theblaze--2020-10-24--Report: Netflix cancellations 'skyrocket' after boycott campaign over 'Cuties' documentary

Report : Netflix cancellations 'skyrocket ' after boycott campaign over 'Cuties ' documentary

Netflix triggered widespread outrage last month when the streaming platform debuted "Cuties," a documentary that critics claimed hyper-sexualized pre-adolescent girls.
As TheBlaze reported, one of the parental warnings on the film's IMDB page warned of one scene in the film that could be "lawfully defined as pedophilia."
The warning read, "During one of the many highly sexualized & erotic dance scenes that purposefully exploit & objectify numerous scantily clad under age [sic] girls, one of the female child dancers lifts up her cropped top to fully display her bare breast. This is lawfully defined as pedophilia and can be extremely distressing to many viewers."
In response, #CancelNetflix trended on social media for days, and more than 660,000 people signed an online petition vowing to cancel their Netflix subscriptions.
And now it appears those Netflix users made good on their promise to cancel their subscriptions.
What are the details?
According to a report from the New York Post, Netflix subscription cancellations "skyrocketed" in the wake of controversy over "Cuties," surging 800%.
During an earnings call this week, Netflix chief financial officer Spence Neumann reportedly downplayed the controversy by not mentioning the documentary, instead choosing to focus on how the coronavirus pandemic helped Netflix nearly meet its annual subscriptions goal.
However, multiple analyses found that the campaign to boycott Netflix yielded significant results.
From the Post:
Neumann told investors the company "came pretty close" to meeting its membership goal of 195 million worldwide. For the three months that ended Sept. 30, Netflix added 2.2 million global subscribers — down from the first two quarters of 16 million and 10 million, respectively.
But numbers analyzed by New York data analytics firms Antenna and YipitData tell a different story — that the protest, led by conservatives who claim the film's portrayal of pre-teen girls living in Paris "hyper-sexualized" children, had made a big dent in subscriptions.
Antenna reported that Netflix lost five times as many subscribers in September's first couple of weeks — a few days into the protest — than the company lost in all of August. YipitData gave even grimmer numbers, putting September cancellations at 8 times of those in August and declaring the drop "a multi-year high."
Not only did the "Cuties" controversy hurt Netflix's subscriber metrics, but the company also found itself in legal trouble over the film.
Earlier this month, a grand jury in Texas indicted Netflix, saying the company and its CEOs "knowingly promote visual material which depicts the lewd exhibition of the genitals or pubic area of a clothed or partially clothed child who was younger than 18 years of age at the time the visual material was created, which appeals to the prurient interest in sex, and has no serious, literary, artistic, political, or scientific value."
In response, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos defended the film, arguing the documentary has been "misunderstood."
Last month, a Netflix spokesperson claimed in a statement to TheBlaze, "There is no underage nudity in this film."


theblaze--2020-10-24--Brett Favre tells President Trump: 'Fans clearly do not want political messaging mixed with their sp

Brett Favre tells President Trump: 'Fans clearly do not want political messaging mixed with their sports'

Brett Favre tells President Trump : 'Fans clearly do not want political messaging mixed with their sports' Trump : 'They @ @ @ @ @ with me and with everybody else '

Brett Favre has an idea why sports leagues are experiencing historically low TV ratings — politics.
President Donald Trump participated in a presidential election town hall event for Sinclair Broadcasting this week. During Wednesday's Q&A event that was hosted by political commentator Eric Bolling, Trump was greeted by his friend and golfing buddy Brett Favre.
The former Green Bay Packers star quarterback said it would be for the best to keep politics out of professional sports.
"The NBA and the NFL are struggling with lower ratings, as fans clearly do not want political messaging mixed with their sports," Favre said during the town hall, then asked, "So how should the leagues support and promote an anti-racism position without becoming political and alienating fans?"
Trump agreed with the Hall of Fame NFL QB.
"People don't want to see all of the politics," Trump replied. "They've got enough politics, with me and with everybody else. And they don't want to see it with football or sports, on Sunday or whenever they happen to be watching."
"I think it's had a huge impact on sports, a huge negative impact on sports," the president said. "And I think that football ought to get back to football and basketball to basketball. And let politics remain separate."
Trump noted that the NBA's ratings are "down 70%, more than that."
In September, Trump commented on the poor TV ratings that the NBA was experiencing.
"People are tired of watching the highly political @NBA," Trump tweeted. "Basketball ratings are WAY down, and they won't be coming back. I hope football and baseball are watching and learning because the same thing will be happening to them. Stand tall for our Country and our Flag!!!"
The NBA went hard in the paint with social justice messaging once the basketball league returned to after the suspended season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During its bubble format regular season and playoffs at Disney World, "Black Lives Matter" was painted on the court, and players wore approved messages on their jerseys, such as "Power to the people," "I Can't Breathe," and "Anti-Racist."
The NBA Finals averaged only 7.45 million viewers during the six-game series this year, easily making it the least-watched Finals on record.
In the first week of the 2020 NBA playoffs, ESPN, ABC, and TNT averaged just 1.875 million viewers per game, TV ratings were down 20% compared to 2019.
Following the poorly-rated NBA Finals, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that "Black Lives Matter" messages will likely not be displayed on the court or on players' jerseys next season.
NFL ratings were down 10% through the first four weeks of this season.
Game 1 of the Rays-Dodgers World Series had the worst TV ratings of all-time.


theblaze--2020-10-24--Rep. Paul Gosar calls for NPR to be defunded over its blackout on Hunter Biden allegations

Rep. Paul Gosar calls for NPR to be defunded over its blackout on Hunter Biden allegations ' I have already @ @ @ @ @ working ' on defunding NPR

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) is calling for National Public Radio to be defunded by the federal government. The movement to defund NPR comes after the media organization announced that it would not cover the allegations against Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden.
On Thursday, NPR managing editor Terence Samuels declared that covering the news story about emails from Hunter Biden's laptop that was left at a computer repair store is a "waste" of time, and discredited the allegations a "distraction."
"We don't want to waste our time on stories that are not really stories, and we don't want to waste the listeners' and readers' time on stories that are just pure distractions," Samuels stated. "And quite frankly, that's where we ended up, this was ... a politically driven event and we decided to treat it that way."
NPR has dismissed the Hunter Biden accusations despite Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe declaring the Hunter Biden's laptop is "not part of some Russian disinformation campaign."
NPR also enacted a blackout on the Hunter Biden story despite an alleged business partner of Hunter Biden, Tony Bobulinski, confirming the emails are "genuine" and coming forward with multiple phones that he claims have text messages showing dealings with a Chinese energy corporation and the Democratic presidential nominee's son. Bobulinksi alleges that Joe Biden is involved in the deal. He also offered to speak with the FBI and senators regarding alleged transactions with the Shanghai-based company.
NPR refuses to cover the story despite the fact that Hunter Biden has not denied dropping off his laptop at the computer repair shop back in 2019.
Rep. Gosar wants to defund National Public Radio, who called the outlet's blackout "appalling." He added that he has "already directed my staff to start working" on legislation to defund NPR, which is a federally-funded media organization.
Gosar, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, believes the accusations against the Biden family. He quote-tweeted a post that read: "Joe Biden uses public office to enrich himself and his family. President Trump uses public office to bring jobs and prosperity to American families!" Adding, "This on repeat every day until the election."
Former Trump administration Ambassador to Germany and Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell was also enraged by NPR's blackout on the Hunter Biden story, calling it "activism."
The NPR website states:
Federal funding is essential to public radio's service to the American public. Its continuation is critical for both stations and program producers, including NPR.
Public radio stations receive annual grants directly from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) that make up an important part of a diverse revenue mix that includes listener support, corporate sponsorship and grants. Stations, in turn, draw on this mix of public and privately sourced revenue to pay NPR and other public radio producers for their programming.
These station programming fees comprise a significant portion of NPR's largest source of revenue. The loss of federal funding would undermine the stations' ability to pay NPR for programming, thereby weakening the institution.
Elimination of federal funding would result in fewer programs, less journalism—especially local journalism—and eventually the loss of public radio stations, particularly in rural and economically distressed communities.
Social media giants Facebook and Twitter censored the Hunter Biden story soon after the New York Post published the report that is potentially damaging to the Biden campaign. Twitter suspended the official account for the New York Post on Oct. 14, and the account is still inactive.


theblaze--2020-10-24--Mazie Hirono snaps when reporter confronts her double standard on phrase 'sexual preference'

Mazie Hirono snaps when reporter confronts her double standard on phrase 'sexual preference' Hirono scolded Amy Coney Barrett for using @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden gets a pass

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and other Democrats pounced on Amy Coney Barrett last week for using the phrase "sexual preference" during her Supreme Court confirmation hearing.
But Hirono seemingly gave Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden a pass for using the phrase when confronted by a reporter on Thursday.
What did Democrats say?
At the Senate hearing, Hirono scolded Barrett for uttering the phrase "sexual preference," calling the term "offensive and outdated." Hirono reasoned that "sexual orientation is a key part of a person's identity," and therefore not a choice.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), a senior Senate Democrat, added, "Judge Barrett using this phrase is shameful and offensive—and it tells us exactly what we need to know about how she views the LGBTQIA+ community."
In response, Webster's Dictionary updated the definition of the word "preference" despite there being zero indication prior to Barrett's usage of the phrase that "sexual preference" was offensive. Webster's Dictionary actually claimed that using "sexual preference" is considered to be "widely" offensive.
As National Review reported, Democrats have a long history of using the phrase — just like everyone else. Biden even used it just a few months ago.
From National Review:
Joe Biden used the term "sexual preference" in May 2020, and the late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg used it in 2017. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Dick Durbin — both Judiciary Committee members — have used the term in Senate floor speeches over the past decade.
...
The Huffington Post and The Atlantic have printed "sexual preference" instead of "sexual orientation" in the last six years. A gay-rights advocate used the term in a September 25, 2020, interview with the gay-rights magazine The Advocate. No one condemned or criticized any of the media outlets or Democratic politicians who used the term in the past decade.
What is Hirono saying now?
National Review reporter John McCormack confronted Hirono over Biden's recent usage of "sexual preference," asking whether she would hold the Democratic presidential nominee to the same standard that she used against Barrett.
McCormack asked, "Should Joe Biden apologize, too, like Amy Coney Barrett did?"
Hirono responded, "Joe Biden is not up for the Supreme Court."
"He's up for the presidency. So, he shouldn't apologize?" McCormack followed up.
"People will decide," Hirono shot back.
"You don't want to call on him to apologize?" McCormack asked again.
Hirono then snapped, "Oh, stop it. The world is in flames."


