thestream--2020-12-30--Trump’s Executive Order on Schooling in COVID Era

In my last Stream article I explained why schools should reopen .
Kids simply haven ’ t been learning enough with the remote education model .
Nor are kids driving COVID transmission to adults .
I ended the piece suggesting that parents be allowed to use their tax dollars to enroll their kids in private schools if their local public schools remain closed .
President Trump ’ s executive order this week creates a mechanism for that to happen .
Why This Is Important There are at least four big reasons why Trump ’ s action is appropriate .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says that school attendance decreases a child ’ s risk of depression and abuse .
Since schools closed in March there ’ s been a big drop in reports of child abuse .
Sadly , the abuse rates have probably not declined .
School teachers and staff are mandatory reporters , and without their involvement , it ’ s just not being reported .
• The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) has found that school closures have a big impact on food security and physical activity for kids .
Remember , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have come to rely on schools to feed their children .
The food problem mushroomed when many moms and dads lost their jobs due to COVID .
• Food considerations aside , the academic impact of school closures is worse for low-income kids .
In low-income zip codes , students ’ math progress decreased by almost 50 % after schools closed in March .
In middle-income zip codes , the drop was “ only ” 33 % .
• Special needs children have also been hit hard by school closures .
These kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and social supports , like in-person therapies .
Without them , they can ’ t really make progress .
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ( IDEA ) enshrines the right of students with learning disabilities to receive what ’ s known as a free and appropriate public education ( FAPE ) .
If the kid can ’ t learn unless he gets speech therapy or an in-class aide , the school must provide these services or supports .
Especially for Special Needs and Lower Income Situations A recent survey found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not been receiving the services or supports that they ’ re supposed to be getting .
About 40 % of kids with special needs aren ’ t receiving any services or supports .
What may be worse is that special needs kids are twice as likely to be receiving little to no remote learning since March .
Higher income students are more likely to have substitutes for the loss of in-person learning .
Their parents are more likely to be in jobs that allow them to work from home .
Mom and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connection issues during the day .
These parents are also more likely to have the means to pool resources with similar families to form a microschool or “ learning pod , ” with a hired , in-person tutor .
It ’ s the lower-income and special needs students who are falling furthest behind .
Trump ’ s executive order does not create new funding .
It provides a new way to apply the funds of the CARES Act from this spring .
But now some of the CARES Act funding can provide emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by any child without access to in-person learning .
What can an emergency learning scholarship cover ?
Tuition and fees for a private school , even a religious school .
It can cover homeschool , microschool , or learning-pod costs .
Or special education services , including therapies .
Might your child need tutoring or remedial education ?
Those are valid uses also .
I realize some of us would prefer to see initiatives like this bubble up from local or state governments .
But this is an urgent problem , and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once-in-a-century pandemic .
So let ’ s not be too picky .
With the spring semester fast approaching , I hope the President ’ s executive order receives broad support .
If you know of families that could benefit , encourage them to express interest to their county and state leaders .
Dr. Alex Chediak ( Ph.D. , U.C .
Berkeley ) is a professor and the author of Thriving at College ( Tyndale House , 2011 ) , a roadmap for how students can best navigate the challenges of their college years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College Debt Trap .
Learn more about him at www.alexchediak.com or follow him on Twitter ( @ chediak ) .

In my last Stream article I explained why schools should reopen. Kids simply haven’t been learning enough with the remote education model. Nor are kids driving COVID transmission to adults. I ended the piece suggesting that parents be allowed to use their tax dollars to enroll their kids in private schools if their local public schools remain closed. President Trump’s executive order this week creates a mechanism for that to happen.
Why This Is Important
There are at least four big reasons why Trump’s action is appropriate.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that school attendance decreases a child’s risk of depression and abuse. Since schools closed in March there’s been a big drop in reports of child abuse. Sadly, the abuse rates have probably not declined. School teachers and staff are mandatory reporters, and without their involvement, it’s just not being reported.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has found that school closures have a big impact on food security and physical activity for kids. Remember, for better or worse, low-income families have come to rely on schools to feed their children. The food problem mushroomed when many moms and dads lost their jobs due to COVID.
Food considerations aside, the academic impact of school closures is worse for low-income kids. In low-income zip codes, students’ math progress decreased by almost 50% after schools closed in March. In middle-income zip codes, the drop was “only” 33%.
Special needs children have also been hit hard by school closures. These kids receive a variety of academic, physical, and social supports, like in-person therapies. Without them, they can’t really make progress. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) enshrines the right of students with learning disabilities to receive what’s known as a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). If the kid can’t learn unless he gets speech therapy or an in-class aide, the school must provide these services or supports.
Especially for Special Needs and Lower Income Situations
A recent survey found that 80% of students with special needs have not been receiving the services or supports that they’re supposed to be getting. About 40% of kids with special needs aren’t receiving any services or supports. What may be worse is that special needs kids are twice as likely to be receiving little to no remote learning since March.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Higher income students are more likely to have substitutes for the loss of in-person learning. Their parents are more likely to be in jobs that allow them to work from home. Mom and Dad can help with assignments and internet connection issues during the day. These parents are also more likely to have the means to pool resources with similar families to form a microschool or “learning pod,” with a hired, in-person tutor.
It’s the lower-income and special needs students who are falling furthest behind.
Greater Flexibility with Existing Funding
Trump’s executive order does not create new funding. It provides a new way to apply the funds of the CARES Act from this spring. But now some of the CARES Act funding can provide emergency learning scholarships to disadvantaged families for use by any child without access to in-person learning.
What can an emergency learning scholarship cover? Tuition and fees for a private school, even a religious school. It can cover homeschool, microschool, or learning-pod costs. Or special education services, including therapies. Might your child need tutoring or remedial education? Those are valid uses also.
I realize some of us would prefer to see initiatives like this bubble up from local or state governments. But this is an urgent problem, and one with a highly unusual origin — a once-in-a-century pandemic. So let’s not be too picky. With the spring semester fast approaching, I hope the President’s executive order receives broad support. If you know of families that could benefit, encourage them to express interest to their county and state leaders.
Dr. Alex Chediak (Ph.D., U.C. Berkeley) is a professor and the author of Thriving at College (Tyndale House, 2011), a roadmap for how students can best navigate the challenges of their college years. His latest book is Beating the College Debt Trap. Learn more about him at www.alexchediak.com or follow him on Twitter (@chediak).


Free Mitch Rutledge

Nearly everyone has seen the classic movie The Shawshank Redemption .
Well , it turns out there is a real life “ Red ” Redding , the character played by Morgan Freeman .
He is in prison in Alabama .
He has been there for nearly 40 years .
He was guilty of his crime : a murder he committed as a teenager in a drug operation .
But so many people who have interacted with Mitch Rutledge in prison see the similarities in character with Red .
He grew up in a broken home with a father he never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 13 years old and was hardly around for adult supervision .
He was illiterate .
As a teen , he roamed the streets with drug dealers and prostitutes .
With no real family .
Without religion .
Without schooling .
Without love of any kind .
It was the kind of trapped and hopeless situation that makes you think , “ There but for the grace of God go I.
” He admitted his heinous crime , and he was convicted and sentenced to death .
His tragic story was widely publicized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of individuals in prison on death row .
It was not a sympathetic portrayal .
The author ended her story by dismissing Rutledge as irredeemable .
She recommended that he “ sit and stew in his 8-ft. by 5-ft. pen in Alabama .
Forget him.
” But his story drew the attention of my friend and fellow economist Burton Folsom — a bestselling free market author — and a few other kindhearted people who saw a chance of redemption .
Burt and his wife went to visit Rutledge on many occasions .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his life has been turned around .
His death sentence was commuted to life in prison .
He has become in every way a model citizen in prison .
He instructs young Black men how to avoid the mistakes he made .
What gave Rutledge hope was his inner conviction that “ maybe there was a purpose to my life .
Maybe there were still things God wanted me for.
” This epiphany is what has kept Rutledge from the torture of total despair after 40 years behind bars in a maximum-security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His Debt to Society Prison normally hardens men ’ s souls .
Rutledge has softened .
As Folsom and his wife , Anita , wrote in their biographical book Death on Hold , “ There may be no inmate in the United States who is more rehabilitated than Mitchell Rutledge.
” After 40 years behind bars — two-thirds of his life — with virtually no personal freedom and only knowledge of the outside world from TV in prison , he has paid his debt to society .
Trump and/or Alabama Gov .
Kay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It would be a victory for our penal system that a man can serve his time and be rehabilitated .
Rutledge puts it well : “ The prison system does not rehabilitate inmates .
The prisoners have to rehabilitate themselves.
” Everyone , including the warden , has spoken up on his behalf .
The famous line from Tim Robbins in The Shawshank Redemption is , “ You have to get busy living or get busy dying.
” Let Rutledge get on living .
Freeing a 60-year-old Black man , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poses no threat to the public , would be an appropriate and justified use of presidential power by Trump , highlighting his righteous crusade for civil justice reform .
Redemption is a beautiful thing .
Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and an economic consultant with FreedomWorks .
He is the co-author of Trumponomics : Inside the America First Plan to Revive the American Economy .

