freebeacon--2020-06-21--CA Dems Want $20 Million to Enforce Anti-Gig Law Amid Budget Crisis

California Democrats allocated $ 20 million in a recently passed budget to enforce a controversial labor law that some experts say has hampered the state 's economy and pandemic response .
The budget , which passed the Democrat-controlled state legislature on a party-line vote , provides $ 20 million to enforce Assembly Bill 5 ( AB5 ) , a law that limits employers ' ability to classify workers as independent contractors .
The money is divvied up between three state agencies—the Department of Justice , Department of Industrial Relations , and Employment Development Department—to conduct audits , carry out prosecutions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employers .
Republican assemblyman Kevin Kiley said that ramped up enforcement will only hurt businesses struggling in the wake of statewide shutdown orders tied to the coronavirus .
`` That 's what the money is for , specifically—to go after small businesses and independent contractors at a time when they 're struggling more than they ever have before , '' Kiley told the Washington Free Beacon .
The budget provision comes as the state faces an impending $ 54 billion fiscal deficit .
Democratic governor Gavin Newsom revised his initial $ 222 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would fund only the `` most essential priorities . ''
The $ 20 million allocated to enforce AB5 survived the chopping block in the $ 143 billion budget passed by the assembly and state senate .
Newsom , who did not respond to a request for comment , slashed education funding and said that first responders would be `` the first ones to be laid off . ''
The budget proposal sparked criticism from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R. , Calif. ) , who said that the proposal will hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allocation for enforcement `` disappointing , but not at all surprising . ''
He criticized state leaders for misplacing their priorities and refusing to adapt to the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic .
`` Gig economy workers have felt the ramifications of this legislation for months now , and the coronavirus pandemic has only made securing work that much more difficult , '' he told the Free Beacon .
`` California 's independent contractors deserve a government that can adapt to unanticipated challenges , not one that exacerbates problems by continuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic leadership in the state assembly and senate did not respond to requests for comment .
Newsom in April rebuffed calls from state and federal legislators , small business owners , and more than 150 economists to suspend AB5 , touting the law as an example of the state 's national leadership .
Under AB5 , employers must meet strict requirements in order to classify their workers as independent contractors .
Its 2019 passage led to widespread layoffs as businesses struggled to afford the increase in legally imposed labor costs .
Experts argue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible for unemployed workers to take on temporary jobs from home , further exacerbating the economic downturn caused by the pandemic .
More than 5.4 million Californians have filed for unemployment—more than the population of 28 states .
`` You 'd think at a time when we shut down small businesses for months , we 'd be doing everything we can to help them out , '' Kiley said .
`` It 's a failure to understand the need of the moment , which is to propel economic recovery , to help small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to promote workers . ''
Reallocating the $ 20 million set aside to enforce AB5 would hardly alleviate the state 's budget shortage—the Los Angeles Police Department alone has spent $ 40 million in overtime pay for officers handling ongoing Black Lives Matter protests .
But according to Pacific Research Institute fellow Kerry Jackson , Newsom 's refusal to suspend AB5 has contributed greatly to the fiscal crisis , and stricter enforcement will only exacerbate the problem .
`` The pandemic lockdown dried up tax revenues because so many jobs were lost .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been made up if those who 'd been laid off had been able to work as independent contractors , '' Jackson told the Free Beacon .
`` But the law made it illegal for them to work .
So no work , no income tax revenues . ''
While Monday 's budget is unlikely to be signed by Newsom in its current form , the governor 's own budget proposal also includes $ 20 million to enforce AB5 , meaning the money is unlikely to be cut .
Kiley said that Democrats ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power of special interest groups in the state—AB5 was written by the AFL-CIO , the country 's largest federation of labor unions .
`` Unfortunately , so far there has n't been any movement towards doing away with the $ 20 million or redirecting it somewhere else , '' Kiley said .
`` It shows how influential these special interests are , that the governor and the legislature will not budge , no matter how strong the arguments are for doing things differently . ''
Newsom has until June 30 to sign @ @ @ @ @

California Democrats allocated $20 million in a recently passed budget to enforce a controversial labor law that some experts say has hampered the state's economy and pandemic response.
The budget, which passed the Democrat-controlled state legislature on a party-line vote, provides $20 million to enforce Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), a law that limits employers' ability to classify workers as independent contractors. The money is divvied up between three state agencies—the Department of Justice, Department of Industrial Relations, and Employment Development Department—to conduct audits, carry out prosecutions, and levy fines and penalties on employers. Republican assemblyman Kevin Kiley said that ramped up enforcement will only hurt businesses struggling in the wake of statewide shutdown orders tied to the coronavirus.
"That's what the money is for, specifically—to go after small businesses and independent contractors at a time when they're struggling more than they ever have before," Kiley told the Washington Free Beacon.
The budget provision comes as the state faces an impending $54 billion fiscal deficit. Democratic governor Gavin Newsom revised his initial $222 billion budget proposal in May, saying that he would fund only the "most essential priorities." The $20 million allocated to enforce AB5 survived the chopping block in the $143 billion budget passed by the assembly and state senate. Newsom, who did not respond to a request for comment, slashed education funding and said that first responders would be "the first ones to be laid off."
The budget proposal sparked criticism from House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.), who said that the proposal will hurt his constituents. He called the multimillion-dollar allocation for enforcement "disappointing, but not at all surprising." He criticized state leaders for misplacing their priorities and refusing to adapt to the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic.
"Gig economy workers have felt the ramifications of this legislation for months now, and the coronavirus pandemic has only made securing work that much more difficult," he told the Free Beacon. "California's independent contractors deserve a government that can adapt to unanticipated challenges, not one that exacerbates problems by continuing to pursue a half-baked idea."
Democratic leadership in the state assembly and senate did not respond to requests for comment.
Newsom in April rebuffed calls from state and federal legislators, small business owners, and more than 150 economists to suspend AB5, touting the law as an example of the state's national leadership. Under AB5, employers must meet strict requirements in order to classify their workers as independent contractors. Its 2019 passage led to widespread layoffs as businesses struggled to afford the increase in legally imposed labor costs. Experts argue that the law has made it nearly impossible for unemployed workers to take on temporary jobs from home, further exacerbating the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. More than 5.4 million Californians have filed for unemployment—more than the population of 28 states.
"You'd think at a time when we shut down small businesses for months, we'd be doing everything we can to help them out," Kiley said. "It's a failure to understand the need of the moment, which is to propel economic recovery, to help small businesses get back on their feet, to promote workers."
Reallocating the $20 million set aside to enforce AB5 would hardly alleviate the state's budget shortage—the Los Angeles Police Department alone has spent $40 million in overtime pay for officers handling ongoing Black Lives Matter protests. But according to Pacific Research Institute fellow Kerry Jackson, Newsom's refusal to suspend AB5 has contributed greatly to the fiscal crisis, and stricter enforcement will only exacerbate the problem.
"The pandemic lockdown dried up tax revenues because so many jobs were lost. Some of the lost revenues could have been made up if those who'd been laid off had been able to work as independent contractors," Jackson told the Free Beacon. "But the law made it illegal for them to work. So no work, no income tax revenues."
While Monday's budget is unlikely to be signed by Newsom in its current form, the governor's own budget proposal also includes $20 million to enforce AB5, meaning the money is unlikely to be cut. Kiley said that Democrats' unwillingness to budge on the law reflected the power of special interest groups in the state—AB5 was written by the AFL-CIO, the country's largest federation of labor unions.
"Unfortunately, so far there hasn't been any movement towards doing away with the $20 million or redirecting it somewhere else," Kiley said. "It shows how influential these special interests are, that the governor and the legislature will not budge, no matter how strong the arguments are for doing things differently."
Newsom has until June 30 to sign the budget into law.


