theblaze--2020-01-18--Bad sign for Dems in 2020? Saturday's Women's March drew smaller crowds than past years

Bad sign for Dems in 2020 ?
Saturday 's Women 's March drew smaller crowds than past years From 400,000 @ @ @ @ @ to a couple of hundred on Saturday

The first Women's March in 2017, held the day after President Donald Trump was inaugurated, drew millions of protestors across the country, but Saturday's iteration of the annual protest could barely muster 100 supporters in some cities.
Three years ago, the organizers of the Women's March boasted having over 400,000 attendees at their protest in New York City. According to the Associated Press, only "hundreds of people" showed up to the "Rise and Roar" rallies in Foley Square and Columbus Circle. The protestors told reporters they were marching in support of abortion rights, immigration, and climate change issues. They are also heavily critical of Trump.
Even the media is noting the decline in enthusiasm around the marches. The AP described the number of Washington, D.C., protestors as being "far fewer than last year when about 100,000 people held a rally east of the White House."
"Today, we will be the change that is needed in this world! Today, we rise into our power!" activist Donna Hylton said to a small cheering crowd in Foley Square, as reported by the AP.
What's happening?
The Women's March has been plagued by internal divisions for several years between more traditional feminists and intersectional feminists who want to broaden the mission of the movement to supporting other causes, such as anti-Israel BDS policies.
Last year, the organization parted way with three of its founders, Linda Sarsour, Tamika Mallory, and Bob Bland. The trio was heavily criticized over its support of black nationalist Louis Farrakhan and their refusal to denounce his history of making anti-Semitic statements.
In a statement to the Washington Post, the organization said at the time that the old board members were transitioning "off of the Women's March Board and onto other projects focused on advocacy within their respective organizations." As TheBlaze reported at the time, their replacements were also criticized for having their own history of controversial statements.
"This is the new leader of the [Women's March]," Reagan Battalion wrote on Sept. 16, 2019, in reference to new board member Zahra Billoo. "A terror suporter, antisemite, and even worse than [Linda Sarsour]."
Growing support for Trump?
The lackluster turnout for the Women's March come as polling has shown Trump's approval numbers have remained stable despite overwhelmingly negative media coverage and the Democrats' impeachment efforts. As of the writing of this article, Trump's approval stands at 44 percent with at least one poll of likely 2020 voters showing him as high as 51 percent.
A comparison of Trump's approval ratings with those of Barack Obama's at this point in his presidency show the two men with similar figures at or around 44 to 45 percent.


theblaze--2020-01-18--Ted Cruz castigates 'NY Dem royalty' Chris Cuomo for 'clutching his pearls' on Republican calling ou

Ted Cruz castigates 'NY Dem royalty' Chris Cuomo for 'clutching his pearls' on Republican calling out CNN bias

Ted Cruz castigates 'NY Dem royalty ' Chris Cuomo for 'clutching his pearls ' on Republican calling out CNN bias

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) castigated anchor Chris Cuomo and his outrage over his colleague being called a "liberal hack" by Sen. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.).
"NY Dem royalty Chris Cuomo declares 'I can't believe people would vote for' McSally, or McConnell, or any GOP candidate," Cruz mocked from his Twitter account, referring to Cuomo's well-known Democratic political family.
"Clutching his pearls, in the very same breath, he says he can't understand why anyone might think CNN are liberal hacks," Cruz continued.
Cuomo, along with other CNN regulars, expressed shock and outrage when McSally ignored questions from journalist Manu Raju about the impending Senate impeachment trial.
In a second tweet, Cruz explained why so many believed the mainstream media to be biased against Republicans.
"Pro tip: real "journalists" don't (1) kiss up to every Dem, (2) refuse to ask them hard Qs, (3) relentlessly attack every Republican, (4) lie when doing so & (5) always, always push the prevailing Dem narrative of the moment. You know this, as does Manu. You just choose not to," he added.
Pro tip: real “journalists" don't (1) kiss up to every Dem, (2) refuse to ask them hard Qs, (3) relentlessly attack every Republican, (4) lie when doing so & (5) always, always push the prevailing Dem narrative of the moment. You know this, as does Manu. You just choose not to.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 17, 2020
Defenders of Raju say that McSally was merely trying to duck the question he put to her about whether she was willing to accept new witnesses in the Senate impeachment trial. Later when discussing the incident with Fox News' Laura Ingraham, she continued to avoid answering the question.
Here's Ted Cruz talking about impeachment:


theblaze--2020-01-18--Rand Paul takes Joe Biden, Hunter Biden to task for 'corruption' that 'smells to high heaven'

Rand Paul takes Joe Biden , Hunter Biden to task for 'corruption ' that 'smells to high heaven '

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) thinks Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden, are corrupt — and he wants the world to know it.
Speaking with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Thursday, Paul explained why he believes the "corruption" surrounding the Biden's — centering on Hunter's work with Burisma while his father, as vice president, oversaw U.S.-Ukrainian relations — needs further exploration during President Donald Trump's impeachment trial.
"If the president is being accused of withholding foreign aid, and his argument is, 'Well, we were studying corruption, and we wanted to know about corruption in Ukraine,' and I think the Biden's are as corrupt as the day is long," Paul said. "No young man who is the son of a politician gets $50,000 a month who has no experience, working for a Ukrainian oligarch. You know, for goodness sakes — it smells to high heaven. It smells like corruption."
"Every day on the mainstream media, they say, 'Oh, there's no there there. This has been investigated. There is no corruption.' I think the American people don't buy it," Paul continued.
The Kentucky Republican explained that alleged corruption involving the Biden's is especially pertinent if both Republicans and Democrats call witnesses during Trump's trial.
"Here's the thing: Fair is fair. If they're going to put the president through this, they're going to have to have witnesses on both sides," Paul said.
Paul went on to explain that if Trump's impeachment trial looks like a "kangaroo court" then "all hell is going to break loose," with Republican voters using their vote to "punish" Republican senators who allow Democratic witnesses, but block certain Republican witnesses, like Hunter Biden.
Paul vowed earlier in the week to force a vote calling on Hunter Biden to testify if Republicans allow Democrats to call their witnesses.


theblaze--2020-01-18--Space Force fires back after liberal writer mocks 'idiocracy' of new camouflage uniforms

Space Force fires back after liberal writer mocks 'idiocracy ' of new camouflage uniforms

Aaron Rupar, a journalist at Vox, mocked the Space Force late Friday after the U.S. military's newest branch unveiled its utility uniform.
The uniform is green and has a digital camouflage pattern, similar to the other American military branches with the exception of the Coast Guard. What distinguishes the Space Force's utility uniforms from the other branches, as revealed Friday, are blue nametapes.
In response, Rupar mocked "Trump's Space Force" in a tweet that went viral.
"Trump's Space Force troops wearing camo in space is perhaps the strongest evidence yet that Idiocracy is a documentary," he said.
Similar criticism also gained traction online.
"Camo in space? WTF? More wasted tax dollars. Great job!" one critic said.
"How many trees are you expecting to find in space," another person mocked.
The Space Force responded to the criticism Saturday with an explanation that would likely earn the approval of most Americans.
The reason for the digital camouflage uniform? It saves taxpayer dollars, in addition to establishing uniformity within the U.S. military.
"USSF is utilizing current Army/Air Force uniforms, saving costs of designing/producing a new one," the USSF explained. "Members will look like their joint counterparts they'll be working with, on the ground."


theblaze--2020-01-18--Democrats want to block a law that would ban the castration and sterilization of children in Florida

Florida State Rep. Anthony Sabatini (R-Lakeland) was appalled to learn that in an article published on Thursday, NBC News described a series of bills that he and his colleagues recently filed as "anti-gay."
"They are not anti-gay at all. In fact, none of these bills have anything to do with gay and lesbian issues," Sabatini told TheBlaze in a phone interview on Friday.
Sabatini said he designed "The Vulnerable Child Protection Act" to keep children safe and prevent the Texas custody battle over a 7-year-old boy (whose mother claims is a transgender girl) from playing out in Florida. His bill prohibits doctors from performing "surgeries that sterilize, including castration, vasectomy, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, metoidioplasty, orchiectomy, penectomy, phalloplasty, and vaginoplasty" on minors, as well as injecting them with puberty-blockers.
Under Sabatini's law, any medical professional who performs these procedures on a minor could be charged with a felony.
Democrats and activists oppose the bill
At least two Florida Democratic lawmakers oppose the "Vulnerable Child Protection Act."
Democratic State Rep. Carlos G. Smith of Central Florida said Sabatini's bill and others amounted to being "kicked in the gut" by his colleagues. "I am so utterly offended and disappointed," he said on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Jon Harris Maurer, a policy director with Equality Florida, an LGBTQ activist group, described Sabatini's bill and its Senate version as "a clear attack on some of our state's most vulnerable youth." Children with gender identity issues are certainly vulnerable, but not in the way Harris suggests.
"While the actual percentages vary from study to study, overall, it appears that about 80 percent of kids with gender dysphoria end up feeling okay, in the long run, with the bodies they were born into," The Cut reported in 2016. Puberty blockers are also reported to be dangerous for children.
"It has been shown that puberty blockers interfere with the expected increase in bone density in adolescence such that the bones are not as strong as they would be had normal pubertal development been allowed," according to endocrinologist Michael Laidlaw. "These lost years of bone development cannot be regained."
In addition, the FDA has received over 24,000 reports of adverse reactions to Lupron, the drug commonly used to delay puberty. The side effects include joint pain, osteoporosis, immune systems complications, and mental health issues, among them suicidal thoughts and severe depression.
Lawmaker's wife harassed
Given the problems associated with puberty blockers and studies showing that the vast majority of minors with gender dysphoria change their minds and do not continue with their gender transition into childhood, Sabatini questioned the wisdom of subjecting children to drastic medical procedures.
"These people don't care about science or facts. They are radical left-wing ideologues who care more about promoting their political agendas than protecting children," he noted while noting that angry activists have even targeted his wife with harassing phone calls.
"Today's Democrat Party has transformed into a hate group that defames anyone who disagrees with their toxic and radical ideology. They even target people's family members. It's disgusting," Sabatini said.
The bills have nothing to do with gay and lesbian issues
The four bills in question were all filed by Florida House Republicans and have accompanying Senate versions. Three out of four of them are completely unrelated to sexual orientation or gender identity issues:
As mentioned, Sabatini's HB 1365 would ban doctors from performing irreversible gender-altering surgeries and procedures on minors that LGBTQ activists described as "medically necessary care." NBC News labeled Sabatini's bill as "anti-gay" to drum up opposition to it by conflating gender dysphoria with same-sex attraction.
Rep. Bob Rommel's HB 305 would eliminate municipal employment ordinances requiring businesses to guarantee employees pre-defined work schedules which are difficult to produce in certain industries, such as hospitality and retail. But it was described as a "repeal [of] local employment anti-discrimination protections due to sexual orientation and gender identity." The bill does not authorize discrimination or allow cities to engage in discriminatory practices.
Rep. Michael Grant's CS/HB 3 would prevent city governments from tightening occupational licensing requirements. Activists characterized it as allowing "conversion therapy." However, neither Grant's bill, nor its accompanying Senate version, address conversion therapy at all.
Rep. Byron Donalds' HB 537 authorizes home-based businesses, such as barber shops, in residential zones, but activists said the bill would "allow conversion therapy if it's practiced in a home."
"If you're a fair-minded person that looks at this objectively, there's no way you can interpret what they're saying," said state Sen. Keith Perry (R-Gainesville), who sponsored one of the Senate bills. She is correct.
Clearly, none of these bills would enable discrimination of gay and lesbian Americans, or anyone else for that matter. Yet, by labeling the bills as "anti-gay" and grouping them together, Democrats and their media allies are trying to brand conservatives as promoting a homophobic agenda and shut down Sabatini's legislation in the process, which is the one that far-Left activists truly want to target.
"The Liberal Media & far left groups are attacking my bill designed to unleash economic opportunity and the entrepreneurial spirit and cut through local government red-tape for those seeking to operate a home-based business," declared GOP Rep. Byron Donalds on Twitter.
In a statement to TheBlaze, Sen. Joe Gruters, a Republican who introduced the Senate version of one of the House bills, said that Democrats are just playing politics.
"This is a case where people are trying to score political points rather than pass good policy," Gruters said.


