thestream--2020-07-03--Bold and Brilliant Hamilton Musical Sheds New Light on Story of American Founding

“ This story is great drama , ” said Kevin Cloud , a longtime pastor and Christian author .
“ It ’ s about a man who comes to America with nothing as an orphan , who rises up to the second most powerful position in U.S. government .
Then he loses it all.
” Author of God and Hamilton , Cloud is speaking of Alexander Hamilton ( 1755-1804 ) .
Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury and only immigrant among the nation ’ s Founding Fathers and subject of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical .
“ There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cloud told The Stream .
“ Everybody can relate to those swings .
And the arc of his life is captured powerfully in this musical.
” Interest in the self-made writer , statesman , economist , and military strategist has surged since 2015 when actor and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda ’ s Hamilton premiered on Broadway .
It became the most successful new musical in decades , winning dozens of awards and breaking Broadway box-office records .
Story of Liberty Comes to the Masses Yet engaging with this cultural phenomenon has remained out-of-reach for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 600 and up , and even touring versions of Hamilton were sold-out months in advance .
Disney secured rights to a filmed version of the musical .
Originally , it was slated to hit movie theaters in late 2021 , but when the global pandemic halted all stage productions , plans changed .
Producers agreed Hamilton could premiere on popular streaming service Disney+ .
And just in time for Independence Day , Hamilton begins streaming worldwide on July 3 .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our Day .
“ In light of the world turning upside down , [ I ’ m ] so glad that we ’ re able to make it happen , ” said Miranda .
“ I ’ m so grateful to all the fans who asked for this , and I ’ m so proud of this show.
” Driven by over 30 historically-inspired songs , including some with explicit lyrics , Hamilton hardly invites easy scrutiny or casual viewing .
Running two hours and 40 minutes , the production threads political , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an intricate , edgy , at times overwhelming narrative .
But Cloud says Christian believers have reason to consider its themes .
“ The struggles of Alexander Hamilton ’ s life are at the center of what it means to be fully human , and the story of the gospel , ” he said .
“ He walked with God , yet had tons of failures , brokenness , and faults as well .
Hamilton experienced shame but found redemption .
“ So how can those truths inform how we live our lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin writing after reading historian Ron Chernow ’ s 818-page biography of Hamilton .
( Chernow ultimately served as historical consultant on the musical . )
And what a gripping story it is .
Hamilton grew up on the island of St. Croix in the Caribbean .
His father left their family when he was age five , and his mother died by the time he reached age 12 .
“ At a very young age , this poor orphan kid had no real future possibilities , ” said Cloud .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an act of grace.
” A hurricane devastated St. Croix in August 1772 , and Hamilton wrote a letter describing it .
“ The letter was so eloquently written that a local newspaper published it , ” said Cloud .
“ These businessmen on his island read it .
They ’ re so impressed with the intellect of the author that they go and find him , then raise money to send him to America to get his education.
” Speaking often about Hamilton in churches and other venues , Cloud invites audiences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kid who didn ’ t have a lot of positive influences in his life was called in by these wealthy businessmen , ” he said .
“ The gist of what they said was : We believe in you .
You have a real gift .
We think you can make a real mark on this world.
” Within a few years , Hamilton became the chief of staff to General George Washington .
Cataclysmic events of the Revolutionary War would soon transpire .
In the song “ Hurricane , ” Miranda as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I wrote my way out of hell / I wrote my way to revolution / I was louder than the crack in the bell.
” The songwriter/playwright , who grew up in Manhattan , views Hamilton ’ s life as comparable to modern-day rap artists .
He employed a variety of hip-hop styles for about half the musical numbers .
“ [ Hip-hop ] has that energy of making something out of nothing , ” said Miranda .
“ It ’ s writing so well about your circumstances that you transcend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rap battles between Thomas Jefferson and Hamilton , with four-letter words aplenty .
The original musical has been edited to mute a few expletives .
However , the Parents Television Council asserts the cuts did not go far enough .
“ We applaud Lin-Manuel Miranda for allowing the removal of harsh profanity [ from ] his epic and brilliant Broadway musical , ” stated PTC president Tim Winter .
“ But Disney ’ s decision to allow even one ‘ f-word ’ to be heard on Disney+ is shameful .
Most families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be vile and totally off-limits.
” Many viewers will be used to a starched , reverent look at history .
By contrast , key events in Hamilton take place in dimly lit New England taverns with the attendant coarseness .
John Adams ’ writings reveal he called Hamilton a “ Creole bastard , ” the latter word used often in the musical .
A subplot about sexual infidelity is also presented in stark terms .
“ It has content that might be borderline offensive or troublesome for families with kids at home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four sons .
“ For us , my wife and I believe the overall value of the story and the truths that are a part of it greatly outweigh that .
“ Whether or not to watch it is a question for parents , to decide whatever ’ s best for their family.
” Even historians have pondered the bold creative decisions of Hamilton .
In the musical , black and Latino actors portray a dozen or so of the Founding Fathers .
“ This is a story about America then , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cloud believes the move helps show the relevance of history to current headlines .
“ We ’ re seeing these protests play out today in our country , ” he said .
“ Conversations about inequalities and racism are being sparked .
“ Miranda ’ s decision to cast the Founding Fathers as people of color brings those conversations to the forefront.
” Some will avoid the show for political reasons .
In November 2016 , Vice President-elect Mike Pence was rudely received at a Broadway performance of Hamilton by the cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast and crew on politics , Cloud says that reflects America .
“ Many of us may have issues with some political things that have happened around the show , ” said Cloud .
“ Still , I would encourage people to set aside politics and give the story a chance .
When I was open to it , God used those themes of forgiveness and redemption to transform me.
” The musical , like Hamilton ’ s life , comes to its tragic climax in an infamous duel .
Decades of friendship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , turned to a bitter rivalry .
Cloud recounts a real-life scene not shown in the musical .
“ As he ’ s dying , he has this phrase that he speaks to his wife , Eliza , ” he said .
“ He keeps saying to her : ‘ Remember , Eliza , you are a Christian.
’ It reminds her where she ’ s going to find her strength to get through this enormous loss .
“ Faith was really at the center of his life by the end , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for language and some suggestive material , Hamilton premieres worldwide on Friday .
The devotional book God and Hamilton by Kevin Cloud is now available .
A graduate of the University of Colorado , Josh M. Shepherd covers culture , faith , and public policy issues for media outlets including The Stream and The Federalist .
Find him on Twitter and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .

“This story is great drama,” said Kevin Cloud, a longtime pastor and Christian author. “It’s about a man who comes to America with nothing as an orphan, who rises up to the second most powerful position in U.S. government. Then he loses it all.”
Author of God and Hamilton, Cloud is speaking of Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804). Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury and only immigrant among the nation’s Founding Fathers and subject of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical.
“There are huge ups and huge downs,” Cloud told The Stream. “Everybody can relate to those swings. And the arc of his life is captured powerfully in this musical.”
“He walked with God, yet had tons of failures, brokenness, and faults as well.” – Kevin Cloud
Interest in the self-made writer, statesman, economist, and military strategist has surged since 2015 when actor and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton premiered on Broadway.
It became the most successful new musical in decades, winning dozens of awards and breaking Broadway box-office records.
Story of Liberty Comes to the Masses
Yet engaging with this cultural phenomenon has remained out-of-reach for most Americans.
Broadway tickets cost hundreds of dollars, and even touring versions of Hamilton were sold-out months in advance. Disney secured rights to a filmed version of the musical. Originally, it was slated to hit movie theaters in late 2021, but when the global pandemic halted all stage productions, plans changed. Producers agreed Hamilton could premiere on popular streaming service Disney+.
And just in time for Independence Day, Hamilton begins streaming worldwide on July 3.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“In light of the world turning upside down, [I’m] so glad that we’re able to make it happen,” said Miranda. “I’m so grateful to all the fans who asked for this, and I’m so proud of this show.”
Driven by over 30 historically-inspired songs, including some with explicit lyrics, Hamilton hardly invites easy scrutiny or casual viewing. Running two hours and 40 minutes, the production threads political, economic, and personal plot lines into an intricate, edgy, at times overwhelming narrative. But Cloud says Christian believers have reason to consider its themes.
“The struggles of Alexander Hamilton’s life are at the center of what it means to be fully human, and the story of the gospel,” he said. “He walked with God, yet had tons of failures, brokenness, and faults as well. Hamilton experienced shame but found redemption.
“So how can those truths inform how we live our lives today?”
A Hurricane Propelled Him to America
Miranda was inspired to begin writing after reading historian Ron Chernow’s 818-page biography of Hamilton. (Chernow ultimately served as historical consultant on the musical.) And what a gripping story it is.
Hamilton grew up on the island of St. Croix in the Caribbean. His father left their family when he was age five, and his mother died by the time he reached age 12.
“At a very young age, this poor orphan kid had no real future possibilities,” said Cloud. “The way he got to America was through an act of grace.”
A hurricane devastated St. Croix in August 1772, and Hamilton wrote a letter describing it. “The letter was so eloquently written that a local newspaper published it,” said Cloud. “These businessmen on his island read it. They’re so impressed with the intellect of the author that they go and find him, then raise money to send him to America to get his education.”
Speaking often about Hamilton in churches and other venues, Cloud invites audiences to imagine the scene. “This kid who didn’t have a lot of positive influences in his life was called in by these wealthy businessmen,” he said.
“I love to imagine what they might have said to Alexander: We believe in you. You have a real gift. We think you can make a real mark on this world.”
Within a few years, Hamilton became the chief of staff to General George Washington. Cataclysmic events of the Revolutionary War would soon transpire.
Some Coarse Content to Navigate
In the song “Hurricane,” Miranda as Hamilton recounts his early years in flashback. “I wrote my way out of hell / I wrote my way to revolution / I was louder than the crack in the bell.”
The songwriter/playwright, who grew up in Manhattan, views Hamilton’s life as comparable to modern-day rap artists. He employed a variety of hip-hop styles for about half the musical numbers.
“[Hip-hop] has that energy of making something out of nothing,” said Miranda. “It’s writing so well about your circumstances that you transcend them.”
“Whether or not to watch it is a question for parents, to decide whatever’s best for their family.”
Not all viewers will take to rap battles between Thomas Jefferson and Hamilton, with four-letter words aplenty. The original musical has been edited to mute a few expletives.
However, the Parents Television Council asserts the cuts did not go far enough.
“We applaud Lin-Manuel Miranda for allowing the removal of harsh profanity [from] his epic and brilliant Broadway musical,” stated PTC president Tim Winter. “But Disney’s decision to allow even one ‘f-word’ to be heard on Disney+ is shameful. Most families consider any usage of that word to be vile and totally off-limits.”
Many viewers will be used to a starched, reverent look at history. By contrast, key events in Hamilton take place in dimly lit New England taverns with the attendant coarseness. John Adams’ writings reveal he called Hamilton a “Creole bastard,” the latter word used often in the musical. A subplot about sexual infidelity is also presented in stark terms.
“It has content that might be borderline offensive or troublesome for families with kids at home,” said Cloud, a father of four sons. “For us, my wife and I believe the overall value of the story and the truths that are a part of it greatly outweigh that.
“Whether or not to watch it is a question for parents, to decide whatever’s best for their family.”
Politics, Culture And Christ
Even historians have pondered the bold creative decisions of Hamilton. In the musical, black and Latino actors portray a half-dozen of the Founding Fathers. “This is a story about America then, told by America now,” said Miranda.
Cloud believes the move helps show the relevance of history to current headlines. “We’re seeing these protests play out today in our country,” he said. “Conversations about inequalities and racism are being sparked.
“Miranda’s decision to cast the Founding Fathers as people of color brings those conversations to the forefront.”
Some will avoid the show for political reasons. In November 2016, some observers felt Vice President-elect Mike Pence was rudely received by the cast at a Broadway performance of Hamilton.
While audiences may differ with the cast and crew on politics, Cloud says that reflects America.
“I would encourage people to give the story a chance,” said Cloud. “When I was open to it, God used those themes of forgiveness and redemption to transform me.”
The musical, like Hamilton’s life, comes to its tragic climax in an infamous duel. Decades of friendship with Aaron Burr had, by then, turned to a bitter rivalry.
Cloud recounts a real-life scene not shown in the musical. “As he’s dying, he has this phrase that he speaks to his wife, Eliza,” he said. “He keeps saying to her: ‘Remember, Eliza, you are a Christian.’ It reminds her where she’s going to find her strength to get through this enormous loss.
“Faith was really at the center of his life by the end, and even more so hers.”
Rated PG-13 for language and some suggestive material, Hamilton premieres worldwide on Friday. The devotional book God and Hamilton by Kevin Cloud is now available.
A graduate of the University of Colorado, Josh M. Shepherd covers culture, faith, and public policy issues for media outlets including The Stream and The Federalist. Find him on Twitter and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-07-03--Military Photo of the Day: Old Glory Flies on USS Mount Whitney

The American Flag flies on the mast of the USS Mount Whitney during a training exercise in the Baltic Sea @ @ @ @ @ .
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend !
May God continue to @ @ @ @ @ The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral @ @ @ @ @

The American Flag flies on the mast of the USS Mount Whitney during a training exercise in the Baltic Sea on June 8, 2020.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! May God continue to bless America.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.


thestream--2020-07-03--This Fourth of July, Let’s Salute and Celebrate Our Military

The Fourth of July is about celebrating freedom .
As we live through our country ’ s most turbulent year since 1968 , the brave men and women of our military are still serving and sacrificing to defend us all .
While my compass might be off , I believe the vast majority of Americans want something to unite behind this Independence Day .
Other than family and faith , there is no greater source of unity than our nation ’ s extraordinary Armed Forces .
Having spent the past decade meeting , interviewing and writing about our troops and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazed by how beautifully this community of heroes represents our country ; not just by their selfless actions , but their backgrounds .
Whether it ’ s religion , race , or political beliefs , our nation ’ s dedicated and diverse service members perfectly illustrate the uniqueness of America .
Like 1968 , the U.S. military is currently fighting an overseas war while also dealing with civil unrest at home .
To make 2020 even more complicated , the coronavirus pandemic has presented all sorts of new challenges for our country ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How have our troops and their families responded to fighting COVID-19 , terrorism and keeping the peace at home all at once ?
With absolute fearlessness and fortitude .
I was touched by the above National Guard photo of a white female airman recently high-fiving an African-American male National Guard teammate .
It speaks to the powerful bond shared by our troops .
If they can stay together as one during these trying times , why can ’ t we ?
The accomplishments of our military during this pandemic have been wide-ranging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk to their own safety , tens of thousands of service members have worked side-by-side to run testing sites like the one shown above , distribute food and supplies , secure nursing homes , build temporary hospitals , man call centers , deliver masks , conduct mental health checks and perform countless other acts of kindness .
Their constant concern for others sets a poignant example for us all .
For our troops , serving as a beacon of light during this pandemic has come at heavy cost .
As of Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested positive for COVID-19 .
Three U.S. troops have died from coronavirus , along with 35 family members , Department of Defense contractors and Pentagon civilian workers .
We mourn their deaths and pray for their loved ones .
Our Military Shows Us We Are All Americans In Afghanistan and the Middle East , the war against ISIS , al Qaeda and other terrorist groups has continued throughout the coronavirus crisis .
Each week , The Stream tells the stories of heroes in harm ’ s way , including those who have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have lost their lives so far this year in Afghanistan and Iraq all had families , friends and dreams .
They died so we could continue to live in relative peace .
What will we choose to do with that liberty ?
Fight each other in the streets while the selfless men and women of the National Guard are forced to risk their safety to protect people and property ?
No matter where one stands on the issues behind the ongoing protests and riots , why should our military be put in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battling terrorism and a deadly disease ?
As citizens , we can do better than this .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
I wasn ’ t alive on July 4 , 1968 , but I imagine it was hard to be proud of this country as assassinations , race riots and the Vietnam War tore at our flag ’ s very fabric .
I can only convey how I feel on July 4 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of July weekend , I have never been prouder to be an American .
The reason I feel this way is because I ’ ve had the privilege of getting to know so many of the valiant men and women who ’ ve stepped forward to keep us safe , regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs .
Even in the worst of times , our military shows us that we are all Americans , bound by liberty and love of country .
Let us pray not only for the health and safety of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who defend it at home and abroad .
Please also join me in praying for all military families , who bear a burden every bit as heavy as their uniformed loved ones .
In every imaginable way , our military community is the backbone of America .
This Fourth of July , let ’ s salute and celebrate our military .
Most importantly , let ’ s salute and celebrate each other .
In darkness and in light , we all have one thing in common : our freedom .
Tom Sileo is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He is co-author of 8 Seconds of Courage , Brothers Forever , Fire in My Eyes and the forthcoming Three Wise Men .
Follow Tom on Twitter @ TSileo and The Stream at @ Streamdotorg .

