thestream--2020-03-22--How to Rebuild from the Ruins: Start with Yourself

Tough times require tough people .
And our times just got a lot tougher .
The sudden quarantine of most our country has revealed to most of us how dependent and vulnerable we really are .
Do we have the character to deal with that ?
Are we resilient ?
Or even better anti-fragile ?
That is , prepared to take the shocks of changing times and grow stronger as a result of them ?
It ’ s time to take a searching look within .
Within ourselves first , of course .
But also within our religious and political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly , did the Christian worldview and American liberty suffer such an uninterrupted string of defeats in the past 30 years ?
This despite a well-funded , brainy “ conservative ” movement full of magazines and thinktanks .
This in the face of large , prosperous churches full of apparently zealous believers .
Pat Buchanan caused countless Republicans to clutch their pearls and take to their fainting couches in 1992 , when he told the Republican National Convention that Americans faced a “ religious war ” aimed at them .
Go ahead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatest in American political history .
Who can really deny now that Buchanan was right ?
Or that on issue after issue after issue ( abortion , marriage , LGBT aggression , religious liberty ) we have been losing ?
Collapsing , surrendering , and collaborating , like the French in 1940 ?
I remember at the time that the GOP establishment sent ghost-written “ virtue ” -peddling William Bennett on TV right after Buchanan ’ s speech , to poo-poo it and call him “ extremist.
” Bennett reassured voters that candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do with such zealotry .
The GOP , Bennett promised , would do little or nothing to fight back in that war .
And that ’ s one promise it kept , right up through 2016 .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » Want to understand how that happened ?
How our party could nominate as its presidential candidate in 2012 Mitt Romney ?
( A man who ’ d crusaded for state-funded abortion , same sex marriage , and proto-Obamacare all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elites reacted as they did to the rise of an authentic political genius like Donald Trump ?
They didn ’ t embrace him ( as the Democrats did Bill Clinton and Barack Obama ) , but froze him out and poured tens of millions into “ NeverTrump ” conspiracies .
Why are there still “ conservative ” thinktanks and institutions using conservative donors ’ money to bash our best candidate since Ronald Reagan ?
This even after he has proved himself in office a sober , competent leader .
How We Got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will show you how and why all these things have happened .
And what we can do about it .
Rule for Retrogrades , by the philosophical brothers Tim and David Gordon , just came out at the worst possible time : at the moment when bookstores are closed .
We ’ re all on Amazon , but we ’ re ordering protein bars and hand sanitizer .
But it ’ s also exactly the right moment , if you think about it .
The slow-burn , bubbling pot in which we frogs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This might just be the moment we rouse ourselves and jump out .
The book presents itself as a political how-to manual , an answer to Saul Alinsky ’ s “ classic ” manual for social disruption and power-grabbing , Rules for Radicals .
The authors define themselves not as conservatives ( how much is left to save ? )
but as “ retrogrades , ” as men who want to reject our death-by-cirrhosis status quo , and revive the institutions and ideas that made America work since its founding .
And beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made the West great in the first place , since the conversion of Constantine .
The writers draw on the common heritage that united America ’ s founders with the great thinkers of the early Church and medieval Europe , and show how the virtues of Aristotle , Christianized by Aquinas , proved crucial to the project of the American republic from the beginning .
And then the authors explain how to cultivate those virtues in our own lives .
And practice them in politics .
My favorite part of this rich and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down for political conflict .
The authors expose exactly how we got so many prissy , neurotic , half-hearted and apologetic “ conservatives ” in positions of influence in the first place .
The Gordons uncover the psychological and moral mechanisms at work in “ NeverTrump ” writers , of the kind who eagerly pounced on the innocent Nick Sandmann at National Review .
And ( mostly the same people ) who gave undue credence to Christine Blasey Ford ’ s slanders of Brett Kavanaugh and Mark Judge .
The Gordons wield a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ moderates , ” and bloodless Christians obsessed with “ winsomeness , ” who throw our wounded allies under the bus at the first sign of blood .
They also call us to moral reform and political vigor , at every level of life from dating decisions to campaign rhetoric .
You won ’ t find another book published in 2020 full of thoughtful analysis , stirring rhetoric , and impassioned appeals like this one .
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream , and author or co-author of ten books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism .

Tough times require tough people. And our times just got a lot tougher. The sudden quarantine of most our country has revealed to most of us how dependent and vulnerable we really are. Do we have the character to deal with that? Are we resilient? Or even better anti-fragile? That is, prepared to take the shocks of changing times and grow stronger as a result of them?
It’s time to take a searching look within. Within ourselves first, of course. But also within our religious and political institutions and movements. Just how, exactly, did the Christian worldview and American liberty suffer such an uninterrupted string of defeats in the past 30 years?
This despite a well-funded, brainy “conservative” movement full of magazines and thinktanks. This in the face of large, prosperous churches full of apparently zealous believers. Pat Buchanan caused countless Republicans to clutch their pearls and take to their fainting couches in 1992, when he told the Republican National Convention that Americans faced a “religious war” aimed at them. Go ahead, watch the speech, one of the greatest in American political history.
The Vichy Cons
Who can really deny now that Buchanan was right? Or that on issue after issue after issue (abortion, marriage, LGBT aggression, religious liberty) we have been losing? Collapsing, surrendering, and collaborating, like the French in 1940?
I remember at the time that the GOP establishment sent ghost-written “virtue”-peddling William Bennett on TV right after Buchanan’s speech, to poo-poo it and call him “extremist.” Bennett reassured voters that candidate George H.W. Bush wanted nothing to do with such zealotry. The GOP, Bennett promised, would do little or nothing to fight back in that war. And that’s one promise it kept, right up through 2016.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Want to understand how that happened? How our party could nominate as its presidential candidate in 2012 Mitt Romney? (A man who’d crusaded for state-funded abortion, same sex marriage, and proto-Obamacare all through the 1990s.) Why GOP elites reacted as they did to the rise of an authentic political genius like Donald Trump? They didn’t embrace him (as the Democrats did Bill Clinton and Barack Obama), but froze him out and poured tens of millions into “NeverTrump” conspiracies. Why are there still “conservative” thinktanks and institutions using conservative donors’ money to bash our best candidate since Ronald Reagan? This even after he has proved himself in office a sober, competent leader.
How We Got to Gomorrah
This short, highly readable book will show you how and why all these things have happened. And what we can do about it. Rule for Retrogrades, by the philosophical brothers Tim and David Gordon, just came out at the worst possible time: at the moment when bookstores are closed. We’re all on Amazon, but we’re ordering protein bars and hand sanitizer.
But it’s also exactly the right moment, if you think about it. The slow-burn, bubbling pot in which we frogs have been cooking just started boiling. This might just be the moment we rouse ourselves and jump out.
A Political Manual, and More
The book presents itself as a political how-to manual, an answer to Saul Alinsky’s “classic” manual for social disruption and power-grabbing, Rules for Radicals. The authors define themselves not as conservatives (how much is left to save?) but as “retrogrades,” as men who want to reject our death-by-cirrhosis status quo, and revive the institutions and ideas that made America work since its founding. And beyond that, the ideas and practices that made the West great in the first place, since the conversion of Constantine. The writers draw on the common heritage that united America’s founders with the great thinkers of the early Church and medieval Europe, and show how the virtues of Aristotle, Christianized by Aquinas, proved crucial to the project of the American republic from the beginning.
The slow-burn, bubbling pot in which we frogs have been cooking just started boiling.
And then the authors explain how to cultivate those virtues in our own lives. And practice them in politics. My favorite part of this rich and rewarding book? The rules it lays down for political conflict. The authors expose exactly how we got so many prissy, neurotic, half-hearted and apologetic “conservatives” in positions of influence in the first place.
The Gordons uncover the psychological and moral mechanisms at work in “NeverTrump” writers, of the kind who eagerly pounced on the innocent Nick Sandmann at National Review. And (mostly the same people) who gave undue credence to Christine Blasey Ford’s slanders of Brett Kavanaugh and Mark Judge.
Inside the Shriveled, “NeverTrump” Soul
The Gordons wield a laser scalpel on the brains of mushy “moderates,” and bloodless Christians obsessed with “winsomeness,” who throw our wounded allies under the bus at the first sign of blood. They also call us to moral reform and political vigor, at every level of life from dating decisions to campaign rhetoric. You won’t find another book published in 2020 full of thoughtful analysis, stirring rhetoric, and impassioned appeals like this one.
Retrogrades, take heart! Audacious, intrepid men live and breathe who are worthy of your friendship, provided simply that you make yourself worthy of theirs!
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream, and author or co-author of ten books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism.