theblaze--2020-10-24--Protests and unrest break out in San Bernardino in response to deadly police shooting of armed man

Protests and unrest break out in San Bernardino in response to deadly police shooting of armed man Vandals were keying @ @ @ @ @ protest

An armed man was shot and killed by a San Bernardino police officer on Thursday night. The deadly police shooting of 35-year-old Mark Matthew Bender Jr. sparked protests and civil unrest in San Bernardino, California, on Friday.
The officer was dispatched to the area at 11:16 p.m. in response to reports of a man jumping on vehicles in a parking lot, according to San Bernardino police Sgt. John Echevarria.
The San Bernardino Police released the 911 audio, in which the caller makes a complaint about a "man who's really drunk and he's waving around a gun."
"There's a man whos real drunk up here jumping on top of cars, he has a gun, and he's just going crazy," the caller told the police dispatcher. She described him as a black man with a white shirt and black shorts.
San Bernardino Police released body camera video, which shows the officer is in the parking lot approaching Bender, who fits the description of the 911 caller. The police officer pulls out his gun and points it at Bender. "Let me see your hands," the officer instructs Bender, who raises his hands briefly and then puts them back on his side. Bender continues to walk away from the officer and tells the cop, "Man, I'm going to the store."
The officer puts his gun away and attempts to apprehend the suspect, who tells him, "Don't touch me!"
Cell phone video taken by a witness shows a police officer attempt to subdue a man outside the King Tut Liquor store in San Bernardino.
The police officer wrestles Bender to the ground and tells him, "Stop fighting, dude." During the confrontation, Bender is seen on video reaching for an item in his waistband that appears to be a handgun.
Both men get up from the ground, and the officer draws his weapon and fires four shots at the suspect. The video ends as the officer collides with the bystander recording the video.
Bender was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries.
(Content Warning: Graphic video):
A loaded 9mm handgun was recovered at the scene, Echevarria said. The gun was not registered.
"The suspect was large in size and was able to physically overpower the officer," Echevarria said. "The suspect retrieved a weapon from his pocket and was turning to face the officer. At that time, an officer-involved shooting occurred."
"The officer saw the weapon, and during the struggle, was able to disengage during that fight for control of that suspect, and was able to back away and protect himself by discharging his weapon," Echevarria added.
"Bender had a criminal history going back 17 years, Echevarria said, with arrests for allegations of attempted murder, false imprisonment, domestic violence, theft and possession of narcotics," KCAL-TV reported.
Protests calling for justice in the death of Bender erupted outside the King Tut Liquor store on Friday.
"What I can do, is tear down the system that lifts up crackers with badges, and gives them power to be judge, jury, and executioner," one demonstrator told the crowd.
Social media posts show demonstrators shouting, "Abolish the police!" "Defund the police!" and "F*** the police!" The protest spilled out into the streets, where protesters blocked an intersection.
Video appears to show a man assaulting a person driving a car slowly through the intersection. Another man keys the vehicle, according to investigative reporter Drew Hernandez. Another car is reportedly keyed as it drives through the intersection, which causes protesters to cheer and clap.


theblaze--2020-10-24--Charlamagne Tha God explains why black voters are drawn to Trump — and it's bad news for Biden

Charlamagne Tha God explains why black voters are drawn to Trump — and it 's bad news for Biden 'Trump @ @ @ @ @ black male voters '

Hip-hop radio host Charlamagne Tha God, whose real name is Lenard Larry McKelvey, explained this week why black voters are drawn to President Donald Trump.
McKelvey's revealing explanation came after rapper Ice Cube partnered with the Trump campaign to promote his "Contract with Black America," his socio-economic plan to help lift black Americans. According to Cube, both Trump and Joe Biden reached out to him, but only the Trump campaign made changes to their platform after meeting with Cube; Biden's camp said they would consider Cube's plan only after the election.
Meanwhile, rapper 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, said this week that he will support Trump because of Biden's economic plan, which would raise taxes on wealthy Americans.
Responding to news that Biden's economic plan would force tax increases — New York City residents, for example, would pay 62% under Biden's plan — Jackson said, "WHAT THE F***! (VOTE FOR TRUMP) I'M OUT ... I don't care Trump doesn't like black people 62% are you out of ya f***ing mind."
What did he say?
CNN host Don Lemon asked McKelvey during an interview on Tuesday why "prominent black men" are supporting Trump or working with him.
McKelvey explained that Trump is winning the support of black men because he is actually talking with them, instead of simply assuming he has their support, as the Democratic Party is accused of doing.
After all, black voters "just want to be heard," McKelvey said.
"When it comes to the black people you see showing support for Trump, I just think, you know, it's because Trump is actually talking to young black male voters. He is directing ads toward them," McKelvey explained. "They are a group that never get courted. I mean, black people don't get courted either as a whole. But that old Democratic regime speaks to old black men. I think everyone else in the black community and black families, they are supposed to fall in line. They know black women are going to show up regardless."
"Like I said, he speaks to older black men, and he thinks the rest of us all speak the same language," he continued. "So, Trump is targeting young black males from marketing. It works."
On the other hand, McKelvey said Biden's plan is "really all lip service, simply because we're in dream selling season."
However, McKelvey said that if Biden wins the election and implements his plan for black Americans as he has laid out, then "it will absolutely make legitimate changes."
In the end, McKelvey said he is voting for Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Biden's running mate, this November.
"I am voting for Kamala Harris. I tell you that in the heartbeat. I am not necessarily voting for Joe Biden. I am voting for Senator Kamala Harris," he explained.


theblaze--2020-10-24--Did the MEDIA hold Biden and Trump to a different set of standards on foreign collusion allegations?

Did the MEDIA hold Biden and Trump to a different set of standards on foreign collusion allegations ?

Donald Trump Jr. joined Steven Crowder's Final Trump vs. Biden Debate Livestream and discussed how the media covered President Donald Trump vs. Joe Biden during the 2020 election.
In this clip, Crowder and Don Jr. compared Joe Biden's reaction when pressed on allegations of Ukrainian corruption to Donald Trump's response to allegations of working for Russia. Crowder explained how Trump "unequivocally" denied allegations of Russian collusion. But, when asked about corruption allegations involving Ukraine, Joe Biden snapped at a reporter with a sarcastic, "Only you would ask that question."
Next, Don Jr. and Steven took turns torching the mainstream media for its failure to press Joe Biden on allegations of corruption, holding secret meetings with Ukraine, peddling Iranian disinformation, and much more.
Watch the clip for more details..
Use promo code LWC to save $10 on one year of BlazeTV.
Want more from Steven Crowder?
To enjoy more of Steven's uncensored late-night comedy that's actually funny, join Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored and on demand.


theblaze--2020-10-25--Buzz Aldrin shuns fellow astronaut Mark Kelly, will endorse Arizona Republican Martha McSally

This is the fourth astronaut to vote against Mark Kelly

Legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin endorsed Republican Sen. Martha McSally for the Senate seat in Arizona, snubbing her challenger, former astronaut Mark Kelly.
"Martha, check six - Mark? Buzz - over 100 jet hours in Arizona," Aldrin wrote on Twitter. "12 o'clock is straight ahead. 6 o'clock is behind. Fighter pilots understand what 'check six' means in FTR lingo talk. Martha, wave as you move ahead past Mark, to 12 o'clock, and you win for Arizona!"
Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, who is a retired Air Force pilot, was speaking in aviation terms to McSally because she is also a former United States Air Force pilot. As commander of the 354th Fighter Squadron and an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, McSally was deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. McSally became the first woman in U.S. history to serve as the commander of any combat aviation squadron, to include fighters and bombers.
McSally thanked the iconic astronaut for his support.
"Absolute honor to have the support of hero astronaut Buzz Aldrin in this mission," McSally said on Twitter. "We must hold this seat, the Senate, and save the country. It's a dog fight, and as we fighter pilots say: Fight's On!"
Besides Aldrin, the celebrated Apollo 11 Lunar Module pilot and one of 12 humans who have walked on the moon, McSally has also been endorsed by three other former astronauts.
Former astronauts Tom Stafford, Charlie Duke, and Jack Lousma, shunned their fellow astronaut Mark Kelly to throw support to McSally.
"As former fighter pilots and test pilots, we know what it takes to get in the cockpit of a fighter jet for a test flight or combat: incredible determination, strength and grit," the former astronauts, who have spent about 2,400 hours in space combined, wrote earlier this month. "That's why we support Sen. Martha McSally. As the first woman in U.S. history to fly a fighter jet in combat and command a fighter squadron, she broke barriers in the Air Force and the military."
Despite losing the coveted astronaut vote, Kelly is leading in the polls. Kelly, the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, is leading by 5.6 points, according to RealClearPolitics.
Earlier this month, Kelly issued an apology after his deputy press secretary referred to police officers as "worthless f***ing pigs" in a tweet.


theblaze--2020-10-25--Expensify users drop company after left-wing CEO sends unsolicited email telling users to vote for B

Expensify users drop company after left-wing CEO sends unsolicited email telling users to vote for Biden 'Deleting @ expensify and @ @ @ @ @