The Fourth of July is about celebrating freedom. As we live through our country’s most turbulent year since 1968, the brave men and women of our military are still serving and sacrificing to defend us all.
While my compass might be off, I believe the vast majority of Americans want something to unite behind this Independence Day. Other than family and faith, there is no greater source of unity than our nation’s extraordinary Armed Forces.
Having spent the past decade meeting, interviewing and writing about our troops and their families, I’m continually amazed by how beautifully this community of heroes represents our country; not just by their selfless actions, but their backgrounds. Whether it’s religion, race, or political beliefs, our nation’s dedicated and diverse service members perfectly illustrate the uniqueness of America.
The High-Five
Like 1968, the U.S. military is currently fighting an overseas war while also dealing with civil unrest at home. To make 2020 even more complicated, the coronavirus pandemic has presented all sorts of new challenges for our country’s courageous men and women in uniform.
How have our troops and their families responded to fighting COVID-19, terrorism and keeping the peace at home all at once? With absolute fearlessness and fortitude.
Photo of the Day: Senior Airman Raelyn Blevins high-fives Sgt. Zell Flamer, both with the @DelawareNG, at a drive-thru testing site for COVID-19. https://t.co/fZ6RyIgfgF #InThisTogether pic.twitter.com/XeJKt424Zq — National Guard (@USNationalGuard) July 2, 2020
I was touched by the above National Guard photo of a white female airman recently high-fiving an African-American male National Guard teammate. It speaks to the powerful bond shared by our troops. If they can stay together as one during these trying times, why can’t we?
The accomplishments of our military during this pandemic have been wide-ranging, steady and staggering. Despite great risk to their own safety, tens of thousands of service members have worked side-by-side to run testing sites like the one shown above, distribute food and supplies, secure nursing homes, build temporary hospitals, man call centers, deliver masks, conduct mental health checks and perform countless other acts of kindness. Their constant concern for others sets a poignant example for us all.
For our troops, serving as a beacon of light during this pandemic has come at heavy cost. As of Thursday, more than 12,000 U.S. service members have tested positive for COVID-19. Three U.S. troops have died from coronavirus, along with 35 family members, Department of Defense contractors and Pentagon civilian workers. We mourn their deaths and pray for their loved ones.
Our Military Shows Us We Are All Americans
In Afghanistan and the Middle East, the war against ISIS, al Qaeda and other terrorist groups has continued throughout the coronavirus crisis. Each week, The Stream tells the stories of heroes in harm’s way, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The 16 warriors who have lost their lives so far this year in Afghanistan and Iraq all had families, friends and dreams. They died so we could continue to live in relative peace.
What will we choose to do with that liberty? Fight each other in the streets while the selfless men and women of the National Guard are forced to risk their safety to protect people and property? No matter where one stands on the issues behind the ongoing protests and riots, why should our military be put in such a precarious position while already busy battling terrorism and a deadly disease? As citizens, we can do better than this.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
I wasn’t alive on July 4, 1968, but I imagine it was hard to be proud of this country as assassinations, race riots and the Vietnam War tore at our flag’s very fabric. I can only convey how I feel on July 4, 2020, which might surprise you. This Fourth of July weekend, I have never been prouder to be an American.
The reason I feel this way is because I’ve had the privilege of getting to know so many of the valiant men and women who’ve stepped forward to keep us safe, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. Even in the worst of times, our military shows us that we are all Americans, bound by liberty and love of country.
Let us pray not only for the health and safety of our country, but the selfless souls who defend it at home and abroad. Please also join me in praying for all military families, who bear a burden every bit as heavy as their uniformed loved ones. In every imaginable way, our military community is the backbone of America.
This Fourth of July, let’s salute and celebrate our military. Most importantly, let’s salute and celebrate each other. In darkness and in light, we all have one thing in common: our freedom.
Tom Sileo is a contributing senior editor of The Stream. He is co-author of 8 Seconds of Courage, Brothers Forever, Fire in My Eyes and the forthcoming Three Wise Men. Follow Tom on Twitter @TSileo and The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-07-03--New Study: HCQ, the Drug Touted by Trump, Does Help COVID-19 Patients Survive

An anti-malarial drug that President Donald Trump hyped as a potential therapy for the coronavirus helped some patients survive the disease while in the hospital , according to research published Wednesday .
Some of those who received hydroxychloroquine before acute symptoms began were much less likely to die from the virus , according to researchers at Henry Ford Health System in Michigan .
Their findings come after other studies determined that the experimental drug provided little or no benefit to people struggling with the coronavirus , or COVID-19 .
“ Overall crude mortality rates were 18.1 % in the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone group , 20.1 % among those receiving hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin , 22.4 % among the azithromycin alone group , and 26.4 % for neither drug , ” researchers at Henry Ford wrote in a report published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases .
Other researchers are skeptical about the Henry Ford Health System ’ s findings .
The use of the steroid dexamethasone might account for the better survival of some patients , especially those that received the steroid alongside the drug , one researcher argued in the same journal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that 26 % of people not given hydroxychloroquine died , compared to 13 % of patients who received the drug .
Dr. Marcus Zervos , division head of infection disease for Henry Ford Health System , and his team looked at everyone treated in the hospital system since March .
“ Our results do differ from some other studies , ” Zervos said during a news conference , CNN reported .
“ What we think was important in ours … is that patients were treated early .
For hydroxychloroquine to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the patients begin to suffer some of the severe immune reactions that patients can have with Covid , ” Zervos added .
Dr. Steven Kalkanis , CEO of Henry Ford Medical Group , suggested during the press conference that the drug , in the right settings , “ could be a lifesaver for patients.
” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
“ As the Henry Ford Health System became more experienced in treating patients with COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the use of specific therapies , ” Dr. Todd Lee of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal , Canada , wrote in a commentary in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases .
Lee and his colleagues noted that the team did not randomly treat patients .
“ Finally , concomitant steroid use in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine was more than double the non-treated group .
This is relevant considering the recent RECOVERY trial that showed a mortality benefit with dexamethasone , ” Lee noted .
Dexamethasone is a steroid that can reduce inflammation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the The New England Journal of Medicine determined that hydroxychloroquine “ was not associated with either a greatly lowered or an increased risk ” of death .
“ Randomized , controlled trials of hydroxychloroquine in patients with COVID-19 are needed , ” the author ’ s said .
One study that warned about the anti-malarial drug has since been retracted .
Researchers with medical journal Lancet said in a press statement in June that they “ can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources , ” and “ due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ request that the paper be retracted.
” Lancet ’ s May study claimed there was no benefit from using hydroxychloroquine to treat patients with COVID-19 , and that the drug “ was associated with an increased hazard for clinically significant occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias and increased risk of in-hospital death with COVID-19.
” The drug became a hot-button topic after Trump sang its praises , telling reporters in April that hydroxychloroquine is showing “ tremendous promise ” in helping treat the novel virus .
The media mocked him for expressing optimism for an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before spreading to the United States , where it has reportedly killed more than 129,000 people .