freebeacon--2020-06-22--Woman Turns to Supreme Court to Get Her Guns Back

In 2013 , Lori Rodriguez called San Jose police to her home because her husband was having a mental health crisis and making violent threats .
Seven years later , she is petitioning the Supreme Court to force the city to return her guns .
`` It 's not right .
I should n't have to do this to get back what 's mine , '' Rodriguez told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` They violated several of my constitutional rights . ''
Rodriguez claims police ordered her to open the couple 's gun safe so they could seize all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her husband was detained for making threats that the city says included `` shooting up schools . ''
Cops seized not only her husband 's weapons but also the guns that were personally registered to Rodriguez .
The city has repeatedly rebuffed her requests to return her property .
The suit is now the sole case with Second Amendment implications remaining before the Court after the justices rejected 10 other gun-rights cases on June 15 .
Rodriguez 's legal challenge comes as the federal government and a number of states debate `` red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deny gun rights to citizens .
It has the potential to clarify the extent to which the Second Amendment protects individuals from seizures of firearms .
San Jose city attorney Richard Doyle did not respond to a request for comment .
The city defended its actions , saying that authorities were within their rights to confiscate the guns , calling Rodriguez 's claim `` borderline frivolous . ''
`` If the government has lawful authority to effect the forfeiture and observes the requirements of due process in so doing , it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a brief submitted to the Supreme Court on Wednesday .
`` The forfeiture does nothing whatever to impair the previous owner 's right to buy , possess , or use firearms , and notwithstanding that the owner may recover the full market value of the guns through their transfer and sale . ''
The Supreme Court has been hesitant to take up gun-rights cases in recent years .
It has ruled on only one Second Amendment case since 2011 .
Justices Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh recently rebuked their colleagues for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On June 15 , Thomas published a blistering dissent about the Court 's handling of the cases .
`` This Court would almost certainly review the constitutionality of a law requiring citizens to establish a justifiable need before exercising their free speech rights , '' Thomas wrote .
`` And it seems highly unlikely that the Court would allow a State to enforce a law requiring a woman to provide a justifiable need before seeking an abortion .
But today , faced with a petition challenging just such a restriction on citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply looks the other way . ''
Several of the guns confiscated from Rodriguez by San Jose police have special sentimental value , according to Rodriguez .
Police confiscated not only handguns that she and her husband purchased but also a war souvenir inherited from a family member .
`` One of them is a gun my great uncle brought back from WWII , '' she said .
`` I really want that one back .
You ca n't replace that one , obviously . ''
Don Kilmer , Rodriguez 's lawyer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2nd Amendment , in addition to the 4th and even 14th Amendments , it ultimately comes down to an undisputed fact : Lori Rodriguez is not prohibited from owning the firearms San Jose took from her house .
`` Her mental health has never been at issue , '' Kilmer told the Free Beacon .
`` The law that the city is holding these guns under says that you can confiscate weapons of people who are mentally ill. Lori is not mentally ill. '' In the years since the initial police call , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but Lori has taken steps to ensure she can legally own the confiscated firearms .
She has transferred all of the firearms into her name and she is the only family member who knows the combination to the gun safe .
Her lawyers argue that she is in compliance with all California gun laws—including those for individuals who live with people who can not own firearms themselves .
Rodriguez , a lifelong San Jose resident , said that the city is depriving her of her constitutional rights despite all the steps she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the public .
`` I 'm a law-abiding citizen , '' she said .
`` I want to keep them for myself , you know .
I would n't just let him have access .
… To me , there should n't be a problem . ''
Rodriguez said the same was true of the combination to the gun safe when police told her to open it back in 2013 .
Not only did the officers pressure her to surrender the guns without a warrant , but they also reassured her that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` When they were there , the guns that we owned were locked in a safe .
He had no access to them , '' she said .
`` They should 've told me I do n't have to do it if I do n't want to .
I would n't have .
But they did n't come at me like that .
It was like , ‘ You do n't have a choice .
You have to open that . '
'' The case has attracted the attention of gun-rights activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California Gun Rights Foundation , which have both joined as co-petitioners .
SAF founder Alan Gottlieb said San Jose police have punished the wrong person and threaten not only gun rights but also constitutional protections against the seizure of property .
`` It combines the Second and Fourth Amendment in a way that is very advantageous to expand and further gun rights if the Supreme Court were to take the case , '' Gottlieb told the Free Beacon .

In 2013, Lori Rodriguez called San Jose police to her home because her husband was having a mental health crisis and making violent threats. Seven years later, she is petitioning the Supreme Court to force the city to return her guns.
"It's not right. I shouldn't have to do this to get back what's mine," Rodriguez told the Washington Free Beacon. "They violated several of my constitutional rights."
Rodriguez claims police ordered her to open the couple's gun safe so they could seize all of the weapons in the home after her husband was detained for making threats that the city says included "shooting up schools." Cops seized not only her husband's weapons but also the guns that were personally registered to Rodriguez. The city has repeatedly rebuffed her requests to return her property.
The suit is now the sole case with Second Amendment implications remaining before the Court after the justices rejected 10 other gun-rights cases on June 15. Rodriguez's legal challenge comes as the federal government and a number of states debate "red flag" bills that would allow authorities to deny gun rights to citizens. It has the potential to clarify the extent to which the Second Amendment protects individuals from seizures of firearms.
San Jose city attorney Richard Doyle did not respond to a request for comment. The city defended its actions, saying that authorities were within their rights to confiscate the guns, calling Rodriguez's claim "borderline frivolous."
"If the government has lawful authority to effect the forfeiture and observes the requirements of due process in so doing, it has complied with the Constitution," Doyle said in a brief submitted to the Supreme Court on Wednesday. "The forfeiture does nothing whatever to impair the previous owner's right to buy, possess, or use firearms, and notwithstanding that the owner may recover the full market value of the guns through their transfer and sale."
The Supreme Court has been hesitant to take up gun-rights cases in recent years. It has ruled on only one Second Amendment case since 2011. Justices Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh recently rebuked their colleagues for refusing to accept lawsuits tackling gun-rights issues. On June 15, Thomas published a blistering dissent about the Court's handling of the cases.
"This Court would almost certainly review the constitutionality of a law requiring citizens to establish a justifiable need before exercising their free speech rights," Thomas wrote. "And it seems highly unlikely that the Court would allow a State to enforce a law requiring a woman to provide a justifiable need before seeking an abortion. But today, faced with a petition challenging just such a restriction on citizens' Second Amendment rights, the Court simply looks the other way."
Several of the guns confiscated from Rodriguez by San Jose police have special sentimental value, according to Rodriguez. Police confiscated not only handguns that she and her husband purchased but also a war souvenir inherited from a family member.
"One of them is a gun my great uncle brought back from WWII," she said. "I really want that one back. You can't replace that one, obviously."
Don Kilmer, Rodriguez's lawyer, said that while the case implicates the 2nd Amendment, in addition to the 4th and even 14th Amendments, it ultimately comes down to an undisputed fact: Lori Rodriguez is not prohibited from owning the firearms San Jose took from her house.
"Her mental health has never been at issue," Kilmer told the Free Beacon. "The law that the city is holding these guns under says that you can confiscate weapons of people who are mentally ill. Lori is not mentally ill."
In the years since the initial police call, the Rodriguez family continues to live together, but Lori has taken steps to ensure she can legally own the confiscated firearms. She has transferred all of the firearms into her name and she is the only family member who knows the combination to the gun safe. Her lawyers argue that she is in compliance with all California gun laws—including those for individuals who live with people who can not own firearms themselves. Rodriguez, a lifelong San Jose resident, said that the city is depriving her of her constitutional rights despite all the steps she has taken to secure both her family and the public.
"I'm a law-abiding citizen," she said. "I want to keep them for myself, you know. I wouldn't just let him have access. ... To me, there shouldn't be a problem."
Rodriguez said the same was true of the combination to the gun safe when police told her to open it back in 2013. Not only did the officers pressure her to surrender the guns without a warrant, but they also reassured her that she could get the firearms back later.
"When they were there, the guns that we owned were locked in a safe. He had no access to them," she said. "They should've told me I don't have to do it if I don't want to. I wouldn't have. But they didn't come at me like that. It was like, 'You don't have a choice. You have to open that.'"
The case has attracted the attention of gun-rights activists, including the Second Amendment Foundation and California Gun Rights Foundation, which have both joined as co-petitioners. SAF founder Alan Gottlieb said San Jose police have punished the wrong person and threaten not only gun rights but also constitutional protections against the seizure of property.
"It combines the Second and Fourth Amendment in a way that is very advantageous to expand and further gun rights if the Supreme Court were to take the case," Gottlieb told the Free Beacon.


freebeacon--2020-06-22--Tech Company Tied to China Cashes in on Small Business Relief

A corporation with close ties to the Chinese government received hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars in pandemic relief money as small businesses struggled to access the fund .
Ideanomics , a U.S.-based tech company founded by Chinese billionaire Bruno Wu , was valued at more than $ 50 million based in part on its collaboration with Chinese provincial governments and state-owned enterprises dating back to its 2017 founding .
The company , which specializes in financial technology and electric cars , collected $ 400,000 in forgivable loans from the taxpayer-funded Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) designed to aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings .
But even as it chased taxpayer loans , Ideanomics reassured investors that the coronavirus posed little threat to its financial well-being , noting that its cash and cash equivalents had doubled between December 2019 and March 2020 as the deadly virus spread worldwide .
The company , which controls several Chinese corporations through its web of subsidiaries , has partnered with the Chinese government to facilitate its state-backed infrastructure projects .
A Chinese provincial government is slated to invest in Ideanomics 's Malaysian subsidiary to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Southeast Asia , according to its 2019 annual report to the SEC .
Ideanomics is one of several multimillion-dollar multinational corporations that benefited from PPP , which was created to support small businesses affected by the shutdowns caused by the pandemic .
While the program was supposed to benefit businesses that would have laid off employees struggling during the economic shutdown , large corporations have sparked criticism by applying for and receiving millions in taxpayer dollars .
It is unclear whether Ideanomics has returned its PPP loans , and the company did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rep .
Guy Reschenthaler ( R. , Pa. ) , a member of the congressional China Task Force , said that the PPP money should not be provided to China-linked firms such as Ideanomics and has referred the matter to the Department of the Treasury and the Small Business Administration .
`` Given the popularity of this program , we must ensure dollars are reserved for American small businesses , the backbone of our national economy , '' Reschenthaler told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` Companies with ties to the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs . ''
The publicly traded company has surged on the NASDAQ since the small business relief fund was passed .
Share prices , which plummeted to $ 0.30 on March 6 , the lowest point in company history , have since rebounded to $ 2.05 per share as of Thursday .
The company acknowledged that the coronavirus posed little threat to its financial well-being , stating in a March SEC filing that it `` does not anticipate that the COVID 19 pandemic will adversely affect its ability to raise funds in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash equivalents on hand actually grew between December 2019 and March 2020 , from $ 2.6 million to $ 5.9 million .
More than 210 public companies have benefited from the program .
But Ideanomics has uniquely strong business ties with the Chinese government and government entities that are not seen in its peers , according to its filings .
`` [ Ideanomics ] does have joint ventures , partnerships and agreements with the State Own [ sic ] Entities ( SOE ) described above , '' the company wrote in its 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it `` does not contract directly with the government of the PRC , '' its SEC disclosures show that the Chinese government is slated to invest in the company .
In its 2019 report , the company revealed that China 's Yunnan province , `` in its capacity as the PRC 's province responsible for China 's Belt and Road initiative in the ASEAN countries , '' will invest in Ideanomics 's Malaysia-based subsidiary that specializes in electric vehicles .
The multibillion-dollar government initiative seeks to erect China-built infrastructures across the developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's global prestige and influence .
Ideanomics has also partnered with several state-owned enterprises with strong ties to the Chinese government .
The company , for example , is in the process of hashing out a business deal with PetroChina , the largest oil and gas producer in Asia .
Ideanomics will earn a commission every time someone charges their electric vehicle at company charging stations in Nanjing .
PetroChina , ostensibly a private company , is actually the publicly listed arm of the state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation .
Ideanomics also has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as JAC Motors and Foton Motor , to purchase electric vehicles at preferential prices .
The company has also worked with `` associations '' in China , many of which act as the civil society arm of the Chinese government .
The company entered into a `` strategic partnership '' in August 2019 with the China Tourism Automobile and Cruise Association , a government-organized entity controlled by the regime 's Ministry of Culture and Tourism .
Under the terms of the partnership , Ideanomics will help bus operators convert the association 's fleet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect in 2022 .
While the company took a beating during the recession that emerged with the Chinese-borne pandemic , Ideanomics intends to capitalize on China 's multitrillion-dollar `` new infrastructure '' initiative that seeks to kickstart the domestic economy .
The company unveiled two subsidiaries in March that will help the government secure financing for its massive infrastructure investments , including new 5G networks , Belt and Road Initiative projects , and electric vehicles .
`` Ideanomics and its partners are positioned to benefit from many of these New Infrastructure economic initiatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see a boost designed to propel the country forward , '' the company said in an April press release .
Neither the Small Business Administration nor the Treasury Department , both of which administer the PPP program , responded to requests for comment .