thestream--2020-03-23--How to Work From Home: Stream Editors Share Their Tricks

Many of you have suddenly found yourselves working from home .
It can be harder to do than it sounds .
Here five of The Stream ‘ s editors share their advice for working at home .
Al Perrotta : Get Dressed , Eat Well , Kiss Your Spouse I worked from home many of my years in California .
Dressing up for work meant swim trunks and a clean t-shirt .
Somebody had to have died for me to wear a dress shirt .
And of course California law prohibits the wearing of ties .
A razor ?
Let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t cash in on me .
That ’ s probably the one bit of advice I ’ d give to those suddenly finding themselves working from home .
It ’ s very easy to become a grubby mess .
So don ’ t .
Maybe you don ’ t have to put on a suit , but don ’ t stay in your jammies .
Keep to your shower routine .
Your spouse will appreciate it .
So will your pets .
Compartmentalize the day .
Otherwise , your work day feels like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and goes on till you go to bed .
Get away from your desk .
Take planned breaks .
Take lunch .
And if you can , take the computer outside .
It ’ s easy to start feeling claustrophobic if you stick to your desk .
I still work one day a week from home , and I still have to deal with very loud interruptions .
I ’ m not talking about our two dogs .
I ’ m talking about the refrigerator and the pantry calling me .
They do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be heard over headphones .
If you are like me , stock up with healthy snacks , veggies and fruit .
And make sure you ’ re having a snack because you are hungry , not because it breaks up the work day .
Otherwise , instead of “ flattening the curve , ” we ’ ll be “ fattening the curves.
” You will develop new routines .
It ’ s inevitable .
Please make sure these routines are healthy ones .
A routine of grabbing a couple chocolate-covered macadamia nuts is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
A routine of kissing your spouse ?
That ’ s healthy .
Finally , remember you are now your office manager .
You may not feel qualified , but you ’ re stuck with the gig .
Make that office manager proud .
Rachel Alexander : Learn to Fix Things , and Remember Your Cat ’ s a Psychopath I ’ ve worked from home for over five years now .
It ’ s been wonderful , but there are a few things you don ’ t find out until you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovery for me : If any of your equipment has problems — your computer , your computer power cord , your monitor , your mouse , your internet connection , your electric power , smartphone , air conditioning , etc .
— you have to fix it .
You have no IT or facilities department to fix the problem .
A lot of times things you think might be fixed remotely can ’ t be .
When my copy of Word expired , I contacted our IT department .
They installed it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They said without physically having my laptop ( they ’ re two big states away ) , they could not fix it .
So I learned to use Open Office instead .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » They say working with pets around has a good effect on you .
What if you have a pet that won ’ t stop jumping on your lap while you work ?
My cat Buckley never leaves me alone .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the couch next to me , walks onto my lap , stepping on the keyboard and messing up my screen .
I push him over to the other side , he jumps down , and the cycle repeats itself .
All day long .
It could drive some people crazy .
It ’ s wonderful not having to get dressed professionally and commute in traffic to and from work every day .
But it ’ s not all roses .
John Zmirak : The Real Key ( It ’ s Not One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working at home , and I hope you ’ re taking notes , is beagle management .
Let ’ s say the phone wakes you up , and it ’ s a national radio show .
You ’ re 30 second away from talking to Eric Metaxas about crucial issues of church and state .
Quick , splash some water on your face , and open the bag of bully sticks .
Give the bigger one to Finnegan .
Because if he finishes first , his face will screw up in a dudgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eating .
Then he ’ ll emit a series of short , sharp , indignant barks , like an angry union organizer out on a picket line .
That won ’ t stop until Rayne has finished , and meanwhile America is listening to their argument .
Instead of your take on the latest debate among the Democrats .
While the latter ’ s less wholesome or rational than the dispute between the beagles , it ’ s what you signed on to talk about with Eric .
If you ’ re doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare in advance .
Don ’ t get caught , as I was by The Steve Deace Show , unprepared because you forgot which time zone they ’ re calling from .
Otherwise you ’ ll look as disheveled and rattled as I did , which was only saved when Rayne jumped into my arms and sat there through the show , looking adorable .
You don ’ t want to have to rely on some poor helpless dog to salvage your dignity .
David Mills : You Have to Pay For Your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snow .
“ I love snowy days !
” I said , brightly .
He looked at me coldly .
“ You don ’ t have to drive to work in it , ” he said , in a voice as cold as his look .
Which was fair .
I ’ m blessed to work at home — but ( as Peter Parker ’ s uncle might have said ) with blessings come responsibilities .
We ’ re primarily responsible to those we work with and for , but also to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two ideas for working responsibly .
First , as everyone says , because it ’ s true : develop a routine and keep to it .
Work when you ’ re working and don ’ t work when you ’ re not .
Be there for your colleagues during the workday and for your family and yourself before and after .
Start at the same time every day and police your breaks so you don ’ t let them stretch out .
Set goals with incentives .
I have to finish one project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t go back to work when you ’ re done .
Of course you ’ ll think of things later .
Keep a pad of paper by your workplace and write down notes for yourself to deal with the next day .
Second , treat your work as a work you ’ re doing for God .
( Sorry if this sounds preachy . )
Even when it ’ s mind-numbingly boring , you ’ re creating something with your colleagues and together you ’ re helping people .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality in prayer .
I like to start the day praying the Lord ’ s Prayer and some other prayers .
Then I pray at random times during the day , and at the end when I ’ m done .
When I remember , I pray for each person I ’ m dealing with .
Each time ’ s like cleaning dirty glasses .
You see better .
Tom Gilson : Just Say No Working at home ?
I ’ ve been doing it for years .
The big challenges are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right boundaries .
I have to keep boundaries with respect to my family .
I ’ m responsible to work when I ’ m working , after all .
Not only that , but when I ’ m writing , what they see as a two-minute interruption often turns out to be a fifteen-minute disruption in my train of thought .
So I keep my door closed .
But I don ’ t want to be totally inaccessible all day long .
So I just hang a doorknob sign to signal when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They respect the “ Do not disturb ” part , but they know better than to believe the rest .
I have to manage boundaries with my time , too .
Part of that may be unique to a writer ’ s job , actually : It ’ s hard to say when I ’ m working and when I ’ m not .
Almost anything I do could be research , even watching an ordinary television show , and I use the same computer for both work and personal use .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together : Making sure that when I ’ m with my wife , I ’ m really with her .
Really present , not half-working half-connecting with her .
The same went for our kids , when we had kids in the home .
If I do that , we ’ re all good with it .
Al Perrota is The Stream ‘ s managing editor .
Rachel Alexander , John Zmirak , David Mills , and Tom Gilson are all senior editors .

Many of you have suddenly found yourselves working from home. It can be harder to do than it sounds. Here five of The Stream’s editors share their advice for working at home.
Al Perrotta: Get Dressed, Eat Well, Kiss Your Spouse
I worked from home many of my years in California. Dressing up for work meant swim trunks and a clean t-shirt. Somebody had to have died for me to wear a dress shirt. And of course California law prohibits the wearing of ties. A razor? Let’s just say Gillette didn’t cash in on me.
That’s probably the one bit of advice I’d give to those suddenly finding themselves working from home. It’s very easy to become a grubby mess. So don’t. Maybe you don’t have to put on a suit, but don’t stay in your jammies. Keep to your shower routine. Your spouse will appreciate it. So will your pets.
Compartmentalize the day. Otherwise, your work day feels like it starts when you get up — and goes on till you go to bed. Get away from your desk. Take planned breaks. Take lunch. And if you can, take the computer outside. It’s easy to start feeling claustrophobic if you stick to your desk.
I still work one day a week from home, and I still have to deal with very loud interruptions. I’m not talking about our two dogs. I’m talking about the refrigerator and the pantry calling me. They do not shut up. And they can be heard over headphones. If you are like me, stock up with healthy snacks, veggies and fruit. And make sure you’re having a snack because you are hungry, not because it breaks up the work day. Otherwise, instead of “flattening the curve,” we’ll be “fattening the curves.”
You will develop new routines. It’s inevitable. Please make sure these routines are healthy ones. A routine of grabbing a couple chocolate-covered macadamia nuts is not healthy. (Note to self.) A routine of kissing your spouse? That’s healthy.
Finally, remember you are now your office manager. You may not feel qualified, but you’re stuck with the gig. Make that office manager proud.
Rachel Alexander: Learn to Fix Things, and Remember Your Cat’s a Psychopath
I’ve worked from home for over five years now. It’s been wonderful, but there are a few things you don’t find out until you’ve tried it. A huge discovery for me: If any of your equipment has problems — your computer, your computer power cord, your monitor, your mouse, your internet connection, your electric power, smartphone, air conditioning, etc. — you have to fix it. You have no IT or facilities department to fix the problem.
A lot of times things you think might be fixed remotely can’t be. When my copy of Word expired, I contacted our IT department. They installed it, we have the web, easy fix. They said without physically having my laptop (they’re two big states away), they could not fix it. So I learned to use Open Office instead.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
They say working with pets around has a good effect on you. What if you have a pet that won’t stop jumping on your lap while you work? My cat Buckley never leaves me alone. It’s like a circle. He jumps up on the couch next to me, walks onto my lap, stepping on the keyboard and messing up my screen. I push him over to the other side, he jumps down, and the cycle repeats itself. All day long. It could drive some people crazy.
It’s wonderful not having to get dressed professionally and commute in traffic to and from work every day. But it’s not all roses.
John Zmirak: The Real Key (It’s Not One You Expect)
The real key to working at home, and I hope you’re taking notes, is beagle management. Let’s say the phone wakes you up, and it’s a national radio show. You’re 30 second away from talking to Eric Metaxas about crucial issues of church and state.
Quick, splash some water on your face, and open the bag of bully sticks. Give the bigger one to Finnegan. Because if he finishes first, his face will screw up in a dudgeon, as he looks at Rayne still eating. Then he’ll emit a series of short, sharp, indignant barks, like an angry union organizer out on a picket line. That won’t stop until Rayne has finished, and meanwhile America is listening to their argument. Instead of your take on the latest debate among the Democrats. While the latter’s less wholesome or rational than the dispute between the beagles, it’s what you signed on to talk about with Eric.
If you’re doing a video skype, be sure to prepare in advance. Don’t get caught, as I was by The Steve Deace Show, unprepared because you forgot which time zone they’re calling from. Otherwise you’ll look as disheveled and rattled as I did, which was only saved when Rayne jumped into my arms and sat there through the show, looking adorable.
You don’t want to have to rely on some poor helpless dog to salvage your dignity.
David Mills: You Have to Pay For Your Fun
My friend complained bitterly about the snow. “I love snowy days!” I said, brightly. He looked at me coldly. “You don’t have to drive to work in it,” he said, in a voice as cold as his look. Which was fair. I’m blessed to work at home — but (as Peter Parker’s uncle might have said) with blessings come responsibilities. We’re primarily responsible to those we work with and for, but also to the people our work serves. Here are two ideas for working responsibly.
First, as everyone says, because it’s true: develop a routine and keep to it. Work when you’re working and don’t work when you’re not. Be there for your colleagues during the workday and for your family and yourself before and after. Start at the same time every day and police your breaks so you don’t let them stretch out. Set goals with incentives. I have to finish one project before I get my shower.
Don’t go back to work when you’re done. Of course you’ll think of things later. Keep a pad of paper by your workplace and write down notes for yourself to deal with the next day.
Second, treat your work as a work you’re doing for God. (Sorry if this sounds preachy.) Even when it’s mind-numbingly boring, you’re creating something with your colleagues and together you’re helping people. That’s not nothing. Try to focus this reality in prayer. I like to start the day praying the Lord’s Prayer and some other prayers. Then I pray at random times during the day, and at the end when I’m done. When I remember, I pray for each person I’m dealing with. Each time’s like cleaning dirty glasses. You see better.
Tom Gilson: Just Say No
Working at home? I’ve been doing it for years. The big challenges are the same as ever, mostly setting the right boundaries. I have to keep boundaries with respect to my family. I’m responsible to work when I’m working, after all. Not only that, but when I’m writing, what they see as a two-minute interruption often turns out to be a fifteen-minute disruption in my train of thought.
So I keep my door closed. But I don’t want to be totally inaccessible all day long. So I just hang a doorknob sign to signal when I absolutely shouldn’t be disturbed. They respect the “Do not disturb” part, but they know better than to believe the rest: “Genius at Work.”
I have to manage boundaries with my time, too. Part of that may be unique to a writer’s job, actually: It’s hard to say when I’m working and when I’m not. Almost anything I do could be research, even watching an ordinary television show, and I use the same computer for both work and personal use.
But here’s where these two come together: Making sure that when I’m with my wife, I’m really with her. Really present, not half-working half-connecting with her. The same went for our kids, when we had kids in the home. If I do that, we’re all good with it.
Al Perrotta is The Stream’s managing editor. Rachel Alexander, John Zmirak, David Mills, and Tom Gilson are all senior editors.


