freebeacon--2020-12-03--Critics of American Democracy Accuse Harvard Law Professor of Illiberalism

Progressive student activists at Harvard Law School—many of whom have called for a total transformation of the American justice system—are upset that one of their professors is calling for the same .
In a 45-page letter sent to administrators , students urged Harvard to `` take action '' against Adrian Vermeule , a constitutional law professor who has praised forced labor in fascist Spain as an example of the `` good society . ''
`` We are writing to you because HLS Professor Adrian Vermeule has , for over a year , been making highly offensive , discriminatory , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the press , '' the letter reads , citing several examples .
It was authored by People 's Parity Project , a group of law students and new attorneys who aim to `` unf*ck the law '' by ending `` how the legal profession—and the law itself—enables harassment , discrimination , and other injustices . ''
That is a goal Vermeule himself shares : The 52-year-old legal scholar has argued that American liberal democracy is just as oppressive as communism and that `` nonliberal actors '' should `` work to undo the liberalism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We anticipate that Prof. Vermeule will accuse us of limiting academic freedom for raising these concerns , '' the letter continues , `` but in fact it is Prof. Vermeule who has repeatedly advocated for violence against those with different political viewpoints . ''
Vermeule—who has written that much of First Amendment jurisprudence should `` fall under the ax '' —told the Washington Free Beacon that he is `` confident that Harvard will uphold its longstanding moral and contractual commitments … to protecting academic freedom and free speech . ''
Harvard 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about violent language .
In 2016 , another law professor , Mark Tushnet , wrote that liberals should take `` a hard line '' against social conservatives who lost the culture wars .
`` Trying to be nice to the losers did n't work well after the Civil War , nor after Brown , '' Tushnet wrote .
`` And taking a hard line seemed to work reasonably well in Germany and Japan after 1945 . ''
No activist groups condemned the comparison .
The letter also accuses Vermeule of `` exacerbating the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Kids , not sure if you knew this , but missing ballots have magical properties that make them visible only between midnight and 6am , '' reads one of the professor 's many tweets .
In August , however , the group 's cofounder herself tweeted that `` Trump & the GOP are destroying the USPS to steal this election , '' in reference to reports of USPS drop boxes being removed .
It turned out that many of those boxes had only been removed temporarily so that they could be refurbished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service itself .
The People 's Parity Project did not respond to requests for comment .

Progressive student activists at Harvard Law School—many of whom have called for a total transformation of the American justice system—are upset that one of their professors is calling for the same.
In a 45-page letter sent to administrators, students urged Harvard to "take action" against Adrian Vermeule, a constitutional law professor who has praised forced labor in fascist Spain as an example of the "good society."
"We are writing to you because HLS Professor Adrian Vermeule has, for over a year, been making highly offensive, discriminatory, and violent statements in online posts and in the press," the letter reads, citing several examples.
It was authored by People's Parity Project, a group of law students and new attorneys who aim to "unf*ck the law" by ending "how the legal profession—and the law itself—enables harassment, discrimination, and other injustices."
That is a goal Vermeule himself shares: The 52-year-old legal scholar has argued that American liberal democracy is just as oppressive as communism and that "nonliberal actors" should "work to undo the liberalism of the state from within."
"We anticipate that Prof. Vermeule will accuse us of limiting academic freedom for raising these concerns," the letter continues, "but in fact it is Prof. Vermeule who has repeatedly advocated for violence against those with different political viewpoints."
Vermeule—who has written that much of First Amendment jurisprudence should "fall under the ax"—told the Washington Free Beacon that he is "confident that Harvard will uphold its longstanding moral and contractual commitments … to protecting academic freedom and free speech."
Harvard's student activists haven't always been worried about violent language. In 2016, another law professor, Mark Tushnet, wrote that liberals should take "a hard line" against social conservatives who lost the culture wars.
"Trying to be nice to the losers didn't work well after the Civil War, nor after Brown," Tushnet wrote. "And taking a hard line seemed to work reasonably well in Germany and Japan after 1945." No activist groups condemned the comparison.
The letter also accuses Vermeule of "exacerbating the harmful spread of election disinformation."
"Kids, not sure if you knew this, but missing ballots have magical properties that make them visible only between midnight and 6am," reads one of the professor's many tweets.
In August, however, the group's cofounder herself tweeted that "Trump & the GOP are destroying the USPS to steal this election," in reference to reports of USPS drop boxes being removed. It turned out that many of those boxes had only been removed temporarily so that they could be refurbished and repaired—at the behest of the Postal Service itself.
The People's Parity Project did not respond to requests for comment.


freebeacon--2020-12-03--Trump Administration Limits Visas For Chinese Communist Party Members

The Trump administration on Wednesday declared new restrictions on Chinese Communist Party members entering the United States on travel visas , a State Department spokesman told the New York Times .
New restrictions would limit the duration of visitor visa clearances for party members and their families to one month .
Visitor visas to the United States for citizens of China generally last up to 10 years .
The State Department spokesman maintained that visas for purposes such as work or immigration will not be subject to the new restriction .
When combining current members of the CCP with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply to up to 270 million people , including some 92 million CCP members , according to the Times .
New visa restrictions coincide with `` ongoing policy , regulatory , and law-enforcement action across the U.S. government to protect our nation from the CCP ’ s malign influence , '' the State Department spokesman told the Times .
`` For decades we allowed the CCP free and unfettered access to U.S. institutions and businesses while these same privileges were never extended freely to U.S. citizens in China . ''
The Trump administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel restrictions before .
In September , the administration revoked over 1,000 student visas , citing security concerns , and an October report suggests that a backlog of travel applications from China has compromised the United States ' ability to vet potential Chinese spies entering the United States to study and work at American institutions .
Under the final weeks of the administration , Washington hopes to make a lasting push to cement gains made against the Chinese Communist Party .
The visa restrictions came on the same day as a Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exports from an administrative authority in Xinjiang known to use Uighur forced labor .
`` The human-rights abuses taking place at the hands of the Chinese Communist government will not be tolerated by President Trump and the American people , '' DHS acting deputy secretary Ken Cuccinelli said of the order .
`` DHS is taking the lead to enforce our laws to make sure human-rights abusers , including U.S. businesses , are not allowed to manipulate our system in order to profit from slave labor .
‘ Made in China ’ is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a warning label . ''

The Trump administration on Wednesday declared new restrictions on Chinese Communist Party members entering the United States on travel visas, a State Department spokesman told the New York Times.
New restrictions would limit the duration of visitor visa clearances for party members and their families to one month. Visitor visas to the United States for citizens of China generally last up to 10 years. The State Department spokesman maintained that visas for purposes such as work or immigration will not be subject to the new restriction.
When combining current members of the CCP with their family members, the new policy could apply to up to 270 million people, including some 92 million CCP members, according to the Times.
New visa restrictions coincide with "ongoing policy, regulatory, and law-enforcement action across the U.S. government to protect our nation from the CCP’s malign influence," the State Department spokesman told the Times. "For decades we allowed the CCP free and unfettered access to U.S. institutions and businesses while these same privileges were never extended freely to U.S. citizens in China."
The Trump administration has worked toward limiting Chinese influence through travel restrictions before. In September, the administration revoked over 1,000 student visas, citing security concerns, and an October report suggests that a backlog of travel applications from China has compromised the United States' ability to vet potential Chinese spies entering the United States to study and work at American institutions.
Under the final weeks of the administration, Washington hopes to make a lasting push to cement gains made against the Chinese Communist Party. The visa restrictions came on the same day as a Department of Homeland Security order that effectively embargoed cotton exports from an administrative authority in Xinjiang known to use Uighur forced labor.
"The human-rights abuses taking place at the hands of the Chinese Communist government will not be tolerated by President Trump and the American people," DHS acting deputy secretary Ken Cuccinelli said of the order. "DHS is taking the lead to enforce our laws to make sure human-rights abusers, including U.S. businesses, are not allowed to manipulate our system in order to profit from slave labor. ‘Made in China’ is not just a country of origin it is a warning label."


freebeacon--2020-12-03--AOC Sells $58 ‘Tax the Rich’ Sweatshirts on Campaign Website

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) , a prominent critic of capitalism , is selling sweatshirts on her campaign website that feature the socialist mantra `` tax the rich . ''
The sweatshirt can be yours for a steep $ 58 ( not including tax ) .
The union-printed navy sweatshirt is gender-neutral and features white lettering with an `` AOC '' banner logo .
Though the sweatshirt was sold out as of Thursday morning , those willing to drop $ 60 could preorder it while it was being restocked .
Other newly added AOC swag items include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't be racist '' sticker and a $ 27 T-shirt with `` The Green New Deal '' printed on it .
The Federal Elections Commission considers purchasing Ocasio-Cortez swag a campaign donation , so it is not tax-deductible .
The recently reelected congresswoman has proposed tax hikes as a way to solve the student debt crisis , provide free college , end racism , fund her proposed Green New Deal , and pay for universal health care .
To pay for her $ 93 trillion Green New Deal by herself , Ocasio-Cortez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her `` Green New Deal '' T-shirts or just 1.6 trillion `` tax the rich '' sweatshirts .
According to a Brookings Institution report based on Congressional Budget Office data , the wealthiest 1 percent of the country pay 16 percent of all income taxes .
The top 5 percent pay 69 percent of all federal taxes .

