thestream--2020-07-06--American Christians Should Focus on the Cross, Not on Cultural Identity

Martin Luther King Jr. , in the Letter from Birmingham Jail on April 16 , 1963 , wrote , “ We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.
” I hold the same opinion today .
The above image is of our associate pastor , Abram Thomas , and myself building a shade area for the children ’ s ministry .
This is what unity in Christ looks like : working side by side for a greater cause while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aside .
We are all Americans .
More importantly , we are Christians .
We are in this together .
Our future and our children ’ s futures are at stake .
Evil forces are seeking to dismantle us by destroying our unity .
( Sermons on this can be found here . )
Christians need to speak up against all forms of racism and injustice when they see or experience them .
“ Neutrality helps the oppressor , never the victim .
Silence encourages the tormentor , never the tormented ” ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sadly , we are now at the point where if you don ’ t agree with someone you are called a racist .
Many pastors and leaders have fallen for the deception , some even almost apologizing for being white .
Yes , you heard me correctly .
I ’ m alarmed at the silent shepherds and those pastors fueled by anger .
It appears that most are putting culture before Christ .
The social gospel ( which is no gospel at all — as Paul makes clear in Galatians 1:9 ) brings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true gospel brings peace and unity .
Read the article on the sin of silent pastors here .
There is a huge divide in the Christian community over the Black Lives Matter movement and organization .
No matter what black leaders such as Ben Carson , Voddie Baucham , Larry Elder , Bishop Harry Jackson , Candace Owens and Marcus Rodgers say about the negative effects of BLM , Inc. it doesn ’ t seem to matter .
The Holy Spirit is not divided , so where is the division coming from ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter ” because they do matter .
We actually take it a step further , though , and say # AllBlackLivesMatter and should be honored , from the prevention of innocent children being killed in the womb to the protection of innocent black people and police officers .
We want to calm the flames of racism rather than add to them .
But we must look at the foundation of what we are promoting since the ends do not always justify the means .
Ryan Scott Bomberger , a black community activist , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foundation of Black Lives Matter .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
All of this begs the question : Can ’ t we care deeply for innocent black lives without agreeing with the BLM organization ’ s agenda ?
Yes , of course we can , but that doesn ’ t fit the agenda of those funding and pushing the movement .
Their goal is not reconciliation but retaliation .
Why not start a movement that focuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reconciliation , restoration , and forgiveness versus Marxism , retaliation , and rage ?
We are commanded to love one another and to remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord alone ( Leviticus 19:18 , Romans 12:19 ) .
The plea of many of us caught in the middle — black and white — is that we should not promote an organization that seems to be promoting a new civil war .
These are not my words but those of many of my black friends .
One BLM leader has even said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give us what we want , then we will burn down the system , ” and another co-founder tweeted about killing “ men and white folks.
” Racism is on both sides .
How can any Christian support that , and how can any pastor endorse it ?
At the core , this problem is not a skin issue but a sin issue .
Hatred is colorblind — it infects people of every tribe and tongue and nation .
The only solution is redemption and forgiveness through Jesus Christ .
Many law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gospel , as are those who had participated in sparking civil unrest .
This is where our focus must be .
America , overall , is being humbled by God .
I ’ m optimistic because these are often the seeds of revival and renewal on a massive scale .
We Need Spiritual Reform Over Social Reform Sadly , those who do not forgive or release bitterness , anger , and hurt never experience freedom , happiness , or true restoration .
Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages us to “ let all bitterness , wrath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking be put away from you , with all malice .
And be kind to one another , tenderhearted , forgiving one another , even as God in Christ forgave you.
” Without this change of heart , hope is elusive .
Advocates of the lie of “ separation of church and state ” have held Americans in bondage for far too long .
How much longer will we allow their godless agenda to remove God from America ?
God ’ s Word must be allowed in all areas , from police precincts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to inner cities and state prisons .
We need spiritual reform more than social reform .
In fact , social reform can not really happen unless the hearts of individuals that make up that society are changed .
Only God can change a cold , unforgiving , bitter heart of stone into a warm , hope-filled heart .
We must stop walking on the eggshells of political correctness , and stop seeking collective redemption from the world .
God is our only hope !
We must repent of personal sin and seek Jesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the inside out , and in turn we change the world around us , sharing with others what God has given us — the peace that surpasses all understanding ( see Philippians 4:7 ) .
What If We Looked Through a Different Lens ?
As I continue to read the news feeds , my heart immediately goes out to the children being raised in today ’ s environment ( many with no fathers to guide them ) viewing this world through the lens of hopelessness and fear presented in every form of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we looked through a different lens — a biblical lens ?
• Yes , some people used the Bible to support slavery .
That was wrong .
Evil people have always tried to pervert the Word of God to support their godless agendas .
It is happening in our own day with so-called Christians twisting Scripture to support gay marriage and abortion .
For example , watch this Fox News clip of me debating a “ Christian ” professor about the topic of Jesus being okay with abortion .
My hands tremble even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down every statue , why don ’ t we teach history again ?
Auschwitz stands in Poland for a reason — so people will not forget .
• What if more people knew that many of America ’ s founders were responsible for planting the first seeds of equality and for the eventual end of slavery in America ?
People who want to incite anger and hatred reject this truth because it doesn ’ t fit their narrative or their agenda that America is evil .
• What if we remember all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300,000 from the Union side alone ) fighting for freedom during the Civil War ?
Dying to free the slaves .
• What if we truly comprehended that we are all made in the image of God without a racial hierarchy ?
• What if we stopped allowing the secular media to shape our thinking and instead got back to the Bible ?
Philippians 4:8 says , “ Finally , brethren , whatsoever things are true , whatsoever things are honest , whatsoever things are just , whatsoever things are pure , whatsoever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of good report … think on these things.
” • What if we understood that what some define as racism in the church is not racism at all but preference ?
We all “ prefer ” certain settings and styles of worship .
Ethnic groups as well as age groups generally have preferences that are based on experience and upbringing — on what is familiar and comfortable .
• What if we erred on the side of grace and didn ’ t always assume that a person — white or black — was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fostered unity instead of promoting division ?
Racism and division are not inherited , these sinful patterns are taught .
And children are influenced heavily by the ideals of their parents .
• What if we acknowledge that the true source of this conflict is spiritual and that we are in a battle against a common enemy ( see Ephesians 6:12 ) ?
As Christians , we are truly caught in the middle .
We are not identified by our skin color but by our identity in Christ .
My heart breaks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s past , but in each of these seasons , good men and women , many of them Christians , rose up to make a difference .
We must focus on the cross , not on cultural identity .
The media circus will only get worse .
In a land of approximately 330 million people , many of them lost , without God , and without hope ( Ephesians 2:12 ) , we will continue to see unspeakable acts of violence as video footage is released on a constant basis .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , legitimate hate crimes portrayed as “ justified , ” and right will be called wrong and wrong will be called right , all in an attempt to fuel division and fear .
But we can not allow this to cause a knee-jerk response and act in ways that would cause the name of Christ to be blasphemed .
Nor can we retreat from the battle and walk on eggshells in fear .
We need real Christ-centered and Spirit-filled unity .
We must not allow the forces of hell to shake us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and walk differently than the rest of the world .
We must show the beauty , compassion , grace , justice , and love of Christ to those around us — to our neighbors , our friends , our co-workers , and the stranger in the grocery line — without regard to the color of their skin .
In short , brothers and sisters , we must be the true Church .
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regaining Lost Ground , points us back to God and reminds us that although times change , truth does not .
His books , blogs , and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com .