An anti-malarial drug that President Donald Trump hyped as a potential therapy for the coronavirus helped some patients survive the disease while in the hospital, according to research published Wednesday.
Some of those who received hydroxychloroquine before acute symptoms began were much less likely to die from the virus, according to researchers at Henry Ford Health System in Michigan. Their findings come after other studies determined that the experimental drug provided little or no benefit to people struggling with the coronavirus, or COVID-19.
“Overall crude mortality rates were 18.1% in the entire cohort, 13.5% in the hydroxychloroquine alone group, 20.1% among those receiving hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin, 22.4% among the azithromycin alone group, and 26.4% for neither drug,” researchers at Henry Ford wrote in a report published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Other researchers are skeptical about the Henry Ford Health System’s findings. The use of the steroid dexamethasone might account for the better survival of some patients, especially those that received the steroid alongside the drug, one researcher argued in the same journal.
The study tested 2,541 hospitalized patients and found that 26% of people not given hydroxychloroquine died, compared to 13% of patients who received the drug. Dr. Marcus Zervos, division head of infection disease for Henry Ford Health System, and his team looked at everyone treated in the hospital system since March.
“Our results do differ from some other studies,” Zervos said during a news conference, CNN reported.
“What we think was important in ours … is that patients were treated early. For hydroxychloroquine to have a benefit, it needs to begin before the patients begin to suffer some of the severe immune reactions that patients can have with Covid,” Zervos added.
Dr. Steven Kalkanis, CEO of Henry Ford Medical Group, suggested during the press conference that the drug, in the right settings, “could be a lifesaver for patients.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Some researchers criticized Kalkanis’ group’s methods.
“As the Henry Ford Health System became more experienced in treating patients with COVID-19, survival may have improved, regardless of the use of specific therapies,” Dr. Todd Lee of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Canada, wrote in a commentary in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Lee and his colleagues noted that the team did not randomly treat patients.
“Finally, concomitant steroid use in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine was more than double the non-treated group. This is relevant considering the recent RECOVERY trial that showed a mortality benefit with dexamethasone,” Lee noted. Dexamethasone is a steroid that can reduce inflammation.
One observational study published in June in the The New England Journal of Medicine determined that hydroxychloroquine “was not associated with either a greatly lowered or an increased risk” of death. “Randomized, controlled trials of hydroxychloroquine in patients with COVID-19 are needed,” the author’s said.
One study that warned about the anti-malarial drug has since been retracted.
Researchers with medical journal Lancet said in a press statement in June that they “can no longer vouch for the veracity of the primary data sources,” and “due to this unfortunate development, the authors request that the paper be retracted.”
Lancet’s May study claimed there was no benefit from using hydroxychloroquine to treat patients with COVID-19, and that the drug “was associated with an increased hazard for clinically significant occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias and increased risk of in-hospital death with COVID-19.”
The drug became a hot-button topic after Trump sang its praises, telling reporters in April that hydroxychloroquine is showing “tremendous promise” in helping treat the novel virus. The media mocked him for expressing optimism for an untested drug.
COVID-19 originated in China before spreading to the United States, where it has reportedly killed more than 129,000 people.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-07-03--Kansas Teacher Stockpiled Over 200 Images, Videos of a Fourth Grade Girl, Prosecutors Say

A Kansas schoolteacher was allegedly found in possession of over 200 photos and numerous videos of a fourth grade student on multiple devices , released court documents reveal .
Elementary school teacher James Loganbill , 58 , allegedly told other educators at the Meadow Lane Elementary School in Olathe that he was attracted to the 10 to 11-year-old girl , according to documents and prosecutor statements obtained by Fox 4 .
He was suspected of stockpiling 210 photos of the prepubescent female ’ s backside and hoarding another 31 videos of her on his phone and iPad .
Photos of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lifting her leg in poses that prosecutors say were for the sexual enjoyment of Loganbill , Fox 4 reported .
The former teacher also allegedly searched for images and YouTube videos of the preteen a total of 39 times in addition to looking for pornographic teacher-student scenes .
Loganbill was arrested and charged with reckless stalking in June after students reported his behavior to authorities , according to a separate report from the local outlet .
He resigned in March after allegations surfaced that he ’ d been engaging in the behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Kansas law , however , is insufficient to prosecute Loganbill with any major crimes , authorities say .
“ If you ’ re taking multiple pictures of kids who are in– wearing clothes for the sexual desires of that individual , we don ’ t have the laws under the child protection statutes to cover that type of behavior , ” Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe said , according to Fox 4 .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current laws in the State of Kansas , ” Howe continued .
Prosecutors have only been able to charge Longanbill with the stalking charge , according to Fox 4 , which is a class A misdemeanor .
They want him to face more egregious criminal penalties .
“ Our preference is to have a more concise law written through the child protection statutes if possible , ” Howe said , according to Fox 4 .
Longbill was released after he made bail and isn ’ t due before a judge until August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

A Kansas schoolteacher was allegedly found in possession of over 200 photos and numerous videos of a fourth grade student on multiple devices, released court documents reveal.
Elementary school teacher James Loganbill, 58, allegedly told other educators at the Meadow Lane Elementary School in Olathe that he was attracted to the 10 to 11-year-old girl, according to documents and prosecutor statements obtained by Fox 4. He was suspected of stockpiling 210 photos of the prepubescent female’s backside and hoarding another 31 videos of her on his phone and iPad.
Photos of the child reportedly showed her bending over and lifting her leg in poses that prosecutors say were for the sexual enjoyment of Loganbill, Fox 4 reported. The former teacher also allegedly searched for images and YouTube videos of the preteen a total of 39 times in addition to looking for pornographic teacher-student scenes.
Loganbill was arrested and charged with reckless stalking in June after students reported his behavior to authorities, according to a separate report from the local outlet. He resigned in March after allegations surfaced that he’d been engaging in the behavior since August.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Kansas law, however, is insufficient to prosecute Loganbill with any major crimes, authorities say.
“If you’re taking multiple pictures of kids who are in– wearing clothes for the sexual desires of that individual, we don’t have the laws under the child protection statutes to cover that type of behavior,” Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe said, according to Fox 4.
“This case highlighted a hole in the current laws in the State of Kansas,” Howe continued.
Prosecutors have only been able to charge Longanbill with the stalking charge, according to Fox 4, which is a class A misdemeanor. They want him to face more egregious criminal penalties.
“Our preference is to have a more concise law written through the child protection statutes if possible,” Howe said, according to Fox 4.
Longbill was released after he made bail and isn’t due before a judge until August, according to Fox 4.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-07-03--Christians Must Stand Together … Or America Will Witness the Death of Freedom

The framers of the Constitution knew that the freedom they offered demanded responsible citizens .
At the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 , Benjamin Franklin was asked an important question as he left Independence Hall on the final day of the meeting in Philadelphia .
A woman asked Franklin , “ Well , doctor , what have we got ?
A republic or a monarchy ?
” He wisely answered , “ A republic , if you can keep it.
” Benjamin Franklin , as well as the other founding fathers of our nation , understood that true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are actively engaged in the task of governing themselves , encouraging all citizens to hold fast to truths espoused in the Declaration of Independence .
If we want to be free , we must learn to govern ourselves .
Ill-informed , irresponsible people can not hold on to freedom ’ s blessings .
Living under God ’ s control allows us not only to enjoy the privileges of freedom but also to protect them .
I believe we are on the verge of losing freedom ’ s blessings because we have too few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many in the church have not understood the importance of living under the control of God with the powerful Spirit of God providing the strength and wisdom necessary to protect our freedom .
Jesus said the gates of hell — deception , defeat , destruction and debt — will not prevail against the church standing upon God ’ s revealed truth .
( Matthew 16:18 ) For some time , far too many Christians in America have allowed hell ’ s gates to prevail while they sit in church .
We are witnessing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at ease in Zion.
” True believers must awaken from slumber to boldly confront the culture and to help restore freedom ’ s blessing !
People of faith can and must protect our freedom and inspire strong , stable , effective , limited government .
Marching Toward the Death of Freedom Jesus commissioned His followers to share the truth that sets people free and keeps them free .
As we have seen , He said , “ If the Son makes you free , you will be free indeed.
” ( John 8:36 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control of God , not under the control of any other power or influence .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
When we compromise truth , we also compromise freedom and its blessings .
Our nation is in the process of doing this , and we are marching toward the death of freedom and the destruction of meaningful national life .
In our nation we are presently following the course of decaying nations that we can observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and economic systems are collapsing .
Some of the American leaders in power today are actually suggesting we follow other nations ’ tragic course .
In many ways the election on Nov. 3 will determine freedom ’ s future .
All Christians must pray , register , vote and encourage all who care to do the same .
If the advocates of an anti-biblical worldview prevail , the deadly , destructive actions we are now witnessing will intensify .
I will gladly spend the rest of my life inspiring others to action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than religious ritual .
He is calling us to repentance ; to a personal , intimate relationship with Him ; and to the restoration of freedom ’ s foundation .
God is calling us to a life filled with the power of transforming love and the boldness of New Testament believers to stand against the powers of this present darkness .
A dying world is waiting for the release of the river of life that flows freely from the lives of yielded , Spirit-filled believers .
When God rules in individual lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ land .
Leaders will no longer be chosen because of personality , party affiliation , or skillful communication .
They will be chosen because of their commitment to God-given principles necessary for the survival of true freedom .
Betty and I believe with all our heart President Trump is seeking diligently to protect those principles .
I pray all committed Christians and those who love freedom will stand together to protect it !
We will either witness the glorious future of freedom or the tragedy of its funeral .
James Robison is The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today .
He ’ s the author of many books , including Indivisible ( with Jay Richards ) and Living Amazed .