The CEO of Expensify, a software company that developed an expense management system for businesses, made headlines last week for sending his 10 million customers an unsolicited email claiming they are voting against democracy if they support President Donald Trump.
CEO David Barrett said that "anything less than a vote for Biden is a vote against democracy."
"That's right," Barrett continued, "I'm saying a vote for Trump, a vote for a third-party candidate, or simply not voting at all — they're all the same, and they all mean: 'I care more about my favorite issue than democracy. I believe Trump winning is more important than democracy. I am comfortable standing aside and allowing democracy to be methodically dismantled, in plain sight.'"
Barrett even suggested that not supporting Biden is tantamount to risking "civil war."
What's happening now?
The mass email generated significant controversy, and now it appears Expensify is losing customers over Barrett's anti-Trump plea.
"I do have to give my sincere thanks to @dbarrett. He and his company @expensify's misuse of my personal data to send me a pro-Biden spam email prompted me to do some thinking. Turns out we have the capacity to add users to our QuickBooks and dump his product thus saving money," one now-former Expensify user said on Twitter.
"Deleting @expensify and never using them again after their founder/CEO blasted this e mail out to customers this morning," another person said.
One business CEO, Carlos Domingo, responded by asking for alternatives to Expensify.
"The email from the CEO of @expensify to their customer database is completely innapropiate irrespective of your political views. Total spam. We use them. Alternatives?" Domingo tweeted.
Another person said, "Friend of mine who runs a biotech company canceled his @expensify account. He emailed a few of us about it: "If I wanted to pay someone to tell me to vote Democrat I'd enroll in a university."
Daniel Rothschild, executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, responded by sending Barrett a letter of his own.
"My feelings on politics aren't as strong as yours. But I do have strong feelings about another matter: trust. For a variety of reasons, America is becoming a low-trust society," Rothschild wrote. "Your email contributes to this breakdown in social trust."
"David, we selected Expensify as a vendor based on trust — after all, you have financial information for us organizationally as well as the personal information of hundreds of my colleagues. You also have our email addresses. We trusted you with our private information. You have violated that trust," he added.


theblaze--2020-10-25--Massive 'Jews for Trump' rally in NYC, pro-Trump caravan attacked with rocks, eggs and paint

Massive 'Jews for Trump ' rally in NYC , pro-Trump caravan attacked with rocks , eggs and paint Brawls erupted @ @ @ @ @ NYPD to declare an 'unlawful assembly '

There was a massive pro-Trump car parade on Sunday in New York City. The parade was touted as the "largest Jewish car parade in history." Vehicles left from Coney Island to drive by Trump Tower in Manhattan and finish with a Trump rally in a park in Brooklyn.
The convoy of cars and trucks plastered with "Trump 2020" flags reportedly stretched for miles. Former NYC Mayor and President Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani was also seen mixed in with the parade in Manhattan.
(Content Warning: Explicit language):
The "Jews for Trump" caravan was attacked by people throwing projectiles, including paint, eggs, and rocks, according to SV News. The egg-thrower allegedly made the mistake of recording himself throwing eggs at the vehicles and uploading the video online.
One man is seen punching one of the vehicles in the "Jews for Trump" parade. Social media posts show counter-protesters stomping on a thin blue line flag.
(Content Warning: Violent images):
As Trump supporters rolled through Manhattan, a black SUV with Trump flags was attacked by several individuals dressed in all black. The truck was splattered with red paint. As NYPD officers detained one man, a brawl erupted nearby. Then a man kicks the feet out from underneath another man, who falls on the pavement hard.
Another fight broke out in Times Square as tensions flared.
The NYPD declared an "unlawful assembly," and made several arrests. A woman was reportedly arrested for pepper-spraying Trump supporters; she can be heard crying as she is being handcuffed.


theblaze--2020-10-25--CNN's Jake Tapper grills Pelosi for stalling COVID relief bill: 'You could take yes for an answer'

CNN 's Jake Tapper grills Pelosi for stalling COVID relief bill : 'You could take yes for an answer' 'So @ @ @ @ @ White House has moved closer to your position on lots of issues '

CNN host Jake Tapper grilled House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday over why she continues to block passing additional coronavirus-related aid that millions of Americans desperately need, all while blaming the White House.
What's the background?
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows revealed on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday that Pelosi continues to "move the goalposts" on COVID-19 economic relief.
"We have continued to make offer after offer after offer. And Nancy continues to move the goalposts. And, as you know, we're up to $1.9 trillion. I personally have talked to the leader multiple times. I have talked to senators multiple times," Meadows explained. "And, at the end of the day, it was the Democrats just last week who said that they weren't going to support a $500 billion deal. So, they said no to some relief coming to Americans."
What happened with Pelosi?
Later in the show, Tapper grilled Pelosi over why she continues to stall economic relief, highlighting the fact that the Trump administration has attempted to compromise with House Democrats.
"So, we know that the White House has moved closer to your position on lots of issues, coronavirus testing, contact tracing strategy, unemployment benefits, local government," Tapper said, before being cut off by Pelosi.
In response, Pelosi claimed that Republicans have not attempted to comprise.
"And also same thing, they keep moving the goalposts. They— every time they say we move the goalposts, that means they're projecting what they did," Pelosi claimed.
The House speaker then attempted to steer the conversation away from the details of coronavirus relief legislation, but Tapper rejected the spin.
"But it just seems like they keep moving closer and closer," he said of Republicans.
"I get that you're waiting for it on paper. But it just seems like, you're winning. I mean, that's what it seems like to me," Tapper told Pelosi. "I'm looking at all the things that the White House is moving forward to your position on. And it seems like you could take yes for an answer."
Pelosi tried to continue blaming Republicans for the lack of a deal, but Tapper quickly reminded her that even Democrats are imploring their leadership to make a deal.
"[O]ne of your own members, Congressman Max Rose, said this week that the Democratic Party needs to learn, to a certain extent, how to declare victory and go home," Tapper said. "You're getting a lot of messages from Democrats saying: 'This is good enough. We need to say yes.'"
Indeed, last week, the White House pushed a nearly $2 trillion coronavirus-relief bill, which included many Democratic requests, making clear they want to compromise before Election Day.


theblaze--2020-10-25--Matthew McConaughey bashes cancel culture, talks about being Christian in Hollywood and defunding th

Matthew McConaughey bashes cancel culture, talks about being Christian in Hollywood and defunding the police

Matthew McConaughey bashes cancel culture , talks about being Christian in Hollywood and defunding the police McConaughey pointed out some @ @ @ @ @ left they become 'illiberal '

Matthew McConaughey gave an interview to Joe Rogan where they discussed a myriad of topics, including the actor slamming cancel culture, talking about being a Christian in Hollywood, and providing an eye-opening response to the defund the police movement.
McConaughey blasted the practice of cancel culture during his appearance on "The Joe Rogan Experience."
"We're making people persona non grata because of something they do that is right now deemed wrong or it's the hot point in a hot topic right now," the Hollywood actor stated. "You can't erase someone's entire existence. Where the heck does some forgiveness go?"
Rogan asked the "Interstellar" actor if he has experienced any discrimination in Hollywood for being Christian, and he said he "hasn't had any difficulties."
However, McConaughey did point out the phoniness of some of his fellow actors.
"I have had moments where I was on stage receiving an award in front of my peers in Hollywood," McConaughey explained. "And there were people in the crowd that I have prayed with before dinners...many times."
"And when I thank God, I saw some of those people go to clap, but then notice that, 'This could be a bad thing on my resume,' and then sit back on their hands. I've seen people read the room and go, 'That wouldn't bode well for me in the future for getting a job or getting votes or what have you.' I have seen that, I have witnessed that. I don't judge them for it," he said.
According to a 2014 Daily Caller report, God had only been thanked 14 times in over 750 Academy Awards acceptance speeches over the last 30 years.
One of the 14 times happened in 2014 when McConaughey thanked God while accepting his Best Actor award for "Dallas Buyers Club."
"First off I want to thank God, because that's who I look up to. He's graced my life with opportunities that I know are not of my hand or any other human hand," McConaughey said after receiving his award. "He has shown me that it's a scientific fact that gratitude reciprocates. In the words of the late (British actor) Charlie Laughton, who said, 'When you got God you got a friend and that friend is you.'"
McConaughey pointed out that some Hollywood liberals go so far left that they become "illiberal."
"Some people in our industry, not all this, there's some that go to the left so far that go to the illiberal left side so far, that is so condescending and patronizing to 50 percent of the world that need the empathy that the liberals have gives and should give to throw somebody, to illegitimize them because they say they are a believer," McConaughey said. "It's just so arrogant, and in some ways hypocritical to me."
Matthew McConaughey Discusses His Religious Beliefs www.youtube.com
McConaughey was asked about the defund the police movement; the Texas native delivered a well-thought-out response in attempting to improve relations between police and communities.
"It's almost like it should have been renamed because 'defund' does not sound anything like there's been money reallocated to different areas of handling some police exercise," McConaughey said. "It sounds like you got a million and, 'We're taking three hundred thousand. Good luck.' And it's not exactly what it is, to be fair."
"The community and the police need to get back together, and the community needs to say, 'Here's what's unfair. Here's how I feel it's unfair as a black man or a person of color or whatever the situation. Here's my problem with my relationship with you as cops,'" the actor explained.
"Well, the police got to get clear to go, 'OK. Our whole force isn't screwed up, we have to have law and order. We all agree on that. Yes, we can all agree on that. We've got a few bad apples that either need to be trained better so we don't have those kind of bad apples,'" he continued. "So few of these bad apples need to be removed. But they also we need to make sure we're training them better."
"Now, also, the cops need to go to the community and go, 'Can you all remember and understand our point of view that we're like the tow truck driver. We're not called when there's good news; we're called when it's bad news. So we're coming in looking for trouble. So we're already under stress when we get a call. Can y'all help us in the way we communicate? Can we get trust again?'" he said.
Last week, online provocateurs users attempted to cancel Chris Pratt because they labeled him as a Trump supporter despite him being largely apolitical. Pratt's Hollywood co-stars, including Robert Downey Jr., Zoe Saldana, and Mark Ruffalo, came to his defense, calling him "as solid a man there is."
You can watch the entire Matthew McConaughey interview below.


theblaze--2020-10-25--'Trump 2020': Mayor Bill de Blasio vows swift action against NYPD officer caught praising Trump

'Trump 2020 .
Put it on YouTube , put it on Facebook .
Trump 2020 '