theblaze--2020-01-18--Former federal prosecutor identifies major 'hole' in the impeachment case against President Trump

Former federal prosecutor identifies major 'hole ' in the impeachment case against President Trump Democrats do not have an impeachable @

Former U.S. Attorney Andrew McCarthy says there is a major "hole" in the Democrats' impeachment case against President Donald Trump.
McCarthy wrote in National Review that it's obvious that the Democrats obviously "do not have an offense sufficiently grave for invocation of the Constitution's nuclear option." If they had one, McCarthy said, their "machinations and the posturing would be unnecessary — even ridiculous."
The former Assistant United Stated Attorney for the Southern District of New York then asked, "Why are we talking about how Chairman Schiff, Speaker Pelosi, and House Democrats rushed through the impeachment inquiry without making a real effort to interview key witnesses?"
Tough questions for Democrats
McCarthy, who led the prosecution of 12 terrorists involved in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and other plots against New York City, laid out a series of questions that demonstrate the tenuous nature of the Democrats' impeachment case against President Trump.
Why was the Democrats' impeachment gambit driven by the election calendar rather than the nature of the president's offense? Why were the timing of hearings and the unreasonable limits imposed on Republicans' ability to call witnesses dictated by the frantic rush to get done before Christmas recess — to the point that Democrats cynically vacated a subpoena they'd served on a relevant administration witness, fearing a few weeks of court battles that they might lose?
Why did Democrats grope from week to week in a struggle over what to call the misconduct they accused the president of committing – campaign finance, extortion, quid pro quo, bribery? How did they end up with an amorphous "abuse of power" case? How did they conclude that an administration that goes to court rather than instantly surrendering potentially privileged information commits obstruction?
Why such tedious recriminations over adoption of Senate procedures that were approved by a 100–0 vote the last time there was an impeachment trial? Why all the kvetching over whether witnesses will be called when those procedures provide for the calling of witnesses in the likely event that 51 senators — after hearing nearly two weeks of presentation and argument from both sides — want to hear from one or two of them?
"None of this would have happened," he added, "if there had been a truly impeachable offense."
The founders reserved impeachment for 'extraordinary wrongs'
McCarthy argued that if the Democrats suspected Trump of committing truly impeachable offenses, they would have allowed his lawyers to be present during the House hearings.
"Democratic leaders would have worked cooperatively with their GOP counterparts, as was done in prior impeachments," he wrote. "They would have told the president: 'Sure, you can have your lawyers here, and call whatever witnesses you want.'"
The former prosecutor also noted that the framers of the Constitution expected presidents and federal officials to occasionally abuse their powers, but that impeachment and removal from federal offices was only intended to be used for "extraordinary" crimes.
"We don't leap from abuse to expulsion. We don't expect routinely to expel members of Congress or impeach presidents and judges. That is reserved for historically extraordinary wrongs." Instead, McCarthy argued, that lesser abuses of power are to be checked by other branches and elections, not impeachment.
McCarthy concluded by arguing that although Trump's dealings with Ukraine are a legitimate 2020 issue, by exaggerating their severity, the Democrats have underscored that they do not amount to the kinds of "extraordinary wrongs" that merit impeachment.
"If there were real impeachable misconduct, there would be no time or place for games," he wrote.


theblaze--2020-01-18--Supreme Court agrees to hear Electoral College cases that could forever change presidential election

Supreme Court agrees to hear Electoral College cases that could forever change presidential elections

The Supreme Court agreed Friday to decide two cases that could forever change how American presidents are elected.
The central question the Supreme Court will answer is this: Are electors, members of the Electoral College who cast the actual votes for president and vice president, bound to follow their state's popular vote results? Or are electors free to vote as they see fit?
Officially, the court agreed to hear two cases: Chiafalo v. Washington and Colorado Department of State v. Baca.
In Chiafalo, three Washington state electors were each fined $1,000 after the 2016 election because they did not cast their Electoral College vote for Hillary Clinton, who won their state's popular vote; they voted for Colin Powell, instead. In Baca, the state of Colorado completely tossed elector Michael Baca's vote because he voted for former Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), not Clinton, who won Colorado's popular vote.
Although so-called "faithless electors" have been only footnotes in American electoral history so far, the monumental constitutional case could have significant implications in the 2020 election.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court will decide whether Electoral College electors are independent, and therefore allowed to vote consistent with their conscience, or whether state laws mandating electors follow their state's popular vote are legally permissible.
From the New York Times:
The framers of the Constitution seemed to contemplate that electors would use independent judgment, the Supreme Court has said. "Doubtless it was supposed that the electors would exercise a reasonable independence and fair judgment in the selection of the chief executive," Chief Justice Melville Fuller wrote in an 1892 Supreme Court decision. Over time, he added, "the original expectation may be said to have been frustrated."
Alexander Hamilton described the original expectation in the Federalist Papers. "Men chosen by the people for the special purpose" of selecting the president, he wrote, "will be most likely to possess the information and discernment requisite to such complicated investigations."
Oral arguments for the case will likely be held sometime this spring, with a decision likely coming in late June.


theblaze--2020-01-18--Former police union president now identifies as transracial, claims he feels black

Former police union president now identifies as transracial , claims he feels black He cited the 'one drop rule ' @ @ @ @

For most of his life, the former head of a Miami police union, Javier Ortiz, identified as a white Hispanic man, but at a city commission meeting on Friday, Ortiz told commissioners said that he is now black.
"I'm a black male. Yes, I am," Ortiz said, adding, "and I am not Hispanic. I was born in this country. That's how I feel."
The hearing was part of a commission meeting studying allegations of racism against black employees of the Miami Police Department.
A bizarre exchange
While being questioned by a commissioner, Ortiz, who has faced accusations of discrimination from black city of Miami residents in the past, said he recently learned that there are people in his family "who are mixed and are black." The comments were part of a bizarre exchange between Ortiz and local officials.
"When you applied to the police department, did you classify yourself as a black male or a white male at the time?" Commissioner Keon Hardemon asked.
"I know I put white male, but I don't know if I put Hispanic," the police officer responded. According to the Miami New Times, Ortiz has been claiming he's black since at least 2014 when he claimed he was black a lieutenant application and again later in a 2017 captain application. Both applications were made public by the Miami Community Police Benevolent Association, a union for black officers, which has complained of acts of racism being ignored in the Miami Police Department.
At the hearing, an incredulous Commissioner Joe Carollo asked Ortiz, "When did you have this coming to God moment that you were black? When did God tell you that?"
"Well, I learned that there are people in my family who are mixed and that are black," he replied.
"Ok, let's not talk about the degree of blackness," Hardemon, who is African-American, interjected.
"Oh, no, you're blacker than me," Ortiz replied to the visibly perplexed and troubled commissioner. "And if you know anything about the 'one drop rule,' which started in the 20th century, which is what identifies and defines...what a black male is or a negro, you would know that if you have one drop of black [blood] in you, you are considered black."
Ortiz also said he's Jewish
Ortiz concluded his remarks by adding that half of his family is Jewish, which amused the commissioners.
"Mr. Ortiz claimed that he was black. Now he says he's Jewish black. I'm afraid maybe next month he'll be a black Jewish woman. I don't know," Carollo said.


theblaze--2020-01-18--Trump targets Michelle Obama's signature achievement as first lady — unveils change on her birthday

Trump targets Michelle Obama 's signature achievement as first lady — unveils change on her birthday Better for schools , @ @ @ @ @

