freebeacon--2020-09-21--Billionaires Buy Ibram Kendi’s Woke Promises, But He Doesn’t Deliver

In August 2019 , as young journalists agitated for their newsrooms to pivot toward social justice , Dr. Ibram X. Kendi 's research center at American University secured a $ 50,000 grant from the Ford Foundation to develop a `` racial reporting guidebook '' to help the media hew to Kendi ’ s `` antiracist '' principles .
The school touted the grant as one of its 2019 achievements , and Kendi ’ s academic perch at AU , the Antiracist Research and Policy Center , proudly advertised on its website a fall 2019 symposium on `` racial reporting .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ symposium ever materialized—further details were promised well into 2020 .
The project ’ s mysterious disappearance is but one instance in which Kendi and colleagues ’ big promises never came to fruition .
Over the past half decade , Kendi has become liberal America 's guiding light on the academic study of racism .
He has written three bestselling books , published op-eds in the New York Times and Washington Post , and has been named a contributor to the Atlantic and CBS News .
But the glitzy academic center at which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no real academic research .
Instead , the ARPC hosted a swanky gala honoring liberals from George and Amal Clooney to Barack and Michelle Obama , as well as `` conversations '' with people such as Black Panthers founder Bobby Seale .
And it ran an `` antiracist confessions board '' on which students and administrators were encouraged to overcome the `` denial '' that characterizes racism by `` confessing '' the details of their `` journey '' to being antiracist .
The racial reporting guidebook isn ’ t the only project that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation grant , for a promised `` National Antibigotry Project , '' exists entirely on paper .
Other projects Kendi promised— '' policy teams , '' the `` world ’ s largest '' library of data on racial inequality , and classes for American University students—did not come to fruition before his departure this summer for the new Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University .
A spokeswoman for the Antiracist Research and Policy Center told the Washington Free Beacon that academic output is not the center ’ s only purpose but did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fulfill these commitments .
`` While research production is a goal of an academic center , there are other goals , such as convening experts from the policy world and beyond to further discourse , and there are many types of academic centers , '' said Rebecca Basu , a spokeswoman for the center .
She added that Kendi `` also engaged in significant activity as a thought leader and public intellectual '' and pointed to a list of activities including those mentioned above , a series of op-eds in the Guardian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ festival . ''
A Kendi representative at BU did not respond to multiple requests for comment .
Kendi 's story mirrors that of other fixtures of the new progressive establishment , like White Fragility author Dr. Robin DiAngelo , who have elevated themselves as academic experts on racism and gotten rich as corporations , foundations , and many of the country ’ s wealthiest people scramble to prove they are on the right side of the country ’ s racial reckoning .
Kendi joined the American University faculty in Aug. 2017 , just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident involving a banana and a noose .
His hiring was announced just nine days after the event , although Kendi has said that he had been in discussions with the school for months .
A spokesman for the university did not respond to multiple requests for comment .
Though Kendi promised to involve students in the center , he taught just one class during his three years at AU .
The center ’ s engagement director , Dr. Christopher Petrella , also taught once in the spring of 2018 , possibly as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken ill .
The `` research teams , '' which formed the centerpiece of Kendi ’ s academic vision , attracted just one or two fellows each , and produced little research .
While one ARPC fellow , Dr. Jessica Owens-Young , received funding for research on racial disparities in infant mortality in the District of Columbia , no paper on that topic appears to have been published—Owens-Young did not respond to a request for comment .
Other ARPC fellows for whom such information is available do not appear to have published ARPC-funded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2016 .
Basu told the Free Beacon that the center itself never published any research reports .
The most successful Kendi project appears to have been the Antiracist Teacher Preparation Initiative , a joint endeavor with the AU School of Education funded by the Gates Foundation .
But that work , still ongoing , is primarily housed outside of the ARPC .
School of Education dean Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy described Kendi and Petrella as `` collaborators/thought partners , '' but emphasized that American University academics are taking the lead .
Similarly , Kendi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID Racial Data Tracker , is someone else ’ s project .
Funded by $ 300,000 from the Marguerite Casey Foundation , the tracker is part of a larger coronavirus research effort overseen by his colleagues at the Atlantic .
A spokeswoman for the Atlantic did not directly respond when asked about Kendi ’ s level of involvement but told the Free Beacon , `` The Covid Tracking Project is a volunteer organization launched at the Atlantic ; data collection is done by a network of volunteers . ''
Kendi ’ s lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundraising .
The center made clear on its website that it `` aims to attract support from visionary philanthropists and foundations '' and to partner `` with the philanthropic community . ''
Money flowed in , including the $ 250,000 from the Ford Foundation ( which did not respond to a request for comment ) and $ 300,000 from the Marguerite Casey Foundation , as well as $ 150,000 from George Soros ’ s Open Society Foundation , and $ 150,000 from the Gates Foundation .
Giving was particularly popular at times of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd in May , gaming company Square Enix included the center among recipients of a $ 250,000 grant , while supermodel Karlie Kloss hawked prints , the proceeds of which were earmarked for the center .
Individuals contributing $ 250 or more received a signed copy of Kendi ’ s bestseller Stamped from the Beginning ; those giving at least $ 25 received a `` Be Antiracist '' pin .
Kendi 's position also gave him and hangers-on access to the halls of power .
Seven months after his arrival on campus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Atlantic , while Petrella garnered a prestigious Atlantic fellowship .
Asked whether the events were connected , a spokesman for the Atlantic did not respond .
It also brought personal wealth .
Kendi ’ s latest book , How to Be an Antiracist , remains atop bestseller lists , adding to the proceeds of $ 150-a-ticket events and one-hour presentation fees of $ 25,000 .
Kendi 's inactivity may be attributable to the stage IV cancer diagnosis he received in January 2018 .
But over the following year , he continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How to Be an Antiracist .
His colleagues do not appear to have stepped up in his absence .
In June , Kendi announced a move from AU to Boston University .
The tenor of his departure is unclear : While AU thanked him for his service in a note on the future of the ARPC , Kendi conspicuously declined to comment when asked if dissatisfaction with the university had driven him elsewhere .
He took the ARPC 's team with him , as well as its social media handles—the center at AU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June .
The professor has shed longtime followers in his climb .
Petrella decamped from AU to BU with him , becoming the only white man on staff at the Center for Antiracist Research , Kendi ’ s new outfit that mimics his setup at AU in structure , projects , and staff .
But as of this writing , Petrella has disappeared from the center 's site and wiped mentions of it from his own web presence .
He did not return a request for comment .
Kendi appears to have bigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year with a proposal that America create a Department of Antiracism , tasked with preventing racism in policy nationwide , effectively re-creating his `` center '' but with taxpayer funding .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D. , Mass . )
recently introduced a bill to create a weaker version within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—one can guess who would end up in charge .
Kendi ’ s billionaire patrons seem eager to get him there .
In late August , billionaire Twitter cofounder Jack Dorsey made an unsolicited $ 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Research .
The center had been established just six weeks earlier , and Dorsey ’ s gift dwarfed even the $ 1.5 million that the charitable giving arm of Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals had given .
Kendi said he was `` elated '' by the trust it signified .
Dorsey ’ s donation will likely not be the last , or even the biggest , to the professor who has become a charity magnet for the progressive elite .
It is clear from Kendi ’ s track record that these ever-more-generous gifts are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is peddling the latest in wokeness—and his billionaire benefactors are eager to buy .