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is promising swift action against a New York City police officer who was caught on camera saying "Trump 2020."
What are the details?
Multiple videos uploaded to social media showed a NYPD officer say "Trump 2020" over the loudspeaker in his patrol car while two additional NYPD officers conversed outside the vehicle.
The incident happened in Brooklyn Saturday night.
"Do it again. What? You can't say 'Trump 2020' now, you f***ing p****?" the man behind the camera in the first video said. "Say it again."
When the officer repeated the phrase, the cameraman responded, "Go f*** yourself you f***ing fascist."
Another video uploaded to Twitter captured the incident from a different angle. The video, taken from the window of a nearby apartment, showed what happened after the first video ended.
"Trump 2020. Put it on YouTube, put it on Facebook. Trump 2020," the NYPD officer said over the loudspeaker. "Take a picture, take a picture, take a video, put it on your Facebook, put it on YouTube. Have some fun."
What was the reaction?
Enraged city leaders, including the mayor, are vowing action against the officer, and the NYPD said they are investigating the incident.
According to the New York Post, "NYPD strictly forbids officers from expressing political views or endorsing candidates."
In response, de Blasio promised New York City residents that the city would take immediate action against the police officer.
"Let me be clear: ANY NYPD Officer pushing ANY political agenda while on duty will face consequences. We will act fast here, and this will not be tolerated," de Blasio said.
Top NYPD brass also scolded the officer.
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said, "One hundred percent unacceptable. Period. Law Enforcement must remain apolitical, it is essential in our role to serve ALL New Yorkers regardless of any political beliefs. It is essential for New Yorkers to trust their Police. Updates to follow after initial investigation."
Chief of Department Terence Monahan added, "When you wear our uniform it is imperative to remain apolitical. Behavior like this will not be tolerated and will be dealt with."


theblaze--2020-10-25--California middle school student threatened with jail for missing online Zoom classes

What is going on in California

A middle school student in California was threatened with being put in jail for missing online Zoom classes, according to the boy's father.
Mark Mastrov said his family recently received a letter from his son's middle school after his seventh-grade son reportedly missed 90 minutes of online classes. Mastrov said his son is a straight-A student who denies missing any classes.
The father hypothesizes that his son may have logged in after the teacher had already taken roll call during three 30-minute classes, causing the teacher to mark him absent. "I am not sure what happened," Mastrov said.
What Mastrov does know for certain is that the potential punishment prescribed by the school is "ridiculous."
"Out of the blue, we got this letter. It said my son had missed classes, and at the bottom it referenced a state law which said truants can go to jail for missing 90 minutes of class," Mastrov told the East Bay Times.
The California Department of Education states that "a student missing more than 30 minutes of instruction without an excuse three times during the school year must be classified as a truant and reported to the proper school authority." Parents of chronically truant children face fines of up to $2,000 and being put in jail for up to one year, according to the California Department of Education website.
Mastrov immediately called the Stanley Middle School because he wanted "to clear this up."
"I said, 'Are you going to come and try to arrest my son at my home, or fine me for not getting him to his Zoom class perfectly, on time every day?'" he explained.
"He can become a truant of the state and he could be arrested," Mastrov told KGO-TV.
Stanley Middle School Principal Betsy Balmat said, "The letter is part of our responsibility to the state for our student attendance review boards. As always, the schools have a responsibility to ensure students are engaged and learning."
Balmat added that the family should have been called before receiving the letter. Mastrov said that he never received a call from the school.
The letter read, "When a student is absent without a valid excuse, the student is considered truant according to California law."
The letter lists six possible consequences for missing too many classes, including being put in jail: "The pupil may be subject to arrest under Education Code Section 48264."
"Schools in California use their daily attendance numbers for qualifying for state and federal funding," KIRO-TV reported.
Mastrov has written to state elected officials, asking that the truancy law be changed.
"Obviously we're in a pandemic and Gov. Newsom is trying to manage it," said Mastrov. "But if the state of California is focusing on arresting 12-year-old children for missing 90 minutes of school in ten months, it's ridiculous."
"Who passed this law in their infinite wisdom?" Mastrov asked. "Who in their right mind could do that?"
"I was told that it was the law. I said, 'Are you kidding me? Then that's a bad law,'" he said.


theblaze--2020-10-25--Backlash is swift and immediate against 'former Republican' who targets, doxxes Trump-supporting nun

Backlash is swift and immediate against 'former Republican' who targets, doxxes Trump-supporting nuns

Backlash is swift and immediate against 'former Republican ' who targets , doxxes Trump-supporting nuns

Three nuns wearing "MAGA" face masks attended President Donald Trump's campaign rally in Ohio on Saturday, setting the internet ablaze.
The nuns triggered a mixed bag of reactions. Some people praised the nuns for supporting Trump, others bashed the women of God, and yet others claimed the nuns were actually actors planted by the Trump campaign for purpose of optics.
But one man earned the scorn of the internet after he was accused of "doxxing" the Trump-supporting nuns.
What happened?
Peter Vroom, whose identifies himself as a "former Republican" in his Twitter bio, singled out the nuns on Saturday after images of them at Trump's rally went viral.
"The 3 nuns attending Trump's rally in Ohio today are from the order of the Children of Mary in Cincinnati, OH. Here's a comparison of their picture from the rally today without face masks and a picture from their website. I am not using their names," Vroom tweeted, linking to a website about the nuns.
Vroom added, "Bizarre and disgusting. Positioning nuns wearing MAGA masks directly behind @realDonaldTrump at his Ohio rally. Are they praying for the hundreds of thousands of COVID deaths Trump is responsible for?"
What was the response?
The backlash against Vroom was immediate and swift.
"A quick step by step guide to identifying if you are cementing yourself a spot on the wrong side of history. 1) You spent the afternoon attacking nuns. 2) There is no #2," one person said.
"Congrats Peter! You're about to go viral by doxxing nuns! Enjoy your newfound fame! You must be so proud... Hey everybody! Help Peter out by retweeting his great post where he has the courage to dox nuns! Such a brave man!!" one person responded.
"Hey aren't you the same Peter Vroom who was chief of staff of convicted child molester Denny Hastert? What did you know about that, hmm? I wonder what would happen if an enterprising individual were to discover you knew something and didn't do anything. Hmm," another person said.
"Pretty cowardly to pretend you're *just* confirming similar details to Breitbart. You're out here to get the nuns in trouble and pretending otherwise just makes you look more ridiculous," another person said.
"does doxxing poor women consecrated to Christ make you feel powerful?" one person responded.
"This a**hole is doxxing nuns," one person pointed out.
"Sure, you're not using their names! Just bright red arrows to identify them, as well as their religious order, city and state. ... But not their names, obviously, because THAT would be totally creepy and inappropriate," another person highlighted.
"Nothing says courage and moral certitude like doxxing nuns," one person said.
"'3 nuns act totally within their rights. Unacceptable! Here are pictures of them & info about their home! But I won't disclose names cause I'm a really good guy,'" one person mocked.
"there is a special place in Hell for extremists who doxx and cancel nuns," one person said.
"'I am not using their names'...you only used their photos, their location, and a link to where they live, so that anyone who wants to can make them a target. But at least the attacker won't know their names, or something? Ew," another person pointed out.
"Have you ever considered you're the bad guy here?" another person said.
Vroom later attempted to blame Breitbart for identifying the nuns. However, Breitbart merely noted which Catholic orders wears purple and white habits.


theblaze--2020-10-25--CNN's Van Jones attacked by liberals for saying Trump 'has done good stuff for the black community'

CNN's Van Jones attacked by liberals for saying Trump 'has done good stuff for the black community' and 'does not get enough credit'

CNN 's Van Jones attacked by liberals for saying Trump 'has done good stuff for the black community ' and @ @ @ @ @ '

CNN commentator Van Jones applauded President Donald Trump for the work he has done for the black community. Liberals immediately turned on Jones, lashing out at the progressive pundit for giving Trump even the slightest acknowledgment that the president has attempted to help black Americans.
On Friday night, Jones appeared on CNN with host Jake Tapper. The panel was discussing the final presidential debate, specifically Trump's comment that he's "done more for the black community than any other president."
"Donald Trump — and I get beat up by liberals every time I say this, but I'm gonna keep saying it — he has done good stuff for the black community," Jones said on CNN. "Opportunity zone stuff, black college stuff. I worked with him on criminal justice stuff. I saw Donald Trump have African American people, formerly incarcerated, in the White House — embraced them, treated them well. There's a side to Donald Trump that I think he does not get enough credit for."
Former NFL Hall of Famer and Trump ally Herschel Walker posted the video clip with the caption: "Because @VanJones68 speaks the truth on @realDonaldTrump people get upset. The American people deserve the truth from the MSM!"
Despite Jones being extremely critical of Trump for years on nearly every single subject, leftists were enraged that he gave Trump credit. The praise of Trump was swiftly met with condemnation of Jones, a former Obama White House adviser.
"Jeeesus why is Van Jones still talking about anything? What an embarrassment. @VanJones68," an online commenter wrote.
"Every time I think Van Jones has turned a corner, he disappoints," another Twitter user said.
"Yeah. Stop listening to Van Jones," another person opined.
"Van Jones is a SELL OUT, yeah I said it," one person declared.
"Van Jones is a Trumper. At the end of the day, that's who he is," a commenter alleged.
Besides Jones, 50 Cent was also recently lambasted for showing support for Trump. The rapper's ex-girlfriend, Chelsea Handler, blasted 50 Cent for saying he would vote for Trump because he was terrified of the high taxes he might have to pay if Joe Biden is elected.
"I had to remind him that he was a Black person, so he can't vote for Donald Trump," Handler told late-night TV host Jimmy Fallon. Many considered the comedian's comments to be "racist."
Jones' praise of Trump arrives only days after hip-hop radio host Charlamagne Tha God admitted that the president is making a real effort to court young black male voters.
"When it comes to the black people you see showing support for Trump, I just think, you know, it's because Trump is actually talking to young black male voters. He is directing ads toward them," said Charlamagne Tha God, whose real name is Lenard Larry McKelvey.


theblaze--2020-10-25--Media claim megachurch is source of COVID-19 'outbreak.' Turns out, it was just three cases.