Nearly everyone has seen the classic movie The Shawshank Redemption. Well, it turns out there is a real life “Red” Redding, the character played by Morgan Freeman. He is in prison in Alabama. He has been there for nearly 40 years. He was guilty of his crime: a murder he committed as a teenager in a drug operation. But so many people who have interacted with Mitch Rutledge in prison see the similarities in character with Red.
He grew up in a broken home with a father he never knew. His mother was a child of 13 years old and was hardly around for adult supervision. He was illiterate. As a teen, he roamed the streets with drug dealers and prostitutes. With no real family. Without religion. Without schooling. Without love of any kind. It was the kind of trapped and hopeless situation that makes you think, “There but for the grace of God go I.”
He admitted his heinous crime, and he was convicted and sentenced to death. His tragic story was widely publicized in 1983 by a Time magazine profile of individuals in prison on death row. It was not a sympathetic portrayal. The author ended her story by dismissing Rutledge as irredeemable. She recommended that he “sit and stew in his 8-ft. by 5-ft. pen in Alabama. Forget him.”
A Chance of Redemption
But his story drew the attention of my friend and fellow economist Burton Folsom — a bestselling free market author — and a few other kindhearted people who saw a chance of redemption. Burt and his wife went to visit Rutledge on many occasions.
After 40 years behind bars with virtually no personal freedom and only knowledge of the outside world from TV in prison, he has paid his debt to society.
They and others converted him to Christ, and his life has been turned around. His death sentence was commuted to life in prison. He has become in every way a model citizen in prison. He instructs young Black men how to avoid the mistakes he made. What gave Rutledge hope was his inner conviction that “maybe there was a purpose to my life. Maybe there were still things God wanted me for.” This epiphany is what has kept Rutledge from the torture of total despair after 40 years behind bars in a maximum-security prison in Alabama.
He Has Paid His Debt to Society
Prison normally hardens men’s souls. Rutledge has softened. As Folsom and his wife, Anita, wrote in their biographical book Death on Hold, “There may be no inmate in the United States who is more rehabilitated than Mitchell Rutledge.” After 40 years behind bars — two-thirds of his life — with virtually no personal freedom and only knowledge of the outside world from TV in prison, he has paid his debt to society.
Trump and/or Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey must act with justice and mercy. It would be a victory for our penal system that a man can serve his time and be rehabilitated through the houston rehab programs. Rutledge puts it well: “The prison system does not rehabilitate inmates. The prisoners have to rehabilitate themselves.” Everyone, including the warden, has spoken up on his behalf.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The famous line from Tim Robbins in The Shawshank Redemption is, “You have to get busy living or get busy dying.” Let Rutledge get on living. Freeing a 60-year-old Black man, who has reformed his life against all odds and poses no threat to the public, would be an appropriate and justified use of presidential power by Trump, highlighting his righteous crusade for civil justice reform. Redemption is a beautiful thing.
Stephen Moore is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and an economic consultant with FreedomWorks. He is the co-author of Trumponomics: Inside the America First Plan to Revive the American Economy.
COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM


thestream--2020-12-30--Chicago Ministry Breaks Down Walls by Enlisting Police to Tutor & Play Sports with At-Risk Kids

Around the country this summer , youth in many urban areas have clashed with law enforcement over police brutality issues .
But in one Chicago neighborhood , young people actually crossed protest lines during peaceful demonstrations and greeted officers .
“ Kids would run up to the squad car , ” recalls Chicago Police Department ( CPD ) Deputy Chief Michael Barz .
“ They ’ d say , ‘ Hey , Coach !
How are you doing ?
’ The officer would have knowledge of that child ’ s life and situation , and ask about their family .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive influence beyond responding to a crime or 911 call.
” This remarkable response is due to a ministry that has forged relationships between local officers and youth — first in sports leagues , and now through a remote learning initiative .
The ministry , City of Refuge Chicago , began in 2018 when Stephanie Marquardt , a volunteer who lives in the Chicago suburbs , and her husband , Kurt , shared their vision with pastors at an inner city church : Chicago West Bible Church .
Located on Chicago ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ church sits in one of Chicago ’ s neighborhoods long defined by challenges of high crime rates and poverty .
Now locals have reason for hope .
“ How God works isn ’ t rocket science , ” Stephanie Marquardt told The Roys Report .
“ He says we ’ re supposed to do life together .
Through sports , we created a space where civic , secular , and sacred partners got to know one another , and these precious kids.
” Coming Together in the Crisis In a season when COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball league organized in Chicago ’ s 11th and 15th Districts gave local families a respite .
More than 600 kids from these West Side neighborhoods participated in or watched games this summer , all masked up and careful to follow COVID safety protocols .
Uniquely , CPD officers served as coaches for 15 teams in the league organized by City of Refuge Chicago .
Several area churches offered their baseball fields for games and practices .
“ Dozens of officers participated in this league , ” CPD Deputy Chief Barz told me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coaching came in and helped with the kids ’ practices .
Baseball teaches more than just the game — it models socialization , discipline , and other life skills.
” Marquardt , executive director of City of Refuge Chicago , made countless contacts and filed the necessary paperwork to organize the league , now in its second year .
The non-profit group ’ s website says it “ exists to bring light , hope , and transformation to individuals and families.
” Built on relationships formed to serve vulnerable children , City of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new way this fall through an unexpected outreach .
On August 5 , Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that public school instruction across the city — the nation ’ s third-largest school district — would move entirely online .
With only one week until classes were set to begin , many parents and civic leaders worried how this COVID-related safety policy would impact at-risk families .
Looking past the politics , Marquardt viewed it as an opportunity .
“ People made decisions , and now these children we know need help , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good third of them , home is not going to be a great place for them to learn for a variety of reasons.
” Within weeks , City of Refuge was able to open a remote learning center that paired officers with neighborhood kids for tutoring .
For some of the children , this center provides their only haven because their home life includes frequent cursing , domestic violence , and drug use .
Marquardt was able to launch the learning center with the help of Pastor Jamie Thompson who ministers at Reborn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 15th District .
With space and an internet connection available , their pastoral team had already discussed opening a remote learning center at the church .
Their main issue was finding enough people to staff it .
“ That ’ s really interesting , ” Marquardt recalled thinking .
“ Because I know some officers and nonprofit volunteers who would love to help make this happen.
” Soon she had another conversation , this time with her liaison at the CPD ’ s Community Safety Team — a unit formed this summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liaison then spoke with Deputy Chief Barz , who heads the unit and was open to working together .
“ We can ’ t do what we do without active community members , ” Barz told me .
“ Stephanie and others connected us with local groups .
They bring their credibility and say , ‘ Hey , the police want to get involved.
’ They trusted us to help.
” Two days per week , local kids walk down the block to Reborn Community Church where officers spend 7 to 8 hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reading , and writing .
Each day begins with temperature checks , one of several COVID-19 safety protocols including face coverings used by all present .
Officer Karina Hernandez Rea heads up the Garfield Park remote learning site .
“ We have separate tables for students that are more than six feet apart from each other , ” she told me .
“ Thankfully , it ’ s quite a large space provided by the church.
” What about potential criticisms regarding “ separation of church and state ” ?
Barz responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing the structure for learning .
There is no religious education being done .
You ’ d be hard-pressed to find a skeptic of providing a safe space and learning environment for children .
I think it ’ s been a great way for the church to reach out and provide practical help to the community.
” Having helped organize the sports leagues and this remote learning project , Marquardt says those involved — non-profits , churches , and law enforcement — have had to “ learn each other ’ s language ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all parts of the equation .
“ Some of the officers pray , and some don ’ t , ” she said .
“ It ’ s just everybody respecting one another .
Honestly , a good witness many times is not spoken , but lived.
” Two other remote learning sites have now been set up in Chicago ’ s West Side neighborhoods , using the same model and helping dozens of students .
Officer Hernandez confirms that student educational outcomes are improving as a result .
“ A lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she said .
“ Having a tutor next to them and making sure that they ’ re being kept on task helps them out a lot.
” Building on the successful baseball initiative , City of Refuge Chicago now has hundreds of kids signed up for their winter basketball league .
Training and practices are already underway via virtual sessions .
Many CPD officers who volunteered as baseball coaches plan to hit the basketball court too .
Games are expected to start in early 2021 , pending the current COVID situation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small non-profit has seen “ miraculous ” provision , though some financial needs remain .
“ Through no fault of their own , these children found themselves in a spot where they need help , ” she said .
“ And , bam , God has provided opportunities for them right in Garfield Park.
” 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 Facebook and follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at The Roys Report .
Reprinted with permission .

