A Grateful Heart

In this time of uncertainty , it ’ s more important than ever to remember the goodness of our Lord .
Whether we stay apart because of COVID or cautiously gather together , let ’ s remember those who have suffered and pray that a perfect cure is available soon .
May we have a “ sound mind , ” as Paul said to Timothy , and not a “ spirit of fear ” ( 2 Timothy 1:7 ) .
The Lord invites us to “ enter His courts with thanksgiving.
” We ’ re to “ come into His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Paul challenges the New Testament believers in Philippi , “ Be anxious for nothing , but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God ” ( Philippians 4:6 , NASB ) .
We live in His presence , and we enjoy prayerful intercession with a spirit of gratitude .
As I think about all the things for which to be grateful and give God praise , I find myself saying , “ God , you ’ ve been so good to me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m so thankful — I just want to do a lot of things for You !
” It was as if He answered in that very high-impact , but still-small voice , “ I don ’ t accept payback !
I am a God of grace and blessings .
I love to bless in order that you may be a blessing.
” I find myself overwhelmed by the greatness of God ’ s grace .
I don ’ t owe Him anything — He just loves to bless those who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said to me , I know , of course , the blessings of God can not be measured with any material standard , although we may experience great monetary gain or extreme challenges .
As Paul shared , “ I know how to get along with humble means , and I also know how to live in prosperity ; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry , both of having abundance and suffering need .
I can do all things through Him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , NASB ) .
I ’ ve made it a habit to carry some cash to help anyone God impresses me to share it with .
Once when I was shopping in a home improvement store , I sensed God asking me to give a large bill to a sweet family .
I said , “ You ’ re a beautiful family doing things together .
I just felt led by God to give you this .
I love to bless families , and perhaps you have a need for it .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know someone who does and you will have the joy of sharing it.
” In amazement , they expressed sincere gratitude .
There are no words to describe the joy that flows so freely in my heart when I simply seek to release all God has entrusted to my watch-care .
I am thankful for every friend of LIFE Outreach .
I am thankful for every missionary and relief worker who sacrifices so unselfishly and yet tell us every time we comment on it , “ We ’ re not making a sacrifice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the center of God ’ s will—alleviating the suffering Christ died to make possible.
” To all of you who are reading , I ’ m grateful for the opportunity to say , “ Thank you for taking the time to read the words I share and for any prayer you have lifted before God in our behalf .
Thank you from the bottom of our heart.
” May We Seek to Bless Others Don ’ t we have a lot to be grateful for ?
Aren ’ t you glad we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t you consider doing what one of my friends did recently after blessing a large group of men .
He said , “ I know you will want to say thanks by writing a note or sending an email , but I am asking you to take the same time and write a note or email expressing appreciation to someone other than me who has blessed your life.
” I think this is a good idea !
So often we hear our leaders say , “ God bless America.
” I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dear Lord , please help America to bless You by blessing others.
” I am also praying that the freedom God has given us not be foolishly cast aside by refusing to apply the clear principles in God ’ s Word .
Our founders understood them , but our nation has forgotten .
May God enlighten our hearts and minds with His light , no matter the darkness .
With all the turmoil and unrest , there is such a great need for grateful and compassionate hearts , along with caring and sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has done for us , how can we not seek to bless others ?
James Robison is The Stream ’ s founder and publisher .
He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today .
He ’ s the author of many books , including Indivisible ( with Jay Richards ) and Living Amazed .

In this time of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to remember the goodness of our Lord. Whether we stay apart because of COVID or cautiously gather together, let’s remember those who have suffered and pray that a perfect cure is available soon. May we have a “sound mind,” as Paul said to Timothy, and not a “spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7).
The Lord invites us to “enter His courts with thanksgiving.” We’re to “come into His presence with praise” (Psalm 100:4). Paul challenges the New Testament believers in Philippi, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, NASB). We live in His presence, and we enjoy prayerful intercession with a spirit of gratitude.
A God of Grace and Blessings
As I think about all the things for which to be grateful and give God praise, I find myself saying, “God, you’ve been so good to me. You’ve done so much! I’m so thankful — I just want to do a lot of things for You!” It was as if He answered in that very high-impact, but still-small voice, “I don’t accept payback! I am a God of grace and blessings. I love to bless in order that you may be a blessing.”
I find myself overwhelmed by the greatness of God’s grace. I don’t owe Him anything — He just loves to bless those who are yielded and committed to His kingdom purpose. He said to me,
Awaken every day with thanksgiving and praise on your lips! Live with your eyes wide open, looking for opportunities to be a blessing; to notice a need, a heavy heart, a sad countenance. Put My arms of comfort around those who suffer. For all of those who have found it is more blessed to give than to receive, they will continually experience My bountiful blessings in their lives.
Blessed to be a Blessing
I know, of course, the blessings of God cannot be measured with any material standard, although we may experience great monetary gain or extreme challenges. As Paul shared, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12-13, NASB).
I’ve made it a habit to carry some cash to help anyone God impresses me to share it with. Once when I was shopping in a home improvement store, I sensed God asking me to give a large bill to a sweet family. I said, “You’re a beautiful family doing things together. I just felt led by God to give you this. I love to bless families, and perhaps you have a need for it. If not, it’s possible you know someone who does and you will have the joy of sharing it.” In amazement, they expressed sincere gratitude.
In response to what Christ has done for us, how can we not seek to bless others?
There are no words to describe the joy that flows so freely in my heart when I simply seek to release all God has entrusted to my watch-care. I am thankful for every friend of LIFE Outreach. I am thankful for every missionary and relief worker who sacrifices so unselfishly and yet tell us every time we comment on it, “We’re not making a sacrifice. We’re living joyfully in the center of God’s will—alleviating the suffering Christ died to make possible.”
To all of you who are reading, I’m grateful for the opportunity to say, “Thank you for taking the time to read the words I share and for any prayer you have lifted before God in our behalf. Thank you from the bottom of our heart.”
May We Seek to Bless Others
Don’t we have a lot to be grateful for? Aren’t you glad we have the privilege of blessing others? Why don’t you consider doing what one of my friends did recently after blessing a large group of men. He said, “I know you will want to say thanks by writing a note or sending an email, but I am asking you to take the same time and write a note or email expressing appreciation to someone other than me who has blessed your life.” I think this is a good idea!
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
So often we hear our leaders say, “God bless America.” I find myself responding every time, “Dear Lord, please help America to bless You by blessing others.” I am also praying that the freedom God has given us not be foolishly cast aside by refusing to apply the clear principles in God’s Word. Our founders understood them, but our nation has forgotten. May God enlighten our hearts and minds with His light, no matter the darkness.
With all the turmoil and unrest, there is such a great need for grateful and compassionate hearts, along with caring and sharing hands. In response to what Christ has done for us, how can we not seek to bless others?
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
James Robison is The Stream’s founder and publisher. He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today. He’s the author of many books, including Indivisible (with Jay Richards) and Living Amazed.


thestream--2020-11-25--Removing Planned Parenthood from Medicaid Funding is a Win-Win