The Trump administration's Department of Agriculture announced plans Friday to roll back Michelle Obama's signature achievement as first lady: her school lunch nutritional standards.
The policy was unveiled, to the ire of some Democrats, on Michelle Obama's birthday, Jan. 17.
"Schools and school districts continue to tell us that there is still too much food waste and that more common-sense flexibility is needed to provide students nutritious and appetizing meals," Agriculture Secretary Sunny Perdue said in a statement. "We listened and now we're getting to work."
The policy change will give schools more flexibility to decide which fruits and vegetable, and how many, they serve to students, while also broadening the definition of a "snack," the New York Times reported.
The policy is also aimed at reducing food waste, a USDA handout said.
Critics of the rule change said the Trump administration is paving the way for unhealthy foods — such as pizza, burgers, and fries — to be school lunchroom staples once again.
"The Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 has been called one of the most important obesity-prevention policy achievements in recent decades. Yet the Trump administration seems intent on sabotaging it. While there's plenty of room to strengthen school nutrition further, these proposals taken together instead are basically aiming a flamethrower at it," Colin Schwartz, deputy director of legislative affairs for Center for Science in the Public Interest, told the Washington Post.
The rule change is the Trump administration's second effort to roll back initiatives implemented through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.
In Dec. 2018, the Trump administration updated nutritional guidelines on flavored low-fat milk, sodium restrictions, and foods with refined grains.


theblaze--2020-01-19--Trump's lawyers rip Democrats' impeachment case, call it 'constitutionally invalid'

Trump 's lawyers debunk the two articles of impeachment

On Saturday evening, President Trump's legal formally responded to House Democrats' impeachment of the nation's 45th commander-in-chief.
In a six-page document obtained by CNN, Trump's lawyers call the charges "constitutionally invalid" and "nothing more than a dangerous attack on the American people."
"President Trump categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation in both articles of impeachment," the document reads, according to CNN.
A source close to Trump's legal team told Reuters that the president is on "strong legal footing." Adding, "The president has done nothing wrong and we believe that will be borne out in this process."
The president's lawyers contend in the document:
"The Articles of Impeachment are constitutionally invalid on their face. They fail to engage any crime or violation of law whatsoever, let alone 'high Crimes and Misdemeanors,' as required by the Constitution. They are the result of a lawless process that violated basic due process and fundamental fairness. Nothing in these Articles could permit even beginning to consider removing a duly elected President or warrant nullifying an election and subverting the will of the American people."
The First Article of Impeachment
Trump's defense team said the first article of impeachment against the president would cause "lasting damage" to the Constitution's separation of powers.
"The first Article fails on its face to state an impeachable offense. In fact, it alleges no violation of law whatsoever. House Democrats' 'abuse of power' claim would do lasting damage to the separation of powers under the Constitution."
The lawyers added that the "abuse of power" charge fails to rise to the level of any kind of crime or impeachable offense since "President Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials have repeatedly confirmed that the call was 'good' and 'normal,' that there was no quid pro quo, and that no one pressured them on anything."
Additionally, Trump's attorneys said that the testimonies of witnesses who testified in the House hearings and actually spoke to Trump exonerate the president. The House Democrats "accusations are founded exclusively on inherently unreliable hearsay that would never be accepted in any court in our country," the document reads.
The Second Article of Impeachment
Trump's lawyers identify several major issues with the second article of impeachment accusing Trump of "obstruction of Congress."
"[The] notion that President Trump obstructed Congress is absurd," says the document. "President Trump acted with extraordinary and unprecedented transparency by declassifying and releasing the transcript of the July 25 call that is at the heart of this matter," Trump's lawyers added.
House Democrats accuse Trump of obstructing their investigation by resisting a series of congressional subpoenas. However, Trump's lawyers counter that the White House was well within its constitutional right to push back against the requests made by House investigators.
"As the Supreme Court has recognized, the President's constitutional authority to protect the confidentiality of Executive Branch information is at its apex in the field of foreign relations and national security.
Political impeachment vendettas must not become 'the new normal'
The document concludes with a direct appeal to the Senate to reject the charges against President Trump.
"In order to preserve our constitutional structure of government, to reject the poisonous partisanship that the Framers warned against, to ensure one-party political impeachment vendettas do not become the 'new normal,' and to vindicate the will of the American people, the Senate must reject both Articles of Impeachment. In the end, the entire process is nothing more than a dangerous attack on the American people themselves and their fundamental right to vote."
The formal response was authored and signed by White House lawyers Jay Alan Sekulow and Pat A. Cipollone.


theblaze--2020-01-19--Video: Pelosi celebrates 'solemn' impeachment of President Trump by fist-bumping Bill Maher

She previously told Democrats to appear 'solemn '

In the days leading up to the House of Representatives passing the articles of impeachment against President Trump, Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi told members of her party to appear "solemn" during proceedings. "Don't cheer, keep it solemn," Pelosi said, according to a swing-district Democrat.
One month later, and the appearances of solemnity appears to have gone out the window.
In an appearance on Bill Maher's show on Friday night, the House Speaker fist-bumped the comedian.
"Thank you so much for waiting to we got back on the air before starting the impeachment," said Maher to a laughing Pelosi. Adding, "that deserves a fist-bump, thank you" as he fist-bumped the House Speaker.
Democrats were really never somber
Of course, the Democrats were never actually somber about impeaching Trump.
On Thursday, failed presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) was caught laughing on camera before realizing she was being interviewed live on television. "This is a solemn, serious moment" she told an MSNBC reporter, moments after ridding herself of the ear-to-ear smile across her face.
Radical left U.S. Rep. Rasida Tlaib (D-Mich.), who on her election night says "we're gonna impeach the motherf***er," was so happy about impeaching Trump that she posted a video to social media celebrating the occasion.
Even reporters joined Democrats on the impeachment festivities. According to TheBlaze's Breck Dumas, the Washington Post's team of Capitol Hill and White House reporters made no effort to hide their happiness about the House Democrats' impeachment of President Trump, and even posted a now-deleted photo on Twitter raising their glasses and toasting to "Impeachmas."
Screenshot
What's next?
The Senate is scheduled to begin its impeachment trial of President Trump this week.
In a six-page document expected to be released on Saturday, Trump's lawyers will address the merits of the two articles of impeachment, charging the president with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, that House Democrats approved last year.
"We are on strong legal footing. The president has done nothing wrong and we believe that will be borne out in this process," said a source close to Trump's legal team according to Reuters.
The document is said to describe Trump's impeachment as a "dangerous attack" by Democrats against the American people and the U.S. Constitution.


theblaze--2020-01-18--Democrats want to block a law that would ban sex change operations for children in Florida


theblaze--2020-01-20--In hilarious self-own, Warren asks 'How could the American people want someone who lies to them?'

In hilarious self-own , Warren asks 'How could the American people want someone who lies to them ? '
Of @ @ @ @ @ n't ask any follow-up questions

Politicians are known for their lack of self-awareness, but Sen. Elizabeth Warren's absence of mindfulness may have reached new heights.
At a campaign event in Iowa Sunday afternoon, CBS News reporter Zak Hudak asked the presidential hopeful if it's disqualifying for a presidential candidate to lie to the American people about anything. Warren's response was priceless.
"How could the American people want someone who lies to them?" Warren said, seemingly unaware of her own fibbing. Based on a video posted on Twitter, it does not appear that Zudak asked Warren any follow-up questions.
Where shall we begin?
Warren has an extensive history of bending the truth. Below are some of her greatest hits:
Perhaps most famously, Warren claimed for years that she was a Native American, but a DNA test show that she was almost entirely of white European ancestry. "According to Carlos D. Bustamante, a Stanford University professor and expert in the field of population genetics, Warren's possible Native American ancestry traces back six to 10 generations. The results of her DNA test suggest that Warren is between 1/64th and 1/1024th Native American," reported TheBlaze.
In November 2019, Warren falsely claimed that her children only attended public schools. However, a yearbook obtained by the Washington Free Beacon clearly showed that her son, Alex Warren, attended Kirby Hall School, an elite private K-12 school in Austin, Texas, in the mid-1980s.
In February 2019, TheBlaze reported that Warren falsely claimed having American Indian heritage on her Texas State Bar registration card. Through a public records request, the Washington Post obtained a copy of her 1986 registration card on which Warren hand-wrote "American Indian" in the field for "race.
As Michael Brendan Dougherty notes in National Review, "Warren plagiarized her contribution to a book of Native American home recipes, Pow Wow Chow, from a French cookbook." Not to be outdone, "Harvard bragged about its hiring of Warren and advertised her as an addition to its diversity, though reporting in recent years has attempted to obscure whether this was a help to her," wrote Dougherty.
Of course, it's also entirely possible that Warren is also lying about her exchange with Sen. Bernie Sanders where she claimed the Vermont socialist told her a woman could not be elected president—something that's difficult to believe since Sanders publicly said in 1980s that a woman could be president.


theblaze--2020-01-19--Popular conservative radio host announces why he will vote for Bernie Sanders in Virginia primary

Popular conservative radio host announces why he will vote for Bernie Sanders in Virginia primary ' I want a clear @ @ @ @ @ traditional socialist '

Hugh Hewitt, one of the most popular conservative radio hosts in the country, shockingly announced Sunday that he will vote for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the Virginia Democratic primary.
The shock comes, of course, because Hewitt supports President Donald Trump.
Hewitt explained on NBC's "Meet the Press" that he is voting for Sanders because he believes the socialist Democrat is an "authentic socialist."
"Because Virginia allows early voting and because I don't know where NBC or Salem will have me on March 3, I'm voting this week. And because it's Virginia, I get to vote in the Democratic primary," Hewitt said.
"I'm voting for Bernie Sanders. And I think a lot of people will because he's authentic," he explained. "I want a clear choice between the authentic, traditional socialist and all the people who just pretend to be."
Despite voting for Sanders in the Virginia primary, Hewitt confirmed that he will vote for Trump in the 2020 general election.


theblaze--2020-01-19--NBC reporter gets slammed for calling pro-gun rally in Virginia a 'white nationalist rally'