A corporation with close ties to the Chinese government received hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars in pandemic relief money as small businesses struggled to access the fund.
Ideanomics, a U.S.-based tech company founded by Chinese billionaire Bruno Wu, was valued at more than $50 million based in part on its collaboration with Chinese provincial governments and state-owned enterprises dating back to its 2017 founding. The company, which specializes in financial technology and electric cars, collected $400,000 in forgivable loans from the taxpayer-funded Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) designed to aid small businesses hurt by the coronavirus, according to Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
But even as it chased taxpayer loans, Ideanomics reassured investors that the coronavirus posed little threat to its financial well-being, noting that its cash and cash equivalents had doubled between December 2019 and March 2020 as the deadly virus spread worldwide.
The company, which controls several Chinese corporations through its web of subsidiaries, has partnered with the Chinese government to facilitate its state-backed infrastructure projects. A Chinese provincial government is slated to invest in Ideanomics's Malaysian subsidiary to support Beijing's efforts to gain influence in Southeast Asia, according to its 2019 annual report to the SEC.
Ideanomics is one of several multimillion-dollar multinational corporations that benefited from PPP, which was created to support small businesses affected by the shutdowns caused by the pandemic. While the program was supposed to benefit businesses that would have laid off employees struggling during the economic shutdown, large corporations have sparked criticism by applying for and receiving millions in taxpayer dollars.
It is unclear whether Ideanomics has returned its PPP loans, and the company did not respond to a request for comment.
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R., Pa.), a member of the congressional China Task Force, said that the PPP money should not be provided to China-linked firms such as Ideanomics and has referred the matter to the Department of the Treasury and the Small Business Administration.
"Given the popularity of this program, we must ensure dollars are reserved for American small businesses, the backbone of our national economy," Reschenthaler told the Washington Free Beacon. "Companies with ties to the Chinese Communist Party should not receive taxpayer-funded assistance programs."
The publicly traded company has surged on the NASDAQ since the small business relief fund was passed. Share prices, which plummeted to $0.30 on March 6, the lowest point in company history, have since rebounded to $2.05 per share as of Thursday.
The company acknowledged that the coronavirus posed little threat to its financial well-being, stating in a March SEC filing that it "does not anticipate that the COVID 19 pandemic will adversely affect its ability to raise funds in the near-term." It's cash and cash equivalents on hand actually grew between December 2019 and March 2020, from $2.6 million to $5.9 million.
More than 210 public companies have benefited from the program. But Ideanomics has uniquely strong business ties with the Chinese government and government entities that are not seen in its peers, according to its filings. "[Ideanomics] does have joint ventures, partnerships and agreements with the State Own [sic] Entities (SOE) described above," the company wrote in its 2019 report.
Despite the company's claim that it "does not contract directly with the government of the PRC," its SEC disclosures show that the Chinese government is slated to invest in the company. In its 2019 report, the company revealed that China's Yunnan province, "in its capacity as the PRC's province responsible for China's Belt and Road initiative in the ASEAN countries," will invest in Ideanomics's Malaysia-based subsidiary that specializes in electric vehicles. The multibillion-dollar government initiative seeks to erect China-built infrastructures across the developing world in a bid to improve China's global prestige and influence.
Ideanomics has also partnered with several state-owned enterprises with strong ties to the Chinese government. The company, for example, is in the process of hashing out a business deal with PetroChina, the largest oil and gas producer in Asia. Ideanomics will earn a commission every time someone charges their electric vehicle at company charging stations in Nanjing. PetroChina, ostensibly a private company, is actually the publicly listed arm of the state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation. Ideanomics also has agreements with state-owned car companies, such as JAC Motors and Foton Motor, to purchase electric vehicles at preferential prices.
The company has also worked with "associations" in China, many of which act as the civil society arm of the Chinese government. The company entered into a "strategic partnership" in August 2019 with the China Tourism Automobile and Cruise Association, a government-organized entity controlled by the regime's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Under the terms of the partnership, Ideanomics will help bus operators convert the association's fleet to electric vehicles—a mandate that will take effect in 2022.
While the company took a beating during the recession that emerged with the pandemic, Ideanomics intends to capitalize on China's multitrillion-dollar "new infrastructure" initiative that seeks to kickstart the domestic economy. The company unveiled two subsidiaries in March that will help the government secure financing for its massive infrastructure investments, including new 5G networks, Belt and Road Initiative projects, and electric vehicles.
"Ideanomics and its partners are positioned to benefit from many of these New Infrastructure economic initiatives in China, all of which will see a boost designed to propel the country forward," the company said in an April press release.
Neither the Small Business Administration nor the Treasury Department, both of which administer the PPP program, responded to requests for comment.


freebeacon--2020-06-22--Decision Day For Civil War Between Far Left and Establishment

Establishment-backed Democrats in Kentucky and New York are facing a left-wing backlash that could see millions of dollars go to waste and threaten party unity in the run-up to the 2020 election .
In the Kentucky Democratic Senate primary , the emergence of an African-American state lawmaker with support from progressive groups is threatening to derail Amy McGrath 's campaign to challenge Sen. Mitch McConnell ( R. ) in November .
And in New York , Justice Democrats candidate Jamaal Bowman is seeking to unseat 16-term Rep. Eliot Engel by painting the incumbent Democrat as out of touch with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who back McGrath and Engel , face a potential lose-lose situation with both the establishment candidates facing fierce competition in their primary races this Tuesday .
The Chuck Schumer-controlled Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee endorsed McGrath in February .
With the help of its national apparatus , she 's raised $ 40 million in her bid to oust McConnell , more than any other Senate candidate in the 2020 cycle .
Given her backing by the national party and massive money advantage , McGrath had been a favorite to coast to victory in Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting of Breonna Taylor in Louisville this March flipped the race on its head , giving progressive state legislator Charles Booker a serious shot at winning the nomination .
Booker saw his candidacy skyrocket in the wake of George Floyd 's death in Minneapolis police custody , and landed endorsements from prominent progressives as he took a leading role in anti-police protests .
Bowman 's campaign has focused on the Black Lives Matter movement , highlighting Engel 's gaffes on the issue .
Following violent protests in New York City , the incumbent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a June 2 press conference , saying he `` would n't care '' about speaking if he `` did n't have a primary . ''
Both races pit the party 's progressive wing against its national establishment .
University of Kentucky political scientist Stephen Voss called the dynamic an `` age-old battle . ''
`` The ideologues always think that a more partisan , more ideologically pure candidate will do better , because they 'll excite the party .
Almost everybody else says , ‘ No , the way you win is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the person in the middle , ' '' he told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` To the extent the ‘ mobilize the base ' strategy is effective—that 's usually in lower turnout elections , where the ‘ base ' is the minority of the electorate , but can still win if people are n't turning out . ''
The unexpected tightening of the Kentucky Senate primary complicates the 2020 election for Democrats .
Sens .
Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
and Bernie Sanders ( I. , Vt. ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Ayanna Pressley ( D. , Mass . )
, and former Kentucky secretary of state Alison Lundergan Grimes all backed Booker in recent days , helping him more than double his fundraising efforts in the last two weeks alone .
On one hand , McGrath 's war chest would likely help Democrats put pressure on McConnell in the general election , but her candidacy has been weakened by Booker 's surge .
And while Booker could emerge from the primary with grassroots momentum , his victory would allow the McConnell campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep-red Kentucky , according to Cook Political Report Senate editor Jessica Taylor .
`` McGrath 's weaknesses have kind of been laid bare here .
She can have good ads and spend a lot of money , but this really calls into question some of her candidate skills , '' Taylor told the Free Beacon .
`` And while I think running as a candidate with Bernie Sanders 's endorsement could help [ Booker ] in a primary , I do n't think it helps him at all in a general election in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Progress poll showed Booker leading McGrath in the primary by 8 points , Schumer defended McGrath , calling her a `` strong candidate '' that will `` give McConnell a run for his money . ''
But behind closed doors , Schumer admitted that he did not consider McGrath a `` top tier candidate '' and planned to `` use her to raise money '' against McConnell .
`` Her fundraising has been her biggest strength , but I think part of that has been driven just by who she 's running against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` You see a lot of liberal donors wanting to give to defeat Mitch McConnell .
Whether that fundraising ability would transfer to Booker , we do n't know yet . ''
Neither Schumer , McGrath , Booker , nor Bowman returned requests for comment .
Engel spokesman Tom Watson called the race `` tough '' but said that Engel `` has had primaries before . ''
`` His record is long and distinguished , and as the Congressman always says , he has a two-year contract with the people and welcomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While both McGrath and Booker are expected to lose to McConnell in November , Bowman is likely to serve in Congress should he unseat Engel—Hillary Clinton defeated President Donald Trump in the Bronx district by 50 points in 2016 .
Limited in-person voting will take place in Kentucky and New York on Tuesday , but both states have seen a surge in absentee ballot requests amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Polls close at 6:00 p.m. local time in Kentucky and 9:00 p.m. EST in New York City .