In August 2019, as young journalists agitated for their newsrooms to pivot toward social justice, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's research center at American University secured a $50,000 grant from the Ford Foundation to develop a "racial reporting guidebook" to help the media hew to Kendi’s "antiracist" principles.
The school touted the grant as one of its 2019 achievements, and Kendi’s academic perch at AU, the Antiracist Research and Policy Center, proudly advertised on its website a fall 2019 symposium on "racial reporting."
But neither the guidebook nor the symposium ever materialized—further details were promised well into 2020. The project’s mysterious disappearance is but one instance in which Kendi and colleagues’ big promises never came to fruition.
Over the past half decade, Kendi has become liberal America's guiding light on the academic study of racism. He has written three bestselling books, published op-eds in the New York Times and Washington Post, and has been named a contributor to the Atlantic and CBS News. But the glitzy academic center at which he roosted for much of that time produced no real academic research.
Instead, the ARPC hosted a swanky gala honoring liberals from George and Amal Clooney to Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as "conversations" with people such as Black Panthers founder Bobby Seale. And it ran an "antiracist confessions board" on which students and administrators were encouraged to overcome the "denial" that characterizes racism by "confessing" the details of their "journey" to being antiracist.
The racial reporting guidebook isn’t the only project that never materialized. Another $200,000 Ford Foundation grant, for a promised "National Antibigotry Project," exists entirely on paper. Other projects Kendi promised—"policy teams," the "world’s largest" library of data on racial inequality, and classes for American University students—did not come to fruition before his departure this summer for the new Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University.
A spokeswoman for the Antiracist Research and Policy Center told the Washington Free Beacon that academic output is not the center’s only purpose but did not comment on Kendi’s failure to fulfill these commitments.
"While research production is a goal of an academic center, there are other goals, such as convening experts from the policy world and beyond to further discourse, and there are many types of academic centers," said Rebecca Basu, a spokeswoman for the center. She added that Kendi "also engaged in significant activity as a thought leader and public intellectual" and pointed to a list of activities including those mentioned above, a series of op-eds in the Guardian, and a "national antiracist book festival." A Kendi representative at BU did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Kendi's story mirrors that of other fixtures of the new progressive establishment, like White Fragility author Dr. Robin DiAngelo, who have elevated themselves as academic experts on racism and gotten rich as corporations, foundations, and many of the country’s wealthiest people scramble to prove they are on the right side of the country’s racial reckoning.
Kendi joined the American University faculty in Aug. 2017, just months after a campus uproar over an incident involving a banana and a noose. His hiring was announced just nine days after the event, although Kendi has said that he had been in discussions with the school for months. A spokesman for the university did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Though Kendi promised to involve students in the center, he taught just one class during his three years at AU. The center’s engagement director, Dr. Christopher Petrella, substituted for Kendi, who had taken ill, in the spring of 2018, in addition to Petrella's other course load.
The "research teams," which formed the centerpiece of Kendi’s academic vision, attracted just one or two fellows each, and produced little research. While one ARPC fellow, Dr. Jessica Owens-Young, received funding for research on racial disparities in infant mortality in the District of Columbia, no paper on that topic appears to have been published—Owens-Young did not respond to a request for comment.
Other ARPC fellows for whom such information is available do not appear to have published ARPC-funded research; one has not published anything since 2016. Basu told the Free Beacon that the center itself never published any research reports.
The most successful Kendi project appears to have been the Antiracist Teacher Preparation Initiative, a joint endeavor with the AU School of Education funded by the Gates Foundation. But that work, still ongoing, is primarily housed outside of the ARPC. School of Education dean Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy described Kendi and Petrella as "collaborators/thought partners," but emphasized that American University academics are taking the lead.
Similarly, Kendi’s sole data contribution, the COVID Racial Data Tracker, is someone else’s project. Funded by $300,000 from the Marguerite Casey Foundation, the tracker is part of a larger coronavirus research effort overseen by his colleagues at the Atlantic. A spokeswoman for the Atlantic did not directly respond when asked about Kendi’s level of involvement but told the Free Beacon, "The Covid Tracking Project is a volunteer organization launched at the Atlantic; data collection is done by a network of volunteers."
Kendi’s lack of research output proved little obstacle to fundraising. The center made clear on its website that it "aims to attract support from visionary philanthropists and foundations" and to partner "with the philanthropic community."
Money flowed in, including the $250,000 from the Ford Foundation (which did not respond to a request for comment) and $300,000 from the Marguerite Casey Foundation, as well as $150,000 from George Soros’s Open Society Foundation, and $150,000 from the Gates Foundation. Giving was particularly popular at times of racial unrest—just days after the death of George Floyd in May, gaming company Square Enix mentioned the Center in announcing a $250,000 racial justice grant, although a company representative told the Free Beacon that the money went elsewhere; supermodel Karlie Kloss hawked prints, the proceeds of which were earmarked for the center.
Individuals contributing $250 or more received a signed copy of Kendi’s bestseller Stamped from the Beginning; those giving at least $25 received a "Be Antiracist" pin.
It also brought personal wealth. Kendi’s latest book, How to Be an Antiracist, remains atop bestseller lists, adding to the proceeds of $150-a-ticket events and one-hour presentation fees of $25,000.
Kendi's inactivity may be attributable to the stage IV cancer diagnosis he received in January 2018. But over the following year, he continued to speak and write widely, authoring How to Be an Antiracist. His colleagues do not appear to have stepped up in his absence.
In June, Kendi announced a move from AU to Boston University. The tenor of his departure is unclear: While AU thanked him for his service in a note on the future of the ARPC, Kendi conspicuously declined to comment when asked if dissatisfaction with the university had driven him elsewhere. He took the ARPC's team with him, as well as its social media handles—the center at AU was forced to create new ones in June. In fact, Kendi also took the funds he had raised during his time at the ARPC, Basu told the Free Beacon after publication of this article.
The professor has shed longtime followers in his climb. Petrella decamped from AU to BU with him, becoming the only white man on staff at the Center for Antiracist Research, Kendi’s new outfit that mimics his setup at AU in structure, projects, and staff. But as of this writing, Petrella has disappeared from the center's site and wiped mentions of it from his own web presence. Petrella, who had been previously asked for comment, informed the Free Beacon after publication of this article that he had left the ARPC at the end of August to pursue a different job outside of academia.
Kendi appears to have bigger dreams than BU. He made waves last year with a proposal that America create a Department of Antiracism, tasked with preventing racism in policy nationwide, effectively re-creating his "center" but with taxpayer funding. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) recently introduced a bill to create a weaker version within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—one can guess who would end up in charge.
Kendi’s billionaire patrons seem eager to get him there. In late August, billionaire Twitter cofounder Jack Dorsey made an unsolicited $10 million gift to the Center for Antiracist Research. The center had been established just six weeks earlier, and Dorsey’s gift dwarfed even the $1.5 million that the charitable giving arm of Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals had given. Kendi said he was "elated" by the trust it signified.
Dorsey’s donation will likely not be the last, or even the biggest, to the professor who has become a charity magnet for the progressive elite. It is clear from Kendi’s track record that these ever-more-generous gifts are not buying serious research. Instead, Kendi is peddling the latest in wokeness—and his billionaire benefactors are eager to buy.
Update September 22, 10:55 p.m.: This post has been updated to reflect comment from Dr. Christopher Petrella.
Update September 23, 1:07 p.m.: This post has been updated with further comment from Antiracist Research and Policy Center spokeswoman Rebecca Basu.
Update September 29, 1:12 p.m.: This post has been updated with further information from Square Enix.


freebeacon--2020-09-20--Klobuchar Struggles to Defend 2016 Position on Filling Supreme Court Vacancy

Sen. Amy Klobuchar ( D. , Minn. ) on Sunday struggled to explain her reversal on supporting a Senate vote for a Supreme Court nominee during an election year .
Klobuchar said Sunday that the Senate should wait to vote for a new Supreme Court nominee until after the November election .
In 2016 , however , Klobuchar pushed for a Senate vote on Obama Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland ahead of that year 's presidential election .
Asked about the reversal from her 2016 position , Klobuchar told CNN , `` We are in modern history where literally just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered after someone died unexpectedly , Justice Scalia , a new rule was set by our colleagues . ''
The Minnesota senator also said Senate Republicans ca n't use `` raw political power right in the middle of an election . ''
In 2016 , Klobuchar said the Constitution required a Senate vote on a Supreme Court nominee during an election year .
`` The Constitution is clear : The Senate must consider the president 's nominee and then choose whether to vote yes or no , '' the senator said at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , hold hearings , and vote . ''
Republicans held a majority in the Senate when Barack Obama nominated Garland in March 2016 to fill the seat of late-justice Antonin Scalia .
While Democrats pushed for a Senate vote on the nominee before the presidential election , Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R. , Ky. ) refused to hold a vote on Garland 's nomination .
McConnell said Friday that the Senate will vote on President Trump 's nominee .
Trump is expected to announce his nominee this week .

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D., Minn.) on Sunday struggled to explain her reversal on supporting a Senate vote for a Supreme Court nominee during an election year.
Klobuchar said Sunday that the Senate should wait to vote for a new Supreme Court nominee until after the November election. In 2016, however, Klobuchar pushed for a Senate vote on Obama Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland ahead of that year's presidential election.
Asked about the reversal from her 2016 position, Klobuchar told CNN, "We are in modern history where literally just in the last time a justice was considered after someone died unexpectedly, Justice Scalia, a new rule was set by our colleagues."
The Minnesota senator also said Senate Republicans can't use "raw political power right in the middle of an election."
In 2016, Klobuchar said the Constitution required a Senate vote on a Supreme Court nominee during an election year.
"The Constitution is clear: The Senate must consider the president's nominee and then choose whether to vote yes or no," the senator said at the time. "We must do our job, hold hearings, and vote."
Republicans held a majority in the Senate when Barack Obama nominated Garland in March 2016 to fill the seat of late-justice Antonin Scalia. While Democrats pushed for a Senate vote on the nominee before the presidential election, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) refused to hold a vote on Garland's nomination.
McConnell said Friday that the Senate will vote on President Trump's nominee. Trump is expected to announce his nominee this week.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Experts Slam Xi Jinping’s Hypocritical Call for ‘Multilateralism’ at U.N.