NBC reporter gets slammed for calling pro-gun rally in Virginia a 'white nationalist rally' So , now Second Amendment supporters @ @ @

An NBC reporter generated widespread outrage on social media Sunday for characterizing the pro-gun rally slated for Monday in Richmond, Virginia, as a "white nationalist rally."
"Reporters covering tomorrow's white nationalist rally in Virginia, I'm absolutely begging you: Verify information before you send it out tomorrow, even if it's a very sensational rumor you heard from a cop. Don't become a hero in neo-Nazi propaganda circles with made-up stuff," NBC reporter Ben Collins wrote on Twitter.
In response, Collins was accused of breaking the very rule of journalism that he urged reporters covering the demonstrations to follow.
"Tomorrow isn't a 'white nationalist rally' but you're here to tell those of us who will actually be covering it to be careful about accuracy? Are you joking?" Stephen Gutowski, a firearms policy reporter at the Washington Free Beacon, replied.
In a follow up message, Gutowski added," Tomorrow's event is in no way a 'white nationalist rally.' it is not organized by racists and they won't be in any way a significant portion of the attendees yet this writer is elevating them while smearing the regular people who will actually be there."
"Speaking of propaganda and made-up stuff, Lobby Day isn't a "white nationalist rally," but an annual event for Virginians to lobby lawmakers. Is this the type of coverage we should expect from @NBCNews?" Cam Edwards, editor of Bearing Arms, responded.
"Does this white nationalist apply to my black friends going tomorrow who believe in their 2A right? I'll wait," another critic responded.
"The irony of big brain over here "begging" people not to spread disinformation while also mislabeling a pro-Second Amendment demonstration as a "white nationalist rally" has been lost on no one, correct?" another person responded.
"Someone should tell my Jewish, Black, and Hispanic friends on their way to VA for Lobby Day that this guy considers them white nationalists," another person responded.
Even Virginia state Rep. Emily Brewer (R) responded to Collins, writing, "This is a peaceful yearly lobby day/rally. The media attention has frenzied a small group outside the Commonwealth to take the narrative of what is traditionally a normal day at the Capitol. Facts matter, and I don't appreciate you besmirching my law abiding constituents."
Later Sunday afternoon, Collins deleted his tweet, yet still connected the planned demonstrations to white nationalists.


theblaze--2020-01-19--Texas Sen. Cornyn blasts Dems: 'First time in history a president has been impeached for a non-crime

Texas Sen. Cornyn blasts Dems: 'First time in history a president has been impeached for a non-crime'

Texas Sen. Cornyn blasts Dems : 'First time in history a president has been impeached for a non-crime' There 's @ @ @ @ @ , and no 'high crime and misdemeanor '

Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn did not hold back on congressional Democrats on Sunday morning.
In an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," the top GOP senator ripped the Democratic-led impeachment of President Donald Trump over his dealings with Ukraine.
"This is the first time in history where a President has been impeached for a non-crime for events that never occurred," Cornyn told host Margaret Brennan, adding that the charges against Trump were "really unique" and will be taken "very seriously" by his Senate colleagues.
Cornyn, who is a former judge, also correctly noted that the article of impeachment against the president alleging "abuse of power" is not a crime within itself. "He's been charged with abuse of power, which is not treason, which is not bribery, which is not a high crime and misdemeanor," he said.
'Grifters and other hanger-ons'
Brennan pressed Cornyn on whether recent allegations by Lev Parnas, who claimed in an MSNBC interview that Rudy Giuliani acted as a personal lawyer to Trump when he went to Ukraine in order to gather evidence against the Bidens, should be included in the Senate trial.
"I would be careful before crediting the veracity of someone who is under indictment...and trying to get leniency from prosecutors," Cornyn responded while pointing out it was not the first time someone has exaggerated their proximity to Trump and his team.
"There's no question that there have been a series of grifters and other hanger-ons that have associated themselves with the president's campaign and claimed to have a special relationship with the president," Cornyn explained.
'Constitutionally invalid'
Cornyn's scathing criticism of the Democrats' impeachment case come as Trump's lawyers have blasted the articles of impeachment against the president as "constitutionally invalid" and "nothing more than a dangerous attack on the American people."
In a six-page formal response to the Democrats' allegations that was released on Saturday evening, White House lawyers Alan Sekulow and Pat A. Cipollone argued the charges levied by House Democrats do not withstand scrutiny.
"The Articles of Impeachment are constitutionally invalid on their face. They fail to engage any crime or violation of law whatsoever, let alone 'high Crimes and Misdemeanors,' as required by the Constitution," the document read.
"In the end, the entire process is nothing more than a dangerous attack on the American people themselves and their fundamental right to vote," Sekulow and Cipollone concluded.


theblaze--2020-01-19--Head of Puerto Rico's emergency services fired after unused hurricane supplies discovered

Remember when Democrats blamed Trump for the island 's mess ?

Puerto Rico's Gov. Wanda Vazquez has fired Carlos Acevedo, the head of the island's emergency management services, after a warehouse filled with unused hurricane supplies was discovered on Saturday.
Among the supplies were thousands of cases of water that date back to the deadly Hurricane Maria storm which decimated the island in 2017. Acevedo's firing came after crowds found the unused supplies in a warehouse in the city of Ponce and videos emerged on Saturday of local residents furious with the island's leadership.
A twitter user said on Saturday, "Warehouses filled with supplies that they sent to #PuertoRico being hidden and never distributed. Supplies they had saved since Hurricane Maria and been left to waste... We have a disgusting government."
While the death toll of hurricane victims is disputed, some estimates pinned it at 2,975 people who died from complications resulting from the storm, including food, medicine, and power shortages.
'It is unforgivable'
In a statement, Governor Vazquez blasted the mismanagement of hurricane supplies.
"There are thousands of people who have made sacrifices to bring help to the south, and it is unforgivable that resources have been kept in a warehouse," she said.
CNN reported that several local residents opened the rolling metal doors of the warehouse and asked authorities to distribute the supplies to the victims of recent earthquakes that struck the island within the past two weeks. By Saturday afternoon, word of the discovered supplies had spread throughout the island and crowds lined up outside of the building hoping to receive food, water, and other emergency supplies.
Governor Vasquez has nominated Gen. Victor S. Perez, the head of Puerto Rico's National Guard, to replace Acevedo.
Local residents are furious with the island's leadership over its mismanagement of disaster response efforts. Jeremy Ortiz, a journalist affiliated with Univision, said he was outraged by the discovery of the supplies.
"This will bring tears of anger to anyone! Diapers, baby food, stoves, radios, water, tents, awnings, AMONG THE MANY SUPPLIES LOST SINCE [HURRICANE] MARIA!!! THIS IS WHAT PEOPLE IN THE SOUTH HAVE BEEN ASKING FOR WITH THE EARTHQUAKES!!!" he wrote on Twitter.
This is not the first time that unused supplies have been discovered after Hurricane Maria. As the Washington Examiner reported, in 2018, hundreds of pallets of water were found abandoned. The water had been sitting in the sun for months and gone bad just as many on the island lacked access to clean water.
Remember when Democrats blamed Trump for Puerto Rico?
Readers of TheBlaze may also remember that when Hurricane Maria struck in 2017, Democratic lawmakers were quick to blame the Trump administration for the island's problems following the storm.
"I cannot fathom the thought that the greatest nation in the world cannot figure out the logistics for a small island of 100 miles by 35 miles," San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz said at the time.
President Donald Trump was heavily criticized when he defended himself from Cruz's attacks. "Such poor leadership ability by the mayor of San Juan, and others in Puerto Rico, who are not able to get their workers to help. They want everything to be done for them when it should be a community effort," he said in 2017.


theblaze--2020-01-19--Virginia Democrats' gun control push backfires, results in near all-time record guns sales

' I 've never seen more customers antagonized by a situation '

Firearm sales skyrocketed in Virginia last month amid fear that Democrats who now control the commonwealth's General Assembly will restrict gun rights.
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Virginia recorded the second-most ever firearm sales last month.
Estimated firearm sales based on mandatory criminal background checks on Virginia gun buyers totaled 73,849 last month, a 47% increase over December 2018.
In tracking data that goes back to 1990, the December 2019 tally is second only to December 2012, when 75,120 transactions were recorded. Criminologists say that was triggered by the repeal of the state's one-handgun-per-month law and fears of increased gun restrictions following the Dec.14, 2012, shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that killed 20 students and six adults.
Firearm store owners who spoke with the Times-Dispatch confirmed that the sharp increase in firearms sales is directly related to fears that Democrats will curtail gun rights.
"If Virginians feel threatened that their rights are being curtailed, they're going to react just the way that you've seen. Everyone down here is upset. I've never seen more customers antagonized by a situation," Robert Marcus, the principal owner of Bob's Gun Shop in Norfolk, told the newspaper.
Jerry Cochran, owner of one of Virginia's largest firearm shops, similarly said, "A lot of people that have never owned a gun think they won't be able to get the style of gun they want [if the proposed restrictions become law], so they're buying."
The most popular items being bought include those that would be impacted by proposed gun control legislation, including many semiautomatic rifles often labeled "assault weapons," such as AR-15s, and high-capacity magazines.
Thousands of pro-gun demonstrators are expected to descend on Richmond on Monday in an effort to persuade Virginia lawmakers to drop their push for increased gun control.
Officials have taken precautionary measures to prevent any violence that erupts, including closing roads, tightening security, and banning firearms on state capitol grounds, Fox News reported.


theblaze--2020-01-19--Baltimore state's attorney lashes out at police over video showing angry mob attacking police office

Baltimore state's attorney lashes out at police over video showing angry mob attacking police officer

Baltimore state 's attorney lashes out at police over video showing angry mob attacking police officer 'Crime in Baltimore is @ @ @ @