Establishment-backed Democrats in Kentucky and New York are facing a left-wing backlash that could see millions of dollars go to waste and threaten party unity in the run-up to the 2020 election.
In the Kentucky Democratic Senate primary, the emergence of an African-American state lawmaker with support from progressive groups is threatening to derail Amy McGrath's campaign to challenge Sen. Mitch McConnell (R.) in November. And in New York, Justice Democrats candidate Jamaal Bowman is seeking to unseat 16-term Rep. Eliot Engel by painting the incumbent Democrat as out of touch with his increasingly progressive district. Party leaders, who back McGrath and Engel, face a potential lose-lose situation with both the establishment candidates facing fierce competition in their primary races this Tuesday .
The Chuck Schumer-controlled Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee endorsed McGrath in February. With the help of its national apparatus, she's raised $40 million in her bid to oust McConnell, more than any other Senate candidate in the 2020 cycle. Given her backing by the national party and massive money advantage, McGrath had been a favorite to coast to victory in Tuesday's primary.
But the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor in Louisville this March flipped the race on its head, giving progressive state legislator Charles Booker a serious shot at winning the nomination. Booker saw his candidacy skyrocket in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody, and landed endorsements from prominent progressives as he took a leading role in anti-police protests.
Bowman's campaign has focused on the Black Lives Matter movement, highlighting Engel's gaffes on the issue. Following violent protests in New York City, the incumbent Democrat was caught on a hot mic at a June 2 press conference, saying he "wouldn't care" about speaking if he "didn't have a primary."
Both races pit the party's progressive wing against its national establishment. University of Kentucky political scientist Stephen Voss called the dynamic an "age-old battle."
"The ideologues always think that a more partisan, more ideologically pure candidate will do better, because they'll excite the party. Almost everybody else says, 'No, the way you win is by appealing to the median voter, the person in the middle,'" he told the Washington Free Beacon. "To the extent the 'mobilize the base' strategy is effective—that's usually in lower turnout elections, where the 'base' is the minority of the electorate, but can still win if people aren't turning out."
The unexpected tightening of the Kentucky Senate primary complicates the 2020 election for Democrats. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.), Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) and Ayanna Pressley (D., Mass.), and former Kentucky secretary of state Alison Lundergan Grimes all backed Booker in recent days, helping him more than double his fundraising efforts in the last two weeks alone.
On one hand, McGrath's war chest would likely help Democrats put pressure on McConnell in the general election, but her candidacy has been weakened by Booker's surge. And while Booker could emerge from the primary with grassroots momentum, his victory would allow the McConnell campaign to run against a far-left opponent in deep-red Kentucky, according to Cook Political Report Senate editor Jessica Taylor.
"McGrath's weaknesses have kind of been laid bare here. She can have good ads and spend a lot of money, but this really calls into question some of her candidate skills," Taylor told the Free Beacon. "And while I think running as a candidate with Bernie Sanders's endorsement could help [Booker] in a primary, I don't think it helps him at all in a general election in Kentucky."
After a recent Data Progress poll showed Booker leading McGrath in the primary by 8 points, Schumer defended McGrath, calling her a "strong candidate" that will "give McConnell a run for his money." But behind closed doors, Schumer admitted that he did not consider McGrath a "top tier candidate" and planned to "use her to raise money" against McConnell.
"Her fundraising has been her biggest strength, but I think part of that has been driven just by who she's running against," Taylor told the Free Beacon. "You see a lot of liberal donors wanting to give to defeat Mitch McConnell. Whether that fundraising ability would transfer to Booker, we don't know yet."
Neither Schumer, McGrath, Booker, nor Bowman returned requests for comment. Engel spokesman Tom Watson called the race "tough" but said that Engel "has had primaries before."
"His record is long and distinguished, and as the Congressman always says, he has a two-year contract with the people and welcomes their decision," Watson added.
While both McGrath and Booker are expected to lose to McConnell in November, Bowman is likely to serve in Congress should he unseat Engel—Hillary Clinton defeated President Donald Trump in the Bronx district by 50 points in 2016.
Limited in-person voting will take place in Kentucky and New York on Tuesday, but both states have seen a surge in absentee ballot requests amid the coronavirus pandemic. Polls close at 6:00 p.m. local time in Kentucky and 9:00 p.m. EST in New York City.


freebeacon--2020-06-22--Top House Republicans Back Netanyahu as He Pushes to Annex West Bank Territory

A delegation of congressional Republicans wrote to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to express its support for the Israeli leader 's decision to annex portions of Palestinian territory in the West Bank , saying Israel has the right to execute any policy it sees as integral to its security .
One-hundred-sixteen Republicans led by Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R. , Calif. ) and other senior lawmakers told Netanyahu that they fully support Israel 's move , which would see the country take over several contested territories long-controlled by the Palestinians .
Netanyahu is reportedly seeking to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are aware of and deeply concerned by threats being expressed by some to retaliate against Israel as it makes decisions to ensure defensible borders , '' the lawmakers wrote , according to a copy of the letter obtained by the Washington Free Beacon .
`` It is shortsighted to threaten relations with Israel , a long-time friend and critical ally that shares our democratic values . ''
Democratic lawmakers are frustrated by the decision to send the letter .
They recently warned Israel that such a move would fray the historically close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Congressional Republicans , however , flatly reject this view .
The letter highlights a growing partisan schism in Washington over the Israeli government 's policies under Netanyahu .
While the Trump administration and its Republican allies in Congress have been a reliable partner for the conservative Israeli prime minister , Democrats have become increasingly frustrated over moves they see as damaging to the peace process and U.S. relations with the Jewish state .
The GOP lawmakers expressed in their letter support for the Trump administration 's recently unveiled Israeli-Palestinian peace plan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has been rejected by the Palestinian leadership .
`` We assure you that we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel and oppose any effort to apply pressure , '' the lawmakers wrote .
The White House has not publicly commented on the annexation plan yet and is likely waiting to see how Netanyahu proceeds in the coming days .
Democratic leaders in Congress , including pro-Israel stalwarts like Sens .
Chuck Schumer ( D. , N.Y. ) and Ben Cardin ( D. , Md . )
, informed Netanyahu and his government last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ annexation plan , which they view as dangerous to regional stability and the likelihood of peace talks .
A separate missive signed by at least 120 congressional Democrats communicated similar concerns .
This letter was opposed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee , America 's most prominent pro-Israel organization .
Netanyahu 's annexation plan has also been met with anger by leading liberal Israeli politicians , including former foreign affairs minister Tzipi Livni , who described the plan as `` one of the most fateful decisions in its modern history . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ annexation of the territories will greatly improve Israel 's security as it faces down continued Palestinian terror attacks along its borders .
An Israeli presence in these areas is likely to create a buffer zone by which the country can thwart terrorist factions .
In addition to McCarthy , the letter was signed by Republican Whip Steve Scalise ( R. , La . )
, Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney ( R. , Wyo . )
, Foreign Affairs Committee Republican leader Michael McCaul ( R. , Texas ) , and Reps. Cathy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lee Zeldin ( R. , N.Y. ) , and David Kustoff ( R. , Tenn. ) .

A delegation of congressional Republicans wrote to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to express its support for the Israeli leader's decision to annex portions of Palestinian territory in the West Bank, saying Israel has the right to execute any policy it sees as integral to its security.
One-hundred-sixteen Republicans led by Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.) and other senior lawmakers told Netanyahu that they fully support Israel's move, which would see the country take over several contested territories long-controlled by the Palestinians. Netanyahu is reportedly seeking to take this step early next month.
"We are aware of and deeply concerned by threats being expressed by some to retaliate against Israel as it makes decisions to ensure defensible borders," the lawmakers wrote, according to a copy of the letter obtained by the Washington Free Beacon. "It is shortsighted to threaten relations with Israel, a long-time friend and critical ally that shares our democratic values."
Democratic lawmakers are frustrated by the decision to send the letter. They recently warned Israel that such a move would fray the historically close ties between the United States and Israel. Congressional Republicans, however, flatly reject this view.
The letter highlights a growing partisan schism in Washington over the Israeli government's policies under Netanyahu. While the Trump administration and its Republican allies in Congress have been a reliable partner for the conservative Israeli prime minister, Democrats have become increasingly frustrated over moves they see as damaging to the peace process and U.S. relations with the Jewish state.
The GOP lawmakers expressed in their letter support for the Trump administration's recently unveiled Israeli-Palestinian peace plan, which has inflamed tensions in the region and has been rejected by the Palestinian leadership.
"We assure you that we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel and oppose any effort to apply pressure," the lawmakers wrote.
The White House has not publicly commented on the annexation plan yet and is likely waiting to see how Netanyahu proceeds in the coming days.
Democratic leaders in Congress, including pro-Israel stalwarts like Sens. Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) and Ben Cardin (D., Md.), informed Netanyahu and his government last week that they are opposed to the annexation plan, which they view as dangerous to regional stability and the likelihood of peace talks. A separate missive signed by at least 120 congressional Democrats communicated similar concerns. This letter was opposed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, America's most prominent pro-Israel organization.
Netanyahu's annexation plan has also been met with anger by leading liberal Israeli politicians, including former foreign affairs minister Tzipi Livni, who described the plan as "one of the most fateful decisions in its modern history."
Netanyahu's Republican supporters maintain that the annexation of the territories will greatly improve Israel's security as it faces down continued Palestinian terror attacks along its borders. An Israeli presence in these areas is likely to create a buffer zone by which the country can thwart terrorist factions.
In addition to McCarthy, the letter was signed by Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R., La.), Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R., Wyo.), Foreign Affairs Committee Republican leader Michael McCaul (R., Texas), and Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R., Wash.), Lee Zeldin (R., N.Y.), and David Kustoff (R., Tenn.).
The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), a pro-Israel GOP advocacy group, was instrumental in ensuring the letter received broad support, a senior congressional aide told the Free Beacon.
"Without question, House Republicans recognize the importance of standing with Israel and the Israeli government, which is why members believed that sending this letter was an important thing to do," the aide said. "The RJC was instrumental in making it happen. From helping on the ground level to expanding the coalition of members who ultimately signed, their involvement cannot be understated."
Update June 23, 9:55 a.m.: This post has been updated with comment from RJC.