Logic typically dictates that if you give someone money and they repeatedly and successfully defraud you , making a mockery of your generosity , you stop giving them money .
Thankfully , some smart judges still sit on our nation ’ s courts and the 5th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals rightly ruled this week that states under their jurisdiction , namely Texas and Louisiana , don ’ t have to send Medicaid money to Planned Parenthood .
But wait , Medicaid is for poor people and don ’ t they need healthcare ?
Yes , they do .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ little of what they need , but Planned Parenthood clinics are experts at defrauding the Medicaid system .
When you become a Medicaid provider , you have to follow certain rules , including abiding by the law .
Multiple cases , many in Texas , have proven that Planned Parenthood can not , or maybe is just unwilling to , follow rules .
They paid $ 4.3 million to the federal government and Texas in 2013 for Medicaid fraud and as of 2017 , 51 known external reviews and audits showed Medicaid overbilling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How does that even work ?
Former Planned Parenthood director , Sue Thayer , said in her Medicaid fraud lawsuit that her clinic would send out unsolicited birth control pills via mail to patients and bill the government .
Many packets were returned , which they gave to patients who came into the clinic , and billed the government again .
The complaint in Texas filed by Karen Reynolds , another former Planned Parenthood employee , states that workers were trained on how to bill the government for services that were never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unnecessary .
Taxpayer money , even in the form of Medicaid , pays for abortions .
When I worked as a clinic director at Planned Parenthood in Bryan , Texas , I saw this all too often .
After I left , I filed a whistleblower lawsuit pointing out the millions of dollars in Medicaid overbilling .
My case still sits in court but others thankfully have not .
While taxpayer funding of abortions is not part of the 5th Circuit decision , it ’ s important to note that Medicaid funding and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parenthood clinics is put into one pot and from there is distributed for everything the clinic needs to stay afloat , including abortions .
Taxpayer money , even in the form of Medicaid , pays for abortions .
Planned Parenthood Abuses the System Designed to Help Low-Income Families Medicaid fraud alone is basis enough for states , in this case Texas and Louisiana , to say that they don ’ t want Medicaid funding to go to Planned Parenthood .
If a provider is being a bad steward of these funds , states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , no matter who the organization is .
As much as abortion advocates will cry this decision hurts the poor and oppressed , Planned Parenthood has been repeatedly caught abusing the very same medical program that is indeed supposed to help low-income families .
Even a cursory glance at Planned Parenthood ’ s annual report reveals STD testing , cancer screenings , contraception , and pap smears have plummeted over the past decade while government funding and abortion have increased .
Where is all that money going ?
Women are just a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will increase their bottom line no matter what .
Medicaid funding needs to go to those who need it , not to so-called health clinics who have perfected the practice of abusing the system to the detriment of the very women they claim to serve .
There are Better Healthcare Options for Women If a woman on Medicaid goes to a Planned Parenthood for a cancer screening and something abnormal is found , they are referred elsewhere .
This is a huge inconvenience .
The woman is on Medicaid , which means she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliable transportation and childcare .
Yet Planned Parenthood makes an appointment for her , knowing she will have to rearrange her work schedule , find alternate childcare and transportation for two days instead one , when they could have just sent her to a comprehensive clinic .
That doesn ’ t sound like caring for women .
That sounds like making a profit no matter who needs to be thrown under the bus .
There are much better options for women seeking healthcare than Planned Parenthood , the nation ’ s number one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outnumber Planned Parenthood clinics around 20-to-1 and they provide truly comprehensive healthcare that include visual and dental services , on-site testing services , pediatric and family care .
They are far more than what Planned Parenthood ever has been or ever will be .
Planned Parenthood is focused on abortion , their main source of revenue .
This case will likely head to the U.S. Supreme Court .
I hope they use the same , sound logic as the 5th Circuit .
Women deserve better than being used as pawns to make money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a former Planned Parenthood director whose conversion story is told in the feature film , Unplanned , which came out in 2019 .
She is the founder and director of And Then There Were None and host of the podcast , Politely Rude .

Logic typically dictates that if you give someone money and they repeatedly and successfully defraud you, making a mockery of your generosity, you stop giving them money. Thankfully, some smart judges still sit on our nation’s courts and the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rightly ruled this week that states under their jurisdiction, namely Texas and Louisiana, don’t have to send Medicaid money to Planned Parenthood.
But wait, Medicaid is for poor people and don’t they need healthcare? Yes, they do. Not only does Planned Parenthood provide so little of what they need, but Planned Parenthood clinics are experts at defrauding the Medicaid system.
When you become a Medicaid provider, you have to follow certain rules, including abiding by the law. Multiple cases, many in Texas, have proven that Planned Parenthood cannot, or maybe is just unwilling to, follow rules.
Planned Parenthood Clinics Fraudulently Overbill Medicaid
They paid $4.3 million to the federal government and Texas in 2013 for Medicaid fraud and as of 2017, 51 known external reviews and audits showed Medicaid overbilling at nearly every clinic that was investigated. How does that even work? Former Planned Parenthood director, Sue Thayer, said in her Medicaid fraud lawsuit that her clinic would send out unsolicited birth control pills via mail to patients and bill the government. Many packets were returned, which they gave to patients who came into the clinic, and billed the government again. The complaint in Texas filed by Karen Reynolds, another former Planned Parenthood employee, states that workers were trained on how to bill the government for services that were never provided by the clinic or were medically unnecessary.
Taxpayer money, even in the form of Medicaid, pays for abortions.
When I worked as a clinic director at Planned Parenthood in Bryan, Texas, I saw this all too often. After I left, I filed a whistleblower lawsuit pointing out the millions of dollars in Medicaid overbilling. My case still sits in court but others thankfully have not.
While taxpayer funding of abortions is not part of the 5th Circuit decision, it’s important to note that Medicaid funding and any other funding that comes into Planned Parenthood clinics is put into one pot and from there is distributed for everything the clinic needs to stay afloat, including abortions. Taxpayer money, even in the form of Medicaid, pays for abortions.
Planned Parenthood Abuses the System Designed to Help Low-Income Families
Medicaid fraud alone is basis enough for states, in this case Texas and Louisiana, to say that they don’t want Medicaid funding to go to Planned Parenthood. If a provider is being a bad steward of these funds, states have the right to pull those funds, no matter who the organization is.
As much as abortion advocates will cry this decision hurts the poor and oppressed, Planned Parenthood has been repeatedly caught abusing the very same medical program that is indeed supposed to help low-income families.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Even a cursory glance at Planned Parenthood’s annual report reveals STD testing, cancer screenings, contraception, and pap smears have plummeted over the past decade while government funding and abortion have increased. Where is all that money going? Women are just a number for Planned Parenthood, a number that will increase their bottom line no matter what. Medicaid funding needs to go to those who need it, not to so-called health clinics who have perfected the practice of abusing the system to the detriment of the very women they claim to serve.
There are Better Healthcare Options for Women
If a woman on Medicaid goes to a Planned Parenthood for a cancer screening and something abnormal is found, they are referred elsewhere. This is a huge inconvenience. The woman is on Medicaid, which means she is poor and likely has trouble finding reliable transportation and childcare. Yet Planned Parenthood makes an appointment for her, knowing she will have to rearrange her work schedule, find alternate childcare and transportation for two days instead one, when they could have just sent her to a comprehensive clinic. That doesn’t sound like caring for women. That sounds like making a profit no matter who needs to be thrown under the bus.
There are much better options for women seeking healthcare than Planned Parenthood, the nation’s number one abortion provider.
Federally Qualified Health Centers outnumber Planned Parenthood clinics around 20-to-1 and they provide truly comprehensive healthcare that include visual and dental services, on-site testing services, pediatric and family care. They are far more than what Planned Parenthood ever has been or ever will be. Planned Parenthood is focused on abortion, their main source of revenue.
This case will likely head to the U.S. Supreme Court. I hope they use the same, sound logic as the 5th Circuit. Women deserve better than being used as pawns to make money for the abortion industry.
Abby Johnson is a former Planned Parenthood director whose conversion story is told in the feature film, Unplanned, which came out in 2019. She is the founder and director of And Then There Were None and host of the podcast, Politely Rude.


thestream--2020-11-25--Calling the President ‘Irresponsible,’ the Media Are Piling Up Fuel for a Nationwide Inferno