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.), a prominent critic of capitalism, is selling sweatshirts on her campaign website that feature the socialist mantra "tax the rich." The sweatshirt can be yours for a steep $58 (not including tax).
The union-printed navy sweatshirt is gender-neutral and features white lettering with an "AOC" banner logo. Though the sweatshirt was sold out as of Thursday morning, those willing to drop $60 could preorder it while it was being restocked.
Other newly added AOC swag items include a $5 "drink water and don't be racist" sticker and a $27 T-shirt with "The Green New Deal" printed on it. The Federal Elections Commission considers purchasing Ocasio-Cortez swag a campaign donation, so it is not tax-deductible.
The recently reelected congresswoman has proposed tax hikes as a way to solve the student debt crisis, provide free college, end racism, fund her proposed Green New Deal, and pay for universal health care.
To pay for her $93 trillion Green New Deal by herself, Ocasio-Cortez would have to sell 3.4 trillion of her "Green New Deal" T-shirts or just 1.6 trillion "tax the rich" sweatshirts.
According to a Brookings Institution report based on Congressional Budget Office data, the wealthiest 1 percent of the country pay 16 percent of all income taxes. The top 5 percent pay 69 percent of all federal taxes.


freebeacon--2020-12-03--Congress Considers First-Ever Sanctions on Top Iranian Terror Group

New legislation in Congress would sanction one of Iran 's top terror proxy groups operating in Iraq and responsible for deadly attacks that targeted American personnel stationed in Baghdad , according to a copy of the bill exclusively obtained by the Washington Free Beacon .
Rep. Joe Wilson ( R. , S.C. ) , a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , is spearheading the new sanctions , which would designate for the first time the Iran-funded Badr Organization , a militant group operating in Iraq and tied to Tehran 's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps .
The Badr group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Qassem Soleimani , who President Donald Trump assassinated with a drone strike in January .
The Badr Organization is responsible for lethal strikes on American embassy officials stationed in Baghdad , including an attack last year that prompted the Trump administration to target Soleimani .
The Badr group remains part of Iraq 's government and security services , generating concerns that U.S. taxpayer aid to Iraq could be funding the terror organization .
The legislation is likely to garner widespread support from Republicans and Democratic hawks who continue to view Iran 's activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America and its diplomacy in the region .
The sanctions could complicate the landscape for the incoming Biden administration , which is angling to renew discussions with Iran about its nuclear program .
Iranian leaders have said they will not sit down with the incoming administration until American sanctions are rolled back and Tehran is granted cash relief for its ailing economy .
`` Badr works directly with Lebanese Hezbollah , Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah , [ Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq ] , and many other designated terrorist organizations to push forward its campaign of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beacon in a statement .
`` Unfortunately , Badr has still not been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization .
It is absolutely necessary if we are to truly have maximum pressure on Iran that Badr is designated as a terrorist organization . ''
Wilson is hoping the State Department will designate the Badr Organization before the one-year anniversary of its December 2019 attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad .
In July , Wilson forwarded an amendment to prohibit U.S. taxpayer aid from reaching the Badr group .
It continues , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraqi government as part of the country 's Popular Mobilization Forces , an umbrella group comprising some 40 militias in the country that work with the government on security matters .
These ongoing concerns prompted Wilson 's new legislation .
The legislation mandates the U.S. government disclose whether U.S. assistance has `` directly or indirectly benefited the Badr Organization . ''
The amendment would also require reports on the Badr group 's operations in Iraq , including its role in the attack on the U.S. embassy .
The reports would include an investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in human rights violations in Iraq , which could prompt sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act .
The Badr group is currently led by Hadi Al-Amiri , a veteran Iraqi militant who keeps close ties with the Iranian government .
The State Department identified Al-Amiri as one of the organizers of the 2019 embassy attack .

New legislation in Congress would sanction one of Iran's top terror proxy groups operating in Iraq and responsible for deadly attacks that targeted American personnel stationed in Baghdad, according to a copy of the bill exclusively obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
Rep. Joe Wilson (R., S.C.), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is spearheading the new sanctions, which would designate for the first time the Iran-funded Badr Organization, a militant group operating in Iraq and tied to Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Badr group was commanded by former Iranian terror leader Qassem Soleimani, who President Donald Trump assassinated with a drone strike in January.
The Badr Organization is responsible for lethal strikes on American embassy officials stationed in Baghdad, including an attack last year that prompted the Trump administration to target Soleimani. The Badr group remains part of Iraq's government and security services, generating concerns that U.S. taxpayer aid to Iraq could be funding the terror organization.
The legislation is likely to garner widespread support from Republicans and Democratic hawks who continue to view Iran's activity in Iraq as a direct threat to America and its diplomacy in the region. The sanctions could complicate the landscape for the incoming Biden administration, which is angling to renew discussions with Iran about its nuclear program. Iranian leaders have said they will not sit down with the incoming administration until American sanctions are rolled back and Tehran is granted cash relief for its ailing economy.
"Badr works directly with Lebanese Hezbollah, Iraqi Kataib Hezbollah, [Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq], and many other designated terrorist organizations to push forward its campaign of terror," Wilson told the Free Beacon in a statement. "Unfortunately, Badr has still not been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. It is absolutely necessary if we are to truly have maximum pressure on Iran that Badr is designated as a terrorist organization."
Wilson is hoping the State Department will designate the Badr Organization before the one-year anniversary of its December 2019 attack on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.
In July, Wilson forwarded an amendment to prohibit U.S. taxpayer aid from reaching the Badr group. It continues, however, to play a role in the Iraqi government as part of the country's Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group comprising some 40 militias in the country that work with the government on security matters. These ongoing concerns prompted Wilson's new legislation.
The legislation mandates the U.S. government disclose whether U.S. assistance has "directly or indirectly benefited the Badr Organization." The amendment would also require reports on the Badr group's operations in Iraq, including its role in the attack on the U.S. embassy.
The reports would include an investigation into the Iranian terror group's role in human rights violations in Iraq, which could prompt sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
The Badr group is currently led by Hadi Al-Amiri, a veteran Iraqi militant who keeps close ties with the Iranian government. The State Department identified Al-Amiri as one of the organizers of the 2019 embassy attack.


freebeacon--2020-12-03--Democrat Mayor Arrested After Throwing Crack From Window During Pursuit

A Democratic mayor in upstate New York was arrested on drug charges on Tuesday after he threw a bag of @ @ @ @ @ car window during a police pursuit , according to the St. Lawrence County sheriff ’ @ @ @ @ @ Timmy Currier was allegedly involved in drug sales and possession , according to an investigation @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Department of Homeland Security .
Currier attempted to evade police in his vehicle on @ @ @ @ @ short pursuit the mayor allegedly threw a bag containing approximately one gram of crack cocaine @ @ @ @ @ .
Currier was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance , tampering @ @ @ @ @ to comply with police .
Before he was elected mayor in 2014 , Currier served @ @ @ @ @ police chief and worked on the force for nearly 30 years .
Local police in @ @ @ @ @ still investigating Currier 's alleged drug-related activity .

A Democratic mayor in upstate New York was arrested on drug charges on Tuesday after he threw a bag of crack cocaine out of his car window during a police pursuit, according to the St. Lawrence County sheriff’s office.
Massena mayor Timmy Currier was allegedly involved in drug sales and possession, according to an investigation involving local police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Currier attempted to evade police in his vehicle on Tuesday, and during a short pursuit the mayor allegedly threw a bag containing approximately one gram of crack cocaine out of his passenger-side window.
Currier was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, and failing to comply with police.
Before he was elected mayor in 2014, Currier served as the city’s police chief and worked on the force for nearly 30 years.
Local police in Massena and Homeland Security are still investigating Currier's alleged drug-related activity.


freebeacon--2020-12-03--Chicago Sees Massive Spike in Police-Targeted Shootings

Police-targeted shootings in Chicago spiked this year compared with 2019 , according to Chicago Police Department data released Tuesday .
Officers were shot at 71 times this year , compared with 18 incidents last year .
From January through November 2020 , 10 officers were struck by bullets , whereas 3 officers were hit in the same time period last year .
Anti-police protests began in May following the death of George Floyd and continued in Chicago and other major U.S. cities throughout the summer .
Chicago Police Department superintendent David Brown told NBC 5 Chicago that the civil unrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , exacerbated the problems Chicago police already face .
Year-to-date shootings and murders in Chicago have both increased this year , according to the newly released data .
Shootings between January and the end of November were 58 percent higher compared with the same time frame last year .
Murders increased by 54 percent compared with the same time period .
In September , Chicago surpassed its total number of homicides in 2019 .
Though shooting incidents and homicides are on the rise this year , other violent crimes like assault and robbery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other cities in the United States have experienced notable upticks in shootings and homicides this year .
New York City surpassed the 2019 total number of shootings in August , as did Seattle .

