on a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 , '' readmissions never took place .
He claimed that , because the state `` never needed '' those nursing home beds , readmitting COVID-positive patients `` just never happened . ''
Cuomo admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was only an `` anticipatory rule , '' in case hospitals became overwhelmed with patients .
As a result of the rule , however , nursing homes readmitted over 6,000 patients who tested positive for coronavirus between late March and early May .
Nearly 6,500 New York nursing home patients have died of COVID-19 as of Sept. 28 , accounting for about 20 percent of the state ’ s total coronavirus deaths ( 32,768 ) .
Some experts say that number could be higher , as the state health department does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nursing home .
In the same call , Cuomo said his policies `` saved lives . ''
`` That 's how I sleep at night , '' he said .

New York governor Andrew Cuomo (D.) said Wednesday that the widely reported readmission of coronavirus patients to nursing homes at the height of the pandemic in the state "never happened."
Cuomo said that despite a March 25 advisory issued by his administration barring nursing homes from denying admission to patients "solely based on a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19," readmissions never took place. He claimed that, because the state "never needed" those nursing home beds, readmitting COVID-positive patients "just never happened."
Cuomo admitted his administration implemented the policy but said it was only an "anticipatory rule," in case hospitals became overwhelmed with patients.
As a result of the rule, however, nursing homes readmitted over 6,000 patients who tested positive for coronavirus between late March and early May.
Nearly 6,500 New York nursing home patients have died of COVID-19 as of Sept. 28, accounting for about 20 percent of the state’s total coronavirus deaths (32,768). Some experts say that number could be higher, as the state health department does not count those who contracted the virus in a nursing home.
In the same call, Cuomo said his policies "saved lives."
"That's how I sleep at night," he said.


freebeacon--2020-10-02--Authorities Close Investigation Into Wisconsin Hate Crime, Say No Evidence It Occured

Authorities closed an investigation into an alleged Wisconsin hate crime on June 24 , saying they failed to find any evidence that 18-year-old Althea Bernstein was the victim of a racist arson attack , as she claimed .
Bernstein made national headlines on June 24 alleging that four white men in Madison lit her on fire , leaving her with burns on her neck and face .
The men , she said , had directed a racial slur at her before throwing lighter fluid on her face .
The incident was covered by national outlets from CNN to NBC News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were unable to corroborate the details of her claims .
`` After reviewing all available evidence , authorities could not establish that the attack , as alleged by the complainant , had occurred , '' U.S. attorney Scott Blader said in a Friday statement .
A statement from Madison 's chief of police stated that `` detectives were unable to corroborate or locate evidence consistent with what was reported . ''
In a statement released by police , Bernstein and her family said they `` appreciate the detailed investigative efforts by all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to earning national headlines , Bernstein was interviewed on ABC 's Good Morning America , included in a floor speech by Rep. Joe Kennedy III ( D. , Mass . )
, and received a phone call from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry .
She was also included in the NFL 's list of `` victims of systemic racism , victims of police brutality , and social justice heroes , '' and her name has been featured this season on the helmet of players such as the Atlanta Falcon 's Todd Gurley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to requests for comment on Friday 's announcement .
Bernstein told police that she was in her car stopped at a red light with her window down when liquid was thrown on her face followed by a flaming lighter .
She drove home after the incident and was brought by her mother to the hospital , where she was treated for burns .
Authorities released a detailed timeline of Bernstein 's whereabouts on the night of the alleged incident , piecing together all correspondence sent to and from Bernstein 's phone , traffic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information stored in her iPhone 's Health app .
The Madison Police Department also made the entire case file for the investigation public .
Michael Johnson , a local community leader who acted as a spokesman for the family , said the city 's mayor briefed him on the findings early Friday morning .
`` This morning the Mayor and the Police Chief briefed myself and other community leaders about the investigation surrounding Althea Bernstein and I appreciate the time federal authorities and local law enforcement officials put into this case , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In the meantime , we will continue to provide support to Althea and hope and pray for her healing and well-being . ''
Neither CNN nor NBC News have reported on the findings of the investigation .