Baltimore state's attorney, Marilyn Mosby, lashed out at Baltimore police officers Saturday after a video that showed an angry mob attacking a Baltimore police officer went viral.
The video, which surfaced Friday night, showed an angry mob surround a lone police officer attempting to make an arrest. Bystanders kicked and punched the officer, while attempting to free the man he was arresting. The officer was not injured.
In response, Sgt. Mike Mancuso, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3, released a scathing statement that took a direct shot at Baltimore city officials.
"This is an all too familiar scenario too our members. It is indicative of a broken city that is being led by people who have absolutely no real-time crime plan or, it seems, even know how to formulate one," Mancuso said. "Crime in Baltimore is out of control and until new leadership is elected and appointed, this lack of respect for the law and those who enforce it will continue and deepen."
In response, Mosby accused the Baltimore police union of "fanning the very flames they then call on me to put out."
Condemning the union's "inappropriate political rhetoric," Mosby said, "Their responses are relentlessly divisive, and they seem to lose no opportunity to misplace blame."
Mosby also said that she was "disgusted" by the video, and vowed to bring justice for the police officer.
Just days before the incident, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), similarly condemned Baltimore's leadership.
"There's no crime plan, there's no continuity and it's just simply unacceptable that people are being shot and killed in the streets every single day, and people are fed up with it," he said, WBAL-TV reported.
Unfortunately, Baltimore is one of the most crime-ridden cities in America. The city set a per-capita homicide record in 2019.


theblaze--2020-01-19--Police leader says de Blasio's 'sanctuary city' policy enabled the murder of a 92-year-old woman

Police leader says de Blasio 's 'sanctuary city ' policy enabled the murder of a 92-year-old woman 'Go ask the @ @ @ @ @ -- they hate these things '

A leader of a major New York Police Department Union said on Friday that Mayor Bill de Blasio needs to "own" the effects of his sanctuary policies that allowed the city to free an illegal immigrant in November and subsequently allegedly attack and murder a 92-year-old woman.
"The mayor can say what he wants to say -- he owns this, Sergeants Benevolent Association Vice President Vincent Vallelong told reporters, according to Fox News. "He should step up and say these are his policies, he owns it."
Vallelong's criticism of de Blasio comes after Matthew Albence, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said on Friday that the mayor's support immigration stance was largely responsible for the sexual assault and murder of the elderly woman.
"Make no mistake, it is this city's sanctuary policies that is the sole reason this criminal was allowed to roam the streets freely and end an innocent woman's life," Albence said. "One simple phone call and Maria Fuertes could be alive today."
What happened?
As TheBlaze's Phil Silver reported, Maria Fuentes was sexually assaulted and murdered just steps from her home on Jan. 6. Fuentes was known to her neighbors as a loving senior citizen and good neighbor.
Initially, police officers thought the 92-year-old woman's death was the result of a slip-and-fall accident. Upon further investigation, law enforcement officials arrested 21-year-old Reeaz Khan and charged him with murder and sexual assault.
According to WABC-TV, Khan is a Guyanese national who was in the country illegally. Additionally, Khan had a violent criminal record. He was arrested in November after stabbing his own father. While he was detained, immigration enforcement ordered Khan to be detained. Had the NYPD followed the detainer order, Khan would have been turned over to ICE. Instead, pursuant to de Blasio's "sanctuary city" policy, the alleged violent criminal was released back into the streets.
'Dangerously flawed' policies
Thomas Decker, an official with ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations, said in a statement that de Blasio's sanctuary policy was "dangerously flawed" and accused left-wing New York politicians of playing politics at the risk of the safety of the city's residents.
"New York City's sanctuary policies continue to threaten the safety of all residents of the five boroughs, as they repeatedly protect criminal aliens who show little regard for the laws of this nation," he said. "In New York City alone, hundreds of arrestees are released each month with pending charges and/or convictions to return back into the communities where they committed their crimes, instead of being transferred into the custody of ICE."
'Go ask the line cops in any jurisdiction — they hate these things'
Decker's sentiments were echoed by police union leader Albence, who said most New York City police officers "hate" de Blasio's soft stance on illegal immigration.
"Go ask the line cops in any jurisdiction -- they hate these things, and I've talked to many," he said. "A lot of these guys are repeat offenders, they are violent offenders and these cops are out there day after day putting their lives on the line and it's got to be incredibly frustrating for them to arrest these guys, knowing they're here illegally, knowing that ICE could get them off the streets and three weeks later they're arresting them again for a more dangerous crime or a more heinous crime."
Albence was especially angered by the fact that the New York Police Department originally said it never received a detainer request from ICE, but the federal agency later debunked this claim by producing a copy of the detainer order it faxed to the NYPD.
"If you're going to have a sanctuary city policy and you know it's going to result in people going back out to the street and committing more crimes, at least own it, at least stand up and say 'yeah that's our policy,'" he said. "Own it, don't sit there and try to push the blame onto someone else — it's disgusting."


theblaze--2020-01-19--Goldman Sachs investors are nearly unanimous about Trump's re-election chances

Goldman Sachs investors are nearly unanimous about Trump 's re-election chances

With the 2020 presidential election now less than 10 months away, President Donald Trump's re-election is all but guaranteed, top clients of Wall Street powerhouse Goldman Sachs said last week.
During its Global Strategy Conference in London last week, Goldman Sachs surveyed more than 150 of its clients and found that a whopping 87 percent believe Trump will win re-election in November, according to Business Insider. That, of course, comes despite the president's formal impeachment last month and upcoming trial this month.
The economy is the leading reason that investors believe Trump will win. Under Trump's tenure, the stock market has soared to break multiple records, unemployment has fallen to record lows, and wage growth is up.
Correspondingly, only 5 percent of investors told Goldman Sachs they expect an economic recession this year.
The results are a departure from what Goldman Sachs said last year, calling Trump's re-election a "close call," according to CNBC.
At the time, Goldman's chief economist Jan Hatzius told CNBC that between Trump's position as the incumbent — who traditionally has a slight election advantage — and the very strong and surging economy, it is more likely than not that Trump will be a two-term president.


theblaze--2020-01-20--Video: Navy sailor's incredible 'Star Spangled Banner' performance at AFC Championship game goes vir

Video: Navy sailor's incredible 'Star Spangled Banner' performance at AFC Championship game goes viral

You have to see this !

Retired U.S. Navy petty officer Generald Wilson delivered a powerful rendition of the "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Sunday's AFC Championship game on Sunday that marveled fans and players alike.
www.youtube.com
His singing of the country's national anthem stunned viewers at home and even went viral within minutes.
Twitter user Tanga Rae said that her son saluted the flag while Wilson sang.
"He turned to me with bright eyes & said "WOW" after you hit the high note. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world & for your service, sir," she wrote while sharing a photo of her young boy wearing a chiefs uniform with his hand over his heart as Wilson performed.
According to Fox News, Sunday's AFC championship game between the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs wasn't the first time Wilson, who is also a gospel artist, has sung in major sporting events.
The network reported that Wilson performed the National Anthem in April last year at Progressive Field for the Cleveland Indians on Major League Baseball's Opening Day. In November, he delighted audiences with his talented voice before a Seattle Seahawks game. Two years ago, in 2018, Wilson performed before the NFC Championship game.
Earlier in the day, Wilson shared on Instagram that he did not eat before singing the National Anthem at this year's conference championship game.
"HERE WE GO NOW!!!!!! IT'S ALMOST TIME FAMILY!!!!" shared Wilson on Instagram before his performance. "I REALLY Love each and every last one of you guys!!!"


theblaze--2020-01-20--This chart will get President Trump re-elected, says Fox Business host

This chart will get President Trump re-elected , says Fox Business host The trump campaign should be plastering the chart @ @ @

Fox Business host Deirdre Bolton there's an economic progress chart that holds the key to President Donald Trump's re-election.
In a segment on Fox Nation's "Deep Dive" on Thursday, Bolton said Trump's campaign should be "plastering absolutely everywhere" a chart showing the average unemployment rate during his first term in office compared to the last five presidents.
Three years into Trump's presidency, and the unemployment rate stands at 3.9 percent, the lowest in 50 years. In second place is President George W. Bush during his first term, showing unemployment at 5.5 percent. Former Pesident Barack Obama fared worst with unemployment at 9.3 percent.
According to the "Deep Dive" panel, the nation's low unemployment rate, combined with the fact that American workers' wages are up, bolsters the president's 2020 prospects and presents a serious problem to Trump's Democratic challengers.
Investors agree
As TheBlaze reported on Sunday, Goldman Sachs surveyed more than 150 clients and found that almost nine out of 10 of them (87 percent) believe Trump will win re-election in November.
Investors are bullish on Trump's chances because of the economy. As writer Chris Enloe noted, during Trump's presidency, the stock market has broken records, unemployment has fallen to near all-time lows, and wages are rising, especially among the lowest paid workers.
Moreover, only 5 percent of investors told Goldman Sachs they anticipate an economic recession this year.
Voters are feeling it, too
In a CNN poll conducted in December, 76 percent of respondents described the economy as very or somewhat good. This was a nine-point improvement from the previous year and the highest number since 2001.
A breakdown of the study across party lines showed that Republicans' views on the economy were nearly unanimous with 97 percent saying economics conditions are good right now, a view shared by 75% of independents and 62% of Democrats.
Meanwhile, a CNBC survey published last month showed the president's ratings on his management of the economy was up 7 points since September.


theblaze--2020-01-20--Mother of woman killed at 2017 Charlottesville rally calls Virginia gun control proposals 'a bit ext

Mother of woman killed at 2017 Charlottesville rally calls Virginia gun control proposals 'a bit extreme'

Susan Bro is a gun owner herself , and came to the defense of the peaceful protestors in Richmond