thestream--2020-03-23--Actress Sam Sorbo Homeschools — and Her Tips Could Save Your Sanity

Actors Kevin and Sam Sorbo homeschool their kids , and the two outspoken performers have gained a plethora of wisdom along the way .
Amid rampant school closures plaguing the U.S. right now due to the novel coronavirus outbreak , Sam Sorbo , author of appeared on “ ” to offer advice to anxious parents who find themselves homeschooling for the first time .
WATCH : Get Some Great Homeschool Curriculum and Streaming Titles for Your Kids “ Your responsibility as a parent is to ignite the natural curiosity in your child , ” Sorbo said .
“ And to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not need to know everything.
” Listen to Sorbo ’ s tips for parents struggling with the homeschool chaos that the novel corona-virus has sparked : Sorbo , who has been homeschooling the couple ’ s children for years , also encouraged parents not to fear their own knowledge level and to instead “ learn alongside ” kids .
“ It ’ s actually not rocket science , ” she quipped .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » One of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centers on finding a newfound life balance between working from home and homeschooling schedules , as some districts are sending work home throughout the day for parents to do with kids .
Sorbo says in the end it all comes down to crafting a vibrant and workable schedule .
“ Every family will have its own formula , ” she said , noting that she has always started the day with breakfast and Bible study and with instruction beginning at 9 a.m. “ You have to figure out what is going to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centers on the location of instruction ; she recommended parents choose a spot and remain consistent .
“ I highly recommend that you have a designated area in your house … that is where at least at the start of every day , ” she said , likening this space to an educational “ headquarters ” of sorts .
Sorbo concluded by encouraging parents to see this as an important “ opportunity , ” despite the challenges that these newfound homeschooling environments have created .
“ We can look at this as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change your perspective and look at this as an opportunity , ” she said .
“ If you believe in God then it ’ s an opportunity , whether you like it or not … take time out and be with your kids.
” This article was .
Visit for access to thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows .
You can .
Billy Hallowell has worked as a journalist and commentator for more than a decade .
He is the director of communications and content for PureFlix.com , the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faith and culture editor at TheBlaze .

Actors Kevin and Sam Sorbo homeschool their kids, and the two outspoken performers have gained a plethora of wisdom along the way.
Amid rampant school closures plaguing the U.S. right now due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, Sam Sorbo, author of True Faith, appeared on “The Pure Flix Podcast” to offer advice to anxious parents who find themselves homeschooling for the first time.
“Your responsibility as a parent is to ignite the natural curiosity in your child,” Sorbo said. “And to encourage them to learn … “You do not need to know everything.”
Listen to Sorbo’s tips for parents struggling with the homeschool chaos that the novel corona-virus has sparked:
Sorbo, who has been homeschooling the couple’s children for years, also encouraged parents not to fear their own knowledge level and to instead “learn alongside” kids.
“It’s actually not rocket science,” she quipped.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
One of the other major stresses some parents are experiencing centers on finding a newfound life balance between working from home and homeschooling schedules, as some districts are sending work home throughout the day for parents to do with kids.
Sorbo says in the end it all comes down to crafting a vibrant and workable schedule.
“Every family will have its own formula,” she said, noting that she has always started the day with breakfast and Bible study and with instruction beginning at 9 a.m. “You have to figure out what is going to work for you.”
Another tip Sorbo offered centers on the location of instruction; she recommended parents choose a spot and remain consistent.
“I highly recommend that you have a designated area in your house … that is where your school takes place, at least at the start of every day,” she said, likening this space to an educational “headquarters” of sorts.
Sorbo concluded by encouraging parents to see this as an important “opportunity,” despite the challenges that these newfound homeschooling environments have created.
“We can look at this as a huge tragedy … but you an also change your perspective and look at this as an opportunity,” she said. “If you believe in God then it’s an opportunity, whether you like it or not … take time out and be with your kids.”
This article was originally published on Pure Flix Insider. Visit Pure Flix for access to thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows. You can get a free, one-month trial here.
Billy Hallowell has worked as a journalist and commentator for more than a decade. He is the director of communications and content for PureFlix.com, the former senior editor at Faithwire.com and the former faith and culture editor at TheBlaze.


thestream--2020-03-23--Military Photo of the Day: USAF Joins the Coronavirus War

U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command transports 13 pallets containing 500,000 COVID-19 sampling swabs on a C-17 Globemaster III from @ @ @ @ @ to Memphis , Tennessee , on March 17 , 2020 .
Thank you to the @ @ @ @ @ our military for doing whatever it takes to protect us from coronavirus .
Stay safe @ @ @ @ @ champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream »

U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command transports 13 pallets containing 500,000 COVID-19 sampling swabs on a C-17 Globemaster III from Aviano Air Base in Italy to Memphis, Tennessee, on March 17, 2020.
Thank you to the brave men and women of our military for doing whatever it takes to protect us from coronavirus. Stay safe this week!
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.


thestream--2020-03-23--How Can I Keep From Singing?

How Can I Keep From Singing?

As we ’ ve been breaking out in sweat over the coronavirus pandemic , we have also been breaking out in song .
From Italian neighborhoods to New York apartment buildings .
From insufferable celebrities butchering John Lennon ’ s “ Imagine ” to the great Neil Diamond humorously reworking his own “ Sweet Caroline.
” This weekend , even as churches had to shutter their doors , worship teams still were singing .
Watch here for this weekend ’ s service from Gateway Church , home to several Stream and LIFE Outreach family members , including publisher James Robison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ echoing through the megachurch ’ s cavernous , empty , sanctuary .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » Some may wonder how we can sing such hopeful songs , such worship songs , in a time of death and darkness and fear ?
The answer comes from an old hymn .
You want to know how I can sing ?
How can I keep from singing ?
“ How Can I Keep From Singing ?
” Although often credited as an “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was written by a 19th Century American Baptist minister named Robert Wadsworth Lowry .
It shows up in an 1869 song book called Bright Jewels for the Sunday School , under his name .
However , the first known publication was a year earlier in The New York Observer , credited to “ Pauline T. ” The original title was “ Always Rejoicing.
” My life flows on in endless song ; Above earth ’ s lamentation , I hear the sweet , tho ’ far-off hymn That hails a new creation ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strife I hear the music ringing ; It finds an echo in my soul— How can I keep from singing ?
What tho ’ my joys and comforts die ?
The Lord my Saviour liveth ; What tho ’ the darkness gather round ?
Songs in the night he giveth .
No storm can shake my inmost calm While to that refuge clinging ; Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth , How can I keep from singing ?
I lift my eyes ; the cloud grows thin ; I see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day this pathway smooths , Since first I learned to love it , The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart , A fountain ever springing ; All things are mine since I am his How can I keep from singing ?
Singing in times of strife and confinement is in our DNA .
As The Stream ’ s Tom Gilson points out in his latest article , Paul and Silas sang while in prison .
And they weren ’ t singing the blues .
At midnight , surrounded by prison walls and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Or as Lowry would put it “ the songs in the night He giveth.
” We who know the Lord sing because we know the end of the story .
We know that what we see isn ’ t final , because Jesus loves us .
As Stream editor David Mills reminds us , in his story on the great hymn “ It Is Well With My Soul , ” we sing the truth that “ Whatever my lot , Thou hast taught me to know , it is well , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today , as we look at neighbor helping neighbor , Christians helping their communities , voices raising in unity , how can we keep from singing ?
And as we look at how God is moving and delivering us in this crisis , how can we possibly stop singing ?
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 @ @ @ @ @