Authorities closed an investigation into an alleged Wisconsin hate crime on June 24, saying they failed to find any evidence that 18-year-old Althea Bernstein was the victim of a racist arson attack, as she claimed.
Bernstein made national headlines on June 24 alleging that four white men in Madison lit her on fire, leaving her with burns on her neck and face. The men, she said, had directed a racial slur at her before throwing lighter fluid on her face. The incident was covered by national outlets from CNN to NBC News.
But federal authorities now say that they were unable to corroborate the details of her claims.
"After reviewing all available evidence, authorities could not establish that the attack, as alleged by the complainant, had occurred," U.S. attorney Scott Blader said in a Friday statement. A statement from Madison's chief of police stated that "detectives were unable to corroborate or locate evidence consistent with what was reported."
In a statement released by police, Bernstein and her family said they "appreciate the detailed investigative efforts by all involved in this case."
In addition to earning national headlines, Bernstein was interviewed on ABC's Good Morning America, included in a floor speech by Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D., Mass.), and received a phone call from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. She was also included in the NFL's list of "victims of systemic racism, victims of police brutality, and social justice heroes," and her name has been featured this season on the helmet of players such as the Atlanta Falcon's Todd Gurley.
Neither the NFL nor Kennedy responded to requests for comment on Friday's announcement.
Bernstein told police that she was in her car stopped at a red light with her window down when liquid was thrown on her face followed by a flaming lighter. She drove home after the incident and was brought by her mother to the hospital, where she was treated for burns.
Authorities released a detailed timeline of Bernstein's whereabouts on the night of the alleged incident, piecing together all correspondence sent to and from Bernstein's phone, traffic camera footage of her car, and information stored in her iPhone's Health app. The Madison Police Department also made the entire case file for the investigation public.
Michael Johnson, a local community leader who acted as a spokesman for the family, said the city's mayor briefed him on the findings early Friday morning.
"This morning the Mayor and the Police Chief briefed myself and other community leaders about the investigation surrounding Althea Bernstein and I appreciate the time federal authorities and local law enforcement officials put into this case," Johnson told the Washington Free Beacon. "In the meantime, we will continue to provide support to Althea and hope and pray for her healing and well-being."
Neither CNN nor NBC News have reported on the findings of the investigation.


freebeacon--2020-10-02--Hickenlooper Calls China a ‘Great Nation’

Colorado Senate hopeful John Hickenlooper praised China as a `` great nation '' deserving of American respect and told voters that the Chinese do not seek global dominance .
The former Democratic governor ignored China 's recent military saber-rattling , crackdowns in Hong Kong , and role in the coronavirus outbreak to laud the regime 's lack of ambition .
`` They do not want to rule the world , '' Hickenlooper told supporters on a Zoom call on Monday .
`` They do n't want to dominate .
They want to be safe and be respected as one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which they are .
And we should–I think that 's what we should recognize . ''
Hickenlooper 's remarks are at odds with a bipartisan consensus emerging on Capitol Hill , as well as Chinese ruler Xi Jinping 's own rhetoric .
Since the coronavirus pandemic 's onset , Democrats and Republicans have targeted China 's malignant behavior and global ambitions , with both parties issuing reports on dangerous Chinese statecraft tools just this week .
Xi has explicitly said that he hopes China will be `` a global leader in terms of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by 2049 .
Experts assert this amounts to a call for a China-led world order .
Hickenlooper has maintained close ties with China over the course of his career .
He previously met with the Chinese People 's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries , which Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calls `` the public face of the Chinese Communist Party 's official foreign influence agency . ''
The former Colorado governor has also interviewed with multiple Chinese state media outlets in the past few years , lauding the virtues of cooperation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it comes to reciprocal trade .
Millions of dollars in American intellectual property theft comes from China , and yet Hickenlooper told Chinese state media that Washington should use a `` thumbtack '' to manage the Sino-American relationship , rather than a `` sledgehammer . ''
Hickenlooper 's opponent , incumbent senator Cory Gardner ( R. , Colo. ) , has emerged as a top critic of the Chinese regime since his 2014 election .
As an influential member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , Gardner has made relationships with China rivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his tenure , even meeting with former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe in 2017 .
Gardner has also made national security readiness against China a significant part of his legislative efforts .
In recent months , Gardner made amendments on a NASA authorization act that bolster space technology protections against Chinese theft and authored language on a bill condemning human rights abuses in China .
In 2018 , Gardner 's subcommittee heard testimony from prominent voices in the Uighur community , and Gardner himself took Chinese ambassador to the United States Cui @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record .
Colorado 's state Republican Party said that foreign policy is a key area for voters , particularly as the federal government addresses the coronavirus pandemic .
Party spokesman Joe Jackson called on Hickenlooper to disavow his praise for the regime .
`` While Senator Gardner works to hold China accountable for stealing [ intellectual property ] and torturing Uighur Muslims , Hickenlooper has instead chosen to continue in his role as a useful tool in the belt of the Chinese Communist Party 's propaganda machine , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights abuses or recognize their threat to American security proves that he is n't fit to hold a Senate seat . ''
The Hickenlooper campaign did not respond to a request for comment .