At the 75th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday , Chinese president Xi Jinping outlined his vision for the world in a speech that foreign-policy experts say ignored his own country ’ s demonstrated history of working against the values he advocated for .
`` China will continue to be a true follower of multilateralism , '' Xi told viewers in his own pre-recorded speech .
`` It will stay actively engaged in reforming and developing the global governance system .
It will firmly uphold the U.N.-centered international system , firmly uphold the international order underpinned by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.N. 's central role in international affairs . ''
Xi also added that the World Health Organization remained integral to the Chinese international mission and global public health , applauding its efforts .
`` Unilateralism is a dead end , '' Xi said .
`` Cold War mentality , ideological lines or zero-sum game [ sic ] are no solution to a country ’ s own problem , still less an answer to mankind ’ s common challenges , '' he added in not-so-subtle jabs at Washington .
Experts on China noted hypocrisy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ’ s demonstrated record on issues regarding human rights , rule of law , and multilateralism .
`` Xi Jinping suggested today that the United Nations should stand for justice , rule of law , cooperation , and real action .
These are reasonable requests , but strange coming from Xi , '' American Enterprise Institute research fellow Zack Cooper told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` Is the Communist Party pursuing ‘ justice ' in Xinjiang ? ''
Cooper said .
`` Or ‘ rule of law ' in Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-defeating wolf warrior diplomacy ?
Or ‘ real action ' to protect foreign intellectual property ?
The Communist Party should embrace justice , rule of law , cooperation , and real action at home before calling for others to follow those principles abroad . ''
Heritage Foundation expert Brett Schaefer shared similar concerns about Xi ’ s speech .
`` It is ironic to see China urging the U.N. to uphold the rule of law and calling for mutual respect and equality among all nations , since it rejected the ruling against Beijing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea , which China has ratified , and continues to illegally claim control over areas of the South China Sea , '' Schaefer noted .
`` The lack of transparency and cooperation by Beijing in reporting the COVID-19 outbreak directly contributed to its spread , which led to hundreds of thousands of deaths , and trillions of dollars in lost economic output , '' Schaefer added .
`` In these remarks , Beijing is again trying to avoid responsibility for its actions and the WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this effort . ''
Schaefer ’ s remarks support similar conclusions made in a report this week authored by the Republican staff on the House Foreign Affairs committee .
The report charges that China and the WHO cost China and the world thousands of lives and made the pandemic worse by directing a coronavirus response tailored to Chinese domestic interests .
`` China supports the international order and international law only so far as it can use that system to advance its interests , as evidenced by its belligerence toward its neighbors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its support for and willingness to use its veto to protect the most destabilizing countries in the world like North Korea , '' Schaefer said .

At the 75th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Chinese president Xi Jinping outlined his vision for the world in a speech that foreign-policy experts say ignored his own country’s demonstrated history of working against the values he advocated for.
"China will continue to be a true follower of multilateralism," Xi told viewers in his own pre-recorded speech. "It will stay actively engaged in reforming and developing the global governance system. It will firmly uphold the U.N.-centered international system, firmly uphold the international order underpinned by international law, and firmly defend the U.N.'s central role in international affairs."
Xi also added that the World Health Organization remained integral to the Chinese international mission and global public health, applauding its efforts.
"Unilateralism is a dead end," Xi said. "Cold War mentality, ideological lines or zero-sum game [sic] are no solution to a country’s own problem, still less an answer to mankind’s common challenges," he added in not-so-subtle jabs at Washington.
Experts on China noted hypocrisy in Xi’s remarks, considering China’s demonstrated record on issues regarding human rights, rule of law, and multilateralism.
"Xi Jinping suggested today that the United Nations should stand for justice, rule of law, cooperation, and real action. These are reasonable requests, but strange coming from Xi," American Enterprise Institute research fellow Zack Cooper told the Washington Free Beacon.
"Is the Communist Party pursuing 'justice' in Xinjiang?" Cooper said. "Or 'rule of law' in Hong Kong? Or 'cooperation' through its self-defeating wolf warrior diplomacy? Or 'real action' to protect foreign intellectual property? The Communist Party should embrace justice, rule of law, cooperation, and real action at home before calling for others to follow those principles abroad."
Heritage Foundation expert Brett Schaefer shared similar concerns about Xi’s speech. "It is ironic to see China urging the U.N. to uphold the rule of law and calling for mutual respect and equality among all nations, since it rejected the ruling against Beijing by the Permanent Court of Arbitration of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, which China has ratified, and continues to illegally claim control over areas of the South China Sea," Schaefer noted.
"The lack of transparency and cooperation by Beijing in reporting the COVID-19 outbreak directly contributed to its spread, which led to hundreds of thousands of deaths, and trillions of dollars in lost economic output," Schaefer added. "In these remarks, Beijing is again trying to avoid responsibility for its actions and the WHO has, shamefully, assisted China in this effort."
Schaefer’s remarks support similar conclusions made in a report this week authored by the Republican staff on the House Foreign Affairs committee. The report charges that China and the WHO cost China and the world thousands of lives and made the pandemic worse by directing a coronavirus response tailored to Chinese domestic interests.
"China supports the international order and international law only so far as it can use that system to advance its interests, as evidenced by its belligerence toward its neighbors, its depredations against its own people, and its support for and willingness to use its veto to protect the most destabilizing countries in the world like North Korea," Schaefer said.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Georgia Senate Candidate Said Police Behave Like Thugs and Gangsters

Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Raphael Warnock said in a series of 2015 sermons that many police officers behaved like thugs and bullies .
Warnock , in a March 2015 sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta , attacked the police under scrutiny after Michael Brown 's killing in Ferguson , Mo.
, as having a `` gangster and thug mentality . ''
Warnock encouraged parishioners to read the Obama Justice Department 's report on Ferguson , which found civil rights violations by Ferguson police and concluded Officer Darren Wilson was justified in shooting Brown .
`` You know you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thug , '' Warnock said .
`` You can sometimes wear the colors of the state and behave like a thug . ''
While Warnock 's stated position in 2020 is that he opposes defunding police departments , his past rhetoric shows a disdain for law enforcement .
In another sermon to his majority-black congregation in June 2015 , Warnock said policemen `` often '' caused more trouble for children and put them `` in danger . ''
In November of that year , he said it was not a surprise to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the high prison population of the United States .
Asked to comment , Warnock 's campaign pointed to remarks he made in June that he supports the push to `` responsibly fund law enforcement . ''
The campaign did not answer what he meant by `` responsibly fund . ''
Last week , Warnock invited a Texas preacher to virtually address Ebenezer who supports defunding the police and has said policing is rooted in slavery .
In one of two Senate races in Georgia this year , Warnock is the leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelly Loeffler 's ( R. , Ga. ) seat .
In the likely event no one in the field of nearly two-dozen hopefuls hits 50 percent on Election Day , the top two finishers will advance to a runoff .
Other candidates challenging Loeffler include Republican congressman Doug Collins and Democrat Matt Lieberman .

Georgia Democratic Senate candidate Raphael Warnock said in a series of 2015 sermons that many police officers behaved like thugs and bullies.
Warnock, in a March 2015 sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, attacked the police under scrutiny after Michael Brown's killing in Ferguson, Mo., as having a "gangster and thug mentality." Warnock encouraged parishioners to read the Obama Justice Department's report on Ferguson, which found civil rights violations by Ferguson police and concluded Officer Darren Wilson was justified in shooting Brown.
"You know you can wear all kinds of colors and be a thug," Warnock said. "You can sometimes wear the colors of the state and behave like a thug."
While Warnock's stated position in 2020 is that he opposes defunding police departments, his past rhetoric shows a disdain for law enforcement.
In another sermon to his majority-black congregation in June 2015, Warnock said policemen "often" caused more trouble for children and put them "in danger." In November of that year, he said it was not a surprise to see police act like "bullies" because of the high prison population of the United States.
Asked to comment, Warnock's campaign pointed to remarks he made in June that he supports the push to "responsibly fund law enforcement." The campaign did not answer what he meant by "responsibly fund."
Last week, Warnock invited a Texas preacher to virtually address Ebenezer who supports defunding the police and has said policing is rooted in slavery.
In one of two Senate races in Georgia this year, Warnock is the leading Democrat in the jungle election for Sen. Kelly Loeffler's (R., Ga.) seat. In the likely event no one in the field of nearly two-dozen hopefuls hits 50 percent on Election Day, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff. Other candidates challenging Loeffler include Republican congressman Doug Collins and Democrat Matt Lieberman.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Russia Launches New Nuclear-Powered Icebreaker Ship

Georgy Poltavchenko , the former governor of St. Petersburg and board chairman for Russian shipbuilding giant United Shipbuilding Corporation , proclaimed Tuesday that `` the arctic is ours '' as Moscow launched its new flagship nuclear-powered icebreaker , CBS News reported .
`` This wonderful ship , this vessel , in the nearest future will every day corroborate our sovereignty in the northern territories of the Arctic Ocean , '' Poltavchenko said of the icebreaker .
`` Russia 's Arctic attracts many who are interested in its resources .
But the Arctic is ours , and we 've proved it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arktika , is set to patrol large swathes of icy water that normally outfitted ships are unable to traverse .
The ship is a civilian vessel , but is operated by a Russian state-owned enterprise that has described the ship as the most powerful icebreaker in the world .
Named after a Soviet vessel , the ship marks a major milestone in Russia 's effort to seize Arctic choke points for its own purposes .
In recent years , the competition for influence in remote waters within the Arctic Circle has become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this competition , the United States Air Force unveiled a strategy for the Arctic earlier this year .
`` One of my top priorities is ensuring the Arctic region is a national priority , '' Senator Lisa Murkowski ( R. , Alaska ) said in July in praise of the strategy .
Some in Washington worry about current American readiness in the region .
Russia and China have increased cooperative capacities in the Arctic , countering America ’ s own reach .
With only one outdated icebreaker and no Arctic ports capable of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unveiled in August a new roadmap toward creating an American icebreaker fleet to close the gap in capabilities with Moscow and Beijing .
A 2012 U.S. Energy Information Administration report noted that 13 percent of the world ’ s undiscovered oil reserves are located in the Arctic , along with up to 30 percent of the world ’ s undiscovered conventional natural-gas resources .