As we’ve been breaking out in sweat over the coronavirus pandemic, we have also been breaking out in song.
From Italian neighborhoods to New York apartment buildings. From insufferable celebrities butchering John Lennon’s “Imagine” to the great Neil Diamond humorously reworking his own “Sweet Caroline.”
Stay safe out there! “Hands… washing hands..” 🎶 pic.twitter.com/QaRB1qZshp — Neil Diamond (@NeilDiamond) March 22, 2020
This weekend, even as churches had to shutter their doors, worship teams still were singing. Watch here for this weekend’s service from Gateway Church, home to several Stream and LIFE Outreach family members, including publisher James Robison. Songs of praise and hope, echoing through the megachurch’s cavernous, empty, sanctuary.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Some may wonder how we can sing such hopeful songs, such worship songs, in a time of death and darkness and fear? The answer comes from an old hymn. You want to know how I can sing? How can I keep from singing?
“How Can I Keep From Singing?”
Although often credited as an “early” Quaker hymn, the song was written by a 19th Century American Baptist minister named Robert Wadsworth Lowry. It shows up in an 1869 song book called Bright Jewels for the Sunday School, under his name. However, the first known publication was a year earlier in The New York Observer, credited to “Pauline T.” The original title was “Always Rejoicing.”
Feel the lyrics:
My life flows on in endless song;
Above earth’s lamentation,
I hear the sweet, tho’ far-off hymn
That hails a new creation; Thro’ all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—
How can I keep from singing? What tho’ my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Saviour liveth;
What tho’ the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth. No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing? I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smooths,
Since first I learned to love it, The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing;
All things are mine since I am his
How can I keep from singing?
Here’s a beautiful rendition from Audrey Assad.
What Tho’ the Darkness Gather Round
Singing in times of strife and confinement is in our DNA. As The Stream’s Tom Gilson points out in his latest article, Paul and Silas sang while in prison. And they weren’t singing the blues. At midnight, surrounded by prison walls and an undetermined fate, they sang hymns. Or as Lowry would put it “the songs in the night He giveth.”
We who know the Lord sing because we know the end of the story. We know that what we see isn’t final, because Jesus loves us. As Stream editor David Mills reminds us, in his story on the great hymn “It Is Well With My Soul,” we sing the truth that “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know, it is well, it is well, with my soul.”
Today, as we look at neighbor helping neighbor, Christians helping their communities, voices raising in unity, how can we keep from singing? And as we look at how God is moving and delivering us in this crisis, how can we possibly stop singing?
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.


Old Lives Matter

We hear it all the time these days : “ Almost all the people who are dying from the coronavirus are old.
” But what is this supposed to mean ?
Does it mean that younger people don ’ t need to worry about contracting it ?
Or does it mean something worse , as in , “ Old people really don ’ t matter ” ?
We Should Also Have Concern for the Virus ’ Impact on Younger People As for the first attitude , namely , that younger people need not be concerned about the virus , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported on March 19 , “ It ’ s not just adults 65 and older .
Americans of all ages have faced serious health complications amid the new coronavirus outbreak , a federal health report says .
“ New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that among the roughly 12 % of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. known to need hospitalizations , about 1 in 5 were among people ages 20 to 44.
” Even college-age students returning from spring break have tested positive .
And , while their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much lower than among the elderly , they are not immune .
We Should Especially Esteem Our Elders As for the elderly , they are truly suffering .
In Italy , the average age of those dying from COVID-19 is over 79 ( and almost all had preexisting conditions ) .
And things are now so dire that an Israeli doctor working in northern Italy explained that “ the orders are not to allow those over 60 access to respiratory machines.
” Better to treat those who have more hope of survival .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ultra-orthodox Jewish community died over the weekend .
One was 97 , the other 85 .
Yes , it is the elderly in particular who are perishing .
But that doesn ’ t mean that old lives do not matter .
To the contrary , from a biblical mentality , it is the elders who should be especially esteemed and honored .
They are the ones who have worked a lifetime and accumulated decades of wisdom and experience .
They are the ones who have seen fads come and go .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ families and led businesses .
They are the ones who have sown many years and should be allowed to reap .
The more fragile they become , the more care and love they should receive .
We Tend to Value Youth But that ’ s not how our modern , American society thinks .
Life is for the young .
For the beautiful .
For the athletic .
For the virile .
Life is for those with chiseled bodies , not wrinkles .
The annual Oldtimers baseball game may be nostalgic , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how these great stars have aged .
The sentimental movie about a couple grown old may be a real tearjerker , but we ’ d much rather see a superhero in action .
Life is for the young !
Of course , young people should enjoy life .
There are some things you can do when you ’ re young that you can ’ t ( or wouldn ’ t do ) when you ’ re old .
There are things you can learn .
Sports you can enjoy .
Hobbies you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young people , and it should be enjoyed as much as possible .
Let us all live life to the full .
But there ’ s a reason that the president has to be at least 35 years old .
Would you want a 20-year-old Commander in Chief ?
There ’ s a reason that Alfred Gruenther became the youngest four-star general at the age of 53 .
There ’ s a reason that the vast majority of respected scholars and scientists are in their 40s and beyond .
There ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in college rather than the reverse .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » There ’ s a reason that the average age for a Fortune 500 CEO to be hired is 57 and the average age for an NFL head coach is 48 .
Good things take time , and wisdom and knowledge are not obtained overnight .
That ’ s why it ’ s not surprising that both President Trump and the two leading Democratic candidates are in their late 70s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which officially makes me a “ senior citizen.
” But I feel just as vibrant , just as mentally sharp , just as full of vision and energy as I did in my 20s .
Slowing down is not on my mind and I feel confident that , in the Lord , I have more to offer today than anytime in my past .
James Robison ’ s Texts About the Enemy ’ s Attack on the Older Generation My esteemed colleague James Robison , himself 76 , also texted this to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does want to destroy the elders , the 60 , 70 and older because they have a wiser broader perspective have observed the consequences of our actions .
Also , they control over 50 % of America ’ s wealth and can , if led by God , take the Gospel of the Kingdom to all nations now !
“ According to Harvard Research — people 74 and older control 21 % of America ’ s wealth — 21 trillion dollars .
Combine that with those 58 and older , and 75 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollars .
According to Forbes , the least moved by biblical truth millennials will inherit 68 trillion dollars by 2030.
” He added , “ If this wealth is not directed by the elders with Godly wisdom , the money He trusted them to oversee will fund the enemy ’ s destruction of the very freedom the Father freely offers to the just and the unjust .
Time to ‘ arise and shine ’ with His glory all over us !
!
” To that I say , Amen !
Of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand that countries like Italy are having to make terribly difficult decisions , asking who will more likely live .
And , more broadly , I absolutely believe in the potential and gifting and calling of young people .
They are worldchangers too , and it was people like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg who , as young men , greatly shaped the world we live in today .
( I say that for better or for worse . )
One of my greatest joys is to teach and mentor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more important than joining the generations together .
All the more , then , do we need to stand with and for the elderly in our midst .
For the grandparents and great-grandparents .
For the pioneers and builders .
For those who still have so much to offer and to give .
And so , rather than this pandemic trivializing the importance of older Americans , let the reverse be true .
Let it remind us every day that old lives really do a matter — a lot .
Dr. Michael Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Jezebel ’ s War With America : The Plot to Destroy Our Country and What We Can Do to Turn the Tide .
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