Martin Luther King Jr., in the Letter from Birmingham Jail on April 16, 1963, wrote, “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.” I hold the same opinion today.
The above image is of our associate pastor, Abram Thomas, and myself building a shade area for the children’s ministry. This is what unity in Christ looks like: working side by side for a greater cause while putting personal agendas, upbringing and culture aside. We are all Americans. More importantly, we are Christians. We are in this together. Our future and our children’s futures are at stake.
Evil forces are seeking to dismantle us by destroying our unity. (Sermons on this can be found here.) Christians need to speak up against all forms of racism and injustice when they see or experience them. “Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented” (Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor).
Silent Shepherds and the Black Lives Matter Agenda
Sadly, we are now at the point where if you don’t agree with someone you are called a racist. Many pastors and leaders have fallen for the deception, some even almost apologizing for being white. Yes, you heard me correctly. I’m alarmed at the silent shepherds and those pastors fueled by anger. It appears that most are putting culture before Christ. The social gospel (which is no gospel at all — as Paul makes clear in Galatians 1:9) brings rage, division and self-loathing. The true gospel brings peace and unity. Read the article on the sin of silent pastors here.
There is a huge divide in the Christian community over the Black Lives Matter movement and organization. No matter what black leaders such as Ben Carson, Voddie Baucham, Larry Elder, Bishop Harry Jackson, Candace Owens and Marcus Rodgers say about the negative effects of BLM, Inc. it doesn’t seem to matter. The Holy Spirit is not divided, so where is the division coming from?
We honor the phrase “black lives matter” because they do matter. We actually take it a step further, though, and say #AllBlackLivesMatter and should be honored, from the prevention of innocent children being killed in the womb to the protection of innocent black people and police officers. We want to calm the flames of racism rather than add to them. But we must look at the foundation of what we are promoting since the ends do not always justify the means. Ryan Scott Bomberger, a black community activist, wrote a powerful article here regarding the foundation of Black Lives Matter.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
All of this begs the question: Can’t we care deeply for innocent black lives without agreeing with the BLM organization’s agenda? Yes, of course we can, but that doesn’t fit the agenda of those funding and pushing the movement. Their goal is not reconciliation but retaliation. Why not start a movement that focuses on all black lives and centers around reconciliation, restoration, and forgiveness versus Marxism, retaliation, and rage? We are commanded to love one another and to remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord alone (Leviticus 19:18, Romans 12:19).
The plea of many of us caught in the middle — black and white — is that we should not promote an organization that seems to be promoting a new civil war. These are not my words but those of many of my black friends. One BLM leader has even said, “If this country doesn’t give us what we want, then we will burn down the system,” and another co-founder tweeted about killing “men and white folks.” Racism is on both sides. How can any Christian support that, and how can any pastor endorse it?
At the core, this problem is not a skin issue but a sin issue. Hatred is colorblind — it infects people of every tribe and tongue and nation. The only solution is redemption and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Many law enforcement officers are being radically changed by the gospel, as are those who had participated in sparking civil unrest. This is where our focus must be. America, overall, is being humbled by God. I’m optimistic because these are often the seeds of revival and renewal on a massive scale.
We Need Spiritual Reform Over Social Reform
Sadly, those who do not forgive or release bitterness, anger, and hurt never experience freedom, happiness, or true restoration. Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages us to “let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Without this change of heart, hope is elusive.
Advocates of the lie of “separation of church and state” have held Americans in bondage for far too long. How much longer will we allow their godless agenda to remove God from America? God’s Word must be allowed in all areas, from police precincts to government offices, and from schools to inner cities and state prisons. We need spiritual reform more than social reform. In fact, social reform cannot really happen unless the hearts of individuals that make up that society are changed. Only God can change a cold, unforgiving, bitter heart of stone into a warm, hope-filled heart.
We must stop walking on the eggshells of political correctness, and stop seeking collective redemption from the world. God is our only hope! We must repent of personal sin and seek Jesus for personal redemption. He changes us from the inside out, and in turn we change the world around us, sharing with others what God has given us — the peace that surpasses all understanding (see Philippians 4:7).
What If We Looked Through a Different Lens?
As I continue to read the news feeds, my heart immediately goes out to the children being raised in today’s environment (many with no fathers to guide them) viewing this world through the lens of hopelessness and fear presented in every form of communication around them. But what if we looked through a different lens — a biblical lens?
Yes, some people used the Bible to support slavery. That was wrong. Evil people have always tried to pervert the Word of God to support their godless agendas. It is happening in our own day with so-called Christians twisting Scripture to support gay marriage and abortion. For example, watch this Fox News clip of me debating a “Christian” professor about the topic of Jesus being okay with abortion. My hands tremble even writing this.
Instead of taking down every statue, why don’t we teach history again? Auschwitz stands in Poland for a reason — so people will not forget.
What if more people knew that many of America’s founders were responsible for planting the first seeds of equality and for the eventual end of slavery in America? People who want to incite anger and hatred reject this truth because it doesn’t fit their narrative or their agenda that America is evil.
What if we remember all the parents who lost sons (more than 300,000 from the Union side alone) fighting for freedom during the Civil War? Dying to free the slaves.
What if we truly comprehended that we are all made in the image of God without a racial hierarchy?
What if we stopped allowing the secular media to shape our thinking and instead got back to the Bible? Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report … think on these things.”
What if we understood that what some define as racism in the church is not racism at all but preference? We all “prefer” certain settings and styles of worship. Ethnic groups as well as age groups generally have preferences that are based on experience and upbringing — on what is familiar and comfortable.
What if we erred on the side of grace and didn’t always assume that a person — white or black — was a racist?
What if parents fostered unity instead of promoting division? Racism and division are not inherited, these sinful patterns are taught. And children are influenced heavily by the ideals of their parents.
What if we acknowledge that the true source of this conflict is spiritual and that we are in a battle against a common enemy (see Ephesians 6:12)?
Focus on the Cross
As Christians, we are truly caught in the middle. We are not identified by our skin color but by our identity in Christ. My heart breaks for the atrocities that have happened in humanity’s past, but in each of these seasons, good men and women, many of them Christians, rose up to make a difference. We must focus on the cross, not on cultural identity.
We must not allow the forces of hell to shake us. We must be different, think differently, and walk differently than the rest of the world.
The media circus will only get worse. In a land of approximately 330 million people, many of them lost, without God, and without hope (Ephesians 2:12), we will continue to see unspeakable acts of violence as video footage is released on a constant basis. We will see hoaxes portrayed as hate crimes, legitimate hate crimes portrayed as “justified,” and right will be called wrong and wrong will be called right, all in an attempt to fuel division and fear. But we cannot allow this to cause a knee-jerk response and act in ways that would cause the name of Christ to be blasphemed. Nor can we retreat from the battle and walk on eggshells in fear. We need real Christ-centered and Spirit-filled unity.
We must not allow the forces of hell to shake us. We must be different, think differently, and walk differently than the rest of the world. We must show the beauty, compassion, grace, justice, and love of Christ to those around us — to our neighbors, our friends, our co-workers, and the stranger in the grocery line — without regard to the color of their skin.
In short, brothers and sisters, we must be the true Church.
Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California and the creator of the WCF Radio Network. His program, Regaining Lost Ground, points us back to God and reminds us that although times change, truth does not. His books, blogs, and sermons can all be found at ShaneIdleman.com.


thestream--2020-07-06--Leftist Strategy: Rip US Apart by Destroying Our Pride in Our Past

I read Ronald Reagan ’ s 1986 Independence Day speech again this weekend , and I almost choked when I got to this : “ The things that unite us — America ’ s past of which we ’ re so proud.
” Our past isn ’ t unifying us so much anymore , is it ?
Can any true American read that now without grieving what we ’ ve lost ?
It brought an image to mind : four men ( not likely any women ) sitting around a table , having this conversation : A Picture of Leftist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to tear this country down into fighting fragments , all at each other ’ s throats .
So let ’ s strategize .
How are we going to do that ?
Man 1 : It ’ s gon na be tough .
Americans have so much history , so much story , so many shared values uniting them .
They ’ re really proud to be who they are .
Man 2 : Yes , we ’ ve got our work cut out for us .
If that ’ s true , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to find a weak spot in that story , something we can use to wedge them apart .
Man 3 : Well , we all know what that is : Slavery .
Racism .
“ All men are created equal ” didn ’ t actually mean “ all men.
” It didn ’ t include women , either .
Man 1 : Sure , but where does that get us ?
Black leaders themselves still insist this is the greatest country ever , with the greatest freedoms .
Man 3 : I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get America to forget that , won ’ t we ?
Man 2 : That ’ s it , isn ’ t it ?
That ’ s the message we ’ ve got to persuade the people to believe !
None of it was real .
Not American freedom , and not American equality , either .
It was all a lie .
Man 3 : But that ’ s a lie , too , isn ’ t it ?
How are we going to make people believe it ?
Leader : Use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ ll hammer on it .
We ’ ll tell it over and over again until they believe it .
We ’ ll exaggerate America ’ s inequalities until no one can see anything but that .
Do it right , and we could even have them toppling statues of Washington and Jefferson !
Man 2 : Seriously ?
You ’ ve got to be kidding .
How are we going to pull that off ?
Leader : Slowly .
Patiently .
We ’ ve got the universities and we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll get there .
Just give it time .
They Hammered On It .
They Got There .
I don ’ t know that any such meeting took place .
We do know that gay strategists planned decades ago to destroy faith , morality , and family — three other crucial foundations for any great nation .
Is it so hard , then , is it , to picture leftist activists plotting to tear us apart like this ?
Whether the meeting happened or not doesn ’ t matter .
They accomplished the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you honestly think it just happened ?
That it wasn ’ t intentional ?
They ’ ve got people thinking , foolishly , that Jamestown was all about slavery .
That Washington and Jefferson were practically slave traders .
That the Founders didn ’ t understand civil rights the way we do today , so therefore they understood nothing nothing about rights whatsoever .
It ’ s all ridiculous .
It ’ s unbelievable — except they did it .
Slowly .
Patiently .
Hammering on it .
Exaggerating the bad , hiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media , they got there .
We Can Recover Our Past — But Expect It To Take Time Can we restore the truth ?
Can we recover some sense of context to our history ?
That while our Founders were flawed , which we can freely admit , they were still oceans ahead of anyone else at the time ?
That they didn ’ t end slavery , but at least they planted seeds that would lead to its end ?
I believe we can do that .
We can restore the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s got to be part of our ongoing strategy .
That strategy has short-term elements , but this , unfortunately , can not be one of them .
This one we can only expect to accomplish slowly .
Patiently .
We ’ ll have to give it time .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Commenters on previous articles in this strategy series have said we don ’ t have time to do things the slow way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer , I ’ m all ears .
We can pray for God to intervene , and I ’ m all for that .
Humanly speaking , though , the slow way is the only way .
The opposition controls too much of education and of messaging .
We ’ ll have to work slowly .
Patiently .
We ’ ll have to give it time .
And how will we do it even slowly , you ask ?
This article is part of a series on strategizing against America ’ s growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more .
See here for black leaders ’ statements in support of America ’ s freedoms .
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books , including the forthcoming Too Good To Be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .

I read Ronald Reagan’s 1986 Independence Day speech again this weekend, and I almost choked when I got to this:
Believe me, if there’s one impression I carry with me after the privilege of holding for 5 1/2 years the office held by Adams and Jefferson and Lincoln, it is this: that the things that unite us — America’s past of which we’re so proud, our hopes and aspirations for the future of the world and this much-loved country — these things far outweigh what little divides us.
“The things that unite us — America’s past of which we’re so proud.” Our past isn’t unifying us so much anymore, is it? Can any true American read that now without grieving what we’ve lost?
It brought an image to mind: four men (not likely any women) sitting around a table, having this conversation:
A Picture of Leftist Strategizing to Destroy Us
Leader: We want to tear this country down into fighting fragments, all at each other’s throats. So let’s strategize. How are we going to do that?
Man 1: It’s gonna be tough. Americans have so much history, so much story, so many shared values uniting them. They’re really proud to be who they are.
Man 2: Yes, we’ve got our work cut out for us. If that’s true, though, we’re going to have to find a weak spot in that story, something we can use to wedge them apart.
Man 3: Well, we all know what that is: Slavery. Racism. “All men are created equal” didn’t actually mean “all men.” It didn’t include women, either.
Man 1: Sure, but where does that get us? Black leaders themselves still insist this is the greatest country ever, with the greatest freedoms.
Man 3: I guess we’ll just have to get America to forget that, won’t we?
Man 2: That’s it, isn’t it? That’s the message we’ve got to persuade the people to believe! None of it was real. Not American freedom, and not American equality, either. It was all a lie.
“We’ll make it succeed the same way falsehoods have succeeded since ages past. We’ll hammer on it until they believe it.”
Man 3: But that’s a lie, too, isn’t it? How are we going to make people believe it?
Leader: Use the standard playbook: attrition and exhaustion. We’ll hammer on it. We’ll tell it over and over again until they believe it. We’ll exaggerate America’s inequalities until no one can see anything but that. Do it right, and we could even have them toppling statues of Washington and Jefferson!
Man 2: Seriously? You’ve got to be kidding. How are we going to pull that off?
Leader: Slowly. Patiently. We’ve got the universities and we’ve got the media. We’ll get there. Just give it time.
They Hammered On It. They Got There.
I don’t know that any such meeting took place. We do know that gay strategists planned decades ago to destroy faith, morality, and family — three other crucial foundations for any great nation. Is it so hard, then, is it, to picture leftist activists plotting to tear us apart like this?
Whether the meeting happened or not doesn’t matter. They accomplished the strategy. Slowly. Patiently. Do you honestly think it just happened? That it wasn’t intentional?
They’ve got people thinking, foolishly, that Jamestown was all about slavery. That Washington and Jefferson were practically slave traders. That the Founders didn’t understand civil rights the way we do today, so therefore they understood nothing nothing about rights whatsoever.
It’s all ridiculous. It’s unbelievable — except they did it. Slowly. Patiently. Hammering on it. Exaggerating the bad, hiding the good. Using the universities and the media, they got there.
We Can Recover Our Past — But Expect It To Take Time
Can we restore the truth? Can we recover some sense of context to our history? That while our Founders were flawed, which we can freely admit, they were still oceans ahead of anyone else at the time? That they didn’t end slavery, but at least they planted seeds that would lead to its end?
I believe we can do that. We can restore the truth of our history. It’s got to be part of our ongoing strategy. That strategy has short-term elements, but this, unfortunately, cannot be one of them. This one we can only expect to accomplish slowly. Patiently. We’ll have to give it time.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Commenters on previous articles in this strategy series have said we don’t have time to do things the slow way. If someone can offer a quicker answer, I’m all ears. We can pray for God to intervene, and I’m all for that. Humanly speaking, though, the slow way is the only way. The opposition controls too much of education and of messaging. We’ll have to work slowly. Patiently. We’ll have to give it time.
And how will we do it even slowly, you ask? This article is part of a series on strategizing against America’s growing madness. I’ll be back with more.
See here for black leaders’ statements in support of America’s freedoms.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books, including the forthcoming Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.


thestream--2020-07-06--‘Tell My Family I Loved Them’: Last Words of Ohio Officer Gunned Down on 4th of July

An Ohio police officer uttered his last words to dispatchers after he was shot around midnight on July 4 : ‘ Tell my family I loved them.
” Toledo police officer Anthony Dia , 26 , was shot and killed after responding to a report of a drunken man in a Home Depot Parking lot .
Dia was shot once with a handgun after he tried to make contact with the unruly suspect , according to a Toledo Police Department press release .
“ 118 tell my family I love them , ” Dia said , according to a transcript @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WTOL 11 .
“ I can ’ t copy , ” the dispatcher responded .
Dia repeated his message , according to the transcript .
“ He bled out , pretty much .
They did what they could with lifesaving measures , but there was nothing they could do , ” Jayme Dia , officer Dia ’ s wife of 8 years , told the Toledo Blade .
Dia was struck in the chest , but died despite wearing body armor , according to police .
The deceased officer joined the department in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Today is a sad day for the City of Toledo , it ’ s a sad day for the Toledo Police Department , and most importantly it ’ s a sad day for the family , friends , loved ones , and fellow officers of Ofc .
Anthony Dia , who paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting his city tonight , ” Toledo Police Chief George Kral said in a statement .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dia was found dead with a gunshot wound to his cranium after a shot was heard in a wooded area by responding law enforcement .
A witness identified the dead 57-year-old as the person who shot the now deceased officer , according to the statement from Toledo police .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

An Ohio police officer uttered his last words to dispatchers after he was shot around midnight on July 4: ‘Tell my family I loved them.”
Toledo police officer Anthony Dia, 26, was shot and killed after responding to a report of a drunken man in a Home Depot Parking lot. Dia was shot once with a handgun after he tried to make contact with the unruly suspect, according to a Toledo Police Department press release.
“118 tell my family I love them,” Dia said, according to a transcript of the conversation with dispatchers reported by WTOL 11.
“I can’t copy,” the dispatcher responded. Dia repeated his message, according to the transcript.
https://twitter.com/LAPD_SgtGarcia/status/1279480113831141376
“He bled out, pretty much. They did what they could with lifesaving measures, but there was nothing they could do,” Jayme Dia, officer Dia’s wife of 8 years, told the Toledo Blade.
Dia was struck in the chest, but died despite wearing body armor, according to police. The deceased officer joined the department in 2018, according to the release.
“Today is a sad day for the City of Toledo, it’s a sad day for the Toledo Police Department, and most importantly it’s a sad day for the family, friends, loved ones, and fellow officers of Ofc. Anthony Dia, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting his city tonight,” Toledo Police Chief George Kral said in a statement.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The man who allegedly killed Dia was found dead with a gunshot wound to his cranium after a shot was heard in a wooded area by responding law enforcement. A witness identified the dead 57-year-old as the person who shot the now deceased officer, according to the statement from Toledo police.
Toledo Police held a public memorial for Dia’s honor Sunday.
The family of Officer Dia & members of the Toledo Police Department continue to be overwhelmed by the support of the community & nation. These are just a couple photos taken at events in Toledo. Thank you to each & every person who has shown their support for Officer Dia pic.twitter.com/p14MMcRDbw — Toledo Police (@ToledoPolice) July 5, 2020
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thestream--2020-07-06--Electors Must Vote for Their State’s Preferred Candidate, Supreme Court Rules