The framers of the Constitution knew that the freedom they offered demanded responsible citizens. At the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked an important question as he left Independence Hall on the final day of the meeting in Philadelphia. A woman asked Franklin, “Well, doctor, what have we got? A republic or a monarchy?” He wisely answered, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
Benjamin Franklin, as well as the other founding fathers of our nation, understood that true liberty requires support from principled statesmen who are actively engaged in the task of governing themselves, encouraging all citizens to hold fast to truths espoused in the Declaration of Independence. If we want to be free, we must learn to govern ourselves. Ill-informed, irresponsible people cannot hold on to freedom’s blessings. Living under God’s control allows us not only to enjoy the privileges of freedom but also to protect them.
I believe we are on the verge of losing freedom’s blessings because we have too few informed and responsible citizens. Sadly, many in the church have not understood the importance of living under the control of God with the powerful Spirit of God providing the strength and wisdom necessary to protect our freedom.
Jesus said the gates of hell — deception, defeat, destruction and debt — will not prevail against the church standing upon God’s revealed truth. (Matthew 16:18) For some time, far too many Christians in America have allowed hell’s gates to prevail while they sit in church. We are witnessing clearly the adverse effect of Christians “at ease in Zion.” True believers must awaken from slumber to boldly confront the culture and to help restore freedom’s blessing! People of faith can and must protect our freedom and inspire strong, stable, effective, limited government.
Marching Toward the Death of Freedom
Jesus commissioned His followers to share the truth that sets people free and keeps them free. As we have seen, He said, “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) True freedom is living under the control of God, not under the control of any other power or influence.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
When we compromise truth, we also compromise freedom and its blessings. Our nation is in the process of doing this, and we are marching toward the death of freedom and the destruction of meaningful national life.
In our nation we are presently following the course of decaying nations that we can observe around the world where intellectual, moral, and economic systems are collapsing. Some of the American leaders in power today are actually suggesting we follow other nations’ tragic course. In many ways the election on Nov. 3 will determine freedom’s future. All Christians must pray, register, vote and encourage all who care to do the same. If the advocates of an anti-biblical worldview prevail, the deadly, destructive actions we are now witnessing will intensify.
I will gladly spend the rest of my life inspiring others to action. God is calling us to far more than religious ritual. He is calling us to repentance; to a personal, intimate relationship with Him; and to the restoration of freedom’s foundation. God is calling us to a life filled with the power of transforming love and the boldness of New Testament believers to stand against the powers of this present darkness. A dying world is waiting for the release of the river of life that flows freely from the lives of yielded, Spirit-filled believers.
Sound Principles Will Prevail
When God rules in individual lives, sound principles will prevail in our land. Leaders will no longer be chosen because of personality, party affiliation, or skillful communication. They will be chosen because of their commitment to God-given principles necessary for the survival of true freedom. Betty and I believe with all our heart President Trump is seeking diligently to protect those principles.
I pray all committed Christians and those who love freedom will stand together to protect it! We will either witness the glorious future of freedom or the tragedy of its funeral.
James Robison is The Stream’s founder and publisher. He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today. He’s the author of many books, including Indivisible (with Jay Richards) and Living Amazed.


thestream--2020-07-03--The Real Reason So Many Americans are Expressing Concern About Racism

Why are so many Americans now expressing such deep concerns about racism ?
Why are they so angered about police brutality ?
Why are they so willing to ask larger questions about justice and equity ?
Is it because they finally “ get it , ” that they now understand what Black Americans have been saying for years ?
In some cases , the answer is yes , and that is positive .
But in the vast majority of cases , I do not believe that ’ s it at all .
There are other reasons afoot .
As I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do not believe that , suddenly , tens of millions of Americans have grown a conscience about racism .
Some certainly have .
But for most , I believe it ’ s merely the PC flavor of the day , the latest way to bash America , and thus , the opposite of genuine moral concern .
Do you agree ?
” Based on the response to the tweet , the overwhelming answer to my question was , “ Yes , we agree.
” The Spirit of the Times This is not matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter of being realistic and of recognizing human nature .
It is also a matter of recognizing the spirit of the times .
Tens of millions of Americans have not suddenly grown a conscience about the past , feeling pangs of guilt and saying , “ The system is still broken , and we must fix it.
” Tens of millions of Americans have not suddenly become concerned about the evils of racism or , for the first time , come to grips with the darker sides of our national history .
Again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the legacy of our country ’ s anti-Black policies over the centuries .
But do we really think that , overnight , the sports world has woken up and Hollywood has woken up and local mayors have woken up and national politicians have woken up ?
Are they just now figuring things out ?
Or is there a massive wave of virtue signaling ?
( This a term I hate to use , but it certainly applies . )
Is there an all-too-obvious fawning to the crowd ?
Deeper still , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-American narrative , the latest nation-bashing trend ?
Is being woke on racism the latest manifestation of PC-mania ?
( How bizarre that the new sign of devotion to America is hatred of America . )
For some , perhaps subconsciously , this is a way to get at Trump .
He ’ s for law and order , we ’ re for anarchy .
This is a reelection year , riots in the streets make him look bad .
( For more on this , see here . )
Or , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law and order because we are rebellious .
The death of George Floyd is merely our pretense for disruptive action .
This is also why anti-Israel , Day of Rage rallies on July 1 merged together themes of Jew-hatred and hatred of the police , since both allegedly represents symbols of oppression .
And both of these themes merged together with the Black Lives Matter mantra .
As reported by the Blaze , “ Black Lives Matter protesters marching through Washington , D.C. , on Wednesday were captured on video chanting , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children too.
’ ” Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Over in New York City , Memri TV documented some of the inflammatory speech at the Day of Rage gathering protesting the potential annexation of parts of Judea and Samaria ( aka the West Bank ) .
One speaker proclaimed , “ You can ’ t defund the police , you have got to abolish the police !
You have got to abolish the Zionistic state of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States Government !
” ( Does that sound at all like an ominous threat ?
Conversely , just try denouncing Hamas or the Palestinian Authority on the streets of Gaza City or Ramallah . )
“ European Jews ” are the “ Relatives ” of Slave Holders , Day of Rage Speaker Said Another cried out , “ The police that are around us are not our friends .
You should not speak to them .
They are our enemy .
They are an impediment to the liberation of Palestine.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NYPD is an impediment to the liberation of Palestine . )
He continued , “ When I saw that precinct burn , I thought I was closer to Palestine .
When I see an NYPD cop car burn — I say we are waking up a revolutionary country.
” ( Yes , burn those buildings and those cars , maybe with some cops inside too ! )
Yet another speaker , herself the former wife of a Black Panther leader , put it all together : “ The European Jews , who occupy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of Palestinians on to their killing fields , called refugee and concentration camps , are the relatives of the Europeans , the Spanish , the British , the Portuguese , the Irish , the Dutch , who kidnapped , slaughtered , and forced millions of Africans and indigenous on to slave ships , plantations , reservations , prison death camps , on this Turtle Island [ North America ] .
” That ’ s why the cries of “ Death to Israel !
” were followed the cries of “ Death to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaker : “ The United States of America and all of its puppet governments will be no more !
” We ’ re Seeing Divisive Anti-Americanism .
We Need the Gospel It is this same anti-Americanism , rather than a true rejection of racism and racist structures , that fuels the fires of the many of the woke protesters .
And when the rubber meets the road , very few of them will prove willing to make personal sacrifices to better the life of a Black person in another part of the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone take seriously the NBA ’ s social conscience and deep concern for justice in America when it remains cozily in bed with Communist China ? )
Ben Shapiro was right when he wrote , “ The product of the woke crusade will not be a less racist America but a more polarized one .
That ’ s because the woke crusade is not truly about reducing racism ; it is about attacking fundamental institutions , American history , and our very culture of rights .
All the things we share must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And then the true ugliness begins.
” The truth be told , we are not as woke as we think we are .
When the dust settles , there will be an even angrier America with even deeper racial problems .
A better solution will have to be found , one that truly changes hearts and minds .
Sounds like it ’ s time for the gospel !
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Evangelicals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump Test ?
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