Police-targeted shootings in Chicago spiked this year compared with 2019, according to Chicago Police Department data released Tuesday.
Officers were shot at 71 times this year, compared with 18 incidents last year. From January through November 2020, 10 officers were struck by bullets, whereas 3 officers were hit in the same time period last year.
Anti-police protests began in May following the death of George Floyd and continued in Chicago and other major U.S. cities throughout the summer. Chicago Police Department superintendent David Brown told NBC 5 Chicago that the civil unrest, in addition to the coronavirus outbreak, exacerbated the problems Chicago police already face.
Year-to-date shootings and murders in Chicago have both increased this year, according to the newly released data. Shootings between January and the end of November were 58 percent higher compared with the same time frame last year. Murders increased by 54 percent compared with the same time period.
In September, Chicago surpassed its total number of homicides in 2019.
Though shooting incidents and homicides are on the rise this year, other violent crimes like assault and robbery are down, following national trends.
Other cities in the United States have experienced notable upticks in shootings and homicides this year. New York City surpassed the 2019 total number of shootings in August, as did Seattle.


freebeacon--2020-12-03--Warnock Keeps Graduate Thesis Under Wraps at Library

Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Raphael Warnock has declined to authorize the release of his divinity school graduate thesis , which is under wraps at the Union Theological Seminary library due to copyright restrictions .
Warnock wrote the thesis , titled Churchmen , Church Martyrs : The Activist Ecclesiologies of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King , Jr. , in 1994 while he was a graduate student at the Union Theological Seminary .
The paper is a precursor to Warnock 's 2006 Ph.D. dissertation , a copy of which was obtained by the Washington Free Beacon .
The dissertation is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ copyright .
The graduate thesis , which discusses Christianity 's responsibility to pursue social justice , could shed light on Warnock 's ideological background .
The Senate candidate , a preacher at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta , has come under fire for his defense of socialism , criticism of Israel , and praise of an anti-American speech by Jeremiah Wright .
Warnock 's association with the late theologian James Cone , whom the Senate candidate described as his mentor , has also drawn scrutiny because of Cone 's controversial comments about race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the founders of black liberation theology , advocated for the `` destruction of everything white '' and claimed that `` American white theology is a theology of the Antichrist . ''
The Burke Library in New York , where the thesis is held , said it was n't able to provide a full copy of Warnock 's dissertation `` because it is still in copyright . ''
However , the library released a small portion of the paper to the Free Beacon .
Warnock holds the copyright , according to the library .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inquiry from the Free Beacon about whether he would approve access to the thesis .
In the 5-page excerpt of the 42-page paper that the library provided to the Free Beacon , Warnock criticized the `` moral ineptitude and bourgeoisification of church in America today '' and called for a greater commitment to fighting for social justice .
John Bergmayer , the legal director at Public Knowledge , a nonprofit group that advocates for greater access to intellectual property , said that copyright laws should not affect whether a library allows people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affect whether a library provides paper or digital copies of these materials .
Because many libraries , including the Burke Library , are closed to non-student researchers due to the coronavirus pandemic , this situation can create complications for access , according to Bergmayer .
`` Everything that a library has is subject to copyright , '' he said .
`` That it is under copyright does not really affect whether or not they can give you access to [ read ] it . ''
Bergmayer said libraries can provide copies under a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , but whether or not a request falls under this category is often unclear unless or until the use is challenged in court by the copyright holder .
`` Different libraries have a different risk tolerance , '' he said .
`` The problem with Fair Use is it 's really hard to say definitively one way or the other until it 's litigated . ''

Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Raphael Warnock has declined to authorize the release of his divinity school graduate thesis, which is under wraps at the Union Theological Seminary library due to copyright restrictions.
Warnock wrote the thesis, titled Churchmen, Church Martyrs: The Activist Ecclesiologies of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1994 while he was a graduate student at the Union Theological Seminary. The paper is a precursor to Warnock's 2006 Ph.D. dissertation, a copy of which was obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. The dissertation is also housed at the seminary library and under copyright.
The graduate thesis, which discusses Christianity's responsibility to pursue social justice, could shed light on Warnock's ideological background. The Senate candidate, a preacher at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, has come under fire for his defense of socialism, criticism of Israel, and praise of an anti-American speech by Jeremiah Wright.
Warnock's association with the late theologian James Cone, whom the Senate candidate described as his mentor, has also drawn scrutiny because of Cone's controversial comments about race and religion. Cone, one of the founders of black liberation theology, advocated for the "destruction of everything white" and claimed that "American white theology is a theology of the Antichrist."
The Burke Library in New York, where the thesis is held, said it wasn't able to provide a full copy of Warnock's dissertation "because it is still in copyright." However, the library released a small portion of the paper to the Free Beacon.
Warnock holds the copyright, according to the library. The Warnock campaign did not respond to an inquiry from the Free Beacon about whether he would approve access to the thesis.
In the 5-page excerpt of the 42-page paper that the library provided to the Free Beacon, Warnock criticized the "moral ineptitude and bourgeoisification of church in America today" and called for a greater commitment to fighting for social justice.
John Bergmayer, the legal director at Public Knowledge, a nonprofit group that advocates for greater access to intellectual property, said that copyright laws should not affect whether a library allows people to read copyrighted works—but that they could affect whether a library provides paper or digital copies of these materials. Because many libraries, including the Burke Library, are closed to non-student researchers due to the coronavirus pandemic, this situation can create complications for access, according to Bergmayer.
"Everything that a library has is subject to copyright," he said. "That it is under copyright does not really affect whether or not they can give you access to [read] it."
Bergmayer said libraries can provide copies under a "Fair Use" exception in many cases, but whether or not a request falls under this category is often unclear unless or until the use is challenged in court by the copyright holder.
"Different libraries have a different risk tolerance," he said. "The problem with Fair Use is it's really hard to say definitively one way or the other until it's litigated."


freebeacon--2020-12-03--Goodman Tells Fox News Warnock Must Answer Allegations of Fraud in Voter Group He Led

Washington Free Beacon senior investigative reporter Alana Goodman told Fox News on Thursday that Georgia Senate candidate Raphael Warnock ( D. ) must address allegations of voter registration fraud inside the New Georgia Project , a group he used to lead .
`` Warnock has been involved with this group since 2014 , so I think he does have to answer for this with Georgian voters , '' Goodman said on Fox & Friends .
Goodman also urged Georgia governor Brian Kemp ( R. ) to disclose any details of his administration 's investigation into the voter registration group , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger ( R. ) said the New Georgia Project `` sent voter registration applications to New York City , '' in a potential violation of state law , and Goodman said that Warnock may be implicated .
`` Warnock was [ with the New Georgia Project ] until earlier this year , '' Goodman said .
`` Was he there when these incidents took place ? ''
The group was also under investigation in 2014 for allegedly filing more than 200 fraudulent ballots .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the group has had these issues , '' Goodman said .
Raffensperger announced in a Monday press conference that the New Georgia Project is among four groups under investigation for allegedly improperly registering voters .
`` Voting in Georgia when you are not a resident of Georgia is a felony , '' Raffensperger said .
`` These third-party groups have a responsibility to not encourage illegal voting .
If they do so , they will be held responsible . ''

Washington Free Beacon senior investigative reporter Alana Goodman told Fox News on Thursday that Georgia Senate candidate Raphael Warnock (D.) must address allegations of voter registration fraud inside the New Georgia Project, a group he used to lead.
"Warnock has been involved with this group since 2014, so I think he does have to answer for this with Georgian voters," Goodman said on Fox & Friends.
Goodman also urged Georgia governor Brian Kemp (R.) to disclose any details of his administration's investigation into the voter registration group, where Warnock was CEO until February of this year. Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger (R.) said the New Georgia Project "sent voter registration applications to New York City," in a potential violation of state law, and Goodman said that Warnock may be implicated.
"Warnock was [with the New Georgia Project] until earlier this year," Goodman said. "Was he there when these incidents took place?"
The group was also under investigation in 2014 for allegedly filing more than 200 fraudulent ballots.
"This is not the first time that the group has had these issues," Goodman said.
Raffensperger announced in a Monday press conference that the New Georgia Project is among four groups under investigation for allegedly improperly registering voters.
"Voting in Georgia when you are not a resident of Georgia is a felony,"Raffensperger said. "These third-party groups have a responsibility to not encourage illegal voting. If they do so, they will be held responsible."


freebeacon--2020-12-03--Loeffler Unveils Bill Aimed at Boosting Minority-Owned Businesses

Georgia senator Kelly Loeffler ( R. ) introduced legislation Thursday to bolster minority-owned businesses devastated by the coronavirus pandemic .
The bill , part of Loeffler 's Prosperity Plan , provides $ 7 billion in funding to community development and opportunity zone programs and makes permanent a development agency devoted to minority-owned businesses .
It also extends small business debt relief that was included in the CARES Act .
The legislation comes as Loeffler competes with Democrat Raphael Warnock in a runoff election on Jan. 5 that could determine which party controls the Senate .
Warnock has come under fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which he said that `` nobody can serve God and the military '' and that Americans must `` repent '' for supporting President Donald Trump and for the country 's `` worship of whiteness . ''
He has also praised anti-Semitic reverend Jeremiah Wright 's controversial `` God Damn America '' sermon .
Loeffler 's campaign recently aired an advertisement touting the senator 's support for school choice and minority-owned businesses .
Loeffler also criticized the Black Lives Matter movement for advocating the defunding of police , the disruption of the nuclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism made her a target of the WNBA , where she is a co-owner of the Atlanta Dream .
With Congress still locked in negotiations over another coronavirus aid package , Loeffler stressed the need to act to support minority communities disproportionately harmed by the pandemic .
`` Economically distressed communities need a lifeline now more than ever , '' Loeffler said .
`` The Economic Empowerment for Underserved Communities Act will expand access to the capital and resources to support minority-owned businesses , create jobs , and promote economic revitalization . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it a priority to ensure emergency funding for small businesses is available to under-banked and underserved communities , '' Rubio said .
`` Senator Loeffler ’ s bill does exactly that by providing critical funding and resources that would benefit underserved entrepreneurs as well as establish long-term support and investments in low-income communities . ''