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled Monday that states can require members of the Electoral College to vote for the same presidential candidate as their respective state .
The ruling puts an end to the occasional so-called faithless electors , who vote for a candidate different than that of the state they are representing .
Though many states already have laws in place that require electors to vote for the winner of their state ’ s popular vote , electors have at times failed to do so .
“ Today , we consider whether a State may also penalize an elector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone other than the presidential candidate who won his State ’ s popular vote .
We hold that a State may do so , ” Justice Elena Kagan wrote in the court ’ s majority opinion for the case Chiafalo v. Washington .
Though rare , as few as 10 faithless electors could have changed the outcomes of five of the previous 58 presidential elections , The New York Times reported .
The ruling comes after courts in Washington and Colorado reached opposing conclusions in cases where electors from each state went rogue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court upheld $ 1,000 fines on electors who had voted for Colin Powell instead of Hillary Clinton , saying that the Constitution allowed for states to insist that their electors vote according to their respective popular votes , according to The New York Times .
The electors appealed to the Supreme Court after the decision , setting the foundation for the Monday decision on Chiafalo v. Washington .
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The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in Denver , Colorado , came to the opposite conclusion of the Washington State Supreme Court in August 2019 , ruling that “ electors , once appointed , are free to vote as they choose , ” according to Judge Carolyn B. McHugh , who wrote for the majority .
The ruling was quickly petitioned in order to seek Supreme Court review of the case , Colorado Department of State v. Baca , with the lawyers for Colorado writing that the appeals court ’ s decision risks eroding “ the democratic principles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States presidents.
” The 2016 election saw more faithless electors than ever before , with seven electors succeeding in casting their votes for a different candidate than their state had voted for .
In addition to the three in Washington , another elector in the Evergreen State voted for Faith Spotted Eagle , a Native American tribal leader .
In Hawaii , a Democratic elector voted for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , and in Texas , two Republican electors voted for Ohio Gov .
John Kasich and former Texas Rep. Ron Paul .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled Monday that states can require members of the Electoral College to vote for the same presidential candidate as their respective state.
The ruling puts an end to the occasional so-called faithless electors, who vote for a candidate different than that of the state they are representing. Though many states already have laws in place that require electors to vote for the winner of their state’s popular vote, electors have at times failed to do so.
“Today, we consider whether a State may also penalize an elector for breaking his pledge and voting for someone other than the presidential candidate who won his State’s popular vote. We hold that a State may do so,” Justice Elena Kagan wrote in the court’s majority opinion for the case Chiafalo v. Washington.
Though rare, as few as 10 faithless electors could have changed the outcomes of five of the previous 58 presidential elections, The New York Times reported.
BREAKING: The Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that state “faithless elector” laws — which allow states to remove or fine Electoral College delegates who don't vote for the presidential candidate they were pledged to support — are constitutional. — NPR (@NPR) July 6, 2020
The ruling comes after courts in Washington and Colorado reached opposing conclusions in cases where electors from each state went rogue.
In 2019, the Washington State Supreme Court upheld $1,000 fines on electors who had voted for Colin Powell instead of Hillary Clinton, saying that the Constitution allowed for states to insist that their electors vote according to their respective popular votes, according to The New York Times. The electors appealed to the Supreme Court after the decision, setting the foundation for the Monday decision on Chiafalo v. Washington.
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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, in Denver, Colorado, came to the opposite conclusion of the Washington State Supreme Court in August 2019, ruling that “electors, once appointed, are free to vote as they choose,” according to Judge Carolyn B. McHugh, who wrote for the majority.
The ruling was quickly petitioned in order to seek Supreme Court review of the case, Colorado Department of State v. Baca, with the lawyers for Colorado writing that the appeals court’s decision risks eroding “the democratic principles underpinning over two centuries of electing United States presidents.”
The 2016 election saw more faithless electors than ever before, with seven electors succeeding in casting their votes for a different candidate than their state had voted for. In addition to the three in Washington, another elector in the Evergreen State voted for Faith Spotted Eagle, a Native American tribal leader.
In Hawaii, a Democratic elector voted for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and in Texas, two Republican electors voted for Ohio Gov. John Kasich and former Texas Rep. Ron Paul.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-07-06--Potential VP Nominee Duckworth Open to Ripping Down George Washington

She ’ s the latest hot name being floated for Joe Biden ’ s VP .
And on Sunday she proved beyond any reasonable doubt why she shouldn ’ t be let anywhere near the White House , and certainly not one final Biden mental failure from the Oval Office .
She ’ s dismissive of our history , she panders to the mob , and she lies .
To put it in terms Democrats apply to the president : Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth is divisive and unpresidential .
First , the dismissing of our history , combined with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interview with CNN , Duckworth declared we “ should listen to argument ” of those wanting to tear down the statues — legacy — of George Washington .
The Father of Our Country .
The Man responsible for there being a United States .
The man who defeated the most powerful army in the world so that we could have a democratic republic , rather than be lorded over by a king .
The man who nursed the fledgling American Experiment in its first years , and set so many amazing precedents that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man whose personal integrity and grace and strength and dignity were the stuff of awe even in his own lifetime .
The man who easily could have been king or dictator .
Twice .
But walked away .
Painter Benjamin West recounted how upon hearing Washington had willingly ceded power after the Revolution , King George III thought “ that act closing and finishing what had gone before and viewed in connection with it , placed him in a light the most distinguished of any man living , and that he thought him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Be Forewarned : You Won ’ t Be Able to Critique Duckworth Sen. Tammy Duckworth is a combat veteran .
In fact , the former Army Lt .
Colonel was severely wounded , losing both of her legs .
She is loudly to be commended for her past service and sacrifice .
But as sure as the rain is wet , her service will be used as a defense against any and all critiques .
( See John McCain . )
In fact , that makes her an even more juicy choice for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll be too locked in his basement and mental fog to mount an aggressive campaign .
That will be the VP nominee ’ s job .
And if you have a VP who is immune to criticism , imagine what you can get away with .
She ’ s just shown she can attack George Washington with impunity .
But here ’ s the rub .
It won ’ t be the first time he ’ s been betrayed by a wounded Army hero bucking for a promotion .
So the king @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had ripped 13 colonies from his grasp , thought Gen. Washington “ the most distinguished of any man living ” and “ the greatest character of the age.
” But Duckworth , a top legislator in a form of government unrivaled in human history and sitting on the mountain of freedoms Washington brought to fruition , wants to talk about tearing Washington down .
To “ listen to argument ” — even as anarchists tear down Washington ’ s statue , and burn the American flag … and hold a brick over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
Anything short of an outright defense of George Washington is a concession to the mob , or proof of being part of the mob .
Both of which disqualify her from being Commander-in-Chief .
Besides , Sen. Duckworth , we ’ ve already heard the argument .
It ’ s screamed at us by the mob , and snottily reported by CNN .
“ He was a white slave owner !
” Okay .
Yes .
The greatest character of the age was born in an age where slavery still existed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of years before Washington and continues in places around the world to this day .
Africans are being sold right now !
( For little more than a pair of Colin Kaepernick Nike Air Force 1 Low sneakers . )
For example , Africans are being sold in Libya , in the wake of President Barack Obama ’ s ruinous Arab Spring .
How odd to condemn the first president who set in motion the wheels to end slavery in America instead of calling out the last president , who helped enslave a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Expected to Do ?
Help me here , critics .
Help me , Senator Duckworth .
What do you condemning Washington expect him to have done ?
I mean , in addition to freeing us from royal tyranny .
And launching a new nation governed by “ We , the People.
” And keeping 13 colonies , then the fledgling states , unified and not fighting each other .
And working out the logistics of a real “ democratic republic ” that wouldn ’ t immediately be ripped to shreds or become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation .
Including a British empire itching for a rematch .
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“ Yeah , yeah .
But George !
You didn ’ t end slavery !
You allowed the nation to launch with slavery still a part of the system !
” “ I gave you a nation .
A nation build on the idea that all men are created equal .
An idea that I knew well was incompatible with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation could survive its infancy , that ideal would win out .
And we would do away with slavery and carry out our founding creed .
I could not end slavery and have the nation survive its infancy .
Not all at once.
” George Washington ’ s sin is that he wasn ’ t super-human .
A potential VP who doesn ’ t have the wisdom or empathy or historical understanding to get this … to get Washington ’ s greatness and uniqueness in human history … is disqualified from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the understanding , but is playing to the cheap seats and for a place on Biden ’ s ticket .
I think she is playing to the cheap seats .
Why ?
Because on Sunday she took a cheap , and thoroughly dishonest , shot at President Trump .
Second , the lies .
I thought Susan Rice lying on Sunday shows about Benghazi was the most vile thing in the history of Sunday morning shows .
But dang if Duckworth didn ’ t just come close .
( Not incidentally , Rice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VP nod . )
On Friday night , President Trump made an historic appearance at Mount Rushmore .
This , as people say Mount Rushmore should be demolished .
As the four men depicted on Mount Rushmore have each had statues and other memorials to them destroyed , defaced or removed .
Donald Trump spoke specifically of each of these four giants in American history .
George Washington , Thomas Jefferson , Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln .
He spoke of other heroes , like Ulysses S. Grant and Fredrick Douglass .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And the tearing down of monuments to abolitionists .
He vowed to protect such monuments .
He announced the creation of a National Garden of American Heroes .
Here ’ s the text of the speech .
Read it .
Go ahead .
Or watch the video below .
Nowhere in that speech does he mention Confederate statues or Confederate leaders .
In fact , he is on record as saying if local governments want to remove those statues , fine , as long as its done through proper procedures , rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s in the shadow of Mount Rushmore in the face of direct threats against those depicted on Mount Rushmore .
And yet this Senator Duckworth says Trump “ spent all his time talking about dead traitors.
” Either Duckworth thinks they were traitors .
Or she ’ s pandering to the mob .
Or she ’ s flat out lying .
Or all three .
Whatever she is , she pushed a pathetic , divisive , horrific , slur designed to push the narrative that Trump is a Confederate sympathizer .
Unhappy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slavery .
So let ’ s add slanderer to the list of reasons she ’ s unfit to be president .
So four reasons , Sen. Tammy Duckworth is unfit for America ’ s second highest office .
When one would be enough .
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author , with @ JZmirak , of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration .
You can follow him at @ StreamingAl .
And if you aren ’ t already , please follow The Stream at @ Streamdotorg .