The mother of the woman killed at a demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia, three years ago voiced her support for the peaceful pro-Second Amendment demonstrators who gathered at the commonwealth's capital on Monday, saying that as a gun owner herself, she believes the Democrats' list of proposed gun control measures is "a bit extreme."
What are the details?
Susan Bro — whose daughter Heather Heyer was killed at the 2017 "United the Right" rally when James Fields Jr. drove his car into a group of protestors — called for anyone considering violence to stay home while saying those peacefully protesting the gun control measures had every right to be there.
"If I'm talking to someone who is a member of a hate group, I'm saying stay away. Don't go to Richmond. We don't need your help," Bro told CNN Monday morning. "If I'm talking to someone who has come because they care to participate in violence, even though they're not normally a violent person, again, stay away."
"If you're there to actually speak with representatives, have your voice heard, have calm conversations about what's happening, by all means—be there."
Bro went on to say that she did understand why Gov. Ralph Northam (D) restricted areas and banned people from carrying guns at Capitol Square days before the rally, saying, "as we know, it only takes one individual [at a protest] to create a disaster."
But Bro also said she is a gun owner herself, and expressed her own concerns over the gun control laws being pushed by Virginia's Democratic governor and Democrat-controlled legislature.
"I grew up around everybody owning guns. That was just a normal part of existence," Bro told CNN. "Yes, I'm a gun owner. I believe in common sense gun measures, definitely, but not extreme measures," she continued. "And I think that those need to be discussed. I think people need to be able to talk to their representatives."
Bro accused President Donald Trump of "pushing politics" when he Tweeted last week, "Your 2nd Amendment is under very serious attack in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia. That's what happens when you vote for Democrats, they will take your guns away. Republicans will win Virginia in 2020. Thank you Dems!"
"I'm talking about people who are gun owners who have been pushing others to really foam at the mouth about the laws in Virginia and what the Democrats might do even before the list came out," Bro said. "I think the list is a bit extreme. There are some good common-sense gun laws, though, that are on that list. I hope sanity reigns today."
Anything else?
The Washington Post reported Monday afternoon that there was "no violence" at the "massive pro-gun rally" held in Richmond.


theblaze--2020-01-20--No impeachable offense: Trump lawyer Alan Dershowitz says Dems have nothing criminal to allege or 't

No impeachable offense: Trump lawyer Alan Dershowitz says Dems have nothing criminal to allege or 'they would have done it already'

No impeachable offense : Trump lawyer Alan Dershowitz says Dems have nothing criminal to allege or 'they would have done @ @ @ @ @ ' is so broad and general , any president could be charged with it

On the "Glenn Beck Radio Program" Monday, Harvard Law professor and lawyer on President Donald Trump's impeachment defense team Alan Dershowitz explains the history of impeachment and its process, why the framers did not include abuse of power as criteria for a Constitutional impeachment, why the Democrats are framing their case the way they are, and what to look for in the upcoming Senate trial.
Dershowitz argued that "abuse of power" -- one of two articles of impeachment against Trump approved by House Democrats last month -- is not an impeachable act.
"There are two articles of impeachment. The second is 'obstruction of Congress.' That's just a false accusation," said Dershowitz. "But they also charge him, in the Ukraine matter, with abuse of power. But abuse of power was discussed by the framers (of the U.S. Constitution) ... the framers refused to include abuse of power because it was too broad, too open-ended.
"In the words of James Madison, the father of our Constitution, it would lead presidents to serve at the will of Congress. And that's exactly what the framers didn't want, which is why they were very specific and said a president can be impeached only for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors," he added.
"What's alleged against President Trump is not criminal," added Dershowitz. "If they had criminal issues to allege, you can be sure they would have done it. If they could establish bribery or treason, they would have done it already. But they didn't do it. They instead used this concept of abuse of power, which is so broad and general ... any president could be charged with it."
Watch the video below to hear more details:
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theblaze--2020-01-20--'He's the whistleblower': Judicial Watch president tells Eric Bolling the REAL reason for Democrats'

'He's the whistleblower': Judicial Watch president tells Eric Bolling the REAL reason for Democrats' push to impeach

'He 's the whistleblower ' : Judicial Watch president tells Eric Bolling the REAL reason for Democrats ' push to @ @ @ @ @ asking questions

In this episode of "America with Eric Bolling," Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton explains what he calls the real reason behind the Democrats' never-ending Russia collusion obscession.
It was never about Russia or Ukraine, Fitton asserted. President Donald Trump was targeted to protect then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, former Vice President Joe Biden, and their cohorts in the State and Justice Departments from prosecution for corruption that took place during the Obama administration.
"This is why there's an impeachment," Fitton explained. "Because the president dared to ask questions about [Joe Biden's and Hillary Clinton's] corruption. And he [Trump] gets impeached for asking questions. He's the whistleblower."
Watch the video below to catch more of the conversation:
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theblaze--2020-01-20--San Antonio has spent more than $300K trying to keep Chick-fil-A out of its airport

San Antonio has spent more than $ 300K trying to keep Chick-fil-A out of its airport

The city of San Antonio has spent more than $300,000 in its effort to prevent a Chick-fil-A restaurant from opening in its airport because of the company's alleged "legacy of anti-LGBTQ behavior," according to KENS-TV.
Since the city council voted to exclude Chick-fil-A from airport plans last March, the city has been hit with two lawsuits and an investigation by the state's attorney general.
In response to the original decision to ban Chick-fil-A, Texas lawmakers passed a "Save Chick-fil-A" law, which "prohibits government entities from taking "adverse actions" against businesses or individuals because of their religious beliefs or moral convictions," according to NBC News.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, in addition to signing the "Save Chick-fil-A" bill, supported state attorney general Ken Paxton in opening an investigation into potential religious discrimination by the San Antonio City Council.
"The Constitution's protection of religious liberty is somehow even better than Chick-fil-A's chicken," Paxton wrote in a letter to the council. "Unfortunately, I have serious concerns that both are under assault at the San Antonio airport."
At issue is Chick-fil-A's Christian principles, which led it to donate to organizations that are deemed by some to be anti-LGBTQ, such as the Salvation Army or the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Chick-fil-A recently ended its support for the groups in question, sparking criticism from supporters that the company was caving in to liberal demands and abandoning Christian organizations.
CEO Dan Cathy later expressed regret that the move was interpreted as discrediting Christian organizations, and claimed that the company was not abandoning its long-held values.
"We understand how some thought we were abandoning our longstanding support of faith-based organizations," Cathy wrote in a letter. "We inadvertently discredited several outstanding organizations that have effectively served communities for years. Some also questioned if our commitment to our Corporate Purpose was waning. Let me state unequivocally: It is not."


theblaze--2020-01-20--New poll shows impeachment is helping President Trump ahead of 2020 election — not hurting him

New poll shows impeachment is helping President Trump ahead of 2020 election — not hurting him Not going as Democrats @

The Democratic push to impeach President Donald Trump has increased his public support, a new poll has found.
The Gallup survey, released Monday, found that a majority of Americans — 51 percent to 46 percent — do not want the Senate to convict Trump and remove him from office.
Support or opposition for Trump's possible conviction predictably falls down partisan lines with more Democrats opposing conviction than Republicans supporting it.
However, support for conviction is higher than it was during Bill Clinton's impeachment, Gallup noted. Several Gallup polls conducted in early 1999 found that an average of just 33 percent of Americans supported Clinton's removal from office.
Still, Gallup found that the implications of the Trump impeachment saga are clear: it is "increasing" his public support.
From Gallup:
As was the case for Clinton, the impeachment of Trump has not had a noticeably negative effect on his popular support. In fact, for both presidents, impeachment had the opposite effect of increasing their public approval. Clinton registered a personal best 73% approval rating immediately after being impeached.
Meanwhile, the Gallup survey found that Trump's job approval rating is holding steady at 44 percent, up from a low of 39 percent last fall when the impeachment saga began.


theblaze--2020-01-20--Five liberal pro-gun groups that prove that protecting the 2nd Amendment isn't just a conservative p

Five liberal pro-gun groups that prove that protecting the 2nd Amendment isn't just a conservative priority

Five liberal pro-gun groups that prove that protecting the 2nd Amendment is n't just a conservative priority

Gun rights are often portrayed as a conservative issue by many who oversimplify the issue as if only Republicans in America care about preserving the constitutional right to bear arms.
Monday's large pro-gun rights demonstration in Richmond, Virginia, provides another example. The event has been framed as a right-wing protest. But, gun rights are not an inherently political issue, and many on the left who oppose almost everything Republicans stand for will also stand up to defend the Second Amendment. Here are a few:
Antifa J.M. Giordano/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images All Antifa groups are not created equal. But some of them, including in Virginia, are extremely pro-Second Amendment. Members of Richmond's Antifa Seven Hills rallied alongside conservative gun rights advocates Monday at the State Capitol. "This is our fight as much as anyone else's," sad Antifa member James, according to Vice News. "It's our state, and we are left largely out of the debate. The presence of an armed left is not discussed, it's not understood."
Socialist Rifle Association While it is actively opposed to conservative gun rights advocacy, which it believes is racist and non-inclusive, the Socialist Rifle Association is a national organization that seeks to equip and train people to use firearms safely for self-defense, and advocates for marginalized groups to have legal access to guns. It opposes gun control laws on the grounds that they are often enforced more severely against minorities. "We seek to provide a safe, inclusive, and left-leaning platform for talking about gun rights and self defense, free from racist and reactionary prejudices, while providing a platform for the working class to obtain the skills necessary for all aspects of community defense," the SRA website reads.
The Pink Pistols NRA certified instructor and founder of the Florida faction of Pink Pistols Jo Martin holding a pink gun, on December 11, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. (Francisco Hidalgo/BarcroftImages / Barcroft Media via Getty Images) The Pink Pistols is an organization that focuses on arming members of the LGBTQ community in order to break the stigma that LGBTQ people are easy targets for violent criminals. By arming more members of the community, the group believes, they will be protected if they are attacked, and eventually, attempts to attack them will be less frequent. "Armed queers don't get bashed," The Pink Pistols' website reads. "We change the public perception of the sexual minorities, such that those who have in the past perceived them as safe targets for violence and hateful acts—beatings, assaults, rapes, murders—will realize that that now, a segment of the sexual minority population is now armed and effective with those arms. Those arms are also concealed, so they do not know which ones are safe to attack, and which are not…which they can harm as they have in the past, and which may draw a weapon and fight back."
National African American Gun Association Image source: CBS This Morning video screenshot It might not be accurate to classify this organization as a "liberal" gun organization, as its mission is not overtly political in a way that would exclude or discourage a conservative from joining. If anything, NAAGA is somewhat apolitical right now, as a pro-Second Amendment group seeking to arm African Americans legally and create an environment in which it is not dangerous for a black man or woman to carry a gun due to racial stereotypes or biases. The group has recently been grappling with what its inevitable political aspects will look like in the future. "The long-term goal of the National African American Gun Association is to have every African American introduced to firearm use for home protection, competitive shooting, and outdoor recreational activities," the NAAGA website reads. "We welcome people of all religious, political, social, and racial backgrounds. We especially welcome African American members of law enforcement and active retired military."