Colorado Senate hopeful John Hickenlooper praised China as a "great nation" deserving of American respect and told voters that the Chinese do not seek global dominance.
The former Democratic governor ignored China's recent military saber-rattling, crackdowns in Hong Kong, and role in the coronavirus outbreak to laud the regime's lack of ambition.
"They do not want to rule the world," Hickenlooper told supporters on a Zoom call on Monday. "They don't want to dominate. They want to be safe and be respected as one of the great nations of the world, which they are. And we should–I think that's what we should recognize."
Hickenlooper's remarks are at odds with a bipartisan consensus emerging on Capitol Hill, as well as Chinese ruler Xi Jinping's own rhetoric. Since the coronavirus pandemic's onset, Democrats and Republicans have targeted China's malignant behavior and global ambitions, with both parties issuing reports on dangerous Chinese statecraft tools just this week. Xi has explicitly said that he hopes China will be "a global leader in terms of comprehensive national power and international influence" by 2049. Experts assert this amounts to a call for a China-led world order.
Hickenlooper has maintained close ties with China over the course of his career. He previously met with the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, which Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calls "the public face of the Chinese Communist Party's official foreign influence agency." The former Colorado governor has also interviewed with multiple Chinese state media outlets in the past few years, lauding the virtues of cooperation with the Chinese Communist Party, especially as it comes to reciprocal trade. Millions of dollars in American intellectual property theft comes from China, and yet Hickenlooper told Chinese state media that Washington should use a "thumbtack" to manage the Sino-American relationship, rather than a "sledgehammer."
Hickenlooper's opponent, incumbent senator Cory Gardner (R., Colo.), has emerged as a top critic of the Chinese regime since his 2014 election. As an influential member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Gardner has made relationships with China rivals Japan and South Korea a major feature of his tenure, even meeting with former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe in 2017.
Gardner has also made national security readiness against China a significant part of his legislative efforts. In recent months, Gardner made amendments on a NASA authorization act that bolster space technology protections against Chinese theft and authored language on a bill condemning human rights abuses in China. In 2018, Gardner's subcommittee heard testimony from prominent voices in the Uighur community, and Gardner himself took Chinese ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai to task on Beijing's human-rights record.
Colorado's state Republican Party said that foreign policy is a key area for voters, particularly as the federal government addresses the coronavirus pandemic. Party spokesman Joe Jackson called on Hickenlooper to disavow his praise for the regime.
"While Senator Gardner works to hold China accountable for stealing [intellectual property] and torturing Uighur Muslims, Hickenlooper has instead chosen to continue in his role as a useful tool in the belt of the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda machine," he said. "Hickenlooper's refusal to disavow China's human rights abuses or recognize their threat to American security proves that he isn't fit to hold a Senate seat."
The Hickenlooper campaign did not respond to a request for comment.


freebeacon--2020-10-02--Virginia School Board Weighs Speech Code that Would Prohibit Criticism of Equity Plan

Virginia 's Loudoun County Public Schools district board will vote on whether to adopt a speech code that would prohibit teachers from criticizing the school board 's racial-equity plan .
According to a draft of the proposed speech code obtained by the Washington Free Beacon , employees of the school district would not be allowed to criticize the school district 's `` commitment to action-oriented equity practices '' in all forms of public and personal communication .
The speech code is hidden inside a `` professional conduct '' policy proposal , which prohibits behavior that undermines `` the views , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public statements of the Loudoun County School Board or its superintendent . ''
`` Employees are expected to support the school division 's commitment to action-oriented equity practices through the performance of their job duties , as the Division engages in the disruption and dismantling of white supremacy , systemic racism , and language and actions motivated by race , religion , country of origin , gender identity , sexual orientation , and/or ability , '' the policy draft reads .
The code briefly acknowledges employees have a First Amendment right to engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right `` may be outweighed '' by the school district 's interest in `` promoting internal … and external community harmony and peace '' as well as `` class equity , racial equity , and the goal to root out systemic racism . ''
Nicole Neily , president of the free speech legal group Speech First , told the Free Beacon the directives of the school board do not supersede the First Amendment .
`` It 's deeply concerning that a public school system—which is a state actor and is bound to uphold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees ' speech on matters of public concern , '' Neily said .
`` The school 's plan is … designed to chill speech with which the district disagrees . ''
The new policy proposal also tells employees they have a `` duty to report '' their colleagues ' alleged speech code violations to the school district administration .
Employees would be prohibited from `` retaliating '' against accusers , even if the accusations are false .
The policy claims the district will accommodate false complaints , so long as they are found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Loudoun County has come under fire for spending $ 422,500 on diversity training inspired by critical race theory , which claims racism is inherent in nearly every aspect of America .
The school district also received backlash from teachers and parents for teaming up with the Southern Poverty Law Center to create a `` social justice '' curriculum for kindergartners .
President Donald Trump has promised to defund public schools that promote critical race theory .
He also signed an executive order banning federal contractors from doing certain kinds of diversity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Free Beacon that the school district 's speech code should not be permitted given the Trump administration 's recent executive order .
`` If President Trump gets a second term , I think we could expect strong federal action against such totalitarian initiatives , '' Eden said .
`` If Biden is elected , however , I expect that he will use the power of the Department of Education 's Office for Civil Rights to coerce school districts to adopt [ critical race theory ] initiatives . ''
The district 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association , said they are concerned with the policy 's speech code .
Sandy Sullivan , the president of the union , told the Free Beacon the union will meet with the school district before the Oct. 12 vote on whether to adopt the policy .
Sullivan said teachers are upset with the proposed policy , which immediately drew concern from the union .
`` Anything that is going to inhibit the speech of people freely expressing themselves in an appropriate manner … concerns us , '' Sullivan said .
`` We want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be heard . ''