She’s the latest hot name being floated for Joe Biden’s VP. And on Sunday she proved beyond any reasonable doubt why she shouldn’t be let anywhere near the White House, and certainly not one final Biden mental failure from the Oval Office.
She’s dismissive of our history, she panders to the mob, and she lies. To put it in terms Democrats apply to the president: Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth is divisive and unpresidential.
Ignorant of History
First, the dismissing of our history, combined with the pandering to the mob. In an interview with CNN, Duckworth declared we “should listen to argument” of those wanting to tear down the statues — legacy — of George Washington. The Father of Our Country. The Man responsible for there being a United States. The man who defeated the most powerful army in the world so that we could have a democratic republic, rather than be lorded over by a king. The man who nursed the fledgling American Experiment in its first years, and set so many amazing precedents that we now take for granted.
The man whose personal integrity and grace and strength and dignity were the stuff of awe even in his own lifetime. The man who easily could have been king or dictator. Twice. But walked away. Painter Benjamin West recounted how upon hearing Washington had willingly ceded power after the Revolution, King George III thought “that act closing and finishing what had gone before and viewed in connection with it, placed him in a light the most distinguished of any man living, and that he thought him the greatest character of the age.”
Be Forewarned: You Won’t Be Able to Critique Duckworth Sen. Tammy Duckworth is a combat veteran. In fact, the former Army Lt. Colonel was severely wounded, losing both of her legs. She is loudly to be commended for her past service and sacrifice. But as sure as the rain is wet, her service will be used as a defense against any and all critiques. (See John McCain.) In fact, that makes her an even more juicy choice for Joe Biden’s VP. He’ll be too locked in his basement and mental fog to mount an aggressive campaign. That will be the VP nominee’s job. And if you have a VP who is immune to criticism, imagine what you can get away with. She’s just shown she can attack George Washington with impunity. But here’s the rub. It won’t be the first time he’s been betrayed by a wounded Army hero bucking for a promotion.
So the king that George Washington had humiliated, and had ripped 13 colonies from his grasp, thought Gen. Washington “the most distinguished of any man living” and “the greatest character of the age.” But Duckworth, a top legislator in a form of government unrivaled in human history and sitting on the mountain of freedoms Washington brought to fruition, wants to talk about tearing Washington down.
To “listen to argument” — even as anarchists tear down Washington’s statue, and burn the American flag … and hold a brick over the head of anyone who stands in their way.
Anything short of an outright defense of George Washington is a concession to the mob, or proof of being part of the mob. Both of which disqualify her from being Commander-in-Chief.
We’ve Already Heard the Argument
Besides, Sen. Duckworth, we’ve already heard the argument. It’s screamed at us by the mob, and snottily reported by CNN. “He was a white slave owner!”
Okay. Yes. The greatest character of the age was born in an age where slavery still existed. A practice that existed for thousands of years before Washington and continues in places around the world to this day. Africans are being sold right now! (For little more than a pair of Colin Kaepernick Nike Air Force 1 Low sneakers.) For example, Africans are being sold in Libya, in the wake of President Barack Obama’s ruinous Arab Spring.
How odd to condemn the first president who set in motion the wheels to end slavery in America instead of calling out the last president, who helped enslave a new century of Africans.
What Was Washington Expected to Do?
Help me here, critics. Help me, Senator Duckworth. What do you condemning Washington expect him to have done? I mean, in addition to freeing us from royal tyranny.
And launching a new nation governed by “We, the People.”
And keeping 13 colonies, then the fledgling states, unified and not fighting each other.
And working out the logistics of a real “democratic republic” that wouldn’t immediately be ripped to shreds or become fodder for some other hostile or greedy nation. Including a British empire itching for a rematch.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“Yeah, yeah. But George! You didn’t end slavery! You allowed the nation to launch with slavery still a part of the system!”
“I gave you a nation. A nation built on the idea that all men are created equal. An idea that I knew well was incompatible with slavery. But I also knew if the nation could survive its infancy, that ideal would win out. And we would do away with slavery and carry out our founding creed. I could not end slavery and have the nation survive its infancy. Not all at once.”
George Washington’s sin is that he wasn’t super-human.
A potential VP who doesn’t have the wisdom or empathy or historical understanding to get this … to get Washington’s greatness and uniqueness in human history … is disqualified from the office. Or perhaps she does have the understanding, but is playing to the cheap seats and for a place on Biden’s ticket.
I think she is playing to the cheap seats. Why? Because on Sunday she took a cheap, and thoroughly dishonest, shot at President Trump.
Trump at Mount Rushmore Honoring ‘Dead Traitors’?
Second, the lies. I thought Susan Rice lying on Sunday shows about Benghazi was the most vile thing in the history of Sunday morning shows. But dang if Duckworth didn’t just come close. (Not incidentally, Rice is also in the running for the VP nod.)
On Friday night, President Trump made an historic appearance at Mount Rushmore. This, as people say Mount Rushmore should be demolished. As the four men depicted on Mount Rushmore have each had statues and other memorials to them destroyed, defaced or removed.
Donald Trump spoke specifically of each of these four giants in American history. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. He spoke of other heroes, like Ulysses S. Grant and Fredrick Douglass. And Harriet Tubman. And The Tuskeegee Airmen. And the tearing down of monuments to abolitionists.
He vowed to protect such monuments. He announced the creation of a National Garden of American Heroes.
Here’s the text of the speech. Read it. Go ahead. Or watch the video below.
Nowhere in that speech does he mention Confederate statues or Confederate leaders. In fact, he is on record as saying if local governments want to remove those statues, fine, as long as its done through proper procedures, rather than mobs tearing them down.
He’s in the shadow of Mount Rushmore in the face of direct threats against those depicted on Mount Rushmore.
And yet this Senator Duckworth says Trump “spent all his time talking about dead traitors.”
Was Washington a traitor? Jefferson? Roosevelt? Lincoln? Grant? Tubman? Douglass?
Either Duckworth thinks they were traitors. Or she’s pandering to the mob. Or she’s flat out lying. Or all three. Whatever she is, she pushed a pathetic, divisive, horrific, slur designed to push the narrative that Trump is a Confederate sympathizer. Unhappy the Union won the war and ended slavery. So let’s add slanderer to the list of reasons she’s unfit to be vice president.
So four reasons, Sen. Tammy Duckworth is unfit for America’s second highest office. When one would be enough.
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-07-06--It’s a Compliment to Call a Team the Redskins or the Braves