Around the country this summer, youth in many urban areas have clashed with law enforcement over police brutality issues. But in one Chicago neighborhood, young people actually crossed protest lines during peaceful demonstrations and greeted officers.
“Kids would run up to the squad car,” recalls Chicago Police Department (CPD) Deputy Chief Michael Barz. “They’d say, ‘Hey, Coach! How are you doing?’ The officer would have knowledge of that child’s life and situation, and ask about their family. Our presence is shown to be a positive influence beyond responding to a crime or 911 call.”
This remarkable response is due to a ministry that has forged relationships between local officers and youth — first in sports leagues, and now through a remote learning initiative.
The ministry, City of Refuge Chicago, began in 2018 when Stephanie Marquardt, a volunteer who lives in the Chicago suburbs, and her husband, Kurt, shared their vision with pastors at an inner city church: Chicago West Bible Church.
Located on Chicago’s West Side, this multi-ethnic, evangelical church sits in one of Chicago’s neighborhoods long defined by challenges of high crime rates and poverty. Now locals have reason for hope.
“How God works isn’t rocket science,” Stephanie Marquardt told The Roys Report. “He says we’re supposed to do life together. Through sports, we created a space where civic, secular, and sacred partners got to know one another, and these precious kids.”
Coming Together in the Crisis
In a season when COVID-19 restrictions halted many activities, a summer baseball league organized in Chicago’s 11th and 15th Districts gave local families a respite.
More than 600 kids from these West Side neighborhoods participated in or watched games this summer, all masked up and careful to follow COVID safety protocols.
Uniquely, CPD officers served as coaches for 15 teams in the league organized by City of Refuge Chicago. Several area churches offered their baseball fields for games and practices.
“Dozens of officers participated in this league,” CPD Deputy Chief Barz told me. “Those who weren’t coaching came in and helped with the kids’ practices. Baseball teaches more than just the game — it models socialization, discipline, and other life skills.”
Marquardt, executive director of City of Refuge Chicago, made countless contacts and filed the necessary paperwork to organize the league, now in its second year.
The non-profit group’s website says it “exists to bring light, hope, and transformation to individuals and families.” Built on relationships formed to serve vulnerable children, City of Refuge’s mission materialized in a new way this fall through an unexpected outreach.
Creative Response to COVID Curve Balls
On August 5, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that public school instruction across the city — the nation’s third-largest school district — would move entirely online.
With only one week until classes were set to begin, many parents and civic leaders worried how this COVID-related safety policy would impact at-risk families. Looking past the politics, Marquardt viewed it as an opportunity.
“People made decisions, and now these children we know need help,” she recalled thinking. “For a good third of them, home is not going to be a great place for them to learn for a variety of reasons.”
Within weeks, City of Refuge was able to open a remote learning center that paired officers with neighborhood kids for tutoring.
Marquardt was able to launch the learning center with the help of Pastor Jamie Thompson who ministers at Reborn Community Church, a multicultural church in Garfield Park in the 11th District. With space and an internet connection available, their pastoral team had already discussed opening a remote learning center at the church. Their main issue was finding enough people to staff it.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“That’s really interesting,” Marquardt recalled thinking. “Because I know some officers and nonprofit volunteers who would love to help make this happen.”
Soon she had another conversation, this time with her liaison at the CPD’s Community Safety Team — a unit formed this summer in response to the protests. The liaison then spoke with Deputy Chief Barz, who heads the unit and was open to working together.
“We can’t do what we do without active community members,” Barz told me. “Stephanie and others connected us with local groups. They bring their credibility and say, ‘Hey, the police want to get involved.’ They trusted us to help.”
When Police Officers Become Tutors
Two days per week, local kids walk down the block to Reborn Community Church where officers spend 7 to 8 hours helping them and answering questions on math, reading, and writing.
Each day begins with temperature checks, one of several COVID-19 safety protocols including face coverings used by all present.
Officer Karina Hernandez Rea heads up the Garfield Park remote learning site. “We have separate tables for students that are more than six feet apart from each other,” she told me. “Thankfully, it’s quite a large space provided by the church.”
What about potential criticisms regarding “separation of church and state”?
Barz responded frankly: “The church is simply providing the structure for learning. There is no religious education being done. You’d be hard-pressed to find a skeptic of providing a safe space and learning environment for children. I think it’s been a great way for the church to reach out and provide practical help to the community.”
Having helped organize the sports leagues and this remote learning project, Marquardt says those involved — non-profits, churches, and law enforcement — have had to “learn each other’s language” as they collaborate.
Faith is evident in all parts of the equation. “Some of the officers pray, and some don’t,” she said. “It’s just everybody respecting one another. Honestly, a good witness many times is not spoken, but lived.”
Giving Kids Their Best Shot
Two other remote learning sites have now been set up in Chicago’s West Side neighborhoods, using the same model and helping dozens of students.
Officer Hernandez confirms that student educational outcomes are improving as a result. “A lot of the students were struggling with focusing,” she said. “Having a tutor next to them and making sure that they’re being kept on task helps them out a lot.”
Building on the successful baseball initiative, City of Refuge Chicago now has hundreds of kids signed up for their winter basketball league. Training and practices are already underway via virtual sessions.
Many CPD officers who volunteered as baseball coaches plan to hit the basketball court too. Games are expected to start in early 2021, pending the current COVID situation in a given area.
Marquardt notes their small non-profit has seen “miraculous” provision, though some financial needs remain.
“Through no fault of their own, these children found themselves in a spot where they need help,” she said. “And, bam, God has provided opportunities for them right in Garfield Park.”
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 Facebook and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.
Originally published at The Roys Report. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-12-30--Military Photo of the Day: Operations Off the Coast of Somalia

An F-35B Lightning II takes off from the USS Makin Island while recently conducting maritime operations off the coast of @ @ @ @ @ Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Bergh for capturing this breathtaking image .

An F-35B Lightning II takes off from the USS Makin Island while recently conducting maritime operations off the coast of Somalia.
Thank you to Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Bergh for capturing this breathtaking image.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.


thestream--2020-12-31--Mission Feeding: You Can Help Save Lives

Ten-month-old Akol is dying .
She weighs less than 10 pounds .
She should weigh more than 22 pounds at her age .
Without food , the little one won ’ t survive .
Akol ’ s mother , Nyirou , desperately wants her to make it .
And with your help , she can .
Many other children , like Akol , need food now .
With COVID-19 , food in remote areas of Africa is even more scarce .
Ann Pretorius , who has served in Africa for decades , has seen firsthand what malnutrition can do to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told LIFE ’ s mission team , “ The hunger crisis across Africa in the wake of COVID-19 is potentially going to take more lives than the virus itself.
” That ’ s why your gift of love is so important .
There are only a few days left this year to raise all the funds for Mission Feeding .
Please consider your most generous gift at this special time to help feed precious children and keep all of LIFE ’ s outreaches going strong .
You might consider this a Christmas gift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life to us , which we celebrate during this season .
Also , remember year-end gifts make a great impact at this time .
With your help , Mission Feeding won ’ t stop .
If at all possible , please let us hear from you by December 31st .

Ten-month-old Akol is dying. She weighs less than 10 pounds. She should weigh more than 22 pounds at her age. Without food, the little one won’t survive.
Akol’s mother, Nyirou, desperately wants her to make it. And with your help, she can.
Many other children, like Akol, need food now. With COVID-19, food in remote areas of Africa is even more scarce.
Ann Pretorius, who has served in Africa for decades, has seen firsthand what malnutrition can do to a generation of children. She recently told LIFE’s mission team, “The hunger crisis across Africa in the wake of COVID-19 is potentially going to take more lives than the virus itself.”
That’s why your gift of love is so important. There are only a few days left this year to raise all the funds for Mission Feeding. Please consider your most generous gift at this special time to help feed precious children and keep all of LIFE’s outreaches going strong. You might consider this a Christmas gift honoring the Lord and His gift of life to us, which we celebrate during this season.
Also, remember year-end gifts make a great impact at this time.
With your help, Mission Feeding won’t stop. If at all possible, please let us hear from you by December 31st.