theblaze--2020-01-20--VIDEO: Defiant Virginia sheriff explains Democrat gun control push will not work

'We support and uphold the Constitution of the United States '

As thousands of Second Amendment supporters descended on Virginia's capital Monday, one commonwealth sheriff explained why Democrats' gun control push ultimately will not work.
"If the bills go through as proposed, they will not be enforced. They are unconstitutional," Grayson County Sheriff Richard Vaughan told Turning Point USA's Benny Johnson.
"We support and uphold the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of Virginia and that is what we will do," he explained.
Vaughan reiterated his support for the Constitution — even if it means not enforcing Democratic-passed gun control laws — in a separate interview with Reuters.
"Some of these bills being proposed are just unconstitutional and we will not enforce them," Vaughan said. "As a sheriff I am the last line of defense between law abiding gun owners and the politicians who want to take away their rights."
Gun control became a lightning rod issue in Virginia last year when Democrats, after winning control of the state General Assembly, made clear their intention to pass new gun control measures.
Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam is supporting eight bills meant to further restrict gun rights, "including universal background checks, a "red flag" law, a ban on assault-style rifles and a limit of one handgun-a-month purchase," according to Reuters.
In response, the majority of Virginia counties declared themselves Second Amendment "sanctuaries," vowing to uphold the Constitution's explicit right to bear arms. Democratic state leaders responded by threatening legal recourse.
But the push for more gun control may have backfired. That is because December recorded the second-most ever firearm transactions in Virginia. Firearm dealers directly attributed the run on guns to fear that Democrats would make good on their gun control promises.


theblaze--2020-01-20--Man gets prison time for calling in a bomb threat so he wouldn't miss his flight

Man gets prison time for calling in a bomb threat so he would n't miss his flight He was running @ @ @ @ @

A man who was running late for a flight to visit his fiance was sentenced to more than a year in prison for calling in a bomb threat to delay the plane and buy himself more time, according to The Guardian.
Rashidul Islam was on his way to catch a flight from Gatwick airport in London to Marrakech, Morocco, in May 2019. He took a cab, but soon realized that he was stuck in traffic and was probably not going to make his 5:40 p.m. flight.
He knew he could not afford to buy another plane ticket to Morocco—so he had to make this flight. In a panic, he called 999 (the U.K. equivalent of 911).
"EasyJet flight 8897 leaves in 40 minutes," Islam told the dispatcher. "There may be a bomb on the plane, you need to delay it, you need to stop it now."
Islam did indeed succeed in delaying the flight. Airline officials evacuated the plane and held all passengers by the gate. That gave Islam time to check in and arrive at the terminal.
However, it was not difficult for authorities to determine that the cell phone number that called in the bomb threat was Islam's, and he was arrested at the airport. Islam readily admitted to the crime, and to the reasons why he did it.
The plane did take off, three hours after its scheduled departure—but Islam was not on it. Now, in addition to being sentenced to 16 months in prison, Islam is permanently banned from Gatwick airport.
"Making a false report of a bomb on a plane not only causes significant costs and delays to the airport and its passengers, it also strikes fear into the community," Sussex Police Detective Constable Stephen Trott said. "We treat all reports of this nature extremely seriously, and anyone caught committing such an offense will be dealt with robustly."
That's not the end of Islam's issues, either. He was sentenced to 42 additional months in prison for money laundering crimes.
(H/T The Daily Caller)


theblaze--2020-01-20--Maxine Waters reveals Democrats' impeachment agenda, vows party 'will not stop' impeachment push

' I know we must continue with the work ... '

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) vowed Sunday that Democrats "will not stop" pursing the impeachment of President Donald Trump if their current efforts prove unsuccessful.
"The subpoenas that I have issued thats gone through the lower courts are now going to be heard at the Supreme Court in March," Waters said on MSNBC.
"We will not stop. Whether or not that leads to another impeachment activity, I don't know," she continued. "But I know we must continue with the work that our constituents have elected us to come to Congress to do."
The subpoenas that Waters referred to, which she issued as chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee, are for President Donald Trump's personal and business financial records held with Deutsche Bank, his longtime lender, according to the New York Times.
The president's personal legal team spent much of last year fighting to block the subpoenas, culminating with the Supreme Court issuing a temporary stay blocking the release of the records. The court later said in December that it would take up the case, setting the stage for a monumental decision on presidential authority.
The court is expected to issue their decision sometime in June.
www.youtube.com
Waters is not the first Democratic lawmaker to pledge to continue pursing impeachment if their current push is not successful.
Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) — who has said that Trump should be impeached to deal with slavery — has advocated continually impeaching Trump until he is finally removed from office by the Senate.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has also left the door open for new articles of impeachment.
Last October, Waters said that Trump "needs to be imprisoned & placed in solitary confinement." When asked about the comments hours later, Waters claimed she did not intend for them to be taken literally.


theblaze--2020-01-20--NYT endorses two Democratic presidential candidates—and not the two you might expect

NYT endorses two Democratic presidential candidates—and not the two you might expect 'Both the radical and the realist models warrant @ @ @

The New York Times editorial board endorsed two candidates in the Democratic primary Sunday, the first time the paper has declined to choose a single candidate in an election.
The NYT editorial board endorsed Sens. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) for the Democratic presidential nomination, a choice they said reflects the need to consider both the "radical" and the "realist" approaches to the presidency.
"Both the radical and the realist models warrant serious consideration," the editorial board wrote. "If there were ever a time to be open to new ideas, it is now. If there were ever a time to seek stability, now is it. That's why we're endorsing the most effective advocates for each approach. They are Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar."
The choice to endorse two candidates with very different political philosophies and appeals is a hedge, and allows the editorial board to avoid weighing in on the defining question of the Democratic primary: Do Democratic voters want a radical change, or are they more comfortable with gradual progress toward their goals?
The top five remaining candidates are clearly divided on either side of that spectrum. Sanders and Warren represent the far left ideals of the party, while former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Klobuchar present a relatively more moderate vision.
Even with the endorsement, the NYT offers some serious criticisms of both candidates.
Of Warren, the board wrote that she had a tendency to place too much blame on capitalism for the problems of society.
"American capitalism is responsible for its share of sins," the editorial reads. "But Ms. Warren often casts the net far too wide, placing the blame for a host of maladies from climate change to gun violence at the feet of the business community when the onus is on society as a whole. The country needs a more unifying path."
With Klobuchar, the editorial board raised concerns about her reported treatment of staff and her ability to attract and retain talented people as a result of her reputation.
The editorial dismissed frontrunner Joe Biden's strong polling numbers as possibly "a measure of familiarity as much as voter intention" and wrote that "Mr. Biden is 77. It is time for him to pass the torch to a new generation of political leaders."
According to FiveThirtyEight's national polling average, Biden is the leader at 26.7 percent, Warren is third at 16 percent, and Klobuchar is sixth at 2.9 percent.


theblaze--2020-01-20--Virginia senator issues dire warning ahead of pro-gun rally, says gun rights supporters are being 's

Virginia senator issues dire warning ahead of pro-gun rally, says gun rights supporters are being 'set up'

Virginia senator issues dire warning ahead of pro-gun rally , says gun rights supporters are being 'set up' 'The Governor @ @ @ @ @ already set the stage for this to happen '

Ahead of the pro-gun "Lobby Day" demonstrations planned Monday in Virginia, one commonwealth lawmaker is warning Virginians that they are being "set up" by Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam.
According to state Sen. Amanda Chase (R) — whose district includes portions of the Richmond area — Northam has "laid the groundwork to make the entire movement look like insurrection."
"I want you to be aware of how we are being set up. Does the Patriot Act ring a bell? Does the National Defense Authorization Act ring a bell?" she wrote on Facebook on Friday.
"If people show up wearing any kind of uniform, patch or other symbol on their clothing signifying they belong to a militia and something goes wrong, you could/will be held as a domestic terrorist," she explained. "If anyone steps out of line, all it takes is one person, it may even be a government plant....if that plant does anything to disrupt the rally, you could/will be arrested as a domestic terrorist."
"The Governor, using the media has already set the stage for this to happen," she continued. "It will be used to put the rest of the nation on notice of what will happen to you, if you resist."
Tens of thousands of Second Amendment supporters are expected to attend the rally in Richmond. Ahead of the demonstrations, which are organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League, Northam declared a state of emergency to prohibit demonstrators from carrying firearms on capitol grounds.
The VCDL believes Northam's declaration is unlawful.
Monday's rally comes at a volatile time for the commonwealth as Democrats, who won control of the state General Assembly last year, are pushing increased gun control measures.
However, opposition to the pro-gun control agenda was so great that it forced Democrats to partially walk back their gun agenda.
The opposition has also triggered a run on firearms and firearm accessories, particularly those that Democrats are targeting. December, for example, posted the second-highest number of firearm transactions in commonwealth history with nearly 74,000 purchases.


theblaze--2020-01-21--President Trump adds eight House Republicans to impeachment defense team

The White House announced the members ' appointments on the eve of Senate trial proceedings