Why are so many Americans now expressing such deep concerns about racism? Why are they so angered about police brutality? Why are they so willing to ask larger questions about justice and equity? Is it because they finally “get it,” that they now understand what Black Americans have been saying for years? In some cases, the answer is yes, and that is positive. But in the vast majority of cases, I do not believe that’s it at all. There are other reasons afoot.
As I tweeted on July 1, “I do not believe that, suddenly, tens of millions of Americans have grown a conscience about racism. Some certainly have. But for most, I believe it’s merely the PC flavor of the day, the latest way to bash America, and thus, the opposite of genuine moral concern. Do you agree?”
Based on the response to the tweet, the overwhelming answer to my question was, “Yes, we agree.”
The Spirit of the Times
This is not matter of being cynical. It is a matter of being realistic and of recognizing human nature. It is also a matter of recognizing the spirit of the times.
Tens of millions of Americans have not suddenly grown a conscience about the past, feeling pangs of guilt and saying, “The system is still broken, and we must fix it.”
Are they just now figuring things out?
Tens of millions of Americans have not suddenly become concerned about the evils of racism or, for the first time, come to grips with the darker sides of our national history.
Again, some Americans certainly are becoming aware of the legacy of our country’s anti-Black policies over the centuries. But do we really think that, overnight, the sports world has woken up and Hollywood has woken up and local mayors have woken up and national politicians have woken up? Are they just now figuring things out?
Virtue Signaling and Embracing Anti-American PC Trends?
Or is there a massive wave of virtue signaling? (This a term I hate to use, but it certainly applies.) Is there an all-too-obvious fawning to the crowd?
Deeper still, is this simply an embracing of the latest anti-American narrative, the latest nation-bashing trend? Is being woke on racism the latest manifestation of PC-mania? (How bizarre that the new sign of devotion to America is hatred of America.)
For some, perhaps subconsciously, this is a way to get at Trump. He’s for law and order, we’re for anarchy. This is a reelection year, riots in the streets make him look bad. (For more on this, see here.) Or, even more simply, we’re against law and order because we are rebellious. The death of George Floyd is merely our pretense for disruptive action.
Anti-Israel Sentiment Mixed with Anti-Police Sentiment
This is also why anti-Israel, Day of Rage rallies on July 1 merged together themes of Jew-hatred and hatred of the police, since both allegedly represents symbols of oppression. And both of these themes merged together with the Black Lives Matter mantra.
As reported by the Blaze, “Black Lives Matter protesters marching through Washington, D.C., on Wednesday were captured on video chanting, ‘Israel we know you, you murder children too.’”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Over in New York City, Memri TV documented some of the inflammatory speech at the Day of Rage gathering protesting the potential annexation of parts of Judea and Samaria (aka the West Bank).
One speaker proclaimed, “You can’t defund the police, you have got to abolish the police! You have got to abolish the Zionistic state of Israel! You have got to abolish the United States Government!” (Does that sound at all like an ominous threat? Conversely, just try denouncing Hamas or the Palestinian Authority on the streets of Gaza City or Ramallah.)
“European Jews” are the “Relatives” of Slave Holders, Day of Rage Speaker Said
Another cried out, “The police that are around us are not our friends. You should not speak to them. They are our enemy. They are an impediment to the liberation of Palestine.” (Did you catch that? The NYPD is an impediment to the liberation of Palestine.)
He continued, “When I saw that precinct burn, I thought I was closer to Palestine. When I see an NYPD cop car burn — I say we are waking up a revolutionary country.” (Yes, burn those buildings and those cars, maybe with some cops inside too!)
Yet another speaker, herself the former wife of a Black Panther leader, put it all together: “The European Jews, who occupy, slaughter, and continue to force millions of Palestinians on to their killing fields, called refugee and concentration camps, are the relatives of the Europeans, the Spanish, the British, the Portuguese, the Irish, the Dutch, who kidnapped, slaughtered, and forced millions of Africans and indigenous on to slave ships, plantations, reservations, prison death camps, on this Turtle Island [North America].”
That’s why the cries of “Death to Israel!” were followed the cries of “Death to America!”
To quote one more speaker: “The United States of America and all of its puppet governments will be no more!”
We’re Seeing Divisive Anti-Americanism. We Need the Gospel
It is this same anti-Americanism, rather than a true rejection of racism and racist structures, that fuels the fires of the many of the woke protesters. And when the rubber meets the road, very few of them will prove willing to make personal sacrifices to better the life of a Black person in another part of the country. (Speaking of that, does anyone take seriously the NBA’s social conscience and deep concern for justice in America when it remains cozily in bed with Communist China?)
Ben Shapiro was right when he wrote, “The product of the woke crusade will not be a less racist America but a more polarized one. That’s because the woke crusade is not truly about reducing racism; it is about attacking fundamental institutions, American history, and our very culture of rights. All the things we share must be eviscerated. So we will share nothing. And then the true ugliness begins.”
The truth be told, we are not as woke as we think we are. When the dust settles, there will be an even angrier America with even deeper racial problems. A better solution will have to be found, one that truly changes hearts and minds. Sounds like it’s time for the gospel!
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-07-03--At Least There’s Flag-Waving! Oh, Wait

At Least There’s Flag-Waving! Oh, Wait

Barbecues , fireworks , and flag waving — these are the quintessence of Fourth of July celebrations .
And beaches , for those of us in California .
Thanks to the coronavirus , things will be different this year .
Many beaches will be closed .
Even if they are open , there will be the required distancing , limits to the number in your group , and , of course , masks .
Fireworks will be problematic for the same reasons , and more and more places are banning the private use of fireworks .
( Unless you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the homeless .
Mayor DeBlasio seems fine with that . )
Barbecuing , of course , leads to global warming , and anyway , how fun is it to barbecue simply for your immediate family ?
Well , at least there ’ s flag waving !
Oh , wait .
Two friends are too scared to display the American flag on their house for fear of repercussions .
As much as the things in the previous paragraph bother me , that last sentence sends me over the bend .
That anyone could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical harm , for putting up the U.S. flag on the day we celebrate the birth of this country is a watershed moment .
The course we chart from here will dictate whether the United States of America can continue on and attempt to live up to the ideals of our founding fathers , or fade into the mists of history as a bold experiment that failed .
Too many people have made the mistake of confusing the words , “ the greatest country in the history of the world ” with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misunderstanding gets worse as they grow in knowledge and realize we are actually far from perfect .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
They feel betrayed .
They get angry and that builds and fuels their need to find a better system .
Because they start from a false premise , what they can never know is that there is no better system .
The best explanation of how this dichotomy is possible , comes of course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government have been tried , and will be tried in this world of sin and woe .
No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise .
Indeed , it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.
” Is our country worth continuing ?
That statement gets to the heart of it .
Our country has flaws .
We ’ ve made horrific mistakes .
We killed off much of this country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our own .
We engaged in the reprehensible practice of slavery .
We treated women as property .
And yet , for all that , we are by no means the worse nation that has ever existed .
When comparing the evil deeds of various civilizations through history , we are probably average .
The difference between us and other nations is on the other side of the scale .
We were the first country to establish itself through a shared set of values .
Where you were born , who your parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irrelevant to becoming a citizen of the United States of America .
That shared set of values included the idea that “ all men are created equal.
” While that didn ’ t immediately apply to blacks and women , it is an ideal we have been moving steadily towards .
We are the only country ever to fight a civil war to abolish the evil practice of slavery .
We founded this country on the principle that we our endowed by our “ creator with unalienable rights , that among these are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Happiness.
” Our founding fathers stated this in the Declaration of Independence , and gave it practical form to help us govern ourselves in the Constitution .
These ideals are still sound .
They are good and they are moral .
Our flag is a symbol not of this country but of those ideals .
So is the national anthem , for that matter .
To desecrate the flag or take a knee during the anthem is to denigrate those principles .
You are actually saying you don ’ t believe all lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and White apologists would do well to remember that .
While many people might not be capable of articulating this concept , they know it innately .
This is why most of the protests tend to achieve the exact opposite of their goal .
If you ’ re upset with your treatment at the hands of the police , then protest in front of a police station .
If you think the justice system is not treating you fairly , then protest in front of a courthouse .
But ease up on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be one of the very ideals our flag represents .