freebeacon--2020-06-22--Virginia Health Department Urges Citizens to Snitch on Churches, Gun Ranges for Violating Democratic

Virginia Health Department Urges Citizens to Snitch on Churches, Gun Ranges for Violating Democratic Governor’s COVID-19 Regulations

The Virginia Department of Health is encouraging citizens to lodge anonymous complaints against small businesses for violating Gov .
Ralph Northam 's ( D. ) coronavirus-related restrictions on public gatherings .
Virginia residents can report alleged violations of Northam 's executive orders regarding the use of face masks and capacity requirements in indoor spaces via a portal on the health department 's website , a practice commonly known as `` snitching . ''
Snitching , a cowardly form of betrayal , is typically frowned upon in a functioning society , particularly when done anonymously .
The webpage gives snitchers several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' on which they are intending to snitch .
These include `` indoor gun range '' and `` religious service , '' among others .
Republican state senator Mark Obenshain expressed concern that churches and gun ranges were `` specifically '' singled out , noting , `` there is nothing to prevent businesses from snitching on competitors , or to prevent the outright fabrication of reports . ''
Northam , who remains in office despite admitting to wearing either blackface or a Ku Klux Klan robe while in medical school , has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governor was forced to apologize in May , for example , after he was caught mingling and taking selfies with supporters sans face mask in Virginia Beach just moments before announcing an executive order mandating the use of masks in public spaces .
Also of note : Underachieving NBA forward Carmelo Anthony played high school basketball in Virginia before becoming a prominent advocate for the anti-snitching movement .

The Virginia Department of Health is encouraging citizens to lodge anonymous complaints against small businesses for violating Gov. Ralph Northam's (D.) coronavirus-related restrictions on public gatherings.
Virginia residents can report alleged violations of Northam's executive orders regarding the use of face masks and capacity requirements in indoor spaces via a portal on the health department's website, a practice commonly known as "snitching." Snitching, a cowardly form of betrayal, is typically frowned upon in a functioning society, particularly when done anonymously.
The webpage gives snitchers several options regarding the "type of establishment" on which they are intending to snitch. These include "indoor gun range" and "religious service," among others. Republican state senator Mark Obenshain expressed concern that churches and gun ranges were "specifically" singled out, noting, "there is nothing to prevent businesses from snitching on competitors, or to prevent the outright fabrication of reports."
Northam, who remains in office despite admitting to wearing either blackface or a Ku Klux Klan robe while in medical school, has not always followed his own rules. The governor was forced to apologize in May, for example, after he was caught mingling and taking selfies with supporters sans face mask in Virginia Beach just moments before announcing an executive order mandating the use of masks in public spaces.
Also of note: Underachieving NBA forward Carmelo Anthony played high school basketball in Virginia before becoming a prominent advocate for the anti-snitching movement.


freebeacon--2020-06-22--Journos Against Freedom: Media Elites Air Grievances, Conspiracy Theories in Response to Fireworks

With July 4 fast approaching , fireworks are going off in major cities across the country .
Our nation 's journalists are all over this important story—no , not by doing actual journalism to discover the truth .
Rather , they 're posting complaints and conspiracy theories on Twitter .
Most of the journos are just mad that their professional ambitions require them to live in major cities that are often loud .
But also , they and their fellow liberal celebrities would like you to know that they have a rescue dog with special needs , which proves they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decided—based on nothing—that the fireworks must be part of a sinister government conspiracy .
Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones shared a Twitter thread suggesting the fireworks were part of a `` coordinated attack on Black and Brown communities by government forces ; an attack meant to disorient and destabilize the # BlackLivesMatter movement . ''
According to this conspiracy theory , as articulated by Brooklyn author Robert Jones Jr , the government is providing large stockpiles of fireworks to young people in minority communities as part of a police-approved effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defund/abolish the police by creating the circumstances for a continuous public nuisance and then purposely failing to respond to it . ''
Prominent left-wing activist DeRay Mckesson also promoted Jones 's theory , which noted liberal contrarian Jesse Singal argued was `` incredibly irresponsible on every level . ''
April Reign , creator of the # OscarsSoWhite hashtag , said it would n't surprise her if `` the folks who are either supplying and/or setting off the fireworks every night are the same ones who magically made bricks appear when no construction site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in property damage '' during the protests inspired by the death of George Floyd .
Asha Rangappa , a CNN legal analyst and former FBI agent , agreed the firework activity in major cities was `` starting to feel not so random . ''
While most media figures have been content to complain and promote conspiracies , others are determined to find the truth .
P.E .
Moskowitz , for example , a `` journalist/communist '' with a Twitter account , announced an investigation into `` whether the extreme increase in fireworks is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay tuned .
You probably did n't need any more evidence that journalists hate America and freedom , but here it is .
Enjoy setting off your fireworks while you still can , before the journalists and other libs get what they want and Independence Day is either banned or rebranded as a day of silence to honor the courage of media elites and celebrities who adopted special-needs pets , and helped expose the biggest government conspiracy since 9/11 .

With July 4 fast approaching, fireworks are going off in major cities across the country. Our nation's journalists are all over this important story—no, not by doing actual journalism to discover the truth. Rather, they're posting complaints and conspiracy theories on Twitter.
Most of the journos are just mad that their professional ambitions require them to live in major cities that are often loud. But also, they and their fellow liberal celebrities would like you to know that they have a rescue dog with special needs, which proves they are a good person.
My only contribution to the fireworks discourse is that they are exceptionally aggravating for people who have an anxious dog who starts shivering and won’t stay still for hours after they go off — Zack Beauchamp (@zackbeauchamp) June 22, 2020
Our rescue dog Scout, who clearly went through some *very* real stuff before she came to us, has been traumatized nightly by fireworks in our area. They're going off every night—*every* *single* *night*—and I have no idea why. I just saw an MSNBC story asking the same question. https://t.co/2Of2bRsz8Q — Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) June 22, 2020
To the people shooting firecrackers and fireworks every night: I really really hate you for what you are doing to my dog. Hate is a strong word but I do. Sorry. — Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) June 22, 2020
Other journos decided—based on nothing—that the fireworks must be part of a sinister government conspiracy. Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones shared a Twitter thread suggesting the fireworks were part of a "coordinated attack on Black and Brown communities by government forces; an attack meant to disorient and destabilize the #BlackLivesMatter movement."
According to this conspiracy theory, as articulated by Brooklyn author Robert Jones Jr, the government is providing large stockpiles of fireworks to young people in minority communities as part of a police-approved effort to "retaliate against our calls to defund/abolish the police by creating the circumstances for a continuous public nuisance and then purposely failing to respond to it."
Prominent left-wing activist DeRay Mckesson also promoted Jones's theory, which noted liberal contrarian Jesse Singal argued was "incredibly irresponsible on every level." April Reign, creator of the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag, said it wouldn't surprise her if "the folks who are either supplying and/or setting off the fireworks every night are the same ones who magically made bricks appear when no construction site was nearby so folks could take part in property damage" during the protests inspired by the death of George Floyd.
Asha Rangappa, a CNN legal analyst and former FBI agent, agreed the firework activity in major cities was "starting to feel not so random." While most media figures have been content to complain and promote conspiracies, others are determined to find the truth. P.E. Moskowitz, for example, a "journalist/communist" with a Twitter account, announced an investigation into "whether the extreme increase in fireworks is indeed a government program." So stay tuned.
You probably didn't need any more evidence that journalists hate America and freedom, but here it is. Enjoy setting off your fireworks while you still can, before the journalists and other libs get what they want and Independence Day is either banned or rebranded as a day of silence to honor the courage of media elites and celebrities who adopted special-needs pets, and helped expose the biggest government conspiracy since 9/11.


freebeacon--2020-06-22--NYT Taps Intercept Alum to Manage Editorial Page

The New York Times has hired Charlotte Greensit of the left-wing Intercept to be its opinion section 's managing editor and an associate editorial page editor .
Greensit joins a section still reeling from outrage sparked by a June 3 op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton ( R. , Ark . )
that called for federal troops to quell violent riots .
Dozens of Times reporters erupted over the publication of Cotton 's piece , which led to editorial page editor James Bennet 's resignation and apologies from the newspaper 's brass .
Greensit appears to espouse a reliably liberal worldview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Intercept a rticle that said Cotton `` may be America 's most dangerous senator . ''
She has also tweeted articles that referred to President Donald Trump as a `` Quack-in-Chief '' and Vice President Mike Pence as the `` most powerful Christian supremacist in U.S .
history . ''
She also promoted articles that argued Gazans were justified in trying to invade Israel and defended Rep. Ilhan Omar ( D. , Minn. ) against bipartisan criticism of her anti-Semitic comments .
Greensit , a native of England , previously worked as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London bureau .