It seems the idea of certain sports teams ’ names being racist has thrown its tattered carcass back into the ring of political debate .
Let ’ s retire this ridiculous , played out theme for good .
Apparently , naming a team the Redskins or the Indians is inherently racist .
Al Perrotta wrote about this on Saturday .
It ’ s insulting to Native Americans .
Why ?
The reasons are nebulous .
We are told it is offensive and that should be enough .
One of the few actual rationales I ’ ve heard is that most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Therefore naming a team the Braves or the Chiefs reduces Native Americans to the status of animals .
Yankees , Steelers , Brewers , Trojans , Cowboys , Patriots , 49ers , Oilers , Giants and Padres are ten teams I just thought of , off the top of my head , that belie the above argument .
Just the MLB and the NFL alone adds at least fifteen more , including the Angels , Saints and Texans .
That pretty much destroys that line of reasoning .
The question now becomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ naming teams after Native Americans ?
Is the point to belittle people who suffered greatly in the building of the United States of America ?
Again , these questions can be answered by asking a different question .
What is the goal of a team name ?
New teams choose their names for two reasons .
The first is local pride .
San Francisco is known for the California gold rush .
49er was the nickname given to all those seekers of fortune who flooded Northern California between 1848 and 1850 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steel industry .
The Lakers originally started in Minnesota , known as “ the land of 10,000 lakes.
” The second goal is to come up with a team name that represents qualities like strength , courage , determination , spirit , drive , and perseverance .
This is why certain animal names are chosen , like Tigers , Lions , Bears , etc .
And names like Patriots , Saints and Rangers .
What ’ s Really Going On There are many legitimate things Native Americans should be upset about when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sports team named after you should be nowhere on that list .
Far from being an insult , it is a compliment .
It is a sign of honor and respect .
The very idea that team names are racist is so patently false , so easily argued away for its ridiculousness , it makes one wonder why this pathetic claim resurfaces every few years .
It happens because it is another tool in the cultural marxist ’ s toolbox .
Another spike in a multi-pronged attack .
It ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
The design , as always , is to get us fighting each other , thereby proving America is systemically racist and this country needs fundamental changing .
Sports fans get all riled up , and who better for the MSM to interview than some drunk and inarticulate sports hooligan to clearly demonstrate the hatred that is endemic in this country .
This is just a trick .
We must recognize the distraction within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in front of us .
Demands that , like those of the blackmailer , will not only continue , but grow with each successive victory .
At the same time , the right hand is hiding something away in a coat pocket .
What ’ s being hidden is the collectivists ’ idea of equality .
It reduces everyone to chattel , belonging to the state .
The true way to fight racism is to uplift the individual .
To recognize that each of us possess a dignity and worth regardless of race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may we move forward , leaving hatred and racism as a tiny speck in America ’ s rear-view mirror .

It seems the idea of certain sports teams’ names being racist has thrown its tattered carcass back into the ring of political debate. Let’s retire this ridiculous, played out theme for good.
Apparently, naming a team the Redskins or the Indians is inherently racist. Al Perrotta wrote about this on Saturday. It’s insulting to Native Americans. Why? The reasons are nebulous. We are told it is offensive and that should be enough.
Bad Reasons
One of the few actual rationales I’ve heard is that most sport team’s names are animals. Therefore naming a team the Braves or the Chiefs reduces Native Americans to the status of animals.
Yankees, Steelers, Brewers, Trojans, Cowboys, Patriots, 49ers, Oilers, Giants and Padres are ten teams I just thought of, off the top of my head, that belie the above argument. Just the MLB and the NFL alone adds at least fifteen more, including the Angels, Saints and Texans. That pretty much destroys that line of reasoning.
The question now becomes: Is hatred and/or systemic racism behind naming teams after Native Americans? Is the point to belittle people who suffered greatly in the building of the United States of America? Again, these questions can be answered by asking a different question. What is the goal of a team name? New teams choose their names for two reasons.
The first is local pride. San Francisco is known for the California gold rush. 49er was the nickname given to all those seekers of fortune who flooded Northern California between 1848 and 1850. The Steelers’ name refers to the Pittsburgh steel industry. The Lakers originally started in Minnesota, known as “the land of 10,000 lakes.”
The second goal is to come up with a team name that represents qualities like strength, courage, determination, spirit, drive, and perseverance. This is why certain animal names are chosen, like Tigers, Lions, Bears, etc. And names like Patriots, Saints and Rangers.
What’s Really Going On
There are many legitimate things Native Americans should be upset about when it comes to this country, but having a sports team named after you should be nowhere on that list. Far from being an insult, it is a compliment. It is a sign of honor and respect. The very idea that team names are racist is so patently false, so easily argued away for its ridiculousness, it makes one wonder why this pathetic claim resurfaces every few years.
It happens because it is another tool in the cultural marxist’s toolbox. Another spike in a multi-pronged attack. It’s not about Native Americans.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The design, as always, is to get us fighting each other, thereby proving America is systemically racist and this country needs fundamental changing. Sports fans get all riled up, and who better for the MSM to interview than some drunk and inarticulate sports hooligan to clearly demonstrate the hatred that is endemic in this country.
This is just a trick. We must recognize the distraction within the trick. The left-hand waves idiotic demands in front of us. Demands that, like those of the blackmailer, will not only continue, but grow with each successive victory. At the same time, the right hand is hiding something away in a coat pocket.
What’s being hidden is the collectivists’ idea of equality. It reduces everyone to chattel, belonging to the state. The true way to fight racism is to uplift the individual. To recognize that each of us possess a dignity and worth regardless of race or color. Only in that way may we move forward, leaving hatred and racism as a tiny speck in America’s rear-view mirror.
George Janek is a conservative thinker encamped in Northern California.


thestream--2020-07-06--Can Trump Be Reelected Without Divine Intervention?