Barbecues, fireworks, and flag waving — these are the quintessence of Fourth of July celebrations. And beaches, for those of us in California. Thanks to the coronavirus, things will be different this year.
Many beaches will be closed. Even if they are open, there will be the required distancing, limits to the number in your group, and, of course, masks. Fireworks will be problematic for the same reasons, and more and more places are banning the private use of fireworks. (Unless you are in New York City shooting them at the homeless. Mayor DeBlasio seems fine with that.) Barbecuing, of course, leads to global warming, and anyway, how fun is it to barbecue simply for your immediate family?
Well, at least there’s flag waving! Oh, wait. Two friends are too scared to display the American flag on their house for fear of repercussions. As much as the things in the previous paragraph bother me, that last sentence sends me over the bend.
We Have Reached a Crossroads
That anyone could be called a racist, let alone fear physical harm, for putting up the U.S. flag on the day we celebrate the birth of this country is a watershed moment. The course we chart from here will dictate whether the United States of America can continue on and attempt to live up to the ideals of our founding fathers, or fade into the mists of history as a bold experiment that failed.
Too many people have made the mistake of confusing the words, “the greatest country in the history of the world” with the concept that we are perfect. This misunderstanding gets worse as they grow in knowledge and realize we are actually far from perfect.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
They feel betrayed. They get angry and that builds and fuels their need to find a better system. Because they start from a false premise, what they can never know is that there is no better system.
The best explanation of how this dichotomy is possible, comes of course, from Churchill. “Many forms of government have been tried, and will be tried in this world of sin and woe. No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”
Is Our Country Worth Continuing?
Is our country worth continuing? That statement gets to the heart of it. Our country has flaws. We’ve made horrific mistakes.
We killed off much of this country’s indigenous peoples in order to call it our own. We engaged in the reprehensible practice of slavery. We treated women as property. And yet, for all that, we are by no means the worse nation that has ever existed. When comparing the evil deeds of various civilizations through history, we are probably average.
The difference between us and other nations is on the other side of the scale. We were the first country to establish itself through a shared set of values. Where you were born, who your parents are, and what you worship were irrelevant to becoming a citizen of the United States of America.
That shared set of values included the idea that “all men are created equal.” While that didn’t immediately apply to blacks and women, it is an ideal we have been moving steadily towards. We are the only country ever to fight a civil war to abolish the evil practice of slavery.
We founded this country on the principle that we our endowed by our “creator with unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Our founding fathers stated this in the Declaration of Independence, and gave it practical form to help us govern ourselves in the Constitution. These ideals are still sound. They are good and they are moral.
The Real Message
Our flag is a symbol not of this country but of those ideals. So is the national anthem, for that matter. To desecrate the flag or take a knee during the anthem is to denigrate those principles. You are actually saying you don’t believe all lives are created equal. Black Lives Matter and White apologists would do well to remember that.
While many people might not be capable of articulating this concept, they know it innately. This is why most of the protests tend to achieve the exact opposite of their goal.
If you’re upset with your treatment at the hands of the police, then protest in front of a police station. If you think the justice system is not treating you fairly, then protest in front of a courthouse. But ease up on the flag, because black lives matter happens to be one of the very ideals our flag represents.
George Janek is a conservative thinker encamped in Northern California.


thestream--2020-07-03--Hail (and Farewell?) to the Redskins

Hail (and Farewell?) to the Redskins

Former Washington Redskins offensive line coach Joe Bugel passed away the other day .
He ’ s the beloved coach responsible for shaping the beefy and unmatched offensive line of the 1980s known as The Hogs .
( Today he ’ d be run out of town for fat shaming . )
It ’ s appropriate to mourn .
I open with a memory from the glory days of the Washington Redskins .
For my generation of DC area fans , the name “ Redskins ” evokes something glorious , something unifying .
Nothing , and I mean nothing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Redskins .
Urban blacks , suburban whites .
Republican , Democrat .
The day laborer on 14th Street , the lobbyist on K Street .
The grey-haired Capitol Hill power broker , the shaggy haired Oxon Hill teenager .
The Redskins name was stickered on Cadillac and hot dog cart alike .
The only two colors that mattered were burgundy and gold .
The Redskins did that .
When home and I see the Redskin bumper stickers — or pennants or flags or golf bags — I still get emotional .
Even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Skins anymore .
Even if , horror to say , I pay more attention to the Cowboys .
I see the name , and I ’ m struck with a sense memory .
Tens of thousands roar again around me at RFK as the Redskins defeat Minnesota in the NFC finals .
I feel the worn wool Redskins cap pulled over my head .
Then the shaking of my girlfriend ’ s house near the DC line when we beat the Cowboys in 1982 to advance to the Super Bowl .
I hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of my dad pacing back and forth during games , too nervous to watch .
Pausing just long enough to share intricacies of the game .
I remember clinging to my Redskins fandom after he died .
How can I ever thank the Redskins for what they brought to me and their other fans ?
The Pressure to Change the Name Today , once again , enormous pressure is on owner Dan Snyder to change the name of the team .
“ Redskins ” is offensive to Native Americans , we are told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington Post did a survey .
To its grave disappointment , it discovered that 90 % of Native Americans were not offended by the name .
Yet 2020 is not 2016 .
Heck , July 2020 is not even May 2020 .
The cancel culture is on the march , and anything the mob deems unfit , well , forget about it , Fun Bunch .
Even if a survey today showed Native Americans are still more bothered by how Synder has run the team into the ground than the team ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That Native Americans themselves came up with the name to distinguish from the white skins , it doesn ’ t matter .
That the team chose the name in part to honor a player thought to be Native American , it doesn ’ t matter .
All for the same reason rich liberal white kids can scream at black police officers that “ they are part of the problem ” and uneducated “ black Judases.
” Or want to tear down the Emancipation Statue .
And shout down black historians trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The facts don ’ t matter .
The pressure on Snyder ratcheted up Thursday .
Fed Ex , which bought the naming rights to the stadium where the Redskins play , announced they want Snyder to absolutely positively change the name .
Nike has pulled all Redskins merchandise .
The company ’ s conscience is untroubled by … China .
It does business there hand over fist , ignoring the enslavement of the Uighur Muslims .
The US just seized 13 tons of human hair taken from the Muslims interned in China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wigs made out of the hair of people enslaved right now because of their beliefs is fine .
T-shirts celebrating a 90-year-old football team are not .
Call Nike ’ s China cash what it is : “ blood money.
” ( Maybe the company would be happier if the team were renamed something harmless that nobody seems to care about .
How about “ The Dead Uighurs ” ? )
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s 2015 move to target the team .
He went after the Redskins almost as hard as his minions did Tea Party groups .
( And far harder than urban violence .
Or the grim quality of life in the First Nations . )
He tried to strip the team of its trademark .
And his Department of Interior voiced interest in blocking the team ’ s move back to DC .
Synder has been negotiating for years to bring the team back from Landover , Maryland to downtown .
Good for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Great for fans .
Fed Ex field stinks .
The best proposed site is the location of the old RFK Stadium .
The land ’ s owned by the National Park Service , which is part of the Interior Department .
Even if President Trump doesn ’ t want to block a move , local officials don ’ t want the Redskins back unless the name is changed .
We know where this is heading .
If Synder does not cave in , the NFL will try to strip him of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Redskins fans would celebrate that . )
But there ’ s breaking news this hour : Dan Synder has read the writing on the wall .
The Redskin name may soon be no more .
This morning the Washington Redskins released a statement declaring they are conducting a “ thorough review ” of their name .
Snyder said the study will take into account “ not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise , but also input from our alumni , the organization , our sponsors , the National Football League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to represent on and off the field.
” Funny , he doesn ’ t mention talking it over with First Nations leaders .
They are the first people the Skins should be talking to .
And should be the loudest voice .
Oddly , he also doesn ’ t specifically mention the fans .
Not that Snyder ever cared much about the fans .
A New Name That Works ?
However , I believe new coach Ron Rivera is hinting at a name change that will make most people happy ; one I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last arose in 2015 .
Rivera said he looked “ forward to working closely with Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our Military.
” ( emphasis mine . )
So if it ’ s got to be done , let it be done .
Let ’ s embrace a name that honors the team history , honors the Native American heritage , and honors their spiritual descendants who today bravely fight to protect this nation .
Let us put the Hogettes back in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sing the ol ’ fight song .
Sing it as a new song : 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 .