The New York Times has hired Charlotte Greensit of the left-wing Intercept to be its opinion section's managing editor and an associate editorial page editor.
Acting editorial page editor Kathleen Kingsbury announced Greensit will lead the opinion platform's "day-to-day programming strategy."
Greensit joins a section still reeling from outrage sparked by a June 3 op-ed by Sen. Tom Cotton (R., Ark.) that called for federal troops to quell violent riots. Dozens of Times reporters erupted over the publication of Cotton's piece, which led to editorial page editor James Bennet's resignation and apologies from the newspaper's brass.
Greensit appears to espouse a reliably liberal worldview. In 2017, she shared an Intercept a rticle that said Cotton "may be America's most dangerous senator." She has also tweeted articles that referred to President Donald Trump as a "Quack-in-Chief" and Vice President Mike Pence as the "most powerful Christian supremacist in U.S. history." She also promoted articles that argued Gazans were justified in trying to invade Israel and defended Rep. Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) against bipartisan criticism of her anti-Semitic comments.
Greensit, a native of England, previously worked as a reporter and editor for Time's London bureau.


freebeacon--2020-06-22--Trump Admin Shuts Down Radio Station Run by Chinese Propaganda Outlet

A radio station controlled by the Chinese Communist Party propaganda outlet Phoenix TV has been ordered by the Trump administration to cease its broadcasts within 48 hours .
The Federal Communications Commission ruled on Monday that a Mexico-based radio station owned in part by Phoenix TV—one of the Communist regime ’ s leading propaganda organs—must end its broadcasts due to its failure to disclose its ties to China .
Prior to the FCC ’ s ruling , the station was exploiting a loophole that allows content produced in the United States to be broadcast from foreign radio towers , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is headquartered in California , produced its content domestically and then used the more powerful Mexican station to broadcast across the U.S. border .
The FCC denied a license for that radio station , XEWW-AM , because it `` failed to include in their application a key participant , Phoenix Radio , which produces the Mandarin programming in its studio , '' the agency disclosed .
Phoenix Radio , Phoenix TV 's radio affiliate , was using the station to broadcast Chinese propaganda across Southern California , in violation of FCC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Congress ’ s crosshairs earlier this year , after one of its reporters confronted President Donald Trump during a White House briefing about the coronavirus pandemic and Chinese government efforts to cover up the illness .
The station ’ s presence at the White House generated concerns about the proliferation of Chinese state-controlled press organs in the United States .
The Mexican radio station failed to disclose Phoenix TV 's `` extensive role '' in producing content , an FCC spokesperson told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` It was a violation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has ties to the Chinese government , not to be included on the application filed with the Commission .
Therefore , the application was deficient and was dismissed . ''
Phoenix TV used Mexican radio towers to skirt U.S. laws barring the dissemination of foreign propaganda in America .
The FCC ’ s ruling is a sign the Trump administration seeks to more aggressively police these types of outlets , which for years have operated with little oversight .
Congress has moved in recent months to crack down on a range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that help the Communist regime saturate the American marketplace with state-approved propaganda .
The Free Beacon first reported in April that Sen. Ted Cruz ( R. , Texas ) was leading a charge to see the Mexican station shut down over its ties to Phoenix TV .
Cruz introduced legislation exposing how Phoenix TV used a series of corporate cutouts to purchase the Mexican radio station and use its airwaves to broadcast Communist propaganda in the United States .
The legislation would have closed loopholes in the FCC ’ s statutes that permitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Today ’ s decision sends an important message to the world that the U.S. will not allow China to exploit FCC loopholes and spread its propaganda over our airwaves , '' Cruz told the Free Beacon .
`` More importantly , this decision is a critical step in countering the Chinese Communist Party ’ s efforts to control what Americans see , hear , and ultimately think . ''
The FCC ruling accuses XEWW-AM ’ s owners of trying to hide the station 's ties to Phoenix TV .
The station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , did not disclose Phoenix TV ’ s role in producing the station ’ s broadcasts .
The license was rejected on this basis .
While the station can resubmit its application at a later date , it is likely to be rejected due to mounting concerns about Phoenix TV ’ s distribution of Communist regime propaganda .
Cruz first raised concerns with the FCC in 2018 , when the H & H Capital investment group purchased the Mexican station .
H & H , Cruz said , is completely enmeshed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & H is owned in large part by Vivian Huo , a U.S. citizen and Beijing native who formerly worked for several Chinese-run media outlets .

A radio station controlled by the Chinese Communist Party propaganda outlet Phoenix TV has been ordered by the Trump administration to cease its broadcasts within 48 hours.
The Federal Communications Commission ruled on Monday that a Mexico-based radio station owned in part by Phoenix TV—one of the Communist regime’s leading propaganda organs—must end its broadcasts due to its failure to disclose its ties to China.
Prior to the FCC’s ruling, the station was exploiting a loophole that allows content produced in the United States to be broadcast from foreign radio towers, such as those in Mexico. Phoenix TV, which is headquartered in California, produced its content domestically and then used the more powerful Mexican station to broadcast across the U.S. border.
The FCC denied a license for that radio station, XEWW-AM, because it "failed to include in their application a key participant, Phoenix Radio, which produces the Mandarin programming in its studio," the agency disclosed. Phoenix Radio, Phoenix TV's radio affiliate, was using the station to broadcast Chinese propaganda across Southern California, in violation of FCC statutes.
Phoenix TV first found itself in Congress’s crosshairs earlier this year, after one of its reporters confronted President Donald Trump during a White House briefing about the coronavirus pandemic and Chinese government efforts to cover up the illness. The station’s presence at the White House generated concerns about the proliferation of Chinese state-controlled press organs in the United States.
The Mexican radio station failed to disclose Phoenix TV's "extensive role" in producing content, an FCC spokesperson told the Washington Free Beacon. "It was a violation of the Communications Act for that company, which has ties to the Chinese government, not to be included on the application filed with the Commission. Therefore, the application was deficient and was dismissed."
Phoenix TV used Mexican radio towers to skirt U.S. laws barring the dissemination of foreign propaganda in America. The FCC’s ruling is a sign the Trump administration seeks to more aggressively police these types of outlets, which for years have operated with little oversight. Congress has moved in recent months to crack down on a range of Chinese broadcasters and social media accounts that help the Communist regime saturate the American marketplace with state-approved propaganda.
The Free Beacon first reported in April that Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) was leading a charge to see the Mexican station shut down over its ties to Phoenix TV. Cruz introduced legislation exposing how Phoenix TV used a series of corporate cutouts to purchase the Mexican radio station and use its airwaves to broadcast Communist propaganda in the United States. The legislation would have closed loopholes in the FCC’s statutes that permitted Phoenix TV to operate in this manner.
"Today’s decision sends an important message to the world that the U.S. will not allow China to exploit FCC loopholes and spread its propaganda over our airwaves," Cruz told the Free Beacon. "More importantly, this decision is a critical step in countering the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to control what Americans see, hear, and ultimately think."
The FCC ruling accuses XEWW-AM’s owners of trying to hide the station's ties to Phoenix TV. The station’s license application, the FCC said, did not disclose Phoenix TV’s role in producing the station’s broadcasts. The license was rejected on this basis. While the station can resubmit its application at a later date, it is likely to be rejected due to mounting concerns about Phoenix TV’s distribution of Communist regime propaganda.
Cruz first raised concerns with the FCC in 2018, when the H&H Capital investment group purchased the Mexican station. H&H, Cruz said, is completely enmeshed in Phoenix TV’s operations. H&H is owned in large part by Vivian Huo, a U.S. citizen and Beijing native who formerly worked for several Chinese-run media outlets.


freebeacon--2020-06-22--Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters Blames Israelis for Floyd Death