We hear it all the time these days: “Almost all the people who are dying from the coronavirus are old.” But what is this supposed to mean? Does it mean that younger people don’t need to worry about contracting it? Or does it mean something worse, as in, “Old people really don’t matter”?
We Should Also Have Concern for the Virus’ Impact on Younger People
As for the first attitude, namely, that younger people need not be concerned about the virus, that is hardly true.
As USA Today reported on March 19, “It’s not just adults 65 and older. Americans of all ages have faced serious health complications amid the new coronavirus outbreak, a federal health report says.
“New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that among the roughly 12% of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. known to need hospitalizations, about 1 in 5 were among people ages 20 to 44.”
Even college-age students returning from spring break have tested positive. And, while their risk of serious illness or death is much lower than among the elderly, they are not immune.
We Should Especially Esteem Our Elders
As for the elderly, they are truly suffering.
In Italy, the average age of those dying from COVID-19 is over 79 (and almost all had preexisting conditions). And things are now so dire that an Israeli doctor working in northern Italy explained that “the orders are not to allow those over 60 access to respiratory machines.” Better to treat those who have more hope of survival.
In England, two members of London’s ultra-orthodox Jewish community died over the weekend. One was 97, the other 85.
From a biblical mentality, it is the elders who should be especially esteemed and honored.
Yes, it is the elderly in particular who are perishing.
But that doesn’t mean that old lives do not matter. To the contrary, from a biblical mentality, it is the elders who should be especially esteemed and honored.
They are the ones who have worked a lifetime and accumulated decades of wisdom and experience. They are the ones who have seen fads come and go. They are the ones who have raised families and led businesses. They are the ones who have sown many years and should be allowed to reap. The more fragile they become, the more care and love they should receive.
We Tend to Value Youth
But that’s not how our modern, American society thinks.
Life is for the young. For the beautiful. For the athletic. For the virile. Life is for those with chiseled bodies, not wrinkles.
The annual Oldtimers baseball game may be nostalgic, but it’s really sad to see how these great stars have aged.
The sentimental movie about a couple grown old may be a real tearjerker, but we’d much rather see a superhero in action. Life is for the young!
Of course, young people should enjoy life. There are some things you can do when you’re young that you can’t (or wouldn’t do) when you’re old. There are things you can learn. Sports you can enjoy. Hobbies you can tackle.
Life can be wonderful for young people, and it should be enjoyed as much as possible. Let us all live life to the full.
With Age Comes Experience
But there’s a reason that the president has to be at least 35 years old. Would you want a 20-year-old Commander in Chief?
There’s a reason that Alfred Gruenther became the youngest four-star general at the age of 53.
There’s a reason that the vast majority of respected scholars and scientists are in their 40s and beyond.
There’s a reason that older people teach younger people in college rather than the reverse.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
There’s a reason that the average age for a Fortune 500 CEO to be hired is 57 and the average age for an NFL head coach is 48.
Good things take time, and wisdom and knowledge are not obtained overnight. That’s why it’s not surprising that both President Trump and the two leading Democratic candidates are in their late 70s.
I just turned 65 myself, which officially makes me a “senior citizen.” But I feel just as vibrant, just as mentally sharp, just as full of vision and energy as I did in my 20s. Slowing down is not on my mind and I feel confident that, in the Lord, I have more to offer today than anytime in my past.
James Robison’s Texts About the Enemy’s Attack on the Older Generation
My esteemed colleague James Robison, himself 76, also texted this to me about older Americans: “The enemy does want to destroy the elders, the 60, 70 and older because they have a wiser broader perspective have observed the consequences of our actions. Also, they control over 50% of America’s wealth and can, if led by God, take the Gospel of the Kingdom to all nations now!
“According to Harvard Research — people 74 and older control 21% of America’s wealth — 21 trillion dollars. Combine that with those 58 and older, and 75% brings the total controlled to 75 trillion dollars. According to Forbes, the least moved by biblical truth millennials will inherit 68 trillion dollars by 2030.”
He added, “If this wealth is not directed by the elders with Godly wisdom, the money He trusted them to oversee will fund the enemy’s destruction of the very freedom the Father freely offers to the just and the unjust. Time to ‘arise and shine’ with His glory all over us!!”
To that I say, Amen!
Let’s Remember That Old Lives Matter
Of course, from a medical standpoint, I do understand that countries like Italy are having to make terribly difficult decisions, asking who will more likely live. And, more broadly, I absolutely believe in the potential and gifting and calling of young people.
They are worldchangers too, and it was people like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg who, as young men, greatly shaped the world we live in today. (I say that for better or for worse.)
One of my greatest joys is to teach and mentor young people, and there is nothing more important than joining the generations together.
All the more, then, do we need to stand with and for the elderly in our midst. For the grandparents and great-grandparents. For the pioneers and builders. For those who still have so much to offer and to give.
And so, rather than this pandemic trivializing the importance of older Americans, let the reverse be true. Let it remind us every day that old lives really do a matter — a lot.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Jezebel’s War With America: The Plot to Destroy Our Country and What We Can Do to Turn the Tide. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-03-23--Women’s History Month: The Women You Won’t Hear About in the MSM

What women should Americans celebrate ?
Which ones best represent our values and beliefs ?
I thought about this when looking at last year ’ s Women ’ s History Month .
The theme was “ Visionary Women : Champions of Peace and Nonviolence.
” Who did they celebrate ?
You guessed it .
Women like Sharice Davids , a Democratic congresswoman from Kansas .
She is the first openly LGBT Native American elected to the U.S. Congress .
Deb Haaland ( D-NM ) , another Native American congresswoman , who chaired the New Mexico Democratic Party .
Peggy Flanagan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She ’ s also the Director of External Affairs at Wellstone Action , the country ’ s largest progressive training center .
She worked on campaigns for Barack Obama and Al Franken .
And there is Ruth Buffalo , a Democrat serving in the North Dakota legislature .
Which women does the month promote ?
Which does the National Women ’ s History Museum feature in its online biographies ?
Women championing abortion .
And liberal and leftist women .
And almost all of them are secular .
The WHM women don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women who are conservative , they don ’ t get celebrated .
WHM doesn ’ t admit that aborting baby girls is anathema to helping women .
These secular women don ’ t admit many women who hold Christian values even exist .
Like the great conservative women .
Do you think the WHM people would include them ?
Not ever .
Here are six they left out .
All women of accomplishment as great , or greater , than most of the women the month and museum choose to promote .
Phyllis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservative movement in the latter half of the 20th century , ensuring that social issues were not overlooked .
She successfully campaigned against ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution .
She founded the Eagle Forum .
I had the opportunity to interview her at CPAC in 2010 .
Tellingly , the National Women ’ s History Museum ’ s biographies does not include her .
Beverly LaHaye founded one of the foremost political action groups for conservative women , Concerned Women for America .
She started it in opposition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she saw as a humanist organization .
Claire Boothe Luce was a prominent female conservative in the mid-1900s .
The author of a hit Broadway play , a war correspondent , congresswoman , and ambassador , she was one of the century ’ s most accomplished women .
She served as a Republican in Congress and worked on the campaigns of Republican presidential candidates .
There is now a Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women .
Astonishingly , the National Women ’ s History Museum does not include her .
Jeanne Kirkpatrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reagan administration .
An ardent anticommunist and neocon , she became the first female ambassador to the U.N. under Reagan .
She came up with the Kirkpatrick Doctrine , which stated that authoritarian regimes could be supported if they agreed with our aims .
She is also omitted in The National Women ’ s History Museum .
Ayn Rand was a prominent woman on the right the left also ignores .
She developed the philosophical system Objectivism which remains quite popular today , and wrote several books , including the well-known Atlas Shrugged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s History Museum leaves her out too .
Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a Somali-born immigrant to the U.S. who became famous for exposing radical Islam .
She actively opposes forced marriage , honor violence , child marriage and female genital mutilation .
She ’ s not in The National Women ’ s History Museum either .
These women mentioned may not be “ feminists ” as the left defines it , but Women ’ s History Month should highlight all great women .
You don ’ t have to be a feminist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In fact , you will probably advance women ’ s real interests more if you ’ re not a feminist .
Phyllis Schlafly defeated feminism when she stopped the ERA .
No wonder The National Women ’ s History Museum won ’ t include her .
Follow Rachel on Twitter at Rach_IC .
Follow The Stream at streamdotorg .
Send tips to rachel.alexander @ stream.org .

What women should Americans celebrate? Which ones best represent our values and beliefs? I thought about this when looking at last year’s Women’s History Month. The theme was “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace and Nonviolence.” Who did they celebrate?
You guessed it. Women like Sharice Davids, a Democratic congresswoman from Kansas. She is the first openly LGBT Native American elected to the U.S. Congress. Deb Haaland (D-NM), another Native American congresswoman, who chaired the New Mexico Democratic Party.
Peggy Flanagan is the Democratic lieutenant governor of Minnesota. She’s also the Director of External Affairs at Wellstone Action, the country’s largest progressive training center. She worked on campaigns for Barack Obama and Al Franken. And there is Ruth Buffalo, a Democrat serving in the North Dakota legislature.
It’s not really Women’s History Month. It’s liberal, politically-correct, pro-choice women’s month.
Not All Women
Which women does the month promote? Which does the National Women’s History Museum feature in its online biographies?
Women championing abortion. And liberal and leftist women. And almost all of them are secular. The WHM women don’t acknowledge the roughly half of women who are conservative, they don’t get celebrated. WHM doesn’t admit that aborting baby girls is anathema to helping women. These secular women don’t admit many women who hold Christian values even exist.
Like the great conservative women. Do you think the WHM people would include them? Not ever. Here are six they left out. All women of accomplishment as great, or greater, than most of the women the month and museum choose to promote.
The Great Conservative Women
Phyllis Schlafly was known for helping shape the conservative movement in the latter half of the 20th century, ensuring that social issues were not overlooked. She successfully campaigned against ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. She founded the Eagle Forum. I had the opportunity to interview her at CPAC in 2010. Tellingly, the National Women’s History Museum’s biographies does not include her.
Beverly LaHaye founded one of the foremost political action groups for conservative women, Concerned Women for America. She started it in opposition to the National Organization of Women, which she saw as a humanist organization.
Claire Boothe Luce was a prominent female conservative in the mid-1900s. The author of a hit Broadway play, a war correspondent, congresswoman, and ambassador, she was one of the century’s most accomplished women. She served as a Republican in Congress and worked on the campaigns of Republican presidential candidates. There is now a Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women. Astonishingly, the National Women’s History Museum does not include her.
Jeanne Kirkpatrick was known for foreign policy during the Reagan administration. An ardent anticommunist and neocon, she became the first female ambassador to the U.N. under Reagan. She came up with the Kirkpatrick Doctrine, which stated that authoritarian regimes could be supported if they agreed with our aims. She is also omitted in The National Women’s History Museum.
Ayn Rand was a prominent woman on the right the left also ignores. She developed the philosophical system Objectivism which remains quite popular today, and wrote several books, including the well-known Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. The National Women’s History Museum leaves her out too.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a Somali-born immigrant to the U.S. who became famous for exposing radical Islam. She actively opposes forced marriage, honor violence, child marriage and female genital mutilation. She’s not in The National Women’s History Museum either.
They’re Great Too
These women mentioned may not be “feminists” as the left defines it, but Women’s History Month should highlight all great women. You don’t have to be a feminist to make great strides for women. In fact, you will probably advance women’s real interests more if you’re not a feminist.
Phyllis Schlafly defeated feminism when she stopped the ERA. No wonder The National Women’s History Museum won’t include her.
Follow Rachel on Twitter at Rach_IC. Follow The Stream at streamdotorg. Send tips to [email protected].


thestream--2020-03-23--FDA Approves Coronavirus Test That Can Provide Results in 45 Minutes