Georgia senator Kelly Loeffler (R.) introduced legislation Thursday to bolster minority-owned businesses devastated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The bill, part of Loeffler's Prosperity Plan, provides $7 billion in funding to community development and opportunity zone programs and makes permanent a development agency devoted to minority-owned businesses. It also extends small business debt relief that was included in the CARES Act.
The legislation comes as Loeffler competes with Democrat Raphael Warnock in a runoff election on Jan. 5 that could determine which party controls the Senate.
Warnock has come under fire for a series of controversial sermons, in which he said that "nobody can serve God and the military" and that Americans must "repent" for supporting President Donald Trump and for the country's "worship of whiteness." He has also praised anti-Semitic reverend Jeremiah Wright's controversial "God Damn America" sermon.
Loeffler's campaign recently aired an advertisement touting the senator's support for school choice and minority-owned businesses. Loeffler also criticized the Black Lives Matter movement for advocating the defunding of police, the disruption of the nuclear family, and political violence. Her criticism made her a target of the WNBA, where she is a co-owner of the Atlanta Dream.
With Congress still locked in negotiations over another coronavirus aid package, Loeffler stressed the need to act to support minority communities disproportionately harmed by the pandemic.
"Economically distressed communities need a lifeline now more than ever," Loeffler said. "The Economic Empowerment for Underserved Communities Act will expand access to the capital and resources to support minority-owned businesses, create jobs, and promote economic revitalization."
Loeffler's bill garnered support from other Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.).
"Throughout this crisis, we have made it a priority to ensure emergency funding for small businesses is available to under-banked and underserved communities," Rubio said. "Senator Loeffler’s bill does exactly that by providing critical funding and resources that would benefit underserved entrepreneurs as well as establish long-term support and investments in low-income communities."


freebeacon--2020-12-04--U.N. Poses a Stacked Deck Against Biden, Experts Say

President-elect Joe Biden 's pledge to reengage with the United Nations and other international organizations could weaken America 's position against China , according to foreign policy experts .
On the campaign trail , Biden criticized the Trump administration 's withdrawal writ large from multilateral institutions , saying that he will rejoin several organizations that the White House declared as hostile to American interests , such as the U.N. Human Rights Council , U.N. Population Fund , and the World Health Organization .
Some critics said returning to the table will end institutional hostility to U.S. interests .
American Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , spoke to the dangers of rejoining organizations like the U.N. Population Fund in a conversation with the Washington Free Beacon .
`` Funding the U.N. Population Fund carries significant risk for the United States , namely , being complicit in China 's coercive population control measures in Xinjiang , '' Sobolik said .
`` Cursory research reveals official links between China 's National Health Commission and Xinjiang 's health commission , the local government agency responsible for funding the sterilization and abortion of Uighur women and babies .
This connection , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policymakers , given [ the ] U.N. Population Fund 's work with Chinese family planning agencies . ''
China has used international organizations to promote its domestic interests , including the U.N. Population Fund .
Beijing leverages the organization to cooperate with Chinese population control measures in places like Xinjiang , where millions of Uighurs are currently detained .
China also manipulates international agencies through its economic and political power as a bully pulpit toward developing countries , according to Stewart M. Patrick of the Council on Foreign Relations .
`` Xi Jinping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and security and also development in Africa , and so obviously the Belt and Road Initiative holds some sway , '' Patrick said at a Thursday panel hosted by the American Enterprise Institute .
AEI senior fellow Danielle Pletka noted that the traditional use of multilateral institutions and agreements—often on display during the Obama administration—would not be effective in standing up to Beijing .
Pletka pointed to Biden 's promises to strengthen America 's U.N. presence and to re-sign the Paris climate accords .
`` Joining something is n't a win , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adherence , effectiveness , and doing something related to that actual signature is often left far behind .
… This is a farcical approach to international organizations that has governed us for way too long . ''
Biden has already made rejoining the U.N. and similar organizations a top agenda item for his administration .
The first round of his cabinet picks includes John Kerry as special presidential envoy for climate and Linda Thomas-Greenfield as ambassador to the U.N. , signaling to some the importance of those positions to Biden given how early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to government to get America back on track to address the biggest challenge of this generation and those that will follow , '' Kerry tweeted in November .
`` The climate crisis demands nothing less than all hands on deck . ''

President-elect Joe Biden's pledge to reengage with the United Nations and other international organizations could weaken America's position against China, according to foreign policy experts.
On the campaign trail, Biden criticized the Trump administration's withdrawal writ large from multilateral institutions, saying that he will rejoin several organizations that the White House declared as hostile to American interests, such as the U.N. Human Rights Council, U.N. Population Fund, and the World Health Organization. Some critics said returning to the table will end institutional hostility to U.S. interests. American Foreign Policy Council research fellow Michael Sobolik, however, spoke to the dangers of rejoining organizations like the U.N. Population Fund in a conversation with the Washington Free Beacon.
"Funding the U.N. Population Fund carries significant risk for the United States, namely, being complicit in China's coercive population control measures in Xinjiang," Sobolik said. "Cursory research reveals official links between China's National Health Commission and Xinjiang's health commission, the local government agency responsible for funding the sterilization and abortion of Uighur women and babies. This connection, while unsurprising, should deeply concern U.S. policymakers, given [the] U.N. Population Fund's work with Chinese family planning agencies."
China has used international organizations to promote its domestic interests, including the U.N. Population Fund. Beijing leverages the organization to cooperate with Chinese population control measures in places like Xinjiang, where millions of Uighurs are currently detained. China also manipulates international agencies through its economic and political power as a bully pulpit toward developing countries, according to Stewart M. Patrick of the Council on Foreign Relations.
"Xi Jinping has pledged lots of money for peace and security and also development in Africa, and so obviously the Belt and Road Initiative holds some sway," Patrick said at a Thursday panel hosted by the American Enterprise Institute.
AEI senior fellow Danielle Pletka noted that the traditional use of multilateral institutions and agreements—often on display during the Obama administration—would not be effective in standing up to Beijing. Pletka pointed to Biden's promises to strengthen America's U.N. presence and to re-sign the Paris climate accords.
"Joining something isn't a win," Pletka said. "Of course, adherence, effectiveness, and doing something related to that actual signature is often left far behind. ... This is a farcical approach to international organizations that has governed us for way too long."
Biden has already made rejoining the U.N. and similar organizations a top agenda item for his administration. The first round of his cabinet picks includes John Kerry as special presidential envoy for climate and Linda Thomas-Greenfield as ambassador to the U.N., signaling to some the importance of those positions to Biden given how early they were announced.
"I'm returning to government to get America back on track to address the biggest challenge of this generation and those that will follow," Kerry tweeted in November. "The climate crisis demands nothing less than all hands on deck."


freebeacon--2020-12-04--Soros Nonprofit President Departs, Fueling Speculation About a Biden Appointment

The president of George Soros 's vast nonprofit network is leaving his position to potentially join President-elect Joe Biden 's administration , according to reports .
Patrick Gaspard is stepping down as president of Soros 's Open Society Foundation , Axios reported Friday .
The move has fueled speculation that Gaspard may be Biden 's pick for Labor secretary .
`` I write to share with you that I will leave Open Society at the end of the year , '' Gaspard wrote to people within the organization .
`` After four profound years of service to this extraordinary institution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the democracy that is my home , I am compelled to charge once more unto the breech in a new political moment . ''
Soros , who poured a personal record of $ 70 million into the 2020 elections , has loomed large over the transition .
The Washington Free Beacon reported that a number of individuals in Soros 's network received seats on Biden 's transition team .
Sarah Cross , an advocacy director at Soros 's Open Society Foundations , is on Biden 's State Department team .
Michael Penn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Open Society Foundations , is on the United Nations team .
Diane Thompson , a Leadership in Government Fellow at the Open Society Foundations , was tapped for Biden 's Consumer Financial Protection Bureau transition team .

The president of George Soros's vast nonprofit network is leaving his position to potentially join President-elect Joe Biden's administration, according to reports.
Patrick Gaspard is stepping down as president of Soros's Open Society Foundation, Axios reported Friday. The move has fueled speculation that Gaspard may be Biden's pick for Labor secretary.
"I write to share with you that I will leave Open Society at the end of the year," Gaspard wrote to people within the organization. "After four profound years of service to this extraordinary institution, and at a critical juncture for the democracy that is my home, I am compelled to charge once more unto the breech in a new political moment."
Soros, who poured a personal record of $70 million into the 2020 elections, has loomed large over the transition. The Washington Free Beacon reported that a number of individuals in Soros's network received seats on Biden's transition team.
Sarah Cross, an advocacy director at Soros's Open Society Foundations, is on Biden's State Department team. Michael Penn, a special adviser in the executive office of the Open Society Foundations, is on the United Nations team. Diane Thompson, a Leadership in Government Fellow at the Open Society Foundations, was tapped for Biden's Consumer Financial Protection Bureau transition team.


freebeacon--2020-12-04--House Dems Vote to Legalize Weed, Block GOP Protection for Small Businesses

House Democrats passed a bill legalizing marijuana federally and voted down a Republican amendment that would have protected businesses seeking to test employees or applicants for the drug .
The MORE Act passed the House on Friday , removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act 's list of scheduled substances .
The legislation would eliminate any federal criminal penalties for possessing , manufacturing , or distributing the drug .
The failed amendment , proposed by Rep. Debbie Lesko ( R. , Ariz. ) , would have established that `` an employer may test an employee or applicant for cannabis use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The amendment would have effectively allowed employers to retain the right to test employees or applicants for marijuana use while on the job .
Lesko urged the amendment 's adoption during a motion to recommit , the final chance legislators have to amend a bill .
`` As my Democratic colleagues often say , we need to follow the science , '' Lesko said .
`` If we adopt this motion , we will address legal ambiguities that may arise from removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and affirm private employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to keep their workplaces and the public safe , '' she continued .
`` This is not a ‘ gotcha ' moment .
It 's not playing politics .
My motion to recommit is a genuine attempt to improve the bill . ''
The motion to recommit on the amendment received 174 votes—163 votes from Republicans and 11 from Democrats .
But 218 lawmakers voted against it , all but one of whom are Democrats .
The lone Republican voting against the amendment was Rep. Matt Gaetz ( Fla. ) , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cosponsor .
The bill is not expected to pass the Republican-controlled Senate .