Georgy Poltavchenko, the former governor of St. Petersburg and board chairman for Russian shipbuilding giant United Shipbuilding Corporation, proclaimed Tuesday that "the arctic is ours" as Moscow launched its new flagship nuclear-powered icebreaker, CBS News reported.
"This wonderful ship, this vessel, in the nearest future will every day corroborate our sovereignty in the northern territories of the Arctic Ocean," Poltavchenko said of the icebreaker. "Russia's Arctic attracts many who are interested in its resources. But the Arctic is ours, and we've proved it."
The floating colossus, called the Arktika, is set to patrol large swathes of icy water that normally outfitted ships are unable to traverse. The ship is a civilian vessel, but is operated by a Russian state-owned enterprise that has described the ship as the most powerful icebreaker in the world.
Named after a Soviet vessel, the ship marks a major milestone in Russia's effort to seize Arctic choke points for its own purposes.
In recent years, the competition for influence in remote waters within the Arctic Circle has become a hotbed of geopolitical competition. Citing this competition, the United States Air Force unveiled a strategy for the Arctic earlier this year.
"One of my top priorities is ensuring the Arctic region is a national priority," Senator Lisa Murkowski (R., Alaska) said in July in praise of the strategy.
Some in Washington worry about current American readiness in the region. Russia and China have increased cooperative capacities in the Arctic, countering America’s own reach.
With only one outdated icebreaker and no Arctic ports capable of housing icebreaker ships, the Trump administration unveiled in August a new roadmap toward creating an American icebreaker fleet to close the gap in capabilities with Moscow and Beijing.
A 2012 U.S. Energy Information Administration report noted that 13 percent of the world’s undiscovered oil reserves are located in the Arctic, along with up to 30 percent of the world’s undiscovered conventional natural-gas resources.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Senate Dems Block Intel Hearing on Chinese, Russian Election Interference

Senate Democrats blocked the chamber ’ s Intelligence Committee from receiving a classified brief on efforts by Russia , China , and Iran to interfere in the 2020 presidential elections .
Bill Evanina , the nation 's top election security official and director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center , was scheduled to give a briefing Tuesday to members of the Senate ’ s Select Committee on Intelligence .
That closed-door hearing , however , was canceled by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , who reportedly stopped the briefing due to frustration over GOP efforts to confirm a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberal stalwart Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
`` Because the Senate Republicans have no respect for the institution , we won ’ t have business as usual here in the Senate , '' Schumer said on the Senate floor .
Evanina earlier this year identified both China and Russia as waging active campaigns to sway the November election .
In addition to Beijing and Moscow , Evanina said in an August security alert that `` Iran seeks to undermine U.S. democratic institutions , President Trump , and to divide the country in advance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these countries has enlisted hackers and others in a coordinated campaign to influence the election ’ s outcome .
This includes creating scores of fake social media accounts meant to spread propaganda about the coronavirus pandemic and President Donald Trump .
Their hope is to sow further discord among the American public in the lead-up to the election .
`` Just a few weeks ago Democrats were demanding Intel briefings , '' Sen. Ben Sasse ( R. , Neb . )
said in a statement Tuesday afternoon .
`` Now , Democratic Minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of secure elections .
We know that Vladimir Putin and Chairman Xi are looking to sow more distrust and chaos in America as we turn towards the ballot box .
Schumer ’ s tantrum is short-sighted and despicable . ''
Schumer 's cancellation stands in contrast to a late July statement , in which he and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi ( D. , Calif. ) said that Evanina ’ s warnings about election interference did not go far enough .

Senate Democrats blocked the chamber’s Intelligence Committee from receiving a classified brief on efforts by Russia, China, and Iran to interfere in the 2020 presidential elections.
Bill Evanina, the nation's top election security official and director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, was scheduled to give a briefing Tuesday to members of the Senate’s Select Committee on Intelligence. That closed-door hearing, however, was canceled by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who reportedly stopped the briefing due to frustration over GOP efforts to confirm a new Supreme Court justice following the death of liberal stalwart Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
"Because the Senate Republicans have no respect for the institution, we won’t have business as usual here in the Senate," Schumer said on the Senate floor.
Evanina earlier this year identified both China and Russia as waging active campaigns to sway the November election. In addition to Beijing and Moscow, Evanina said in an August security alert that "Iran seeks to undermine U.S. democratic institutions, President Trump, and to divide the country in advance of the 2020 elections."
Each of these countries has enlisted hackers and others in a coordinated campaign to influence the election’s outcome. This includes creating scores of fake social media accounts meant to spread propaganda about the coronavirus pandemic and President Donald Trump. Their hope is to sow further discord among the American public in the lead-up to the election.
"Just a few weeks ago Democrats were demanding Intel briefings," Sen. Ben Sasse (R., Neb.) said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "Now, Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is putting partisan politics ahead of secure elections. We know that Vladimir Putin and Chairman Xi are looking to sow more distrust and chaos in America as we turn towards the ballot box. Schumer’s tantrum is short-sighted and despicable."
Schumer's cancellation stands in contrast to a late July statement, in which he and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) said that Evanina’s warnings about election interference did not go far enough.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Jill Biden’s Ex-Husband: Joe Lied About Marriage to Cover Up Infidelity

Joe Biden lied about meeting his wife Jill on a blind date , and their 43-year marriage actually grew out of an extramarital affair , Jill Biden 's ex-husband claimed in an interview with Inside Edition on Monday .
Bill Stevenson , who was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975 , told Inside Edition that he introduced Joe and Jill Biden in 1972 , the year Joe Biden first ran for Senate .
`` I was betrayed by the Bidens .
Joe was my friend .
Jill was my wife , '' Stevenson , a fundraiser for Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edition .
Stevenson said he decided to speak out now `` because [ Biden ] is picking on people about character . ''
Biden has long claimed that he met Jill , then a local model , when his brother Frank set them up on a blind date in 1975 , three years after Biden 's first wife Neilia and infant daughter were killed in a car accident .
According to Biden , the couple saw a movie and fell in love .
They married two years later .
But Stevenson rejected this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jill to Biden 's home in 1972 , which is when the two actually first met .
`` Right before the election in '72 , Jill , Joe , Neilia , and I were in [ Biden 's ] kitchen , '' said Stevenson .
`` How do you forget that ? ''
Stevenson , who owned a popular college bar called the Stone Balloon in Wilmington , Del.
, said he had held a fundraiser for Biden that past August .
He said he first realized his wife was having an affair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his bar one day and asked him to pay for damage Jill had apparently caused to his car during a fender-bender .
The man told Stevenson that Biden , not Jill , had been driving her car at the time .
Stevenson said he also became suspicious after Jill declined to go with him to meet Bruce Springsteen , telling him she had to babysit Biden 's two young children instead .
Stevenson claimed he and Jill split up soon after , and she went on to marry Biden .
A spokesperson for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's allegations on Monday , telling Inside Edition , `` These claims are fictitious seemingly to sell and promote a book . ''

Joe Biden lied about meeting his wife Jill on a blind date, and their 43-year marriage actually grew out of an extramarital affair, Jill Biden's ex-husband claimed in an interview with Inside Edition on Monday.
Bill Stevenson, who was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975, told Inside Edition that he introduced Joe and Jill Biden in 1972, the year Joe Biden first ran for Senate.
"I was betrayed by the Bidens. Joe was my friend. Jill was my wife," Stevenson, a fundraiser for Biden's first Senate campaign, told Inside Edition.
Stevenson said he decided to speak out now "because [Biden] is picking on people about character."
Biden has long claimed that he met Jill, then a local model, when his brother Frank set them up on a blind date in 1975, three years after Biden's first wife Neilia and infant daughter were killed in a car accident. According to Biden, the couple saw a movie and fell in love. They married two years later. But Stevenson rejected this account, claiming he brought his then-wife Jill to Biden's home in 1972, which is when the two actually first met.
"Right before the election in '72, Jill, Joe, Neilia, and I were in [Biden's] kitchen," said Stevenson. "How do you forget that?"
Stevenson, who owned a popular college bar called the Stone Balloon in Wilmington, Del., said he had held a fundraiser for Biden that past August.
He said he first realized his wife was having an affair with Biden when a man stopped by his bar one day and asked him to pay for damage Jill had apparently caused to his car during a fender-bender. The man told Stevenson that Biden, not Jill, had been driving her car at the time.
Stevenson said he also became suspicious after Jill declined to go with him to meet Bruce Springsteen, telling him she had to babysit Biden's two young children instead.
Stevenson claimed he and Jill split up soon after, and she went on to marry Biden.
A spokesperson for Jill Biden pushed back on her ex-husband's allegations on Monday, telling Inside Edition, "These claims are fictitious seemingly to sell and promote a book."