Virginia's Loudoun County Public Schools district board will vote on whether to adopt a speech code that would prohibit teachers from criticizing the school board's racial-equity plan.
According to a draft of the proposed speech code obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, employees of the school district would not be allowed to criticize the school district's "commitment to action-oriented equity practices" in all forms of public and personal communication. The speech code is hidden inside a "professional conduct" policy proposal, which prohibits behavior that undermines "the views, positions, goals, policies, or public statements of the Loudoun County School Board or its superintendent."
"Employees are expected to support the school division's commitment to action-oriented equity practices through the performance of their job duties, as the Division engages in the disruption and dismantling of white supremacy, systemic racism, and language and actions motivated by race, religion, country of origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or ability," the policy draft reads.
The code briefly acknowledges employees have a First Amendment right to engage in protected speech, but says that right "may be outweighed" by the school district's interest in "promoting internal ... and external community harmony and peace" as well as "class equity, racial equity, and the goal to root out systemic racism."
Nicole Neily, president of the free speech legal group Speech First, told the Free Beacon the directives of the school board do not supersede the First Amendment.
"It's deeply concerning that a public school system—which is a state actor and is bound to uphold the First Amendment—seems determined to police its employees' speech on matters of public concern," Neily said. "The school's plan is ... designed to chill speech with which the district disagrees."
The new policy proposal also tells employees they have a "duty to report" their colleagues' alleged speech code violations to the school district administration. Employees would be prohibited from "retaliating" against accusers, even if the accusations are false. The policy claims the district will accommodate false complaints, so long as they are found to be made in "good faith."
Loudoun County has come under fire for spending $422,500 on diversity training inspired by critical race theory, which claims racism is inherent in nearly every aspect of America. The school district also received backlash from teachers and parents for teaming up with the Southern Poverty Law Center to create a "social justice" curriculum for kindergartners.
President Donald Trump has promised to defund public schools that promote critical race theory. He also signed an executive order banning federal contractors from doing certain kinds of diversity training.
Manhattan Institute scholar Max Eden told the Free Beacon that the school district's speech code should not be permitted given the Trump administration's recent executive order. "If President Trump gets a second term, I think we could expect strong federal action against such totalitarian initiatives," Eden said. "If Biden is elected, however, I expect that he will use the power of the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to coerce school districts to adopt [critical race theory] initiatives."
The district's top teachers' union, Loudoun Education Association, said they are concerned with the policy's speech code. Sandy Sullivan, the president of the union, told the Free Beacon the union will meet with the school district before the Oct. 12 vote on whether to adopt the policy. Sullivan said teachers are upset with the proposed policy, which immediately drew concern from the union.
"Anything that is going to inhibit the speech of people freely expressing themselves in an appropriate manner ... concerns us," Sullivan said. "We want employees to make sure that they can be heard."


freebeacon--2020-10-02--HISTORY MADE: Trump Becomes First POTUS Infected by China Virus, Tests Positive on Gandhi’s Birthday

Donald J. Trump is experiencing `` mild symptoms '' after making history as the first U.S. president to be infected by a China virus .
He is in `` good spirits '' and feeling `` very energetic , '' according to White House chief of staff Mark Meadows .
All that is to be expected , given Trump 's scientifically assessed status as `` the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency . ''
The diagnosis is merely the latest in a long line of historical achievements in which Trump has played a pivotal role .
He was also the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite not doing anything wrong , and the U.S. women 's soccer team broke the record for most goals in a single match during the 2019 World Cup .
Coincidentally or not , Trump 's positive test results were announced in the early hours of October 2 , the birthday of Indian civil rights icon Mahatma Gandhi .
`` Tonight , @ FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19 , '' Trump wrote on Twitter , the popular social networking website .
`` We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Once again , Trump has managed to unite our great country around a common purpose : Praying for his swift recovery .
Even radical left-wing journalist Rachel Maddow is embracing patriotism over partisanship , and faith over heresy , in these turbulent times .
`` God bless the president and the first lady , '' Maddow tweeted after learning of Trump 's test results .
`` If you pray , please pray for their speedy and complete recovery — and for everyone infected , everywhere . ''