Things are not looking good right now for President Trump .
He is trailing Joe Biden in the polls by double digits .
He is losing ground in states he won in 2016 .
And there are a host of seemingly insurmountable obstacles standing against him .
Can he win again in 2020 without divine intervention ?
Thinking back to 2016 , things also looked dire for Donald Trump , right up to election day .
There was no way he was going to win .
In his book The Case for Trump , history professor Victor David Hanson notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Princeton Election Consortium on election eve put Trump ’ s chances of victory at 1 percent .
In the last twenty-four hours of the campaign , the New York Times , tracking various pollsters models , concluded to its reassured readers that Trump ’ s chances of winning in such surveys were respectively 15 percent , 8 percent , 2 percent , and less than 1 percent.
” Do you recall the shock of the newscasters that election night as it became apparent Trump was about to become the next president of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed so impossible that I actually wrote an article that night titled , “ Donald Trump , President of the United States by the Sovereign Intervention of God.
” I saw no other viable explanation , especially given the fact there had been a number of Christian prophecies over a period of years predicting this very thing .
Of course , that doesn ’ t mean God endorses everything Trump says or does .
It simply means that there seemed to be unusual divine intervention in Trump ’ s election , for better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer of 2020 , it appears that Trump ’ s reelection might also require divine intervention .
Not only has Trump been attacked incessantly by the leftwing media for the last four years , but some of his stalwart supporters of the past do not seem to be on his side , including the super-influential Drudge Report ( see here and here and here . )
Ann Coulter has been another defector , while even Fox News has incurred the president ’ s wrath .
Can Trump still win without all these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president has also been subject to massive criticism for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic , with the death toll now over 130,000 and no end in sight .
Not only so , but the previously booming economy , which was Trump ’ s strongest hope for reelection , has been severely undercut by the shutdown .
Another byproduct of the virus is that it ’ s much harder for Trump to ignite his base with big rallies in city after city .
How can Trump possibly win without these ?
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tied .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
This has also played well into Joe Biden ’ s hands , since Biden has not been exposed to the rigors of a grinding campaign nor has he been tested by live events and debates .
Any decline in his cognitive abilities has been relatively hidden from public sight .
This , too , works against Trump .
There is even the recent announcement that Kanye West , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , drawing immediate support from Elon Musk , another major Trump supporter .
( Between them , they have more than 65 million Twitter followers . )
If West is serious , this could also draw Black votes away from Trump ( although the same could happen with Biden ’ s Black supporters ) , since he is such an iconic figure .
There are also the frequent Trump failings , including his bizarre statements and needless attacks , causing some of his loyal supporters to shake their heads .
And should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books , including the latest bombshell from John Bolton ?
Looks Like Trump Will Need Another Divine Intervention All in all , Trump will have to navigate a very difficult path to reelection , and at this moment in time , without divine intervention from the Lord for His sovereign purposes , his chances do not look good .
But what if God does have a special plan ?
What if this is yet another setup to underscore the impossibility of Trump ’ s presidency by natural means alone ?
In my new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We Pass the Trump Test ?
, I devote an entire chapter to the question , “ Did God uniquely raise up Donald Trump ?
” In the chapter , I state the case against divine intervention , offering naturalistic explanations or even noting that , according to some , any president is divinely chosen by God .
I then lay out the case for divine intervention , explaining the meaning of the King Cyrus parallel , which means something different than many think .
( I ’ ll cover the Cyrus question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end , I believe a good case can be made for sovereign intervention in Trump ’ s 2016 election , as I explain in the book .
( Again , this doesn ’ t vindicate everything Trump does ; it simply underscores a divine purpose .
If anyone can play “ 4D Chess ” — or 4,000D Chess — it is the Lord ! )
Did God Raise Up Trump in 2016 ?
Will He Do It Again in 2020 ?
Some of my Never Trump friends have seriously differed with me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying , “ There ’ s no way God specially raised up Trump !
” Now , however , they have said , “ If Trump wins this time around , then you will have my attention.
” We shall see !
Again , even if there was or will be unique sovereign intervention on behalf of Trump , some would argue that God did this to judge America rather than bless America .
That ’ s another subject entirely .
This article simply paints a picture of how bleak things look as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the November elections still four months way .
To repeat : we shall see !
This is the first of a series of articles on Trump , evangelicals , and the 2020 elections written in conjunction with the release of my new book , Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
Connect with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Things are not looking good right now for President Trump. He is trailing Joe Biden in the polls by double digits. He is losing ground in states he won in 2016. And there are a host of seemingly insurmountable obstacles standing against him. Can he win again in 2020 without divine intervention?
Thinking back to 2016, things also looked dire for Donald Trump, right up to election day. There was no way he was going to win.
Remember the Shock When Trump Won?
In his book The Case for Trump, history professor Victor David Hanson notes that, “Respected polls such as the Princeton Election Consortium on election eve put Trump’s chances of victory at 1 percent. In the last twenty-four hours of the campaign, the New York Times, tracking various pollsters models, concluded to its reassured readers that Trump’s chances of winning in such surveys were respectively 15 percent, 8 percent, 2 percent, and less than 1 percent.”
Do you recall the shock of the newscasters that election night as it became apparent Trump was about to become the next president of the United States? The whole thing seemed so impossible that I actually wrote an article that night titled, “Donald Trump, President of the United States by the Sovereign Intervention of God.”
Now, in the summer of 2020, it appears that Trump’s reelection might also require divine intervention.
I saw no other viable explanation, especially given the fact there had been a number of Christian prophecies over a period of years predicting this very thing.
Of course, that doesn’t mean God endorses everything Trump says or does. It simply means that there seemed to be unusual divine intervention in Trump’s election, for better or for worse.
Now, in the summer of 2020, it appears that Trump’s reelection might also require divine intervention.
Setbacks Facing Trump 2020 Campaign
Not only has Trump been attacked incessantly by the leftwing media for the last four years, but some of his stalwart supporters of the past do not seem to be on his side, including the super-influential Drudge Report (see here and here and here.) Ann Coulter has been another defector, while even Fox News has incurred the president’s wrath.
Can Trump still win without all these former allies in his corner?
The president has also been subject to massive criticism for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the death toll now over 130,000 and no end in sight. Not only so, but the previously booming economy, which was Trump’s strongest hope for reelection, has been severely undercut by the shutdown.
Another byproduct of the virus is that it’s much harder for Trump to ignite his base with big rallies in city after city. How can Trump possibly win without these? It’s as if his hands are partially tied.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
This has also played well into Joe Biden’s hands, since Biden has not been exposed to the rigors of a grinding campaign nor has he been tested by live events and debates. Any decline in his cognitive abilities has been relatively hidden from public sight. This, too, works against Trump.
There is even the recent announcement that Kanye West, an influential Trump supporter, will run for president, drawing immediate support from Elon Musk, another major Trump supporter. (Between them, they have more than 65 million Twitter followers.)
If West is serious, this could also draw Black votes away from Trump (although the same could happen with Biden’s Black supporters), since he is such an iconic figure.
There are also the frequent Trump failings, including his bizarre statements and needless attacks, causing some of his loyal supporters to shake their heads. And should I mention the many bestselling, anti-Trump books, including the latest bombshell from John Bolton?
Looks Like Trump Will Need Another Divine Intervention
All in all, Trump will have to navigate a very difficult path to reelection, and at this moment in time, without divine intervention from the Lord for His sovereign purposes, his chances do not look good.
But what if God does have a special plan? What if this is yet another setup to underscore the impossibility of Trump’s presidency by natural means alone?
In my new book Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test?, I devote an entire chapter to the question, “Did God uniquely raise up Donald Trump?”
In the chapter, I state the case against divine intervention, offering naturalistic explanations or even noting that, according to some, any president is divinely chosen by God. I then lay out the case for divine intervention, explaining the meaning of the King Cyrus parallel, which means something different than many think. (I’ll cover the Cyrus question in another article.)
In the end, I believe a good case can be made for sovereign intervention in Trump’s 2016 election, as I explain in the book. (Again, this doesn’t vindicate everything Trump does; it simply underscores a divine purpose. If anyone can play “4D Chess” — or 4,000D Chess — it is the Lord!)
Did God Raise Up Trump in 2016? Will He Do It Again in 2020?
Some of my Never Trump friends have seriously differed with me, offering other explanations for his victory and saying, “There’s no way God specially raised up Trump!”
Now, however, they have said, “If Trump wins this time around, then you will have my attention.”
We shall see!
Again, even if there was or will be unique sovereign intervention on behalf of Trump, some would argue that God did this to judge America rather than bless America. That’s another subject entirely.
This article simply paints a picture of how bleak things look as of early July, 2020, with the November elections still four months way.
To repeat: we shall see!
This is the first of a series of articles on Trump, evangelicals, and the 2020 elections written in conjunction with the release of my new book, Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test?
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-07-06--The NFL and the Black National Anthem: Should We Take a Knee?

For many Americans and die-hard sports fans , outrage to the NFL ’ s decision to include the so-called “ Black National Anthem ” “ Lift Every Voice and Sing ” in the pregame ceremonies during week one of the season was immediate .
Ted Cruz was among the outraged , calling the decision “ asinine.
” “ How many national anthems do we have ?
?
“ This is asinine .
We are ONE America .
E Pluribus Unum , ” he wrote .
In fact , if we are going to slice and dice our nation into its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propose another anthem might make more sense .
A song for the millions of slaughtered unborn children should resound in stadiums all over the nation .
Or , how about songs of justice for abused children and spouses ?
Victims of human trafficking ?
After we finish singing songs to , for and about all of the maligned people groups , and handily created sharp division between them all , many hours later we could finally play some football .
It should be terribly grieving to every American , and certainly to every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ target of hatred .
My family and I live in Branson , Missouri , a stunningly beautiful tourist destination that ’ s filled to overflowing with people of great character , faith , love and old-fashioned morals .
Out of any place in the nation we could have chosen to live , we chose Branson , and we ’ d do it all over again .
This is home .
I was saddened recently when a small , peaceful protest produced hate speech from one impassioned lady .
Her disgusting message has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world .
This lady doesn ’ t represent the legacy and culture of this supremely family town .
Yet , her squeaky wheel received the attention .
She wounded our town .
She misrepresented Branson and the amazing pillars of our community .
To her credit she did later apologize , but the damage has been done .
The point ?
The feelings , beliefs and actions of one person , or a subset of people , do not , by default , represent the whole .
What we have in our nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot super-soaker style toward those with the loudest voices .
This is no way to defeat racism , division , hatred , inequality or any number of other negatives .
Protests , when peaceful , can be fully appropriate .
The problem comes when people start carrying a spirit of protest .
( Read more about this in my article “ An Unholy Spirit of Protest is Overtaking our Nation ” ) This spirit of protest is overtaking our nation , manifesting in a diabolical cancel culture that seeks to defame , defund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affirm that agenda .
The problem is , while people can certainly attack and assault those who don ’ t step in line with their viewpoints , they can ’ t change their hearts .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Manipulating people into buying into agendas and attempting to control the narrative will never produce good fruit .
I ’ ve heard it said that the horrible killing of George Floyd was initially resulting in at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the races .
Then the riots hit .
People aggressively attempted to force the nation to grease their wheels .
The result ?
Greater hatred , division and years of progress toward racial reconciliation lost .
Just as a Christian can ’ t force an unbeliever to understand the love and power of Jesus , we can ’ t force or manipulate others to buy in at a heart level what is important to us .
It ’ s impossible .
Should We Take a Knee During the Black National Anthem ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ twist in the article comes .
I agree with Ted Cruz that playing the Black National Anthem may very well end up creating more division .
It ’ s possibly presumptive as it grabs attention away from other worthy societal ills .
Many Americans are very probably going to become more stubborn in their positions as a result .
However , I ’ d like to propose something that many seem to be missing .
The Black National Anthem is , at least in part , a cry , a prayer to God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Almighty to guide them and for them to stay true .
First , a little history on the song , “ Lift Every Voice and Sing ” : Created by James Weldon Johnson , it was performed for the first time by 500 school children in celebration of President Lincoln ’ s Birthday on February 12 , 1900 in Jacksonville , FL .
The poem was set to music by Johnson ’ s brother , John Rosamond Johnson , and soon adopted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ song .
And now , the lyrics from the end of the song : So , while on a political and cultural level , the playing of this Anthem may prove to be a colossal misstep , I believe we all can embrace the cry to God that will be sung by millions during week one of the 2020 NFL season .
Should we take a knee when the Black National Anthem is sung ?
I don ’ t believe so .
We should stand with the wounded Black community .
By doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kneeling in prayer for them , for us and for our nation .
John is a sought out teacher , prophetic messenger and revivalist .
He has authored ten books , is a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine , and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer ( IHOP ) in Kansas City .
He has planted two churches and has initiated two city prayer movements and a school of ministry .