The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) approved the use of a coronavirus test that can detect the virus within 45 minutes , the company that makes the tests announced on Saturday .
The FDA approved the test , created by Cepheid , a California-based medical device company , through Emergency Use Authorization , a process the helps circumvent the lengthy approval process for drugs , medical supplies and diagnostic measures .
Cepheid said that its “ point-of-care ” test is compatible with 23,000 automated systems it has in hospitals around the world .
Five thousand of those are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement .
“ We have developed a test that provides reference lab-quality results in multiple settings where actionable treatment information is needed quickly , ” Dr. David Persing , Chief Medical and Technology Officer at Cepheid , said in the statement .
“ Our automated systems do not require users to have specialty training to perform testing — they are capable of running 24/7 , with many systems already doing so today.
” Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out next week .
Dr. Scott Gottlieb , a former FDA commissioner who served in the Trump administration , called the approval a “ key milestone ” in the coronavirus fight .
Cepheid did not expect the FDA to approve a speedy test until April at the earliest , The New York Times reported on March 3 .
The approval comes as health officials in states hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic are urging that tests be conducted only on health care workers and people in the hospital .
The Washington Post reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said that widespread testing will deplete inventories of medical equipment like gloves and masks , which are already in sparse supply .
The number of coronavirus cases has increased significantly over the past week as test kits have been developed and more widely distributed to hospitals and state labs .
As of Saturday , nearly 20,000 Americans have tested positive for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the novel coronavirus .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a coronavirus test that can detect the virus within 45 minutes, the company that makes the tests announced on Saturday.
The FDA approved the test, created by Cepheid, a California-based medical device company, through Emergency Use Authorization, a process the helps circumvent the lengthy approval process for drugs, medical supplies and diagnostic measures.
Cepheid said that its “point-of-care” test is compatible with 23,000 automated systems it has in hospitals around the world. Five thousand of those are in the United States, the company said in a statement.
“We have developed a test that provides reference lab-quality results in multiple settings where actionable treatment information is needed quickly,” Dr. David Persing, Chief Medical and Technology Officer at Cepheid, said in the statement.
“Our automated systems do not require users to have specialty training to perform testing — they are capable of running 24/7, with many systems already doing so today.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Cepheid said the test will begin shipping out next week.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former FDA commissioner who served in the Trump administration, called the approval a “key milestone” in the coronavirus fight.
Approval of Cepheid system for rapid point of care #COVID19 testing is key milestone. We need other point of care tests like swabs that give readable results. Testing and serology are key to complementing population based mitigation with case containment https://t.co/CUAbZ83BYB — Scott Gottlieb, MD (@ScottGottliebMD) March 21, 2020
Cepheid did not expect the FDA to approve a speedy test until April at the earliest, The New York Times reported on March 3.
The approval comes as health officials in states hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic are urging that tests be conducted only on health care workers and people in the hospital. The Washington Post reported that officials in California and New York have said that widespread testing will deplete inventories of medical equipment like gloves and masks, which are already in sparse supply.
The number of coronavirus cases has increased significantly over the past week as test kits have been developed and more widely distributed to hospitals and state labs.
As of Saturday, nearly 20,000 Americans have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
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--2020-03-23--Let’s Hope the Hollywood Fiasco With ‘Imagine’ Wakes Americans Up

By now , you ’ ve probably seen the cringe-worthy video of various unkempt Hollywood stars singing the John Lennon song “ Imagine.
” They apparently intended it as a way to comfort all those people out in fly-over country who are sheltered in place , out of work , and worried about dying from the coronavirus .
Whatever their intentions , it was not well received .
Watch it , and see what you think : Almost everyone panned the video on social media as soon as it was posted .
Larry the Cable Guy summed up the response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the left has been doing since the song was first released in 1971 .
They filled it with their sentiments , while ignoring what really happens whenever anyone tries to apply Lennon ’ s hymn to godless atheism in the real world .
In fact , as I describe in Money , Greed , and God , that delusional use of the song played a role in shaking out my own sympathies for socialism when I was in college .
As a freshman , I fancied myself a sort of Christian socialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a sophomore , I knew about the brutalities in Russia and China .
I had even read Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn ’ s grim firsthand record of Soviet labor camps , The Gulag Archipelago .
But I had never heard of the Khmer Rouge , even though I was studying political science .
( What little I had heard of Cambodia came from American linguist Noam Chomsky , who for years denied what happened in the country , and then , when it became undeniable , blamed the United States . )
In 1986 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fields .
It ’ s a film based on the story of New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg ( played by Sam Waterston ) and his Cambodian interpreter , Dith Pran .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » The movie begins in 1973 , with Schanberg and Pran investigating an accidental bombing of a Cambodian village by an American B-52 .
But most of the action takes place two years later , when the Khmer Rouge overrun the Cambodian capital of Phnom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of arrest , Schanberg gets evacuation orders for Pran and Pran ’ s wife and children .
But after his family is evacuated , Pran decides to stay behind to help .
He ends up getting arrested .
Then the horror really begins .
To erase the inequalities of the previous order , Pol Pot ’ s regime declares a “ Year Zero , ” renames the country Democratic Kampuchea , and abolishes money .
Two and half million occupants of the capital , including women , children , and hospital patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ march into the countryside .
In one week , Cambodia ’ s major cities are empty : 4 million people are sent to work in labor camps .
One of them is Dith Pran .
Pran languishes for months on a communal farm , teetering on the edge of starvation .
The new government quickly starts to execute everyone who might resist its plans .
They target especially the skilled and well-educated .
The Khmer Rouge has already trained executioners who least likely to be polluted by their earlier way of life : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fate and finally manages to flee .
Shortly after his escape , he stumbles into a wet rice paddy filled with thousands of human skeletons .
He has found one of the infamous “ killing fields ” of Cambodia , mass graves of the victims of the Khmer Rouge .
Several times the film switches from Pran to Schanberg , now safely back in New York , who tries to blame the horrors of the Khmer Rouge on an overreaction to American bombings .
But such leftist glosses , believable only in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evil of the Khmer Rouge .
In forty-four short months , the regime pruned the Cambodian population by about 2 million—more than a quarter of the total population .
Dith Pran was one of the lucky few .
He eventually got across the border into Thailand and joined his family in the United States .
In the film , after Pran ’ s escape , Schanberg comes to meet him at a Red Cross station near the Thai border with Cambodia .
They embrace .
In the background , a song is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s “ Imagine.
” The scene was meant to be moving , and it was .
But it was also dissonant , and that dissonance rattled around in my mind for some time after .
Lennon ’ s anthem describes a sort of godless kingdom of God .
He asks listeners to imagine no heaven above or hell below .
No religion .
No countries .
A future “ brotherhood of man ” where “ all the people ” live “ life in peace.
” Who wouldn ’ t want that ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a world with “ no possessions , ” where “ all the people ” share “ all the world.
” Wait , what ?
Is it just me , or does that sound a lot like the dream of those communist zealots that Dith Pran only narrowly escaped ?
Don ’ t Lennon ’ s words express the same sentimental delusions that inspired communism in the first place ?
That thought haunted me , though it was years before I was ready to consider a real alternative .
Still , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hymn , stuck in a movie that masterfully showed the demonic truth about communism , helped wake me up .
A bunch of Hollywood lefties may just have done the same thing for millions of people .
For the left , the coronavirus pandemic is great excuse to vastly expand the reach of government .
Let ’ s pray enough us are awake so that we won ’ t let that happen .
Jay Richards , Ph.D. , is the Executive Editor of The Stream , a Research Assistant Professor in the Busch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of America , and a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute .
Follow him on Twitter .

By now, you’ve probably seen the cringe-worthy video of various unkempt Hollywood stars singing the John Lennon song “Imagine.” They apparently intended it as a way to comfort all those people out in fly-over country who are sheltered in place, out of work, and worried about dying from the coronavirus.
Whatever their intentions, it was not well received.
Watch it, and see what you think:
Almost everyone panned the video on social media as soon as it was posted. Larry the Cable Guy summed up the response:
Here’s a message from people with a lot of possessions that can take a year off of work and not flinch telling everyone outa work to imagine a world with no possessions while people are living in the street a half mile away from ‘em. RT @MattWalshBlog: pic.twitter.com/UrGyDUoDNN — Larry The Cable Guy (@GitRDoneLarry) March 19, 2020
But these actors were just doing what the left has been doing since the song was first released in 1971. They filled it with their sentiments, while ignoring what really happens whenever anyone tries to apply Lennon’s hymn to godless atheism in the real world.
In fact, as I describe in Money, Greed, and God, that delusional use of the song played a role in shaking out my own sympathies for socialism when I was in college.
As a freshman, I fancied myself a sort of Christian socialist. Sure, by the time I was a sophomore, I knew about the brutalities in Russia and China. I had even read Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s grim firsthand record of Soviet labor camps, The Gulag Archipelago. But I had never heard of the Khmer Rouge, even though I was studying political science. (What little I had heard of Cambodia came from American linguist Noam Chomsky, who for years denied what happened in the country, and then, when it became undeniable, blamed the United States.)
The Killing Fields
In 1986, however, I saw The Killing Fields. It’s a film based on the story of New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg (played by Sam Waterston) and his Cambodian interpreter, Dith Pran.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The movie begins in 1973, with Schanberg and Pran investigating an accidental bombing of a Cambodian village by an American B-52. But most of the action takes place two years later, when the Khmer Rouge overrun the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh.
Because the Cambodians are at risk of arrest, Schanberg gets evacuation orders for Pran and Pran’s wife and children. But after his family is evacuated, Pran decides to stay behind to help. He ends up getting arrested. Then the horror really begins.
To erase the inequalities of the previous order, Pol Pot’s regime declares a “Year Zero,” renames the country Democratic Kampuchea, and abolishes money. Two and half million occupants of the capital, including women, children, and hospital patients, are ordered to abandon everything and march into the countryside. In one week, Cambodia’s major cities are empty: 4 million people are sent to work in labor camps.
One of them is Dith Pran.
Labor Camp
Pran languishes for months on a communal farm, teetering on the edge of starvation. The new government quickly starts to execute everyone who might resist its plans. They target especially the skilled and well-educated. The Khmer Rouge has already trained executioners who least likely to be polluted by their earlier way of life: children. Dith Pran narrowly avoids such a fate and finally manages to flee.
Shortly after his escape, he stumbles into a wet rice paddy filled with thousands of human skeletons. He has found one of the infamous “killing fields” of Cambodia, mass graves of the victims of the Khmer Rouge.
Several times the film switches from Pran to Schanberg, now safely back in New York, who tries to blame the horrors of the Khmer Rouge on an overreaction to American bombings. But such leftist glosses, believable only in New York, can’t justify the evil of the Khmer Rouge. In forty-four short months, the regime pruned the Cambodian population by about 2 million—more than a quarter of the total population.
Dith Pran was one of the lucky few. He eventually got across the border into Thailand and joined his family in the United States.
Imagine … What?
In the film, after Pran’s escape, Schanberg comes to meet him at a Red Cross station near the Thai border with Cambodia. They embrace. In the background, a song is playing on a radio: John Lennon’s “Imagine.”
The scene was meant to be moving, and it was. But it was also dissonant, and that dissonance rattled around in my mind for some time after. Lennon’s anthem describes a sort of godless kingdom of God. He asks listeners to imagine no heaven above or hell below. No religion. No countries. A future “brotherhood of man” where “all the people” live “life in peace.”
Who wouldn’t want that? But read the fine print. This is a world with “no possessions,” where “all the people” share “all the world.” Wait, what? Is it just me, or does that sound a lot like the dream of those communist zealots that Dith Pran only narrowly escaped? Don’t Lennon’s words express the same sentimental delusions that inspired communism in the first place? That thought haunted me, though it was years before I was ready to consider a real alternative. Still, in a weird way, Lennon’s godless hymn, stuck in a movie that masterfully showed the demonic truth about communism, helped wake me up.
A bunch of Hollywood lefties may just have done the same thing for millions of people. For the left, the coronavirus pandemic is great excuse to vastly expand the reach of government. Let’s pray enough us are awake so that we won’t let that happen.
Jay Richards, Ph.D., is the Executive Editor of The Stream, a Research Assistant Professor in the Busch School of Business at The Catholic University of America, and a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute. Follow him on Twitter.