Musician and anti-Israel activist Roger Waters claimed Saturday that Israelis invented the method police used to kill George Floyd .
Waters , the cofounder of Pink Floyd , said in an interview with the pro-Hamas Shehab News Agency that Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody last month because of `` a technique invented by '' the Israeli Defense Forces .
`` That is an Israeli technique , taught to the militarized police forces of the United States of America by Israeli experts , who the Americans have been flying over to the United States , to teach them how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how efficient the Israelis have been at murdering Palestinians in the occupied territories using those techniques , '' Waters said .
`` And they 're proud of it . ''
The songwriter also also referred to U.S. ambassador David Friedman as `` Greenberg . ''
Waters has long denied charges of anti-Semitism , though the Anti-Defamation League ( ADL ) has labeled him a conspiratorial anti-Semite .
He supports the Boycott , Divestment , and Sanctions movement against Israel , which seeks to destroy the Jewish state through economic warfare .
In 2013 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emblazoned with the Star of David above his concert and he drew criticism from the ADL for a 2010 concert series that featured an animated depiction of planes dropping bombs in the shape of Stars of David , followed by dollar signs .
Waters caricatured casino mogul Sheldon Adelson as a `` puppet master '' in control of the White House and said the prominent Republican donor is a `` crazy , crazy , crazy guy '' who has the `` prick of Donald Trump in his pocket . ''
Waters has long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which he has called a `` racist apartheid Israeli regime '' and compared to Nazi Germany .
On Saturday , he called Zionism an `` ugly stain '' that needs to be `` gently removed . ''
Floyd died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes , sparking protests across the United States .
Waters 's remarks were first reported by the watchdog Middle East Media Research Institute .
The New York Times hosted Waters for an interview in 2017 , ahead of a `` Resistance '' concert @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The musician sat down for an interview with the pro-Hamas Shehab News Agency
Musician and anti-Israel activist Roger Waters claimed Saturday that Israelis invented the method police used to kill George Floyd.
Waters, the cofounder of Pink Floyd, said in an interview with the pro-Hamas Shehab News Agency that Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody last month because of "a technique invented by" the Israeli Defense Forces.
"That is an Israeli technique, taught to the militarized police forces of the United States of America by Israeli experts, who the Americans have been flying over to the United States, to teach them how to murder the blacks because they've seen how efficient the Israelis have been at murdering Palestinians in the occupied territories using those techniques," Waters said. "And they're proud of it."
The songwriter also also referred to U.S. ambassador David Friedman as "Greenberg."
Waters has long denied charges of anti-Semitism, though the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has labeled him a conspiratorial anti-Semite. He supports the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel, which seeks to destroy the Jewish state through economic warfare. In 2013, he flew a giant pig balloon emblazoned with the Star of David above his concert and he drew criticism from the ADL for a 2010 concert series that featured an animated depiction of planes dropping bombs in the shape of Stars of David, followed by dollar signs.
Waters caricatured casino mogul Sheldon Adelson as a "puppet master" in control of the White House and said the prominent Republican donor is a "crazy, crazy, crazy guy" who has the "prick of Donald Trump in his pocket."
Waters has long refused to play concerts in Israel, which he has called a "racist apartheid Israeli regime" and compared to Nazi Germany. On Saturday, he called Zionism an "ugly stain" that needs to be "gently removed."
Floyd died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes, sparking protests across the United States.
Waters's remarks were first reported by the watchdog Middle East Media Research Institute.
The New York Times hosted Waters for an interview in 2017, ahead of a "Resistance" concert tour aimed at President Donald Trump.


freebeacon--2020-06-23--Biden Voted to Protect Segregated Private Schools’ Tax-Exempt Status

Joe Biden voted to allow racially segregated private schools to keep their tax exempt status in the late '70s , a stance that put him at odds with the Carter administration and drew criticism from civil rights groups at the time .
Biden was among 54 senators who voted in 1979 to keep the `` Dornan rider '' —a provision that barred the IRS from revoking the tax-exempt status of segregated private schools , sometimes called `` white flight academies , '' that had appeared in the wake of the Supreme Court 's 1954 ruling integrating public schools .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which the then-senator actively opposed federal school desegregation efforts in the 1970s and 1980s , a position that has raised problems for him at a time when the Democratic Party is grappling with unrest over historical racial inequalities .
During the Democratic primary , Sen. Kamala Harris ( Calif. ) , now a prospective vice-presidential candidate , took aim at Biden ’ s history on busing and called his work with pro-segregation senators `` hurtful . ''
And while black southern voters helped propel Biden to the nomination , that support could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial justice sweeping the nation .
Sen. Jacob Javits ( R. , N.Y. ) , who introduced the amendment to strike the Dornan rider , argued at the time that segregated private schools `` continue routinely to get tax exemption to which under law or morality they are not entitled . ''
Biden 's vote to allow segregated private schools tax-exempt status put him at odds with the American Civil Liberties Union , the Urban League , and the Department of the Treasury at the time .
`` Maintaining the Dornan amendments in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major blow to civil rights , '' the ACLU said in a statement at the time .
The Urban League said the Dornan rider `` would stymie the first serious attempts by the IRS to enforce the law precluding tax exemptions for private schools which practice racial discrimination . ''
Opponents of the Javits amendment argued that the IRS would be exceeding its authority by enforcing school desegregation .
They said the IRS policy put arduous requirements on private academies to prove they don ’ t discriminate and could lead to schools being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not respond to a request for comment .
Biden was a vocal opponent of the federal busing policy to desegregate public schools in the 1970s .
In 1975 , Biden backed an amendment sponsored by Sen. Jesse Helms ( R. , N.C. ) to prevent the Department of Health , Education and Welfare from collecting data about the racial makeup of schools .
When this proposal failed , Biden introduced a similar amendment .
He went on to sponsor and vote for multiple bills to restrict the Department of Justice from enforcing desegregation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to as an `` asinine '' policy .
`` There are those of we social planners who think somehow that if we just subrogate [ sic ] man ’ s individual characteristics and traits by making sure that a presently heterogeneous society becomes a totally homogeneous society , that somehow we 're going to solve our social ills , '' Biden said in a 1975 NPR interview about his objections to busing .
`` And quite to the contrary . ''
`` I think the concept of busing … that we are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the same access and they learn to grow up with one another and all the rest , is a rejection of the whole movement of black pride , '' he added .
Biden has also been forced to address criticism of his friendships with many of the most strident opponents of the civil rights movement while he was in the Senate , including the late senators James Eastland and John Stennis .
During his first presidential campaign in 1987 , Biden often highlighted his opposition to busing during stump speeches in southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we [ Delawareans ] were on the South 's side in the Civil War . ''

Joe Biden voted to allow racially segregated private schools to keep their tax exempt status in the late '70s, a stance that put him at odds with the Carter administration and drew criticism from civil rights groups at the time.
Biden was among 54 senators who voted in 1979 to keep the "Dornan rider"—a provision that barred the IRS from revoking the tax-exempt status of segregated private schools, sometimes called "white flight academies," that had appeared in the wake of the Supreme Court's 1954 ruling integrating public schools.
Biden's vote is one of multiple instances in which the then-senator actively opposed federal school desegregation efforts in the 1970s and 1980s, a position that has raised problems for him at a time when the Democratic Party is grappling with unrest over historical racial inequalities. During the Democratic primary, Sen. Kamala Harris (Calif.), now a prospective vice-presidential candidate, took aim at Biden’s history on busing and called his work with pro-segregation senators "hurtful." And while black southern voters helped propel Biden to the nomination, that support could be upended by the protest movement for racial justice sweeping the nation.
Sen. Jacob Javits (R., N.Y.), who introduced the amendment to strike the Dornan rider, argued at the time that segregated private schools "continue routinely to get tax exemption to which under law or morality they are not entitled."
Biden's vote to allow segregated private schools tax-exempt status put him at odds with the American Civil Liberties Union, the Urban League, and the Department of the Treasury at the time.
"Maintaining the Dornan amendments in the Treasury Appropriations bill would be a major blow to civil rights," the ACLU said in a statement at the time.
The Urban League said the Dornan rider "would stymie the first serious attempts by the IRS to enforce the law precluding tax exemptions for private schools which practice racial discrimination."
Opponents of the Javits amendment argued that the IRS would be exceeding its authority by enforcing school desegregation. They said the IRS policy put arduous requirements on private academies to prove they don’t discriminate and could lead to schools being unfairly punished.
The Biden campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Biden was a vocal opponent of the federal busing policy to desegregate public schools in the 1970s.
In 1975, Biden backed an amendment sponsored by Sen. Jesse Helms (R., N.C.) to prevent the Department of Health, Education and Welfare from collecting data about the racial makeup of schools. When this proposal failed, Biden introduced a similar amendment. He went on to sponsor and vote for multiple bills to restrict the Department of Justice from enforcing desegregation through busing, which Biden often referred to as an "asinine" policy.
"There are those of we social planners who think somehow that if we just subrogate [sic] man’s individual characteristics and traits by making sure that a presently heterogeneous society becomes a totally homogeneous society, that somehow we're going to solve our social ills," Biden said in a 1975 NPR interview about his objections to busing. "And quite to the contrary."
"I think the concept of busing … that we are going to integrate people so that they all have the same access and they learn to grow up with one another and all the rest, is a rejection of the whole movement of black pride," he added.
Biden has also been forced to address criticism of his friendships with many of the most strident opponents of the civil rights movement while he was in the Senate, including the late senators James Eastland and John Stennis.
During his first presidential campaign in 1987, Biden often highlighted his opposition to busing during stump speeches in southern states, and once boasted that "we [Delawareans] were on the South's side in the Civil War."


freebeacon--2020-06-23--Trump to Issue Order on U.S. Historical Monuments

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) – President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he will issue an executive order regarding U.S. historical @ @ @ @ @ to remove statues and other memorials activists consider racist gains momentum across the country , @ @ @ @ @ over racial injustice .
Many of the statues and monuments targeted by crowds in recent @ @ @ @ @ rebel Confederacy from the nation 's Civil War .
Democrats and other critics say such @ @ @ @ @ perpetuated slavery .
Calls to take them down follow a wave of protests after the @ @ @ @ @ Floyd , an unarmed Black man killed in police custody in Minneapolis , that has @ @ @ @ @ to address racism in policing and other reforms .