Joe Biden says Donald Trump is “ one of the most irresponsible presidents ” in U.S. history .
You expect that from a politician .
You don ’ t expect responsible news media to echo him .
But CNN says Trump is trying to “ subvert ” the election ’ s outcome .
Lester Holt said something equally damning on NBC news earlier this week .
( I didn ’ t catch the exact wording . )
Biden also says “ incredibly damaging messages are being sent to the rest of the world about how democracy functions.
” France ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incredible .
Unfathomable !
Donald Trump and his legal team are probing what appear to be widespread election irregularities .
How is that irresponsible ?
Are we supposed to ignore signs of potential fraud ?
Is that how we show the world the way democracy is meant to function ?
What Am I Missing Here ?
The media have got to pursue the truth .
I ’ ve been beating this drum for a while , and I ’ m not about to stop .
I keep asking myself , “ What am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partisan reporting ?
” Opinion columns are one thing ; where ’ s the straight news , though ?
I know how happy they ’ d be to answer : “ There ’ s nothing to these cases .
Trump is losing his challenges right and left : 23 of 36 cases denied , dismissed , settled , or withdrawn , as of Monday.
” That ’ s just fog , though , nothing more .
As of Monday , Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis told Newsmax their legal team had filed exactly three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their time , gathering evidence , getting it right .
Other plaintiffs have lost early , quick cases .
That doesn ’ t mean that more carefully prepared cases will likewise fail .
Many of those early losses were procedural , anyway : dismissals for lack of standing , not for lack of evidence .
Trump ’ s team has lost one , as far as I know , but they don ’ t decide baseball games in the first inning , they don ’ t decide football games in the first quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long list of court cases based on the first one ’ s outcome .
So I still ask myself , “ What am I missing ?
Could it be that Trump ’ s team really has no evidence ?
” Anyone can see the statistical markers , though .
And when Trump ’ s lawyers say they have hundreds of affidavits , I have to believe they have hundreds of affidavits .
So for all the shouting and hollering , “ There ’ s no evidence !
” I just can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence .
Could it be , then , that the news media have analyzed that evidence and found it lacking ?
I laugh .
They ’ re too busy telling us there isn ’ t any .
Even if they had done that , they know it ’ s utterly irresponsible to call a case before it ’ s been heard in court .
“ Innocent until proven guilty ” is standard for criminal court , but something like it certainly applies in civil cases .
A case as crucial as this one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media .
But excuse me .
They haven ’ t tried any case .
They ’ ve spit on it , kicked it , punched it , pommeled it , and done their best to leave it dying on the side of the highway .
All that , without ever bothering to hear the case .
So what am I missing ?
Nothing , actually .
It ’ s obvious what ’ s going on here , just another round of the same game as always .
The media are in Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are obvious enough , and the media share it .
Except he ’ s a politician , and they ’ re journalists , or at least they dress up and try to look like journalists .
“ Historic Irresponsibility ” — Yes , But Who ?
So while they shout Trump ’ s historic “ irresponsibility , ” by playing his game his way , they ’ re committing historic levels of irresponsibility themselves .
What they ’ re doing is wrong .
It violates every journalistic standard .
There ’ s no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there ’ s no withholding judgment over pending litigation .
There ’ s nothing but cheerleading for their “ president-elect ” Joe Biden .
Really , though , “ irresponsible ” is much too light a word for it .
It ’ s ethically criminal , if not legally so .
By wrongly pronouncing on Trump ’ s court cases before they ’ ve been heard , even before they ’ ve done their journalistic duty and read the evidence themselves , they ’ re placing matchsticks under not just one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first fire is burning already : They ’ re subverting democracy by insisting the nation ignore real evidence of potential voter fraud .
If they intend to do that every time allegations like that arise , then open , fair elections are a thing of the past here .
The match is lit , the fire is raging , democracy is dead .
Everyone knows that ’ s not what they ’ re doing , though .
Instead , they ’ re following a “ principle ” of reporting strictly what favors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treated the news during the campaign , so why expect anything different after ?
But there ’ s hope in that case .
Democracy isn ’ t quite dead after all .
Other news outlets are still there , doing their best to douse the killing flames by delivering news the mainstream media won ’ t .
The Moral Responsibility They May Yet Bear The second potential fire isn ’ t burning yet , but it surely will — and not as any mere figure of speech — if enough courts decide for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some may face criminal charges for conspiring to steal a presidential election .
And if these alleged Democrat crimes are proved , half the nation will think it was Republicans who committed them , and cities will burn .
Homes and businesses will be destroyed .
People will die .
And while the media won ’ t have broken any laws , they ’ ll be morally responsible , right along with the rioters .
They ’ re creating the perfect conditions for the nation to erupt in deadly anger .
Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every sneer at the president ’ s pursuit of this case pours on more gasoline .
The match is there , ready to be struck .
If Trump wins in court , it will flare into a hot , angry flame .
The nationwide conflagration will follow .
That ’ s the risk the media are taking .
Have they done their own investigation of the evidence ?
Are they so sure of their position , they believe there ’ s absolutely no possibility they could be wrong ?
And if they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that certain , do they not realize it ’ s possible they could be fueling these horrific fires ?
Given the stakes , why don ’ t they just do some real investigations , some real journalism instead ?
And yet they call Trump irresponsible .
What am I missing here ?
Not much , actually ; anyone can see what ’ s going on .
I ’ m only missing newsmen like Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite , who knew their job was to report news , not to fuel unwarranted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either .
And definitely not to pile up gasoline-soaked fuel for nationwide infernos .
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books , including the recently released Too Good To Be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .

Joe Biden says Donald Trump is “one of the most irresponsible presidents” in U.S. history. You expect that from a politician. You don’t expect responsible news media to echo him. But CNN says Trump is trying to “subvert” the election’s outcome. Lester Holt said something equally damning on NBC news earlier this week. (I didn’t catch the exact wording.)
Biden also says “incredibly damaging messages are being sent to the rest of the world about how democracy functions.” France’s foreign minister agrees. This is incredible. Unfathomable! Donald Trump and his legal team are probing what appear to be widespread election irregularities. How is that irresponsible? Are we supposed to ignore signs of potential fraud? Is that how we show the world the way democracy is meant to function?
What Am I Missing Here?
The media have got to pursue the truth. I’ve been beating this drum for a while, and I’m not about to stop. I keep asking myself, “What am I missing here? Why the incessant partisan reporting?” Opinion columns are one thing; where’s the straight news, though?
I know how happy they’d be to answer: “There’s nothing to these cases. Trump is losing his challenges right and left: 23 of 36 cases denied, dismissed, settled, or withdrawn, as of Monday.”
That’s just fog, though, nothing more. As of Monday, Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis told Newsmax their legal team had filed exactly three cases. They’ve been taking their time, gathering evidence, getting it right. Other plaintiffs have lost early, quick cases. That doesn’t mean that more carefully prepared cases will likewise fail. Many of those early losses were procedural, anyway: dismissals for lack of standing, not for lack of evidence. Trump’s team has lost one, as far as I know, but they don’t decide baseball games in the first inning, they don’t decide football games in the first quarter, and they don’t decide a long list of court cases based on the first one’s outcome.
So I still ask myself, “What am I missing? Could it be that Trump’s team really has no evidence?” Anyone can see the statistical markers, though. And when Trump’s lawyers say they have hundreds of affidavits, I have to believe they have hundreds of affidavits. So for all the shouting and hollering, “There’s no evidence!” I just can’t credit the claim. Evidence is evidence.
News Media Not Reporting But Punching, Hitting, Pommeling
Could it be, then, that the news media have analyzed that evidence and found it lacking? I laugh. They’re too busy telling us there isn’t any. Even if they had done that, they know it’s utterly irresponsible to call a case before it’s been heard in court. “Innocent until proven guilty” is standard for criminal court, but something like it certainly applies in civil cases. A case as crucial as this one should never be tried and settled in the media.
The match is there, ready to be struck. If Trump wins in court, it will flare into a hot, angry flame. The nationwide conflagration will follow.
But excuse me. They haven’t tried any case. They’ve spit on it, kicked it, punched it, pommeled it, and done their best to leave it dying on the side of the highway. All that, without ever bothering to hear the case.
So what am I missing? Nothing, actually. It’s obvious what’s going on here, just another round of the same game as always. The media are in Democrats’ pocket. Biden’s motivations are obvious enough, and the media share it. Except he’s a politician, and they’re journalists, or at least they dress up and try to look like journalists.
“Historic Irresponsibility” — Yes, But Who?
So while they shout Trump’s historic “irresponsibility,” by playing his game his way, they’re committing historic levels of irresponsibility themselves. What they’re doing is wrong. It violates every journalistic standard. There’s no investigating, there’s no neutrality, there’s no withholding judgment over pending litigation. There’s nothing but cheerleading for their “president-elect” Joe Biden.
Really, though, “irresponsible” is much too light a word for it. It’s ethically criminal, if not legally so. By wrongly pronouncing on Trump’s court cases before they’ve been heard, even before they’ve done their journalistic duty and read the evidence themselves, they’re placing matchsticks under not just one, but two gasoline-soaked stacks of firewood.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The first fire is burning already: They’re subverting democracy by insisting the nation ignore real evidence of potential voter fraud. If they intend to do that every time allegations like that arise, then open, fair elections are a thing of the past here. The match is lit, the fire is raging, democracy is dead.
Everyone knows that’s not what they’re doing, though. Instead, they’re following a “principle” of reporting strictly what favors progressives. That’s how they treated the news during the campaign, so why expect anything different after? But there’s hope in that case. Democracy isn’t quite dead after all. Other news outlets are still there, doing their best to douse the killing flames by delivering news the mainstream media won’t.
The Moral Responsibility They May Yet Bear
The second potential fire isn’t burning yet, but it surely will — and not as any mere figure of speech — if enough courts decide for Trump. Leading Democrats would be disgraced. Some may face criminal charges for conspiring to steal a presidential election. And if these alleged Democrat crimes are proved, half the nation will think it was Republicans who committed them, and cities will burn. Homes and businesses will be destroyed. People will die.
And while the media won’t have broken any laws, they’ll be morally responsible, right along with the rioters. They’re creating the perfect conditions for the nation to erupt in deadly anger. Every premature conclusion piles the fuel higher. Every sneer at the president’s pursuit of this case pours on more gasoline. The match is there, ready to be struck. If Trump wins in court, it will flare into a hot, angry flame. The nationwide conflagration will follow.
That’s the risk the media are taking. Have they done their own investigation of the evidence? Are they so sure of their position, they believe there’s absolutely no possibility they could be wrong? And if they have no grounds of their own for being that certain, do they not realize it’s possible they could be fueling these horrific fires? Given the stakes, why don’t they just do some real investigations, some real journalism instead?
And yet they call Trump irresponsible. What am I missing here? Not much, actually; anyone can see what’s going on. I’m only missing newsmen like Edward R. Murrow and Walter Cronkite, who knew their job was to report news, not to fuel unwarranted anger. Not to threaten democracy, either. And definitely not to pile up gasoline-soaked fuel for nationwide infernos.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books, including the recently released Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.