For many Americans and die-hard sports fans, outrage to the NFL’s decision to include the so-called “Black National Anthem” “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in the pregame ceremonies during week one of the season was immediate.
Ted Cruz was among the outraged, calling the decision “asinine.”
“How many national anthems do we have??
“Is there an Hispanic national anthem?
“An Asian-American national anthem?
“This is asinine. We are ONE America. E Pluribus Unum,” he wrote.
He isn’t wrong.
In fact, if we are going to slice and dice our nation into its various subcultures at sporting events, I propose another anthem might make more sense. A song for the millions of slaughtered unborn children should resound in stadiums all over the nation. Or, how about songs of justice for abused children and spouses? Victims of human trafficking?
After we finish singing songs to, for and about all of the maligned people groups, and handily created sharp division between them all, many hours later we could finally play some football.
The Deep Grief of Racism
It should be terribly grieving to every American, and certainly to every Christian, when any person is the target of hatred. My family and I live in Branson, Missouri, a stunningly beautiful tourist destination that’s filled to overflowing with people of great character, faith, love and old-fashioned morals. Out of any place in the nation we could have chosen to live, we chose Branson, and we’d do it all over again. This is home.
I was saddened recently when a small, peaceful protest produced hate speech from one impassioned lady. Her disgusting message has since been blasted over media all around the world. This lady doesn’t represent the legacy and culture of this supremely family town. Yet, her squeaky wheel received the attention. She wounded our town. She misrepresented Branson and the amazing pillars of our community. To her credit she did later apologize, but the damage has been done.
The point? The feelings, beliefs and actions of one person, or a subset of people, do not, by default, represent the whole. What we have in our nation today are barrels full of grease being shot super-soaker style toward those with the loudest voices. This is no way to defeat racism, division, hatred, inequality or any number of other negatives.
Manipulation and Control
Protests, when peaceful, can be fully appropriate. The problem comes when people start carrying a spirit of protest. (Read more about this in my article “An Unholy Spirit of Protest is Overtaking our Nation”)
This spirit of protest is overtaking our nation, manifesting in a diabolical cancel culture that seeks to defame, defund and destroy anybody who doesn’t affirm that agenda.
The problem is, while people can certainly attack and assault those who don’t step in line with their viewpoints, they can’t change their hearts.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Manipulating people into buying into agendas and attempting to control the narrative will never produce good fruit. I’ve heard it said that the horrible killing of George Floyd was initially resulting in at least a measure of solidarity and empathy between the races. Then the riots hit. People aggressively attempted to force the nation to grease their wheels. The result? Greater hatred, division and years of progress toward racial reconciliation lost.
Just as a Christian can’t force an unbeliever to understand the love and power of Jesus, we can’t force or manipulate others to buy in at a heart level what is important to us. It’s impossible.
Should We Take a Knee During the Black National Anthem? Metaphorically, Yes
This is where the twist in the article comes. I agree with Ted Cruz that playing the Black National Anthem may very well end up creating more division. It’s possibly presumptive as it grabs attention away from other worthy societal ills. Many Americans are very probably going to become more stubborn in their positions as a result.
However, I’d like to propose something that many seem to be missing. The Black National Anthem is, at least in part, a cry, a prayer to God. It’s a heart-wrenching plea for the Almighty to guide them and for them to stay true.
First, a little history on the song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”:
Created by James Weldon Johnson, it was performed for the first time by 500 school children in celebration of President Lincoln’s Birthday on February 12, 1900 in Jacksonville, FL. The poem was set to music by Johnson’s brother, John Rosamond Johnson, and soon adopted by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as its official song.
And now, the lyrics from the end of the song:
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand. True to our God, True to our native land.
It’s a prayer.
So, while on a political and cultural level, the playing of this Anthem may prove to be a colossal misstep, I believe we all can embrace the cry to God that will be sung by millions during week one of the 2020 NFL season.
Should we take a knee when the Black National Anthem is sung? I don’t believe so. We should stand with the wounded Black community. By doing so we are, in effect, kneeling in prayer for them, for us and for our nation.
John is a sought out teacher, prophetic messenger and revivalist. He has authored ten books, is a regular contributor to Charisma Magazine, and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. He has planted two churches and has initiated two city prayer movements and a school of ministry.


thestream--2020-07-06--SCOTUS Gives Indiana Pro-Life Laws a Second Chance

The United States Supreme Court has given the state of Indiana a second chance to review pro-life legislation formerly blocked by a lower court .
SCOTUS threw out the Chicago-based 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals ’ ruling blocking two Republican backed , pro-life laws Thursday , Reuters reported .
One of these laws would require women to see an ultrasound of their unborn baby before they obtained abortions , while the other one would require parental notification when a minor sought an abortion .
Vice President Mike Pence signed the ultrasound law when he was governor of Indiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as President Donald Trump ’ s running mate .
“ We are heartened that the U.S. Supreme Court has granted us fresh opportunities to defend Indiana ’ s commonsense laws safeguarding women ’ s health and protecting , wherever possible , the lives of the unborn , ” Republican Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill said in a statement , Reuters reported .
The justices instructed the 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider the laws while taking into account SCOTUS ’ s Monday ruling on June Medical Services v. Russo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abortion provider that challenged a 2014 Louisiana state law requiring abortion providers to have admitting privileges in a hospital within 30 miles of the abortion facility .
These admitting privileges would allow a woman to go directly to the hospital if she were to need urgent care .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
SCOTUS ruled Monday that the law violated the rights of both women and abortion providers in Louisiana , and struck down the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burden on access to abortion just as severe as that imposed by the Texas law , for the same reasons , ” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his opinion , referring to a similar law the court struck down in 2016 .
“ Therefore Louisiana ’ s law can not stand under our precedents.
” Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser celebrated news that SCOTUS would give the pro-life Indiana laws a second chance .
“ We are pleased that the Seventh Circuit will reconsider its ruling striking down Indiana ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by then-Governor Mike Pence , that allows a woman considering abortion to see the growing child within her through ultrasound , ” Dannenfelser said in a statement .
Dannenfelser said she was also pleased that the lower court will reconsider the parental consent law .
“ We are confident that the Seventh Circuit will allow these compassionate , life-saving laws to stand upon further review , ” Dannenfelser said .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

The United States Supreme Court has given the state of Indiana a second chance to review pro-life legislation formerly blocked by a lower court.
SCOTUS threw out the Chicago-based 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling blocking two Republican backed, pro-life laws Thursday, Reuters reported. One of these laws would require women to see an ultrasound of their unborn baby before they obtained abortions, while the other one would require parental notification when a minor sought an abortion.
Vice President Mike Pence signed the ultrasound law when he was governor of Indiana in 2016, before he was selected as President Donald Trump’s running mate.
“We are heartened that the U.S. Supreme Court has granted us fresh opportunities to defend Indiana’s commonsense laws safeguarding women’s health and protecting, wherever possible, the lives of the unborn,” Republican Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill said in a statement, Reuters reported.
Just days after the court narrowly struck down a law that would have decimated abortion access in Louisiana, the court has decided to give politicians opposed to abortion access another shot. #SCOTUS https://t.co/GpE7Z1gJX6 — Planned Parenthood (@PPIndKentucky) July 2, 2020
The justices instructed the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider the laws while taking into account SCOTUS’s Monday ruling on June Medical Services v. Russo, Reuters reported.
The case involved an abortion provider that challenged a 2014 Louisiana state law requiring abortion providers to have admitting privileges in a hospital within 30 miles of the abortion facility. These admitting privileges would allow a woman to go directly to the hospital if she were to need urgent care.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
SCOTUS ruled Monday that the law violated the rights of both women and abortion providers in Louisiana, and struck down the law.
“The Louisiana law imposes a burden on access to abortion just as severe as that imposed by the Texas law, for the same reasons,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in his opinion, referring to a similar law the court struck down in 2016. “Therefore Louisiana’s law cannot stand under our precedents.”
Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser celebrated news that SCOTUS would give the pro-life Indiana laws a second chance.
“We are pleased that the Seventh Circuit will reconsider its ruling striking down Indiana’s pro-life, pro-woman law, signed by then-Governor Mike Pence, that allows a woman considering abortion to see the growing child within her through ultrasound,” Dannenfelser said in a statement.
Dannenfelser said she was also pleased that the lower court will reconsider the parental consent law.
“We are confident that the Seventh Circuit will allow these compassionate, life-saving laws to stand upon further review,” Dannenfelser said.
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Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].