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Democrat Cal Cunningham Is a Democrat But Doesn’t Want Voters to Know He’s a Democrat

Democrat Cal Cunningham is running for Senate as a Democrat in North Carolina .
Voters who are n't obsessed with politics but ca n't escape the monsoon of political ads this time of year might not be aware of Cunningham 's party affiliation .
That 's because , for some reason , the candidate does n't mention it in his campaign ads .
`` I learned that our country comes before party , '' Cunningham says in a television spot released in June .
`` And especially in times like these , I 'll work with both parties when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to my own party when it 's wrong . ''
Which party ?
Not important .
Cunningham 's ad team is focused on other things , like finding new ways to introduce the fact that he served as a military lawyer in the Army Reserve and segue to the same slow-panning shot of the candidate in uniform .
`` Growing up in a place like Lexington taught me a lot about hard work , service , and standing up for your neighbors , '' Cunningham says in one advertisement .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' '' We 're being tested as a country .
But I 've always run to the fight , '' he says in another .
`` After 9/11 , I volunteered… '' Cunningham 's campaign strategy—to run as a generic politician who served in the military and just wants to see both sides come together to forge common-sense solutions—is exactly what Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D. , N.Y. ) wanted .
Schumer reportedly told one prospective Democratic candidate that the ideal opponent to take on GOP incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire campaign `` in a windowless basement raising money '' to finance a barrage of attack ads .
Schumer and other Democratic leaders ultimately threw their support behind Cunningham during the North Carolina Democratic primary , raising the ire of Erica Smith , a qualified black woman who was also seeking the party 's nomination .
`` Sen. Schumer , for whatever reason , did not want an African American running for Senate in North Carolina , '' Smith told supporters on the campaign trail .
It was one of several races , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of millions of dollars to support the campaigns of white politicians at the expense of qualified black candidates in Senate primaries .

Democrat Cal Cunningham is running for Senate as a Democrat in North Carolina. Voters who aren't obsessed with politics but can't escape the monsoon of political ads this time of year might not be aware of Cunningham's party affiliation. That's because, for some reason, the candidate doesn't mention it in his campaign ads.
"I learned that our country comes before party," Cunningham says in a television spot released in June. "And especially in times like these, I'll work with both parties when it's right, and I'll stand up to my own party when it's wrong."
Which party? Not important. Cunningham's ad team is focused on other things, like finding new ways to introduce the fact that he served as a military lawyer in the Army Reserve and segue to the same slow-panning shot of the candidate in uniform.
"Growing up in a place like Lexington taught me a lot about hard work, service, and standing up for your neighbors," Cunningham says in one advertisement. "It's one reason I volunteered after 9/11..."
"We're being tested as a country. But I've always run to the fight," he says in another. "After 9/11, I volunteered..."
Cunningham's campaign strategy—to run as a generic politician who served in the military and just wants to see both sides come together to forge common-sense solutions—is exactly what Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) wanted.
Schumer reportedly told one prospective Democratic candidate that the ideal opponent to take on GOP incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis (R., N.C.) would spend the entire campaign "in a windowless basement raising money" to finance a barrage of attack ads.
Schumer and other Democratic leaders ultimately threw their support behind Cunningham during the North Carolina Democratic primary, raising the ire of Erica Smith, a qualified black woman who was also seeking the party's nomination. "Sen. Schumer, for whatever reason, did not want an African American running for Senate in North Carolina," Smith told supporters on the campaign trail.
It was one of several races, in which the Democratic establishment spent tens of millions of dollars to support the campaigns of white politicians at the expense of qualified black candidates in Senate primaries.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--EPA Threatens to Pull Office from NYC After Riots

Environmental Protection Agency administrator Andrew Wheeler threatened to move the agency ’ s New York City office in a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo ( D. ) and Mayor Bill de Blasio ( D. ) on Tuesday , citing the Democratic leaders ' failure to tame violent demonstrations that he says jeopardize workers ' safety .
In the letter , Wheeler highlighted Cuomo and de Blasio 's inadequate response to a recent series of destructive riots that damaged the EPA ’ s office and other nearby government buildings .
Wheeler said he has a duty to protect workers and will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Cuomo and de Blasio continue to ignore the unrest .
`` I have an obligation to our employees and if the City is unwilling or incapable of doing its job , I will do mine and move them to a location that can competently fulfill the basic mission of a local government , '' Wheeler said .
`` Public safety is a core mission of state and local governments and your failure to fulfill that mission is putting EPA employees at risk . ''
Wheeler noted Cuomo and de Blasio 's lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hall '' demonstrations , which began in June and were allowed to continue for weeks .
During that time , rioters looted local businesses surrounding City Hall , vandalized government buildings , and launched a projectile into the EPA ’ s offices .
Rich Azzopardi , senior adviser to Cuomo , dismissed Wheeler ’ s letter as a `` transparent political game '' from the Trump administration .
`` Another day , another transparent political game from this federal government , '' Azzopardi told the Washington Free Beacon .
`` The fact is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 2017 and they stop [ sic ] playing political flunky and actually do their job . ''
The Justice Department designated New York City , as well as Portland and Seattle , as `` anarchist jurisdictions '' for their state and local government ’ s failure to address a wave of violent anti-police demonstrations this summer .
In all three cities , these demonstrations have corresponded with an uptick in crime .
In August , shootings in New York City eclipsed the total number of shootings in 2019 .
And the year-to-date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent , and shooting incidents are up 93 percent , according to the most recent NYPD crime data .

Environmental Protection Agency administrator Andrew Wheeler threatened to move the agency’s New York City office in a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo (D.) and Mayor Bill de Blasio (D.) on Tuesday, citing the Democratic leaders' failure to tame violent demonstrations that he says jeopardize workers' safety.
In the letter, Wheeler highlighted Cuomo and de Blasio's inadequate response to a recent series of destructive riots that damaged the EPA’s office and other nearby government buildings. Wheeler said he has a duty to protect workers and will find a new location for the office if Cuomo and de Blasio continue to ignore the unrest.
"I have an obligation to our employees and if the City is unwilling or incapable of doing its job, I will do mine and move them to a location that can competently fulfill the basic mission of a local government," Wheeler said. "Public safety is a core mission of state and local governments and your failure to fulfill that mission is putting EPA employees at risk."
Wheeler noted Cuomo and de Blasio's lack of response to the "Occupy City Hall" demonstrations, which began in June and were allowed to continue for weeks. During that time, rioters looted local businesses surrounding City Hall, vandalized government buildings, and launched a projectile into the EPA’s offices.
Rich Azzopardi, senior adviser to Cuomo, dismissed Wheeler’s letter as a "transparent political game" from the Trump administration.
"Another day, another transparent political game from this federal government," Azzopardi told the Washington Free Beacon. "The fact is that the EPA has abandoned every state since 2017 and they stop [sic] playing political flunky and actually do their job."
The Justice Department designated New York City, as well as Portland and Seattle, as "anarchist jurisdictions" for their state and local government’s failure to address a wave of violent anti-police demonstrations this summer. In all three cities, these demonstrations have corresponded with an uptick in crime. In August, shootings in New York City eclipsed the total number of shootings in 2019. And the year-to-date number of shooting victims is up 102.7 percent, and shooting incidents are up 93 percent, according to the most recent NYPD crime data.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Wracked by American Sanctions, Russia Cuts Defense Spending

For the first time since 2014 , Russia will spend more on resuscitating its economy than on funding its military as it suffers an economic nosedive precipitated by Western sanctions , the Financial Times reported Monday .
Russia 's recently announced budget will cut defense spending by 5 percent and boost spending on social programs by 10 percent .
Moscow will also replace its flat income tax with a progressive tax rate .
The Kremlin 's shift away from military spending toward domestic programs is reportedly an attempt to boost the country 's coronavirus-weakened economy , which has been hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among other things , the United States has levied economic sanctions on Russia for its 2014 invasion of Crimea , attempted interference in U.S. elections , continued aid to the Syrian and Venezuelan regimes , cyberattacks on U.S. institutions , and trade relations with North Korea , according to a Congressional Research Service brief .
Favorability toward a tough-on-Russia approach has only intensified in the wake of other norms violations by the Kremlin in recent months .
Last week , Republican lawmakers demanded that Moscow release a U.S. Marine imprisoned on dubious charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strip support from the Russian energy pipeline Nord Stream II following a wave of suppression against Putin critics , culminating in the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny last August .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also led a public diplomatic effort to coalesce transatlantic allies against Russia .
In an August speech in the Czech Republic , Pompeo warned of Russia 's threat to the rest of Europe .
`` Russia continues to seek to undermine your democracy , your security through disinformation campaigns , and through cyberattacks , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's even trying to rewrite your history . ''
`` At the end of the day it is freedom-loving nations that will find our value sets most overlapping , '' he added .