House Democrats passed a bill legalizing marijuana federally and voted down a Republican amendment that would have protected businesses seeking to test employees or applicants for the drug.
The MORE Act passed the House on Friday, removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act's list of scheduled substances. The legislation would eliminate any federal criminal penalties for possessing, manufacturing, or distributing the drug.
The failed amendment, proposed by Rep. Debbie Lesko (R., Ariz.), would have established that "an employer may test an employee or applicant for cannabis use to ensure workplace and public safety." The amendment would have effectively allowed employers to retain the right to test employees or applicants for marijuana use while on the job.
Lesko urged the amendment's adoption during a motion to recommit, the final chance legislators have to amend a bill.
"As my Democratic colleagues often say, we need to follow the science," Lesko said.
"If we adopt this motion, we will address legal ambiguities that may arise from removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and affirm private employers' right to drug test employees in order to keep their workplaces and the public safe," she continued. "This is not a 'gotcha' moment. It's not playing politics. My motion to recommit is a genuine attempt to improve the bill."
The motion to recommit on the amendment received 174 votes—163 votes from Republicans and 11 from Democrats. But 218 lawmakers voted against it, all but one of whom are Democrats. The lone Republican voting against the amendment was Rep. Matt Gaetz (Fla.), who is also the bill's only Republican cosponsor.
The bill is not expected to pass the Republican-controlled Senate.


freebeacon--2020-12-04--Maxine Waters Pays Daughter Hundreds of Thousands in Campaign Funds

Rep. Maxine Waters 's ( D. , Calif. ) campaign paid the congresswoman 's daughter hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds during the 2020 election cycle , according to Federal Election Commission records .
Karen Waters received $ 240,000 from her mother ’ s campaign for a variety of campaign activities , including soliciting campaign contributions from other candidates in exchange for the congresswoman 's endorsement on campaign mailers , Fox News reported .
This is not the first time Maxine Waters has used the controversial practice to raise funds for her campaign , and her campaign has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage the scheme .
From 2006 through 2020 , Waters ’ s campaign shelled out more than $ 1 million to her daughter—either directly or through Progressive Connections , Karen Waters ’ s public relations firm—for producing what are known as slate mailers featuring her mother 's endorsement of California candidates .
Karen Waters raked in more than $ 200,000 from her mother ’ s campaign during the 2018 election cycle , the Washington Free Beacon first reported .
Watchdog groups have filed complaints asking the FEC to audit Waters 's campaign for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced criticism for the mailers since 2010 , when one watchdog group first reported that the congresswoman had been paying her daughter to run the operation .
California Democrats including Governor Gavin Newsom , Sen. Dianne Feinstein , and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have donated tens of thousands of dollars to Waters ’ s campaign for the endorsement mailers .
Though the FEC caps individual campaign contributions at $ 2,800 , payments for the slate mailers are considered `` reimbursements '' for Waters ’ s endorsement .
The commission issued an advisory opinion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the operation through her campaign .
Waters was first elected to Congress in 1990 and serves California 's 43rd Congressional District .

Rep. Maxine Waters's (D., Calif.) campaign paid the congresswoman's daughter hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds during the 2020 election cycle, according to Federal Election Commission records.
Karen Waters received $240,000 from her mother’s campaign for a variety of campaign activities, including soliciting campaign contributions from other candidates in exchange for the congresswoman's endorsement on campaign mailers, Fox News reported.
This is not the first time Maxine Waters has used the controversial practice to raise funds for her campaign, and her campaign has paid her daughter for years to help manage the scheme.
From 2006 through 2020, Waters’s campaign shelled out more than $1 million to her daughter—either directly or through Progressive Connections, Karen Waters’s public relations firm—for producing what are known as slate mailers featuring her mother's endorsement of California candidates. Karen Waters raked in more than $200,000 from her mother’s campaign during the 2018 election cycle, the Washington Free Beacon first reported.
Watchdog groups have filed complaints asking the FEC to audit Waters's campaign for using the mailers. The campaign has faced criticism for the mailers since 2010, when one watchdog group first reported that the congresswoman had been paying her daughter to run the operation.
California Democrats including Governor Gavin Newsom, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have donated tens of thousands of dollars to Waters’s campaign for the endorsement mailers.
Though the FEC caps individual campaign contributions at $2,800, payments for the slate mailers are considered "reimbursements" for Waters’s endorsement. The commission issued an advisory opinion in 2004 allowing Waters permission to run the operation through her campaign.
Waters was first elected to Congress in 1990 and serves California's 43rd Congressional District.


freebeacon--2020-12-04--San Diego Requires Anti-Racism Training for Teachers

The San Diego Unified School District required teachers to attend a `` white privilege '' training session in which they had to say they were racist and `` confront '' their privilege .
Christopher Rufo , a contributing editor at City Journal , obtained slideshows from the presentation , which he published Thursday .
The training began with an `` acknowledgement '' that `` we meet on stolen land '' and continued with discussions on `` white culture '' and `` white fragility . ''
The presentation defined `` white fragility '' as `` emotions ( racial stress ) that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial realities '' and that include `` closed-mindedness '' and `` defensiveness . ''
One slide told teachers `` you are a racist '' and `` you are upholding racist ideas , structures , and policies . ''
Another slide on `` white privilege , '' referring to a white person in the first person , said , `` My ability to THRIVE , not just survive in this country , is being preserved at every level of power without me having to do anything at all .
I do n't even have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information from controversial `` anti-racist '' speakers and professors , including Robin DiAngelo and Ibram X. Kendi .
Despite training others in `` anti-racism , '' DiAngelo was paid more than a black woman for doing the same job , according to documents first uncovered by the Washington Free Beacon .
Training in `` anti-racism '' and critical race theory , the idea that law and society are inherently racist , grew in popularity this year following months of civil and racial unrest .
A Virginia school district developed an `` anti-racist '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government agencies , including the Energy Department and taxpayer-funded laboratories , and leading corporations and universities have also begun implementing mandatory critical race theory training .
In September , President Donald Trump banned these trainings at federally funded institutions after Rufo reported on them .

The San Diego Unified School District required teachers to attend a "white privilege" training session in which they had to say they were racist and "confront" their privilege.
Christopher Rufo, a contributing editor at City Journal, obtained slideshows from the presentation, which he published Thursday. The training began with an "acknowledgement" that "we meet on stolen land" and continued with discussions on "white culture" and "white fragility."
The presentation defined "white fragility" as "emotions (racial stress) that are stirred when making white people consider racial realities" and that include "closed-mindedness" and "defensiveness." One slide told teachers "you are a racist" and "you are upholding racist ideas, structures, and policies."
Another slide on "white privilege," referring to a white person in the first person, said, "My ability to THRIVE, not just survive in this country, is being preserved at every level of power without me having to do anything at all. I don't even have to vote."
The slideshow used information from controversial "anti-racist" speakers and professors, including Robin DiAngelo and Ibram X. Kendi. Despite training others in "anti-racism," DiAngelo was paid more than a black woman for doing the same job, according to documents first uncovered by the Washington Free Beacon.
Training in "anti-racism" and critical race theory, the idea that law and society are inherently racist, grew in popularity this year following months of civil and racial unrest.
A Virginia school district developed an "anti-racist" curriculum for elementary students this summer. Government agencies, including the Energy Department and taxpayer-funded laboratories, and leading corporations and universities have also begun implementing mandatory critical race theory training.
In September, President Donald Trump banned these trainings at federally funded institutions after Rufo reported on them.


freebeacon--2020-12-04--Kanye West Campaign Gives $100K to Anti-Israel Rapper

Kanye West 's failed 2020 presidential campaign disbursed $ 100,000 to a rapper known for his hostility to Israel , according to Federal Election Commission filings .
West 's campaign spent the money on `` communications consulting '' from Lavonne Alford , also known under his rapper name M-1 , who is one half of the popular duo Dead Prez .
It is unclear how Alford 's services were used in late October , when the payment was made .
West no longer has a press secretary , and sources close to his campaign said they were unaware of Alford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activist , raising the cause in his music and other work .
Following a 2011 trip to the Palestinian West Bank territories , Alford decried the `` unsanctioned settlements that have been thieved under the hands of the Israel military state , '' according to an interview with the San Francisco Bay View National Black Paper .
He also criticized U.S. security aid to Israel and dismissed concerns about Palestinian terrorists launching missiles at Israeli civilians .
`` Now if you count the bombs that may have come from Hamas side , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peanut butter allergies in Israel every year , '' he said .
He also promoted unfounded claims the United States and Israel attack Palestinians with `` depleted uranium , '' claiming it has led to `` deformity and almost irreparable land destruction . ''
Alford also praised Palestinian terrorist Leila Khaled , the first female Palestinian airplane hijacker , who continues to promote violence against Israel .
`` I study people like Leila Khaled , and she is a revolutionary from that area who is able to make great strides in Palestinian liberation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out there for us to follow , '' he said .
In talks with Palestinians during his trip , `` we spoke the international language of revolution and solidarity , '' Alford claimed .