thestream--2020-03-23--Scott Adams and the Scary ‘Unknown’

Scott Adams and the Scary ‘Unknown’

“ One of the scariest things in the world is called ‘ the unknown.
’ ” That ’ s how Scott Adams , creator of DILBERT and an expert on the science of persuasion , started a recent podcast .
He noted that this is especially true if your enemy is something you literally can ’ t even see .
I ’ ve been thinking about that in light of recent conflicting reports on the Wuhan virus ( COVID-19 ) and promising therapies .
Adams decided to go on record , based on a lifetime of experience , with what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be like .
Later we ’ ll know how close he got .
We ’ re seeing a huge conflict between two schools of thought .
Some think that closing down the economy and all self-quarantining is much too extreme , that people need to get back to work now even if the virus spreads and some lose their lives ( as happens with the flu every year ) .
Adams says this is a very “ adult ” opinion that he respects ; at least it shows an understanding of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can only speculate how large or small either of those are .
Others say we need a complete shut-down to get the virus under control and only then can we let people go back to work .
Again , we can only speculate how long that will be .
It occurs to me that many Americans get their underwear in a bunch at the thought of a government shut-down , during which “ non-essential ” government employees stay home for maybe a few weeks .
For this , some are talking cavalierly about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few months or even longer .
That would inevitably lead to a crashed economy , perhaps the very soul of our nation in ruins and , yes , much death ( suicide ) .
That “ cure ” is unacceptable , worse than this disease .
Help us champion truth , freedom , limited government and human dignity .
Support The Stream » Anyway , Adams predicts that neither of these extreme scenarios will play out .
( It ’ s not , to use “ progressive ” terminology , a binary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go , he first consults the medical professionals .
But he keeps in mind that they ’ re concerned not just with treating the patient but with availability of supplies and also with “ crowd psychology , ” what I ’ d call managing expectations and fears .
Normally , Adams says , we can trust doctors and scientists to give us “ a straight fact , ” but in this situation , we might not .
They have good intentions and the best information , he says , but we may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to know what ’ s really going on .
Adams cites the studies we ’ ve been discussing on the use of hydroxychlorophine and the “ Z-pack ” to treat COVID-19 .
Adams finds himself , like me , “ more optimistic ” than Dr. Fauci and the Centers for Disease Control have been , at least publicly , about the usefulness of these therapies .
He thinks doctors are downplaying our hopes as a way to help keep us home , at least for now , and because they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet the incredible demand there will be .
If there were a panic over getting the drugs , some people would stop at nothing .
( Look at what they do to have toilet paper . )
They also might be too optimistic about the difference the drugs will make .
But Adams ’ hunch , based on all he knows , is that doctors think this treatment is better than they ’ re currently letting on .
“ All of the evidence so far is that it ’ s a pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He predicts , based on studies going on now around the world , that we ’ ll find out in a week or two that with these treatments , we can take the death rate for healthy people under , say , 60 , very close to zero .
( I would add that this would be comparable to that of the usual seasonal flu . )
They might get sick and miserable with the virus , but they ’ re highly unlikely to end up in the ICU .
That will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back to work , but not older and otherwise high-risk people , of course .
We ’ ll be able to turn the economy back on , he says , but “ not like a light switch.
” It ’ ll be more like a “ dimmer.
” But first , the health care system can ’ t be overloaded ( as it currently is in New York ) , and there has to be a good supply of the medications .
Adams also asked some healthcare professionals how practical it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were non-critical or even just presenting early symptoms that might or might not be coronavirus .
Would they bother testing first , knowing that doing so would use up the supply of tests , which are probably more time-consuming to make and administer than just giving meds ?
Based on what they told him , he thinks medical professionals will be dispensing the medication fairly soon — in places such as California , with nice weather , even in “ pop-up tents ” outside hospitals — to people who aren ’ t sick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Our ability to deliver it to people who are not critically ill will be very high , ” he says .
( I disagree on the advisability of “ pop-up tents ” if it means doctors will just be handing out drugs ; hydroxychloroquine occasionally has serious side effects . )
Adams uses the restaurant business as an example of how the “ dimmer ” might be gradually turned up .
Restaurants in a particular city may open for business , it might be determined , but only if nobody under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still cut out a lot of business , but it might get the restaurant back to covering salaries and rent .
( I would assume people over 60 would still at least be able to get take-out ! )
He envisions a fairly rapid phase-in , assessing results as we go .
What we need to know now from our media : The media are letting us down here .
The answers are likely encouraging .
Adams laments how the media are talking about this , vilifying Trump for telling “ fairy tales.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ But the President loves saying things like , you know , ‘ There ’ s a drug we ’ ve got and it ’ s very effective .
It ’ s approved already .
Everybody ’ s gon na get it.
’ He loves saying things like that , because that would be a lovely thing to tell people — unless , of course , that ’ s not true !
” Maddow accuses the President of lying , when Adams can personally confirm through the experience of a friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the “ anecdotal evidence ” — that medical professionals are giving patients this therapy .
“ Do you think they ’ re giving it to people because they don ’ t think it works ?
” he asks .
Doctors are giving these drugs , FDA-approved but used off-label , because they believe them to be effective and not harmful , at least not harmful enough to outweigh the benefits .
In other words , it ’ s Maddow who is lying .
( Talk about deplorable . )
The President talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s saying is true , and he ’ s working to get this treatment out as soon as possible .
Check out Scott Adams ’ podcast , Episode 863 , “ PART 1 : LET ME TELL YOU HOW WE BEAT THE VIRUS AND GET BACK TO WORK SOON.
” Mike Huckabee is the former governor of Arkansas and longtime conservative commentator on issues in culture and current events .
A New York Times best-selling author , he hosts the weekly talk show Huckabee on TBN .