For the first time since 2014, Russia will spend more on resuscitating its economy than on funding its military as it suffers an economic nosedive precipitated by Western sanctions, the Financial Times reported Monday.
Russia's recently announced budget will cut defense spending by 5 percent and boost spending on social programs by 10 percent. Moscow will also replace its flat income tax with a progressive tax rate.
The Kremlin's shift away from military spending toward domestic programs is reportedly an attempt to boost the country's coronavirus-weakened economy, which has been hurt by American sanctions in recent years.
Among other things, the United States has levied economic sanctions on Russia for its 2014 invasion of Crimea, attempted interference in U.S. elections, continued aid to the Syrian and Venezuelan regimes, cyberattacks on U.S. institutions, and trade relations with North Korea, according to a Congressional Research Service brief.
Favorability toward a tough-on-Russia approach has only intensified in the wake of other norms violations by the Kremlin in recent months. Last week, Republican lawmakers demanded that Moscow release a U.S. Marine imprisoned on dubious charges within Russia.
Lawmakers also renewed calls to strip support from the Russian energy pipeline Nord Stream II following a wave of suppression against Putin critics, culminating in the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny last August.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also led a public diplomatic effort to coalesce transatlantic allies against Russia. In an August speech in the Czech Republic, Pompeo warned of Russia's threat to the rest of Europe.
"Russia continues to seek to undermine your democracy, your security through disinformation campaigns, and through cyberattacks," Pompeo told European allies. "It's even trying to rewrite your history."
"At the end of the day it is freedom-loving nations that will find our value sets most overlapping," he added.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--New Jersey Dem Under Fire for Lobbying Against Sex Offender Registry

New Jersey congressman Tom Malinowski ( D. ) , who is locked in a close reelection battle , is under fire for his role lobbying against the creation of a sex offender registry .
The fresh scrutiny comes in the wake of a Washington Free Beacon report last month detailing Malinowski 's role as the top lobbyist for Human Rights Watch when the organization opposed the 2006 Omnibus Crime Bill that enhanced the national sex offender registry originally created in 1994 .
After a television advertisement seized on his role lobbying against the bill , and his Republican opponent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue in a debate , the Democrat has worked to distance himself from the group 's role , arguing in a recent debate that his name was listed on lobbying disclosure reports as a formality .
`` We submitted lobbying reports that listed everybody in the organization who lobbied on any issue , '' he said .
Malinowski , who was Washington director of Human Rights Watch at the time and , according to his biography , the group 's `` chief advocate , '' now says he played no role in lobbying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respond to a request for comment about whether he stands by the organization 's position on the legislation .
The organization 's 2006 lobbying disclosure report lists Malinowski and a colleague , Jennifer Daskal , as lobbyists against the crime bill .
But it lists two additional Human Rights Watch employees as lobbyists on foreign affairs , undermining Malinowski 's claim that the group listed all of its lobbyists , regardless of their personal involvement in the issue at hand .
Daskal told the Free Beacon that Malinowski played no role in lobbying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was first elected to office in 2018 , is locked in a close race , with the most recent survey giving Kean had a 1-point edge .
Local media has rushed to Malinowski 's defense , parroting his arguments and defending Human Rights Watch 's opposition to the bill .
The group never opposed the creation of a national sex offender registry , explains Tom Moran of the New Jersey Star-Ledger editorial board , but rather the bill 's `` most extreme provisions , like the requirement that states place even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 20 years . ''
According to the Congressional Record , the group urged Congress to vote against the bill , citing , among other things , provisions requiring lifetime registration for sex offenders , the imposition of mandatory minimum sentences , and the expansion of the federal death penalty .
The group argued that there is `` no legitimate community safety justification for the provisions in this legislation that require offenders to register for the rest of their lives , regardless of whether they have lived offense free for decades . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of retaliation and discrimination and make it extremely difficult for these individuals to find employment , housing , and to rebuild their lives , '' the group added .
The letter does not indicate support for a national registry , and the following year , Human Rights Watch issued a report arguing that sex offender laws in the United States `` may do more harm than good . ''
`` Unfettered public access to online sex-offender registries with no ‘ need-to-know ' restrictions exposes former offenders to the risk that individuals will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even unlawful ways , '' the group wrote .
`` There is little evidence that this form of community notification prevents sexual violence . ''

New Jersey congressman Tom Malinowski (D.), who is locked in a close reelection battle, is under fire for his role lobbying against the creation of a sex offender registry.
The fresh scrutiny comes in the wake of a Washington Free Beacon report last month detailing Malinowski's role as the top lobbyist for Human Rights Watch when the organization opposed the 2006 Omnibus Crime Bill that enhanced the national sex offender registry originally created in 1994.
After a television advertisement seized on his role lobbying against the bill, and his Republican opponent, Tom Kean, Jr., raised the issue in a debate, the Democrat has worked to distance himself from the group's role, arguing in a recent debate that his name was listed on lobbying disclosure reports as a formality. "We submitted lobbying reports that listed everybody in the organization who lobbied on any issue," he said.
Malinowski, who was Washington director of Human Rights Watch at the time and, according to his biography, the group's "chief advocate," now says he played no role in lobbying against the bill. He did not respond to a request for comment about whether he stands by the organization's position on the legislation.
The organization's 2006 lobbying disclosure report lists Malinowski and a colleague, Jennifer Daskal, as lobbyists against the crime bill. But it lists two additional Human Rights Watch employees as lobbyists on foreign affairs, undermining Malinowski's claim that the group listed all of its lobbyists, regardless of their personal involvement in the issue at hand. Daskal told the Free Beacon that Malinowski played no role in lobbying efforts related to the bill.
Malinowski, who was first elected to office in 2018, is locked in a close race, with the most recent survey giving Kean had a 1-point edge.
Local media has rushed to Malinowski's defense, parroting his arguments and defending Human Rights Watch's opposition to the bill. The group never opposed the creation of a national sex offender registry, explains Tom Moran of the New Jersey Star-Ledger editorial board, but rather the bill's "most extreme provisions, like the requirement that states place even misdemeanor sex offenders on the federal registry for 20 years."
According to the Congressional Record, the group urged Congress to vote against the bill, citing, among other things, provisions requiring lifetime registration for sex offenders, the imposition of mandatory minimum sentences, and the expansion of the federal death penalty. The group argued that there is "no legitimate community safety justification for the provisions in this legislation that require offenders to register for the rest of their lives, regardless of whether they have lived offense free for decades."
"Registration requirements put these individuals at risk of retaliation and discrimination and make it extremely difficult for these individuals to find employment, housing, and to rebuild their lives," the group added.
The letter does not indicate support for a national registry, and the following year, Human Rights Watch issued a report arguing that sex offender laws in the United States "may do more harm than good."
"Unfettered public access to online sex-offender registries with no 'need-to-know' restrictions exposes former offenders to the risk that individuals will act on this information in irresponsible and even unlawful ways," the group wrote. "There is little evidence that this form of community notification prevents sexual violence."


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Election Watchdog Finds 350,000 Dead Registrants on Voter Rolls In 42 States

An election watchdog has found that there may be as many as 350,000 dead individuals on voter rolls across 42 states .
The Public Interest Legal Foundation ( PILF ) , an Indiana-based election integrity group , conducted a nationwide study to identify the hundreds of thousands of deceased individuals on voter rolls .
During its analysis , the group also found that nearly 40,000 likely duplicate registrants `` appear to have cast second votes in 2018 from the same address . ''
Just five states—New York , Texas , Michigan , Florida , and California—accounted for 51 percent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voter rolls , according to the group .
PILF further found that nearly 15,000 registrants were credited with voting after death in the 2016 and 2018 elections .
`` Our voter rolls have not , and will not be ready for a mail-focused election this November , '' said Logan Churchwell , communications director for PILF .
`` State court decisions in swing states allowing for relaxed deadlines , signature verification , and harvesting now sit on a foundation of bad voter data . ''
`` In Pennsylvania , your mis-delivered ballot to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now have extra time to get turned in and not face the traditional standards for signature verification , '' Churchwell said .
`` The only way to absolutely avoid this nightmare is to vote in person . ''
The analysis comes as states across the country prepare to handle a surge of mail-in voting for the November elections .
Numerous problems plagued mail-in voting during the primary elections this year .
Nevada 's largest county sent out more than 200,000 mail-in primary ballots to the wrong addresses , while reports also indicated that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York City were disqualified .
The push for mail-in voting has led to a massive influx of cash from wealthy donors .
More than $ 100 million has been poured into efforts both supporting and opposing the practice .
A network of liberal groups , including George Soros 's Open Society Foundations and the Ford Foundation , has donated more than $ 50 million in support of mail-in voting .
These efforts have primarily been geared toward battleground states including Michigan , North Carolina , Florida , Georgia , and Arizona , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has created a state of emergency , '' Laleh Ispahani , managing director for the Open Society Foundations , told the Associated Press .
`` Donors who haven ’ t typically taken on these issues now have an interest . ''

An election watchdog has found that there may be as many as 350,000 dead individuals on voter rolls across 42 states.
The Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF), an Indiana-based election integrity group, conducted a nationwide study to identify the hundreds of thousands of deceased individuals on voter rolls. During its analysis, the group also found that nearly 40,000 likely duplicate registrants "appear to have cast second votes in 2018 from the same address."
Just five states—New York, Texas, Michigan, Florida, and California—accounted for 51 percent of the total number of deceased individuals on voter rolls, according to the group. PILF further found that nearly 15,000 registrants were credited with voting after death in the 2016 and 2018 elections.
"Our voter rolls have not, and will not be ready for a mail-focused election this November," said Logan Churchwell, communications director for PILF. "State court decisions in swing states allowing for relaxed deadlines, signature verification, and harvesting now sit on a foundation of bad voter data."
"In Pennsylvania, your mis-delivered ballot to the hands of a bad actor will now have extra time to get turned in and not face the traditional standards for signature verification," Churchwell said. "The only way to absolutely avoid this nightmare is to vote in person."
The analysis comes as states across the country prepare to handle a surge of mail-in voting for the November elections. Numerous problems plagued mail-in voting during the primary elections this year. Nevada's largest county sent out more than 200,000 mail-in primary ballots to the wrong addresses, while reports also indicated that 84,000 mail-in presidential primary ballots cast in New York City were disqualified.
The push for mail-in voting has led to a massive influx of cash from wealthy donors. More than $100 million has been poured into efforts both supporting and opposing the practice.
A network of liberal groups, including George Soros's Open Society Foundations and the Ford Foundation, has donated more than $50 million in support of mail-in voting. These efforts have primarily been geared toward battleground states including Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Arizona, NBC News previously reported.
"The pandemic has created a state of emergency," Laleh Ispahani, managing director for the Open Society Foundations, told the Associated Press. "Donors who haven’t typically taken on these issues now have an interest."