UPDATE: If a local sports host is to be believed, you may soon be watching the Washington Warriors. The Team 980’s Kevin Sheehan said he had it on “pretty good authority” Warriors would likely replace Redskins. Fan website Hogs Heaven adds that’s the favorite choice in “the clubhouse.” Naturally, some activists are already trying to shoot the name down. Stay tuned.
Former Washington Redskins offensive line coach Joe Bugel passed away the other day. He’s the beloved coach responsible for shaping the beefy and unmatched offensive line of the 1980s known as The Hogs. (Today he’d be run out of town for fat shaming.)
It’s appropriate to mourn. I open with a memory from the glory days of the Washington Redskins. For my generation of DC area fans, the name “Redskins” evokes something glorious, something unifying. Nothing, and I mean nothing, unified Washington, DC, like the Redskins. Urban blacks, suburban whites. Republican, Democrat. The day laborer on 14th Street, the lobbyist on K Street. The grey-haired Capitol Hill power broker, the shaggy haired Oxon Hill teenager. The Redskins name was stickered on Cadillac and hot dog cart alike. The only two colors that mattered were burgundy and gold. The Redskins did that.
When home and I see the Redskin bumper stickers — or pennants or flags or golf bags — I still get emotional. Even if I don’t particularly follow the Skins anymore. Even if, horror to say, I pay more attention to the Cowboys. I see the name, and I’m struck with a sense memory. Tens of thousands roar again around me at RFK as the Redskins defeat Minnesota in the NFC finals. I feel the worn wool Redskins cap pulled over my head. Then the shaking of my girlfriend’s house near the DC line when we beat the Cowboys in 1982 to advance to the Super Bowl. I hear the footsteps, sense the motion, of my dad pacing back and forth during games, too nervous to watch. Pausing just long enough to share intricacies of the game.
I remember clinging to my Redskins fandom after he died.
How can I ever thank the Redskins for what they brought to me and their other fans?
The Pressure to Change the Name
Today, once again, enormous pressure is on owner Dan Snyder to change the name of the team. “Redskins” is offensive to Native Americans, we are told. Just four years ago, the Washington Post did a survey. To its grave disappointment, it discovered that 90% of Native Americans were not offended by the name.
Yet 2020 is not 2016. Heck, July 2020 is not even May 2020. The cancel culture is on the march, and anything the mob deems unfit, well, forget about it, Fun Bunch. Even if a survey today showed Native Americans are still more bothered by how Synder has run the team into the ground than the team’s name. It doesn’t matter. That Native Americans themselves came up with the name to distinguish from the white skins, it doesn’t matter. That the team chose the name in part to honor a player thought to be Native American, it doesn’t matter.
All for the same reason rich liberal white kids can scream at black police officers that “they are part of the problem” and uneducated “black Judases.” Or want to tear down the Emancipation Statue. And shout down black historians trying to explain the statue’s history. The facts don’t matter.
The pressure on Snyder ratcheted up Thursday. Fed Ex, which bought the naming rights to the stadium where the Redskins play, announced they want Snyder to absolutely positively change the name.
Nike has pulled all Redskins merchandise. The company’s conscience is untroubled by … China. It does business there hand over fist, ignoring the enslavement of the Uighur Muslims. The US just seized 13 tons of human hair taken from the Muslims interned in China’s camps. So for Nike, wigs made out of the hair of people enslaved right now because of their beliefs is fine. T-shirts celebrating a 90-year-old football team are not. Call Nike’s China cash what it is: “blood money.” (Maybe the company would be happier if the team were renamed something harmless that nobody seems to care about. How about “The Dead Uighurs”?)
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Making the Redskins pay was behind Obama’s 2015 move to target the team. He went after the Redskins almost as hard as his minions did Tea Party groups. (And far harder than urban violence. Or the grim quality of life in the First Nations.) He tried to strip the team of its trademark. And his Department of Interior voiced interest in blocking the team’s move back to DC.
Synder has been negotiating for years to bring the team back from Landover, Maryland to downtown. Good for the city. Good for the team. Great for fans. Fed Ex field stinks. The best proposed site is the location of the old RFK Stadium. The land’s owned by the National Park Service, which is part of the Interior Department. Even if President Trump doesn’t want to block a move, local officials don’t want the Redskins back unless the name is changed.
We know where this is heading. If Synder does not cave in, the NFL will try to strip him of the franchise. (Of course, most Redskins fans would celebrate that.)
But there’s breaking news this hour: Dan Synder has read the writing on the wall. The Redskin name may soon be no more.
Redskins Reviewing Their Name
This morning the Washington Redskins released a statement declaring they are conducting a “thorough review” of their name. Snyder said the study will take into account “not only the proud tradition and history of the franchise, but also input from our alumni, the organization, our sponsors, the National Football League and the local community it is proud to represent on and off the field.”
Funny, he doesn’t mention talking it over with First Nations leaders. They are the first people the Skins should be talking to. And should be the loudest voice. Oddly, he also doesn’t specifically mention the fans. Not that Snyder ever cared much about the fans.
A New Name That Works?
However, I believe new coach Ron Rivera is hinting at a name change that will make most people happy; one I’ve been pondering since the controversy last arose in 2015.
Rivera said he looked “forward to working closely with Dan Snyder to make sure we continue the mission of honoring and supporting Native Americans and our Military.” (emphasis mine.)
So if it’s got to be done, let it be done. Let’s embrace a name that honors the team history, honors the Native American heritage, and honors their spiritual descendants who today bravely fight to protect this nation.
Let us put the Hogettes back in their dresses and pig noses, and sing the ol’ fight song. Sing it as a new song:
“Hail to the Warriors. Hail Victory.”
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-07-03--Fines Up to $5,000: Hollywood Sheriff Cracks Down on Mask Mandate

The West Hollywood police station said Wednesday that it ’ s set to issue fines for those not in compliance with California ’ s recent compulsory mask ordinance .
“ Beginning this month , we will start issuing Administrative Citations for people who are not conforming to the Order to wear a face cover/mask in public , ” the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’ s Department ( LASD ) West Hollywood Station said in a statement on Twitter .
A first offense fine in the West Hollywood area is $ 300 .
Subsequent fines reportedly reach $ 1,000 for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third and up to $ 5,000 for the fourth violation , according to CBS Los Angeles .
LASD West Hollywood has been “ educating people about face covers/masks since the first Order , ” another tweet said .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
The fines come after Democratic California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s June 18 statewide face mask mandate .
Residents of the Golden State “ must wear face coverings ” when undergoing “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent order .
“ High-risk ” activities include interacting with another person in an indoor public space , walking through a parking facility at work and utilizing public transportation .
The mandate exempts individuals in certain circumstances , such as people who are incarcerated and toddlers under the age of two .
California has recently experienced an uptick in COVID-19 cases .
The Golden State has over 232,000 cases with approximately 6,100 deaths , according to a Thursday morning calculation on California ’ s state website .
Content created by The Daily Caller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

The West Hollywood police station said Wednesday that it’s set to issue fines for those not in compliance with California’s recent compulsory mask ordinance.
“Beginning this month, we will start issuing Administrative Citations for people who are not conforming to the Order to wear a face cover/mask in public,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) West Hollywood Station said in a statement on Twitter.
Update: The fine is $250 and a fee of $50 for a total of $300 for the first offense. pic.twitter.com/o6QE3fkucu — LASD West Hollywood (@WHDLASD) July 2, 2020
A first offense fine in the West Hollywood area is $300. Subsequent fines reportedly reach $1,000 for a second offense, $2,000 for a third and up to $5,000 for the fourth violation, according to CBS Los Angeles.
LASD West Hollywood has been “educating people about face covers/masks since the first Order,” another tweet said.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The fines come after Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s June 18 statewide face mask mandate. Residents of the Golden State “must wear face coverings” when undergoing “high-risk” activities, according to the recent order.
NEW: Californians are now REQUIRED to wear face coverings in public spaces. Together — we can slow the spread. Do your part. Wear a mask. LEARN MORE: https://t.co/xtXFwVeWc2 — Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 18, 2020
“High-risk” activities include interacting with another person in an indoor public space, walking through a parking facility at work and utilizing public transportation. The mandate exempts individuals in certain circumstances, such as people who are incarcerated and toddlers under the age of two.
California has recently experienced an uptick in COVID-19 cases. The Golden State has over 232,000 cases with approximately 6,100 deaths, according to a Thursday morning calculation on California’s state website.
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].