Donald J. Trump is experiencing "mild symptoms" after making history as the first U.S. president to be infected by a China virus. He is in "good spirits" and feeling "very energetic," according to White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
All that is to be expected, given Trump's scientifically assessed status as "the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency." The diagnosis is merely the latest in a long line of historical achievements in which Trump has played a pivotal role. He was also the first president to be "impeached" despite not doing anything wrong, and the U.S. women's soccer team broke the record for most goals in a single match during the 2019 World Cup.
Coincidentally or not, Trump's positive test results were announced in the early hours of October 2, the birthday of Indian civil rights icon Mahatma Gandhi. "Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19," Trump wrote on Twitter, the popular social networking website. "We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!"
Once again, Trump has managed to unite our great country around a common purpose: Praying for his swift recovery. Even radical left-wing journalist Rachel Maddow is embracing patriotism over partisanship, and faith over heresy, in these turbulent times. "God bless the president and the first lady," Maddow tweeted after learning of Trump's test results. "If you pray, please pray for their speedy and complete recovery — and for everyone infected, everywhere."


freebeacon--2020-10-02--New Ad Deploys JFK on Anti-Catholic Bias to Defend Barrett’s Faith

A new television advertisement is using a speech by the late John F. Kennedy warning the nation against anti-Catholic bigotry to protect President Donald Trump 's latest Supreme Court nominee from attacks on her faith .
The conservative Judicial Crisis Network is behind the ad that includes footage of Kennedy arguing that `` while this year it may be a Catholic , against whom the finger of suspicion is pointed , in other years it has been and may someday be again a Jew , or a Quaker , or a Unitarian , or a Baptist . ''
`` Today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kennedy continues .
`` But tomorrow , it may be you . ''
The ad comes ahead of what is expected to be a contentious Senate hearing .
Democrats on the Judiciary Committee have histories of scrutinizing judicial nominees ' religious beliefs , including Barrett 's when she was nominated for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit .
The Judicial Crisis Network announced that the advertisement is part of a $ 10 million ad buy focusing on three states : Colorado , Iowa , and West Virginia .
The ad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should take some advice from John F. Kennedy and stop attacking people of faith , '' Judicial Crisis Network president Carrie Severino said in a press release .
`` Religious tests were wrong 60 years ago and they are just as wrong today . ''
The advertisement 's audio comes from Kennedy 's address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association in 1960 .
Kennedy is the only Catholic president in America 's history , though that would change if Joe Biden wins the election in November .

A new television advertisement is using a speech by the late John F. Kennedy warning the nation against anti-Catholic bigotry to protect President Donald Trump's latest Supreme Court nominee from attacks on her faith.
The conservative Judicial Crisis Network is behind the ad that includes footage of Kennedy arguing that "while this year it may be a Catholic, against whom the finger of suspicion is pointed, in other years it has been and may someday be again a Jew, or a Quaker, or a Unitarian, or a Baptist."
"Today I may be the victim," Kennedy continues. "But tomorrow, it may be you."
The ad comes ahead of what is expected to be a contentious Senate hearing. Democrats on the Judiciary Committee have histories of scrutinizing judicial nominees' religious beliefs, including Barrett's when she was nominated for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
The Judicial Crisis Network announced that the advertisement is part of a $10 million ad buy focusing on three states: Colorado, Iowa, and West Virginia. The ad will also air nationally.
"Democrats should take some advice from John F. Kennedy and stop attacking people of faith," Judicial Crisis Network president Carrie Severino said in a press release. "Religious tests were wrong 60 years ago and they are just as wrong today."
The advertisement's audio comes from Kennedy's address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association in 1960. Kennedy is the only Catholic president in America's history, though that would change if Joe Biden wins the election in November.