Media claim megachurch is source of COVID-19 'outbreak . '
Turns out , it was just three cases .

Grace Community Church, the Los Angeles-area megachurch that re-opened in defiance of coronavirus-related lockdowns, is pushing back against what media are claiming is an "outbreak" originating at the church.
What are media claiming?
Multiple Los Angeles-area news outlets claimed last week that a COVID-19 "outbreak" is happening at the church, framing the story around the church's defiance to lockdown orders.
The Los Angeles Times reported, "Coronavirus outbreak strikes L.A. megachurch that defied public health orders."
Local news station KTLA-TV reported, "Coronavirus outbreak strikes defiant Sun Valley megachurch that held indoor services despite public health orders."
What's the truth?
According to attorneys for the church, the "outbreak" is actually just three confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Jenna Ellis, an attorney for Grace Community Church, called the stories "grossly misleading" meant to incite "fear-mongering" against the church.
"Three very mild positive tests among more than 7,000 people is hardly news. 0.04% is not an 'outbreak.' The LA Times and others' grossly misleading and fear-mongering headlines aim to mischaracterize Grace Community Church as irresponsible and a superspreader," Ellis said, the Daily Wire reported.
She added, "It has never been the Church's position that it is only safe to hold services if no one ever tests positive, or for example, if no one ever gets the flu during flu season. Our position has been that LA County shutting down churches indefinitely amid a virus with a 99.98% survival rate, especially when state-preferred businesses are open and protests are held without restriction, is unconstitutional and harmful to the free exercise of religion."
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed to both the Los Angeles Times and KTLA that the "outbreak" was just three COVID-19 cases.
More from the LA Times:
Under the county health officer's order, places of worship must report to the county Public Health Department when at least three coronavirus cases are identified among staff or worshipers within a span of 14 days so the agency can determine whether there is an outbreak.
Anything else?
Grace Community Church is locked in a heated legal battle with Los Angeles authorities.
The church continues to hold indoor worship services in defiance of a ruling by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, which ordered the church to stop holding indoor services.
The city has asked a judge to hold the church in contempt of court, according to the LA Times.


theblaze--2020-10-25--Glenn Beck unveils new American Journey Experience museum and training center to teach real history

Glenn Beck unveils new American Journey Experience museum and training center to teach real history backed by truth An exciting @ @ @ @ @ that brings you the real story of the American journey

Glenn Beck unveiled the American Journey Experience, a place where you can learn the real history of the United States because you'll be immersed in the documents, artifacts, and stories that molded this great country. The American Journey Experience will be so much more than just dates and names. It will be a place where American pioneers and their accomplishments will be brought to life and you can experience history.
The American Journey Experience features a myriad of American history antiquities, including Franklin D. Roosevelt's wheelchair, the second electric chair ever built, the original script for Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds," and original letters written by George Washington.
But the American Journey Museum is not just a museum. The new climate-controlled American Journey Vault stores rare documents that chronicle this nation's legendary past. Inside is one of the rarest books in the world, an Aitken Bible from 1782, the first and only edition of the Bible ever authorized by Congress. Only 10,000 copies were originally made, and just 30-40 copies exist today.
Having the original documents and actual artifacts allows the American Journey Experience to fight misinformation with facts from primary sources.
The new American Journey Training Center is where college students and adults will be given an education unlike any other. This history lesson is far beyond what you learned from your Western Civilization class back in high school. The training is customized for educators, academic researchers, students of all ages, families, and everyday Americans who are seeking the truth about our nation's history.
For students, there will be two-week courses. On the first day of this groundbreaking course, you will be asked questions about hot-button topics such as the free market, socialism, abortion, and more. Then the course will provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge backed by historical evidence and not revisionist history. Real history that is backed by truth.
Not only will the instructors provide knowledge about American history and patriots, but they will more importantly equip young minds with the abilities and know-how on how they can be "truth-seekers" once they leave the classroom.
While the American Journey Experience has an incredible array of artifacts and documents, to tell the complete story of America, the museum will need more relics to teach America's past to America's future.
Donations will help Mercury One secure critical artifacts such as one of the best pilgrim collections, which was displayed at the Smithsonian. The pilgrim collection from as far back as the 16th century.
With your contributions, no matter how much, you will enable the team at the American Journey Experience to take centuries-old books and digitalize them, making them available online for all Americans to embrace these eminent documents.
Glenn Beck, founder of the humanitarian aid and education organization Mercury One, along with David Barton, the founder of WallBuilders, invite you to embark on an American journey. With your help, the American Journey Experience can help tell the real story of this one-of-a-kind nation and the heroes who built it.
You can make a donation to the American Journey Experience HERE.
To make a donation, you can text "mercuryone" to 56651.


theblaze--2020-10-27--WATCH: Sen. Mazie Hirono votes 'hell no!' on Amy Coney Barrett nomination and storms off of Senate f

WATCH: Sen. Mazie Hirono votes 'hell no!' on Amy Coney Barrett nomination and storms off of Senate floor

WATCH : Sen. Mazie Hirono votes 'hell no ! '
on Amy Coney Barrett nomination and storms off of Senate @ @ @ @ @ found the gesture childish and innappropriate

Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii has been one of the most vocal Democratic opponents to the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court and she manifested her fury on the Senate floor during the roll call vote on Monday.
Hirono registered her vote against the nomination by saying, "hell no!" and stomping off. Her vote was caught on video.
A clip of her petulant vote was circulated on social media:
Hirono was among the Democrats who questioned whether Barrett could be fair in her Supreme Court decisions given that she is so devoted to her Catholic faith. Others accused Hirono of religious bigotry over the suggestion.
"Look, it wasn't her religious views — it's anybody's views that they bring to their decision-making," Hirono said last month about Barrett's faith.
"So they keep telling us that none of the things they wrote or said yesterday should infringe on their decision, but how can we be assured that they can be objective?" she added. "Why should we say you get a lifetime appointment so that you can reflect your ideological agenda in your decision-making?"
Hirono reiterated her opposition to Barrett's nomination through her Twitter account.
"Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a clear and present danger to the rights and protections [Ruth Bader Ginsburg] fought for. The American people are paying attention and voting," she tweeted.
Hirono is also among the critics of the Barrett nomination who are demanding that Democrats pack the Supreme Court with extra seats for liberal justices after the election as revenge against Republicans.
Despite Hirono's opposition and that of the Democrats, Barrett's nomination was approved by Republicans in the U.S. Senate on Monday by a vote of 52 to 48.
The Associated Press reported that Justice Clarence Thomas administered the Constitutional Oath to Barrett before a crowd of about 200 on the South Lawn at the White House. She will be able to participate in the court Tuesday after taking the Judicial Oath administered by Chief Justice John Roberts in a private ceremony.
Here's more about the vote to put Barrett on the Supreme Court:
Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed to the Supreme Court www.youtube.com
This story has been updated.


theblaze--2020-10-27--FULL MATCH: 'God Emperor' vs. 'Rapey Joe' (WWE Parody)

Steven Crowder 's WWE parody features the presidential 'God Emperor ' battling 'Rapey Joe . '
Witness this highly personal @ @ @ @ @ of the presidential race .
In this hilarious video , Commander-in-Chief 'God Emperor ' ( @ @ @ @ @ way outside just as 'Rapey Joe ' ( Steven 's Dad ) steps out of @ @ @ @ @ final presidential debate .
In traditional WWE form , the two men deliver an entertaining @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pence and Kamala Harris .
Watch the video for more .
Use promo code @ @ @ @ @ on one year of BlazeTV .
Want more from Steven Crowder ?
To enjoy more @ @ @ @ @ comedy that 's actually funny , join Mug Club — the only place for all @ @ @ @ @ demand .

Steven Crowder's WWE parody features the presidential 'God Emperor' battling 'Rapey Joe.' Witness this highly personal showdown in the biggest smackdown of the presidential race.
In this hilarious video, Commander-in-Chief 'God Emperor' (Steven Crowder) made his way outside just as 'Rapey Joe' (Steven's Dad) steps out of his armored vehicle for the final presidential debate. In traditional WWE form, the two men deliver an entertaining battle with the help of Mike Pence and Kamala Harris.
Watch the video for more.
FULL MATCH : Donald Trump vs. Rapey Joe Biden | Louder With Crowder youtu.be
Use promo code LWC to save $10 on one year of BlazeTV.
Want more from Steven Crowder?
To enjoy more of Steven's uncensored late-night comedy that's actually funny, join Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored and on demand.


theblaze--2020-10-27--Wilkow: Stop PAYING for virtue lectures from the Left

Wilkow : Stop PAYING for virtue lectures from the Left The free market CAN fix this

The Left has turned our once non-political sources of entertainment into a never ending barrage of virtue-signaling lectures. From Teen Vogue endorsing socialism to Oprah phone-banking for a Democrat voting organization, it seems no one can escape their grasp. But BlazeTV's Andrew Wilkow argues that you do have a choice: Don't fund what you don't believe in. Look no further than the decline of the NBA. The free market can fix this.
Watch the video below:
Want more from Andrew Wilkow?
To enjoy more of Andrew's dynamic truth-telling, unmistakable opinion and rational political analysis, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-10-27--Senate confirms Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court

Justice Clarence Thomas administers the official Constitutional Oath to Barrett at White House

The United States Senate has officially confirmed Judge Amy Coney Barrett as a U.S. Supreme Court justice in a 52-48 vote, despite pushback from Democrats who fought to stop the Republican-led upper chamber from moving forward with President Donald Trump's nominee to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg ahead of Election Day.
Every GOP senator voted for Barrett's confirmation except Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), who joined Democrats in arguing that the nomination of a new justice should be made by whomever wins the presidential election on Nov. 3.
What are the details?
Ahead of the actual vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), declared from the floor that "today...will go down as one of the darkest days in the 231-year history of the United States Senate."
He went on to warn Republicans, "You may win this vote... But you will never, ever, get your credibility back. And the next time the American people give Democrats a majority in this chamber, you will have forfeited your right to tell us how to run that majority."
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) gave a history of what has occurred in recent decades in the confirmation of justices, and explained to the chamber in his speech following Schumer's: "The reason we were able to do what we did in 2016, 2018 and 2020 was because we had the majority."
Vice President Mike Pence had originally been expected to preside over Barrett's confirmation vote in the Senate, but those plans were changed after several of Pence's close aides recently tested positive for COVID-19. As The Hill pointed out ahead of the vote, 52 Senate Republicans were "expected to vote for Barrett, which means the vice president" was not needed to break a 50-50 tie. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) served as Senate president during the proceedings.
The Associated Press reported that Justice Clarence Thomas administered the Constitutional Oath to Barrett, 48, before a crowd of about 200 on the South Lawn at the White House.
Fox News noted that "Thomas has long been considered one of the more conservative justices on the Court, along with Barrett's mentor, the late Justice Antonin Scalia."
Shortly after the vote occurred, the Supreme Court sent out a news release announcing that Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the Judicial Oath to Barrett in a private ceremony in a conference room in the court building on Tuesday, and that a formal ceremony will take place in the actual courtroom at a later date.
According to The New York Times, Justice Barrett "could start work" at the Supreme Court as early as Tuesday, once she has taken her oaths.
Roll Call reported that Barrett's confirmation "boost[s] the long-running advantage for justices appointed by Republican presidents from 5-4 to 6-3, which [means] the liberal wing would have to pick up at least two votes from the conservative wing to find any victories in cases on ideologically divisive issues."
This story has been updated.


theblaze--2020-10-26--Joe Scarborough compares Trump to Putin: 'Trump would kill reporters if he could get away with it'

Joe Scarborough compares Trump to Putin : 'Trump would kill reporters if he could get away with it' The MSNBC @ @ @ @ @ president for criticizing CBS News journalist Lesley Stahl

MSNBC host and former Republican Joe Scarborough told his audience Monday morning that President Donald "Trump would kill reporters if he could get away with it," comparing the U.S. president to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
What are the details?
Scarborough made the comment during his criticism of Trump's "60 Minutes" interview with CBS News journalist Lesley Stahl, which aired the night before, hitting out at the president for criticizing Stahl after she began the sit-down by asking: "Are you ready for some tough questions?"
"How fascinating that Donald Trump says it's, quote, inappropriate for Lesley Stahl to ask tough questions," Scarborough said "It's just, it's really fascinating at this point to look how much that Donald Trump resembles an autocratic leader from eastern Europe, whether it's Belarus or whether it's Russia.
"Actually, though he kills journalists, Vladimir Putin on camera actually seems a little more willing to answer tough questions when they are asked of him," Scarborough continued. "Donald Trump can't even handle that.
"Of course, Donald Trump would kill reporters if he could get away with it," the MSNBC host said. "I think even his strongest supporters would admit Trump would do whatever he could get away with."
The Daily Caller reported that Scarborough "made similar comments back in February, claiming 'dictator' Trump would 'arrest every journalist he didn't like' if he could get away with it."
Scarborough and his "Morning Joe" co-host and wife Mika Brzezinski interviewed Trump frequently on their show before he became president in 2016, but the MSNBC duo has since become fervent enemies of the president.
What about the 2015 interview?
During a 2015 interview on "Morning Joe," then-candidate Trump was pressed by Scarborough to condemn Putin's killing of journalists who do not agree with the Russian leader.
Scarborough, who previously served as a U.S. congressman for Florida, asked Trump what he thought about Putin giving him a compliment.
"When people call you brilliant, it's always good, especially when the person heads up Russia," Trump replied.
"Well, he's also a person that kills journalists and political opponents and invades countries," Scarborough said. "That would be a concern, would it not?"
"He's running his country and at least he's a leader, unlike what we have in this country," Trump responded.
"But again, he kills journalists that don't agree with him," Scarborough said.
Trump argued back, "Well, I think our country does plenty of killing also, Joe. You know, there's a lot of stuff going on in the world right now, Joe. A lot of killing going on and a lot of stupidity."
Trump finally relented that he does condemn Putin's killing of journalists and political opponents.
When asked about how America's relationship with Russia might change under a Trump presidency, Trump said, "I've always felt fine about Putin. I think he is a strong leader, he's a powerful leader, he's represented his country the way — the country is being represented."


theblaze--2020-10-26--Car stolen in broad daylight with 7-month-old baby inside. Police find car hours later — without the

Car stolen in broad daylight with 7-month-old baby inside. Police find car hours later — without the baby.

Car stolen in broad daylight with 7-month-old baby inside .
Police find car hours later — without the baby .
@ @ @ @ @ the infant

Update:
Police were able to locate the baby, who was identified as Jaylen Mojica, after issuing a community alert. He had been described as an "endangered missing person" in the alert but few other details were divulged.
Original story:
A Chicago mother was horrified to find that her car was stolen with her 7-month-old baby inside. Police later found the car without the baby miles away.
The alarming incident unfolded Monday in the Marquette Park neighborhood in Chicago.
The 30-year-old woman left the car and the baby boy unattended at about 12:46 p.m., with the car ignition on. She walked into a convenience store and when she walked back the car was gone.
The car was a silver Honda CR-V and was found abandoned hours later in a neighborhood about nine miles away.
The car was found near an alley and a small playground park.
A witness told WBBM-TV that she heard the woman screaming after the abduction.
"I just heard a young lady hollering about somebody took her car with her baby in it," the witness said. "And it's really scary that you can't leave your car and somebody just jumps right in."
Police dogs are being used to help try to locate the missing baby.
Reporter Charlie De Mar of WBBM noted that police had not activated an Amber Alert for the child.
The mother of the child is working with the police to find her baby. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 312-747-8380.
According to the Polly Klaas Foundation, the vast majority of missing children cases are runaways who are eventually found or reunited with their families. A small proportion, about 3%, are cases where the child has been kidnapped by a family member or someone familiar to the child. Less than 1% of those cases are kidnappings by a complete stranger previously unknown to the child.
Here's a local news report about the abduction:


theblaze--2020-10-26--Megyn Kelly: Media coverage of President Trump is ‘DISGUSTING’

The media has lost ALL credibilty

Megyn Kelly is not happy about the "disgusting" media coverage of President Donald Trump, specifically pointing to Lesley Stahl's "60 Minutes" interview on CBS Sunday.
On the radio program, Megyn told Glenn Beck the media has become so blinded by the "Trump Derangement Syndrome" that they've lost their own credibility — and now they can't get it back.
"It's disgusting. It's stomach-turning," Megyn said of the media's coverage of the president. "But it's just a continuation of what we've seen over the past couple of years. Their 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' has blinded them to what they're doing to their own credibility. They can't get it back. It's too late. They've already sacrificed it. And now no one is listening to them other than the hard partisans for whom they craft their news."
Megyn also discussed how she would have covered the recent stories about Hunter and Joe Biden's alleged corruption. Watch the video below to catch more of the conversation:
Want more from Glenn Beck?
To enjoy more of Glenn's masterful storytelling, thought-provoking analysis and uncanny ability to make sense of the chaos, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution and live the American dream.


theblaze--2020-10-26--'I'll cut your head off, dude, if you even move': Homeowner flips the script on intruder who could h

'I'll cut your head off, dude, if you even move': Homeowner flips the script on intruder who could have choked him to death

' I 'll cut your head off , dude , if you even move ' : Homeowner flips the script @ @ @ @ @ choked him to death

Travis McKee told KHQ-TV he opened the door of his home Friday night in Spokane, Washington, to find a stranger — 36-year-old Randall Davis — asking for a cigarette.
And just moments later, McKee said he was in a battle for his life.
"He got on top of me and just pounded me for 10 minutes," he noted to KHQ. "The side of my face ... he had me in some kind of hold where my chin was pressed against my neck, and I couldn't get any air."
Turns out Davis is a convicted felon with a history of assault, the station said. But all McKee likely was considering at the time was how to stay alive, as Spokane police said he began to lose consciousness amid the intruder's grip, KHQ said.
What happened next?
Enter McKee's faithful dog, Mutt, who gave his owner a spark of mental clarity — so to speak.
"When my dog came up and bit my leg, it woke me up," McKee told the station. "I remembered I had that knife in my pocket. I got my knees under me and started to try to kind of worm my way out of [the intruder's grip]. It was just a last ditch effort. I was going to die."
Davis still had McKee pinned to the floor, but McKee managed to slash at his attacker's arm, stomach, and neck until he let go, KHQ said.
It gets better
Believe it or not, the beaten-down victim who may have died in his assailant's grip resolved to prevent Davis from dying, the station said.
"I held a knife up to him. I told him, 'I'll cut your throat. I'll cut your head off, dude, if you even move. You know, period. I'm going to tourniquet you, and you'd better not move,'" McKee recalled to KHQ telling the attacker.
And the bleeding assailant — the tables turned on him — wisely listened.
"He let me do it," McKee told the station, "and I [put a tourniquet on] him and came back and found my phone and called 911."
Police who arrived on the scene gave Davis first aid until medics arrived, KHQ said, adding that McKee and Davis both were taken to local hospitals.
Blood was all over the house, too, the station said:
Once Davis is released from the hospital, the station said he'll be booked into jail on charges of first-degree burglary and second-degree assault.
When a KHQ reporter asked McKee why he couldn't let his attacker die, he had a relatively simple answer: "'Cause I'm just not into hurting people, you know?"


theblaze--2020-10-26--Columbia med school professor calls for President Trump to be declared a 'public health threat'

Columbia med school professor calls for President Trump to be declared a 'public health threat' 'We are ethically bound to @ @ @ @ @ of patients and populations '

Dr. Raymond Givens, a cardiologist and professor at the Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, would like to see President Donald Trump officially declared a "public health threat."
What are the details?
In an op-ed in MedPage Today, Givens claimed that Trump is "one of the most serious threats to public health and human rights in modern American history" and that the medical community has a responsibility to declare him as such.
"We are ethically bound to identify threats to the health of patients and populations, to speak the truth even if it provokes the anger of powerful people. Refusal to do so is malpractice," Givens argued. "The [American Medical Association] Declaration of Professional Responsibility asserts that physicians have a duty to 'educate the public and polity about present and future threats to the health of humanity' and to advocate for 'political changes that ameliorate suffering and contribute to human well-being.'"
Consequently, he wrote, "the entire American medical establishment has a duty to name Donald Trump, specifically, as a public health threat and strongly recommend that the upcoming election end his presidency."
What did he say specifically?
Givens specifically took issue with Trump's response to the coronavirus pandemic, throughout the lengthy diatribe characterizing Trump as chaotic, unprepared, and wantonly reckless.
President Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic has been chaotic at best but more often destructive. He has knowingly and repeatedly downplayed the gravity of the outbreak while hobbling the CDC and undermining public confidence in the agency when trust is needed most. He has launched attacks, often ad hominem, against our best scientists and public health experts. His supporters have followed his lead in defying masking and social distancing recommendations. Based upon exceptionally low-quality data from a grossly irresponsible study, Trump promoted hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as antivirals, contributing to their regrettable embrace by desperate healthcare providers in an unprecedented crisis; multiple studies have since refuted their utility, while toxicity concerns remain.
Furthermore, Givens blamed Trump for spreading the disease, noting that "amid rising caseloads across much of the country, he has held large rallies packed with barefaced attendees."
But it wasn't all about the coronavirus. Givens also excoriated Trump's supposed racism, too. At one point, he referred to the president as America's "racist-in-chief," and elsewhere he derided the fact that while racism is now considered a public health threat, Trump is not.
Medicine acknowledges racism as a public health crisis but is silent about the racist vitriol emanating from the White House. Donald Trump exploited the racist and xenophobic "birther" conspiracy against President Barack Obama, whose election unleashed a spasm of rage and resentment that Trump rode all the way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Candidate Trump slandered Mexican immigrants as rapists, drug dealers, and carriers of infectious disease — the last smear now particularly ironic.
It is not immediately clear what the repercussions would be should the medical community follow Givens in his condemnation.
(H/T: The College Fix)


theblaze--2020-10-26--Protesters invade Polish churches, demand legalized abortion after pro-life legal ruling

Ruling says aborting children with congenital defects is unconstitutional

Protesters in Poland disrupted church services and told congregants attending Mass on Sunday to "get the f*** out" following a pro-life legal ruling that declared.
Protests have continued for four straight nights since the Polish Constitutional Tribunal ruled last Thursday that "abortion in the case of a high probability of severe and irreversible impairment of the fetus or an incurable disease that threatens the fetus" is not permitted by the Polish Constitution.
Activists demanding legalized abortions stormed Catholic churches in the Polish cities of Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznań, LifeSiteNews reported, disrupting Mass and confronting police and counterprotesters. The mass demonstrations are in defiance of the coronavirus pandemic social distancing regulations.
Multiple reports indicate that pro-abortion activists dressed as "handmaids" or carrying signs and chanting entered cathedrals and demanded the right to abortion.
Video of the protests shared by Voice of America on social media shows some being arrested by police.
"Crowds of people took to the streets screaming 'Get the f*** out'," journalist Krystian Kratiuk told LifeSiteNews.
"On Sunday they organized an action of attacking churches, entering them, interrupting Masses and shouting 'get the f*** out' in front of [them]," Kratiuk added. "Left-wing MPs do the same and the mainstream journalists loudly support the crime, as interrupting Mass is in Poland."
According to LifeSiteNews, some protesters in Poznań invaded a cathedral during Mass and chained themselves to the altar rails for hours. They carried signs that read "Catholics also need abortion" and "shame," among other statements.
The Associated Press reports that in some instances the protesters clashed with organized right-wing groups, such as in the southern city of Katowice where riot police used tear gas to keep demonstrators on both sides under control. In Warsaw, "far-right nationalists" reportedly blocked the stairs leading to the entrance of the Holy Cross Church and prevented the pro-abortion protesters from entering the building.
Others describe the counter protests as an organic "bottom-up movement." One Pole named Piotr, who was involved in protecting churches from the pro-abortion protesters, told LifeSiteNews he and others were "inspired by some people connected to [political party] Konfederacja, with a special involvement of people in the National Movement."
"They decided to go into the streets to try to protect churches from being profaned or destroyed by the leftists. More people got involved, such as me ― I am not connected to any organization," he said.
Piotr described how he and others patrolled the streets of Krakow, moving from one church to another and cleaning up debris and graffiti left behind by the demonstrators.
"Fortunately, there was no violence involved," he said.
Elsewhere, the demonstrations have become violent. Another journalist who spoke to LifeSiteNews, Grzegorz Górny, said some protesters pelted police with stones.
"We are witnessing a great attack against Poland: in the European Parliament, in the Western media, among the EU political elite. Polish leftists have been organizing street demonstrations for four days, they are aggressive, throw stones at the police, destroy the offices of PiS MPs, paint offensive slogans on churches (and even on the Ronald Reagan monument in Warsaw), and disrupt Holy Masses," Górny said.
"There were no voices of support from around the world for the Polish Constitutional Tribunal, the ruling right wing and Polish Catholics," Górny added. "Nobody said it was a historic event. Nobody said that the Polish pro-life decision goes against all global trends."
The chairman of the Polish Bishop's Conference, Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki of Poznan, called for "social peace" amid the unrest.
"The position of the Catholic Church on the right to life is unchanged; obscenities, violence and disrupting services as well as profanation are not the right method of action," Gadecki said in a statement. "I ask everyone to express their views in a socially acceptable way."
With the outlawing of abortions for fetal defects, the only permissible cases for abortion in Poland are in cases of rape, incest, or if the mother's life is threatened.


theblaze--2020-10-26--NYPD union attacks city leadership's 'double standard' for suspending 'Trump 2020' cop but praising

NYPD union attacks city leadership's 'double standard' for suspending 'Trump 2020' cop but praising chief for kneeling with BLM protesters

NYPD union attacks city leadership 's 'double standard ' for suspending 'Trump 2020 ' cop but praising chief for kneeling @ @ @ @ @ itsy-bitsy balls are in DeBlasio 's palm '

New York City leaders were enraged over the weekend after an NYPD officer declared "Trump 2020" over his patrol car loudspeaker multiple times Saturday night and told the public they would find and deal with him.
Now that NYPD officials have suspended the officer, the police union is ripping city and police leadership for their actions, declaring the move to be a blatant double standard, the New York Post reported.
What happened?
After video of the cop's actions went viral, Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) vowed to find and take action against the offending officer, saying, "Let me be clear: ANY NYPD Officer pushing ANY political agenda while on duty will face consequences. We will act fast here, and this will not be tolerated."
NYPD officials also said they were investigating the incident, and Chief of Department Terence Monahan promised the cop in question would "be dealt with."
According to the Post, police sources identified the officer as Arthur Becerra of the 70th Precinct, and he was suspended without pay Sunday.
What did the union say?
The Sergeants Benevolent Association went after NYPD and city leadership, accusing them of a "double standard" since the officials who declared a political statement by law enforcement to be "one hundred percent unacceptable" had only praise for Chief Monahan when he took a knee with Black Lives Matter protesters.
"The NYPD has a history of officers making political & outside the norm statements & ignoring it," the SBA tweeted. "Suspending, this officer is unnecessary & way over the top. Chief of Departrnent [sic] took a knee with protestors no disciplinary action was issued. What if the officer supported Biden?"
After the NYPD reported that the officer who had shouted "Trump 2020" had been immediately suspended without pay, the SBA responded, "What's the status of this investigation? Oh wait double standard white shirt immunity!" — referring to Monahan's BLM protest photo.
Then the union had a direct comment for Monahan himself, saying that his ... manhood ... was under the control of Mayor de Blasio.
"Terence you said nothing when Captains & Chiefs took a knee with violent protesters who injured members of the NYPD," the SBA tweeted. "You say nothing to those who sing & dance in uniform. Now your little itsy-bitsy balls are in DeBlasio's [sic] palm & you tweet nonsense. Relax & take a knee!"


theblaze--2020-10-26--VIDEO: Thugs brazenly smash Canadian police cruiser with rocks, lacrosse stick while cops manage to

VIDEO: Thugs brazenly smash Canadian police cruiser with rocks, lacrosse stick while cops manage to stay calm in their seats

VIDEO : Thugs brazenly smash Canadian police cruiser with rocks , lacrosse stick while cops manage to stay calm in @ @ @ @ @ the Great White North taking a page from their Antifa brethren in the U.S. ?