Kanye West's failed 2020 presidential campaign disbursed $100,000 to a rapper known for his hostility to Israel, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
West's campaign spent the money on "communications consulting" from Lavonne Alford, also known under his rapper name M-1, who is one half of the popular duo Dead Prez. It is unclear how Alford's services were used in late October, when the payment was made. West no longer has a press secretary, and sources close to his campaign said they were unaware of Alford's role.
Alford is a pro-Palestinian activist, raising the cause in his music and other work.
Following a 2011 trip to the Palestinian West Bank territories, Alford decried the "unsanctioned settlements that have been thieved under the hands of the Israel military state," according to an interview with the San Francisco Bay View National Black Paper. He also criticized U.S. security aid to Israel and dismissed concerns about Palestinian terrorists launching missiles at Israeli civilians.
"Now if you count the bombs that may have come from Hamas side, it would equal how many people die from peanut butter allergies in Israel every year," he said.
He also promoted unfounded claims the United States and Israel attack Palestinians with "depleted uranium," claiming it has led to "deformity and almost irreparable land destruction."
Alford also praised Palestinian terrorist Leila Khaled, the first female Palestinian airplane hijacker, who continues to promote violence against Israel.
"I study people like Leila Khaled, and she is a revolutionary from that area who is able to make great strides in Palestinian liberation and able to put a legitimate resistance out there for us to follow," he said.
In talks with Palestinians during his trip, "we spoke the international language of revolution and solidarity," Alford claimed.


freebeacon--2020-12-04--Biden HHS Favorite Would Revive Obama-Era Attacks on Religious Freedom

One of the favorites to lead President-elect Joe Biden 's Department of Health and Human Services spearheaded the attempt to revoke religious liberty protections instituted by the Trump administration , a position that could lead Senate Republicans to challenge her confirmation .
If nominated and confirmed , New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham ( D. ) would lead one of the largest departments in the federal government overseeing the implementation of health care regulations .
During her time in the House of Representatives , Grisham authored legislation that described religious conscience rights as `` discrimination . ''
In 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department 's Conscience and Religious Freedom Division , which was created in the wake of a legal conflict between the Obama administration and Catholic nuns who objected to the contraception mandate .
Neither the Biden transition team nor Grisham 's New Mexico office responded to requests for comment .
Grisham 's record on religious freedom raised the ire of Republican senator Ben Sasse ( Neb . )
, who told the Washington Free Beacon that Grisham `` could have a hard time getting confirmed '' if she does not respect First Amendment rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Bureaucrats ca n't make rabbis eat bacon .
They ca n't compel Muslim clerics to shotgun beers .
And they ca n't force nuns to pop birth control pills , '' Sasse said .
`` Nominees who ca n't pass basic civics tests are going to have a hard time getting confirmed . ''
The Trump administration pursued conscience protections to ensure that religious health providers , doctors , and nurses would not be forced to participate in procedures and practices that violated their beliefs .
Grisham , who has won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic circles , called such accommodations `` extremely troubling . ''
`` While peoples of faith can have honest disagreements , religious beliefs should not be used to further roll back access to health care , '' Grisham said .
Earlier this week , CNN reported that Grisham has emerged as the favorite to be nominated to head the Department of Health and Human Services .
Leaks from Biden 's transition team indicated that Grisham had turned down the position of secretary of the interior and downplayed Grisham 's chances for the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus .
A Grisham nomination would clash with Biden 's appeal to religious voters down the stretch of the 2020 election .
The former vice president repeatedly touted his faith and made explicit appeals to Catholic voters in an attempt to address criticism of his pro-abortion policies .
Exit polls estimated that Biden and Trump were neck and neck among Catholic voters .
Despite the campaign rhetoric , Biden has vowed to reverse the Supreme Court 's decision in favor of the Little Sisters of the Poor , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Catholic voter groups expressed concern that a Biden administration could target religious hospitals .
Catholic health ministries have more than 600 hospitals and 1,600 health care providers in the country , and 4 of the 10 largest health care systems in the country are Catholic .
Brian Burch , president of CatholicVote , said a Grisham nomination could prove fatal to the future of medical charities and facilities that serve millions of Americans each year .
`` Grisham 's legislation represented a direct attack on the freedom of health care providers to serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judgment and moral beliefs , '' Burch said .
`` If he selects Michelle Lujan Grisham , Biden is signaling that he intends to end Catholic health care in America . ''

One of the favorites to lead President-elect Joe Biden's Department of Health and Human Services spearheaded the attempt to revoke religious liberty protections instituted by the Trump administration, a position that could lead Senate Republicans to challenge her confirmation.
If nominated and confirmed, New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D.) would lead one of the largest departments in the federal government overseeing the implementation of health care regulations. During her time in the House of Representatives, Grisham authored legislation that described religious conscience rights as "discrimination." In 2018, Grisham introduced a bill to abolish the department's Conscience and Religious Freedom Division, which was created in the wake of a legal conflict between the Obama administration and Catholic nuns who objected to the contraception mandate.
Neither the Biden transition team nor Grisham's New Mexico office responded to requests for comment.
Grisham's record on religious freedom raised the ire of Republican senator Ben Sasse (Neb.), who told the Washington Free Beacon that Grisham "could have a hard time getting confirmed" if she does not respect First Amendment rights.
"Religious liberty is pretty straightforward: Bureaucrats can't make rabbis eat bacon. They can't compel Muslim clerics to shotgun beers. And they can't force nuns to pop birth control pills," Sasse said. "Nominees who can't pass basic civics tests are going to have a hard time getting confirmed."
The Trump administration pursued conscience protections to ensure that religious health providers, doctors, and nurses would not be forced to participate in procedures and practices that violated their beliefs. Grisham, who has won the support of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in Democratic circles, called such accommodations "extremely troubling."
"While peoples of faith can have honest disagreements, religious beliefs should not be used to further roll back access to health care," Grisham said.
Earlier this week, CNN reported that Grisham has emerged as the favorite to be nominated to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Leaks from Biden's transition team indicated that Grisham had turned down the position of secretary of the interior and downplayed Grisham's chances for the health secretary nomination. The leaks prompted backlash from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
A Grisham nomination would clash with Biden's appeal to religious voters down the stretch of the 2020 election. The former vice president repeatedly touted his faith and made explicit appeals to Catholic voters in an attempt to address criticism of his pro-abortion policies. Exit polls estimated that Biden and Trump were neck and neck among Catholic voters. Despite the campaign rhetoric, Biden has vowed to reverse the Supreme Court's decision in favor of the Little Sisters of the Poor, the nuns who challenged the contraception mandate.
Catholic voter groups expressed concern that a Biden administration could target religious hospitals. Catholic health ministries have more than 600 hospitals and 1,600 health care providers in the country, and 4 of the 10 largest health care systems in the country are Catholic. Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, said a Grisham nomination could prove fatal to the future of medical charities and facilities that serve millions of Americans each year.
"Grisham's legislation represented a direct attack on the freedom of health care providers to serve their patients consistent with their own medical judgment and moral beliefs," Burch said. "If he selects Michelle Lujan Grisham, Biden is signaling that he intends to end Catholic health care in America."


freebeacon--2020-12-04--Biden Taps Former Chinese Tech Mogul For Trade Transition

President-elect Joe Biden tapped a businessman and lobbyist with ties to Chinese Communist Party-run technology firms to help lead a trade agency review team .
Ted Dean joined Biden ’ s agency review team for the Office of the United States Trade Representative in November .
A former Obama administration bureaucrat , Dean also worked for multiple organizations that dealt with the business and technology arms of the Chinese Communist Party .
Dean served as the principal and president of a large Chinese tech consulting firm , as well as the chairman of a China-friendly business lobbying organization .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roles at BDA China Limited , a company focused on `` advising on investments in China ’ s consumer sector , '' according to the company ’ s website .
BDA scrubbed details from its site describing how the company was founded following a conference hosted by the Chinese government .
While BDA has not publicly disclosed its Chinese clientele , a 2016 New York Times report said BDA helped raise capital for state-owned enterprises including China Unicom , China Telecom , and China Mobile .
China Unicom and China Telecom were named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to the exploitation , influence , and control of the Chinese Communist Party , '' according to Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai .
Congress moved Tuesday to punish China Mobile for its noncompliance with American regulatory policies .
The Biden transition team did not respond to requests for comment about Dean 's business activities .
Rep. Jim Banks ( R. , Ind . )
panned Dean ’ s selection , saying it indicates a Biden administration would take a less aggressive approach to America 's chief geopolitical rival .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with China would disqualify them from working in a normal administration .
But this administration ’ s stance towards China isn ’ t normal , '' Banks said .
`` Joe Biden is poised to undo consensus U.S. foreign policy which treats China as our foremost global adversary .
Why ?
I ’ m not sure .
But I do know Biden ’ s financial ties to China predate his recent cabinet picks and involve people a lot closer to Joe Biden than any cabinet appointee . ''
BDA hired multiple other figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tech giants during Dean 's tenure , which ended when he joined the Obama administration in 2013 .
Duncan Clark , the chairman and founder of BDA , touted his association with Jack Ma , a Chinese Communist Party member and founder of Chinese e-commerce supergiant Alibaba .
Clark wrote a fawning biography of Ma and his approach to Chinese industry titled Alibaba : The House That Jack Ma Built , published in 2016 .
BDA managing director Lei Shi joined the consulting firm by way of Chinese telecom giant Huawei in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on projects in the Middle East and China .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Huawei and other Chinese companies `` Trojan horses for Chinese intelligence '' in February .
Several Western nations have banned Huawei from operating within their borders because of national security concerns .
BDA did not respond to requests for comment .
Dean ’ s ties to China do not end with BDA .
He was appointed chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in the People ’ s Republic of China ( AmCham China ) in 2011 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ working to promote commercial ties with China and foreign investment in Chinese industry .
Its efforts helped bring billions of dollars in American capital to China .
`` China continues to represent one of the best opportunities for the U.S. to expand exports , '' Dean said in 2011 .
`` A healthy bilateral economic relationship between the U.S. and China is good for AmCham-China member companies and good for the U.S .
economy . ''
Derek Scissors , a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute , said unfettered trade and investment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s most grave national security threats .
He estimates that American private and public investment in China likely exceeds $ 1 trillion , with much of the capital being funneled to institutions that challenge American security .
`` This is China ’ s peak time , '' Scissors said .
`` If [ the Chinese Communist Party is ] subsidizing a sector that ’ s either a threat to us or in direct competition with us and our money is going over there to take advantage of those subsidies , we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our own industries , and the national interest . ''
The selection of Dean , an Obama administration appointee , could be a measuring stick for how Biden sets his own trade agenda .
According to Scissors , if the Biden administration repeats the policies of the Obama years , it could lead to ruin .
`` Xi Jinping took over early in the second term of the Obama administration , they knew what he was like , and they wanted no part of responding , '' Scissors said of Obama ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspicious of the Biden administration because of their track record . ''