freebeacon--2020-10-02--Sasse Warns Democrats Not to Target Barrett’s Faith

Republican senator Ben Sasse ( Neb . )
ripped Democrats for criticizing appellate judge Amy Coney Barrett 's religious beliefs after he met with the Supreme Court nominee on Thursday .
Sasse called on Senate Democrats to engage with Barrett 's judicial philosophy instead of resorting to attacks on her Catholic faith .
The Nebraska senator has not forgotten the ugliness of Barrett 's initial appearance before his committee when the Notre Dame law professor was selected for the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals .
`` Instead of arguing with Judge Barrett ’ s judicial philosophy , too many on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accomplishments by attacking her faith , '' Sasse said .
`` It ’ s disgusting because it ’ s an attack on America ’ s core belief in religious liberty .
It ’ s dumb because attacking a Catholic mom who happens to be an incredible lawyer , professor , and jurist is a losing strategy . ''
Sasse is a member of the Judiciary Committee charged with evaluating President Donald Trump 's nominee .
His criticism comes as Senate Republicans move quickly to confirm Barrett before the election .
Sasse left the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best candidate to fill the High Court vacancy in the wake of Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's death .
Democrats previously attacked the devout Catholic 's religious beliefs during Senate hearings in 2017 .
Barrett is not the only judicial nominee that has faced criticism for her faith .
Committee Democrats Sen. Dianne Feinstein ( Calif. ) , Sen. Mazie Hirono ( Hawaii ) , and Sen. Kamala Harris ( Calif. ) have also criticized Trump appointees for their membership in Catholic groups .
Feinstein , who famously told Barrett that the `` dogma @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has said publicly that she opposes Barrett 's elevation to the Supreme Court .
`` Judge Barrett has been an outspoken critic of a woman ’ s right to choose , reportedly calling Roe v. Wade ‘ barbaric , ’ '' Feinstein said in a statement .
`` Those statements , coupled with her record on the 7th Circuit , raise serious concerns about whether she would uphold the law . ''
Barrett 's signature on an antiabortion ad in a South Bend , Ind.
, newspaper more than a decade ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how Barrett would approach the abortion issue on the Court .
Sasse said he anticipates an equally contentious confirmation hearing this time around , but he also predicted that the public will walk away convinced of Barrett 's qualifications for the job .
`` The over-the-top smears are going to look really dumb to Americans when they hear Judge Barrett speak at her confirmation hearing , '' he said .
The freshman senator also took issue with liberal proposals to pack the Court if the Republican-controlled Senate moves forward with Barrett 's nomination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , N.Y. ) has said that court packing and other legislative changes to the judiciary are `` on the table , '' while Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his running mate , California senator Kamala Harris , have consistently refused to directly answer whether they would support such measures .
During the first presidential debate , Biden declined to answer whether he supported adding justices to the Court when asked , and Harris said that the issue would be dealt with `` later . ''
Sasse said his Democratic counterparts are `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures .
Packing the courts and doing away with the filibuster could undermine lawmakers ' advise and consent role in appointments .
`` My Democratic colleagues should think carefully before they rush to make Congress obsolete , '' he said .
`` Democrats are playing with fire here , and Joe Biden has an obligation to answer this question . ''

Republican senator Ben Sasse (Neb.) ripped Democrats for criticizing appellate judge Amy Coney Barrett's religious beliefs after he met with the Supreme Court nominee on Thursday.
Sasse called on Senate Democrats to engage with Barrett's judicial philosophy instead of resorting to attacks on her Catholic faith. The Nebraska senator has not forgotten the ugliness of Barrett's initial appearance before his committee when the Notre Dame law professor was selected for the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
"Instead of arguing with Judge Barrett’s judicial philosophy, too many on the left are trying to belittle her accomplishments by attacking her faith," Sasse said. "It’s disgusting because it’s an attack on America’s core belief in religious liberty. It’s dumb because attacking a Catholic mom who happens to be an incredible lawyer, professor, and jurist is a losing strategy."
Sasse is a member of the Judiciary Committee charged with evaluating President Donald Trump's nominee. His criticism comes as Senate Republicans move quickly to confirm Barrett before the election. Sasse left the Thursday meeting convinced that Barrett is the best candidate to fill the High Court vacancy in the wake of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death.
Democrats previously attacked the devout Catholic's religious beliefs during Senate hearings in 2017. Barrett is not the only judicial nominee that has faced criticism for her faith. Committee Democrats Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), Sen. Mazie Hirono (Hawaii), and Sen. Kamala Harris (Calif.) have also criticized Trump appointees for their membership in Catholic groups. Feinstein, who famously told Barrett that the "dogma lives loudly within you" in 2017, has said publicly that she opposes Barrett's elevation to the Supreme Court.
"Judge Barrett has been an outspoken critic of a woman’s right to choose, reportedly calling Roe v. Wade ‘barbaric,’" Feinstein said in a statement. "Those statements, coupled with her record on the 7th Circuit, raise serious concerns about whether she would uphold the law."
Barrett's signature on an antiabortion ad in a South Bend, Ind., newspaper more than a decade ago is also certain to bring attention to how Barrett would approach the abortion issue on the Court. Sasse said he anticipates an equally contentious confirmation hearing this time around, but he also predicted that the public will walk away convinced of Barrett's qualifications for the job.
"The over-the-top smears are going to look really dumb to Americans when they hear Judge Barrett speak at her confirmation hearing," he said.
The freshman senator also took issue with liberal proposals to pack the Court if the Republican-controlled Senate moves forward with Barrett's nomination. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) has said that court packing and other legislative changes to the judiciary are "on the table," while Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and his running mate, California senator Kamala Harris, have consistently refused to directly answer whether they would support such measures.
During the first presidential debate, Biden declined to answer whether he supported adding justices to the Court when asked, and Harris said that the issue would be dealt with "later."
Sasse said his Democratic counterparts are "playing with fire" by entertaining such measures. Packing the courts and doing away with the filibuster could undermine lawmakers' advise and consent role in appointments.
"My Democratic colleagues should think carefully before they rush to make Congress obsolete," he said. "Democrats are playing with fire here, and Joe Biden has an obligation to answer this question."