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Dem Rep Sends Fundraising Email From Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Democratic congressman Chris Pappas ( N.H. ) sent a fundraising email with the recently deceased justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in @ @ @ @ @ , making it appear Ginsburg was sending the email from beyond the grave .
`` @ @ @ @ @ I 'm devastated by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last night , '' @ @ @ @ @ for donations .
`` This is a crushing loss for our nation — we lost @ @ @ @ @ , and champion for justice . ''
Pappas sent the email less than a full @ @ @ @ @ .
Democratic fundraising skyrocketed in the days following Ginsburg 's death , with more than @ @ @ @ @ the first 24 hours after the news broke Friday night .
The online fundraising service @ @ @ @ @ in donations to Democratic candidates between 8 p.m. Friday and midnight Saturday night .

Democratic congressman Chris Pappas (N.H.) sent a fundraising email with the recently deceased justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the "sender" line, making it appear Ginsburg was sending the email from beyond the grave.
"Like many of you, I'm devastated by the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last night," Pappas wrote in the bid for donations. "This is a crushing loss for our nation -- we lost an icon, a hero, and champion for justice."
Pappas sent the email less than a full day after Ginsburg's death.
Democratic fundraising skyrocketed in the days following Ginsburg's death, with more than $46 million raised in the first 24 hours after the news broke Friday night. The online fundraising service ActBlue reported $91.4 million in donations to Democratic candidates between 8 p.m. Friday and midnight Saturday night.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Biden Won’t Say Whether He Opposes Court Packing

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Monday refused to say whether he would increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court , an idea he previously denounced .
Biden said that sharing his views on court packing would distract from Republicans ' attempts to fill the late justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's seat before the election .
`` It ’ s a legitimate question , '' Biden told WBAY Action 2 News in Wisconsin .
`` But let me tell you why I 'm not going to answer that question : because it will shift all the focus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] wants . ''
Biden 's comments mark a shift since the Democratic primary , when he said he opposed the idea of packing the Court .
`` No , I ’ m not prepared to go on and try to pack the Court , because we ’ ll live to rue that day , '' he said in July 2019 .
In 1983 , Biden called court packing a `` bonehead idea '' and called Democratic president Franklin D. Roosevelt 's attempt to do so a `` terrible , terrible mistake .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrible mistake to make , and it put in question , for an entire decade , the independence of the most significant body—including the Congress in my view—the most significant body in this country , the Supreme Court of the United States of America , '' Biden said at the time .
The concept of court packing , however , has gained traction in Democratic circles , particularly since Ginsburg 's death last Friday .
Even months ago , 10 of the Democratic presidential candidates told the New York Times that they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be interviewed for that article , but Sen. Kamala Harris ( D. , Calif. ) , Biden 's running mate , said she is `` absolutely open '' to expanding the Court .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D. , N.Y. ) told his fellow Democrats that `` nothing is off the table '' if Republicans confirm another Trump appointee to the Court .
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D. , N.Y. ) said that all options should be on the table , `` including the number of justices that are on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Markey ( D. , Mass . )
also called for abolishing the legislative filibuster and expanding the Court in the wake of Ginsburg 's death .

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden on Monday refused to say whether he would increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court, an idea he previously denounced.
Biden said that sharing his views on court packing would distract from Republicans' attempts to fill the late justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat before the election.
"It’s a legitimate question," Biden told WBAY Action 2 News in Wisconsin. "But let me tell you why I'm not going to answer that question: because it will shift all the focus. That's what [President Donald Trump] wants."
Biden's comments mark a shift since the Democratic primary, when he said he opposed the idea of packing the Court. "No, I’m not prepared to go on and try to pack the Court, because we’ll live to rue that day," he said in July 2019.
In 1983, Biden called court packing a "bonehead idea" and called Democratic president Franklin D. Roosevelt's attempt to do so a "terrible, terrible mistake."
"It was a terrible, terrible mistake to make, and it put in question, for an entire decade, the independence of the most significant body—including the Congress in my view—the most significant body in this country, the Supreme Court of the United States of America," Biden said at the time.
The concept of court packing, however, has gained traction in Democratic circles, particularly since Ginsburg's death last Friday.
Even months ago, 10 of the Democratic presidential candidates told the New York Times that they were open to the idea. Biden declined to be interviewed for that article, but Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Calif.), Biden's running mate, said she is "absolutely open" to expanding the Court.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) told his fellow Democrats that "nothing is off the table" if Republicans confirm another Trump appointee to the Court.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D., N.Y.) said that all options should be on the table, "including the number of justices that are on the Supreme Court." Sen. Ed Markey (D., Mass.) also called for abolishing the legislative filibuster and expanding the Court in the wake of Ginsburg's death.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Utah Company Gives Up Suite at Jazz Games Over Anthem Kneeling, BLM Promotion

A Utah company is giving up its suite at Jazz games , citing the players ' decision to kneel during the national anthem .
The company , Salt Lake County-based SME Steel Contractors , is asking the NBA franchise to `` put a stop to all disrespectful actions during the anthem and remove the Black Lives Matter logo from the arena . ''
`` The recent actions of the NBA—including the owners , coaches and players of the Utah Jazz—have converted a beloved entertainment venue into a forum for dissemination of political propaganda which is divisive and completely out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' a Sept. 9 letter sent from Salt Lake County-based SME Steel Contractors to Jazz owner Gail Miller states .
SME confirmed the letter 's authenticity , telling the Washington Free Beacon that the feedback the company has received on the letter has been `` overwhelmingly positive . ''
`` We have received emails and letters from individuals and companies throughout the country thanking us for standing up for the country , the national anthem , and the idea that sporting events do not need to be a venue for forcing controversial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general counsel Mark Wilkey said .
The NBA centered its July 30 restart around social justice , painting `` Black Lives Matter '' on its courts and allowing players to wear custom messages on their jerseys , including `` Anti-Racist '' and `` Say Their Names . ''
Jazz players kneeled during the national anthem before the first game of the restart , prompting a statement of support from the franchise , which stressed its commitment to `` advancing social justice . ''
SME took issue with the decision , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was `` disappointed '' to see the NBA season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic , `` that disappointment pales … to the feelings we experienced when NBA games ‘ restarted ' on what appears to be a billboard for the ‘ Black Lives Matter ' movement . ''
`` To say the least , it is ironic that pampered and exceptionally well-paid athletes cavalierly exercise their freedom bought for them through the courage and sacrifice of this nation 's servicemen and women by disrespectfully kneeling during the country 's anthem , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to accuse the NBA of ignoring `` true heroes like Chris Kyle and Pat Tillman '' while promoting `` names and tributes for felons . ''
The company also noted that it has licensed the suite for 28 years , paying roughly $ 6 million in ticket fees and at least $ 1 million for food and beverages .
The letter states that the company was `` personally involved in the fabrication and erection of steel for the venue now known as Vivint Smart Home Arena , '' calling the Jazz a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top-tier sports entertainment ( regardless of the wins and losses ) . ''
According to SME 's website , the company `` is one of the largest fabricators/erectors of structural steel in the United States . ''
Founded in 1992 , it has employed as many as 1,300 people and reached more than $ 450 million in peak annual revenue .
Jazz coach Quin Snyder—who sits on the NBA 's committee for racial-justice reform and kneeled with his players during the NBA restart—has contributed $ 1,000 to GOP congressional hopeful Burgess Owens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticized Black Lives Matter , calling it a `` Marxist organization . ''
The Republican defended Snyder after the coach caught flack for the donations .
`` How much do ‘ black lives matter ' to the people upset that a good man donated to the states ONLY BLACK CANDIDATE running for Congress , because he disagrees with their stance on BLM Inc. , '' Owens said in a Sept. 11 tweet .
`` Do black lives only matter when they think how you tell them to ? ''
The Utah Jazz did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A Utah company is giving up its suite at Jazz games, citing the players' decision to kneel during the national anthem. The company, Salt Lake County-based SME Steel Contractors, is asking the NBA franchise to "put a stop to all disrespectful actions during the anthem and remove the Black Lives Matter logo from the arena."
"The recent actions of the NBA—including the owners, coaches and players of the Utah Jazz—have converted a beloved entertainment venue into a forum for dissemination of political propaganda which is divisive and completely out of step with our company and its values," a Sept. 9 letter sent from Salt Lake County-based SME Steel Contractors to Jazz owner Gail Miller states.
SME confirmed the letter's authenticity, telling the Washington Free Beacon that the feedback the company has received on the letter has been "overwhelmingly positive."
"We have received emails and letters from individuals and companies throughout the country thanking us for standing up for the country, the national anthem, and the idea that sporting events do not need to be a venue for forcing controversial political views on patrons," SME general counsel Mark Wilkey said.
The NBA centered its July 30 restart around social justice, painting "Black Lives Matter" on its courts and allowing players to wear custom messages on their jerseys, including "Anti-Racist" and "Say Their Names." Jazz players kneeled during the national anthem before the first game of the restart, prompting a statement of support from the franchise, which stressed its commitment to "advancing social justice."
SME took issue with the decision, according to the letter. The company said that while it was "disappointed" to see the NBA season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, "that disappointment pales … to the feelings we experienced when NBA games 'restarted' on what appears to be a billboard for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement."
"To say the least, it is ironic that pampered and exceptionally well-paid athletes cavalierly exercise their freedom bought for them through the courage and sacrifice of this nation's servicemen and women by disrespectfully kneeling during the country's anthem," the letter states. It went on to accuse the NBA of ignoring "true heroes like Chris Kyle and Pat Tillman" while promoting "names and tributes for felons."
The company also noted that it has licensed the suite for 28 years, paying roughly $6 million in ticket fees and at least $1 million for food and beverages. The letter states that the company was "personally involved in the fabrication and erection of steel for the venue now known as Vivint Smart Home Arena," calling the Jazz a "source of camaraderie, community pride and top-tier sports entertainment (regardless of the wins and losses)."
According to SME's website, the company "is one of the largest fabricators/erectors of structural steel in the United States." Founded in 1992, it has employed as many as 1,300 people and reached more than $450 million in peak annual revenue.
Jazz coach Quin Snyder—who sits on the NBA's committee for racial-justice reform and kneeled with his players during the NBA restart—has contributed $1,000 to GOP congressional hopeful Burgess Owens. Owens, who is black, has criticized Black Lives Matter, calling it a "Marxist organization." The Republican defended Snyder after the coach caught flack for the donations.
"How much do 'black lives matter' to the people upset that a good man donated to the states ONLY BLACK CANDIDATE running for Congress, because he disagrees with their stance on BLM Inc.," Owens said in a Sept. 11 tweet. "Do black lives only matter when they think how you tell them to?"
A Utah Jazz spokesman told the Free Beacon that the franchise received the letter but declined to comment further.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Chicago Mayor’s ‘Census Cowboy’ Arrested for Reckless Conduct

Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot 's ( D. ) `` Census Cowboy '' was arrested and charged on Monday with reckless conduct after riding his horse onto an expressway and blocking traffic for more than seven miles .
Adam Hollingsworth—the horse-riding neighborhood activist who worked with the mayor earlier this summer to encourage Chicagoans to fill out the census—rode his horse onto Dan Ryan Expressway during rush hour on Monday for what he called a `` Kids ' Lives Matter '' protest .
The purpose of his demonstration , he said , was to call attention to kids ' needs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter .
Until kids ' lives matter , until we understand that kids ' lives matter , nothing else matters , '' Hollingsworth said in a Facebook Live stream documenting his horseback highway ride .
State police surrounded Hollingsworth and his motorcade and guided the activists to an exit , where they then arrested Hollingsworth for reckless conduct , disobeying a police officer , and trespassing on the expressway .
Hollingsworth is being detained by Chicago police .
Chicago 's office of Animal Care and Control seized his horse , which sustained injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the mayor 's office said Hollingsworth 's `` stunt '' was a `` very wrong way '' of drawing attention to the issue .
Lightfoot dubbed Hollingsworth the `` Census Cowboy '' in July at an event to encourage Chicagoans to fill out the census .
She tasked the activist with riding around to 10 Chicago communities with the lowest census response rates in an attempt to garner more federal funding—determined by the census—for those neighborhoods .

Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot's (D.) "Census Cowboy" was arrested and charged on Monday with reckless conduct after riding his horse onto an expressway and blocking traffic for more than seven miles.
Adam Hollingsworth—the horse-riding neighborhood activist who worked with the mayor earlier this summer to encourage Chicagoans to fill out the census—rode his horse onto Dan Ryan Expressway during rush hour on Monday for what he called a "Kids' Lives Matter" protest. The purpose of his demonstration, he said, was to call attention to kids' needs in the community.
"Kids' lives matter. Until kids' lives matter, until we understand that kids' lives matter, nothing else matters," Hollingsworth said in a Facebook Live stream documenting his horseback highway ride.
State police surrounded Hollingsworth and his motorcade and guided the activists to an exit, where they then arrested Hollingsworth for reckless conduct, disobeying a police officer, and trespassing on the expressway. Hollingsworth is being detained by Chicago police. Chicago's office of Animal Care and Control seized his horse, which sustained injuries during the ride.
In a statement, the mayor's office said Hollingsworth's "stunt" was a "very wrong way" of drawing attention to the issue.
Lightfoot dubbed Hollingsworth the "Census Cowboy" in July at an event to encourage Chicagoans to fill out the census. She tasked the activist with riding around to 10 Chicago communities with the lowest census response rates in an attempt to garner more federal funding—determined by the census—for those neighborhoods.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--Navy Deploys Carrier Strike Group to Iranian Coast

United States Navy officials announced the deployment of a powerful carrier strike group to the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to protect freedom of navigation and remind Iran of America 's naval presence , Fox News reported Monday .
The contingent of ships , consisting of aircraft carrier USS Nimitz , two guided-missile cruisers , and a destroyer , will operate in the strategically vital strait this week .
`` The [ carrier strike group ] will operate and train alongside regional and coalition partners , and provide naval aviation support to Operation Inherent Resolve , '' the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By moving the fleet near Iranian territory , the Navy is now capable of carrying out rapid airborne strikes on key military and technological installations in Iran .
Originating in 2014 , the Operation Inherent Resolve campaign targets ISIS and other terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria .
Iran has been implicated in supporting proxy groups in the region that target U.S. and coalition troops .
The Strait of Hormuz has been a hotbed of aggressive Iranian activity in recent months .
Over the summer , Iranian forces staged the destruction of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil tanker .
The Trump administration continues to take action to curb Iran 's power .
In recent weeks , Washington brokered the signing of multiple historic peace deals favoring Israel and Gulf States opposed to Iran .
Washington has also unleashed a series of snapback sanctions that stand to limit Iran ’ s ability to improve and build up its military power .

United States Navy officials announced the deployment of a powerful carrier strike group to the Strait of Hormuz in an effort to protect freedom of navigation and remind Iran of America's naval presence, Fox News reported Monday.
The contingent of ships, consisting of aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, two guided-missile cruisers, and a destroyer, will operate in the strategically vital strait this week.
"The [carrier strike group] will operate and train alongside regional and coalition partners, and provide naval aviation support to Operation Inherent Resolve," the U.S. Fifth Fleet said in a statement.
By moving the fleet near Iranian territory, the Navy is now capable of carrying out rapid airborne strikes on key military and technological installations in Iran.
Originating in 2014, the Operation Inherent Resolve campaign targets ISIS and other terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria. Iran has been implicated in supporting proxy groups in the region that target U.S. and coalition troops.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a hotbed of aggressive Iranian activity in recent months. Over the summer, Iranian forces staged the destruction of a mock aircraft carrier and boarded a Liberian oil tanker.
The Trump administration continues to take action to curb Iran's power. In recent weeks, Washington brokered the signing of multiple historic peace deals favoring Israel and Gulf States opposed to Iran. Washington has also unleashed a series of snapback sanctions that stand to limit Iran’s ability to improve and build up its military power.


freebeacon--2020-09-22--China Threatened Australian Journalist’s 14-Year-Old Daughter Over Negative Coverage

Chinese authorities interrogated an Australian journalist and threatened the detention of his 14-year-old daughter for his negative coverage of the Chinese government , the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported Monday .
Chinese government officials threatened ABC Beijing bureau chief Matthew Carney in 2018 after he published a series of features on Chinese disinformation and interference in Australian governmental processes .
When Carney refused to comply with the Chinese Communist Party 's editorial standards , he and his family were asked to report to China 's public security bureau .
During an ensuing interrogation , the Chinese authorities threatened to detain Carney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right to keep your daughter in an undisclosed location and I do have to inform you there would be other adults present , '' Carney recalled Chinese authorities telling him .
After Carney and his family signed confessions for failing to include visas in their passports—a `` crime '' they were guilty of due to CCP maneuvering—the journalist and his family were allowed to leave the country .
China 's intimidation campaign toward the country 's journalists has only increased since 2018 .
Fellow Australian journalist Cheng Lei is still detained at an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and four Chinese whistleblowing citizen journalists during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic have all but disappeared after reporting on the outbreak .

Chinese authorities interrogated an Australian journalist and threatened the detention of his 14-year-old daughter for his negative coverage of the Chinese government, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported Monday.
Chinese government officials threatened ABC Beijing bureau chief Matthew Carney in 2018 after he published a series of features on Chinese disinformation and interference in Australian governmental processes. When Carney refused to comply with the Chinese Communist Party's editorial standards, he and his family were asked to report to China's public security bureau. During an ensuing interrogation, the Chinese authorities threatened to detain Carney's daughter.
"We have a right to keep your daughter in an undisclosed location and I do have to inform you there would be other adults present," Carney recalled Chinese authorities telling him.
After Carney and his family signed confessions for failing to include visas in their passports—a "crime" they were guilty of due to CCP maneuvering—the journalist and his family were allowed to leave the country.
China's intimidation campaign toward the country's journalists has only increased since 2018. Fellow Australian journalist Cheng Lei is still detained at an undisclosed location since August by Chinese authorities, and four Chinese whistleblowing citizen journalists during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic have all but disappeared after reporting on the outbreak.