“One of the scariest things in the world is called ‘the unknown.’”
That’s how Scott Adams, creator of DILBERT and an expert on the science of persuasion, started a recent podcast. He noted that this is especially true if your enemy is something you literally can’t even see. I’ve been thinking about that in light of recent conflicting reports on the Wuhan virus (COVID-19) and promising therapies.
Adams decided to go on record, based on a lifetime of experience, with what he thinks the next several weeks are going to be like. Later we’ll know how close he got.
Two Schools of Thought
We’re seeing a huge conflict between two schools of thought. Some think that closing down the economy and all self-quarantining is much too extreme, that people need to get back to work now even if the virus spreads and some lose their lives (as happens with the flu every year). Adams says this is a very “adult” opinion that he respects; at least it shows an understanding of the costs and benefits, though we can only speculate how large or small either of those are.
Others say we need a complete shut-down to get the virus under control and only then can we let people go back to work. Again, we can only speculate how long that will be.
It occurs to me that many Americans get their underwear in a bunch at the thought of a government shut-down, during which “non-essential” government employees stay home for maybe a few weeks. For this, some are talking cavalierly about a total economic shut-down, for maybe a few months or even longer. That would inevitably lead to a crashed economy, perhaps the very soul of our nation in ruins and, yes, much death (suicide). That “cure” is unacceptable, worse than this disease.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Anyway, Adams predicts that neither of these extreme scenarios will play out. (It’s not, to use “progressive” terminology, a binary choice.) To anticipate how it will go, he first consults the medical professionals. But he keeps in mind that they’re concerned not just with treating the patient but with availability of supplies and also with “crowd psychology,” what I’d call managing expectations and fears. Normally, Adams says, we can trust doctors and scientists to give us “a straight fact,” but in this situation, we might not.
They have good intentions and the best information, he says, but we may need to look through what is being said to know what’s really going on.
Doctors Dampening Enthusiasm…for Now
Adams cites the studies we’ve been discussing on the use of hydroxychlorophine and the “Z-pack” to treat COVID-19. Adams finds himself, like me, “more optimistic” than Dr. Fauci and the Centers for Disease Control have been, at least publicly, about the usefulness of these therapies. He thinks doctors are downplaying our hopes as a way to help keep us home, at least for now, and because they don’t yet have a large enough supply to meet the incredible demand there will be.
If there were a panic over getting the drugs, some people would stop at nothing. (Look at what they do to have toilet paper.) They also might be too optimistic about the difference the drugs will make. But Adams’ hunch, based on all he knows, is that doctors think this treatment is better than they’re currently letting on. “All of the evidence so far is that it’s a pretty good kill shot,” he says.
He predicts, based on studies going on now around the world, that we’ll find out in a week or two that with these treatments, we can take the death rate for healthy people under, say, 60, very close to zero. (I would add that this would be comparable to that of the usual seasonal flu.) They might get sick and miserable with the virus, but they’re highly unlikely to end up in the ICU. That will be the time to let many people go back to work, but not older and otherwise high-risk people, of course.
We’ll be able to turn the economy back on, he says, but “not like a light switch.” It’ll be more like a “dimmer.” But first, the health care system can’t be overloaded (as it currently is in New York), and there has to be a good supply of the medications.
The Dimmer Slowly Turned Up
Adams also asked some healthcare professionals how practical it would be to give drugs to those who were non-critical or even just presenting early symptoms that might or might not be coronavirus. Would they bother testing first, knowing that doing so would use up the supply of tests, which are probably more time-consuming to make and administer than just giving meds?
Based on what they told him, he thinks medical professionals will be dispensing the medication fairly soon — in places such as California, with nice weather, even in “pop-up tents” outside hospitals — to people who aren’t sick enough that they need to be admitted. “Our ability to deliver it to people who are not critically ill will be very high,” he says. (I disagree on the advisability of “pop-up tents” if it means doctors will just be handing out drugs; hydroxychloroquine occasionally has serious side effects.)
Adams uses the restaurant business as an example of how the “dimmer” might be gradually turned up. Restaurants in a particular city may open for business, it might be determined, but only if nobody under 60 goes inside them. That would still cut out a lot of business, but it might get the restaurant back to covering salaries and rent. (I would assume people over 60 would still at least be able to get take-out!) He envisions a fairly rapid phase-in, assessing results as we go.
The Media Again Failing
What we need to know now from our media:
1) What is the survival rate of people who have received these drugs? 2) What is the availability pipeline for the drugs?
The media are letting us down here. The answers are likely encouraging.
Adams laments how the media are talking about this, vilifying Trump for telling “fairy tales.” Here’s what Rachel Maddow said: “But the President loves saying things like, you know, ‘There’s a drug we’ve got and it’s very effective. It’s approved already. Everybody’s gonna get it.’ He loves saying things like that, because that would be a lovely thing to tell people — unless, of course, that’s not true!”
Maddow accuses the President of lying, when Adams can personally confirm through the experience of a friend of his with the virus — sorry for the “anecdotal evidence” — that medical professionals are giving patients this therapy. “Do you think they’re giving it to people because they don’t think it works?” he asks. Doctors are giving these drugs, FDA-approved but used off-label, because they believe them to be effective and not harmful, at least not harmful enough to outweigh the benefits.
In other words, it’s Maddow who is lying. (Talk about deplorable.) The President talks to all the experts and knows what he’s saying is true, and he’s working to get this treatment out as soon as possible.
Check out Scott Adams’ podcast, Episode 863, “PART 1: LET ME TELL YOU HOW WE BEAT THE VIRUS AND GET BACK TO WORK SOON.”
Mike Huckabee is the former governor of Arkansas and longtime conservative commentator on issues in culture and current events. A New York Times best-selling author, he hosts the weekly talk show Huckabee on TBN.
Originally published at MikeHuckabee.com. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-03-23--‘It’s Amazing’: Something Incredible is Happening to Thousands of Texas Prisoners

Only God can effect true heart and life change — and Pastor Stephen Wilson knows that all too well .
When Wilson accepted the Lord into his life , he also voluntarily turned himself into authorities and served a two-year prison sentence for a past crime .
After his release , he jumped into ministry , and hasn ’ t looked back .
Now , he ’ s helping others find Christ by planting churches inside Texas prisons .
“ I never really thought about prison ministry until I walked in and saw the hearts of the guys .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison , I was scared to death , ” he recently told The Pure Flix Podcast .
“ [ What ] made the [ biggest ] impact on me : seeing these men in a crisis type situation where you would think it was the lowest part of their lives , they gathered together in prayer … It blew me away and that ’ s when the Holy Spirit placed it on my heart and said ‘ you really need to minister to these guys.
’ ” READ ALSO : Bible Teacher ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Over the years , Wilson has ministered to and mentored thousands of prisoners who are serving sentences in at least four Texas state penitentiaries .
Wilson , working as a full-time pastor for the Texas-based Gateway Church , brings all the elements of a traditional church service inside the walls of the prison , and lives are being dramatically changed as a result of his work .
“ [ We had a ] November 2018 launch and in eight months [ we ] had 1,000 men come to know Christ .
First time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ re going in and doing baptisms inside the prison .
It ’ s amazing.
” And that was only at one prison campus .
Since he spoke to The Pure Flix Podcast , the ministry has opened at least three more prison campuses and is working with prison officials to open even more .
The ministry goes well beyond just Sunday service and offers spiritual growth , marriage , parenting , financial stewardship and leadership classes as well .
“ We didn ’ t want to come in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be discipleship minded , ” Wilson said .
“ We have volunteers come in and we work with them on how to be the husband that God has called them to be , the father the God has called them to be or the leader that God has called them to be .
We want them to walk out and be a pillar in the community .
Today ’ s offender is tomorrow ’ s neighbor.
” And some state statistics would imply God is working miracles in these prisoners lives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate is very low .
We ’ re at 21 percent here in Texas where nationally it can range from 60 to 80 percent , ” Wilson said .
“ We ’ re seeing a revival inside our prisons because once a guy receives Christ and makes a heart change and a life change , that guy gets out and he wants to be the husband or father that God wants him to be , he ’ s not going back .
He ’ s not reoffending.
” He continued , “ Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prisons.
” Wilson said he is in constant awe to see God at work with the men and families who are able to attend the marriage and parenting classes .
“ I go in and watch the Holy Spirit work , ” he said .
“ Once those guys accept Christ and really start learning the scriptures and what God says about them and just the hope it gives them for when they get out and be that husband and dad that God has called them to be.
” This article was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Visit Pure Flix for access to thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows .
You can get a free , one-month trial here .

Only God can effect true heart and life change — and Pastor Stephen Wilson knows that all too well.
When Wilson accepted the Lord into his life, he also voluntarily turned himself into authorities and served a two-year prison sentence for a past crime.
After his release, he jumped into ministry, and hasn’t looked back. Now, he’s helping others find Christ by planting churches inside Texas prisons.
The Hearts of Guys
“I never really thought about prison ministry until I walked in and saw the hearts of the guys. The very first night I walked into county prison, I was scared to death,” he recently told The Pure Flix Podcast. “[What] made the [biggest] impact on me: seeing these men in a crisis type situation where you would think it was the lowest part of their lives, they gathered together in prayer … It blew me away and that’s when the Holy Spirit placed it on my heart and said ‘you really need to minister to these guys.’”
READ ALSO: Bible Teacher’s Mission To Transform Prisoners For Christ
Over the years, Wilson has ministered to and mentored thousands of prisoners who are serving sentences in at least four Texas state penitentiaries.
Prison Ministry
Wilson, working as a full-time pastor for the Texas-based Gateway Church, brings all the elements of a traditional church service inside the walls of the prison, and lives are being dramatically changed as a result of his work.
Listen to Wilson reveal what’s happening inside the Texas prison system:
“[We had a] November 2018 launch and in eight months [we] had 1,000 men come to know Christ. First time decisions and recommitments,” he said. “We’re going in and doing baptisms inside the prison. It’s amazing.”
And that was only at one prison campus. Since he spoke to The Pure Flix Podcast, the ministry has opened at least three more prison campuses and is working with prison officials to open even more.
Discipleship Minded
The ministry goes well beyond just Sunday service and offers spiritual growth, marriage, parenting, financial stewardship and leadership classes as well.
“We didn’t want to come in and just be evangelistic. We really wanted to be discipleship minded,” Wilson said. “We have volunteers come in and we work with them on how to be the husband that God has called them to be, the father the God has called them to be or the leader that God has called them to be. We want them to walk out and be a pillar in the community. Today’s offender is tomorrow’s neighbor.”
And some state statistics would imply God is working miracles in these prisoners lives.
“Here in Texas, our recidivism rate is very low. We’re at 21 percent here in Texas where nationally it can range from 60 to 80 percent,” Wilson said. “We’re seeing a revival inside our prisons because once a guy receives Christ and makes a heart change and a life change, that guy gets out and he wants to be the husband or father that God wants him to be, he’s not going back. He’s not reoffending.”
He continued, “Our faith-based programing is making a difference inside the prisons.”
Watching the Holy Spirit Work
Wilson said he is in constant awe to see God at work with the men and families who are able to attend the marriage and parenting classes.
“I go in and watch the Holy Spirit work,” he said. “Once those guys accept Christ and really start learning the scriptures and what God says about them and just the hope it gives them for when they get out and be that husband and dad that God has called them to be.”
This article was originally published on Pure Flix Insider. Visit Pure Flix for access to thousands of faith and family-friendly movies and TV shows. You can get a free, one-month trial here.