thestream--2020-12-30--2020: A Crisis of Trust and a Crisis of Truth

If there is any one thing that strikes me looking back at this calamitous and difficult year it is that we are experiencing a deep crisis of trust .
Who can we believe ?
Who is telling the truth ?
On whom we can rely for accurate information ?
It is into this void that a flood of conspiracy theories has rushed .
And it is this crisis of trust that opens the door wide for all kinds of deception .
After all , if we completely write off certain sources of information and we immediately prejudge those who differ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable .
Isn ’ t that what cult members do ?
On the one hand , the mainstream , left-leaning media has earned our scorn , not simply for presenting a biased view of the news but for actually censoring news for partisan political purposes .
This is not just bad reporting , this is misreporting .
And what about the anonymous stories with unprovable accusations , which then spread like a plague online ?
How can we trust what these news sources say ?
“ Fake news !
” we shout dismissively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it is fake .
Yet not everything the left-leaning media says is false , and not everything the right-leaning media says is true .
Far from it .
But rather than make an honest attempt to determine what the truth actually is , most of us find it easier to live in our own echo chamber , demonizing those who differ with us and applauding those who stand with us .
Where is the objectivity ?
Where is the “ searching out ” of a matter that is so prized in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , Proverbs 25:2 ) ?
Where is the wisdom that is quick to hear , slow to anger , and slow to speak ( James 1:19 ) ?
We Should Be Willing to Evaluate the Ideas of Those Who Differ From Us I was interacting with a colleague recently regarding the question of election fraud , telling him that I saw a lot of evidence that pointed to widespread fraud , but I did not have the expertise to analyze it proficiently .
I also suggested he read some articles presenting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ link I found very reasonable .
He replied , “ I researched the author of the article , and he ’ s a Never Trumper .
Why should I listen to him ?
” With all respect to my colleague , that is a dangerous attitude to espouse .
When I can ’ t even take the time to objectively evaluate the position of someone with whom I differ , I virtually guarantee that I will have serious blind spots in my life .
Do we not have the security to get out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you present factual , video or audio evidence , that too can be dismissed .
“ False flags !
” “ Doctored videos !
” ( Perhaps even , “ Shapeshifters !
” ) Isn ’ t this terribly dangerous ?
But it gets worse .
Closedmindedness Opens Us up to Deception I recently wrote an article critiquing QAnon , beginning the article by referencing an exchange between President Trump and a reporter that took place on NBC during a town hall event .
The most liked response to my article on Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ I honestly stopped reading when I got to ‘ Interviewed at length by NBC ’ … .
If anyone follows any mainstream media and regurgitates anything that they spew , they have lost my respect .
Simple as that.
” Seriously ?
These were words 7-9 in the first line of the article , the whole purpose of which was to reference what the president said about QAnon .
Yet because I referenced what he said on NBC ( which was the channel in which the interview took place , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the reader stopped reading the article .
Worse still , he was applauded for doing so .
How do we even describe an attitude like this ?
How can we avoid being deceived when we don ’ t even make an attempt to think rationally ?
This is closemindedness at its very worst .
It would be one thing if I made a controversial point and said , “ I ’ m stating this on the authority of NBC.
” It ’ s another thing when the mere reference to the letters NBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — causes someone to shut the door on important and helpful information .
Others chimed in with comments like this : “ Sad to say that Dr. Brown still believes the corporate media .
Not aware of the devil ’ s scheme .
Too academic minded.
” I repeat : People who “ think ” like this leave themselves wide open to deception .
This Year We ’ ve Seen a Crisis in Trust But 2020 has been the perfect storm for producing a crisis in trust , especially because of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or are all the doctors sold out to Big Pharma ?
Is the WHO part of a dangerous one-world order ?
Is the vaccine the mark of the antichrist ?
Is Dr. Fauci a sinner or a saint ?
Who does China have in its pocket ?
The fact is , when it comes to COVID-19 , we have every reason to wonder who we can trust at this time , even if we believed everyone had the best intentions .
Does anyone really know what is best ?
As for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that he is the only one they trust right now .
I have seen posts saying that “ all pastors ” have been bought out by “ the elites.
” And on and it goes .
Trump , for his part , has made clear that we can not trust the Supreme Court .
Or the DOJ .
Or the FBI .
Or Congress .
Or the media .
Or the voting system ( he ’ s been saying that for years , for the record ) .
Or those who used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Believe me , ” he says repeatedly , and many of us do , hook , line and sinker .
He alone can be trusted .
This too is very dangerous .
May We Investigate Both Sides and Follow the Truth in 2021 Added to all this is the crisis taking place right now in the charismatic church , where a substantial chorus of prophetic voices , in absolute one accord , has proclaimed that Trump will serve a second consecutive term .
They prophesied this for many months before the election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaffirmed their prophecies , “ Joe Biden will not serve in the White House .
President Trump will be inaugurated .
The tables will turn.
” Can you imagine the fallout if this does not happen ?
Does it simply mean these individuals can not be trusted ?
Or is this an indictment on the entire charismatic movement ( of which I am a part ) ?
Or is this an indictment on the very idea of God and the Bible ?
If we are to be lovers of truth , we must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , regardless of cost or consequence .
And we must be open to correction , learning to listen , to investigate , to search out all sides of a matter , and to walk in humility towards those with whom we differ .
In this new year , I encourage you to welcome challenges to your own points of view .
To become a student of the truth , researching both sides of the debate .
And to lean hard on the Lord , asking Him to guide you into all truth .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ God can deliver us , we must undeceive ourselves.
” To cite Proverbs again , “ Do not be wise in your own eyes ; fear the LORD and shun evil .
This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones ” ( Proverbs 3:7-8 ) .
May 2021 be the year when the sword of truth emerges to cut through the lies .
And may we have the courage to follow the truth , come what may .
It will deliver us from a pandemic even more deadly than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

If there is any one thing that strikes me looking back at this calamitous and difficult year it is that we are experiencing a deep crisis of trust. Who can we believe? Who is telling the truth? On whom we can rely for accurate information?
It is into this void that a flood of conspiracy theories has rushed. And it is this crisis of trust that opens the door wide for all kinds of deception.
Making Ourselves Vulnerable
After all, if we completely write off certain sources of information and we immediately prejudge those who differ with us, we make ourselves totally vulnerable. Isn’t that what cult members do?
On the one hand, the mainstream, left-leaning media has earned our scorn, not simply for presenting a biased view of the news but for actually censoring news for partisan political purposes. This is not just bad reporting, this is misreporting.
And what about the anonymous stories with unprovable accusations, which then spread like a plague online? How can we trust what these news sources say?
Where is the wisdom that is quick to hear, slow to anger, and slow to speak (James 1:19)?
“Fake news!” we shout dismissively, and for good reason. Much of it is fake.
Yet not everything the left-leaning media says is false, and not everything the right-leaning media says is true. Far from it.
But rather than make an honest attempt to determine what the truth actually is, most of us find it easier to live in our own echo chamber, demonizing those who differ with us and applauding those who stand with us.
Where is the objectivity? Where is the “searching out” of a matter that is so prized in the Book of Proverbs (see, for example, Proverbs 25:2)? Where is the wisdom that is quick to hear, slow to anger, and slow to speak (James 1:19)?
We Should Be Willing to Evaluate the Ideas of Those Who Differ From Us
I was interacting with a colleague recently regarding the question of election fraud, telling him that I saw a lot of evidence that pointed to widespread fraud, but I did not have the expertise to analyze it proficiently.
I also suggested he read some articles presenting the evidence against fraud, sending him one link I found very reasonable.
He replied, “I researched the author of the article, and he’s a Never Trumper. Why should I listen to him?”
With all respect to my colleague, that is a dangerous attitude to espouse.
When I can’t even take the time to objectively evaluate the position of someone with whom I differ, I virtually guarantee that I will have serious blind spots in my life. Do we not have the security to get out of our own bubble?
Even when you present factual, video or audio evidence, that too can be dismissed. “False flags!” “Doctored videos!” (Perhaps even, “Shapeshifters!”) Isn’t this terribly dangerous?
But it gets worse.
Closedmindedness Opens Us up to Deception
I recently wrote an article critiquing QAnon, beginning the article by referencing an exchange between President Trump and a reporter that took place on NBC during a town hall event.
The most liked response to my article on Facebook, far and away, said this: “I honestly stopped reading when I got to ‘Interviewed at length by NBC’…. If anyone follows any mainstream media and regurgitates anything that they spew, they have lost my respect. Simple as that.”
Seriously? These were words 7-9 in the first line of the article, the whole purpose of which was to reference what the president said about QAnon. Yet because I referenced what he said on NBC (which was the channel in which the interview took place, with the full consent of Trump), the reader stopped reading the article. Worse still, he was applauded for doing so.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
How do we even describe an attitude like this? How can we avoid being deceived when we don’t even make an attempt to think rationally? This is closemindedness at its very worst.
It would be one thing if I made a controversial point and said, “I’m stating this on the authority of NBC.” It’s another thing when the mere reference to the letters NBC — again, while quoting President Trump — causes someone to shut the door on important and helpful information.
Others chimed in with comments like this: “Sad to say that Dr. Brown still believes the corporate media. Not aware of the devil’s scheme. Too academic minded.”
I repeat: People who “think” like this leave themselves wide open to deception.
This Year We’ve Seen a Crisis in Trust
But 2020 has been the perfect storm for producing a crisis in trust, especially because of the pandemic.
Do we trust the medical profession, or are all the doctors sold out to Big Pharma? Is the WHO part of a dangerous one-world order? Is the vaccine the mark of the antichrist? Is Dr. Fauci a sinner or a saint? Who does China have in its pocket?
The fact is, when it comes to COVID-19, we have every reason to wonder who we can trust at this time, even if we believed everyone had the best intentions. Does anyone really know what is best?
As for the president, I have heard Christian leaders say that he is the only one they trust right now. I have seen posts saying that “all pastors” have been bought out by “the elites.” And on and it goes.
Trump, for his part, has made clear that we cannot trust the Supreme Court. Or the DOJ. Or the FBI. Or Congress. Or the media. Or the voting system (he’s been saying that for years, for the record). Or those who used to work in his administration. “Believe me,” he says repeatedly, and many of us do, hook, line and sinker. He alone can be trusted. This too is very dangerous.
May We Investigate Both Sides and Follow the Truth in 2021
Added to all this is the crisis taking place right now in the charismatic church, where a substantial chorus of prophetic voices, in absolute one accord, has proclaimed that Trump will serve a second consecutive term. They prophesied this for many months before the election, and now, most of them have reaffirmed their prophecies, “Joe Biden will not serve in the White House. President Trump will be inaugurated. The tables will turn.”
Can you imagine the fallout if this does not happen?
Does it simply mean these individuals cannot be trusted? Or is this an indictment on the entire charismatic movement (of which I am a part)? Or is this an indictment on the very idea of God and the Bible?
If we are to be lovers of truth, we must follow that truth wherever it takes us, regardless of cost or consequence. And we must be open to correction, learning to listen, to investigate, to search out all sides of a matter, and to walk in humility towards those with whom we differ.
In this new year, I encourage you to welcome challenges to your own points of view. To become a student of the truth, researching both sides of the debate. And to lean hard on the Lord, asking Him to guide you into all truth. As Ambrose once said, “Before God can deliver us, we must undeceive ourselves.”
To cite Proverbs again, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:7-8).
May 2021 be the year when the sword of truth emerges to cut through the lies. And may we have the courage to follow the truth, come what may. It will deliver us from a pandemic even more deadly than COVID — the pandemic of deception.
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--2020-12-30--January 6: An Historic Moment or Hopeless Hail Mary?