President Donald Trump has named eight GOP members of the House of Representatives to assist with his defense in the Senate impeachment trial proceedings set to begin this week.
What are the details?
Monday night, the White House announced that Republican Reps. Doug Collins (Ga.), Mike Johnson (La.), Jim Jordan (Ohio), Debbie Lesko (Ariz.), Mark Meadows (N.C.), John Ratcliffe (Texas), Elise Stefanik (N.Y.), and Lee Zeldin (N.Y.) "will serve as part of [President Trump's] team working to combat this hyper-partisan and baseless impeachment."
The statement explained that "throughout this process, these Members of Congress have provided guidance to the White House team, which was prohibited from participating in the proceedings concocted by Democrats in the House of Representatives. The President looks forward to their continued participation and is confident that the Members will help expeditiously end this brazen political vendetta on behalf of the American people."
The White House further noted that those named were an "initial list." All of the members were high profile defenders of President Trump during the impeachment probe in the House.
The Hill reported that Senate Republicans have expressed resistance to bringing GOP House members in on the trial in the upper chamber. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) was quoted as saying of the prospect earlier this month, "I don't think it's wise. I think we need to elevate the argument beyond body politics, beyond party politics and talk about the constitutional problems with these two articles."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has her own team of House Democrats set to argue for President Trump's ouster as impeachment managers: House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (Calif.), Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (N.Y.), and Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), Zoe Lofgren (Calif.), Val Demings (Fla.), Sylvia Garcia (Texas), and Jason Crow (Colo.).
However, a senior Trump administration official told Fox News of the House members joining the president's team, "We are not planning for them to present statements on the Senate floor. The group will continue to give critical guidance on the case because of their strong familiarity with the facts and evidence."
Anything else?
Two major Trump allies from the House were notably missing from the list named by the White House: Reps. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) and Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.).
Speaker Pelosi has been criticized throughout the House impeachment probe for conducting a partisan pursuit against the president.
Even some Democrats expressed confusion over the speaker refusing to name former Republican Justin Amash (I-Mich.)— who left the GOP after reading the Mueller report and voted in favor of impeachment— as an impeachment manager, arguing his inclusion would give some semblance of the impeachment effort having the support of more than just Democrats.
No House Republicans voted for impeaching President Trump.


theblaze--2020-01-21--Watch: She was the subject of an iconic photograph from the Vietnam War. Her remarkable story will i

Watch: She was the subject of an iconic photograph from the Vietnam War. Her remarkable story will inspire you.

Watch : She was the subject of an iconic photograph from the Vietnam War .
Her remarkable story will inspire @ @ @ @ @ found the New Testament in the library in Saigon . '

Phan Thi Kim Phuc was photographed naked, terrified, and in anguish moments after having her clothes burned off in an attack when she was 9 years old in 1972. Thereafter, she became known as "the napalm girl" from the Vietnam War.
In a new interview, she gives a powerful testimony on how she went from the verge of suicide to living a life where her "enemies list" became her "prayer list."
What are the details?
Phuc sat down with CBC Docs for their "Brief but Spectacular" series, and described the path of how she went from bitterness to forgiveness.
"I remember June 8, 1972," she begins. "I saw the airplane and it's so loud, so close to me. Suddenly, the fire everywhere around me."
"The fire burned off my clothes, and I saw my arm got burned with the fire," Phuc said, describing the immediate moments after the attack. "I thought, 'Oh my goodness, I get burned, people will see me a different way.'"
"Nine years old, I became a victim of war," Phuc continued. Describing how she initially felt about the Pulitzer Prize-winning photo of her, she said, "I didn't like that picture at all. I felt like, 'Why he took my picture when I was in agony, naked, so ugly?' I wished that picture wasn't taken."
Phuc went on to explain she went through 17 operations after being hit with napalm, and described the pain she endured.
"It built me up with hatred, anger, bitterness," she said, asking, "Why me? Why that happened to me?"
What happened next?
"In 1982, I wanted to take my life," Phuc continued. "Because I thought, after I die, no more suffering, no more pain." But "eventually," she said, "I found the new testament in the library in Saigon."
That same year, she became a Christian.
Phuc says her faith changed everything. "My enemies list became my prayer list," she told CBC. "I forgive everyone who caused my suffering. Even the pilot, commander, people controlling me."
The author and activist now works with children and has built an orphanage and a school. "Now," she says, when she looks at the iconic photo of her as a little girl. "I am so thankful."
This is a clip you will want to watch to the end.


theblaze--2020-01-21--Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam slammed for claiming peaceful pro-2A rally was 'successfully de-escalate

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam slammed for claiming peaceful pro-2A rally was 'successfully de-escalated'

Tens of thousands reportedly participated in the incident-free protest against Democrats ' gun control proposals

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) was dragged by critics on social media Monday night, after he released a statement suggesting the massive and incident-free rally held in Richmond to protest his party's proposed gun control laws had been "successfully de-escalated."
What are the details?
Northam's office released a statement late afternoon, saying, in part, "We are all thankful that today passed without incident. The teams successfully de-escalated what could have been a volatile situation. This resulted from weeks of planning and extensive cooperation among state, local, and federal partners in Virginia and beyond."
The governor's office tweeted out that first portion of the statement, and followers were quick to point out that the protest — which officials estimated included at least 22,000 people — ended with none of the violence he and others had hyped when he declared a state of emergency and placed a gun ban on the Capitol Square ahead of the rally.
The Washington Examiner's Brad Polumbo told Northam to "stop fearmongering," and linked to his article arguing that "if all [people had] done was follow liberal media reports and take cues from Democratic politicians, you would have expected this political protest, launched in response to Virginia Democrats' anti-gun legislative agenda, to end in violence and be made up of extremists."
Another follower asked the governor, "What exactly was 'de-escalated'? From all accounts this was a very peaceful protest in overwhelming support of upholding the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution. They even cleaned up their trash and had no arrests...can't say that for most rallies that have over 10-25k in attendance."
"Uh, Ralph, I think a governor posing in blackface or a KKK Robe is a FAR more 'volatile situation' than citizens peacefully assembling and advocating for a protection enshrined in the Bill of Rights," wrote another follower, reminding Northam of one of his many scandals. Several individuals re-upped calls for Northam to resign.
Anything else?
Not only was the demonstration free of any violence, there was only one arrest of a woman who was charged with a single "felony count of wearing a mask in public," Fox News reported.


theblaze--2020-01-21--Mitch McConnell releases proposed rules for Senate impeachment trial

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) has released a 4-page resolution laying out proposed ground rules for the upper chamber 's impeachment trial of President Donald Trump , and Democrats immediately lashed out against the measure .
What are the details ?
The Associated Press reported Monday that the trial rules and schedule set forth by McConnell indicates the Republican leader is proposing a `` swift '' impeachment trial '' in the Senate .
Under McConnell 's resolution , opening arguments would begin Wednesday , and then the prosecution and defense would each be granted 24 hours to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 16 hours will be allotted for senators to question both sides , and then another 4 hours will be set aside for lawmakers to debate .
Citing unnamed GOP officials , The Washington Post reported that the Senate trial `` wo n't automatically admit evidence from the House process , '' and pointed out that `` though the material will be printed and made available to senators , it wo n't be automatically admissible unless a majority of senators approve it . ''
NBC News noted that McConnell 's resolution `` makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case , though it leaves the door open for motions to be made by Wednesday morning . ''
The upper chamber will vote on McConnell 's resolution on Tuesday .
Soon after the majority leader released his proposed ground rules , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) released a statement slamming McConnell 's resolution Monday night , calling it a `` deeply unfair proposal '' and promising to offer amendments to the measure .
Schumer argued that the rules proposed by McConnell were `` dramatically '' different than the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clinton , and accused the senate majority leader of being `` hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through . ''
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) delayed sending the two articles of impeachment over the Senate for weeks after they were passed , arguing that she was waiting for `` fair '' rules from McConnell .
Politico reported that Pelosi and Schumer had `` called on McConnell to agree ahead of time to call witnesses and request documents related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected their requests , and made his feelings clear in a Senate floor speech where he declared : `` The Speaker of the House is not going to handwrite new rules for the Senate .
It 's not going to happen . ''

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has released a 4-page resolution laying out proposed ground rules for the upper chamber's impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, and Democrats immediately lashed out against the measure.
What are the details?
The Associated Press reported Monday that the trial rules and schedule set forth by McConnell indicates the Republican leader is proposing a "swift" impeachment trial" in the Senate.
Under McConnell's resolution, opening arguments would begin Wednesday, and then the prosecution and defense would each be granted 24 hours to present their respective cases.
After that, 16 hours will be allotted for senators to question both sides, and then another 4 hours will be set aside for lawmakers to debate.
Citing unnamed GOP officials, The Washington Post reported that the Senate trial "won't automatically admit evidence from the House process," and pointed out that "though the material will be printed and made available to senators, it won't be automatically admissible unless a majority of senators approve it."
NBC News noted that McConnell's resolution "makes no mention of a motion to dismiss the case, though it leaves the door open for motions to be made by Wednesday morning."
The upper chamber will vote on McConnell's resolution on Tuesday.
Soon after the majority leader released his proposed ground rules, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) released a statement slamming McConnell's resolution Monday night, calling it a "deeply unfair proposal" and promising to offer amendments to the measure.
Schumer argued that the rules proposed by McConnell were "dramatically" different than the Senate rules during the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, and accused the Senate majority leader of being "hell-bent on making it much more difficult to get witnesses and documents and intent on rushing the trial through."
Anything else?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) delayed sending the two articles of impeachment to the Senate for weeks after they were passed, arguing that she was waiting for "fair" rules from McConnell.
Politico reported that Pelosi and Schumer had "called on McConnell to agree ahead of time to call witnesses and request documents related to" the House impeachment probe.
McConnell rejected their requests, and made his feelings clear in a Senate floor speech where he declared: "The Speaker of the House is not going to handwrite new rules for the Senate. It's not going to happen."