thestream--2020-11-25--A Major Legal Victory Against LGBTQ Tyranny

With all the focus on the aftermath of the presidential elections , you might have missed an important victory in the courts last week .
As reported November 20 by Liberty Counsel , which litigated the case successfully , “ A three-judge panel of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals struck down laws that ban counselors from providing minor clients with help to reduce or eliminate unwanted same-sex attractions , behaviors , or gender confusion.
” This was a victory for freedom , for tolerance , for individual rights , and for therapist-client privilege .
Above all , it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , led by Mat Staver , represented “ Dr .
Robert Otto , LMFT and Dr. Julie Hamilton , LMFT and their minor clients who challenged the constitutionality of ordinances enacted by the City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County which prohibit minors from voluntary counseling from licensed professionals.
” These local , Florida ordinances were part of a disturbing national trend that prohibits minors with unwanted same-sex attraction or gender confusion from seeking professional help .
Of course , under these same ordinances , had these minors wanted help to reinforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would have been allowed .
By all means , let professionals help minors embrace their homosexual desires or their transgender identity .
But God forbid that a 15-year-old male should not want to be attracted to another male .
Or an 8-year-old should not want to feel like a boy trapped in the wrong body .
No professional help could be offered to them .
This is how LGBTQ activists have turned our society upside down .
Let ’ s say , then , that this 15-year-old male had been raped repeatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ages of 7-9 , unbeknownst to his parents .
As he came into puberty , he felt confused about his sexuality , ultimately realizing he was attracted to males , not females .
He had always dreamed about getting married ( meaning , to a woman ! )
and having children , and he was repulsed by his same-sex attraction .
He tells his parents all about these feelings .
They say to him , “ We will get you all the help you need , ” and they find a highly-recommended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their situation with the therapist , the therapist replies , “ Oh , I would love to help you , but it ’ s against the law .
However , I ’ d be glad to help your son embrace his same-sex attractions .
That is perfectly legal.
” What a perversion of fairness , of freedom , and of personal dignity .
What an unrighteous and oppressive imposition of the state .
Really now , what on earth gives them the right to make rulings like this ?
Or consider the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by feelings that she ’ s actually a boy in a girl ’ s body .
This makes her very uncomfortable , causing confusion for her and her siblings .
So , her parents reach out to a well-trained professional , feeling they are at their wits end and unable to provide adequate help .
But when they sit down with the family counselor , the counselor says to them , “ I would love to help your daughter embrace her girlhood , but I ’ m strictly prohibited by the law .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can help .
“ We ’ ll work with your daughter to embrace the fact that she ’ s really a boy , sending her back to school with a new name and dressed like a boy .
The school will allow her — actually him — to use the boys ’ bathroom .
Then , in two years , we ’ ll start him on hormone blockers to stop the onset of puberty , then have his breasts removed when he ’ s 18 , then schedule him for full-scale gender confirmation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hormones for life .
Isn ’ t that a wonderful option ?
” And remember : under these oppressive ordinances , to sit and talk with the child was forbidden by law if that child wanted to feel at home in her own body .
But to put her on puberty-blocking hormones as a child , then remove total healthy parts of her body , then put her on hormones for life , was allowed by the law .
To call this perverse is an understatement .
Child abuse would be more accurate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such counseling , which they label “ conversion therapy , ” alleging that such therapy is harmful to minors .
And last year , California almost passed a ban on such counseling for people of all ages .
It would have even prohibited religious leaders from offering such counseling .
Yet this is where things are going unless believers , in particular , joined by all freedom-loving people , push back .
The LGBTQ tyranny must be challenged .
The assault on individual rights must be resisted .
No one has the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any person ) , “ You must be gay ” or “ You must be trans.
” Absolutely , categorically not .
And that ’ s why this Florida victory is so important .
As to the notion that sexual orientation change efforts ( SOCE ) are harmful , Peter Sprigg and the FRC just released a 37-page report titled , “ No Proof of Harm .
79 Key Studies Provide No Scientific Proof That Sexual Orientation Change Efforts ( SOCE ) Are Usually Harmful.
” In short , “ While these 79 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SOCE clients report the experience was harmful , they do not provide scientific proof that SOCE is more harmful than other forms of therapy , more harmful than other courses of action for those with SSA , or more likely to be harmful than helpful for the average client .
If alleged ‘ critical health risks ’ of SOCE can not be found in these 79 studies , then it is safe to conclude that they can not be found anywhere.
” Old lies die hard , but for those seeking the truth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , in New York City , an Orthodox Jewish therapist challenged the city ’ s prohibition of SOCE counseling for people of any age “ for violating his freedom of speech and infringing on his religious faith and that of his patients.
” With the help of the Alliance Defending Freedom , the city quickly reversed course , leading to this exuberant announcement from Tony Perkins and the FRC in September , 2019 : “ The last place anyone would expect liberals to rethink their extremism is New York City .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even the Big Apple seems to understand when it ’ s vulnerable .
‘ Pinch yourself , ’ FRC ’ s Cathy Ruse says .
One of the most radical cities on earth is about to walk back its LGBT counseling ban .
All because one courageous psychotherapist fought back.
” In Florida , in the 2-1 opinion , Judge Britt C. Grant wrote that , “ We hold that the challenged ordinances violate the First Amendment because they are content-based regulations of speech that can not survive strict scrutiny.
” Precisely .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom of speech , among other things .
May this be the beginning of a national trend .
There is reason for real hope .
May the righteous pushback continue unless freedom of self-determination is restored for minors across America .
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 .

With all the focus on the aftermath of the presidential elections, you might have missed an important victory in the courts last week. As reported November 20 by Liberty Counsel, which litigated the case successfully, “A three-judge panel of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals struck down laws that ban counselors from providing minor clients with help to reduce or eliminate unwanted same-sex attractions, behaviors, or gender confusion.”
This was a victory for freedom, for tolerance, for individual rights, and for therapist-client privilege. Above all, it was a victory for minors.
Challenging the Ordinances
Liberty Counsel, led by Mat Staver, represented “Dr. Robert Otto, LMFT and Dr. Julie Hamilton, LMFT and their minor clients who challenged the constitutionality of ordinances enacted by the City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County which prohibit minors from voluntary counseling from licensed professionals.”
These local, Florida ordinances were part of a disturbing national trend that prohibits minors with unwanted same-sex attraction or gender confusion from seeking professional help.
Of course, under these same ordinances, had these minors wanted help to reinforce their same-sex attraction or gender confusion, that would have been allowed. By all means, let professionals help minors embrace their homosexual desires or their transgender identity.
But God forbid that a 15-year-old male should not want to be attracted to another male. Or an 8-year-old should not want to feel like a boy trapped in the wrong body. No professional help could be offered to them. This is how LGBTQ activists have turned our society upside down.
Perversion of Fairness, Freedom and Personal Dignity
Let’s say, then, that this 15-year-old male had been raped repeatedly by an older, male neighbor from the ages of 7-9, unbeknownst to his parents. As he came into puberty, he felt confused about his sexuality, ultimately realizing he was attracted to males, not females. He had always dreamed about getting married (meaning, to a woman!) and having children, and he was repulsed by his same-sex attraction.
He tells his parents all about these feelings. They say to him, “We will get you all the help you need,” and they find a highly-recommended family therapist. But when they share their situation with the therapist, the therapist replies, “Oh, I would love to help you, but it’s against the law. However, I’d be glad to help your son embrace his same-sex attractions. That is perfectly legal.”
What a perversion of fairness, of freedom, and of personal dignity. What an unrighteous and oppressive imposition of the state. Really now, what on earth gives them the right to make rulings like this?
Perversion is an Understatement
Or consider the case of the 8-year-old girl who is troubled by feelings that she’s actually a boy in a girl’s body. This makes her very uncomfortable, causing confusion for her and her siblings. So, her parents reach out to a well-trained professional, feeling they are at their wits end and unable to provide adequate help.
But when they sit down with the family counselor, the counselor says to them, “I would love to help your daughter embrace her girlhood, but I’m strictly prohibited by the law. However, here’s how I can help.
“We’ll work with your daughter to embrace the fact that she’s really a boy, sending her back to school with a new name and dressed like a boy. The school will allow her — actually him — to use the boys’ bathroom. Then, in two years, we’ll start him on hormone blockers to stop the onset of puberty, then have his breasts removed when he’s 18, then schedule him for full-scale gender confirmation surgery at 20, supplemented by male hormones for life. Isn’t that a wonderful option?”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
And remember: under these oppressive ordinances, to sit and talk with the child was forbidden by law if that child wanted to feel at home in her own body. But to put her on puberty-blocking hormones as a child, then remove total healthy parts of her body, then put her on hormones for life, was allowed by the law.
To call this perverse is an understatement. Child abuse would be more accurate.
States Banning ‘Conversion Therapy’ Counseling
Outrageously, 20 states now ban such counseling, which they label “conversion therapy,” alleging that such therapy is harmful to minors. And last year, California almost passed a ban on such counseling for people of all ages. It would have even prohibited religious leaders from offering such counseling.
Yet this is where things are going unless believers, in particular, joined by all freedom-loving people, push back.
The LGBTQ tyranny must be challenged. The assault on individual rights must be resisted.
No one has the right to tell a young person (or any person), “You must be gay” or “You must be trans.”
Absolutely, categorically not. And that’s why this Florida victory is so important.
No Proof of Harm
As to the notion that sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) are harmful, Peter Sprigg and the FRC just released a 37-page report titled, “No Proof of Harm. 79 Key Studies Provide No Scientific Proof That Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) Are Usually Harmful.”
In short, “While these 79 studies do provide anecdotal evidence that some SOCE clients report the experience was harmful, they do not provide scientific proof that SOCE is more harmful than other forms of therapy, more harmful than other courses of action for those with SSA, or more likely to be harmful than helpful for the average client. If alleged ‘critical health risks’ of SOCE cannot be found in these 79 studies, then it is safe to conclude that they cannot be found anywhere.”
Old lies die hard, but for those seeking the truth, the data is undeniable.
One Man Fought Back
Last year, in New York City, an Orthodox Jewish therapist challenged the city’s prohibition of SOCE counseling for people of any age “for violating his freedom of speech and infringing on his religious faith and that of his patients.”
With the help of the Alliance Defending Freedom, the city quickly reversed course, leading to this exuberant announcement from Tony Perkins and the FRC in September, 2019: “The last place anyone would expect liberals to rethink their extremism is New York City. But, thanks to a new lawsuit, even the Big Apple seems to understand when it’s vulnerable. ‘Pinch yourself,’ FRC’s Cathy Ruse says. One of the most radical cities on earth is about to walk back its LGBT counseling ban. All because one courageous psychotherapist fought back.”
Violating the First Amendment
In Florida, in the 2-1 opinion, Judge Britt C. Grant wrote that, “We hold that the challenged ordinances violate the First Amendment because they are content-based regulations of speech that cannot survive strict scrutiny.”
Precisely. These ordinances represent a fundamental assault on freedom of speech, among other things. May this be the beginning of a national trend.
A Reason for Real Hope
In fact, as Liberty Counsel noted,
The 11th Circuit decision was foreshadowed by comments in a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision, NIFLA v. Becerra, dealing with California’s efforts to regulate speech by pro-life pregnancy centers. In the course of rejecting the argument that governments can regulate “professional speech” without offending the First Amendment, the Supreme Court directly criticized earlier appeals court decisions that had made the same argument in upholding state therapy bans. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that “this Court has not recognized ‘professional speech’ as a separate category of speech. Speech is not unprotected merely because it is uttered by ‘professionals.'”
There is reason for real hope. May the righteous pushback continue unless freedom of self-determination is restored for minors across America.
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--2020-11-25--Like Most Democrats, Biden Sided With the Virus

Vanity Fair reported back in October that Joe Biden advisors pressured the company Pfizer to hold off announcing its vaccine until after the election .
The magazine clogs the story with plenty of propaganda language .
It disguises this political pressure as “ scientific ” caution , but the facts are clear .
The Biden team was desperate to keep Americans scared and locked down in their homes until their ballots were cast .
Chief among those exerting such massive political pressure was Ezekiel Emanuel .
He ’ s the euthanasia enthusiast who ’ d withhold life-saving medicine from anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s gambit worked .
That Disney Animatronic Dead “ President-Elect ” Joe Biden will successfully dodge the legal challenges to his victory .
I hope I am wrong .
But if I ’ m not , we need to know precisely the kind of shell of a man we ’ re dealing with .
And who are his closest and most important allies .
The biggest and most effective of these , it ’ s clear , is the COVID virus .
Or the Wuhan Flu , is you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beijing snapped its fingers , and worldwide media obeyed it .
To all appearances , Joe Biden obeyed China , too .
He directly cooperated , at every stage , with a Chinese biowarfare attack on the rest of the world .
The reward he sought in return ?
The White House .
Should his election stand , the lesson the world will draw from it should be clear : Friends of China prosper .
Get the hint ?
Was Biden Following Orders , or Just Sniffing Out His Interests ?
Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from China and was subject to Chinese blackmail .
We know that from the laptop the FBI hid in a basement and the media wouldn ’ t report on .
What we don ’ t know ?
Whether Biden directly coordinated his strategy with China .
Or if he simply and cynically figured out on his own how to make the COVID crisis worse .
Then ride it to win the election .
Either scenario would explain his actions .
The one theory that wouldn ’ t is that Biden was a patriotic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ask yourself : Why did Joe Biden oppose Donald Trump ’ s life-saving travel ban on China ?
China had locked down its own country to travel , and was welding people to die in their apartments inside Wuhan .
What ’ s the patriotic explanation of Biden back in January smearing Trump as “ xenophobic ” for rejecting travelers whom China wouldn ’ t admit ?
China sent a million possible carriers out to the world like Japanese Zeros on Pearl Harbor morning .
They spread the disease , so China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought it first and worst to Italy , where we saw horrific scenes of hospital wards turning into morgues .
What part of that was it right for Joe Biden to wish on Americans ?
Why Kill All Those Old Folks ?
Ask yourself again why blue-state governors such as Andrew Cuomo ( now facing an Emmy Award for impersonating a U.S. governor ) dumped virus patients on nursing homes .
Why kill off tens of thousands of America ’ s most vulnerable ?
I have found no rational explanation for doing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empty on medical ships such as the U.S.S .
Comfort , and field hospitals such as Samaritan ’ s Purse set up .
If such a virus dump on the elderly had happened in just one state , I ’ d chalk it up to incompetence .
But this policy was apparently coordinated .
It only happened in blue states , such as New York , New Jersey , Michigan and California .
And the massive die-off of veterans and grandmas in those states helped pad the death tolls .
Fanning the Panic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the panic , which Democrats counted on .
That allowed them to shut down their states .
To destroy the Trump boom economy .
And to make the case for massive micromanagement of individual citizens .
You know , the Great Reset , which Canada ’ s Justin Trudeau admits will be the pretext for enacting a pre-existing globalist agenda .
Remember , my friends , the virus is very smart .
It knows to spread when people sing in church .
But not to spread when they loot cities to demand we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than to spread when Democrats harvested votes .
Or rallied by the thousands to protest the danger of in-person voting .
But it absolutely would have spread and killed millions if people had to show up and show ID at polling places .
The Virus : Too Smart for Us Such a crafty virus .
It made sure that the only safe time to announce an upcoming vaccine against it would be … just two weeks after the election the Democrats were counting on it to win them .
Maybe Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hyper-intelligent and powerful we ’ d better ally with it .
And with China .
Resistance is futile .
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 .
”

Vanity Fair reported back in October that Joe Biden advisors pressured the company Pfizer to hold off announcing its vaccine until after the election. The magazine clogs the story with plenty of propaganda language. It disguises this political pressure as “scientific” caution, but the facts are clear.
The Biden team was desperate to keep Americans scared and locked down in their homes until their ballots were cast. Chief among those exerting such massive political pressure was Ezekiel Emanuel. He’s the euthanasia enthusiast who’d withhold life-saving medicine from anyone over age 75.
This seems shady as hell, from a story on Oct. 22. Biden coronavirus task force member @ZekeEmanuel worked with @EricTopol to pressure Pfizer not to apply for approval of its vaccine on an expedited timeline before the election. https://t.co/M8L0oPfPdI pic.twitter.com/fCqvcTpkdO — Chuck Ross (@ChuckRossDC) November 24, 2020
The Disney Animatronic Dead President-Elect
It seems that Biden’s gambit worked. That Disney Animatronic Dead “President-Elect” Joe Biden will successfully dodge the legal challenges to his victory. I hope I am wrong. But if I’m not, we need to know precisely the kind of shell of a man we’re dealing with. And who are his closest and most important allies.
The biggest and most effective of these, it’s clear, is the COVID virus. Or the Wuhan Flu, is you want to use the scientific convention in existence until Beijing snapped its fingers, and worldwide media obeyed it. To all appearances, Joe Biden obeyed China, too. He directly cooperated, at every stage, with a Chinese biowarfare attack on the rest of the world. The reward he sought in return? The White House. Should his election stand, the lesson the world will draw from it should be clear: Friends of China prosper. Get the hint?
Was Biden Following Orders, or Just Sniffing Out His Interests?
Joe Biden’s son Hunter sought illicit millions from China and was subject to Chinese blackmail. We know that from the laptop the FBI hid in a basement and the media wouldn’t report on. What we don’t know? Whether Biden directly coordinated his strategy with China. Or if he simply and cynically figured out on his own how to make the COVID crisis worse. Then ride it to win the election. Either scenario would explain his actions. The one theory that wouldn’t is that Biden was a patriotic American, doing the best he could.
Ask yourself: Why did Joe Biden oppose Donald Trump’s life-saving travel ban on China? China had locked down its own country to travel, and was welding people to die in their apartments inside Wuhan. What’s the patriotic explanation of Biden back in January smearing Trump as “xenophobic” for rejecting travelers whom China wouldn’t admit? China sent a million possible carriers out to the world like Japanese Zeros on Pearl Harbor morning. They spread the disease, so China didn’t suffer alone. They brought it first and worst to Italy, where we saw horrific scenes of hospital wards turning into morgues. What part of that was it right for Joe Biden to wish on Americans?
Why Kill All Those Old Folks?
Ask yourself again why blue-state governors such as Andrew Cuomo (now facing an Emmy Award for impersonating a U.S. governor) dumped virus patients on nursing homes. Why kill off tens of thousands of America’s most vulnerable? I have found no rational explanation for doing that. Or for leaving thousands of beds empty on medical ships such as the U.S.S. Comfort, and field hospitals such as Samaritan’s Purse set up.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
If such a virus dump on the elderly had happened in just one state, I’d chalk it up to incompetence. But this policy was apparently coordinated. It only happened in blue states, such as New York, New Jersey, Michigan and California. And the massive die-off of veterans and grandmas in those states helped pad the death tolls.
Fanning the Panic, for the Great Reset
That fanned the panic, which Democrats counted on. That allowed them to shut down their states. To destroy the Trump boom economy. And to make the case for massive micromanagement of individual citizens. You know, the Great Reset, which Canada’s Justin Trudeau admits will be the pretext for enacting a pre-existing globalist agenda.
Remember, my friends, the virus is very smart. It knows to spread when people sing in church. But not to spread when they loot cities to demand we defund the police. The virus knew better than to spread when Democrats harvested votes. Or rallied by the thousands to protest the danger of in-person voting. But it absolutely would have spread and killed millions if people had to show up and show ID at polling places.
The Virus: Too Smart for Us
Such a crafty virus. It made sure that the only safe time to announce an upcoming vaccine against it would be … just two weeks after the election the Democrats were counting on it to win them.
Maybe Joe Biden is right: this virus is so hyper-intelligent and powerful we’d better ally with it. And with China. Resistance is futile.
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--2020-11-25--This Adoption Month, Learn How to Help Children in Foster Care

National Adoption Month reminds us there are still too many children who need the permanency of a stable and loving family .
The U.S. has more than 424,000 children in foster care .
More than 122,000 of these children are adoptable and waiting for their forever family .
But it ’ s not just the numbers of children in care that ’ s concerning .
Too many remain in care for far too long .
More than 50 % have been in foster care for more than a year .
The kids who are left behind are typically those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nine and older , siblings that want to stay together , and kids with intellectual or physical disabilities .
Sadly , around 20,000 young people age out of foster care every year without any legal connection to a family .
The long-term effects are troubling : 4 in 10 will experience homelessness , 71 % of the young women will be pregnant by age 21 , and more than 25 % will end up incarcerated .
In June , President Donald Trump signed an executive order that offers renewed hope to these children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term changes to increase local transparency , bring more resources to parents , and hold states more accountable to the requirements of the law .
The executive order will make policy changes that could increase the number of children who find their forever homes , but there is still much that ordinary citizens can do to support children in care and their biological , foster and adoptive parents .
The job of helping children find their forever homes is too big to be handled by government alone .
State and local child welfare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are typically overwhelmed : Three in 10 of the nation ’ s caseworkers cycle out every year .
These government agencies must rely on their local community to serve the children and families who come into contact with the child welfare agency .
One of the best sources of local support are “ bridge organizations ” — groups that organize local faith-based organizations , such as churches and non-profits , to create long-term relationships between caseworkers and local communities .
These bridge organizations can help biological families before they reach the point where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help foster parents with their needs , and provide long-term support to new adoptive families .
Bridge organizations , including those in your area , can make a difference because of ordinary citizens who give of their time and means to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care .
Here are some practical ways to get involved : • Donate Funds or Supplies .
Foster and adoptive families aren ’ t always equipped for the varied needs of the children who enter their home at a moment ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bridge organizations often need cribs , clothes , or school supplies .
Getting involved can even be as simple as coordinating a meal sign-up calendar for new foster parents .
• Provide Professional Services .
Professionals can provide biological , foster , and adoptive parents and children with the services they might need , such as quality legal representation , mental health services and even tutoring for children who get off track in school .
Local businesses can offer discounts for foster and adoptive families .
Every bit helps .
• Offer Emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling families can be vital in helping families connect to people who care and can step in when needs arise .
• Get Licensed for Respite Care .
Biological parents can call a babysitter or drop the kids with their grandparents , but that isn ’ t always an option for foster or adoptive parents .
Becoming a licensed respite care provider with your state allows you to offer babysitting or weekend relief to foster families in your community .
• Begin the Process to Foster or Adopt .
Becoming a foster or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bridge organizations can make the process both understandable and doable .
They hold recruiting sessions with interested families , help families through the foster care process , and connect them to support that will enable the entire family to flourish .
• Call or Write to Your Representative .
National Adoption Month is a great time to contact your state or federal representative to ask what they are doing to ensure that no child in your state is forgotten .
Ask how many children in your state are waiting for adoption .
Advocate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Order on Strengthening the Child Welfare System for America ’ s Children .
Not all of us may be called to foster or adopt , but everyone can do something to lessen the instability of foster care and bring the hundreds of thousands of children in care to their forever homes .
Leslie Ford is a visiting fellow in Domestic Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation .
Read her research .

National Adoption Month reminds us there are still too many children who need the permanency of a stable and loving family. The U.S. has more than 424,000 children in foster care. More than 122,000 of these children are adoptable and waiting for their forever family.
But it’s not just the numbers of children in care that’s concerning. Too many remain in care for far too long. More than 50% have been in foster care for more than a year. The kids who are left behind are typically those who need love the most: children age nine and older, siblings that want to stay together, and kids with intellectual or physical disabilities.
Sadly, around 20,000 young people age out of foster care every year without any legal connection to a family. The long-term effects are troubling: 4 in 10 will experience homelessness, 71% of the young women will be pregnant by age 21, and more than 25% will end up incarcerated.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
In June, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that offers renewed hope to these children. The executive order makes practical, long-term changes to increase local transparency, bring more resources to parents, and hold states more accountable to the requirements of the law.
The executive order will make policy changes that could increase the number of children who find their forever homes, but there is still much that ordinary citizens can do to support children in care and their biological, foster and adoptive parents.
The job of helping children find their forever homes is too big to be handled by government alone. State and local child welfare agencies do heroic work, but they are typically overwhelmed: Three in 10 of the nation’s caseworkers cycle out every year. These government agencies must rely on their local community to serve the children and families who come into contact with the child welfare agency.
One of the best sources of local support are “bridge organizations” — groups that organize local faith-based organizations, such as churches and non-profits, to create long-term relationships between caseworkers and local communities.
These bridge organizations can help biological families before they reach the point where a child has to be removed, help foster parents with their needs, and provide long-term support to new adoptive families.
Not all of us may be called to foster or adopt, but everyone can do something to lessen the instability of foster care.
Bridge organizations, including those in your area, can make a difference because of ordinary citizens who give of their time and means to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care.
Here are some practical ways to get involved:
Donate Funds or Supplies. Foster and adoptive families aren’t always equipped for the varied needs of the children who enter their home at a moment’s notice. Local child welfare agencies or bridge organizations often need cribs, clothes, or school supplies. Getting involved can even be as simple as coordinating a meal sign-up calendar for new foster parents.
Foster and adoptive families aren’t always equipped for the varied needs of the children who enter their home at a moment’s notice. Local child welfare agencies or bridge organizations often need cribs, clothes, or school supplies. Getting involved can even be as simple as coordinating a meal sign-up calendar for new foster parents. Provide Professional Services. Professionals can provide biological, foster, and adoptive parents and children with the services they might need, such as quality legal representation, mental health services and even tutoring for children who get off track in school. Local businesses can offer discounts for foster and adoptive families. Every bit helps.
Professionals can provide biological, foster, and adoptive parents and children with the services they might need, such as quality legal representation, mental health services and even tutoring for children who get off track in school. Local businesses can offer discounts for foster and adoptive families. Every bit helps. Offer Emotional and Spiritual Support. Support groups for struggling families can be vital in helping families connect to people who care and can step in when needs arise.
Support groups for struggling families can be vital in helping families connect to people who care and can step in when needs arise. Get Licensed for Respite Care. Biological parents can call a babysitter or drop the kids with their grandparents, but that isn’t always an option for foster or adoptive parents. Becoming a licensed respite care provider with your state allows you to offer babysitting or weekend relief to foster families in your community.
Biological parents can call a babysitter or drop the kids with their grandparents, but that isn’t always an option for foster or adoptive parents. Becoming a licensed respite care provider with your state allows you to offer babysitting or weekend relief to foster families in your community. Begin the Process to Foster or Adopt. Becoming a foster or adoptive parent is a calling, but bridge organizations can make the process both understandable and doable. They hold recruiting sessions with interested families, help families through the foster care process, and connect them to support that will enable the entire family to flourish.
Becoming a foster or adoptive parent is a calling, but bridge organizations can make the process both understandable and doable. They hold recruiting sessions with interested families, help families through the foster care process, and connect them to support that will enable the entire family to flourish. Call or Write to Your Representative. National Adoption Month is a great time to contact your state or federal representative to ask what they are doing to ensure that no child in your state is forgotten. Ask how many children in your state are waiting for adoption. Advocate for the complete implementation of the Executive Order on Strengthening the Child Welfare System for America’s Children.
Not all of us may be called to foster or adopt, but everyone can do something to lessen the instability of foster care and bring the hundreds of thousands of children in care to their forever homes.
Leslie Ford is a visiting fellow in Domestic Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation. Read her research.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Signal


thestream--2020-11-25--2020 Presidential Election Could Depend on Little Known Constitutional Phrase

The media daily attempts to “ move on ” from the not-yet-completed Constitutional process for choosing our President .
Still , there remains a very real possibility the election could end with no candidate winning 270 electoral votes .
In just the last few days , credible lawsuits have been filed in Wisconsin , Michigan , Pennsylvania , Georgia , and Nevada .
These suits identify millions of potentially fraudulent ballots .
But even more important , there are very strong claims of illegal voting schemes that blatantly violate state laws and set the stage for well-established equal protection claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court could be forced to throw out several state results , keeping both Biden and Trump below the magic threshold for victory .
While it has been sporadically reported that President Trump would win a Constitutional contingency election in the Congress , as did Thomas Jefferson in 1800 and John Quincy Adams in 1824 , you can rest assured that before that happens , there will be an epic battle over the meaning of “ a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed.
” Is the “ whole number ” 538 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is “ whole number ” the total number of electoral votes actually sent to the Congress ?
The answer to that question could very well determine whether Joe Biden becomes President or Donald Trump gets a second term .
Here ’ s how this could play out .
Litigation proving the extraordinary accusations of fraud is just beginning .
It could potentially expose the greatest election scam in world history .
Or it could turn out to be nothing but the imagination and musings of people suffering from an inverse Trump Derangement Syndrome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evidence is presented .
No matter your opinion of which might turn out to be true , any respecter of the rule of law , the Constitution , and representative government should want all sides to have their day in court so the claims can be proven or disproven .
Faith in our elections requires transparency , verification of close results , and legal remedies for any illegal activity .
That process is still happening in several states , but it is not too early to think through the Constitutional solutions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud claims , it is an absolute fact that the election laws were broken by over-zealous Governors , Secretaries of State , and local election officials .
In Wisconsin alone , where the margin is about 20,000 votes , the Thomas More Society ’ s Amistad Project claims to have identified more than 150,000 potentially fraudulent ballots .
The public interest law firm presents evidence that basic election law regarding photo identification and the definition of “ indefinite confinement ” was violated by nearly 100,000 voters .
These claims , if proven , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but to intervene .
Each state scheme resulted in a minimum of thousands of illegal votes , the inclusion of which could poison the entire system in their state and the exclusion of which would disenfranchise those who believed they were legally casting their vote because the “ official ” said so .
That no-win option alone could be enough to toss the results in several states , most notably Pennsylvania , but also Wisconsin , Michigan , Georgia , and Nevada .
There is also the possibility of an equal protection claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that favored certain voters or candidates .
If the legislators in those states refuse to exercise their duty under Article 2 , Section 1 to appoint the Electors , then any number of those states could go without Electors and neither Biden nor Trump get to 270 .
Just for an example , let ’ s assume only Pennsylvania , Georgia , and Michigan are tossed by the courts .
Biden would have 254 Electors to Trump ’ s 232 .
Now the definition of “ whole number of Electors appointed ” becomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like everyone currently assumes , then no one has a majority and Section 4 of the Twelfth Amendment kicks in and Trump will win with at least Twenty-Six state delegations choosing him .
According to the Congressional Research Service , the 1872 Election is at least one precedent of the denominator remaining the total possible Electors , even though the Arkansas and Louisiana Electors were not counted in the numerator .
In other words , no candidate was able to count Arkansas and Louisiana in their number , but they were counted as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other hand , after the 1864 election , one of the Nevada Electors did not cast their vote and the “ whole ” was reduced by one .
If that is applied in our above scenario , the whole would become 486 and Biden ’ s 254 would give him the presidency .
While this outcome seems unlikely , it becomes far more plausible the more we learn about the shenanigans that took place in so many states .
Rather than leave the Presidency up to an untested , obscure clause in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential Constitutional crisis by simply doing their Constitutional duty .
If any state has their tainted election results tossed by a court , or if the legislators in a state can not have confidence there is an accurate outcome , then the most prudent course of action is the constitutional course of action provided by Article 2 , Section 1 .
Yes , those legislators will take heat for choosing the Electors themselves ( even though this was done by many states for years ) , but isn ’ t that what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hired them to make tough decisions and do the right thing even when it is controversial , but necessary for the good of the Nation .
No matter what the outcome of the Electoral College , it is painfully obvious that we need election reform to restore confidence in the accuracy of this most important process for a Constitutional Republic .
Now is the time to begin talking to your state legislators about ways to ensure the transparency and verification of our elections .
Past examples can be instructive .
My first election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the initial results showed me losing by 20 votes out of over 30,000 cast .
We had a recount with full transparency and a reliable verification process .
My opponent and I , with our teams , looked at every single ballot together and I ended up winning by 36 votes .
When I asked my opponent if he planned to request a second recount as the law allowed , his response was that we already looked at each ballot and it was clear I had won .
No claims of cheating or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got a raw deal and everyone had confidence in the outcome .
That only happens when there is transparency , verification , and legal remedies .
The Trump team was denied transparency and is now demanding verification and potentially will be requesting legal remedies .
Those who are shouting them down should be asking how they would be acting if the roles were reversed .
Of course , these are the same people telling you to sacrifice your holidays , your business and your daily freedom for COVID crackdowns they themselves do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who love power at any cost .
Former TX State Legislator Rick Green is founder of Patriot Academy .
An attorney and Constitutional expert , he ’ s focused on training the next generation of American elected leaders .

The media daily attempts to “move on” from the not-yet-completed Constitutional process for choosing our President. Still, there remains a very real possibility the election could end with no candidate winning 270 electoral votes.
In just the last few days, credible lawsuits have been filed in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Nevada. These suits identify millions of potentially fraudulent ballots. But even more important, there are very strong claims of illegal voting schemes that blatantly violate state laws and set the stage for well-established equal protection claims under the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court could be forced to throw out several state results, keeping both Biden and Trump below the magic threshold for victory.
While it has been sporadically reported that President Trump would win a Constitutional contingency election in the Congress, as did Thomas Jefferson in 1800 and John Quincy Adams in 1824, you can rest assured that before that happens, there will be an epic battle over the meaning of “a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed.”
Is the “whole number” 538, the maximum number of electors? Or is “whole number” the total number of electoral votes actually sent to the Congress?
The answer to that question could very well determine whether Joe Biden becomes President or Donald Trump gets a second term.
Here’s how this could play out.
Wait for the Evidence
Litigation proving the extraordinary accusations of fraud is just beginning. It could potentially expose the greatest election scam in world history. Or it could turn out to be nothing but the imagination and musings of people suffering from an inverse Trump Derangement Syndrome.
None of us will know until the evidence is presented.
No matter your opinion of which might turn out to be true, any respecter of the rule of law, the Constitution, and representative government should want all sides to have their day in court so the claims can be proven or disproven.
Faith in our elections requires transparency, verification of close results, and legal remedies for any illegal activity. That process is still happening in several states, but it is not too early to think through the Constitutional solutions to the possible scenarios.
Election Laws Were Broken
Regardless of the fraud claims, it is an absolute fact that the election laws were broken by over-zealous Governors, Secretaries of State, and local election officials.
In Wisconsin alone, where the margin is about 20,000 votes, the Thomas More Society’s Amistad Project claims to have identified more than 150,000 potentially fraudulent ballots. The public interest law firm presents evidence that basic election law regarding photo identification and the definition of “indefinite confinement” was violated by nearly 100,000 voters. These claims, if proven, could leave a court with no choice but to intervene.
Each state scheme resulted in a minimum of thousands of illegal votes, the inclusion of which could poison the entire system in their state and the exclusion of which would disenfranchise those who believed they were legally casting their vote because the “official” said so.
That no-win option alone could be enough to toss the results in several states, most notably Pennsylvania, but also Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, and Nevada. There is also the possibility of an equal protection claim for having different rules across a state that favored certain voters or candidates.
Could Neither Candidate Win?
If the legislators in those states refuse to exercise their duty under Article 2, Section 1 to appoint the Electors, then any number of those states could go without Electors and neither Biden nor Trump get to 270.
Just for an example, let’s assume only Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan are tossed by the courts. Biden would have 254 Electors to Trump’s 232.
Now the definition of “whole number of Electors appointed” becomes critical.
If that denominator is 538 like everyone currently assumes, then no one has a majority and Section 4 of the Twelfth Amendment kicks in and Trump will win with at least Twenty-Six state delegations choosing him.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the 1872 Election is at least one precedent of the denominator remaining the total possible Electors, even though the Arkansas and Louisiana Electors were not counted in the numerator. In other words, no candidate was able to count Arkansas and Louisiana in their number, but they were counted as part of the “whole.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
On the other hand, after the 1864 election, one of the Nevada Electors did not cast their vote and the “whole” was reduced by one. If that is applied in our above scenario, the whole would become 486 and Biden’s 254 would give him the presidency.
While this outcome seems unlikely, it becomes far more plausible the more we learn about the shenanigans that took place in so many states. Rather than leave the Presidency up to an untested, obscure clause in the Constitution, Legislators can solve this potential Constitutional crisis by simply doing their Constitutional duty.
If any state has their tainted election results tossed by a court, or if the legislators in a state cannot have confidence there is an accurate outcome, then the most prudent course of action is the constitutional course of action provided by Article 2, Section 1.
Yes, those legislators will take heat for choosing the Electors themselves (even though this was done by many states for years), but isn’t that what we “hire” legislators for? We hired them to make tough decisions and do the right thing even when it is controversial, but necessary for the good of the Nation.
Election Reform is Needed
No matter what the outcome of the Electoral College, it is painfully obvious that we need election reform to restore confidence in the accuracy of this most important process for a Constitutional Republic.
Now is the time to begin talking to your state legislators about ways to ensure the transparency and verification of our elections.
Past examples can be instructive. My first election to the legislature was in 1998 and the initial results showed me losing by 20 votes out of over 30,000 cast. We had a recount with full transparency and a reliable verification process. My opponent and I, with our teams, looked at every single ballot together and I ended up winning by 36 votes. When I asked my opponent if he planned to request a second recount as the law allowed, his response was that we already looked at each ballot and it was clear I had won. No claims of cheating or stealing. No one felt like they got a raw deal and everyone had confidence in the outcome.
That only happens when there is transparency, verification, and legal remedies. The Trump team was denied transparency and is now demanding verification and potentially will be requesting legal remedies.
Those who are shouting them down should be asking how they would be acting if the roles were reversed. Of course, these are the same people telling you to sacrifice your holidays, your business and your daily freedom for COVID crackdowns they themselves do not follow.
Hypocrisy is not new for those who love power at any cost.
Former TX State Legislator Rick Green is founder of Patriot Academy. An attorney and Constitutional expert, he’s focused on training the next generation of American elected leaders.


thestream--2020-11-25--Online Learning Tanked Grades, Learning in VA’s Largest School System, Study Finds

Virtual learning due to the coronavirus pandemic is tanking academic achievement in the largest school system in Virginia , a study from Fairfax County Public School published this week found .
“ Results indicate a widening gap between students who were previously performing satisfactorily and those performing unsatisfactorily , ” the report said .
“ Students who performed well previously primarily performed slightly better than expected during [ Quarter 1 ] of this year.
” “ In contrast , students who were previously not performing well , performed considerably less well , ” the report continued .
The percentage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high school students earned jumped to 11 % from 6 % , the study found , reflecting an increase of 83 % from 2019 to 2020 .
The study also found that middle schoolers had a 300 % increase in F ’ s while high schoolers only had a 50 % increase in F ’ s , showing that younger students were affected more than older students .
Students with disabilities and those learning English struggled the most , the study found .
Students with disabilities saw an increase of 111 % accounting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grades , according to the study .
For students learning English , the percentage of F ’ s rose 106 % , accounting for 35 % of all their grades , the study found .
“ The pattern was pervasive across all student groups , grade levels , and content areas , ” the study said .
“ The trend of more failing marks is concerning across the board but is especially concerning for the groups that showed the biggest unpredicted increases … namely our English learner students and students with disabilities.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement that the school system is working quickly to help repair the damage done to students ’ learning , adding that many students who were doing well academically before the pandemic hit are still doing well , while others “ who previously struggled in school … continue to do so.
” “ We are working on identifying these students by name and by need and are working on specific interventions to support them right now and as we phase back in person , ” Braband added .
Content created by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

Virtual learning due to the coronavirus pandemic is tanking academic achievement in the largest school system in Virginia, a study from Fairfax County Public School published this week found.
“Results indicate a widening gap between students who were previously performing satisfactorily and those performing unsatisfactorily,” the report said. “Students who performed well previously primarily performed slightly better than expected during [Quarter 1] of this year.”
“In contrast, students who were previously not performing well, performed considerably less well,” the report continued.
The percentage of F’s that middle school and high school students earned jumped to 11% from 6%, the study found, reflecting an increase of 83% from 2019 to 2020. The study also found that middle schoolers had a 300% increase in F’s while high schoolers only had a 50% increase in F’s, showing that younger students were affected more than older students.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Students with disabilities and those learning English struggled the most, the study found. Students with disabilities saw an increase of 111% accounting for almost 20% of all their grades, according to the study.
In Fairfax County VA, the 11th largest district in the country, F's have nearly doubled: https://t.co/2WQfO4xkth — Alec MacGillis (@AlecMacGillis) November 24, 2020
For students learning English, the percentage of F’s rose 106%, accounting for 35% of all their grades, the study found.
“The pattern was pervasive across all student groups, grade levels, and content areas,” the study said. “The trend of more failing marks is concerning across the board but is especially concerning for the groups that showed the biggest unpredicted increases … namely our English learner students and students with disabilities.”
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand said in a statement that the school system is working quickly to help repair the damage done to students’ learning, adding that many students who were doing well academically before the pandemic hit are still doing well, while others “who previously struggled in school … continue to do so.”
“We are working on identifying these students by name and by need and are working on specific interventions to support them right now and as we phase back in person,” Braband 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].