Wednesday , January 6 , is shaping up to be a day like no other in American history .
January 6 is when a joint session of Congress meets to officially accept the elector slate from each state , and tally up the Electoral College votes .
If a candidate tallies 270 votes he is officially elected President of the United States .
Usually this is a ceremonial matter .
Like putting a wreath of flowers on the neck of the winner of the Kentucky Derby .
The vice president — in his role as President of the Senate — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declares the number of electors for the candidate the state certifies as its winner .
But this is no usual year .
President Trump and his team insist Joe Biden was improperly awarded several swing states through fraud , foreign interference and unconstitutional changes to election procedures .
Rep. Mo Brooks says dozens of House members will be exerting their right to challenge the electors from those states .
The right comes from the Constitution and a law first passed by Congress in 1887 .
Sen. Josh Hawley announced Wednesday he will challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facts that some states didn ’ t follow their own laws and that “ mega corporations ” interfered in the election .
Newly-elected Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville has hinted he will join the challenge , and eyes are on Senators Ted Cruz , Rand Paul and Ron Johnson to see if they , too , will stand with the president .
The Daily Signal ’ s Fred Lucas explains what happens when an objection is filed : “ The proceedings would stop and both the House and the Senate would be required to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Republican-controlled Senate and a Democrat-controlled House would have to agree on disregarding a state.
” Barring clear and undeniable evidence of fraud or foreign interference , massive enough that even Democrats can ’ t ignore it , there ’ s fat chance the House will disregard the electors from any of the dubious states .
After all , it ’ s basically the same Nancy Pelosi-controlled House that impeached Trump over a phone call .
It ’ s the same House that held up COVID relief for months simply to paralyze Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose leader Pelosi swore Joe Biden would be inaugurated January 20th , no matter what happened election night .
The same Democrats that allowed riots to wreck American cities holding up the promise that the “ chaos ” would end if Biden were elected .
A party that would burn business , bankrupt Americans and blackmail a nation to get rid of Trump isn ’ t going to grow a conscience now .
However , if , by some miracle , enough states are tossed to prevent Joe Biden from securing 270 electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House of Representatives .
At that point , the vote would be by state , and Republicans control a majority of the states .
Donald Trump would be re-elected .
Can Vice President Pence Knock Out the Dubious Swing States ?
Is there another way to deal with the seven states haunted by credible allegations of fraud or foreign interference or that treated their state and US constitutions like toilet paper ?
( Even as I write this , Georgia lawmakers are being presented further evidence of voting fraud and irregularities . )
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence can toss the Electoral College count on its ear .
Under the 12th Amendment , he – and he alone – as President of the Senate oversees the joint session of Congress .
“ The President of the Senate shall , in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives , open all the certificates and the votes shall then be counted.
” The argument is being made that this gives Pence the constitutional authority to refuse to accept electors from states whose elections did not follow the Constitution .
Vice-President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the 12th Amendment was enacted .
He tossed the electors from Georgia .
( Georgia posing a problem .
Some things don ’ t change . )
That decision , helped elevate him to the presidency .
Standing in the way of Pence is the 1887 law mentioned above : the Electoral Count Act of 1887 .
Drafted in the wake of the 1876 election disaster and compromise , the law gave Congress a greater – if more muddled role – in settling elector disputes .
In essence , it pushed aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does the Constitution allow that ?
As the Epoch Times reports : Among them is attorney and former Texas legislator Rick Green , who argues in The Stream today that the 1887 law is unconstitutional mush .
John Yoo and Brian Delahunt made the case last October in the American Mind .
They say that since the President of the Senate counts the votes , “ the inextricably intertwined responsibility for judging the validity of those votes must also be his.
” That makes the act unconstitutional .
Congress , they argue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government how to perform its duties , and that includes future congresses .
They say “ the better reading ” of the Constitution lets the vice president “ decide between competing slates of electors chosen by state legislators and governors , or decide whether to count votes that remain in litigation.
” As we know , the GOP has sent competing slates of electors from seven questionable swing states : Arizona , Georgia , Michigan , Nevada , New Mexico , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .
( Though the validity of the GOP slates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those states certified the results . )
More intriguing — or infuriating — the Supreme Court has not decided on the series of election-related cases before it .
In fact , the Trump campaign ’ s lawsuit against Pennsylvania is scheduled for January 22 or two days after Inauguration Day !
So , under what obligation is Vice President Pence to accept electors from states whose elect results are still being disputed in the courts ?
Former Judge , Rep. Louis Gohmert Sues Pence to Get a Court to Clarify the VP ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 12th Amendment appear to be in conflict , it would be nice if there were some clarity as to what Pence as President of the Senate can … or can not … do on January 6 .
To that end , Rep. Louis Gohmert of Texas has now sued Vice President Pence .
A former judge himself , Gohmert is asking a federal court to strike down the 1887 law and grant Pence the “ exclusive authority ” to determine which electoral votes to count .
According to the suit , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is bound only by the 12th Amendment .
If he is , he Gohmert says he filed the suit after being unable to reach an agreement with Pence ’ s lawyers .
The implication ?
Pence ’ s White House lawyers could not be convinced Pence does have the “ exclusive authority ” to reject electors .
Or perhaps more accurately , are not convinced enough to advise Pence that he has the authority , knowing the outrage it would cause and the threat giving such advice would pose to their own careers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final point .
Having the Guts to Catch the Hail Mary You hear a lot of talk that the assorted efforts to challenge the election are a “ Hail Mary.
” In football , a Hail Mary pass requires someone on the other end who wants to catch the ball and win the game .
In this election fight , from legislatures , to governors , to judges , to the DOJ and FBI and Republicans in Congress , few seem interested in catching the ball .
They are perfectly happy to let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fall to the ground , and the American Experiment with it .
Which is why Trump supporters by the hundreds of thousands are expected to show up on Capitol Hill January 6 for a massive rally .
They will rally not only in support of President Trump , but to encourage lawmakers to make the leap , raise their hands , and grab that Hail Mary , and win one for Uncle Sam .
Addendum : Not for nothing , but … The 1886 election was not decided until March 2 , 1887 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election .
The 1800 election was not decided until February 17 , 1801 , a full 109 days after election day .
The 1824 election was not decided until February 9 , 1825 , a full 106 days after Americans had voted .
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 on Twitter and Parler .

Wednesday, January 6, is shaping up to be a day like no other in American history.
January 6 is when a joint session of Congress meets to officially accept the elector slate from each state, and tally up the Electoral College votes. If a candidate tallies 270 votes he is officially elected President of the United States.
Usually this is a ceremonial matter. Like putting a wreath of flowers on the neck of the winner of the Kentucky Derby. The vice president — in his role as President of the Senate — opens the envelopes from each state and declares the number of electors for the candidate the state certifies as its winner.
But this is no usual year.
No Usual Year
President Trump and his team insist Joe Biden was improperly awarded several swing states through fraud, foreign interference and unconstitutional changes to election procedures.
Rep. Mo Brooks says dozens of House members will be exerting their right to challenge the electors from those states. The right comes from the Constitution and a law first passed by Congress in 1887.
Sen. Josh Hawley announced Wednesday he will challenge the electors. He pointed to the facts that some states didn’t follow their own laws and that “mega corporations” interfered in the election. Newly-elected Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville has hinted he will join the challenge, and eyes are on Senators Ted Cruz, Rand Paul and Ron Johnson to see if they, too, will stand with the president.
The Daily Signal’s Fred Lucas explains what happens when an objection is filed: “The proceedings would stop and both the House and the Senate would be required to debate the objection for two hours. A Republican-controlled Senate and a Democrat-controlled House would have to agree on disregarding a state.”
Fat Chance Democrats Will Grow a Conscience
Barring clear and undeniable evidence of fraud or foreign interference, massive enough that even Democrats can’t ignore it, there’s fat chance the House will disregard the electors from any of the dubious states.
After all, it’s basically the same Nancy Pelosi-controlled House that impeached Trump over a phone call. It’s the same House that held up COVID relief for months simply to paralyze Trump’s chances. The same House whose leader Pelosi swore Joe Biden would be inaugurated January 20th, no matter what happened election night. The same Democrats that allowed riots to wreck American cities holding up the promise that the “chaos” would end if Biden were elected.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
A party that would burn business, bankrupt Americans and blackmail a nation to get rid of Trump isn’t going to grow a conscience now.
However, if, by some miracle, enough states are tossed to prevent Joe Biden from securing 270 electoral votes, the election goes to the House of Representatives. At that point, the vote would be by state, and Republicans control a majority of the states. Donald Trump would be re-elected.
Can Vice President Pence Knock Out the Dubious Swing States?
Is there another way to deal with the seven states haunted by credible allegations of fraud or foreign interference or that treated their state and US constitutions like toilet paper? (Even as I write this, Georgia lawmakers are being presented further evidence of voting fraud and irregularities.)
Perhaps. Some argue that Vice-President Mike Pence can toss the Electoral College count on its ear.
Under the 12th Amendment, he – and he alone – as President of the Senate oversees the joint session of Congress. “The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and the votes shall then be counted.” The argument is being made that this gives Pence the constitutional authority to refuse to accept electors from states whose elections did not follow the Constitution.
Vice-President Thomas Jefferson did something similar in 1800 before the 12th Amendment was enacted. He tossed the electors from Georgia. (Georgia posing a problem. Some things don’t change.) That decision, helped elevate him to the presidency.
Is the Law Constitutional?
Standing in the way of Pence is the 1887 law mentioned above: the Electoral Count Act of 1887. Drafted in the wake of the 1876 election disaster and compromise, the law gave Congress a greater – if more muddled role – in settling elector disputes. In essence, it pushed aside the President of the Senate.
But does the Constitution allow that? As the Epoch Times reports:
The problem is, there’s a voluminous body of legal analysis arguing that the Electoral Count Act is unconstitutional. Congress has no business granting itself the authority to decide which slate of electors is the correct one and which votes should be rejected. Nor does Congress have the power to designate state governors as the final arbiters, a lineup of legislators and legal scholars have argued.
Among them is attorney and former Texas legislator Rick Green, who argues in The Stream today that the 1887 law is unconstitutional mush.
John Yoo and Brian Delahunt made the case last October in the American Mind. They say that since the President of the Senate counts the votes, “the inextricably intertwined responsibility for judging the validity of those votes must also be his.” That makes the act unconstitutional.
Congress, they argue, can’t tell any branch of government how to perform its duties, and that includes future congresses. They say “the better reading” of the Constitution lets the vice president “decide between competing slates of electors chosen by state legislators and governors, or decide whether to count votes that remain in litigation.”
As we know, the GOP has sent competing slates of electors from seven questionable swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. (Though the validity of the GOP slates is debatable, since the governors of those states certified the results.)
More intriguing — or infuriating — the Supreme Court has not decided on the series of election-related cases before it. In fact, the Trump campaign’s lawsuit against Pennsylvania is scheduled for January 22 or two days after Inauguration Day!
So, under what obligation is Vice President Pence to accept electors from states whose elect results are still being disputed in the courts?
Former Judge, Rep. Louis Gohmert Sues Pence to Get a Court to Clarify the VP’s Power
Since the 1887 law and the 12th Amendment appear to be in conflict, it would be nice if there were some clarity as to what Pence as President of the Senate can … or cannot … do on January 6. To that end, Rep. Louis Gohmert of Texas has now sued Vice President Pence.
A former judge himself, Gohmert is asking a federal court to strike down the 1887 law and grant Pence the “exclusive authority” to determine which electoral votes to count. According to the suit, the court must judge whether the vice president is bound only by the 12th Amendment. If he is, he
may exercise the exclusive authority and sole discretion in determining which electoral votes to count for a given State, and must ignore and may not rely on any provisions of the Electoral Count Act that would limit his exclusive authority and his sole discretion to determine the count, which could include votes from the slates of Republican electors from the Contested States.
Gohmert says he filed the suit after being unable to reach an agreement with Pence’s lawyers. The implication? Pence’s White House lawyers could not be convinced Pence does have the “exclusive authority” to reject electors.
Or perhaps more accurately, are not convinced enough to advise Pence that he has the authority, knowing the outrage it would cause and the threat giving such advice would pose to their own careers in Washington.
Which gets to our final point.
Having the Guts to Catch the Hail Mary
You hear a lot of talk that the assorted efforts to challenge the election are a “Hail Mary.” In football, a Hail Mary pass requires someone on the other end who wants to catch the ball and win the game. In this election fight, from legislatures, to governors, to judges, to the DOJ and FBI and Republicans in Congress, few seem interested in catching the ball. They are perfectly happy to let the promise of free and fair elections fall to the ground, and the American Experiment with it.
Which is why Trump supporters by the hundreds of thousands are expected to show up on Capitol Hill January 6 for a massive rally. They will rally not only in support of President Trump, but to encourage lawmakers to make the leap, raise their hands, and grab that Hail Mary, and win one for Uncle Sam.
Addendum: Not for nothing, but …
The 1886 election was not decided until March 2, 1887, a full 115 days after the election.
The 1800 election was not decided until February 17, 1801, a full 109 days after election day.
The 1824 election was not decided until February 9, 1825, a full 106 days after Americans had voted.
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 on Twitter and Parler.


thestream--2020-12-30--Donald Trump Is Not the Lord Jesus Christ. Got It? Are You Sure?

Okay , fellow Trumpists , I ’ ve stumbled on troubling news .
Having done due diligence with reliable sources , and gone to God in prayer , I feel a burden on my heart to share it with all of you .
Donald Trump is not our Lord and Savior , Jesus Christ .
In fact , he is just a man — all man , not God at all .
There ’ s no hypostatic union of divine and human natures , such as bedeviled Church councils in the third and fourth century .
Nope , not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s not even a deeply religious person , but a kind of lapsed Presbyterian .
His marriage to Melania isn ’ t recognized by her own Catholic Church .
So he ’ s not even a prophet .
We have no way of knowing if he is ( in Protestant terms ) “ saved , ” or ( using Catholic language ) in a “ state of grace.
” He ’ s just a political leader .
That ’ s all .
Sorry , people .
I Will Explain This Slowly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you a few moments to process this bad news , before I go on any further .
Please think through its implications .
If you want me to , I can explain this information again , using small words and speaking slowly .
But then you don ’ t need me for that .
Just go read past issues of Christianity Today , which patiently do so .
Or read one of the list of Approved Christian Commentators , who are still on the good side of rich , hawkish neocon foundations in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page now ?
I ’ ll assume we are .
I know it will be wrenching , to take down that life-sized , 24-karat gold-plated statue of Trump from each of our sanctuaries .
No more will we smell the sweet incense we used to burn before it , while chanting , “ My lord and my God !
” We Catholic Trumpists will have to discard the hair clippings and nail filings we obtained from dubious “ relics ” dealers , supposedly taken from Trump .
No more will we count on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take away our warts .
A Scapegoat , but Not the Lamb Part of what confused us about the ( surprisingly significant ) differences between Donald Trump and Jesus was the way Trump became a scapegoat .
He was indeed heaped up with all sorts of crimes of which he was innocent .
Being a racist — though his long list of black friends attested otherwise , along with prominent black Christian leaders , and millions of voters .
Being a dictator — even though his critics were never punished , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointees to stop betraying him .
Abusing the law — even though it was his friends and allies who kept getting prosecuted falsely .
Still , it is true that Trump would issue some pretty intemperate Tweets .
That assault on our winsomeness completely betrayed the Gospel .
A number of Christian lady bloggers have assured me of this , and I believe it .
The Man Behind the Curtain It was easy for conservatives and Republicans to find themselves confused by Trump , I must admit .
Since Ronald Reagan left the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boasted a single effective popular leader .
We had no way to even spot such a figure if he appeared .
Instead we made do with scarecrows like George W. Bush , tin men like John McCain , and cowardly lions like Mitt Romney .
No wonder that when we heard the great booming voice of Donald Trump , we mistook the man behind the curtain for something … superhuman .
When we saw him rally working people , black folks and brown folks and long-scorned “ Deplorables ” together at massive rallies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And so we bowed down and worshiped this Wizard as a god .
For that , we ’ re now repentant .
If Trump leaves the scene , we will safely return to voting half-heartedly for the evil of two lessers , for business suits stuffed with newspaper and mannequin heads , like Paul Ryan and Nikki Haley .
No chance of mistaking them for anything more than what they are .
Likewise , when we saw what looked like massive evidence of election fraud , we disobeyed our betters who ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have trusted the divinely appointed authorities of NBC , Twitter , and Google to hand on the truth to us .
Only they can keep us safe from the wicked , heretical conspiracy theories which we are foolish enough to swallow ( such as voter fraud and China ) .
And inform us which orthodox conspiracy theories we are bound to believe ( such as Russian collusion and Systemic Racism ) .
We lack the wisdom , tact and social polish to distinguish between such things .
Thank you , anti-Trump Christians .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ assume that anyone backing him politically was secretly part of a cargo cult , sticking black candles in old bottles of Trump Vodka , and whispering quotes from The Art of the Deal as pagan spells .
You had no choice but to challenge us as “ worldly ” and “ idolatrous , ” for backing Trump ’ s pro-life , pro-American , populist policies .
That wasn ’ t “ false witness ” but simple , prudent caution : Assume the worst of everyone , at least within the Church .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such prophetic warnings to liberals who venerated Obama as a messianic icon of “ Hope.
” But that might have gotten you accused , vaguely , of “ racism.
” Your name would have appeared on some ugly IRS hit-lists .
It would surely have made you radioactive at NPR , where you quite rightly hope to talk about your latest spirituality memoir .
That ’ s how one spreads the Gospel , after all .
At least if you ’ re the better sort of Christian .
John Zmirak is a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or co-author of ten books , including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism .
He is co-author with Jason Jones of “ God , Guns , & the Government .
”

Okay, fellow Trumpists, I’ve stumbled on troubling news. Having done due diligence with reliable sources, and gone to God in prayer, I feel a burden on my heart to share it with all of you. Donald Trump is not our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In fact, he is just a man — all man, not God at all. There’s no hypostatic union of divine and human natures, such as bedeviled Church councils in the third and fourth century.
Nope, not a bit of that. In fact, Trump’s not even a deeply religious person, but a kind of lapsed Presbyterian. His marriage to Melania isn’t recognized by her own Catholic Church. So he’s not even a prophet. We have no way of knowing if he is (in Protestant terms) “saved,” or (using Catholic language) in a “state of grace.”
He’s just a political leader. That’s all. Sorry, people.
I Will Explain This Slowly, in Small Words
Let me give you a few moments to process this bad news, before I go on any further. Please think through its implications. If you want me to, I can explain this information again, using small words and speaking slowly. But then you don’t need me for that. Just go read past issues of Christianity Today, which patiently do so. Or read one of the list of Approved Christian Commentators, who are still on the good side of rich, hawkish neocon foundations in D.C.
Are we all on the same page now? I’ll assume we are. I know it will be wrenching, to take down that life-sized, 24-karat gold-plated statue of Trump from each of our sanctuaries. No more will we smell the sweet incense we used to burn before it, while chanting, “My lord and my God!” We Catholic Trumpists will have to discard the hair clippings and nail filings we obtained from dubious “relics” dealers, supposedly taken from Trump. No more will we count on their power to heal our sciatica and take away our warts.
A Scapegoat, but Not the Lamb
Part of what confused us about the (surprisingly significant) differences between Donald Trump and Jesus was the way Trump became a scapegoat. He was indeed heaped up with all sorts of crimes of which he was innocent. Being a racist — though his long list of black friends attested otherwise, along with prominent black Christian leaders, and millions of voters. Being a dictator — even though his critics were never punished, and he couldn’t even get his own appointees to stop betraying him. Abusing the law — even though it was his friends and allies who kept getting prosecuted falsely.
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Still, it is true that Trump would issue some pretty intemperate Tweets. That assault on our winsomeness completely betrayed the Gospel. A number of Christian lady bloggers have assured me of this, and I believe it.
The Man Behind the Curtain
It was easy for conservatives and Republicans to find themselves confused by Trump, I must admit. Since Ronald Reagan left the stage, the GOP hasn’t boasted a single effective popular leader. We had no way to even spot such a figure if he appeared. Instead we made do with scarecrows like George W. Bush, tin men like John McCain, and cowardly lions like Mitt Romney. No wonder that when we heard the great booming voice of Donald Trump, we mistook the man behind the curtain for something … superhuman. When we saw him rally working people, black folks and brown folks and long-scorned “Deplorables” together at massive rallies, it seemed to us like magic. And so we bowed down and worshiped this Wizard as a god. For that, we’re now repentant.
If Trump leaves the scene, we will safely return to voting half-heartedly for the evil of two lessers, for business suits stuffed with newspaper and mannequin heads, like Paul Ryan and Nikki Haley. No chance of mistaking them for anything more than what they are.
We Disobeyed Our Betters
Likewise, when we saw what looked like massive evidence of election fraud, we disobeyed our betters who ordered us to ignore it. We should have trusted the divinely appointed authorities of NBC, Twitter, and Google to hand on the truth to us. Only they can keep us safe from the wicked, heretical conspiracy theories which we are foolish enough to swallow (such as voter fraud and China). And inform us which orthodox conspiracy theories we are bound to believe (such as Russian collusion and Systemic Racism). We lack the wisdom, tact and social polish to distinguish between such things.
Thank you, anti-Trump Christians. I now appreciate why you had to assume that anyone backing him politically was secretly part of a cargo cult, sticking black candles in old bottles of Trump Vodka, and whispering quotes from The Art of the Deal as pagan spells. You had no choice but to challenge us as “worldly” and “idolatrous,” for backing Trump’s pro-life, pro-American, populist policies. That wasn’t “false witness” but simple, prudent caution: Assume the worst of everyone, at least within the Church.
But not the World. You never issued such prophetic warnings to liberals who venerated Obama as a messianic icon of “Hope.” But that might have gotten you accused, vaguely, of “racism.” Your name would have appeared on some ugly IRS hit-lists. It would surely have made you radioactive at NPR, where you quite rightly hope to talk about your latest spirituality memoir.
That’s how one spreads the Gospel, after all. At least if you’re the better sort of Christian.
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. He is co-author with Jason Jones of “God, Guns, & the Government.”


thestream--2020-12-30--Democrats Overrule Governor to Lower the Age Teen Girls Can Get an Abortion

The governor of Massachusetts vetoed progressive abortion bill on Christmas Eve , but Democratic state lawmakers pushed the law through the state legislature Monday and Tuesday .
The ROE Act lowers the age for young girls to get abortions without the consent of a parent or a judge from from 18 to 16 , according to NBC Boston .
The legislation will also allow abortions after 24 weeks if the unborn baby suffered from fetal anomalies , such as Down Syndrome , or if “ necessary , in the best medical judgment of the physician , to preserve the patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” according to the Telegram .
Republican Gov .
Charlie Baker took issue specifically with the lowering of the age limit for young girls seeking abortions .
In a statement explaining his decision to veto the bill , Baker said he “ can not support the sections of this proposal that expand the availability of late-term abortions and permit minors age 16 and 17 to get an abortion without the consent of a parent or guardian.
” He also suggested adding qualifying language to the legislation ’ s discussion of abortions after 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baker did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation .
The Massachusetts state house voted to override Baker ’ s veto Monday , sending the bill to the Massachusetts senate , which voted to override Baker ’ s veto Tuesday , according to WCVB .
State Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford accused the governor of caving “ to the extreme right-wing of his Republican party by vetoing critical abortion access provisions that would put our laws in line with neighboring states like Maine , New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to WBUR .
“ Charlie Baker ’ s cowardice doesn ’ t take a break for the holidays , ” he said , adding that Baker is “ choosing to stand with right-wing extremists , instead of doctors , women , and the vast majority of voters in Massachusetts , ” Bickford said , the publication reported .
Massachusetts GOP chairman Jim Lyons applauded Baker ’ s decision .
“ Baker correctly recognized that this legislation simply goes too far , and he should be applauded for standing up and saying ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Lyons told WBUR .
“ Gov .
Baker ’ s decision , made the day before millions celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ , should send a message to the lawmakers that this legislation has no place in a humane society , ” Lyons said .
The Massachusetts legislation has been backed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts , Planned Parenthood Federation of America , and other pro-abortion groups .
“ Although young people are trusted to make decisions about all other pregnancy care , young people in Massachusetts must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have an abortion , ” Planned Parenthood ’ s messaging on the legislation reads .
“ If they can ’ t turn to their parents , they must go before a judge .
No young person should have to navigate the court system to seek basic reproductive health care.
” “ The ROE Act builds protections for young people by ensuring they can seek support from health care providers without unnecessary delays , ” Planned Parenthood added .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

The governor of Massachusetts vetoed progressive abortion bill on Christmas Eve, but Democratic state lawmakers pushed the law through the state legislature Monday and Tuesday.
The ROE Act lowers the age for young girls to get abortions without the consent of a parent or a judge from from 18 to 16, according to NBC Boston.
The legislation will also allow abortions after 24 weeks if the unborn baby suffered from fetal anomalies, such as Down Syndrome, or if “necessary, in the best medical judgment of the physician, to preserve the patient’s physical or mental health,” according to the Telegram.
Republican Gov. Charlie Baker took issue specifically with the lowering of the age limit for young girls seeking abortions. In a statement explaining his decision to veto the bill, Baker said he “cannot support the sections of this proposal that expand the availability of late-term abortions and permit minors age 16 and 17 to get an abortion without the consent of a parent or guardian.”
He also suggested adding qualifying language to the legislation’s discussion of abortions after 24 weeks, according to NBC Boston. Baker did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
The Massachusetts state house voted to override Baker’s veto Monday, sending the bill to the Massachusetts senate, which voted to override Baker’s veto Tuesday, according to WCVB.
The @MA_Senate just voted to override Governor Baker's veto of our #ROEAct provision. Protecting access to reproductive healthcare is now law in Massachusetts! #mapoli — Karen Spilka (@KarenSpilka) December 29, 2020
State Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford accused the governor of caving “to the extreme right-wing of his Republican party by vetoing critical abortion access provisions that would put our laws in line with neighboring states like Maine, New York and Connecticut” through his veto, according to WBUR.
“Charlie Baker’s cowardice doesn’t take a break for the holidays,” he said, adding that Baker is “choosing to stand with right-wing extremists, instead of doctors, women, and the vast majority of voters in Massachusetts,” Bickford said, the publication reported.
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Massachusetts GOP chairman Jim Lyons applauded Baker’s decision. “Baker correctly recognized that this legislation simply goes too far, and he should be applauded for standing up and saying ‘no’ to the abortion lobby,” Lyons told WBUR.
“Gov. Baker’s decision, made the day before millions celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, should send a message to the lawmakers that this legislation has no place in a humane society,” Lyons said.
The Massachusetts legislation has been backed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and other pro-abortion groups.
“Although young people are trusted to make decisions about all other pregnancy care, young people in Massachusetts must seek permission from a parent or guardian to have an abortion,” Planned Parenthood’s messaging on the legislation reads. “If they can’t turn to their parents, they must go before a judge. No young person should have to navigate the court system to seek basic reproductive health care.”
“The ROE Act builds protections for young people by ensuring they can seek support from health care providers without unnecessary delays,” Planned Parenthood added.
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--2020-12-30--Sex Offenders Can Be Released Early in California Following Court Verdict