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he will issue an executive order regarding U.S. historical monuments, as the movement to remove statues and other memorials activists consider racist gains momentum across the country, part of wider national protests over racial injustice.
Many of the statues and monuments targeted by crowds in recent weeks pay homage to the rebel Confederacy from the nation's Civil War. Democrats and other critics say such symbols wrongly honor those who perpetuated slavery. Calls to take them down follow a wave of protests after the May 25 death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man killed in police custody in Minneapolis, that has sparked ongoing demonstrations and calls to address racism in policing and other reforms.
(Reporting by Jeff Mason and Susan Heavey; Writing by Lisa Lambert and Chizu Nomiyama)


freebeacon--2020-06-23--REVIEW: ‘Hot Cup of Joe,’ The Sexy Biden Coloring Book

`` After years of sharing him with Barack , now you can have handsome and dependable Joe Biden all to yourself . ''
So proclaims the back cover of Hot Cup of Joe : A Piping Hot Coloring Book with America 's Sexiest Moderate , Joe Biden , a thirsty ode to the former vice president of the United States and presumptive Democratic nominee for president , health permitting .
You 've probably read a tweet or two agonizing about whether it 's possible to portray `` sexiness '' without reinforcing the problematic sexism that pervades our patriarchal culture .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ illustrator Jason Millet 's contribution to this important debate goes out of its way to legitimize toxic and outdated stereotypes of masculinity .
What is wrong with this picture ?
Several things .
For one , Millet 's artwork envisions Biden , 77 , taking part in activities that an individual of his advanced age and cognitive decline should never attempt—operating a boat , wearing a speedo , riding a horse , chopping wood , gambling , playing beach volleyball , and baking .
In a very real sense , this coloring book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diverse Americans .
Hot Cup of Joe insists on depicting the former vice president in the context of a hyper-sexualized fantasy .
There 's nothing wrong with that , except that it 's problematic and offensive—a glaring affront to the concept of body positivity .
The Biden portrayed in this coloring book is a blatantly younger , more muscular , more athletic , more mentally dexterous version of the real thing .
Far from being an artistic celebration of a man whose `` politics might be moderate , but his appeal is extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our society 's unrealistic expectations of what it means to be a sexy man .
It sends a harmful message to America 's young men , who might be tempted to pursue a career in politics in a misguided attempt to increase their sex appeal .
At the same time , it assaults the self-confidence of older men with flabbier physiques and diminished cognitive ability .
If the goal was to make the case for the real Joe Biden 's sexiness , Hot Cup of Joe fails on every front .
If the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our attraction to a married man—whose wife , Dr. Jill , is conspicuously absent from the book—and to confront our inherent discomfort at the concept of a sex-positive society that does n't fetishize monogamy , the case for success is stronger .
Ultimately , however , Hot Cup of Joe fails by any standard to make a meaningful contribution to the social discourse , although an image of Biden strangling a wayward canine could prompt an insightful dialogue about the rule of law .
The coloring book format forces the reader/artist to acquire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden '' character , distorting our conception of reality .
Upon putting down the colored pencils , we are left with a simple question : Can I trust this man ?
The answer is a resounding no .

"After years of sharing him with Barack, now you can have handsome and dependable Joe Biden all to yourself."
So proclaims the back cover of Hot Cup of Joe: A Piping Hot Coloring Book with America's Sexiest Moderate, Joe Biden, a thirsty ode to the former vice president of the United States and presumptive Democratic nominee for president, health permitting.
You've probably read a tweet or two agonizing about whether it's possible to portray "sexiness" without reinforcing the problematic sexism that pervades our patriarchal culture. Even if the answer is yes, illustrator Jason Millet's contribution to this important debate goes out of its way to legitimize toxic and outdated stereotypes of masculinity.
What is wrong with this picture? Several things.
For one, Millet's artwork envisions Biden, 77, taking part in activities that an individual of his advanced age and cognitive decline should never attempt—operating a boat, wearing a speedo, riding a horse, chopping wood, gambling, playing beach volleyball, and baking. In a very real sense, this coloring book endangers the lives of elderly and cognitively diverse Americans.
Hot Cup of Joe insists on depicting the former vice president in the context of a hyper-sexualized fantasy. There's nothing wrong with that, except that it's problematic and offensive—a glaring affront to the concept of body positivity. The Biden portrayed in this coloring book is a blatantly younger, more muscular, more athletic, more mentally dexterous version of the real thing.
Far from being an artistic celebration of a man whose "politics might be moderate, but his appeal is extreme," the coloring book instead reinforces our society's unrealistic expectations of what it means to be a sexy man. It sends a harmful message to America's young men, who might be tempted to pursue a career in politics in a misguided attempt to increase their sex appeal. At the same time, it assaults the self-confidence of older men with flabbier physiques and diminished cognitive ability.
If the goal was to make the case for the real Joe Biden's sexiness, Hot Cup of Joe fails on every front. If the goal was to force us to acknowledge our attraction to a married man—whose wife, Dr. Jill, is conspicuously absent from the book—and to confront our inherent discomfort at the concept of a sex-positive society that doesn't fetishize monogamy, the case for success is stronger.
Ultimately, however, Hot Cup of Joe fails by any standard to make a meaningful contribution to the social discourse, although an image of Biden strangling a wayward canine could prompt an insightful dialogue about the rule of law.
The coloring book format forces the reader/artist to acquire an intimate familiarity with the fantasy "Joe Biden" character, distorting our conception of reality. Upon putting down the colored pencils, we are left with a simple question: Can I trust this man? The answer is a resounding no.


freebeacon--2020-06-23--Seattle Mayor Says City Will Disband Police-Free Autonomous Zone

Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan said she is disbanding the city 's autonomous zone after three people were shot—one fatally—in two separate shootings that occurred within a 48-hour period in the police-free area .
`` It 's time for people to go home , '' Durkan said during a Monday press conference .
`` It is time for us to restore Cal Anderson and Capitol Hill so it can be a vibrant part of the community . ''
Seattle police and city officials had previously worked with the leaders of the autonomous zone , who said they would maintain order in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday after he was shot in Cal Anderson Park inside the autonomous zone .
A 33-year-old man was shot and critically injured in the same incident .
A `` violent crowd '' blocked Seattle police from entering the zone when they responded to the shooting , according to a city press release , preventing officers from attending to the victims or catching the perpetrator , who is still at large .
On Sunday night , a 17-year-old was shot in the same park .
Protesters within the occupied area brought the victim to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was later released .
Following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor , a group of protesters barricaded themselves inside a six-block stretch of the city 's Capitol Hill neighborhood—referred to either as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone or the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest .
Police retreated from the area weeks ago after clashes with protesters , who demanded the city disband its police department .
Durkan said Monday that the city welcomes `` people who want to protest peacefully , '' but the police will return to the area `` @ @ @ @ @ @

Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan said she is disbanding the city's autonomous zone after three people were shot—one fatally—in two separate shootings that occurred within a 48-hour period in the police-free area.
"It's time for people to go home," Durkan said during a Monday press conference. "It is time for us to restore Cal Anderson and Capitol Hill so it can be a vibrant part of the community."
Seattle police and city officials had previously worked with the leaders of the autonomous zone, who said they would maintain order in the area.
Nineteen-year-old Lorenzo Anderson died Saturday after he was shot in Cal Anderson Park inside the autonomous zone. A 33-year-old man was shot and critically injured in the same incident. A "violent crowd" blocked Seattle police from entering the zone when they responded to the shooting, according to a city press release, preventing officers from attending to the victims or catching the perpetrator, who is still at large.
On Sunday night, a 17-year-old was shot in the same park. Protesters within the occupied area brought the victim to a hospital to be treated, and he was later released.
Following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, a group of protesters barricaded themselves inside a six-block stretch of the city's Capitol Hill neighborhood—referred to either as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone or the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest. Police retreated from the area weeks ago after clashes with protesters, who demanded the city disband its police department.
Durkan said Monday that the city welcomes "people who want to protest peacefully," but the police will return to the area "in the near future."


freebeacon--2020-06-23--Cuomo Blames Trump for New York’s Nursing Home Deaths

New York governor Andrew Cuomo ( D. ) blamed the Trump administration on Tuesday for the high rate of nursing home deaths in his state during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We followed federal guidance on the nursing homes , '' Cuomo said on NBC after being asked whether his mandate to return seniors recovering from the coronavirus to nursing homes was a mistake .
`` We had more people die than any other state .
That 's a fact .
The reason that happened was because we had the virus coming from Europe when the federal government told us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And we had no screening on people coming from Europe , '' he said .
Cuomo was roundly criticized for his decision to return seniors recovering from the virus to care facilities in his state during the height of the pandemic .
Cuomo reversed the policy on May 10 , but he did not blame the Trump administration for the state 's policy at the time .
Instead , he affirmed the directive and placed the blame on nursing homes for accepting patients they could not care for safely .
Cuomo in May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's situation by saying the virus came from Europe rather than China .
`` We were all told about the China virus , the China virus .
This virus came from Europe , '' he said in an interview on MSNBC .
While the Trump administration introduced measures on March 12 to screen passengers arriving from Europe for symptoms of the virus , there were no coronavirus tests for such passengers .
The administration also banned all flights from Europe , with the exception of the United Kingdom and Ireland , in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .

New York governor Andrew Cuomo (D.) blamed the Trump administration on Tuesday for the high rate of nursing home deaths in his state during the coronavirus pandemic.
"We followed federal guidance on the nursing homes," Cuomo said on NBC after being asked whether his mandate to return seniors recovering from the coronavirus to nursing homes was a mistake.
"We had more people die than any other state. That's a fact. The reason that happened was because we had the virus coming from Europe when the federal government told us the virus was coming from China. And we had no screening on people coming from Europe," he said.
Cuomo was roundly criticized for his decision to return seniors recovering from the virus to care facilities in his state during the height of the pandemic. Cuomo reversed the policy on May 10, but he did not blame the Trump administration for the state's policy at the time. Instead, he affirmed the directive and placed the blame on nursing homes for accepting patients they could not care for safely.
Cuomo in May also shifted the blame for his state's situation by saying the virus came from Europe rather than China.
"We were all told about the China virus, the China virus. This virus came from Europe," he said in an interview on MSNBC.
While the Trump administration introduced measures on March 12 to screen passengers arriving from Europe for symptoms of the virus, there were no coronavirus tests for such passengers. The administration also banned all flights from Europe, with the exception of the United Kingdom and Ireland, in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus.