theblaze--2020-09-18--Seattle elementary school lesson reportedly encourages children to see police officers as racist

A Seattle-area school reportedly encouraged young children to complete a school assignment about a police officer shooting a black male that had what many called an anti-police bent.
When reached for comment, a school official told KTTH-FM's Jason Rantz that the assignment was a "non-story."
What are the details?
According to Rantz, some Seattle-area elementary school students received a head-scratching homework assignment sharing a decidedly anti-police sentiment.
Students at Grove Elementary were reportedly asked to watch a video that was said to teach kids "that racist police routinely target innocent black Americans."
Rantz writes, "Among the lessons being promoted, either in the virtual classroom or via third-party resources to parents, students as young as 7-years-old are taught that racist police routinely target innocent Black Americans but don't suffer consequences because police cover for each other."
The schools pushed a video titled, "Animation Series: Something Happened in Our Town," which apparently tells the story of a police officer who shot a black male, told from the perspective of a young white child and a young black child.
"When the white girl asks why police shot the man, she's told by her sister, 'The cops shot him because he was black.' The girl's mom says it was a mistake to shoot the man, noting that, 'It was a mistake that is part of a pattern' where white people are treated well, but not black people," Rantz added.
Students were required to watch the video with their parents, and a week later, the students were set to discuss the video in a virtual classroom setting.
When the black boy, however, discusses the shooting with his parents, the story is a little different.
"The boy's father notes that the officer 'won't go to jail,'" Rantz writes. "The boy's brother says, 'Cops stick up for each other. And they don't like black men.'"
Animation Series: Something Happened In Our Town (#AtlantisBuild) www.youtube.com
A 'non-story'
Jodi Runyon, Grove Elementary's director of Communications, Engagement, and Outreach, told Rantz that the video "was successfully addressed at the school level" and refused to provide further comment on the matter.
Rantz persisted, and pushed Runyon for more information. Runyon reportedly responded by calling the issue a "non-story."
Runyon added that the video was set as "an optional resource to build understanding in challenging times."
She also added that the school yanked the video and the assignment after two parents complained.
There was no further discussion, she insisted, because "the teacher addressed the parent's concerns appropriately."
You can read more about what's reportedly happening in other Seattle-area schools here.


theblaze--2020-09-18--Man reportedly burns pro-Trump sign, punches elderly woman, pulls pocketknife during rally. Then a r

Man reportedly burns pro-Trump sign, punches elderly woman, pulls pocketknife during rally. Then a retired cop jumps into action.

Man reportedly burns pro-Trump sign , punches elderly woman , pulls pocketknife during rally .
Then a retired cop jumps @ @ @ @ @ to say he did n't last long

Authorties arrested a 33-year-old California man after he allegedly punched an elderly female Trump supporter and two other people during a pro-Trump gathering in Aliso Viejo, California, Wednesday evening.
A retired cop jumped into action and intervened before the suspect could do any more damage.
On Friday, the Daily Mail reported that the suspect, Alvin Shaw, is a U.S. postal service worker.
What are the details?
Reports say that anywhere between 20 and 30 people gathered in support of Trump's re-election bid on a street in Aliso Viejo on Wednesday evening. Many of the demonstrators wore the Trump campaign's signature MAGA-wear and carried signs professing their support for the president.
Video footage of the incident, according to reports, depicts the group's apparently lighthearted nature and reportedly shows demonstrators laughing and cheering as people drive past the rally and honk their horns.
According to several reports, the suspect approached the group of Trump supporters as the rally began to wrap up and blew smoke from what appeared to be a cigar in some of their faces. Shaw then allegedly took the cigar and burned at least one sign.
Authorities say an agitated Shaw then struck at least three people, including 84-year-old Donna Snow, then pulled out a pocketknife.
Snow told KCAL-TV that Shaw "took his hand out ... from way back, and whack, right across my face."
"Broke my earring off," she said.
A retired police officer then arrived on the scene and drew his weapon on the suspect, who reportedly tried to flee.
Image source: KTLA-TV video screenshot
According to reports, the suspect was forced to the ground and held until authorities arrived.
One witness told KTLA-TV that she initially thought Shaw was coming over to join the demonstration.
"Instead," the eyewitness said, "he actually was pretty upset, and he started using profanity from the minute he arrived."
Snow said, "He kept coming over to me and getting in my face, and all he could say was the F-word."
Police arrested the suspect on suspicion of elder abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault and battery.
He was reportedly released Thursday on bond.


theblaze--2020-09-18--Pittsburgh Steelers player says decision to honor Antwon Rose on helmet came from management, but te

Pittsburgh Steelers player says decision to honor Antwon Rose on helmet came from management, but team says otherwise

Pittsburgh Steelers player says decision to honor Antwon Rose on helmet came from management , but team says otherwise 'It @ @ @ @ @ and everything else like that '

The decision by the Pittsburgh Steelers to honor a teen fatally shot by a police officer and allegedly involved in a drive-by shooting appears to have created disruption and controversy.
Two Steelers players have already declared that they will not pay tribute to the Antwon Rose Jr., and now another Pittsburgh player revealed that management decided who the players would honor on their helmet. Previously, the team said that players and coaches were united on the name that would be written on the back of helmets, but it seems that might not have been the case.
During a Zoom call with media on Thursday, Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was asked about the team's decision to use helmets to deliver social justice signaling. Fitzpatrick said that the decision to honor Rose came from the Steelers' front office and not players.
"It was made from people upstairs and everything else like that," Fitzpatrick said in the interview. "Don't know exactly who. Don't know exactly how. But we did. We knew that we were going to have somebody on the back of our helmets, and it wasn't exactly clear on what it was going to be. It was mostly made by everyone upstairs."
This contradicts what the Steelers said earlier this week about the helmet gesture.
"This year the NFL is allowing players to wear helmet decals to honor victims of systemic racism," the Steelers website stated on Monday. "Players could select the name of an individual to wear on their helmet and the Steelers players and coaches united as one to wear a single name on the back of their helmets and hats for the entire 2020 season — Antwon Rose Jr."
When the Steelers played the New York Giants on Monday night, the players had the name "Antwon Rose Jr." on the back of their helmets. All the Steelers had Rose's name on their helmets except for Pittsburgh offensive lineman and West Point graduate Alejandro Villanueva. He decided to honor the late Alwyn Cashe, a soldier who saved fellow servicemen and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal, the third-highest award for valor in combat.
On Thursday, Steelers center and co-captain Maurkice Pouncey announced that he would not be wearing Rose's name on his helmet this season.
"I was given limited information on the situation regarding Antwon, and I was unaware of the whole story surrounding his death and what transpired during the trial following the tragedy," Pouncey said. "I should have done more research to fully understand what occurred in its entirety.
"Moving forward, I will make my own decision about what to wear on the back of my helmet," Pouncey added. "Make no mistake, I am against racism and I believe the best thing I can do is to continue helping repair relationships between the police and their communities. Systemic racism issues have occurred in our country for too long, and that needs to stop."
Rose was reportedly involved in a drive-by shooting in 2018. Then-17-year-old Rose and his friend Zaijuan Hester were pulled over because they were in a vehicle that matched the description of a car that was used in a drive-by shooting that injured two people minutes earlier.
The two teens fled after they were pulled over by East Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Rosfeld. The officer shot Rose three times. Rose died from the gunshot injuries.
Hester pleaded guilty to charges related to the drive-by shooting, and was sentenced to 6 to 22 years in prison. Rosfeld was acquitted by a jury and found not guilty of homicide charges in the death of Rose.


theblaze--2020-09-18--YouTube censors Steven Crowder's LIVE coverage of Joe Biden's CNN town hall

YouTube strikes again !
During Steven Crowder 's Biden town hall livestream , YouTube issued a `` hard strike '' @ @ @ @ @ an alleged community guideline or copyright violation .
Watch Crowder react in real time .
@ @ @ @ @ response , click here .
Use promo code LWC to save $ 10 on one @ @ @ @ @ more from Steven Crowder ?
To enjoy more of Steven 's uncensored late-night comedy that @ @ @ @ @ Mug Club — the only place for all of Crowder uncensored and on demand .

YouTube strikes again! During Steven Crowder's Biden town hall livestream, YouTube issued a "hard strike" and removed the stream for an alleged community guideline or copyright violation. Watch Crowder react in real time.
For more on YouTube's response, click here.
YouTube STRIKES Biden Stream, Crowder Fires Back! | 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--2020-09-18--Chiefs fan who attended live game tests positive for COVID. Now 10 others are in quarantine.

Chiefs fan who attended live game tests positive for COVID .
Now 10 others are in quarantine .

The Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday announced that they advised at least 10 fans to self-quarantine after possibly being exposed to COVID-19 during a recent game.
What are the details?
According to CBS Sports, at least one NFL fan tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the Chiefs' Sept. 10 opener against the Houston Texans.
The game was one of two that week that permitted fans in attendance.
In a statement, the team said, "The individual and the individual's group were seated in the lower level of the stadium. By design, the stadium's COVID protocol plan limited potential exposure to a single seating zone within the stadium. All staff with known interactions with the positive case were required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including a mask. Additionally, the protocols in place at the stadium require all attendees to be wearing masks inside the stadium."
The Kansas City Department of Health said that those fans being asked to quarantine were all sitting in the same "pod" as a person who was reportedly infected with COVID-19.
In a statement, Dr. Rex Archer — Kansas City health director — said, "I want to remind everyone that COVID-19 is anywhere and everywhere. While we're all tired of it, frustrated and even angry at how it has altered and stricken our lives and livelihoods, we must continue to think of those who have not and will not survive it."
"We still don't understand why it strikes some so viciously while others have only mild symptoms. If you have an existing or prior health condition such as cancer, diabetes, heart or lung disease, or if you're older than 65, you should not be taking unnecessary risks like being in large crowds," Rex added. "We hope those around you aren't taking those risks either and possibly bringing the virus home to you."
The outlet reported that there were a total of 15,895 fans in attendance at the stadium.
ESPN reported that all players' tests came back negative following the game.


theblaze--2020-09-18--New anti-lockdown songs from Van Morrison labeled 'dangerous' by Irish government health minister

New anti-lockdown songs from Van Morrison labeled 'dangerous ' by Irish government health minister ' I 'm not telling people @ @ @ @ @ , the government is doing a great job of that already '

Famous Irish singer-songwriter Sir Van Morrison's new anti-lockdown lyrics have been labeled "dangerous" by a health minister in Northern Ireland.
The singer said on Friday that he recorded three new "protest songs" in which he reportedly claims the U.K. government is using COVID-19 lockdowns to "enslave" the people. The new songs are called "Born to Be Free," "As I Walked Out," and "No More Lockdown" and will be released in two-week intervals beginning Sept. 25, AFP reports.
"Born To Be Free, As I Walked Out, and No More Lockdown are songs of protest which question the measures the Government has put in place," a statement on Morrison's website said. "Morrison makes it clear in his new songs how unhappy he is with the way the Government has taken away personal freedoms."
"I'm not telling people what to do or think, the government is doing a great job of that already," Morrison said. "It's about freedom of choice, I believe people should have the right to think for themselves."
According to the statement, Morrison "feels strongly that lockdown is in danger of killing live music."
The lyrics to "No More Lockdowns," as reported by the BBC, give an explicit idea of what Morrison thinks of the COVID restrictions adopted in the U.K.
"No more lockdown / No more government overreach," goes the chorus. "No more fascist bullies / Disturbing our peace."
"No more taking of our freedom / And our God given rights / Pretending it's for our safety / When it's really to enslave."
Morrison's lyrics also accuse scientists of "making up crooked facts" and, according to the BBC, refer to a viral Facebook post of a screenshot from a U.K. government website saying, "Covid-19 is no longer considered to be a high consequence infectious disease (HCID) in the UK."
"While it is true that Covid-19 does not meet the criteria for an HCID — which typically has a high fatality rate (as much as 50% in the case of Ebola) — the disease is still considered highly infectious, with no specific vaccines or treatment currently available," the BBC reports.
The health minister for Northern Ireland, Robin Swann, described the new songs as "dangerous."
"I don't know where he gets his facts," Swann said. "I know where the emotions are on this, but I will say that sort of messaging is dangerous."
This is not the first time the "Brown Eyed Girl" singer has created controversy over coronavirus lockdown policies. In August, Morrison tried to rally other musicians to "save live music" and campaign against socially distanced gigs.
"I call on my fellow singers, musicians, writers, producers, promoters and others in the industry to fight with me on this. Come forward, stand up, fight the pseudo-science and speak up," Morrison said.


theblaze--2020-09-18--Nancy Pelosi condemns rioting as public sentiment turns against unrest: 'They should be prosecuted'

Nancy Pelosi condemns rioting as public sentiment turns against unrest : 'They should be prosecuted '

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) spoke forcefully Thursday against the riots that have been occurring with regularity for nearly four months in cities all over the country, as polling continues to show public sentiment souring on the unrest.
Pelosi and other Democrats have spent much of the last few months criticizing President Donald Trump's use of federal law enforcement to stop violence in places like Chicago and Portland, Oregon.
"We support peaceful demonstrations, we participate in them, they are part of the essence of our democracy," Pelosi said. "That does not include looting, starting fires, or rioting. They should be prosecuted. That is lawlessness. I'm very proud that Joe Biden has presented the clarity that, making a distinction that I don't think our colleagues quite understand but the American people do and a poll released today said that the American people support congressional Democrats over President Trump in terms of dealing with the issue of crime in our country for all of their misrepresentations."
Pelosi also claimed that voters support congressional Democrats to handle crime more than they trust President Trump.
Protests began in late May after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis Police Department officers while resisting them after they attempted to arrest him for allegedly using counterfeit money at a local store.
Anti-police protests sprung up all over the country, often devolving into dangerous riots at night time. Protesters in Seattle took over blocks of the city and occupied a police precinct. Further police violence incidents, such as the shooting of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta and the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, sparked renewed protests and violence.
Portland, which has long dealt with general unrest often inflamed by Antifa, has seen some form of protests in the streets for more than 100 days in a row. Former GOP congressman Trey Gowdy criticized Pelosi for her late condemnation of the ongoing violence.
"You can be 100% behind law and order and law enforcement, or you can be, in her case, 100 days behind them," Gowdy said on Fox News. "It's been about 100 days. In that time, she had time to compare cops to stormtroopers. She had time to call [House Minority Leadaer] Kevin McCarthy the 'enemy of the state.' She had time to get her hair done ... but she had no time to defend law enforcement until the polls started tightening."


theblaze--2020-09-18--Furious NYC mom says hackers streamed porn during her child’s online class, demands the district ret

Furious NYC mom says hackers streamed porn during her child’s online class, demands the district return to school

Furious NYC mom says hackers streamed porn during her child ’ s online class , demands the district return to @

A New York City mother is furious after her 10-year-old daughter's first day of remote learning was interrupted by hackers streaming pornographic images across the screen.
What are the details?
Devon Morales tweeted the horrifying news Wednesday, directing her anger at NYC Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, and the city's Department of Education, using the hashtag #returntoschool2020.
"Day one of remote learning. 5 minutes into my daughter's Google meet with her first class, and several 'students' have hijacked the meeting, the first posting Trump pics, and then someone streamed PORN!!" Morales posted along with a screenshot of the video.
"I shut the laptop in horror," she wrote in a subsequent tweet. "I'm INFURIATED. My daughter and all the other students present were sexually assaulted today."
Morales added: "No teachers should be hosting online classes without remote conference managers or IT monitoring them. Intro to b******s should NOT have been part of my daughter's 6th grade curriculum. Do better!"
Mayor de Blasio announced this week a delay to the start of in-person schooling in the city, even for parents and students who opted to return to the physical classroom.
What else?
WNBC-TV reported that a Department of Education spokesperson had confirmed the incident and that an investigation had been launched.
"We have strict security settings for DOE-approved platforms to prevent outside parties from entering. The class was immediately taken offline, and this incident is being investigated," DOE spokeswoman Miranda Barbot said in a statement. "We will provide [any] necessary follow up support to the school community."
Carranza said that there is no evidence of an external breach, but rather it appears that someone within the school "decided not to play by the rules."
In response to the news, Democratic City Councilman Justin Brannan said, "I thought we had this figured out. This is totally unacceptable and completely avoidable."
According to the New York Post, another DOE spokesperson said that "troubleshooting" was a goal of the first week of remote orientation.
"Instructional orientation this week exists to get students and families reconnected with their school communities and to troubleshoot any device or connectivity issues," said Sarah Casasnovas. "As with the first days of school every year, there are initial adjustments that need to be made, both technical and otherwise, and that's what we accounted for during these orientation days."


theblaze--2020-09-18--Doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong with woman who was in and out of mental hospitals. Then a

Doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong with woman who was in and out of mental hospitals. Then a stranger performed an exorcism: 'I could see the demons'

Doctors couldn ’ t figure out what was wrong with woman who was in and out of mental hospitals .
@ @ @ @ @ exorcism : ' I could see the demons' 'We 've never seen anything like this @

An Arkansas woman with no history of mental illness said she suddenly found herself in deep emotional turmoil in 2006, with doctors unable to diagnose her rapidly deteriorating condition.
Within months, overtaken by suicidal thoughts, Amy plunged from a second-story window, was paralyzed and nearly died.
Now, she's speaking out, explaining that she believes she experienced a dramatic demonic possession — and healing. Her experience is told in detail in the new book, "Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts."
"I've never had any kind of mental problems, never been on medication for anything like that," Amy said in a recent interview, noting that, within days of her affliction, she went from a successful nurse to a person who couldn't think clearly.
Listen to Amy share her story on "The Edifi Podcast With Billy Hallowell" at the 42-minute mark:
Amy's personal drama unfolded one day while she was working at a hospital and dealing with a burn patient who had survived an explosion.
"While I was in the ER giving [a] report, something wasn't right with me," she recalled. "I went upstairs to do my chart and it's like my mind went out the window."
Amy wondered what was unfolding; the mental duress continued to afflict her when she later went for a run and was unable to jog in a straight line.
"I told my husband, 'I think I'm having a nervous breakdown. My mind is not right,'" she said.
As "Playing With Fire" explains, doctors put Amy on antidepressants, but she said the drugs did nothing to curb her problems — and the situation further devolved.
"They ended up putting me in a psychiatric hospital," she said, "And the psychiatrist said, 'We don't know what we're dealing with. We've never seen anything like this.'"
As time went on, Amy was in and out of hospitals, with suicidal thoughts suddenly overtaking her mind and heart.
"Nobody knew what was going on. And this happened in April and through the summer," she said. "I was so messed up. I wanted to kill myself and I just could not think how to do it."
One day Amy found herself sitting in a second-floor window sill at her home, as thoughts of death once again flooded her mind.
"I was sitting in the window and I thought to myself, 'If I fall out of this window, I bet I'll die, because it's so far down and it's a brick patio,'" she said. "So, I fell out of the window."
Amy said she doesn't remember much of what unfolded next, as she landed on her head on the hard patio two stories below.
"Any person in their right mind — if you're falling you're going to brace yourself … that's a normal reflex," she said. "My legs and arms were not broken. I did not brace myself."
The impact of the fall was sweeping, with Amy breaking the majority of her ribs, puncturing her lungs and breaking her back in three places; 14 years later, she is still paralyzed.
"They didn't think I was going to survive," she said.
But while Amy lay in her hospital bed recovering, a stranger named Cindy felt compelled to visit. While there, Cindy performed what some Christians call a "deliverance" (similar to an exorcism).
"She felt really led to come see me," Amy said. "[She] said when they got there I looked at her and I had a male voice come out of my mouth saying, 'What are you doing here?'"
Amy believes Cindy cast a demon out, and that her life was transformed as a result.
For her part, Cindy has also openly spoken about the experience.
"I could see the demons," she told KATV-TV last year, noting that she uttered a simple command in that hospital room: "Lord, in the name of Jesus, I command that these demons release her and come out of her and that she comes to her right mind, in Jesus' name."
In the end, Amy believes she was healed.
"My family saw a difference and they were thinking, 'Something's better,'" she said, noting, though, that there are still mysteries surrounding her story.
Mainly: Amy, who was a churchgoer before the incident, isn't sure why she was afflicted. Regardless, she is now much closer to God, and is encouraging others to cling to their faith.
"It's brought me so much closer to God and to know that his love for me. It wasn't him that did that — of course, it was the enemy," she said. "God's love is amazing. Seek the Lord with all of your heart."
For more stories like Amy's be sure to read "Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts," a book that dives deep — through a journalistic and Christian lens — into the cultural discussion about spiritual warfare, demons, exorcism in the Bible and other related topics.


theblaze--2020-09-18--Illegal immigrant 'caretaker' accused of beating 81-year-old woman to death with a rolling pin

Illegal immigrant 'caretaker ' accused of beating 81-year-old woman to death with a rolling pin

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say that a woman accused of beating an elderly woman to death with a rolling pin in Frederick, Maryland, was in the country illegally.
The officials told WTTG-TV that Maria Gloria Vazquez-Mebo, 35, a Peruvian national, is being held on an ICE detainer following her arrest over the weekend.
Vazquez-Mebo was reportedly a live-in caretaker for the victim's husband, who is in a wheelchair. The victim, whose name is being concealed at her family's request, did not live with her husband but would often come over to visit and was doing so Sunday.
Police said that on Sunday evening around 6:30 p.m., Vazquez-Mebo called 911 as well as the couple's daughter to report that the 81-year-old woman had fallen down the stairs and was seriously injured and in cardiac arrest. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a police report, upon arrival, officers noticed several traumatic injuries to the victim's head as well as "other unusual circumstances."
Court documents show that after an autopsy report was completed Monday, Vazquez-Mebo was called in for questioning. At that time, she reportedly confessed to retrieving a rolling pin and striking the elderly woman multiple times in the head after she had fallen down the stairs. No motive or explanation was given for the crime.
"It's very shocking," neighbor Heidi Horkey told WTTG. "You think you're safe in your home and then something like this happens. [It] makes you really aware about who's around."
Horkey added that she often saw Vazquez-Mebo walking around the block with a young child but never had more interaction than the occasional greeting.
"We spoke and said hi to her and she said hi back, but that was about it," she said.
Along with having an immigration detainer issued for her, Vazquez-Mebo is reportedly being held without bond on charges of first-and second-degree murder.
ICE issues detainer requests to local law enforcement when they have reasonable cause to believe that an arrested individual is in the country illegally and is subject to deportation.


theblaze--2020-09-18--Black Americans band together and demonstrate against BLM — and what they say could change the narra

Black Americans band together and demonstrate against BLM — and what they say could change the narrative 'Some of us @ @ @ @ @ help you leave '

A viral video is making the rounds across the internet, featuring black anti-Black Lives Matter protesters in various stages of discussion about the movement, what it means to be black in America, and what "black lives matter" really means as a concept.
At the time of this reporting, the video — published on the Daily Wire's Facebook page — has been shared more than 4,000 times.
What are the details?
The video begins with one man passionately speaking out against the Black Lives Matter movement.
Here are some of his key quotes:
"They're full of hate. Nobody listen to them. Don't listen to them. Don't try to understand them. Why? They are full of hate. You don't need it. America don't need it."
"In a black neighborhood, black-on-black crime is real. ... White people aren't doing anything to them."
"White people voted Barack Obama in for eight years. ... Everything that the blacks could be crying about should have did it on his watch. And they didn't."
"I'm black, 52, I'm not oppressed. Ain't nobody oppressing me. America's more free than it's ever been."
"Some little young, 19-year-old black person. 'They been through this.' They ain't been through nothing. They're creating it! They're creating a problem that does not exist like they're talking about!"
"They don't know who they're mad at. Remember, this started with George Floyd. It went from George Floyd to now, it became the white people. Then it went from the white people, now it's the whole system of America. They don't know what they're mad at. They don't know what they're bothered by. ... Don't get caught up in the hype. It's all wrong."
"The only people that's oppressed in this world is people that embrace being oppressed."
"If they are so bothered, why don't they leave and go to Africa or to another country? If you're that bothered with America, pack your stuff, hold a crusade, because I think some of us will put money up and help you leave."
Image source: Facebook video screenshot
The video cuts to another man, who speaks out about his support of the police and what he believes "black lives matter" really means.
Here are some of his key quotes:
"I gotta be out here supporting the police. The people that we need. The people that stand in the gap for us when it comes to crime, when it comes to delinquency. ... They're being vilified across the board. It's unacceptable."
"They think it's gonna be some type of utopia without the police. It makes no sense. ... We all know when there's a lack of police presence, crime goes up. Lawlessness goes up. Civil unrest goes up. ... To abolish the police is an asinine concept that's gonna do nothing but bring about the destruction of America."
"The police are here for our benefit, not for our detriment."
"Black Lives Matter has been hijacked by Antifa, by ... first of all, it's not even a legitimate cause. If we're going to talk about Black Lives Matter, let's talk about the abortion rate. The black abortion rate. Talking about more black babies being killed in New York City than birthed. ... Black-on-black crime, [in] all these inner cities. ... If we wanna really talk about black lives mattering, then we gotta be proactive in our approach to stop these black lives from being murdered and killed on the street. Black Lives Matter doesn't really stand for black lives matter — it's all about the narrative, and that's all they're trying to push."
You can watch the men's remarks — along with others — in the video below.


theblaze--2020-09-18--Horowitz: Illegal alien crime wave continues as border heats up again

Horowitz : Illegal alien crime wave continues as border heats up again

Just because they're overshadowed by an unprecedented news cycle doesn't mean the border and criminal alien problems in this country have disappeared. We still have huge numbers of criminal aliens who remain in this country undeterred and who continue to be incentivized to cross the border with the confidence that they can remain here undetected. Until we begin enforcing some of the original immigration laws on the books, we will continue importing more gangs, drug traffickers, and child molesters at a time when we are struggling with domestic violence and insurrection among the citizen population.
Three illegal alien brothers from Honduras are accused of raping a 10-year-old girl in Kenner, Louisiana. According to police, Raul Paz-Perez and Wilmer Paz-Perez, both 35, and 31-year-old Elder Paz-Perez all live together in the same apartment as Elder's girlfriend and four of her children. The alleged victim is one of her children. Raul and Wilmer are in custody, and Elder is still on the run. Jail bookings of the two arrested brothers indicate there is a federal immigration hold.
The brothers are accused of first trying to pay the 10-year-old girl for sex, and when she refused and locked herself in a bathroom, all three allegedly broke in, held her down, and raped her.
The northern part of Kenner, a western suburb of New Orleans, has been called "Little Honduras." As I noted when I covered these cases more prolifically last year, the child sex problem among some illegal aliens is more pervasive than you ever hear in the news. According to data from Girls Not Brides, a global nonprofit against child marriage, the child marriage rates for girls in Latin American countries from which we are seeing an increase in illegal immigration are particularly high, especially in rural areas. The organization estimate that 34 percent of all married Honduran women were with their male spouses as minors.
Some of this culture has also been brought in through the front door. According to a Senate Homeland Security Committee report published in January 2019, a loophole in our spousal visa policies has allowed roughly 8,700 child brides, including 14-year-old girls, to be brought into the country on fiancé or marriage visas for the purpose of marrying older men.
In fiscal year 2019, ICE reported that there were a total of 14,500 sex crime charges among those who were subject to ICE detainers. Louisiana has certainly had its share of cases. One previously deported illegal alien was arrested by state officials and charged with 100 counts of child porn. Thankfully, Louisiana cooperates with ICE, so these individuals are usually caught and deported after the first crime. But many illegal alien sex offenders in sanctuary states and cities, such as Montgomery County, Maryland, are recycled back in the system.
For example, in sanctuary Illinois, 26-year-old Eduardo Castillo-Vivaldo of St. Charles was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor. Local media refers to him as a "suburban man," but the jail booking indicates that he has a federal hold on him. Unlike the Louisiana brothers, he is being offered $100,000 bail. Pursuant to the state's "Trust Act," local police are forbidden to honor ICE detainers when releasing those who post bail. This is just one example of an illegal alien child sex offender suspect who could easily escape ICE apprehension with the help of sanctuary laws.
In New York, local authorities released Ever Morales-Lopez, 26, who had been convicted on conspiracy charges in relation to an MS-13 gang murder in 2018. Though ICE lodged a detainer, he was released and is now charged with murder in aid of racketeering in another MS-13 murder. Thankfully, the FBI was able to track him down, but local officials had no compunction about releasing another country's brutal gang member who is alleged to have participated as a lookout and scout for two murders.
According to ICE, in FY 2019, NYC officials ignored 7,526 detainers lodged against criminals who collectively accounted for 17,873 criminal convictions and 6,500 criminal charges. Among those crimes were 200 homicides, over 500 robberies, over 1,000 sexual offenses, over 1,000 weapons offenses, over 3,500 assaults, and over 1,500 DUIs.
With New York averaging about 300 murders a year (although that number is rising), clearly there are a ton of illegal alien murder suspects we never hear about.
In Frederick, Maryland, which has seen an increase in illegal immigration in recent years, an illegal alien female from Peru is accused of beating an elderly woman to death with a rolling pin inside her own home. Thankfully, Sheriff Chuck Jenkins participates in the 287(g) program, which ensures that the immigration status of anyone who passes through his jail is verified with federal agents.
In other jurisdictions, she might have fallen through the cracks. Just 45 minutes to the east in Baltimore County, ICE announced earlier this week that two illegal alien suspects in an MS-13 gang killing of a 16-year-old girl in Baltimore had prior criminal records but were released by authorities in New York and Maryland in defiance of ICE detainers.
The lesson is clear: If we continue to slack on interior enforcement and fail to shut off the magnets that encourage illegal immigration, we will continue to suffer from avoidable crimes committed by other countries' criminals. If we continue to allow sanctuary cities to flourish unchecked, then we will suffer from repeat offenses of these individuals, even after they are already detected following prior crimes.
Because we have failed to defund sanctuary cities, cut off all welfare and jobs to criminal illegal aliens, or use existing tools to choke off identity theft, illegal aliens continue to come with the confidence that they are unlikely to be detected. Despite the initial slowing of illegal immigration at the border due to the pandemic, the numbers are now rising very quickly. After bottoming out at 17,000 apprehensions in April, that number has nearly tripled to roughly 50,000 in August. That is the highest level in 12 months. At this pace, in a month or two, we will be back at the levels of the 2018-2019 border crisis.
While the Trump administration has done a good job of finally deterring the family units from coming openly to surrender and declare asylum, the resurgence in the past few months has been driven largely by single adult males. From what I can gather from CBP statistics, the August numbers for single adults were the highest since at least as far back as 2010.
Our federal officials swear an oath to protect us against all enemies – foreign and domestic. While they are busy treating peaceful Americans like criminals under the guise of public health concerns, they are failing to protect us both from domestic and foreign actual violence.


theblaze--2020-09-18--FBI director confirms 'Antifa is a real thing,' we have 'quite a number' of investigations ongoing

FBI director confirms 'Antifa is a real thing , ' we have 'quite a number ' of investigations ongoing

FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed Thursday in testimony before Congress that "Antifa is a real thing" and not just a fantasy conjured up by right-wing conspiracy theorists.
What are the details?
Wray was speaking at a House Homeland Security Committee meeting when he told lawmakers that Antifa, though perhaps not an organization in the traditional sense, is certainly a real movement that has resulted in a multitude of arrests this year.
"Antifa is a real thing. It's not a group or an organization. It's a movement, or an ideology may be one way of thinking of it," the FBI director said.
"And we have quite a number — and I've said this quite consistently since my first time appearing before this committee — we have any number of properly predicated investigations into what we would describe as violent anarchist extremists, and some of those individuals self-identify with Antifa," he added.
WATCH LIVE: FBI director, other officials testify on homeland security threats youtu.be
Elsewhere in the testimony, Wray affirmed, "Antifa is a real thing, it's not a fiction ... we certainly have, as I've said, a number of ... properly predicated investigations into violent, anarchist extremists who subscribe to, self-identify with, Antifa. They say, you know, I am Antifa."
Wray's remarks rebuff attempts by Democratic lawmakers to downplay the influence of Antifa or, in some cases, dismiss its existence altogether.
In July, Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler (N.Y.), who serves as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, claimed that the well-documented Antifa violence being conducted night after night in Portland, Oregon, was "a myth that's being spread only in Washington, D.C."
What else?
To the dismay of President Trump, however, Wray was reluctant to call Antifa an organized group and preferred to consistently characterize it as a "movement or ideology."
Trump appeared to push back at that notion in a tweet following the hearing, calling the group "well funded" and chastising the FBI, which he said "is simply unable, or unwilling, to find their funding source, and allows them to get away with 'murder.'"
Fittingly, much of the mainstream media reporting on Wray's testimony focused on this apparent disagreement between Wray and other members of the Trump administration.
The Associated Press reported that Wray's testimony "puts him at odds with President Donald Trump, who has said he would designate [Antifa as] a terror group."
The president announced earlier this year that the United States would designate Antifa as a terrorist organization.


theblaze--2020-09-18--Ohio veteran walks state with 'thin blue line' flag to 'back the blue' and show people they don't ha

Ohio veteran walks state with 'thin blue line' flag to 'back the blue' and show people they don't have to be afraid of COVID-19

Ohio veteran walks state with 'thin blue line ' flag to 'back the blue ' and show people they do @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19

An Ohio man wants to spread a message of support for the police and courage in the face of the pandemic by walking around his state carrying flags with him.
Conrad Allen, 52, of Putnam County carries a "thin blue line" flag, a flag supporting President Donald Trump, and a United States flag 15 to 20 miles each day around the perimeter of the state. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he wants people to know "we don't have to be afraid of each other," telling WKEF-TV he hopes his actions will inspire people to be less afraid.
"COVID is real, but so is being free," Allen said.
Allen is the executive director of the Committee for a Better Ohio, a nonprofit grassroots organization that advocates for conservative policies to improve Ohio. His biography describes him as "an outspoken American patriot and Christian Conservative who lived a life of adventure as an international exploration geologist." He is a veteran, having served on active duty as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Why is he carrying his flags?
"Peace, I want to bring peace," Allen told WLIO-TV last week at the start of his journey. "You know we are here, out here, in Putnam County and near Lima here, it's pretty much Trump country. But I am going to go through the heart of Dayton, through the heart of Cincinnati, the heart of Cleveland. I want people there to know that conservatives love them, we truly do. Some of the bad guys will probably try and take my stuff and treat me mean, but I don't care about that, I will just keep going."
On his daily walks Allen says people will stop and bring him water and thank him for "backing the blue."
A sheriff in Troy even bought Allen a Wendy's sandwich for lunch to show his department's support for what he's doing.
Allen shared a video of meeting Sheriff Dave Duchak of Miami County and two other officers at the Miami County Courthouse in Troy on his Facebook page, where he posts photos and videos some of his walks around Ohio.
"It's great what you're doing," Sheriff Duchak told Allen in the video. "We in law enforcement just appreciate the support. There's so much support out there that's not getting reported on.
"Law enforcement is not the enemy, and what you're doing is huge," the sheriff added.
Miami Valley Today reporter Michael Ullery caught up with Allen on Tuesday when he was passing through Troy, interviewing him about his mission. He said his message is to travel the state to support our law enforcement officers, support the president, and support the United States of America.
"I'm a walking talking flag pole," Allen told WKEF. "It's the goodness in these flags people are reacting to."
Allen plans to continue walking around the circumference of his state, a nearly 1,000 mile journey he expects will take around 100 days to complete. While such a trek would be daunting to some, Allen is excited to keep walking.
"Fall in Ohio is absolutely beautiful," he said. "Walking 7 to 10 hours a day is absolutely heaven."


theblaze--2020-09-19--Mitch McConnell confirms there will be a vote for President Trump's Supreme Court nominee to fill Gi

Mitch McConnell confirms there will be a vote for President Trump's Supreme Court nominee to fill Ginsburg's seat

Mitch McConnell confirms there will be a vote for President Trump 's Supreme Court nominee to fill Ginsburg 's seat

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell confirmed, to the Democrats' dismay, that he will push to hold a vote for a nominee to the Supreme Court from President Donald Trump after the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
McConnell made the announcement in a statement that included a recognition of the accomplishments of the late Justice Ginsburg.
"The Senate and the nation mourn the sudden passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the conclusion of her extraordinary American life," said McConnell.
Ginsburg, a stalwart justice on the liberal side of the Supreme Court, died on Friday of pancreatic cancer.
"In the last midterm election before Justice Scalia's death in 2016, Americans elected a Republican Senate majority because we pledged to check and balance the last days of a lame-duck president's second term. We kept our promise," continued McConnell.
He went on to explain the rationale for supporting a vote for a Trump nominee when he blocked a vote for Merrick Garland, the nominee of former President Barack Obama, in 2016.
"Since the 1880s, no Senate has confirmed an opposite-party president's Supreme Court nominee in a presidential election year," McConnell explained.
"By contrast, Americans reelected our majority in 2016 and expanded it in 2018 because we pledged to work with President Trump and support his agenda, particularly his outstanding appointments to the federal judiciary. Once again, we will keep our promise," he added.
"President Trump's nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate," he concluded.
McConnell's statement was met with anger and disbelief by many Democrats.
Here's more on the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg:


theblaze--2020-09-19--Republican Sen. Susan Collins breaks with party, says presidential election winner should make Supre

Republican Sen. Susan Collins breaks with party, says presidential election winner should make Supreme Court nomination

Republican Sen. Susan Collins breaks with party , says presidential election winner should make Supreme Court nomination Collins who is @ @ @ @ @ reelection , goes against her own party

Republican Senator Susan Collins (Maine) said that the next Supreme Court nominee should be selected by whoever wins the November presidential election, breaking rank with the GOP leadership and President Donald Trump on the replacement for the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
"In order for the American people to have in their elected officials, we must act fairly and consistently -- no matter which political party is in power," Collins wrote in a statement released on Saturday afternoon. "President Trump has the constitutional authority to make a nomination to fill the Supreme Court vacancy, and I would have no objection to the Senate Judiciary Committee's beginning the process of reviewing his nominee's credentials."
"Given the proximity of the presidential election, however, I do not believe that the Senate should vote on the nominee prior to the election. In fairness to the American people, who will either be re-electing the President or selecting a new one, the decision on a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court should be made by the President who is elected in November 3," Collins said on Twitter.
On Friday, Collins paid tribute to RBG.
"Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a trailblazer for women's rights, a fierce champion for equality and an extremely accomplished American who broke countless barriers in the field of law," Collins said in a statement. "Throughout her life, Justice Ginsburg surmounted discrimination and sexism through her brilliance, tenacity and wit, becoming one of the most prominent legal luminaries of our time."
"I had the great honor of getting to know Justice Ginsburg personally when the women Senators twice had dinner with her and former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor," Collins continued. "She has been a role model to generations of women, and her legacy will live on in the countless people she inspired."
Collins, who is seeking a fifth term, is facing a tough reelection battle. A poll from The New York Times and Siena College released on Friday has Collins trailing her Democratic challenger, Maine state House Speaker Sara Gideon, 49% to Collins' 44%. A Quinnipiac University poll released earlier this week showed Gideon with a wide 54% to 42% lead over Collins.
In 2018, Collins voted to confirm Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, and has received blowback in Maine for her decision.
Hours after the announcement of Ginsburg's death on Friday night, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) vowed to hold a vote for Trump's Supreme Court nominee.
"The Senate and the nation mourn the sudden passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the conclusion of her extraordinary American life," McConnell said. "In the last midterm election before Justice Scalia's death in 2016, Americans elected a Republican Senate majority because we pledged to check and balance the last days of a lame-duck president's second term. We kept our promise."
"President Trump's nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate," McConnell said.
On Saturday, Trump showed that he would go ahead and nominate a Supreme Court justice despite the election being only 45 days away.
"@GOP We were put in this position of power and importance to make decisions for the people who so proudly elected us, the most important of which has long been considered to be the selection of United States Supreme Court Justices," the president tweeted. "We have this obligation, without delay!"
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) also said that she would not support voting on a Supreme Court Justice this close to the election. Murkowski reportedly said, "Fair is fair," a reference to Republican senators not allowing a hearing for former President Barack Obama's nominee Merrick Garland before the 2016 election.
The Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, and McConnell can only afford to lose the support of three GOP Senators, which could include Mitt Romney of Utah. If a 50-50 tie happens, Vice President Mike Pence could break the tie and allow Republicans to nominate a SCOTUS justice.


theblaze--2020-09-19--Ocasio-Cortez says Ginsburg's death should 'radicalize' Democrats: 'We can, and must, fight'

Ocasio-Cortez says Ginsburg 's death should 'radicalize ' Democrats : 'We can , and must , fight' 'Let this moment @ @ @ @ @ focus '

Freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said Friday that Ruth Bader Ginsburg's "earth-shattering" death should "radicalize" Democrats.
What are the details?
Speaking to followers in a lengthy Instagram video, Ocasio-Cortez said, "Let this moment radicalize you."
"Let this moment really put everything into stark focus because this election has always been about the fight of and for our lives. And if anything, tonight is making that more clear to more people than ever before," she added, the Washington Examiner reported.
Despite being a stalwart progressive who supported Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for the Democratic nomination, Ocasio-Cortez also urged supporters to immediately check their voter registration — so they can vote for Joe Biden in November.
"Voting for Joe Biden is not about whether you agree with him. It's a vote to let our democracy live another day," she said. "We need to act in solidarity and protection for the most vulnerable people in our society who have already experienced the violent repercussions of this administration."
"We need to focus on voting for Joe Biden. I don't care if you like him or not," she added, Fox News reported.
Later, Ocasio-Cortez suggested the American democracy hinges on whomever fills the Supreme Court vacancy.
"This kind of vacancy and this kind of tipping point is the difference between people having reproductive rights and the government controlling people's bodies for them," she said. "This kind of vacancy is the difference between us having healthcare and not. It's the difference between us having a future and our climate or not, and the timing of this vacancy is extremely unsettling and scary to a lot of people."
Meanwhile, on Twitter, Ocasio-Cortez wrote, "I want to make one thing clear: we can, and must, fight."
"Our first, no 1 priority is to do everything possible to secure electoral college victory in Nov. This is the fight of and for our lives. That has always been true, & it becomes more true each day," she added.
However, any fight that Democrats initiate may not succeed.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced late Friday that the Senate will vote on President Donald Trump's nominee before the election.
Trump similarly said Saturday that Republicans must respond to the vacancy "without delay."
"@GOP We were put in this position of power and importance to make decisions for the people who so proudly elected us, the most important of which has long been considered to be the selection of United States Supreme Court Justices. We have this obligation, without delay!" Trump said.


theblaze--2020-09-19--Democrats, media grossly misrepresent the 'McConnell Rule.' Here's why it doesn't apply now.

Democrats , media grossly misrepresent the 'McConnell Rule . '
Here 's why it does n't apply now .

It took just minutes after the announcement of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death for Republicans and Democrats to begin fighting over whether President Donald Trump should nominate a judge to fill the new vacancy on the high court and whether the Senate should consider whomever Trump nominates.
Citing the so-called "McConnell Rule," Democrats have claimed that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) should wait until after the election to consider filing the vacancy.
For example, Ian Sams, a former aide to Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris, said, "No SCOTUS justice before the election. McConnell rule."
But McConnell was quick to announce Friday that the Senate will, in fact, vote on Trump's nominee.
"President Trump's nominee will receive a vote on the floor of the United States Senate," McConnell said.
The announcement was immediately met with claims that McConnell has hypocritically reversed his position in 2016, when he blocked Merrick Garland, then-President Barack Obama's nominee to fill a Supreme Court vacancy left by Antonin Scalia's sudden death.
The New York Times initially headlined its story on McConnell's announcement, "For McConnell, Ginsburg's Death Prompts Stark Turnabout From 2016 Stance."
The story claimed:
It was a stark turnabout from his position four years ago, when Mr. McConnell, Republican of Kentucky and the majority leader, reacted to the death of Justice Antonin Scalia by declaring that a successor should await the outcome of the presidential election, and then proceeded to block President Barack Obama's nominee, Judge Merrick B. Garland.
However, McConnell's position is not exactly a reversal of the one he took in 2016.
What is the 'McConnell Rule'?
Like the so-called "Biden Rule," the standard that McConnell advocated in 2016 was that a Supreme Court vacancy should not be filled in an election year when the political party that has a majority in the Senate is not the same political party that controls the White House.
"You can disagree with the McConnell rule, which was previously known as the Biden rule, but you should describe it accurately. It's no confirmations in a presidential election year *when senate and presidency are held by different parties.* Doesn't apply this year," commentator Mollie Hemingway explained.
In response to Sams, the Daily Caller's Peter Hasson reiterated, "This is inaccurate. The McConnell rule was that when the Senate and White House are held by *different parties* in an election year."
The rule applied in 2016 because Republicans controlled the Senate while a Democrat, then-President Obama, was in the White House.
Now, however, the Republican Party controls both the Senate and the White House — and McConnell has made clear that the Senate will move forward with filling the high court's vacancy.


theblaze--2020-09-19--White BLM activist forced to apologize for pretending to be black after being outed

White BLM activist forced to apologize for pretending to be black after being outed This is the third white woman @ @ @ @ @ month

A social justice activist in Indiana who has allegedly been pretending to be black for years finally admitted that she is actually a white woman. This is the third instance of a white woman pretending to be black this month.
Satchuel Cole was a member of Indy10 Black Lives Matter and the Indy SURJ, an Indianapolis-based chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice, a "national network of groups and individuals working to undermine white supremacy and to work for racial justice."
On Wednesday, Cole revealed that she had been lying about her race and offered an apology on a Facebook post.
"Friends, I need to take accountability for my actions and the harm that I have done," Cole wrote. "My deception and lies have hurt those I care most about. I have taken up space as a Black person while knowing I am white. I have used Blackness when it was not mine to use. I have asked for support and energy as a Black person."
"I have caused harm to the city, friends and the work that I held so dear," Cole continued. "I will do the work to take responsibility for my actions and try to reduce the harm that I have already caused."
"If there are ways to repair the harm, I will do the work that is required to do so," she wrote. "I will continue to seek the help necessary to heal myself. I am sorry for the harm I have caused. I am sorry for the hurt and betrayal. I will do what I can to show that I want to be a better person."
Cole was forced to confess that she had committed racial fraud after she was exposed in an article titled "Shocking Details Emerge on Indy Activist Who Faked Life as a Black Woman" published on BlackIndyLIVE.
Cole allegedly told multiple people that she was from a biracial family and that her father is black. BlackIndyLive reported that Cole's parents "indicated their races as white on legal documents."
The Indy10 Black Lives Matter group issued a statement on the situation.
"Satchuel Cole is not a member of Indy10 Black Lives Matter and has not been a part of any community initiatives for several months," the statement on Facebook said. "We found out about her deceit at the same time that most people did, in the last week."
In 2018, Cole founded the No Questions Asked Food Pantry, a grassroots food pantry that partnered with Indy10 Black Lives Matter, Indy Pride, Queering Indy, and Indy Feminists.
In May, the Central Indiana Community Foundation awarded more than $1 million in responsive grants to several Marion County's non-profit organizations during the coronavirus pandemic. Cole's No Questions Asked Food Pantry received $35,000 in funding from the CICF, according to the IndyStar.
"[W]e are disappointed that we have another instance of a white woman claiming to be a Black woman and it continues to perpetuate issues that we see in the community and it creates divisiveness," Pamela Ross, vice president of opportunity, equity and inclusion at CICF, told the IndyStar.
"This situation has created a different level of conversation about telling the truth," Ross said. "We are looking at leaders and at how many leaders of color actually are running these organizations. That does matter, but it does not matter in an application, it matters in the conversation because we want to influence more leaders of color."
Cole was the vice president of the now-defunct Deconstructing Oppression Now Through Solidarity Liberation Equity Empowerment & Perseverance.
Cole was the spokesperson for the family of Aaron Bailey, a 45-year-old who was shot and killed by two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers following a traffic stop in June 2017.
Cole, who is also an active member of the LGBTQ+ community, was a grand marshal of this year's Indy Pride Parade.
According to a civil court docket, Cole was born "Jennifer Lynn Benton" and identified as a white female on paper before 2010. She changed her name in Hamilton Circuit Court to "Satchuel Paigelyn Cole," a reference to legendary Negro League pitcher Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige and Benton's close friend, Chantelle-Owens-Cole.
Crystal Turner, who knew Cole, said she felt betrayed by her racial misrepresentation.
"She said it was to discuss BLM and the first thing I asked was 'Why is this Black Lives Matter meeting being ran by a white woman?' But she explained her lie of a story and she had enough other people betrayed that they vouched for her," Turner said. "And she would constantly acknowledge she was able to pass for white ... and how she had to use that to help others."
"So I'm sure a lot of people, like I did, just thought she was really aware of her privilege as a biracial Black woman, not that she was a white woman just pretending for years," Turner said of Cole.
This is the latest case of white women pretending to be black. Jessica Krug, a white associate professor at George Washington University, revealed earlier this month that she was pretending to be a black woman.
CV Vitolo-Haddad, a white University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student, resigned this week from a teaching assistant position after she was caught pretending to be a black person.


theblaze--2020-09-19--Law enforcement intercepts package of deadly ricin poison mailed to President Trump

The FBI has opened an investigation

A package containing ricin that was mailed to President Donald Trump at the White House was intercepted by law enforcement. CNN reported that the package of deadly poison was intercepted at a mail facility earlier this week.
"The FBI and our U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service partners are investigating a suspicious letter received at a U.S. government mail facility. At this time, there is no known threat to public safety," the Washington field office of the FBI said in a statement.
The package was intercepted at a secure offsite facility, but it was addressed to Trump at the White House.
Sources say two tests were performed on the substance and confirm that it was ricin, a deadly toxin.
Ricin is a deadly toxin that is extracted from the seed of the castor plant, often called a "castor bean," despite not actually being a bean. "An average adult needs only 1.78 mg of ricin injected or inhaled to die; that's about the size of a few grains of table salt—which ricin resembles visually," according to the Popular Science.
In 2014, "The Walking Dead" actress Shannon Richardson was convicted of sending envelopes that contained highly toxic ricin to then-President Barack Obama and then-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
She pleaded guilty to possession of a toxin for use as a weapon. Richardson was sentenced to 18 years in prison and ordered to pay $367,000 in restitution.


theblaze--2020-09-19--Here's what Ruth Bader Ginsburg said about voting on Supreme Court nominations in election year

Here 's what Ruth Bader Ginsburg said about voting on Supreme Court nominations in election year

News of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death has triggered further division in an already fractured political world: Democrats say the Supreme Court's new vacancy should not be filled in an election year, while Republicans are vowing to hold a vote on whomever President Donald Trump nominates.
But how did Ginsburg feel about election year Supreme Court nominations?
Fortunately, she made it clear in 2016 when Republicans and Democrats fought over filling the vacancy left by Antonin Scalia's sudden death nine months before the election.
When asked if the Senate should consider then-President Barack Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland, Ginsburg said, "That's their job," the New York Times reported.
"There's nothing in the Constitution that says the president stops being president in his last year," Ginsburg added.
Several months later, Ginsburg said having only eight justices on the Supreme Court is not good.
"Eight is not a good number," she said, the Washington Post reported.
And there you have it.


theblaze--2020-09-19--Minneapolis police say 'autonomous zone' delayed cops and EMS response to brutal assault

Minneapolis police say 'autonomous zone ' delayed cops and EMS response to brutal assault Police claim a hostile crowd allegedly @ @ @ @ @ trying to help a violently beaten man

First responders were delayed in giving medical assistance to a victim of a brutal assault inside an alleged "autonomous zone" in Minneapolis, according to police. But a spokesperson for a citizens group inside the autonomous zone claim that police and EMS were not impeded from helping the man who was severely beaten.
KSTP-TV interviewed the man who was attacked, who asked to only be identified by his first name, Dan. He is the owner of Mill City Autobody, which is located inside the four-block autonomous zone in downtown Minneapolis near the memorial dedicated to George Floyd. There are barricades blocking entry into the area, as well as signs that read "NO PIGS" and "YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE FREE STATE OF GEORGE FLOYD."
"Concrete barricades surrounding the intersection prevent cars from driving through. Police officers do not enter the space — nor are they welcome," the Minneapolis Star Tribune wrote earlier this month. City officials say businesses inside the occupied zone are "suffering" and "it's difficult for first responders to enter without the help of the neighbors who guard the barricades."
Around 5 p.m. on Aug. 5, Dan was violently attacked and knocked unconscious during a robbery attempt.
"I was in my office and I heard a noise. I was talking to the guy and I woke up after that in the hospital," he told KSTP reporter Jay Kolls. "He broke my computer and took stuff out of my desk."
"I had a broken cheekbone, teeth missing, stitches in my head and I was knocked out," Dan said. "It took police and the ambulance a very long time to get here because they had a hard time getting inside the barricades."
"It is difficult for ambulances to even come in here when they have to remove some of these things to get through," Dan's wife, who wanted to remain anonymous, said.
The Minneapolis Police Department said it took 14 minutes to respond to the violent incident with an EMS crew.
"The crowd from the George Floyd Memorial began moving toward us and people were hollering that they were going to kick our a**** and that we would have to kill them," an internal police report obtained by KSTP states.
Marcia Howard, a high school English teacher who works with a citizens' group to help keep order in the autonomous zone, told KSTP-TV that there were no hostile crowds that prevented first responders from assisting the wounded man.
"They came in unimpeded, unfettered with EMS," Howard said. "They are not being met with violence or hostile crowds and any suggestion otherwise is a blatant lie."
Howard and other community leaders say they are occupying the area to demand justice for George Floyd and other victims of police brutality. In August, activists announced a list of 24 demands that need to be met before they would open up the occupation of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue.
The list of demands include holding the trial for the four ex-Minneapolis officers accused in George Floyd's death; recalling Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman; investing $400,000 in a youth jobs program; and firing four top Bureau of Criminal Apprehension officials, including Superintendent Drew Evans. Thus far, only one demand has been met.
The city announced plans to open the autonomous zone last month, but the plans were scrapped. City council member Andrea Jenkins said the city and the occupants find themselves "at an impasse."
"The intersection needs to be reopened. It's one of the largest transit hubs in the entire city," Jenkins said. "But there is the reality that there is this deep … reckoning that needs to happen in this country. In this entire country. The intersection at 38th and Chicago is the symbol of what is going on throughout America."
Minneapolis Police Department spokesman John Elder told Fox News there is no autonomous zone, but there are people who interfere with first responders.
"This autonomous zone talk is ridiculous," Elder said. "We literally are patrolling every inch of this city that is public property bar non, period."
"We have people throwing items at our officers as they're trying to get Narcan to a woman that overdosed," Elder noted. "There are certain pockets of this city where we meet substantial resistance."
"There is no autonomous zone in the area of 38th and Chicago Avenue, or anywhere else in the City of Minneapolis," a city spokesperson said in a statement. "Laws and enforcement responsibilities have not changed for any part of the city."
The statement also said that the city is in negotiations with the people occupying the area, and they expect the area to reopen sometime "before winter."
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) declined an interview requests from KSTP.


theblaze--2020-09-19--Barack Obama, Joe Biden perform total 180 on filling Supreme Court vacancy in election year

'That 's not in the constitutional text '

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama declared Friday the Supreme Court vacancy caused by Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death should not be filled until after the election.
Their position is a complete reversal of what they said in 2016, when Antonin Scalia's sudden death left a vacancy on the high court just nine months before the presidential election.
What did Biden say in 2016?
In response to Republicans who vowed to not consider Obama's nominee — Appellate Judge Merrick Garland — Biden said it is acceptable to move forward with Supreme Court hearings even just months before an election.
Biden's comments, made in March 2016, came in response to Republicans citing a speech he delivered in 1992 about election year Supreme Court nominations. He said:
They completely ignore the fact at the time I was speaking of the time of the dangers of nominating an extreme candidate without proper Senate consultation. They completely neglected to quote my unequivocal bottom line. So let me set the record straight as they say. I said, and I quote, "If the president consults and cooperates with the Senate or moderates his selection then nominees may enjoy my support as did Justice Kennedy and Justice Souter."
I made it absolutely clear I would go forward with the confirmation process as chairman, even a few months ahead of a presidential election, if the nominee were chosen with the advise and not merely the consent of the Senate, just as the Constitution requires."
But Biden said on Friday: "Let me be clear: The voters should pick a President, and that President should select a successor to Justice Ginsburg."
What did Obama say in 2016?
Obama stated plainly that the Constitution requires the Senate to consider Supreme Court nominees, declaring that no rule exists stating that such consideration may only happen in non-election years.
"When there is a vacancy on the Supreme Court, the president is to nominate someone, the Senate is to consider that nomination, and either they disapprove of that nominee or that nominee is elevated to the Supreme Court," Obama said in February 2016, just days after Scalia's death.
"Historically, this has not been viewed as a question," he continued. "There's no unwritten law that says that it can only be done on off-years. That's not in the constitutional text."
But on Friday, Obama said: "Four and a half years ago, when Republicans refused to hold a hearing or an up-or-down vote on Merrick Garland, they invented the principle that the Senate shouldn't fill an open seat on the Supreme Court before a new president was sworn in. A basic principle of the law — and of everyday fairness — is that we apply rules with consistency, and not based on what's convenient or advantageous in the moment."


theblaze--2020-09-19--Trump accuses Democrats and media of 'denigrating' potential coronavirus vaccine: 'It's just a terri

Trump accuses Democrats and media of 'denigrating' potential coronavirus vaccine: 'It's just a terrible situation'

Trump accuses Democrats and media of 'denigrating ' potential coronavirus vaccine : 'It 's just a terrible situation' 'You would @ @ @ @ @ and thrilled and jumping up and down '

President Donald Trump accused Democrats and the mainstream media of "denigrating" a potential coronavirus vaccine that could save lives. The president said his political opponents and the media are creating a "terrible situation" instead of being excited about the possibility of getting a COVID-19 vaccine "in record time."
Earlier this month, Trump said that a coronavirus vaccine could be ready "during the month of October," right before the Nov. 3 presidential election.
"And what's happening is, all of a sudden, you'll have this incredible vaccine, and because of that fake rhetoric — it's a politic rhetoric; that's all it is. Just for politics," Trump said during a Sept. 7 press conference. "Because now they see we've done an incredible job, and in speed like nobody has ever seen before. This could've taken two or three years, and instead it's going to be — it's going to be done in a very short of period of time. Could even have it during the month of October."
During an interview that will air Sunday on Fox News' "Life, Liberty, & Levin," Trump told host Mark Levin, "Instead of saying, 'Wow, that's great. It's going to save a lot of lives and people are going to be protected, and this whole thing will end faster' ... They started denigrating it."
Trump said the media and Democrats are diminishing the potential coronavirus "when actually it's one of the greatest things that anyone's done, and I'm not saying me – I'm saying anyone. It's so incredible."
"You would think they'd be happy and thrilled and jumping up and down," Trump said. "Instead ... it's just a terrible situation."
"The reason they're doing it is because they think I'll get credit if we have a vaccine anywhere near the election, but certainly before the election," Trump told Levin. "But essentially we're there now anyway, and we're ready to distribute very rapidly."
"It's a tremendous thing that they've done and we've all done together," Trump explained. "Then we're ready to distribute it very quickly, and we'll do our senior citizens first – the most vulnerable, ... especially if they have a problem with a heart or they have diabetes or something."
"I have totally changed the FDA process," Trump added. "Same safety, but the speed is from a different world, and we should have the vaccine approved very soon."
Joe Biden hinted that the president was politicizing the potential coronavirus vaccine.
"A vaccine would offer a way back to normalcy and a path toward better days for all of us... But it's not going to happen overnight," Biden said on Wednesday in Delaware. "One thing is certain, we can't allow politics to interfere with a vaccine in any way."
"Americans have had to endure President Trump's incompetence and dishonesty when it comes to testing and personal protective equipment," Biden continued. "We can't afford to repeat those fiascos when it comes to a vaccine, when it occurs. The stakes are too high."
"So let me be clear, I trust vaccines. I trust scientists. But I don't trust Donald Trump. And at this moment, the American people can't either," the Democratic presidential nominee said.
Biden's running mate Sen. Kamala Harris was accused of promoting a "dangerous conspiracy theory" and "anti-vaxxer" talking points for her comments about a possible COVID-19 vaccine.
When asked if she would get an approved COVID-19 vaccine, Harris said, "Well, I think that's gonna be an issue for all of us. I will say that I would not trust Donald Trump, and it would have to be a credible source of information that talks about the efficacy and the reliability of whatever he's talking about. I will not take his word for it."
Harris said scientists would "be muzzled, they'll be suppressed, they will be sidelined, because [Trump is] looking at an election coming up in less than 60 days, and he's grasping for whatever he can get to pretend that he's been a leader on this issue when he's not."
Trump praised the companies working on the coronavirus vaccine, including Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna. The pharmaceutical companies are in Phase 3 trials. On Friday, Trump announced that the COVID-19 vaccine would be distributed within 24 hours of completion of Phase 3 trials and approval by the FDA.
On BlazeTV, Steven Crowder exposed how the mainstream media launched attacks on Trump regarding the potential of a COVID-19 vaccine this year.


theblaze--2020-09-19--Democrats threaten violence if GOP fills SCOTUS vacancy: 'Burn the entire f***ing thing down'

Democrats threaten violence if GOP fills SCOTUS vacancy : 'Burn the entire f***ing thing down '

Democrats, members of the media, and Hollywood figures threatened violence on Friday if the Republican-controlled Senate moves to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death.
Reza Aslan, a former CNN host, said, "If they even TRY to replace RBG we burn the entire f***ing thing down."
In response to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's commitment to vote on President Donald Trump's nominee prior to the election, Aslan said, "Over our dead bodies. Literally."
Hollywood screenwriter Beau Willimon said, "We're shutting this country down if Trump and McConnell try to ram through an appointment before the election."
Dr. Jessie Christiansen, an Australian astrophysicist who works at the NASA Exoplanet Science Institute, said, "IF THEY RAM THROUGH AN APPOINTMENT IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS I WILL RIOT."
IF THEY RAM THROUGH AN APPOINTMENT IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS I WILL RIOT.
— 🪐🛰 Dr. Jessie Christiansen 🪐 (@aussiastronomer) September 18, 2020
Emmett Macfarlane, a political science professor at the University of Waterloo in Canada, said, "Burn Congress down before letting Trump try to appoint anyone to SCOTUS."
Author Aaron Gouveia responded to McConnell's commitment by saying, "F*** no. Burn it all down."
Laura Bassett — who has written for GQ magazine, the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, among other outlets — tweeted, "If McConnell jams someone through, which he will, there will be riots."
She followed that tweet by saying, "*more, bigger riots." She has since deleted her clarification.
What's the background?
With the 2020 election less than two months away, Democrats and Republicans disagree on whether the vacancy should be filled. Democrats advocated filling a high court vacancy in 2016 when Barack Obama was president, while the Republican-controlled Senate blocked Obama's nominee, Merrick Garland.
However, Democrats now say the vacancy should be filled after Election Day, while McConnell has already said the Senate will vote on Trump's nominee.
Meanwhile, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) warned a "constitutional crisis" may unfold if the vacancy is not filled prior to the election, considering the increased likelihood of a legally contested election.
"We cannot have Election Day come and go with a 4-4 court," Cruz said Friday. "A 4-4 court that is equally divided cannot decide anything. And I think we risk a constitutional crisis if we do not have a nine justice Supreme Court, particularly when there's such a risk of a contested litigation and a contested election."
"Twenty years ago, I was part of the legal team that litigated Bush v. Gore and went to the Supreme Court. Thirty-seven days the country did not know who the president was going to be, and if we had a 4-4 court it could have dragged on for weeks and month," he explained.
Trump said Saturday that Republicans have an "obligation" to fill the Supreme Court vacancy "without delay."
"@GOP We were put in this position of power and importance to make decisions for the people who so proudly elected us, the most important of which has long been considered to be the selection of United States Supreme Court Justices. We have this obligation, without delay!" the president said.


theblaze--2020-09-19--Ted Cruz explains the grave danger of not filling SCOTUS vacancy before election: 'A constitutional

Ted Cruz explains the grave danger of not filling SCOTUS vacancy before election: 'A constitutional crisis'

Ted Cruz explains the grave danger of not filling SCOTUS vacancy before election : ' A constitutional crisis' ' I @ @ @ @ @ — a responsibility to do our job '

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) explained late Friday why the Supreme Court vacancy, caused by the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, must be filled before Election Day.
What did Cruz say?
Speaking with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Cruz said the integrity of the election depends on the court having nine justices, especially considering the enhanced likelihood of a legally contested contest this year.
"I think it is tremendously important that not only does the nomination happen next week but that the confirmation before Election Day," Cruz explained. "Democrats and Joe Biden have made clear, they intend to challenge this election, they intend to fight the legitimacy of the election. As you know, Hillary Clinton has told Joe Biden 'under no circumstances should you concede. You should challenge this election.'"
"We cannot have Election Day come and go with a 4-4 court," Cruz said.
If the seat is not filled prior to Election Day, America risks a "constitutional crisis," the Texas senator went on to say.
"A 4-4 court that is equally divided cannot decide anything. And I think we risk a constitutional crisis if we do not have a nine justice Supreme Court, particularly when there's such a risk of a contested litigation and a contested election," Cruz explained.
"Twenty years ago, I was part of the legal team that litigated Bush v. Gore and went to the Supreme Court. Thirty-seven days the country did not know who the president was going to be, and if we had a 4-4 court it could have dragged on for weeks and months," he continued.
"So, I think we have a responsibility — a responsibility to do our job," Cruz said. "The president should nominate a principled constitutionalist with a proven record, and the Senate is going to take a lot of work to get it done before Election Day but I think we should do our job and protect the country from the constitutional crisis that could result otherwise."
Earlier in his interview, Cruz said, "This nomination is why Donald Trump was elected. This confirmation is why the voters voted for a Republican majority in the Senate."
Anything else?
It's not yet clear who President Donald Trump will nominate to fill the high court vacancy.
However, just last week, the White House released an updated list of potential nominees for future Supreme Court vacancies. Cruz's name is on the list, although he has since stated that he is not interested in serving on the Supreme Court.
Judge Amy Coney Barrett, a conservative justice who was confirmed to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in 2017, is thought to be one of the top contenders for the seat.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell confirmed late Friday that the Senate will vote on Trump's nominee before Election Day.


theblaze--2020-09-18--Supreme Court says Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died

She was the first Jewish woman to be appointed to the highest court in the land

The Supreme Court announced on Friday that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has passed away at age 87.
She was the second woman appointed to the Supreme Court and the first Jewish woman to serve on the highest court in the land. She served more than two decades on the Supreme Court.
A statement from the Supreme Court said that she died at home surrounded by her family. She died of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer.
"Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature," Chief Justice John Roberts said in the statement.
"We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her - a tireless and resolute champion of justice," he added.
Ginsburg was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1933. She attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and later Harvard Law School before transferring to Columbia Law School. She tied for first in her class when she graduated from Columbia.
Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton in 1993. She was considered to be on the left wing of the court and defended many liberal causes, most especially those relating to women's rights. Abortions rights advocates saw her as a champion of their cause.
She also was a pioneer in using international law to help guide the development of U.S. jurisprudence, something that many conservatives oppose.
"Justice Ginsburg paved the way for so many women, including me. There will never be another like her. Thank you RBG," tweeted Hillary Clinton.
Ginsburg was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1999 and was able to overcome several other bouts with the disease.
A private interment service will be held for her at Arlington National Cemetery.
Here's more about the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died at age 87: Report www.youtube.com
[This story has been updated with additional information.]


theblaze--2020-09-22--Ellen DeGeneres starts show by addressing employees' claims of 'toxic work culture'

' I learned that things happened here that never should have happened '

Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres launched the return of her show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," on Monday, by addressing fans about the allegations of a "toxic work culture" claimed by employees cited anonymously in several BuzzFeed articles earlier this year.
What are the details?
DeGeneres began her monologue — without an audience due to the coronavirus — by making a few jokes while bringing up the allegations and acknowledging that an investigation was launched by WarnerMedia.
"I learned that things happened here that never should have happened," the host said. "I take responsibility for my show."
The comedian also led a round of applause for the show's 270 employees.
CBS News reported that "While DeGeneres started the monologue with an apology, taking responsibility for the allegations at the talk show without addressing specific details, she focused most of her opening speech on denying implications that she was aware of the misconduct taking place behind the scenes."
"I'm a pretty good actress," DeGeneres told her virtual audience. "But I don't think that I'm that good that I could come out here every day for seventeen years and fool you. This is me. And my intention is to always be the best person I can be. And if I've ever let someone down, if I've ever hurt their feelings, I am so sorry for that. If that's ever the case, I've let myself down and I've let myself down as well."
"The truth is I am that person that you see on TV," the host said, according to The Daily Wire. "I am that person that you see on TV. I am also a lot of other things. Sometimes I get sad, I get mad, I get anxious, I get frustrated, I get impatient. I am working on all of that. I am a work in progress. I'm especially working on the impatience thing, and it's not going well because it's not happening fast enough, I'll tell you that."
Ellen's First Monologue of Season 18 www.youtube.com
What about the allegations?
DeGeneres addressed the issue with her staff directly via a message sent in July about the allegations, wherein she told the employees:
"On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' would be a place of happiness — no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect. Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry. Anyone who knows me know it's the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show."
The host said during her show Monday, "We have made the necessary changes, and today we are starting a new chapter."
E! reported that "some of these changes involved the staff," noting that "last month, Warner Bros. confirmed that executive producers Ed Glavin and Kevin Leman and co-executive producer Jonathan Norman 'parted ways' with the syndicated talk show."


theblaze--2020-09-22--Breaking: Mitch McConnell has enough support for nomination to the Supreme Court after statements fr

Breaking: Mitch McConnell has enough support for nomination to the Supreme Court after statements from Grassley and Gardner

Breaking : Mitch McConnell has enough support for nomination to the Supreme Court after statements from Grassley and Gardner Democrats @ @ @ @ @ board with their cause

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will likely be able to push the Senate to consider a nomination to the Supreme Court after several Republicans made statements of support on Monday.
Democrats and their supporters were hopeful that enough moderates would break from the party line in order to doom the effort to fill the seat left empty by the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Friday.
Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said in a statement that he would not stand in the way of another nomination by President Donald Trump.
"Over the years, and as recently as July, I've consistently said that taking up and evaluating a nominee in 2020 would be a decision for the current chairman of the Judiciary Committee and the Senate Majority Leader," Grassley said in the statement.
"Both have confirmed their intentions to move forward, so that's what will happen. Once the hearings are underway, it's my responsibility to evaluate the nominee on the merits, just as I always have. The Constitution gives the Senate that authority, and the American people's voices in the most recent election couldn't be clearer," he continued.
"While there was ambiguity about the American people's will for the direction of the Supreme Court in 2016 under a divided government, there is no such ambiguity in 2020," Grassley added.
Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, informed members of the committee on Saturday that he would hold confirmation hearings for the nomination.
'Senate must decided how to best fulfill its constitutional duty'
Republican Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado also said that he would not stand in the way of a nomination.
"When a President exercises constitutional authority to nominate a judge for the Supreme Court vacancy, the Senate must decided how to best fulfill its constitutional duty of advice and consent," Gardner said.
"I have and will continue to support judicial nominees who will protect our Constitution, not legislate from the bench, and uphold the law," he concluded. "Should a qualified nominee who meets this criteria be put forward, I will vote to confirm."
A heated debate
Democrats have argued that if Republicans were to push a nomination that it would be hypocritical because of McConnell's refusal to consider former President Barack Obama's nomination so close to the 2016 election.
Republicans have countered that the history of nominations to the Supreme Court offers precedence for senators of the same party as the president to have the mandate from the people to move forward on a nomination.
"[M]ake no mistake: if the shoe were on the other foot, Senate Democrats wouldn't hesitate to use their Constitutional authority and anything else at their disposal to fill this seat," Grassley said.
Republicans have a 53 to 47 majority in the Senate, but Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) have already said they would not support a nomination before the election.
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) has not made a statement about his position in the debate, but if no other Republicans go against the party line, a tie in the Senate would lead to a tiebreaker vote from Vice President Mike Pence.
Here's more about the nomination debate:


theblaze--2020-09-22--Joe Biden claims 'every outlet' confirmed Trump bad-mouthed soldiers. But not one source has gone on

Joe Biden claims 'every outlet' confirmed Trump bad-mouthed soldiers. But not one source has gone on record to confirm the claim.

Joe Biden claims 'every outlet ' confirmed Trump bad-mouthed soldiers .
But not one source has gone on record to @ @ @ @ @ and former Trump admin officials dispute the account

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden claimed Monday that "it's been confirmed by every [news] outlet" that President Donald Trump referred to fallen U.S. service members as "losers and suckers." Biden's assertion is false, given that not one person has gone on the record to any media outlet affirming or confirming that the president bad-mouthed America's war heroes.
What are the details?
"Of all the things that Trump has said and done, nothing is more offensive than the way he's spoken about many of you, and brave women and men who served the nation in uniform — those who have given their lives in service to this nation," Biden said during a speech in Wisconsin.
"It's been confirmed by every outlet that he referred to them as losers and suckers," the Democrat continued. "That's what Trump calls those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice."
Early this month, The Atlantic published a disputedreport citing four anonymous sources who claimed that President Trump referred to fallen U.S. service members as "losers" and "suckers" in discussions with senior administration officials during a trip to France in 2018.
The story blew up, and a few outlets, including Fox News and the Associated Press, claimed to have "confirmed" parts of the accounts described by The Atlantic while also citing anonymous sources. Weeks later, as of this writing, not one source has gone on the record in confirming the claims, which Trump vehemently denies.
Biden also acknowledged a day after The Atlantic's story broke that it was not confirmed, saying in a speech from Delaware, "If, what's written in The Atlantic is true, it's disgusting."
But the former vice president is now claiming the report has been confirmed by "every outlet," when in fact, it has not been confirmed by a single one — including The Atlantic itself.
As Glenn Greenwald noted in The Intercept, the media has resorted to reporting rumors as fact.
After pointing out another so-called "confirmed" story from anonymous sources that turned out to be false, Greenwald writes:
Quite aside from this specific story about whether Trump loves The Troops, conflating the crucial journalistic concept of "confirmation" with "hearing the same idle gossip" or "unproven assertions" is a huge disservice. It is an instrument of propaganda, not reporting. And its use has repeatedly deceived rather than informed the public. Anyone who doubts that should review how it is that MSNBC and CBS both claimed to have "confirmed" a CNN report which turned out to be ludicrously and laughably false. Clearly, the term "confirmation" has lost its meaning in journalism.
Trump admin disputes account
Current and former Trump administration officials who were on the 2018 trip to France have disputed The Atlantic's account, including former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and former national security adviser John Bolton, who is now a frequent Trump critic and even wrote a book about his time in the administration.
Bolton told Fox News that the claims made in The Atlantic's story are "simply false."
Bolton later told The New York Times that he was present for the discussion when Trump purportedly made the disparaging comments about troops and reiterated that he did not hear any of the alleged remarks The Atlantic had reported, but he did acknowledge that the president could have made the remarks "later in the day or another time" when he was not present.
The day The Atlantic's story came out, President Trump tweeted, "I never called our great fallen soldiers anything other than HEROES. This is more made up Fake News given by disgusting & jealous failures in a disgraceful attempt to influence the 2020 Election!"
According to CBS News, he declared later that evening at a rally in Pennsylvania, "I would be willing to swear on anything that I never said that about our fallen heroes. There is nobody that respects them more. So, I just think it's a horrible, horrible thing."