Incarcerated , non-violent California sex offenders are eligible to apply for early release following a court verdict on a ballot initiative that two-thirds of voters in the state approved in 2016 .
Former Democratic Gov .
Jerry Brown spearheaded the measure four years ago , but did not intend to allow those convicted of sex crimes from participating in the release program , according to Fox 11 .
However , the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Monday that non-violent sex offenders , including people sentenced for child pornography , incest , indecent exposure and pimping , were eligible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local outlet reported .
“ The initiative ’ s language provides no indication that the voters intended to allow the ( Corrections ) Department to create a wholesale exclusion from parole consideration based on an inmate ’ s sex offense convictions when the inmate was convicted of a nonviolent felony , ” Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye wrote , according to Fox 11 .
The court ’ s ruling allows at least 4,400 non-violent sex offenders to seek early release , the local outlet reported , citing state records .
Violent sex criminals like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the program , according to Fox 11 .
“ I hate to say I told you so , ” Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten said of the court ’ s decision , according to the local outlet .
“ This is something we warned the proponents about .
They largely dismissed it as posturing.
” Totten added that many of the offenders who can be released under the ballot measure are “ very dangerous , exceedingly dangerous , ” he told Fox 11 .
Parole organizations still have the final say in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but authorities can not exclude “ even the mere possibility of parole to an entire category ” of convicts , the court ruling said , according to Fox11 .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Incarcerated, non-violent California sex offenders are eligible to apply for early release following a court verdict on a ballot initiative that two-thirds of voters in the state approved in 2016.
Former Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown spearheaded the measure four years ago, but did not intend to allow those convicted of sex crimes from participating in the release program, according to Fox 11. However, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Monday that non-violent sex offenders, including people sentenced for child pornography, incest, indecent exposure and pimping, were eligible to request liberation from corrections facilities, the local outlet reported.
“The initiative’s language provides no indication that the voters intended to allow the (Corrections) Department to create a wholesale exclusion from parole consideration based on an inmate’s sex offense convictions when the inmate was convicted of a nonviolent felony,” Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye wrote, according to Fox 11.
The California Supreme Court ruled unanimously Monday that inmates convicted of nonviolent sex crimes cannot be denied a chance at early parole consideration under a ballot measure approved by nearly two-thirds of voters four years ago.https://t.co/w0KVRSGiX9 — BakersfieldNow (@bakersfieldnow) December 28, 2020
The court’s ruling allows at least 4,400 non-violent sex offenders to seek early release, the local outlet reported, citing state records. Violent sex criminals like child rapists are still forbidden from utilizing the program, according to Fox 11.
“I hate to say I told you so,” Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten said of the court’s decision, according to the local outlet. “This is something we warned the proponents about. They largely dismissed it as posturing.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Totten added that many of the offenders who can be released under the ballot measure are “very dangerous, exceedingly dangerous,” he told Fox 11.
Parole organizations still have the final say in who is freed in the proposal, but authorities can not exclude “even the mere possibility of parole to an entire category” of convicts, the court ruling said, according to Fox11.
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--2020-12-30--Gohmert Suit About So Much More Than Pence’s Powers

The leftist media and Democrat operatives are squealing that the lawsuit filed by Texas congressman Louie Gohmert , a former judge , is just another desperate attempt to “ overturn the election.
” Rep. Gohmert ’ s lawsuit seeks to clarify the constitutional process for counting the Electoral College votes for president .
In the end , it could also solve the century old confusion and ambiguity of what should happen in a questionable election like we are experiencing .
The headlines of a United States congressman suing the vice president appear strange .
However , there are several important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be addressed and bring some much-needed guidance to our presidential election process .
First , if Rep. Gohmert wins the suit , it will mean that on January 6th Mike Pence has the sole authority to accept or reject electors .
This could , and should , result in several states having their electoral votes rejected and the House ultimately choosing the president .
This is the most important question raised by Congressman Gohmert ’ s suit .
It focuses on whether Congress can strip a constitutionally granted power from the vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a Constitutional Amendment .
The answer is obviously “ No.
” The court should uphold the constitutional power of the president of the Senate to open and count the electoral ballots .
This decision would mean the court ruling that the 1887 Electoral Count Act is unconstitutional and invalid .
Many believe it ’ s the most confusing and poorly written statute in history .
There is also precedence for the court to rule in this manner .
Al Gore , Richard Nixon and Thomas Jefferson are examples of vice presidents serving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unilaterally deciding to accept or reject electoral votes while also unilaterally deciding whether or not to acknowledge objections from members of Congress .
Vice President Pence should have the right to exercise this same constitutional authority .
Second , Rep. Gohmert ’ s suit seeks to clarify the specific roles of both the House and the Senate in the process of choosing the president .
While the mangled 1887 law purports to empower both chambers with new powers over the selection of both the president and the vice president , the Constitution does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Constitution specifically gives the Senate power to choose the vice president and zero influence on electing the president , while the House has power to choose the president and zero influence on the choice of vice president .
This very purposeful constitutional choice by the founding generation was ignored by the 1887 federal statute and is another reason why it should be ruled unconstitutional .
Third , the suit points out the constitutional requirement for the House to choose a president in a very specific way — one vote per state , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 1887 law allowed for a plurality vote of the House to accept or reject electors , completely ignoring that such a process would violate the voting procedure put in place by the founders and enshrined in our Constitution .
All of this begs the question , how did such a horribly flawed law as the Electoral Count Act of 1887 Law ever see the light of day ?
The short answer is that after dealing with a hotly contested presidential election , that saw Congress deadlocked on declaring a winner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the problems themselves and creating a more politically expedient option .
Where We are Today That describes the exact same mindset we are seeing today , in both the legislative and judicial branches of our government .
While Democrats in the recent past have pointed out these very issues with our electoral process , do not expect any to agree with Rep. Gohmert ’ s suit .
All of these scenarios that actually follow the Constitution will result in a second term for Trump .
The courts have failed us miserably throughout 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rather than the more difficult task of upholding the rule of law and the Constitution .
So , the Vegas odds on this suit succeeding are going to be low , despite it being so obviously correct from a constitutional and historical perspective .
But if the courts , and politicians like Vice President Pence , do the right thing according to the law and the constitution , they will not only solve this election crisis , they will protect our important election process for future generations .
Rick Green is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , author , and radio host .

The leftist media and Democrat operatives are squealing that the lawsuit filed by Texas congressman Louie Gohmert, a former judge, is just another desperate attempt to “overturn the election.”
Rep. Gohmert’s lawsuit seeks to clarify the constitutional process for counting the Electoral College votes for president. In the end, it could also solve the century old confusion and ambiguity of what should happen in a questionable election like we are experiencing.
The headlines of a United States congressman suing the vice president appear strange. However, there are several important Constitutional questions raised by the lawsuit that could be addressed and bring some much-needed guidance to our presidential election process.
The Most Important Question
First, if Rep. Gohmert wins the suit, it will mean that on January 6th Mike Pence has the sole authority to accept or reject electors. This could, and should, result in several states having their electoral votes rejected and the House ultimately choosing the president.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
This is the most important question raised by Congressman Gohmert’s suit. It focuses on whether Congress can strip a constitutionally granted power from the vice president through a federal law, rather than a Constitutional Amendment.
The answer is obviously “No.” The court should uphold the constitutional power of the president of the Senate to open and count the electoral ballots. This decision would mean the court ruling that the 1887 Electoral Count Act is unconstitutional and invalid. Many believe it’s the most confusing and poorly written statute in history.
There is also precedence for the court to rule in this manner. Al Gore, Richard Nixon and Thomas Jefferson are examples of vice presidents serving as the president of the Senate and unilaterally deciding to accept or reject electoral votes while also unilaterally deciding whether or not to acknowledge objections from members of Congress. Vice President Pence should have the right to exercise this same constitutional authority.
Clarifying the Roles
Second, Rep. Gohmert’s suit seeks to clarify the specific roles of both the House and the Senate in the process of choosing the president. While the mangled 1887 law purports to empower both chambers with new powers over the selection of both the president and the vice president, the Constitution does no such thing.
If the courts, and politicians like Vice President Pence, do the right thing according to the law and the constitution, they will not only solve this election crisis, they will protect our important election process for future generations.
In fact, the Constitution specifically gives the Senate power to choose the vice president and zero influence on electing the president, while the House has power to choose the president and zero influence on the choice of vice president. This very purposeful constitutional choice by the founding generation was ignored by the 1887 federal statute and is another reason why it should be ruled unconstitutional.
One Vote Per State
Third, the suit points out the constitutional requirement for the House to choose a president in a very specific way — one vote per state, not a plurality of the 435 members. The 1887 law allowed for a plurality vote of the House to accept or reject electors, completely ignoring that such a process would violate the voting procedure put in place by the founders and enshrined in our Constitution.
All of this begs the question, how did such a horribly flawed law as the Electoral Count Act of 1887 Law ever see the light of day? The short answer is that after dealing with a hotly contested presidential election, that saw Congress deadlocked on declaring a winner, elected officials opted for trying to fix the problems themselves and creating a more politically expedient option.
Where We are Today
That describes the exact same mindset we are seeing today, in both the legislative and judicial branches of our government.
While Democrats in the recent past have pointed out these very issues with our electoral process, do not expect any to agree with Rep. Gohmert’s suit. All of these scenarios that actually follow the Constitution will result in a second term for Trump.
The courts have failed us miserably throughout 2020 by opting for expediency and partisan rulings, rather than the more difficult task of upholding the rule of law and the Constitution.
So, the Vegas odds on this suit succeeding are going to be low, despite it being so obviously correct from a constitutional and historical perspective. But if the courts, and politicians like Vice President Pence, do the right thing according to the law and the constitution, they will not only solve this election crisis, they will protect our important election process for future generations.
Rick Green is a former Texas State Representative, national speaker, author, and radio host.


thestream--2020-12-30--Chicago Ministry Breaks Down Walls by Enlisting Police to Tutor & Play Sports With At-Risk Kids