freebeacon--2020-10-03--Biden Spent Week Refusing to Take Positions, Losing Train of Thought

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has continued to lose track of what he 's saying , but this week he @ @ @ @ @ position on packing the Supreme Court , abolishing the filibuster , or dealing with Antifa @ @ @ @ @ an idea . ''

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has continued to lose track of what he's saying, but this week he also refused to take a position on packing the Supreme Court, abolishing the filibuster, or dealing with Antifa, which he called "an idea."
Published under: Joe Biden


freebeacon--2020-10-03--This Week In Campus Insanity Vol. 13

This Week In Campus Insanity Vol. 13

Welcome back to Campus Insanity , a weekly roundup of the craziest developments at our nation 's 4,000-plus institutions of higher education .
Students at Columbia University voted in favor of an anti-Israel referendum that calls on the university to divest from companies that do business with Israel .
5 .
Cornell Professors Demand University ‘ Decolonize ' Curricula Across the Board | The College Fix A group of Cornell University faculty , graduate students , and staff sent a letter to the university demanding a change in curricula to emphasize `` decolonized readings . ''
Ohio State students are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two black hate crime suspects , as it is required to do under federal law .
A Grand Valley State University professor regularly writes articles for a Chinese propaganda outlet working to delegitimize the United States .
The professor also promoted a Chinese propaganda campaign that claims the enslavement and genocide of Uighur Muslims is a hoax .
2 .
Mandatory Class at Idaho College Tells Students to List Examples of White and Male Privilege | The College Fix Students at an Idaho community college were instructed to identify privileges specific to men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` majority religion . ''
Case Western Reserve University , which cohosted Tuesday 's debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden , is offering online `` safe spaces '' for students to share their post-debate feelings .
Note : In Campus Insanity Vol .
10 , we noted that San Francisco State University invited Palestinian terrorist Leila Khaled—who is a member of a terror group that has killed Americans and was the first woman to hijack a plane—to speak at an event on gender and justice .
The Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doug Lamborn ( R. , Colo. ) is now calling on federal authorities to investigate the university for hosting Khaled .
Want more Campus Insanity ?
Read Vol .
12 here .
If you have any suggestions for our Top 6 stories please email chrissy @ freebeacon.com & nester @ freebeacon.com .

Welcome back to Campus Insanity, a weekly roundup of the craziest developments at our nation's 4,000-plus institutions of higher education.
6. Columbia University Students Pass BDS Resolution | Washington Free Beacon
Students at Columbia University voted in favor of an anti-Israel referendum that calls on the university to divest from companies that do business with Israel.
5. Cornell Professors Demand University 'Decolonize' Curricula Across the Board | The College Fix
A group of Cornell University faculty, graduate students, and staff sent a letter to the university demanding a change in curricula to emphasize "decolonized readings."
4. Ohio State Students Furious After University Reports Black-on-White 'Hate Crime' | Campus Reform
Ohio State students are upset after the school published information about two black hate crime suspects, as it is required to do under federal law.
3. Michigan Public University Professor Routinely Writes Articles for Chinese Propaganda Outlet | Washington Free Beacon
A Grand Valley State University professor regularly writes articles for a Chinese propaganda outlet working to delegitimize the United States. The professor also promoted a Chinese propaganda campaign that claims the enslavement and genocide of Uighur Muslims is a hoax.
2. Mandatory Class at Idaho College Tells Students to List Examples of White and Male Privilege | The College Fix
Students at an Idaho community college were instructed to identify privileges specific to men, white people, and members of the "majority religion."
1. Case Western Offers Presidential Debate Safe Spaces | Washington Free Beacon
Case Western Reserve University, which cohosted Tuesday's debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden, is offering online "safe spaces" for students to share their post-debate feelings.
Note: In Campus Insanity Vol. 10, we noted that San Francisco State University invited Palestinian terrorist Leila Khaled—who is a member of a terror group that has killed Americans and was the first woman to hijack a plane—to speak at an event on gender and justice. The Washington Free Beacon reported on Thursday that Rep. Doug Lamborn (R., Colo.) is now calling on federal authorities to investigate the university for hosting Khaled.
Want more Campus Insanity? Read Vol. 12 here.
If you have any suggestions for our Top 6 stories please email chrissy@freebeacon.com & nester@freebeacon.com.