President-elect Joe Biden tapped a businessman and lobbyist with ties to Chinese Communist Party-run technology firms to help lead a trade agency review team.
Ted Dean joined Biden’s agency review team for the Office of the United States Trade Representative in November. A former Obama administration bureaucrat, Dean also worked for multiple organizations that dealt with the business and technology arms of the Chinese Communist Party. Dean served as the principal and president of a large Chinese tech consulting firm, as well as the chairman of a China-friendly business lobbying organization.
From 1999 to 2013, Dean held leadership roles at BDA China Limited, a company focused on "advising on investments in China’s consumer sector," according to the company’s website. BDA scrubbed details from its site describing how the company was founded following a conference hosted by the Chinese government. While BDA has not publicly disclosed its Chinese clientele, a 2016 New York Times report said BDA helped raise capital for state-owned enterprises including China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile. China Unicom and China Telecom were named in April as companies that are vulnerable "to the exploitation, influence, and control of the Chinese Communist Party," according to Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai. Congress moved Tuesday to punish China Mobile for its noncompliance with American regulatory policies.
The Biden transition team did not respond to requests for comment about Dean's business activities.
Rep. Jim Banks (R., Ind.) panned Dean’s selection, saying it indicates a Biden administration would take a less aggressive approach to America's chief geopolitical rival.
"There are already several potential appointees whose coziness with China would disqualify them from working in a normal administration. But this administration’s stance towards China isn’t normal," Banks said. "Joe Biden is poised to undo consensus U.S. foreign policy which treats China as our foremost global adversary. Why? I’m not sure. But I do know Biden’s financial ties to China predate his recent cabinet picks and involve people a lot closer to Joe Biden than any cabinet appointee."
BDA hired multiple other figures with links to the Chinese Communist Party and tech giants during Dean's tenure, which ended when he joined the Obama administration in 2013. Duncan Clark, the chairman and founder of BDA, touted his association with Jack Ma, a Chinese Communist Party member and founder of Chinese e-commerce supergiant Alibaba. Clark wrote a fawning biography of Ma and his approach to Chinese industry titled Alibaba: The House That Jack Ma Built, published in 2016. BDA managing director Lei Shi joined the consulting firm by way of Chinese telecom giant Huawei in 2008. At Huawei, Shi worked on projects in the Middle East and China. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called Huawei and other Chinese companies "Trojan horses for Chinese intelligence" in February. Several Western nations have banned Huawei from operating within their borders because of national security concerns.
BDA did not respond to requests for comment.
Dean’s ties to China do not end with BDA. He was appointed chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in the People’s Republic of China (AmCham China) in 2011. AmCham China is an influential lobbying organization working to promote commercial ties with China and foreign investment in Chinese industry. Its efforts helped bring billions of dollars in American capital to China.
"China continues to represent one of the best opportunities for the U.S. to expand exports," Dean said in 2011. "A healthy bilateral economic relationship between the U.S. and China is good for AmCham-China member companies and good for the U.S. economy."
Derek Scissors, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, said unfettered trade and investment in China is one of America’s most grave national security threats. He estimates that American private and public investment in China likely exceeds $1 trillion, with much of the capital being funneled to institutions that challenge American security.
"This is China’s peak time," Scissors said. "If [the Chinese Communist Party is] subsidizing a sector that’s either a threat to us or in direct competition with us and our money is going over there to take advantage of those subsidies, we’re undermining congressional allocations, the competitiveness of our own industries, and the national interest."
The selection of Dean, an Obama administration appointee, could be a measuring stick for how Biden sets his own trade agenda. According to Scissors, if the Biden administration repeats the policies of the Obama years, it could lead to ruin.
"Xi Jinping took over early in the second term of the Obama administration, they knew what he was like, and they wanted no part of responding," Scissors said of Obama’s China team. "I’m suspicious of the Biden administration because of their track record."


freebeacon--2020-12-04--HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: 4 Years Since Ben Rhodes Attended Commie Dictator Fidel Castro’s Funeral

Four years ago today , Obama national security adviser Ben Rhodes represented the United States at the funeral service for Fidel Castro in Cuba , where he mourned the communist dictator 's passing alongside official delegations from China , Russia , Iran , and other prominent human-rights abusers .
White House press secretary Josh Earnest said at the time that Rhodes 's role as `` principal interlocutor with the Cuban government '' in the Obama administration 's campaign to normalize relations with the communist dictatorship made him an obvious choice to represent the United States at Castro 's funeral .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also played a leading role in the Obama administration 's diplomatic effort to give Iran billions of dollars in exchange for a promise of good behavior .
Like the normalization of relations with Cuba , the Iran deal was not sanctioned by Congress and was therefore swiftly and easily reversed by President Donald J. Trump , whose election one month prior to Castro 's funeral left Rhodes speechless and struggling to fight back tears .
Obama himself traveled to Cuba in March 2016 , becoming the first sitting president to do so in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball game in Havana , where he sat next to next to Fidel 's brother , Cuban president Raúl Castro .
Days later , Fidel Castro denounced Obama 's visit in a letter published by the Cuban Communist Party 's official newspaper , writing , `` We do n't need the empire to give us any presents . ''
Ben Rhodes 's controversial role in the Obama administration was vividly illustrated in a May 2016 profile in the New York Times , in which the so-called `` foreign-policy guru , '' who holds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confessed : `` I do n't know anymore where I begin and Obama ends . ''

Four years ago today, Obama national security adviser Ben Rhodes represented the United States at the funeral service for Fidel Castro in Cuba, where he mourned the communist dictator's passing alongside official delegations from China, Russia, Iran, and other prominent human-rights abusers.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest said at the time that Rhodes's role as "principal interlocutor with the Cuban government" in the Obama administration's campaign to normalize relations with the communist dictatorship made him an obvious choice to represent the United States at Castro's funeral. American taxpayers financed the trip.
Rhodes also played a leading role in the Obama administration's diplomatic effort to give Iran billions of dollars in exchange for a promise of good behavior. Like the normalization of relations with Cuba, the Iran deal was not sanctioned by Congress and was therefore swiftly and easily reversed by President Donald J. Trump, whose election one month prior to Castro's funeral left Rhodes speechless and struggling to fight back tears.
Obama himself traveled to Cuba in March 2016, becoming the first sitting president to do so in almost 90 years. He attended a baseball game in Havana, where he sat next to next to Fidel's brother, Cuban president Raúl Castro. Days later, Fidel Castro denounced Obama's visit in a letter published by the Cuban Communist Party's official newspaper, writing, "We don't need the empire to give us any presents."
Ben Rhodes's controversial role in the Obama administration was vividly illustrated in a May 2016 profile in the New York Times, in which the so-called "foreign-policy guru," who holds a masters degree in creative writing, confessed: "I don't know anymore where I begin and Obama ends."


freebeacon--2020-12-04--Omar Husband’s Firm Received Half Million in COVID Bailouts

A political consulting firm co-owned by Rep. Ilhan Omar 's ( D. , Minn. ) husband , Tim Mynett , received more than half-a-million dollars in pandemic bailout cash—even as it was raking in millions from Omar 's campaign .
The E Street Group , a D.C.-based company run by Mynett and Will Hailer , received $ 134,800 in Paycheck Protection Program loans and $ 500,000 in Economic Injury Disaster loans , new data show .
Both funds were established to help small businesses cope with the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Mynett 's firm , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 50 employees , received the aid as it was being showered with cash from Omar 's campaign .
Throughout the 2020 election cycle , Omar 's campaign steered nearly $ 3 million to the E Street Group to cover advertisements , consulting , travel expenses , and production costs .
It was by far the campaign 's largest vendor .
The firm also hauled in hundreds of thousands of dollars from other campaigns , according to Federal Election Commission filings .
The additional payments include $ 175,000 from Omar mentor Pramila Jayapal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nearly $ 130,000 from the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party for Omar mailers , and $ 40,000 from the Democratic National Committee .
The federal cash was intended to help struggling small businesses pay workers and stay afloat during the lockdowns .
The new figures were released Tuesday after a federal judge ordered that detailed data be made public following challenges from news organizations .
The Trump administration had insisted that making more detailed data public would infringe upon personal privacy .
Omar 's campaign sent an email to supporters in mid-November saying she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firm .
`` So we 've decided to terminate our contract with Tim and Will 's firm , '' the email stated .
`` While many of our close supporters know these two well and have recommended we keep them on — I want to make sure that anybody who is supporting our campaign with their time or financial support feels there is no perceived issue with that support . ''
Just two months earlier , Omar said that getting rid of her husband 's firm would be a `` stupid thing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following a Washington Free Beacon report that her campaign dished out $ 600,000 in payments to the firm over a 3-week span in July .
`` I do n't pay my husband , I pay the firm to do work , and that 600 really is an example of that work , '' Omar said .
`` And so what we do is that we have this firm really carry out the contractual work that we do with other vendors . ''
For months , Omar and Mynett had insisted they were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ex-wife said in divorce filings that the two were having an affair .
Mynett claimed at the time that his ex-wife was trying to ruin his career .
Omar and Mynett announced they were married in March .
The E Street Group did not respond to a request for comment .