Two males were caught on video recently walking up to a parked Ontario (Canada) Provincial Police cruiser and smashing it with rocks and a lacrosse stick while officers stayed calm in their seats.
What are the details?
The incident occurred in Caledonia — about 60 miles southwest of Toronto and about the same distance west of Niagara Falls, New York — where tensions regarding an indigenous land dispute have been reemerging, CTV News reported.
It isn't clear when the incident occurred, but video of it was posted Sunday afternoon on OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique's Twitter page.
The officer behind the steering wheel calmly radios that "the male with camo is throwing rocks at us" as a second male dressed in dark clothing walks to the driver-side door, tells the cops to leave, and repeatedly pounds the driver-side window with the butt of a lacrosse stick and uses it to hit the hood.
The clip presumably was recorded on cellphone by an officer in the cruiser's passenger seat.
Image source: Twitter video screenshot via @OPPCommissioner
The male dressed in camouflage soon walks up to the cruiser and chucks a rock at the windshield, which cracks upon impact.
Image source: Twitter video screenshot via @OPPCommissioner
The male in camo also punches the passenger-side window before the first male resumes pounding on the hood — as well as the passenger-side window — with his lacrosse stick.
The whole time the officer on the radio keeps calmly relaying what's going on: "A lacrosse stick is hitting our cruiser."
Finally, when the male with the lacrosse stick returns to the driver-side window to pound it, he appears to take off running as the officer begins to open the door.
Here's the video:
"Protestors falsely blamed #OPP for escalation in #Caledonia," Carrique tweeted. "Extremely proud of my officers for their professional and measured response to keep the peace & preserve life while under attack. Arrests continue as members take responsible and sustained enforcement approach."
What happened next?
What the video doesn't show is that while attempting to arrest the assailants, additional protesters targeted the officers, police told CTV News.
Carrique told the station one protester continued to throw pieces of lumber at police — who responded by firing a single round of a rubber, non-lethal projectile, which struck the demonstrator in the leg, after which the demonstrator fled.
Police told CTV News another officer used a Taser to control an aggressive subject, but added it was ineffective due to the person's heavy clothing.
Cops identified the male with the lacrosse stick, and he will be facing charges, OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt confirmed to CTV News, adding that police are trying to identify the male in camouflage clothing.


theblaze--2020-10-26--Horowitz: Over-incarceration problem? DOJ report: Through 2019, imprisonment at lowest rate since 19

Horowitz: Over-incarceration problem? DOJ report: Through 2019, imprisonment at lowest rate since 1995 — with skyrocketing crime

Horowitz : Over-incarceration problem ?
DOJ report : Through 2019 , imprisonment at lowest rate since 1995 — with skyrocketing @ @ @ @ @ many of the current prison release policies

One of the more bizarre, yet overlooked exchanges during last Thursday's presidential debate was when both Trump and Biden seemed to attack each over who supports letting more criminals out of prison. Rather than debating how to lower rising crime rates, they both seemed to buy into the premise of record high incarceration, especially among blacks. They likely were unaware that the Bureau of Justice Statistics had just released a report showing the entire premise of their debate was outdated. The incarceration rate has long since plummeted, and not surprisingly, crime is rising in numerous parts of the country.
Just hours before Thursday's debate, the DOJ's Bureau of Justice Statistics released its 2019 report on the prison population and revealed astounding statistics you will never hear in the media or from the mouth of pro-criminal politicians. Among the most startling findings was that the combined state and federal prison imprisonment rate is the lowest it's been since 1995.
Contrary to those who think we have record incarceration, the imprisonment rate actually peaked in 2009 and has been going down every year since. Over the past decade, the portion of U.S. residents who are in prison has dropped 17% overall. Shocking anyone who listens to liberal politicians in both parties decry the incarceration of "people of color," the imprisonment rate has actually plummeted 29% among black residents (32% among black adults) and 24% among Hispanic residents. Do you know what that means? According to the BJS, "In 2019, the imprisonment rate of black residents was the lowest rate in 30 years, since 1989."
Remember, this report does not capture the numbers from this year, when states unprecedentedly released well over 100,000 prisoners because of the coronavirus and declined to initially incarcerate countless other new offenders who would have been locked up under normal circumstances. Thus, the current incarceration rate is likely much lower.
Moreover, recent laws abolishing bail, making it harder to land convictions, early release, and numerous parole programs have created a cascade of leniencies throughout the system that will likely drop the numbers precipitously in the coming years – even if none of the additional leniencies being advocated for are successfully implemented.
Accordingly, the dishonest politicians are promoting these new ideas as if we have record incarceration, while the public is unaware of the fact that the incarceration numbers have already plummeted. How many Americans know that the black incarceration rate is the lowest it has been in three decades?
Nearly every dead body discovered in places like Chicago, increasingly including children, by the way, is someone whom the media now calls "a person of color." Why is crime suddenly going up after years of decreasing? Well, likely for the same reason why it went down beginning in the mid-1990s after years of increasing. The crime rate works inversely with the incarceration rate. And the people who pay for these jailbreak policies most are not those who live in gated communities. When authorities release criminals, regardless of their identity, those who live in predominantly African-American neighborhoods will pay the price in blood.
Why are so many Chicago neighborhoods a shooting gallery every weekend? The Illinois incarceration population has plummeted by 52% since fiscal year 2013. Why are New York subways becoming magnets for violence? NYPD subway arrests plummeted by 80% and summonses dropped by 95% in August compared with the year before. The city and state have engaged in unprecedented prison releases over the past year. The number of shooting incidents in the city increased 127% in September over the same period last year.
It doesn't take a forensic criminologist to discover the culprit and connect the cause and effect. With reversed incarceration levels to those of the high-crime era of the early 1990s, it's not hard to see why crime will begin rising to those levels again. Many cities are already experiencing homicide rates not seen since, you guessed it, the early 1990s – before we began "mass incarceration." What we "benefit" in reduced numbers in prison, we ultimately pay for with increased dead bodies on the streets.
The reality is, with few exceptions, there are no "first-time, low-level" offenders sitting in prison, and there weren't even during the peak of incarceration last decade. So many violent repeat offenders get off with a slap on the wrist.
Those who ultimately make it to prison are generally the worst offenders. The reality is that what drives America's relatively high incarceration rate, particularly among black criminals, is not nebulous crimes, but violent crimes, which will be borne disproportionately by black victims of crime. According to this new BJS report, among sentenced state prisoners at year-end 2018, a larger percentage of black (62%) and Hispanic (62%) prisoners than white prisoners (48%) were serving time for a violent offense. And the bulk of those in there for other crimes were previously locked up for violent crimes or were incarcerated for violating the terms of probation on prior underlying crimes that were violent or high-level.
Also, there were nearly twice as many black prisoners as white prisoners serving time for murder in state prisons, even though white people are five and a half times greater in population. A higher percentage of white prisoners than black prisoners were serving time for drug and property offenses. Just 3% of black prisoners were locked up because of drug possession convictions, but nearly all of those were likely pled down or had a serious prior rap sheet.
It's incontrovertibly clear that what is driving the higher black incarceration rate (which itself is at a three-decade low) has nothing to do with drugs or vague crimes. It's the sort of crimes that destroy black neighborhoods in this country. Crime in these neighborhoods is worse than ever, and the overwhelming majority of black residents want a strong police presence. Which, yes, in a functioning system, will lead to more incarceration. But it will also lead to better deterrent and more lives saved.
Republicans should provide those voters with a real contrast rather than playing follow-the-leader with Democrats who have promoted failed weak-on-crime policies for decades.


theblaze--2020-10-26--Majority of veterans support President Trump, according to a new poll

Majority of veterans support President Trump , according to a new poll The president will need their support to be @

A majority of United States military veterans support President Donald Trump's re-election, according to a new poll conducted by the Military Times.
The military news outlet reported Monday that "about 52% of veterans surveyed said they plan to back Trump (or have already backed him in early voting) in his re-election campaign this year" while about 42% said they have voted or plan to vote for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden instead.
The remainder of respondents were split between voting for third-party candidates and sitting out the election altogether.
The president's strong support among older veterans was the driving force behind his advantage in the poll, as those age 55 and older favored Trump to Biden 59% to 38%. Meanwhile, veterans younger than 55 years old favored Biden.
That age breakdown reiterated results from a previous poll conducted by the Military Times in August of active-duty personnel. That survey found that current military service members favored Biden to Trump 41% to 37%, with 13% saying they would vote third party and 9% planning to skip the election.
The most recent poll, which was conducted October 1-13 and surveyed more than 1,700 veterans, returned the same results as a Morning Consult survey last month of more than 2,700 likely voters in military households. In that survey, respondents also favored Trump to Biden by a margin of 52% to 42%.
The poll results appear to be good news for the president ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Most national and battleground state polling show Trump losing, but it should be noted that the numbers are down for the incumbent in comparison to his margin of victory among veterans in the last election.
Exit surveys in 2016 showed that voting veterans supported Trump over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by a margin of 60% to 34%, according to the national exit poll conducted by Edison Research, as reported by CNN.
Politicos have looked on in keen interest to see if Trump's support among veterans would dip following a report from The Atlantic last month that alleged he mocked veterans who died defending the country as "losers" and suckers."
The report, which was based on claims from four anonymous sources, was forcefully rejected by the president, who blasted it on Twitter as "Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election!"
"I never called our great fallen soldiers anything other than HEROES," he added.


theblaze--2020-10-26--Amy Coney Barrett will most certainly be confirmed, but GOP Sen. Susan Collins will vote 'No'

Amy Coney Barrett will most certainly be confirmed , but GOP Sen. Susan Collins will vote 'No' The Maine Republican @ @ @ @ @

Sen. Susan Colins (R-Maine) restated her opposition to Judge Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation to the Supreme Court Sunday ahead of Monday evening's scheduled final vote on the Senate floor.
Noting her vote does not reflect her opinion of Judge Barrett, Collins said that it would not be "fair nor consistent" for the Senate to confirm her to the court after refusing to consider President Barrack Obama's nominee Judge Merrick Garland four years ago.
"Prior to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, I stated that, should a vacancy on the Supreme Court arise, the Senate should follow the precedent set four years ago and not vote on a nominee prior to the presidential election," Collins said in a statement. "Since her passing, I have reiterated that in fairness to the American people — who will either be re-electing the President or selecting a new one — the decision on the nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy should be made by whoever is elected on November 3rd."
"Because this vote is occurring prior to the election, I will vote against the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett," she added.
On Sunday, Senate Republicans voted 51-48 to advance Barrett's nomination on the Senate floor, triggering a 30-hour period for debate before the final vote will take place Monday evening. Every Republican except Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) voted in favor of advancing Barrett, and all Democrats opposed.
Though Murkowski voted against advancing the nomination, she said in a speech Sunday that she will vote for Barrett's confirmation.
"I have no doubt about her intellect. I have no doubt about Judge Barrett's judicial temperament. I have no doubt about her capability to do the job," Murkowski said on the Senate floor. "I have concluded that she is the sort of person we want on the Supreme Court."
Collins is expected to be the lone Senate Republican voting against Barrett's confirmation. No Democrats have announced their intention to vote for Barrett.
After Barrett cleared the final procedural hurdle before the final confirmation vote, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) remarked that the Senate should be proud of advancing Barrett.
"A lot of what we've done over the last four years will be undone sooner or later by the next election," McConnell said. "They won't be able to do much about this for a long time to come."