freebeacon--2020-10-04--DC Police Say Handgun Transfers Speeding Up, But Delays Remain

Washington , D.C. 's Metropolitan Police Department claims to have streamlined the handgun-transfer process following complaints from residents , but some in the nation 's capital still face serious delays in exercising their Second Amendment rights .
Dick Heller , who defeated the city 's handgun ban in a 2008 Supreme Court case , said the department expedited one weapon transfer in July after he threatened to sue , but a second handgun he ordered in August is still stuck in limbo .
Heller said the licensed gun dealer he purchased the gun from in West Virginia struggled for weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still has n't been given a date for when he can pick up his new gun even after making contact with the department in late September .
`` It would appear that what we have again is the ‘ denial of service , ' '' Heller told the Washington Free Beacon .
Dustin Sternbeck , director of the MPD Office of Communications , told the Free Beacon that the department has dedicated more resources and set up a new scheduling process in response to complaints about the months-long delays .
He said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Transfers have increased and individuals are experiencing shorter wait times since updates were put in place , '' Sternbeck said .
Since Washington , D.C. , does not have a single gun store operating within city limits , the only legal way to get a handgun is to buy one from an out-of-state dealer and transfer it through a federally licensed dealer inside the city .
In March , however , the only remaining private dealer in the city closed down as transfer requests began to mount .
Sternbeck said the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police department scrambled to obtain its own dealer license to ensure transfers could still occur .
`` MPD assumed the role of the FFL for the District and was able to rapidly obtain an FFL license in April , '' he said .
`` There appeared to be a high demand for firearms during the period when there was no available FFL dealer , resulting in an influx of firearms being shipped to MPD when it opened operations .
There were some initial delays due to the large volume . ''
A Free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check data for gun sales shows the messy transition flatlined D.C. handgun transfers at a time when the rest of the country experienced record sales .
It also indicates MPD has started to catch up with demand .
MPD processed five and a half times as many handguns in August as it did when it first took over in April .
Sternbeck said the increased transfers are a result of a concerted effort by MPD to deal with the backlog .
`` MPD has made numerous changes to its FFL operations ( e.g.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ registration and scheduling system , added storage areas and equipment ) resulting in a more efficient and streamlined operation , '' he said .
He said the city is still trying to move the handgun-transfer process back to private hands but did not have details as to when that might happen .

Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department claims to have streamlined the handgun-transfer process following complaints from residents, but some in the nation's capital still face serious delays in exercising their Second Amendment rights.
Dick Heller, who defeated the city's handgun ban in a 2008 Supreme Court case, said the department expedited one weapon transfer in July after he threatened to sue, but a second handgun he ordered in August is still stuck in limbo. Heller said the licensed gun dealer he purchased the gun from in West Virginia struggled for weeks to make contact with MPD. Heller still hasn't been given a date for when he can pick up his new gun even after making contact with the department in late September.
"It would appear that what we have again is the 'denial of service,'" Heller told the Washington Free Beacon.
Dustin Sternbeck, director of the MPD Office of Communications, told the Free Beacon that the department has dedicated more resources and set up a new scheduling process in response to complaints about the months-long delays. He said the changes have begun to bear fruit.
"Transfers have increased and individuals are experiencing shorter wait times since updates were put in place," Sternbeck said.
Since Washington, D.C., does not have a single gun store operating within city limits, the only legal way to get a handgun is to buy one from an out-of-state dealer and transfer it through a federally licensed dealer inside the city. In March, however, the only remaining private dealer in the city closed down as transfer requests began to mount. Sternbeck said the situation caused a massive backlog, as the police department scrambled to obtain its own dealer license to ensure transfers could still occur.
"MPD assumed the role of the FFL for the District and was able to rapidly obtain an FFL license in April," he said. "There appeared to be a high demand for firearms during the period when there was no available FFL dealer, resulting in an influx of firearms being shipped to MPD when it opened operations. There were some initial delays due to the large volume."
A Free Beacon analysis of the FBI's background check data for gun sales shows the messy transition flatlined D.C. handgun transfers at a time when the rest of the country experienced record sales. It also indicates MPD has started to catch up with demand. MPD processed five and a half times as many handguns in August as it did when it first took over in April.
Sternbeck said the increased transfers are a result of a concerted effort by MPD to deal with the backlog.
"MPD has made numerous changes to its FFL operations (e.g., increased staffing, established an online registration and scheduling system, added storage areas and equipment) resulting in a more efficient and streamlined operation," he said.
He said the city is still trying to move the handgun-transfer process back to private hands but did not have details as to when that might happen.
Charles Fain Lehman contributed to this report.