A political consulting firm co-owned by Rep. Ilhan Omar's (D., Minn.) husband, Tim Mynett, received more than half-a-million dollars in pandemic bailout cash—even as it was raking in millions from Omar's campaign.
The E Street Group, a D.C.-based company run by Mynett and Will Hailer, received $134,800 in Paycheck Protection Program loans and $500,000 in Economic Injury Disaster loans, new data show. Both funds were established to help small businesses cope with the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Mynett's firm, whose LinkedIn page says it has between 11 and 50 employees, received the aid as it was being showered with cash from Omar's campaign. Throughout the 2020 election cycle, Omar's campaign steered nearly $3 million to the E Street Group to cover advertisements, consulting, travel expenses, and production costs. It was by far the campaign's largest vendor.
The firm also hauled in hundreds of thousands of dollars from other campaigns, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The additional payments include $175,000 from Omar mentor Pramila Jayapal's (D., Wash.) committee, nearly $130,000 from the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party for Omar mailers, and $40,000 from the Democratic National Committee.
The federal cash was intended to help struggling small businesses pay workers and stay afloat during the lockdowns. The new figures were released Tuesday after a federal judge ordered that detailed data be made public following challenges from news organizations. The Trump administration had insisted that making more detailed data public would infringe upon personal privacy.
Omar's campaign sent an email to supporters in mid-November saying she will cut ties with her husband's firm.
"So we've decided to terminate our contract with Tim and Will's firm," the email stated. "While many of our close supporters know these two well and have recommended we keep them on — I want to make sure that anybody who is supporting our campaign with their time or financial support feels there is no perceived issue with that support."
Just two months earlier, Omar said that getting rid of her husband's firm would be a "stupid thing to do." She also defended herself following a Washington Free Beacon report that her campaign dished out $600,000 in payments to the firm over a 3-week span in July.
"I don't pay my husband, I pay the firm to do work, and that 600 really is an example of that work," Omar said. "And so what we do is that we have this firm really carry out the contractual work that we do with other vendors."
For months, Omar and Mynett had insisted they were not romantically involved, even after Mynett's ex-wife said in divorce filings that the two were having an affair. Mynett claimed at the time that his ex-wife was trying to ruin his career. Omar and Mynett announced they were married in March.
The E Street Group did not respond to a request for comment.


freebeacon--2020-12-04--‘Good Morning America’ Hawks a Dem Fundraising Event in Georgia

ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos , a prolific Clinton Foundation donor and former Clinton White House aide , gave actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus an uncritical platform Friday to hawk a Democratic fundraising event and directed viewers to a website hosted by ActBlue , a Democratic fundraising platform .
Dreyfus appeared on Good Morning America promoting a table read of her HBO political satire Veep , and proceeds from the virtual event will go to the group America Votes to help Democratic efforts in the Georgia Senate runoffs .
Dreyfus described America Votes as a `` marvelous organization about educating voters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` coordination hub of the progressive community '' and is partnered with left-wing groups like House Majority PAC , Planned Parenthood , and Priorities USA .
At the end of the segment , Stephanopoulos directed viewers to go to showupforgeorgia.com , a site hosted by ActBlue , where viewers can donate to Democratic organizations .
ABC News and representatives for Good Morning America did not respond to a request for comment .
Stephanopoulos , who anchors This Week as well as Good Morning America , was a top aide to former President Bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton Foundation , which he failed to disclose to ABC viewers .
He apologized for not disclosing his donations after they were uncovered by the Washington Free Beacon .

ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, a prolific Clinton Foundation donor and former Clinton White House aide, gave actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus an uncritical platform Friday to hawk a Democratic fundraising event and directed viewers to a website hosted by ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform.
Dreyfus appeared on Good Morning America promoting a table read of her HBO political satire Veep, and proceeds from the virtual event will go to the group America Votes to help Democratic efforts in the Georgia Senate runoffs. Dreyfus described America Votes as a "marvelous organization about educating voters."
The organization describes itself as the "coordination hub of the progressive community" and is partnered with left-wing groups like House Majority PAC, Planned Parenthood, and Priorities USA.
At the end of the segment, Stephanopoulos directed viewers to go to showupforgeorgia.com, a site hosted by ActBlue, where viewers can donate to Democratic organizations.
ABC News and representatives for Good Morning America did not respond to a request for comment.
Stephanopoulos, who anchors This Week as well as Good Morning America, was a top aide to former President Bill Clinton and also a donor to the Clinton Foundation, which he failed to disclose to ABC viewers. He apologized for not disclosing his donations after they were uncovered by the Washington Free Beacon.


freebeacon--2020-12-04--Supreme Court Sides With California Church Challenging COVID Restrictions

The Supreme Court on Thursday took the side of a California church challenging the state 's coronavirus restrictions , drawing on last week 's ruling against New York 's restrictions .
The church argued in the emergency application that California governor Gavin Newsom ( D. ) discriminated against religious services by prohibiting indoor religious gatherings while allowing other indoor secular gatherings to proceed and turning a blind eye to massive outdoor protests .
It also said that Newsom 's dinner at a posh Napa Valley restaurant showed that even the governor disregards his own restrictions on indoor gatherings .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an appeals court with instructions to draw on the High Court 's ruling against New York 's coronavirus restrictions .
In that ruling , the Court sided with a coalition of Orthodox Jewish groups by blocking New York governor Andrew Cuomo 's ( D. ) restrictions on religious gatherings .
Harvest Rock Church , a Pentecostal church based in Pasadena , Calif. , and Harvest International Ministry , which oversees several churches in the state , brought the legal challenge .
`` For the Governor , COVID-19 restrictions are apparently optional and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church wrote .
`` But for Churches or anyone worshipping in their own home with someone who does not live there , COVID-19 restrictions are mandatory and enforced via criminal penalties . ''
California attorney general Xavier Becerra responded with a filing arguing that churches were being treated the same as other indoor services .
The decision bodes well for other churches ' legal cases in the state , as Harvest Rock is just one of several challenging Newsom 's coronavirus restrictions .
Grace Community Church and a Catholic priest overseeing several California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court .

The Supreme Court on Thursday took the side of a California church challenging the state's coronavirus restrictions, drawing on last week's ruling against New York's restrictions.
The church argued in the emergency application that California governor Gavin Newsom (D.) discriminated against religious services by prohibiting indoor religious gatherings while allowing other indoor secular gatherings to proceed and turning a blind eye to massive outdoor protests. It also said that Newsom's dinner at a posh Napa Valley restaurant showed that even the governor disregards his own restrictions on indoor gatherings.
The Supreme Court's order returns the case to an appeals court with instructions to draw on the High Court's ruling against New York's coronavirus restrictions. In that ruling, the Court sided with a coalition of Orthodox Jewish groups by blocking New York governor Andrew Cuomo's (D.) restrictions on religious gatherings.
Harvest Rock Church, a Pentecostal church based in Pasadena, Calif., and Harvest International Ministry, which oversees several churches in the state, brought the legal challenge.
"For the Governor, COVID-19 restrictions are apparently optional and penalty free," lawyers for the church wrote. "But for Churches or anyone worshipping in their own home with someone who does not live there, COVID-19 restrictions are mandatory and enforced via criminal penalties."
California attorney general Xavier Becerra responded with a filing arguing that churches were being treated the same as other indoor services.
The decision bodes well for other churches' legal cases in the state, as Harvest Rock is just one of several challenging Newsom's coronavirus restrictions. Grace Community Church and a Catholic priest overseeing several California churches have also taken state leaders to court.


freebeacon--2020-12-04--COUP-MALA? Harris Distances Herself From Biden After Foot Injury

President-elect Joe Biden , 78 , recently suffered a `` fractured foot '' while allegedly `` playing with his dog '' and is still more than a month away from being inaugurated .
Whether he will make it to the White House remains an open question .
Biden 's running mate , Kamala Harris , is set to become the second vice president of color in American history .
Betting markets currently expect Harris to be the Democratic Party 's presidential nominee in 2024 , even though Biden has n't explicitly pledged to retire after one term .
It remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to subdue her notoriously ruthless ambition for four whole years .
Interestingly enough , Harris is already working to distance herself from Biden , who has been rolling out a series of cabinet choices , not all of which have been warmly received by Democratic activists .
Politico reports : `` One Kamala adviser said she has disagreed with some of Biden ’ s personnel decisions but , ‘ obviously , he gets the final say . '
'' The Countdown to Kamala has begun , and the timeline keeps getting shorter @ @ @ @

President-elect Joe Biden, 78, recently suffered a "fractured foot" while allegedly "playing with his dog" and is still more than a month away from being inaugurated. Whether he will make it to the White House remains an open question.
Biden's running mate, Kamala Harris, is set to become the second vice president of color in American history. Betting markets currently expect Harris to be the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in 2024, even though Biden hasn't explicitly pledged to retire after one term. It remains to be seen whether she will be able to subdue her notoriously ruthless ambition for four whole years.
Interestingly enough, Harris is already working to distance herself from Biden, who has been rolling out a series of cabinet choices, not all of which have been warmly received by Democratic activists. Politico reports: "One Kamala adviser said she has disagreed with some of Biden’s personnel decisions but, 'obviously, he gets the final say.'"
The Countdown to Kamala has begun, and the timeline keeps getting shorter by the day.